Chapter 37: Under the Shade of the Tree
Daisy arrived at the infirmary, her heart heavy with worry. As she stepped inside, she saw Rosalina sitting up in her bed, her eyes calm and serene, as if she had been waiting for her. There was a soft smile on Rosalina's lips, and she motioned for Daisy to come closer.
"Rosalina, you shouldn't be sitting up. You need to rest," Daisy said, her voice filled with gentle concern.
Rosalina's smile deepened, and she reached out, taking Daisy's hand in hers. "There's no more time for rest, Daisy. I'd like to go to the palace gardens. Will you take me?"
Daisy hesitated, her eyes searching Rosalina's face for any sign of pain. "Are you sure? Maybe it's better if you stay here—"
"I'm sure," Rosalina interrupted softly, her voice as steady and warm as ever. "Please, Daisy."
There was something in her tone, something that made Daisy's heart ache, but she nodded. "Alright. Let's go."
With great care, Daisy helped Rosalina into a wheelchair, making sure she was comfortable. As she wheeled her down the corridors of the castle, she couldn't help but steal glances at Rosalina, who looked strangely at peace. It was as if the usual weight she carried, the burden of cosmic knowledge, had been lifted.
When they reached the gardens, Daisy paused for a moment, taking in the sight before her. The palace gardens were truly a marvel—a symphony of colors, with flowers of every hue swaying gently in the breeze. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming jasmine, and the sun cast a warm, golden glow over everything. Butterflies danced lazily among the petals, and a light mist from a nearby fountain sparkled like tiny diamonds. The gentle hum of bees collecting nectar was a soothing background melody, as if the garden itself was breathing life around them.
As they moved through the garden's winding paths, Rosalina began to speak, her voice soft and soothing. "Do you see it, Daisy? The balance, the harmony? The way each flower blooms in its own time, without rushing, without fear. Everything in the cosmos is like this... a delicate balance that, when left undisturbed, creates such beauty."
Daisy listened quietly, pushing the wheelchair slowly, letting Rosalina's words wash over her. She felt as though she was being let in on a secret, something ancient and profound. Each word felt like a gentle nudge, guiding her towards an understanding she had always struggled with—the beauty of letting go.
"It's not just about the stars and planets," Rosalina continued. "It's about life. Each moment, each breath, is part of a greater tapestry. There is beauty in every beginning... and every end. Each flower blooms in its own time, and when its petals fall, it leaves behind seeds that take root. Life continues, in new forms, in new places. And so it is with everything, Daisy. Even when one journey ends, another begins."
They came to a stop in front of the largest tree in the garden, its branches sprawling wide, offering cool shade beneath its canopy. The tree was ancient, its trunk thick and strong, with leaves that shimmered in the sunlight like emeralds. Rosalina looked up at it, her eyes filled with a gentle admiration.
"Here," she said, nodding slightly. "Let's stop here."
Daisy carefully helped Rosalina out of the wheelchair, supporting her as they walked a few steps to sit beneath the tree. The ground was soft, and the grass felt cool against their hands. Rosalina leaned back against the trunk, closing her eyes for a moment as if savoring the sensation.
"Why this tree?" Daisy asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Rosalina opened her eyes and smiled. "Because it's seen so much, yet it remains. Through storms, through droughts, it stands tall. There's a lesson there, I think."
Daisy sat beside her, the realization slowly dawning on her. There was something final about the way Rosalina was speaking, and the thought made her chest tighten. She clasped her hands together tightly, a chill creeping up her spine. "Rosalina... what are you saying?"
Rosalina turned to her, her gaze soft and full of understanding. "There comes a time when every journey must come to an end, Daisy. That doesn't mean the journey wasn't beautiful... or worth it."
Daisy's eyes filled with tears, but she fought to keep her voice steady. "I... I need you. We all do. You can't just..."
"Death is not the end," Rosalina said gently, cutting her off. "It is a part of life, as natural as the changing of the seasons. I am not afraid of it, and you shouldn't be either. I have been many things, Daisy. But before I was a guardian of the stars, I was just a girl who loved to watch the clouds drift by."
She reached out, placing a hand on Daisy's. "Come, lie next to me. Let's watch them together."
Daisy hesitated, but there was no fear in Rosalina's eyes, only peace. Slowly, she lay down beside her, their shoulders just touching, as they both gazed up at the sky. The clouds moved lazily, shifting shapes, and for a moment, everything felt still, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
Daisy's mind raced, trying to hold on to every word, every moment. "How... how did you find peace with all of this?" she asked softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. She waited, her gaze fixed on the clouds above, expecting Rosalina's gentle wisdom to guide her one last time.
