Shards of Love: REDUX!
"I started low, but I've gotten high up, and I can only get better. I'm tired of pretending to be a good guy; a hero. The wolf inside me demands to destroy the outer sheep surrounding it, and everyone will see the true me. The hunger for the status I most desire grew at a gradual pace throughout the years, and the now-insatiable craving must be satisfied before my inner wolf breaks free from its flowery confines. It must happen now, even if it takes breaking everything else I have. Friends. Family. Peace. Immortality. Love. I will tear anything to shreds in return for my desire, and I'll cast the now-useless shards into the dark, eternal sea of their hopelessness."
- Medieval Koopa Lore
Shard I: Foundations
Peach and Mario marry, but what should've been a happy day is instead marred by Peach's surprise kidnapping by the Koopalings. Now, what should've been a relaxing vacation instead turns into an ill-fated stay at Bowser's Castle.
Chapter I
Wedding of the Century: A Bride's Stress
Dawn approached the eastern Mushroom Kingdom, converting the grey-and-black sky into orange, yellow and blue. The Sun shot down every sign of nighttime, and the residents of the Kingdom's eastern lands revealed themselves from their ramparts. For the residents, today's no ordinary day. Everywhere in the Mushroom Kingdom, businesses remained closed and thousands of citizens danced in the streets, all with huge grins. Trumpets blared throughout the Kingdom while happy citizens shouted out multiple 'Hooray!'s. Today's celebrations mark the day when Princess Peach marries her hero and longtime friend, Mario.
Behind the castle's walls, anxiety—rather than excitement—rang through the air and bounced off the elegant rose walls. Stress, like a foul odor, oozed from every crevice in the elegant marble floors and accumulated in everyone's minds. Even the dainty Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom's prone to the unwanted condition.
"Are you excited, girl?" Peach's best friend Daisy asked in her light Sarasalandian country accent.
"I've been waiting for this day since forever," Peach stated in weak excitement. She doesn't hate Mario—no, far from it. Perfectionism ran in her blood; she fears even a pesky housefly will ruin her special day. She muttered, "I'm just scared, Daisy."
Daisy plumped her orange maid of honor dress. "Scared of what?"
"I'm just nervous over the whole thing. What if something goes wrong? All the citizens will eat it up within seconds. They won't respect me the same again! I'll be a late April Fool's joke in their minds!"
Peach didn't turn to Daisy, but she could feel Daisy's scowl. The two may be inseparable best friends, but Daisy never hesitated to dish out well-deserved negativity towards Peach or her thoughts when necessary. Peach knew she could count on Daisy whenever she had problems requiring honesty and a bit of opinion, unlike the typical suck-up-to-Peach-because-she's-the-ruler-of-the-Mushroom-Kingdom folks.
"Peach. Nothing will go wrong," Daisy attempted to comfort the princess, "Now you just try to relax while we wait for your mom to fix your makeup. Don't cry either; it's hard to put eyeliner on wetness, and I suck at swimming while in a dress! I thought the tears from the sinners at Church were deep enough to drown in!"
Still anguished, Peach peered down at her archived copy of the wedding invitation. The vinyl's smooth surface gave her a rush of comfort as she brushed over the card's edge. She studied the picture in the invitation's center. In the picture, she held a sceptre, and both she and Mario showed off elegant gold crowns. Peach smiled at the picture, then focused her attention on the text to the right of the photograph. Written in a gold-coloured elegant font, the text read: 'King Toadstool and Queen Toadstool of the Mushroom Kingdom request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Princess Peach Toadstool, to her hero, Mario Mario. The ceremony will be at 1PM on April 18 in the Castle's Courtyard, followed by a reception at 5PM.'
'Now,' Peach lamented to herself, 'April 18 has approached, and 1PM approaches rapidly.' Although the fourteenth hour of the day advanced from the future to the present at full tilt, Peach still couldn't believe that today's her day. With no time for mental preparation, the sudden epiphany of her getting wedded tortured her all morning.
"Peach!" the Queen of the Mushroom Kingdom shouted as she walked into the room. Peach put the invitation down and looked away from the partying kingdom on the window's other side. The Queen pulled back her silvery-blonde hair and smiled.
"Mother!" Peach called out, leaving the circle of servants and giving her mum a hug.
"Oh, Peach darling; my grown up girl..." the Queen replied in a hushed whisper. The two pulled apart from the hug and the Queen stated, "We need to get you ready for your marriage!"
The Queen opened the table's drawers, and an entire beautician store's worth of makeup greeted the royals: gold eyeliner, silver mascara, peach foundation powder, a bit of blue eyeshadow, red lipstick and several other colours of makeup. Without organising the makeup cluster, the Queen pulled out the drawer from its hinges and dumped the contents onto the makeup table. Queen Toadstool grabbed the foundation powder and applied it to Peach's face, while Daisy attempted to put on Peach's eyeliner, and a servant did her lipstick.
