#boweser

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𝕬𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝖈𝖎𝖙𝖎𝖟𝖊𝖓𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖚𝖘𝖍𝖗𝖔𝖔𝖒 𝕶𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖉𝖔𝖒!

On the eve of this summer's day, there will be a celebration at the castle in honor of Princess Peach's marriage: the Ceremony of the Receiver. When the sun reaches its lowest point above the mountaintops, be ready to arrive in due fashion. Wear your best attire, for this is not a ceremony we often celebrate.

Dearest guest, we would be honored if you could attend. There are many guests from distant towns hoping to meet all of you in honor of such a momentous occasion. There will be many kinds of tasty sweets and all kinds of entertainment! Please RSVP accordingly. We look forward to seeing you there soon!

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(Song: Shi No Aphrodite from Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997) by Shinkichi Mitsumune) Peach sighed as she set the last of the letters aside, feeling her heart aching as every word lingered on the tip of her tongue.

She had lost count of how many times she had written those exact words over the past few days, knowing what it entailed. Each time, she donned her mask, ensuring her letters remained ever formal, yet cheerful. She forced herself to imagine the smiling bride, bouquet in hand, stepping down the aisle to her beloved spouse… their souls forever becoming intertwined once the rings were exchanged.

Longingly, she glanced out the window, noticing the sun still at its highest peak. Within just a few hours, the castle would be flooded with guests from all over the Mushroom Kingdom, all in celebration of the spectacle that was her ceremony. She couldn't quite blame them, really… it was rare that there ever was a marriage ceremony in the Mushroom Kingdom with the long life span of the toads. And to have the princess herself be wed, she was surprised there wasn't a grand feast and festival held in her honor.

She knew the Star Spirits were up on Star Haven, watching down as they awaited the ceremony to begin. Surely, they had the Star Rod prepared, resting on its usual pedestal, the glow from its tip practically invisible as it shone among the stars. 'A blessing of the Star Spirits!' Toadsworth had said in a trembling tone, his eyes widened with worry as if the phrase could bring all of the citizens to an early grave. A promise that their marriage would bring everlasting life and joy to all those who needed it… prosperity to a kingdom so shattered by Bowser's presence.

She needed this… she knew she couldn't let her kingdom down. Though the hope remained that somehow… it wouldn't happen.

"Peach… I feel we ought to take a break for now," Haru's voice came from the other side of the library, the red velvet armchair softly shifting against the tile floor as he rose to his feet. From behind the bookshelf, she could hear him removing one of the books, a clear sign he wasn't about to let her drown in her sorrows alone.

With a sigh of relief, she returned her quill to its ink container and followed Haru's footsteps. Upon peering behind the bookshelf, she watched as he held a stack of books at his side, his expression serene as he reached up to retrieve a third for his collection. As soon as he saw her, he beamed shyly and murmured, "I… thought I might catch up on a few books while we're still here… seeing as there are quite a few invitations we still need to fill out. I just needed a rest from writing for a bit; my wrist starts to cramp after a while."

Peach giggled wryly as she leaned against the shelf. "No judgments on my part. I just… I could use a break, too…"

"Understandable…" Haru sighed. He then set the books down on the coffee table in the corner. For a moment, he said nothing, seemingly staring at them blankly as if waiting for them to move on their own. Peach bit her lip as she watched him; it wasn't uncommon for Haru to keep his feelings secret. She never understood it, but he always kept them close to his chest, choosing only to worry about others rather than himself. There had been many times when she had gone to him about her apprehensions following the wedding procedures, all of which he remained calm and collected as he soothed her worries. Even then, even through his touch alone… she could tell there was more than what he let himself show.

"You know… I didn't think my own ceremony was too bad, once I was able to forget it was for a wedding."

Peach couldn't bring herself to answer at first, knowing he shared the same reluctance. She let her fingers drift down the book's spine again, her gaze transfixed anywhere but on him. Her throat felt tight as she struggled to find the right words, but when she finally did speak, her voice was just barely above a whisper, "I envy you, Haru… I wish I could forget."

