Courtship
As a storm rages outside, Bowser tosses and turns in his bed. Another night where sleep flees him. It'd been two months since the gathering of his vassal kings. And Bowser was bored and lonely. He could summon Antasma to help him, but that bat was on thin ice. He better have that desert warp pipe functioning soon. While Bowser flips on his stomach, loud banging resonates from behind his door. He gets up in a hurry, nearly tripping over his bed sheets. Tying a robe on Bowser opens the door. Before him is Junior in his pjs and without his shell; the little guy hugging a stuff animal and shaking.
"Papa! Can I sleep with you?" Junior whispers, his eyes large and round.
Bowser leans his arm against the door frame and smiles at his boy.
"Are you scared of the thunder, son?"
Bowser Jr. shakes his head in denial. "I was here to protect you! I'm not scared!"
Bowser gives a light chuckle and scoops up his son, carrying him to the bed. Once settled, Junior snuggles into the pillows. Feeling safe, he soon falls asleep. Bowser lays on his side, running a claw through Junior's hair. Usually, he wouldn't allow Junior in to sleep with him, due to his nightmares. The last thing Bowser wants is for his son to see him in a weak state. But he can't turn down Junior's puppy eyes. Besides, Bowser could use the company.
Company.
Bowser smiles remembering he is traveling to the Mushroom Kingdom tomorrow. He'll reunite with his princess. It's for empire business but they'll be together.
Peach. Peach. Peach.
Just thinking of her has a calming effect on Bowser's mind. His stress of running an empire vanishes when Peach is around. But after the initial calm a surge of desire rushes forward, making his heart pound and his stomach turn. The urge for her to be here with him is strong. A blush of embarrassment appears on his face, remembering the kiss he gave her. It was just a simple forehead kiss but still a kiss. Bowser gave it in a spontaneous moment, due to an overflow of emotions towards Peach. He yearned to assure her everything was okay and that he adored her. The Princess' skin felt so soft against his lips. Bowser had hoped she enjoyed it. But she didn't really respond to it like he wanted. Bowser bites his bottom lip as he tries to calm his pounding heart. He wants to kiss her again. Peach allowed him that time but she may get angry if he tries it again, so he needs to play his cards right.
It takes every bit of restraint for Bowser not to raid a foreign world tonight, pillage them of the rarest of jewels, and bring them back to the princess. Surely it would prove his devotion to her! Surely, she would accept him. But Bowser groans remembering the general's advice. If Peach were a villainess, courting her would be much easier. But then … she wouldn't be Peach. Bowser needs to play nicely. At least for now. And an idea comes to the king's mind. He does need to visit the Crystal King for a trade meeting. Bowser can bring Peach along for the journey. The Shiver Region was known for its exotic and beautiful crystal skyscrapers. Their peaks housed the finest restaurants, malls, pools, stadiums, and theaters. And CK is fanatically loyal to him, he'll have the best recommendations. It would be the prefect romantic getaway.
She'll love it. Bowser thinks with a sigh.
Next day, the airship carrying Bowser arrives at the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser adjusts his blue cape in anticipation and gazes at Peach's Castle on a distant hill. Ever since her coronation, the toads renovated their old castle for her. The castle was tiny compared to Bowser's but it was lovely. Befitting of the Princess. Speaking of Peach, she was waiting for him in front of Toad Town with an escort. Catching a glimpse of her, Bowser quickly pulls out a small mirror to check his mane. Once the airship parks, the ramp drops for the king to stroll down. As he descends a group of toads roll out a red carpet for him to step on. A loud horn blares announcing Bowser's arrival.
"His Majesty, King Bowser Koopa of the Darklands! Emperor of the world!"
The toad guards give a salute as Bowser passes. He comes to a stop before Peach, his eyes dancing all over her. She walks forward and curtsies before the king.
"Welcome to the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser." she says in a soft voice.
She remembered to call him 'Bowser.' Bowser gives a booming laugh and marches forward towards the castle with a swag. As he does in any kingdom he visits, Bowser likes to march through the capital. It was so the citizens saw him and knew who was in charge. But instead of cheers there are screams from the locals. Most toads have not seen Bowser in person, and his appearance is terrifying to them. Bowser's head even reaches up to the second level of the toads' homes. Because his frame takes up the whole walkway, Peach and her guards must walk behind him. Many toads shut their shops or run to get out of the way. As the royals walk further in, Bowser's amusement turns to frustration.
"Why is this place so small! Feels like I'm tip toeing around doll houses!"
