The King's Absence

Bowser angerly pointed his game controller at the tv screen. "Are you serious!? Eighth place. Again."

For the past hour, Bowser (with Junior tucked under his arm) and Peach sat on a small cozy sofa playing games together.

"That shell came out of nowhere!"

Bowser Jr. laughed over his victory but turned his head up to comfort his father.

"Oh Papa! Don't be so down. You were a formidable driver."

"You can let your old man win for once!"

Peach smirked as Bowser grumbled under his breath. "I see that look, Peaches. Don't tell me to be a good sport when you placesecond on the podium!"

A laugh escaped her mouth. "Ha ha ha! I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe you're just a bad driver!"

Bowser now smiling, continued his rant. "This game is rigged …." But he stopped when Ludwig stepped in. "Ludwig? Care to join?"

Ludwig raised an eyebrow. "Have you forgotten already, Father? We're ready for departure."

Bowser turned back to the tv screen, his expression contemplative. "Remember Junior do not aggravate the other koopalings! They're here to help you. Also, keep your room clean."

Junior frowned as he crawled into Peach's arms. "Oh, all right, Papa."

Bowser looked down at Junior and Peach with a forlorn look. He gathers them into a hug. "I'll be back."

Bowser motions for Ludwig to join in the group hug but Ludwig shakes his head emphatically. "Teenagers." Bowser groans. Peach giggled and hugged Junior while leaning into Bowser's chest. "Remember what we discussed, Bowser."

Bowser gave an impish smile and raised a claw to rest on her cheek. "We're not married Peach. Yet. You'll say 'yes', right?"

Peach closed her eyes and placed one of her hands on his. "Many conditions need to be met before I even think of it, Big Guy."

A pink hue covered Peach's face realizing what she had just blurted out. Bowser's eyes become large, soft, and eager as he tightened his embrace on her. The two royals then timidly gazed at each other. Ludwig coughed to get them to refocus. Peach eventually broke eye contact to look at Ludwig. "I must get back to work. Ludwig be safe."

"You don't need to worry."

"Princess!"

Peach opens her eyes. Standing next to her is Vert, now sporting a black moustache.

"Are you ready to go, my dear?" Her former caretaker asks.

"Yes."

For the past month, Princess Peach and newly appointed Chancellor Vert have been on a tour of the world. Their mission was to assess the damage caused by the alien invasion. Bowser Jr. had been keeping up with their mission, asking for various updates. He had also been fortifying the towers for another attack.

Slowly, Peach realized how extensive the damage was, and she feared it would take years for various kingdoms to get back on their feet. But once she determined what was needed and made her proposal, Mushroom Kingdom got to work. Gold and Berry are overseeing rebuilding in the Sweet Sweet Kingdom. Peach and Vert are currently in the Sunset Kingdom, having set up several relief centers.

Wearing a hardhat, Peach is hammering nails into the roof frame of a shop. Her mind is racing with all sorts of concerns as she works. Toadette keeps dodging her calls and the toad guards are now looking for her. Also, Peach is thinking of Bowser and Ludwig. Were they okay? Did they help the residents of Sarasaland? Several koopas approach to call out to Peach, while she is sitting on the roof. Coming out of a daze she responds back to them. They came to inquire about the king and want to know when he will be back. Unable to give an answer Peach reassures them he'll return.

It has been quiet since Bowser departed to the other world. The month of tribute came and gone. In fact, nothing was really required of the monarchs this year. They had only gathered to discuss the year's goals. That only consisted of building statues in Bowser's honor. And still Bowser has not returned. As Peach talks to the koopas, she hears a deep bass voice. She perks up and jumps off the roof to look around. Peach visualizes Bowser storming in, pretending not to care about what she's doing, only to help when she needs him. But the voice belongs to a stout shopkeeper, telling his own account of the invasion to his patrons. A feeling of disappointment fills Peach's heart.

I shouldn't be looking for him. She keeps telling herself. Her mind wanders to the moment they shared a kiss. Before he left Bowser kept dropping hints that he wanted another. She was tempted; his pleading look was adorable. But Peach's displeasure with him insisting he did not care about Sarasaland, prevented her from granting his wish. But he didn't force the issue, only asking for a hug again. She permitted that. The princess would not admit it out loud but she misses Bowser. She solemnly turns away from the shop to return to work. Noticing her forlornness, Vert suggests they take a tea break.

