The Nightmare

Chaos reigned in the atmosphere above Mushroom Kingdom for the last two days. The opposing fleets fired at each other among a field of ship debris. Despite losing a few vessels to the topman ambush, Antasma fleet was still massive. Among his numbers were the x-nauts. This space faring race had fled the moon years earlier after losing to Bowser. Consequently, their exiled warlord jumped at the chance to get revenge. But the koopalings, each in charge of a command vessel minus Larry, refused to give the invaders an inch. Weapons designed by Ludwig are cutting through hauls. Ships are being shorted out by Iggy's EMP cannon. And the others pursue any that get pass Ludwig and Iggy. All of them are in no-nonsense mode, the teens have no intention of letting the invaders pass.

Jennen observes the ongoing battle from a tv screen, "They've set up a protective perimeter. No ships have gotten through. The Koopa Empire is still strong…."

Antasma floats past him, his arms tucked behind his back. "Remember, they are only a distraction. To give us time." He murmurs. Jennen nods and follow him to the throne room. Waiting there is the other three conspirators, now vassals of Antasma's mobile empire. A screen projects in the center, revealing the leader of the x-nauts.

"Thank you for all your help. I suggest you pull back for a moment to let us through, Sir Grodus." Antasma suggests.

Sir Grodus speaks in a calm but deep voice. "Well, you finally made it to the fight. I just want to remind you that I'm not one of your… vassals. This battle is all about me, my hate for Bowser, and that traitor!"

Jennen mumbles under his breath but Antasma shrugs. Sir Grodus' computer had betrayed him to prevent Bowser from blowing up the moon. "Do as you like. My focus is preserving Queen Peach alive. If King Bowser dies in this space battle, I'm allllll for it."

Sir Grodus releases a hacking laugh and cuts the transmission. With that out of the way, Antasma pulls a small box out from under his cape and opens it. The others feel uncomfortable pressure and step back. Inside the box is four triangular black shards.

"Don't worry, they won't kill you."

Jennen examines the contents and wearingly glances at the shard imbedded in Antasma's forehead. "Is that from the Dark Star?"

Antasma smirks. "Yes, pieces that fell off it from its battle with Rosalina and her allies."

The Dark Star observes the conversation, from behind the throne. Acting as the castle's power source, it keeps silent. King K. Rool eyes it with suspension before turning back to Antasma. "I may not like the answer, but why are you holding onto to these things?"

Antasma motions to his mouth. "Devouring one will grant immense cosmic power from the star. Use it as a last resort. You've been given enhancements to handle the strain incurred from the power boost…." His eyes spark. "But I can't guarantee you will not lose your mind."

Tanger backs away, shaking her head. "I prefer to have my full faculties, thank you."

The bat closes the distance between her. "We're dealing with a Bowser in protective mode. He is not going to hold back."

Tanger shudders and reach for her shard. King K. Rool pockets his reluctantly.

After they each receive a shard, Antasma closes the box. "Remember. Last resort. But should you lose your mind, fear not. I can …. fix you."

Antasma dismisses his vassals and sits on his throne. He clasps his claws together, eager to be reunited with his enemies. Especially Peach. The length of time the two have been apart has been eating away at him. He is eager to see her beautiful eyes again.

"We'll be reunited soon…. My dear."

Lemmy's craft is damaged beyond repair. Coming to his assistance, Iggy's airship passes and Bowser drops down onto the enemy ship with a mob of soldiers. They breach and take over. Lemmy then evacuates his men to Iggy's. To Bowser's displeasure, Antasma is not on the vessel. With a frustrated huff, he contacts Iggy.

"He's not here either."

"Maybe we blew him up on accident."

"That's the ideal scenario…." Bowser admits. The longer Antasma is not showing himself, the more worried Bowser is. This fleet is obviously a distraction. But for what?

"Iggy, I want you to …."

Iggy interrupts, "Wait, King Dad, we're getting intel from Vassal TEC-XX."