Haru smiled, chuckling, though she noticed it didn't quite reach his eyes. "They had this large cake and everything. Balloons, streamers, confetti, the whole thing. I even got my own crown as my 'wedding attire.' It was quite cute… I think one of the younger seedlings crafted it."

"Aw, that's sweet…!" Peach replied, tracing her fingers over the golden spine of the book. "Was that also when you met Florian?"

"Oh, stop it," Haru blushed. "But yes, I did! He was standing with me when the Star Spirits went to grant my wish. He… seemed a tad disheartened when he realized I had made it for you and I, but he understood… it's what we must do after all."

"I… I suppose so… what'd you wish for?"

"Now, Peach, you know I can't reveal that… it's supposed to benefit us both. And the kingdom."

"Oh… right… yeah, sorry…"

"It's quite alright, Princess," Haru finally took a seat in the armchair, settling one of the books in his lap as he gazed up at Peach with a firm look on his face. "Though, really… it's best you tell Mario what this ceremony truly entails. It's not just about the marriage… it's about the kingdom's very life. It's the only way to ensure the Star Spirits give us and the Toads life, should Bowser decide to invade."

"… I know…"

"Peach… I know how hard it is for you to come to terms with it, but it'll only hurt you and him worse if we don't tell him. I'd imagine the thought of a wedding itself already pains him. He may know that you and I aren't intimate… but the ceremony itself could prove that wrong, even if it is true."

"I know…" Peach faltered, hanging her head as she looked down at her hands mournfully. "… I know what I have to do, Haru… I'm just scared of losing him, too… like…

"Peach, dear… you won't," Haru placed a loving hand on her shoulder. "He cares for you. I've seen how he watches you… that man is deeply infatuated by the simple fact that you're alive.

Peach couldn't help giggling.

"Yes… that, he is," she sighed, a weak smile breaching her lips. With a small nod, she steadied herself before adding, "Alright… I'll tell him. Just before the ceremony begins. It's… it'll be… easier… that way."

Haru nodded in return.

"I trust you, princess…"

***

(Song: A Party at Peach's Castle from Paper Mario (2000) by Yuka Tsujiyoko) A few hours later…

"C'mon, Lu! C'mon, c'mon, c'mon…!"

Mario heard his younger brother sigh with exasperation as he struggled to keep up, holding on tightly to the container of pasta he had just barely managed to make in the nick of time for such an occasion. All the while, Mario couldn't stop bouncing on his feet, feeling the energy from Toad Town permeating his bones.

He still couldn't believe his luck: a party with Princess Peach, herself!

Ever since their last meet, he feared that he wouldn't be able to sneak away with her for another few weeks, a month, even! He supposed he should have grown accustomed to such a thing from the meager time they spent together, but each moment he had to bid her goodbye, his heart ached. And accompanied by the long, silent wait… it was practically torture!

But when he received that letter in the mail for Peach's ceremony… all of that changed!

A chance to spend more time with his beloved Peach and enjoy a grand feast; it was an opportunity he just couldn't let go to waste! Sure, the ceremony was in honor of her upcoming wedding, but the semantics didn't matter, not to him, and surely not to Haru or Peach.

"Imma comin'…!" Luigi gasped, hunching over as he set the pasta down atop the brick wall bordering Toad Town as he finally caught up to his overzealous brother. "I got b-b-bad knees… remember?"

Sympathetically, Mario winced as he helped Luigi steady himself. With a wry smile, he apologized, "Sorry, bro… it's just, I'm really excited! We haven't seen the princess in so long… this is the best opportunity!"

"Heh, as if I don't kn-know," Luigi laughed. "She's all you t-talk about."

Mario groaned. "I knoooooow, Lu, but… this time it's a party! With Peach! And cake! And… and… we're gonna see Peach!"

"You said th-that twice already, b-b-bro," Luigi chuckled.

"I'm excited! Now c'mon, let's go!"

Mario wasted no time before he darted away, trailing his hand along the brick walls as he gleefully watched the sun begin to set over the horizon. Just up the hill, he could already hear the chorus of melodies emanating from the castle, each regal and charming in its own right. It wasn't the first celebration she had hosted that he attended. By far, his favorite was the Fire Flower Festival to celebrate the arrival of spring, followed by the Autumn's End Ball; each hosted such splendor and beauty in arrays of pink, orange, and yellow… and the food was certainly nothing to sneeze at. Plus, Peach, as always, was at the epicenter of it all… ready to welcome him at her side!

