Problems


Not a cloud to be found in the skies over Brooklyn, just a nice and breezy day. Today would be perfect for an evening jog through the neighborhood. But Marilyn's not in the mood for that. The only thing on her mind is getting home.

Shoulders hunched, Marilyn adjusts her coat collar to hide her face. Her dark brown eyes dart up and down the street. Marilyn then takes a deep breath and ascends the steps to her family's apartment. It's a humble structure, crammed in between other apartment buildings.

The aroma of parmesan cheese, butter, and heavy cream linger in the air but Marilyn ignores the growling in her stomach. She shifts her cap with one hand and slowly reaches for the doorknob. Her plan is to dart in while Mia is distracted with meal preparations. Marilyn will tiptoe into her room, pretend to be sick, and stay in bed for the rest of the day. A flawless plan, she thinks to herself.

But before Marilyn enters, she hears a loud screech behind her. She cringes and slowly turns her head. A yellow van marked 'Super Mario Bros. Plumbing,' is now parked right in front of the apartment! Marilyn screams inside her mind: that was the last thing she needed to see!

A slim man in green and blue overalls, dives out the van. "I forgot my phone!"

His shorter twin brother, dressed in red, impatiently grips the van's steering wheel. "Hurry Lu! We'll be late for that job!" he shouts.

"Keep your mustache on Mario! We won't get anywhere if we're lost! I just need to turn on that GPS…." He nearly bumps into Marilyn but leaps over her to avoid impact.

"Oh, sorry, Marilyn!"

Marilyn waves her hands, letting go of her jacket. "T-that's okay Uncle Luigi!"

Luigi rushes into the house but comes to a complete stop. Marilyn realizes she dropped her collar, exposing the bruise on her cheek. She is not fast enough to pull it back up as Luigi backtracks, like he is a video being rewinded.

Luigi gasps at the sight and his eyes begin to well with tears. "Marilyn, what happened!?" He begs.

Marilyn tries to cover his mouth. "Keep your voice down!" Too late. On cue, Mario jumps out of the van and dashes up the stairs. Unable to hide the mark, Marilyn lowers her gaze and pulls out her phone. The teen pretends to browse and shrugs. "I'm fine. I was just going inside…"

Mario walks around to face her, now bending to make eye contact with her. Marilyn attempts to avoid his stern glare but it's no use. There is no fooling Uncle Mario. He will not back down until he knows what is wrong.

Mario gently places a hand on Marilyn's shoulder, his dark blue eyes laced with concern. "They retaliated, didn't they?"

Marilyn has a brief break in composure as her eyes meet his, her eyes begin to water. She glances at Luigi who is now pulling at his hat.

"I-I…" Marilyn hangs her head, silently begging them to drop the subject. Her failure to handle the problem herself is already eating at her.

Now Mia comes outside, having heard Luigi's shouts. Spotting the bruise, she drags Marilyn in for a hug. Immediately, Marilyn feels her eyes sting as tears pour down.

Seeing her face redden, Mario declares, "I'm going to give those kids a stern talking to!"

With his fists balled up, Mario crosses the front yard with a mighty leap! He climbs into the van and slams the door shut. But despite his anger, Mario remembers to put on his seatbelt. He then fumbles with his keys and turns on the engine.

In vain, Mia and Luigi call out to him.

"Mario!"

"Mario, don't do it! Those girls' parents will flip out again…!"

Mario ignores them and hits the gas pedal.

"Mario!" Mia yells. She begins to complain, in Italian, to Luigi.

"I'll go after him, Mama!" Luigi yells. He runs down the street, trying to catch up to his twin brother. "We need to talk to the principal instead! Mario, get back here!"

"Oh Mario…" Mia bemoans. She shakes her head and focuses on Marilyn. "Please, what happened? Did those girls post another video about you?"

Marilyn gnash her teeth, breaks out of Mia's embrace, and runs into the house.

"I don't want to talk about it!"

"Marilyn!"

Marilyn rushes for the stairs but stops to look into the living room. She spots her grandfather staring at the tv screen and laughing. But his blanket has fallen off and he doesn't seem to notice.

He'll catch a cold.

So Marilyn adjusts his blanket and gives him a hug. Once she sees her grandfather is fine she runs to her room and slams the door shut.


"Here you are, Your Gracefulness! Apricot's custom made shell."

Peach happily accepts the small green shell from the koopa shellsmith. As she examines it, he stands with his chest puffed out. This man was renowned for his craftsmanship in the land, having made many personalized shells for Bowser. And all around his warehouse are many works-in-progress scattered throughout the room.

