There was a song in the air.
AN: (to the tune of Zelda's "Sage Laruto")
On the road back home
Head strayed of thought
May I please forget
That which makes me fret
Let it soar away
Today
When the night was cold
I did hear a moan
Lament for a king
Fallen in the spring
Made me sink in woe
Below
The carriage walked gently and surely along the dirt path. At its sides, forests without end. At its rear, soldiers in firm line, astride horses and yoshis. Some of the mounts were ridden by humans and toads, some clad in armour, some in ragged robes, some in their day-to-day clothes. Some of the horses had food and utensils on top of them. Some horses had nothing; their riders lost.
A thin layer of snow covered the upper most leaves of the pines and birch trees that extended beyond what the eye could see, from the outskirts of Peachville, through the Road of Orient down to the valleys of the Seaside Kingdom. Most trees were emptied of their leaves, exposing their naked selves to the dangers of the world. No birds chirped, as they hid in their nests seeking the warmth of next spring to come. However, as Peach saw it, there wouldn't be any spring that could melt away the pain or horror off of her.
All had been lost. Peachville scorched and captured. The Bee Kingdom surrendered. The Snowtop Kingdom taken over. The forests burning, the Desert occupied and the seas at the command of pirate lords. What other comfort could she find but that which she found in herself? Her own pity and sadness were perhaps the only thing that would remain unchanged in the days to come. She felt unworthy; glad she had no throne to sit upon, for she had but burned it. Even after all the efforts, the complete arming of the country, sending help to other lands, securing what little hope and security there was… it had all been for nothing. She had not only lost her kingdom, but her people as well, and so had she lost her hero, who hopefully roamed far away in the sand, unaware of the grim fate of their lands.
As the company moved quietly through the road, she found herself thinking of what to do. Armed and organized resistance was not an option. No army in the Mushroom Kingdom could stand against the might of both the Ylissian Empire of Marth and the Koopa Kingdom of Bowser. They could only run, run far away and seek shelter elsewhere. Hyrule was the first place that came to mind, although it was a hard task. The Desert was out of question, no army could cross it, not even Ylisse's. The sea, as it was, was controlled by the pirates, corsairs and mercenaries of the Kong Islands and beyond, yet that was their only hope. Through sea, they could dock at the ports of the Zora people, then perhaps sail down through the canals and rivers that wetted their lands up until they were near Zelda, near enough to talk and save themselves. Through sea they could also head south, to the Yoshi Island, but that land lay abandoned. A temporary settlement in efforts of colonisation, her parents had been the first of the Mushroom Kingdoms to step ashore in the mysterious islands in hundreds of years, but once Bowser's wars began anew, they had to abandon their pursuits. Once dealt with, although there was no incentive to reignite their work there, they set sail to the island, for one last time.
Her thoughts were interrupted by voices and the stopping of all horses. As they neighed, she could hear a horse galloping towards them. A toad soldier came to the door of her carriage.
"Your Grace, hide! It may be our explorer, but this road is watched. If it is soldiers that near us, then you must remain inside at all costs." He said and went to the front of the company.
Since escaping Peachville, her and a few other refugees and soldiers had managed to sneak along the Road of Orient -that which connected King's Home to the sea and the Desert Kingdom- in hopes of making it to the Seaside Kingdom, where a small force had managed to retake the city and island of Delfino, at least until the Gangplank Galleon eventually came along again. With her were most of the politicians from Peachville and what little remained of its guard. What awaited them in Delphino City, she knew not. Nor where her friends where; not Luigi, not Daisy and certainly not Mario. She missed them.
A few moments later, the soldier came back, and peered into her carriage.
"Your Grace!" he said as he bowed. "Our explorer came back from the path. He says there was a guard post, checking all who traverse the road, not far from us."
"Can we fight it?" asked Peach. As soon as she said that a new voice came from the other side of the carriage, surprising her and making her yelp.
"Perhaps before not, but with us at your side, we'll fight every soldier from here to Delphino."
