Eternally Never Yours

by EchoEternal

Slash-fic, M/M. A hopeless romantic wonders if he'll ever have what it takes to end a tedious charade. Tired of the lies and secrets, he writes to his beloved about what they can never have. From there, the rest spirals out of his control. Rated T, just in case.

49. Chapter 49

Welcome back.

This wasn't meant to be a long chapter in my mind at first, but then I realized that there was a lot of ground that I wanted to cover, so...long it is.

Anyway, it's time to see Peach's return to her castle, and to deal with...pretty much everything.

Enjoy!

...

---

[Peach]

Even though we sailed across the sky, with the wind whipping past us as we soared, I couldn't recapture the free spirited feelings that I had on the way to Star Hill. The distress signal that was sent only had my thoughts racing over what could possibly be happening back at my castle, and answers that made the most sense.

What happened? Bowser attacked, obviously.

What for? Getting in his way, retaking my kingdom, and trying to rescue Mario.

Why now? We're doing too well, we're close to succeeding, and I gave him a minute to do so by leaving the last fortress standing.

But what did he do? Caused destruction, probably. No one was around to kidnap, unless he took Toadsworth. Yet, he already has Mario, so…

Is the fight over or still going? If it is, then I need to get there even faster. And if it's not going on…if not, am I too late? No…

"Princess?" Toadette's voice breaks through the winds, through my thoughts. "Are you all right?"

"…We'll see…"

"It might not be so bad," offered Luigi. I twisted around to him, as Toadette dangled from his leg, and Yoshi from his arm. "Honestly, it's possible that Bowser didn't do a lot of damage, since you weren't there!"

"Luigi, this is Bowser," reminded Daisy, voicing my thoughts. "He always causes trouble."

"But—"

"Castle incoming," called Pauline. "Uh…Rosalina?"

"Ah, I see it. Not to worry." Rosalina chuckled. "Just need to wait until we get closer."

As we plummeted closer to my castle, Rosalina whipped her wand around, and cyan waves wrapped around the air nearest to us. Our descent slowed as we approached the ground, and landed with the gentlest touch. Rosalina stretched and exhaled, brushing the hair over her eye and stifling a yawn.

"That must really take a lot out of you, huh?" Pauline rubbed her chin as Rosalina shrugged.

"Sometimes it can be draining, but I can manage it every so often." She turned to me. "Should you need another launch, I will be ready."

"Thank you, but I'm sure you could use some rest."

"Should be easy enough." Birdo folded her arms as she stepped forward. "There doesn't seem to be a lot of damage here at all."

If one were to take a quick check around the gardens, they would agree with Birdo, as nothing appeared to be amiss. The others gazed around to take in the fresh grass, the sturdy trees, and the quiet fountain. Luigi and Yoshi nodded, smiling to one another, as they lined up beside Birdo.

"She's right, everything looks fine, Peach," determined Yoshi. "It doesn't look like we missed anything—"

"Oh, Princess…" Toadette clutched at her dress. "They must have destroyed the whole outside."

"Huh?" Luigi raised an eyebrow. "Everything looks fine."

"This grass is too fresh, it shouldn't be so new," contested Toadette. "Those flowers over there, we didn't plant those kind yet at this time of year, and…oh! Oh no!" She hurried over to a darker patch of grass, and I followed her, leaning down and studying the darker grass and soil. "Someone…someone used a dark spell right here! Those flowers, they're…they're dead…"

"It…kind of just looks like fresh planting to me," murmured Pauline. She cleared her throat. "Couldn't it just be that the gardeners wanted to get new plants in early or something?"

"There wasn't any need!" Toadette spiraled up. "We just had new plants decorated out here not long ago! Nothing should be replaced so soon!"

"Wow, I never thought to check that stuff," admitted Daisy. "Pretty sure they do the same by me, but I guess I don't really get as much for damaged property as here, so…" She glanced at my lowered eyes and quickly clamped her mouth shut.

"Come on," I urged everyone. "We need to get inside and find out what's happened."

As we came closer to the castle walls, Toadette gasped and dashed over to the nearest wall. She placed her hand out and lightly touched the walls, rubbing where the brightest stones were. Tears lined her eyes as she twisted back around to me, and I checked over where she had inspected.

"What's wrong now?" Luigi adjusted his cap.

"These stones are newer and recently placed from the other spots on this wall," I pointed out, checking further down to confirm it. "Someone destroyed or blasted this part open, and my people must have just built it back up recently."

"Wait, you can seriously tell that at a glance?" Daisy tilted her head. "The walls seem like the same color to me, I can't even…" She approached as her eyes narrowed, and she studied each of the bricks. "…Oh…oh, wait, yeah, I see now!" Daisy placed her hands on her hips. "Gosh, you really have a sharper eye than I realized, Peach!"

"Perhaps, but I believe it's just because I know my castle and my home," I admitted. "Enough, though. Let's get inside."

Everyone followed me to the nearest door, and we entered my castle, though I couldn't immediately trace any other signs of damage. Toadette, however, spotted a slight difference in the nearby wallpaper, tugging at my dress and pointing to where she found it. My shoulders dropped as we continued inward, as Toadette and I found small but notable differences in the furniture, carpets, and floor tiling.

"Mama!"

A yellow Luma flew through the air and straight for Rosalina. She caught the little one in her arms and giggled, holding the Luma close.

"Wait, it is Mama?"

"She's back! Mama's back!"

We watched as a blue and red Luma drifted forward, bouncing around the air near Rosalina and cheering at the sight of her. A green Luma appeared with another yellow Luma, and I spotted a Toad hurrying after them.

"Please, you must wait until we're positive that—ah!" He flailed at the sight of me, and quickly picked himself upright. "Puh-Princess! It's you! You're back too!"

"Yes, we have—"

"Thank goodness!" The Toad hurried over to me. "Princess, there was an attack! Bowser came after us and invaded the castle again while you were gone!"

"Princess, oh, Princess Peach!" Another Toad hurried across the corridor to us. "It gets even worse than that!"

"How?"

"Mario was with him!" Tears lined the Toad's eyes. "Oh, Princess, Mario was working with Bowser and his army! It was terrible!"

"Don't tell it to her like that!" The first Toad quickly returned his attention to me. "It wasn't his fault, Princess Peach. Mario was under Bowser's control!"

"Is…is that right?" I threw a quick glare at Luigi, who had his hands tightly gripping his cap over his head. Closing my eyes and opening them again, I looked back to my Toads. "Are you certain?"

"He had to be, Princess!" The first Toad shook his head. "There's no way that Mario would work with Bowser otherwise!" So they have no idea… "We're sorry that we couldn't rescue him, Princess. We failed you…"

"No, no, that's not your fault," I soothed. "What's most important is that the castle is still standing, and that we saved as many as we could."

"But why would he take control of Mario anyway?!" The second Toad burst out and scrambled around. "What did Bowser even need Mario to do that for?!"

"Isn't that obvious? It's Bowser! He does his worst always!" Turning from me, the first Toad placed his hands on his hips. "Bowser comes up with the worst ways to make all of us suffer all the time." He glanced back to me. "Right, Princess?"

"Oh, I—"

"Wait, where did you go again?" The Toad tilted his head. "Was there something you found to help battle Bowser?"

"Is everyone ok?"

"Did you know they went over Toad Town too?"

"Can you rescue Mario soon?"

"Do you need us to do anything for you or the others?"

"What about new defenses to help protect the castle?"

"We can't come up with that so short notice! …Can we?"

"What if Bowser comes back?!"

"Please, please, both of you, we must try to remain calm," I urged, pushing my hair back. Slowly, I sighed as I knelt down to them. "I understand that everyone here has been through a lot. I will try to address everything as best as I can."

"You always do, Princess!" The first Toad smiled up to me. "We believe in you!"

"Yeah, you're great!" The second Toad giggled. "We know to count on you always."

"Right…" I lifted myself back up. "Have either of you seen Toadsworth? I must speak with him as soon as I can, to get the correct details on everything that happened."

"Um…where was he…?"

"Oh! I think he was last going over to the throne room, Princess!"

"Easy enough." I glanced back to Rosalina, who smiled as the Lumas floated away from her. "Perhaps you can take these few back to the others, and let them know that Rosalina has returned? Just tell them to wait until coming after her just yet; I still need her help for the moment."

"Of course!"

"Count on us, Princess Peach!"

Both Toads gathered the Lumas, and after Rosalina nodded to them, they were escorted from the hall and back to the other Lumas that were gathered within my castle. I exhaled and turned back to my group, each who murmured quietly to one another.

"Let's continue," I insisted. "And please refrain from conversing with everyone until I speak with Toadsworth. We need to get the exact details on this."

"Isn't it enough knowing that Bowser attacked?" Toadette gripped one of her braids. "What more do we need to know?"

"Everything, to its exact detail," I clarified.

"So, you don't think it was unwarranted?" Luigi picked his cap back up.

"No matter what, it wasn't a good method to go about," I determined. "But if he already had Mario, what did he need from here? Was he after me, or was there something else that we forgot?"

"Items? Power-ups?"

"Maybe, but we're guessing." I turned away from them. "Toadsworth will explain."

Pressing ahead, I kept through the corridors of the castle. Toads kept stopping or popping out from chores and other doors, and though I tried to smile and wave, the questions simply wouldn't stop coming.

"Princess, are you ok?!"

"Have you heard what's happened?"

"Did you find a way to stop Bowser?!"

"Who are the other ladies again?"

"Do you need anything?"

"Where did you go?!"

"Can we save Mario?!"

"Luigi went with you?"

"Someone told you about what happened, right?"

"When are you leaving next?"

"Will you stay for a little longer?"

"How are your travels going?"

"What happened?!"

"Are you getting enough exercise?"

"Hungry at all?"

"Is something wrong, Princess?"

My replies were simple: "I'm ok." "Everything will be fine." "I must speak with Toadsworth." "Please take care." Nothing seemed to reassure any of the Toads, though I wouldn't stop to be certain. If I spoke with everyone individually, I would never get to the bottom of everything that's happened while we were away.

Even the others were getting exasperated by the amount of Toads that tried bombarding them with questions; Toadette and Daisy managed to keep up fine. Pauline and Rosalina took a moment to try settling some Toads, but gave up. Luigi and Yoshi struggled as they fell behind but hurried along.

Birdo, however, seemed to ignore every one of the Toads, and whenever I looked back to her, she stared ahead to me.

Soon enough, we arrived at the throne room, and I hurried in before another group of Toads approached us. Two guards blocked the way as I shut the doors behind us.

