Blessings and Objections part 2

Peach realized that feeding Junior her famous pancakes was probably not the greatest idea. All that sugar had him running and bouncing around the airship! Berry and Gold couldn't catch him. The general couldn't catch him. Not even the entourage of maids Bowser gifted Peach. Peach was the only one able to keep up with the rascal. But she was having trouble grabbing him as he leaped through the hallways.

"He keeps slipping out of my grip!" Peach complains as she loses Junior again. She gets back up and chases the giggling troublemaker.

"The prince is indeed nimbler than a typical koopa." The out of breath general notes as he flies to her side. The two finally catch Junior as the ship lands in Windmill Kingdom.

Peach is unaware of her husband reigning in rebelling koopas. To make sure she would not find out (and for another reason), the king had arranged for her to spend a few nights in Windmill Kingdom to relax. Peach uses it as an opportunity to spend time with Junior. The two visit a theme park together, with the general following closely. Elated to have her undivided attention, Junior drags Peach onto any ride he can find. She often had to scold him for trying to skip the lines and explain why he couldn't do it, even if he is a prince. And she made sure to avoid giving him sugar when she purchased food.

As the day ended, Peach and Junior rested on a park bench. The general stands a few feet away on the lookout. It's exhausting keeping up with Junior but Peach had an enjoyable time. She silently admires how Bowser can handle childcare alongside his other responsibilities.

Speaking of Bowser….

Peach decides to let him know how they're doing. She takes a picture of her and Junior and texts it to Bowser. Bowser sends a picture of himself, in a business suit, frowning at a dinner he is hosting for his council and nobles. The two chuckles over the picture, but Peach is missing him already while knowing the king feels the same. Junior suddenly becomes sad as he stares at Bowser.

"Papa, he's not going to be too long with his business, right?" Junior asks.

Peach turns to reassure him. "I can't give an honest answer. He'll come find us."

She wraps her arm around him and he leans in. "But let's try to enjoy this trip for his sake!"

Bowser Jr. looks up and smiles at her. "Y-Yeah!"

One of the few green areas in the Darklands is a golf course owned by Bowser. However, the grass is artificial as the real thing could not grow near the lava streams flowing throughout. And the area is enclosed by pointed black mountains. Nobles and councilmen frequently come to the private establishment to play a few rounds, while discussing business.

Traveling to the next hole, a boom boom noble rides shotgun to his thwomp servant in a golf cart. The noble is named Lord Arthur and life has been a headache for him lately. His daughter convinced him to support her in a scheme to assassinate the king. Arthur went along with it as he had a grudge against Bowser. He did not attend the meetings but he provided resources to Tanger from the businesses he owns. But since the discovery of Tanger's betrayal, the noble has been under investigation by Koopa General. So far, he has not been arrested. But his daughter secretly keeps returning, asking for more out of him. Doesn't she know she is putting his reputation on the line!? But the noble convinces himself it will be worth it. Especially with Bowser marrying a mushroom princess.

As if reading his mind, his servant speaks. "Everything will work out, Master. I'm sure the king will forgive your absence."

Lord Arthur grumbles. "Bowser could go swim in the frigid waters of Ice Kingdom for all I care. There's no way I was going."

The golf kart comes to a stop, and Lord Arthur and the thwomp climb out. The noble carefully prepares his shot. But two koopas walking past him on the field catches his attention. He calls out to them.

"How dare you! Are you avoiding me!?"

Shivering, the men turn towards the more prominent noble. "No, we wouldn't dare, Lord Arthur! You've just been busy!"

The older man lifts an eyebrow, not buying their excuse. "Yes, you've been so considerate since General Koopa investigated me."

The men look at each other and back at Arthur. "Is that why you didn't answer the king's summon earlier?"

A growl escapes Lord Arthur's mouth at their inquiry. "What difference would it have made? He would have told me to accept his marriage or deal with him."

"But he is the king. Our rules detect that if a monarch is able, what they say is law."

