Chapter 7: A Hero On The Horizon

Gathered in the main foyer of Peach Castle were a number of Toads, all ready for battle. Collectively, they were known as the Toad Brigade, the Mushroom Kingdoms army that served the Toadstool bloodline. The Toad Brigade consists of three major classes: The Red, Blue, and Yellow class. Each member of the Toad Brigade wears a cloak that matches their class colour, with the exception of Yellow class. Red class Toads are plentiful in number, and are the lowest ranking members. Blue class Toads are elite soldiers, and are much less common. There are only three members of the Yellow class, and they are known as the Toad Brigade Executives, or simply Executives. The highest ranking member of the Toad Brigade is known as the Toad Brigade Captain.

Standing before the gathered soldiers was the current Toad Brigade Captain, Captain Toad. Captain Toad was a red spotted Toad in a tan explorers outfit. He wore a dark brown backpack and hd a brown headlamp on his head. He looked more like an explorer than an army captain.

"DA DA DA DA!" Captain Toad cried, a whistle accenting his cheery smile. "ATTENTION ALL UNITS!"

Katan T., one of the three Toad Brigade executives, was a black spotted Toad of unknown age with a black mohawk. He had a purple scarf wrapped around his neck, which concealed his mouth. His clothes were largely black, including his cloak. He had a sword sheathed by his side, his arms folded. The only thing he possessed that indicated he was Yellow class was the cloth wrapped around the handle on his blade.

"My captain, please refrain from such loud noises at this hour." Katan T. warned. "You will anger the wind."

Lana T., one of the three Toad Brigade executives, was a youthful, deep purple spotted Toad with a purple ponytail and bangs. She wielded a large lance with a fancy purple ribbon, and wore two large golden hoop earrings. She wore purple clothes, her cloak a lighter shade of purple. She had a yellow tunic belt, indicating her class.

"Like, that's totally fine by me!" Lana T. declined, with a dismissive hand. "The wind is like, a total pain in the butt for ruining my hair all of the time."

"Keh heh heh... Such ignorance. For such a petty reason, you fail to appreciate the true beauty of the wind." Katan T. chuckled, his arms folded with a closed eyed grin. "Am I not right, Axel?"

Axel T. was a very large Toad with a grey spotted head, about three times the size of a normal Toad. He also had a big grey beard, and was dressed in a black short sleeve shirt with yellow overalls, indicating his class. His exposed arms were hairy. His weapon of choice was a giant double sided axe, which was always resting on his brawny shoulders. His voice was much higher than someone of his size might suggest.

"My eyes hurt." Axel T. sulked, his eyes closed and beard vastly concealing his expression. "I was staring at the sun all day, trying to figure out why it appears to be the same size as the moon..."

"Uh, guys?" Captain Toad summoned, his head slightly tilted.

"Ignorance? Like, how rude!" Lana T. accused, pointing at her equal with a finger, other hand on her hip. "The wind is like, totally annoying when you just want to have nice hair! It's all like: whoooooooosh! I'm stupid!"

"Do not mock the wind. The wind is sacred. It carries the souls of the departed, and guides those who have lost their way." Katan T. argued, growing somewhat angry. "Not that I would expect a mere mortal such as yourself to understand."

"Uhhhh, guys?" Captain Toad summoned, a little more aggressively this time.

The rest of the army featured a single sweat drop behind their heads as Lana T. took a step forward towards Katan T. in challenge. Once again, the two of them were butting heads.

"Mere mortal?" Lana T. growled with a hand, her teeth clenched. "Like, there you go again with that crap! What makes you so im-mortal?"

"Ready your lance and I shall show you." Katan T. challenged, grasping the hilt of his blade with a hand.

"You're on!" Lana T. accepted, getting into a fighting stance.

"GUYS!" Captain Toad cried, his whistle blowing the usual da da da da.

That gathered everyones attention. Katan T. and Lana T. took a moment to ease their stances, but eventually they had. They turned their backs to each other with folded arms, eyes closed.

"Stay on track! We've assembled here now because we are officially on the search for Princess Peach!" Captain Toad reminded, somewhat in a panic. "No one here has seen her for at least six hours, and she should have been back long ago!"

"Now I know you're all tired, but we need to get out there in the pitch black darkness and search aimlessly for her with no leads on where she might be!" Captain Toad ordered, not being sarcastic. "Look alive people!"

Right on que, the castles main doors had opened behind them. Exclamation marks appeared over the heads of the entire Toad Brigade. They turned and watched as Daisy, Toadsworth, Luigi, an unknown woman, and Princess Peach walked inside. She had an apologetic expression on her face.

"PRINCESS!" Captain Toad cried (da da da da), with an expression of surprise. "Oh thank goodness! Now we can go back to bed!"