The two stops at a balcony café, choosing a table with the local park in view.

After taking a bite of his frosted cinnamon roll, Vert places it back down on his plate. "Such a terrible tragedy that invasion was."

Peach stirs her tea, her mind still wandering. "Yeah."

"I just don't understand all the fighting. Nothing good comes out of it. It's always the same with these rulers. Now another world wants in on the action."

Peach brings her cup up her mouth. "I'm sure it won't be this way forever." She is certain Bowser is turning over a new leaf.

"….."

"It would have been worst if the koopas were not there." Peach adds a little too enthusiastically. Vert carefully pours extra cream into his coffee. "King Bowser has been on your mind." Shocked, Peach sits her cup down quickly. "No! I was just …" She needs to stop hiding it. "I-I've been worried about him."

"It's okay Peach. I know he is in love with you. I've known since he was a teenager."

"You have?"

"I thought it was just infatuation …. But what tyrant singles out a princess? To want her with him as much as possible? To make a show of himself to impress her? And give her expensive gifts?"

Vert then hangs his head. "I'm sorry for keeping you locked up in the Mushroom Kingdom. We were afraid of people like him. Warlords. Pirates. But you ended up saving us from the koopas."

Peach hangs her head. She always wanted to explore and for a time resented her confinement. Hence her rebel phase as a teenager. But she knows the toads only did it because they thought it was for the best.

"I'm relieved King Bowser's feelings are sincere. And your diplomacy protected the kingdom. But I didn't think you would be attracted to him."

Peach wants to hide under the table. Is Vert disappointed with her? But she can't be dishonest with how she feels. "I am."

"Why do you like him my dear?" Vert asks. Peach realizes he is not antagonizing her.

"I never wanted to excuse his past actions but I saw he had potential. When I got to know him, I saw something good. Bowser loves his kids. He gives his minions a hard time but he cares about them. And he started to respect me; he often conceded to help even though he didn't agree with me."

"You saw good in the king?"

Peach stirs her cup. "I believe we don't have to be enemies."

Vert nods and takes another bite of his pastry. "I'm sure King Bowser is reflecting himself. From what I've observed he admires you, Peach. His position calls for gruffness, rudeness, and power. King Bowser may feel he can let his guard down around you. But it's not like he and the koopas can change overnight. War culture is embedded in the Darklands. Like how we embraced nonviolence, sometimes to our detriment. But I see where you are going with this. We need not be enemies."

"But I don't intend to befriend them while remaining subject to the koopas …"

"You speak of rebelling?"

Peach shakes her head gently. "There are other ways to …"

Peach and Vert pause their conversation, feeling uncomfortable. Peach turns and notices a tall black-haired woman at a table nearby. The koopa is not looking at them but she is leaning over, as if ease dropping on their conversation. The princess can see the woman had been clawing up her table. Before Vert can confront the woman for being rude, Peach shushes him. She pays the bill and the two leave immediately, descending a flight of stairs to leave the balcony.

The two walk down the market street at a brisk pace. Vert has his hands clasped behind his back, looking over his shoulder. "She was listening in! How rude!"

"Maybe she was just being nosy." Peach expresses.

"But I didn't like the air she gave off." Vert retorts. The two began to use a crosswalk as traffic waited. Suddenly, a limousine races towards them despite the red light! Peach grabs Vert and jumps out the way. The limousine swerves, crashing into a pole. A koopa, in butler uniform, jumps out of it apologizing. As he does so a crowd gathers around the spot - drawn by the accident. Peach hugs Vert closely and leaves the area.

"Vert, I don't know what is going on. But I'm not waiting to find out."

A week later, Princess Peach is called to the Darklands. Having put the bizarre incident behind her, Peach leaves in a hurry with Larry. She hopes it is good news and that the aliens have been dealt with. Bowser and Ludwig should be returning home. But at the harbor waiting for them is the Koopa General. He escorts Peach and Larry through a secret tunnel hidden in a tree, to enter the castle.

"I wanted no one to see what is going on." The general says as they climb out of the tunnel.

"What's this about, man?" Larry complains.

The general turns around to face him. "I trust you. I trust the princess. But I don't trust everyone on this continent."

Larry's grimaces. "You better start explaining yourself."