Before long, his feet met the wooden drawbridge, a sight he stood in starstruck glee upon seeing the visage nestled atop the hill. The castle was always a marvel to him, being a humble plumber and never having known the luxuries that royalty brought. He always assumed anything somewhat lavish was a gift from Star Haven itself.

Still… seeing those marble white walls and cherry red tops… he couldn't get enough of it!

That night, however, the castle had put on its best face. From the outside, the ramparts were decorated with brightly colored streamers and fairy lights, illuminating the walls as if they were enchanted. Within the castle's moat, rose petals drifted lazily down the current, accompanied by the soft sounds of frogs nestled just underneath the pavement. Beyond the drawbridge, he could see the rest of the castle had been adorned in arrays of pink streamers and multicolored balloons, all tied to the towers and buttresses. And from the inside, he heard the faint sounds of music emanating into the evening air…

"M-Mama Mia…" he stuttered, feeling his heart fluttering in excitement. "It looks amazing…!"

"If by amazing, you mean y-y-you've seen it hundreds of t-times, then yes," Luigi huffed, finally managing to keep up with his fast pace.

"Can I help it if I can appreciate fine art, Lu?" Mario scoffed, rolling his eyes as he flashed his brother a smile. "I'm a simple guy. I see something pretty… I'm gonna say it's pretty!"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Luigi passed the pasta container to Mario before he knelt to redo his laces. With a near-mesmerized look, he nodded toward the castle in impressment. "Though… I g-gotta say… they went out with all the d-d-decorations tonight. This is amazing!"

"Told ya!"

"You win this r-r-round, bro. Now let's get inside, okay?"

Much to Mario's expectation, the inside was just as stunning, if not more! The music was even louder, and he could see its source centered above a platform of the east wing: none other than Fungi Crescendo in all their notorious strings and soft melodies. Upon gazing at the other eccentricities, he noticed many curious characters bantering by the buffet tables, each of them smiling jovially as they feasted heartily. Some, Mario recognized as the usual Toads, as expected. To his surprise, there were a few scarved Toads within the crowd, along with penguins, mousers, koopas, and a few goombas.

He remembered the stories Peach had told him about the Mushroom Kingdom, as well as its many surrounding cities within the boundaries (the Mushroom Plains sector, he remembered proudly). The peninsula it stood on housed many inhabitants as far as the northern Ice Mountains, where the penguins roamed, to the southern Morterrus, where the boos haunted (though few dared venture that far). It was hard to believe that the beloved Toad Town, something he believed was akin to Brooklyn, was much smaller in comparison.

All the better to grow acquainted with them all, he thought gleefully.

"Lu! Look over there!" Mario whispered excitedly as he spotted the buffet table, covered in oodles of steaming, fresh foods and a dozen guests chatting amongst themselves. He couldn't decide what was more delicious: the fondue, or the roast! "Mama mia, they really have everything here, don't they? Take a whiff of that roast… that's gotta be imported or something! And those cakes… mm-MM! Tace T. really outdid herself this evening, huh?"

Luigi clutched the pasta container to his chest, blinking a bit too often under the bright chandelier as he seemingly shrunk into himself. "Yeah… y-yeah, it's… v-very nice, M-M-Mario…"

"Lu, you okay?" Mario asked.

"Oh, y-y-yeah!" Luigi replied quickly, his smile a bit too tight. "I just… um… y-y-you know how I f-feel about… this kinda th-th-thing…"

Mario chuckled sympathetically. "It's alright, tough guy. C'mon, let's go find us a spot to sit for a sec. Maybe get a snack, yeah?"

"Oh, n-no that's okay! R-R-Really, I—"

"Ah, the famous Mario brothers! So good to see you this fine evening!"

Shocked, Mario turned to find Haru standing just off to the side, wearing a cream-colored suit complete with a velvet white cape. He flashed the two of them a smile as he strode over, tucking in his cape so as not to be seen (at least, from what Mario could gather).

