Unconventional

It can't end this way!

Those words echoed repeatedly in Bowser's head. He had long left the hangar, with Peach perched on his back. The defiant koopa took one direction while Daisy and Toad took the other. A moment earlier, surviving minions of Tatanga entered the hanger and surrendered. Waluigi immediately had them relinquish any weapons. There was no need for Peach to talk Bowser out of hurting the prisoners as he saw use in them. He inquired about the metal dome containing the ship's core. The aliens revealed the location of two storage areas where spare metal is kept, for repairing any breaches in the core room. Bowser announced his idea and departed to acquire the metal. Though puzzled over this, Daisy and Toad volunteered to go to the other location. Waluigi, Wario, and Mouser were left to guard the prisoners.

Since leaving, Bowser and Peach have not said a word to each other. Mouser's offer to marry the two was lingering in Bowser's mind. It was an unexpected offer and a tempting one at that. Of course, he wanted to marry Peach. But not under these circumstances! He wanted to marry her in a grand flashy ceremony, with the goal of spending their life together. Bowser was unwilling to accept marrying her and then dying on the ship.

He finds it amusing how everything can go wrong in an instance. The plan was to rescue Sarasaland's royal family, while the air fleet lured the mother ship out of Chai and towards the desert region. During that time, Ludwig would get the super weapon back up and running. Necessary components needed to be replaced, as they had been fried when struck by the EMP cannon. Bowser was lacking in manpower and parts to get the vessel into the air in time. So, Ludwig volunteered to get the needed help. Without its cannon, taking down the mother ship would have been easy. It would have been if not for the force field. Now Bowser's boarding team is trapped on the ship as its core expands. Bowser growls in frustration over their situation.

Finding the storage room, Bowser kicks the door down and enters. Peach quietly stands watch as he gathers up sheets of strange metal. The sheets are rectangular in shape and ridiculously heavy. Bowser grunts, still feeling pain in his rib area from the attacks he endured earlier. Peach looks at him with concern but he shrugs it off with a cocky grin. After loading some of it onto his shoulder, Bowser pauses to answer a call from Ludwig.

"We're in the air, King Dad." Ludwig says was standing in the control room.

"Where's our location, Ludwig?"

"Tatanga's ship is near the ocean. Your pilots lured it here, as you wished. The thing is though, it is starting to drift towards the nearby oasis city. I don't think anyone is piloting it."

Peach mumbles a 'not good,' behind Bowser. There are citizens still hiding in the city.

"Do you see some weird floating towers?" Bowser grumbles remembering when Tatanga deployed them to create the shield.

Ludwig brings a pair of binoculars to his eyes. "Yes, I'm looking at them now. Unfortunately, their locations change as they loop around. The pilots were unable to shoot them down. I don't want to fire, even if I cut through the shields, you may get caught in the crossfire."

Bowser glances at Peach and goes back to talking to Ludwig. "The ship is destroying itself anyway. I'm giving you the go ahead to push the mother ship and direct it towards the ocean."

"What do you intend to do?" Ludwig asks, his voice low and serious.

"Contact me once you have moved the ship. I have a plan that may or may not work. But no matter what, I expect you to get out of the area." Bowser commands.

"I…Yes sir. Understood."

Ludwig ends the call. Peach lightly calls out to Bowser.

"Bowser, we have to go."

Grunting in acknowledgment, Bowser arranges the metal on his shoulder. As they walk out, the halls further away slowly glow yellow. If it wasn't for the core's metal dome delaying its expansion, this area would have been long gone. In fact, the dome had given Bowser his bizarre idea. They were going to use the same metal to shield a ship and attempt to breach the force field.

During Bowser and Peach's trip back, they must pick up the pace having heard an explosion. It likely was the ammunition room igniting. At Bowser's urging, the princess climbs back onto his shell. He didn't dare lose sight of her - not after what happened. Toad believed that bat made his escape off the vessel. A means they don't have access to. But he couldn't take chances. Whatever Antasma was up to, he knows it's not over. The temperature in the hall suddenly increased. Bowser looks behind and see the walls melting. At that moment, he saw precious memories flashing before his eyes. Memories of raising the koopalings and Junior. Also, he thought of his dates with Peach, their phone calls, and the time they spent together at the coastal village. The memories made him angry and increased his will to live tenfold.

It can't end this way. I have so much I want to do with her.

