Blessings and Objections part 1

News of Bowser's return quickly reached the Darklands. Their mighty king vanquished his rival Tatanga and returned victorious! Many citizens stopped what they were doing and took to the streets. Shopkeepers had scrambled to close their businesses. Children even ditched school. In one town after another, there was a mass exodus of koopas. The crowds converged together along the royal road leading to the castle. They gathered for the purpose of welcoming their favorite king back. As soon as Bowser's Koopa King kart (with rock music blaring) appears on the horizon, the earth shakes from the koopas' cheers.

Accompanying Bowser is the koopas that went to war with him. The king himself sits in the back of the kart, waving at his subjects as Mouser drives. Every so often he flexes his arms, taking extra care to hide the fact he is in pain. Peach and Toad rode with Ludwig, their kart not too far behind Bowser's. Honestly, Bowser had wanted Peach to sit next to him. He would have his arm around her, order Mouser to drive slowly while smiling for the cameras. Bowser wanted everyone to know that she is now his dear wife. But he has just defeated an enemy of the empire. Having Peach sitting next to him and showing her affection, would take focus off his victory. A victory he will use to remind his nobles and council of, as they will give him grief over his marriage. So, the two royals agreed to drive separately. A few of the subjects spot Peach and call out to her. Some want an autograph; some frown and others attempt to reach for her hand. However, Toad holds her back, fearing someone would yank the princess out the kart.

Once they arrive in front of the castle, Bowser jumps off his kart and shouts a warm greeting to his citizens. Then he tells them to buzz off, even threatening some elementary kids to get back to class or else. Without delay the koopas happily depart and travel back to their towns. Pleased they left; Bowser gives strict orders to his soldiers to not leak information on his elopement. He wanted his family to hear the news first. Bowser then spreads his arms out towards his wife.

"Come, my darling! We must tell our kids the good news!"

Peach coyly tilts her head as Bowser stomps his foot in excitement. Antasma's ability to find her was on her mind. Is it safe to be around Bowser's children? But she convinces herself Bowser will protect them. There is nothing to worry about when in the castle. "I'm so nervous."

"Don't be. It'll be awesome!" Bowser places his claws on her back and escorts her up the stairs and toward the gate. The king keeps stealing glances at Peach, overjoyed with the idea that she will live in the castle with him. Before they enter, Koopa General flies down towards them. After landing, he bows his head low to the ground.

"My King! You have returned!"

Bowser can tell something is stressing the general out. His wings are twitching. The king is certain something went wrong at Pi'illo Island. But he'll get the details later. The general turns to greet Peach but frowns at Toad.

"Captain Toad. How pleasant to see you." The general says sarcastically.

Toad sighs. Even though he sabotaged Antasma, the general was obviously holding a grudge towards Toad for giving in to blackmail. Peach gets in between the two. "General, where is Toadette? Is she home?"

The general bows and motions for them to follow. "Fear not, she is safe in the castle. There is a lot to discuss but I'll let you rest today."

As soon as they bypass the gate, the koopalings dive into Bowser. Peach must jump back as they rough housed with their uncle, happy to see him. Not wanting to dampen the reunion, Bowser hides the pain of them headbutting him. In vain Ludwig tries to intervene, scolding his siblings. Bowser eventually opts to sit on them to get the koopalings to stop. Peach giggles, observing the annoyed teens shouting at the king. But a small squeak of surprise catches Peach's attention.

"Peach!? Toad!"

Tears well up in her eyes as she turns around. The chancellor, Gold, Berry, and Toadette are running towards her. Peach and Toad throw their arms around them. Falling to the ground, the group sobs as they cling to each other. An overjoyed Peach begins wiping away Toadette's tears while Toad recounts their ordeal to the others. The koopas pause and watch the contrasting reunion in amusement.

Drying his eyes, Chancellor Vert turns to Bowser. "Thank you for returning our beloved princess."

Bowser grumbles trying to figure out how to deal with his new in-laws. He still struggles with his hate for toads. By all rights Captain Toad should be roasting over a fire, for helping Antasma instead of telling him. But he gave the fungus a reprieve for Peach's sake. Bowser tells himself he must do right for his new family. So, he decides to just nod at the chancellor. Once Peach pulls away from the toads - Larry and Lemmy hug her.

"Lemmy! Larry!" Peach declares, returning their embrace. Roy walks up to her chuckling. But Wendy squints her eyes, marches past Bowser and faces Peach.

"You just went through a parade looking like that!?" She shouts.