"Haru…!" Mario exclaimed happily, taking his hand in his. "I could say the same to you, mi amici! How goes the wedding plans, eh?"

Haru stiffened but quickly recovered. "Oh… about as well as can be expected. I'm sure Peach has told you all about it, yes?"

"Huh… nope, can't say she has. Say… speaking of Peach, have you seen her around? I'd like to… uh…"

"Oh, of course. But you know… funny you mention that… she actually requested I fetch you to visit her. She's got something rather important to discuss with you. Up in her quarters."

Mario felt his face flush red.

"R-Really…?"

He felt his stomach flip strangely. Already? This was far too good to be true… of course he couldn't pass up the chance! He had to know! Was it something romantic? Serious? Sensual? They never did have many chances to speak, he knew, so perhaps she wished to continue it?

But… why?

… what if he had slipped up?

Maybe he had gotten too bold, he realized in horror! All those evenings where he grew sweaty and his palms shaking… it was all right there in the open! Maybe she wanted to tell him off! They promised to keep it a secret… oh stars, why didn't he realize?!

Trying to shake off his nerves, he laughed weakly. "She's not mad, right? I mean… am I gonna get sent to the dungeon, or…"

"Oh, it's nothing like that," Haru smiled. "She simply wanted to meet with you privately… so the two of you could be alone."

Behind him, Luigi groaned, but Mario was ecstatic! Still skeptical, he looked at Haru, trying to assess whether there was any misleading information… but there was none to be found. He knew he wasn't the most observant, but the chance was still there, he reasoned.

"Those were her words," Haru reassured gently. He then turned to Luigi, giving the two of them a sympathetic smile. "That is… if the two of you are alright being separate for a bit. I assure you it won't take long at all."

Awkwardly, Mario exchanged glances with Luigi. Momentarily, he considered staying behind for his brother's sake, but the pleading look in his eyes and tightened smile said it all: "Go to her, you moron."

At last, he decided to acquiesce. It wasn't worth fighting over… especially when the outcome meant he got the chance to see Peach once more.

This time, a week earlier!

"Alright, alright," Mario chuckled as he began stepping away. With a hand on Haru's shoulder, he added, "Now, you take good care of my brother. Maybe find him a quieter place than here. Oh, and grab some snacks, too."

"Of course, Mario," Haru said kindly, nodding in agreement as he began to take his leave.

Mario hesitated, then muttered, almost blushing, "Oh… and… thank you…"

"Any time, Mario," Haru nodded again. He then turned his attention to Luigi as he gently guided him away from the crowded space, "So, how about we grab a few drinks of water? Sparkling, or —"

Mario didn't hear the rest of what Haru said before he flashed Luigi a quick thumbs-up and promptly darted towards the stairs, feeling his heart hammering in his chest as he imagined all that he and Peach would do. He was so eager, he almost didn't hear the excited murmurs of the crowd as they all witnessed their hero make his "grand" entrance.

As he breezed past most of them, he nearly missed the wave of murmurs following as he passed, growing louder and louder with each step.

"It's him!"

"Mario! Mario! Your mustache is looking bushier than ever!"

"Oh my stars, he really is real!"

"Mario, we love you!"

He nearly stumbled over himself as he bumped into a table. He winced as his hip struck the sharp corner, but he quickly brushed it off. Awkwardly, he gave a sheepish wave, smiling nervously at the many toads staring at him in awestruck glee. It was times like these that he realized just how much they all adored him. All of them practically worshipped him on the same level as the Star Spirits… a title he was particularly shy about.

And he also knew they tended to crowd more once they were sufficiently impassioned.

Deciding there wasn't much time to waste, he nodded politely before continuing on his journey, this time keeping a brisk but steady pace. He made his way through the crowd, trying to keep a low profile as he rehearsed everything he wished he could say to Peach in his mind.

"My dear, Peachy… I've waited so long to tell you…"

"Peachy Pie, you make my heart go a-WAhoo!"

"Peach, I'm dying of a heart attack."

Nevertheless, he was too happy once he happened upon the door leading to the north wing: Peach's sanctuary. He recieved polite nods from the royal guards, both of whom acknowledged him fondly.

