Gracious, would you look at the time? We're due for a new chapter, aren't we?
Before I begin, I want to thank everyone that's supported this story again! I know that my updates have slowed considerably, but in spite of that, this story still has new fans joining along the way, and eager old fans patiently waiting for the next part. So, thank you all so much for your patience!
But let's not waste time on me blabbering, on with the latest chapter! A bit slower than previously, but it'll set up the coming events. Please enjoy!
...
[Peach]
Stepping out in front of my castle, I gazed up at the star filled sky. Even with the turmoil that flowed down here, it was something beautiful that I could always look to, even at my lowest moments.
Returning my attention ahead of me, I watched as Rosalina cuddled a Luma on the bridge ahead of us. She giggled gently, but her voice echoed around, as her Luma squealed and cheered. Several more danced around them, either directly overhead, or otherwise in the space that filled the area nearby.
A slight gust ruffled the trees around the courtyard, and Rosalina brushed her hair a bit. She swayed about, just a bit above the ground, and danced with her Lumas now. I feel that her movement related to magic, hovering like that, but it could be that gravity impacts her different from the rest of us.
One Luma popped from the moat below and shivered, shaking tiny droplets from its body. Another cheer, and it joined its friends, all of them playing around with their so-called "Mama." I've heard her story before, but it seems so odd that she became a galactic caretaker to such a broad species of creatures.
"Princess Peach?" Rosalina twirled around, her dance ended, as she fixated her attention on me. "Are you looking to stare this entire time? Or will you come speak your mind with me?"
"Oh, I…certainly." I stepped forward toward her, but halted as the doors behind me opened. "Hm?" Luigi walked out, Toadette in tow.
"Excuse us for interrupting, Princess!" Toadette bowed, and I folded my arms, but before I could question anything, Rosalina's soft chuckle echoed out.
"There was nothing interrupted, actually."
"Huh?"
"We haven't started conversing yet," elaborated Rosalina.
"Ah."
Toadette and Luigi ambled forward, and my arms fell. Each of us made our way over to Rosalina, who returned her attention to her Lumas, bouncing her thin wand with several movements of each Luma nearest to her.
"Forgive me, but there is an air of tension around here," she observed, not breaking eye contact with her Lumas. "I'm looking to have that explained, as you are seeking answers to my abrupt appearance."
"Um, yes." I scratched behind my head, and blinked as another gentle gust blew past. Rosalina's hair flowed gently with the wind's current, nothing like mine flopping against it. "Sorry, I…it's just—"
"Should we wait for the others?" Rosalina continued to guide a Luma around, twirling her wand with a blue one, and then guiding a red one to hop three times from the ground. "I feel as though they should also be here, so that everyone remains on the same page." She smiled, and now bounced with a yellow Luma. "Stories work best when everyone is caught up on it."
"Uh, certainly."
"Princess Peach, my presence does not happen to interfere with anything in particular, does it?" She frowned a bit. "You seem especially uneasy with me."
"No, no, I don't mean to be." I placed my hands on my hips. "It's just…" I couldn't just admit that something about her always left me in awe; that would be terribly embarrassing for us both. "Recent events have clouded my thoughts, I suppose."
"Hmm…" There wasn't an exact indication if that was a response of contemplation or disbelief, but she quieted after that.
"Shall I fetch the others, Princess?" I turned down to Toadette, who waited patiently by my side.
"Perhaps, yes, that would be ideal," I decided.
Toadette turned around, and hurried toward the castle, but the doors opened, as Toadsworth led Yoshi, Birdo, Daisy, and Pauline out as well. Luigi rubbed beneath his nose and nodded as they all made their way over.
"That worked out nicely," he murmured.
"Aha, there you are." Toadsworth walked over, cane in hand. "Princess, everyone has been asking where you went. It's quite late, and I'd just rounded up your friends to create a search party."
"Toadsworth, we're home. There's no need to worry here."
"And meanwhile this is exactly where she gets plucked from the most," muttered Birdo.
"That's fair." I hadn't quite considered that.
"Is this everyone of importance to our discussions?" I turned back to Rosalina, who had returned her attention to me. Silently, I nodded, and she returned it. "Then, we should perhaps begin on everything."
She floated over to the grass and sat down, resting as the Lumas flew around and crowded her on the ground. Her turquoise dress draped over the grass blades, and I hesitated before following.
"Princess, should I go fetch a table and chairs?" Toadsworth bounded over quickly, halting me before I sat. Luigi and Yoshi took their places near Rosalina, as we formed a circle. "It would be a little more civil, no?"
"After everything we've done and all we've seen so far, Toadsworth…I don't think one dress having some grass stains will be all that terrible."
"Very well." He tapped his cane against the ground.
Somehow, I don't think he seemed very surprised. To be fair, it wouldn't be the first time I did this, but still, I think he was always annoyed about it being what he might consider undignified. In spite of that, though, he contested it no further.
"Perhaps, some tea then…" He adjusted his spectacles and walked back to the castle, not waiting for my response. Odd.
Seated across from Rosalina, Daisy and Toadette sat beside me, as Pauline went between Daisy and Luigi, while Birdo sat beside Yoshi. Several more Lumas twirled around and drifted to join in, closing some gaps to our circle. Rosalina chuckled as she watched them, and I couldn't help but smile with her, and the others, as each little star creature came over.
"Being the guest, I should begin," offered Rosalina.
"No, I believe that our story should come first," I countered. "Since you saved us, which again, we greatly appreciate, and because you're visiting, I should relay the current events of my kingdom."
"…Why don't you begin, but we'll each…contribute our stories as we continue?" Rosalina rubbed her hand against her chin. "This seems like an effective way to explore everything at once…and creates a more cohesive version of our various backgrounds." She surveyed the group and nodded. "We can all contribute to it too."
"That…sounds like it will be all over, but, ok." I sat up on my knees and pressed my hands down against them, over my dress. "The whole thing started at a ceremony by my castle for new renovations on that bridge, when Bowser tried to kidnap me like he usually does."
"My brother and I were there for it," added Luigi. "Peach usually invites one or both of us."
"Not that it always works out," I murmured, and Luigi glared at me. "It's, uh, just that Bowser's forces can be crafty, even with you two defending us."
"That does happen," admitted Luigi, and he folded his arms.
"So, Bowser and his army attempted to take me away, as usual," I continued. "But something went awry this time, and they ended up taking Mario in the confusion."
"He took Mario?" Rosalina blinked and glanced around, looking at each of us, and then scanning the castle grounds. "Goodness, I had been wondering where he was."
"It gets more complicated from there."
