Princess and the Bat King
The skies grew darker the further the airship flew. Though it was evening the sun could not be seen. Soon it was pitched dark, the only illumination being the lava below. Peach could make out sickly forests and countless ruins. They now were in the Darklands, Bowser's territory. She had never seen anything like this, everything seemed dead. Peach turns to the infant she is holding and adjusts his bib.
"How can you live in a place like this, little one?" She asks. The child simply looks at her. She turns back to look at the landscape below. Peach doesn't notice Bowser gleefully observing her reactions.
The airship lands in a massive shipyard near a poisoned sea. It lowers its anchors as sailors throw ropes to the crew on board, to steady the ship. Other ships from other kingdoms are already parked. Countless citizens are unloading their tributes to Bowser. Endless amounts of gold, jewels, rare metals, lumber, and various foods. Bowser leaps off the ship and greedily examines the various cargo.
"What are you slowpokes waiting for? Get the move on!" Bowser shouts at Peach and the toads. Peach relinquishes the infant to its father, giving it one last hug. The ship's captain mumbles thanks and rushes back onto the ship. Peach then directs the toads to unload the cargo. Bowser marches off while they are working, telling Larry to bring Peach to the castle.
"And don't die on the way, Peaches!" The king barks, knowing Peach was rolling her eyes.
Soon the group is moving along a dark path with their tribute. Their destination is the ominous castle in the distance. Peach spots shy guys hiding in the woods, staring at the party with blank expressions.
"Larry, what do they want?" She asked.
"Oh, they've littered the road with hidden pits. Should one fall in, a spiked death awaits them."
Just as he finishes Captain Toad saves one of his comrades from falling into one. The shy guys mock from the shadows. Peach hurls a rock at the pranksters causing them to scatter. That was not the end to their troubles. Every so often a vulture would swoop down to pick up an unsuspecting toad, forcing Peach to chase it down to liberate him. And she swears some of the trees themselves were reaching for them. Why anyone would live in such a place is beyond her! And to add insult she spots koopas driving go karts to get to the castle.
Once out of the forest they reach a lake of lava. Peach squints spotting glowing creatures rise and fall in the lava.
"Amazing! The lava, it's not bothering them at all!"
Larry pushes Peach to keep moving. "Don't look at them! Their magmaarghs! They smell fear and only listen to Bowser." Peach continues to walk but she resumes gazing at the lake as they bypass it. Eventually, she sees pink bob-ombs in cages. An imposing koopa, in bright shades, is hanging the cages over the lava lake.
"Larry, what is he doing to them?" The captain cries out.
Larry explains they revolted against King Bob-omb, for supporting Bowser. Roy had been tasked with putting down the rebellion and punishing them. The pink bob-ombs will remain there for a long time. Peach wants nothing more than to save them, but Larry holds her back.
"It'll make it harder on you guys."
Peach gives one last glance to the bob-ombs before proceeding. Roy turns from his work observing Peach with a stern but curious look. Larry leads his envoy to a drawn bridge over lava. As they are crossing it a crowned goomba passes by. He turns smiling smugly at Peach.
"Good evening, Princess."
Peach frowns realizing it is the mayor.
"Mayor Goomba. We have nothing to say to you."
Captain Toad becomes furious and confronts the goomba. "Nothing to say!? I have plenty to say! How dare you show your face to us, Mayor Goomba!?"
The goomba stands on the tips of his toes, shaking his crown. "That's King Goomba to you! Bowser gave me a promotion for a job well done! And you will show me due respect!"
The goomba and Toad argue more as Larry tries to stop them. Suddenly, a magmaargh appears drawn by the commotion, chomping down on the drawbridge. Everyone panics and Larry orders them to move it. Gold trips near the beast; Berry and Peach runs back for him. The creature attempts to eat them as they are lifting Gold up. But a bullet bill to the eye makes the magmaargh back off. Behind them is Roy holding a massive cannon on his shoulder.
"What ya staring at, toots? Move it!"
She picks up the toads and runs as Roy fires again. While moving King Goomba trips falling into Captain Toad. Both tumble over the drawbridge! Larry catches the king but misses Toad. Peach cries out in distress.
