The Meeting

I'll admit it. I only have myself to blame.

Bowser groans as he sits in the meeting. His koopa council argued before him over the projects they wish to tackle, to improve the empire. Meanwhile, the kings and queens of various lands sat quietly listening to them. But Bowser didn't hear any of the ideas, as he was mentally kicking himself for sparing Peach. Had he destroyed the Mushroom Kingdom like he planned he would not be plagued with thoughts of her. This morning he overheard Lemmy talking about the fun he had with the princess. And then he saw Peach playing with Junior. Despite the position she is in, she was still displaying kindness. How he loved it! Such a beautiful soul. But the two royals are opposites. A romantic relationship would never work. Even if he forced her to marry him, she wouldn't love him. He would have her but not her heart. Convinced of this, Peach was becoming an eye sore for the koopa king.

Bowser can give the order to exterminate the Mushroom Kingdom. But he had given his word to spare Peach and the toads, even though he is a tyrant. Also, he can no longer fathom hurting the princess. Even if she defies him in any way. The very thought brings endless grief to him. Steam escapes Bowser's nostrils as he slams his fist down on the arm of his throne. Several council members jump, documents scattering onto the floor.

I just need to wait for her to break the terms of our deal. Then I'll let the general take care of it. That's it.

The plan makes him smile in relief and Bowser rests his hand on his cheek. Then he frowns as another torturous thought comes up.

Why resist her anymore? Pursue the girl before someone else sweeps her off her feet!

His eyes dart to Antasma. Though Bowser wasn't hearing the presentations, he was looking in his direction, every so often. Peach was taking notes, listening carefully to each argument made. If she missed a point, Peach would turn to ask Antasma whispering in his ear. He would smile and give a response. The bat king is awfully friendly with her. And Peach isn't bothered by his presence. Once again, jealousy rushes through Bowser's heart and he slams his fist.

She's mine!

Mouser musters up courage to get Bowser's attention. "Boss, are you ready for the vote?"

Bowser's eyes darted to him. "What vote, cheese breath?"

Mouser hides behind his clipboard.

"To use a significant amount of capital to build your grand villa on Pi'illo Island!"

Antasma shifts in his seat, his eyes unreadable.

"There's no need for a vote because I want it done. So, get it done!"

"Yes, Your Awfulness!"

Bowser looks at the next item of discussion, desperate to get the meeting done.

"We're still considering this!? Has anyone located that stupid explorer!?"

Nervous mumbles erupt from the council. A female koopa finally stands up. "We lost contact with him after he reentered that strange flowery pipe in the Desert Kingdom. His last message was that there was indeed an invasion taking place, and he was hiding with the surviving residents of that dimension. We haven't been able to access the pipe since. Someone destroyed the route."

"Great he got abducted by aliens. What an idiot. I was looking forward to that treasure he claims is there. Antasma, you're in charge of getting that pipe back working."

The bat king nodded to the order.

An invasion happening in another dimension didn't set well with Bowser. Having conquered his world, he was going to go to war with others. He did not need a rival empire. With a grumble Bowser inquires if Ludwig finished the superweapon. After Ludwig explains it was nearing completion, Bowser gets excited.

"Excellent. Once we get the pipe working, we'll use it to blast the invaders and get my treasure."

"Ummm, we'll save the explorer too, Boss?" Mouser asks while twiddling his thumbs.

"He better hope I don't see him after witnessing this level of incompetence."

All other decisions were made with ten minutes to spare before noon. Feeling generous, Bowser asks if any vassals had any complaints. As he predicted, no one was bold enough to speak. Bowser smirks and folds his arms. His shoulders droop seeing Peach stand up.

Of course, she would have something to say.

As she breathes deep to prepare her statement, Bowser focuses on her - ignoring everything in the room.

Please lower the tribute, Lord Bowser! That's what she's going to complain about! If she thinks I'm …

"Your Majesty, thank you for your time. I would like to remind you Admin Larry's tower needs desperate repair."

Bowser's breath caught in his throat.