Bowser feels Peach's eyes on him. She says nothing, but he knows she has an idea of what is going on in his mind. Some tension leaves him, as he felt Peach rub his arm. Her hand moved in small comforting circles.

Finally reaching the hangar, they meet Daisy and Toad at the entrance. Daisy was unable to carry as many sheets as Bowser. And the two had a close call, nearly falling through the floor melting away. It would have been a sheer drop into the force field.

"We'll make do with what we got." Bowser shouts as he runs inside.

Once in the hangar, Daisy and Bowser place the metal frames on the front of a UFO. Using his fire breath, Bowser works to fuse it to the ship. The aliens use welding tools to assist him. Waluigi looks at the ship, skeptically.

"If these were good enough to hold the core back, their good enough for ramming our way out." Bowser tells him.

Mouser runs up and salutes Bowser. "I made improvements to the interior and the ship's propulsion, Your Stubbornness."

"Good. Now get on." Bowser barks.

The group crams into the ship. Bowser gets in the front of the control panel, his body covering the view like a wall. The king positions Peach in front of him. In turn, Peach grabs Toad to protect him, placing him between herself and Bowser. The koopa looks down at his audience.

"Alright, we're going to do something stupid. But before we do it, we must wait for Ludwig's call!"

Squeezed up in a corner, Waluigi solemnly looks out the window. "We might as well walk back into the mother ship."

Bowser shoots a murderous glare at him. "Waluigi, I will use you as a toothpick for my teeth if you….!"

"Bowser…" Peach shakes her head.

Bowser closes his eyes and sighs to calm down. "Now we wait. If anyone has anything to say - say it. Not you Waluigi, you already said your piece."

Daisy glares at the aliens daring them to say anything smart. After an awkward silence, Mouser looks up at Bowser. "Did you think it over?"

Bowser reluctantly focuses on Mouser.

"W-we're not going to die!"

"We are about to take a huge risk. You two should be happy in your final moments. I got my license to officiate weddings in Sarasaland. I even have the license right here." He shows Bowser a card. Daisy leans over to look at it.

"Whoa…It's legit."

Bowser stares at him in disbelief. "Where did you get the time…never mind…It'll burn up!"

"It's the thought."

Fuming, Bowser looks down at Peach who is petting Toad's cap. She comes forward and lays her head against Bowser's chest. She then lifts her eyes to look at him - her expression gentle, warm, and shy.

"Bowser will you marry me?" she whispers.

Bowser's eyes bug out and Toad's jaw drops. "Huh!?"

Never had Bowser ever expected Peach to propose to him. Was she sick? Before he could speak Peach snuggles against him.

"No matter what, I want to be yours."

The king is now blushing furiously and must stop himself from screaming 'YES!' Stubborn, he grabs Peach by the shoulders and glares at her. "I wanted to be the one to propose! And our wedding would have thousands of guests, fireworks, food, tons of cake, and I would even drop my enemies into a vat of lava to celebrate."

Peach's smile turns into a frown on the last part. Bowser backpedals. "Only if you wanted me to drop them in the lava."

Her radiant smile returns though her eyes are sad. "Sorry, I should not have asked."

A growl escapes his lips and Bowser grabs her hand. "NO! I want you to be my wife! I want you to be happy with me…I'm just being difficult!" Bowser turns to Mouser. "What are you waiting for!? Marry us!"

Mouser grins and straightens his back out. "Very well then, Daisy will be the flower girl, Toad the best man, and the plumbers are eyewitnesses."

Daisy gives a thumbs up while Waluigi shakes his head. Toad clings to Peach's skirt but nods in agreement. And Wario shrugs while picking his ear.

"Not like we have anything else to do."

Peach glances at Hen. "What will Hen do, Mouser? She shouldn't be left out."

Her comment earns a groan from Bowser. "She's a chicken for crying out..."

Hen plucks out some of her white feathers and offers them to Peach in her beak, Bowser covers his eyes with a sigh. Peach giggles and takes them from her. "They're beautiful! I have a bouquet now!"

This is not how Bowser dreamed their wedding would go. In his mind, all his military leaders, family, subjects are present to see his big day. A time to use his wealth to celebrate their union. But then he focuses on Peach. She clutches her 'bouquet' and gazes up at him. Fear but mostly love is pouring out of her eyes. Once again, Bowser gets lost in them, forgetting they are in a dangerous situation. Whether they live together or die together, he wants to be with her. At peace, Bowser smiles at Peach and waits for Mouser to start.