"Er, I mean, we're so happy to see you're back safe and sound!" Captain Toad corrected, with a hop.

"I am so sorry to cause alarm, everyone." Princess Peach bowed, her hands together. "My sincerest apologies."

"Perhaps, it would be most wise for the Princess to possess some sort of communication device." Katan T. suggested, looking off to the right. "Am I not right, Axel?"

"My upper half was birthed by 11:59 PM, but I wasn't fully birthed until 12:01 AM the following day." Axel T. explained, his eyes holding back tears. "I've spent my entire life wondering when my birthday really is."

"You mean like, a cell phone?" Lana T. suggested, finger on her chin in thought as she looked semi skyward.

"I was thinking of something that uses magic, like a gossip stone..." Katan T. admitted, with a sigh. "But I suppose a cellular device is more suitable for mere mortals such as yourselves."

"Yes, a cell phone is a most wonderful idea." Peach agreed, her hands together in glee. "Tomorrow we should all go and get one at the mall!"

"Alright, that sounds like fun!" Daisy agreed.

"I'm in!" Luigi added, with a closed eyed grin and thumbs up.

"I say, count me out!" Toadsworth added, with a stern expression. "And if any of you so much as start to become tech zombies, I will take them away from you! Oh, and don't you let me catch you using one while driving! You'll get quite the scolding indeed."

"Oh, Toadsworth." Peach giggled, dismissing him politely. "This is for my safety, remember?"

"Yes, well..." Toadsworrh stumbled, scratching his head. "Yes I suppose that is right."

"Then it's settled!" Captain Toad cheered, with a hop. "We'll be able to keep in touch with you now! You can request our help anytime, anywhere! Or just let us know how you're doing with a quick text message! That's modern technology for ya!"

Rosalina gave a yawn that was quite pronounced, guided by a single hand. Her eyes were teary. She rubbed them softly and only contributed a single word. "Sleepy."

"Like, who is she? I totally haven't seen her before!" Lana T. asked, leaning forward with a hand over her widened eyes, as if she was trying to get a better look.

"Care to introduce yourself?" Peach offered, turning to Rosalina.

"Oh, umm..." Rosalina softly spoke, scratching her head a bit while looking down shyly. "Introductions are kind of a pain..."

(Is everything a pain for you?) Peach thought, her expression baffled. She collected herself with a closed eyed toothless smile.

"Ohh, okay... Umm, everyone, this is Princess Rosalina. She'll be staying with us for the next little while." Peach introduced, feeling a bit awkward. "It is actually kind of a long story..."

"Rosalina, this is the Toad Brigade." Peach continued, with a hand. "They are my protectors and my friends. We are like family."

"W-Which is it then?" Rosalina whined, confused about which role they had.

"A friend of the Princess is a friend of ours!" Captain Toad cheered, with a hop. "Welcome aboard!"

"Hello." Rosalina softly greeted, not making eye contact.

"Hey, so like, how did you get your hair that blonde?" Lana T. awed, her eyes widened. "What colour is that, I've never seen anything like it! It's totally awesome!"

Rosalina had a bit of a smug look, unable to resist the praise. She was a bit more lively now, a finger aimed at her hair. "Oh, this? I call it Cosmic blonde. Don't bother looking for it in stores. I was boooorn with it." She added, mysteriously.

"Wow, I'm like, totally jealous!" Lana T. admitted. "Maybe I should dye my hair blonde..."

"Such trifling matters..." Katan T. dismissed, turning his back to everyone. "I shall take my leave. Swiftly!"

"Yeah, I'm gonna skedaddle." Luigi agreed, pointing fingers to the upstairs. "I'll see you all tomorrow."

Princess Peach looked at the time. It was nearly 2:00 AM.

"Goodness, it is so late." Peach noted, her eyes slightly widened. She noticed that Daisy was missing. "Say, where is Daisy?"

"Oh, she snuck off some time ago." Luigi informed, walking up the red carpet stairs with his hands on the wooden rail.

"I say, that's Daisy for you." Toadsworth thought aloud. "Ever so impatient. Nighty night, you two. I shall see you in the morning."

"All units! You're dismissed!" Captain Toad ordered, his whistle blowing the usual da da da da. "Brush your teeth, put on your pyjamas, tuck yourselves in, and we'll see you in the morning for training! Don't forget to floss, too!"

The Toad Brigade proceeded to make their way downstairs, to the B1 level. One group of Toads were complaining under their breath.

"He makes us sound like such babies when he says stuff like that."

"I know, talk about embarrassing!"

"Right?"

Different members seemed in higher spirits as they made their way downstairs.

"I'm gonna wear my Yoshi pyjamas tonight!"

"Aww, the ones with all the different colour Yoshis? Jealous!"

"I'll get you a pair for Christmas!"

