-Chapter 54-
The Trial of Princess Daisy
The Dark Lands
Several weeks had passed since the end of the Sarasaland Crisis. Daisy was sitting on a simple wooden cot in the dungeons of Bowser's Castle, toying with a loose rock she had dislodged from her wall. Instead of her normal dress, she was clad in a black-and-white striped dress that looked more like a formless sack than a dress. She even had the little prisoner hat on the top of her head. She was a bit thinner and paler from lack of sunlight and exercise, but at the very least, she was devoid of injury. A small mercy in her horrid circumstances. She sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"Just how long have I been down here?"
She turned to the tally marks on the wall. There were twenty-four altogether, as well as countless doodles and words that looked like the ramblings of a madman.
"L is Real 2014", "The cake is a lie!", "a squared + b squared = c squared," "Triumph Forks? Triforce? Prime Energy?", and "Who IS Shigeru Miyamoto!?" She blinked a few times.
"Wow… Can't believe I'm just now seeing these marks."
"Oi!" one of the Hammer Bro. guards yelled. "Shut yer yap, convict!"
"Yeah, shut it!" snapped the other.
Daisy winced, closing her mouth. She was used to such barbed words by now, though they still stung.
"Honestly... I'm beginning to wish Bowser did end my game," she said softly to herself. "Better him than all this anticipation." She sighed. "I wonder how Mips is doing?"
-X-
In the castle infirmary, Kerry was laid out alongside several other bombshells. Many of them were sedated, a few having their fuses carefully trimmed to keep them disarmed. Kerry was conscious, laid out on his stomach as he held the hand of one Mary Pat. She was in her Soopa Suit, sans the helmet, rubbing his hand as he told her what had been going on.
"Kamek and Kammy are making progress on the spell to separate us from the Bob-ombs," he reported. "It won't be ready anytime soon, but it's better than nothing."
"I'm glad." MP squeezed his hand. "I'm so sorry this happened to you. If I hadn't gotten careless back then…"
"It's not your fault," Kerry soothed. "I made my choice back then, and if given a do-over, I'd do it again. You saved Grambi knows how many Koopas that day, and you wouldn't have done that if Hua had gotten her claws on you."
MP sighed, bringing his hand to her forehead. "I could have saved more. I could have saved you."
"You came for us. You did the best you could. That's all that matters."
MP smiled.
"Miss Hood…" Kammy wheeled in at that. "I'm afraid it's time."
MP glanced over at the elderly Magioopa, giving a nod.
"Right, thanks Kammy." She gave Kerry's hand one last squeeze. "I'll see you when you're blue and spiny again."
Kerry nodded as she headed out. As the infirmary doors closed behind her, Mip's face hardened. She slid her helmet on, the latches closing with an almost ominous click.
"So, it's finally time."
"Indeed it is. The Palace of Judgment awaits."
-X-
At the entrance to the dungeons, the guards turned to each other.
"It's finally time then," the first one spoke up.
"Yeah," the second one replied. "We're finally getting rid of her. No more listening to her mutterings or her sobs at night."
"Yeah. She acts like she's the victim here.."
The bros both spit in disgust.
"So, how do you think King Bowser's gonna end her game? I'm hoping he 'sacrifices' her. Like he did those guys at his wedding."
"I hope he has her bricked. Maybe we can put her in the latrines, or the sewers."
"Or break her to bits."
They laughed to themselves, uncaring of the fact that Daisy could hear everything. She was curled up on the cot, idly staring at a crude, wooden bowl full of a bland, brown sludge. It was the only thing she had been given since she was locked up. It was practically tasteless and smelled like foul water.
One guard chuckled darkly, leaning over to his friend. "Y'know… maybe if we're careful-like, we can sneak in and end her ourselves."
"Dude! There's no way we'd get away with it. The Captain would have our shells and King Bowser would end us when he finds out! "
"You mean if he finds out?"
"...If… if is good."
They turned with evil grins toward Daisy's cell, only for large metal fists to smash their heads into their shells with a loud clang. After pulling their heads back out, they turned to see the Blue Hood staring them down. Though the helmet covered her face, the withering scowl could be felt through the plexiglas.
"No one is ending any games today," she informed them coldly.
"Ahhhh! Captain Blue Hood!" the first guard let out.
"Errr... sir! Ma'am! Your Honor! Your Majesty!"
"Shut up." The guards flinched at Mary Pat's tone. "Open the cell. It's time."
Hearing this, Daisy tensed.
"Yes ma'am!"
The two guards frantically rushed to open the cell. Once the door was open, MP stepped inside. Silently setting her bowl aside, Daisy stood to greet her.
"MP..."
