A few little notes for all of my wonderful readers:

I know that I've promised in the past to have short waiting times, but with everything else that I have to do, I cant promise that anymore. I've got so many responsibilities that if I updated this regularly, I'd have no time for myself and the story would be completed in less than two weeks. I guess if people are getting upset at me for not updating regularly, that must mean the story is pretty good so far, right?

The koopalings are going to appear in this story as Bowsers children. I know that they're confirmed NOT actually his kids, but In the first story I made a reference to them as Juniors siblings. If you don't like that take on the situation, then I apologize.

My grammar is garbage. Absolute trash. Most of it has to do with me trying to get emotion through in a style that I read- capitalizing letters for emphasis, adding an unnecessary amount of italics, ect. I'm just doing this for fun, as I'm telling a story. Most of the grammatical errors I have are ones that I've had and used my whole life, so try and be patient with me about it. I will try and make as many corrections as I can. It also probably doesn't help that I only really write this story late at night when I'm sleepy.

I saw some comments/PM's about the lashing out that Luigi did, saying that it was too harsh. Think about it though- Imagine your sibling whom you love more than life itself was taken from you for 17 whole years? That's almost the entirety of my existence. While being taken away, their responsibilities had fallen on to you of being rulers of an entire kingdom? The whole time, having no idea where your sibling is, and wanting to find them but not being able to? Maybe they've even died?

To me, that would be absolutely traumatic. Also think about someone who doesn't normally lash out at others lashing out for the first time. It would likley be just fueled hatred being contained by nothing, which is why He didn't have a filter. It also had to be something done in order to provide more character development for Bowser, motivating him to give a big enough apology. It was hard for me to make him so... not gruff, but It needed to be done for the sake of the story.

Now, on to the shout outs for reviewers!

Tyler the story writer , Pie (wonderful name, btw), Noah, Espeonage Espeon, SonicRomance15, and a few guests.

Thank you guys for everything! Now, on to the story!

I looked at myself in the mirror again, but this time, my scar wasn't visible. It was covered with a smooth blackish fabric, that met around my neck and turned into a hood that left my face in darkness. I stared at myself for a while, trying to figure out of it was really going to trick anyone, let alone Annabelle. The party was this weekend, and I still had no idea of what I wanted to do.

Of course I wanted to see her. I wanted to see her more than anything. But I wanted her to see me too, or at least have her remember who I was. Was this how life was going to be for me? Endless days, wanting someone I couldn't have? What a pathetic life.

My chest sank into my stomach as I realized I knew someone who had lived that life all to well.

My father.

I finally understood how he felt. I couldn't believe it. It was a cold and sad feeling, yet I felt like I couldn't just sit around and do nothing. I couldn't become my father. I had to build more restraint.

I felt my feet begin to wobble as my reflection in the mirror warped into a monster. I saw everything I hated about my father slowly rippling into my reflection. I regained my balance as I slammed my eyes shut and tried to push the thoughts from my mind. 'Get it together,' I told myself under my breath. Everything calmed down in an instant.

I heard the door click shut, making me turn around immediately. Before me was a face I hadn't seen in nearly 17 years. My eyes grew wide, and my heart felt warm at his familiar face. "Long time, no see?" Ludwig questioned with a smile, obviously at a loss of words even though he knew so many.

I didn't say a word, as I was completely speechless.

I was never really best friends with my oldest brother, mainly because he was far more mature than myself. I was only three years old when I last saw him, and he was 17. He had interest in music and advancing the kingdoms class while I was absorbed by my dads powerful illusion and power. We were completely different, but I couldn't help the feeling of comfort that his presence gave me.

I rushed up to him and hugged him, without saying a word. It was obvious that he was unsure of what to do at first, but he eventually returned the gesture.

We separated for a moment, an awkward silence filling the air before I decided to speak. "Sorry," I said as If I was going to continue with a further apology, but I was really just waiting for a response from my eldest brother. "Seventeen years can really change someone." He said with a smile, obviously not bothering my my apology. His smile faded a bit as his eyes fell to the floor. I thought about his words.