Bowser shuts his eyes struggling to remember which vassal he is among his empire. His eyes shot open and he roared. "Wait! He's the mod that banned me from that Peach fan site for harassment! But he's wrong! I just had to set that other user straight! The dude said something I didn't like …"

Iggy covers his eyes in embarrassment while Lemmy chuckles. "Too much information."

Bowser blushes, realizing what he just admitted to. "You weren't supposed to know that…."

Adjusting his glasses, Iggy goes back to looking at the screen. "Anyway, he is warning of an approaching comet."

Bowser stares in confusion. "What?"

"A comet. And it is projected to land in Mushroom Kingdom. TEC is already contacting Peach."

Sparks fly from Bowser's mouth and he orders airships to intercept it. But the comet bypasses the ships as they fire, all unable to penetrate it. Bowser reboards Iggy's ship and stares at the image of the comet. "Why is my artillery not working!?"

Enraged, he punches the control panel. "I know you are on that comet, Antasma! Answer me!"

The screen of the comet switches to Antasma. The first thing Bowser notices about him is his slightly more built body. His eyes slate and he bears his fangs. Antasma gives him a small smile, but there is malice and deep hatred behind it.

"Bat Breath…"

"That's Emperor Antasma. I'm not your vassal anymore."

Bowser balls his fist up. "I don't care if you're the king of the universe! You will always be a pathetic bat!"

Not showing a hint of annoyance, Antasma rubs his chin thoughtfully. "You're awfully testy. But I understand the frustration. You would rather be walking in a park with Peach and Bowser the Third, right?"

Bowser's face goes blank. He realizes Antasma is referring to one of his old fantasies. Iggy shifts uncomfortably in his chair as the bat's smirk grows wider. Bowser points a claw at the screen. "Your face is stupid!"

"There you go. When things don't go your way, you become childish. But I'm just being honest with you King Bowser. I've been in your head."

"Shut up."

"You planned up to your 50th wedding anniversary with Peach. Remember? For her 20th, you would gift her a galaxy. You also have plans to build four different vacation homes to retreat to with her. One for each season."

Bowser's eyes were glowing now. Iggy makes a cutting motion at his neck towards Bowser. "King Dad…"

Antasma continues, "If you weren't thinking about your trauma, your kids, food or the latest thing you wanted - you were thinking of her." Antasma shifts in his throne and looks to the side bitterly. "It's not fair. I befriended Peach first! And she chose YOU! YOU!"

The bat redirects his glare back at Bowser. "And the worst part is, I wonder if I was influenced by your deep feelings for her."

Bowser darkly chuckles. "Don't worry. You won't be seeing Peach at all," he threatens.

Antasma's eyes twitch but he quickly composes himself. "Did you have the baby yet?"

He stares at Bowser, studying his face for his reaction.

"You little…"

Iggy yells, "King Dad stop humoring him!"

Antasma smiles and he holds his claws over his heart. "There is a baby…. I waited for this! This pleases me!"

He leans forward on his throne. Bowser marches up to the screen, determined not to look weak.

"I'm the reason you were able to get together with Peach. She would have never considered you if not for me!"

Bowser feels his heart sink but keeps his face unchanged.

Antasma continues. "I'm owed something, Your Majesty. You are going to suffer." His tone lowers. "After your death, I'll take Peach along with the child. If the baby is like its mother, it will make a fine future vassal for Mushroom Kingdom…."

Bowser howls in rage and punches the screen, shattering it. He then shouts, "DEPLOY THE CITY LEVELING CANNONS!"

Ludwig and the koopalings promptly obey and unleash a massive torrent on the comet. Other enemy ships are obliterated in the waves. But the comet keeps going.

Though feeling uneasy, Iggy keeps his voice steady for Bowser's sake. "TEC-XX is sending in scans of the comet. There's a castle in it. It's damaged but…"

"Deploy the EMP cannons…."

"On it."

Iggy's ship releases a wave and the comet passes through it. Nothing. Bowser stares as it descends with a fierce glare.

