P.s. Ad Astra Per Aspera means "To the stars through difficulties" in Latin. ; Just remembered... thank gosh for my file, "story notes"!

Chapter 7

Peach's Wish

Mario now grabbed her shoulders and forced her to come with him. Unable to resist, she let him steer her through he halls and passageways of the Sky Castle. He was silent and Peach tried to create a mental map of the Sky Castle in her mind, but there were so many hallways and rooms she got easily confused and gave up as they reached the third flight of stairs. The only thing she knew where she was going was up. Probably to one of the towers.

Mario halted before a wooden door, his grip slightly becoming lax. She took the moment to break away and run. She thought she succeeded, but the chase was over in seconds.

Mario, with his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, was able to open the door with his free hand. The slaps from Peach caused no visible pain or damage, and he ignored them. They went up yet another flight of stairs, but this time it was spiraled. At the top of the stairs was an iron door with a latch. Mario opened the second door and pushed Peach into the room. She sprawled on the floor. Ignoring the new aches and pains that inhabited her body, she managed to stand up and turned to face Mario. Before he could shut the door, she said in a quivering voice, "Mario, don't you remember me? I'm Peach. Listen to me, you're under some sort of spell. The real Mario would never do this."

"Peach…?"

His voice seemed to come from deep within him, and his eyes softened. He appeared uncertain and confused. Peach cautiously took a step closer, hoping she was getting through to Mario.

"Yes, it's me."

But what she said was not enough. His eyes became cold once again, and he slammed the door. She heard the soft footsteps fade into the background, and she was alone, crying before the prison door. It seemed like forever before she wiped the last of her tears away and looked around her room. The prison was almost bare, save only a plain bed set against a tiny window. She gazed outside, the sun was setting and already there were a few stars out, twinkling endlessly, not affected by the events happening below them… yet.

Tired physically and mentally, she sat on the bed, putting her elbows on the window sill and resting her head on them. The Sky Castle floated high and was moving away from the Kingdom and she could see the faint lights of different villages. She watched the dazzling colours of red, orange and yellow fade away as the sun disappeared, leaving dark shades of violent and blue to conquer the sky with gems of the heavens. A cold breeze touched her face and softly rustled her hair. A shooting star streaked across the sky and she wished. For peace, her Kingdom, her friends.

For Mario.

She wished until her eyes closed and she drifted into a tranquil sleep, still leaning on the window ledge.