"W-whatever."

"The daycare for the staff is underwater, so I beg the repairs to be done as soon as possible. Please." Peach says in a polite but firm manner. Her expression indicated she was going to heckle Bowser about it until he got it done.

Bowser grumbles trying to hide his eagerness to honor her request. "Don't rush me, woman! I got enough as it is!" But he has Mouser write it on the priority list. Larry grabs onto Peach's arm whispering his gratitude, he had forgotten about it. Some of the vassal rulers, ones that didn't mind serving Bowser, looked upset. They could see clear favoritism towards the new vassal. But they dare not speak up.

Tearing his eyes off Peach, Bowser sighs and glances at the clock. "Finally, the part I've been looking forward to. King Penguin is set to be executed."

Peach raises her hand to her mouth, her eyes filled with distress.

"But I want to show a little mercy. I'll even throw in one pink bob-omb to help him. They are to fight in the arena tomorrow against my champion. Should they win I'll let them all go. They are allowed to have one helper to even out the playing field. One soul for each of Tryclyde's heads."

Peach remembers the arena from what Antasma showed her in Bowser's dream. Bowser spent a lot of time in it receiving beatings, fighting monsters and his older brother for the right to rulership. Peach hopes Junior will never be subjected to that place.

"It's used for punishing criminals now." Antasma says as if he read her mind.

"Any volunteers?" The tyrant taunts. None comes forward. Bowser's eyes drift to Peach.

You better not, Peaches.

Peach begins to raise her hand.

Are you kidding me!?

Peach is about to speak but Antasma covers her mouth.

"Absolutely not!" He hisses into her ear.

Peach turns to him indignantly removing his hand.

"The penguin and the pink bob-ombs are going to die!"

"You can't save everyone. And you don't know what you're signing up for! Tryclyde is no pushover."

Peach folds her arms pouting. Bowser sighs in relief; he doesn't have to threaten Peach. Hopefully, she'll finally adjust to the way things are run here. But he frowns seeing no one else come forward. "No one cares, I guess. It's going to be an execution tomorrow then!"

Bowser turns to Mouser. "It'll be boring. I'll be elsewhere. So, you're in charge Mouser."

"You got it, Boss."

Bowser turns back to his audience. "All of you better be there to witness what happens when you get on my nerves! This meeting is dismissed."

As everyone walks out, Bowser pulls Peach to the side. He waits until everyone else leaves before talking. "Not you, Peaches. You and the toads are peace loving freaks. You're not to go the arena."

Peach tries to pull away, but his grip tightens on her arm. It doesn't hurt but it is clear he is adamant about her not going. The princess' mind is filled with conflicting emotions. On one hand Bowser is trying to execute innocents. But he doesn't want her to see.

Maybe I can talk him out of it.

Peach reaches out and grips the arm that has a tight hold on her with her free hand. Bowser's eyes light up and he freezes, a tingle going down his spine. His gaze moves along her arm and makes eye contact with her. Peach blushes realizing how muscular Bowser's arm feels. She tries to focus on her request.

"Bowser, please …."

Before Peach can beg for him to display mercy, Bowser lets go. He has made his decision. Bowser wanted her to join him for lunch, but he knew she would not accept now. He couldn't handle her rejection. And if he remains here this close to her, he will give in to Peach's wishes.

After lunch, Bowser meets with his military leaders to talk about the fortresses they are building. But Bowser was zoned out again, still obsessing over Peach. Getting his attention, the Koopa General expresses concern over Antasma.

"He has access to your dreams and that concerns me. He is on a friendly basis with Peach. Why does he single her out? He is withdrawn from the other vassals."

Bowser blushes realizing the general knew he was in love with Peach. The general rolls his eyes at Bowser's reaction. It was public knowledge of how the king feels about her.

The general continues. "I know Antasma has a lot of value, but he could be plotting again. He may try to get at you through her!"

Bowser slams his fist down on the table, the general doesn't flinch.