"It's running on an unusual energy source. There's no time to figure out how to stop it." Iggy turns to Bowser. "I suggest you order Ludwig and the others to pull back. Letting it crash into them will not stop it!"

"My kids…" With a look of agony, Bowser orders the fleet to let the comet through.

At that moment, Wendy calls Bowser. "I'm going after them! Antasma can't stay in that thing forever! I'll smash his face in the moment he exits!"

Roy and Morton emphatically agrees with her decision. Taking a shaky breath, Bowser runs his claws through his mane. "No. Hold Sir Grodus back for me. I know you can deal with him. If you leave now, he may bombard the surface. I'll go down."

Bowser hears Wendy growling but he continues, "I need to you listen. Don't follow."

Ludwig immediately answers, "Understood."

"Alright." Roy sighs.

Lemmy hugs Bowser's leg. "Say hi to Larry, Junior, and Apricot for me."

Giving a sad chuckle, Bowser rubs Lemmy's mohawk. "I know I don't get sappy with you guys. But I love you, okay?"

A few 'EW's could be heard over the line. But Bowser can also hear Wendy's voice breaking.

"L-love you too."

This was the worst-case scenario for Peach. She had silently pleaded nothing would bypass the blockade. Fortunately, TEC-XX had contacted her with a warning to prepare. All toads have long evacuated along with the goombas and noncombatant koopas. The only ones left is Larry and his troop who helped with evacuations. Peach is currently making sure he is departing.

"Don't worry, I'm on it Peach!" Larry says over the phone.

"Hurry!"

She takes one last scan of the town, to ensure no one is left. Peach wants to confront Antasma herself, but she must focus on getting her two youngest to the vault. There are two hidden entrances that take one down a confusing pipe network deep in the ground. One entrance is below the castle, the other in the far countryside. But the comet is projected to land on the castle which will obliterate that entrance. They will not make it before impact. So, Peach is forced to flee far out with two young children.

Peach opens her phone and contacts TEC again.

"The castle was supposed to be the safe point…" she bemoans.

"Antasma likely intends to drive you into the open. But this is a rash mistake on his part. He will not discover the hidden pipe due to destroying the castle. So, flee to the countryside. I've aware your waiting party of your impeding arrival. And do not worry about your phone, Peach. I'm scrambling up any information on it. The phone will be useless once this call ends. They won't be able to use it against you."

"Thank you so much!"

"My pleasure, Your Majesty. Ceasing communications now."

After he hangs up, Peach gathers Apricot into her arms as Junior grabs their bag. They jump on Yoshi and he runs to escape the town. Peach sadly looks back at the castle and around the buildings. So many happy memories…. But soon there may be nothing left.

As it closes in, the comet slows its descent. Three sections of it breaks off and flies in different directions. The main part continues to aim towards the castle. The glow it gives made it look strangely beautiful but it terrifies Peach. It feels familiar. Like she is relieving an event from her past. Sensing her mother's distress, Apricot begins shifting in discomfort. Peach tries to soothe her by rocking. But Junior makes goofy faces at his sister. When he gets her laughing Junior turns to his mother. "It'll be okay, Mama."

Peach tightens her hold on him. "Yes…. And your father will find us." Peach assures. She jolts when Yoshi takes a sharp turn into a sturdy building. He places the family against a wall and shields them with his body.

The comet finally crashes on top of Peach's Castle, instantly caving in the structure. Shockwaves from the impact rush over Town Toad, leveling several blocks. As the dust settles, purple vines creep out from Antasma's castle and slowly spread throughout the town. The castle's gate opens and a mob rushes out. People from different worlds and all with blank looks. Antasma follows them, running his hands along the vines.

"Freedom to the one that brings me the Queen!"

At Bash Skulls Islands, the Merry Men are ready to deploy. But they receive word, from TEC, of small comet landing in the Crystal Region. At once they travel to the area. But Koopa General departs for Mushroom Kingdom, knowing that is a diversion. Not only was the Queen and children in danger but Toadette was not spotted on Kong Island. He just received a report that she was not among the evacuees, despite leaving with them initially.

"I know what she is up to…" He snarls.