Peach realizes her hair is unkempt and tries to fix it. "Wait! I …"

"Too late!" Wendy grabs Peach and carries her away on her shoulder.

Bowser calls out to the two. "Now Wendy dear. She's been through a lot!"

"I will not tolerate her hair looking like this!"

Before Wendy drags her victim away Bowser Jr. comes racing in. "Papa!"

"J-junior…" Bowser charges past Peach and Wendy to pick up his son. He throws him into the air laughing and sits him back down. Junior then clings to his leg. "I told you I would be back, little man."

Junior frowns and looks up, trying to hold back tears. "You were gone too long!"

Bowser's grin drops. He doesn't know what to say. Junior notices Peach and gives way to tears. The little prince lets go of Bowser and jumps on top of Wendy to reach Peach.

"Mama!"

The three topple over while Wendy angerly shouts. Though caught off guard, Peach wraps her arms around him. "Oh Junior…I'm sorry we left you for so long."

Bowser feels a lump in his throat. He bends to pet Junior's head. "She's right. I'm sorry too."

Junior sniffles and clings to Peach more. Standing up Bowser pulls Ludwig to the side. "'Mama'? Who told him?"

Iggy raises an eyebrow, overhearing. "Peach told Junior he could call her whatever he wanted. What's going on?"

Bowser turns to stare at Peach lovingly. Ludwig must catch his attention. "Don't wait too long to tell them."

"I know. I know." Bowser claps his hands and everyone looks at him. "Alright, gather around brats. I have an announcement to make later."

"What is it!?"

"I can't say until we're in the main living room."

"Not before I clean Peach up!" Wendy yells while dragging Peach away.

Bowser sighs. "Morton think you could get us some snacks?"

Later, Bowser lights up the fireplace and crashes into a chair. While resting he catches up with the koopalings. Junior sits in his lap embracing him, quietly listening to the conversations. The King feels terrible leaving him alone for so long. He had a good reason but his young son wouldn't understand that. Hopefully, Junior will feel better with the good news. Meanwhile, the toads sit awkwardly near the snack table. Lemmy is jumping on Gold and Berry's heads to their displeasure. Bowser must shout for Roy to get him. All the while, the chancellor quietly sips tea. Bowser realizes he has been staring at him.

Shortly, Peach and Wendy enter the room to Bowser's relief. He takes time to admire her dusty pink gown with a ruffle top. Setting Junior down, Bowser stands up to hold her hands. Peach gazes at Bowser and she begins. "I've been in talks in with my council before the trip. And Mushroom Kingdom will no longer serve as a vassal kingdom."

Larry hangs his head. "I'm out of a job then."

Iggy frowns at him. "That's the first thing that comes to your mind!?"

Roy scratches his forehead, frustrated. "I ain't fighting no rebel toads. Peach does all the carrying. That's not very sporting."

Bowser frowns. "There will be no fighting."

The koopalings and the toads (minus the chancellor) gasp. Peach laughs at their response. "There you have it, Bowser agrees. We're forming an alliance."

Bowser tenderly looks into Peach's eyes. "Also, we eloped. Junior, you officially have a mother now."

Silence fills the room as their audience processes the information. The general gets up and sits in a corner. Toadette runs over to check on him, but he angerly rejects her attempts to cheer him up. Gold passes out and Berry drops his plate of chips.

"You did what!?"

Vert runs over to fan Gold as Roy's shades nearly fall off his face. But Bowser Jr.'s eyes brighten. He takes hold of Peach's hands and spins in a circle with her. Peach lets out a laugh as she plays along. Lemmy joins in, clinging to her leg. Iggy responds to the news by fussing at a smug Ludwig.

"You knew the whole time and gave us no hints!?"

Out of all of them Bowser can tell Wendy is the most furious. She begins stomping her feet, her face red with fury.

Bowser gets stern with her. "Now Wendy, I chose Peach and you can't…"

"You're already married!? I didn't get to make Peach's dress! It's not fair!"

Surprised, Bowser laughs in relief.

"It's not funny!" She begins crying and Bowser rushes over to her. Ludwig grabs the bridge of his snout in irritation. Peach looks on worried while holding Junior and Lemmy.

"There, there!" The king hugs Wendy and sways gently. "My sweet little princess, we eloped because of circumstances! But we'll have a big ceremony to celebrate with you guys! And you get to help with decorations!"

Wendy pulls away, eyes red. "You promise?"

"I promise!"

"Okay…" She wipes the tears away and smiles wickedly at Peach. "Now that your part of the koopa clan, you'll never be unkempt again!" Peach smiles sheepishly.

