Arthur's Note: Just wanted to say thanks for reading!

Daisy and Peach

Bowser Jr. shifts on his throne, his mind once again anxious. He received an update from Koopa General about the siege on Pi'illo Island. The enemy forces were larger than expected, it won't be a quick battle. But Junior knows the general can handle it and trusts he will make the appropriate decisions. Junior's thoughts then drift to his father and Peach. Both have yet to return. He wants them back badly and begins to fear the worst. How he longs to go himself and find them! Suddenly, a guard calls out to him about a certain matter.

"Young Sire. A representative of the farmers, from the eastern part of the Darklands, is here."

"Bring him in."

The young prince is not as strong as Bowser, but he is intelligent and gifted for his age. He is good with machines though Bowser ensured he attended an age-appropriate classroom. The king didn't want his son to grow up too fast. But Junior tells himself he is used to making adult decisions. He can take care of the kingdom in his father's stead. The citizen is brought before him to make a case. Junior has the matter taken care of in minutes and sends the pleased person on his way. Alone again, Junior slumps on his father's throne. He is still a child. And he is afraid. Afraid of his family leaving him.

"Papa …. Mama Peach …."

It's the familiar voices again. Peach can never make out what they're saying. But she knew the two voices were talking to her. It had been a while since she heard them in a dream. Being among humans must have reawakened the memories. She is sure it is her parents; their tone is loving and gentle. It fills her with longing and hope. Peach may never see her parents again, but she at least wants to see what they looked like. Maybe her memories will clear up more, one day. The voices begin to fade and Peach realizes she is waking up.

"I need you to stay with me!"

Peach's eyes flutter open and realizes she is being carried, bridal style, by the auburn woman. She is running through the ruins of the city as fast as she can. Peach panics and tries to break free but to no avail. The pain in her waist skyrockets and Peach falls limp in exhaustion. If this woman is going to sell her to a slave market, she won't be able to fight. While afraid Peach notices her wound had been wrapped hastily.

The auburn turns to look at Peach as she continues to run.

"My name is Daisy. I'm going to take you to a shelter for better treatment. But you got to stay awake, Peach!"

Panic fills Peach's eyes. "How do you know my name?"

"Scavengers. They warned me you were in trouble. I…"

An alien ship flies over, interrupting Daisy. She pauses while gnashing her teeth and Peach shrinks back in her arms.

"Are you kidding me!?" Daisy shouts. She tightens her hold on Peach and starts running again. Soon the ship cuts off their escape, airdropping aliens in mecha suits to confront them. They quickly surround the pair.

"I have no choice. I can't let these guys see us use the hidden path." Daisy whispers. The auburn sets Peach down against a wall. Daisy then readies her fists to face the enemy. As the mecha suits cautiously approach, the leader speaks.

"Princess Daisy. The great Tatanga is looking for you. Why are you resisting him? Do you not care …"

Daisy leaps and sucker punches the leader right in the face, causing the mecha to fall over. The others immediately charge her. Peach lays against a wall as Daisy wrestles hand and hand with a mecha.

Peach cries out to her. "Lady, please leave me! You can outrun them!"

Daisy spots another mecha going to capture Peach. "Oh no you don't!" She flings the mecha she was wrestling into his comrade. Another comes behind and strikes Daisy into the ground. That would have killed a normal human. But she jumps back up, bruised, and continues to fight. Tears begin to form in Peach's eyes and she covers her mouth. She feared Daisy at first. She now realizes the human is genuinely trying to protect her, at the risk of her own safety.

Suddenly, a lion-like creature comes rushing in and rips up a mecha. As the mecha falls, he pulls the pilot out and throws him to the ground. Behind the lion is a group of people, with big noses and palm trees on their heads. Daisy lowers her fists and smiles.

"King Totomesu!"

Despite his intimidating appearance, he gives her a warm cheerful smile. "Princess Daisy! We heard you were in the area. The queen was worried about you."

