We're back at it again!
To pick up from the last one, we're finally catching up on Peach's royal address. What do you think she'll decide on? (And it's not just her here, as I did follow through on adding those familiar faces that I wanted to include!)
I could build up the drama, but I think the story does that well enough. Enjoy!
...
[Peach]
Time's up.
Even though I knew it, I couldn't help but tighten my fists. This isn't where I wanted any of this to end up, but I…
…Easy…easy…
Inhaling in and holding it, I glanced around my small pink waiting room. As if I hadn't put myself through enough torture, I stared quietly at the portrait of Mario on the wall. When I came in, I had my hands on it to take it down…but I couldn't.
He's my best friend.
But what he's done…
Exhaling and rising from the pink couch, I rested my hand on its golden frame for a moment. Turning, I stole a gaze outside of the window. Many citizens are gathered outside, and they're already set for the address. I need to go meet them.
As I exited the room, Toadette and Toadsworth are already outside, blinking up as they stopped. They must have assumed that they needed to retrieve me. Maybe they should have, or rather, maybe I should have taken another minute, maybe two.
Ha. Even now, I still want to put it off…even now, I just want to wake up to something else…anything else…
"Princess, are you prepared?" Toadsworth rubbed at his cane, perhaps trying to set his attention elsewhere.
"Not entirely," I admitted.
"Do you want us to go over anything?"
"No, thank you, Toadette." I lowered my head. "Just stay with me, and lead me there."
Both nodded and guided me across the upper hallways for the balcony.
It was rather easy for me to fall behind, in spite of their slower pace. They knew I still needed the space though, just a little more time. I've done this before, several times, but it's never easy, and nothing like this one will be.
Red carpet, gold trimmings…black and white tiling…blue walls with painted white clouds…I wanted my attention on anything else. Unwanted portraits and statuettes of myself. Little pots and vases of flowers. Crystal Toad sculptures. Ticking of the clock…that stupid tick tock…back and forth it went with its haunting reminders. That time that Bowser had transformed my own castle against me…sealing me within it, and all of my subjects…
Relax…ah, my fists tightened too much…but he always angered me like this…
Toadette and Toadsworth pushed open the doors for the next room, and I hesitated, glancing behind me for the stairs past the banister and railing. They walked in, and I turned back to follow.
He would be here, wouldn't he?
Inside this room, before the balcony, it's rather plain. Just a bookshelf, a few pink chairs and cushions to wait on, and a set of plants including pink amaryllis and peach blossoms on the opposite end. Above the doorway out is a large stained glass portrait of myself.
I hate it.
The elegant woman with roses around her and the beautiful blue space, almost ethereal…I don't know who she is, but that isn't me. She's a perfect figure and leader for her people, someone with few to no flaws, and that couldn't be further from who I am. All of these portraits of me, all the statues…I've never wanted any of them. But so many Toads are gleeful to capture my essence, in whatever ways they can, and many are quite good at capturing my physical appearance for certain. So many of them were commissioned over the years, even in spite of my protests…but all of their hard work, all of the love and effort they put into the image of their renowned and supposedly benevolent princess…I can't deny them their love, even if I feel it's misguided.
Even if I don't deserve it…
My hands quaked, and as I lifted my gloved arms, I watched them tremble as well. Stars, I'm not ready for this.
"Princess…" Toadette returned to my side and held my hands. They shook in her hands but she tightened her grip and I focused a moment, just to get them to stop. "No matter what, everything will be ok…" She looked up to me, braids dropping back. "I promise."
"We'll see…"
Still, my heart raced, and beneath my dress, my legs shuddered as my knees buckled.
…Come on…get it together already…
"Can either of us get anything for you before you go out?" Toadsworth rested on his cane. "I can go out and keep them busy for a little while longer, should you need it."
"No, no…I can't keep delaying, and everyone has already waited so long…"
Taking my hands from Toadette, I started brushing at my stands of hair. Probably not something that I should do before going out before everyone, but I did my best to gently comb at it…just a little to settle down…
…How did it go…?
"Flowing, flowing, ever gently rolling…
Flowing, flowing, never in a hurry.
All the river's ever wanted, all it ever longs for,
Is to carry on its way.
.
Rolling, going, ever softly strolling,
Onward, forward, all without a worry.
All the river's ever known, deep down in its core,
Is its journey for the day.
.
So many branches, so many stones,
Looking to shape the way it goes.
But they only help it as it as hones,
Faithful to the path that it chose…
.
Flowing, flowing…just so gently flowing…
Never in a hurry, why ever worry?
Gently flowing, all you ever long for,
Is to someday find your way…"
.
Tears slipped from my eyes, and I gently brushed them away. I leaned down to brush at Toadette's, and she sniffled. We looked to Toadsworth, who turned his head away and dabbed at his face with a handkerchief.
It wasn't much of a noteworthy song. But my parents would sing it with me whenever I needed to calm down.
"Sorry."
"Don't be, Princess."
"Unfortunately, they seem to be getting impatient," relayed Toadsworth, turning back to us. "You'll need to go out now."
"Yes, but…wait, wait, not without—"
"Princess Peach!"
Spinning around, a smile formed onto my face as Toad dashed up the stairs and hurried into the room with us. He panted and clutched at his stomach, lifting his hand and a thumb up too.
"Late again," chastised Toadsworth. "You really do have a knack for that."
"But you're here all the same."
"Of…of course." Toad steadied his breathing and lifted his head to smile to me. "Always will be."
"Thank you." I rested my hand on top of his head, and turned to the others. "All three of you, thank you all, for everything."
They gathered close and hugged around me. I sank down and wrapped my arms around my top retainers, keeping them close for another moment.
This is my family.
Dropping my arms, the three Toads broke away from me and looked up as I nodded to them.
It's time.
Lifting myself up and straightening up, I glared ahead. Pushing open the doors myself, I closed my eyes, exhaled, and strode out onto the balcony, as the Toads filed out behind me.
There were so many people clamoring below. Toad had reported everyone before, but just trying to take everyone gathered across the front courtyard was daunting, to put it lightly. Although Toads made up the bulk, many Koopas and Goombas had joined as well. Yoshis gathered with them, either from the main land, or possibly making the journey from their islands like Yoshi had. Birdos were with them as well, only adding to the multitude of colors. Piantas had come in from Seaside, Penguins from the Glaciers, and even the Rabbit folk had come out of hiding. Bob-omb Buddies were gathered in the crowd as well. Lakitu drifted in the sky, with a few holding cameras, oh Stars. Paratroopas flapped around with them. Some of Rosalina's Lumas were gathered out as well. There were even Boos, Shy Guys, and Nokis dabbled here and there. Had everyone really gathered out here for this, did they really need to?
There were two raised platforms closer to the castle on each side. One had Luigi, Yoshi, and Birdo with some Toad guards around them. The other held more guards, but with Daisy, Pauline, and Rosalina on it instead. Luigi and his pair looked like they were trying to settle their nerves; Daisy and the others maintained better composure, watching carefully.
A small platform and podium had been set up for me. Several baskets of mixed flowers were included, mostly roses, though I spied a Fire Flower or two there. Not where I wanted them, but better prepared than sorry, especially now.