"It's not built for koopas." Peach remarks.
Before Bowser can retort, Peach gently grabs his arm to show him they have reached an overhang. Bowser watches as Peach dips her head to go under it. She then turns back toward him; concern covering her face.
"Bowser, maybe if you take the …"
Bowser gives the princess an impish smile. "No need, I'll just limbo under here." He declares while bending back to go under.
Peach throws her hands up angrily.
"My toads worked hard to raise money for that!"
"This measly thing!?" Bowser stands straight back up while laughing. Peach's pout makes him laugh even more.
"Oh, come on! I could have made it! I can do anything. You're not the only graceful figure around. I've dabbled in ribbon dancing."
Peach tries to hide her chuckle even though she is annoyed with him.
Noticing her response his grin gets wider and he wiggles his eyebrows. "I'm telling the truth! Wanna see a demonstration?"
Visualizing what that would look like, Peach gives a horrified 'no.' To prevent the king from wrecking up Toad Town, a koopa swoops in riding a large vehicle for Bowser. As Bowser climbs in, Peach pursed her lips in confusion.
"Is that a clown face on it?" Peach asks her eyes turning to Bowser.
"Come on Peaches, jump in."
Peach looks at the clown car again and gathers up her skirt. She cautiously climbs in and nervously looks around. Bowser activates a few switches and pilots the clown car into the air.
As it rises, Bowser turns to Peach and raises an eyebrow.
"Oh, were you pleased with the tower repairs?"
"Yes, and your soldiers were most grateful. They even visited Town Toad. Not to harass anyone, just to look around and buy products. The toads were happy."
Bowser grunts in surprise. "I guess Larry's captain put in a good word for you."
"We prefer to have a good relationship with others. We don't look for conflict, Bowser."
Bowser gives a low hum in response.
Peach squeals as the wind shakes the vehicle. "Is this thing safe!?" She closes in on Bowser and holds a hand to his chest to steady herself. Bowser smiles in delight at their proximity and wraps his arm around her.
"Don't worry, everything is safe. And if something goes wrong, I can manage it." Bowser says with a wink, earning a frown from her.
The purpose of the visit was for King Bowser and Princess Peach to discuss the development budget for the Mushroom Kingdom. The topic was not addressed during the month of tribute, due to time. But it worked to the king's advantage because it was an excuse to visit. Bowser didn't bring any advisors along because he wanted Peach's attention to be on him. Even if it would take longer to plan things out. But he didn't expect the meeting to go as quickly as it did.
"We're finished already?" Bowser says while scratching his head looking over the documents. "Well, aren't you organized."
Peach responds with a smile while she gathers up paperwork. "We'll let you know when dinner is served, Bowser. I'll have Gold show you to your quarters."
Bowser reaches for Peach. The meeting was over too soon. "Wait! You can't just leave me by myself. I haven't…"
Peach's eyes widen. "I forgot!" She races off leaving Bowser to stew in his thoughts. Soon she returns with a box and presents it to the king.
"What's that?"
"For you." She says while politely handing it to him.
Bowser eagerly opens it and sees a large toad vest. He frowns.
"What is this!?"
"A gift from the Mushroom Kingdom."
"If I wear this thing, I'm going to get jumped by my own citizens!"
Peach hangs her head. "I made it for you."
Bowser's face drops and he looks it over. Unlike a usual toad vest, it was black with golden thread. And Bowser's insignia was inside the vest.
Peach rubs her arm, disappointed with his response.
"Why?"
"It was for all the gifts you bought me."
Bowser shakes his head. Peach made it for him and he belittled it. The guilt in him suddenly turns to joy as he arrives at a realization.
She made this for me.
That meant he had been on her mind! Bowser brings it up to his face and purrs into the fabric. It smelt sweet like her. It's a toad vest but there is no way he is throwing it away. Peach lifts her head up as Bowser tries to look indifferent.
"I'll hang it somewhere nice. Th-thanks."
Realizing he loves it; Peach nods and begins to leave. Bowser realizes now is the time to act and shyly digs his feet into the floor.
"Peach, I want you to accompany me to the Shiver Region. Your good at handling business. Sometimes I make harsh demands and I could use a second opinion. It'll only be a week." Bowser asks his eyes downcast.
"Is this your way of courting me?"
Bowser looks up blushing. But a wicked smile appears across his face. Peach takes a step back overwhelmed by his sudden confidence.
"So, you're finally acknowledging it, Peach Sweetie? Courting? You bet! I want you to see I can do more than go to war. I'll sweep you off your feet!"