The king then sees the injured Peach. "Let me not detain you, Your Highness. We'll cover your escape."

Daisy nods. "Don't forget to wear the masks. Oh shoot …. do you have a spare?"

King Totomesu pulls one out and gives it to Daisy. Daisy gently places the mask on Peach's face and picks her up. The lion and his men return to fight as the princesses escape.

Daisy runs down an alley and approaches a manhole. She sits Peach down temporarily to lift it and they enter the sewer. After covering it up Daisy runs down a maze of dark tunnels. Peach was confused but it was clear Daisy knew where to go. As they went further in, smog was appearing in the tunnels. Peach realizes the aliens are using gas bombs now.

"Monsters." She grumbles.

"You said it."

Princess Daisy finally stops at a tunnel filled with water and boards a speed boat. She crakes the engine up and takes off into a smaller dark tunnel. Fortunately, the boat had a lantern on it for illumination.

"Where are you taking me?" Peach finally asks.

"My hideout, the rebel base. Ma will treat your injuries once we get there."

"Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me."

Daisy turns and sit down, smiling. Her smile reminds Peach of sunflowers. So bright and vibrate. Now at ease, Peach shyly returns her smile.

"You don't look like you're from here. Again, I'm Princess Daisy."

"Such a pretty name." Peach compliments.

Daisy's smile grows wider. "Of course, it is. It's fitting for the fairest of them all!" Daisy flexes her muscles and Peach lets out a giggle. She rests her hands on her heart. "You already know but I'm Peach."

Daisy stares at her for a moment. "While I was eating pavement, I was trying to figure out the origin behind your name…."

"You had time for that!?"

The auburn begins to laugh while pointing at Peach's bangs. "And I'm such an idiot. I'm just realizing why!"

Peach giggles even harder while holding her side. "No, my bangs are heart shape!"

"You're growing a peach on your head!" Daisy teases.

The two princesses laugh for a bit before settling down. Daisy reaches into a bag to give Peach a bottle of water which she greedily drinks it up. Peach then hugs her legs to herself. "So, you're the princess of Sarasaland. Was the lion man your father?"

"No, he is the vassal king of this region. My father and mother are the rulers of all four lands."

"Sarasaland is an empire?"

"Yep. Been that way for generations. Where are you from, Peachy?"

Peach smirks. She is already using nicknames with her.

"I was adopted by toads. We live in the small Mushroom Kingdom and I'm their elected princess."

"Interesting, the princess title is different from where you're from. Over here it's for any girl born from the established royalty."

Peach continues. "We're a vassal kingdom to the Koopa Empire. I'm here to find the emperor, Bowser. He confronted Tatanga a month ago."

Daisy frowns at hearing Tatanga. Her fierce glare is back. Peach can tell she has bad history with the warlord.

"I heard what happened from other rebels, who were on recon at the time. I was fighting in Easton. A large ship lured Tatanga's forces over the ocean for battle, away from the city."

"They lured him?" Peach holds her heart. Bowser did honor her request.

Daisy leans against the boat and folds her arms behind her head. "Yeah. But Tatanga used the EMP cannon when he was losing."

"EMP?"

"It shorted out the vessel rendering it immobile. Took a few shots. Even when the ship crashed, its army came spilling out to fight. The scouts said they had to flee at that point, but they said Tatanga lost a lot. That's a win in my book, even if 'Bowser' wasn't here to save us."

Peach hugs her legs tighter.

"Oh, we're here." Daisy takes off her mask, Peach does so as well. She breathes in a whiff of air and exhales. She smiles.

"It smells fresh…."

The boat leaves the tunnel and enters an area with crystal clear waterfalls and caverns. Peach looks around in wonder. She leans over the boat but must move back, as fish are jumping out of the water. This place is more alive than the desert region they just left.