Lord Arthur swings his club to hit the ball. He returns to the cart, the thwomp following closely. The two nobles also follow, to ride with them. "Perhaps…but it doesn't mean I have to accept everything. To be honest, I prefer his mother's rule. But for the sake of conversation, what did His Majesty say to defend his actions?"

The shorter koopa chuckles remembering the meeting. "He simply said he loved Princess Peach and that is why she is queen. And he called us 'stupid heads' and a host of other insults. I must say, he was persuasive. I was afraid for my life. The king has such a way with words."

"But Lord Harold wanted to talk to him privately. He looked mad." The taller koopa adds in.

"Yes, and an hour later Bowser returned without him. He was wearing a business suit and ordered us to eat with him. He didn't mention Harold at all. I wasn't turning down free food so we didn't dare ask where Harold went."

Lord Arthur folds his arms. He knows what Harold did and how Bowser reacted. "Harold is an idiot. But I don't blame the man. That Princess Peach is an elected leader." The two nobles looked nervously at each other and back at him.

The thwomp brings the golf kart to a halt. Lord Arthur and the nobles exit while the thwomp remains in the kart. "She has no royal blood?" The shorter koopa ask.

Arthur laughs bitterly. "None that we know of. The king married a girl with a poor background and unknown parents! Utter disgrace. And the king dares to shame me after all I've done for the throne. Well, two can play that game." Arthur notices his servant has not gotten out of the cart. He turns and sees the thwomp has a cell phone up to his ear. How he is holding it up with no hands - no one knows.

"Excuse me! When did I tell you to take a break!?" He yells but the servant doesn't respond. He is talking to someone.

"Yes, Your Majesty. We're at Hole #3 like you requested."

Lord Arthur's eyes enlarge. He hears the other two nobles gasp as they spot someone. "King Bowser!?"

Soon Arthur hears a familiar stomp and panics. Standing on the golf field, Bowser stares at them with his phone to his ear. Arthur turns to his servant in fury.

"The throne comes before you, Master." Was all he said.

Bowser yells and motions for the nobles to come to him. At once they comply, Lord Arthur trying to hide his displeasure.

"My King?"

"You didn't answer my summons. Not happy, huh? You should have come to give Lord Harold some help. He had his whole house jump me. It failed by the way." Bowser says dryly. The nobles noticed the scars on the king and Bowser groans. He wore a suit to hide the wounds earlier. It was a good thing he did when he sent that picture to Peach, she would have flipped out.

"What!? No, I wouldn't dare! None of us would, right?"

The two koopas fall on their faces. Bowser frowns at them and points at the Arthur. "Not you, you idiots! Don't try to take attention off yourself, Lord Arthur."

Sweating, Arthur attempts to smile. "No, I'm most please with your marriage, King Koopa."

"Then why did I have to find you!?" The king is not amused. Arthur flinches, Bowser is beginning to look terrifyingly like his mother right now. "You wanted your daughter to become queen. I still think you played a role in giving me that love potion, to make me change my mind."

Panicking, Arthur calls down evil on his daughter in his head. "That was all Tanger! And it didn't work! You still rejected her. I also had nothing to do with her joining Antasma's rebellion."

Bowser folds his arms and lifts an eyebrow. "Thwomp says differently. Ever since the general found out Tanger was involved, he ordered your servant to keep tabs on your …. secret ventures. Now we know why you have been short on shipping ores from your mine. I should have never given you the benefit of a doubt."

The other nobles side eye Lord Arthur as he goes silent.

"Nothing to say? I have no time for this…." Bowser turns and yells for Tryclyde to come arrest him. At a distance, the noble can see the snake approaching with chains. Lord Arthur realizes Bowser will interrogate him for Tanger's whereabouts. But he doesn't know as Tanger comes to him for the supplies.

Curse you Tanger, ungrateful brat! And curse you Bowser!

He is now a traitor and Bowser intends to remove him from his position, to protect his wife. But Lord Arthur doesn't intend to surrender quietly. "Your mother would be ashamed of you!" Arthur spitefully shouts. Bowser snarls at him and bares his fangs. Lord Arthur roars back at him. He turns his arms rapidly like a spinning top and rushes at Bowser. The other nobles flee for their lives as a brawl breaks out.