Peach shakes her head with a sigh. Peach reasons she is trying to befriend him. She then clasps her hands together. "When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow." Bowser stammers, surprise she is not refusing. "Unless you have something you need to take care of. I'm still with you so I can wait."
Peach waves her hands. "I wanted to help Larry, but I'll ask Toad to do that for me. I want to see more of the world."
Bowser's eyes glaze with love with her willingness to go. "You won't regret it!"
"No Bowser! Just NO!"
Bowser was too busy staring at Peach to notice her fussing at him. She was wearing a light pink sundress that stopped at her knees. Peach also wore a white wide brim hat, her dusky pink suitcase by her side.
"Hello!? Bowser!"
"What?"
"I'm not getting in that clown car!"
Bowser grumbles and fidgets with his controls. "It's perfectly safe!"
Captain Toad walks around the car with a disapproving glare. One scowl from Bowser and he runs to hide behind Peach. Larry tries to reassure Peach. "Come on Peach. It's safe. Me and my siblings rode it numerous times."
Still not convinced Peach shakes her head adamantly.
"Bowser if I get hurt, you are covering the medical bill!"
Bowser furiously spins the car in circles. "This clown car is insured! So, you don't have to worry. And you can't tell Lord Bowser what to do! I'm the king here!"
With a huff Peach drops her suitcase in the car when he stops spinning. "We'll see about that. Larry, take care of my toads if I don't come back."
Larry gives a shrug. "You still think you will crash?"
"No, I'll be on the run after stabbing Bowser in the back like he wants."
Bowser lets loose a booming laugh as she climbs in. "Aren't you supposed to be a lady?"
"I am a lady! And don't you forget it!" Peach retorts while folding her arms. Amused Bowser turns his attention to his control panel, his tail wagging in delight.
"Oh, I hope you have warmer clothing for once we arrive." Bowser teases her as he pilots the clown car into the air.
"I have everything." She replies and gives a wave below to Larry and Toad.
Larry turns to Toad. "It's amazing what he lets her get away with saying. I'm sure he'll be marrying her soon."
Toad gulps in distress.
For the next few hours, the two royals flew over the ocean. It was silent for the beginning of the trip. When possible, Bowser would sneak a glimpse at Peach. It soon turns to staring as the wind tousles her golden hair. Peach had been looking down below at the ocean and began to blush realizing Bowser was staring at her.
"Bowser, there are dolphins down." The princess points below, hoping to divert his attention. But it was not working.
"I'm going to make you mine, Peach."
She looks up at him, her face reddening even more. Bowser's face was serious. "I'm going to win you over. Once we're at CK's place I'll make sure you want for nothing. I'll get you whatever you want."
Bowser leans in nervously looking for her response.
"No thank you."
"Huh?"
Peach pauses to collect her thoughts.
"I don't need endless gifts. It was so sweet of you …"
"I'm not sweet!"
"Let me finish."
Bowser grumbles. Reluctant to hear her rejection, he focuses on the control panel.
"I appreciate the dresses you gave me. And when you had your doctor take care of me. I know how you feel about me, Bowser. But I don't want you to feel you have to shower me with countless presents to earn my affection."
Bowser's eyes rise in dread. "Then what attracts you to a man? You were never impressed with my power."
"I'm not sure but I would like to get to know him. And I don't really know you. What I do know is …"
"I guess I can't shove toads in boxes."
"That would be a start."
Bowser grips the handles.
"But Bowser I can see your trying to be nice to my toads. I really thought you would set the town on fire for an inconvenience."
"They're just so … I don't know!"
Peach steps closer to Bowser. "People call my toads cowardly and find them easy targets to pick on. But if you know them, you'll see they're simple and kind. My toads are small so everything terrifies them. I was happy when the tower guards visited the town. It's my wish the toads and koopas would get along."
This was Peach's way of telling Bowser his treatment of her toads would impact how far he got with her. "As much as I hate toads, they did raise you…. So, I'll give them that." Bowser utters in a low voice. Peach's eyes light up and Bowser intensifies his grip.
"As long as we make progress in understanding each other, it makes me happy."
Bowser's gaze fixes on her lips as he contemplates what she just said.
"Peach …"
Suddenly the controls turn red and a large button flash. Bowser's eyes widen and he scrambles to look under the control panel. Smoke comes pouring out of it.
"Bowser! What's wrong!?"
"Everything is fine!"
The clown car begins to lose altitude.
"Bowser!"
"Everything will be fine, Peaches!"
