It wasn't like Peach wasn't grateful to the Mario brothers, she was. They were her closest friends and they were always willing to risk their lives for her. It was just that Peach was, well… Getting sick of being kidnapped all the time. She would love to just go about her days without fear Bowser would bust into her kingdom and whisk her away for whatever crazy plan he had at the time. It was about time to put an end to it all and Peach was going to do the impossible.

Peach was going to unite the Mushroom Kingdom and the Darklands in peace.

It was easier said than done, Peach knew this. What she wasn't expecting was to hit her first wall so soon. The first problem occurred when she brought her plan to the Toad council. Peach had expected some hesitation, but she barely got a few words out before her Toads started to freak out.

"You can't marry that monster!" Toadsworth cried. "Not after all the trouble Mario went through to prevent it from happening!"

Peach raised her hands, trying to calm her Toads down. "I'm not marrying Bowser. We can achieve peach without marriage."

"We can't have peach with the Koopas!" Shouted a green Toad.

"Yeah!" Agreed a purple one. "Koopas don't understand the word peace! They don't have brains!"

"They're just a bunch of brainless turtles!" Said a blue one and the rest agreed with him.

"Turtles do have brains, I promise." Peach assured. "I'm sure they can be reasoned with."

"I don't wanna be friends with smelly turtles!" The green Toad said with a scowl on his face and the rest of them let their agreement be heard.

Peach had to take a moment to breathe. She was hoping her Toads would be more understanding and make this easy on her, she knew Bowser wouldn't…. "But if we could work with the Koopas, both kingdoms would live in peace, and then I wouldn't be kidnapped anymore."

"But if you got kidnapped, Mario will save you!" A red Toad told her with a big smile on his face.

"But if there was peace, then I wouldn't be taken away from you guys anymore. And Mario and Luigi wouldn't have to put their lives on the line for me." Peach placed her hand over her chest. "Can't you all try to work with the Koopas? For me?"

The Toads all talked among themselves and Peach held her breath. She needed the support of her Toads if this was ever going to work. Finally, Toadsworth looked up at her and nodded. "You have our support, Princess." He told her and Peach felt her shoulders drop. "But only if you have Mario with you. In case Bowser decides to attack during the meeting."

And crap, Peach had been so focused on her Toads, she didn't think about how Mario would react to her plan.

Things went over well with Luigi, but Peach had no doubt the younger twin would be on her side. Luigi was always supportive and assured the Princess he would be by her side in case anything were to happen. Now, it was time Peach faced Mario, and she knew it would be much harder to convince him this was a great idea. Peach left her kingdom and traveled to New Donk City where Mario was visiting Pauline. Mario and Pauline had grown close after Peach and the plumber decided to take a vacation after her last kidnapping. Mario would visit the mayor at least twice a month, if not more, if he could.

Peach found them at a lounge on top of a tall building. The two were sitting at the table, sipping on drinks as they listened to a band. It was fun seeing Mario in his red suit and black hat, looking exactly like the band members. Maio didn't wear that outfit often, only when he was visiting New Donk City. When they noticed her approaching, Mario gave her a big smile and a wave. "Peach!"

A small smile formed on Pauline's red lips. The mayor must be taking a day off because instead of her red work suit, she was wearing her big red hat and a flowing red dress. "Welcome, Princess Peach, it's always lovely to have you here."

"Take a seat." Mario offered, gesturing to a free one in front of him and Pauline. Peach swept up her dress before taking a seat and giving them both a grateful smile.

"So, what brings you here?" Pauline asked.

"I'm hoping that I could have a word with Mario. It's about the Mushroom Kingdom and the Darklands." Peach replied. Mario and Pauline's expressions turned serious. The mayor looked towards the plumber, seemingly having a silent conversation, before Pauline nodded.

"I should get going, it was lovely seeing you both again." Pauline said as she stood up. On her way, her hand found its way to Mario's hair, brushing it as she passed by.

