A/N: I know it's difficult to imagine one of those crisp and windy Autumn mornings in the middle of June, but do your best. I'm way early on this story now; I've just been so excited about posting. I'm currently looking for suggestions on minor characters to include later on in the story. If you have any favorite minor characters that you'd like to see later on, review/PM me about it (and yes, Koopalings are already forthcoming and will be featured prominently in later chapters.) Also, anyone familiar enough with copyright law to know how often I have to declare that Nintendo owns all of these characters and that I don't? Thanks for the great reviews everyone, they make me smile and want to post more (hint hint!)
Orange and brown leaves shaken loose by the morning wind blew around and crunched under the princess' feet. A bit of sun began to peek through the gray morning fog. Two months after her charity event, she stood on the outskirts of the brand new park, wearing a casual but attractive pink dress appropriate for light outdoor activity. The construction of the park had taken next to no time, given the large amount of funding behind the project. Today, she had come to aid in planting the friendship garden. Every monarch was to personally plant a flower or bush to symbolize the lasting peace and friendship between the nations.
As she entered the gates of the protected park, she saw many happy Toad children playing on the field and play structures. She saw a few small boats on the lake in the distance, and in the middle of the park, she saw for the first time, the fountain that featured Bowser, the Mushroom Kingdom's philanthropist of the year. She sighed and shook her head.
I worked so hard to plan this park as a place of tranquility and happiness, only to have a giant Koopa statue placed in the middle of it. I should have never told his servants anything; he probably did this just to spite me.
It was odd to see the small Toads climbing up the spikes on the Koopa statue's back. She enjoyed hearing the Toads squeal with delight when the fountain would open its mouth and shoot a great "fireball" of water. Michaelangetoad, the sculptor hired to create the fountain, had done an excellent job making the statue of Bowser look both regal and kind. The sculptor had used light gray granite for the body and cut red glass to look like rubies for the eyes.
Peach shook her head again. The sculptor certainly did wonders for what he had to work with.
"Hurry up, Kamek! I've seen frozen Snailicorns that move faster than you!" Bowser whined impatiently, stamping his foot.
"I beg your patience sire; this is a very complex spell."
"You're going to make us late and I'm the number one celebrity today!"
"There, I am finished. Does it please you, My Lord?" asked Kamek
"Oh yeah, now that's what I call a plant!" said Bowser while looking at the bush Kamek had created. It was about the size of a small tree with dark green leaves and flowers that looked like burning flames. "So this thing won't ever wilt?"
"That's correct, My Liege; and there will never be another bush exactly like it," said Kamek with pride.
"Excellent," Bowser said as he leaped out of the Clown Car with his trusted adviser. He strutted through the gates and into the beautiful Koopa Park. Bowser smiled with pride. He had helped make all of this. As his eyes scanned over the park, his park, his stomach fluttered when he saw the princess staring up at the statue of him. He had not spoken to her since the night he kidnapped her. The hot sting of guilt flooded his body again.
Ugh, can't let that bother me forever, it was an accident, I didn't mean it, and I swear it will never happen again. Gotta be strong, man, be the king. The determined Bowser tiptoed behind Peach.
"Amazing, isn't it?" he cooed softly into the princess' ear.
Startled by the sudden low voice, Peach nearly jumped out of her skin. She spun around to see to whom the voice belonged and was terrified to find Bowser's scaly face so close to her own. Seeing the fear in her face shook his confidence, but Bowser still managed to make light of the situation.
"Don't worry Princess; I'm not here to kidnap you this time. See, I'm here to plant something." He held the plant out and gave it a little shake.
The princess did not seem relieved.
"The friendship garden is for the political friends of the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser." Peach replied angrily with her arms folded tightly across her chest.
"Politically speaking, Princess, we are friends. I mean, I don't attack your kingdom, now do I?" Bowser asked playfully.
"I hardly think that abducting another kingdom's monarch for your own political gain is considered friendly activity, do you?" Peach retorted coldly.
Bowser's smile faded and he became thoughtful. She thinks I kidnap her for some political reason? He almost laughed aloud. My mighty army is brawny enough to take over her entire kingdom any day of the week. Peach; so cute and so naïve.
"Would it make you feel any better if I told you that it has absolutely nothing to do with politics?" he asked softly.
"I--I don't know what you mean Bowser," Peach said, placing her hands on her hips. "And frankly, I don't care to know what you mean. This is a public area and as a gesture of peace between our kingdoms, you are permitted to plant your--shrub, but please, stay away from me."
With that, Peach turned on her heel and walked briskly toward the garden where the other monarchs waited.
Bowser turned to Kamek. "Wow! Heh, that was pretty cold coming from Peach," he said, an amused expression covering the sting he felt from her words.
"She called it a shrub, Sire," Kamek whined with an expression of hurt on his face.
Bowser still could not believe Peach honestly thought he had political motivations to kidnap her. I guess I'll need a new strategy in this little game. As he mused, he heard bells in the distance heralding the start of the planting ceremony. After a few short speeches from the Prime Minister and a few other Mushroom officials, it was time for the monarchs to begin planting.