She turned to look at the other window and found comfort in a familiar face: Luigi, her dear knight. Shew quickly sprung out of the carriage and hug her loyal knight and friend.
"Luigi!" she cried with happiness.
"Your highness… It warms my heart to see you." He replied chuckling, both of their eyes glinting. The bond they had all shared, along with Mario and Daisy running the country was an unbreakable one.
"And seeing you eases my woes, my Queen." He spoke solemnly as he bowed. As he talked, another figure approached them. In this one, there was no surprise, for she recognized her clear as day; Lady Daisy, famed archer, huntress and commander neared them, the very same glint of joy in her eyes and smile. They hugged, greeting each other and their company in times where it was much needed. Then, the question she feared to ask left her lips.
"What has been of you and your wars?"
The couple looked at each other sadly.
"We resisted as our people must" began Luigi. "But alas these cursed days fell on us as well. Our parties hunted and raided our enemy, but our efforts were left unfinished as they besieged the mansion. Only us and few others escaped."
Luigi's Mansion lay deep in the boundaries between the Forest and Forgotten Kingdom and was a strong fortress where the Green Knight of the Kingdom lived. That was Luigi, and his tasks were to maintain the safety of the land. The time old tradition held Mario, his brother, as the Red Knight that he was, was the head of the army and was the one to venture outwards. With them, the Amber Knight was the right hand of the Queen or King, and so it happened that Daisy was always at her side, with her golden cloak and scarf. Even as a princess of one of the noble human families of the Mushroom Kingdom, Daisy always behaved like everything, but a noble lady and Peach loved her for it. But still, with all the might that her kingdom had, it hadn`t been enough to stop the vicious strike of Ylisse, for even the strongest of fighters had failed. She prayed Mario was alright, wherever he was.
"That's terrible! Such unjust fate, to befall on noble souls! We have not time to mourn for so much to grieve… "They all got into the carriage and continued their way. "And still we stay strong" continued Peach, explaining the situation to her knights "as we march towards Delphino, the last free city, or so I'm told."
"There is still hope, Peach" said Daisy, reassuring her "Delphino will not be the last of our Kingdom".
"Yes… Hope lies beyond our borders now… I can't help but think it was a mistake…" she looked at Luigi "Sending him away…"
"Mario is not only the Red Knight of the Kingdom, but also a warrior, and atop all, a friend of the people and of ours. My brother took the mission you bestowed him with honour and now crosses the sand and the rock." He paused. Peach wasn't sure if Luigi believed himself but nevertheless appreciated the gesture. "Besides, if your suspicions are true, which I would trust with my life, no sacrifice would be too much to warn anyone of our foes."
"You did well. You looked out for both our lands and our allies'. You were a good ruler and a better person. Now we only have to pray they bear better luck than us" continued Daisy.
Peach chuckled. "That can't be too hard, now, can it?"
Time passed and, when nearing the guard post, a rider came to the door of the carriage. They warned of their approaching, and told that all soldiers and weapons were hidden, and that they would pass as refugees. He said the carriage was now covered under a blanket as to not draw suspicion, but that things may well not go as planned.
"We'll protect you" Daisy and Luigi said.
"You always have" she replied longingly.
One step at a time, they drew nearer. She heard galloping and then an exchange of voices; a toad and a man, probably one of the guards. The garrison there was on the lookout for reinforcements towards Delphino, and they were to seize anything like that as long as the attack force was on their way. The toad, probably a skilled diplomat of the court due to their debate capabilities, spoke of them as refugees, both of high and low class, that sought new life outside the kingdom. At first, the men didn't let them pass, and things only worsened when they demanded to see what they carried for themselves. As discussion extended, she suddenly heard shouting and clashing.
Daisy looked at Luigi. "Stay here" she said, and got off the carriage. Peach heard more fighting, but as she held Luigi, scared for the life of her guards, galloping and more shouting interrupted everything. Soon, after a few moments, the last dying cries of an Ylissian man fell unto silence. Carefully, she went outside and saw, down the hill they were up upon, a field of corpses, all Ylissian safe one, and beyond that, a group of riders, encircling the caravan. Recognizing the Winged Stars, she claimed for their attention.