"Daisy..." From her bag, MP produced a set of prisoner manacles. "You ready for this?"
Daisy sighed. "As I'll ever be."
MP closed the manacles around Daisy's wrists and ankles, making sure they were secure before she started leading her out.
"Uhhhh…" One of the guards tentatively spoke up. "Captain Hood, ma'am?"
MP stopped. "What?"
"You're not gonna tell His Gnarliness King Bowser about us... ulp... taking matters in our own hands, are you?"
They smiled nervously as Mary Pat sighed.
"No, I'm not." They sighed in relief as MP resumed walking out. "My Soot recorded and broadcast the whole thing already."
"HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH!?" the Hammer Bros. cried as MP left with Daisy.
"Thanks…" the princess said quietly.
"Don't thank me yet, they may just get what they want."
"Right… So… How's everyone doing back in Toad Town?"
"Peach is back to full strength," MP reported. "She's been gathering everything and anything she can find to try and plead your case.
Daisy smiled. "That's encouraging."
"Luigi calls me at least twice a day for updates on you. Bowser forbade you from seeing anyone outside of the guards, else I would have let you speak to each other."
"Can't say I'm surprised. Pretty sure he's already measuring my noose."
"Also, Mario and Peach got ahold of your old man. He'll be there."
Daisy audibly winced, looking down. "I can only imagine what he thinks of me and how I screwed up managing Sarasaland."
"I can't say," MP replied. "I have yet to meet the man, or hear anything other than he'll be there."
"Well... we're both gonna find out."
Toad Town - Peach's Castle
Meanwhile, back in Toad Town, Mario and Luigi had just arrived at the castle, dressed in black suits with neckties in their respective colors, their caps remaining. Mario sighed, tugging at his collar.
"I know we said we'd be there, but I really hope we can end this trial quickly. This monkey suit is killing me!"
"Tell me about it." Luigi licked his thumb, making sure his hair was slick back and neat. "This tie's choking me like one of those Wrigglaconda things Toad told us about. But... it's for Daisy. And she's gotta be doing way worse than us right now."
Mario nodded. They arrived at the entrance to the throne room, a pair of Toad guards standing at attention.
"Ah!" one exclaimed. "Masters Mario and Luigi!"
"Hey Aler T., Vigilan T.," Mario greeted. "Is Peach ready?"
"If by ready you mean she's presentable and has the case lined up, then yes," Aler T. replied. "Psychologically...errr..."
"Well, the king's been doing the best he can with that," Vigilan T. replied.
Mario and Luigi perked.
"The king?" Mario asked.
"You mean, Peach and Daisy's dad?" Luigi let out.
Vigilan T. nodded. "Yep, King Truffle himself."
"He will be acting as Princess Daisy's defense attorney," Aler T. informed them.
"Oh wow…" Mario mused. "We're going to be meeting their father… Now I'm kinda glad we're in suits."
"Definitely not how I thought this would happen," Luigi remarked.
The Bros. took sharp breaths, now even more worried.
"Well, let's-a go."
Luigi nodded. When they entered, they were greeted by the sight of Peach speaking with an older man. Rather than her usual dress, Peach was wearing a grey pantsuit with a pink blazer underneath. Her hair was in a neat bun, though a few strands were loose, revealing how stressed she was. The older man she was with wore regal robes, with long blonde hair and a full beard, and blue eyes that made it clear this was Peach's father, King Truffle Toadstool.
"I'm so worried, Daddy…" Peach let out. "I've done everything I can, gathered what I could find to work in Daisy's favor. I just hope it will be enough."
"It's going to be alright, Peach," Truffle soothed. "Whatever happens will happen. All we can do is hope that Daisy is judged worthy of continuing."
"I know..." Peach perked as she saw Mario and Luigi enter.
"O-Oh!" she quickly smoothed her hair out, wiping her face. "Mario! Luigi! I didn't realize you were here already!"
"Sorry, we didn't call ahead," Mario replied. "Got a lot going on right now."
"Understatement of the century," Luigi remarked.
"That it is..." Truffle turned to the Bros. "I am Truffle Toadstool, the former king of the Mushroom Kingdom. You can call me Truff for short. And you must be Mario and Luigi. It's good to see you boys again."
"Again?" Mario perked. "Oh, right! We knew Peach as babies, of course you'd know us."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," Luigi added.
"Indeed. And you've both grown into exceptional young men." Truff smiled before sighing. "A pity this reunion had to come under such... terrible circumstances."
"Y-Your Majesty..." Luigi began. "I know Daisy... royally messed up...errr… I mean..."
"It's alright, I have been informed of the situation."
Luigi nodded once. "Well, isn't there anything you can do? A royal pardon? Something?"