"Really? You're the best!"

Eventually, it was just Princess Peach and Princess Rosalina standing in the foyer of Peach Castle.

"Well, it is time to show you your new room." Peach thought aloud. "This castle is pretty big, so it would be best for you not to get lost. Although it's pretty easy to get around once you get used to it."

Princess Peach directed her attention to the main doors. They were still, undisturbed. Her expression was somber. (Mario... I hope you are alright...)

Peach Castle consists of five main floors: B2, B1, 1F, 2F, and 3F. Floor B2 is the parking lot area. Mario, Peach, Luigi, Daisy, and Toadsworth all have a unique vehicle kept there. There are plenty of parking spots open for additional vehicles. Using a card key, one can exit and enter the castle via an underground tunnel which connects to the Trans-Mushroom Highway, a long road that leads to multiple cities and towns located throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.

Floor B1 is very expansive and is reserved for the living quarters of the Toad Brigade. There is also an area for weapon storage and forgery, a large mess hall, and a gym for training. There is a courtyard behind Peach Castle that the Toad Brigade uses for training. The dirt path that surrounds Peach Castle slants down to the B1 level from behind, providing the members of the Toad Brigade quick access to the courtyard from inside.

The first floor, 1F, is the largest floor in the entire castle. It consists of the castle foyer, as well as various brown doors with yellow stars on their fronts leading to other rooms. The carpet is red with gold lining, and the floor is black and white checkered tile. Each room is massive and tells a separate story. The leftmost door leads to the dining hall, which has a long table smothered in white carpet resting on red carpet flooring. The ceiling is practically endless. Important people from all over the world have had the privilege to eat here and discuss important matters with Princess Peach. On the flip side, Peach and her friends enjoy the occasional casual meal together in here. The next room is the seven star kitchen. It is filled with all of the ingredients you can imagine, in their freshest forms at that. World class chefs are working here 24/7, and are happy to teach anyone who may stumble into here with a craving how to cook. In addition, they also provide a room service. The first door on the right leads to an indoor swimming pool, which is olympic sized and has three surrounding hot tubs. Up on the second level but within the main room is a door that leads to the castles library, which contains every archive of the Mushroom Kingdoms history. The rightmost room leads to the Royal Lounge, which is a place of relaxation for Peach and her friends. It is decorated with luxurious red furniture, and there is a theatre sized screen which is hooked up to every video game console to date. Shelves surrounding the big screen are lined with countless video games and movies. There is also a pool table and a bar, as well as dart boards and a jukebox. There are also arcade machines that feature classic NES and SNES titles, such as Donkey Kong and Street Fighter II.

After one has climbed up the central stairs and entered the double doors, they have made their way to the second floor, 2F, of Peach Castle. This room serves as the living quarters for Peach and her friends. Everyone has their own designated room, with their name etched in gold font on its front. On the left side was Peach, Daisy, and now Rosalina's room. On the right side was Mario, Luigi, and Toadsworths room. There were also four rooms still vacant, two on each side. Each room is not only fully decorated, but also has its own private bathroom and elevator leading to the B2 level. The elevators in each room on the 2F level lead to the vehicle parked in the B2 level that match its room owner.

Continue down the hall of the second floor and up the stairs and you will arrive at the third floor, 3F, which is the castle Throne Room. This room is so massive and tall that an entire floor is dedicated to it. A red carpet leads to a tall red throne of mahogany wood. The floors are black and white checkered tile just like the main foyer. The windows along the side are tall and arched, and the throne rests with its back to the glass mural of Peach which is seen on the castle front.

/

Luigi was lying in his bed, looking up at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. He was still clothed, and was on top of the blankets. The room was dark, and his expression was serious as he reflected on what had happened earlier.

{"BWAH HA HA HA!" Bowser loudly laughed, a happy smile on his face. "You think you can stop me? Oh, now that's rich! Well come on! Bring it on, baby! Hit me with your best shot!"

"You asked for it!" Luigi smirked, charging at full speed, a fist charged back. "HYAAAAAAH!"

"HA!" Luigi cried, smashing his fist right into Bowser's stomach with all his might. Bowser didn't even flinch, he simply stood there with Luigi's fist against his stomach.

"Ow ow ow ow!" Luigi cried, backing off while whipping his hand in pain.}

{"And just what are you gonna do, exactly?" Kammy Koopa challenged, remaining calm. "Peach is right, you know. You should just go and get help. Leave it to Mario to do all the work. You, obviously, are incapable."

Luigi grit his teeth with anger. Kammy Koopa's mocking had gotten the best of him, much to Peach's dismay. Luigi proceeded to charge at full speed towards Kammy Koopa, an impressive speed at that. "I said, GIVE ME BACK MY FRIENDS!"