"Of course." The general focuses his attention on Peach. "Princess. I have recruited Toadette for an investigation. That's why you have not heard from her. I request you do not call her anymore. We may have stumbled upon a plot to assassinate the king."

"That's not new." Larry notes.

"This is a more extensive operation. High ranking military leaders are involved."

Peach is now frowning. "You're endangering my Toadette?"

Larry looks at the general awkwardly. "You didn't just off the girl and act like she's on a trip?"

The general becomes indignant. "I am not that petty!"

Larry shakes his head, unconvinced, and Peach is not amused. The general becomes more serious. "Believe me Toadette was already investigating! She was trying to get that silly Captain Toad out of a bad situation."

Peach's eyes water up. "What …?"

"Princess, your toad was being blackmailed under your nose by Antasma."

Peach listened in distress as the general explained what he gleaned from Toad's text conversations with Toadette. Antasma was forcing Toad to help in him an assassination plot? He knows Toad would have wanted no part in it. Antasma had a sinister appearance. But Peach didn't want to judge him after all his help. Bowser was intimidating, and she gets along with him now. She trusted Antasma - not knowing he was threatening her subject!

"NO! He was my friend! He wouldn't …" Peach balls her fists up. "How did you find out? How did you talk to Toadette?"

"You doubt me?" The general questions and reveals Toad's damaged phone. Peach grabs it and scrolls through the conversations Toad had with Toadette. Her shoulders slump.

"It is his phone. It belongs to Toad."

The Koopa General takes the phone back. "Toadette confirmed there are several participants in the planned coup. They have an army that consists of well-trained men. If it wasn't for Toad using Toadette as a spy, we would still be in the dark about this. Antasma had overlooked her. Before he departed, Bowser left his most loyal vassals to guard the prince. However, I will be going to Pi'illo Island to crush the rebels."

Peach's eyes were downcast to the floor. "Did Antasma kill Toad?"

"I interviewed many soldiers present at the scene. There was a lot of chaos, but a few eyewitnesses say Toad saved them. Others say they saw the captain run over Antasma with a kart. After that, they didn't see what happened. I'm still looking for the kart wreckage. But it is likely the two were vaporized. Whatever happened, Toad took Antasma down with him."

They begin walking again, Peach's face covered with distress. The general stops at the entrance to the throne room. "It seems Toad was trying to protect you and his fellow countrymen from harm. That is why he went along with the scheme. The captain was ordered to ship poison shrooms to Pi'illo."

Larry looks at Peach as she grips her dress. "This is hard to take in, huh?" He asks.

Peach takes a deep breath and speaks. "King Antasma admitted he tried to assassinate Bowser before, but I thought nothing of it. Bowser never made a big deal about it, except when he thought Antasma was flirting with me. And Mushroom Kingdom was fighting Bowser too. Antasma seemed harmless then."

Peach's eyes become fearful. She remembers the look Antasma gave her. The general notices Peach's growing despair. "There are many that would want to replace Bowser. The king is used to having enemies around him. But this is unprecedented. I will take care of this, Princess Peach. I'm trying not to alert the traitors of my investigation. So, we must keep quiet."

Peach looks down at him. "Toad was probably so scared and I ignored his plight." Crushing guilt is weighing Peach's heart down. She was so worried over Toad finding out about her and Bowser, she didn't realize what was really going on. A gross oversight on her part.

"I was so naïve."

The general's cold expression is still unmoving but he steps closer to her. "The captain was not motivated to protect the king. He did it to protect all of you. But his actions brought us time. The main conspirator is dead. I will use the time he allotted to take down the others. Though concerned, I thought we had control over Antasma. How foolish of me. I'm sorry your kingdom got caught up in this."

Was he trying to comfort her? She didn't feel touched. Hollowness was what remained. Peach bites her lip. The general straightens his back out.

"Courage, Princess. Mourning won't bring him back. We'll avenge the captain instead."

No energy to argue over his last statement, she follows him into the throne room.

"Prince Bowser. Princess Peach has arrived."

On both sides of the red carpet leading up to the throne are various vassals - including King Bob-omb, King Thwomp, and the Crystal King. At the end of the room, Junior is sitting on his father's throne. A blue cape is draped around him. Despite her sadness, Peach feels amusement. Junior looks adorable trying to copy his father. But there is a serious expression on his face. It was uncharacteristic of the little one that played with her earlier.