"Captain!"
Toad reaches out in vain for Peach. Is this the end? No! I can't leave them alone!
Before he hits the lava, several small bats catch him and carry Toad back up to the drawbridge. As they drop the captain, Peach embraces him.
"Thank you! Thank you!" She cries out through tears. Their first day in the Darklands and she nearly lost a toad. As the toads run in for a group hug, King Goomba scurries off in fear. The small bats join reforming into Antasma. He smiles as the princess gasps. The injured magmaargh finally leaves as Roy approaches the party. They take a step back intimidated. Larry, however, is not scared of him.
"You saved us!" The boy shouts while embracing the broader koopa.
Roy shakes his head and shoves Larry away. "Don't imply I'm a hero!" Roy checks the condition of his cannon. "You would have looked bad losing your envoy in one day. And … it would have made me look bad!"
Larry smiles at his brother, not believing him.
"I'll make you proud, bro! I got everything under control! With my leadership Mushroom Kingdom will Bowser's most valued asset!" Larry says puffing his chest out. Roy turns to Peach in knowing sympathy.
"Get out of here." Roy grumbles as he returns to his duties.
Waving his brother off, Larry goes to Antasma. "Do you mind staying with us? These toads are accident prone!"
Peach folds her arms as Antasma laughs. "Of course, it would be my pleasure. Madam?" The bat king bends to offer Peach his arm. With reluntance Peach takes it. Fortunately, no more harrowing incidents occur allowing them to reach the castle grounds.
As Larry explains where their quarters will be located, a rainbow maned koopa rolls up on a large ball.
"Lemmy?"
The little koopa happily waves at the envoy and embraces Larry. Larry lifts him into the air with a spin. Once Larry sets Lemmy down, the small boy grins at Peach. "Hope you have fun here!" Peach clutches Antasma's arm and waves back. It's strange to see a local resident with an innocent smile. Lemmy tells Larry he got the latest racing game. Larry's eyes shot open, and he follows him.
"Larry! Our meeting with Bowser takes place in three hours! We must set up the tribute!" Peach complains.
Larry stops. "It's not a meeting! It's a party! I'll be on time! Everything will be fine! Until we meet, you're in charge!" He takes off again. Peach throws her hands up.
"I don't even know …"
"He means me." Antasma floats in front of Peach. "Don't worry, there is not much to it. You basically listen to Bowser boast about himself late into the night."
"That's not comforting." Peach's shoulders hung with a sigh.
"He has earned the right to do it. No one is stronger than him." Antasma chuckles and floats away. Peach and the toads race to keep up with him on the castle grounds. Soon they reach the sleeping quarters.
"Wait! There is something I need to tell you!" Peach calls out to him. But Antasma keeps moving into the building. Peach turn to the toads.
"Get everything ready, there is something I need to take care of."
The place was for guests, but the king wanted them to always know whose land they were in. Statues of Bowser were everywhere. Peach shakes her head at his obvious narcissism. On the second floor were several portraits of former koopa rulers, along the wall. Peach's eyes fall on one depicting a red headed large female koopa standing over a pile of bodies, a black flag in her hand. She bore a look of insanity. The queen looked exactly like Bowser.
Peach continues her search finding Antasma in a bright room. It was a large room, fully furnished, loaded with mirrors, make-up, and all sorts of dresses.
"Larry forgot to tell you, but this is your room. I fixed it up a bit. The toads sleep on the floor level. I suggest you lock your door, less a shy guy carries you off and sell you at the market." Peach shifts in discomfort at that. To lessen it, she walks around the room admiring the furnishings. Once she reaches the drawer, she focuses on Antasma.
"I understand why you did not acknowledge me on the airship. But I want to thank you for the warning!" Peach brings her hands to her heart. "Knowing what would happen prepared my heart for the goombas' betrayal. You saved us."
Antasma lifts a brush from the drawer's surface. He runs his fingers over the edges in deep thought. "Bowser would have spared you; it was more to save your people."
"Do we know you?" She gently inquires.