Among the many royal guests was Princess Daisy of Sarasa Land, carrying a miniature tree with golden leaves and a faint scent of root beer. Also among the guests was the Yoshi Elder's eldest son, who came bearing a shrub with large red berries.
Despite Peach's request, Bowser wasted no time in choosing a plot of soil next to hers. Peach sniffed in annoyance as she caught sight of Bowser sitting in her peripheral vision.
Always the cat and never the mouse. That's about to change right now. He turned his back to the princess and feigned deep concentration on digging a hole in which to place his plant.
Dusting the dark fragrant soil from her hands, Peach turned to grab her sapling and noticed Bowser had his back to her. Most of the other royals were chatting happily with one another. Surely, the interpretation of this blatant lack of communication would be one of further instability in the two countries' relationship. Peach flushed, ashamed that she had let her personal affairs disrupt her duties as an ambassador of her country.
"Um, Bowser," she said, cautiously poking his left shoulder. "Um, could I, uh, borrow your spade?"
"Yep, sure thing Princess," he muttered gruffly, passing the spade over his shoulder without looking back at her. His shoulder tingled where she had touched it; however, he knew he had to maintain his feigned indifference.
Peach accepted the spade with heightened anxiety. Certainly, something was wrong; he had never spoken to her in such a gruff manner before. She recalled her conversation at the fountain. Perhaps I've offended him. I suppose it was a little harsh and not at all dignified or welcoming to our philanthropist of the year. She grimaced with shame as a voice in her head reminded her that he was still a foreign sovereign, a powerful one with which the Mushroom Kingdom could not afford to make enemies.
Peach sighed as she finished planting her sapling, a willowy tree bearing lovely pink flowers, which resembled lotuses and smelled strongly of nectar. Determined to right the wrongs she had done, she walked over to Bowser with small steps. The Koopa King was trimming unruly leaves off his plant when he heard the princess' footsteps behind him and smiled to himself.
"Bowser," Peach started softly, "Thank you for your generous contributions to the kingdom. I am very pleased you could make it today, it has been--a great pleasure."
Bowser struggled to maintain a straight face as he turned around to look into her troubled, blue eyes. It's amazing; she's even cute when she's worried. He gathered every ounce of willpower in his body to retain his cold and distant façade. "It was my pleasure Princess; I hope our kingdoms can continue to enjoy peace and prosperity through virtue of cooperation"
Peach was in a fog as she bid farewell to the other royals. Bowser's cold tone and words had shaken her. It seemed that through her irresponsibility and negligence, she had placed an important alliance with the Darklands in jeopardy.
Princess Daisy hugged her cousin tightly "Let's get together again soon, okay? I need to get some time outside of the castle, someone is driving me nuts!" said Daisy quietly, motioning to her father, the King of Sarasa Land.
"Of course, you know that you're welcome to come by and visit anytime," Peach said absently.
As Daisy left and the crowds dispersed, Peach found herself in a pensive mood. "Toadsworth," she called, "I'm going to go visit the tea house for a while. I haven't seen it since it opened for business."
"A capital idea, Your Highness. Yes, it seems quite proper to show your patronage to that fine establishment. Whenever you are ready to return to the castle, we are, as always, at your command."
Peach shivered as she began her short walk down the path to the teahouse. The gray clouds had long since covered the afternoon sun and the wind had begun to pick up, indicating an impending storm. The mushroom-shaped teahouse looked so cozy with steam coming from the chimney, which stood atop the red, speckled roof. Princess Peach gingerly crossed the bridge, which arched across a small stream in front of the teahouse. As she opened the door, a friendly jingle of bells and a rich, floral scent of tea greeted her.
I feel better already. The warmth coming from the stove met the chilled skin of her bare arms.
"Oh, Your Highness, what an honor! Please, come have a seat and warm yourself!" said a female Toad with a green hat. "You seem a little blue, Princess; may I recommend our relaxing and rejuvenating golden blend?"
"That sounds wonderful, thank you, may I also have a cinnamon bun?"
"Oh mercy me, dessert before dinner? It must have been a very stressful day for you, Princess," said the Toad kindly. "I'll fetch the tea at once."
Peach looked out the window and saw rain falling on the dirt paths outside. She briefly glanced sadly at her delicate silk shoes; the mud would surely ruin them. She closed her eyes and listened to the soothing sound of the rain. What a mess I've made today, Toadsworth would be so disappointed in me.
The soft clinking of teapots and teacups announcing their arrival caused Peach to open her eyes. An enchanting smell of apple and lemongrass perfumed the air as the young Toad placed the teapot softly on the white tablecloth. The scent of the tea married perfectly with the spicy smell of cinnamon and vanilla sugar, which came as the Toad placed a large gooey cinnamon bun, dripping beautifully with icing, on the table.
"Enjoy," said the Toad softly.