"Princess Peach, I'm sure the general told you about Pi'illo Island. What I'm about to say, also can't come out this room."

"Yes?"

"We've lost contact with my cousin, Ludwig, over two weeks ago."

Peach clasps her hands to her heart.

"Please tell me they're not dead!" Peach begs. Alarmed, Larry warps an arm around Peach to comfort her. Bowser Jr. keeps a straight face though he shifts in discomfort. The other kings mumble among themselves, curious over her reaction.

"Usually, I wouldn't worry about Papa. He can get into trouble, get separated from everyone, and yet come back stronger. But unlike him Ludwig is not reckless. He is punctual and always sends messages. His last communications spoke of them confronting another fleet over an ocean. I fear something has gone wrong." Bowser Jr.'s eyes lower. "If word gets out, the empire may go into chaos. There are many kings that want Papa's position."

"Over my dead body." The general retorts. The other vassals murmur in agreement.

The prince continues. "But with the danger of the surviving conspirators, I can't go look for them. Mouser will go instead."

His face was unmoving but Peach knew the child was afraid. He was worried about his father and cousin. He needs a friend right now. Determination fills her heart.

"I'll go look for them too. If it would put you at ease."

Junior twiddles his thumbs. "He'll be mad with you."

"I don't care."

Bowser Jr. laughs, relief in his eyes. "Ma …" Peach feels her heart leap but Junior catches himself. "Princess Peach, I was hoping you would say that. You've already talked to the general and are aware of things happening here. Again, my cousins felt it was best they and the loyalists remained by my side, until the king returned. In the event Papa is dead. I will have to run things."

Junior is now trying to hold back tears.

"Your father will be okay. He's a stubborn oaf. And Ludwig is resourceful." Peach gently encourages.

Hearing her words, Junior composes himself. "R-Right. Papa had a castle dropped on him before in battle. I … I need you and Mouser to leave immediately."

Mouser walks up to Peach and salutes her. She gives a polite curtsy to him and Junior continues to talk. "Your mission is to scout and contact Ludwig. Once you've made contact and everything is okay return to me."

Junior glares at the general. A look of confusion covers his face. "Do not bombard the town on Pi'illo. Anywhere else, including the castle, is fine. If the bad guys are hiding among the villagers, use foot soldiers to flush them out. And do not use the blue shell technique."

The general gape in horror as Peach smiles appreciatively. "I can't go wild!? And I can't use that technique!? It's been in my family for generations, Prince Bowser! To vanquish the royal family's enemies!"

"And it's why you are a rare subspecies of koopa! No blowing up! Your no good to me dead."

The Koopa General bows to the prince. He will not challenge him on this. Junior hops off the throne and skips over to Peach. His smile is back. "Follow me."

Peach, Larry, and Mouser must jog to catch up with the prince as he sprints through the halls. They finally reach a hanger inside the castle. Several clown cars and other contraptions are parked in there. The other koopalings surrounded a small flight craft. It was round in the front, and had a fork shaped back with dual rockets. Morton Jr. was loading provisions into the craft. Roy was dragging Lemmy out of the cockpit, while Iggy was examining the ship for any signs of damage. Nearby her brothers, Wendy is holding a koopa troopa helmet and a body suit. She shoves the items under her armpit and walks over to Peach. Wendy pins Peach's hair up in a bun, and escorts her away.

"You can't go in that puffy outfit. Also, you'll need a helmet on, Peach! It'll protect you. But if I see your hair a mess again, we are fighting for real!"

"How can I keep it nice in a warzone!?"

After dressing up, Peach and Wendy return to the group. Junior slaps the side of the small aircraft. "I designed it myself!"

Peach admires his work. "I didn't know you're an inventor!"

"Hey, I helped!" Iggy interjects. Junior sticks his tongue out at him. "It's built with high speed in mind. Should help with evading UFOs. And the back seat has controls for handling the cannons." Junior adds. He turns to Iggy who smiles smugly. "Iggy reengineered the shielding technology the UFOs were using. He outfitted the ship with it."

Roy points to the line of pipes in front of the vehicles. "We have a warp pipe to take you to the Desert Kingdom from here. Afterward you'll use the desert one to reach Sarasaland. Mouser knows the route so he'll fly."