Toadsworth marched to the front and tapped his cane, as the masses quieted down. A gold wave of dust emitted from his cane and collars encircled them all, brushing against their throats for a moment before they ripped apart and dissipated. Good, everyone should be able to speak on equal ground.
"Presenting her royal majesty: Princess Peach Toadstool."
Turning from the railing and gesturing to me, I forced a smile up and waved as cheers erupted from the audience below. Stars help me…guide me…grant me strength.
…No…I have to do this myself…
Glancing to my left at the guards seated nearby, and with Toadsworth, Toad, and Toadette on my right, I swallowed and cleared my throat.
"Good morning everyone, and thank you all for coming out today," I announced in my sweeter tone. "In fact, I'm very glad to see so many faces today too! It has been just far too long since we were all gathered together. My last ceremony for Toadstool Road's debut was sadly cut short."
"Nobody cares about the bridge or the road," shouted a voice. I scanned the crowd, but I couldn't identify who it was, as a few citizens started moving all at once.
"Be mindful of when Princess Peach is speaking," ordered a Toad guard.
"It's true though."
"Shut up, you fool!"
"Have some respect, that's your Princess!"
"Peace, please, peace," I called out. "We are dealing with harrowing times, all of us, and I understand how terrible it's been as of late."
"We haven't even been able to come out from our homes!" Another interruption, another surge from the crowd, and I can't even tell who the offending parties are.
"Be quiet!"
"Let the Princess speak!"
"If you are in attendance of Princess Peach's address, you must refrain from interjecting repeatedly during this time," decreed another of my guards. "This is nonnegotiable, and we request that you all control yourselves during this time. If you cannot, we will begin removing you as the address continues."
A breath escaped me, and I winced as I leaned back from my podium. One of the Toad guards on my balcony turned and nodded to me, so I returned one to him, before looking back out to everyone below.
"Yes, I am aware of how difficult the last siege against the Mushroom Kingdom has been." My hand touched over my chest. Something appearing gentle for them, but it was a way to help me soothe my hammering heart. Looking to the Toads near me, I locked eyes with Toad as he smiled and nodded. "Having to handle this under the 1-Up Mushroom shortage is highly troubling, which is an understatement. Some of my best Toads are working to find more 1-Up Mushrooms as we speak, but until they can plunder more, we must do our best to remain vigilant and cautious under the wake of our kingdom's threats."
Murmurs erupted from the crowd, but no major interruptions. I've hated going over the 1-Up shortage that my kingdom is dealing with. They are normally rare enough as it is, but not having access to the life restorative magic those mushrooms bring…it puts the world into a much darker perspective.
Focus, Peach, come on.
"In the face of such adversity, however, we have heroes that are bravely standing up against the threat that the Koopa Troop impose," I reassured. Gesturing to Luigi and the others, I smiled for everyone. His eyes widened a bit, but he forced up a grin of his own and lightly waved to everyone. "Luigi has been doing an exceptional job with taking back control for our kingdom."
"Luigi? But you're out there too!"
"Isn't she the leader?"
"Quiet down, people!"
My hand closed into a fist as I pulled it back. Toad guards weaved through the audience and searched for the offending parties to take away. Gracefully maneuver this…
"Well, yes, I am doing my part to defend our kingdom as well." How do they not get tired of me sounding so delicate? I'm already sick of this tone. "Luigi, my friends, and I are all cooperating to help regain our territories." Citizens murmured again as I bit my lip; can't let excitement show about adventuring, even if it's obvious. "This is a great risk, of course, I am aware, but I have deemed it necessary to put myself on the field for this." Shockingly, there isn't a sudden questioning of me having no spouse or heir in case of the worst befalling me, and thank the Stars they don't bring that up. I'm sure it'll be prime-time discussion later, but I cannot stand the topic. "This is my home, and I cannot…I will not stand idly by while my friends fight my battles." My eyes trailed over to the others, as Daisy smirked and folded her arms. She winked and I briefly dropped my shoulders.
"But why do you need to be out at all?" My attention snapped back to crowd. That deep of a voice was a Pianta; finally I identified someone out there, if only a bit.
"Haven't you heard? No Mario."
"Please, both of you!"
"Carrying this address right along, very good," I lightly joked, with some laughter escaping the otherwise somber masses. There was little I could do to lift their spirits, after the recent attack against my castle, but I had to try. "Yes, Mario has been kidnapped by Bowser's forces. If anyone has not heard from the news lately, Bowser has made him into the latest victim for his terrible attacks."
Gasping led into the louder conversations, and some Toads tried hushing the crowd for me as they chattered over and discussed my confirmation of Mario still being in harm's way. I can't let that dominate this discussion, though; I can't deny them hope.
"There is some good news with that." They quieted easily from that, and hushed as the wind gusted gently by. A little hair ruffling for me worked fine, and suited me better. "Though brief, we did manage to rescue Mario, and our encounter suggested that he was relatively unharmed. Furthermore, it was earlier in our campaign to restore the Mushroom Kingdom, and at this point, we have taken back control over six of our major territories from Bowser's grip."
That should have appeased them, at least a little. Someone had to smile a bit from that, as it was good news. We've won most of the day so far, and we've recovered from so much of this madness…so why won't any of them recognize that?
It's an answer that I already know: the Mushroom Kingdom is unsafe until all territories are back under my control. We have one remaining, and it was perhaps the most dangerous to have left open all of this while. Were Bowser in a prepared state for it, he could unleash all kinds of hell to rain down from the Skyline fortress above us.
Even with it back under my control, even if most of the kingdom returned to my reign, the threat will not be neutralized unless I stop Bowser. If he won't be stopped, then nothing would hold him back from starting again. I can't allow that.
"As we are working our hardest with our ongoing quest, we have yet to reclaim it all, but this is strong progress," I insisted. My eyes darted over as Toadette beamed, encouraging me to carry on. "We can all stand out here today thanks to those efforts."
"Is this a royal address to the public or not?" That big of a mouth had to be a Goomba. Wait. Stars, what did I just…?
"Yeah, we should get a chance to speak up, not be fed information!" Koopa.
"It would be really great to get Princess Peach's answers." One of those would be…a Yoshi.
"Oh, but I haven't even concluded the remainder of my topics." Gently touching my fingertips to my lower lip, I innocently gazed out over them all. "Can't we take a minute to hear out the rest that I can offer?"
"Yeah, you stupid grunts!" …What? "Pipe down, Princess Peach is still going!" That was…that couldn't be a Toad. They're not like that.
"Honestly, can't you Koopas behave for just a minute?" Another one.
"Koopas? How about the Goombas?" A Birdo. "They're even worse, and much more annoying!"
"You're one to talk!" Yet another Toad, how…? "Like you're anything good for us!"
"Please, I call for peace again, everyone." My voice rang out over them, and they slowly quieted, while Toad guards worked through the masses to remove those that interrupted. "I will allow for concerns to be addressed."
"Will you all shut up? Princess Peach is still going!"
"We should be calling her Princess Toadstool, we're not her closest friends."
"She likes being called by 'Peach,' don't be stupid."