Truff shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Bowser is taking this through the highest authority in the world, the one power no ruler can overrule. Not him... Or I."
"Right..." Luigi sighed. "So! You seem uhhh..." How do I put this… Unusually calm, considering your daughter's..."
"Hysterics will not protect her, nor will rash, emotional actions."
"What Luigi means is, we thought you'd be more... furious with her...or, well…" Mario explained.
"I am. I am also disappointed, ashamed… and wracked with guilt." Truff sat down. "This entire fiasco, boys, is my doing. I should have known Daisy wasn't ready for a duty of such magnitude. I should have been more attentive. I should have taken the time to help her."
"Daddy, please, you did everything you could." Peach cut in. "Beating yourself up won't help things. Especially not now."
"You're right. Your sister needs us." Truff stood up. "Come, it's a long ride to the Court Kingdom, and even Lady Themis' patience has limits."
He headed out, the others following.
"Court... Kingdom?" Luigi repeated.
"The center of the Mushroom World Court," Peach explained. "Where the highest cases and biggest trials are held."
Mario gaped. "They have an entire kingdom dedicated to due process!?"
"The Mushroom World isn't as peaceful or idyllic as the bright colors would lead you to believe, Mario," Peach told him. "We have issues and crimes, like anywhere else. And when they can't be handled by kingdom rulers, it's taken to Lady Themis. The Ultimate Justice."
"Can we trust her?" Luigi asked. "She's a ruler herself..."
Peach nodded. "The Court Kingdom is the ultimate neutral authority."
"And Lady Themis is the very personification of tough but fair," Truff added. "She is swayed not by race nor by standing. She cannot be bribed, coerced, or swayed. She follows the law to the letter." He cleared his throat. "And upholds the spirit. Honestly, I'm more worried about Bowser deciding to... take matters into his own hands than her. He lacks Morton's wanton cruelty, but he's every bit as vengeful. And he cares for his Koopa brethren. He wants a blood payment, and by Grambi, he'll get one.
"Oh dear..." Peach gasped.
"She's fine, Peach," Mario assured. "Bowser forbade torture, remember?"
"So he said…" Peach didn't seem convinced.
"I trust MP, and she said nobody's touched Daisy," Luigi chimed in. "She would never allow it."
"I know, I know. I just…"
"Hey." Mario put a hand on Peach's shoulder. "If you don't trust Bowser, trust my sister. She wouldn't let anyone hurt Daisy. And if he did... he'd have a whole new set of problems to worry about."
Peach paused, before turning toward Mario and smiling a little.
"Yes, you're right. Thank you, Mario." She took his hand. "I needed to hear that."
Mario nodded. Truff, meanwhile, silently watched this and began thinking.
At the same time, the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom was watching the events play out on the news.
"Metro News! Where the news comes last and the weather comes later!"
Michael slammed his papers down before slapping Mark with one.
"Hello, and welcome to Metro News in New Donk City. I'm your anchor Michael Richardson."
"And I'm your co-anchor, Phoenix Wright, but you can call me Mark."
"It's the trial of the century. Princess Daisy, formerly of Sarasaland versus King Bowser Koopa of the Dark Lands. Normally, anyone would think that the King Koopa didn't have a snowball's chance in the Barrel Volcano, but think again."
"Princess Daisy mismanaged Sarasaland quite badly, which came to a head during the beginning of the Tatanga crisis when she foolishly signed a bill revoking Koopa citizenship in the land, given to her by the late Madame Hua, without even bothering to read it. I mean, really. You'd have to be one lousy leader to do something that stupid."
"Yeah, no one is that stupid, unless we're talking about Tim,"
"Hey!" Tim objected. "I'm smart!"
Michael gave him a look. "Have you heard your weather reports? We might as well wear Isle Delfino shirts and shorts all the time just to avoid you."
Tim grumbled to himself before Michael got back to business.
"The trial is being held in the infamous Palace of Judgement. We now go live to Dan who is covering the events."
The camera cut to Dan standing in front of a massive, regal-looking courthouse, a crowd gathered outside.
"Michael, I'm standing here before the Palace of Judgment, where the defendant is due to enter any minute now."
Several Koopas were in the crowd, all waving signs, cheering for Daisy to have the book thrown at her…or worse.
"As you can see, the assembled Koopas, both inside and outside the Koopa Troop, are out for Princess Daisy's blood. The former princess still has yet to- wait!"
An airship landed before the courthouse. A landing ramp extended, MP in full Blue Hood attire exiting, escorting a chained Daisy by the arm. As soon as she emerged, the crowd started booing and jeering, throwing objects at her. Despite the overwhelming emotions coursing through her, Daisy kept a stoic, calm face as MP led her toward the courthouse steps.