"Were you all alone here?" I asked my brother whos eyes met mine again, his smile still not returning, almost foreshadowing his answer. I don't know why I felt the need to ask this. He'd always been fine on his own, as He'd typically isolate himself from the rest of the family when we were all still living together. I guess I was hoping he'd fill me in on what happened when we'd left.

"Lemmy and Wendy still come around from time to time," He began, walking over to the window in my room. The sky was dark and cloudy, and there was a low rumble of thunder in the distance. It was my favorite type of weather, even though It wasn't calming me at the moment.

I felt a empty feeling in my chest at the knowledge of how the world had moved on without me. I was the closest to my father, and my siblings knew this, but they were still my friends. I thought about how they felt, and my heart ached again. This feeling was getting all too familiar, and I didn't like it.

"When you and father left, I fell in charge of everyone and everything. At 17, the weight of the kingdom was placed on my shoulders," He continued. The sinking feeling didn't cease. I still listened to his every word.

"I thought you guys would be back that night. Dad cursing Mario's name, and plotting his next attempt while you strolled behind with a ash stained paintbrush. But alas," Ludwig sat down at the foot of my bed with a sigh. "You two didn't come back. For days. We didn't know what had happened to you and the kingdom began to panic. Of course those who didn't panic tried to take advantage of the situation, causing trouble and committing crimes. Myself, being held as the leader of the kingdom, was in a panic as well, so it was extremely hectic here for a brief period of time. Father sent me a letter after about a week or two of your absence, and informed me that you had both succeeded, and were stationed in outer space. He said he didn't know how long you'd be gone. It seemed as though he hadn't planned that far." He continued with a smirk at the end, even though it didn't last long. He was hurt at our fathers actions. It had occurred to me just then that I'd only really been thinking of myself. I never once considered how my siblings felt about our fathers abandonment of them.

"A few years had passed, and the kingdom decided that because father was absent, that I would become King. I had come of age anyway. Roy and Morton left first, disliking the changes I'd made to the kingdom. Followed by the others who left for the similar reasons."

"Changes to the kingdom?" I finally asked, catching him off guard. "Oh, yes. I lowered taxes, demolished social classes, and made it so most laws that went into effect needed to have votes on approval from those who live in the darklands."

"Those... Aren't those great things?" I asked. He let out a laugh and shook his head. "Yes, my thoughts exactly. Though they do lower the power and wealth the royal family has." He answered. It made sense, but I couldn't imagine the family splitting up because of money or power. Those were all really petty things. I'd grown out of that phase when I was nearly 14. I continued to think about my

"They'll probably be back once they realize you and father have returned. To either spit at or welcome back, which they'll choose is beyond me."

The sinking feeling made itself known again, before it slowly faded out again as it always had.

"But anyway, I also came up to ask what happened."

I didn't quite know how to answer this, so I continued to stay silent until he clarified what He was asking for.

"Did Mario finally escape fathers clutches after seventeen years? It's never taken that long." He said partially seriously. Images of Bella flashed in my mind, and I couldn't help but miss her. I knew I'd have to tell him about everything that happened, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. I sighed, Bellas image still consuming my mind.

"No, But his daughter did."

o0o0o

The Mushroom Kingdoms front castle doors opened, as the two royal families walked inside. They all looked rather shaken from their meeting with Rosalina, Bowser, and Boswer Jr. They put on fake smiles as they noticed Bella and Benito making their way over to them.

"Wow, that took long enough." Benito laughed, Bella following behind with a smile on her face. Her red dress lightly tickled the tiled floor as she walked, almost with a skip in her step. "It was an important meeting," Luigi said with a forced smile. The rest of the group seemed to follow his words with other fake smiles. Benito lost his posture, and slouched while putting his hands into a set of front pockets hidden on his pants. "What happened there?" He asked again. Everyone tensed up, before Mario answered.