"No, it's not fine!"
The vehicle picks up speed as it descends at a rapid rate. Peach screams, grabs Bowser's arm, and closes her eyes. Bowser scans the horizon for a safe landing point. Crashing into the ocean is dangerous as there are countless sea monsters. To his relief, he spots a brown striped mountain in the distance.
"Coca Mountain! We just need to get over that. Hang on!"
Bowser pulls the clown car up just enough to graze the top of the mountain. Peach opens her eyes and spots nothing but orange below.
"You're going to crash us into lava!?"
"No! Its orange soda!"
"Soda!?"
Bowser turns and wraps his arms around Peach. Before the car crashes into the orange sea, Bowser jumps and tucks Peach and himself into his shell. He spins forward rapidly to slow his descent. As Bowser falls into shallower waters, he shields Peach from impact. Once safe Bowser releases Peach and cringes. She's covered in orange soda. Her hair and dress - sticky and wet. Peach stands in the waist deep soda and stares at the clown car sinking in the distance.
"Why didn't we just take an airship?"
"I wanted to be alone with you."
Peach clinches her fists and begins to walk for the faraway beach. Bowser follows while squeezing his mane out.
"Peach, I swear there was nothing wrong …"
"You've done enough! Please just leave me alone!" Peach tries to hold back tears while she marches. Bowser hangs his head and stays quiet for the rest of their walk.
As they get closer Bowser yells out to the shoreline to catch a civilian's attention. Immediately a small dinosaur, a red yoshi riding on a wafer boat comes to their aid. At the shore more yoshis are waiting to assist. As soon the boat reaches the beach Bowser tells them to clean Peach up. Two yellow yoshis direct her away to a house made of cake.
"Yoshi!" The red yoshi inquires of Bowser, staring at his mane wildly sticking up in the air.
"Get me to the boss tower." Bowser orders shifting in discomfort due to his sticky dry shell. Before the yoshi complies, it sprays the king down with a water hose.
The koopa tower of this kingdom looks like a banana split. In the background waffle-cone windmills, with wafer blades spin in the wind.
"You guys must have a mouth full of cavities living here." Bowser complains as he enters. The troops salute Bowser, shocked to see he is here.
"Your Majesty!? I thought you were with the Crystal King."
Bowser winces and realizes he bruised his shoulder protecting Peach.
"No! My stupid clown car crashed in Lake Orange and my Peach is now furious with me! Everything is ruined! But I'm not a quitter. Get me transportation!"
The captain salutes Bowser.
"Don't worry My King. We'll have you sailing out in no time!"
"No, I am not sailing away on a boat made of stupid cookies. Peach will never trust it. I want an airship!"
"Forgive us, Your Bitterness! We try to embrace the culture here. So, all airships are made of milk chocolate bars!"
"GAAAHHH! Then just get my clown car and fix it you idiots!" Bowser roars. The captain bows and rushes out. A female koopa, wearing a green cap and bows, approaches Bowser.
"Why don't you make the most of your stay? There is the Apple Festival tomorrow. She comes from a rural area, right? I think she would love that."
"I'll see, Kylie. I just know she doesn't want to deal with me right now. I'm giving her some space." Bowser grumbles.
"If you do go, just be careful. We've been dealing with a civil war."
Bowser's eyes darken. "Civil war? Then stomp it out! I can't have that. It'll affect my imports!"
Kylie shows Bowser a host of pictures she has taken related to the conflict.
"That's the problem, Sire. It's the gingerbread men farmers. The red frosting vs. the white frosting. The fighting gets especially bad around the Apple Festival. Local yoshis have been trying to resolve the manner but they are few."
"Let me guess, only the gingerbreads know how to grow those delicious apples and that's why the captain hasn't beat them up."
"He's trying to end it in diplomacy."
"You've gone soft! I want results!"
Kylie nods and gives a thumbs up. "I will keep you updated."
Bowser feels like a hypocrite. Chewing his men out for using diplomacy, when he is throwing his dignity to the wind to impress a princess. Whatever a royal wanted, they would just take it. But Bowser doesn't want to force Peach to love him. He genuinely wants her affection. She wouldn't be happy if it were against her will.
I gotta make it up to her.
The yoshi family had shown Peach extraordinary hospitality. After cleaning her up they dressed her in a long white blouse and fed her. Peach's ruined dresses were washed and left to hang in the living room. They even let her sleep on a sponge cake bed. In the morning, she bid the family goodbye and left to explore. Peach was now standing in the town square. She paces around enjoying the sweet aroma. Everything in the town is made of sweets. Cookie roads, buildings made of cake topped with fresh cream, strawberries, kiwis and more. The streetlamps lollipops and the trees made of cinnamon sticks.