But only silence answered. Frowning, Daisy turned her head to look at her friend—and saw that Rosalina's eyes were closed, her face serene, as if she had simply drifted off to sleep.
A soft breeze rustled the leaves above them, and for a brief moment, Rosalina's hand squeezed Daisy's, a silent gesture of reassurance. Then, it fell still. Daisy felt an overwhelming sense of calm wash over her. It wasn't the suffocating sadness she had expected, but a quiet, gentle acceptance. She knew, deep down, that this was how it was meant to be.
She looked back up at the sky, her eyes misty but dry, and watched as the clouds continued to drift, free and unbound, just as Rosalina would have wanted.
As the moments passed, Daisy found herself whispering a quiet thank you, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves. "Thank you, Rosalina... for everything."
The garden remained still, the beauty of life surrounding them, as Daisy sat under the shade of the ancient tree, with Rosalina at peace by her side.
Daisy slowly made her way back to the castle, her mind still lost in the serene quiet that had enveloped her and Rosalina beneath the tree. Before she entered the war room, she paused at the door, her hand hovering just above the handle. She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of Rosalina's final embrace, as if it had woven itself into her very bones. You can do this, she thought, taking a deep breath. Even if you're not ready, you have to try.
When she finally stepped inside, she found the group laughing and listening to Shantae and Luigi recounting more of their adventures together. For a moment, Daisy stood there, just watching, taking in the warmth and laughter. It felt like the world was still spinning, even though hers had slowed to a halt.
As she stepped further into the room, the sound of her footsteps drew everyone's attention. They turned to her, smiles still lingering on their faces, but those smiles quickly faded when they saw the look on hers. Daisy's expression was peaceful, yet there was a trace of sorrow, as if she was carrying a truth that was too heavy to speak but was determined to carry.
The room went quiet, the laughter and conversation fading into silence. Peach's smile disappeared as she placed a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with concern. Donkey Kong's brow furrowed, and he lowered his head slightly, as if bracing for what he knew was coming. Sonic, sensing the shift in the room, clenched his fists at his sides, his shoulders tense.
One by one, the heroes understood, and a collective stillness settled over them, each taking a moment to remember the impact Rosalina had on their lives. For some, it was her guidance, for others, it was her quiet strength. Sora and Shantae, unfamiliar with Rosalina's history, could only watch and sense the deep respect and love everyone held for her.
Daisy stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of the room, the unspoken questions, and the silent mourning. She took a deep breath, trying to gather the peace she had felt in the garden. "She went peacefully," she said, her voice soft but clear. "She... she was ready. She knew."
Peach stepped forward, gently taking Daisy's hands in her own. "I'm so sorry, Daisy," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. Daisy's hands trembled for a moment, but she squeezed back, grateful for the warmth and support.
Pit's gaze dropped, "Her absence will be felt across the universe," he said quietly. "She wasn't just a guardian of the cosmos… she was a reminder that even in war, there is peace, there is hope. She kept us all grounded."
Daisy swallowed, feeling the knot in her throat tighten. "She entrusted that role to me." Her voice wavered slightly, but she steadied herself, lifting her chin as she continued. "I don't have her powers, or her wisdom... at least, not yet. I'm... I'm not Rosalina. But I'll do my best. I'll grow into this. I'll honor her, and I'll protect the balance, like she would have wanted."
She glanced around the room, her gaze meeting each of theirs, hoping they could see the mix of fear and determination behind her eyes. "I know I have a lot to learn, and I'm scared I might not be enough, but... she believed in me. So, I have to believe in myself."
The room remained silent, but it was not a heavy silence. It was calm, peaceful, as if a quiet understanding had passed through each of them. Peach stepped closer, pulling Daisy into a gentle embrace. "You're not alone in this, Daisy," she whispered. "We'll all be here, just as Rosalina would want us to be."
Daisy nodded, hugging her back tightly, letting the warmth of Peach's words seep in. "Thank you, Peach... I'm going to need it."
Pit's voice broke the quiet. "If Rosalina trusted you, then so will we. Whatever comes next... we'll face it together."
For a moment, the room felt lighter, as if Rosalina's spirit had left a gentle warmth behind. They knew they were facing overwhelming odds, but in that moment, they also felt a renewed sense of purpose. For Rosalina, and for everything she had believed in.