"Peace, again, please." They haven't been this unruly in ages, at least not while I was here. Then again, I normally wasn't here, being kidnapped myself. "We are all one kingdom, and we must stand united." I needed to bring up that classic Peach charm. "I know the times have been terrible, I do know this. But you are all my people, and we must remember that this kingdom stands best when we are together." Some nodding from the people below me, they agreed. "So, let's get back to that and what truly matters."
"Can we please get confirmation about the attacks against the Mushroom Kingdom?" A Lakitu spoke up, holding a camera. One of the Lakitu Bros., I'm sure; they were the big reporters for the kingdom's news networks. "Very specifically, Toads recently clamored over an invasion from Bowser's army directly against your castle."
"Let her get to that in her own pace!" I think that was a Penguin defending me.
"Don't be such a sycophant."
"Yeah, what a bootlicker!"
"There's no need for that," my voice rang out, and I think there was a firmness that hushed the crowd a bit. "It's true. My castle was indeed recently overtaken by Bowser's forces."
"So what's the point of taking control of the other territories, then?" A Paratroopa. "If Bowser can just waltz his way here and take over your castle, what then?"
"First, he did not take over the castle," I reminded. "Something very disturbing occurred—"
"But what?" A Rabbit bounced up. "Not all of us are from your castle! We missed out on some major stuff. What's been going on?"
"That also makes a great question," another Lakitu chimed in. "Good one, Broodal."
"Excuse me? We're not related to those monsters at all!" Another Rabbit piped up. "They're sinister and corrupt! Most of us just want to live in harmony."
"You're all a bunch of troublesome tricksters," taunted a Toad.
"Hiding valuables, scampering off, you're pests," another Yoshi backed.
"Can we get back to the part where Bowser's army invaded Peach's Castle?" A Boo twirled around in the air. "That's a much more pressing matter, isn't it? Discussing Princess Peach's competence?" My what?
"Wow, buddy, that is super rude," called out Daisy.
"You're not our Princess!"
"Hey, I may not be, but I can definitely call out despicable behavior."
"Daisy is an esteemed guest," fired out Toadette. "No one should challenge her like that!"
"She is right, let's settle things back down, everyone," I ordered, forcing my voice to carry an even tone that I didn't have. A minute passed, however, and the squabbling wouldn't cease.
"Do you guys want to know what's going on or not?" Toad hopped up onto his chair to shout out. "Princess Peach is trying to get to it, but you're not letting her!"
More voices quieted down as Toad's interruption, and it was down by enough of a level that I could carry on. He sank down into his seat while Toadette and Toadsworth whispered with him, but Toad only watched me for a moment. I smiled and nodded to him, helping him settle like he has done for me.
"As a reminder, the more interruptions we experience, the less time we will have to discuss these matters with the Princess," rang out a Toad guard. "You may only address the Princess when she requests a dialogue, no sooner nor later. Otherwise, we will conclude this meeting early and escort everyone out, if we cannot settle these matters appropriately." He surveyed the crowd below. "This will be our final warning. Is that clear?"
Were the threats really necessary…? Then again, everyone fell silent, which meant that I could carry on.
"Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation." Even as the words left my lips, all I had to do was watch the audience's eyes lower to know how tone deaf that seemed. "Now, to return to our subjects at hand. We're still investigating the shortage. Bowser is attempting another conquest against us. I have taken on Mario's role of battling back against those forces, alongside my friends this time. In the latest time that I was absent from the castle, Bowser did invade." I sighed as I lowered my head. "And he initiated that hostile takeover…because we took generals from him."
"We…we what?"
A Toad guard motioned to have the Toad that uttered that out, but I lifted my arm, keeping his orders at bay. Though he hesitated, he relaxed under my gaze and backed off from carrying out the order.
My people…they need the truth.
"Against my orders, there was a party that plotted and succeeded in orchestrating a kidnapping of their own volition," I confessed to my crowd. "This was what caused Bowser's abrupt retaliation during his ongoing assault." Jerking my head up, I gazed out, trying not to lock eyes with anyone, but still focus on everyone regardless. "These people no longer are employed under me, and I will never, ever tolerate such callous actions."
Whispering erupted from the people below, as they discussed the news among themselves. Many had widened eyes and would glance up to look at me, but no one directly addressed me. Then again, I hadn't quite requested it.
Turning my attention to Daisy, she nodded, while Rosalina merely watched the others below. Pauline had clasped her hand over her mouth, not in shock, but with her brow furrowed as she surveyed both the citizens and the area. What was she thinking about…?
Glancing past Toadsworth as he lowered his head, I checked on Luigi, who had stiffened in his seat. Yoshi and Birdo talked to one another, shaking Luigi back and forth a few times in between.
"Upon the return of his forces, Bowser did depart the castle, and I am informed that we suffered no causalities," I reported. "So, we are all now up to date on these matters." Leaning back, I inhaled sharply; I knew where this would go next, but I want them to ask me. "I will now be taking questions." A Lakitu's hand shot up first. "Yes?"
"There were reports that Mario was by Bowser's side in this invasion," called out the Lakitu. Here we go. "And firsthand accounts leaked out that he in fact was aiding Bowser's efforts, rather than stopping him." He adjusted his goggles as he focused on me. "From what your people reported to you, can you confirm or deny that?"
"…Confirm." My head lowered. "I was also told that Mario was working with Bowser on these efforts."
Sharp gasps pierced the air, as citizens below launched into conversation. Unable to help myself, I had to look at Luigi, as he tugged his cap over his paled face. Yoshi and Birdo glared in my direction, but were focused more on helping Luigi. I bit my lip as another hand, a Toad's, shot up into the air.
"Princess, Princess!"
"Oh, uh, yes?"
"It was reported that Mario was under a spell for this invasion." The Toad lowered his hand as he looked up at me. "Were you told about that as well?"
"Yes, I was informed of that as well." And then I paused. For too long, I held it out in the air before them. Another few hands fired up, as I blinked and shook my head. "I, ah, I'm sorry. Yes, that Yoshi, over there?"
"Where were you and your friends as this was happening?"
"We were researching new techniques to aid us against Bowser out on the Star Hills." I brushed my hair back. "We wanted to prepare appropriately against Bowser, and took the risk going there. I hadn't realized that it was a risk to my castle, however, nor did I expect the invasion." Bowser doesn't normally invade twice per kidnapping. "Yes, ma'am?"
"Going back to the topics at hand, on Mario," restarted a Pianta. "You stated that Mario is working with Bowser, and you were informed that he was under a spell."
"Correct."
"But that didn't answer the question," she stipulated. "Is Mario working alongside Bowser from some kind of magical control? Or is he willingly following Bowser?"
"I…I am afraid—"
"How can she possibly confirm that?" A Birdo folded her arms. "She wasn't here when her people needed her to be, so, what would she know about him?"
"First hand experience out there," insisted a Boo.
"Does she know? Would she know?"
"Princess Peach," called out one of the Lakitu Bros. "Can you confirm or deny Mario's motives in regards to Bowser's actions? Is he complicit in acting alongside him, or is he being forced in any capacity?"
Holy Stars, why is my heart racing this hard? My mouth opened, but I shook my head. People chattered below, turning left and right, forward and back to one another.
This is it.
"Princess Peach, can you answer the question?"