A local vendor offers Peach a cup of mocha and she happily accepts. He tells her the king commanded them to give her whatever she wants. Peach apologizes but the vendor puts her at ease. They receive a lot of tourism throughout the year and are used to taking care of guests. She isn't a problem for them. After talking, the princess takes a seat under a tree and quietly sips her drink. As she enjoys the rich chocolatey taste her mind drifts to Bowser. She had not seen him since yesterday. Did Bowser leave in humiliation? Peach was mad at him but that crash was an accident. And he went out of his way to protect her.
"I hope he didn't hurt himself trying to shield me."
She grips her cup remembering the devastated look on his face when she turned away from him. So strange seeing a tyrant like him look like a sad child. Feeling guilty, Peach doesn't notice a group of white-frosted gingerbread men passing by. The eldest notices the new arrival and walks up to her.
"Why are you looking so glum child. Sweet Sweet Kingdom is the place of joy and dreams! Come join us for the annual Apple Festival!"
Peach becomes intrigued. "Apple Festival?"
"Yes, there will be foreign food, games, music, and dancing. Also, everyone is welcome to join the harvest. We let our guests keep some of the produce and enjoy our famous apple pie. It's a celebration of the bountiful crop."
Peach jumps up eager to take her mind off her troubles. "That sounds nice!"
The elder gingerbread smiles. "Good. We're short on help this year. Those wacky kids are fighting it out in the hills again. They've been neglecting their duties."
Peach frowns at him. Even in a cheery place such as this, I guess there can be trouble.
The apple fields stretched along rolling green hills. Nearby were many festive food booths surrounded by hungry yoshis and tourists. Baby yoshis were participating at the game booths, hoping to earn prizes. Peach pauses to help one of them win a ring toss game and picks out a bear for the child. The elderly gingerbread walks up to Peach as the child skips off.
"Make sure to try out the candied apples!"
Peach clasps her hands in excitement eyeing a variety of candied apples. Some coated in nuts, chocolate chips, caramel, and some in chocolate drizzle.
"I need to make sure to save room for the apple pie!"
"You'll enjoy it. It's a recipe that has lived in our family for generations."
"Oh no you don't!" A young voice shouts.
The elder freezes, his face twists with fury as he turns.
"We will prepare our version of apple pie for the guests!" A younger, red-frosted gingerbread man declares.
The elder points his cane at the man. "Ours is better!"
The two gingerbread men get in each other face shouting while the others cheer and jeer on both sides. Peach looks around realizing she's surrounded.
"Ours is better!"
"No, ours!"
"I want both." A loud voice booms.
"Lord Bowser!?" The elder bows in fear as Bowser lumbers up behind the crowd. The others follow his example.
Sparks fly from Bowser's mouth, trying to keep himself from spewing fire. "Apple pie. That is why the war is going on!? Look I don't care about who did what. But it ends today, frosted faces!" Bowser roars at them.
Bowser focuses on Peach while the crowd disperses in fear.
"I was looking for you in the square. I wanted to bring you here. Where were you?" he asks lowly.
"You didn't say to meet you there."
With a frown Bowser turns to shout at the gingerbread men. "Remember, behave yourselves!"
"Of course, your majesty." The elder says while he gets ready for the harvest. Peach approaches Bowser while he complains under his breath. She examines Bowser's wrapped shoulder.
"Apple pie. Fighting over apple pie. Unbelievable."
Peach reaches out and places her hand on the Bowser. Bowser stiffens up and looks at her.
"Bowser?" Her eyes fill with worry.
"I'm the Koopa King, Peach. If one bruise can take me out, I'm not fit to rule!"
Peach tilts her head to the side and clasps her hands to her heart.
"Thank you for saving me."
Bowser's eyes relax and watch Peach leave to join the harvesters. Peach is handed a basket that she then slings onto her back. Walking up to a tree she begins to pull the apples off. Tearing his eyes off her, Bowser goes over to the food booths, surprised to find non sweet foods. He orders a large cooler size container of nachos and several bags of hot dogs. While stuffing his face, Bowser's eyes drift back to Peach. She's dressed simply but she still looked beautiful in the white blouse. As she plucks an apple down, Peach carefully examines the apples for defects. Once satisfied she places them in her basket. Despite Peach's dainty form she's never afraid to work. Bowser realizes that this is one the reasons he's drawn to her. Besides her kindness. He continues to watch hoping she won't notice. Soon Peach is shifting her burden as the basket is becoming heavier. Bowser gets up and walks onto the field. Gently, he retrieves the basket from Peach.
