Chapter 1- News

Daisy sat on one of the many floral patterned couches in her palace. In her opinion, it was hideous, with dark green flower stems and multi-colored flowers adorning the sides, with a white background. But, because it was a gift from her long-time close friend Peach, Daisy had accepted it with a forced smile.

But today, the pattern on her couches was the least of Daisy's worries. "Mistress Daisy," The butler began, "May I get you anything?" A few things crossed Daisy's mind, but she shooed him away.

"I'm fine." She promised absentmindedly, waving him away. The butler sighed, but left Daisy to her privacy. Soon, very soon, was the start of the Top Tournament, a tennis tournament that led to the world championship. Ever since she was little, Daisy could remember watching the tournament either live or on TV, eyes glued to the screen, routing insanely for her favorite player, often Amy from the Mushroom Kingdom. She had held the world title for a few years before retiring.

This year, though, Daisy would be much closer to the action. In fact, she was a possible candidate for the Top Tournament. Within the next week, Daisy would be leaving for the preliminary tournament that consisted of a few kingdoms.

The problem was that Daisy didn't want people to bow down to her as she held her spot out on the field, or to face the weakest opponents to give her an upper hand. Being a princess had many downsides.

Daisy was wondering if she could pull off a switch, maybe to tell the head of the tournament to announce her as a common girl instead of as Princess Daisy. Most of the princess business was too girly for her anyway.

But forgoing her 'official' title could mean trouble if her parents found out. They seemed to enjoy torturing their daughter, who was of age to do whatever she pleased.

Daisy knew she had to make this work. She had to be in this tournament, but Daisy wanted it to be a fair match, which she wouldn't get as a princess.

"Daisy," Daisy's specific instructions to the hired workers was to never address her as princess, and for fear of their jobs, listened well. "You have a letter from Princess Peach, of the Mushroom Kingdom."

"Thank you." She grumbled, and the maid ducked out of the room, inclining her head slightly. Daisy slit the seal with a pocket knife she kept handy, for she hated being helpless.

"Dear Daisy," Daisy read aloud. "I've gotten word from the tournament sponsors. They've said they're treating everyone as an equal, so you don't have to worry about being given the special treatment. I'll see you real soon, Peach."

Treated as equals? Maybe Daisy could trust the sponsors to keep their word, and if they didn't… Well, Daisy knew how to cause trouble.

"Ms. Marie, please come upstairs." Daisy buzzed the maid. Ms. Marie was in the room in moments, breathless.

"Good day, Daisy." She greeted, panting slightly.

"Ms. Marie, I plan on attending the Top Tournament preliminaries. My strict orders are to have no one following me. Understood?" Through the minds of both of women went the memory of last year's Top Tournament. Daisy had gone to watch in box seats, and a few bodyguards had placed themselves all around her. Daisy had bee quiet infuriated, to say the least.

"Understood, Daisy. Anything else?" Ms. Marie sighed. Like Daisy's parents, she was strict on Daisy's safety.

"No, that's all."

So it was settled, then. Daisy wondered who else would have been invited to participate. No doubt Mario and his brother Luigi, as well as Peach and her entourage were. Peach and Daisy were quite the opposites, and many outsiders wondered what exactly made them friends. Daisy was tomboyish, and Peach was girly. Daisy could never give them a straight answer, and would shrug in reply.

Getting up, Daisy decided it would be best to practice a bit more before heading to the preliminaries.

She didn't know it yet, but Daisy was going to need all the practice she could get, for more reasons than one.

A/N: A bit on the short side, but the other chapters will be longer. Does anybody know the name of Daisy's kingdom? I know they said it in Mario Party 3, but the loser KLS can't remember it for her life…Pouts Anyways, please R&R! KLS