"Welcome to the Easton Kingdom!" Daisy declares and pilots the boat further in. Finally, Daisy parks on a rocky beach. The two climb out as Peach is still taking in the sights.

"Peach, do you need me to carry you?"

Peach shakes her head. "You've done enough. I can make it." She begins to walk a few steps. She stops, holding her side with a cringe. Daisy decides to carry her on her back. The two travels among the region, often staying hidden from patrolling enemies. At one point, Daisy pauses to show her the statues dotting the caverns.

While listening to Daisy talk, Peach looks up. She can see an opening in the cavern they are in. Dark clouds plague this region as well. Peach frowns in indignation. Tatanga has ruined a lively world. Peach thinks back to the slavers. They were people who indulged in their worst traits due to the invasion. Making it harder on the survivors. All of it can be traced to Tatanga. Peach fears how far Bowser would have gone down this same path had he not had his kids or her.

Daisy notices Peach looking up worried. "Peachy?"

"Yes."

"You guys came through a warp pipe?"

Peach explains how she got there and the pipe they used. Daisy stomps her foot and marches up an incline.

"Are you serious!?"

"You wanted them destroyed, Daisy?"

"Yeah, to stop Tatanga from getting to other worlds. If he wanted Sarasaland so bad, he was going to stay in Sarasaland."

Daisy grinds her teeth together, her eyes fiery. "I thought those idiots destroyed it! After I paid all that money! That's it, I'm taking back that payment I gave those plumbers. And they're each getting a foot up their …"

"Tatanga had the pipes rebuilt!" Peach says hoping to save whoever was in hot water.

The auburn sighs in response. "Sorry. Wario and Waluigi are just a pain to deal with." She turns her head to look at Peach. "You chose the wrong time to visit Peach. I can tell trouble comes looking for you, unfortunately."

"Hey!"

Daisy smiles smugly and declares, "But it'll be okay Peachy. I'll protect you!"

Peach smiles. She does feel safe now.

The princesses approach a massive waterfall and Daisy walks behind it. It leads into a cave lined with glowing crystals. Peach reaches her hand out to touch some as they venture through. They eventually encounter two big nose creatures guarding an entrance. Tough in appearance, they regard the princesses with folded arms.

"Daisy, what are they?"

"Piantas."

The two guards move aside to let Daisy and Peach in. Daisy calls out to them as they pass. "Thanks fellas."

The entrance leads to the rebel's base, hidden in a large hidden cavern. Moss and flowers hung from the cavern's roof. A stream, from a waterfall, cuts through the center of the area. Glowing mushrooms and orbs of light provide illumination for the residents. Along the walls are homes, built at different levels. Stairs and walkways connect the various structures. The base looks like something out of a fairy tale book.

Peach jumps at the sound of shouting. Children quickly surround them, happy to see Daisy is back. Daisy sets Peach down and she bends to greet the children. Peach notes they are a mix of piantas, humans, and the shelled creatures she saw earlier. Soon the adults approach and most are human. Most of them look at Peach with curiosity. Peach hides behind Daisy, gently grabbing her arm. Daisy turns to assure Peach.

"It's okay, Peach. They're good people."

The crowd parts to allow a woman with green eyes and glasses to come forward. Her dark brown hair is pin up into a hug bun. "Well, at least I know you had a good reason for being late."

Daisy gives the woman a hug and they both turn to Peach. "Ma, this is my friend, Princess Peach."

"Welcome my dear. I'm Queen Lilac of Sarasaland. You may stay as long as you like."

Peach attempts to curtsy despite her pain. "Nice to meet you."

Noticing the warp around Peach's waist the queen reaches out to her.

"Poor dear. I'll treat your injuries."

Peach again clings to Daisy, pulling away from the queen. Lilac looks at Daisy in confusion. "She's my mom, Peach. But it's okay, I'll be with you." Peach slowly nods in response. The queen turns to look at Peach curiously.

"Follow me."