"I'll hold the basket. You pick." He murmurs.
Peach looks up at him, her blue eyes studying him. "You're helping?"
Bowser's breath catches in his throat again. "I was bored." He spits out.
She gives a warm smile and returns to apple picking. Bowser becomes engrossed with following Peach wherever she went, under the shade of the apple trees. He didn't notice the two yoshis that would retrieve the full basket to replace it with another. He didn't notice fellow harvesters stopping to converse with them before moving on. Bowser's focus is on Peach, staying close, and listening to her small talk to him. Happy, Bowser realizes this is how he wants his relationship with her to go.
"Toad and I have a garden right outside the castle."
Coming out of his daydreaming Bowser responds, "Not surprising you have a green thumb."
Peach giggles while offering an apple to Bowser to eat. His devours it in one bite, careful not to graze her hand with his teeth.
"We've been growing strawberries. I usually buy them but I end up taking the whole stock for my baking needs. The other customers would make such a fuss! So, Toad and I were like 'let's grow our own.'"
"My brother wanted to be a farmer."
"He did?"
Before he can respond, the yoshis come to the duo and retrieve the basket for the final time. They tell them the pies are almost ready. So, Peach sits under a tree and Bowser joins her.
Bowser responds to Peach's question, "It was just a phase. He had many career goals. Morton wanted to anything but a king."
"Morton. His name is Morton…. Did you ever want to be something other than a king?"
Peach waits for his answer as he closes his eyes.
"Maybe a musician." Bowser is too embarrassed to say he also fantasized about running a farm but with Peach. Peach would tease him for it. He didn't want to do all that farm work, but the idea of cultivating land with her sounded romantic in his head. Despite being a king, he secretly longed for a simpler life. The less duties he had, the more time he had for his family and Peach.
"But I like being a king. What about you?"
"I would have been a full-time baker." Peach says with a giggle. Bowser's heart beats now visualizing running a bakery with her. Bowser shifts closer to her, hoping Peach wouldn't pull away. She doesn't.
"Well, I guess you should ditch the toads and live here." He jokes.
"I don't think I could be surrounded by sugar, twenty-four hours."
"Bwa ha ha! You said it. Though if it was steak, pork, or chicken I may consider it."
This earns a laugh from Peach and Bowser's tail wags. His red eyes drift to her hand.
Peach adjusts one of her hair locks. "Our adventure didn't go as planned, but at least we got to do something together right?"
"Yeah…" Bowser lightly touches her hand. To his delight, Peach doesn't draw away in disgust. His smile turns to frown after that moment.
"They should pay us for all that work." Bowser complains, realizing all the work he did.
"I didn't mind." Peach whispers, the exhaustion of harvesting catching up to her. Shyly, Peach leans against Bowser's arm trying to avoid his spiked cuff. Thrilled, he shifts to allow her to rest on his chest. Despite his rough scales his body is warm. She feels safe and closes her eyes. Bowser leans his cheek on top of her head and closes his eyes, sighing in contentment. Suddenly a scream interrupts their quiet. Bowser rolls his eyes as Peach jumps up to see the commotion. She notices Bowser not moving and reprimands him as she runs towards the noise.
"Bowser these are your citizens! Shouldn't you go check?"
With a groan Bowser gets up to follow. His pace picks up once he hears Peach cry out in distress. She was carrying baby yoshis away from the violent commotion. The gingerbread men were battling it out with kitchen utensils! And many of the sentient baked goods were having their limbs lopped off by spoons. The smell of ginger in the air, red and white frosting smeared on the ground. Escaping gingerbreads run pass Bowser screaming about the 'carnage.' Bowser wants to laugh over the scene but catches himself. Peach would shave his eyebrows off that. Also, his priority should be protecting the ones not involved. His imports are at stake! His eyes dart, spotting Peach run back into the mob to stop the fighting.
"Enough! Why are you fighting?" She cries out.
The red frosted gingerbread man hits her on the head with a spatula. Peach can snatch it away but she is afraid of hurting him.
"That man dared to tamper with our apple pie!" He cries out.
The elder gingerbread is laying on the ground and raises his head in rage.
"You were using cheap ingredients in your pie! And you're going to serve it to the emperor!? You are an insult to all the toil we did during the year to grow the fruits!"