"Ah, Mario!" the younger one exclaimed, his squeaky voice practically drowned out by the music. "Good to see you, good sir! Are you enjoying the party?"

Mario beamed shyly. "Ah… funny, I actually just got here. I'm on my way to see the princess. Uh… it's for hero training and all that."

"Already?" the older toad scoffed, tapping his spear gruffly. "My word, that seems that's all the two of you ever do these days. But if you must… go on then. Though I insist you stay for the Star Rod Ceremony. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, you know."

"Star Rod Ceremony…?"

"Oh…" the toad blushed. "My apologies… I forget you haven't been here for very long. It's essentially something that's held for every marriage here in the Mushroom Kingdom. There's three whole ceremonies two weeks before the wedding, each for the spouses. One for the ring giver, one for the ring reciever, and then… well, you know."

Mario raised an eyebrow. "So that's what this is for, eh?" he asked, contemplatively. "Hm… I just saw 'Ceremony of the Reciever' on the invite, but I didn't think it'd be about that."

"No worries, old chap," the toad chortled. "We don't have weddings too often here. Hard to do that when you've practically got all the time in the world! I've only been to about… hm… maybe two in my entire three hundred and fifty years? Hard to keep track…"

"I haven't been to even one!" the younger toad gasped. "Wow… what's a wedding like, Lieutenant?"

"You'll be at one, Private, so you'll experience it there."

"Uh… excuse me?" Mario politely nudged.

"Oh! Apologies, Master Mario!" the (apparent) lieutenant gasped. Immediately, he gestured for his cohort to draw the doors open, allowing Mario entry. "Be on your way then! Hope everything goes pleasantly for you!"

"Thanks… I'm hoping so."

(Song: Longing from Inuyasha (2000-2004) by Kaoru Wada) "You know, Master Mario…" the lieutenant added, just as Mario stepped forward. Curious, the plumber gazed at him, only to find him staring seriously, his eyes filled with… pity? Longing? "You're a good man, sir… it's a shame you aren't the one marrying the princess, especially after all the good you've brought to our humble kingdom…"

Mario's heart clenched.

"Eh… heh… yeah…" he murmured coolly, his eyes cast downward. "Well, that's how royal stuff works, I guess… I'm not a prince, I'm a plumber!"

"Do with it as you will, but I still stand by my word. You should be up there at the altar with the princess. All of us believe it."

"… you do?"

"Indubitably. Whenever they're holding the rehearsals… it's all us guards can think about. That Prince Haru fellow… he's quite the charmer, but he's not you. You and the princess have a chemistry to you, and it's a shame Toadsworth discarded it all for the sake of the kingdom. If anything… I'd say you could protect all of us ten times better."

Mario laughed nervously, feeling butterflies attacking his stomach. "Oh… c'mon, don't… don't say that."

"Eh… suit yourself. But bear it in mind, Master Mario… you're the only thing keeping our hopes alive."

Unsure of how to respond, Mario simply nodded before excusing himself.

As he walked through the halls, the only sound coming from the crowded foyer and his own boots echoing along the walls, he thought more about what the old toad had said. Was it really true? All of them wished he was the groom instead? Sure, he knew he wanted that more than anything… but what did they have to gain from such an endeavor? Surely having an ally like the Flower Kingdom was far more important than having one man defending them, right…?

Frustrated, he shook the thought away, mentally scolding himself. "I can't think like that…!" he chided, his fists tightening at his sides. "I'm not gonna marry Peach, 'n that's it. End of story."

…

…

…

He let out a sigh.

No… he couldn't accept that.

He could never accept it… no matter how hard he tried.

He squeezed his eyes shut as he paused there in the hall, gritting his teeth as he tried to keep his composure. He promised himself he wouldn't be overcome by selfishness… the princess had a duty, a duty that he was not a part of… and would never be a part of. He was just going to have to accept it, eventually…

He let out another sigh before he began to move forward… but that's when a beautiful sight caught his eye.

