My One and Only…

Peach observes a child race into his father's arms. The block-like man lifts his son, tears streaming down his face. As he clings to the child, he thanks his approaching neighbor for caring for his boy. Then the man turns to express gratitude to Peach for returning him home. She smiles and elegantly curtsies before him. This man was the formerly brainwashed soldier that refused to shoot her and the children. After the war, Peach made it a point to locate him.

While watching the reunion, Peach hears a cough. She turns her head over her shoulder at Hooded Robin. He tips his hat and points at his watch. "We must be going now my lady." Peach nods and follows him.

Waiting for the pair at the warp pipe is Yoshi and the Merry Men. George Washingtoad salutes, "The queen is in your presence, men. Attention!"

Everyone dramatically salutes (one penguin face plants on accident). Peach clasps her hands together and sway. "You don't have to do that every time guys…." A few chuckles escaped the crowd as Yoshi runs up to receive a pat on the head.

"That was the last person, right?" Hooded Robin asks while flipping through a chart.

"Yes," Peach answers and hang her head. "But I wish everyone could be going home…alive."

Yoshi leans into Peach's hand while Washingtoad glances at her with sympathy. "That is the unfortunate nature of war. We can only fix what we can."

"You're right."

Keeping her composure, Peach addresses her escort, "Thank you for all the support. Many leaders of the worlds we visited expressed relief. Though sad, they know the one that committed heinous crimes in their communities, have been dealt with. Now it's time we head home."

Toads, goombas, and koopas worked feverishly to repair Toad Town. This same scene was playing out throughout the world. But everyone was determined to rebuild their homes and businesses. In a hardhat, Toadette is directing the construction efforts in Mushroom Kingdom. As she shouts into her megaphone at a worker napping on a roof, the general approaches, carrying a stack of wood. Zephyr stops briefly to peck Toadette on the cheek before continuing his way. She blushes and fusses at him for distracting her.

In the outskirts, the citizens live in a temporary town. Despite the humble conditions, the toads were happy because of their beloved leader's return.

Toad children ran along the sidewalks with young koopas from Larry's Tower. While watching them play, Ms. Truffle drinks tea with Mrs. Kale. "It's a shame you didn't get to see what the castle looked like…"

Mrs. Kale shrugs as she peers into the distance at Peach's castle, undergoing construction. "I'm glad Peach is alive. Nice girl…but I also feared how Bowser would have reacted if something had happened to her. I feared that scenario more than whatever that Antasma scoundrel was cooking up."

The toad rocks in her chair, her face scrunching up at Antasma's name. But she sets her cup down and smiles when she sees Benny run past. "You know, Bowser surprised me. He even had an award ceremony for Toad and the others for protecting the heirs."

"Yeah, I was invited but I didn't feel like attending," Mrs. Kale mumbles. "I don't need his kingdom's thanks. He went and tracked me down though…to thank me."

Ms. Truffle snickers and Mrs. Kale continues.

"Silly man. But I'll admit it, he is responsible now. Such a vast change from when I first met him."

Suddenly, a loud horn makes the two ladies jump. Bowser speeds by in his purple muscle car with Junior in the passenger seat, throwing his hands in the air cheering. Apricot is in the child seat, hugging a plushy and sucking on her pacifier. Meanwhile, poor Mouser is hanging onto the trunk of the car.

"Your Speediness! Were you not at the Kong's Banana Cup Grand Prix!?"

"Forget Donkey Kong's challenge! Peaches is back! Besides Plum is taking my place!"

Bowser stops the car and Mouser goes flying. He backs up towards the toad and koopa. "Just so you know, I'm driving in a responsible manner haggie and haggie!" He speeds off again.

Mouser drags himself up to the old women and pours himself a cup of tea. Mrs. Kale stirs her cup and mutters, "Well, at least he had the children in seat belts…."

Peach enters the ruins of her castle and Yoshi goes to take a nap on the roof. (The staff have managed to make some of the rooms livable.) As she walks into her throne room, power stars hover around. Peach smiles and greets them. She then collapses into her throne. Nearby Gold stands in guard attire and Berry in a suit. The blue toad was sweating and pulling at his bow tie.

"We can do this Berry." Peach encourages.

"I know. I know!"

He had been acting as chancellor in Vert's place. As a result of the torment Antasma put him through, Vert developed heart problems and difficulty walking. Vert's confined to bed for half of the day. When Peach isn't taking care of her kids, returning the kidnapped, or caring for her kingdom she is caring for him.

Peach takes a deep breath and straightens her back. "Before we begin, is Bowser in town yet?"

"He had to make a detour."

"I see…well let's begin."

King Penguin came in to discuss trade and that he was declaring full independence from the Koopa Kingdom. He asks for advice on how to prevent a war because he knows he will lose. Peach promises to look after the penguins as they deal with this. But she assures him Bowser will only complain and not harm him. Next, Berry reads a letter from Wario. He and Waluigi returned to Brooklyn, rich, and opened a hardware business. Wario intends to visit not only to advertise his products and services, but to see his friends. Next, Tryclyde updates Peach on the imprisonment of the conspirators in the Darklands' dungeons. And that King K. Rool is still uncounted for but the kongs are searching for him.