Once the small comet crashes, a horde of kremlings spill out ready to fight. The comet then rises, revealing itself to be a floating fortress. It begins firing at the skyscrapers. The Crystal King mobilizes his forces to deal with it. On the ground level, Wario and Waluigi confront the kremlings with Donkey Kong.

"Keep up new guy!" Wario mocks as he punches enemies.

Waluigi mumbles, "He better not be getting the same pay as us."

Donkey Kong hurls barrels to protect some penguins from being skewered by spears. He pauses to face the plumbers. "I told you to stop calling me that!" He complains.

Soon the crowd of kremlings split to reveal King K. Rool aiming a rifle at the heroes.

Donkey Kong beats his chest and shouts, "K. Rool!"

"I don't know this guy…." Waluigi shrugs.

K. Rool glares at the group with hatred. "How do you not know me, I'm K. Rool of the seas!?" He begins firing. "And you Donkey Kong! You came at the wrong time! I'm not in the mood for your showboating! Die you dirty ape!"

Meanwhile, the second small comet lands in the Desert Kingdom. Clawgrip exits with an army of crabs. He snaps his claws in excitement. "HAHAHA! Forward my minions! This is our turf now! Destroy the Sarasaland Embassy!"

In the Darklands, the koopas manage to down the third comet with a Bomber Bill. This prevents it from crashing into Bowser's Castle. But Jennen survives the assault as the fortress took much of the impact. He and his men run out of the inferno to face their former comrades. "Ahhh…. Good to be back home. Time for the revolution!"

Antasma is shocked Peach hasn't confronted him yet. There is no way she would stand for the destruction of her town. But this means she does indeed have a newborn. Though a ruler in charge of her people's safety and land, she must also protect her children. Antasma giggles.

She must be in so much torment, trying to balance her duties.

He orders his men to search the toad houses. They keep portraits of Peach in their homes. Likely one has a picture of the child; he wants to know what it looks like. He touches a vine again; his expression becoming tense. He is growing desperate to see Peach again.

"Sir! The koopas are approaching!"

Antasma looks up and sees Larry and his men rushing at them. He is sure Larry was given orders not to face him.

"I'm not letting you hurt my family!" The young koopa scowls.

What a foolish decision.

Antasma snorts and releases a ear-piercing screech. But the koopas collectively put on headphones and continue their advance.

"Of course." Antasma complains. He rushes ahead and slams Larry into the pavement. Larry releases a pained shout but he grabs Antasma's arm. Antasma smiles at his futile effort.

As the dust settles, Yoshi cautiously exits the building. Once he feels it is safe, he motions for Peach and the kids to come out. Hugging Apricot close, Peach follows Yoshi and navigates around the town ruins. The green dino looks nervously at the vines slowly advancing around the town. At one point they are forced down a different path to avoid them. The party reaches a bridge and travels under it. Suddenly vines come down and wrap around them.

"Yoshi!?"

A vine touches Peach's arm. She suddenly hears a deep voice enter her mind. It sounded foreign but she understood what it was saying.

"…Found her."

Peach's blood runs cold from the old familiar voice and she screams.

"Mama!?"

"Yoshi?"

Peach deep breathes and composes herself. "I-I'm fine."

The party hears a loud screech and they grab their ears. Peach covers Apricot's. Realizing they've been discovered, Junior rips a hole in the vines. They then crawl out and make a mad dash. But a purple blur comes speeding at them and slams into Yoshi. Stunned, Yoshi goes careening through a wall. Junior grabs a stop sign to fight but gets a fist to the stomach. He also goes flying.

"Junior! Yoshi!" Peach lunges her parasol at the fiend to impale him but Antasma dodges. Peach finds herself spinning from a blow while hearing mad laughter. She soon comes to a stop in a strong embrace. Once her vision adjusts, she realizes she is looking into Antasma's eyes. Peach pales.

"My sweet little Peach! We meet again!" He declares while staring fiercely into her eyes.