"Princess! Captain Hood!" Dan ran up to them, the cameraman behind him. "Have you anything to say before the-"
Without missing a beat or even looking in their direction, MP covered the camera with her hand.
"No comment," she said coldly, shoving him back before leading Daisy inside.
"Well... there you have it. No comment, but the trial is soon to begin. I'll be here on site providing developments as they... develop."
"And that's the end of Metro News," Michael declared. "Join us next time, as we delve into the corruption and violations conducted by Kremkroc Industries and its CEO, King Keith 'Krudd' Rool."
-X-
Daisy and MP took their seats as everyone filed into the courtroom. On her side, Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Truff entered. Daisy smiled at the first three, before looking away in shame at Truff. On the opposite side, Bowser lumbered in, his hair slicked back and a red necktie around his neck. He shot Daisy a look of contempt as he took his seat. The bailiff, an orange Toad in a red suit, stepped forward.
"Order in the court! The Palace of Judgment Court is now in session for the case of King Bowser of the Dark Lands versus Princess Daisy of the Mushroom Kingdom. All rise for the honorable Judge Justitia Themis!"
An animated justice statue came strolling in, wearing a blindfold and powdered wig as everyone stood up. She took her seat at the bench.
"That's Lady Themis?" Mario asked. "The judge?"
"Yes." Peach nodded. "The Ultimate Justice. Rule of Law Incarnate."
"She looks just like one of those courthouse statues!" Luigi exclaimed.
"Because she is," Truff informed them. "Legend says that long ago, during the lawless times of our world, Lady Themis made a wish. She wished for someone that would remain a steadfast pillar of justice. A beacon of fairness to uphold the law and protect the land. The Stars saw fit to grant her wish, transforming her into the being that stands before us."
"Impressive," Mario mused.
"Thank you, Mat T.," Themis said politely. "Everyone please be seated."
They all sat down.
"Docket number 4211989, Bowser of the Dark Lands vs. Daisy Toadstool. Gross negligence, conspiracy to commit genocide, aiding and abetting in the persecution of a sentient race, and unlawful abuse of power. How does the defendant plead?"
"Guilty." Daisy stood tall, looking everyone in the eyes as gasps and whispering filled the courtroom. "I'm not gonna lie, or make excuses."
"However, we contest the charges of conspiracy to commit," Truffle cut in.
"Your Honor, Daisy Toadstool's hatred for my kind is well known, and well documented by witness statements from my guard captain and several victims rescued from Sarasaland," Bowser pointed out.
"But it does not run so deeply that she would willfully annihilate them. Madame Hua tricked her into signing that bill. Had she known what it was, she never would have signed it."
"And she would know if she'd actually bothered to read the blasted thing!"
"Enough!" Themis cut in sternly. "Daisy, what are your thoughts on the conspiracy charge?
"I didn't know what Hua was planning. She fooled me, pulled the wool over my eyes. I won't deny that I was stupid, and played a part. But I would never willingly or knowingly do something like that."
"I see."
"The prosecution moves for a full trial," Bowser insisted. "I want all charges confirmed and a full sentence. We're requesting restitution for games ended and property unlawfully seized, and for Princess Daisy to be fully remanded to Dark Land custody and law. I won't accept anything less."
"And what does the defense want?"
"For Daisy to be remanded to Mushroom Kingdom custody and law," Truffle replied. "To work to properly atone for her mistakes."
"Don't act like you won't just give her a slap on the wrist, old man!" Bowser snapped. "Your coddling is what led to this! You're the one who put her in charge of Sarasaland in the first place, and she ran it into the ground!"
"Order!" Themis banged her gavel harshly. Bowser took a deep breath, composing himself before going on.
"She was lazy. Contributed to an attempted genocide, unintentionally or not. There's no atoning for or forgiving that. "
"We will let the court decide. This matter will go to trial," Themis banged the gavel again. "We will reconvene in an hour. Take that time to cool your head, King Bowser. Personal biases and grudges hold no sway in the Court Kingdom."
Bowser was silent before nodding. "...Alright."
Everyone broke as Daisy was led to the temporary holding cell.
-X-
Sometime later, Daisy's family and the Marionettis gathered near where Daisy was being held. She looked up at Truffle.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I'm so sorry…" she sniffled. "You entrusted Sarasaland to me, and I ruined it. I failed you."
"No," Truffle shook his head. "I'm the one who failed you, Daisy. I left you with such a heavy burden... long before you were ready. I should have taken more time to train you, to make sure you were ready. This is my fault."
"I know why you chose Peach to lead Toad Town now." Daisy looked down. "I know that there's a reason why she's the better heir, the better daughter... and I'm not."