She is listening but Peach feels her exhaustion catching up to her. She has been on the move lately. Honestly, it is becoming harder to get up and do what she needs to do. Trapped in her thoughts, it takes her a moment to realize Daisy has visited. Her bright smile lifts Peach's spirit a bit.

"Daisy! How are you doing?"

"We're all right! Mom and Dad send their regards." Daisy hands a box to her. "And this rare chocolate is a gift from the four kings."

Peach stares at the box with a forlorn look, thinking of the destruction of the rebel base. Noticing her look, Daisy's face becomes serious, "Have you been getting any rest?"

"No…but I…"

"Even Bowser takes breaks. Peach, you'll burn yourself out. You must stop for a moment."

But Peach didn't want to stop; she had to work. And stopping meant thinking about Vert and Toad's conditions. And feeling guilty over the fact Antasma hurt Larry, that he destroyed Toad Town, and that he gave Junior a permanent scar on his face.

Stopping meant she had to remember Antasma.

Daisy waves her hand in front of Peach's face to catch her attention. "Hey… You will worry Bowser."

Hearing his name makes Peach's heart squeeze. She can picture his sad eyes when he realize how sad she feels. She aggressively fiddles with her gloves. "Maybe I could use some rest…"

Vert's face twists in pain but he pushes himself forward while holding the horizontal bars. His nurse aid, not far behind him, gives him words of encouragement to walk.

Lemmy is sitting nearby watching. "You got this grandpa!"

Vert smiles weakly at him. When he finishes his exercise, the aid leaves. Lemmy and Vert then sit before the fireplace, about to eat dinner that Morton had left. The duo notices Bowser peeking in from the window. Lemmy laughs and points at him. "King Dad, you look like a robber!"

"Just checking in, Lemster. I'm not here to start trouble!"

Bowser pops the window open and Junior crawls in. "How are you, old man?"

Vert looks down, "I try to stay positive about my situation…but sometimes I get angry. And I get frustrated…."

"Understandable. But don't you quit."

"I won't."

Vert reaches and Bowser hands Apricot to him. Holding her, Vert smiles in contentment. "Thank you for the visit."

Bowser peeks his head into the small farm home. "I'm surprise Peach isn't here."

"She called today. Before she left a week ago for her journey, she tried her healing on me. It didn't do much but I appreciated Peach's efforts. I even felt an inner calm when she used it. Such a gentle gift."

Bowser scratches his chin and asks, "Where's…" He stops to yell, "Junior get out of Vert's fridge!"

Junior closes the door with a pout. Vert laughs. "It's quite all right. Help yourself my boy!"

Junior smiles and goes back into the fridge. Bowser continues his line of thought, "Where's Iggy and Morton?"

"Grocery shopping in the temporary town. They split duties with Lemmy when Peach is traveling."

"I need to go check on her." Bowser looks to the side and rubs his neck. "Toad was not …."

"He's been doing much better."

Bowser nods and reaches for Apricot. He then motions for Junior to follow.

Vert accepts a plate of steamed vegetables from Lemmy. "Bowser. This is a silly request, but I must ask you to watch out for Peach."

"….."

"Every person has their emotional limit. Even her."

After the visit ends, Bowser drives the kids into Toad Town. Stopping at the castle he picks up Apricot. "We get to see Mama, my little potato!"

Apricot coos as Bowser kisses her cheeks. Junior rushes ahead and waves upwards at Yoshi. Inside, they find a line of people waiting in the throne room.

"What is going on!?" Bowser demands.

Peach was at the front holding a toad's hand. He had hurt his finger while using a hammer. Peach closes her eyes and a glow form around her and his hand. Soon the bruise vanishes. Shocked, the toad thanks her but Peach thanks him for supporting rebuilding efforts. Peach smiles at the power star overseeing her training. Bowser gets jealous.

They're not even serious injuries! And this is my time with her!

Junior skips the line to sit next to his mama. But Bowser gets in line last, glaring at everyone in front of him. Peach notices him when she has three people left and tries not to laugh. When it is his turn Bowser holds his hand out.

"I have a cramp from driving all day! It's worse than anyone else you met!"

Peach closes her eyes and ruffles Junior's hair. "I don't know…"

Bowser makes puppy dog eyes and Peach laughs. She gently reaches for his claw and tendering kisses it. She looks up smiling but Bowser notices her eyes look a little drained. Healing drains her energy.

The king turns to the power star. "That's enough training today!"

Peach smiles apologetically and the power star leaves to hang out with Yoshi. Peach then reaches for Apricot but Bowser stops her.

"You're in for a surprise, my darling Peachy!"

He gets away three feet and gently sets Apricot on the ground. The child then waddles over to Peach. Ecstatic, Peach drops to her knees and spreads her hands toward Apricot. "She's walking now!"

Bowser laughs as Peach sweeps Apricot in for a hug.

Junior tugs at Peach's skirt. "You gotta watch her though, Mama. She'll sneak out the castle if you're not looking!"

"I'll keep that in mind, Junior."

Finished with duties for the day, the family approaches a warp pipe (the power stars had built) and are instantly in Bowser's Castle.