"Initially, I set out on a quest with some of Peach's Toads," recapped Luigi. "Peach herself ended up joining us pretty early on. We worked to reclaim territories of the kingdoms, which…started fairly easy."
"Truly?" Rosalina tilted her head, glancing between Luigi and I. "Normally, Bowser poses more of a challenge, does he not?"
"Yes, but…" I sighed and took out my Royal Scepter. "This, uh…helped. A lot. It's a magical rod that belongs to my family, passed down for generations."
"Magic?"
"Very powerful magic," chimed in Toadette. She smiled and wiggled her feet around. "It makes Princess Peach a true force to contend with!"
"So, that must have been what I've been sensing…" Rosalina tapped her wand into her hand, and gazed at the star-shaped head.
"You could sense it? All the way out in space?"
"In a manner of speaking." Rosalina stared at the wand in her palm, and then returned her attention to me, smiling. "I have some Lumas helping me keep a watch over your planet." Two yellow Lumas jumped around before her, and she laughed. "They let me know of specific anomalies for the planet, and if my presence would be required." She quieted and patted a green Luma near her. "Or if you and Mario are hosting an entertaining event that I can be invited to."
"Right, I forgot that we established better connections for that." Rosalina has a small outpost with a gateway that her Luma emissaries can travel through, along with her Comet Observatory when necessary or requested. "I wish you had the time to be around more often."
"My duty is to the galaxy itself," reminded Rosalina. "I have many little ones to take care of, after all."
"True." A red Luma blinked and turned to look at me as well. "Right, well, I've used this to help us even the battlefield more than ever before."
"Then I joined up after news spread of Mario's disappearance," piped up Yoshi. "Plus, my island has a shortage that I'm looking to resolve with Peach's help."
"Sometime after that, they saved Mario, which is when I came in," Daisy continued for us. "My kingdom is smaller than Peach's, but we're trying to pitch in more, and I personally wanted to see to that myself. Plus, Mario getting kidnapped instead of Peach was the kind of news that shocked a lot of folks into action."
"Hold on, you did save him?"
"For a little while." Luigi pulled his legs to his chest and his cap sank down a little over his eyes. "It didn't last long, and Bowser returned to kidnap him back."
"…Not Peach…?"
"No, as we later learned that Mario and Bowser are, um." Looking around for a moment, I leaned forward and lowered my voice. "They're apparently dating."
"Bowser and Mario…in love?" Rosalina seemed to pause entirely, as the Lumas chattered among themselves.
"Please keep it down." I checked around the area again, not spotting anyone else. "My kingdom, at large, has no idea of this relationship. It could prove disastrous to us all."
"…Indeed…yes." Rosalina nodded and smiled to her Lumas. "That will have to be a secret for us all to keep from the Toads, all right?"
"Yes, Mama!"
"Of course, Mama!"
"We will, Mama!"
Their chorus sang out one after another, and some bounced with their responses. Still, they hushed one another and quieted back down. Rosalina giggled again, and returned her attention to me.
"There, that should be under control, for now," determined Rosalina. "Though…I don't suppose this will last, will it?"
"…Unlikely, you're right," I realized. "But, I need to address it properly and delicately."
"Wow, who knew Princess Peach cared?" I sat back and lowered my eyes at Birdo's deadpan, as she rolled her eyes. "Oh, wait, it's probably for something self-serving, right?"
"It's for the good of the kingdom that they retain their faith in their hero," I emphasized. "Maybe that's a more selfish reason to it, but I think it's best that everyone learns the truth at a better pace."
"How are you taking it?" I jumped a bit at Rosalina's question.
"Uh…not well."
"Understandable."
"Hey, I tried to soften that," reminded Birdo.
"Not in the best way possible." My hands balled up against the grass, and I'm pretty sure I dug up a bit of earth with them.
"Whatever, it was an effort." Birdo leaned back, and turned her attention to the sky.
"You joined after that?"
"No, Toadette did first," pointed out Birdo. "After Mario got kidnapped back, that is. I came in after, tried dropping that bombshell on Peach, but she didn't take it." She shrugged. "At least Luigi confirmed it for me."
"At any rate," I interrupted, "we continued our quest to free the kingdom of Bowser's control, which has been successful thus far, but…"
"But we lost a temple from our last adventure," Pauline finished. She rested with her legs beside her, and her attention was…entirely locked on Rosalina.
"Pauline, isn't it? And you joined this team last?"
"Y-yeah." Pauline straightened up a bit, and slowly raised her hand, giving a soft wave. "Hi."
"Hello again." Rosalina smiled to her, as Pauline sank to the ground. "So, your last excursion resulted in a…less favorable result?"
"Understatement!" Daisy folded her arms behind her back. "We lost the whole fortress, and it went crashing right off the Mountains. Literally blasted off! It sucks, because we won the battles, but at a crummy cost."
"Quite awful," agreed Rosalina. "But that was a building, a structure, and can be rebuilt, in time." She twirled her wand, as her hair covered part of her face. "But, tell me: were any lives lost on your side?"
"Thankfully, no. We had gone out there to not only stop Bowser's forces, but also to save those other Toads that you rescued with us."
"They should be resting and recovering now," reported Toadette.
"Now that's a blessing." Rosalina lifted her head back up and beamed again. "All this time, and you managed to avoid casualties on your side, Peach. That's wonderful."
"…Well…" I dropped my head. "We…haven't offered Bowser's army the same courtesy."
"This doesn't surprise me." My head jerked up and I shot Rosalina a bewildered stare. Her face returned to a neutral expression. "You are using magic, correct?"
"Yes."
"It's not something that you ordinarily make use of?"
"…Yeah, or no, I don't use it often."
"Then it's not something that you're entirely used to, and the power may get out of control at times." She lifted her wand and studied it. "Magic has many different facets that affect us in many ways." Rosalina narrowed her eyes on her wand. "For reasons that I…do not quite understand myself, my abilities are limited when I'm here, on this planet." She looked to the starry sky. "In space, my magic resonates perfectly well, a type of cosmic magic, I believe." And again, she lowered her gaze to me. "I would imagine that your magic also has a driving impact on you in some capacity, be it that it works in unintended ways, or causes you a great deal of stress on top of what you normally feel."
"…You…make that sound so simple."
"Do I?" Rosalina chuckled. "It is actually much more complicated than even I can explain properly. Studying and learning magic for so many years…even I am unable to answer everything about it, on top of the many differences."
"Hey, uh, how about me?" Daisy raised her hands, showing her Regal Rings. "I also tapped into magical powers, so…is that bad too?"