"Kingdom business. Nothing interesting."

Benito wasn't buying it, but noticed the looks on the groups faces and decided he'd bug his parents about it later.

Annabelle could sense the tension, but disregarded it as everything was so weird that day to begin with. Maybe tomorrow would be a clearer day. It was then that she began to feel completely wiped out, and tired.

"Message for Prince Benito of Sarasaland," A voice echoed through the ballroom. All the heads turned to see a hurried Toad carrying a large envelope that was nearly as big as himself. Luigi and Daisy exchanged glances with their son, before receiving a completely confused glare in return. "Man, If this is Santa returning my letters he owes me a serious apology for being so late," He joked statistically, Making the group laugh lightly. Bella wasn't 100% sure who Santa was, but she still laughed at her cousins joke.

"Odd time of day for a letter, don't you think?" Mario mentioned, catching the toads attention. It was nearly 10 pm, and the mail was typically brought no later than 2 pm.

"Forgive me, your Majesty. It's from the Royal Academy of Young Rulers. They ordered that these be delivered as soon as possible." The toad declared as he hobbled up to Benito, nearly out of breath. Benito quickly took the envelope, with a large smile spreading on his face.

The toad looked up to Bella and blushed with a light wave, which she smiled and returned. Benito peeled the wax seal, opening the regal letter. Luigi and Daisy both smiled, as they expected what would come from the letter. Anna was still confused, but what else was new for her.

"Prince Benito Riccardio Mario," Benito began, with a fake English accent and a wide smile.

"Congratulations! You have been selected to join us in the 'RAOYR program'!" He read, gaining a few smiles from the group around him. "You will be required to stay in our facility for 2 months, while you learn how to become the best ruler you can be..." He began with a laugh, but then slowly began to sound somber once he read that he had to be gone for two months. He'd known this when He'd entered, but completely forgot about the amount of time he'd need to be gone.

The group didn't need to ask him to know why he sounded displeased.

"What is the... RAOYR program?" Bella asked quietly, not wanting to make a fool of herself.

Peach smiled a genuine smile before answering her daughters question. "Once every two years, the Royal Academy of Young Rulers selects 4 princes and/or princess's to experience and learn about life once they take the throne. Its a once in a lifetime experience. " She said happily, recalling memories of her past. "When I went, it was one of the best times of my life."

Daisy smiled, recalling memories as well. "They were good times.."

"Pardon me for this, but isn't that the whole point of a Royal Academy? To teach princes ad princess's how to behave as kings and queens? I mean, why else would they call it a 'Royal Academy?'" Bella asked with a confused smile. It was obvious that Mario was interested in the answer his wife was planning to give as well.

"Yes, but the RAOYR program is special. You need to apply for it nearly 2 years in advance, and only the most qualified are selected." Daisy answered first, followed by an excited Peach, who loved the memories she had of the program.

"You go to different parts of the world, and experience travel, parties, and experience culture of other kingdoms, all while learning how to appreciate it." Peach said, nearly drooling over the idea of going again.

"It's basically a vacation where you do a lot of partying and experience freedom." Daisy responded, simplifying Peach's words but not making them sound any less desirable. It made sense Why Benito would want to go. He seemed like he needed a vacation away from everything. He seemed like the type to put on a fake smile regardless of how tough things were for him.

"It says I need to leave this week..." Benito said with a frown, almost not wanting to go through with the trip anymore. How was he supposed to know his long lost family would return in the short time. The group was silent for a brief moment.

"Thats right, the Party.." Peach said, looking down.

"I want you to go." Annabelle said, shocking everyone. They all looked up from their thoughts to her. "No. No way. I'm not missing your crowing ceremony." Benito protested, nearly crinkling the invitation in his hand.

"You heard them. It's a once in a lifetime chance. It would be so dumb of you to throw it away. Especially after you worked so hard to get there." She responded, a genuine smile spreading on her face. She was sad at the thought of him not attending, but was also relived that there would be one less person to stare at her while she was being crowned princess.