Antasma floats up to Peach and points the brush at her. "Enough about that. We must prepare for the party." He rings a bell and two people float in. They were strange. They had humanoid bodies and Peach's heart leaped. But they were not human. Their heads were pillow-shaped and lacked ears and noses. They stared at Peach blankly. The discomfort returns to Peach. Noticing, Antasma catches her attention again. "You can't go to the party looking like this. You're covered in soot."
Peach looked down realizing she was indeed covered in soot, from jumping to save Mayor Goomba. Also, she is sure she has stains from the baby koopa burping milk on her. Antasma's servants drag Peach off for a shower. Before long they are combing through her golden hair, braiding in small flowers. Peach is placed in a low-cut dress, the bottom flowing out like rose petals. Her hair is hung over her left shoulder. Finally, many sprays and cosmetics are applied to her face.
"Not too much, makeup." Antasma admonishes as he observes. "Just enough to compliment her natural beauty."
Once satisfied Antasma presents a mirror to Peach. Peach blushes.
"I love it. But why? Is this necessary?"
"I want Bowser to be distracted by you."
Peach stares up in alarm, not quite understanding him. "What?"
Antasma pushes her out the door. "I'll explain after the party."
He offers his arm to her again. Peach frowns and refuses to take it. Antasma giggles and glides ahead. Peach bows her head to Antasma's servants and follows him. But Antasma is long gone, only the toads present. The toads' jaws drop seeing Peach in the new outfit.
"Peach! We ain't going to a fancy restaurant! We're going to Bowser's!" Captain Toad complains. Peach blushes as Gold frowns at the outfit like a concerned father. "When did you get this dress, young lady!?"
Berry waves his hand. "She's not a kid anymore! It's obvious she wants to catch one of the kings' eyes?" The toads collectively gasp.
"A-Are we ready for her to get married?"
"Guys can we just get moving?" Peach cries out her face beet red.
Bowser's castle was up a long flight of stone stairs. Royals and their subjects slowly climbed them to enter. Used to platforming, Peach and the toads quickly bypass the other groups while bearing their loads. Some of the kings stop to gawk at Peach. And Captain Toad glares at every one of them. Once at the top they meet Larry. He has them place the tribute near the entrance and motions for them to follow him.
Loud heavy metal music greets them at the door. The floor is crowded with soldiers, vassals, and castle servants. Near the walls are tables lined with heaps of food. A food fight has even broken out at one table. A drunk Mouser is falling face first into a chocolate cake. And Koopa General is sitting, while food flies around him, calmly sipping some punch.
The music blares even louder as the host, Bowser, grabs a guitar to join the band. He starts yelling in the mic and the koopas cheer chaotically in response. The walls are shaking from the noise. Peach finds that Bowser has a nice singing voice, but this is too loud for her! She gasps as Antasma covers her ears from behind. Peach turns her head slightly to show her gratitude with a smile. Captain Toad eyes him suspiciously while holding his own 'ears.' That man is a little too attentive towards the princess. Is he looking to take advantage of her? The captain vows to monitor the bat king.
Soon, the music mercifully comes to an end, and Peach's ears are unstopped. Bowser stands up in front of his audience after tossing away his guitar.
"My Empire! I'm now the ruler of the world! Almost every corner of this miserable planet is now under my control! This has been the aspiration of every koopa ruler, and I've finally achieved it!"
The room shakes from the loud cheering. As Bowser continues a long-winded rant about his 'awesomeness,' Peach zones out for a bit. She begins to nod off and Gold must elbow her. Peach straightens her back and clasps her hands together.
"And now my tributes!" Bowser roars as he sits down on his throne. When Bowser calls, each vassal must come forward with their 'gift.' King Bob-omb has brought an innumerable amount of iron he stripped from his countries' mines. A king made of crystal excitedly presents to Bowser rare jewels, crafted by his servants. When the Penguin King is called, he does not come forward. Bowser impatiently taps his fingers. A shout is heard from the crowd and a bow-wearing female koopa comes out dragging the Penguin King. The girl throws the King before Bowser.
"What did he do, Wendy?"
