Chapter One


Between the princess and her people lies an acre-wide abyss in the shape of Bowser's foot; its toes touch the castle grounds while the heel marks the outskirts of Toad Town. A sign of past destruction the kingdom can't get rid of. Peach decided it would be best to go gimmick: border it with a walking path, plant trees, flowers, build a fence, light posts, too. But despite the decorations, toads opt for a warp pipe nine times out of ten. Hazards scare, and it doesn't take much to frighten these folks.

The lamp posts are out but Peach's castle is a bright enough beacon. Tonight it's more vibrant than usual. Noisy, too. The slightest symphony of strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion slips out open windows. I see spotted specs standing guard welcoming a few late guests. An acre has never felt so vast. It makes my stomach sink and settle at the same time.

Blood pools in my dangling feet and they're too heavy to swing if I wanted to. Swallowed by black, they look smaller than usual. I feel small. So, so small. Squished in a cage. I can't breathe, I can't think about anything but getting out. But the key's gone (if there ever was one), leaving only unconventional means.

My legs are anchors longing to drop and my shoulders slouch from the weight, but my hands remain knotted in grass, refusing to loosen. Head down and the cold still cuts across my cheeks, making them blush. I shiver and my nose leaks. Cold inside and out but I'm content with idling when a means of escape is directly below.

"Mario?"

If I wasn't frozen before I am now. Her voice is calm and more concerned than I've ever heard, willing me to turn but not before plastering a smile, "Hello!"

A green dress drapes over her, flowy and relaxed but still holding an air of formality. Its skirt sweeps the floor and her red hair rises with the wind but there's no attempt to tend to either. "Are you alright?"

"Super!" I respond happily. "Just getting some fresh air." The wind picks up and we both shiver, her arms wrapping around herself. Her black coat, while appearing thick, isn't suited for the weather. Her knuckles turn white clinging to it in an effort to hold what warmth she has.

"Super," she repeats once the air goes stagnant.

"Yup!"

"Super Mario."

"That's me!"

"The beard's new, Super Mario."

It itches when she mentions it but I refrain from scratching. Despite the lower temperature, a nervous heat rises within me. "You look cold, Princess."

"Daisy."

"You look cold, Daisy." I let air slowly escape my lungs as I continue, "We can catch up at the party. You keep going, I'll be there in a bit."

"I'm fine with stalling my arrival a while longer," she says cooly.

"Peach is probably wondering where you are."

"She's probably wondering where you are, too." Bad point. Very bad point for me to bring up. "But you don't seem too bothered."

"You're royalty," I try to recover.

"From another kingdom. You're the hero of this kingdom," emphasis on 'this.' "If anything you're more important." My fists clench tighter, ripping grass from the dirt. Her hands fall to her sides. "Plus I'd feel safer with an escort." Her lack of protection did surprise me but the sentence couldn't sound stranger coming out of her mouth. Daisy isn't Peach and we both know it, and she's already walked a majority of the way alone. "I'll stay with you until you're ready to go."

My face twitches for a moment; my plaster jobs haven't been solid lately, "Great."

"Can I sit?"

"Of course."

She moves slowly forward and gathers her dress in her hands to avoid tears when she slips through the fence. She tucks the skirt underneath her as she settles, cross-legged. Daisy immediately stares at the pit, shuddering again, "Quite the spot you've picked." When I don't say anything she adds, "This is from Bowser, right?"

I nod.

"How far does it go?"

Considering fruitless filling attempts, I'd argue it's eerily bottomless. But I just shrug.

"It's dark down there," she leans forward slightly. "Not much to see." And leans back. "You don't think it's dangerous sitting on the edge?"

She turns to me as she says this, sapphire eyes boring into my cerulean ones. I've always loved her eye color. Deep blue like the ocean and just as easy to get lost in. Even now, I find myself swimming in them, searching for the best answer to give her. "I know it's dangerous. I just…wanted to sit here."

"Why?"

A part of me wonders if she knows how bewitching her eyes are. I blink, staring ahead, "Good vantage point of the castle."

"Got it," she utters after a moment, not following my gaze.