Peach's eyes widen as she remembers something. "Oh, no…I need…"

Bowser shakes his head. "Took care of it. And Vert said to rest. Morton, Lemmy, Iggy are sleeping at his place."

"Well…"

Bowser sweeps Peach off the ground and Peach holds their daughter close. "Woman, you are going to rest. It's movie night!"

Junior cheers but his father scolds him. "Not you sonny, it's sleepy time for you!"

"When I'm king, I'm banning bedtime," Junior sulks.

"Come on. Both you and your sister need a bath," Peach chides while taking his claw to lead him. Apricot snorts at her brother and he sticks his tongue out at her.

As Peach walks, she spots Toad's picture on the wall.

His memories never came back. Peach showed Toad pictures and he is willing to acknowledge his past life. But there is a profound sadness in him, knowing there is a part of him he is missing. One time Peach found Toad sitting on the ledge of a high bridge…. Of all people, only Bowser was able to convince him to come down. Since then, Toad has been receiving help and lives with his dad. Toadette keeps up with her brother. He is doing better but Peach misses the old him. He is still distant and she struggles to establish an emotional connection with him. He doesn't even like his old favorite food anymore.

Peach hangs her head. Junior notices. "Mama?"

"I'm fine, love."

After a nice warm bath, Junior falls asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Peach runs her hand over his scar. Her eyes begin to water and she grips Apricot, now wearing her pajamas.

Bowser is waiting as Peach and Apricot enter her bedroom. He finishes setting up Apricot's night light. As soon as Peach places the child down she waddles for the door. Bowser lunges for her.

"Got ya little rascal!"

The child squeals with delight as he gently tinkles her. He gives her a kiss and tucks her into bed. Bowser takes Peach's hand and leads her out the room once they know she is asleep. Now alone, Bowser turns to smirks at her. Feeling safe in his hold, Peach smiles at him and presses her hand into his.

Taking a seat in the living room quarters, Bowser digs around for the remote.

"It better not be a scary movie, Bowser."

"It won't be, we're watching The Rock that Came to Life! This movie is so funny, Peach! The hero of the story loses his whole crew to a bed sheet wearing monster with nerd glasses."

Peach cringes at Bowser's dark sense of humor.

"Hanley's death is the highlight! The filmmakers re-used Nelson's scream and Hanley's mouth doesn't even move. And you can see the actor's feet under the sheet when he eats him…There was even cables…"

"You're spoiling the whole plot, Teddy Bear."

He finds the remote and plops down next to her. Bowser maneuvers his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close. "That's okay, you'll be distracted anyway."

Peach glares at him as he lifts his eyebrows. She then laughs and snuggles into his embrace. The two then watched the movie.

She won't admit it but Peach finds the movie amusing in a morbid way. But thirty minutes in, Bowser is staring at her. And an hour into it, Bowser is nuzzling her cheek and she snickers. Suddenly, a wail startles them. Knowing who it was, they rush to Apricot's room.

Meeting them at the door is Junior, Ludwig, and Wendy. Bowser bursts in first, expecting a fiend trying to kidnap her only to meet with the sight of Apricot climbing out of her bed. Tears run down her face as she wobbles into Bowser's hand. Peach and the koopalings search the room. Eventually, Peach pauses when she spots Apricot's drawings on a table. Despite how young she was, the little one was drawing images not just scratch marks.

"This is a lot…"

Ludwig approaches the table. "Hmmm…she has been drawing feverishly."

The queen feels compelled to examine them as Bowser bounces and sings to their child. She and Ludwig flip through each page. Eventually, Ludwig presents a picture that makes Peach's heart drop.

It was a crude drawing of Antasma…

Dreambert answered the call and rushed to the castle via a warp pipe (now connected to Pi'illo). When he arrives in the room, Apricot is whimpering as Wendy held her. Peach is staring at the picture. After coaxing Apricot to sleep, Dreambert examines her mind.

"Well, what's wrong?" Wendy asks.

"She is maturing at the rate common to koopas. So, she remembers her newborn days. Unfortunately, she remembers the "bat." When it is dark, she thinks he will come out and eat her."

Wendy rests her head on Apricot and glances at Peach. She is still staring at the picture and Bowser begins massaging her shoulders. "What can we do?" he begs.

Dreambert pulls his hand from Apricot's forehead. "I won't remove the memory from her. Please don't ask that of me. It is taboo and I only honored Toad's request under extreme circumstances."

Peach finally looks in his direction, "No! We won't… I don't want to allow any more meddling with memories." Peach remembers the void in her mind and grips her head.

Dreambert gives a small smile, "As Apricot gets older, she'll come to terms with her fear. Until then just be patient and assure her everything will be okay. She has nothing to fear."

After Dreambert leaves, Peach kisses Apricot and leaves her with Wendy. She must be alone for a moment. Bowser attempts to respect her wishes. He and Junior decide to draw and plaster pictures of Bowser's face all over Apricot's room. "She'll see my face and know no bad guy can get her." And Bowser edits a drawing of himself into Apricot's picture. Bulging with muscles he is punching Antasma. Ludwig pinches his own brow. Junior falls over laughing at the picture while holding his stomach.