(Song: Astral Observatory from Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask by Koji Kondo) The stars…

In awe, he realized that the hallway was filled with large glass-pane windows, all of which gave a brilliant view of the kingdom and the heavens above… all in their splendor and stillness. As he looked down, he saw waves of blue hues shimmering across his hands as the stars drifted lazily above, almost winking at him. He couldn't help himself as he crept over to one of the windows, pressing his hands against the glass as he gazed up at them.

The stars were nothing new to Mario, especially since arriving in the Mushroom Kingdom. From many a night spent in the Fire Flower Fields when he needed to think to just staring out the window before falling asleep, he had grown a strong fondness for the stars, however minuscule. He supposed it was due to his previous life in Brooklyn, a place where all the city lights shone so bright that the stars grew meaningless. Even as a young child, he would try his hardest to spot them, stealing Luigi's telescope to crawling up onto the roof at night… he always wanted to be close to them.

And now, in the Mushroom Kingdom, he could spot them every night, even when storms shook the ground. No matter how many grey clouds filled the sky, he could always make out one peeking down at him. He couldn't quite explain it… but he felt like they called to him in a way.

He wasn't sure why. He prided himself on being a rather optimistic, but practical, man. He could read fairy tales until he fell asleep, but he knew things like talking stars or magic couldn't possibly exist. Even when they did… it was often used for evil...

… right…?

"They're beautiful, aren't they?"

Mario gasped once he heard Peach's voice. Upon turning to the sound, he found her standing amongst the shadows, her eyes lighting up in the darkness like all the other times before. She looked beautiful as always, he marvelled… especially that night. In place of her usual pink garbe, she now wore a blush-pink ballgown that trailed behind her as she walked. As she moved past the stars, he realized her skirt was laden with sequins and feathers, all of which shimmered in the light. Her top met a similar fate: the sheer fabric caressing her shoulders before morphing into the same sparking fabric as her skirt. Around her neck, she wore a pearly white necklace. Her long golden hair was now tied into a long braid by her collarbone, her head adorned with pink and white roses circling her crown.

He wasn't sure if it was his eyes playing tricks on him… but she made even the stars look dull by comparison…

"Mama Mia…" Mario gaped, feeling as though his heart were about to beat out of his chest. "P-Peachy… y-y-you look… you look…"

Peach giggled as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's alright, darling… thank you. I'm glad to see you tonight… you look just as adorable as ever, might I add…"

Mario was so grateful it was dark, lest she see how red his face had grown…

Sheepishly, he glanced down at his overalls, feeling a tad underdressed in her presence aside from the red velvet bowtie around his neck. "Ah… sorry I'm not all fancy like you, Peachy…" he chuckled nervously. "I… didn't know what to wear…"

"It's alright, Mario," Peach reassured, tilting his chin up to look at her. "I'm just happy to see you… and besides, I've seen you with less on, remember?"

"Ah…" Mario choked.

Peach shushed him gently as she pressed a finger to his lips, gently guiding him back to the window as she wrapped an arm around him. He could feel sweat dripping down the side of his face as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye… should he say something? Should he touch her…? She was so beautiful… so… everything he could have dreamed of!

"Mario…" Peach began, her voice trembling as she seemingly prepared her own words. "There's… I'm sure you know that I called you here to talk…"

'Here it comes…' he thought hopefully.

With a serious glance, Peach turned to him, her hands grasping his as she stared into his eyes. His heart couldn't stop beating, no matter what he did… he felt like a stone statue as he watched her. He didn't know what she would say… but if it meant he could stare at her for all eternity… he'd gladly take that chance.

"Mario…" Peach sighed. "I… I know how you feel about the wedding… and how hurt you are by it all… and tonight… tonight's one of the biggest parts of it…"

"Ah huh…" Mario murmured, more to himself.

Peach's lip trembled as she squeezed his hands tighter. "Mario…" she repeated, her eyes gazing pleadingly at him. "Tonight… tonight… I'm meant to make a wish to the Star Rod… for me and Haru… for our marriage… and the Mushroom Kingdom… it's meant to strengthen all of us… and our future."

Hearing that, Mario's blood ran cold.

…

Ceremony of the Receiver…

…

That's what it was…?

But…

Before he could open his mouth, Peach briefly glanced away before nervously blurting out, her voice just barely over a whisper, "B-But I'm not going to do it…!"