"Overall, it may not necessarily be bad for either of you," assessed Rosalina. "Though, I am not the best sole judgment on that notion."
"Would you still be able to teach us more?"
"Perhaps I am not explaining this properly." Rosalina sighed. "My magic differs from yours, to some levels. Cosmic magic behaves differently from how your abilities act, and my skills here are not at full strength, while they normally are when I am in space, on my observatory." She shook her head. "I may be able to teach you two a few small lessons, but I'm not properly acquainted with the differences of your magic against my own." Rosalina frowned. "I suppose I should have studied it further years ago, but I have been quite busy."
"Each of us have been," I concurred. "When I was younger, I did train, so magic isn't at all entirely new to me." A smirk formed on my face. "It's definitely not something that Bowser's forces were prepared to see me utilize." My smile faded. "But…I suppose I'm looking to go beyond what I know now, and learn more about it all."
"Understandable." Rosalina watched as two Lumas played with each other a bit, twirling around one another. "…Perhaps…we should seek out answers. This wand of yours…it's been in your family for some time?"
"Well, yes."
"Perhaps you have answers to help guide you in the castle."
"Most of that is what I've already looked over." I shrugged and turned down to my Royal Scepter. "That's how I've kept up with these powers thus far, by learning from whatever my family had already recorded prior to taking it out for use."
"Is there any chance that you missed something?"
"Not from the records on the Royal Scepter," I mused aloud. "Though…maybe something else related to magic in general."
"That would be where we need to start, then." Rosalina rose up from the ground, and floated just a bit above it. "I do believe that we should look into this."
"It will allow us to remain productive." I rose from the ground as well, and stepped back toward my castle. "Toadsworth can move the tea in there."
"Uh, what about doing normal things for a little while?" Birdo stood and folded her arms. "Like maybe sleeping?"
"If there are answers for me to find, I need to spend that time researching," I insisted. My wand emitted a soft blue glow. "There's a spell that will let us stay up for longer, but nothing beats actual rest." I glanced at everyone around. "If anyone wants to go get to sleep, you can, but if you want to stay up, I'll cast this on you as well."
"Yeah, no, actual sleep is much better, thank you." Birdo waved her hand and strolled away from us, walking back into the castle.
"Anyone else not interested?"
"Um…I guess I'm with Birdo on this." Yoshi stretched and shook his head. "I'm pretty tired as it is, and…well, that should be a good enough reason." He paused and stared at me, perhaps waiting for a response. I didn't know what he expected, but there was something in his eyes…fear, dismay, or just genuine exhaustion…I couldn't read it, really. "Well, goodnight." He waved to us, and settled his gaze last on Luigi, but then turned and disappeared into the castle as well.
"Guess that makes this a girls' night up," joked Daisy. "No dinosaurs allowed, huh?"
"Just girls, huh?" Luigi folded his arms. "Does that mean I need to find something else to do?"
"You want to stay up with us?" He blinked and turned to me, perhaps confused by my bewilderment.
"Finding answers to magical spells could be helpful, considering that you're far from the only one utilizing them." Luigi smirked. "Or were you looking for privacy with your court of ladies here?"
"Not at all, you're welcome to join in. I just…" After what I've done to him in particular, I didn't expect his interest in staying with me longer than need be, let alone as I use magic. "…You're sure?"
"Yes already." Luigi yawned and dropped his arms. "Are you casting this spell, or do we need to collapse first?"
"No, I've got it, hold on."
Hoisting the rod up, I flashed it against Luigi's eyes. He yelped and covered them, as I pointed it quickly to Daisy next, then Toadette, and Pauline after. Turning to Rosalina, she held up her hand and shook her head.
"My sense of time isn't currently connected with yours, and I'm quite well rested," she insisted.
"Are you sure?"
"Quite."
"Ok."
Lifting the Royal Scepter before myself, I flashed my eyes and sharply inhaled after. Waiting a moment, I slowly opened my eyes and allowed them to readjust to the dark world around us. Luigi blinked several times, Toadette rubbed her eyes, and Pauline held up fingers before herself. Daisy sighed and shook her head.
"Peach, a little warning next time?"
"Sorry. I figured it would be best to just get it over with quickly."
"Sometimes, it's best to take things slow." Rosalina giggled. "Shall we?"
Lumas bounced around us as we made our way into the castle. The lights inside the main halls were brighter than usual, and I cursed myself for using the spell. Still, we made our way through one corridor to the next, traveling to the library.
Passing a door for the lower levels, I slowed as a green Toad made his way out, chattering to an elder, red and green clad Toad.
"Toadoric? Toadislav?" I stopped and placed my hand on my hip. "What are you two doing, skulking about?"
"What? 'Skulking?' How rude!" The elderly Toadislav stomped a foot down. "To think that our princess would treat us in such an undignified manner!"
"It wouldn't be the first time, father." Toadoric pinched at his mustache. "Though, I suppose we're quick to forgive her often, yes?"
"One would think that Royal Council members would have more respect for the royal family they're meant to serve, but I suppose you're quick to forget as well," I snapped. "Do you mind explaining why you were both in the lower levels?"
"Besides attending to our duties in the Council Chamber?"
"Considering nothing pressing at hand—"
"Beyond the ongoing war with the Koopas, of course."
"If it were related to that, all four of you would be down there." I folded my arms. "Unless Granny and Toaditus are coming up next, I imagine that you two were down there for entirely different reasons."
"Fairly observant, Princess."
"Talk."
"Overseeing maintenance on my part. My father accompanied me on my request." The younger Toad folded his arms behind his back. "Should I bore you with the dull details of how I inspected our castle's engineering and plumbing, or would you prefer to send the Mario brother down to check?"
"My name is Luigi," he asserted.
"Yes, well, it's hard to keep track of everyone around here." Toadoric waved his hand and twisted his mustache. "Actually, now that we're on the subject, why don't you put your plumbing work to good use, huh?"
"Disrespectful to royal heirs and heroes alike," Rosalina mused aloud. "I must admit that I'm surprised you tolerate this at all, Princess Peach."
"And here's the space queen, descended from the space and heavens above, just to chastise us," snapped Toadislav. "Wonderful."
"Sadly, they're appointed in against my will," I enclosed to Rosalina. "In spite of that, they're still under my authority, as much as they wish otherwise."
"Bah."
"Perhaps what had me so curious to begin with would be your need to carry those."
Pointing down at the keys in Toadoric's hand, his eye twitched and he lifted his hand. They jingled as he brought them up; the dull gray a stark contrast to the rest of my castle's palette. My eyes lowered at the sight of them.