Mouser clears his throat and begins. "I'd like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking you for being here. Today is a special day for King Bowser Koopa and Princess Peach Toadstool. I truly can't think of a better place than…."

Waluigi, Wario and the prisoners stare awkwardly at him. Mouser frowns and continues his speech.

"Ahem. Anyway, it is a remarkable thing when you meet someone that makes you feel whole."

Bowser gazes down at Peach and squeezes her hand.

"A person with whom you share a bond so strong, that you can't imagine spending another day without them."

Daisy begins fanning herself over the rising heat. She places a free hand on Toad's shoulder, who still looked stunned.

"I could tell you many stories about Bowser and Peach. How they started out as enemies and then became lovers." Mouser peeps outside, sweating buckets. "But the truth is - we don't have time! What I do know is that both cares deeply and passionately for each other. So, without further ado…King Bowser Koopa, do you take Princess Peach Toadstool to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her forevermore?"

Bowser yells, "What kind of question is that!? Of course, I do!"

Mouser nervously clears his throat. "And Princess Peach Toadstool, do you take King Bowser Koopa to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him forevermore?

Peach blushes and says a quiet but firm "I do."

Bowser fights to keep from screaming in joy. He is sure he will shake the ship if he does. Happy with their responses Mouser checks his pockets. "We don't have any rings to exchange. So, we will just get to the vows. I've forgotten the exact words for you to recite, so you will have to make something up."

"You gotta be kidding me!" Waluigi mumbles. He must dodge Bowser hurling a container at his head. Bowser refocuses on Peach, his expression serious. "I've been your prisoner for over a decade, Peach! Cruelly tormented by your existence but wishing you would display mercy. And you did! You showed me love. I'm not dying here because of some wannabe emperor's temper tantrum! And you're not dying either! So, I promise to love and to spoil you rotten - forever. We're gonna rule and I'll have you as mine and mine alone!"

In contrast to his fiery one, Peach keeps her declaration simple and sweet. "And I promise to cherish and love you, Bowser. If we ever clash on ideologies, I will oppose what you stand for! But no matter what, I will always love you."

Bowser's eyes soften at her words. "…I wouldn't want you any other way."

Mouser nods with approval. "And now by the power vested in me, it is my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife. You may seal this declaration with a kiss."

Bowser gently leans down to meet Peach's lips. The audience claps. Wario attempts to hide his sniffles. Bowser wanted the kiss to last longer but knew he had to break away. The two press their foreheads together.

Mouser raises his hands towards the couple. "I am pleased to present the newlyweds, King Bowser Koopa and Queen Peach Koopa."

The ship suddenly rocks. Everyone looks around in panic but Bowser glares. He grips Peach's hand. The ceremony filled him with more determination. "Everyone stay where you are."

Bowser then pulls up his communicator. "Ludwig?"

"Hold on!"

A moment passes, and the hanger violently shakes, the lights flickering as the room is caving in.

Ludwig speaks again. "The mother ship is now heading for the ocean. Whatever you're doing, do it now!"

Bowser orders everyone to get down. Peach reluctantly listens. Once they are down Bowser pulls a lever, setting the ship on autopilot. The UFO's engines roar to life. Bowser turns aiming his protective shell towards the front of the ship. He looks down at Peach and smiles.

"Just you watch. You can depend on your new hubby." He declares with a wink.

She nervously nods and bends to hold onto Toad. She places her parasol in front of him. Everyone braces as the ship shoots forward towards the shield. It slams into it like a ball caught by a net. The engines pick up and push against the obstacle. The metal sheets are shielding the ship's front but it is slowly starting to melt. The heat becomes unbearable in the ship.

Bowser shouts as if ordering the ship. "Unacceptable! Come on! Work!"

Wario and Waluigi look around as the ship's walls are pulsing from the pressure. Peach covers toad with her body and closes her eyes. She can hear Daisy shouting at Bowser, Peach can't make out her words over the sound of the engines. The vessel makes one last push and bursts through the shield. But it came at a cost. The front of the ship breaks apart as they fly through. Bowser's back is pummeled by the debris but he doesn't move. If he does the other passengers will die. Peach is certain she heard a loud crack. The ship escapes the field and dips forward, everyone tumbles out.