Mouser ties on his helmet. "Don't worry Prince, we won't fail at this task."

Mouser and Peach then climb in the aircraft. Peach takes a seat behind Mouser and he turns the craft on. It gently lifts into the air, hovering in place. Peach calls out to Junior.

"Please watch your back, Junior."

"Believe me those bad guys are going to regret threatening my papa." Junior looks like an angry Bowser for a moment. He begins to twiddle his thumbs. "You have any requests … Ma… Princess?"

Peach feels her heart leap again. "Junior, you can call me whatever you want."

Junior looks up, his face glowing with a smile.

"And no, my chancellor will handle things. Also, Larry will protect the toads in my absence. He can do it. He's shown he is more than capable. I'm not worried."

Larry blushes and rubs his mohawk while Lemmy happily slaps his back.

"Well, aren't you the favorite!" Roy complains.

"I'm going to miss all of you." Peach says while waving at them. She turns around, as the glass dome of the ship comes down. Mouser pushes on the control handle and sends the craft speeding into the warp pipe.

Help! Help me!

What!? What's going on!?

Don't be alarmed, Miss! Listen, it's taking everything I can muster to contact you. For a time, I've observed you! I'm Prince … Oh no! You're waking up!

Toadette bolts up. She was sleeping under a brush on a pile of leaves. She stands up shakily. What was that? It was nighttime and she could see Antasma's castle in the distance. That hammer bro leader was likely still in there.

"Was someone in my dreams?"

Toadette knew of Antasma's ability due to Toad's account. But the voice was not Antasma's. It was weak but had a younger tone to it. Toadette became hopeful. The missing monarch? Was he attempting to call for help? Why had he not contacted anyone else before? Toadette tries to contain her joy. She had been on the island searching for any leads. But she kept coming up empty. The locals were still locked up. And history books were not on the island. But it indicated Antasma was hiding evidence of the previous ruler. Toadette decides to return to the castle. She has searched the entire island. It's the only place the monarch could be. Already having been in the throne room, she just needs to investigate the other rooms.

Standing outside the castle's entrance is Tanger and Jennen. Toadette climbs into a tree to avoid detection. The two conspirators were irate with each other. More than usual. Toadette notes the growing bags under their eyes.

"You did what!? Your butler tried to run her over!? How can we use Peach if she is dead!?" Jennen shouts.

Tanger folds her arms defensively. "The plan would still work with the toads. I got angry okay!?"

"Tell me she didn't implicate you in the crash!"

"Give me a break!" Tanger grabs her head. "I've been dealing with a headache ever since I saw her! Can't even get sleep!"

"I don't care, my sleep has fled me too for the past few weeks." Jennen yells while rubbing his eyes. He pauses and looks at Tanger with growing paranoia. "The nightmares. I have had nightmares of dying to Antasma. They don't end. Is this his work? He didn't trust us!? Did he put a mental failsafe in our heads? Wait … was he in our heads when we last talked to him!?"

"This is nonsense! Can he even do that? Antasma is dead, Jennen! Even if he is alive, he's out of this world."

"Leave nothing to chance. I …"

A hammer bro. runs up to Jennen. "Sir, a fleet of airships are coming. They aren't answering our calls. And the tower staff evacuated the island."

Jennen's eyes enlarge with fury and grabs his head. "The general. I know it's him! He is either making a power play or he knows. No time to think. Defend the island! Defend the island! Everyone, to their posts! Contact King K. Rool and Clawgrip. Prepare for a siege!"

Toadette bites her fingers while the conspirators run to face the enemy. She opens her phone. She wasn't happy the general had Toad's phone, but it was nice to know someone was helping. Toadette didn't want Peach anywhere on this island, especially after some of the comments she had heard. She checks for a recent message from the general.

Toad: Hide in the village. Or die. I'll come get you myself.

Toadette gulps. The general is planning a bombardment. Could he be more tactful in warning her!? Toadette contemplates her next move. She can wait and let them fight. But the possibility that the monarch is alive and in need of immediate help weighs on her mind. As she thinks a red light shines on her. In panic, Toadette jumps out of the tree. The tree is shot up and engulfed in flames. Floating through the flames are the robots from earlier. They've finally found her. Toadette drags to her feet and bolts for the castle.

Come on Toadette! Move it! The bosses have left the castle. Barricade yourself in there and look for the prince!