"Care to explain why you were down in the dungeons?" I placed a hand on my hip again. "As I recall, we have no prisoners currently. Did that change while I was away?"
"N-no, Princess."
"Then why would a member of my Royal Council have a need to access those?" Toadoric winced, just slightly. "They have nothing to do with maintenance of any kind, as I recall. Were you clearing them up for tours, or are we still against showing guests that we do lock up enemies?"
"My brooch slipped into a cell," intervened Toadislav. "I had my son fetch it for me, and it's an heirloom left to my family for generations." He folded one arm over his back, and brought the other out to show off a sparkling, silver mushroom-shaped brooch. "Is there a problem with him fetching his old man's precious badge, or are you simply hoping to uncover something sinister?"
"The latter, frankly, as I'm unconvinced."
"Naturally." Toadislav huffed and turned away from us. "Be as unsatisfied as you like. My son and I need to retire for the night, as should you lot."
He ambled off, while Toadoric smirked and sauntered away after him. The younger pivoted back once more, mockingly bowed, and waved.
"Pleasant dreams, Princess."
They disappeared down the hall, out of the corridor, and I sighed. Staring at the door to the lower levels, I stepped toward it.
"Princess?"
Spinning around, I spotted Toadsworth leading a Toad with a tea trolley. He raised an eyebrow as my shoulders fell.
"Weren't you and your friends outside before?"
"Change of plans, Toadsworth. We're going to the library."
"Ah. For?"
"Studying on magic."
"Hm." He picked at his mustache and nodded, turning around. "Right then, let's be on our way over there, then."
"Toadsworth?" He glanced back at me. "While we were away…did anyone bring by prisoners of some kind? Were we attacked at all?"
"Presently, no." Toadsworth faced me again, eyeing me carefully. "What brings such a question on?"
"Toadoric and Toadislav came up from below."
"Skulking around, as they usually are," observed Toadsworth, and I stifled a laugh. "I haven't any idea of what they could be up to, Princess, but I won't let them sully your name or reign like that."
"Thank you, Toadsworth."
Once more, we continued through the hallway, with the soft rolling of the trolley filling the quiet corridor. Toadsworth walked a bit ahead of us, while Rosalina's cluster of Lumas floated around behind. Luigi and Daisy started to quietly chatter to each other while we continued. Pauline had her attention locked on Rosalina even still, and I couldn't understand why.
"How are the Toads holding up?"
Toadette's voice overpowered the squeaky wheeling and hushed prattle. My eyes focused down to her, and scrunched upon seeing her frown.
"Resting and recovering," wearily responded Toadsworth, not turning. "They…need a lot of time to heal, after this one."
It hadn't occurred to me until now that he could be blaming me for this. He treats the Toads as his own…
"I see." Perhaps Toadette did as well. That would mean I've wronged everyone.
"Should we visit them first?" My naïve question made Toadette glance up to me and quickly forced a small smile to her face.
"Little point in that." I flinched at Toadsworth's cold tone. "They're not very responsive when awake and have slept most of the time." He heavily sighed. "It's best to leave them be."
"Of course…" I lowered my head. Toadette clung to me, and I returned my attention to her. "If…if you'd like to stay here until they're better—"
"Not a chance. I mean, if I had to, I would, but I know they're in good hands. And I want to stay with you." She smiled to me again, more genuinely. "A Toad should always accompany the Princess."
My mouth parted open a bit to argue, but I closed it, and she maintained her grin. Regardless of where she casts her blame, she still has loyalty in me.
After climbing the western stairwell, past the hall of scholar portraits, we arrived at the library. Toadsworth had the tea placed in the room's center table, and sent the Toad on his way after. He poured out a cup for everyone, as they wandered around the room to survey the bookshelves. I glanced between the books, but hesitated, still watching Toadsworth pour.
"If it's magic that you're looking to study on, that should be under the northeastern shelves, under the stack section of books sorted by the letter 'R.'" He poured one last cup and set down the teapot. "There should be more in there, if you're looking to serve a second cup to everyone. I believe we have a platter of biscuits here…ah, there we are." Setting the plate next to the pot, he nodded and turned away.
"Toadsworth, please." He froze and set his cane down in front of him, but didn't turn back to me. "Is there something wrong that you're not telling me?"
"Rest assured, my Princess, I would tell you immediately of any troubles this kingdom encountered."
"That's not what I meant." I stepped toward him, just a bit. "Have I done something to offend you? There's…I feel like…you're awfully…" How could I put this into words without being offensive?
"Princess, I am your loyal steward, as I have been for years." His head turned back to me slightly, and I spotted something crestfallen through his expression, his eyes. "When your parents weren't around, I helped raise you to the best of my abilities."
"Then why do I feel like something is wrong?" I brushed my hair back, and checked to see if anyone was listening in. Toadette alone was, as the others were still glancing around, or distracted by Lumas. "Have my actions been so far from your approval that you can't even face me?"
Turning completely around, Toadsworth gazed directly at me. While there was weariness in his face, he had put effort in to give a neutral expression.
"While I have been distressed from recent events, and it's…taken a toll on me, I am still as supportive in your efforts as I always have been."
"Please tell me, Toadsworth: what do you disagree with?"
"Nothing." He adjusted his spectacles and twisted his mustache. "To be frank, it simply isn't my place to question your rule, Princess. But even if it were, I believe in your choices, that you will guide this kingdom the right way forward."
"Truly?"
"Always." He smiled, and the exhaustion on his face somehow seemed more apparent from the smallest wrinkles, his tired eyes. "I fear for you constantly, Peach, but that in no way shakes my faith in what you can do. I always believe in you."
A yawn escaped him and he tapped his cane, shaking his head a bit. I eyed the teacups, but returned my attention to him as he spun away.
"However, I do believe more in my need of rest, so sadly, this will be all from me for now." Toadsworth walked away, making his way from the room and out the door. "If you have any need of me, though, please don't hesitate to call upon me. I am ever ready to serve you, my Princess."
Once more, he turned and smiled at me, and then exited entirely. Toadette had guided everyone back into the middle to collect tea, each taking a small pink and white cup to sip from. She handed me one, and I hesitantly took it.
"…Is something still bothering you, Princess?"
"Many things are, but that's not what we should focus on." Blowing first, I sipped some of the tea up, swishing the lemon and lavender mix in my mouth before swallowing it. "Let's get started."
Everyone followed me towards the corner, and we scattered around the shelves, checking the books within the stacks relating to the correct call numbers. I pulled a green and gold book out, and glanced at the title: Natural Elements of Magic and You.
"So, which kind of a book are we looking for, specifically?" Luigi adjusted his cap as I looked up and at him.