Gripping at my head, I groaned and sank down against the door. Luigi stepped forward as Toadette jumped to my side.

"Are you…?!" Toadette clasped her hands over her mouth; she knew better. "Sorry."

"That's a lot to keep up with, Peach," observed Luigi. "How do you manage that?"

"They're usually so talkative and gossip hungry," I confessed. "But this just hits a new level for me." Brushing my hair back from my face, I smiled to Toadette. "Does it usually get this bad when I'm kidnapped?"

"Of course, Princess!" She frowned. "We're always worried for your safety, and try to come up with what little we can to help."

"Princess?"

Toadsworth's voice rang out, as he entered from the back of the throne room. He gazed across and down to us, and I forced myself back up. He propped up his cane and waited for us as I made my way down and over to him. A smile curled up under his mustache and he bowed as I stood before him, next to the throne.

"Thank the Stars that you're back safely again." Toadsworth smiled and drummed at his cane. "And you're back sooner than I was expecting!" He chuckled. "Everything must have gone swimmingly well, I take it?" My mouth opened but nothing came out right away. "Are you all right?" He shook his head. "Of course, you just need rest, right? I'm certain that you've exhausted a hefty burst of energy, but your talent with the mystic arts and spell casting have always been tip-top mark—"

"Toadsworth!"

"…Yes, Princess?" He waited a moment as I picked my arms up and dropped them back to my side. "…Ah, of course, my apologies." He chuckled. "I'm certain the Toads have already bombarded you with more than enough questions as well."

"Several times over."

"Naturally." Toadsworth nodded as he picked at his mustache. "Hm. Ah, well, how about a spot of…good news?"

"…Good news?"

"Well, yes, of course!" Toadsworth turned back and tapped his cane on the floor. A little louder, he added, "In fact, he should have been just behind me."

Hurrying from the open door, a Toad rushed forward. He skidded to a halt, and quickly closed the door behind him. Dashing to the rest of us, he hopped forward, but then stumbled back, rolling his arms around until he regained balance. Smiling for a moment, he looked up to me, turned to Toadsworth, and yelped, quickly bowing down.

"Sorry it's been a while, Princess Peach!"

"Been a while…?" Studying his blue vest, the color shone a bit brighter than those from the usual Toads, and the gold lining along it had a slightly more notable shine. Slowly, he lifted his head back up. "…Toad?"

"Yeah!" He bounced up and beamed to me. "Guess that has been a long wait, huh?"

"Oh, yay!" Toadette lightly clapped.

"You're…you're really back!"

"Ok, I'm so confused," mumbled Pauline. "He looks just like the other dozens through the castle."

"What, haven't you guys seen all of the Yoshis around?" Toad frowned and placed his hands on his hips, to which Pauline turned to look at Yoshi. "And you've got Birdo too! Come on, aren't you used to this by now?"

"…Huh?"

"Uh, Toad, we haven't really visited my island," interrupted Yoshi. "…Or seen many other Birdos, for that matter."

"…Are you talking without using your name?" Toad blinked and tilted his head. "When did that start?"

"For that, I used a translation spell a long time ago," I explicated to him. Next, I turned to Pauline. "Toad, Yoshi, and Birdo all share their names with their species. They're the most prominent of their kind due to repeated association with us."

"Actually, I don't really get that either," admitted Daisy. "Yoshi, sure, he's from the Yoshis that helped Mario and Luigi as babies. Birdo came from Subcon after escaping Wart. But…" She folded her arms. "Toad is special because he competes with the rest of us during sports and parties?"

"Wow, and I feel increasingly less significant by the second," muttered Toad. "I thought you knew me better than that, Princess Daisy."

"Sorry…"

"Oh, we're getting so far off-topic with this," I murmured. Shaking my head, it couldn't be helped, and I continued. "Toad in particular is one of my top retainers. Though notable for his athleticism among Toads, Toad himself is also one of my longest serving retainers, who are specific individuals that I've assigned to helping me with my rule." Toadsworth cleared his throat. "…Besides those that have been with my family for more than one generation."

"Wait, so they're…" Pauline scratched her head. "…Like personal servants?"

"It's…well, going by the definition, yes, but, these are my top most retainers," I clarified. "Toad, Toadette, and Toadsworth have served loyally and closely to me for a long time, and are the most highly qualified among Toads."

"Aw, Princess…" Toad giggled and kicked at the ground, holding his hands behind his back.

"…So, basically, they failed you every single time you've been kidnapped in the past," dryly concluded Birdo. "Even though they're supposed to be top rank."

"Gosh, I didn't think my confidence could get any lower," mumbled Toad, as his head dropped.

"We're not infallible!" Toadette lifted a fist. "Sometimes Bowser has some really crafty plans!"

"Wasn't there a time that the Koopalings trapped Peach in a giant cake, and then just ran off?" Luigi folded his arms and tilted his head.

"Look, it may sound ridiculous to you, but those can be some of the most unexpected efforts they come up with," protested Toadette. "And as I recall, you and Mario were there for that too!"

"It was rather unexpected," caved Luigi.

"He does that a lot, if we think it over," pointed out Toad. "Sometimes, the best strategies are those that are so outlandish, no one could anticipate them."

"That, and Bowser pretty much scares most of you to death," reminded Rosalina.

"Oh cool, my confidence can sink beneath the dirt of the earth!" Toad sighed. "We're not exactly the superstar heroes of the Mushroom Kingdom like Mario and Luigi are, but we do our best."

"Come to think of it, I'm usually scared half to death of everything myself," confessed Luigi. "Being braver than Toads can be quite the accomplishment for me."

"Do we really need to have courage checking contests?" I shook my head. "None of this should keep happening to begin with, and the entire scenarios that we deal with on a daily basis are absurdly unrealistic to expect anyone to be capable of going through in the first place!" My breath escaped me as the others stared. "…Even after he recounts them to me, I don't know how Mario ever manages to go on all of the adventures he does, much less by himself so often…"

"Someone has to," offered Luigi. "And Mario tends to push himself through them."

"From what Toadsworth has told me, you've been doing great so far." Toad perked up. "Most of the Mushroom Kingdom has been liberated from Bowser's forces while I was away with Captain Toad, and the Toad Brigade, investigating the 1-Up shortage and looking for more." He sank down as my eyebrows lifted. "We didn't have any luck. And I learned that I'm not a very good explorer."

"It's because you're too fast and too strong, isn't it?" Toadette smirked as Toad slowly nodded. "I keep trying to get you to refocus and redistribute your abilities."

"Excuse me for trying to get the job done!" Toad puffed out his cheeks. "Not my fault treasure hunting is more about collecting stuff than knocking it out of the enemies."

"Wait, how strong are you?" Pauline pivoted to Toad.

"Uh, stronger than most Toads, but probably not all that impressive compared to most others," sheepishly admitted Toad. "I just have quick attacks and techniques that can throw enemies for a loop."

"He is one of my best," I reiterated, and Toad straightened himself up again. "And as much as I'd love to further detail that for everyone, I need Toadsworth to explain why he summoned us back."

"Why I what?"

"My Royal Scepter went off with the distress signal, and you know how to…" I blinked as Toadsworth adjusted his spectacles to look at me. "…It wasn't you that used it?"

"Well, as you've already heard from numerous Toads, Bowser did invade the castle," revealed Toadsworth. "However, though there was some extensive damages to the property, we lost no lives, and as Bowser left without much fuss after he got what he wanted, I decided it would be more important to let you finish your training." He coughed and cleared his throat, tapping at the floor with his cane. "Perhaps not my best judgment call, but as harsh as it had seemed, I didn't believe this was something that direly needed your attention, since, well…it was resolved not long after they took off."

"Hold on, Bowser came here for something?" I blinked. "…Wasn't that for me?"

"No, but now I'm confused." Toadsworth picked at his mustache. "If you were called back for an emergency, and I didn't…Toad, would you…?"

Toad quickly shook his head. "You explained that Princess Peach wasn't to be disturbed."

"Then…Toadette was with everyone, Toad and I were together, the only other ones that would have such an authority…" Toadsworth picked his head up as his brow furrowed. "Oh, blast."

"Toadsworth, if it wasn't you, then who—?"

Doors slammed open and everyone spun around, as four Toads stormed into the throne room. I bit my lip as my Royal Council made their way over to the rest of us.

Smacking his cane against the ground, Toadsworth pulled it back and stomped toward the other Toads, while Toad hurried behind him and held him back.

"The lot of you have some nerve showing your faces here!" Toadsworth thrashed a bit in Toad's arms, though wasn't making a great effort to escape him. "How dare you come here, after the absolute nonsense you've pulled!"

"See here, Toadsworth," snapped Toadislav, "I've been in service of this kingdom longer than even you have!"

"As have I, and yet he has every right to go off against you," fired back Granny.

"Toadsandra, please—"

"Oh, stuff it, Toadoric," interrupted Toaditus. "If anyone here is least welcome to speak, that would absolutely be you."

"Now I'm even more confused," piped up Pauline. "Who are they?"

"We are the Royal Council of the Mushroom Kingdom, and to Princess Peach," introduced Toadoric.

"And we don't deserve such titles anymore," determined Granny.

"What are you babbling about?!"

"She's absolutely not babbling—"

"Don't defend her!"

"Why not? He agrees with me."

"He's mad! You both are!"

"Of course we are, after what happened—"

"That was a sham!"

"Actually, I did have questions on the two—"

"Father, please."

"Enough!"

Everyone quickly quieted as they turned to me. I exhaled and shook my head, surveying each of the Toads before me.

"Can someone please explain what is going on?"

"Somehow, I was framed in a sham trial," snapped Toadoric. "That beastly Koopa King stormed this castle and suddenly I'm the one considered criminal!"

"Do be sure to include how they explicitly proved it was you," Toaditus chimed bitingly.

"That whole bit was nonsense!" Toadislav swept his arm out. "You really think they could so easily prove my son guilty for something he didn't do?"

"They correctly identified him for his treachery and found their kidnapped Koopas," brought up Granny. "You've made us out to be fools, and blemished the good name that the Mushroom Kingdom has worked so hard to build—"

"Utterly ridiculous!"

"Yes, your behavior certainly is."

"We will be heard!"

"No, we need to be dismissed."

"In a moment, I might do just that," I intervened. "What do you each want?"

"To be heard!" Toadoric stomped down. "I'm innocent!"