"I am afraid that I cannot confirm or deny any of that."
…What?
Everyone below quieted down, gazing up to me as they studied me. Sweat dripped down from my head; was it that hot up here? It couldn't be, there was just a breeze from before, but I…
…I couldn't do it.
My eyes first went to the Toads nearest me, as Toadette gazed at me, with her head turned enough that the citizens couldn't spot her confused expression. Toadsworth had tightened his grip on his cane, not looking me in the eyes. Toad, however, maintained a neutral expression, nodding to me as he lifted a thumb up.
Looking up, I spotted that Luigi had pushed his cap back up, and he locked his attention on me while Yoshi and Birdo echoed his dumbfounded expression. They knew I had the answer to that question. But here we were, me blatantly denying my people the full confirmation of Mario's actions. Luigi's eyes narrowed a bit, trying to read what was going through my mind, but I don't think even I held an accurate assessment for that.
As my eyes passed the crowd and I glanced to Daisy, she remained stoic and had her hands on her hips. Rosalina's hair dangled over her eye, and I couldn't see her expression. Pauline hid behind the two, away from the audience, as she clutched her chest, releasing the breath she held as her head tilted back.
"…Peach? Princess Peach?"
"Please wait until the Princess calls upon you."
Blinking, I looked back out into the crowd. Another hand went up, from one of the Penguins.
"Yes, please?"
"Can you elaborate on what you do and don't know about this information?" She gestured to her companions, and then to the audience. "Many of us are in the dark completely on these matters. You tell us that you're not certain of Mario's involvement, but can you clarify?"
"There isn't much to elaborate on."
"Why not?"
"Unfortunately, I wasn't present for Bowser's second invasion," I reasoned. "So, I have no additional first-hand accounts."
"But that's not good enough," snapped a Goomba. "You're supposed to know what's going on! That's literally your job!"
"Silence," commanded a guard.
"Her incompetence is immeasurable, even when she's not kidnapped!"
"Rich, coming from a Boo," snapped a Birdo. "Take one little peek the wrong way, and you're not able to do anything."
"He made a good point," admitted one of the Toads. "Princess Peach should be able to clarify this for us."
"If she had the first-hand account, that would make sense," piped up a Rabbit. "She just told us that she wasn't here for it. That does call into question her efforts as a leader, though, that much is true."
"There's the Broodal again," quipped a Yoshi.
"Calling us Broodals is the same as calling you a Koopa!"
"Not even close."
"Everyone, come now," called Toadsworth, hurrying from his seat and repeatedly tapping down on his cane. Toad guards ushered through the crowd. This was out of control. "You're all of the Mushroom Kingdom. Really, we can't behave this way, especially not in front of our Princess."
"Of course he'll cover for her…"
"What's wrong with Koopas? We're right here!"
"Uh, how about the Koopa Kingdom, for starters?"
"We're not like them though!" A Koopa pushed herself up over the crowd. "We're loyal to Princess Peach, foremost!"
"Sure you are." Hearing another Toad like this is sickening. "Got a knife tucked under that shell? Careful which back you stick it in."
"Seriously, the whole Bowser invading with Mario bit, like, is that not interesting anymore?"
"Are all Toads so high, mighty, and self-absorbed?"
"Was that seriously a Bob-omb Buddy?" A Yoshi laughed. "You guys are still around?"
"So long as you guys are dumb enough to try swallowing us down like all of the food you stuff away, yeah, still standing."
"ENOUGH!"
My voice—my real voice—rang out through the air, as everyone dropped to silence. Whatever mindless racism erupted out ceased, and all of the widened eyes settled square upon me once more. My hands tightly gripped at the podium, as my eye twitched and my bangs slid over. Hastily brushing my hair back, I shook my head and closed my eyes.
"We are of one kingdom, united, and we are supposed to live in harmony. Firing slander and spewing hatred at one another is most certainly not my way, nor should it be that of my people." My eyes opened, and I fought back against the tears in them. "First and foremost: I will not tolerate racist aggression against everyone around here. Bowser's forces are monsters based on their actions, but the people standing around you, these fellow citizens, are not the enemy." I lifted my hand up, pointing to the crowd. "You are all my people. Every last one of you, you are of the Mushroom Kingdom. When I'm out battling against Bowser's army, it's for all of you. For this entire kingdom!" My grip relaxed as I retracted my arm. "There is no room for hate. I want that expelled from all of your minds, immediately. Understand?"
Slowly, a few members of the audience nodded, and I watched as several citizens looked between one another, uncertain if they should talk or not. Toad guards tried searching for those who had disrupted before, but were now at a loss as to who they were moving after.
"The truth behind that much, based on what I barely know?" I laughed, almost maddened from it all. "The truth is that I don't even know who instigated the wars that have been lost and rewritten across the pages of history." People listened on in silence and awe as I collected myself. "I don't know what part my people before us have played in any of it. I don't know if the Koopa Kingdom was responsible for instigating their tyranny against us, or if the Mushroom Kingdom has hidden the truth, of what truly started these conflicts from so long ago. And that is entirely news to me, because that's how long it's remained buried from me. That's right. Buried and kept locked away, from me of all people." I threw my hands up and dropped them down. "I can't be completely honest with you because I don't even know who's been honest with me, and I haven't for my entire life."
Toadsworth made his way for my side, but I lifted my hand and shook my head, not breaking my contact with the audience. There was nothing to intervene over. This much I can be entirely transparent about.
"The truths that I do know, limited as they are, are what I will hold onto," I announced. "Foremost is that my love for this kingdom is absolute. I will stop at nothing to protect all that I hold dear, and I seek to serve you, all of you, to the best of my ability." My head lowered as my hair drooped ahead. "Hearing what I've heard, I realize that I've been too lax on who these people are. Toads are many, and fill so much of this kingdom, but there are more of us out there. We aren't any one race, one species, no; we are one people, period." I lifted my head up and gazed out over everyone once more. "We are the Mushroom Kingdom. I cannot promise to amend everything at any time soon, but I will make those efforts in the future, and I intend to do so upon the resolution of our current war."
Glancing to the side, I watched as Toadette and Toad whispered to one another, still keeping most of their attention on me. Toadsworth stood near, but remained in place as I had motioned for him to. The guards remained by their posts.
"Another truth that I know," I carried on, "is that we are at war, with the Koopa Kingdom. Their leader is Bowser, and I know that he will stop at nothing to take this kingdom under his control. Therefore, I will not rest at my efforts against him, because I want us to return to peace." I shook my head. "Whatever went wrong in history, I can't change that, and I can't fix what I don't understand. But I refuse to allow him to obliterate the Mushroom Kingdom in retribution for that. So, we continue to fight, because that's where we remain. He wants this kingdom to fall, and I want to see it grow, to rise again from whatever tragedies befall us. If he ever does change his mind, then who knows? But until then, we remain enemies."
Air gusted against my skin and blew back against my hair; the Stars had to know I needed it. My grip remained locked on where it was, and though I shifted my weight, I couldn't move from this spot.
It was time to go against myself and play with the truth.