After the detour, Peach finally arrives in Mushroom Kingdom. How she has missed her home! Peach couldn't wait to check on her toads. She was also eager to let Junior see where she comes from. She leans over the rails and beckon him over. "This is my home, Junior!"

"Home?"

Peach wraps an arm around him as he looks down. "Yes!"

Junior chuckles. "It looks like a painting!"

Peach smiles at his observation. "This will be your home too. You'll have a room in my castle, Junior."

Junior's eyes turn to large saucers. "I get to have two rooms!?"

"Absolutely."

She beams as Junior jumps up and down while taking in the sight of brighter skies and greenery. Peach soon notices Larry waving like a mad man below. When they park, Larry runs up and Junior leaps into his arms.

"Peach! Something happened at the castle! Come quick!" Larry shouts while running away with Junior. Panicking Peach follows, the general and toads running behind her. What could have happened? But as she enters the castle, she is greeted with confetti and balloons.

"Surprise!"

"Huh!?"

Before Peach was the koopalings along with toads and koopas welcoming her. Peach looks around realizing they decorated the main foyer. On both sides were tables of food, cake, and punch. And in a corner were a stack of presents.

"What is this?" Peach asks in confusion. Some of the koopalings start laughing.

"We call it your 'after-the-fact bridal shower!'" Larry's ship captain declares.

"I…" Peach feels a tug on her skirt. She looks down and notices Benny presenting a flower to her. Smiling Peach takes it and hugs him, Junior frowns at the kid jealously. Peach stands back up and begins to cry. Her reaction makes Junior worry.

"Mama, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm …. All of you…. You didn't have to do this! You weren't even at the wedding!" She says while wiping her eyes and a few toads walk up to comfort her.

"We wanted to do this for you!" Larry turns to the audience. "What are we waiting for!? Let's party!"

Junior grins and runs over to the dessert table. Horrified, Peach and the general are too late to catch him. But a large claw swoops him up.

"Oh no, you don't!"

Peach realizes Bowser is also present, holding his protesting son. She walks up to him and eyes his attire. He is covered in bandages and wearing the toad vest she had made for him. She knows Bowser got himself into trouble but her anger is buried under joy. Bowser finally wore her gift. He began to blush noticing her reaction.

"Look I'm wearing this for solidarity. Don't get used to it!" He complains and the toads laugh. More tears form in Peach's eyes. "Bowser, you knew?"

"Larry said he was throwing a party for you."

"So that's why you gave us a detour!" Peach says.

"Well, one of the reasons." Bowser smiles and holds his hand out to dance with her. Peach takes his hand and the two move to the music now playing.

The party was what Peach wished for. There was a little tension, koopas party hard compared to the more reserved toads. A few misunderstandings happened. But ultimately the two groups enjoyed themselves. And Peach was showered in gifts - cookware, gift cards, coupons, gadgets, shoes, and dresses. The event ended on a good note and the crowd left the castle exhausted. Happy over the results - Peach, Bowser, and Junior wave goodnight to their guests and reenter the castle.

The next day, Peach enters the throne room in her royal attire with Bowser following her closely. His tail was wagging and he had a look of adoration on his face. Nothing can ruin his quality time with Peach today. Especially with what he has planned. Before he can tell her, Peach pauses and turns to glare at him. "Why didn't you tell me Junior flies around like a rocket, when he has too much sugar!?"

"Oh, I can't tell you everything." Bowser teases while looking away from her.

"Such as you getting into secret fights?" Peach challenges and wraps her arms around his. Bowser shrugs to play off what he went through. "What happened, Bowser? I didn't want to bring it up yesterday…"

"It's nothing for you to worry about, Peaches." Bowser declares and refuses to elaborate.

With a sigh Peach turns back towards her throne. "Anyway, I'm planning to redecorate. I want to put a red throne next to mine, for your use when you visit our kingdom. I'm the ruler of Mushroom Kingdom, but I want you to be included on discussions."