"Thank you, it's beautiful." Peach compliments. "She's been going on and on about it."

The koopa lumbers over to his workstation to organize his cutting tools. "She wants to look like Young Sire doesn't she?"

Peach gently laughs and rubs her hand over the smooth shell. Peach found it amusing how attached Apricot was toward Junior. She followed him like a shadow. Suddenly, the image of the faint scar on Junior's face flashes in Peach's memory. She feels her heart grow heavy.

Junior received the wound trying to protect Peach and Apricot during the Antasma War. Peach realizes Apricot must remember subconsciously, as she was a baby, Junior's acts of heroism.

Despite the odds, Junior handled that crisis well with his quick thinking. Though she has her concerns, Peach knows he will make a good king.

"Your Highness?"

Peach jolts and realizes she had been daydreaming. "Oh sorry, my mind is full."

"Worried for the prince?"

Peach looks down at the shell while running her fingers over her hair bun. "If I'm being honest… I want to keep my Junior safe in my castle."

"It would bring him shame to hide."

"I know. But I've seen his expressions lately. He's anxious…"

"Junior was created using the best technology we koopas possess. He is capable."

Peach covers her heart with her hand. All her children have a special place in her heart. For Junior, he is the first she truly bonded with. How Peach misses when he was little and the two would paint together. But time flies and now he is older. Peach doesn't want him to grow up too fast.

"It doesn't matter if he's 60 years old, I'll always worry. Junior is still my little baby and I want him safe."

The shellsmith laughs and squeezes Peach's hand to reassure her.

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He can handle whatever comes his way."

Tomorrow the royal family will travel long distances among Bowser's empire and ally territories. The intent is to ascertain needs and to make Bowser's presence known to his subjects. But Junior will also perform certain diplomatic duties. Peach hopes Bowser doesn't push Junior too hard. He is, after all, still young.

A part of Peach also wants Bowser to make time for her. He stays at her side but the two have rarely been alone after Lemon's birth. Peach feels selfish for the honest thought and squashes it. She then smiles and curtsies before the shellsmith.

"I better get going, Bowser's waiting for me."


The Darklands and the Mushroom Kingdom never merged despite the marriage of their rulers. Their cultures were just too different. But the two kingdoms developed a tight bond and looked out for each other.

To ensure they stay united, Bowser and Peach accompany the other on meetings in their respective kingdoms. Today Peach has come to the Darklands to sit by Bowser's side.

Bowser clutches the arms of his throne, his claws digging into the stone. Today he will receive a report from his spies about the shroobs. And it has him on edge. The shroobs is a problem he would like to have taken care of as soon as possible.

But when Peach enters, Bowser feels some of the tension in him lessen. Sighing, he gazes at her - taking in her form. Ever so busy, Peach styled her hair in a romantic tuck. Her dresses are now often long sleeved with puffy shoulders with her delicate neck covered. She carries herself with an even more graceful and elegant air, befitting of a queen.

Bowser loves Peach's current look but he kind of wished she wore some of her older outfits. A blush creeps on his face as he thinks of her off-the-shoulder gowns. Especially the one she wore when they shared their first official kiss. Bowser misses Peach's greeting as he's replaying that tender moment in his head.

"Bowser?"

"I….What!?"

"I said 'Good Afternoon.'"

"Ohhh…"

Trying to focus, Bowser reaches for Peach's hand to direct her to her throne. She lifts an eyebrow noticing his red cheeks.

"What are you thinking?" She teases as her eyes light up.

Not knowing how she would react to him daydreaming, Bowser stammers, "Nothing! I was just thinking of the meeting."

"Oh.."

He blinks, wondering if he spotted a disappointed look in Peach's eyes to his response. Before he can inquire, Mouser and the Koopa General enter. Bowser adopts a stern glare and straightens his back. It's time to get down to business, the future of his people are at stake!

"Tell me everything you know!"


"So they haven't targeted any planets flying my flag?"

Mouser flips through a report obtained from koopa agents working off world. "No, Your Restlessness. Not since the Battle of Dreadnought. A band of shroobs that invaded the colony there are still on ice. They are quite susceptible to freezing temperatures," he responds.

A shy guy wheels in a projector to display an image of frozen shroob troops.

Bowser grins wickedly while Peach looks away.

"Absolutely disgusting. I love it! I want those battleships mass produced!"

Koopa General turns off the projector. "Their ships hover on the edges of imperial space but only a few skirmishes have happened with our navy. The topman tribe have been most helpful in monitoring the shroobs."