"That's just it: I'm not sure." I skimmed through the pages, reading bits about how weather could be manipulated, how to control the earth, air, and sea, and bits about creating natural anomalies. "This was something that I've studied from before, but it's of no use to us now."
"Shouldn't we be more invested in understanding your magic?"
"If we had that kind of time, I'd gladly go over every inch and detail of it all." I slid the book back onto the shelf and shook my head. "But we're trying to find something that will help guide us forward and to learning something new to benefit our current goals. We can't do anything if I'm just repeating lessons that I've learned, or if it doesn't help us with combating Bowser's forces."
"See, I'm still wondering about that." Luigi placed a blue and silver book down that he had took out, and leaned against the nearest desk. "Peach, I know that we're still trying to save your kingdom, but…about dealing with Bowser and Mario—"
"Luigi, I'm not ready to address that properly." My hands fell from the book on the shelf, Magic Within And Around Us. "I understand that you have conflicted concerns about it, but I'm…not in a better place for it yet."
"Well, whether you and I are able to get ourselves comfortable with it or not, we need to talk about it." He pushed up from the desk and folded his arms. "What are we supposed to do, when we inevitably confront them?"
"What do you propose we do?" I placed my hands on my hips. "Do you want to fight against your brother?"
"No."
"Would you fight against Bowser?"
"Normally, but…" He tugged down on his cap, staring at the ground. "I'm honestly not sure. I don't think Mario would just let us get into a fight, given the…wait." Luigi looked up at me. "Are you planning on fighting with them?"
"…Truthfully, I don't know." I tugged out my Scepter and placed it on the desk. "Bowser is my enemy, and fighting him isn't a question of if we can. We will, that much is certain." Studying my wand, a yellow Luma tumbled over the desk and floated by, with another chasing after. "But…I've never considered him to have someone that he loved enough that could intervene with that."
"What do you mean?"
"Mario and Bowser, they fought with one another before."
"Yeah, they've been doing that for ages now."
"No, I meant recently, back at Seaside." I brushed my hair back and folded my arms, tapping at my cheek. "They did go against one another, and Mario had before by escaping with my Toad."
"So?"
"Just…I'm trying to think of Mario's involvement in everything."
"Mario's?"
"How will he handle a direct confrontation between Bowser and myself, when that time does come?" I lowered my arms as Luigi did the same. "We've been friends for years, but I've never had to go against anyone that Mario loved. …Will he fight me?"
"Peach, he would never."
"Do you know that with absolute certainty?" I waited as Luigi opened his mouth, but nothing came out. "You don't, because you've never had him in that situation either. He and you have probably had brotherly tiffs, but at the end of the day, he'd never truly fight to harm you. But…he's never been on two polar opposite sides at the same time."
"Are you asking if my brother and I will battle against one another when need be?"
"I'm asking if he'll fight for or against Bowser." We stared at one another, and Luigi's eyes twitched under my gaze. "You don't know either, because you're still trying to understand all of this like I am."
"…Yes."
"Then, going forward, when that battle inevitably does come, and we all have choices to make…" I covered my mouth with a fist for a minute, but then lifted it away. "None of us know where we'll be standing. Bowser and I will be against each other, but everyone else…"
"It's not simple, Peach."
"No." I paused again, as Luigi tugged on his mustache. "I know that, before, I've acted quite irrationally regarding this, but…can you understand my thoughts a little better now? There's so much uncertainty involving this whole thing, and…I don't know where we'll end up."
"Maybe that's just it? None of us actually knows how this will unfold."
"Perhaps not, but I can theorize." My eyes lowered. "…Luigi, I don't want to fight Mario."
"Yeah, I'd rather you didn't fight him, either."
"But…if I have to…"
Silence overtook us, and we waited. I couldn't keep talking about this. Looking at Mario as my enemy isn't something that I've ever pictured until recent events. And now, talking out about it with Luigi only makes it that much harder to go over…
"Hey! Luigi!" Pauline popped up from between stacks and carried a pink and red book in her arms. "Check it out, I found one that could be fun for you!"
Both of us turned to look at the title of the book, and I raised an eyebrow. Falling for You in a Fortnight: A Guide to Romantic Spells, Volume 1. I slowly turned my head to Luigi, who mirrored my baffled expression.
"Pauline, what—?"
"It's about love spells! You could probably find something about love potions or something in here, right?"
"Why would I…?" His eyes widened. "Oh no, not now—"
"About Yoshi, remember? You told me before—"
"Nope, not now, Pauline!" Luigi snatched the book from her and smacked it down onto the table. "We're not talking about that at all right now."
"Talking about what?" Both of them froze and stared at one another. They hesitated before they turned to me, and I blinked at them. "…What's going on…?"
"It's nothing, honest," insisted Luigi, pushing the book away, his face flushed.
"Are you trying to get someone to fall in love with you, Luigi?"
"No!"
"More like dealing with someone in love with—"
"Pauline, come on!"
"Sorry."
"…Luigi, when did you stumble into relationship drama?"
"Recently!" He grabbed his head and shook it. "W-wait, Peach, no!"
"Were you just trying to catch up with Mario, or—?"
"That has nothing to do with it!"
"You're awfully defensive about this."
"Look, aren't we trying to make progress on the books here? They should help you out, not me." Luigi shook his head and trudged away from us. "I'll look on the shelves over here." He stopped short and pivoted around, glaring at Pauline. "And no, don't you dare bring it up with her!" Fists balled up, he stormed off.
"…Tell me everything."
"That's one order I'll have to deny you, Princess."
"Aw, really?" I folded my arms. "You two can't have it out like that and just leave me so curious about all of this."
"Actually, I kind of want to know too!" Daisy peered over from behind a bookshelf, and waved. "I thought the juicy stuff was about Peach plotting against Bowser and Mario, but now I'm even more curious about this. Who isLuigi's crush?"
"More like who's crushing on Luigi," deadpanned Pauline. She slapped her hands over her mouth and worriedly gazed at me. "I…forget that!"
"Come on, Pauline!" Daisy slid around and made her way over by us. "It's the best kind of girl talk that we can indulge in!"
"Honestly, I feel like we could explore better topics," I mumbled.
"Peach, sweetie, don't be like that." Daisy wrapped her arm around Pauline, as her cheeks lit up from Daisy's touch. "Spill some details, Pauline! We won't tell, promise. It'll be our little secret!"
"S-sorry, Daisy." Pauline shivered and shook her head. "I can't do that to Luigi."
"Aw man." Daisy sighed and pulled away from Pauline. "Just when I thought we could get back to normal and fun topics."