Peach trembles as his eyes linger on her neck. Antasma then gazes at Apricot and cups the back of her head while still holding Peach. Almost like a father embracing his family. Peach feels sick to her stomach.

"She doesn't have your eyes…."

Peach struggles to break free and shouts at Yoshi, "Yoshi! Take Junior and run!"

Limping Yoshi grabs Junior to drag him away. Junior shouts in rage, "I'm not leaving you guys!"

As he protests, blank faced people come from all sides. Peach feels pity for them but she continues to focus on fighting back. They begin shooting at Yoshi who throws Junior over his shoulder. Yoshi doesn't hold back from attacking the people to get by.

"Bowser!" Peach continues to fight while shielding Apricot from the villain.

Antasma tightens his grip in amusement. "No one will save you. I have my vassals around the globe causing chaos. Surrender to me."

"No! I'm not going anywhere with you!"

"Is that so?" Antasma whistles and soldiers enter with Larry.

"Larry!" Peach shouts. Not knowing what to do, she freezes. Antasma closes the distance and places his forehead against hers.

"Apricot."

Peach shudders.

"Yes, that's her name. With my new power boost, I don't need you to sleep to enter your mind and establish a connection. All it takes is contact."

"Stay out of my head!"

"A little mental persuasion will get you to cooperate."

In a flash Antasma enters Peach's mind. His intent is to flay her mind to make her more compliant. But meeting him is an army of Peaches. He stares at them in amusement. One is dressed like the general. Others are dressed like Wario, Toadette, Waluigi and Daisy.

"What is this?" He inquiries. "How adorable!"

The one wearing the general's helmet points a cannon at him. "Fire!"

The others also materialize cannons. Shocked at her resistance Antasma dodges the firepower. He enlarges himself and launches a fist into the crowd. The Peaches scatter.

"We're gonna die!" Toad Peach cries out. One, wearing a white wig, slaps her.

"Pull yourself together!"

She orders the others to build a fortress around Peach's consciousness. Materializing tools they quickly build high into the sky. Every attempt of Antasma to enter fails. Frustrated Antasma materializes a death laser and cuts through. But he fails to see a mountain size Peach about to crush him until it is too late.

"Oh…"

"I said to stay out of my head!" She roars.

In the real world, Antasma is jolted by Peach's mental resistance. Using this as an opportunity, Peach breaks out of his grasp. She frees Larry while apologizing to the soldiers she's attacking.

"Run!"

"I messed up…"

"Run! Look back and you're grounded, mister!"

"I'm going! I'm going!"

Larry limps away while Peach tries to support him. As they escape Antasma grabs his chest. A wide smile covers his face. Smitten with her fighting back, Antasma begins cackling. Tormenting her mind will be more fun now. He shoots a glare in Peach's direction and pursues. Antasma manages to snatch Apricot out of her arms and Peach cries out.

"Stop! Please!"

Bowser comes charging in swiftly like a bull. He viciously grabs Antasma but uses his other claw to gently secure his child. He then encloses Apricot in his hand to shield her from harm, and from witnessing what he is about to. Bowser spins rapidly and smashes Antasma into the ground. Peach and Larry cringe from the impact.

Bowser snarls as he studies his work. Antasma's face is trapped in a state of shock. The light gone from his eyes... But his body glows and Bowser is knocked back by a strange energy. He shields Apricot as he crashes. The bat rises from the ground as his body repairs his fatal injuries. Grunting, Bowser hands Apricot to Peach. He rushes at the villain but he is met with an ice wall. Antasma's size increases and he takes on a more monstrous, hulking form. Icy mist flows from his mouth and ice spikes grow out his arms.

Bowser blows fire at the wall. Laughing at him, Antasma blows into the air and icicles form. Bowser puts his arms up to block them as they fall.

"Bowser! How is he doing this?" Peach shouts.

Antasma cackles and regards her with glee. "Come now Peach. If you think hard enough. You'll know."

Bowser glances down and realizes his feet is entrapped in ice. Keeping calm, he readies his fire breath. But he hears Peach shout a warning and then feels searing pain in his side. Bowser turns and realize he has been stabbed.