"What's wrong?" Mario asked the second Pauline had gotten onto the elevator. "Has Bowser attacked again, so soon?"

"No, but I have a plan that I hope will work before another attack is made." Peach told him, drumming her fingers on the table when she had Mario's full attention. Her stomach rolled at the thought of telling Mario her plan. She had the support of her Toads and Luigi, but if Mario didn't like what she had to say, would he try to find a way to prevent the meeting from taking place? No, she trusted Mario, he was her best friend. "I would like to make a peace treaty with Bowser."

Mario's eyes grew wide and his mouth dropped open. "You can't marry that monster!"

Peach sighed, why did everyone believe the only way to peace was for her to marry Bowser? "I'm not marrying him, I have written down plans for trading and places Koopas and Toads meet on neutral grounds."

Mario lifted a brow. "I don't know, Peach. I don't think that will be enough for Bowser. I doubt he would accept this treaty unless you offered your hand in marriage and even then who's to say he would stick to his word?"

"We have to try, duking it out isn't getting us anywhere. I'm willing to listen to any of his demands and if they're reasonable, I'll agree to them. There has to be common ground between us, I just know there has to be." Peach sighed, placing her hand on top of her friend's. "I'm not asking you for permission, I'm asking you for support."

Peach watched Mario's eyes, the plumber was mauling it over. Finally, he shook his head as he sighed. "I don't think this is going to work, but… If you do this, I want to be there, to make sure Bowser doesn't use this opportunity to try to kidnap you again." Mario pointed at her. "Just know if that overgrown turtle tries anything funny, I'm grabbing him by the tail, and tossing him out the window."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Peach smiled, patting Mario's hand. "Now enjoy your weekend with Pauline." She winked before standing up to leave. As she walked away, she felt silly for doubting Mario. Of course, he would be by her side, he had been since the day he and his brother stumbled into their world. Now, for the hardest part, getting Bowser to agree to meet her on these terms.

The waiting was the worst part. When Peach sent her letter to Bowser, she didn't know what to expect. Would he write back agreeing to meet with her? Would he write back, calling her insane? Would he even reply at all? What if Bowser replied by attacking her kingdom? For the last week, Peach had her guards on high alert, watching out for any attack that may happen. It was better to be safe than sorry, but luckily, her worry was for nothing. A flying Koopa greeted her outside the gates with a letter from Bowser. King Koopa agreed to meet with her, but it didn't make the Princess feel any better. She still didn't know what to expect. Would Bowser have a list of demands, or was this his way of pulling her into a false sense of security so he could strike again?

There was only one way to find out, Peach was going to meet with Bowser.

Today was the day, Bowser was coming to the Mushroom Kingdom to meet with Peach. Hopefully, peace could be made, but there was trepidation in the air. Peach stood next to her Toad guards, along with Mario and Luigi who were all ready to protect her if it came to it. Everyone was tense as they watched Bowser's ship fly towards them, bringing dark clouds with it. No one knew what to expect, bombs to start flying? Bowser demanding something Peach couldn't give to him? Or, by some miracle, cooperation?

There was only one way to find out and that was to let Bowser land his ship on her land.

Thankfully, there were no bombs dropped on them and Bowser's ship landed smoothly. A door opened and Koopas came marching out, standing tall and proud as they guarded the ship. Flying Koopas stood on the edge of the ship, ready to strike if Peach or her toads did anything funny. From the corner of her eye, she could see Mario's hands forming into a fist, ready for a fight.

Thankfully, Luigi's hand landed on Mario's shoulder. "Brother." He whispered and one simple word got Mario untensed, though the older brother was still glaring at the Koopas.

An older Koopa in a blue robe flew out of the ship on a broom. Peach knew this Koopa, Kamek, she believed was his name. "The one and only Koopa King, Bowser!"