Peach opens her eyes feeling the floor vanishing under her feet. Her parasol is slowing her fall as she clings to Toad. Looking down, she realizes Bowser is unconscious and plummeting to the water below. Distressed, the newlywed reaches out to her husband in vain, her eyes glistening.

As the mother ship continues floating further out, the party falls into the ocean. Still injured from Antasma's attack, Wario is having trouble keeping his head above water. Waluigi and Mouser must assist him. As they do so Peach looks for the others. She finds Daisy rounding up the prisoners. She refuses to let them swim away and escape. "Any of you run and you'll be in for a world of hurt!"

But Peach can't find Bowser and becomes frantic.

"Bowser!? Bowser!?"

"Peach! Over there!" The captain spots him a few feet away. His cracked shell was keeping him afloat but he was out. His breathing is shallow and weak. Peach swims over to him and cries out mournfully. "Bowser!"

His eyes flutter open at the sound of her voice and focuses on her. He manages a weak smile. "Y-you're alive…." With a low grunt, he closes his eyes again. Peach embraces him sobbing.

"Someone! Help, please!"

Hearing her friend, Daisy swims over and begins pushing Bowser towards the faraway shore. Peach and Toad attempt to help. Soon they can see the planes flying overhead.

Waiting for good news, Ludwig stares out solemnly as a soldier approaches. "Ludwig! The pilots have spotted the boarding party!"

Breathing a sigh of relief, he orders their rescue. Ludwig then watches the mother ship go further and further away as its form falls apart, only held in place by the shield. A moment later, an explosion appears on the horizon. And just like that, the reign of Tatanga is over.

The boarding party was plucked from the ocean and brought aboard Ludwig's ship. Fortunately, the medical bay was not damaged much during the ship's earlier descent. Reunited with her parents and the four kings, Daisy was wheeled into the medical bay. Wario and Toad had to be emitted as well. Peach's injuries were minor compared to the others. Refusing treatment, she holds Bowser's bruised hand as a gang of koopas transport him to the surgery room. The ship's doctor stops her from following.

"We must give him immediate treatment with what we have, Princess Peach. He has a fractured rib and several other serious conditions."

"I can't leave him alone! I'm his wife!" Peach presses.

The doctor's eyes enlarge with shock. "W-wife!?"

Ludwig stops her. "The best way we can help is by staying out of the way."

Reluctantly, she listens to him. They watch as Bowser is brought into the room. Once the door closes Peach falls to her knees. Ludwig bends to comfort her.

All night and into the next day, she sits outside Bowser's door. The doctor stops by to clarify Peach's relationship with Bowser.

"So, you are the Queen now!? I apologize so much for not addressing you properly! Please forgive me!" The koopa cries out.

"No, it's alright. You didn't know. Has his condition changed?"

"All I can say is His Majesty is stubborn."

"I see…Is it alright if I visit my friends' room?"

"Of course, Your Highness. But only after you let us treat you!"

A moment later, he directs her to the other rooms and leaves her to get back to work. Daisy's arms were wrapped up and she had been treated for burns. But she had her bright smile as she lay in the bed. "There are still enemies out there trying to fill the void Tatanga left. They're not as strong as him, so Dad is taking care of it. But I'm itching to join him once I'm out, Peachy."

"Just don't push yourself too hard."

"It's hard to think where to even begin with rebuilding." Lilac remarks while sitting next to Daisy. Peach nervously looks down, now noticing her. "Queen Lilac, about…"

"Don't blame yourself. I know who is responsible, even if the others don't believe." Lilac says. "And Hiyoihoi won't bring it up again." Peach bites her lip and the two hug. After visiting them Peach stops by Wario and Waluigi. Wario had to lay on his stomach in bed. His backside was wrapped up. Hen is sleeping on a chair near him. Peach felt guilt again but buried it under the worry she has for Bowser and the others.

"How are you doing?"

"Hungry." Wario complains.

"We'll live." Was all Waluigi said as he flipped through a magazine.

Wario smiles at Peach. "You must feel mad having to spend your honeymoon in the hospital?"

Peach gives him a fierce look. "That's not on my mind!"

"Then what is?"

Peach folds her arms. "I…I don't think you would be interested."

Wario shrugs. "Try me. I may be a greedy guy but I hear my friends out."

That was unexpected. Peach lightens up and realizes her worry is obvious to him. "I knew Bowser would pull that stunt!" Tears form in the corners of her eyes. "He was insuring I would live. That's why I wanted us to marry. So, if something happened to him, he would know I loved him."