Truffle gaped in shock before shaking his head. "Daisy, no. You are not inferior to Peach in any way, and I'm sorry if I ever made you think as such. You are strong, passionate, and loyal to the kingdom. You put yourself on the front lines, ensuring you fought the threat before they could hurt anyone else. Those are the merits of a leader as well... but only when tempered with humility and wisdom."
"Hey," Luigi chimed in. "We'll get through this. You have my word."
"Don't make promises you can't keep, Bro," MP told him. "The charges against Daisy are steep. And even if her game isn't ended, well… that may be the better alternative."
Daisy took a deep breath. "I meant what I said. I accept whatever punishment Bowser has planned for me. Whatever happens, I'm ready."
The guards entered at that moment.
"It's time."
"Well, that's our cue," Mario said. "Come on, we got a case to win."
-X-
The court reconvened, everyone taking their places.
"The trial now begins proper," Lady Themis began. "Prosecution, your opening statement."
Bowser stood up. "Two thousand nine hundred seventy-four. That is the number of Bombshells that were created from the Sarasaland Koopa, out of the nearly seven thousand that called the realm home. Of those bombshells, we were only able to recover five hundred seventeen of them… out of almost three thousand. All of those lives are on Daisy Toadstool's head. Hua may be the one who devised the bill and this scheme, but Daisy is the reason it got as far as it went. Her negligence led to the massacre... nay the genocide of my people, and we beg this court to see this and to ensure that justice is served."
"Noted. Defense?"
Truff stood up. "Your Honor, Princess Daisy was negligent, no one denies that. However, she would not willingly allow for such a tragedy to occur. I beg the court to see this for what it is, a horrible tragedy where my daughter was a pawn. Yes, she deserves to be punished, but is her mistake truly worthy of death?"
Bowser seemed unconvinced. Seeing this, and Daisy's expression, Mario rose to his feet.
"Your Honor, requesting permission to approach the bench."
Themis nodded. "Permission granted. The Defense has the floor."
Mario approached the bench, standing before the crowd. "Bowser, if you claim Daisy deserves to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for her negligence... then you should hold yourself to the same standards."
A hushed whisper flits through the crowd. Bowser scowled, snorting smoke from his nose.
"Excuse me?"
"When my brother and I first came to the Mushroom World, the Koopa Troop was running rampant. I fought off some of your men bullying a Toad shopkeep in a protection racket. Your soldiers were hoarding heat and fire in Frappe Snowland, risking everyone freezing to death. You turned multiple Toads into Brick Blocks, and Clawgrip personally crushed several of them to death. And all this was because of your neglect, too lost in your grief over your wife's death and your constant victory streak to do a thing to rein them in. So tell me, Bowser, should we end your game along with Daisy's? After all, if she can't be forgiven or redeemed for her mistakes... can you?"
Bowser let out a growl. "Last time I checked, I'm not the one on trial here."
"Maybe so, but you know I'm right. And there's also getting into the fact that when we first met, you personally kidnapped Peach and bricked multiple Toads. You did those things, Bowser. Your choices. At least Daisy was just neglectful and being manipulated by Hua. So tell me, what right do you have passing judgment on her, or trying to claim the moral high ground here?"
Bowser opened his mouth to retort, only to realize he had nothing to say in response.
"That's what I thought." Mario took his seat as Themis cleared her throat.
"Now then, the prosecution may call its first witness."
Bowser nodded, snapping out of it. "Alright. Prosecution calls Kerry Koopa to the stand."
Kerry, his shell replaced with a temporary prosthetic, hobbled toward the stand.
"Be advised that he has been temporarily removed from his shell so he could safely attend this session," Bowser assured. "He is no threat to anyone."
Kerry took his seat as the Bailiff approached. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth under pain and penalty of perjury?"
Kerry nodded. "I do."
He was then handed a small vial of blue potion. "As per Court Kingdom procedure, you will take this temporary truth serum. It will last so long as you remain in this courtroom."
Kerry took the vial, downing it.
"Now, Kerry. Is it true you were a resident of Sarasaland under Princess Daisy's regime?" Bowser asked.
Kerry nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. I was once a resident of Myuda before I moved to Piraput. When the bill was passed and General Tatanga placed the monarchs under his evil spell, I was one of many stripped of citizenship and locked up. I was beaten within an inch of my life by the enthralled Shphinxes, needing at least one 1-Up Mushroom, before I was rescued by the Mario Brothers and the Blue Hood."
"And you were subsequently recaptured by Madame Hua to ensure the Hood's escape in Myuda, correct?"