Clouds cross the sky above as we sit in silence. I lean back on straightened arms, seeking the starscape. I catch it briefly in the small patches of sky not covered by wispy water. The stars seem dimmer and it isn't the distance. Maybe the brightness of the castle is overpowering, making them appear faint. Or they really are burned out, in which case the clouds offer much needed cover.

"You don't want to go," she speaks.

"What?! No!" I lie, smile back.

"I don't care to go either personally." She runs a hand through her hair, glancing at her outfit. "These types of 'celebrations' aren't my thing, and I get the sense they aren't yours either."

"I love Peach's parties." Her brows raise. "I do!"

She shakes her head, face falling, "It doesn't seem like it."

I swallow, "You don't know me that well."

"I know you well enough."

It takes everything in me to keep my eyes from widening. Every word out of her mouth has been calm and casual. Confident but cool. I've always thought I was a great liar but maybe I've been giving myself (and the toads) too much credit. More heat rises within me and I'd clench my fists tighter if I could. I've never failed to convince someone and I'm not starting now.

Suddenly my stomach growls and I cradle it to cover it up.

"I'm hungry, too," she says, donning a soft smile. "There's a 24 hour diner with great pancakes." I know the place. "Care to eat there?"

"But—." I glance at the castle again.

She fishes her skirt out from under her before placing her hands on the ground, "I'm in the mood for some comfort food. What about you?"

An innocent invite, so seemingly straightforward. My eyes find hers again. The ocean's calm but there's no telling what truly lies beneath its waters, only that there's something, some thought, sloshing around below the surface, and I can't let it.

"Whatever you want," I say, my dimpled cheeks already beginning to ache.

She pushes up from the ground easily, offering her hand right away. Daisy stays close to the edge but places her other hand on the fence, eyes on me. My lower limbs are heavy but I manage to bend them. Pushing back on my palms, I slide to make room for my feet to plant themselves. She grabs my arm as I stand.

"I'm good," I say once fully straightened, though my boots feel like they're made of lead.

She pats the fence. "After you."

"Ladies first."

"I'm not fishing for chivalry." My smile drops at how serious she is. "I'm telling you to go." She releases me slowly. I break the staring contest and hop the 'barrier' without a word. Daisy slips through two of the wooden posts and settles next to me again, "Lead the way."

We walk with the wind but this doesn't make it any less cold. Her hair and dress fly forward, almost playfully as we're willed ahead. We decide without speaking that it would be best to travel faster. If anything, running redistributes the extra weight in my feet. I don't know how she keeps up in heels, but I should expect nothing less from the sporty princess.

It isn't a long distance to the diner seeing as it stands in the back of town. A poor location that citizens prefer, because despite the good food, the building's an eyesore, and not just because of the neon (in fact, some of the bulbs are shot). Its red and white paint job isn't a poor one, but could've used a fresh coat years ago. Despite seeing a wiper in the window on every visit, glass always seems to be smudged. The walkway is covered in cracks, and if you're weak in the knees, I suggest having a friend to lean on, because turning to the wooden handrail for support is sure to mean splinters. But the inside's clean, the meals are always hot, and the prices are reasonable.

The wind doesn't want us to go, holding the door closed, but I pull it open with a swift tug and we slip safely inside. Old Christmas bells on the handle swing and clang, making our presence known. A tired toad girl pops up from the front stand; her eyes awaken when she spots us, staring at me in particular.

"Mario?! Princess Daisy! And to think I was considering calling out tonight!" Only three tables are occupied, eight diners total, and everyone turns to us. "What can I do for you this evening?"

"We'll take a booth. In the back," Daisy replies, her level tone highlighting the hostess' excitement.

"Anything for you, two!" She stares at me as she says this. I will the corners of my mouth upwards again, giving her a false smile. She grabs two menus before cheering, "Follow me!"

The diner at the bar spins in his seat, smiling and waving in excess. A couple we pass and a group of five toad teens in a corner booth can't contain themselves. It's a jumble of praise and adoration as we move past them: "Mario you're the greatest! I love you! We wouldn't be here without you, man!" I offer them the same smile as my stomach growls again.

We're seated the farthest we can be but I'm made to stare at my fans. I take the menu, offered with a giggle, and get lost in it despite knowing what I want.

"I'll grab you both some water for now. Let me know if you have any questions!"