She ambled away back to the shelves across from us, and I waited as she left. Just a little away from her, Rosalina and Toadette talked, while they shifted through books. Lumas brought over a book, and Rosalina giggled as they struggled to hold it up for her. Gently, she took it from them, and read the title, showing it to Toadette next. I shook my head and turned to Pauline, who had touched her chest.
"Luigi's not the only one with crush problems, I take it?" She jumped and whirled around to me. "You've been…fixated on Rosalina, I've noticed."
"Oh, n-no, it's not…" Pauline brushed her hair back and sighed. "I'm just, uh…she's interesting to me. You know, um, cosmic magical…things. Yeah, there we go, that."
"Right." She couldn't try to make it less convincing.
"…Maybe I have a slight thing for pretty ladies in elegant and regal dresses," conceded Pauline.
"Mm." I tugged my dress, as it pressed against me a bit.
"First step is admitting, right?" Pauline forced a laugh. "Uh…so…I'm, um, I'm just going to…I'll go bother Luigi again."
Her face must have been as red as her outfit, and she couldn't hurry away fast enough. I chuckled and returned my attention back to the bookshelves.
Tugging out several books, I set them down on the desk and started to flip through them bit by bit. Book one, Lost to Time: Temporal Manipulation Spells. Not something that I had practiced fluently, but it was certainly worth looking into at some point. Still, not what I needed now. Book two, Calligraphic Casting. Flipping quickly through the pages, I picked up on it describing the different ways that you could use different manners of writing into spell casting, and how stylizing words could have various impacts on magic utilizing it.
"Stars, I haven't needed that in a while," I muttered.
Once that was closed, I pushed it aside and pulled my third book. Universal Translation Spells: Bringing Voices Together. Considering that Yoshi could speak with us for some time now, I quickly pushed that aside. Fourth: Wars of Light and Dark. Opening it, I skimmed through, surmising it to be about historic tales of those that used light magic against those using dark. Shaking my head, I closed it and tossed it to the discarded pile. Book five, Conducting Conduits.
"Hmm."
Again, I skimmed pages, reading about how staves, wands, and a variety of objects could be used to help with balancing the overflow of magic. Slowing, I read over the next few pages a bit carefully, and then flipped back towards the beginning to read a little more again.
"Magic has a tremendous power behind it, with various types of outlets studied over the course of many years. Those with constant practice of it can make use of raw power with their own bodies and physical performances. Less attuned individuals will need alternative methods to channeling such abilities. To ground the potent forces, those with a background related to magic will craft artifacts…"
Sighing, I thumbed through the rest of the paragraphs, which discuss the use of objects to conduct magic and help use it carefully, but not specifically relating the dangers that it puts us users through. Still…it could be more useful to rely on. I placed it down by the first, and tapped on the two, before returning to my pile.
One last book, but I didn't want to stop here. I stood up and walked across the shelves, plucking a book here, and then there, and another, before returning back to the desk. Piling a number of texts up, I started to pass through each one, checking what each could offer, but passing several by on their subjects alone. Titles started to blur as I repeated this, and just scanned them aside:
Restorative Arts of Healing Magic.
A History of Mushroom Magic.
Cadabwicca.
Dark Arts Defenses Detailed, Volume 3.
All with a Price, Dearest: Costs of Magic.
Pouring Over Potions.
Tuning in Tune: Magic & Music.
My head smacked down against the table as I dropped the last book aside. Though I couldn't possibly remember every inch and detail of these books, they were familiar, and I'm positive that I've gone over those when I was younger.
"Princess Peach?"
Picking my head up, I turned to Rosalina, who held a dark blue and gold book in her arms. Lumas bounced around behind her, and I sighed.
"Sorry, that must have looked undignified."
"Truthfully, I was more concerned about your energy." Rosalina tilted her head, but then leaned in and gazed into my eyes. Hers were somehow icier than mine, a brighter blue, matching close to her turquoise dress. "Wasn't your spell supposed to give you energy?"
"It did, but it wouldn't prepare me to read over the same titles that I've found for ages." I dragged my hand over my face. "Time's slipping away, and instead of taking back from Bowser's control, we're here and dealing with my exhausted yet vast library."
"Have you truly scoured every title in here?"
"No, but it certainly feels like it."
"Hey, Peach!" Daisy popped up again, across the table. "Oh, and Rosalina, hi!" She grinned to Rosalina, who smiled and waved to her. "So, I got a little lost with the books that I was looking at, right?" She paused, perhaps waiting for my response, but I only shrugged. "Anyway, I let myself slip from this section and went for history books. Not my favorite, but check this!"
Sliding a brown and silver book across the table, I stared down at the text as it slowed before me. It was a sizeable book, with the title, The Great History of the Greater Mushroom Kingdom. Opening the cover, I stared at the initial pages, and wearily sighed.
"Daisy, thank you, but I'm sure that I've read—"
"Perhaps there's more to it," suggested Rosalina. "Didn't you read something today that made you realize you could learn more?"
Pursing my lips together, I flipped to the index and thumbed through the different sections. Mostly, I had gone over the various territories that made up my kingdom, and studied the closest regions for quite some time.
"Still, I don't know what I'm looking for," I mumbled.
"Look, I thought we could use something about old locations for learning more," explained Daisy. "If we learn about the oldest parts of the kingdom, then we could search for entries on that and learn more about those."
"Well, one of the oldest areas would be…hang on, wait." My hand slowed as I reached the section of quite a storied territory. "Star Hill…I…that place."
"What about it?"
"It's an older region." I rubbed my temples and flipped to the pages detailing it. "It's supposed to be a place renowned today for its beautiful location and there's talk about how it's the land of wishes, but it's also the home of…yes, here, Shamans. They were an ancient race of the Mushroom Kingdom, but they've dwindled down over time, and now their people remain isolated in hamlets on the mountains."
"Whoa, really?"
"Sounds like we're onto something." Luigi, Pauline, and Toadette walked over, bringing their teacups with them. "We had just taken a break to finish our tea. It's gotten pretty cold now."
"I can heat that up, but hang on." My eyes darted over the pages. "Star Hill could have some kind of history that's worth exploring."
"Perhaps it's no coincidence that I selected this book, then." Rosalina smiled and handed her book over to me. Star Hill's Secrets: Ancient Origins of Magic.
"…Couldn't you have brought that over sooner?"
"Considering how long it took me to just find it, not really." She chuckled and guided a blue Luma forward. "This little one happened to find it for me, actually."
"Did you read through it already?"
"Not through its entirety, but it details how Star Hill was a location for magic practitioners for years," relayed Rosalina. "It did identify the old race of the Shamans that you just mentioned."