"Riders of Amanor! What news of the Ruin?"
A sole rider astride a black mount galloped towards her. He was a human man, of dun hair and eyes, clad in an atypical blue cloak. Atop his steed, he bowed. He carried a bow, but more strangely, flasks of fire, a chained whip and two axes. He looked battle worn, his clothes dirty, wretched and with bloodstains on them, though none his. He had the look all Winged Stars had; that of Amanor. They were the best of the best, safe for the Royal Knights. All human, they were the men descendants of the armies of Amanor, the old kingdom from which all humans in the Mushroom Kingdom came. Since its fall into ruin, marshes and despair, the Winged Stars rode through the land keeping peace and yearning for their long-lost home, seeking to rebuild it even if they had never see it. But all laid in ruin, Amanitas turned into nothing more than a few buildings and pillars of what one can only assume, was a place long ago someone called home.
The man spoke in a youthful and elegant voice that still, commanded as a battle-hardened warrior.
"Your Grace, Queen Peach. News of your survival were uncertain, as we grieved for all we lost at Peachville." He spoke.
"You and everyone, sir…"
"Richter of the Belmont is what they call me. I am Captain of the Winged Stars, and on your service." He bowed again. Things overcame Peach. To know that warriors like the Winged Stars still wished to serve the crown…
"For that I thank you" she replied, bowing as well. "And I can see your work is well done."
"We have ridden ever since the attack came. We were too late to save the forests and the mountains, but we keep these roads safe, as well as the people who walk them, as we keep the enemy busy with our surprise night attacks. I assume you travel to Delphino?"
"We seek safe refuge." Daisy and everyone else in the caravan came near.
"That we can provide. We shall guard your advance, my queen." With that he turned and rode towards his other men, two dozen horsemen who waited for his signal. "Amanor!" he cried, and they rallied up and formed with the caravan. As they continued their way, they passed the forests, and went through the fields, no enemy in sight. Soon, at the break of the next dawn and at the end of the Road of Orient, they found themselves at the top of a steep hill overlooking Delphino, a city that extended well into the island of the same name, with a bridge connecting the island to the mainland. She could see the well recognisable Corona Mountain, as well as the rolling Bianco Hills, and both Delfino Plaza and Ricco Harbour connected by the great bridge to the fortifications along the coast of the mainland. At the harbour, she could see various ships, most merchant, floating in the shimmering seas of the dock. Winter had never come to the Seaside Kingdom. Other islands were near and could be seen, such as Isle Tartaruga or Pesce, but all paled in comparison to the greatness of Delphino; although recently attacked and yet to be besieged, it stood proud and almost without major damages. As they rested for a while in that hill, Richter of the Belmont went alongside them as Peach, Luigi, Daisy and some guard toads ate in silent contempt. Things seemed to finally turn for the good for the first time in all winter.
"Your Highness" Richter spoke strangely uneasily. During all their journey he had always spoken with respect and confidence, but now something seemed to trouble his mind.
"Yes, what is it?" she asked nicely.
"I uh- I have been tasked with giving you this." He said and he pulled out a leather pouch, big as the hand. As all their curious eyes gazed at the pouch, Peach opened it only to discover small shining and crystalline rocks of many colours, cut in simple yet beautiful star-like shapes. At the odd looks of the three of them, Richter explained what little he could. "'Tis a bequeathment of sorts, though larger ones await. Toss it to the sky and look at the light it will show."
Peach did as she was told, and soon, to the surprise of her and two knights, found themselves looking at a floating image of a woman. Her image was shown in what Peach could only describe as a mirror, although there was no handle and the backed only showed a starred black sky. When looking at the woman, they noticed her golden hair, threaded elegantly unto itself and waving with an inaudible breeze. She wore a precious blue dress, adorned with silver and white threads like starlight, and her eyes, or at least they one they could see, was engulfed in shining like stars and comets and moons, as if an entire galaxy like the ones described in fairy tales of Amanor, lived within it. They all knew who she was; for she transmitted an aura only she could, that of comfort, amazement, and wonder, all at once. However, they found themselves too amazed at that magic to speak her name, all their mouths agape. Finally, Luigi caved in.
