Thanks for being patient and reviewing and such! Someone asked why this was rated M. Just wait until next chapter, you'll see! This is the official turning point in the story so enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Mario or its franchise.

Chapter Eleven

I need a haircut. It was plain to see this morning as I brushed my teeth in the guest bathroom. The mirror was clean and clear in its gilded frame so there was no mistaking the ridiculous amount of split ends I'd accrued; Peasley would call it a travesty.

I smiled at that and rinsed my mouth out. The lighting didn't lie, I was still pale as ever but my eyes. They weren't so sad anymore. Still deep and dark blue but much less sad. It was an improvement courtesy of Daisy I think.

After I finished in the bathroom I headed towards the bed. I'd already made it earlier and now only my bag rested on it. Into the sack I dropped my toothbrush and paste. It was the last things I needed to pack for the trip later on tonight. Though pack isn't the word I'd use seeing as I never really unpacked. I only had two pieces of luggage and was just taking one. Inside my booksack was a couple of outfits much like the one I had on; jeans and t-shirts. Along with my clothes I had my comic books and some gold Mario gave me a couple of days ago. While I fetched the small sack of coins my hands brushed the glossy surface of my comics. It made me think of Daisy's younger cousin.

If I were him I'd be awful bored. Holed up in that house all day couldn't be fun. I bet he'd like a good book to read. I mean these technically weren't books but they were just as good. I slid one out of my booksack at random and tucked it inside my jacket pocket. Having done that I zipped up my bag and left it on the bag for later, then walked out of the room. I shut the door behind me quietly. It didn't seem like anyone was up besides me. Was that really the case? It wasn't that early.

I trudged downstairs and was not surprised to see the dining hall was empty once more. The table was set and decked out in the usual bread and fruit and sweets though. I walked over and took a plain muffin from the silver tray it rested on. I figured somebody might as well try to enjoy this spread since the royal couple wasn't down yet. I don't think Peach and Mario were on good terms still. That was just sad. I really hope my brother could work this out but the situation couldn't be helped, not by me. I had my own issues to worry about. The one at hand was the gift thing; what was I supposed to buy for the son of an evil king? Something dastardly? A weapon maybe? I frowned.

As I bounded down the broad white steps outside of the castle I thought more on the subject. Only when I was in the marketplace did I decide to stick with something simple. A toy or coloring book would do. Something that little kids like. Junior was four going on five. He acted like a regular kid to some extent and kids like pretty much the same things at that age. Speaking of kids, I didn't see the one in front of me and knocked them down.

"Ah, sorry about that." I said with a sheepish smile.

The child that had run into my leg barely stood as tall as my knee. It was a curly-haired little girl with dark skin and eyes. I could only wonder why as I bent down to help pick up the spilled contents of the basket she clutched. Why on earth was she hauling around a bunch of rocks. Big small and medium ones, all red. It was strange. I stacked them into her woven brown basket nonetheless and patted her on the head when I was finished.

"There you go," I said.

Before she could scamper off, I placed the muffin I had on top of her pile of rocks. That smile she gave me was priceless. I smiled back but only a bit. It didn't make sense to me, it was just a muffin. Unless her family was poor and couldn't afford food on a regular basis. That's what it looked like. Her dress was more a burlap sack than actual clothing. Either way, it was no big deal to me. I shoved my hands in my pockets and turned around, intent on continuing on to Daisy's shop only...

There she was.

Dressed for work and sporting a huge grin she stood there ahead of me with her arms crossed and a proud, knowing sparkle in those light eyes I so admired. She closed the distance between us and shook her head.

"Luigi that was sweet." She praised.

I shrugged. It was the only thing to do in that situation. I knocked the kid down so I helped them up. Nothing sweet about it but if it made Daisy smile like that I wouldn't complain. She unfolded her arms and I saw that she had a piece of fruit in each hand. To me she gave a pear while she kept the apple. As she took a bite, I watched her mouth. I couldn't help it. It was a nice mouth. It tasted nice too. I think she could tell what I was thinking because in the next instant our eyes met and she flushed bright red.

Cue awkward silence.

For once it wasn't awkward for me though. I wasn't ashamed or embarrassed, not for kissing her. If I could just work up the nerve I'd do it again. As often as I could in fact. I blinked and decided that was enough honest musing for one day. Daisy turned away from me and looked down.

"Do you want to come over and have breakfast?" She asked.

Her blush was gone. Too bad for that too, it was lovely on her. I nodded in response to her question and bit into my own fruit. I could use a real breakfast. My appetite wasn't nearly as impressive as my brother's but it would take more than a pear to fill me up. Like I noticed before, the more I visited Daisy the shorter the walk to her home seemed to take: we were there in no time

"Is your cousin any better?" I asked her as she unlocked the door.