My trifold lowers when her footsteps recede. Daisys laid her menu flat and runs her finger down the list of flapjack flavors. Her lips move slightly, reading the ingredients to herself.

"Waters for you!" The waitress sets them on coasters and pulls a pair of straws from her apron. "What can I getcha?"

"I'll take some tea to start," Daisy responds. "Green. With honey."

"Of course, Princess!"

"Water's fine," I say, both of them staring expectantly.

"Oh," the girl states, actually saddened. "Are you sure? We have plenty of choices! There's ten different coffee flavors, eight different teas, soft drinks, specialty drinks– I personally think our hot chocolate is the best in town. And we have bottled beverages, too. I'm happy to get you something better, Mario!"

"Just water," I manage.

"Well did you need lemon or more ice or—?"

"I'm really cold," Daisy interjects, crossing her arms to rub them. "Do you mind grabbing the tea now, please?"

She blinks, "Oh! Of course! Be back in a second!"

My eyes follow the toad as she walks behind the counter, grabs a teapot, and places it under the coffee machine. She giggles with her co-worker as the pot fills with water, gesturing to us. I grab one of the straws, peel the paper, and watch the water level lower in my glass as I drink. A shiver runs through me when the first mouthful shoots down my throat. Maybe I should have ordered a hot beverage.

"You know what you want?" Daisy glances at my closed menu.

I nod.

She grabs her own straw, pointing it straight up to bang lightly on the table. When the paper wrapping slips low enough she pulls it away, crumpling it into a ball. She gets chills after her first sip, too.

"How's Sarsaland?" I begin, as genial as I'm expected to be.

"Wouldn't know really," she murmurs, sliding her water away. "I've been in the Mushroom Kingdom the past few weeks."

"That's nice!" I exclaim like a typical person would. "I'm sure you're liking the extended time here!"

"It's different, that's for sure, and different's what I need right now."

Our waitress makes her way back over, teapot in one hand with a cup and saucer in the other. Honey and a tea bag rest on the small plate when she sets it down. "Ready to order you two?"

You two. A means of referring to us both but guilt runs through me when she says this, and part of me feels like I shouldn't be here, out to eat, with my brother's girlfriend.

"Blueberry pancakes. Please," Daisy says, handing over the menu.

"O-kayyyy," she prolongs, scribbling on her pad. "And what about you, Mario?"

I hesitate.

"I thought you knew what you wanted," the princess inquires.

"If you need more time that's fine!" the toad girl assures. "There's no rush at all!"

I blink and bring the smile back before blurting, "Meatloaf!" louder than I'd like. "Meatloaf would be great."

"Terrific choice!" the girl exclaims, jotting it down with a smile of her own. Daisy stares. "I'll put your order in right away. Should be out quick. But in the meantime if you need anything," she focuses on me again. "Don't hesitate to ask!"

I nod to confirm but she doesn't leave right away. Keeping up with the grinning contest makes my fingers flex in my lap. Thankfully we're cut short, courtesy of a cleared throat from the princess.

"You're in rare form tonight," Daisy murmurs, and I remember why I'm getting dinner with her in the first place.

The five teens appear at our table before I can think to respond. The couple and lone diner join not long after. They gush more than a burst pipe, determined to make their gratitude known. They ask for autographs, share life stories and how I'm a part of them, and one begs for a jumping demonstration which I'm able to decline due to the cramped space and cold. Never underestimate low numbers.

Daisys fawned over too, to a lesser extent. She interacts but cuts them short, with some concern for their feelings. Too soon, all eyes are turned to me, hers included. I feel her watching, studying my face, recording my reactions and responses. Food can't come soon enough.

"Pardon, me! Excuse me!" The waitress squeezes through, setting plates in front of us and steaming our faces. My stomach growls on cue and I start to unravel my utensils. "Enjoy!" she says but remains by the table, along with everyone else.

"Hard to do that with all of you staring at us," Daisy remarks. The delivery's smooth but the statement still stings enough to get the point across. "Let us eat in peace, please," she adds to ensure understanding.

A part of my heart is heavy for the toads as they depart but the greater the distance between us, the more breathable the air becomes. My shoulders lower and posture loosens as I settle comfortably in my seat. We dig in, curbing hunger in silence until she decides to break it.

She cuts a third quarter of pancakes. "You wanted a vantage point."