Waluigi set the magazine down. "Don't get all sappy! That fool is gonna make it."

"…." Wiping her eyes, Peach smiles at Waluigi. He gets embarrassed and stares out the window, pretending to be indifferent.

Wario sighs. "Your ex is not going to like it."

Peach clasps her hands together annoyed. But inside she feels fear. Wario is right, Antasma made his feelings clear and will not be happy. She now knows he can hold grudges and fears him retaliating.

"Wario, I was just friends with him. I didn't know he wanted more. But I never expected him…to turn on me."

Wario shakes his head. "I get what you're going through."

"Y-You do?"

The plumber nods, his eyes closed. "I've had my share of admirers. My beauty was to die for. But I had haters too. Sure, I ate their lunch at work but I needed to upkeep my appearance. They were always out to get me. But that was their problem."

Peach sighs. "Where are you going with this?"

"People like us, trouble finds us! But we should never apologize for being beautiful."

"Wario, what kind of advice is that!?" Waluigi wants to bang his head against a wall; Peach looks confused. It's not a comforting idea to be a magnet of doom. But she opts to be polite.

"…I'll keep that in mind."

Peach's last visit was to Toad in the next room. The mushroom looked like he was full of regrets. He pours his heart out as soon as Peach enters. "Peach, I messed up. I thought I could handle Antasma."

She shudders at hearing the name. "Toad, you're not in any trouble. It was my fault for not noticing your plight. I was in charge. Let's not talk about him right now. My concern is your health."

Toad smiles weakly.

"Get some rest. We'll be home soon and there will be much to do." Peach says and kisses his cap.

"Yeah, especially with you eloping! I still can't believe it." Toad laughs bitterly. "I'm not pleased with it, but if Bowser makes you happy then so be it."

She stares sadly at his old scar and grips his small hand.

"I love him. But I love you too, okay? I won't stop protecting my toads."

Toad nods slowly. "I owe him for saving us anyway…Any word on his condition?"

"The doctor only said Bowser is stubborn."

Toad is pondering about something. He narrows his eyes and looks up at Peach. "Peach, I need to tell you something Antasma told me. I hear loud mouth Wario through the wall. I know you don't want to talk about him anymore, but we must."

A moment later, Peach left Toad's room disturbed. It was worst then she thought. But it made sense. That is why she felt Antasma's presence at times. He knows where she is always. It's different from Bowser tracking her by scent. That didn't bother her. But a mental link without her permission is frightening. Fear begins to cloud her mind and a poisonous thought crosses Peach's mind. Will she doom the toads because of her association with them? Peach calls over a group of koopas and pleads with them to guard Toad and Daisy's rooms. They comply without delay, assigning guards at different hours.

Another day passed and the doctor finally let Peach and Ludwig into Bowser's room. Bowser was without his shell, buried under a blanket.

"Bowser?"

"He's still unconscious my Queen. You're welcome to stay by his side though." The doctor says while leaving. Ludwig and Peach decide to alternate sitting at his bedside. Even though he couldn't hear, Peach would sing and talk to him. Still, three days later Bowser remained unconscious.

"You must come out of this, Bowser. If not for my sake, then for your kids." Peach says as she wipes at her eyes. He looks so vulnerable. She had been in fear wondering if Antasma would show up to assassinate the king. She wouldn't be able to protect Bowser. Peach grips her parasol.

No, I will protect him.

Due to events Peach never had time to reflect on her ordeal at Antasma's hands. For him to go from friendly to dragging her through the halls and threatening her, he was never her friend. And it hurts. If he comes at her again, she has to fight. Peach gently climbs on Bowser's bed and snuggles up to him. If anyone goes after Bowser, she'll know immediately.

"Goodnight." She says to him, finally going to sleep.

After a chaotic dream and hearing her parents' voices again, Peach wakes up to the sound of humming. Her heart leaps, feeling Bowser eyes on her and his claw toying with her locks. She quickly opens her eyes. He is on his side, an arm propping his head up. He lifts an eyebrow and smiles.

"Good morning." He whispers blissfully.

"Bowser!"

She wraps her arms around him and Bowser grunts. Apologetically, she pulls away.

"It didn't hurt!" He lies.

The fear she had been feeling comes out. She begins to cry.

"I thought I was losing you!"

Bowser shrugs. "If I died over that I wasn't fit to be king!"