Daisy pursed her lips, "Somewhat."

"Ah," I murmured, "I asked 'cause I uh. I had something for him. Just a book to help him pass the time."

Daisy held the door open for me and said, "Oh how nice! I'll let you give it to him."

She shut the door and strode down the hall. Obviously the first thing my eyes dropped down to were her hips. I jerked my gaze from her legs up to the back of her head. Her hair was down today but held back in the middle with a plain black clip. She stopped at the door on the left and turned around.

"Here he is." She said. To her cousin she explained, "Luigi brought you something Meech."

Then she left us alone.

To say the room was small was...well it was a hole really. A closet. Only because there were two twin beds, two dressers, and a bunch of wooden crates crammed in between the four walls. There was no closet so I assumed that was the reason there was so much on display. The crates were stacked along the walls and held all sorts of things. Little wooden boats and knick-knacks and clothes and shoes. I found Meech buried under a sea of blankets looking even tinier than usual. He was on his back, raised up on his elbows. His hair was matted to his forehead with sweat. He was all washed out and pale. Despite his sickly appearance, he still held an air of childish curiosity.

"Hey." I greeted.

I stepped over various things littering the floor and made my way over to him. He looked kind of fragile in that bed. I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out the comic. He seemed confused when he saw it at first but took it from me nonetheless.

"It's a comic book," I explained. "I don't know if they have any around here but um."

I ran out of things to say. Luckily, Meech seemed more interested in the book by now. He murmured a weak, hoarse word of thanks as he eagerly flipped through its pages. I stepped back and crossed the room to leave him be. Danny was in the doorway. He didn't look impressed.

"What?" I asked flatly.

He lowered his floppish brown hat over his ears and quirked a brow. The kid waited until I was out of the room and away from his brother's range of hearing before he spoke.

"What'd you do that for?" he asked in a low voice.

I remained blank-faced as I replied, "What, give him the book?"

Danny nodded solemnly. "What did you mean by it?"

"Nothing." I stated. "I just thought he might like it."

Danny also buried his hands in his pockets like me and knitted his brows. He was the picture of skepticism.

"Are you trying to impress Daisy so she'll like you more?" He asked at last.

No but isn't that genius; get to her cousins to get to her. Seems pretty solid but of course that was hardly on my mind.

I shook my head. "I just thought he'd like it is all."

Danny was still wary of me but didn't say anything more. He stepped past me and went into the room he shared with his brother. I don't think he'll ever really trust me. I didn't blame him though, just shook my head with a sigh and started down the hall to the kitchen. I could smell something cooking. It smelled like cinnamon.

"There you are!" Daisy said when I got there, "What did he say? Did he like it?"

"More or less." I answered.

After Daisy and I finished our breakfast of cinnamon porridge and milk we headed out to the market. We had to make haste. Daisy said she had to work and get ready for the trip afterwards so our window was limited to about an hour.

"Do you know what you want to buy?" Daisy asked me.

I honestly had no clue so I shook my head. Though I'd narrowed it down to a toy of some sort, that was still very vague. Daisy gazed at me sympathetically.

"I'm not sure what to get either," She admitted, "I mean it's Bowser's son."

"Exactly," I murmured.

We got to the shop she had in mind and I followed her in. It wasn't particularly packed, just had some women and a sole other male about my age. He started eyeing Daisy as soon as she stepped in. I decided to watch him carefully from then on.

"Let's split up." Daisy suggested.

Let's not, I thought with my gaze still on that one guy.

"We'll meet at the register when we find something." She proposed.

Against my better judgement I nodded and let her walk off in one direction while I did in another. I kept her in sight as I browsed though. That was fairly easy since the shop wasn't the biggest. It also didn't have much of a selection, I soon found. Why did Daisy want to come here? There weren't many, if any, items suitable for a child.

In the near half-hour I spent looking around all I had to show for it was a big white sketchpad. There was some liberty taken there; I supposed it could count as a coloring book. Just when I was about to lose hope I saw a box on the shelf near my feet. I bent down and picked up the plain brown package and turned it over. Oil pastels. Not really crayons but they'll do. With my decision made, I sought out the register. Daisy was nowhere near it. She was by the entrance of the store. So was the guy from earlier, the one I was supposed to be watching. He was blocking my view of Daisy with his back to me. I didn't hear what he was saying to her but from her expression I'd say she was not interested and just a bit intimidated.