His breath hitched.

In response, Peach still kept her gaze cast down as though she were ashamed. He could still feel her hands trembling in his as she continued, "I… I can't do it… if I do… it means giving you up… I can't bring myself to do that… not in a million years…"

Mario stared, his eyes wide and his heart pounding against his bound chest so much that it hurt, "P-Peach, I…"

"I can't give up on you," she pleaded. Her eyes glistened with tears as her voice grew stronger. "I know what this means, but… but I can't do it…! I love you…! I love you more than—"

(Song: Final Battle with Bowser from Super Mario Galaxy by Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo) BOOOOOOOOMMMM…!

Upon hearing the sound, both gasped before turning to its source: the foyer. A moment of still silence ensued before a loud CRASH resounded, followed by the horrified screams of the toads and… wait… was that… fire?!

"Peach…!" Mario whispered frantically, only to see her staring at the door behind him in terror.

That's when he saw it…

The shudders as pounding came from behind the door, glowing orange at the edges, smoke curling through the cracks before filling the air…

"B-Bowser…!" Peach whispered, her voice cracking. "He… he found out…! Oh stars, he found out!"

Instinctively, Mario spun toward the door, knowing what he had to do. As he narrowed his eyes, he urged Peach, "Get behind me. Now. You find a way to escape and get everyone out of the castle. I'll hold him off."

Tears welled in her eyes as her breath came in shallow gasps, but she nodded firmly. She trusted him with everything in her heart… and she couldn't back down now, he knew. "I will…" she stammered, quietly rushing towards the opposite entry. "Just… Mario, don't get yourself killed… please…!"

A soft smile met Mario's lips, "Not planning on it."

Just as Peach shut the door behind her, the wall suddenly caved inward with a blast of heat and splintering wood. Shocked, Mario let out a yell as he was thrown several feet backward, landing hard on his back. Though disoriented… he could make out the dark shape standing amidst the smoke anywhere.

"Bowser…" he growled, feeling his hair standing on end.

"WHERE IS SHE?!" came his answer, along with the sound of thudding footsteps. "I KNOW YOU'RE HIDING HER, PLUMBER!"

"So what if I am?" Mario spat, pulling himself to his feet. "You won't lay a claw on her… not while I'm here…!"

At that, Bowser sneered evilly.

"Let's just see about that."

A burst of adrenaline came over Mario as he rushed towards the beast, his fists outstretched as he tried to find a weak point — the snout, he decided. He let out a battle cry as Bowser threw himself at him, just barely missing landing on top of him. With a toothy grin, Bowser retreated into his shell, only leaving his is tail out to swing; by some miracle, Mario managed to dodge it just in time as he hopped onto his spiky shell, careful not to puncture the soles of his boots.

There was no time for victory, he realized, as the shell began to spin violently.

"Wha—?! Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa…!" Mario yelped, flailing as the stars blurred around him, keeping a strong hold onto one of Bowser's spikes.

He felt his stomach churning as air whipped past his face, making him even more dizzy. He could see Bowser's spikes glistening in the moonlight, just barely missing his legs. Just as the spinning stopped, he felt the shell lurch upward, causing him to jump just as Bowser burst from his defense, slamming into a marble pillar, sending down a rain of dust and debris.

Quickly, Mario rolled out of the way before it could slam into him, coughing as he accidentally inhaled the debris. His vision still remained blurry, but he could see Bowser standing upright… completely unharmed.

"Oh… well look at this," Bowser sneered, holding up his arm to reveal a ghastly bleeding cut. The temptation was too much for Mario as he smirked boldly. The idiot… he really hurt himself over all that? What was he thinking?

But then… he saw a sparkling rod in Bowser's other hand… topped with a star.

Mario's breath caught in his throat.

The Star Rod… that had to be it!

"Mmm… the Star Rod," Bowser chuckled lowly as he held it up, caressing the crystals making out the star tip. "The most powerful weapon in all of the Mushroom Kingdom… said to grant any wish the heart desires." He then paused, relishing in the shocked expression still plastered on Mario's face. "How about we give it a test then?"