Lilac is treating Peach's wound in a small room while Daisy sits on a stool nearby. As her wound is wrapped Peach looks around. On the walls are pictures of the royal family. Peach smiles noticing a picture of a toddler Daisy, being raised into the air by her father's strong arms.

Lilac notices the picture Peach is staring at and smiles. "I could always hear him from the second floor of the castle. Such a loudmouth. I miss him."

Peach looks away from the picture. "What happened to him?"

"He was taken prisoner." Lilac turns to Daisy. "Any word on your father's whereabouts?"

"None." Daisy places a hand on her mother's shoulder. "He's tough Ma, he won't die easily."

Lilac smiles and walks out to get Peach some food. Daisy crashes on the bed next to Peach and moves her hands to her face. Peach scoots over to check on her.

"I'm fine. I just don't like seeing my Ma worry. I could use a hug."

Peach wraps an arm around Daisy and she leans in.

"Thanks."

"When did all of this start, Daisy?"

"I should give you some context of Sarasaland. My ancestors seized lands for resources and founded the empire. But my parents wanted to correct the wrongs the humans did. They were in talks to give the kingdoms more autonomy. Meanwhile, I was building bonds with the vassal kings to get perspective on their situations."

Daisy sadly smiles remembering her interactions. "When it looked like things would get better for everyone, Tatanga's forces arrived. They were aliens from deep space. Exiled criminals with nowhere to go. And they chose our land. It was pure chaos. The first few days, Tatanga rounded up humans and exterminated them."

Peach hugs Daisy tighter. "No…"

"Then he took control of the four kings' minds. He sent them to attack their own kingdoms. I managed to free them but at a cost. Pa was captured."

"…."

"The others and I have been holding the line. To be honest I could have ended this by now. Even when Tatanga enhanced himself, he couldn't beat me one on one in a physical fight. But he hides behind his technology."

Peach can see Daisy's fury and frustration. "I'm goanna beat him and restore Sarasaland."

Peach smiles and nods. Daisy squeezes her hand, her smile returning.

"This is my room, Peachy. So, you'll be staying here." Daisy gets up and runs to the closet. She pulls out several gowns. "We're about the same size so pick what you like."

Peach chooses a light pink nightgown and Daisy laughs. She figured it was Peach's favorite color. After a change and dinner, Peach and Daisy settle down to go to sleep.

"Wonder if you're from here." Daisy says while looking up at the ceiling. Peach turns her head towards her.

"I'm not sure. The pipe I came from is in Mushroom Kingdom. I've been afraid to enter it due to the pipes having multiple routes."

"There are a lot of human worlds, Peach. Wario and Waluigi come from one. Unlike you they came to mines as adults."

Peach bites her bottom lip. "I never knew where to start. So, I never made finding my old family a priority. Besides, sometimes I wondered if I was abandoned. I don't think they would be happy to see me if that was the case."

Daisy turns to Peach, her eyes sad. Then they brightened.

"Well, just assume I'm your cousin. We're cousins now!" Daisy gives Peach a bear hug. She can't breathe but there is joy in her heart. Thanks to Daisy her traumatizing encounter with the humans was becoming a memory. Daisy lets go of Peach and instantly falls asleep. Unfortunately, she is a terrible sleeper. Daisy flips flops all over the bed, at one point kicking Peach in the face. Peach gets mad and hits Daisy with a pillow. She wakes up, smirks evilly, and a playful pillow fight commences.

Two days later, the rebels leave the cavern. Their mission today is to raid a warehouse for medical supplies. Daisy will be leading the group, so she leaves Peach to rest at her home. After a few hours, Peach ventures out to explore the cavern. Today she is wearing a white flowing gown, with a pink ribbon cinched below her bust line. The outfit was ideal for her still wounded side. She decides to forgo her shoes like she did as a child. After walking and greeting some of the residents, Peach comes across a flower field. Delighted at the sight, Peach sits in the grass to stare at the flowers. It is not long before Queen Lilac approaches. She begins tying flowers into Peach's hair.