I swallow my food. "What?"

"From before, when you said why you were sitting—"

"Yes," I cut, harsher than I'd like. "Vantage point is correct."

"And you were planning to wear your overalls." I look to my clothes. "To a black tie gala." She processes as she speaks, lips forming a thin line.

"I thought Bowser would show up." It isn't a total lie. My heart feels heavy again and I have to fight the urge to frown, "He's been quiet."

"But wouldn't it make more sense to be closer to the castle, so if something were to happen, you could jump into action?"

"An acre is close," I defend.

"Could have been closer," she argues. "So why not? If heroics was your priority and if you don't mind the parties, why were you so far away?" Her voice gets softer with every word, "Alone, on the edge of a cliff, looking defeated?"

My own mouth is tight now, jaw clenched to avoid letting it drop. Looking away doesn't sell my story but I have to let the tension leave me somehow. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and summon the politest tone possible, "With all due respect, Princess, I think I know more about protecting a kingdom than you do."

It arguably isn't the case —I'm good at cleaning up messes not preventing them, and Sarasaland has only had one major incident— but I don't know what else to say. 'You don't know what you're talking about' is too harsh. No response confirms her suspicion.

To my surprise, she doesn't counter, just lets her head nod once before returning to her meal. When the waitress comes to check on us, Daisy doesn't look up. She stares through her food, eating it slowly but stopping when there's a quarter stack left. She smears the syrup in her plate, creating maple brown and white stripes before smudging them away.

I chew my last bite of meat and stare at the fan above our heads. It spins lazily, for show I suppose; it's too slow to really circulate. Photos and posters clutter the walls. No matter how many times you visit, you'll find one you haven't seen before. A signed photo of Zip Toad is new for me.

"Wario eats garlic pancakes," she says, not looking up from her plate. I grimace. "His own recipe, says they're fantastic."

"That's disgusting."

"I agree." She pokes her fork into one of the remaining pancake pieces, fishing a blueberry out. "If he just said 'I feel like eating garlic pancakes,' that's one thing. But to actually eat them?" She looks at me now, fork frozen mid stab, ocean blues unwavering, "Sounds deadly."

"I don't see a difference."

"Having the desire is bad, but okay. Carrying out the act is where the issue actually lies." She puts her fork down, both hands open on the table, "Do you get it?"

Her stare violates but I can't tear myself from it. The more I think about her words, the more my nails puncture my palms through my gloves. Air gathers and stalls in my lungs, and I bite hard enough on my inner cheek to taste blood.

"Do you get it?" she asks again.

I can't summon a smile, enthusiasm, anything, "No. I don't get it."

"Did we want anything else?" the waitress asks when she comes to clear our table.

"No, thank you. I think we're—"

Daisy cuts me off, "You guys have great pies, right?"

"We have AMAZING pies! Freshly made and baked in house!" the toad brings her hands together. "There's a raspberry nectarine that's to die for!"

"Sounds like it," the princess responds. "We'll take two pieces."

"To go," I respectfully add.

"But I haven't finished my tea."

Silence hangs in the air as she stares at me again. Anything to stop that staring. "Of course, Princess, how silly of me."

I cave when she insists on a roundabout walk home, too. Thankfully the wind's died down, and not before pulling the curtains away to reveal a full moon. It's the only source of light outside my single-level home.

"I'll be in town for a bit," she says. "We should spend more time together."

No. We shouldn't. "Sure! Just let me know when you'd like to—"

"Tomorrow."

I rub my arm, "Tomorrow's no good. I'm meeting with Peach."

"In the morning." Stupid of me to forget the girls are good friends. "You're free in the afternoon though."

"Well, yes—."

"Great. Meet you outside the castle." She idles like the waitress, crumpling her skirt in her hands. "I'll meet you outside the castle tomorrow." For the first time her eyes waver and they sparkle more than usual. "Right?"

I nod.

"Promise?"

"Yes," I affirm.

"Say it."

"I promise."

She swallows before nodding, too, and rips her grip from her gown before disappearing down the path, leaving me alone.


Thank you, thank you for reading :) Reviews more than welcome, I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Follow/favorite if you're so inclined. The little things mean the world to me.

Super Mario franchise and its associated characters/worlds belong to Nintendo.