"What's so funny!?"

"You look like a balloon, Papa!"

Grumbling, Bowser retaliates by carrying a protesting Junior to bed once Wendy insists on sleeping with her sister.

Following her scent, Bowser knows Peach went to their bed chamber. Feeling he has given her time; he enters and meet with a heartbreaking sight. Curled up in a corner, Peach has dug her hands into her hair. She is rocking and quietly sobbing.

"Peach!?"

When she realizes Bowser is there, the sobs turn to pained howls. Immediately, Bowser rushes to her side and embraces her. "Peach! Talk to me!"

Peach tries to form words but she feels her throat tightening up. But she manages to strangle out, "EVERYTHING!"

He feels a stab to his heart. Vert saw this coming. Peach has reached her emotional limit. She faced days of psychological torture while knowing she couldn't help the others and that Bowser was dying. And she had memories torn from her mind. Peach has a strong will so Bowser felt she could keep going. Now he feels terrible and helpless for assuming that. Not knowing what to say he holds her.

"Peach, I'm sorry…I don't know how to fix this…"

Peach buries her head into his chest. "You're here…" she whimpers out.

Bowser gently nuzzles her hair. "You've been through a lot…Apricot will okay. She got the whole family protecting her. And Vert is a fighter. And Toad is getting better. I'm sorry. When Larry went to the therapist, I should have insisted you go too…"

Peach clings to Bowser as he whispers, "Peach. You are doing your best."

"I wish I was like you," Peach admits. "You let nothing get to you…"

"Don't be fooled, Peaches. I cry in private when no one is looking."

Peach looks up at him and rests a hand on his cheek. Bowser turns to kiss her wrist.

"…despite how you feel, you're still worried about me?" he purrs.

"You're my husband. I'm supposed to worry about you."

"Come here," he teases and pulls her in for a kiss on the forehead. He then runs his claws through her hair. "Do you remember anything at all about your parents?"

Peach shuts her eyes. "I remember …. them trying to kill us but I can't figure out their form. And I won't ask Dreambert to look in you or Toad's head to see. I know Antasma corrupted their appearance."

Bowser was either panicking or high on adrenaline during that fight with the illusions. He struggles to remember what they looked like from behind. But he tries hoping it would help Peach in any way. "Listen I was there. And I remember what they looked like. Let's see your father was blonde and and…I know the names. Allen…. or was it Asher…"

Peach giggles. Bowser looks at Peach with an apologetic gaze. "I'm not trying to …"

"No…I appreciate it," She coos and snuggles against Bowser's chest. "I've tried to make peace with my memories. But it's the fact that they were murdered…and Antasma didn't even let their graves stand."

Bowser's gaze flicks towards the window at the stars, his eyes now glowing with rage. Unknown to Peach, during the construction of his reactor, he learned more about the circumstances of the attack on Peach's hometown. All thanks to bribing Lumalee with food.

"Peach, I promise. You won't have to worry about that tragedy repeating."

She becomes suspicious and ask, "You are not doing anything rash are you?"

"No…" Bowser hums and begins cuddling her again. Peach wraps her arms around him, as far as she can.

"It's been a whirlwind for me with everything going on. Sorry for worrying you. And Bowser, what I said earlier, that I wanted to do nothing with you if you…."

Bowser grabs her by the shoulders and peers into her blue eyes. "Hey, you said in your vows you would oppose me if I went back to villainy. I knew what I was getting into! But you also said you would still love me despite. I'm not offended."

"Bowser…"

The king pulls her back into his arms. "Let's get to bed. Then you are going on a vacation. After that, once I know you are okay, I'll leave for space."

Peach's eyes downcast. "We're always separating… Don't be long."

"…I won't. Believe I won't."

In the dark reaches of space, a blue comet comes to a stop. Blue mist fades from around it, revealing the Cosmic Observatory. A tall human with pale blonde hair floats to the edge of her starship, looking out into space. After surveying the landscape, she gives a weary smile and turns to the lumas floating behind her. "We'll stay here for a few months."

"Can you read us a story, Mama?" a red luma asks.

Rosalina taps her chin. "I was thinking of having a picnic. We can read a story then, love."

"We'll make the sandwiches," the lumas cheer and float to the kitchen. Suddenly, Rosalina hears laughter and Lumalee approaches. He spins around her and then bounds into her arms.

"Lumalee! My dear!"

"Mama Rosalina!"

Rosalina holds him and looks all over him for scratches or bruises. "You look healthy! It's been too long…. I see you decided not to become a planet or a star."

"I like being a luma!"

Rosalina nods, "Ah yes, you wanted to be a merchant. But what brings you out this way?"

"I caught a ride with this Bowser guy. The Dark Star attacked his planet because some guy released it."

Rosalina's face pales. She briefly goes back to the moment she saw the destruction of her old home world. All the people she couldn't save…

"Mama?"

The keeper of the lumas force the past images to the back of her mind. "S-someone released it?"

"Don't worry, they've taken care of it. But the koopas are hopping mad. Their King Bowser stormed the sanctum of the stars over the incident. He is blaming them for what happened."