Larry walks up to Peach and leans his head on her shoulder. "I knew this day would come…Does this mean you are going to heckle me more?" Peach smirks at him. "Yes." Morton laughs as Larry sighs in defeat.

Peach nervously looks towards Vert, seeking his blessing on her marriage. Vert wobbles over to her and she bends to hold his hands. "This is shocking, Peach! But I can't complain you married a man you just met. You two have know each other for awhile. So, I'll live. And I wish you the best. Hopefully, everyone at home accepts your decision."

The chancellor turns to Bowser and the koopa nervously straightens his back. He expects to be fussed at. But Vert smiles while glaring at him. "I know you will take care of her. You WILL take care of her? Right?"

Bowser angerly nods, trying not to sass him. Vert closes his eyes, still smiling. "May our kingdoms walk together."

Unsure how to answer, Bowser rubs the back of his head. However, the other toads look conflicted. Berry twiddles his thumbs while staring at Bowser. "D-does this mean you are leaving Mushroom Kingdom, Peach?"

Peach shakes her head aggressively.

"No. Bowser and I are in an marriage alliance. I'll split up my time between the two kingdoms. But no, I'm not abandoning you. I never will."

Her words seem to assure the toads. But Koopa General remained in the corner. Toadette's efforts to get him up failed. Bowser marches over to him.

"This isn't like you! Pull yourself together, man! Didn't you want me to be happy!?"

The general turns around. "I do want you to be happy! But you didn't invite me!"

Bowser groans. "I was just over this with Wendy! We were in a tough spot."

"Then you should have called! I would have come flying! No, I would not have made it in time." The general returns to the corner. "I'm such a failure…."

"What is wrong with him!?" Bowser demands.

Toadette motions for him to bend and whispers to him. "He failed to catch most of the conspirators."

Bowser's face darkens and he folds his arms. "Antasma…"

Toad walks up to Toadette. "Please forgive me everyone. I was waiting to ask this but…Toadette did you find the monarch?"

"Your instinct was correct, captain! He's alive!"

Bowser looks confused while Toad sighs in relief.

"Antasma was not the true ruler of Pi'illo, King Bowser. Wait right here." Toadette runs to the door. When she opens it, Dreambert and a group of kings come falling in. "Oh…he's right here…"

"Were you people ease dropping!?" Bowser roars at them.

The kings stare sheepishly. "We were looking for Prince Bowser."

"Anyway, congratulations, Your Majesty." The Crystal King offers.

Ignoring them, Bowser stares at Dreambert. "Who are you!?"

Toadette helps him to his feet as she introduces him. "He is the true ruler of Pi'illo. Prince Dreambert."

"…."

The captain walks up to Dreambert. "So, he was a captive the whole time."

Peach gasps. "What?"

Dreambert ignores the question and levitates towards Peach. "I apologize for ruining this happy occasion, but I need to investigate your mind, Queen Peach. Toadette told me you've had contact with Antasma."

"Oh yeah…He put a tracker in her head!" Toad yells. "Can you remove it?"

"I can try but she needs to sleep first."

Peach looks at Bowser. "You should check Bowser too."

But Bowser shakes his head. "I'm sure he didn't pull anything funny with me. Dreambert, do whatever you need to do."

Unsure of what is going on, Junior hangs on to Peach. "Where are you going?"

"I'm bringing my son along." Peach says.

Dreambert nods and leads her and Toadette out of the room. Everyone left over can feel the anger pouring out of Bowser.

"Antasma did what!?" Bowser turns to Toad. Toad looks at him solemnly.

"Everyone that knows something, into my war room now!"

Hours later, Bowser found the guess room Peach was being treated in. She was asleep on a couch, Junior napping in her arms. She looked so serene to the king. Dreambert hovers over her, his eyes closed and focused. Toadette is standing nearby watching. Sighing Bowser leaves to stand outside the room. The general had revealed to him that most of the conspirators escaped. And that their plot was to poison Bowser. Furious, the king demanded they find them. But the general had teams already scouring everywhere. It seems they left the world entirely. So, Bowser demanded scouts to investigate the other worlds.

The king growls as his general approaches. "My king. I am truly sorry for this grave failure. Not only for the conspirators escaping but for your near-death experience. You were in danger and I wasn't there."

Exasperated, Bowser glares down at him. "Will you get over it!? Look, I was fine! No one could stop me! Just ask Peach. I was snapping ships in half. I was throwing skyscrapers into ravines and I was deflecting missiles with my pecs. Peach thought I was so manly she demanded that I marry her."