"Yes, sir. I sacrificed myself so the Blue Hood could escape with my brethren. I don't know how many of my people she saved, but it was worth it. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat." He took a deep breath. "Many of you only heard of the Koopa Initiative, as it was called, but I'm a personal victim. Madame Hua may have devised the bill, but Princess Daisy made it possible. I don't seek her game ending... but she needs to be punished for what she's done."
"Thank you, Kerry. No further questions."
Bowser returned to his seat, while Truff rose to his feet
"I have a few myself, Kerry. You were with the Mario Brothers, and thus with Daisy, for a good duration following your rescue from Piraput. What did you see and hear from the princess during that time?"
"She expressed her disdain for our kind, arguing with Blue Hood about our King." Kerry's expression softened slightly. "But... upon my capture, the Blue Hood also mentioned that she didn't agree with Madame Hua's treatment of our kind, or the Bombshells, and was just as horrified to discover what she had done. While she may hold disdain for Koopakind, I do not think she would willingly agree to what happened to us. Which is why I argue for her imprisonment, not her Game Over."
"Thank you. I have no further questions."
"You are dismissed, Mr. Kerry," Themis told him. "This court wishes you a speedy recovery."
"You have my thanks, Your Honor," Kerry said gratefully as he departed.
"Prosecution, your next witness."
"We call Mary Patricia Marionetti to the stand."
MP stood up, carefully stepping out of her soot to reveal a pair of khaki slacks and a teal blouse. Hushed whispers about the Blue Hood's identity sounded as she took a seat at the stand.
"Would I be permitted to deny the potion?" she requested politely. "I have... trauma related to such things."
"Yes, we can waive that clause just this once," Themis decided.
"Thank you, Your Honor."
"Now, Mary Pat, is it not true you bore witness to what the Koopas of Sarasaland endured?" Bowser asked. "That you traveled with Princess Daisy throughout the bulk of this crisis?"
MP nodded. "It's true. I accompanied my brothers to Sarasaland and throughout the ongoing crisis. We only separated in the Moai… I mean, the Easton Kingdom, then reunited in Chai. And it was in Chai where I learned the truth about the bill."
"Tell us, how did you feel?"
"I was... horrified. Angry beyond words. And... I felt sick. Especially when I saw Daisy's signature. I wanted to end her game then and there… but then she said she had no idea. And I swear I felt something in me just snap."
Bowser perked at that. "Snap how?"
MP took a deep breath. "I couldn't believe someone would just... sign a bill like that without even reading it. I couldn't believe someone like her hadn't brought her kingdom to ruin years ago. I was so shocked and horrified. Someone like her has no business with any sort of power and authority." Her expression softened as she took a breath. "But... she also fought to make up for it. She personally destroyed Madame Hua and had the bill annulled after the fact. I haven't forgiven her for what she's done... but she acknowledged her mistake and worked to atone for it. Daisy does deserve punishment, to be stripped of power and banned from ruling. But I can't in good conscience say she deserves to die."
"Thank you, Mary Pat. No further questions."
"I have no questions either, Your Honor," Truff said.
MP nodded, heading back to her seat.
"Prosecution calls the Robotic Operating Buddy to the stand."
ROB appeared, rolling up to the stand.
"I would have gone with his creator, Professor Elvin Gadd, but - and I mean this factually, not judgmentally - said creator is a senile, amoral crackpot," Bowser said matter-of-factly.
"Your statement is accurate," Themis agreed, briefly turning her lips and furrowing her brow.
"Now, ROB, you were how the Mario Brothers and Princess Daisy got around the different kingdoms in Sarasaland, correct? You drove the car?"
"Affirmative."
"What is your… hy-po-thesis in regards to Princess Daisy's character?"
"She is petulant, hot-tempered, and impulsive. But also brave and a formidable fighter, risking her life to liberate Sarasaland."
"And in regards to her capacity to rule?"
"Perhaps the leader of a military or police force, but not a kingdom. She does not have the patience for such a thing."
"And what of her hatred for my kind?
"She bore a grudge against Koopas for their perceived role in her mother's demise, before you revealed the truth in Chai. But even before then, her anger and dislike did not escalate to wanting a genocide."
"Very well then. I have no further questions."
"I have no questions either," Truff added, seemingly contemplating things.
"That is the last witness, Your Honor," Bowser said as ROB returned to his seat.
"Very well then. Does the defense have any witnesses?"
"Just one. We call Daisy Toadstool to the stand."
All eyes watched as Daisy took the stand. She swore herself in and downed her potion.
"Daisy…"
"Dad…"
"Has something like this ever happened before?"
"I... honestly can't say. At the very least, not of this magnitude. I admit, I was careless while managing Sarasaland. I only focused on fighting threats to the kingdom, leaving paperwork and other responsibilities to my steward Sebas."