"I like the idea. But we can worry about that later." Bowser takes her hands and waltzes around the room with her. Caught off guard, Peach turns her head to avoid his intense stare. "We need to plan our official ceremony and honeymoon, remember?" He whispers, a low growl in his voice. Bowser chuckles as Peach's cheeks turn pink. "But before that, I have a gift for you …"

Suddenly, Captain Toad bursts in. Bowser wants to chuck him out a window.

"Can't I have any alone time with my wife!?" Bowser complains.

"Bowser!" Peach covers Bowser's mouth. "Toad, what's wrong?"

Toad falls face first on the floor, having tripped. He lifts his head up before Peach reaches him. "Peach! It's Ms. Truffle! She and a gang of toads have taken King Goomba hostage! They barricaded themselves in Frost Frost Café! The other toads have been trying to resolve it. But it's gotten out of hand."

Bowser looks confused while Peach gasps.

"I'll be over there right away!"

The royals had left Toad and Junior in his new room. The staff of the castle was already decorating it and interviewing the prince for what he wanted. Koopas were posted at the door to guard. And Toad assured the royals he would keep the castle locked down until they returned.

"Anyone messes with the kid, and they'll deal with me." Toad announced while raising the lasergun he held on to from their adventures in Sarasaland.

Peach lead the way as the couple made their way through Toad Town. Bowser notices construction going on and realize the toads were adjusting the streets, to accommodate larger species visiting. He gets distracted and must run to catch up to Peach.

A mob of toads, goombas, and koopas were standing in front of the café. Some of the goombas are pleading for the release of their king. Bowser and Peach make their way to the front of the crowd. A few toads nervously make space for the Koopa King. An old voice shouts from the behind the door, "W-We're not coming out until our demands are met!"

Koopa General tries to stop Bowser from going forward. "They may have bombs, Sire! Stand back!"

With a huff, Bowser shoves him out of the way. "Are you serious!? They're toads!"

But Peach puts her hands up. "Bowser, let me and the toads handle this." Bowser nods and steps back. The king then notices Berry is grilling vegetables and fanning the aroma towards the door.

What is he doing!?

"Ms. Truffle, I have your favorite food! Please come out! Don't hurt Mayor… I mean King Goomba."

A sniff is heard from behind the door. "Is that roasted corn…!? I-I'm still not coming out!"

Feeling petty, Bowser plucks a seasoned vegetable off the grill and throws it into his mouth. Berry stares up at him, disgusted.

"What are you doing!?" Berry cries out while Bowser smirks.

"Pay back for eating my bacon."

Peach scolds her husband. "Bowser, behave! This is serious, King Goomba is one of your vassals!"

The crowd can hear King Goomba fearfully shouting, "King Bowser! Save me!"

Bowser groans and lowers his head towards Peach. "What's a truffle?"

"Ms. Truffle, one of the toad elders. She taught me how to bake." Peach looks out at the crowd. "Can anyone tell me why King Goomba was in town?"

Gold answers Peach. "He was coming to beg for mercy when he heard you received the title, Queen of the Koopas."

Peach frowns. "Hurting him never came into my mind." It would be unfair to give Bowser a chance but hold a grudge against the former mayor. Peach marches up to the door. "Ms. Truffle! All of you, please come out!"

Bowser desperately wants to get back to spending time with the love of his life. There was something important he wanted to share with her. He could just end the standoff by wrecking the building. This hostage situation is silly to him. But this is Peach's kingdom and he needs to let her handle it. Allowing her to do so will show the toads he respects their kingdom.

Ms. Truffle finally speaks again. "I tried to cooperate when we were a vassal kingdom, for your sake Peach. But now that evil Bowser has taken you away from us! It's too much!"

Peach holds her hands over her heart. "I married Bowser of my own free will!"

"I bet that beast pressured you!"

Bowser flinches and look nervously at Peach.

"Oh Ms. Truffle…"

"So, we're not coming out until you tell King Bowser he can't come here anymore!"