"Far from it," persisted Granny. "Our efforts, for this instance, for the Princess's current journey, and for our countless blunders behind the scenes for years, have only proven how ill-capable we are." She turned to me and gazed into my eyes. "Our dismissal is required for the good of the kingdom."

"Toadsandra, you are out of your mind!" Toadislav stomped down. "The Mushroom Kingdom depends on us! We are the backbone of this kingdom, and we are the ones that keep everything stable and afloat, most especially whenever Princess Peach is kidnapped or that barbaric brute Bowser destroys our home!" He glared to me. "Your parents held us in high regard, and you have no reason not to do the same!"

"Perhaps, but perhaps not," I offered. "But none of you will be telling the story or appealing one way or the other."

"What?!"

"Toadsworth will be the one to explain the events," I decided. As Toadoric and Toadislav opened their mouths, I lifted my fist beside my head, and they silenced themselves. "This is my decision. He may be furious with you, but he must have every right to be. Furthermore, at the moment, he seems to be the most involved with the events regarding Bowser's invasion, and yet is the most removed from this argument." I turned to Toadsworth, and we nodded to each other. "Please proceed."

"Very well, Princess." Toadsworth relaxed himself as Toad shuffled away from him. He propped his cane out in front of him and leaned on it. "To spare a more tedious preamble, Bowser's Airship was spotted at several settlements before arriving over Toad Town. Word made its way to the castle, and I gathered Toads to ready our defenses." He lowered his head and tugged on his mustache. "The Airship was upon us quickly thereafter, but the biggest shock was the last report we learned of as they arrived: Master Mario was under Bowser's spell, controlled to work alongside him."

"Is that the nonsense that happened with him?" Toadoric folded his arms. "I was wondering why we had him against us." He chuckled. "For a moment, I thought he had gone soft for that blasted monster." Toadsworth roughly cleared his throat. "Oh, fine, continue."

"With Mario set against us, on top of Bowser bringing a hefty invading force upon us, I had a sinking feeling that we wouldn't be able to stop them," recounted Toadsworth. "In the moment, though, all I wanted was to rescue Master Mario from Bowser's control. I had assumed that, if I could have freed him, that would have been all that was needed to change the tide of battle into our favor."

My fists tightened as Toadsworth adjusted his spectacles. As I nibbled on my lower lip, I spotted his narrowed gaze, just briefly, behind his glasses. He's not telling the whole story. Most likely, that's due to our unwanted company.

"Though our Toads fought valiantly, they stood no chance against Bowser's forces," revealed Toadsworth. "It didn't take very long before most of the defenses were penetrated and overwhelmed." He picked his head up. "But I grew rather stubborn, and seeing Bowser keeping Mario so close to him, almost dangling him as a prize over the Toads they defeated together…it was just enough to set me off." Toadsworth lifted his cane, as a small light flickered from it. "I blasted them straight through the castle walls and out to the gardens myself."

"You what?!" Granny covered her mouth. "Toadsworth, dear, you're not capable of active combat like that!"

"She's right," agreed Toadislav. "It's a miracle you didn't die."

"Actually, it wasn't a miracle at all," hinted Toadsworth. "If I may continue the story instead of being interrupted?" The Royal Council quieted and nodded. "Very good." He paused and turned to me. "Would you like to add any thoughts, Princess? Even your friends have been very quiet."

"Toadsworth, you know I listen to your stories in full before commenting," I reminded and he smirked with a quick wink. Glancing back to the others, they exchanged worried looks with one another and settled back upon Toadsworth as well. "And I believe the rest of us are still waiting to hear more as well."

"Of course." He cleared his throat and carried on. "Well, I had fired upon Bowser, and unfortunately Mario with him." Toadsworth shook his head. "Bowser whipped out his wand and we dueled, with him forcing Mario into the battle against me as well." His finger trailed from his spectacles to his mustache. That part is somewhat fabricated or embellished. "Though I had scored a few healthy hits in, Bowser was poised to overpower me as well, using his Dark magic to burst through everything that I could throw at him." He chuckled. "Almost as if on cue, I eventually started coughing, just on a moment where I thought I was gaining an upper hand."

"Was it a curse?" Toaditus shrank down as everyone turned to him. "Um. My apologies."

"It's a curse that we all deal with, inevitably: time's curse of age." Toadsworth chuckled again. "My health was what started doing me in, and I thought that was the end for me there. Stress should be the reason I fell outside the castle walls." He shrugged. "But either Mario broke through the spell briefly, or he had somehow convinced Bowser not to let me die, but regardless, they both saved me."

"Preposterous!" Toadislav threw his arms up. "That monster would never!"

"Ordinarily, I would agree to that," admitted Toadsworth. "However, they both revealed the true reason that they were here: to rescue their kidnapped generals, the Koopalings." His eyes narrowed and his glare set upon Toadoric. "As it turned out, I guided them to our lower levels and to the dungeons below, stumbling upon a specific set of four Toads."

"Stuff and nonsense," snapped Toadislav. "You make it sound dastardly that we were operating where we're meant to be."

"We were under attack," fired back Toadsworth. "Even if it's a risk to have the lot of you out, you could have sent at least your son to help bolster our defenses!"

"Too great of a risk," dismissed Toadislav.

"There may have been less damages," offered Granny. "Toadsworth, please continue."

"Thank you, Toadsandra." He coughed and rested on his cane again. "As a matter of fact, as Bowser's forces argued against Toadislav and Toadoric, it was Toadsandra that decided to humor the enemy, and allowed us to proceed to the dungeons." Toadsworth lowered his head. "It is with great shame, my Princess, that Bowser had correctly launched his invasion against us: the Koopalings were found in our cells."

"That absolutely didn't call for an invasion," clamored Toadoric. "We could have negotiated!"

"They had correctly identified you as the perpetrator as well," piled on Toadsworth. "Your wand was recognized too." He shook his head. "The only logical conclusion would be that you had stooped to such a low level—"

"Absolutely not!" Toadoric wildly shook his head. "I would never! It goes against the orders from Princess Peach herself, and even if I weren't to agree with them, I wouldn't so flagrantly disobey one of her higher commands in the middle of a war!" He looked to me, desperation in his eyes. "Princess Peach, I swear to you, I didn't imprison those Koopalings!"

"My son wouldn't lie to you, Princess," defended Toadislav. "Trust me, I can tell!"

"After they collected the Koopalings, Bowser took them, Mario, and his army out of the castle, without anymore fuss," concluded Toadsworth. "Princess Peach, this is the truth, and all of the details that you need." He lifted his head up to me. "Are there any details that you need expanded upon?"

"No." My fist tightened, as my gaze set upon Toadoric. "Perhaps you were framed somehow. There is a chance, though a low one." I shook my head. "But do you have proof or an alibi to aid your case?"

"Princess, I haven't a clue as to how or when any of this could have taken place!"

"Then, I have no choice but to go with the story that I have heard," I determined. "The Royal Council will be dismissed quietly, effective immediately—"

"You can't do that!" Toadislav stomped down. "Princess Peach, I have served this council for decades! Your parents sought my aid countless times—"

"Thank you, I am aware," I interrupted. "However, I am not either of my parents, as you very well know." His mouth hung open as I stepped forward. "The only achievements you've made as of late are delaying my progress against Bowser, and having your son go against my direct rule banning kidnapping."

"He didn't!"

"The enemy knocked down our doors to prove it." My eyes lowered. "Had I not been delayed with my campaign, further threats against my castle would have been mitigated. Had you been more on top of our kingdom's collective efforts and actively participated in our work, a kidnapping wouldn't have been possible, as the very suggestion would have been outright dismissed." Toadislav opened his mouth, but I lifted my Royal Scepter. "Silence." It flickered and he quickly shut his mouth. "You and your son have dishonored and disgraced the Mushroom Kingdom, sullying our image and sowing the very chaos of war further than it needed to be. We don't stoop to the enemy's level, under any circumstances." My glower settled upon the Royal Council. "There is no need to discuss this matter further. All four of you are dismissed from my services, and until further notice, of the royal family's services entirely."

"You can't—!"

"Yes, I can, and I decree it now." My head lifted. "Guards!" Two Toad guards entered the room. "Please escort both Toadoric and Toadislav from the castle premises. They are not to return. More information will be available later, but this takes action effective immediately."

"As you wish, Princess."

"Right away, Princess."

Toadislav shouted and yelled as one of the guards took him out. Toadoric and the other guard followed him, offering only one parting scowl as he departed.

Toaditus bowed his head and Granny shook hers. They both turned to me, my frown still in place, but I softened my expression for them.

"Thank you both for being honest and just for the Mushroom Kingdom, regardless of your fellow councilmember's actions," I offered. "Unfortunately—"

"No need to apologize to us, Princess," cut in Toaditus. "We failed you as well, for not being able to stop them and allowing such transgressions to occur against the Mushroom Kingdom itself." He bowed to me. "I only hope that I will be able to assist you in the future, perhaps in another capacity."

"It's something I will think over, but that won't be for a while yet," I admitted. "I'm sorry."

"Knowing that you would even still consider me after this is more than enough." He perked up and smiled to me. "In spite of my failures, it has been my deepest honor to serve you, Princess Peach."

Bowing again, he turned away and left the throne room as well. Granny remained, and I laced my fingers together. She did the same, but smiled up to me.

"Granny—"

"Child, I am not your family," she reminded me. "You've called me that since you were a little girl, and I've been so delighted hearing you call me such." Granny shook her head. "But you owe me no special favors."

"I can't dismiss you so easily," I confessed. "You started as the chambermaid, worked hard to make your way up through the ranks—"

"Truly, I did fight hard to earn my title." She softly chuckled. "But even still, I became distant these past years of your adulthood, and I have made numerous errors, all failing to do the one thing that I wanted to: protect you." Granny sank down and she shook her head. "I cannot ask you for, nor can I take, any special treatment that you could offer me, against the other members." She forced up another smile. "I will await the day that I can proudly serve you again, but until then, I shall take my leave."

"…Very well." I bowed my head as she bowed to me. "That time shall be upon you swiftly, Toadsandra. You are the hardest working member from the Royal Council, and I will find use for you yet." She opened her mouth to protest, but I shook my head. "You must serve your Princess still, as you will be required to in the future." I forced a smile of my own. "I expect you to return immediately upon my summoning."

"I could do no less, my Princess." She bowed to me again. "Thank you, Princess Peach. And, for now, farewell."

Brushing at my eyes, I watched her as she slowly turned away and exited the throne room as well. Part of me wanted to stop her still, but she made her stance quite clear, and I needed to respect her choice. She and Toaditus, however, shouldn't suffer because of the other two.