"Regarding Mario's current situation, I don't know if he's entirely acting from his accord and siding with Bowser with clear conscience, or if a spell has been cast to guide his actions to work alongside the Koopa King." I inhaled and gradually exhaled. "I know that, regardless, he should be considered dangerous at this time. That doesn't mean to attack him, and that doesn't mean to lose faith in him. No matter what, at the end of it all, Mario is still himself, in one way or another. We don't have the full story, so the best course of action is to avoid him, for now." It was for the best, whether he's still on my side or not. "I don't expect him to come back to the Mushroom Kingdom without crossing my path first, but in case you do run into him, I ask that you do not engage him. For your safety, possibly for his safety, and until I can confirm his true intentions, I need you to take it easy with him." My shoulders fell, and the world tumbled away from them, if only a bit. "It will be Mario's story to tell whenever he's ready."
Still, the crowd below watched and waited, listening to everything as I carried on. Perhaps they were so floored by their sweet princess finally breaking character from her act.
It had been a long time coming, and it was past time to let it flow.
"There isn't much more for me to add for all of you. My reign hasn't been normal since I took control. I never had the proper guidance regarding all of this upon my ascension of the throne, nor much on anything; I'm trying to keep this kingdom together as best as I can with what little I was taught, and what little I have learned past that." My arms lifted and I wrapped them around me as I held myself together. "I'm not that delightfully sweet woman that you've been told I am, nor have I been for years. She is confident, kind, loving, beautiful, cheery, positive, gentle, and an astounding ideal. Most of all though…she is powerful, stalwart in everything she does, and carries that strength forward with her, in the face of adversities that rise to meet her." Tears slipped from my eyes as my arms dropped. "That's…not who I am. That impossibly wonderful image of the pure Princess Peach you know…that's not me, and for everyone's sake, I wish it were. I wish I could be her, because she seems so secure, and I'm anything but. Each decision I make weighs on me tremendously; every choice takes its toll. And to live up to her, that woman you love, I do everything that I can to project her, to emanate her, and to offer her security and comfort that she brings." I brushed at my tears, casting them away. "Even if I'm not that benevolent princess, though, I will carry what she holds dear and do my best to meet those expectations. For all that I can be, I will be. For all of you, I will do my utmost to deliver fortune and forge harmony."
Silence is all that meets me. Even the wind's periodic gusts quieted. My fists tightened, but I forced them back open; there was no good in keeping that tension in. Facing myself, for my people, was the most necessary move that I needed to make.
Crunching cut my thoughts as my head jerked up. I gazed to the crowd below, as one of the taller Penguins stepped forward. She wore a lavender cape, jeweled bracelets closer to her shoulders, and held a smile on her beak as she took front and center before everyone.
"Princess Peach, we thank you for your promises." She touched her chest. "From my experience and what I've witnessed of you, I know that you will deliver salvation for the Mushroom Kingdom, as you did for the Glaciers and my people." Madame Penguin lifted her head to gaze up at me. "Mario has been a hero and reunited us with our children several times over. I will not lose faith in him, nor you, in spite of what lies ahead." She nodded to me. "Because of your words and your actions, I know and trust your path to be true."
"Can you really be so sure of her?" An orange Pianta with spectacles and a black mustache stepped forward. "Her work convinced you so?"
"Indeed it has." Madame Penguin nodded. "Mayor Pianta, I fought for control of the Glaciers to the best of my ability, and Princess Peach is the reason why I was able to restore my home."
"Hm. Well…" He adjusted his jacket. "Seaside dealt with quite a heavy impact, but I will also trust Princess Peach's efforts to guide us." Mayor Pianta tugged his mustache and nodded. "After all, that giant, goopy Blooper isn't around anymore, so, that would be progress." He lifted his spectacles from sliding down his long nose. "Not that I witnessed it, to remain safe, mind you, but…well, you put it better than I could."
"We're only able to roam the Forests thanks to Princess Peach's work done there," added on a Rabbit. "So, she has to be doing that much right."
"Some of us do no better under Bowser's reign," insisted a Koopa. "Princess Peach is our best hope."
Toads stepped forward with the rest of them. They gazed up to me, and I waited for their judgment.
"She does all she's ever done, as she always has," announced one of the Toads. "Princess Peach is the best that we could ask for!"
Though I wasn't sure if they all agreed, they raised their hands, clapping and cheering for me, as the rest of the crowd followed in kind. I don't deserve that. But even my retainers joined in, clapping alongside me. Toadsworth stepped to the front, and whipped his cane, as the platforms holding my friends were guided to the balcony, and they hopped onto it.
Luigi frowned as he folded his arms, and Daisy rested her hands on her hips as she sucked in her cheek. Yoshi and Birdo waited behind Luigi as Pauline slid closer by them, while Toadsworth and Toadette lined up near Daisy and Rosalina. Toad walked to the middle of the group and pivoted around, smiling up to me.
"So…I didn't choose either option, not entirely," I justified. "I couldn't lie to my people, and had to make sure they understood not to fully trust Mario at this time. It could get them killed, doing so." My shoulders fell, and they haven't been so light in a while. "But, I refused to entirely condemn him, because he's not Bowser, and maybe Bowser can change, but I don't know that. What I do know is that Mario is one of my dearest friends, and until he tells me to stop himself, I refuse to give up on him." Closing my hand, I lifted it up to my chest. "In truth, a major reason that I even set out was to rescue Mario, and I haven't accomplished that yet. Maybe he and I won't remain allies, but as I went over on Star Hill with the Shamans, I still consider him my friend at this time."
For a moment, Luigi rubbed his chin, but then he nodded. Maybe he couldn't entirely approve, but I didn't galvanize the Mushroom Kingdom against his brother, and so, he could trust in my doing that much. Yoshi remained quiet, but Birdo and Pauline's expressions softened.
Slowly, I turned to the others, as Daisy checked me over. I lowered my eyes and stared at my pink dress, pulling it out to study it better briefly.
"I understand that I wasn't entirely honest with my people. And I know that, if things take a turn for the worst, I could be endangering not just my kingdom, but others as well." A sigh escaped me as I released my dress. "But I can't turn on Mario, not like that. He's my most cherished friend." I closed my eyes. "It's a selfish choice, and one that puts the needs of a few before the needs of the many. And yet…it brings me the most peace, following this path as I did." Opening my eyes, I returned my attention to them. "Again, it might not be the right option. But, I didn't deceive anyone, and I'll still do whatever I can to make sure that everything works out. Somehow."
"Peach…" Daisy dropped her arms and lowered her head. "Whatever your choice is, that's what it is."
"Daisy, I…"
"It's already done." She lifted her head back up, and she…smiled? "Everyone else seems to have their faith renewed in you, and I can't help but feel that too." She lifted her arm and jabbed a thumb to herself. "We're not done with our work yet, so you can count on me helping you out to help you see it through!"
Tears lined my eyes, and my mouth opened, but nothing came out.
"We're always with you this far, Princess Peach," chimed in Toadette. "We'll help you through to the end of the road, wherever it leads." She giggled and beamed up to me. "The Toads already spoke for themselves, but I'll be with you the whole way too!"
"Don't forget me!" Toad laughed. "I'm joining in too, of course!" He blinked as his arms fell. "This is probably going to be terrifying."