The crowds gets rowdy but Berry and Gold push them back. Peach thinks for a while, looking to find the right words. "I understand your mistrust."

Bowser turns to Peach, his face heartbroken. "Peach, I wouldn't hurt you…"

"Please let me finish, love." Peach says and grips his claw to reassure him. Though feeling insecure Bowser steps back. Peach turns back toward the door. "But Bowser has and is doing a lot of good. Please give him a chance."

"No good ever comes out of koopas!"

Peach sits next to the door and wraps her arms around her legs. "That's strange coming from you." She teases.

"What do you mean, missy!?"

"Remember when I was six and a goomba merchant came to town?" Peach looks into the sky. "I …. I poked fun at him for not having arms, and the other kids joined in." She admits.

Bowser looks down at Peach with a stunned expression. He would have never expected that out of her.

"But you scolded me in front of everyone for it. You said I wasn't giving the man a chance. And judging him over how he looked. I was so embarrassed but you were right. I will never forget that lesson."

That explains a lot. Bowser ponders remembering her acts of kindness towards his kids. He feels his neck and cheeks heat up. A smile forms on his face as he gazes at Peach. On her end, Peach tries to ignore Bowser's enamored stare. If she looks at him, she'll blush. His stare always overwhelms her but she loves it as well. But she doesn't need the distraction. Peach continues, "All of you taught me to be accepting of others different from me."

Ms. Truffle's voice wavers. "But … that goomba was harmless. The koopas hurt us…"

"Again, I understand your apprehension. I had to save you from koopa raiders one time. So, I won't pressure you to forgive Bowser."

"You won't?"

"No… But I won't allow you to interfere in my attempts to make peace with the koopas." She says with firmness.

"…. They're all the same. They'll turn on you."

"And I thought all humans got along. That was a terrible assumption. Would you believe the first one I met shot me?"

She hears gasps from behind the door.

"But another human, a kind one, saved me. Everyone is different. Some make their own choices or choose to go along with the crowd. We can't categorize people based solely on their appearance. And people who do wrong can change. If you can find it in you, give the koopas a chance. Some have always been nonviolent. And some of them really want to get along with us now."

Peach stands back up and stares at the door. "I promise I'll protect you. Ms. Truffle, you have nothing to fear. Please come out."

The toads mumble behind the door. Some of them are reluctant to listen and urge Ms. Truffle not to give in. But she groans out loud.

"Silly Peach…. You've grown so much."

The door unlocks and the other protesting toads are slowly pushed out by the fussy older one. Then Ms. Truffle runs into Peach's arms. Peach motions for Berry and Gold to retrieve King Goomba. Once he is carried out, the crowd cheers. The hostage situation has been resolved.

After the commotion in town ended, the general returned to the castle. But Bowser took Peach's hand and led her into the Mushroom Forest.

"Bwa ha ha! That went better than expected. I had to have a slug fest with some of my people."

Peach looks at him with worry. "Bowser…?"

Bowser rubs the back of his neck, realizing he slipped out what he didn't want her to know. "It's okay Peach, I gotta set them straight. You see my kingdom itch for battle. So, some won't be happy with my marriage to someone that tries to avoid conflict. But they'll get over it."

Peach looks ahead. "Well, one thing I learned is the need to be willing to fight. Some conflict is unavoidable. Tatanga…. I'm sure there are more like him. And Antasma…"

"Yeah, trust me I'm not having the koopas relaxing on lawn chairs. We'll be ready for any threat. But it's time I find something new to keep them in shape."

"What do you have in mind?"

"I'll let you know! But where were we …. Oh yeah …." Bowser sweeps her into his arms and holds her close. "Did you know I'm falling more in love with you every day?"

Peach nestles into his arms, her heart beating rapidly. "No…" She teases. "But I do know it embarrasses you to wear that vest. I appreciate it however."

"Just don't get used to it!" He jokes.

"Where are you taking me, anyway?"

"Don't worry, you'll know."

He stops at an opening, and Peach realizes they are on a small beach.

"Don't you remember?" Bowser says with a low voice. "This is where you saved me."

