AN: Hey guys! Sorry this chapter took so long. Hopefully, despite being short, it is still enjoyable :)

Chapter 35 The Koopa King

"Woah."

Bowser's Castle took Peach's breath away. It had to be the most intricate and intimidating building ever constructed in the Mushroom World. From the gray stones that looked like refined obsidian, the green turrets with golden spikes that could easily impale someone, the headstone of the mighty King Bowser resting over the doorway, to the sheer size and splendor… wow. Peach thought the Beanbean Castle was impressive. She thought the castle in the Mushroom Kingdom was impressive. This? This surpassed both in every single way imaginable. Peach felt so small and insignificant standing in front of it. Whatever King lived in this palace was no doubt just as large and intimidating.

"Oh boy," Mario said as the four of them approached the gate. "I hope this goes well. And that Bowser doesn't roast us the second he sees us."

Peach blinked. "You think he might?"

"I don't know. He can be… unpredictable. And brash." Mario snickered. "Very very VERY brash."

"I see." Peach felt her stomach squirm as the hammer bro opened the door. She looked back up at the headstone hanging overhead. It was like a warning, a sign that anyone in here needed to watch their step. They were going to be sharing the same room as someone strong, someone who you could NOT mess with.

This feeling only increased as they stepped into the castle. There was very little natural light in here, as the place was mainly lit up by various torches aligning the walls. A carpet the color of blood stretched throughout all the various corridors, and the whole place reeked of sulfur. It was so unworldly, so unlike any other place that Peach had seen in her lifetime. She sucked in a breath as she followed the hammer bro. She looked to Mario and Luigi, hoping that the sight of familiar and friendly faces would make this endeavor at least somewhat more bearable.

They weaved through the passageways. At one point, they walked through what appeared to be some kind of portrait hall. Peach looked at the portraits, seeing that most of them were of Bowser himself. From his fiery mane to glistening sharp teeth, as well as the fact that he looked big enough to lift a car over his head… oh man, this whole thing was going to be nerve wracking. If she didn't get her act together, she was going to be tripping over herself and trembling in fear as she stood before the almighty Koopa King.

Which was why she was going to push her fear to the side. She WAS going to talk to Bowser and she WAS going to obtain his help. The Beanbean Kingdom was counting on this meeting going well, so that was exactly how it was going to go. Peach wasn't going to let the unknown or her own fears get the better of her. She had come this far. Turning back now would be foolish.

Eventually, the four of them reached the throne room. Unlike the rest of the castle, this room had windows, so there was at the very least some natural light. The carpet stretched up to the throne, with columns on both sides. And sitting on the throne itself was King Bowser. Peach locked eyes on him, noticing him shift positions so he leaned against his arm. He looked almost… bored. It was like this whole thing was going to be a major chore for him.

"Stay behind me and let me do most of the talking," Mario said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. Nodding, Peach backed up to stand behind Mario as they made their way towards the throne. The queen's stomach was sour at this point, and chills ran up and down her arms. She wasn't going to back down, she couldn't. She wouldn't. She needed to push her fear to the side. Fear was a liar, always has been and always will be.

They walked up to the throne. Once they were close enough, the hammer bro brought the group to a stop. He did a salute. "Lord Bowser."

Bowser's bored self only responded to this with a sigh. "Did you take care of the dry bone, Captain?" he asked, his voice an almost monotone droll.

"Actually, Your Excellency, I didn't need to." He backed out of the way, and Mario and Luigi stepped forward. Peach still stood behind them. "This party right here took care of it with an ice flower. I didn't even need to lift a finger."

Bowser blinked. "President Mario?"

"King Bowser." Mario tilted his head. "It is an honor to be in your presence."

"A humongous honor," said Luigi.

Bowser did a double-take before gawking at the president and his advisor. "What in the everlasting FUCK? What are YOU two doing in the Koopa Kingdom?" He shook his head. "I thought that whole Cold War thingy would kinda encourage you to stay away?"

Mario sighed. "Still have a way with words, don't you Bowser?" he muttered under his breath. He stepped closer to the throne, an action that Bowser didn't seem pleased with. Regardless, Mario stood his ground. "Yes. The Cold War is a pretty significant event, I will not deny it. And I'm not necessarily here because I am interested in ending it."