Without waiting for an answer, Bowser let out a monstrous roar as he held the rod above his head. All at once, the light from the stars in the heavens shone onto the Star Rod, sending a blast of light energy from its tip. Mario's heart raced as the floor shook beneath him, the windows rattling, and the torches adorning the walls flickered out altogether. All that was left in the moonlight was the bright blue glow of the Star Rod.

"WAIT! STOP!" Mario screamed, hopping to his feet.

But it was too late…

"I wish…" Bowser growled, smiling evilly towards Mario. "To be the most powerful being in all the Mushroom Kingdom! I will be invincible! All will bow down to me!"

Just as Mario reached him, the star flashed, sending a rainbow aura around Bowser's terrifying form. His eyes glowed a bright red as maroon smoke poured from his nostrils. His claws appeared longer now… and that energy… it was unlike anything Mario had ever seen…!

Shocked, Mario instinctively went to punch him in the snout just as planned… only to scream in agony.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUGH…!!!!"

A sharp, blinding pain surged through his arm as he was flung backwards into the wall, his head hitting the marble hard as his breath became trapped in his chest. With a horrified glance, he stared down at his hand… smoke curled up from his glove, the fabric frayed and burned… and his arm… his arm felt like it was burning…!

He glanced back up at Bowser…

He couldn't touch him… he couldn't do anything…!

"What's the matter, hero?" Bowser sneered, his voice echoing from the walls as he slowly stalked forth. "Aren't you going to fight me? Show the kingdom what a real hero you are!"

Mario scrambled to his feet, realizing that he couldn't fight like this…

He was too strong!

Panting heavily, he glanced back at the destroyed wall Bowser had emerged from. Slowly, he took a step back, clutching his injured arm at his side as his teeth gritted in pain. He couldn't do it… he couldn't do it, so long as Bowser had that Star Rod…!

"Mario…!!" a voice cried out behind him.

Mario's heart sank.

She was still there…!

He had to get out!

"I'm sorry…!" he whispered to the kingdom.

As he fled, he heard Bowser laughing maniacally. He heard him growl something behind him, but he didn't care. He could only watch as the castle halls slowly closed in on him, spinning rapidly as he took in the scene around him once he emerged. The foyer was in disarray, the walls and floors cracked from the aftermath of Bowser's destruction. Fire had swallowed the tapestries and decorations entirely, leaving the room covered in an orange glow and smoke. It was as if hell had made its home right then and there. Whatever Toads were still lingering began to run out, screaming in horror as they coughed. Some were in worse states, having to hold one another upright as they frantically made their way to the door. And just at the entrance… he saw her.

"Peach…!" he gasped, limping forward as he clutched his arm.

"Mario!!!" Peach screamed, running towards him. Her heels clacked against the tile floor, her skirt sweeping over the destruction as her arms remained outstretched. Even through his blurred vision, she was breathless, terrified, her eyes widened in fear as she caught him right as he was about to fall.

"Oh my stars… Mario, what happened to you?!" she cried, taking in his disheveled state. "Oh… y-you're bleeding…!"

Mario waved her off as he let out a choked sob, watching as the other toads poured out from the castle. "Please…!" he rasped. "Get them out of here…! We can't fight… he's got… Star Rod…!"

Peach's face turned white.

"… Star Rod…?!" she gasped, clutching his chest. "Mario, what do you—"

"MAAAAAAAAAAAARIOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Bowser bellowed throughout the foyer, suddenly appearing at the balcony as he held the Star Rod above him.

A silent horror filled the room as all eyes landed on Bowser. Mario thought he was imagining it… but he swore even the castle shook…

"Did you really think you could save everyone, you fool?!" Bowser roared, laughing maniacally. "Let me show you what real power looks like, plumber!"

Just then, Mario saw the Star Rod glowing again, and his heart sank.

All at once, he heard the toads scream, and Peach pulling him close to her chest… but he shoved her back along with the toads.

"GET DOWN!"

The next thing he knew, he leapt in front of them all. He didn't care how badly it hurt… he couldn't let anything happen to Peach…! He couldn't! As he prayed silently to the Star Spirits, a cry tore from Peach's throat as the light engulfed him…