Peach notices a blanket, a large picnic basket, and Roy 'guarding the stuff.' He was sleeping and Bowser had to shout to wake him up. Startled, Roy smiles at them and leaves. Bowser sets Peach down. "Oh …"

"I put the lunch together myself. Well, it was supposed to be our lunch until the hostage situation…" The koopa boasts.

Peach examines the contents of the basket in amusement. The sandwiches were stacked with several layers of meat, cheese, pickles, and other fixings. Too large for her to eat, but she'll just remove some of the layers and give the rest to Bowser. Also, he had quite a few bags of chips, sodas, and pre-wrapped snack cakes.

"Aww…This is so sweet of you." Peach beams.

"I'm not … I'll accept the compliment just this once."

Bowser joins her and the two quietly eat. Peach can tell Bowser is trying to muster up courage to tell her something. Eventually, he nervously pulls out a stack of letters. Some of them are faded with age. Peach looks at him curiously.

"The brats thought I should give you these. I had no clue they had been holding onto them. They even found the ones I wrote before I adopted them." Bowser complains while shaking his head.

"What are they?"

"Love letters. I started writing after I first met you. I never sent any to you but I always wanted you to read them. But some sound dumb, okay? I was a teenager!"

Peach accepts the letters. As she begins reading the first letter, she can see Bowser shifting in discomfort. She returns to scanning the page.

Dear Peach,

You are a stupid fungus! But I can't get you out of my head! I hope you trip and die.

I hate you,

Bowser

Peach begins snickering over the wording and Bowser turns red with embarrassment. He written this one right after Peach first fought him to save the kidnapped toads. Peach moves over to rest against his shoulder and he relaxes. Peach continues to read. Bowser's style of writing started off childish, he seemed so angry with the idea of liking her. But later letters became more heartfelt, one beginning with him thanking her for saving him. He would described what he liked about her and his wish to be friends. The last letter was particularly sad.

Dearest Peach,

I know you hate me. But I love you. I love you so much. Your golden hair. Your wonderful eyes. Your delicate form. I love everything about you. And it hurts not having seen you in years. Peach, I know I'm not human but please give me a chance! Just one! There's the Fireworks Festival coming up. Will you go out with me? I won't let anyone bully you. It'll be fun! Please don't hate me.

Love,

Bowser

She can tell Bowser tried to rip the paper up in frustration but opted to just throw it away. Eyes glistening, Peach focuses on Bowser. "Bowser, I would have read them. I spent years thinking you hated me. My reason for opposing you was not because you were a koopa. It …"

"I know…I was being difficult. I felt we weren't supposed to be together. This is seriously embarrassing…I wasted a lot of time." Bowser runs his claws through his mane.

"No, I needed to know." Peach rests her hand on his face. "We understand each other better now. This is a new beginning for us."

"Yeah…" Bowser reaches into his shell and pulls out a small box. He pops it open, revealing a small golden ring, encrusted with a large sapphire and small diamonds. Shocked Peach glances up into his gentle eyes and back down at the ring. Laughing, Bowser gingerly takes the ring and slips it on her finger.

"Toadette was still in the Darklands to help Dreambert. So, I kidnapped her for a shopping trip. But I kept getting a size too big for you. I'm sure she still has a headache from fussing at me." He jokes.

"I…" Peach can't find the words as she examines the ring.

"I don't care what anyone says. I love you. We'll make this work. And… I look forward to sharing our lives together, Peach." Bowser whispers while showing his own wedding band. Beaming, Peach wraps her arms around him. The two then remain there and enjoy the ocean view as the stars come out.

Antasma's castle is nestled among a mountain range. The peaks are so high that the clouds obscure the towns below. Antasma stares up at his castle sulking, his left eye now healed and open. He lifts his hand and places it on his forehead. The small bat exits the castle and rejoins Antasma. His form glows and Antasma becomes a foot higher. But Antasma doesn't celebrate being whole again. It means he lost control of Pi'illo Island and Dreambert is free. Everything has gone wrong. Even with Peach.