"Daisy planted these. This is one of two spots folks come to, in order to calm down and relax."

Peach grins. That sounds like something she would do. "She has a green thumb?"

Lilac nods. "So, you are adopted. I've never seen a human like you."

"How did you know?"

"Daisy told me what you told her. She was hoping she could find your folks. Unfortunately, I have no leads."

Peach shrugs. "She doesn't have to worry about that. All of you have enough on your plate. And you've done so much for me. When I recover, I want to help …"

Before Peach can continue a bell is rung. Lilac stands up alarmed. "Peach go back to Daisy's house! We have an intruder!"

"Intruder!?"

Lilac runs in the direction of the commotion. Listening to the queen, Peach stands up to return to Daisy's house.

"A beast is here!" A rebel shouts to Lilac as she is running to the entrance.

"Beast?" She asks. Suddenly, the buff pianta guards go flying past her. Bowser slowly marches in. Smoke is spilling out of his mouth and he is snarling. "Where is she!?"

Some of the residents scatter at the sight of him. "How did someone find this base?" Lilac shouts.

"He looks like one of those turtles from that battle." A man notes.

"Don't let him get pass!"

A group of guards piled on top Bowser to restrain him. But he hurls them off sending people flying several feet away.

"Where is she!?" He bellows again and leaps towards the town. Guards stationed in the town are quickly thrown away like bean bags. Non-combatants are fleeing into their homes.

"You have ten seconds to show where you're hiding Peach!" He shouts preparing to spill fire.

"Bowser! Stop!"

Bowser swallows his fire. He spots Peach walking towards him while holding her side, and his eyes light up. Her hands rise to her mouth.

"Bowser, you look a mess!"

Peach's eyes begin to well with tears. Bowser can feel tears in his eyes. It's been too long since they have been together. She's so beautiful. He wants to embrace her and cover her face in kisses. But there is no time. Bowser has been showing restraint with these kidnappers and he can't stay any longer. He must get her to safety. Besides, the king can't show affection anymore. He decided. A promise he made to himself. Bowser is going to let Peach's kingdom go free, and cut off contact with her after this. It's for her own good. The thought of not seeing her again tears at his heart. But he must do it. Angry shouting brings Bowser out of his daze. He carefully lifts the confused princess up and leaps for the exit. The residents watch in horror, imagining the maiden is being kidnapped by a fiend.

"Bowser wait!" Peach cries out.

Queen Lilac tries to pursue but Bowser is already gone. "Peach!"

Not too long after Daisy returns. Seeing the chaos, Daisy locates her mother. "Ma! What happened!?"

Lilac had been crying. "An ugly monster took Peach away! Please save her!"

Without hesitation Daisy pursues.

"Bowser let me go!" Peach insists as Bowser is leaping over a ledge. With a huff he stops and complies.

"I'm trying to save you, woman!"

As he sets her down, Peach holds her nose.

My poor Bowser has not washed in ages. She releases her nose realizing what she just thought. She referred to him as hers. Also, he was looking for her. He found her. She looks up smiling at him. Bowser folds his arms.

"Oh, now I get a thank …" Bowser pauses seeing her favor her side. "Peach…?"

"I knew you would find me!" Her smile seems to glow to Bowser. Bowser is losing his resolve already.

We can't be together anymore … Stop it, Peach!

"I've missed you so much!" Peach softly declares. She spreads her arms out for a hug, and Bowser gives in. He holds his out waiting for Peach to rush into his arms. Fighting his resolve, Bowser puckers his lips in anticipation. Peach is almost there but pulls back. She can't take it.

"Bowser! You need to wash!"

Opening his eyes, Bowser realizes she is holding her nose. Blushing, he mockingly looks her up and down. "Well not everyone has access to a beauty salon, Peaches!"