Tall and brawny he was, but that didn't deter me as I strode towards him. I couldn't fight him and hope to win so when I got to the pair I didn't speak or even look at him. I just took Daisy's hand in mine and led her away, towards the register. During the short trip Daisy laced her fingers in mine. I should've wiped my hand first, it was all sweaty. I couldn't help it. I was nervous. Going over there was one thing, taking her hand too? I was nervous. But I was getting over it the more I spent time with this girl.

"Thanks for that, Luigi." Daisy murmured. "But how did you know to come over?"

I shrugged, "I could tell he was bothering you."

"Well I haven't found anything yet." She said.

That was obvious as there was nothing in her other hand, the one that wasn't intertwined with mine.

"You want to look together?" She suggested, "I see you already got your gift picked out."

I shrugged, "Okay."

The false calmness was serving me well now as it always did. She couldn't tell how nervous I was. It was a good kind though. Holding her hand, simple a gesture as it was, was nice. Not as nice as kissing her but still nice. I thought about it some more as she led me through the store, looking around. Did I need a reason to do it again or should I just do it?

"You like it?"

"Yes."

"You didn't even look, Luigi" Daisy accused with an easy smile.

I swallowed. That's because I wasn't referring to the thing in her hands, the puzzle. I blinked and studied the box she held. It was a modern item, a 200 piece puzzle. That was complex for a kid if you ask me.

"I know what you're thinking," She started.

No you don't. If you did you'd be blushing again.

"It's not really a gift for a five year old." She elucidated. "But Junior's an intelligent boy and this place is lacking in the toy department."

"You can say that again," I said dryly.

To myself I wondered how she knew Junior to be an intelligent boy as she said. How could she know that? Maybe many people did and I just didn't because I'd been gone two years. Thanks again for that, bro.

"It didn't always used to be this way." Daisy remarked. "But since the war people haven't had time to play. Everybody's working so the stores sell things to help the economy. Strictly food and tools and such."

Just as I'd thought. I remembered the kid I knocked down. Now that I think of it, those rocks might have been for trading. It sure didn't seem to be a toy. And the child didn't look to be playing, more like rushing to work. How sad.

"Things are getting back to normal though." Daisy commented.

When it was our turn at the register I pulled out the sack of coins Mario gave me. I paid for Daisy's and my own items and even had them wrapped. It was free so why not. With the gifts in hand we left that place and decided to part ways. Daisy thanked me for footing the bill and said she'd see me later on.

Then I kissed her.

I just took her hand when she was about to walk off and kissed her real quickly, before I lost the gumption. She responded immediately in her own soft way. It gave me chills and a sense of inner relief to do that. I don't think I'll ever get used to kissing her; All the more reason to do it again.

Bowser woke with a start. His eyes snapped open and his hands tensed and curled at the fingers; he had the urge to strangle the life out of something because he'd been disturbed. Jerked from his passion-addled slumber by an unknown force. He narrowed his eyes, determined to find out what had taken him from his dreams at the ungodly hour of near-dawn. As he jack-knifed in his large bed he came face to tiny face with the culprit.

His son.

The Dark King sighed and closed his eyes. Of course it was him. Who else but his innocuous boy had the gall to disturb the mighty Lord of the Badlands?

Bowser opened his eyes again and fell back onto his pillows. He stretched and pulled his toned arms behind his head. His hair spread around his head on the black silk. He tried to calm his alert nerves and dispel the bitterness at having been robbed of his rest. He'll need a lesson in boundaries soon, Bowser thought in regards to his boy.

"Daddy." Junior spoke.

The Dark King looked to where Junior was perched on his stomach. The boy's head was craned forward, nearly parallel with his own. That mass of tangled red hair so like Bowser's own was in utter disarray around Junior's young face.

"What? What do you want?" Bowser scowled.

Junior was unaffected by the king's tone and expression. His own brightened as he shifted on top of his father's stomach.

"You have to wake up, Daddy. The feast is today so you cannot be too late!" Junior stated with the utmost solemnity.

Bowser rolled his eyes and shoved his son lightly to the side of the huge bed. He would have rolled onto his side but he knew he wouldn't be getting back to sleep. Once his rest was broken there was no reclaiming it.

"The feast isn't today," The king began as he stood. "it's tomorrow night."

Junior deflated a bit and flopped back onto the bed spread-eagle. He pouted at the news while Bowser regarded him. More specifically his head.

Just as I'd thought, Bowser mused, his horns are coming in. I figured if I have them since the curse he'd get them as well. The king took that moment to reach forward and touch his son's ivory appendages. Junior blinked and touched the half-inch stubs himself.

"What's these, Daddy?" he wanted to know.

Bowser said, "Horns."

"Like yours?" Junior chirped.