Rosalina's single exposed eye widens in shock. "What!?"

Several Lumas poke their heads out of the kitchen gasping.

"He did what!?"

"How did he pull it off!?"

"Attacking that place is an act of defiance! Even intergalactic warlords know not to defile that place!"

Lumalee laughs, "Actually, he convinced some of them to help him storm the place! Oh man, I had a good laugh! He is holding the council hostage as we speak! Told me he is not going anywhere until you come save them."

Rosalina releases Lumalee with a sigh. She just finished her long war with the Smithy Gang. It was thanks to the sudden appearance and efforts of Mario and Luigi, that she was able to save Honeycomb Galaxy. The two mysterious visitors have since gone back to Brooklyn.

Now she must save an individual she is not fond of… The Millennium Star, a mustachioed celestial being and overseer of the stars, had a policy of noninterference. He was never clear about what he meant by that. So, despite past connections to Rosalina's home world, he did nothing to help her against the Dark Star. Her good friend, Lubba, theorized the entity feared the Dark Star due to his cannibalistic nature.

If there was a problem Rosalina, Geno, or someone else helped a planet in distress. She warned the overseer portraying the stars as protectors, while not actually doing anything, was going to backfire one day….

But despite how Rosalina feels about the sanctum, she can't ignore the problem. She doesn't know this Bowser fellow and there is no telling what he will do to the star elders.

"I'll go resolve it…"

The Cosmic Observatory arrives at the sanctum, a massive old temple floating in among cosmic gases. Their armies have been restrained and Rosalina realizes the gravity of the situation.

As she enters, Rosalina can hear the Millennium Star arguing with a deep voice man. Unlike other stars, he is capable of audible speech. The caretaker picks up her pace to rescue the hostages.

She finally arrives at the gate and sees a group of koopas standing guard. They point their spears at her but she traps them in shield bubbles, harmlessly rolling them out the way. Rosalina continues her way only to meet members of the top men tribe. She summons a small portal and enter it. Realizing who she is, the top men rush to find Bowser.

"She's here!"

In the grand glowing hall, stars were shaking in their chairs. Meanwhile, Bowser was pointing at the Millennium Star.

"You knew you had a rogue and didn't even bother to warn anybody! You depended on an overworked human to do your job!"

The Millennium Star's mustache quivers with rage, "You accuse us of ignoring the problem! But the Dark Star feeds on us and he can rebirth. How do you suggest we deal with the problem? Once he rebirths, he will be at full power."

In a corner, Rosalina's portal appears and she walks out. She pauses to listen. Bowser flashes his fangs at the overseer, "Star Reactor. I made a galaxy dedicated to the Dark Star's containment and monitoring of it. The reactor drains the Dark Star when it rebirths, killing it. The energy absorbed will fuel the machine to drain him in the next cycle."

Bowser's eyes light up as he snarls at the leader. "And if I have to come here again, I will put you in it!"

The Millennium Star's pop out, "M-Monster!"

A top man bumps into Bowser to let him know Rosalina is present.

Bowser's eyes round and he gasps when he sees Rosalina. She looks at him curiously.

Noticing her, Millennium calls out to her, "Rosalina! For what are you standing here? Save us!"

She shakes her head. "For him to have storm this place, I'm sure he is strong. I would prefer to end this diplomatically…"

Rosalina hovers towards Bowser. A grin spreads on his face to her surprise.

"It's you! The wanderer! GWA HA HA!"

Rosalina lifts an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Bowser pumps his fist in the air. "I've been trying to find you. But then I was like: 'I know I'll take the council hostage and send Lumalee to make her show up. I wanted to give them a scare anyway.'"

Bowser orders his men to walk out. He then faces Rosalina with an eager smile. "Rosalina, I have something to talk to you about! Come with me!"

Confused, Rosalina turns to the Millenium Star. His eyes are swirling with rage.

"YOU HELD US HOSTAGE TO HAVE A TALK WITH HER!?"

The koopa waves and keeps walking. The star rants as Rosalina excuses herself. Once outside she scolds Bowser like he is a kid. "That was irresponsible, Bowser. You caused an intergalactic incident. This day will go down in history."

Bowser folds his arms and looks away.

"But I understand your reasons. And thank you …for dealing with my old foe."

Rosalina takes her leave and Bowser falls on his knees.

"Rosalina! Wait, don't go!"

She turns as Bowser pulls out a picture of Peach. Rosalina's eyes lock on Peach's bangs.

"This is my darling wife, Peach! She is a survivor of the Blue Planet! She thinks she is the last of her people!"

Shaking, Rosalina sits on her knees and reaches for the picture. "…. When I left the planet centuries ago to grieve my mother, I left my brother behind. Peach is a descendant of him. The appearance is too similar."

"Centuries!?" Bowser yells and glare at her. "You don't look like old Mrs. Kale. What's your secret?"

Rosalina frowns over his crudeness.

"I stopped aging due to my travels and interactions with the Grand Stars. It is possible for anyone. It's useful for watching over my lumas. But it gets lonely."

Bowser rubs his chin. "Grand Stars, huh?"