Kamek gestured towards the ship and Bowser came stomping out, looking proud as ever. When his eyes landed on Peach, there was a glint in them. Peach watched Luigi hold Mario back, the older brother was too used to fighting whenever he saw King Koopa.

"Princess Peach." Bowser's voice was booming as always. "I'm surprised you wanted to hash things out with me."

"I'm surprised you were willing to meet with me, but I'm glad you came." Peach nodded to her Toads and they opened the gates to the kingdom. "Please, follow me."

Usually, the town was bustling with life, but it stood deserted. Every Toad civilian had taken to hiding in their homes as Bowser, Kamek, and a few Koopa soldiers marched behind Peach and her guards. Peach kept her head held high, only looking straight ahead. She could only hope Mario was behaving himself, but she had Luigi there to help her out in that regard.

Luckily, the palace doors were big enough, even for someone like Bowser. The rest of the castle was a different story. Bowser could still fit, but it was a tight one. Peach led them all to the great hall, where she had tea and cakes waiting for everyone. Unfortunately, her palace was not built for someone as big as Bowser, so he was the only one who had to sit on the floor and still, he had to lean over to grab the tiny cups. Bowser sneered at the teacup that was the size of a pea to him, but he didn't comment on it, so Peach took that as a great sign.

Bowser and his minions sat at the end of one table with Peach on the other. Next to her was Mario and Luigi, ready to jump in if this went south. Please let this work. Peach didn't have high hopes, but she wanted this more than anything. What a wonderful life it would be if she didn't have to worry about Bowser continuing to kidnap her. Peach took a sip of her tea to compose herself. She had this, she made a list of what she thought was fair to ask from Bowser as well as what she could offer.

Peach cleared her throat. "Bowser, thank you for meeting me here today. I hope this will result in—"

"Wait!" Bowser roared and pointed at Mario and Luigi. "We're doing this with them here?!"

Mario gritted his teeth and Luigi gave the King a big, nervous smile. Peach sigh. "Yes, I've asked them to be here with me today."

"But they're nothing but lousy plumpers!" Bower growled and Mario shot up from his seat.

"Lousy plumpers that could kick your ass on any day that ends with a y!"

"M-Mario? M-m-maybe we should remain calm." Luigi suggested.

"Mario, take a seat." Peach ordered and Mario did, but he grumbled about it. Bowser smirked at Mario and that only riled him up more, but Peach held out her hand. "Them being here is non-negotiable."

Bowser rolled his eyes. "Whatever, can we talk about this peace treaty now? I have a lot of demands if I'm gonna make nice with the fungus kingdom." Bowser snapped his claws and Kamek waved his wand. A scroll appeared in Bowser's hand and when he flicked it open, it rolled out until it reached the midsection of the table. Peach's mouth fell open just staring at it and now she was less sure this peace treaty could work. Bowser looked down at the first item on the list. "I want to be part of your golf tournaments."

Peach blinked, unsure if what she heard was all in her head, but Bowser was staring at her, waiting for an answer. "What?"

Bowser huffed. "I know about the golf tournaments you put together for you and your friends. I think it's unfair I'm never invited. I want to be a part of it, I like golfing!"

"Okay…" Peach slowly replied. "I'll send you invites from now on."

Bowser and Kamek high-fived each other as the other Koopa soldiers looked at each other, grinning. Bowser quickly cleared his throat, and his serious expression returned. "I'm glad we could work that out, but I still have other demands before I agree to a peace treaty."

"Okay, let's hear it." Peach told him, unsure what the King Koopa would demand next.

Bowser glanced down at the list before looking back at Peach. "If you want peace between us then I think it's only fair that you allow your Toads to be able to adopt chain chomps."

Peach lifted a brow, looking over at Mario who looked just as confused, and then to Luigi who only shrugged. "I'm sorry… Did you say chain chomp adoptions?"