Truff's eyes narrowed. "How many bills did you sign?"
"I don't know. Normally, Sebas told me what to sign. I trust his judgement. Madame Hua played me, earned my confidence. I see now she was only using me to further her vendetta against the Koopa Troop. She earned my trust to the extent she presented the bill for the Koopa Initiative... and I signed it without a second thought. But I want to make one thing clear. Yes, I was negligent. I should have read that paper before signing. But I would never wish what Hua did to the Koopa population of Sarasaland on anyone."
She looked down in remorse.
"I know it doesn't mean much, but I'm truly, sincerely sorry. I accept full responsibility for what I've done, and all that it implies."
Truff sighed. "No further questions."
Bowser stood. "I just have one. What do you think you deserve, 'Princess'?"
"To be stripped of my rank and right to rule. To spend time in jail. But if you think I deserve worse, I won't object."
"Even if I decide to make you suffer for the rest of your life?" His voice was hard and cruel. "To make you feel even a fraction of the pain my Koopa went through? Even if I choose to end your game only when I feel you've suffered enough?"
Daisy took a long, shuddering breath, doing her best to keep her composure. "If that's what you feel I deserve for what I put your race through, then yes."
Truff clenched his fists, but stayed silent.
"No further questions."
"Very well," Themis cleared her throat. "I must admit, this is quite an unusual case. Normally, most accused of these kinds of charges would vehemently deny their involvement or make some kind of excuses."
"I meant what I said, Your Honor," Daisy replied. "I know what I've done wrong and I'm ready to take full responsibility for it. As much as I want to hope that my defeat of Hua and Tatanga was worth at least lessening my sentence, I know it isn't."
"I'm afraid so," Themis replied solemnly before turning once more to the court. "I will now begin my deliberation. In the case of Bowser vs. Daisy Toadstool, for the crimes of conspiracy to commit genocide, I find the defendant… Not Guilty."
There were some murmurs among the crowd with Daisy's defense team looking hopeful.
"However, for the crimes of gross negligence, aiding and abetting in the persecution of a sentient race, and unlawful abuse of power… I find the defendant Guilty of all charges."
Truff's fists clenched as he desperately tried to think of a way to save his daughter.
"Yes!" Bowser cheered, pumping his fist, cackling loudly.
"No…" Peach whispered, horrified.
"Daisy Toadstool," Lady Themis declared. "You will be remanded to Dark Land custody, where you will be subject to the full extent of Koopa law. May Grambi have mercy on your soul."
"Oh man…" MP whispered fearfully.
"Peach, I'm so sorry," Mario soothed.
"Your Honor, please!" Luigi stood up. "You can't do this! If Daisy is sent to the Dark Lands, Bowser will… he'll massacre her!"
"I am sorry, Mr. Marionetti," Themis replied. "But the law is the law."
"No…" Luigi let out.
Daisy closed her eyes in resignation as Themis raised her gavel. Just before she could bring it down, however…
"WAIT!"
All eyes turned to King Truff as he rose to his feet.
"Your Honor, I invoke Parentum Culpa!"
These words had the entire courtroom gasping in shock. Someone in the gallery straight up fainted, while Peach and Daisy were utterly aghast.
"What!?" Peach cried out.
"Dad, what are you doing!?" Daisy shouted.
"What any father should do. Protecting my daughter."
"But this…!?"
Mario looked between the distraught royals, confusion mixing with concern on his face. "Uhhh… Peach, what is your father doing?"
"Parentum Culpa." Peach took a deep breath. "It's a clause that allows for the crimes of a child... to be taken on by their parents."
"Wait, what!?"
"That's a thing!?" Luigi screamed.
"It's a rarely used clause," Bowser interjected, eyeing Truffle with an unreadable expression. "I can't even remember the last time it was invoked."
"But that's… this is… how can…"
"Peach, has your dad lost his-" Themis banged her gavel, trying to calm the noisy courtroom and cutting off Mary Pat's shout "-ing mind!?"
"I certainly hope so," the elder princess replied fearfully. "Because this is…"
"Dad, no!" Daisy cried, standing up. "I'm the one who screwed up! Who signed that bill and trashed Sarasaland! You shouldn't have to pay the price for my mistakes!"
Truff shook his head. "You only made that mistake because of my negligence and shortsightedness. I placed you in charge of the Council without properly preparing you for the responsibility. This is my cross to bear."
Bowser chuckled, nodding in respect. "You're a good man, Truffle. But I refuse to let Daisy off without some form of punishment."
"Then as her father, allow me to carry it out." Truff inhaled, taking a deep breath. "Daisy... you are hereby stripped of your right to rule and the powers and privileges associated with your title. As of this day, you are a princess in name only."