However, more important matters waited, and I turned back to Toadsworth.

"What else do you want to discuss?"

"Didn't you like that story?"

"Toadsworth, please."

He chuckled. "Very well." Toadsworth gazed up to me, and rested upon his cane again. "However, I feel as though I should be questioning you on these matters." I raised an eyebrow, and Toadsworth picked at his mustache. "How long have you known that Bowser and Mario were an item?"

"They…!" I hesitated and glanced to Toad, but he didn't react much. He was already informed as well. "…I found out prior to Pauline joining us, back when we returned from the Forests." Birdo hummed behind me. "…Though, we were informed as early as Birdo joining us, prior to even venturing into the Forests as well, if you can recall. She was actually correct when she told us about it."

"All of that time, you uncovered the truth, and you didn't think to tell me?"

"Hold on, that's not…" My mouth opened, but I couldn't think of the right words. Toadsworth waited, gazing at my friends, who offered nothing more as well. "I have been struggling to process it myself," came my admission. "Telling you would only make the truth all the more real than when I had found out."

"Well, you're in for a rather harsh reality check, then."

"What do you mean?"

"Your people are desperate for answers as to why their hero was allowed to attack them," explained Toadsworth, "and given that you've been on a journey in defense of the Mushroom Kingdom yourself, they expect you to have the answers."

"But…"

"Princess Peach, your people need you to address them, to the point of nearly demanding it," furthered Toadsworth. "They're frightened, and unlike me, they haven't seen a better side to Bowser from Mario's influence."

"Wait, what?"

"Obviously Mario is under a different type of spell," pointed out Toadsworth. "What we didn't mention with the story was that he cast the same on Bowser as well. They're quite taken with one another."

"As I've been told," I murmured. "But, what did you mean by the 'better side' comment?"

"Mario and Bowser worked together to save me, but it was Bowser who was to my side first, and shouting for my survival," revealed Toadsworth. "Useless as that was, he didn't attack me until I had put Mario in harm's way by attacking Bowser beside him." Toadsworth lowered his head. "And throughout the fight, now that I've had time to process it, Mario was actively trying to get both of us to stop battling each other, using his spells to keep us apart."

"His what?"

"Oh, good, something to tell you: Mario appears to have learned magic himself." My mouth dropped to his news. "Natural magic, if I'm not mistaken."

"When could he have—?"

"Princess."

"That's important."

"Not more important than what you need to do." Toadsworth tapped his cane. "You need to formally address the public, and you need to tell them everything."

"Excuse me, but what?" Luigi stepped forward. "That sounds like a horrible idea. We don't even have all of the details! And Mario can't just be tarnished to the Toads like that! He's their hero! He's our hero."

"Heroes rise and fall, unfortunately," persisted Toadsworth. "Furthermore, we have you. In fact, we have all of you." Toadsworth surveyed each of us in the room. "Perhaps you can't all always be on call to defend the Mushroom Kingdom, but each of you have worked hard at helping us this far. If we can't reconsider who our heroes are, then we have a lot of learning left."

"That's not the point," countered Yoshi. "Mario is the one that helps everyone!"

"And that puts a lot of pressure on him," brought up Toadsworth. "That's a point that Bowser brought up against me, against the Mushroom Kingdom."

"But he jumps to the adventures," reasoned Daisy.

"So that no one else will, right?" Everyone turned to Pauline, who smirked as she looked away. "Mario would put himself into fire before he ever considered letting anyone else go. He's always been that way." She looked to Luigi. "Am I wrong?" He shook his head.

"Regardless of any matters concerning Mario's personal welfare, it's the truth of what befalls our kingdom that must be taken into consideration," reiterated Toadsworth. "Our people deserve no less. And it's not just the Toads that I'm emphasizing."

"Who else is there?"

"Pretty much everyone that came out of hiding," clarified Toad. "It's not just Toads and Yoshis. We've got Koopas, Goombas, and Lakitus that defected from Bowser's army. Birdos are out there. Resident Piantas came from Seaside. Penguins from the Glaciers came too." Toad giggled. "Not counting the Lumas, I'm half-expecting Stars to descend upon us."

"Sounds like you've got quite the audience now, Peachy," teased Birdo. But, she was right. That was…a lot of citizens gathered here.

"As expected, the Mushroom Kingdom looks to you for guidance, Princess," affirmed Toadsworth. "You must deliver that to them."

"At the cost of Mario's livelihood?" Luigi stepped forward. "Peach, come on. I know that we've been through a lot. But think of everything that Mario's ever done for you!"

"Technically, he is throwing that away by siding with Bowser," argued Daisy.

"He isn't siding with him!" Yoshi joined Luigi. "If he were, then he wouldn't have fought beside us back in Seaside!"

"But then why join Bowser directly in an invasion of Peach's Castle?" Rosalina tapped on her cheek. "Would it not be easier to just leave Bowser to rescue his soldiers alone?"

"Better to be with him and reduce the causalities," debated Luigi. "Toadsworth, how many Toads fell?"

"There were several injuries—"

"How many died?"

"…Zero," confirmed Toadsworth.

"Tell me that's not Mario's influence," persisted Luigi. He looked to me again. "Peach, please. This is my brother and one of your very best friends."

"So are we," contested Daisy.

"But we're not the ones that sacrifice ourselves time and again for her life," piped in Yoshi. "Mario does that!"

"We're doing it now," countered Toadette. "We'll just have to step up."

"That's not the point!"

"Then what is?"

"We're putting Mario on the line for this!"

"It's putting the Mushroom Kingdom first."

"Which is what Mario's always done!"

"So let him do that again."

"Are you serious?!"

"Everyone, please!"

Arguments paused, they all spun around to me. My hands dug through my hair and I clenched my teeth. Was there no stopping constant arguments and dilemmas from breaking out from everyone within my kingdom?

…But this is what it means to rule.

Lowering my arms back down, I exhaled and closed my eyes. Slowly, I opened them back up and faced them.

"Toadsworth, please escort everyone out through the rear." I stepped to my throne and stood before it. "Each of you will come in individually to make appeal cases for Mario or for the Mushroom Kingdom. Toadsworth, you have already done so, thank you. Please have the others line up, and send them in to do the same."

"But Peach—"

"Luigi, I'm not making any decisions based on this." I sat back on my throne. "I just need to organize my thoughts, and that's not possible with everyone shouting over one another." Placing the Royal Scepter down beside me, I folded my hands together. "Please. Let me hear all of your thoughts, one by one, and from that, I will reach my decision. But know that, no matter what, I will be addressing the kingdom shortly after."

Each of them hesitated as they studied me, but slowly, my friends nodded in agreement. Toadsworth collected everyone, and guided them from the throne room.

For that moment, I sat in the silence, breathing in and out again. Everything felt so far out of my control, but this…perhaps this would help me. If nothing else, this small spot of solitude helped greatly.

Unsurprisingly, the door opened and Toadette was the first to enter. She would ensure that my first appeal would be simple and familiar.

Bowing to me, I nodded to her as she approached the throne.

"Princess, you already know where my loyalty lies, and that's to you foremost," stated Toadette. "The Mushroom Kingdom needs you, more than Mario." She frowned and looked down. "He's a great friend, and I don't…I don't want to make this choice." It was a mutual feeling. "But, for everyone's sake, the truth should be known." Toadette brushed her dangling braids back as she picked her head up. "For the good of the Mushroom Kingdom, for your sake, we need to be honest and have everyone aligned on this."

"Thank you, Toadette."

"Can I get you anything before I go, Princess?" She still frowned. "I know that everyone else will complicate this a lot more than I have."

"No, I must sort through this." I sighed and smiled to her. "Thank you, though." She smirked and nodded to me. "…Toadette?"

"Yes, my Princess?"

"…If I decide otherwise, where will that leave you?"

"I am your humble retainer foremost, my Princess," insisted Toadette. "I will support any decision you make."

"But where does that leave you for what you want?" I gazed into her dark eyes. "Toadette, please, be honest with me: what are you feeling from this?"

"…Scared." Toadette dropped her head again. "I…I never expected any of this to happen. And…I don't like any of it." She lightly kicked at the ground. "I can't imagine what you're going through."

"A lot, but that's a given." I lifted up from my throne and knelt down to her. "But what about you, Toadette?"

Toadette slowly lifted her head and gazed up to me quietly. "…This sounds familiar…" She shook her head before I could question it. "Princess, I want the Toads to live happily in peace, but I don't know the means to attain that." Sighing, Toadette drooped down even more. "Some days, I wonder if it's even possible." And yet, she picked herself back up, fixating her attention back on me. "But I believe in you, Princess Peach. I think that you can help deliver us to the best future that we can find, however it turns out." Toadette beamed. "And if I can help you forge the path there, then I'll do whatever it takes! I promise."

"That's…Toadette, you're so sweet." I reached out and hugged her. "Thank you so much." She embraced me back, and we held together for a moment. But eventually, I had to let her go. "That should do for now. Please, send in whoever is next."

"Of course."

Bowing to me, Toadette exited from the room, and I sat back on my throne. That probably was going to be the most easygoing, and it still didn't feel that way entirely. But, Toadette gave me almost no pressure, and made her point plainly. With her and Toadsworth, that set both of my top retainers for the Mushroom Kingdom, and set to…expose Mario.

The door opened again, and I was a bit surprised to see Yoshi entering. Luigi was who I assumed would be coming to Mario's defense first. Though, I suppose he already had.

Still, Yoshi stepped in and stood before me. Pausing a moment, a slight gasp escaped him and he tried to bow down, though perhaps a bit too forced. I shook my head.

"Please, you don't need to do that." He straightened back up at my insistence. "We've been through a lot so far."

"Yes, we have." He folded his arms. "But, we're still not done with a lot."

"Let's just get to the matter at hand: you stand beside Luigi in defense of Mario." I waited as he nodded. "I already have some understanding, but elaborate on everything you can."

"Easily." Yoshi stared right at me. "Princess, Mario has done a lot for the Mushroom Kingdom. My people took him from the time he was a baby and helped guide him along a righteous path to heroics." I wondered if that had anything to do with Mario's fascination of…reptilian types. "Years later, I joined helping him defend this kingdom, my island and home, and you. His path is always for what's right."

"So, how does that tie into his romance of Bowser, and how I'm meant to just turn a blind eye," I pointedly questioned, "or rather, request my people to do so?"