"Oh REALLY?" Steam shot out of Bowser's nose, making Peach swallow a lump. "If that's the case, I should just fry you right here, right now! You talk a big game, and you think you're all that and a bag of chips just because you're the first 'elected official' in the history of the Mushroom World. Well, tough shit! You can't just waltz into my kingdom willy-nilly, especially since you're still in possession of land that rightfully belongs to ME!"

Mario gripped his hand into a fist, but when he spoke, he sounded relatively calm. "The land, while certainly a contentious issue, is not something I wish to discuss right now. I have a very specific mission and request."

"Well, whatever it is, the answer is NO! FUCK NO, in fact! I am not doing YOU any favors? You and your stupid little mustache have given me nothing but a headache! If you think that you can come here and ask me for help… well, you are actually a lot more arrogant than I gave you credit for."

Peach frowned. Realizing that she couldn't just stand back and let this whole scene play out, she cleared her throat. "Actually…" she stepped forward, wearing a stern face as she stood before the stunned Koopa King. "it isn't Mario and Luigi who are requesting your aid. It's me."

Bowser blinked, his jaw dropping. "Who the hell are you?"

"Queen Peach of the Beanbean Kingdom." Peach did a curtsey as Bowser pulled away. "I apologize for coming to you on such short notice and in a much more unorthodox fashion, but I require your aid. The Beanbean Kingdom has been taken over by an all powerful witch, Cackletta. I need the assistance of your military in order to take her down."

Bowser's mouth, surprisingly, turned up into a smile. "Wow. Beautiful and stubborn. I like that." Peach blinked as he chuckled and bowed toward her. "Forgive me for creating such a big stink, Queen Peach." He lifted his head, confusion present in his features. "Wait, I thought Queen Bean was the queen of the Beanbean Kingdom."

"Queen Bean is at an age where she is no longer fit to rule. I took the place of my mother less than a week ago. That…" She sighed. "The witch I referred to attacked and enslaved my kingdom during my coronation specifically, so I don't necessarily blame you for being unaware."

"I see." Bowser's smile grew bigger. "You are very stunning for a beanish woman. Like… yowza! If I had to be put into a political marriage with you, I wouldn't be against that."

Peach's face grew warm as her mood grew more flustered. "I… uh, I…" She couldn't look at Bowser now, she had to turn away. As she did, she noticed Mario and Luigi cringing. Thankfully, Mario decided to step forward once again and take over for the faltering queen.

"Political marriages are not our concern right now, Your Highness. The Beanbean Kingdom is in DIRE need of help. And if you were to provide military aid to a struggling nation… well, I don't think an alliance that could mutually benefit you and the Beanbean Kingdom would be too far out of the question."

Bowser's face fell. "Well… a political marriage would ALSO be mutually beneficial…" He looked toward the blushing Peach. "Would you at least be willing to consider it? I can promise you I would be an excellent husband. Like, much better than Mr. President over here."

"Uh…" Peach sighed. She didn't want to encourage him, but given what Mario told him about hsi unpredictable mood. "I will consider it."

"Good! That's… that's awesome!" Bowser beamed, his red eyes sparkling. "I think I can look into setting up that military aid thing that you're requesting. As soon as I gather my troops, we can head out… how does tomorrow sound?" Bowser stepped forward. "I can provide you and your… LOVELY escorts a place of lodging here in the castle tonight if you want."

Peach shook. "I… uh…"

"We can stay at a hotel in Stonebrim," Mario said. He looked back at Peach. "I think the queen would be far more comfortable with that."

Peach sighed and smiled. "Yes. Yes I would."

Bowser snorted. "Spoilsport." He shook his head. "Well, whatever. I will still get that military aid stuff set up."

"Thank you, Bowser." Mario bowed as he smiled toward the Koopa King. "You are beyond generous."

"Yeah yeah, don't get used to it." Bowser turned and started making his way out of the throne room. "Make sure to be back at the castle but eight o'clock tomorrow, alright?"

Peach smiled. "Of course, King Bowser." So… this was actually going well. Despite the hiccups, Peach now officially had a military alliance with the Koopa Kingdom! This was great! The Beanbean Kingdom would be taken back in no time!