"No!" Peach shouts mournfully.

Tanger removes the blade and jumps away. "Nice to see you again, sweetie." She teases.

Bowser grips his wound, staring murderously at her. "You…"

He attempts to retaliate but he pauses. Instantly, he knows something is wrong. Antasma laughs madly. "Shocked something was able to stab you? Well, the knife contains bones of ancient dragons. One of the few things that can piece your hide. I wonder if your genes will save you from the poison."

Peach covers her mouth. Trying to reassure her, Bowser smirks but Antasma is not fooled. He is now scared. Peach begins pleading with Antasma.

"What is the matter with you!? Please stop this! Help him!"

Antasma slowly advances towards her. "It's too late for that. I'm replacing Bowser and that's final. But it's not bad at all for you. Peach, I have a lot to offer you. I know where you are from. Who your parents were and what they were like. I can show you all of that if you cooperate."

"I want nothing from you!"

Bowser gathers Peach into his arms and leaps away. He catches up with Larry, scooping him up. Further up ahead, Yoshi has fallen but is still readying an egg to throw at the pursuing mob. But Bowser grabs Junior and him and leaps over the mob.

"After them!" Antasma shouts.

Bowser clears the town and stops near a dirt road. He sets everyone down. "Go. I'll hold them off."

Peach can tell he is feeling the effects of the poison but he is maintaining a brave face, for their sake. Bowser rubs Larry's head but Junior knows something is wrong.

"Papa?"

Bowser gathers him and Peach into a hug. "Junior, take care of your mother and sister. Got it?"

"O-kay…"

He then nuzzles Apricot's forehead. "I love you…"

Finally, Bowser buries his snout into Peach's hair and runs his claws through it. He then inhales her scent and sighs. Pulling away, Peach spots an agonized look on his face. She can't tell if it is from the poison or the idea that he is leaving them. He opens his mouth to say something but stops. Bowser instead gives Peach a smug smile.

"Just give me a moment, Peaches, and I'll come back for you."

Liar!

But Peach doesn't vocalize it. She doesn't know what to say. Holding back tears, she kisses his cheek. Bowser gives his family one last hug and rushes away, snarling like a beast. Peach grabs Junior's hand and runs down the road. She looks over her shoulder and sees Antasma pursuing but Bowser holds him back. The furious bat orders his men to pursue as Bowser bites his arm. During the battle Tanger manages to get by to continue the pursuit. Bowser leaps at her but Antasma catches him.

As the party runs, Larry and Yoshi hold their ground seeing the pursuing army. They stay behind and tell Peach to leave them.

"But!"

"Yoshi, yoshi!"

Unable to stop for them, Peach and Junior escape into the forest. Tanger manages to get pass Larry and Yoshi and hunts the family.

"Hahaha! What a weak little human! You just abandoned Bowser as soon as it got tough!" Tanger mocks.

"Junior stay close!" Peach shouts while holding Apricot's head in place.

Tanger growls angeringly at Peach's unwillingness to banter with her. Peach and Junior quickly dart through the forest, running deeper into it. Soon visibility is hard for Tanger and she shouts in frustration. She uses her claws and rips through the mushroom stalks. Once she makes a clearing, she realizes Peach and Junior are long gone. Tanger screams and slams her fists into the ground. "How dare you walk away, after ruining my life! Get back here!"

Bowser feels pain coursing through his body. Not only is the poison affecting him but the sheer cold (emitting from Antasma) is working against him. His movements and swings are slower. But no matter how much the monstrous bat throws him around, Bowser keeps getting back up. His rage is making him reckless and he claws at his rival viciously. Antasma finally stops his mad pursuit of Peach and focuses on Bowser, with the intent to stall him. To let the poison kill him. He slams Bowser into the ground, smiles, and kisses his own bicep. (Imitating Bowser's victory pose when he defeated him the first time.) Enraged, Bowser sets his tail on fire and slams it into Antasma's face.

Okay, that hurt!