"I'm serious!" Peach pouts and folds her arms. Bowser grins mischievously at her and nuzzles her cheek.

The doctor bursts into the room interrupting the royal couple.

"King Bowser! Oh…. forgive me for intruding!"

"You're not forgiven! Go run 50 laps around the ship!"

"Bowser, he saved your life!"

The doctor bowed. "At once My King! But someone is here to see you!"

Bowser hugs Peach close and she blushes. "I'm busy!"

The man comes in anyway as the doctor begins his laps. He was a mustachioed koopa wearing an explorer helmet. Steam comes out of Bowser's ears and his face turn beet red.

"Professor Kolorado!?"

The koopa pulls out a chair to sit. "By the stars, I finally found you, King Koopa! Thanks for saving me and the people of Sarasaland."

Peach rakes through her memories and snaps her fingers. "Bowser! He is the man that went missing after discovering Sarasaland's warp pipe!"

Bowser's face twisted so much, Peach feared he was having a heart attack.

He stands up and wobbles over to the explorer. "After all that funding I gave for your expedition, you up and vanished! Where were you the whole time!? I was crawling on my face through the mud for over a month! And after everything, now you decide to show up!?"

Kolorado gives an innocent answer. "I was right behind you, calling out while you were running down 5th street screaming for 'Ludwig.' But you weren't listening! I ended up falling down a sewer line."

Bowser stares at him, his eyes twitching. "Well, did you find treasure?"

"I accidently dropped that golden cup I found into a pit!"

Kolorado hops off the chair. "So, I'm off to explore the pyramids of Sarasaland. There are more treasures located there. Farewell, My King."

Bowser tries to chase Kolorado as he obliviously walks out. As Kolorado opens the door, Wario and Waluigi grab him.

"My word! What is this!?" Kolorado cries out.

"Wa ha ha! Treasure, you say. Let us help you!"

Peach holds Bowser back as they run away. Bowser throws a fit. "Bring him back! He is going to dangle for getting on my nerves!"

"Bowser, that's not fair! The professor has been through an ordeal. And we would not have met Daisy and helped her if not for him!"

"He dangles!"

"Then I would like to enact my pardon."

"What!?" He froze trying to remember when she had the authority. His mouth turned into a circle then a snarl.

"I take that back!"

Peach folds her arms and stomps her foot. "Oh no you don't! You promised!"

"The whole reason I had that mission was to find treasure, woman!" Bowser shouts.

Peach shouts back. "And the treasure belongs in Sarasaland, you big oaf! You're going to steal from your allies!?"

"Peach!? I…YOU…" Bowser runs up to a corner while holding his side and bangs his head. He then turns around and flashes a grin. "Is this our first argument as husband and wife?"

Peach hangs her head. We're off to a bad start.

"I'm sorry for calling you a big oaf." She mumbles. "I'm not sorry about the pardon, though."

Shaking his head, Bowser chuckles. "Lighten up, Peaches. I don't mind the nickname. You say it with love! No one else can call me that."

Relived Peach looks back up at him. Bowser groans. She expects an apology too. If he wants a happy marriage he has to get use to saying the word. "I'm s...sorry too. I won't pilfer from Sarasaland. Just this once."

Peach frowns and throws a pillow at him.

When the sun rises, the koopas leave the desert oasis to thunderous cheers. It was odd to the koopas to be celebrated as heroes. But a few seemed flattered and waved back. Plum and the other humans that served under Bowser saluted him; the king pretended not to care. Not present for goodbyes were Wario and Waluigi. The two plumbers had gotten into trouble with the four kings. They were on the run but told Peach they'll return for their cake. As the ship departed, Peach sadly waves at Daisy. The two friends promised to see each other soon but she was already missing her.

While they approach the warp pipe, Bowser and Peach look out a window together.

"Our elopement will be considered a scandal in the Darklands." Bowser mumbles.

Peach turns to look at him. "I know. But don't scare me like that again."

"I can't make any promises."

A hint of playfulness in his eyes, he lifts her chin. Bowser then whispers into her ear, "Were you impressed though? Is your husband a hero?"

Peach lightly taps his snout while shaking her head.

"No!"

"Bwa ha ha! Come here."

Sighing in contentment, Bowser slowly wraps his arms around her and buries his snout into her hair. There is much they want to say and there is much to take care of. And dangers on the horizon. But for now, they decide to just enjoy each other's presence.