"Don't mention that to them at all," insisted Yoshi. "Mario has done many great services for you throughout our lives. He's one of your best friends, and one of mine too." He frowned and sunk down. "I don't know why he'd join with Bowser, but if I know Mario, he wants to help as many people as he can. And that would include Bowser regardless of their connection." Yoshi gazed back up to me. "He's a hero to his core, Peach. We can't just dismiss everything that's he done because we don't understand what has him taken with Bowser. Even if we did, would it be so wrong?"

"Yes."

"If Bowser wasn't an enemy to the Mushroom Kingdom?" He waited as I raised an eyebrow and huffed. "Peach, come on. If Bowser wasn't your enemy, you wouldn't have a problem with this!"

"Are you making a point?"

"As a matter of fact, I am." Yoshi smiled. "What if Mario can turn Bowser good? What if, by their union, he actually brings peace for the Mushroom Kingdom, and they do it slowly, but in good time, for the better of us all?" His dreams for peace measured to Toadette's. "Wouldn't that be better than constantly warring with Bowser? If anyone can get him to stop, to leave you alone, wouldn't that be Mario?"

"This goes beyond Bowser," I alluded.

"But it doesn't have to," persisted Yoshi. "It can end with him becoming your ally, Mario's beloved, and…and who knows what else?" He lifted his clenched hands. "Wouldn't that be what's best for the Mushroom Kingdom? Turning everyone against Mario now would ruin that."

"So, you think there's this near unattainable road to peace, and think that we should take it," I assessed.

"When you put it like that, I know it sounds naïve," relented Yoshi. "But what if it's not? What if we do take that road?" He waited as I listened, perhaps expecting me to interject. When I didn't, he carried on. "It's a long, hard road, I know. And it won't be a comfortable one either. But, at the end of everything, shouldn't that be what we take anyway? The hardest path for what brings the best results?"

"It's entirely unrealistic," I countered. "Theoretically pleasing, but unlikely by almost all accounts."

"Maybe you're right." Yoshi frowned. "It could just be a silly dream that could never be reached." His arms lowered but his attention remained on me. "But we can still try for the best, for everyone's sake, and not just throw Mario away like all that he worked for was for nothing."

"…That's a fair point," I admitted. "Still, I highly doubt Bowser and I will ever cooperate, even with Mario's help."

"Only if you don't let him," emphasized Yoshi. "He's great like that, you know."

"…How much does Mario mean to you?"

"A lot. And not just because he was first taken by my people, or because he's helped us so many times." Yoshi softly smiled. "Mario's been a great friend and helped me out so many times over the years. Being with him either fills me with great joy or puts me at such ease." Mario did the same for me as well. "I love him a lot, Peach, and I can't just stand by to let him fall for the sake of the Mushroom Kingdom."

"Very well." I nodded. "Thank you, Yoshi."

"…Is that it?"

"Pretty much." I shrugged. "I'm really just collecting thoughts and bouncing opinions around from this."

"Ok." He sighed and turned away. "Please consider how much he means to you too, Princess." Yoshi glanced back. "He would die for you, and probably has time and again." He chuckled. "Heck, he'd risk his life for just one Toad. What do you think you mean to him?"

Before I could even consider my answers, Yoshi already turned back to exit, and left me to think that over. It was odd just much optimism remained in him, and yet, he still made rather thoughtful points and defenses.

Any remaining thoughts that I would have were put on hold though, as Daisy entered the room next. She stood before me, confident smirk settled on her face as she placed her hands on her hips. I forced up a smile to her.

"Everything always seems a lot more dramatic with your kingdom," she started. "Not to make light of it, but I mean, I can't recall this much going on in Sarasaland at one time."

"Well, your biggest threat was with Tatanga," I reminded her. "The majority of Bowser's efforts are concentrated here."

"Which is why we need to keep him locked into the Mushroom Kingdom as much as we possibly can," determined Daisy. "I know that he's gone after other kingdoms, even other galaxies, before. But mostly, his objective tends to remain within what he considers his home territory." She shifted her weight around. "Expansion and conquest probably bubble in his mind time and again, but his primary concerns are for the Mushroom Kingdom."

"Right." I blinked and rested my head on my hand. "So…?"

"That's just it: Bowser has too much freedom to go against you all the time, and he constantly breaks even beyond these borders to travel elsewhere," brought up Daisy. "My kingdom, many kingdoms, aren't safe with him able to just choose where he wants to conquer on his whims." She lifted a fist up. "Stopping him is a primary objective for all of us."

"So you want our intentions to be to fight," I deduced.

"Pretty much," agreed Daisy. "Your people deserve to know the truth of what they'll be battling against."

"The battle is meant to be left to us," I asserted. Daisy opened her mouth, but I hushed her. "My people are not soldiers by nature. The last thing that I want is to send Toads off into war." Pausing for a moment, I glanced back at my Royal Scepter. "Part of the reason that I set off to begin with was to keep them safe." Returning my attention to Daisy, I gazed into her eyes. "Better to risk myself for my kingdom than all of the people for me."

"Huh." She shifted her hands on her hips. "That's really noble of you, actually." She smirked. "You're a really good princess."

"Nice to hear that you think so." My eyes went down. "I'm not sure that I agree."

"Trust me, when you hear everyone outside cheer and chant your name, you'll know that I'm right in no time," claimed Daisy. "Regardless, if you want them to continue to support you to the fullest, you have to trust them with the truth."

"That will destroy Mario's reputation," I brought up. "No one will trust him to help the Mushroom Kingdom again."

"Positive?"

"Just about."

"Well, if that's the cost, then that's it." Daisy shrugged. "Mario's a great hero to always help you out, but he's working alongside an active threat to everyone alive, and your greatest nemesis." She frowned and folded her arms. "I don't think I need to beat you over the head with the fact that he's dating your number one enemy."

"No, there isn't a need for that reminder."

"Then this should be simple." She glanced down and adjusted her Regal Rings. "To do what's best for the Mushroom Kingdom, we need to keep them informed and prepared. To even begin to help Mario, we have to take him down for his transgressions and help him realize the error in his ways." She picked her head back up to make eye contact. "And above all else, we need to stop Bowser, once and for all. He's not a good guy, but he's pure evil."

"If he were, why save Toadsworth, even at Mario's request?" I waited as Daisy's mouth parted, but no answers were returned. "In fact, Bowser could have damaged this kingdom far worse than he has, and slaughtered my people with his, easily. So, why hasn't he?" She raised her finger to argue, but Daisy still couldn't form her thoughts. "I'm not trying to go against you, but these thoughts have come into my mind. How capable is Mario at holding back Bowser? Yoshi even argued that he could totally reform Bowser in the foreseeable future."

"Seriously?"

"It's doubtful in my mind too, but idealistically, that is possible." I pinched at my brow. "But we all have to want it, to agree to hard choices, and set a lot of past problems aside." Dropping my arm, I gazed down. "To be it frankly, I don't think that I can do it so easily, and I know for a fact that Bowser won't."

"Then haven't you answered those arguments?" Daisy placed her fists back on her hips. "To me, that sounds like you agree with me, and that we're not done until Bowser is stopped."

"Truthfully, I don't know anymore. Even the Shamans on Star Hill, particularly Merle, seemed to think that fighting wouldn't be the best solution."

"He trained you to be stronger!"

"It was to help me understand magic better." I shook my head. "I don't think that he was trying to help me learn to fight, but how to handle conflict should it arise."

"Peach, your whole quest all of this time has been because you wanted to get over being on the defensive all the time, and always needing to be rescued from terrible predicaments," countered Daisy. "If you want to be on the offensive, you have to do some ugly actions, and make hard choices. Including the one you need to make now." She leaned back and gazed down. "Mario's a nice guy, and I'm glad to have been friends with him. It's a pain that we're facing this moment. But that's what our reality is now, and that's what we need to deal with." Daisy straightened herself up. "Look, this whole thing will be your call. But just know that your decisions are bigger than they seem."

"That I am all too aware of," I managed.

"Right, sorry." Daisy dragged her hand through her hair. "Gosh, Peach, I really wish this wasn't happening." She smirked to me. "Maybe we should take a break to play sports or something. Tennis, baseball, golf, go-kart racing…anything sounds good besides this." We laughed a little, but it didn't help alleviate tension. "Well. I don't need to overwhelm you more than you probably already are." She stepped forward and picked up my hands into hers. "Just…take it one step at a time, and no matter what, I'm here to help you get through the hardest parts."

"…Thank you, Daisy."

Embracing one another tightly, I was happy to have her here, but I wish her argument hadn't been inclusive of the great scope that was behind everything. Pulling away from me, she lifted my chin a bit and winked to me, but then left me soon after. I sighed and buried my head in my hands; this was much harder than I was expecting.

Even as the door opened again, I didn't need to look to know it was Luigi this time. He wouldn't possibly wait any longer behind the others, and I'm certain he was ready to defend Mario to the end.

Lifting my head, I looked to him, as he folded his hands behind his back.

"Peach, I don't want to wear you out," Luigi started. "I know this is all really stressful for you, and I keep seeing everything eating away at you."

"Unfortunately, that is the cost of being the princess," I joked, though neither of us laughed. "Even so, that doesn't matter. This is your brother who is at stake." He nodded and I studied him for a moment. "I know you have your heart set on defending him, so, let's just get to that."

"Are you looking to go against him?"

"Right now, I'm going to try meeting your thoughts with arguments in my mind based on them," I explicated. "As I mentioned before, I don't know what my decision will be, but I need to test everything that I hear and think about after."

"Ok." He released his arms from behind himself and nodded to me. "Then, there isn't much different that I can offer you, but I'll give you my thoughts all the same."

"Go ahead."

"Mario is incredibly complicated and simple at the same time," started Luigi. "He never really lets anyone in on what he's really feeling, not even me. But he always has good intentions in mind."

"There's a particular phrase about good intentions and what they pave," I brought up.

"True. But Mario usually delivers on his, and tries his damnedest to do so." Luigi lifted his cap and brushed his hair. "But you already know him for the heroics, as does everyone else." He lowered his arm and stared at his hat. "I'm not going to go back down our line of history to the very first meeting, where he still sided with you and the Mushroom Kingdom from the onset."

"Probably because he didn't know better, or what he would indulge in after."

"It was because he saw innocent lives that needed help, and he threw himself into doing so," declared Luigi. "But you should know that. Even now, even while he was with Bowser, once he knew that one of your Toads was in there with him, he chose to throw away his relationship to rescue that Toad."

"A lot has passed since then," I maintained. "He may have defended this kingdom for years, but anything can change in an instant."