But Antasma overpowers Bowser and gives him a thrashing. He ends it by raining ice icicles down on him. Defeated, the king lays motionless. Pleased with the results, Antasma slants his eyes and flashes his fangs.

"You're getting weaker."

"…."

"Aren't you supposed to be the strongest man in the world? But you can't even deal with a little poison!"

Bowser tries to get back up but fails. "Give me a second and I'll remove your teeth."

Antasma continues his torment. "The weak serve the strong, don't they? I have you beaten. Bow before me."

The koopa clinches his fists, "I haven't yielded!"

At that moment, a timid voice calls out, "Cover your eyes!"

On reflex Bowser obeys the voice. The sky lights up with a blaring light. Antasma shields his face. Before he can impale Bowser, he rolls out the way. A small hand grabs the Koopa King's hand and usher him to run. Bowser obeys and gets some distance from the Antasma. As he runs, he realizes it is Toadette holding a flare gun.

"Toadette!?"

"I spotted an airship approaching! You gotta get on it!"

Bowser turns realizing Antasma is pursuing. Coming to their aid, the ship passes over and bombards Antasma with bullet bills. The general calls out for Bowser and Toadette to get on.

"Great! We can find Peach and the others!" Bowser shouts while the general helps him board.

"NO! We need to get you to a hospital!" The general argues seeing his King's weakening condition. Before Bowser can protest, he hears Toadette scream.

Antasma grabbed Toadette with his long arm and dragged her back. "Oh, I haven't forgotten about you this time, Miss Toadette. You are going nowhere." He whispers.

Though trembling Toadette shouts at the general, "Get Bowser to safety! He's dying!"

Koopa General manages to keep his composure and nods. Holding his chest, Bowser attempts to go back for his in-law but the koopas hold him back. They drag their weak king away as he shouts and hurls insults at them.

"She's right there, you boneheads! I can save her!"

Stoned faced, the general gives the order to leave. Bowser becomes hysterical. "NO! Stop! Don't you love her!? I order you to stop!"

"Chain him down!"

Antasma launches icicles at them but the airship shoots them down. His new heavy form doesn't allow for levitation so he grunts in frustration. Antasma then shouts at his soldiers.

"I want a search party to pursue and stall them until Bowser dies." The men obey and leave. Antasma carries Toadette away, his eyes twitching with rage.

"I wasted enough time with him. I can't let Peach get away again!"

"You won't find her, Mister Creep!"

Antasma squeezes Toadette and she yelps. "Oh, I'll find her. I'll turn this kingdom inside out if I must."

At a distance, Toad saw the flare. He hangs his head; it's confirmation Bowser couldn't beat Antasma. He can only hope Toadette was able to help the king escape.

"Toadette…" Toad turns to a group of trembling toads. "It is up to us now! We must help Peach reach the vault. Junior is heir of the Darklands and Apricot of the Mushroom Kingdom. Their survival is paramount. We can do this!"

The battle in the atmosphere continues to rage. Peach watches it as she hides in a wheatfield. She comforts Junior while rocking Apricot. But she is close to crying herself. She is now on her own.

It was distressing to see her family sacrifice themselves. And what terrified Peach was what she felt in her mind battle with Antasma. When repelling the villain, she saw eyes watching them. Someone is amplifying Antasma's abilities. And it felt familiar. Had she seen the form earlier, Antasma may have succeeded in brainwashing her.

No time to reflect on that.

Peach turns to Junior. "Junior."

He slowly lifts his head, still mourning Bowser, and Larry. His eyes were distant and sad. Peach gently speaks, "Papa made sure we would be alright. He loves you."

Apricot reaches her tiny hand out towards Junior and he takes it. He wipes his snout and chuckles. "I'm not crying, sis! You don't have to worry! I'll protect you!"

Smiling Peach stands up. Her sad gaze turns into a determined one. Peach wants to grieve Bowser and the others. But she can't right now. She won't let their efforts be in vain.

Bowser... I'll protect the kids. I love you...

The three leave the spot and travel deep into the field to begin their journey.