"Yes." Bowser answered shortly.

"How come mine are so small?" The boy wondered.

"Because you're small." The king explained simply.

Junior stood in the bed and tilted his head. "Will they get big and pointy like yours?"

Bowser pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn't appreciate all the questions. It was aggravating.

In a curt tone he replied, "Yes I'm sure they will. Now get out. Go to your room and get dressed."

Junior pouted again and it irked his father to no end. Princes didn't pout, especially not his son and heir. It was unseemly.

"Get that look off your face and do as I say," Bowser ordered crossly.

After transfiguring his pout to a more hopeful expression Junior approached his father and stood as tall as his small spine would allow.

"Can I just stay with you?" He implored. "I don't like to be with my

Again the king sighed. He thought to refuse the boy but then relented. He would indulge his heir, if only for today.

"Go get your clothes." Bowser told him.

Junior broke out in a grin and hurried off to his room. Bowser folded his arms and watched. He was glad the boy idolized him to this degree. It was crucial that he do because how else would the Dark King be able to mold him into a fit successor? Bowser didn't bother making the bed, there were servants for that. Instead he walked to his lavish bathroom and turned on the taps at the sink.

He washed his hands under the running water and then them to his face. In the mirror he smirked. He was a handsome bastard and he knew it. From his tousled thick hair down to his manicured feet he oozed sex appeal. His body was a powerful instrument of control and he made sure to keep it in tune. He had a specific set of unpaid workers tasked with the job of assisting him in maintaining his good looks.

"Daddy I got my clothes." Junior proclaimed from somewhere in the room.

Bowser left the bathroom and sought out his son. When he saw the outfit the boy picked out he grimaced. Bright gold silk vest and deep maroon and black checkered satin pants with a pair of knee-high blood-red leather boots.

"What the hell is this?" The king demanded with that same scowl on his face. "Couldn't you find something that matched?"

"But they do match, Daddy." Junior insisted.

He held the clothes to his chest and proudly explained, "They're all my favorites. This is my favorite vest, and this is my favorite pants, and this-"

Bowser was exasperated as he said, "Just go find a shirt and pants and shoes that are all the same color."

With a disappointed frown Junior's shoulders dropped but he left the room to do his father's will. He came back with clothes more to the king's liking; plain black pants and a black vest with black boots. The boy's bottom lip was dangerously close to quivering but he knew better than to cry.

Bowser went to his own closet and brought out an outfit similar to his son's. He dressed in the plain black pants fitted to his frame and pulled on his patent lightweight jacket of the same color. He left said garment open deliberately. His boots were heavy and were trimmed in steel. Around his neck the king wore a chain-link medallion of a snake that rested right below his neck, atop his chest. He didn't bother doing his hair, just put on his crown and glanced over at his son. Then he sighed.

Junior's shoes were on the wrong feet. It only showed just how rarely the boy wore them. Also, his crown was all tangled in his top-knot. The king took his heir by the arm and led him into the bathroom.

"Pay attention." He instructed as he set about fixing the boy's hair.

"You're five years old now Junior." Bowser stated. "It's time you did this on your own."

Junior was confused, "But the servants-"

"The servants have done their job. Now it's time you take care of yourself." The king spoke.

Bowser figured the earlier Junior learn independence, the better. He, himself, only used the servants for that which he could not or would not do himself. They cooked and cleaned and attended to desires but not a one of them were allowed to touch his person. Unless they were his whores. He bathed and groomed himself and he figured his son ought to do the same now.

"There." Bowser said, giving his son a gentle but meaningful shove out the bathroom.

Junior marveled at his hair and crown, neatly done up. He looked to his father and reached for his hand. Bowser batted the small appendage away and guided his son out of the bedroom by the small of his back.

Father and son strode to the dining hall without haste. Here the very sun revolved around the Dark King, in essence. Time operated at his command in the Badlands. Knowing this, Bowser made no rush to get to the ornate cherry-oak table. He took up his usual spot at the head and sat with his legs wide open and his back straight. He folded his arms over his chest and waited and called out the name of his head chef. The older man came striding out almost immediately.

"Yes, my liege?" The head chef asked.

Bowser eyed his son playing with the cutlery and said calmly. "Why is there no food on this table?"

"It has yet to be prepared, your highness." The head chef said carefully.

Bowser was still calm as he then asked, "And why is that?"

"Well if I may, my lord, this is earlier than the time around which you usually take your morning meal." The chef explained.

The Dark King knew it was true. It was only about dawn. If Junior hadn't have woken him up, he'd still be in bed until at least eight or nine. That gave his staff a set time by which to have his meal prepared. This morning was an impromptu change in schedule and the staff could hardly be blamed seeing as they didn't know Junior would intrude upon his father. But Bowser didn't care about all that.