"Dad…"
"Daisy…" Truff cut in, silencing any protests. "I know you don't want this, none of us do. But this is the only way all of us will walk away with our games unended. Do you accept my decision?"
Daisy paused. She wanted to tell her father he was wrong. But, the more she thought, the more she realized he wasn't.
"I…" She took a deep breath, a tearful hiccup escaping. "I accept."
"Thank you, my dear." Truff turned to Bowser. "And what of you, King Bowser? Does the prosecution wish to contest my decision?"
Bowser narrowed his eyes, clearly upset at being denied his vengeance against Daisy, and wanting to speak out against this. But before he could speak, Truff gave him a serious expression. It wasn't a glare of contempt or an unspoken promise of retribution. It was the look of a father, one willing to do whatever it took to protect his children. It was a look Bowser knew all too well, remembering that same look on Klawdia's face the day Morton Sr. died. Bowser let out a sharp sigh, his usual smugness returning.
"Making Princess Buttercup live with knowing she got her old man locked up in my tallest tower for the rest of his days to save her sorry butt?" He grinned wickedly. "Yeah, I can do that. No objections, Your Honor!"
"Then Parentum Culpa is enacted. Truffle Toadstool will be remanded to Dark Land custody, and Daisy Toadstool remanded to Mushroom Kingdom custody." Themis banged the gavel. "Court adjourned."
Peach collapsed into Mario's side, the red plumber putting a comforting arm around her as Daisy collapsed over the bench in sorrow.
Some time later, the defense team was gathered outside. Daisy, now dressed in her usual gown, had her head down as Peach hugged Truffle. The former king had been granted the chance to say his goodbyes, a small act of kindness from the Koopa King.
"I'm sorry it had to come to this…" she said sadly.
"I made my choice to protect my child. I have no regrets." Truffle ran a gentle hand through Peach's hair. "This isn't goodbye. No tears. We'll meet again."
"I love you…"
Truff hugged her close before reaching out, pulling Daisy into the embrace as well.
"Be better, Daisy. Learn from this. Be the woman Gardenia would be proud of."
"I will. I promise, Dad."
"I know you will, you have your sisters to help you, and many good friends as well." He turned to Mario and his siblings. "Thank you all for looking after my kingdom and my daughters. I pray you will continue to do so in my stead."
"It's what we do, sir," Mario replied, tilting his hat.
Truff nodded, satisfied. He then turned to Bowser.
"I'm ready."
Bowser nodded, two Hammer Bros cuffing the former king.
"Let's hope your daughter truly learns her lesson," Bowser remarked. "She doesn't have anyone left to sacrifice for her mistakes."
"She will. I assure you of that."
With that, he boarded the airship. Bowser and the Hammer Bros followed, the ship taking off as they watched. Daisy shed a single tear as the ship fades out.
"Why did he do that...?" she sobbed. "Why...? It should've been me…"
"He did what any father would do," Mario remarked. "Protect his kid."
"It's what family does," Luigi added.
"Don't let it be in vain," MP said, turning to Daisy. "Your old man gave up his freedom to give you a second chance. No matter what you do, you can't change the past. But what you can do is learn from it, and be better."
Daisy wiped her eyes, smiling before hugging Peach. "...Let's go home."
Peach wrapped an arm around her sister. "Yeah. Let's go home."
Together with the Marionetti siblings, Peach and Daisy headed for the Warp Pipe back to Toad Town.
Author's Note:
Well… we finally meet Peach and Daisy's father, only for him to turn himself over to Bowser's custody, making the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter. But this won't be the last we see of him. Next chapter, a little breather before we get into an arc I've been looking forward to…
Also, you may have caught the reference to King K. Rool. I got his full name, Keith "Krudd" Rool, from the YouTube fan animation Return to Krocodile Isle.
Voice cast for this chapter:
* King Truff - Travis Willingham (Roy Mustang in Fullmetal Alchemist, Cleo in Glass Fleet, Ginko in Mushishi, Portgas D. Ace in One Piece, Takashi "Mori" Morinozuka in Ouran High School Host Club, Yu Kanda in D. Gray-man, Cameron Campbell in Camp Camp, Reggie Rowe in Infamous: Second Son, Guile in Street Fighter IV, Knuckles the Echidna from Sonic Free Riders to Sonic Forces)
* Judge Themis - Mariska Hartigay (Olivia Benson in Law & Order)
*Mat T. - Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil in the Marvel Cinematic Universe)
*Aler T. - Tara Strong in her Ben Tennyson voice
*Vigilan T. - Tara Strong in her Timmy Turner voice
Please R&R. Until next time!