"Immensely, but you've dealt with worse," offered Birdo.
"Have any of us? I have a feeling more challenging trials await us," pondered Rosalina. She blinked and recomposed herself. "I apologize, that will be what comes. As the others have stated, I am in full support of you, Peach."
"Think we're all in by this point," determined Pauline. "After all, we made it this far, so, that's about all we can do by now."
"After all of that, I'll agree to it too," decided Yoshi.
"Our goals don't completely align," admitted Luigi, as he stepped forward. "But, I've been on this journey with you since the beginning, and I want to help Mario just as desperately as anyone else, if not more." He smirked too. "If you're still willing to defend him, then I'm still willing to stand by your side."
"To be fair, I don't know what any of this means now," I confessed. "All I know is that I want to restore my home. But Mario is part of that, and I haven't let that go, not yet. And I hope that I don't have to." I tugged out my Royal Scepter. "Until we meet, though, that much will remain to be determined." I looked to Toadsworth. "I know it's so much to ask of you, but—"
"Perish the thought, my Princess." Toadsworth smiled as he rested on his cane. "I will do a much better job keeping a tighter eye on the castle until you return." He twisted his mustache a bit. "Like the others have claimed, I too have full faith in you."
"Thank you. All of you." I turned my attention to Rosalina. "There's one fortress remaining. If we recover that, we can get direct access to Bowser's Castle. And then perhaps we can settle this from there." She nodded to me. "Are you ready?"
"Most certainly, but I do believe we should check with the others this time."
We looked to our party, as they exchanged questioning looks with one another, but turned back and nodded to us. Toadette whispered to Toad, who jolted back with widened eyes, but forced himself to relax, swallowed hard, and nodded as well. Rosalina chuckled and raised her wand.
"If everyone is ready then…"
She cast a new Launch Star around us as Toadsworth backed away. The gravity shifted as we floated from the ground. Drifting around, I looked out to the citizens as they cheered, and I waved to them. Even if I have much work to do later, I have done this much at least. My eyes went skyward, but I briefly looked to Star Hill in the far distance; I wondered how the Shamans were doing from my visit. Bowser's Castle wasn't quite visible from here, but I gazed out for its direction, and wondered what Mario would think of everything.
Finally, I looked to the clouds and as Rosalina's cyan star focused. A pop and a burst launched us into the sky, and we soared away from my castle once more.
Whatever lies ahead, I will find my way.
... ... ... ... ...
[Meanwhile]
Atop a glittering purple mountain, a Shaman in an indigo cloak entered his stony white house. Inside, he glanced around, studying the empty household, and staring at the wooden floor. He lifted his gloved hand to scratch the top of his hood, and then stroked his long blonde mustache that stuck outside of it.
Checking a pink vase of snapdragon flowers on the nearby table, Merle narrowed his bright yellow eyes as he studied them. Lifting his fist over the plant, he slowly opened it as a blue light flickered from his palm. He moved his fingers up and down in succession of one another, as drops of water sprinkled out and over the flowers.
Once he watered them enough, he closed his fist again and chuckled, pivoting away from the vase and eying the bookcase. He blinked as he peeked into the kitchen's opening, but saw nothing stirring from there.
With a sigh, Merle made his way for the basement. He relaxed upon seeing his father flipping through book pages and sorting papers, checking texts on various spells and serums. Walking over to Merlon, Merle cleared his throat, but his father continued sorting out his work.
"Father?"
"Yes, Merle, I heard you the first time."
"Sorry, it's just, I know you hate being interrupted—"
"Yet, you are interrupting."
"Well, yes, I was just…wondering where the children were."
"Out."
"…Do you know where?"
"No."
"Can you—"
"Merle, son, this is a very delicate procedure that I'm trying to work on." Merlon's tone was sharper with Merle than usual, as the elderly Shaman briefly lifted his head for his glimmering eyes to settle on his son. "This cure that I'm synthesizing takes a great deal of effort, you do realize."
"Of course, Father, I apologize." Merle lowered his head. "I didn't mean to—"
"They likely went to one of the hamlets." Merlon returned his attention down, studying the vials on his desk. "Merlow still has training, and the twins shouldn't be shirking on their efforts either."
"Right, but it's been an awfully long time…" Merlon blinked and looked at the vials his father observed. "…What are those?"
"This one here is the cure that I'm synthesizing for Mario." Merlon pointed at the pink one with little regard. "A work in progress." He lifted the jar with a purple wisps inside of it. "This, however…this is far more advanced than I realized."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a spell from a Shaman, that's for certain," elucidated Merlon. "But it's from a very powerful one, and I have yet to identify the caster. Almost as if it was meant to have safeguards installed within…"
"If the target was Mario, then of course it would be," determined Merle, tilting his head while checking the curse. "Anyone that would target the Mushroom Kingdom's greatest hero would certainly want to remain hidden until the right moment, no?"
"Sure, of course, but this is still quite the marvel of a spell."
"How so?"
"Even now, it's still faintly tethered to Mario, and will remain so unless it's given a new host, which we already dismissed doing," summarized Merlon. "But that's not even the interesting part. It's such a tight grip, this curse, that it should effectively lasted even less time with its target than it did."
"…Meaning…?"
"This curse wasn't just designed to give nightmares, my son, it was something that was supposed to kill Mario."
"But we knew that."
"Yes, but its strength and potency are what remain curious," continued Merlon. He flicked at the jar, as the curse pulsed within it. "The amount of time that it remained stirring inside of Mario, while we deduced it should have killed him eventually, the reality is that he should have been dead a lot earlier than he was."
"He should?"
"Based on the curse's power," assessed Merlon. "I still need to test it, but it's quite advanced, more so than I anticipated." There was a twinkle to his eyes as he stroked his ivory mustache. "There's almost this genius design to it."
"I think you mean dangerous."
"Hm? Oh, yes."
"Pardon me, Father, but, shouldn't you be focusing more on the cure?" Merle flinched as Merlon whirled his head up to his son. "The…cure that you're working on?" He pointed at the pink liquid in the vial. "Shouldn't that be more vital to study?"
"Of course, that's why I'm working on it." Merlon shook his head. "That's why it's all the more important that I understand this curse, so that I can create the perfect cure."
"Certainly, I understand…but—"
"Merle, did you want to work on this for numerous hours while worrying about the fates of the kingdom that constantly dwell upon the back of your mind?" Merlon rotated his hand and focused on Merle. "I do have a few tricks that would allow us to trade places, in one way or another."
"Not at all, Father, I'm sorry." Merle deflated and sank down. "This is deviously difficult to work on, I'm sure, and I wouldn't want to trade places on it."
"Naturally."
"You're just more skilled." Merle lowered his head. "I mean no disrespect."
"It's fine, don't worry." Merlon sighed and closed his eyes. "I know that you're as worried as I am about everything. Believe me, I am trying to keep track of it all, and I'm acutely aware of Merlow's involvement."
"His and yours," specified Merle. "I am worried for you too, Father."
"Thank you, but I am old, and matter infinitely less."
"To me, you both mean the world."
"Ceaselessly kind as always, Merle," teased Merlon as he opened his eyes. "Perhaps you'll make Mario's next great mentor."