The blond eyes him with suspicion. "You little troublemaker… What are you plotting now?"

His eyes become half lidded as he stares into the sky. "I want an eternity with Peach! When I abdicate my throne to my son, I want to rule... I mean wander the cosmos with her! If she wants that."

Rosalina suppresses a laugh and shakes her head. "She must find you clingy…."

Bowser looks down at the picture. "Maybe…. I miss her terribly."

He reaches his hand out. "P…" Bowser struggles to get it out. "Please! Come with me! Our wedding anniversary is coming up! I'm planning a surprise party for her! It would make her so happy to see you!"

Rosalina closes her eyes and stands up. Her regal stance vanishes for a moment as she does a small dance. "Party? I can make a cake!"

"So, you'll come with me!?"

"Yes."

Bowser flexes his arms. "Awesome! Gwa ha ha! You won't regret it! Let's take the nearby blackhole and skedaddle."

Rosalina frowns again. "You do know there is a 60 percent chance of horrible death if you steer wrong…"

The koopa waves his hand, "Tell me about it! Got toss around a bit. That's how I lost my phone. Man, Peach must be furious with me."

Rosalina likes having company. And she desperately wants to see Peach. But she is having second thoughts about hanging out with this fellow.

"Bowser that is not…Wait…You invented an intergalactic phone!?"

"Gotta keep up with the family! Expensive to make…you'll have to wait a few years for me to give you one."

A gentle laugh escapes Rosalina lips. He is a family man for certain. "All right…You went through a lot to find me," Rosalina resigns, "And I want to see Peach. Let's go."

Toad didn't know why, but he was inclined to take a walk in the forest. He had a map to make sure he wouldn't get lost. Taking small adventures have been helping him with his depression. As he walks, he notices a small campfire. He's drawn to it and finds Peach. She looked depressed while putting logs in it.

"Miss Peach?"

Peach slowly raises her head toward him. "Toad… What are you doing out late?"

He takes a seat next to her. "Going out for a walk." Toad pulls out a notebook and begins writing.

"Notebook?"

"Making a log. So, I can remember better. Sometimes I like to read it from time to time. My doctor recommended it."

Peach leans over when she spots a certain drawing. "Could I see the drawing I won't look at what you wrote."

Toad eagerly scoots over and shows his picture of a rollercoaster. The excitement in his face brings a smile to Peach.

"Toadette invited me to a theme park! It was noisy but it was a lot of fun. I didn't ride this rollercoaster though. Too scary. So, I stayed on the kiddie rides."

"You go at your own pace, Toad."

Toad studies his drawing, "You know I lost my memories. But I told myself I will just make new ones. One day at a time. So, I'm acting like I'm meeting everyone for the first time."

Peach smiles at him gently. "That's …. that's a positive way of looking at it…"

Toad agrees and continues to show her more drawings. He stops on a picture of Bowser. Peach's eyes downcast and the mushroom notices. "Where is Mr. Bowser? He has been gone awhile."

Peach bites her bottom lip. She feels a pang in her heart, like a needle is poking at it. His calls suddenly stopped one day. "He went to space to…I don't know…"

"…. You think he ran off with another woman?"

Peach jumps up alarmed. "He better not… I mean …. N-no! N-not after everything we've been through… He hasn't called and I'm worried. I know what he had to do but I'm still mad. Selfish huh?"

"You mustn't worry. This is Mr. Bowser we're talking about. I'm sure he had a good reason not to call you this pass few weeks. How about as soon as we hear he is in the galaxy, we have a party for him?" Toad flips through his journal. "Your anniversary is coming up, right?"

"Yes…" Peach perks up. She reaches for Toad but stops. Noticing her reluctance Toad rests his small hand on her back. Peach feels a sense of relief and hugs him. The two remain around the fire planning the event.

The next day, Toad accompanies Peach and the koopalings for a shopping trip in the Darklands. Peach has Apricot in a buggy, pushing her around as Junior grabs items. Toad checks a box of candy for the price and debates putting it back. The color attracts Apricot's eyes and she reaches for it. Peach sighs.

"The time where they want everything? But she's so young, Lilac…"

"She's part koopa remember?" Toad jokes.

Apricot drops her pacifier and tries to form words with her mouth.

"Mama! She is trying to talk!" Junior shouts. Larry shouts at the others and they gather around the shopping cart. Peach gets close wishing Bowser was there to hear.

Peach waits thinking she is about to say 'Mama.' But …

"Mine!"

Peach's eyes narrow. Junior roars, "She spoke!"

The koopalings start cheering. Meanwhile, Apricot is still attempting to grab the box from Toad. Peach stares up at the ceiling.

"Of course, that is her first words…. Thank you, Bowser."

One day, Bowser's fleet returned to the planet. Curiously, a beautiful starship had accompanied them. It floated and landed in the Darklands' wastelands. Peach and Toad got to work preparing to welcome him home.

Curious Daisy went to see who was on the ship. At the site, she finds Bowser talking to Rosalina. The two are smiling at each other.

"I have everything ready, Bowser!"

"Oh yeah Baby!"