"Princess, that could be a place to learn more from," offered Toadette. "Shamans sound like they have ancient knowledge of both magic and the history of this land."
"Kingdom history isn't that important," I insisted. "But…Shamans and their familiarity with magic…that could be useful."
"Can you learn from them?" Luigi folded his arms. "Maybe they could help you out with…magic know-how?"
"If it is as vast yet relatively isolated as the books have made it out to be, it could be the ideal location to hone your magic," suggested Rosalina. "I did get captivated by the details regarding that, but I wasn't certain if that holds true for today's standard of the area."
"No, no, it does."
"Star Hill is one of the locations that has no particular stronghold for the kingdoms to occupy," divulged Toadette for me. "It's a gorgeous place, great for dates, but it's not really a place to have for practical use."
"In spite of that, the Shamans there are a neutral race, and they do their best to avoid conflicts like my ongoing feud with Bowser." I clasped my hands together and stared at the books before me. "So…they might not be quite open to working with us, but perhaps we don't need to rely on many of them. Maybe, if we can just use the land itself, I can rely on that being a good training ground."
"Something tells me we'll need permission or a guide for that," advised Pauline.
"Good point," agreed Daisy. "We want them to know we're not there for conquest of some kind like Bowser would be."
"The best structures they hold beyond the hamlets would be temples and, by now, ruins," I assessed. "So, there's no need for us to fight over such a place. Perhaps there could be utility found from it, but getting on the bad side of the Shamans would absolutely be a dangerous idea, if they're like these books suggest."
"Yeah, it's better not to help push them to Bowser's side." Daisy scratched behind her head. "Can you imagine, even more super magic forces behind Bowser, along with all of his Magikoopa? That'd be…yikes."
"Then I guess we're headed to Star Hill?" Luigi dropped his arms. "We have the time for that, right?"
"To help me gain a better control on these powers, absolutely." I stood up and stretched. "Either Rosalina can help teach me something new, or I can gain something from Star Hill itself. Regardless, we should go there to practice on this."
"What about the last fortress that Bowser's conquered?"
"Luigi's got a point," chimed in Toadette. "The last area that Bowser has hold of would be the Skyline."
"No one will go there without me." I stopped and surveyed everyone in the room. "Daisy can benefit from what we learn at Star Hill, and I've already decided that Rosalina should come with us. Luigi, I know you've faced Bowser's army before, but they're trying harder than ever it seems, and I…" It was that I didn't want him being overwhelmed with whoever he brought with him, I didn't want to imagine a Toad going and getting hurt with him, and I didn't want him changing sides through enemy influence. Telling him all of that, though, wouldn't be for the best.
"…It's fine, Peach." He smirked and nodded. "Our strength comes through best when we're all together, right?"
"Naturally."
"Then we'll train at Star Hill, and hurry off to the Skyline next." He sighed. "Makes all of these hours worth the work."
"…Hours?"
"Peach, we've been here for at least two and half hours." Daisy waved her hand in front of my face. "Did you lose track of time or something?"
"How did it go by like that?!" I dragged my hand through my hair. "P-Pauline, would you scoop up the books there, those three, and store them in your bag? Cramming the whole history book won't fit."
"Um…I'm not sure that I can fit all of those either," Pauline admitted. "My bag isn't exactly that big."
"Oh, I'll take them." Rosalina flicked her wand, as a star-shaped spell floated out and wrapped around the books. It shrank them down and zipped back to her wand. "I can only keep so many items within it, but that should condense what we need to travel with." She smiled to Pauline. "I'm sure that helps with the load for you, doesn't it?"
"A-absolutely!"
"Ok, ok, enough of the library, then!" Daisy marched forward. "Let's go get Yoshi and Birdo, and then let's get going to Star Hill!"
Hurrying from the library, we rushed back through the halls. I spotted Toadsworth stumble from a room on the side, perhaps his, and called him over, having him chase after us.
"Princess Peach, what's the meaning of all this running?!"
"Sorry Toadsworth, we need to get going already. I've scheduled a detour from our current adventure." I tripped a bit on a rug, but kept my balance and hurried through the door. "Please collect Yoshi and Birdo for me. Have them meet us outside, back at the courtyard in front of the castle. Quickly, please."
"But—"
"This will help with everything." I hoisted up my Royal Scepter. "Toadsworth, please, hurry."
"As you wish, Princess."
Toadsworth disappeared a corridor just before we made it outside, and slowed to a halt. I gazed up to the night sky, stars still sparkling above us.
"Star Hill should be…" I pointed out from my castle, and spotted Rosalina's arm up with mine. "Um. Yes."
"Sorry, I was attempting to find it by how the book described it." She paused and turned to her herd of Lumas. "My children, I am needed for an important mission here with Peach. She needs to rescue her special one, and I'll need to do my part helping her." The Lumas whispered and chattered with one another, while Rosalina softly smiled. "Please remain here at her castle. Behave while we're gone, and please stay together. Remember, keep that secret between yourselves."
"Yes Mama."
"Of course, Mama!"
"We will, Mama."
"Very good." She turned to me and bowed her head. "Forgive me, I shouldn't just tell them to remain here and cause more work for your staff."
"Not at all, that's fine." I smiled back. "They're welcome here just as much as you are, of course."
"Peach, how are we getting over to Star Hill?" Daisy placed her hands on her hips. "It's not that close to here, is it?"
"Not exactly, no." I tapped at my cheek. "Perhaps we could have a boat prepared for sailing, but that might take quite some time, and we'll need to wake the Toads…"
"Oh, I do have a suggestion for that," offered Rosalina.
"Really?"
"Yes, we—"
"Peach, what gives?!"
Twisting back to my castle, I watched as Birdo stormed out, with Yoshi and Toadsworth scurrying behind her. She stomped over to us, fists tightened.
"Yoshi and I were resting peacefully, we let you go hunt down whatever—"
"We're going to Star Hill for training," I revealed to them. Birdo and Yoshi blinked, exchanged bafflement with each other, and face me again. "What is it?"
"Star Hill is that dating hotspot, isn't it?" Yoshi yawned and tilted his head. "Why would we train over there?"
"Long story short, it's a spacious area and has potentially ancient affiliations with magic," surmised Pauline. She blinked and pulled her head back a bit. "…Huh. I am keeping up."
"That's…news to me," murmured Yoshi. "Um, the magic bit, that is. So, we're going there?"
"Yes." I turned to Rosalina. "How will we get there?"
"Ah, right. I can launch us over there."