The bat king gnashes his teeth. He didn't realize he would react so violently to Peach's rejection. All he could see was red at that moment. A part of him was thrilled to leave his former 'partner in crime' to her fate. She looked so beautiful. But another part is kicking him. Antasma reasons he should have taken her anyway and forced her to be with him. He realizes it wasn't her defiance that made him leave. He lost control over the idea of her choosing that crude brute of a koopa. Fortunately, Peach survived and left Sarasaland. But after she arrived in the Darklands, his connection to Peach was painfully severed. Only small traces of it remains. "Dreambert…I'll make you suffer for that." He snarls.

Waiting in the castle is the rest of the conspirators minus Tanger. They stare blankly at Antasma as he enters. Jennen finally speaks.

"We don't trust you."

Antasma shrugs. "You're free to go back."

The army hammer bro. groans and looks away. Suddenly, the castle doors swung open but no one was there. Tanger reappears as the invisibility potion she took from Antasma's lab wears off.

"Your father. Is he still on board?" Jennen inquires.

"King Bowser arrested him before I reached him! He is going after anyone he deems a threat to Peach." Tanger kicks a table. "And it's all over the place. News of his marriage to that thing!"

She throws a newspaper to the floor. The front page is one of Peach standing with Bowser, the latter wearing a dorky smile. Antasma's eyes slit and he glares at the picture.

"He's just twisting the knife in now." He mutters.

"Marriage…" Jennen must take a seat. "It's over for the koopas. They'll become lax and their enemies will overtake them." He grumbles.

"So, they got hitched." King K. Rool shrugs while peeling an apple and. "What's the big deal?"

Antasma's facial expression goes blank, and a purple aura rises out of him. The others distanced themselves from him, holding their heads in pain. Antasma is tempted to use the mental connection he formed with them and mess with their memories. Jennen nods at Clawgrip. Unknown to them the bat catches the brief exchange. Antasma realizes they have discussed betraying him.

Clawgrip manages to stand up. "Quit it, Antasma! We're on your side!" He leaves the room and returns with a platter of cups. He pours tea out of a kettle and hands each person a cup. "How about we calm down and take a drink."

Antasma looks at his cup. The tea has a sweet aroma, looks normal. But….

"I deal with chemicals. It's not like the one I'm brewing for Bowser but it's poison. All of you are trying to kill me to free yourselves."

The color drains from Clawgrip's face. "I…"

Antasma takes it and downs the contents in one swallow. He sets the cup down and stares at his disturbed audience. "But thank you. It'll help with the pain."

Intimidated, Tanger takes a few steps back but Jennen stops her. King K. Rool walks over to Antasma, laughing. "Look…how about we start over?"

"Very well." Antasma grips his chest and takes a seat on his throne. "So, we can't depend on Lord Arthur's weapons anymore."

Tanger nervously fiddles with her hood. "I couldn't stay at his mansion due to the army seizing it. I'm sure the general has already raided my home too. This is a huge setback. Bowser's won."

Antasma wants to strangle Bowser. He has been in the koopa's head. He knows the plans Bowser has for him and Peach. That smug brute will be enjoying life while he lives as a fugitive.

Wait…

"This is perfect."

Antasma smiles wickedly, his eyes glowing with malice. A new plan has come into his mind.

"Huh?"

"I'll let the royal couple enjoy some time together. They'll blossom like two flowers growing side by side. We'll let their roots travel deep in the soil and entangle in an embrace. Then I will uproot one. And one can't be pulled out …. without hurting the other."

Catching on, Tanger grins cruelly.

"Yes, I will wait. And my revenge will be sweeter." Antasma stands up, a little wobbly from the poison but fine. He has high tolerance from experimentation. As the bat said, it helped numbed the pain of his burning hate. The hate he felt towards Peach, Toad, Dreambert, and especially Bowser. But it can't squash it completely. Antasma is tired of hiding from Bowser, fearing his wrath. And acting in the shadows. He can get anyone to fear him except Bowser. It's time the king took him seriously. He is going to make his life a living nightmare.