Bowser nodded. "You heard right, there are a lot of chain chomps that need good homes, but they aren't getting adopted out enough from just my kingdom. I think by embracing the program in your kingdom, a lot more chain chomps will find their forever homes. Plus, they are very reliable pets. I'm sure your Toads would feel safer with a pet chain chomp."

Peach gritted her teeth, it wasn't a… Horrible idea and it was kind of sweet, but she didn't see her Toads wanting pet chain chomps. "Where… Where would the chain chomps be kept?"

"Oh, I'm sure we can find somewhere in your kingdom to build a shelter for them. I'll even send some Koopas who are well-trained with chain chomps to run the shelter and teach your Toads proper chain chomp care."

"Since we're talking about building a shelter in my kingdom, we should put that on the side for now until we can talk further about it." Peach said with a strained smile on her face.

Bowser nodded, easily accepting his answer. "Let's see… What's next? Oh yeah! To show you're serious about this peace treaty between the Darklands and the Mushroom Kingdom, I want you to celebrate Koopa Day in your kingdom."

Peach's mouth fell open. "Excuse me?"

Bowser glared at her. "You heard me, I think that it's only fair the Mushroom Kingdom celebrates Koopa Day." Peach looked over at Mario, who was having to hold back his laughter. Luigi looked pale at the thought and her Toads were silently pleading with her not to agree. "Don't get it twisted, Princess, this isn't a one-way street. The Darklands would be more than happy to celebrate Peach Day."

"I don't have a Peach D—" Peach waved her hands. "Actually, it doesn't matter. What exactly is Koopa Day?"

Bowser grinned, showing off a full set of sharp teeth, and the King looked awfully proud of himself. "It's a day where all the Darklands celebrate me." Bowser said, because of course, he would. "There's a parade where there will be giant balloons of me and there will be an awesome band that will sing songs about me, and at the end there are fireworks!"

Mario snorted. "Are they in the shape of your face?"

"So you've heard of Koopa Day?!" Bowser excitedly asked and Mario rolled his eyes.

"Okaaaaaay…" Peach gritted through her teeth. "I think we might be able to work with that, but only if your Koopas and my Toads can get along."

"So like a test trial between my people and yours?" Bowser asked and Peach nodded her head. "I think that's a great idea, but I have no doubt your Toads will come to love us. We Koopas are awesome! So!" Bowser peeked down at his list. "I want Koopas, myself including, to be able to visit your Kingdom. In return, my kingdom would be open for you and your Toads to visit."

"Sounds fair enough." Peach sighed with relief. Happy to finally hear something a bit normal on Bowser's list. "But let's agree that if your Koopas caused any troubles in my kingdom, you'd remove them. The same goes for me if my Toads were being disrespectful in your kingdom."

"Deal!" Bowser practically purred, looking pretty darn happy about this agreement. Peach wondered why King Koopa would want to visit her kingdom so much if it wasn't to kidnap her, but she wasn't going to question it."

"I want shared custody of Mario and Luigi." Bowser demanded.

"W-what?!" Luigi cried.

"No way!" Mario shouted.

"I'm sorry, but what?!" Peach asked over her Toads muttering protest.

Bowser crossed his arms. "I don't think it's fair they only work for you. They should help me out too!"

"There's no way I'm helping a smelly overgrown turtle!" Mario snapped and Bowser growled.

"I think what Mario means is you're one of the most powerful kingdoms. Who do you have to fear?" Peach asked.

"I don't know!" Bowser shouted, throwing his arms into the air. "Those fork people from the Luncheon Kingdom freak me out!"

"Well, here's the problem. I don't own Mario and Luigi, they help me of their own free will." Peach raised her hands when smoke started to come out of Bowser's nostrils. "But, if the… Luncheon Kingdom… Attacked you, I would gladly send my Toads to help."

Bowser's upper lip twitched. "It's just not about an army. Mario and Luigi run around and help repair your kingdom. Why can't they do the same for me?"