"You're right." He…laughed. I blinked in confusion. "You know, I can't believe that I'm even having this debate with you. When he first came back from Bowser's, I was so furious at him for not telling me, and for even having sympathy, empathy for Bowser, let alone feeling love for him." He looked back up to me as I listened. "I still wanted to believe it was some kind of horrible nightmare, where I could wake up and learn that my brother wasn't really dating the Mushroom Kingdom's greatest enemy."

"As did I, when you finally confirmed it for me."

"That's just it though." He smiled as he continued. "Facing that, back with the illusions, that helped me realize that, as hard as it was, I could accept it. Not because it was easy, but because I needed to, for Mario's sake."

"You'll do anything for your brother, then."

"Not exactly." Luigi put his cap back on. "If I would follow him through every last step, I wouldn't still be here with you, following you on your path instead."

"Unless it's beneficial to have you here to keep me in check for them," I offered.

"Peach, when could I have possibly had a chance to discuss that? I was just as in the dark about the relationship—"

"You knew before me," I reminded him. He sought to protest but I shrugged. "A plan could have been formed any time prior to the Forests, and I would be none the wiser to it."

"Fine, ok." He shook his head. "But that didn't happen, and I am choosing to stay by your side, not because I was ordered to, or anything like that."

"We're still getting off topic," I determined. "This isn't about that."

"It's about everything."

"Explain."

"Mario isn't just the hero to the Mushroom Kingdom, and he's not just my brother," detailed Luigi. "He's a friend to everyone. All of the Toads, everyone that he meets on his journeys, and now apparently even his enemies…Peach, he wants to spread love instead of hatred." This felt oddly reflective of Yoshi's arguments. "Mario is symbolic to this kingdom because he represents the very best of what we can do, he's someone that people can believe in, and he strives for happiness in the face of adversity." Luigi adjusted his gloves. "But even through all of that, he wants to be honest and open to people, and gets to know them. He wants to understand others, experience their joys, their pains, their sorrows, their hopes, fears, and very lives."

"Sometimes, I suppose."

"A lot of times, and it's true most especially to you, Peach." Luigi lowered his hands and stared right into my eyes. "Peach, he's always been your friend, and he's not stopping now. He wouldn't suddenly make this easier for Bowser, or else we wouldn't have been able to reclaim any of the fortresses and territories that we have. War isn't what concerns Mario. The people do." He rubbed under his nose. "And you mean a lot to him, because he's taken so much time to get to know you. Even while he's been attracted to Bowser all of this while, he's still gotten closer to you, and helped you keep the Mushroom Kingdom protected." Luigi shook his head. "I'm not going to keep repeating how much you mean to him. You know your friendship with Mario, and I shouldn't need to remind you that he's so close with you, and that you two have been great personal confidants for one another over the years." He chuckled. "There are parts of him that each of us knows that the others don't. Bowser knows one side. I know another. And you, Peach, know yet another still." Luigi smiled. "I can't convince you that defending him is the right path, and I might even be wrong by telling you that we should protect him."

"But he is your brother."

"This isn't about my choice," reminded Luigi. "It's yours. And he's your close friend, the one that's been able to help pick you up countless times that you've been torn apart." My grip tightened on my chair as I leaned back. "I don't know everything that you two have talked about, as Mario keeps his conversations with you very private. But he hasn't been able to hide it all of the time, and I know that he's able to help bring you back from tight situations, not just regarding Bowser's attacks, but about the pressures of ruling, and concerns for the Mushroom Kingdom."

"Many are involved with hearing my worries and trepidations, now including all of you," I pointed out.

"But none of us can touch the level of impact it has on you the same way that Mario has," maintained Luigi. "We're seeing the cracks now, but Mario's helped with fixing them for you countless times."

Stars above, he was dead on with that.

"Look, you've got more of us to hear from," brought up Luigi. "But, I want you to keep in mind, from now until after you've addressed the kingdom, that Mario isn't just the hero. He's your friend." Luigi turned away from me. "And I would hope that matters to you, more than almost any of us with you now."

"That doesn't change him dating my enemy."

"No, it doesn't," agreed Luigi. He glanced back to smile to me. "But it never means that he'll stop being your friend, and he will always consider you among the best of his."

There was more that I wanted to go over with Luigi, but he was right that I didn't have forever to debate this. He left me and I clutched at my chest.

Mario was…Mario is one of my very dearest and closest friends.

…But…does that mean that I put him over the Mushroom Kingdom?

Thoughts were ready to race around my mind, but I held them back as the door opened again, and Rosalina drifted inside. Unlike the others, I couldn't get an easy read from her expression, or from her perspective.

As she came before me, she spiraled around, and then leaned back, as if to take a seat in midair. Her Cosmic powers seemed unending.

"Is this all right?" She tilted her head as I stared at her.

"Oh, um. Yes, yes that's fine." I cleared my throat. "Well, you're aware of my situation."

"I am."

"Do you have an opinion on what I should do?"

"Yes, I do."

"Good." I hesitated as Rosalina waited for me. "Um. Would you be able to share that with me?"

"Hm? Oh, yes." She giggled but then returned to her plain face. "Princess Peach, I am aware that you are Mario are special ones to one another, and that you value one another greatly."

"So, you think that I should…keep his relationship with Bowser between us, and not tell everyone?"

"Ah, no, I believe that you should tell your kingdom."

"Wait, really?"

"This matter is far greater than the two of you," Rosalina echoed Daisy's argument. "In fact, it is something that perhaps you should remove your personal investment from entirely."

"How?" I shook my head. "I don't understand. If it concerns my kingdom, it concerns me."

"Let me think on how to put this…" Rosalina tapped her chin for a moment. "Ah, I may have a way to explain." She softly smiled. "Princess Peach, when I was a young girl, I lost my mother. I believe that I have told you the story at some point?" Though I couldn't remember for certain, I nodded to her, as it did sound familiar. "Well, not long after, I discovered the Lumas and established the Comet Observatory. But, in order to properly care for the Lumas, I could not let my grief overcome me time and again, though it did happen over the years."

"Then what did you do?"

"Took the Lumas into consideration more than myself, as caring for them took priority," reasoned Rosalina. "It was not so that I could bury my grief or sorrows, but rather, I felt compelled to make them my priority. They were like me, without a mother, and in need of love." She smiled as she tilted her head. "Your Toads are a bit similar, as they desire your guidance and assurance."

"That's…true."

"So, you should prioritize them," reiterated Rosalina. "It is not that you should feel nothing regarding your choice, and it will be a very difficult one." She sighed and gazed out the windows behind me. "Mario has a very kind soul, and I understand that everyone here feels a strong affinity for him, myself included." Rosalina shook her head. "But the needs of your people should come first, and therefore, they should be aware of what is currently happening. It is not just a choice for yourself, but for your kingdom."

"When you put it like that…it does make sense." I sighed and my attention fell to the ground. "It's…difficult, removing myself from such a hefty decision."

"Perhaps it is not entirely about removing yourself, but simply making the choice that matters to the many over the few," rephrased Rosalina. "This is a very important decision for you, and it will certainly impact you, from the moment you make it and onward." She shook her head. "But even as you carry it forward with your feelings, you simply must not lose sight of what, or who, is important."

"…But…" I paused and glanced up, as Rosalina patiently waited on me. "But what about Mario?" I picked my head up to meet her. "Should I consider everything bigger than him as well?"

"As I would imagine it, yes, because this involves more than just him, Bowser, yourself, or any of us," maintained Rosalina. "So, the choice should be clear, if you are regarding everyone."

"Right, yes." I nodded. "That does make sense. Thank you, Rosalina."

"You are most welcome."

She sat there for a moment and watched me, as I blinked between staring at her.

"…Uh…"

"Hm? Oh, you still need to hear from the others." She giggled and spun around, stretching herself out again. "I'll be off and send in the next one."

"Very good. Thank you."

"Of course, anytime. Take care!"

Gliding out from the throne room, I waited a moment as I studied Rosalina. She seemed to know a great deal, for someone that only recently joined us. However, detaching myself, or rather, prioritizing the kingdom…that wasn't easy. And what we failed to discuss was how much Mario mattered, as he is also part of the Mushroom Kingdom, and…well, shouldn't he be considered along with everyone else? But maybe she meant that I should be mindful of the greatest number of people…

Shaking my head, I sighed and cupped my hands over my eyes. The door opened and closed, and I dropped my hands aside, with Pauline standing before me.

"So, um." Pauline scratched her head. "How does this work?"

"Just tell me your thoughts on the matter, and I'll mull it over," I summarized. This was starting to become more taxing as we continued.

"Sure, makes sense." Pauline laced her hands together and lifted her index fingers to her lips, thinking briefly. "Hmm. Ok." She pointed forward. "You remember what we talked about when I originally came here and joined the group, right?"

"…Refresh my memory."

"Ok, well, after everyone clued me in on the situation, I mentioned that Mario had exotic tastes, liking guys wasn't new for him, and this wouldn't be a real danger unless Mario was helping Bowser for conquest. Or dating an inanimate object, but that was less important."

"Well, he is helping Bowser," I pointed out, but Pauline wagged her finger at me.

"Not entirely accurate, he was helping Bowser pick his kids up," downplayed Pauline. "Yeah, I know it's a little more involved than that, but on the bigger scope, that's what it equates to." She twirled some hair around her finger. "It wasn't like Mario launched an all-out attack against the Mushroom Kingdom."

"Technically, he aided in one," I argued.

"Eh, I guess, but he didn't go totally off-the-rails evil, or else the Mushroom Kingdom would already hate him," rallied back Pauline. "And, come to think of it, they'd probably be wary of us for not cluing them in sooner, but that's why we're having this discussion to begin with."

"Correct."

"But you remember the other bit I brought up in my big debut to you?"

"Remind me."

"That I was going to help open you guys up to new perspectives," brought up Pauline. "And if it takes me to tell you that keeping Mario's relationship as a more private matter is the right way to go, then that's what I'll do."

"Why?"

"Well, Yoshi would've probably argued that Mario's a hero, Luigi would've gone with the friendship bit, with probably an intermingling between those points for both of them," correctly assessed Pauline. "So…those are good reasons." She nodded for a moment. "Yep, that's actually probably the best that we can come up with."

"Then…what would be your new perspective?"

"Well, you're thinking of this all from a monarch's perspective on the bigger scope, and then as a friend on the smaller scope," measured Pauline. "But, by now, you're a hero now too, right?"

"Um." I rubbed behind my neck. "Well, I…wouldn't quite…I suppose."