The general's stern face never changed but he was holding in a laugh. "…."

Knowing he is mocking his totally accurate and not exaggerated account, Bowser frowns. "The point is, I'm alive and fine. But let's learn from this folly with Antasma. And get it together. I need you to help me protect Peach."

The general coughs to clear his throat. "Yes, My King. And congratulations on your marriage. Should I let the media know?"

"Don't bother, Wendy is already on it."

Suddenly, Bowser hears Peach gasp in pain. He immediately runs inside. Her eyes are close but she is grimacing. Dreambert looks drained but he keeps his hands hovering over Peach. Toadette puts her hands up to stop Bowser. Bowser wants to intervene but restrains himself. The prince is the only one that can help her. Eventually, Peach relaxes and she snuggles into Junior. Pleased, Dreambert pulls away holding his head and levitates over to Bowser.

"It was troublesome removing it."

"What do you mean?"

"Visualize a thick patch of fabric sown into a garment. But instead of threads, it's chains. Antasma chained the tracker among murky memories. If I pulled at it, the chains would tighten and begin entrapping my hands. To force me to back off. I had to use a metaphorical chain saw to sever the connection." Dreambert looks over his shoulder at Peach. "You should have her guarded. He will not let her go easily, not after doing something like that. Antasma is going to hate me even more now."

"He's not getting anywhere near her." Bowser growls. "Anyway, Toadette. You're to accompany this man to therapy. He's gonna need it. I'll cover all the costs and then some. Dreambert is also to have security."

"Y-yes sir." Toadette answers.

Bowser bends and gently scoops up Peach and Junior into his arms. He gazes down at them, his eyes filled with rage.

"I want Antasma found. I want him to know he messed with me for the last time!"

Still asleep, Peach snuggles in his arms. Bowser's eyes temper at her action. After dismissing his audience, he carries his family to the King's chambers. He didn't bother bringing Junior to his own room. The little guy was already upset with him and was a little clingy now. He tucks them under the red covers and gazes at them. They looked so peaceful in the large bed. The sound of thunder catches his attention and he reluctantly walks away. A storm is beginning to brew outside, soon the rain falls. As he observes, he hears a loud snort. Bowser holds in a laugh realizing it is Peach making the noise. Quietly chuckling, he returns to the bed and gazes at his sleeping wife and son.

I can't believe it. I finally have her.

Bowser joins them in the bed. He then embraces the two, resting his snout in Peach's silky hair. He inhales her scent and sighs.

And I will do whatever I can to make sure she's happy and safe.

In the morning, news of the king's elopement spread like wildfire. All throughout the empire, citizens rush to get the latest newspaper or tuned in to their tv sets. On various channels, reporters speculate endlessly as to what happen during the king's absence. Some even claim the war campaign was a cover for the elopement. Generals and councilmen express confusion in live interviews. But they were pleased to have an alliance with Sarasaland.

In Crystal Kingdom there is celebration over the marriage. The people have always been fans of the monarchy. Everything Bowser does is gold to them. In the markets, people brag that they saw Bowser and Peach dating.

In the Ice Kingdom, King Penguin sees the elopement as an opportunity. Earlier, he had learned that his savior, Vanessa, was Peach. The princess fights for the helpless in his eyes. He declares to his doubtful subjects, "This marriage is part of her strategy to continue her rebellion against Bowser! When she strikes, we'll be ready!"

On the other side of the world, King Goomba fears Peach will retaliate against him. He flees his home as his citizens try to reason with him. Not too far away from Goomba Town, the Mushroom Kingdom was processing the news. Some Toads celebrated the arrangement. They were not fans of the koopas but the marriage alliance could mean the cease of hostilities.

Toads gather at a local café to discuss the marriage of the royals.

"Does this mean we're friends now?"

"Indeed. Our princess is so brave to do this. Just think, no more raids! And no more bullying!" A toad declares to his wife while drinking coffee. Behind him an older toad slams her cup down. The toad jumps and turns around.

"Ms. Truffle!?"

"All of you should be ashamed of yourselves!" She yells. Everyone pauses to listen. "Peach was obviously pressured to marry this tyrant! And what are we doing? Are we going to celebrate this!? Our sweet little Peach with a stupid koopa!?"

Some of the toads look uncomfortable with her last few words. Sure, they are unsure about the marriage. Many though had befriended koopas that have been visiting the kingdom. But they dare not argue with the purple spotted toad. A few toads get up to leave the café, not wanting to hear anymore. Ms. Truffle angerly stares into her cup.