"I already know that! Whatever it is I can handle it. He can't kill me remember. If he is not making any smooth moves on her, we're good. Not that I'm after her."

Pleased with the king's response, the general settles down. "You are the king. If you want the princess, marry her. Are you afraid of what your kingdom would think of you, for being in love with a child of the toads? Who can stop you? Who would dare get in your way?"

"It won't work."

"You aren't trying. She mostly sees you performing evil. It is killing me to say this, but I wish for your happiness! Show her your sweet side." The general cringes like he just swallowed poison, but he continues. "Win her over that way."

Bowser drums his fingers. "Your right. Call those toads over the phone. They do know how those things work?"

"I think Larry taught them. But for what purpose?"

"I want to know what Peach likes to eat."

Even though she was still on the premises, Bowser thought it would take work to find her. It didn't and Bowser realized Peach kept her word with Junior. The two were currently painting in his room. Junior sat in Peach's lap as she lightly brushed. She was explaining some of the techniques she uses to paint. Bowser watches the scene with adoration. He then reluctantly knocks on the side of the door.

"Dinner time, son. Peach, would you join us?"

Peach looks at an eager Junior and accepts. Instead of his grand dining hall, Bowser had chosen his private one for them to eat in. The table was circular with enough room for the three. Fruit and vegetable salads along with cake had been prepared for Peach, while Bowser and Junior had steak and chicken. Holding her stomach, Peach gives Bowser a polite thanks and smiles. Bowser's eyes lit up trying to remember when he last saw her smile. Peach turns to her food to avoid his gaze. To Bowser's surprise she didn't ask about the Penguin King, instead she conversed with his son. Though he wanted to join in, Bowser didn't interrupt their conversation. The king just listened while eating, enjoying the laughs emitting from the two.

After dinner, Bowser carries off a protesting Junior for bed with Peach following. He tucks his son in and reads a story to him. Peach meanwhile organized the room. It wasn't long before the prince went to sleep.

"I need to get on him about that mess he keeps leaving." Bowser says as he closes the door.

"It takes time. I was always in trouble for leaving my stuff out. Toad got lost in my room one time."

Bowser chuckles. "I didn't take you for being a sloppy person."

"That was a long time ago! And I saw you eat that chicken leg that fell on the floor."

"It won't kill me!" Bowser chuckles and shifts his feet. "It's late. I'll take you home."

He drives Peach back to her quarters in his kart. When he parks outside, the toads can be seen peeping out the windows. Bowser watches her get out of the kart. Feeling his stare, Peach flushes.

"Wait! I'll get the door."

"No, I have it."

Bowser grumbles. "You're a pain as usual."

Peach turns indignantly.

Bowser continues, "But thanks. I …. Junior enjoyed your company."

Peach's frown vanishes replacing it with a warm smile. Bowser's heart begins to hammer in his chest, and he grips the wheel. He wants to beg her to go into town with him - just for a ride. But he bites his tongue. With a wave he drives off. As Peach enters her quarters, the toads surround her asking how dinner was. Peach realizes they had known.

That's why he knew what I like to eat.

Antasma was waiting in the hallway for the princess. "You've made a lot of progress. His Majesty just sent real beds for your subjects."

Berry opens the door to show Peach their room. "We don't have to sleep on the straw anymore!"

Instead of going straight home Bowser drove to the city, stopping at one of his favorite burger joints. He had not eaten much during dinner, due to his focus on Peach. Waiting for his order under a vine covered patio, Bowser watched couples walk by. He hummed visualizing himself and Peach walking hand and hand while window shopping. The dinner went better than he expected, she even smiled at him. More than once. A bright genuine smile. He hated to admit it, but the general was right. He placed his hands on his cheeks and sighs, brainstorming more ways to get happy responses out of her.

"Darn it!" Captain Toad complains while flipping cards 'one' and 'two' back over. Peach giggles and quickly flips over the 'two' and matches it to another 'two.' She gathers up the pair and sets them neatly on her card stack. Peach moves to match another pair and fails. Antasma quickly follows and matches the pair she failed to acquire.