Daisy's jaw drops when she spots Bowser with another woman. Before she can fuss, she realizes she should not jump to conclusions. So, Daisy walks over to greet them. Spotting Daisy, Bowser begins to sweat profusely.

"It's rude to start rumors, Daisy! My marriage!"

She rolls her eyes, "I didn't say anything, dude!"

Ignoring the bickering, Rosalina presents her star bit cake to Daisy with a smile, "I'm from Peach's home planet. She's a distant relative of mine."

Daisy's eyes turn to stars. "Are you serious!? We gotta tell Peach!

Bowser grabs her arm to stop her from bolting away, "No wait, Daisy! I'm planning a party for Peach!"

Daisy's smile drops and she scratches her head. "Oh no… Peach and Toad were already planning a surprise one in your castle…" She covers her mouth up realizing she ruined the plan.

Bowser's shoulders slump, Rosalina looks at her cake and hangs her head.

"Don't be so down," Daisy begs and places a hand on Rosalina's shoulder, "You can never have enough cake!"

Rosalina perks up at her words.

Daisy begins jumping up and down as an idea cooked up in her mind. "And do you know what, Bowser? We can hide Rosalina until they surprise you. Then you surprise Peach!"

Bowser rubs his chin. "Yeah! I like that…"

They sneak into the living room in the castle. Rosalina finds a corner and curls up. She giggles like a mischievous child and the lumas join her. Satisfied with her hiding spot, Rosalina elegantly raises a finger to her lips. Giving a thumbs up Bowser and Daisy leave.

"Remember Bowser. Act surprise!" Daisy implores.

When Bowser enters the castle's ballroom, he dramatically gasps when everyone jumps out screaming "Happy Anniversary!" (Daisy feels tempted to elbow him in the gut.)

Junior hugs Bowser's ankle. Holding Apricot, Peach leaves Vert at his chair to give Bowser a kiss on the cheek. Bowser's eyes linger on her pink mermaid dress. He is at a loss for words seeing her again. Peach looks away from him and announces the start of the party. She then walks away and Junior follows.

Bowser was expecting to be tackled by her.

I guess she's shy to do that in front of an audience.

The general releases Toadette's hand to come forward and bow, "Welcome back My King."

"Good to be home!" Bowser announces and flexes his muscles. Soon the guests are eating and partying.

Bowser attempts to find Peach and is caught up in the celebration. Among those present at the party are the toads, Yoshi, and the Wario Bros. Bowser looks around, squinting his eyes. "What is this!? All you here like I'm retiring or something!"

Waluigi grumbles, "Well hello to you too…"

"WA HA HA HA!"

Sitting at a table, the general and Toadette are talking with a koopa scientist. Recognizing him as the clone doctor, Bowser stops to eavesdrop.

"We want a family eventually. Thirty kids!" Toadette beams. The general grips her hand and gives her a loving look. Bowser, fuming with jealousy, runs over there.

"Peach and I have plans too! My family will be larger than yours! And I'm still getting land for that farm I'm planning to build with Peach!" He announces.

The general stares at him awkwardly. "This isn't a competition, Sire. We wanted one half toads and one half koopas. But the children will take after Toadette's appearance. So, we were looking into cloning."

The scientist agrees, "We can do that! All we need is a DNA sample from you and Toadette if you want the koopas to have some of her personality. Like we did with the king's heir."

Bowser chokes on a fireball and the general coughs into his claws.

"Whose DNA did you use besides mine!?" the king begs.

"We retrieved a strand of hair from Peach's hairbrush."

Bowser stares at him stunned. The general laughs and turns to Toadette. "That explains some of Junior's traits…."

The king feels like passing out. "Oh, my shell! Why!?"

Not understanding the ethical problem, the scientist lifts an eyebrow. "You love her. So, we thought you would appreciate your son having some of her qualities."

Bowser feels like a bomb has been dropped on his head. How can he ever tell Peach this!? Of all times when he has a surprise for her!

"You can't just… Peach is gonna think I'm …"

"I already know, Bowser." Peach says as she serves guests refreshments.

"Peach!?"

Peach smiles as she hands a glass to Toadette. "I found out when I toured the lab with our dear Junior, during your absence."

He feels a flutter in his heart and Bowser sighs, "Peach…"

Peach keeps walking once her tray is empty. Bowser lifts an eyebrow.

"Hey wait!"

The king says bye to Zephyr and Toadette and chases her but runs into the koopalings. Ludwig is sitting at a piano, with Apricot in his lap, as he plays a tune. The others sit around him listening.

"DA!" Apricot calls out.

Grinning like a chain-chomp, Bowser rushes over to Apricot to pick her up. "Her first words! Her first words!"

Roy coughs, "Actually no, her first words were 'mine.'"

Bowser shakes his head as he holds his daughter. "Now, now my little potato, you can't have everything you want."

"That's rich coming from you."

Bowser spots Peach glaring at him, tapping her foot. She stops to give a kiss to each of their kids. Bowser watches her with a look of longing. As he drinks in the way she moves, he feels like he is meeting her for the first time again. He is so taken by her he doesn't notice she is trying to ignore him.

"Peaches… My Sun... The love of my life!"