"Well I am taking my meal now so go and have it prepared." Bowser ordered brusquely.

The head chef bowed, "Of course, my liege."

Everyone in the castle, including Junior, knew of the Dark King's temper. There had only been a handful of times since the war that he'd flown into a rage and each time it'd been quite nasty. Therefore, everyone did their part to keep the temperamental king pleased. The staff did so by quickly preparing his favored meal and making sure it was brought out to him in a timely fashion.

Bowser smirked down at his plate once it was set in front of him. His meal consisted of large, thick cut of steak so rare done it was almost to the point of being raw. Along with the meat he had a fine gold goblet filled with red wine. It was his customary 'breakfast' and he was quite cross if he didn't get it on time. He stole Moo Moos from the Mushroom Kingdom and bred them in the Badlands just so he could feast on them as much as he liked.

"Stop playing with your food and eat." The king demanded of his son in between bites.

Junior was staring blankly at his own meal of cut fruit and fresh bread. He'd drank his entire glass of milk already but hadn't touched his food. It was his way. The boy couldn't stand fruits or vegetables but Bowser insisted that his diet consist of those things. Junior was an up and coming warrior after all. He was permitted to eat only what would encourage healthy growth and muscle development.

"Daddy." Junior suddenly spoke.

Bowser continued methodically eating his steak but said, "What is it now?"

"Can I go and train now and put the food away until tomorrow's day?" Junior asked.

"No. Eat it now." Bowser told him sharply.

Junior made a face but did as he was told. He knew deep down that there was only so much his father would allow. Some things he had to do. Some things he just couldn't get away with.

When he'd finished eating, the prince hopped down from his perch atop the dining room chair and followed his father to the throne room. Junior kept silent and resisted the urge to cling to some part of the Dark King, be it his larger hand or his rough pants or what have you. Junior knew his father wasn't the touchy type. He tried very hard to contain himself as he watched his father meet with his top magician.

Junior knew the bearded old man was a mortal. He knew his father didn't care for mortals and was cruel to them, but not the magician. Junior didn't know why that was. He didn't see anything special about the balding old grey-skinned man.

Maybe 'cause the magic man is always doing things for him, that's why Daddy isn't mean to him like the other human beans, Junior reasoned.

His father had his own logic: Bowser knew he had to put up with this ancient mortal since all of his magicians were killed in the Great War. Well not all, just the good ones. Like Kamek. His skill, coupled with his fervent blind loyalty for the king made his death the only one worth mourning in Bowser's opinion. Now the royal had to make due with the old bat in front of him.

"Is the...project nearly completed?" Bowser asked. He pointedly spoke in that censured manner, for his son was near.

The magician replied, "I'm still working on it. Forgive me, your highness."

My case in point, Bowser scowled, mediocre old croon. So hard to find good efficient help these days. Damn plumber killed off all my assets.

While the king brooded, the magician turned to Junior and gave the child something. A small golden ring just the size to fit Junior's index finger. The prince took the jewelry from the magician eagerly and beamed.

"It's mine?" He wondered.

The magician nodded. "It is."

"Why?" Junior asked.

He very rarely got things, after all. The magician smiled fondly at Junior as if remembering something from long ago. The man stroked his beard and crouched to match the prince's height. He put both wrinkled hands on the boy's shoulders and Junior stood tall. Junior did like to be addressed in this way, it made him feel important since he didn't have to look up to speak.

"Where I come from," The magician explained, "It is common to receives gifts on your day of birth, and every day following each year after."

Junior tilted his head and studied the ring. It was centered in his palm. He turned back to the magician.

"It is nice, I think." Junior remarked, "But what does it do?"

"It allows you to turn invisible." The elder told him.

Junior was confused. "How?"

"Put it on your finger and you'll disappear. Take it off and you'll re-appear." Was the magician's instructions.

The prince was still not convinced but put the ring in his pocket anyway. He would try it out himself and be the judge of its worth later. For now he had to go because his father was leaving him and he hated to be left behind. Junior told the magician he liked the ring very much and hurried in the king's wake.

The magician stared after the small boy sadly. He knew that was the closest thing he'd get to a 'thank you' from the child. Junior wasn't a horrible boy, he was just taking on his father's ways.

This was started to be a regular thing. This arguing between my brother and his fiance. I heard them this evening as I was heading downstairs with my bag. I was ready to go but apparently they weren't. Peach was pink in the face, almost moreso than her candy-colored dress. She was all decked out in her gown and gloves and shiny hairstyle but her face reflected no such festivity. Mario was also dressed nicely in his red and blue uniform but he just looked tired. I sighed and stood on the bottom step and waited for them to stop fighting.