"Again, it's not my call." Peach gently reminded him, but when Luigi raised his hand, and all eyes were on him.

"Ummm…. I… I d-don't mind going o-over there… I-if something needs to be rep-paired. I'm good with repairs." Luigi offered and Peach's mouth dropped. She wasn't expecting the younger brother to offer something like that.

"You can't be serious!" Mario cried, but Luigi shrugged.

"If w-we're friends then I won't be in danger…. Right?" Luigi asked Bowser.

"Of course not." Bowser replied.

"Lu, are you sure?" Mario asked and Luigi gave him a small smile.

"Y-yeah and I think… I think it might be fun to experience Darkland culture when I'm not worrying about my life."

Luigi flinched when Bowser smacked his hand on the table, rocking the plates and teacups. "That's what I'm talking about, Greenie!"

"So we got that settled." Peach sighed, feeling some relief. She would have to bake Luigi the biggest cake later. "What else would you like to discuss on your end?"

"Well, seeing how much I've kidnapped you, I think it's only right if we make a mutual kidnapping arrangement as part of the treaty. I'm permitting you to kidnap me as well!" Bowser grinned at her as if he were offering the moon to her.

"Actually… I was kind of hoping that as part of our treaty, we could eliminate kidnapping altogether." Peach smiled sweetly at him, but Bowser frowned.

"So, no kidnapping me?" Bowser asked and Peach nodded. "But I can still kidnap you?"

"Noooooooo…." Peach felt her eye twitch. "Part of the treaty is you can't kidnap me either."

Bowser huffed. "Where's the fun in that?! Who am I supposed to kidnap then? Him?" Bowser pointed at Luigi and the poor guy looked like he could faint.

"No kidnapping anyone." Peach said firmly and Bowser sighed.

"What do you have to offer in place of kidnappings?"

Peach sat stunned, she had her own list of what she could offer, but it was well… Boring compared to the things Bowser was asking for. Peach had not been prepared for this. "Umm…" Peach's mind scrambled for anything she could offer. It had to be something fun, she'd doubt her offer to open the Mushroom Kingdom's gardens to the Koopas would go over well, not for the thrill of a kidnapping. "I uh… I could talk to the Kong Kingdom, see if uh, they'll let you and your Koopas join in on their kart races."

Bowser, Kamek, and the other Koopas took a second to quietly talk to each other before Bowser's attention was back on Peach. "Deal!"

Peach smiled, but on the inside, she was panicking a little bit. She had no idea if the Kongs would agree to this, but then again, she did say she would try to see. "Wonderful!"

"Next, I would like to make an expansion onto your castle."

Peach felt a headache start to form. "I… Don't know about that."

"Come on! Just one little fire towel with a lava fall. I think it would make a wonderful view in the Mushroom Kingdom!" Peach's mouth twisted. "I'll let you build a tower on my castle." Bowser offered, wiggling his eyebrows.

"I'll think about it."

Bowser rolled his eyes. "That's a no."

Peach raised her brow. "Nooo, that's a, I'll think about it."

Bowser crossed his arms. "That always means no." And the Koopas quickly agreed with him.

"Let's just keep this rolling." Peach suggested.

Bowser's demands ranged from ridiculous to outrageous, but Peach wasn't afraid to put her foot down. Or at the very least, compromise. Somehow, she and Bowser were able to work through his list. Not only that, but Bowser easily agreed to the items on her list. When Peach and Bowser stood up and walked towards each other, Peach felt dizzy, she couldn't believe this was happening. Peach offered her hand and Bowser gently took it, giving it a shake.

"I'm proud to have the Darklands as the Mushroom Kingdom's ally." Peach told Bowser with a big smile on her face.

"I am too! I'll build a giant statue of you in my castle to symbolize our friendship!" Bowser happily told her.

There was still so much to do, they still had to write out a document and sign it, but Peach had done it. She had brought peace to their two lands.