Luigi then shot high into the air, getting ready to perform a wicked roundhouse to the hovering Magikoopa. It would have done an impressive amount of damage, but all Kammy Koopa had to do was simply lift herself a little higher. She near effortlessly dodged the attack, Luigi proceeding to fall back down. Kammy Koopa raised her magical wand, geometric shapes gathering around the ruby embedded on its tip.

"You're wide open!" She cried, launching her attack.

Luigi's eyes were concealed in the shadow of his cap, his expression full of despair as he fell back down, defenseless. He was struck with the magical attack, his form irradiated with light.}

(I'm too weak...) Luigi thought to himself, his eyes narrowing. He couldn't stop the tears of frustration that followed. He placed a gloved hand over his eyes. "Sniffle... dammit."

"I... I want to be more useful to everyone." Luigi thought aloud, clenching a fist with teary eyes. "I want to be able to protect them! But what can I do?"

/

Daisy was lying in her bed, her bare shoulders peeking out from under the white blanket that covered her. She had an arm sprawled over her teary eyes, catching her breath as she had been crying quite hard.

"Another day... another day I shamefully rest my eyes in a comfortable bed while my people suffer..." Daisy sobbed, tears sliding down her face. "I should be suffering with them! I don't deserve this!"

Daisy grit her teeth, helpless against the tears that ran down her face. She slammed her fist into the soft bed. "Dammit! I will never, EVER, forgive you for what you've done, Grodus!"

/

Somewhere on the outskirts of the Mushroom Kingdom, brown booted feet made their way up to the top of a large blue hill with white patches and sleeping black eyes. Legs wearing white pants ran eagerly to reach the top of the steep hill, having just had climbed quite the distance. The man wore a blue tunic with intricate white designs, a white long sleeve undershirt, and brown fingerless gloves. The man had deep blue eyes and nice dirty blonde hair which bordered his face, the bangs messy and swept to the side. His medium length hair was also tied in the back and sides. On his back was simple sword, bow, and wooden shield.

The man had finally reached the top of the hill, a large portion of the Mushroom Kingdom in his view. His hair blew in the nighttime wind, endless stars glistening above him. His eyes were focused on the bright late night city in the distance, a large red roofed castle beyond it further. It was a beautiful view. He took a moment to appreciate it. Eventually he revealed a stone slate with a tablet screen, which featured an interesting insignia on its back. He stared at the screen, zooming in on the castle in the far distance. He watched the red and white flags atop the castle towers flapping in the late night breeze.

A blue ball of light appeared from the man with a glistening chime, white wings visible. Her name was Navi, and at closer glance one could see that she was a blue skinned fairy wearing a short white dress. She had long, flowing white hair, and big purple eyes.

"Ooh, Master Link! Look!" Navi sang, seeming excited. "The Sheikah Slate says we're in the Mushroom Kingdom!"

Link said nothing as he continued to look through the Sheikah Slate. He now was using its zoom feature to examine the big city in the distance.

"Look at those big structures!" Navi awed, peering at the screen from over his shoulder. "How advanced! I feel like we're looking into the future, *giggle*."

"It looks like there is so much to do here in the Mushroom Kingdom..." Link awed, scanning the area. He couldn't help but fantasize as he looked semi skyward with a dreamy, drooling blush. "I'll bet they have amazing sake..."

"Oh geez, is that all you ever think about?" Navi groaned, rolling her big eyes with folded arms. "I mean, look at how weird and colourful this world is! Aren't you excited to explore it?"

"Of course." Link nodded, stabilizing his view on a castle once again. The glass mural of Princess Peach was the focal point on his screen. The moat glimmered in the moonlight.

"Hey, check out that castle!" Navi awed, peeking over his shoulder to see it for the first time. She seemed impressed with the structure. "It's almost as big as Hyrule Castle!"

Link said nothing, keeping his focus on the castle. His eyes were slightly narrowed in thought.

"What is it, Master Link? Do you sense something?" Navi inquired, with an expression of interest.

"I just might..." Link thought aloud. He placed his Sheikah Slate on a holder that was attached to his tunic belt. "We shall head there at daybreak."

"Alright, camping time!" Navi cheered, her fists raised in glee. "I'm ready for a baked apple!"

Link was sitting criss cross before a burning fire pit high atop one of the colourful hills that, for the average person, were usually only ever seen on the distant horizon. The stars were shining brightly above, endless in quantity. It was late into the night. Navi was snoring soundly with her hands under her head, her tummy a little fat from the baked apple she had just devoured. Its discarded core was on its side near the fire.

Link was staring at the fire with a fancy cup of sake resting before him. He was absent minded, the light of the fire flickering on his face, his shadow stretched behind him. Something about that castle in the distance, something about what he had sensed from way out here on the hills, gave him the feeling that an amazing adventure was about to unfold.