"If you feel that way, then don't even go!" Peach cried exasperatedly.

Mario scoffed and said, "I'm not gonna let you go alone."

"I won't be alone, Luigi's going." She shot back.

My brother was about to retort but at that time they both saw me. I kinda wanted to hear what he was about to say. I had an idea but I wanted to hear him say what I thought he would. He didn't. They both quieted and gave me sad looks. Peach ducked her head down and left through the castle doors in a sweep of skirts and indignation.

Mario sighed and told me, "If you want to just leave after this trip I'll understand."

Then he left too. I stood there and frowned. This did not look good. If Mario was telling me to leave early, did that mean the wedding was off? I hoped not. I walked out of the castle behind the two. Daisy had arrived. Just like that I forgot about Peach and Mario for a moment and smiled at her. She smiled back and waved as she got closer. We met on the broad steps of the castle.

"Hey!" She greeted.

She looked lovely in her light blue cotton dress. Like a girl from the fifties or something. The dress was plain and button-down and came to her knees. Her legs were covered in navy hose and she wore her hair in a pretty clip to the side.

"Hey," I greeted back.

"Everything okay?" Daisy asked. "Where's your brother and the princess?"

My smile dropped. I didn't want to ride with them. Peach and Mario. They were at odds and had a negative aura around them. I glanced to our ride. There was only one carriage though, horse drawn and able to seat four. I looked to the royal guard stationed on their horses all around us and got an idea.

"Wait here," I told Daisy.

I shifted my bag over my shoulder and approached one of the uniform-clad guardsmen. He was a human like Mario, they all were. This particular guard knew me. Sort of. We shared a nod every time I left the castle. He was the guard that stood on the fifth step to the left outside the palace. He looked down at me from his seat on his horse and nodded politely.

"Hey." I greeted. "I was wondering if we, a friend and I, could ride one of your horses to Bowser's kingdom. Would that be alright?"

"Of course, Master Luigi. There are two horses there for you and your companion." The guard answered congenially.

I looked to where he was pointing; the two horses were unoccupied and were being led to the royal stables.

I turned to the guard and said before I could stop myself, "We only need one."

At that the guard quirked a blonde brow and said, "I see. Then take only one. But settle yourselves quickly if you will. We'll be departing shortly."

I flushed at the way he eyed me knowingly but thanked him nonetheless. Then I went back to Daisy and took her bag. I put the bags inside the carriage, on the floor across from Mario and Peach's feet. Mario looked at me, mildly interested but still so tired. Peach steadily stared at the deep pink curtains. There was a great amount of distance between her and Mario on the carriage bench.

"What's this?" Mario asked me.

I told him, "Daisy and I are riding horseback to the palace."

"Oh, okay." my brother nodded. He looked as if he understood my reasoning.

He even worked up a mirthful half-smile and said, "You kids have fun then."

I rolled my eyes and before I left the carriage I saw Peach's lips twitch into a whimsical sort of smile for a brief second.

Perhaps there was hope for the two of them yet.

I left the carriage and then went over to fetch the horse the guard was talking about. The steed was big and coal black like the rest of the ones being ridden. I guided it by its reins over to where Daisy stood. She tilted her head as I neared her.

"What's going on?" She wondered. "Aren't we riding in the carriage?"

I shook my head and said sheepishly, "Nah, I kinda wanted give them their privacy."

She nodded. "Oh okay."

Daisy was first to climb on and I followed suit. This time she was all the way next to me. I didn't mind. I put my hands down by her waist, tentatively, and when she took up the reins I wrapped my arms fully around her. She scooted back even more and then directed the horse into line behind the carriage.

Two guests had arrived.

Peezy and his lady-friend, Junior noted. Peasley he didn't mind, but as for his fiance; Junior wasn't too keen on her.

He stood quietly though beside his father as the guests made it into the throne room. As soon as she saw Junior, Peasley's 'lady-friend' strode over and pinched the prince's cheeks between two cold fingers.

"My, my how much you've grown, Bowser Junior." She cooed, "You're almost as handsome as your father now." She added suggestively.

Junior rubbed at his cheek and stuck his tongue out at the slim woman. She frowned and looked to the king. Junior did as well. Fearfully. But to both their surprise, Bowser didn't chide his boy. Instead he smirked approvingly down at him.

"A word in private, Miss Clact?" The King stated more than asked as he turned on his heel and strode towards his study.

