Dislcaimer: None of the characters from the realm of Nintendo, including Mario characters, belong to me.

Chapter Thirteen

Gradually she was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of voices.

The voices were coming from the other side of the wall, another room. Peach went over to listen, knowing that one should not ordinarily eavesdrop on other people's conversations. It was Kamek and Kammy, by the sound of things.

"What do you think you are doing?" Came Kammy's voice, vibrating with anger.

"What do you mean?" Kamek replied, as calm as ever.

"You know what I mean. With the Princess. Are you trying to keep me away from her?"

"Why would I do something like that?"

"Who asked you to interfere, anyway? Bowser? He knows you're worthless."

"Perhaps."

"Perhaps? Who let the little Toad get away, Kamek? Who was personally in charge of getting rid of those three fools and yet, somehow, they managed to escape you. You, the great Kamek? Are you saying you could have stopped the little rats if you had wanted to? Then why didn't you? Who's side are you on, Kamek?"

"I do not answer to you, Kammy."

"Not yet. I am second-in-command to Bowser. A job that, I might add, used to be yours."

"Do not forget who introduced you to King Koopa in the first place, Kammy."

"If you think I owe you anything, Kamek, you're crazier than I thought. Don't make me angry, Kamek."

"Is that a threat?"

"What do you think?"

"I think you need to exercise some control over that temper of yours before it gets you into trouble."

"Oh, Really?" Kammy's voice got louder. "You would do well not to cross me, Kamek!"

"If you think that you frighten me you are sorely mistaken." Kamek's voice was almost to soft to hear. "There are very few reasons for me not to deal with you, and the longer you keep this up, the fewer they become."

"Who's threatening who now?" Shrieked Kammy, furiously. "Don't start with me, you-"

"That is quite enough. Go much farther and not even the bonds of family will help you Kammy. You will stay away from the Princess if you value your life, and no mention will ever be made of this conversation. Discussion ended." Kamek hissed, but the rage in his voice was clear.

"I'm back, Princess!" A voice called from outside the door, causing Peach to jump. She unlocked the door, and Anna came inside. "Are you okay? You look a little pale."

"What? Oh, well, I-I-um you startled me, that's all." Peach said nevously, sneaking a glance toward the wall where she had been listening.

The magikoopa followed her gaze. "Eavesdropping, eh? Nothing to worry about, Princess." Said Anna with a false light-heartedness.

"They really hate each other, don't they?" Peach asked after a moment.

Anna nodded unhappily.

"Do you get caught in the middle?" Peach asked again.

"No, well, Kammy tries to drag me into things, but Kamek tries to keep me out of it. I usually stay clear when they argue."

"How often is that?"

"Usually once a week."

"That bad?"

"Not usually as bad as tonight."

"Oh."

"Anyway," Anna brightened up, "it's late, and your probably tired, so I'll stop talking you to death."

Peach settled down to bed, wondering what could cause two family members to hate each other so much.