'Oh great,' the princess muttered as several pairs of waving arms surrounded her face, each threatening to make a potential mistake. Peach already knew by the buildup of her stress that this will be a long, tiring day.
Not every leader in every kingdom took Peach's marriage in a positive fashion. In Dark Land...
"Why is King Dad so upset?" Lemmy questioned his siblings. He, Ludwig, Roy, Wendy, Iggy, and Larry sat by the battle room's door, eavesdropping on the other side's activities. The Koopalings sensed Bowser's voice rising, followed by a comforting voice from Kamek.
Ludwig hummed at Lemmy's innocent comment. Lemmy's never depressed, even though Ludwig could nominate him as the most bullied of the Koopalings. In public, people always made fun of Lemmy's shrimpy height, often mocking him whenever he reached for something. Others would shun him because he was too 'annoying' or too 'immature' for them. Ludwig knew such negative actions bothered Lemmy, but after years of the grueling experiences, Lemmy either ignored his imperfections or even celebrated them. Ludwig would have to put the situation in a way Lemmy would understand.
"Imagine zis, Lemuel," started Ludwig, "Your favorite ball has been stolen by Mario. He zen locked it up in a safe. How vould you feel?"
"Sad! I would do everything I can to break into the safe and get it back! I LOVE my ball!" Lemmy cried.
Ludwig nodded, "Vell, zat is vhat's happening vith King Dad. Mario stole Peach from him and is... Vell, in a sense, 'locking' her up from Dad by marrying her."
"Yeah! We should totally do something to stop this!" Wendy announced to her present siblings.
Ludwig cringed. Wendy wanted something from her father; the fact flashed on her forehead like a neon sign in Mushroom City. The only times she cared enough to do anything for someone was when she expected something in return.
"Do we want Daddykins to be all mopey today? We'll seriously get nothing we want!"
Roy nodded his head, "Great idea, Sis. Should we be crashing da weddin' or whatever?"
"Yes!" Iggy replied in a demented, sinister shout, "I have a machine that can make people fall asleep! I shall use it!"
Ludwig pondered over the situation, while Wendy and Roy smiled at Iggy's announcement. As the five older koopalings considered the idea, the normally-reticent youngest Koopaling added his concern to the idea.
"I don't know guys... Remember the last time we launched a surprise attack on the Mushroom Kingdom? The time when we kidnapped the Princess by causing the castle to experience a blackout? King Dad wasn't happy about that one..."
"Lawrence. Zat vas because ve kidnapped her in plain sight. Ve von't make zat mistake again. I know you're concerned, but you have to trust me on zis vun. I am ze eldest Koopaling, so I am ze most trained vhen it comes to snatching the Princess. I've attended battle meetings. I did several zings zat ze five of you never did in your lifetimes."
"Well..." Larry replied, still hesitant, "I guess..."
"Plus, ze castle has lots of coins-"
At the mention of the word 'Coins', Larry's eyes bulged from his head. Larry may be a sneak, but even the youngest koopaling's held hostage by the thought of coins. Larry would do anything to get even one coin. Larry's greed always worried Ludwig and his family—just how far will Larry's greed take him, and what will the consequences be?
"Coins?!" the youngest Koopaling shouted, giving Ludwig a look that seemed to be saying 'duh', "I'm in!"
"Aight," Roy took command of the situation before Ludwig opened his mouth, "We'll do things we're beasts at. Lar can spy on da weddin', Sis and Lemster can distract da others, Iggs can use some nerdy, freaky machine thing to protect all of us. I can den kidnap da Princess and Kooky here can drive da Doomship-"
"Uh uh uh, Roy," Ludwig wagged his finger at the suggestion, "Remember: I'm ze oldest; I'm in command here. Now, I noticed zat ve vill miss ze vedding, but ze Princess vill have a reception. Ve can snatch her zen. Larry, spy on ze reception. Lemuel and Vendy, distract ze reception goers. Ignatius, if you can use zat machine zat causes ze entire audience to fall asleep, I vill appreciate zat. Roy can zen snatch the Princess while I drive the doomship."
"Dat was my plan, Kooky!"
"I'm in charge of ze Koopalings zough. Plus, I changed Ignatius's role."
"Rrrrrr..." the burly Koopaling growled, his fists clenched and his face bent into a scowl. He huffed. "No wonder why Morton didn't want anything involvin' you... You're so damn stuck-up, Smugwig!"
"Roy... Ze only time I vill deal vith your erratic behavior is vhen ve are snatching Father's treasure. But for now, I vill not be taking it."