"Then we'll do that right away." I spun back to Toadsworth. "Thank you for all of your help, Toadsworth, but we'll need to take off. Ah, the tea set, I left it back in the library—"
"Not to worry, Princess, I'll get it cleaned up, and I'll keep your castle well looked after." He smiled behind his mustache, adjusting his spectacles. "Please, do take care of yourselves."
"We will, Toadsworth." I nodded and tightened my hand on my scepter. "Bowser's harmed more than his fair share of Toads, and he won't get away with it."
"Quite right. I have all my faith in you."
"Wait, so…Rosalina will 'launch' us?" I twisted back to Luigi. "That…doesn't mean—"
"Travel via Launch Star, that's right." Rosalina beamed to Luigi. "I forget that you're familiar with it as well."
"W-wait, that's not—"
"Here we go!"
Waving her wand around, Rosalina swayed around, and a massive outline of a blue star formed around us. Quickly spiraling around us, my feet lifted from the ground under its pull. Luigi and Toadette shouted, hugging one another. Rosalina giggled while Daisy whistled. My eyes took in the stars once more.
With a pop and a burst, we soared off from the ground and spun through the air. My castle disappeared beneath the clouds quickly, as did the Lumas and Toadsworth's waving images. Flipping around, I couldn't focus on the sky and stars above or the clouds, earth, and ocean below us.
In spite of the terrifying, rocketing off through the sky, I laughed as we flew through the fading night.
[Meanwhile]
Toadsworth waved until Peach and the others were out of sight. His arm fell as he sighed, resting his cane before him on the grass. The Lumas waved even after, bouncing around and cheering for Rosalina. Toadsworth smiled a bit to them, but lowered his head.
"Please stay safe, my Princess…"
"Oh no!" A Toad rushed from the castle, tripping and rolling forward. He quickly pushed himself back up and ran over. "Mister Toadsworth, who flew off like that?"
"Princess Peach and her company." He frowned. "Why?"
"It's…it's urgent. W-we…we've gotten word that Bowser's forces—"
"Stars above, lad, don't tell me—"
"They're on their way here!" The Toad shuddered and wildly shook his head. "They were spotted not far from Toad Town, on that Airhsip, and they seem to be on a direct course for Peach's Castle right now!"
"Blast." Toadsworth pinched his mustache. "Make sure you round up these Lumas to the best of your ability and beyond, lad. We'll need to prepare everyone for Bowser's raid." His eyes narrowed. "At least Princess Peach isn't around for him to kidnap, along with Master Mario."
"That's the other part of it, Mister Toadsworth!" The Toad jumped and flailed his arms. "Mario was spotted on the Airship with Bowser, and he's not fighting!"
"What?!"
"He's just standing alongside, according to the reports!" The Toad waved his arms around. "We don't know what's wrong yet, but Bowser's not only on the direct path here, but he's got Mario helpless while they come!"
"Why wouldn't Master Mario…Stars, we've more to prepare for than before!" Toadsworth tapped twice with his cane. "Lad, let's get this castle's defenses in tip-top shape! We've a battle of our own to prepare for, it seems!"
"Yes, sir!"
The Toad waved to the Lumas, calling for them to close in and return to the castle. Toadsworth gazed at the sky to where Peach and her friends sailed off. He turned and faced away from the castle, staring ahead to where Bowser's ship would be coming. Closing his eyes, he inhaled sharply, holding it. Exhaling, he tapped his cane down again, and hurried back toward Peach's Castle.
...
That took quite a turn, didn't it?
A lot of readers were speculating that Bowser and Peach were on a collision course from the last chapter, and that Mario would be getting in the middle of it. That's certainly bound to happen, but...not quite yet. After all, there is still more to the story to tell. You didn't think Mario was getting the only magical lessons of the story, did you? Peach still has more to learn, everyone does about more magic, and we've yet to see Bowser make more use of his...plus a few other spell-slingers are coming up soon too!
The major things that I wanted to get to for this chapter were Rosalina's inclusion and Peach's development. I'm very excited to have started writing for Rosalina, but I've barely gotten into working on her. She's a graceful lady for sure, but she's still in need to strut her stuff. Still, she has a calming presence on everyone around her, somewhat of an attention grabbing aura too...she's certainly got both Peach and Pauline's attention! And her cute Lumas are around too, of course! They might not have as big of a role as their Mama, but they'll be around for more too.
Peach, after having rescued her Toads, is doing some much needed course correcting. She's not entirely better, but she's working on easing up her behavior and trying to make up for mistakes, little by little. Hence, she wants to get a better grip on her magical powers, to perhaps better balance out how she handles the power and her attitude. Will it work? Hopefully. Still, she's not being entirely honest with everyone, particularly Luigi, so...we'll see how that goes. I did want to pay close attention with her genuine concern for her Toads, though. She may not be as ill-favored as Bowser currently is with his troops, but she knows when her actions have caused harm and worry for her people, including her poor old steward, Toadsworth.
Speaking of, I wonder what Toadsworth will be doing, going forward with Bowser on his way in. And how will he handle Mario coming in? Quite alarming for him to be handling, that's for sure. Hey, we're not forgetting anything here...are we? No other Toads were harmed in the making of this chapter...at least, not physically. Not yet, anyway.
Once again, I so very much appreciate the continued support from all of my readers, those who have stuck it out for the long haul, and all of the new ones joining in along the way! Did you guys know that this became the 5th most followed story on the Mario archive, as of the last chapter? Sort it out on the filters for the stories, it's right there at the top! Not only that, but it's 15th on the most favorites for a Mario archive story too! I'm so grateful for you all, and I really wish I could express how wonderful it is to see so much attention and interest still brewing for this story. Can you believe that it's finally over 300k in word total, including these post-chapter blurbs? That's so great! It's still not over just yet, so please look forward to more coming.
Oh, and please send in feedback as well, it's so very much appreciated. Comments and questions are welcome, as always. I really love to hear thoughts about the story so far, and I hope to answer any questions that might come up, so long as it doesn't spoil things. I think I've added a few things to talk about for this one, right? Hopefully!
Can you believe I still haven't looked into Super Mario Odyssey much yet? It looks so wonderful, but I haven't even had the time to look up game play videos of the full story! It makes me wish that I had a Nintendo Switch still, ha.
Be on the look out for the next chapter to come up, as Bowser and Mario arrive at Peach's Castle! After that, we'll see just what Peach and friends get up to, back over on Star Hill. It's quite a location for some things, huh? Ah, but that's enough from me. Once more, thank you all so very much for reading, and I hope you'll tune back in for the next chapter! We're still going here! Until the next time, be well and take care!