"Lady Rosalina, milady!" he cried in shock.
"Stargazer!" spoke Daisy, still unclear as to what was happening.
"Princess of the Nightsky… Rosalina" said Peach, remembering how she now owed Rosalina her life.
"Greetings, my friends. I come to you from far away through olden magic." Her voice always carried a strange feeling, as if not only did it come from her lips, but from inside one's head, and from everything that surrounded Peach. It came from the trees; it sounded with the running water, and it enveloped her through the wind. She had a divine glow to her, like a constellation or the northern lights that shone every year in Hyrule and Termina. Light greens and deep blues and purples emanated from her eyes unto the world around her.
"These crystals?" asked the queen.
"Precisely. Use them whenever you wish to talk to me, or anyone holding this." She showed through the portal of sorts a small crystal orb, no bigger than a palm. "However, as lovely as it is seeing you all in health and safety, we must hurry, for the enemy is forcing their way unto us still."
"What is the matter, Rosalina?" asked Daisy.
"I come with warning and with advice. You near the sea, yet not even there will you be safe from harm. The pirate king rules the waves now…"
"K. Rool…" grumbled Luigi. "We should have attacked Gangplank and the Kong Islands when we had the chance, perhaps ages ago when they still feared us!"
"Perhaps…" replied Rosalina, "or perhaps their part in history is yet to be played out. What we must be sure of 'tis of our fates… Your fates…"
"What is thy advice?" asked solemnly Peach, for even if she was queen, she felt great respect and admiration to the Stargazer.
"Ride the waves not to the north, but South. Hyrule can yet still hold, but our eyes shall turn to Yoshi Island. There lies a safe refuge, a calm clear even in the darkest of storms… In the isle, rest and plan, for I will send help."
"Help?" wondered Daisy.
"The time to see will come as early as the morning, Golden Knight, rest assured… For now, turn your path towards the old lands of the island." Rosalina then turned towards Peach, looking directly at her. "Towards your true home, my queen. Find what makes it such and you will find the way out of your woes." She said cryptically, Peach not really understanding what she had said.
"One thing remains unchanged, even at wat, my friend." Said Peach, chuckling. "Your words still are riddles to common ears."
Rosalina smiled softly and looked lovingly at Peach and her knights. She turned to Richter with a knowing look, to which the Winged Star replied with a nod. She then turned towards the three again. "My time with you ends, yet you shall always find me. Your courage, Queen Peach, has shown my heart the way to go. I shall, the same way you did, not turn my back on our neighbours to the north. If the enemy plans to strike the hylians, thy must travel through the desert. As much pain as it brings me to close off any escapee, more would it bring to let fate chance decide at this turn of hour; I will keep the armies of steel and thunder at bay, trap them in the sands of time; but so will I follow you, as I always have."
"Steel and thunder?" asked Luigi, confused.
Rosalina chuckled. "Guard our realm as strongly as you love it, Green Knight Luigi, and may the shadows hide you. May your aim be fair forevermore, Golden Knight Daisy. May Amanor be ever held dear in your heart, Richter. And may your rule be fair and wise, my queen. Remember, I shall always guard you as the stars guard the night sky." And with those words and a glow, she was gone, leaving the three both sad and hopeful, for a new journey awaited them. Richter then spoke, as things were coming to an end.
"It would be most unwise not to do as the Stargazer says, your grace."
"Worry not, it is not in my plans to go against Lady's Rosalina's advice, as it is not my intentions to distrust the cook that bakes my bread or the guard who stands in my defence.
"I hope your journey is safe and useful, my queen, milords." He said as he bowed at the three of them and whistled for his horse to arrive. "I'm afraid our paths become separate here. As you sail away and seek hope and help for our lands, we will continue to protect them. You have my word, and that of the Winged Stars and the sons of Amanor, such as you are."