"Fine, whatever. I'm done with YOUR crap, Luddy. You constantly treat da rest of us like we're damn second-class citizens! Newsflash, lil' Xerox, without us, you wouldn't be Pop's little pet! Peace, sibs, I'm done with dis trash."
Wendy stared at Roy as he stomped away. She turned back to Ludwig and glared at him.
"Seriously, Ludwig? What was that about?! I know you and Roy can't stand each other, but we're supposed to be a team and have Peach captured! I can totally feel my trip to Water Land on my fingertips for grabbing her!"
"Leave it be, Wendy. Don't fan ze flames; zey'll only grow. Roy'll get out of his hissy fit," the eldest Koopaling stated, brushing off every concern raised by his sister. He stood up and put his hand on the battle room's doorknob, "Now all of you, get ready. I'll need to tell Father about somezing. Meet me in our meeting room in an hour; I'll have ze itinerary ready by zen."
After surviving the various makeup tools, Peach stood behind the closed doors to the courtyard with her father, the Mushroom King. The wedded princess heard an orchestra's music, a bit of chatter, and a microphone testing on the other side of the door. The excitement only gnawed at Peach's nerves—she hadn't experienced an event this exciting in years, even as a princess. Most of her life consisted of either mushroom balls or being kidnapped by multiple villains. All in all, other than a date with Mario thrown in, her weeks were stressful, sucky and sophisticated.
'Call me paranoid but something tells me that this wedding will not go completely scot-free.'
At the imperfect realization, Peach's legs trembled, and her wedding dress produced a swooshing sound.
"Peach?" the Mushroom King questioned.
"Yeah Father?"
"Are you okay?"
"Just a bit nervous," Peach admitted, her dress still crumpling from her tremors. Her father nodded his head and gave his daughter a facial expression as if telling her he's about to drift off in a ten-thousand-year-long slumber.
"Tell me about it... I'm missing the PGA tournament. I'm so nervous about turning on the television and seeing who won... I am taping it though, so that's good, right?"
"Uhh, sure?" Peach added with a confused look on her face. 'I thought this conversation was going to be about me and this day, not about some tournament of golf...'
After her thoughts, Peach questioned her father, "But what do you feel about my wedding?"
"Well, not as interesting as golf, I'll tell you that!" her father guffawed. The King took off his cap and wiped his nervous sweat with a handkerchief, "Woo! I sure hope the PGA results aren't displayed on any of them Sports channels! Makes King Toady all nervous!"
Peach sighed—she won't be getting any help or sympathy from him any time soon. Then again, who would give her sympathy? Maybe Daisy's right—she just needs to kick back, relax, maybe do some meditation while listening to classical music—anything.
'Might as well let him lament over stupid golf while his daughter sits here nearly wetting her wedding dress in anxiety.'
Peach snapped from her thoughts as the doors to the ceremony opened and two mushroom guards stepped into the hall. The two wear tuxedos to match the programme's formality rather than their notorious clanky armour. Peach voiced a silent prayer of gratitude to the Stars; as safe as she felt with bloodthirsty, intimidating guards as her first line of defence, all Peach wanted is a decent, civilized and modern wedding; not one of kidnappings, armour, and other medieval-aged ideas.
"Your Majesty," one of the guards spoke, "It's time to walk your daughter down the aisle."
Nodding his head as if thinking, 'Anything to get this over with', Peach's father locked his bent arm around hers. Elbow-to-elbow they walked down the red carpet, slowly making their way to the altar where Toadsworth waited with patience. Peach looked away from the altar and caught sight of Birdo throwing flower petals before them. Several rows of folding chairs covered the courtyard, each packed with eager wedding watchers.
Peach and her father continued toward the altar—with Peach still focusing her attention anywhere but the altar—and the orchestra started playing multiple wedding songs such as The Wedding Canon and Here Comes the Bride. The beautiful music and the sight of Mario in a red-colored tux caused Peach to experience even more butterflies than ever before.
'This is it!' Peach stated to herself, 'The day when Mario becomes my husband, my Prince, my everything.'
Still, she admitted; she couldn't believe the day of their marriage approached. Ever since he first rescued her from the clutches of Bowser, Peach knew he was the one, but she didn't know they'd get married anytime soon. She's just happy she's betrothed to Mario rather than a half-wit, self-absorbed idiot like Prince Haru.
'Mario... Well, he didn't seem like the one favouring commitment, but at the same time, I think he does try hard whenever it is tossed at him.'
The father-daughter duo approached the first row of folding chairs, and Peach's father let go of her arm. With her entire body quaking, the princess attempted to focus all her energy into moving her feet up each of the three stairs towards the altar, one white high heel after another...