Bowser leans on his side and grunts. "I hope the star council will be happy. Millennium Star was already getting on my case again about my new super weapon."

"They keep assuming we want to war again across the cosmos," Mouser adds.

Bowser folds his arms. "The last intergalactic war wasn't even started by me! He's just making up stuff to paint me as a bad guy. No, I'm not planning to use it on anyone but the shroobs. I'm done with world conquest. I just want to keep my family happy and bask in my kingdom's glory."

Out the corner of his eye Bowser sees Peach pulling at her sleeves. Bowser reaches for her hand and gently rubs it. "What are the shroobs citizens like, Mouser?"

Mouser turns the projector back on to insert a tape recorder.

"There are none. Everyone is part of the armed forces. And our spies haven't seen anything troublesome lately. But there is discontent with the shroobs. They want the Mushroom Kingdom at all costs. They want the death of the toads."

The video displays a scene of Princess Shroob holding a mic in a coliseum. She shouts, she points, and she poses to thunderous applause. Princess Shroob's speech is incoherent but it is clear she is spouting propaganda. When she finishes, her citizens erupt into cheering and chanting. Meanwhile, Elder Princess Shroob sits in the stands with her young son. A large mushroom covers half his face, including his eyes. This is Bowser's first time seeing the young heir and he looks like a wimpy shrimp compared to his mother.

Bowser leans forward to squint his eyes. "That's Elder Princess Shroob's heir!? I could poke him with one claw and he'd crumple up like a piece of paper!"

Peach groans, "Bowser!"

"I was just saying…!"

The general approaches the royals. "The video was recorded by spies a week ago. Their language is difficult to translate but our shy guys are hard at work to understand. But whatever Princess Shroob is saying isn't good. The princesses have heard their people's cries. There is a chance they will look for allies to undermine our power."

Peach slowly swallows and says, "Elder Princess Shroob rejected my humanitarian efforts to save their world. I'm surprised she accepted Daisy's invitation after the things she said about non-shroobs."

"I'm sure she is up to something," Bowser mumbles.

Peach hangs her head. "Yes, even though the sisters promised to uphold the ceasefire, it's clear they are waiting for a chance to attack. I do not trust them."

Bowser lets go of her hand to rest his hand on her back. "We have this."

Peach's eyes water up. "I just don't want another war."

Bowser nods in understanding. Some time has passed but Peach still grieves over the aftermath in the war against Antasma. Some scars never leave unfortunately. Remembering the many sleepless nights she had, Bowser gently rubs Peach's back. She wipes her eyes with a handkerchief and smiles appreciatively at him.

Bowser speaks in a comforting voice. "I agree, Peaches. That's why the tour is important. To get a feel of what my army is facing."

Mouser clears his throat to speak. "Ummm, Boss there is another matter I wish to speak with you on. It involves the Young Sire."

Bowser tilts his head. "Junior? So, how has his training been going?" He asks.

"Well. He is excelling at an excellent rate. Just ….."

"Spit it out Mouser."

Sweat is now pouring down Mouser's face as he fiddles with his pen.

"Mouser, don't be scared of him," Peach states; Bowser sticks his tongue out at her.

Peach's words fill Mouser with confidence to continue. "There are rumors some nobles are a little unsure that the heir is able to shoulder the fate of the Koopa Empire. I fear for his safety when he ascends the throne."

Bowser's eyes spot Peach pressing her hands over her heart. He knows that look. A strong and unstoppable desire to protect her son is now consuming her.

"Which one? I will talk to them," she utters.

Bowser leans back. "Easy there, Peach. That's my job. I'm the one that does the dirty work."

He turns toward Mouser, his fangs showing. "Why aren't they saying it to my face?"

Mouser frowns, "They don't want to die."

"Oh."

"But this could be a problem down the road for Junior. You can't just wipe out all the nobles, Boss. You need them. Especially Lady Breeze's House."

Lady Breeze is matriarch of a paratroopa family. Every so often their lineage produces the rare blue shell koopa variants. Bowser grumbles under his breath. "Do I really? Breeze is hanging by a thread trying to disinherit…" He stops when he sees the general look down to the ground. "Nevermind."

The general straightens his back out. "Your Highness…"

"No, I get it. She's still your older sister even if she's an idiot."

The general shakes his head and chuckles. "I will ensure your tour will go well, Your Foulness. May I be dismissed? I have to check on Toadette and the kids."

Bowser waves him off and slumps into his throne. He thought he squashed descent when the nobles rebelled over him marrying Peach. It seems the problem is creeping back up.