"That role is already yours."
"Ha, we'll see how long it lasts." He shook his head as Merle lowered his eyes. "I don't mean that in a dark way, mind you. Just that you and Mario should have more time together, likely." He brushed as his mustache. "Unless it is Princess Peach that you favor…?"
"Unlikely." Merle waved his hand. "She's gifted, and I can tutor her further, but I find myself more curious, perhaps invested, in the Koopa King's affairs."
"Careful, or you'll make Mario jealous."
"Please, I'm not interested like that!" Merle rolled his eyes as Merlon burst out laughing. "It's merely that he's easier to relate with, considering his fatherhood."
"Right, right…" Merlon chuckled before he cleared his throat. "That does make sense."
"Not everyone enjoys meddling in relationships as you do, Father," complained Merle. "Nor do they have your…diverse interests."
"Sounds like you're no fun, same as your mother," mocked Merlon.
"Didn't she relate to you more on that regard?"
"Details, details…"
"Shall I leave you to your work?"
"Ah, yes, I've gotten rather distracted again." Merlon returned his attention to the papers on the desk, eying the three journals near him. "Still more to cross reference and double check, need to make sure this isn't lining up so neatly with what I've seen…"
"Oh, that's another thing." Merle tapped at the desk. "Have you seen those followers of Bowser's? The ones that were supposedly roaming around Star Hill?"
"Not since they left last, no."
"Father, that was ages ago."
"And?"
"It's just…I haven't, so I'm worried."
"Merle, you live to worry," murmured Merlon. "And on that front, you are absolutely your mother's son."
"Hers and yours." Merle chuckled as his father shot him a glare. "You can only hide your feelings from visitors, not family, Father."
"…Perhaps…not…"
"At any rate, I ought to find the children, and then perhaps we can track down Bowser's bunch." Merle blinked and glanced at the journals on the desk, eying the mulberry diary. "…How many deaths should have occurred already?"
"Just that Mr. Blizzard, from a while back," muttered Merlon, dismissively waving his hand. "Snowmen."
"And the fish, no?"
"Huh? Oh, right."
"Then…what's still to come?"
"You know what." Merlon tugged on a scroll below a book. "And don't ask about the events leading up to that. They do change, after all." He reached for the cerulean journal, but pulled his hand back. "Don't drown in your worries, my son."
"Yes, Father…"
Retreating from the basement, Merle returned upstairs and wandered by the bookshelf. He took a photo album from it, though he hesitated as his grip around the book tightened. Relaxing his hands, Merle sighed and opened it, gazing longingly at the pictures within.
"…I do wonder what sort of family troubles Bowser has encountered…" Merle picked out a photo of himself with his father and his son. "He seemed to understand when he was here last, but how alike could we be…?"
Placing the picture back within its pocket, Merle gently closed the book and pushed it back into place on the bookshelf. A tear escaped his eye and he let it fall away from beneath his hood.
Recomposing himself, Merle twisted back around and stepped outside of his house, staring back out onto the vast mountains of Star Hill.
... ... ... ... ...
[Junior]
It's nighttime now, and I'm outside on the rooftops. Papa doesn't like me going up here alone, but he's probably too busy with Mario right now. I hope he is, anyway.
Earlier, we listened to the TV that covered Peach's speech. I didn't understand everything that she talked about, but the people in the crowd acted kind of like Papa's did when he made his speech.
One part that I did get was that she told everyone to stay away from Mario. Papa was furious over it, yelling and roaring the whole time, called Peach some bad names too. But Mario was really quiet and looked really sad…hurt. At least, he did at first. And then later, he and Papa were quietly talking about it together, but I didn't hear everything. I thought Mario would be angry like Papa was, but he wasn't.
It might be because of what the wizard called him about before, about needing to go to Star Hill again. They need to stop the curse still, and the wizard is supposed to be helping Mario with that. So, if Mario's going to go, then Papa will go with him.
But, Peach and the others left at the end of the speech, and they went into the sky. That means they're going after the last fortress, with Kamek in it. Nobody's been able to stop Peach so far, and she beat Kamek a while ago back at Seaside.
That means she'll come to the castle next. But if Papa and Mario are away…then no one is left to keep it safe. That's part of why Papa got so many more minions to come in, but…I don't think they're enough.
Which means…
I don't know what that means.
So, I take out my Magic Paintbrush, and I color a circle on the roof. Filling in the bubble, I try to make sure that it's got enough to keep it up for a bit. And then I tap on it once, wait a second, then tap twice. Spin the brush in the air, and…
"Young Master?"
"Kamek!"
His face appears in the circle that I painted, so that means he's got his wand out to talk with me. He taught me how to use this spell to call him, in case of emergencies.
"My Prince, how are you?"
"Good." I pause. "Um. Not really, I guess."
"Is there something going on at the castle?"
"Not yet."
"Hmm." He fixes his glasses and rubs his chin. "Did your father mess anything up with you or Mario? Have the soldiers fallen out of line again?"
"No."
"Then you're calling me for…" Kamek waits a minute. "Me?"
"Well, yeah, Papa misses you—"
"I understand, Young Master, but I cannot return—"
"Oh, I know." I shrug. "I didn't think you would."
"Ah…then I am confused." He scratches his head. "What did you call for?"
"Well, promise you won't try to tell Dad?"
"Your father needs to distance himself from me," explains Kamek. He sounds quieter than before, sadder. "It's for the best."
"Are you mad at him?"
"Not at all." He clears his throat and wipes at his face. "I just need to do this for him."
"I think that I might need to do that too."
"What?"
"You're up at the fortress because you don't want Peach coming after us." I watch him pause before he nods to me. "So, you're there and can't come back by now because you want to make sure she doesn't make it through."
"Yes."
"A wizard called Mario."
"Merlon?"
"Is that his name?"
"It is, but what did he call for?"
"He's got a cure that he's almost got ready for Mario."
"That's excellent news!"
"But he needs Mario to go to Star Hill soon, so that he can use it."
"That makes sense."
"So…Papa will want to go with him." Kamek waits for me to add something else. I guess he didn't get it yet? "That means no one's going to be at the castle."
"He can leave it for a little while," suggests Kamek. "It should be fine without him there for a bit."
"But what if…?" I stop as he tilts his head. If I tell him that I'm worried about Peach coming, that's going to make him upset and it's only going to make him feel useless. Maybe if I don't tell him Peach exactly…? "What if someone tries to come into the castle?"
"You think that Peach will defeat me and make it there," guesses Kamek, and he's right. I sigh and nod while he chuckles. "The thought crossed my mind as well, but I don't believe that she'll be coming here around the same time that they'll leave."
"She's going up there now." I watch as Kamek's smile drops completely. "She told people on TV about Mario being with Papa, but she didn't know how or what they were doing together. But after that, she left and flew into the sky."
"Then she'll be here soon enough," realizes Kamek. "I need to make my final preparations."
"But Kamek, what if she gets past you?"
"I will not fail you or your father, My Prince."
"What if you do?" He gets quiet when I ask him that. "Kamek, what do I do if Peach gets past you?"
"Excuse me? What do you mean, 'What do you do?'" He leans closer to the wand, so his face is even closer on my painted hole. "Young Master, you're not to worry about that at all."