Peach ignores him. "While you shower under a waterfall, I'll go tell the rebels I'm fine. They're not enemies."

"Wait, you're going back!?"

Suddenly, Daisy shows up. "Let Peach go you creep!"

"Daisy! Wait, he's my friend!"

Bowser turns to face Daisy. "Who do you think you are ordering me around?"

Before he can do anything, Daisy is socking him in the stomach. He is sent flying. But Bowser catches himself in the ground by digging his claws in. Furious, Bowser rushes back and hits Daisy sending her soaring through the air. Peach is mortified and beats on Bowser's chest.

"She saved me, Bowser!"

But Daisy bounces back quickly and kicks Bowser away. He plants his feet in the ground to stop himself. Peach reaches for Daisy.

"Daisy, he is the man I was looking for!"

"He is?" Daisy's eyes grow like saucers as Bowser throws her away by the foot. Daisy catches a stalagmite while flying by, and swings to get back. The two are now charging at each other - fists drawn back to strike. Peach screams at them.

"Both of you stop this!"

Bowser and Daisy turn towards Peach only for each one's fist to connect with the other's face. It's a mutual hit that sends them both spinning. Bowser and Daisy crash to the ground on their backs. They're both still. Peach raises her hand to her mouth. Did they just kill each other? Suddenly, Daisy laughs. Then Bowser joins her.

Daisy struggles up and helps Bowser to get off his back.

"Ouch. Dude, you hit like a freight train! What's your exercise routine?" She shouts.

"I lift several tons of weights. Also, about a thousand pushups." Bowser brags. "You pack a punch for someone so small."

"Before a workout, I start the day with a pineapple smoothie. Instant muscles." Daisy responds. Bowser frowns.

"Liar! You need real man food. Like steak!"

"I hate steak."

Peach observes them talking and talking about diet and workouts. She is happy Bowser and Daisy found common ground on the strangest of things. But Peach then turns to leave in a huff. Daisy and Bowser notice she is leaving.

"Peachy?"

"Peaches!"

Peach turns her head back around, her nose upturned. "I'm going to let Lilac know we're alright! You two continue with your exercise club meeting."

Daisy laughs and goes to follow Peach. Bowser turns to leave. "Then I'll leave you with them - now that I know you're safe. I trust Daisy."

"Bowser where are you going!?" Peach spins around.

"I have to find Ludwig. I'll come back for you."

Peach gasps. "He wasn't with you?"

Bowser slumps in utter shame. "When he was captured, I panicked. He told me not to worry about him but I didn't care. I ended up getting captured myself and thrown into one of Tatanga's prisons."

Peach notices the anger building in him. Daisy is also now fuming at the mention of Tatanga. Peach reaches out to Bowser.

"I'm so sorry. But before you go you have to clean up and sleep, Big Guy."

Tears form in her eyes, now noticing the scars on him. Bowser's eyes soften.

"Peach, no. I'm fine. You don't have to worry." She's making this difficult.

"Just one night. You need all of your strength. You can't help him if you're wore out."

Bowser bows his head in defeat. He consents to stay and follows them back to the village. Once everything is cleared with Lilac, Bowser is given a home to wash in. As he does that Peach waits near a bonfire in the center square. She is reading a book while prop up on pillows. Other residents were present in the area, some napping or reading. The spot was built as a place of relaxation for the rebels. Daisy sits next to Peach, while eating a marshmallow she just cooked over the fire.

"He's okay, Peach?"

"He'll be fine. But Daisy, are you okay? I'm so sorry Bowser was being difficult. Your mother is still mad with him!"

Daisy shrugs her shoulders. "I'm good." The auburn playfully elbows Peach. "He is protective of you, huh?"

Peach clasps her hands together, blushing. "Yes. I ... Daisy. I've appreciated everything you've done. I'm sure Bowser does too."

Daisy waves her hand. "Don't mention it, Peach. I don't mind helping!"