"Basically yes, so that's the thing," continued Pauline. "We know what Mario's going through on a typical basis a little bit better now, having worn his shoes."

"…Ok…"

"Does it really feel like you could do without him?" Pauline lowered her hand and placed it on her hip. "Think of everything that we've done on this quest alone. Can you picture yourself doing this for your kingdom, over and over and over again?"

"The point is that we end everything with Bowser so that we never do deal with it again," I contested. "If we stop him—"

"Do you really think it ends with Bowser?" Pauline shook her head. "Peach, I've been New Donk City's mayor for…ok, maybe a lot less than you've been princess to the Mushroom Kingdom," she admitted. "But! One thing that you should know by now, that I know, is that enemies don't just disappear once you deal with the worst of them."

"…You think that we'll have someone worse to face off with besides Bowser," I realized.

"Bingo. And most especially because he'll be out of the way." Pauline tapped on her temple. "Bowser's a very powerful enemy for you to contend with, but he probably also battles against threats that come against the Mushroom Kingdom that he feels could match or outclass him. True or false, Bowser has teamed up with you and Mario in the past?"

"…True."

"Thought so." She smirked. "So, that means that he's been wary of invading forces, but that also means they've known how to combat him, because they're aware that he's a big force to deal with too. So!" Pauline clapped her hands together. "To better be prepared for the future, you don't want to immediately wipe Bowser and Mario off of the board, or else you're not only doing Mario's job going forward, but partially Bowser's as well."

"That's a bridge that I can cross when I get there," I debated.

"Yeah, that is an option too," relented Pauline. "But, sometimes it's better to deal with the demons that you do know, rather than those you don't." Pauline scratched the side of her head. "Huh. That sounded like a good one, actually…"

"Something to keep in mind," I allowed. "But, I'm not as focused on the distant future."

"Ah. Well…uh." Pauline rubbed her arm. "Ok, yeah, that kind of just gave you more to think about later, not as much about deciding for the here and now." She sighed. "Sorry."

"It was still useful input," I affirmed. "So, thank you all the same, Pauline."

"Sure, you're welcome." She waved as she strolled off. "Just don't think too lightly of Mario, or Bowser, for that matter." Pausing just before the door, Pauline gazed back to me once more. "I think you'll make the right choice, Peach."

"Does mentioning that help you feel more confident about it?"

"Actually, yes! It does."

Stifling her laugh as I did mine, Pauline exited and I recomposed myself. Everyone had a lot of variety to the input that they offered, and…Pauline wasn't kidding about offering a different perspective.

Birdo didn't allow me much time to consider it further, however, as she entered the room next. She hurriedly approached me, and folded her arms as she stood before me.

"Take a wild guess where I'm lining up," started Birdo.

"Well, you're normally at odds with me," I decided. "But, I'm in the middle of this one."

"Come on."

"Fine, you're siding with the others that want me to keep Mario's relationship secret," I determined. She nodded to confirm. "Understandable."

"This isn't your story to tell, and now that I've thought back on it, I made the mistake of even telling you to begin with," declared Birdo.

"What do you mean?"

"Back from when I first came here, I was so excited to spill the juicy details with you on Bowser falling head over heels for Mario," reminisced Birdo. "It seemed like such a cute and shocking romantic drama that was playing out, and I was oozing with delight just to see how you'd react!"

My hand covered my eyes as I squeezed my head. "Yes, I do remember that. And how I didn't believe you." I sighed. "And the glee you had when I finally did have the truth forced upon me." Dropping my hand, I lowered my eyes as I stared at her. "Where are you going with this?"

"That I was wrong." Birdo lowered her head. "I outed them because I was so thrilled with the story of it all, and yet I forgot just how personal of an experience that is." She shook her head. "It's so incredibly hard and painful to tell those closest to you, those that you love, just how you can deviate from the perceived and expected norms that we usually follow." She gazed up to me. "Haven't you ever had a story that you didn't want anyone to know about until you were ready? Isn't what we're discussing now especially concerning that very topic?"

"Well…yes."

"Then that's the point I'm going to make," decided Birdo. "The decision to tell everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom, although it's your call and responsibility, should still belong to Mario and Bowser, not you." She pushed out her chest as she straightened up. "True, this entire debacle goes above just the few of us, or just the two of them, but it is still an extremely personal choice for them to reveal their interests and relationship." Birdo lifted her fist. "Taking that away from them takes away what little security they have, and it'll send even more of our entire kingdom into a chaotic tailspin that we're already struggling to balance from the couple forming in the first place!"

"Why would it impact the kingdom like that?"

"Because that forces Mario onto the defensive forever," asserted Birdo. "He's always going to have everyone lash out at him, or look at him differently, and by you being the one to confirm that to the kingdom, that takes away how he can manage it." She lowered her arm and averted her gaze to the ground. "It's something that I keep trying to handle, and it's extremely challenging some days. But I'm the one that controlled that, I got to choose how it went." Birdo lifted her head, narrowing her eyes on me. "You do that to Mario, you take away his choice, and then you won't have to worry about Bowser choosing where his allegiance lies; Mario will automatically be left with nowhere else to go but always on Bowser's side. You put him in that defensive position, and he'll follow the only outlet he has."

"That would be his choice—"

"No, it wouldn't, and that's what I'm getting at! It would be all he was left with!" Birdo lifted her arms up a bit. "Because Bowser would of course be the one to take him back in. And he would only feel secure by Bowser's side, and would then decide that it's better to be under Bowser's rule than yours, better to deal with whatever Bowser brings than what you will." Birdo swept her hand out. "Right now, he knows that you offer the best odds for the Mushroom Kingdom, and as much as it would annoy me to admit, that's the truth, because you know this kingdom better than anyone else should. Maybe second to Mario, due to his adventuring, but that would be it."

"Perhaps," I allowed, and she did make a compelling point with that.

"Well, you take away his security, and he won't have any cares to what you offer, because it will always be second to endangering his identity and livelihood," expanded Birdo. "If siding with Bowser offers acceptance in any regard, whereas siding with you doesn't, Mario only has one option remaining." She shook her head. "And then, what if things ever go sour between them? Mario won't be able to leave, because he'll be stuck with Bowser. The Mushroom Kingdom won't be a home to him anymore. He'll be too afraid to come back." Birdo glowered to me. "If Bowser really isn't the best for him, that will come out in time, but we'll never know the truth if you expose his, and you can mark my words on that."

"Fine, I can see that point too."

"But I'm not done with just Mario," carried on Birdo. "You think that Bowser will take it easy on you if you out him too?" Birdo shook her head. "Fat chance. He'll be even nastier and never hold back again. Toadsworth and your Toads made it through this last invasion with lesser injuries than what could have happened, right?" I nodded. "Think about what Bowser will do if he realizes that there is no middle ground he can obtain from you. Mario's pleas will be meaningless, because Bowser will know that you have zero redeeming value, and he'll go against your entire kingdom that much harder."

"He does that already," I contested.

"Give me a break," snapped Birdo. "Bowser should be thrashing us into the dirt of the earth and throwing us across the sky with the maximum amount of effort he could amass, let's be real on that." She wagged her finger at me as her tail swayed around. "Bowser doesn't try hard, most especially right now, because he knows that will upset Mario greatly, because he still loves the Mushroom Kingdom and you." She placed her hands on her hips. "If Bowser really wanted to, if he really put himself at one hundred percent against you, then he could probably crush this kingdom and maintain his territories for generations after us."

"…Do…do you think that, or—?"

"No, darling, I know that for a fact. Birdos have walked the lines before."

"So, to summarize…you think that my exposing their relationship will absolutely set us on a course to defeat and Bowser throwing everything at us, without Mario offering resistance or defense."

"To put it on a more thoughtless level, yes." Birdo shook her head. "Peach, dear, is that the only way my point's going to sink into your head?"

"Huh?"

"Come on, can't you still see your friend in there?" She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure I'm treading the same waters the others went through, but why would you want to be hurtful to someone that put so much of his faith and friendship into you? Why is this even something that you're debating us over?"

"Because it matters to my people—"

"What, our every single detail is something that everyone in the world should be exposed to at every given moment?" Birdo folded her arms and shook her head. "No, darling. We should have the freedom to choose whatever life we want to lead, but we shouldn't have to air every last aspect of our lives out there." She lifted a finger up. "It's about choices. You have one to make, but you're not the only one making them." Birdo tapped her foot as she studied me for a moment. "You and I don't see eye to eye, I admit that. But even I have enough respect for you that I believe you'd be better with making this decision." Her expression softened. "Even as rough as we can be to each other…you've always respected my identity and how to address me." I did; from the moment she made it clear, I never wanted to question her on that. "And even after my less than ideal past records, even in spite of my reputation…you still have me here, working alongside you, and allowing me even this chance to change your mind."

"To be totally accurate, my mind isn't made up," I insisted.

"Well, to voice my opinion, then," concluded Birdo. "Peach, you don't have to agree with me, or anyone else. But you have to feel something for Bowser and Mario. And their lives shouldn't come at the expense of your kingdom's curiosity." She sighed. "I can't put it more plainly than that."

"Fair enough," I allowed. "That…was a lot to process, I'll admit, but…" I nodded. "Thank you, Birdo. It was enlightening."

"Anytime, darling." Birdo strolled from my throne room and took off. "But you better keep it in mind, and don't think that I'm going soft!"

"Wouldn't dream of it," I called as she left.

Just about everyone gave me all of their thoughts, and now I had that much more to think over. Sinking down into my throne, I wailed into my hands as I pushed them tightly over my face and shook my head around.

How am I ever going to make the right choice for this?

Listening to the door open again, I groaned and slumped down further. I wasn't ready to hear a deciding opinion to push me in favor of protecting Mario or to expose him in defense of the Mushroom Kingdom…or even the world.

Forcing myself back up and together again, I watched as Toad approached me and stood before me. His expression was neutral, and he waited as I stared down at him.

"Well?" I dragged myself to the edge of the throne. "What's your perspective on this?"

"…Mine doesn't matter," decided Toad. "Just looking at you is enough to tell me that you've heard enough from everyone." Instead, he offered a small smile. "Do you want to just…talk about everything with me instead?"

"What don't you know already?" I brushed my hair from my face. "Didn't Toadsworth already tell you everything?"

"Just what he found out, about Mario and Bowser dating, and about you going on your journey to defend the Mushroom Kingdom and rescue Mario," divulged Toad. "And that you were training with magic on Star Hill, but that's just recent events."

"So…what do you want to know?"