"You've done well surviving in the Darklands until this point. But I'm sure your eager to get home." Antasma says after failing to match.

"Two more days, right?" Toad groans while he makes a match of 'eights.'

Peach turns to Antasma. "You know how to activate warp pipes?"

"Yes, but its risky business. One false move and I can end up in an alternate dimension with no way back. Routes often branch out once activated."

"Oh."

"Don't worry, I've been through it plenty of times. I've long forgotten my old world. Didn't care for it anyway." Antasma studies Peach for her response. She looked sad realizing he was in the same predicament as her. He reaches over and pats her head. Peach looks up and smiles. She found him to be creepy at first, but he has been nothing but helpful.

Peach rubs her eyes and excuses herself to go upstairs.

"Are you okay, Peach?" Toad asks.

"I'm not feeling all that good today."

Antasma and Toad continue the game.

"She is not to go to the arena. I'll keep an eye out for her once I'm there, but you must monitor her room. By the way were you able to keep?"

"I followed them just like you told me too. Nearly got caught a few times. But its clear Bowser is happy with her."

"Wonderful."

"Peach could have given you that information."

"Did you spot the library?"

"That. Of course. Poor Peach and Larry kept bypassing it when they were lost. What about the library?"

Antasma taps his claws together. "There are several books Bowser seized from me when he overran Pi'illo Island. I want them back. But the library is off limits to me on pain of death. It's no doubt behind the vault."

Toad is nervous. "You want me to go in there to retrieve the books?"

"Yes. Today's execution will have most of the staff out of the castle. Your main worry is Bowser."

"The vault will have a code! How am I…"

"Use any variation of 'Peach'."

"Are you serious!?"

Antasma folds his arms and shakes his head. "I am. It must be."

"So, find the vault and hope I get the code right. Won't they know the books will be missing?"

Antasma shows Toad a couple of books. "These covers are identical, but the words are different. Bowser had no interest in or understanding of the contents of the book. Its written in my native language. He only wishes to keep them out of my hands. If only I had photographic memory…."

Antasma shoves the books into the captain's backpack. Toad becomes concerned, wondering why Bowser doesn't want Antasma with them. "But how do I get pass the guards!?"

"There are no guards. Only the librarian but she is strong. I've arranged for you to get in. But you can't let her see what you're up to. If she sees you at the vault and fails to kill you, she'll summon Bowser."

"I don't know what you are doing but it won't harm Peach right?

Antasma's face becomes irritated. "I would never harm her. I just want her to distract Bowser while I work to topple that tyrant."

"Topple? I thought this was just a simple friendship scheme."

"No, I'm rebelling against him! Besides if my plan succeeds you will be free of Bowser. Isn't that what you want?"

The captain musters as much courage as he can. Helping to overthrow a tyrant is promising. But this could go wrong in so many ways. "As long as you don't put Peach in harm's way. If you do, I'm out no matter what threats you make."

Antasma smiles flashing his large fangs, Toad shrinks into his chair. "Of course. And this stays between us, okay?"

Toad gulps and nods.

Antasma smiles at his compliance and reshuffles the cards. "Good. Another round before the execution starts, eh captain?"

Once Antasma left the building Toad went to check on Peach. He saw her laying under her sheets, her tangled blonde hair peeping from under the cover. No doubt she was exhausted from the other day she had. Breathing a sigh of relief, Toad closes the door. But if he had investigated, he would have known it was a shy guy in a blonde wig pretending to sleep. Peach had bribed the little guy last night to take her place. Peach has long left, descending the second-floor window by sheets tied together. She was now racing towards the arena. If no one comes to Penguin King's assistance he and the pink bob-ombs will die. She promised the bob-ombs she would help them. But anyone seeing Peach will stop her because of Bowser's order. If he hears she was present, Peach is certain he will threaten the toads again.

No one will know I'm there.

Peach looks at the blue bundle under her arms. If this plan works, she'll save the prisoners and protect her subjects.