Kate Clact didn't even give Peasley a backwards glance as she hastened her steps to catch up with the exiting Lord of the Badlands. Junior was glad to see her gone. He turned to where Peasley was walking aimlessly around the room.

Junior didn't like the throne room. It was big and empty to him. There was too much space. Just the huge expanse of black marble floor, the high ceiling bearing heavy hanging chandeliers, and the row of ornate red velvet and wood chairs on either side of the throne. The throne itself was fit for his ostentatious father. It was a fancy golden and satin and velvet and wood thing, all carved and beautiful. Around the seat's legs was a deep crimson rug. The seat was the highest in the room in that there were fifteen steep steps leading up to it, setting it apart from the other chairs. All around the room there were hanging tapestries, weighty maroon things, as well as rows of unlit torches. Junior didn't come in the throne room often. Being there made him feel extra small.

"Did you come for the feast?" Junior asked the other prince in the room.

Peasley had stopped wandering. On the raised dais below the throne he'd taken a seat in one of the velvet chairs. When Junior addressed him, he stopped staring into space and regarded the boy.

"Not of my own volition." he answered cryptically.

"Huh?" Junior frowned.

Peasley shifted in his seat and leaned forward with his head in his hands.

"It means I didn't choose to come here." he drawled. "I was forced."

Junior could relate. "Somebody made you come?"

Peasley nodded. He shifted again so that his elbows were on his knees and his chin was cradled by the heel of his hands.

"Who made you?" Junior wanted to know.

"The hag." Peasley answered at once. "She dragged me here."

"Your lady-friend?" Junior surmised.

Again Peasley nodded mutely. Junior came to sit at Peasley's feet. His father did not allow him to sit in the seats beside the throne, they were for the members of his court only. From his low position Junior admired the older prince's clothes.

Peezy is always wearing nice clothes, he observed. It was true. Peasley was quite conscientious of what he wore and how he presented himself. Today was no exception because the navy pants, matching boots and silk shirt complete with a midnight blue cape reflected his keen sense of style. Peasley didn't seem to be as lively as his dress would make him appear however. He still sat with his body slouched and a bored look on his fair face.

"Do you like her?" Junior asked.

"Hm?" Peasley hummed.

"Your lady-friend." Junior stated, "Do you like her?"

Peasley murmured, "Not particularly."

"Me neither." Junior acceded.

There was a lapse but because of Junior's nature, the silence didn't last long. He soon found another topic of interest.

"Did you want to see my gift?" Junior inquired.

Peasley shook his head.

"It's my birthday." Junior continued anyway, "The magic man gave me this gift. See?" He pulled out his golden ring for emphasis.

Peasley glanced at the ring and quirked a brow. "A bit plain, don't you think?"

"It's a magic ring." Junior boasted.

"Fascinating." Peasley murmured.

Junior could tell the other prince wasn't impressed and frowned. He then smiled because an idea came to him. He slipped the ring onto his index finger and watched Peasley's reaction. As soon as the ring was around his diminutive appendage, Junior was rendered completely invisible to the naked eye. Peasley hadn't looked up though.

"Look, Peezy! I'm invisible, see!" Junior exclaimed.

Peasley sat back in his chair and was about to dismiss the child's outrageous claims only...

"Where did you go?" Peasley asked. He was curiously alert now. "Where are you hiding?"

Junior laughed, unseen, and said, "I'm not hiding, I'm right here, in the front of you!"

When Junior reached out to touch Peasley's leg the older prince leapt to his feet and stepped back. Junior laughed once more before sliding the ring from his finger, rendering himself visible again. Peasley's grin was slow.

"How very curious," Peasley remarked. "Let me see that."

Junior shook his head and replied defensively, "No. It's mine."

Peasley took it anyway and marveled at its effects.

"Give it back!" Junior cried plaintively.

Peasley ignored him and kept pushing the ring onto his pinky finger and pulling it off, phasing in and out of view with growing interest. Junior jumped as high as he could and reclaimed his gift with a pout. He left Peasley then, feeling betrayed. For in his mind, the older royal had breached the lines of their friendship by attempting to take what was his.

Junior left the throne room intending on going to his room. He didn't feel his gift was safe anymore and wanted to put it under his pillow. It was the safest place for it. Peezy can't get it there, Junior thought. On his walk, though, he got distracted. While he was passing his father's study he heard the king's voice and stopped to eavesdrop. He couldn't hear much, just bits of words and things he didn't understand. Unfortunately he wasn't good at keeping quiet and his father soon discovered him standing there.

"Shouldn't you be training?" Bowser said testily.