I may be a measly and weak toad, but I'm not sitting quiet about this!

The nobles of the Darklands are stunned when they see the news. They are descendants of koopas that pledge loyalty to the crown, in exchange for land. They are the wealthiest in the kingdom behind Bowser. The different families don't get along and often must be put in their place by the king. For generations, they have been a source of spouses for the koopa royalty. So, the idea that Bowser would not only reject the brides they offered but elope with a mushroom princess is shocking. Gossip quickly spread among them along with animosity.

"Is she the one the king rejected Lady Tanger for!?"

"I see why, she is beautiful ... for a human."

"Her father, Lord Arthur still lives in shame over that fiasco..."

"Serves him right for ruining my daughter's chances."

"Why you…"

"Don't get started this morning!"

"Come on, we'll benefit from Sarasaland's alliance at the very least."

"But what does this mean for Bowser's war campaign? I hear the girl is peaceful. And he was planning to expand the empire into space!"

"…"

Some of the nobles are already thinking they should be in charge…

Bowser wakes up with a content smile on his face. After giving a loud yawn, he stretches and searches for Peach and his son. He pauses and realizes they are not in bed. He panics and races out of the room looking for them. To his relief, the maids tell him they went to the kitchen.

"The queen is an odd one. She insisted on making breakfast for Junior and sent the cooks away."

True to the maid's word, they were in the kitchen. Junior was eating a heaping plate of pancakes, topped with whipped cream, fudge, and fruit. His face was covered in crumbs as he watched an episode of Super Princess Spiny on a small countertop tv. Not a good idea to give him so much sugar, Bowser mischievously decides not to say anything. Peach is flipping a pancake when she notices Bowser. She gives him a bright smile and his heart flips. He walks up to her.

"You could have woken me up." Bowser whispers while kissing her cheek.

"Junior was hungry. Besides, I knew you needed the sleep." Peach replies.

She holds up a platter. "Do you want some pancakes?"

"Nah." Bowser rummages through the fridge and pulls out a glob of bacon stripes. He throws them on a large pan and shoves it in the stove. It immediately begins cooking the bacon. "I prefer meat in the morning."

Peach rolls her eyes and returns to flipping pancakes.

"How are you feeling?" Bowser asks while embracing her and pressing his snout into her shoulder. Peach smiles over his need to cuddle.

She then pauses her work answer. "It was such a relief when I woke up. I owe poor Dreambert."

"Don't worry, I'm going to make it up to him. Or at least try…He's been through the impossible…I can't help but admire his guts." Bowser opens his eyes and reluctantly pulls away. "I must take care of some threats, Peach. But I don't want you to live in fear, okay? Keep your phone with you."

"You're leaving?"

"Yeah, but my main general is now your bodyguard when I'm not around. Larry will be there too if you don't mind."

Peach shakes her head and Bowser watches the way her hair sways. He still can't believe they are married. "I don't mind. Since you'll be leaving, I'll take Junior with me to Mushroom Kingdom."

"I love you." He whispers.

Peach blushes and looks towards the stove. "Bowser… Oh, your bacon is burning."

Bowser's smile turn into a straight line and he races to pull the pan out. Peach cringes watching him grab the hot pan with his bare hands. But she reminds herself he is heat tolerant. Suddenly, Toadette enters while in her pjs. She waves at them and grabs a thick strip of bacon and walks out. Bowser's jaw drops.

"Did she just …"

Berry then runs in. "I'll meet you at the port Peach!" He grabs a juice out the massive fridge and also grabs a stripe of bacon. Bowser turns to Peach flabbergasted as the mushroom leaves. Peach realizes what is happening and laughs.

"Bowser, I'm so sorry! We're community oriented. It's nothing for a farmer visiting my castle to help himself to what is in my fridge."

"WHAT! You let peasants into your kitchen!?"

"Toads will even enter each other's home without notice!"

Bowser angerly swallows the rest of his bacon. "Oh, my stars! How can you live like that!?"

"Everyone is welcome in the kingdom if they are not there for trouble. I admit it can get intrusive at times." She giggles.

Bowser grabs a plate of pancakes and downs it in one bite. "Peaches, they better be grateful they are your family! I need to put my name on my food now!"

"I'll tell my toads to mind their manners when they come here."

He ruffles Junior's mane. Bowser then walks up to the Peach and nuzzles her cheek, purring.

"I'll be seeing you."

Peach blushes. "Alright... but please take care of yourself..."