Peach stepped up the stairs with no incident, and she stood face-to-face with Mario. The two would-be spouses smiled at each other before Toadsworth went on with the vows.
"Mario, read your vows."
The red plumber took out a folded sheet of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. He glanced at the handwriting present on the sheet and voiced the words.
"I, Mario Mario, take you, Princess Peach Toadstool, to be my lawfully wedded wife, princess, and damsel in distress. For richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, or if Bowser ever rules the Mushroom Kingdom. I promise to honor and cherish you. This I vow to you."
Peach held back her giggles at Mario's vows. Toadsworth pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Peach. Peach thanked him and unfolded the paper, revealing the vows she wrote earlier. She read the words on the paper loud enough for the audience to hear.
"I, Princess Peach Toadstool, take you, Mario Mario, to be my lawfully wedded husband. For sickness, in health, for 99 lives, for only one life, for richer, for poorer—even though I'm the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, so we'll never be poor," she read, adding the last line to try to match Mario's humor. Her last minute punchline's a success, as the members of the audience snickered, "This I vow to you."
Peach grabbed Mario's gloved hand with hers, and they both stared into each other's eyes, mesmerised. Looking into Mario's eyes, Peach imagined every terrain he braved to save her. Perpetual plains, deathly deserts, frigid floes, and massive mountains all danced in Mario's azure eyes. Their trance broke when Toadsworth announced the final verdict.
"Mario, you may now kiss your bride."
The entire audience clapped as the duo kissed. As their lips met, pure feelings of happiness and ecstasy washed over Peach. While it lasted, Peach felt as if she could bench press the planet with one hand: she felt invincibility coursing through her veins. Not only did her wedding go without incident, but she's now married to her longtime hero! That one kiss—that amazing, sentimental kiss—confirmed that notion.
The newly-wedded couple broke away from the kiss and stood side by side. With her left hand gripping Mario's right, the now-married princess lifted her right hand and waved to the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, meet your newly-wedded couple, Princess Peach Toadstool and Prince Mario Mario!" Toadsworth announced. The crowd stood, each member bowing to the couple. They both continued waving to the crowd with their free hands.
As the crowd bowed to the new couple, Peach caught sight of her crying mother—most likely tears of joy. She turned her focus to her father; he's staring into space with a goofy smile on his face, oblivious to whatever celebrations occurred around him. He's probably playing golf with other political figures in his mind. The bliss emotion on his face may also imply the course having endless sun, vast areas of gently-sloping hills, and a never-ending supply of spare tees.
Peach sighed before staring at her newly-wedded husband. 'Husband' she thought, 'This will take some getting used to... hehe!'
NOTES:
Well... Hey! You reached the end of the chapter. I applaud you for staying so strong!
Just story-related information for reference:
This story will be highly Koopa-centric, as it's the centerpiece of my headcanon on why Bowser doesn't attempt to destroy the world as actual villains do, such as Smithy. This is vital for understanding and implementing a two-sided BxP relationship without throwing canon out the window (and going against canon isn't my forte) or treating the Mario Brothers like Satan's secretive servants.
The story will also revolve around Romance and Adventure. Some chapters and shards will emphasize one genre more than the other. For the romantic pairings, this story will contain MarioxPeach and PeachxBowser (seems confusing, but it will be cleared out throughout the story). Family, Betrayal, Adventure and Hurt/Comfort values will also be included. If you don't like any of these, then be thankful I warned you! Also, the back button is at the top left and the review box for constructive response or positivity is at the bottom. Hell, you can even read on if you want! It's up to you.
This is an epic containing 5 parts, with each part containing it's own subplot that relates to the overall plot:
Shard I: Foundations
Shard II: Revelations
Shard III: Alliances
Shard IV: War
Shard V: Finale (also contains the epilogue)
Each shard contains at least 5 chapters, meaning the absolute minimum length of this fanfiction will be 25 chapters (though I have up to 40-45 chapters planned).
This is Rated T for safety, though there may be a scene with some adult themes. I do NOT do lemons! Again, there will be NO PORN. Those who are looking for a great alternative to a 'Friday Night Good Time' will NOT find it here. Sorry!
All characters © Nintendo. I don't consider King Toadstool to be an OC, as he appeared in the Mario books. Queen Toadstool doesn't belong to me either. She's a widely-accepted OC with an unknown source. Some characters later on in the story will be my own creations. But disclaimers are useless on FFN. Believe me, they really are, but I'm posting this incase people try to give me credit for the smaller, more unknown characters.
Story plot summoned by me, Hip Neptune, in May 2000. First chapter posted on November 16, 2000. Chapters 2-18 (except 4) typed between 2001 and 2007, Chapters 4, 19 and beyond typed in and after 2014. Revisions began March 21, 2014; First reupdate on April 5, 2014.