The red gingerbread runs to stab him with the spatula. Peach runs to shield the elderly man. Bowser runs in and snatches the spatula to protect Peach removing the man's arm.
The gingerbread cries out in pain. "ARRRGGGHHH!"
"She's with me!"
Bowser shoots a flame into the air to make the fighting stop. All the gingerbread men stop realizing King Bowser is furious.
"Enough!"
"But your …"
"No buts! This is stupid! You ruined my alone time with Peach."
Peach blushes while the crowd stares in confusion.
"Anymore fighting and I'll bake you all in the ovens!"
Several of the gingerbreads scatter. Tears form in Peach's eyes over the number of casualties. "Bowser please help them! Their limbs!"
"Peach they ain't gonna die. They're made of gingerbread! And we won't fix this by crying about it." Bowser shakes his head hoping his sweet Peach never sees a real battlefield.
Bowser calls out to a pink yoshi. "Hey you! Yes you! Whip up a bucket of icing!"
Soon the yoshi returns with the requested item. Carefully she uses the mixture to reattach limbs. Peach gets down to assist the yoshi. As they work, the pink yoshi points at another one to prepare more icing.
Bowser folds his arms grumbling while they work. Soon, Kylie runs up to Bowser in earnest. She stops to take pictures of the scene.
"I miss the fight! Oh, there you are King Bowser!"
"Now what."
"The two rebel leaders that started the whole conflict weeks ago are battling it out on Hard Candy Street. We're mobilizing all the troops for battle!"
"Then get the shell over there. Evacuate the civilians from the area. I'll follow. Their gonna regret this!"
Bowser wants to order Peach back to the other side of town to hide where it is safe. But he knows she won't leave. She continues to help reattach limbs, speaking soothingly to the victims.
"Peaches, you can manage yourself here?"
"Yes, you're needed elsewhere. But please don't kill them."
Hard Candy Street is in chaos as citizens and tourists run to escape the fighting. The gingerbread men duke it out with spears and swords. Some are setting fire to the buildings and destroying storage units.
"The soldiers from the tower are here!" A rebel calls out to the white leader.
"Let them come!"
The rebel's voice becomes more urgent.
"King Bowser is with them!"
Several people stopped fighting and turned in panic towards the rebel. "King Bowser!?"
They look up and see the king standing on a three-layered cake. "If this kingdom is behind on its quota because of this absurd war, you're all in trouble. Except the yoshis. They've been covering for you. Now where are the instigators?"
The rebels scream and scatter. Bowser snarls and leaps down at them.
"Don't run now! Face me!"
Toad was reading the Koopa Empire Paper, hoping to get any news on Peach. To his distress Peach participated in a battle in Sweet Sweet Kingdom. But King Bowser had called an end to the war after torturing the two ring leaders of both sides. The main picture depicted the two burnt gingerbread men bowing before the furious tyrant in apology. Toad cringes at his method of stopping the violence. In the lower picture is Princess Peach. She's shown comforting a fallen gingerbread. The newspaper notes Princess Peach shown benevolence and worked all night to help the yoshis treat the injured. Another picture shows her bandaging up a wounded koopa. Her pictures are such a contrast to Bowser's rage filled ones. Toad could hear the tower staff, of Mushroom Kingdom, talking about the paper. They were happy with the positive reception the princess received. To them she protects the interest of the empire! Toad didn't agree with that. Peach would help regardless of her allegiance. But it is surprising the koopas are happy. It was as if they were talking about the queen of their kingdom.
Toad closes the paper and goes back to work. He had been helping with a thorough cleaning of the tower. He expected trouble from the koopas, but they have at least given him a halfhearted welcome. It was no doubt because of Peach's efforts to get the repairs done on their tower. Toad grabs up a trash bag and comes across Larry sweeping.
"See, I'm working! You can't tell Peach I wasn't!" Larry mocks.
Toad rolls his eyes but remembers something he has been dying to ask.
"Hey, Larry. What does Bowser have against Antasma?"
Larry stops sweeping and leans on the broom.
"Against Antasma? He was a rival warlord. By the time Bowser reached Pi'illo Island, Antasma was ruling over three other islands besides it. He had to give it all up once he lost to Bowser. To our amazement, the other islands welcomed Bowser freeing them."
Toad grips the trash bag in fear. They were happy Bowser took over. What would make them prefer Bowser over Antasma?
Larry continues not noticing Toad's reaction. "Antasma has mellowed out since then. But Bowser doesn't trust him. Every tribute month he goes to escort him to the Darklands himself. Why did you ask?"