Peach's lips downturn but she blushes as she pats Junior's head. She stands up and bite her lips. On reflex Peach reaches out for Bowser but then she drops them. She turns her nose up and walk away. Bowser looks at the kids in confusion.

"She is mad with you." Wendy deadpans.

He doesn't feel the pain of rejection in his heart. Bowser is no longer insecure as to whether Peach loves him. He knows she adores him.

"GWA HA HA! We are not doing the cold shoulder, today. Come here!" Bowser laughs and chases after her.

Realizing he is pursuing her, Peach runs into the kitchen. She is at war with herself. Usually, she gets excited when he chases her. Her heart is especially jumpy from missing him. But Peach wants to be stubborn.

"Stop following me you Big Oaf! You must let me be mad at you!" she calls out.

"Oh, come on Peaches! My trip took longer because of a blackhole. I ended up at the far end of the universe. I'm sorry!"

He tries to cut her off but she maneuvers around him by leaping over the counter. Peach attempts to suppress a laugh. His smoky scent fills her nostrils and she shuts her eyes to focus. Peach dives and crawls under a table and Bowser leaps over it to catch up. He lands in front and the ground shakes. Peach stumbles. Bowser smiles mischievously and spreads his arms to catch her. She tries to duck but he encloses her in a hug. Peach feels light in his strong arms and stops struggling. "B-Bowser!"

"Gwa ha ha!"

He closes his eyes and then nuzzles her shoulder. "What's the matter? Babe… Love Muffin… Honey Lips… Tater Tots… Dumpling…

"Are you hungry!?"

"…for your affection."

Peach cringes at his sappiness but then gives a defeated giggle. "Sorry…"

She leans her head against his cheek and sighs. "I missed you…"

"I missed you too…"

The queen shuts her eyes and pokes her lip out. "No. You can't leave again like that without me! You are my grumpy bear. And I won't let anyone have you."

Bowser faces her. "You thought I left you!? And we're not talking about stabby-stabby 'I won't let anyone have you right?"

Peach's eyes downcast and she twiddles her thumbs with shame, "No…I don't know…I just missed you…"

Their time together have been marked by happy moments but also constant forced separations. The closer they have become the harder it is for Peach to be away from him.

Peach pouts while Bowser chuckles, "I never took you for the jealous type, Peach…" He presses a kiss on her ear. "…I'm going nowhere… but I feel flattered you feel that way."

He really knows how to annoy me…

Peach breaks away from him and folds her arms. "You could float away into the atmosphere with that inflated ego."

Bowser releases a loud laugh. Once he stops, he eyes her. "Thank you for thinking about me... it means the world."

"Of course, I was thinking about you…. I love…"

Suddenly, Bowser pins her against the wall. His jovial stare turns into one of passion. Peach looks to the side, her cheeks a bright pink.

"Even when we are together, I still yearn for you…" he confesses. Bowser quickly bends and nuzzles his snout into the crook of her neck, earning a giggle from her. Then slowly and gently, he kisses her neck. He savors the way she shivers against his frame. "Mm…"

Peach pulls his chin up to capture his lips. The two melts into each other's arms. As Bowser breaks away, he murmurs against her ear, "I would take you away to a faraway land, so it would just be the two of us for a while. That would be selfish, especially today."

He lifts her chin to lock eyes with her. "But you belong to me ….and I belong to you…always."

Peach runs her hands through his red mane. She gives him a puzzled look. "Bowser?"

The queen doesn't realize Bowser is fighting with himself. Yes, he went out of his way to find a living relative of Peach. But once she sees her, Peach will focus on her for the day or even longer. He wants Peach's undivided attention. Meeting Rosalina is important, so he needs to wait to have Peach all to himself. Bowser grinds his teeth and takes her by the hand, leading her out of the kitchen to the living room. Peach looks confused and is about to ask where they are going. Rosalina suddenly jumps from her hiding spot as the lumas hold her cake.

"Happy Anniversary Peach!"

Peach pales and immediately notices the similarities between them. Both stare at each other as they feel an instant connection. Peach briefly looks in Bowser's direction. In that moment, Peach is reminded of the lengths Bowser will go through for her. She is reminded of how much she loves him.

For Bowser, the unfathomable joy in Peach's gentle eyes makes his heart soar. Nearly dying in that blackhole twice was worth it!

She makes a heart sign with her hands and he shyly copies it. The two women then rush towards each other and embrace. Peach cries aloud as Rosalina holds her while comforting her. Bowser takes his leave to give them privacy.

A pleasant breeze drifts through Mushroom Kingdom. The grass gently sways on the rolling hills and the skies are a brilliant blue. Enjoying the day, Yoshi plays a chaotic game of tag with Rosalina and the koopalings. Toad naps on a blanket, barely noticing all the rough housing and laughing around him. Not far, Junior is holding Apricot's hand while they walk through a flower patch to look at butterflies.

From under a tree, Peach and Bowser watch them. Smiling, Bowser turns towards Peach and wraps his arm around her. He purrs and rests his chin on her head as Peach snuggles into him. In an embrace they walk away together - the two former enemies …. now eternal lovers.

A/N: Finished! Thanks for reading!