Benito didn't respond right away, and glanced down at the invitation in his hand, considering his options. Did he bail on his family and take the vacation of a lifetime? Or did he miss the one chance he had to go to the RAOYR program that he'd been looking forward too his whole life, just to see his cousin be officially named something she's been since birth? He mentally kicked himself and shook his head.

"No, Forget the invite. I'm staying here." He responded boldly, making Bella furrow her brow. He was incredibly stubborn. She assumed he'd inherited that from Daisy.

"Maybe You can do both?" Luigi suggested before Bella had a chance to protest. Everyone silenced and faced him, as if to be interested in what his plan was. "The coronation is on Saturday, correct?" He asked, receiving nods from Peach and Mario, and a followed nod by Daisy. "Why don't you plan on leaving after the coronation? I'm sure you'll be partying enough during the program, that missing out on a few hours wont kill you." He laughed. It was a great idea, and everyone smiled wildly at the thought. "That's perfect!" Peach exclaimed, clasping her hands together.

Bella's eyes blinked a bit slower, as she felt a yawn warp its way to her face. "Tired, Huh?" Mario smiled, motioning to Annabelle who blinked wildly at her fathers words. "Oh no-" She said, trying not to impose. She yawned yet again. "I'm... Wide awake." She clarified, eyes feeling heavy again. Peach laughed, and walked toward Bella and Benito. "I think we should all get some rest," She suggested, placing a hand on both Bella and Benito's shoulders. "Have guest room preparations been made?" She asked Luigi and Daisy, who smirked. "We've been staying here for-" Luigi began, immediately cutting himself off after he'd realized what he'd said. Peach and Mario shared the same shocked expression, but changed when Luigi did. "A day, I think they'd have rooms ready by now."

"Nice save," Daisy muttered under her breath, but loud enough for her husband to hear. Benito bit the inside of his cheek at his dads mistake. Bella was nearly falling asleep on her mothers shoulder. She had no idea why she was so sleepy all of a sudden.

Peach guided Annabelle to a beautiful bedroom, that was filled with shades of red and pink. The toads had updated the room to meet the Princess's needs, even though she'd been gone for 17 years. They always believed she would return, and wanted to be prepared for when she did. Mario followed, also incredibly tired from the days events. It was his first day back home. His first real meal, his first stroll of freedom, and the first time he'd been able to interact with his daughter beyond infancy. He'd never forget any of it. He thought about Annabelle's memory loss yet again, and wondered if it was really a wise choice to keep her memories from her.

o0o0o0o0o0o

"So, what was that meeting really about?" Benito asked, as he walked alongside Daisy and Luigi. They were nearing the guest wing of the castle, where they would all rest their heads for the night. The parents tensed up at their sons bold question. "You saw through that, huh?" Luigi confessed, receiving a light groan from Daisy. She laughed at the thought for a moment about how easy it was for Benito to get information out of his father.

"Not to mention you guys were acting as if there was a bomb in the castle, and you were nearing the detonator word," He responded. He pretty much hit the nail on the head, with that one. The three finally reached the set of rooms, and all filed into the master suite before continuing the conversation.

"Absolutely none of this is to be heard by Annabelle, understand?" Daisy demanded, pointing a stern finger at her son. "Yeah Yeah, mom..." He replied half halfheartedly, wanting to figure out what it was the meeting was about.

"We aren't joking, Ben. If shes informed of anything that happened at the meeting, she will... remember everything." Luigi said, turning to face his son, mocking his wife's finger method. Benito felt small, even though he was taller than both of them.

"Isn't that what we want? For her to remember?" Benito questioned, in a meek tone. "Some things are better off forgotten." Luigi said flatly, catching his son off guard. He'd never heard his father say something so dark.

"Does this have something to do with what Bella was talking about when you were gone?" Benito questioned again, catching Daisy and Luigi's attention. "What was she talking about when we were gone?" Daisy asked, speaking for both of them.