"Just wondering. King Bowser was choking him out."
"It's best to just be polite to Antasma and let Bowser handle him. He's only around because he's useful to Bowser."
Toad nods and Larry walks off, satisfied with the little work he has done. Toad begins to sweat. Toad hopes Antasma is genuine in his goals; Peach is friends with him. Maybe he is no longer ruthless and really wants to topple Bowser. But the way he threatened Toad tells him more may be at stake. He should alert Bowser! But this conflict is evil vs. evil. If one takes the other out, that is of no concern to him. But Toad is uncomfortable with Larry's testimony. The koopas have moved on but Peach would want to know what happened at Pi'illo Island! But if Toad tells Peach anything …. Antasma made it clear something would happen to him if he did. So, Toad decides to keep quiet for now and investigate. Once he has everything, he can figure out to whom to go.
In the evening, Toad returns to the castle. Once he is in the courtyard, he moves to the garden to do weeding. He notices Toadette happily tending to the rose bushes. The pink toad had accompanied the captain on several of his adventures. She would no doubt help him and Antasma may not know her, due to her keeping a low profile. It is a huge risk to involve Toadette and Peach is protective of her. But Captain Toad needs help. Whatever is going on, the Mushroom Kingdom may get caught in the crossfire. Taking a deep breath, Toad walks towards Toadette.
This time Peach didn't object to riding in the clown car. Bowser was under the impression she would want to go back home and was ready to take her, but she refused. Peach was still willing to go and Bowser was never happier. By the time they left Sweet Sweet Kingdom, it was night with a cloudy sky above.
"You didn't want to do it. But thanks for holding back, Bowser." Peach says and looks for his reaction. Bowser grunts playing it off.
"I just don't want my imports messed up."
Noticing the clouds Bowser turns to Peach in excitement.
"Hey there's something you need to see."
Bowser double checks the control to make sure everything is working in order. He then directs the car to the clouds above. Peach grips Bowser's arm but she is not worried this time. She hated that crash landing but she knows if it happens again, Bowser will protect her.
Bowser looks down at her and whispers, "Close your eyes."
"You better not be about to give me another kiss without permission, mister."
The king's eyes widen.
"But …"
"No!"
"For your information I was not about to!"
"Still no!"
As Peach covers her eyes, Bowser chuckles and hums under his breath. After a bit of anticipation Peach feels the vehicle come to a stop.
"You can open your eyes."
Peach lowers her hands and stares ahead in wonder. Before her was a sea of white. And above the white sea were cloud arcs reaching high into the sky in a heart shape. Countless stars shined above and the moon was rising between the arcs.
Bowser looked at Peach as she stared in wonder. "This is Cloud Kingdom. No one lives here now."
Bowser steps out the clown car and Peach panics.
"Bowser, wait!"
Bowser pauses and laughs. "It's perfectly safe, Peach. See." Bowser jumps up and down to demonstrate.
"The clouds up here are solid." Bowser breathes and reaches his hand for Peach. "It's okay, nothing will hurt you."
Peach cautiously takes his hand and steps onto the clouds. She gazes down and a bright smile appears on her face. Peach takes her shoes off and wiggles her toes in the clouds. She then looks up at Bowser.
"So soft!"
"Yeah."
The princess feels a sense of exhilaration from the beauty around her. Peach takes off running in the distance and begins to spin. The moon illuminates her delicate form as she dances. Mesmerized Bowser watches her for a while. Catching his passionate stare Peach stops and she holds her hand over her beating heart. She remembers Bowser's confession and becomes coy. Peach feels she shouldn't return his feelings. But she can't help the growing attachment she has to him. She doesn't mind his company. Bowser moves towards her.
"It's beautiful up here." Peach gently says as Bowser moves towards her. He would prefer to stay up here with her but ….
"We should get going. I just wanted to show …"
Peach's eyes widen with disappointment. "We just got here!"
"We're already behind schedule. I got meetings to attend, Peach."
With a giggle Peach runs away from him. Stunned Bowser watches her come to a stop. She turns and smiles at him mischievously. She wants him to catch her first. With a deep growl he pursues her in earnest. The two royals dash among the clouds, the princess ducking and diving to escape the king. Their laughter flowing among the sea of clouds. Finally, Bowser catches her, sweeping her into the air and gently spins in a circle. As he sits Peach back down, Bowser pulls her in - wrapping his arms around her. Peach doesn't refuse much to his relief. The two royals then gently sway under the arc.