"Papa needs to go with Mario to Star Hill, or he's going to go alone," I explain. "If Mario goes alone, he's going to be in trouble, because Star Hill is weird. So, Papa needs to be with him."
"Of course he does."
"Then I need to stay here."
"Why?"
"Because I can't go with them."
"And why can't you?"
"Someone needs to stay home, just in case."
"My Prince, that certainly does not need to be you." Kamek sounds more worried than before, but he's also firm about it. "You can go with your father to Star Hill, and stay with him while aiding Mario. The three of you together can help him should any obstacle rise up."
"We won't have you there."
"…I know."
"So there's magic there that we can't handle."
"Perhaps."
"And if none of us are at the castle, then Peach will take it over."
"Only if—"
"Even if you win, Kamek, she can still get here and attack while we're not around!"
"That's…she wouldn't—"
"Are you sure?"
"…No."
"Then that's what I'm worried about!"
Kamek gets quiet and starts thinking, while I tap my foot as I wait. He knows that I'm right, and that's what no one thought about before. I think he knows that I need to stay here, but he doesn't want to admit it. Maybe he thinks that he can beat Peach, but I don't think he wants to think about me beating her if she gets here.
"Young Master, I do believe that the best course of action is simply to wait for my report," decides Kamek. "I will get into contact with you about Peach's arrival here, and should she escape me somehow, should she still decide on war, then I'll send word to you about it." He fixes his glasses again. "You leave her to me, and I will not fail you."
"But Kamek, what do I do just in case you can't stop her? Or if she gets away?"
"Just stay with your father—"
"He can't leave Mario."
"Neither should you."
"We can't all go to Star Hill and keep the castle safe at the same time!"
That makes Kamek quiet again, and I think he's trying to figure out how to deal with me being right. He's stubborn like Papa is, and…well…I can be too. But, so is Mario. I guess it's a family thing?
"…Do you remember the games from before, with that rowdy bunch?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Good. And did your father bring in reinforcements to the castle, besides the Koopalings?"
"Uh-huh."
"Right then." Kamek breathes in and out. "That should be enough for the castle's defenses, and they should be able to hold off Peach."
"They all already lost to Peach, though." Or most of them did.
"A second attempt may be what they need." Kamek pushes back from the wand. "My Prince, I implore you not to remain at the castle, should your father need to leave. It's safer if you're by his side."
"Kamek, I can fight without him."
"But it's dangerous—"
"You're fighting without him."
"That's different—"
"How?"
"Because I…!" He's wrong, and he knows it. "Junior, I…"
"Can you tell me what I need to get the castle ready for the worst?" He stalls before he nods. "What can I do?"
"Go to my study, I have defensive measures prepared to transform the castle's traps and activate them. Third shelf from the top, towards the left, black book with red binding." I nod and try to keep it in my head. "My Prince, I will do everything here to make sure that you do not need them."
"I know that, but this is for just in case." I smile to him. "That's all I want it for."
"Of…of course, yes."
"You better win, Kamek." I lift my Magic Paintbrush again. "That's an order." He laughs, but it's hard for me to smile still.
"As you command, Young Master." He looks behind him and nods, but then looks back to me. "I need to make some finishing touches. Please stay safe, My Prince."
"You too, Kamek."
That doesn't really make sense, since I know for sure he's going to be fighting with Peach. But he nods to me and disappears, so that's it for us.
Using my paintbrush again, I cast away the spot on the roof, so that Dad doesn't come up here and find it. He might not, but I don't know for sure. I hope I told Kamek everything that I needed to.
Going back inside, I walk down the steps. I look at Papa and Mario's bedroom door, and it's open, so I can go talk to them.
But…I don't want to. They won't want to hear that, and I can't help them about anything else right now.
So, I go back to my room, and get ready for bed. But, I stop, and I stare at some papers on my desk. Papa writes a lot of letters, so…
I scoop up a pencil and write mine.
... ... ... ... ...
Papa and Mario,
I'm going to leave this for when you guys have to go to Star Hill.
Someone needs to wait at the castle, because Peach will come, and we need a leader to defend our home. But Mario can't go alone with the curse, or he might die, like he did before you left the first time.
So, I'm going to stay here, and you guys can go there. I'll keep everyone safe, and Kamek told me how, so don't worry about that.
Just be careful out on Star Hill! I'll beat Peach, and we'll all be ok in the end.
Love you,
Bowser Junior
...
Hey, Junior's first letter, everybody! What a brave kiddo, huh? ...You're not crying, are you?
Well, what's the worst that could happen? It's not like Peach would go on some kind of crusade where she would...hmm...well.
Let's go over other stuff!
...
I know that Peach's royal address may not be as formal as it might have seemed it should be. It sounds like a regal event, no? But, considering how far out of control things have been for her since...well, the beginning and onward, I figured it would make sense for even her people to be chaotic. Keep in mind, Bowser basically sailed across the land, attacked (but didn't kill) the citizens, and then stormed Peach's Castle. While he had good reason, none of the folks outside knew that, so...kind of worrisome for them. Just a bit. Hence, they're chomping at the bit and demanding answers.
But there you have it, Peach decides to find what she feels is a middle point between honoring her people and still protecting Mario. Is it the best answer? Nope. But, she does play both sides in her mind, and she goes with what sits right in her heart. That's why everyone feels like they can work with her still; they want to believe she's doing the right thing, and even she wants to believe that. Perhaps Peach can make a difference...well, in some way, she will, lol. We'll see how that pans out.
(And hey, I gave her a princess song! That's a thing in stories with princesses, right? ...Look, I tried.)
...
Merlon and son! Merle tries to help his father, but Merlon is very focused. I was originally going to have the whole family in the scene, but I pulled back on including the kids, since it was a nicer and tighter focus. (And since I couldn't include everyone in one chapter, they didn't need to be in it, lol.) I wonder how the Shaman family will turn out. Do you think everything is ok with Merlon? He seems stressed. Or is it...something else...?
...
Junior's preparing for the worst! Look at him, being all mature and smart and princely. Yeah...Kamek tried his best to alleviate those worries. He failed, but he tried!
It might be a little early for this scene to have happened, but I wanted to stick with it being here, to complete the cohesive theme between these past two chapters. I wanted to have Junior interact with Mario and Bowser too, but...I'm saving that for a little later. For now, he's debating with spellmaster granddad. And he wins!
Do you think Kamek can help out more than just a meager book with defensive plans? Or is Peach...ah, that'd be telling, wouldn't it?
...
We might pull back a little bit on the drama next chapter, for something a little lighter with Mario and Bowser. This is a romance story, after all, so, something a little more normal before the really heavy stuff comes in. (It is a drama too!)
After that for a couple of chapters, we'll follow Peach and friends to the Sky, as they battle Kamek's forces. And from there...well, you don't know what else is coming up, so I'll keep that under wraps! Probably something to do with Star Hill or Bowser's Castle.
Feedback keeps me going, so, I'd love to hear from you! Even just small comments and thoughts can be revitalizing for me, so feel free to share.
That'll be it until next time. Thank you for reading and the continued support, as always, and please stay safe! Take care and good luck.