As Peach picked up the teapot and slowly poured herself a cup of the lovely steaming brew, she glanced at the Toads behind the counter. In addition to the female Toad who was serving the tea, there was a male Toad with a red hat. He appeared to be responsible for most of the baking. She watched them with a passing interest as she spooned a candied violet into her tea.
Newlyweds. What could be better than being in love and selflessly supporting one another in a mutual adventure? She thought of her own life and sighed. Although she was a strong woman and a capable leader, she rarely found herself in a position to be of much help to anyone, instead she usually was in a "damsel-in-distress" position. She carefully sipped her hot tea, savoring the light, heavenly flavor and aroma. She glanced back at the two Toads and watched them interact seamlessly with one another and exchange happy smiles and an occasional peck. Perhaps, one day I will find that sort of contentedness.
With that thought on her mind, she picked up the tiny golden fork and started on her cinnamon bun, determined to enjoy her life as her perfect adventure.
Mario paced the ugly, speckled airport floor nervously. Luigi looked up from his magazine at him. He knew his brother hated flying, but today Mario seemed even more anxious.
"What's going on, bro?" he asked his older brother.
Mario gestured to the window gloomily. It was raining spaghetti and meatballs and Mario was decided not excited.
"Don't worry about it; it's going to be just fine. Aren't you excited to see Mama and Papa?" Luigi asked in an attempt to take Mario's mind off flying.
Mario grunted in response. It had been almost a year since he had gone to see his parents, and the last visit was not exactly pleasurable. He knew Luigi, the favored younger brother, could never understand the pressure he was still under, even at this age. Lately, it seemed they were focused on seeing their sons married and producing grandchildren. Naturally, Luigi was ahead on this account with Princess Daisy as his long-time girlfriend.
"Now boarding flight number 4-3-3-2-4, first-class passengers only," said a voice on the loudspeaker.
Luigi stuffed his magazine into his luggage. "That's us, bro, let's go."
Mario sighed and rolled his luggage to the kiosk where he handed in his ticket. He had a bad feeling about the whole trip.
Bowser looked out his rain streaked bedroom window. He had played his role perfectly.
Three days should give the princess plenty of time to worry about stuff. He did feel slightly guilty for using political blackmail and making Peach worry, but the knowledge that he was in her thoughts somehow overrode those feelings of guilt. It's not like she'll have to worry for long and, as a bonus, the stupid plumbers will be gone for a while.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts and Kamea entered. "Excuse the intrusion, Your Majesty. As you requested, I am here to report that the Mario Brothers have embarked on their flight."
"Good. See to it that every corner of this castle is spotless. Also, we're going to need a different guest room prepared for our special guest."
"Very well," she replied. "In what fashion would you like the room to be prepared?"
Bowser furrowed his brows in thought. "Hmm, it needs to be comfortable. I want Peach to be comfortable here."
"And?" she asked expectantly.
Bowser wracked his mind for other specifications, he wanted to be able to show Peach that he cared, but he was certainly no designer. He looked at the falling rain outside. "Warm. It needs to be warm. A-and beautiful, it needs to be more beautiful than her room at her own palace so that she will want to stay--this time."
Kamea nodded in sympathetic agreement, realizing she was not likely to get any more useful input. "We will spare no expense in preparing a warm, comfortable, and beautiful room for Princess Peach. Will that be all, Sire?"
"Yeah, that'll be all…for now."
Princess Peach winced as she hit the wrong note on her baby grand piano for what seemed like the hundredth time that hour. Just two days after the planting ceremony, the gossip columns had already come out with several renditions of the events that took place. Each included its own twisted spin and theories as to why she and King Bowser had been snubbing each other at the ceremony, the most ridiculous of which involved a scandalous love affair and a possible pregnancy. Under different circumstances, Peach may have found the articles mildly amusing in a disturbing way, but today she could only thank the Stars that her story did not appear to be cover worthy.
She thought that a little piano practice might take her mind off her troubles, but now she was only more frustrated than she was before.
Toadsworth entered holding a burnt cupcake from a batch that Peach had forgotten in the oven earlier that day.
"Your Highness, is something troubling you today?"
"No," Peach lied. "I'm just feeling a bit tired. Actually, I think I might be coming down with something."
Toadsworth looked at her kindly. "Perhaps you ought to get some rest then, my girl. It is entirely possible you will feel better after a little nap."
"You're probably right, thank you for your concern," she said as he exited.
In a haze, Peach slipped on a comfortable nightgown and climbed between her pink satin sheets. She shut her eyes, but no matter how she tried, sleep would not come. What was I thinking? First I'm letting my personal feelings get in the way of proper diplomacy, then I find I'm lacking the focus to perform even the most basic of tasks, and now I'm lying and hiding things from my advisers. This is a terrible path to be traveling.
Peach tossed and turned in her bed anxiously continuing to stress over her recent actions. She began to notice that she actually did feel legitimately ill. She gave a small cough and curled up on her side. With sweat beading on her delicate skin, she finally drifted into an uneasy sleep.