"We couldn't ask for anything better." Said Peach lovingly, thanking the man.
"We will continue fighting and dying, be it necessary. We will form resistances as the ones rumour has it, resist against the might of the empire in the far north and east. And, to aid you, I recommend you seek for a weapon or a relic in Yoshi Island. Perhaps your parent left something there for you to find when they went. As a last gift."
"Thank you, Richter. Really." Said Peach.
He nodded, and with a cry, he and the other rode away. As the day came to its middle point, the caravan entered Delphino, and the presence of their queen meant for the people hope and joy, even if she was to go away as soon as she had arrived. She felt at home there as she felt at home in Peachville. She now knew that home was wherever she felt loved, and wherever hope was carried. And she would carry her home wherever she travelled.
Once they were on a large ship, boarded by her, some knights and guards, and most of the politicians that had made it out of Peachville, they embarked once again, not knowing if they would return to see a free Delphino or one consumed by war and flames; or if they would return at all. With one last glance at the islands before it was swallowed by the never-ending sea, she turned to look at the way home.
On the road back home
Head strayed of thought
May I please forget
That which makes me fret
Let it soar away
Today
When the night was cold
I did hear a moan
Lament for a king
Fallen in the spring
Made me sink in woe
Below
Past the mountain rock
Past the marsh and loch
May I see once more
House, Amanor
Let me rest and stay
Today
As the stream shone bright
'Neath a starry sky
I did hear a song
To home it belonged
Made me shed a tear
And cheer
On the road back home
Far away I roam
Memories of my life
Seem to flee and fly
Let them fly my way
Today
As the stars turned around her, so her gaze did. Through the sky and the moon, she felt and knew everything, though most was more than knowledge, an impression of things to come, and, like the linEs on a constellation, Rosalina always had to make out what would become of things. In her visions of flame and desperation, she felt something strange. A beacon of light, brighter tan the others, one that came not from the North or the Northwest like most did, nor did it come from the seas like Peach's. No… This light was a special one, for it came from the skies, and the realms beyond.
That's how she knew she had found her mark. The one she had been looking for. She called to her Luma, an amber manifestation of the stars, and spoke softly to it.
"Go, my child" she said as she caressed it "and find the one to save this world and the other. The one linked to the gods…"
And so, the Luma transformed into light, leaving Rosalina alone as she gazed at the stars.
The air was thick with humidity and stench. Vine and grass covered old ruins of grey mossy stone, laid ontop of eachother, some forming vague buildings and towers, others being lost to time. As they advanced, the koopa patrol became increasingly annoyed with the sick marshes of their recently conquered land. And yet, at the top of the line, the great dragon turtle advanced eagerly without stopping.
"Come on!" it could be heard more roaring than speaking. "March on, you maggots!"
At his side, a woman clad in robes and whose face was covered by a dark and twisted mask stopped and then hurried everyone to another set of ruins. And old fortress, perhaps, it was decaying and would not stand as proudly as it tried to for much longer, there was cracks and dust everywhere, and trees grew out of what was left of the building. A shady tunnel of bricks and rocks extended its darkness into the entrails of the earth, down large and old stairs.
"This is it, lord of the koopas" the woman said.
"You have done well, hylian. Your master will receive all the help he wants.
"I have no master." The woman replied monotonously.
"Of course! Cya of Termina is a witch to be served, not one who serves…"
"Be silent before I silence you! Even if you are a king, I could still strike you dead where you stand." She hissed.
Bowser laughed. "Well, I shall keep it in mind"
After descending near endless stairs, they came into a large chamber, illuminated by a mysterious glow in the centre of it. Amazed and content with what he was seeing, Bowser stood tall against the shadow and light of the artifact that lay before him. With one swift grab, he took the relic and looked at it obsessively. He then proclaimed proud and menacing.
"At long last do I have your power in my hands… Your homes will burn, and I shall fall on you as fire, light and thunder. All enemies, cower before High King Bowser!"