Peach flutters her hands in front of her face and deep breaths. She was really trying to keep her temper in check. No one threatens Junior when she's around.

"Peach, Junior's fine. Despite how Breeze is, she ultimately cares about the royal line. I don't want you to get upset…. Though you are pretty when you're angry," Bowser flirts.

Peach rolls her eyes. She stands up and takes Bowser's hand. Peach tugs and he allows her to lead him out. Mouser rolls up his documents to follow.

"Bowser, as long as we're here, Junior is safe."

"That's the thing Peach. He has to be able to stand on his own, eventually. The koopas won't follow someone that can't take care of things. Or one that is indecisive. They follow ones that know what they want and do what it takes to get it! That is why I want to deal with the shroobs before Junior becomes king."

Bowser drops his arm and slumps, Peach turns to comfort him. Suddenly, he puffs his chest out. He can't have Peach think he is helpless!

"I can't give into quitter thoughts. By the time I'm done no one will question if my son can handle the kingship!"

Peach looks at Mouser. "Mouser, may you leave us alone?"

"Huh? Oh…Of course, Lady Boss!"

Curious, Bowser follows Peach as she enters an open area of the castle surrounded by lava. In the center is a tennis court.

Peach slowly lets go of his hand and Bowser stares at her. His eyes follow her as she walks towards a racquet stand. Her serious expression fills him with worry.

"What's wrong Peaches? You stumbled across a plot? Is Mouser a traitor? You have a strategy to take out the Shroob sisters!?"

Peach giggles and shakes her head. She tosses a tennis racket to Bowser as she takes a position on the opposite side of the net. "There you go again, all business."

"Huh!?"

"Play with me."

Peach serves the ball and Bowser's competitive nature instantly activates. The two hit the ball back and forth, neither allowing it to get past.

Bowser eventually misses the ball when Peach aims at a sharp angle.

"It's been awhile. I forgot how good you are!" Bowser teases.

He recovers the ball before it falls into the lava. Bowser lumbers into position and gives a powerful serve. Peach can't return it due to the extreme speed of the ball.

"And I forgot you like to show off," Peach laughs.

When she hits the ball, Bowser tucks into his shell to quickly return it. Peach lifts her skirt as she runs to send the ball back over.

Peach bemoans, "We've been so focused on work we've hardly spend time alone lately. When we were shopping, we both went our separate ways."

Bowser allows the ball to sail past him. He knows she's right. With his dear Lemon arriving, the shroobs crisis, and getting Junior ready, they've been on the go. They work together but they're hardly alone to just sit and talk.

Bowser needs to address this immediately.

So, Bowser pulls the net up to walk under. He then scoops Peach up in one hand. The sudden movement makes Peach reach for his chest to steady herself.

"Let's talk then."

Bowser takes a seat on the ground and gently presses Peach against his chest. He enjoys the feeling of her small heartbeat thumping against his chest. Peach lifts her head briefly to tickle his chin with her nose. She then rests her head against him.

Bowser begins first. "This is a crucial time for me and Junior. Without the ….arena, I need another method to prove he can lead. I want this to work, Peaches. And I want you guys to be happy with me!"

"I am happy…. But don't push yourself or him too hard."

"What do you suggest?"

Peach taps her chin, contemplating how to word her statements; Bowser waits for her answer. After a moment, Peach responds, "I think it is important for Junior to enjoy being a kid while he trains. Make friends around his age. Our older children are already getting on with their lives."

Bowser groans. The koopalings, his adopted nephews and niece, were not around like they used to be. Koopas start early looking for careers, compared to other species. Morton runs a cook show channel. Ludwig teaches music at the Shy Guy University. Iggy teaches science to elementary kids while Lemmy runs a traveling circus. Larry and Roy have positions on Peach's council to represent the koopas living in the Mushroom Kingdom. Finally, Wendy has opened a clothing store boutique. Bowser missed them but he couldn't hold them back.

Peach continues, "In the blink of an eye he'll be an adult. I want my Junior to enjoy being a kid. The tour should be fun for him!"

"Come on Peach, fun doesn't need to end when he grows up. It's just our tour is business! Not a vacation!"

Peach folds her arms. "You know what I mean."

Bowser leans back and runs his claws down his face. "...You're right and I agree. I'll keep it in mind." Bowser then nuzzles her forehead and speaks in a low voice. "And as for your concerns about us, I already have some plans... You'll love it!"

To Bowser's joy Peach gently smiles, "I look forward to it."