"He didn't meet the quota of gold."
"I just needed more time. She wouldn't give any consideration."
Wendy shrugs as the king's pleads. Bowser's eyes light up and steam comes out of his mouth as he stands up. "Get him out of my sight."
Wendy commits the man to the arms of a gleeful Koopa General. The Penguin King is dragged away for the dreaded dungeons. Bowser orders Wendy to return to the Ice Kingdom to lay waste to the castle. She marches out without a word. Bowser glares at his audience. Some of the vassals cringe.
"There better not be anyone else with excuses."
The room goes quiet, fear lingering in the air. Pleased Bowser sits back down. When he says he wants something he means it. He begins to call the other vassals. Finally, he reaches Mushroom Kingdom and calls for Peach. He scans the crowd looking for her. Bowser had partied so much he had forgotten she was present. Is she stalling? He huffs in frustration. The crowd splits to allow Larry, Peach, and the toads to come forward with their tribute. Bowser's breath catches in his throat. Compared to the other grand tributes, Mushroom Kingdom's is pathetic. But his attention was on the princess. Her dress and jewelry seem to glow, her eyes downturned in nervousness. He scanned her from head to toe, a growl rumbling at the back of his throat. With just a few words, she presents the tribute and walks back for the crowd. Bowser's eyes follow her. He is elbowed by a dark blue hair koopa, snapping him out of his daze. Bowser grumbles and proceeds to call the rest of the vassals, his eyes stilling moving back to Peach.
Once all vassals have presented themselves, it is a return to festivities. Peach's hands are shaking while she is drinking a bit of wine. The toads meanwhile are munching on salad.
"See? It wasn't so bad! You get to live another day!" Larry declares while patting her back. The dark hair koopa approaches the table with a dignified but haughty air. "Using cheap tactics to gain Bowser's favor, Larry?" The young man mocks. Larry groans.
"What are you talking about, Ludwig!?"
"Don't play innocent!" Ludwig tosses his chin up at Larry and draws his attention to Peach. "His Majesty has requested your presence at his banquet table, my lady."
Captain Toad drops his fork. Peach shakes her head at him and accepts Ludwig's hand. He leads her over to Bowser who is currently devouring large drumsticks. Realizing Peach is present, he becomes bashful. Self-conscious he wipes his mouth with a handkerchief.
"Sit next to me, Peach!" He finally spits out.
"I have no choice." Peach whispers and Bowser frowns at her response. Ludwig pulls her chair out to allow her to sit. Bowser sends Ludwig off without looking at him. With a bow Ludwig moves on to stage to chase the heavy metal band away and to play the piano. Calming music fills the room, and Bowser's expression softens. Soon he is laughing with his generals and talking of his accomplishments. He steals a glace between conversations hoping Peach would be impressed. But she keeps her head looking ahead. Only lowering it to eat her food. Bowser is fuming – wondering why she is ignoring him. She is defiant but he thought by now she would respect him like the other vassals. But Peach feels like a trophy sitting next to Bowser, for him to show off to the world. His own nephews and nieces are not sitting next to him, and his son is not present for the arrangement. Bowser does not care about anyone but himself. Is this going to be Mushroom Kingdom's lot forever? Peach shivers at the thought. Noticing her movement Bowser moves his large pinky near Peach's delicate hand. He wants to hold her hand. But she moves it before he can encircle it.
Soon the party's over and everyone quickly departs for their quarters. Unknown to even the guards, Bowser sat in a corner in a hidden spot. His head hung low and fighting pangs of misery. He had surrounded himself with all the attention he could ever want, and still feels lonely.
The toads slept soundly in their room on straw mats. They had barricaded the door on Peach's order to insure they were not robbed. Captain Toad, however, was absent. He helped Peach secure a supply of fresh water and fruit. Afterward, she told him to stay back at the building. Loading the supplies Peach sneaks off for the lake. Once there she jumps from cage to cage giving water and fruit to the pink bob-ombs. They thank her and quickly consume the nourishment.
"I'll figure out a way to free you. Just hang in there, okay?" She encourages.