Benito relaxed himself against the door. "She asked me if she'd been in a relationship with someone... Like a boyfriend." He began. "She said it felt like she was forgetting someone really important to her."

Luigi and Daisy's blood ran cold. "Was she really in love with him?" Daisy asked Luigi, as she sat down on the bed. They were both stunned to believe that something like that could be true.

"In love with who? Is that really what the meeting was about?" Benito asked frantically. Nobody said anything for a short amount of time. The thought was still making its way through their minds.

"Rosalina had been taking care of Bella for the last 17 years. She'd thought that Mario and Peach died at the hands of Bowser, when it turns out they'd been alive the whole time." Daisy began, staring off into space.

"Is that who the meeting was with? Rosalina?" Ben asked again, walking closer to his mother. He was still not getting the answers he was looking for. His temper was beginning to light.

"Bowser was also there... And so was his son." She continued. Benito was shocked at the idea of his family coming into contact with him hours after they were returned home. His fists clenched lightly, but he tried to control his rage.

"What? What could they have possibly have said to you?" He laughed through the scowl on his face. "Hey, sorry for ruining your lives," He mocked Bowser statistically.

"They apologized, but it was genuine... Bowser offered to repay the kingdom every penny he owed and more, knowing it would well sink the darklands into debt," Daisy began, trying to convince her son, and herself, that Bowser was really trying to change things around. Benito scoffed at the scenario, and ran his hands through his hair before gripping it in frustration. "Are we really putting a price on life?" He asked, confusing both Luigi and Daisy, who stared at their son in confusion. He noticed their confusion and continued.

"So he'll give us money, big whoop. Money isn't enough to repay for the damage he's done mentally." Benito argued. It was as if Luigi was battling with himself. He now realized how he was behaving during the meeting and kicked himself mentally. He couldn't say his son was wrong, because he wasn't. He was absolutely correct.

"Benito," Daisy began, shaking her head, trying to get him to calm down. He protested yet again. "No! This is bullshit!" He shouted, catching the family off guard. "Benito!" Daisy shouted again, standing up now, eyes wide with shock. She'd heard him curse before, but she wasn't going to condone it. She bit her tongue at the thought of how rebellious she was at that age and realized that Benito simply saying 'bullshit' was nothing compared to the daring things she'd done. Her gaze softened as Benito continued his rant.

"So thats it? We're just forgiving them for everything?" He scoffed, changing his focus from his mother to Luigi, who still stared blankly at his son. "We have to." He said flatly. His son walked a few steps closer to him. "What does that even mean? We're not obligated to do anything for those Assholes!" He said, getting closer to Luigis face.

"Benito, thats enough!" Daisy shouted, grabbing his shoulders from behind, trying to calm him down.

He calmed down a little, but was still breathing heavily from his temper. Luigi seemed to be emotionless on the outside, though his insides were a slur of them. He hated that he had to forgive Bowser. He Hated that him being upset wasn't allowed. He hated that he seemed to have no control of anything that happened. He hated all of it.

"We're are. For Annabelle's sake." Luigi confessed. A look of confusion spread on Benitos face yet again. "What is that supposed to mean?" He questioned.

"Bella was in love with Bowsers son." He said in a hushed tone, finally looking up at Benito. The tall boy was absolutely shocked. He hadn't even considered him a possibility to Bella's interests. His throat tightened, and he felt stuck. The burning hate he held for Bowser was being matched with his wish for his cousins happiness. It was an unsettling feeling.

The room was silent, as if it was the first time they were all hearing this information. They were all still trying to process it. "Love counteracts the Memory loss spell that Rosalina placed on Annabelle," He continued, still mulling over the confession he'd made to himself.

"Meaning that she'll remember him and Rosalina if reminded," Daisy added, speaking on her husbands second half. "And she might want to go back there..." Benito finished, eyes not meeting any ones. They'd all faced the reality of the situation, and they felt as if they were stuck. They all knew they needed to accept what was happening, though. Even though they weren't sure if it was right.