Junior nodded and took one last look at his father and Peasley's 'lady-friend' sitting on the edge of the king's desk. He hurried from the study with his hands balled into fists and his stomach unsettled. Junior had heard one word before he was shooed away and he didn't like it. In fact, he despised it.

Kill.

Daisy fell asleep. About two hours into the trip she drifted off and I had to take up the reins. The longer we rode, the more comfortable it was to have her against me. I'd pulled her closer and rested my head on her shoulder. Every now and again I'd push a kiss to her temple or cheek. She was asleep and would never know. I think that's what bolstered my resolve. That and the guards were behind us and couldn't see. I knew I was falling for this girl hard. It complicated things. I would be going home soon so how would I see her? How would I go through each day not seeing her? I don't know. I'm sure we'd work something out. Perhaps I could visit her every weekend or something. I didn't want to stop seeing her. I really wanted her to stay in my life. She was good for me.

During the ride I'd stayed awake for fear of missing the castle but I could see now my efforts were unnecessary. The palace was huge. It was more like a fortress. It could fit about three or four of Peach's modest dwellings in it easily. Against the backdrop of the late night and surrounding pitch black forest it stood out. The foundation was stony and white and everything else was a mixture of gold and green and silver. There was a Gothic sort of beauty about it.

I pulled the reins until the horse clopped to a halt and continued to marvel at the enemy's home.

I suppose I should wake Daisy now, I thought. I climbed down from the horse first. Everyone in our small party was doing the same. With Daisy in my arms I guided the horse over to the guards. While I was walking towards the carriage the girl started to move. I stopped. She knit her brows in her sleep before opening her eyes. I stared down at her fondly and she met my gaze. Then she realized where she was and with who and blushed.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" She asked in embarrassment.

Because you look beautiful when you sleep. Because I wanted to hold you.

I only shrugged and lowered her to the ground. Daisy was slow in taking her arms from around my neck and even slower in bringing her legs down. I wanted to kiss her again. No, I wanted to do more than that.

"Luigi?" She asked.

I knew that expectant look. She must have asked me something and I didn't hear her. How could I? All I could think about was holding her and kissing her and...doing other things. I flushed and swallowed.

"Yeah?" I asked quietly.

"Did you bring the gifts?" She wanted to know.

Fine time to ask, I thought wryly. I nodded anyway. I knew I had them. They were in my bag. They were probably wrinkled and smushed but it's the thought that counts. If I wasn't mistaken, I don't think Junior's father is the type to shower his son with toys and delights so the boy ought to be glad for a present, wrinkled and banged up or not.

I noticed that while Daisy and I walked over to the carriage she tended to walk significantly closer to me than usual. It could be because she digs me or it could be because we're in a foreign territory and I'm her only friend here. Either way I enjoyed having her right up under me. It would sound uncomfortable but it wasn't. She and I got to the carriage where Mario and Peach were emerging and I took our bags from the floor. From there we all went to the front doors of the fortress and awaited entrance.

There were no guards outside the castle. I assumed that to be a bit of arrogance on Bowser's part. But then again, who in their right mind would attack the Dark King of all people? He practically had all of the Badlands grovelling at his booted feet. And speaking of the devil, he soon arrived with his entourage of four hooded guards. They flanked him on each side.

The Dark King stepped away from them, towards us. He certainly was looking his finest in his silk shirt and pants and boots with his thick red hair done up neatly. He didn't look particularly 'pretty', like Peasley per say, but his appearance was sharp and masculine. And powerful. He remained blank-faced as he regarded the four of us.

"Welcome to my kingdom," He greeted smoothly, "I trust your trip here was sound?"

Mario only grunted in response. To that Bowser quirked a brow and twitched a smirk but that was all. He held no malice in his tone or expression. If anything he looked a little smug. I could be reading more into the situation though.

"It's quite late, past dinner I'm afraid." The king continued. "I'll have a servant show you all to your rooms and we'll reconvene in the morning."

Bowser looked at all of us briefly but with Peach his gaze lingered. If I hadn't been looking so closely I wouldn't have seen how thoroughly his jade eyes roved over the princess. I would've missed the flash of malevolent hunger that flickered across his features. And I definitely wouldn't have noticed the way Peach saw all this and looked down and away in what was...shame?

Something wasn't right here.

A/N: Stay tuned for the next chapter! Big things are upon our cast and crew. Things have officially been set into motion! This is where it's gonna go from T-ish to M. Be warned people, it's going to get dark and when I say that I mean pitch black. No more fluffiness...okay a little bit more between Daisy and Luigi but savor it because it won't last!

Oh and please review if it's not too much to ask! I love hearing what you have to say! And I do take your advice and comments into account(which is why things are gonna pick up). Until next time...

~DymondGold~