She leaps away and rushes back for the drawn bridge before she can be spotted. But waiting for her was Antasma. Peach freezes wondering if anyone else had spotted her.
"I won't tell." He laughs and Peach grips her hand over her heart. Antasma closes in. "Come with me, little rebel. I must show you something."
He quickly wraps Peach in his cape and flies before she can answer. Antasma weaves among the castle's towers, stopping at a window. He opens it and enters, Peach still clinging to him.
"Where are we?"
Peach receives her answer in the form of a snoring Bowser. He was in a massive red sheet bed. The tyrant was tossing and turning, sweat pouring from his brow. Antasma cautiously approaches and hovers his hand over the king. A purple light emits from his hand and Antasma closes his eyes. The princess stands there watching. He's in Bowser's head?
After a moment has passed Antasma opens his eyes. "I work as a sort of therapist for the king."
He holds his hand out. "Do you want to know what Bowser thinks?" Peach feels awful invading his mind, but she is curious. She approaches and hesitantly holds Antasma's hand. Peach immediately recoils with a yelp. She lets go of Antasma's hand and collapses on the floor. Bowser begins to stir, and Antasma reaches both hands over Bowser to calm him. Peach hugs herself with her shaking arms observing. Bowser's stressed expression vanishes, and he turns, sleeping peacefully. Antasma looks Bowser over and picks up Peach to leave. Once outside he drops her on the ground. Shaken by what she had seen, Peach leans against a wall.
Antasma hovers closer to Peach. "Bowser suffers from trauma. It causes him endless nightmares."
"So much pain. Why were his parents like that?"
"Koopa royals are expected to be the strongest. They honestly saw no moral issues with their training. Bowser is different. He enjoys villainy but he wants to be loved. Those two things clash, and it leaves him empty. So, the memories return and rob him of sleep. He can become a rampaging monster if left unchecked."
"So, he trusts you to help soothe him?"
"No. I tried to assassinate him in his sleep. He was not happy with that." Antasma shudders remembering his punishment. "But I'm the only one that can withstand the nightmares."
Peach grimaces, disturbed by what Bowser has suffered. So much rage in there. And sadness. Antasma bends to look at Peach. "I've been doing this for years and it's not easy. Bowser is repressing a lot of good memories, focusing on the bad. It is why he keeps his nephews and niece at a distance. They remind him too much of his dead brother, especially Ludwig. When I bring up a good memory, his subconscious coils around me like a snake." A sinister smile appears on Antasma's face. "But he doesn't fight a memory of you. He welcomes it. You were there when he was at his lowest. That memory is how I found out about you."
"What do you want with me?" Peach asks.
"Bowser is love starved. He is looking for attention and gets it by being a tyrant. But he loves being evil even though it makes him miserable. I believe you can have a good influence on him. You can change him. It would make things easier for your toads, wouldn't it?"
Peach sadly shakes her head. "I'm sorry with what he went through. No one should suffer through that. But I can't change Bowser. That is up to him. He must realize he is doing wrong."
"Don't underestimate the grip you have on his heart."
"I don't want to hurt him, making him think I love him."
Peach pauses and plays with her fingers. Her thoughts go to the pink bob-ombs and the penguins. Then her toads. "But I will do as much as I can to protect my toads. And if it means befriending Bowser then so be it. Hopefully, it would help him too."
Antasma smiles wickedly. He bends to kiss her hand. "A simple friendship would work. Excellent! We have an alliance, then?"
Peach nods, still unsure as to Antasma's motives. He's strange but I guess he wants to be free like us.
Since the two returned Captain Toad had been watching from behind a bush. Peach bids Antasma goodnight and enters the sleeping quarters. Antasma breaks down into several bats and reappears behind the captain. Toad screams and Antasma covers his mouth.
"King Antasma!?" Toad mumbles in his hand.
"You worry about her a lot. You can be of use. There's something I need to discuss with you alone, captain."
Toad struggles. "No way, whatever you say to me must be communicated to the princess! What is there to hide?"
Antasma closes into Toad's face, his face no longer friendly. Toad freezes.
"It concerns her. You will listen."