"Tell me how you're holding up." Toad sat down before me. "This is clearly stressing you out, as I'm sure everything has been. Toadsworth isn't around for everything. And I'm sure Toadette does her best to be attentive to you, but she can only pick up on so much." Toad still smiled. "So, talk to me. Not about what I want, but what you want to get out there."

For a moment, I sucked my cheek in and held it. On one hand, I didn't want to dump everything on Toad, as he had just returned from his expedition and was abruptly being thrust into everything spiraling out of control. On the other…I needed it.

"Toad, I have no idea what I'm doing or what I'm going to do," I finally got out.

"Most of us never really do," offered Toad.

"But I'm the Mushroom Kingdom's leader and the princess!" I gripped at my head. "I'm trying to be fair and just to my subjects, but I've kept them in the dark because it hadn't escalated so much." I threw my hands up. "But of course something had to go completely out of my control, so that the Royal Council decided to screw things up harder than usual, and then Bowser had to come back and invade!" Dropping my hands over my head, I tugged down on my hair. "Stars forbid that I can actually take time to learn more about the magic of this world, or even to just understand myself better, for what now feels like five minutes, without something causing absolute hellish nightmares to persist in this kingdom!" Panting, I sank down into the throne. "Why did any of this even have to happen? Why does Bowser have to be so evil and attack us? Why did Mario have to side with him now, and fall in love with him? Why do I feel like every move that I make only hurts someone else? Why can't I help anyone in this kingdom? Why can't everything be stable for just once in my life?!"

Choking back tears that I refused to let out, I brushed at my eyes and looked to Toad, who patiently waited on the floor before me. Forcing myself back upright, I studied him for a moment.

"…Don't you have anything to add?"

"Waiting for you to finish," clarified Toad.

"You'll wait for eternity."

"Ok then!"

"Please, Toad…"

"Ha, sorry." Toad held his feet as he rocked them back and forth. "Honestly, I didn't think every day was so out of control here. We do have some fun every down period."

"Well…yes," I realized. "But…those are always so busy that it doesn't feel like relaxing." I buried my head in my hands. "Even the one time that I wanted to go away on vacation to Isle Delfino, that turned into a fiasco!" Shaking my head, I picked it back up. "But now I'm afraid to do that, because I feel like things will go awry when I'm gone. Everyone panicked back when I toured the other kingdoms the other time I tried to find time for myself."

"Yeah, that can be true," admitted Toad. "But, you've got to take time for yourself."

"What about everything else?" I dragged my hair back. "None of that falls under any kind of normal that I could ever prepare for in my life."

"Nothing really ever does." Toad shrugged. "It's hard, every day, but you just have to handle the punches as they come."

"And how am I supposed to decide on what to do with this whole royal address anyway?" I bit my lip. "So many members of the kingdom have come out from around the Mushroom Kingdom, and I don't have any way to properly handle them. Not even to mention on what I should do about Mario, whether I should tell the kingdom everything."

"Listening to everyone else didn't help, huh?"

"It did, but now that I've just about finished, it's hitting me that much harder with what I need to do," I explained. "Toad, I'm not ready. I can't handle facing the Mushroom Kingdom about everything that's going on." I heaved and tugged my knees closer to myself. "I don't even know how to feel about Mario and Bowser dating, even after all of this time of knowing. It makes me sad, scared, angry, confused, and I just…I don't get it!"

"Love is weird," offered Toad. He shrugged as he stared off. "Then again, people's opinions about it can make it weirder still."

"This is too much…"

"Princess, it's ok that you've got a lot to process, and you can't have all of the answers that everyone's expecting you to have," reasoned Toad. "No matter what, you can't make everyone happy. Leaders of all lands have never been able to please everyone, and lots of times, they can't even please the majority."

"But…but then what can I do?"

"Your best." Toad returned his attention to me and smiled. "Most folks will understand that you can't control the entire kingdom yourself, but as long as they see you're making a great effort for everyone, they'll come to be satisfied about it."

"Hopefully, they'll be understanding," I managed. "…What do you think I should do?" He blinked at me as I leaned forward. "Tell me. Your opinion could help make my decision."

"About protecting Mario's relationship or exposing him?" Toad tilted his head. "About telling the Mushroom Kingdom the truth or continuing to lie?"

"Yes! What do you think?"

"Honestly, I don't know what to think." Toad shook his head. "If you want my opinions, they'll just connect with everyone else's."

"You may as well anyway."

"Regarding the Mushroom Kingdom's interests, I think I covered that," decided Toad. "They'll be happy as long as they know you're doing your best. With Bowser and Mario's relationship, I don't really know. It is weird, and I don't get it, but then again, I'm not either of them, and I don't know what chemistry they've formed."

"…So…?"

"My answer's the same: I don't know what to think one way or the other." I dropped my head as Toad nervously chuckled. "Sorry, Princess. But, I think that it's ok to not be decided at the end of this." Slowly, I picked my head up to his smiling face. "Maybe this will be a big deal, or, maybe it won't matter much at all." He laughed. "After all, if we don't know how everything will turn out, why worry? We can't account for the variables, so, let's just be ready for whatever lies ahead, and work with what we have and what we know."

"That…that sounds good."

"Sure it does." He rocked himself a bit as he kept his attention on me. "How has your whole journey been, anyway? I bet it was fun getting back out of the castle again." Toad giggled. "It's weird how these adventures end up being good excuses for exercise, right?"

"How do you even look at it that way?"

"Just helps me out, I guess."

"Well…you're not wrong."

"Thought as much!" Toad lightly kicked his feet about. "Do you want anything to eat before you head out?"

"Probably, just not yet, or it's not staying down." He chuckled as I found myself smiling.

"Makes sense!" Toad leaned back as he watched me. "How has everyone been while traveling with them? Are they a good group overall, or not so much?"

"They're…hm." I stopped for a moment and thought it over. "…We're strong together. While we don't always get along, mostly on my end really, we are pretty good together." I shrugged. "We did win back most of the kingdom, so we must be doing something right on the way."

"Must be!" Toad hopped up. "Toadsworth thinks that I should tag along for your next outing. Do you want me with you, or to help him manage things here."

"Is it selfish if I choose the former?"

"Nope." Toad laughed. "He does technically have everyone else here to work with!"

"Yes, I suppose he does." I slid from my throne and down to the ground by Toad, as he blinked at me. "How do you do this?"

"Do what?"

"Deal with your mess of a princess?"

"Partially, it is my job," joked Toad, and I scoffed into a soft laugh. "But, the other part is that I like being able to help out. It makes me feel like I'm doing something good for the world."

"There, that again," I specified. "You always find a way to look for positives. How do you even keep up with that?"

"Oh, I don't." Toad shrugged. "I may act as happy as can be whenever possible, but I'm usually not very happy at all." He rolled around in his seat a bit. "I guess…I just try to look on the bright side, or at the least, not letting the bad weigh me down." Toad rubbed behind his head. "As long as I'm around and doing something, I figure that can be good enough."

"Everything you do is just wonderful, Toad." I reached out and hugged him. "Especially for me. You're…you're really great…"

"Princess?" His arms wrapped around my back. "I've been around you for years. So, you don't have to be strong for me. It's ok to let it out."

Tears streamed from my eyes after that, and I sobbed against him. He gently patted me, and I cried harder, holding him tightly. His soft hums filled the space between my blubbering, soothing me back to silence in time.

Slowly, I pulled back from him, and Toad smiled up to me.

"Feel any better?"

"A bit…I actually do, a little bit."

"Sometimes, being sad just helps," reasoned Toad. "We're allowed to feel, after all."

"Yes, that…that is true," I concurred. "Oh, Toad…how can I do this?"

"However many times it takes, I'll keep reminding you," persisted Toad. "Just do your best, and everything will work out."

"It's going to take more than that," I carried on.

"We'll make it through as we go along," reassured Toad. "But, for now?" He smiled to me. "Just one tiny Toad step at a time!"

Laughter escaped me, and he joined in, as we giggled together for a bit. I missed him so dearly, and how seemingly easily he could simplify the world for me.

Lifting myself back up, I scooped up my Royal Scepter and turned back to Toad, who hopped up as well.

"I need to go get ready, and I'm sure the others have devices that they can attend to as well." Still, I gazed down to him. "But…make sure that you'll be there, with me, when I finally go out. Please?"

"Already planning on it, Princess." Toad smiled. "I'm with you no matter what. Always have been, always will be."

Bending down again, I hugged him tightly. Forcing myself back up though, we nodded to one another, and he hurried out through the back door, as I walked through my throne room.

With each step, thoughts buzzed through my mind, and I weighed over each decision that I could make going forward. As I reached the door, though, I quieted them back down.

One at a time…just take them one at a time…

---

...

Told you that she was dealing with everything, lol.

But yeah, I realized that I needed to address the previous events from Bowser and Mario's invasion, plus the Royal Council nonsense, plus Toad's introduction and integration, and then I was like, "Oh wait, everyone would have an opinion on the royal address, whoops." So, that all happened. (It was actually pretty hilarious when I realized that earlier in the month, because it didn't hit me how much would be involved with this one until I wrote the summary, and I finally saw just what I needed to get to.)

It was kind of nice in a cathartic way to have Peach go from poised and seemingly on top of things to slowly breaking down and not knowing what to do. I feel like she needed the chance to vent after really processing everything, and she still didn't cover all of it. Still, a start was more than enough.

Hopefully you guys enjoy Toad's flavor to the group! He's on the mellow side, and that might just very well be what everyone needs added into the mix! When I can get to them, I'm hoping to explore his dynamics with Luigi and the others; he mostly interacted with Peach here, but he should be fun with everyone else too.

Feedback is really appreciated, so if you can, please share your thoughts! I love to hear from readers and know what works well, so feel free! Even just small stuff brightens my day immensely.

So, the next chapter is going to take a bit of time to develop, as I'm writing that on top of writing the finale of another story. And I'm challenging myself a bit with how the chapter works next time, since...well, it is the 50th chapter, so I wanted to do at least something small for it. Cramming everyone in might not be the best approach, but, eh, we'll see how well I can manage it. (I guess I have to take Toad's advice too, huh?)

What do you think though? Will Peach keep Mario's relationship with Bowser a secret from the Mushroom Kingdom at large? Or will she update everyone on the drama that's been behind her adventure and struggles that she's faced? We'll see. And as for everyone else, they have matters to attend to as well.

Thank you for reading and your continued support of the story! Please take care and stay safe! Be sure to do your best too. Until the next chapter, I wish you all the best!