#toadworth

It was a quiet, comfortable morning that dawned over the Mushroom Kingdom. Cafes were already open, preparing for the earlier rises as all went about caring for the kingdom they lived in. As the sun began to reach the outer wall, the guards already stationed greeted their replacements with tired smiles. 

“Good morning you two, anything to report?” The Green-Spotted Toad asked as he passed the wrapped breakfast sandwich to his co-worker. 

The Purple-Spotted Toad shook their head, “Thankfully no. I feel like we’re due a few days of calmness after all the craziness.” 

“Ha! You’re asking for a miracle with that one,” the Orange-Spotted Toad laughed.

The Blue-Capped Toad huffed weakly as he downed his sandwich quickly. “Don’t call chaos back here. If you speak it, it’ll appear.”

“You worry too much! Let’s just relax, enjoy this morning and-”

“Um, is that a dirt cloud I see on the horizon?”

All four fell quiet as their eyes turned towards that direction. Sure enough, there was a large plume of dirt that was ever growing, coming towards the kingdom. After a moment to pause, taking in what they were seeing, there was a scramble to gather their weapons again as a desperate attempt to defend the gate. 

Only for the panic to fall away when the familiar red-cap of Captain Toad crested the hill.

“Oh! It’s just the captain! See, nothing to worry about.”

“He’s running awfully fast.”

“Maybe he’s just excited to be home. Remember when he’d been gone for like, what, 6 months? Nothing could pry him from his bed once he got back!”

“Oh, yeah! What had he been looking for?” 

“Some weird gem shaped thing. A star, I think?”

“I heard it was a heart.”

“No, no, no, it was the sun!”

“That’s not-”

“Get out of the way!”

The four guards were barreled over as Captain Toad ran past them. All letting out groans, trying to sit back up as the captain’s form disappeared into the kingdom. On his part, Captain Toad was tearing his way across the wide lands. Civilians just barely getting out of the way as he rushed by. All whispering curiously as the dust cloud disappeared, wondering what new thing had possibly been discovered. It must be important if he was running that fast. 

The guards stationed at the castle’s front scrambled to get to the doors once they realized who was approaching them. Just able to open the doors a crack to allow the rushing Toad in. 

Captain Toad’s path was finally halted when, upon entering the great hall, he collided. Hard. With Luigi. The sudden hit caused both involved to end up as a heap of pain on the polished floor. Luigi let out a low groan while the captain started to sit up. 

Mario was instantly at Luigi’s side. Helping his brother in sitting up while frantically whispering, “Are you okay?”

To which Luigi nodded slowly.

“Captain Toad, what is the meaning of this unwarranted intrusion!” Toadsworth huffed out as said Toad finally got up. 

Captain Toad’s face was flushed, breathing heavily as he tried to collect himself. “...I…saw… I have to…tell…”

“Well, spit it out good Toad, what’s going on!”

“Toadsworth,” Peach said softly. Placing a hand on her caretaker’s shoulder before addressing Captain Toad. “Try to take a few deep breaths, okay? You’re safe here.”

Instead of agreeing, Captain Toad shook his head. “West border… They… I saw them….”

“Who?” Mario worriedly asked, thinking Bowser was trying a new tactic.

“Sa…Sarasaland!” 

The name meant nothing to the twins. Both even assumed for a moment that the captain had just merely sneezed. For the rest of the room, however, there was a clear shift. Not the same as when the BeanBean Kingdom’s letter was read. But there was a sudden nervous feeling in the air.

“Oh… Oh gosh, Toadsworth, did you?” Peach asked nervously.

“I’ve sent no correspondents to said kingdom, nor have they sent us anything in return.” The elder Toad said quietly.

“Okay, well, they’re apparently arriving now. That’s fine. We…can handle that. We had a good trial run with the Beanbean Kingdom, now to do it again!”

With that, Peach addressed the rest of the room, royalty mode engaged as she handed out orders. Checking on the guest rooms, having them all prepared just in case. Commanding for word to be sent to the kitchen to make a welcoming meal. Making sure all Toads had a job to do in order to get this place ready.  

“So…I’m assuming we’re greeting this kingdom and it’s not a threat?” inquired Luigi softly. 

“Ah, well, possibly,” Toadsworth replied, “I mean, no, I suppose that’s wrong. The last correspondence we have with the Sarasaland King was when our King was still alive and… Let’s just say it did not end well.”

“What happened?”

“A disagreement about how to proceed with the Bowser threat.”

“Was Bowser already attacking at that point?” Luigi asked.

“No. But we were aware of the strength the Koopa Kingdom was growing. With a few of the kingdoms already closing their borders, as a preemptive strike to all of this. The fear we felt was simmering at that point. King Olivine had practically begged King Matsutake to come up with some kind of plan. But…Queen Dahlia’s health was starting to decline at that point and his focus was not on the want for a war.” 

Toadsworth let out a small sigh, “I will admit, King Matsutake was not thinking straight. He was focused more on his wife and family than his kingdom. Which, in turn, angered King Olivine. The last words he shared were, ‘If you care so little for anything outside your bubble, then allow me to be one less burden’. And he left.”

“And…he never came back?” 

“No.”

“If the kingdom is arriving, does that mean that they’re…attempting to reconnect?” Mario proposed. 

“Possibly, but we won’t know until they arrive. Hopefully King Olivine doesn’t view this as a chance to ‘control’.”

“Would he try?”

“If he believed it would be a way to remember his fallen friend, I do believe so. We didn’t exactly prove ourselves determined to fight back. King Olivine might have determined that this would be a good time to stake a claim.”

Mario frowned softly in thought, “...Isn’t the timing weird?”

“Pardon?”

“I mean, if this king was that concerned, wouldn’t he have arrived long before this to help? Say, after the first time Peach had been taken?” 

Toadsworth tapped his cane on the ground in thought. “Interesting point you have there… There’s also the possibility of arriving for the same reason the BeanBean Kingdom reached out. You two. See how you both actually stack up and if your arrival is something he should be concerned about.”

“Like…using us to take over another kingdom?”

 “Perhaps, if King Olivine is paranoid.”

“How concerned should we be?”

“I’m not quite sure. I will remark that it’s strange that there was no correspondence about their arrival. Even if he was still heated about the previous meeting, King Olivine always sent an announcement about him coming. He was never one for surprises. Which is a shocker, given his daughter’s personality. This is strange,” Toadsworth let out a huff, “Regardless, we’ll have to push past that for now. Answers will arrive soon enough, and hopefully, they’ll be good.”

It took about an hour to get everything as ready as they possibly could. Unable to rally the troops fast enough to offer a greeting outside as they had done for the BeanBean Kingdom. All now held in the throne room, waiting nervously for their unannounced guest to finally arrive. 

Soon enough, the grand doors opened and a dusty brown bi-pidal mouse entered the large room. Dressed in light weight garbs of blue and green, they stepped to the center. Offering a bow to Peach before speaking.

“Greetings to the current ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Peach.” said the mouse, voice a little squeaky but well heard. 

“Aw, they’re so cute.” Luigi whispered softly, which Mario nodded in agreement with.

“Please pardon our unannounced arrival. However, our ruler wished to reach out for help on a rather delicate matter. Please allow me to announce-”

“Dew, you’re taking too long!”

The grand doors were opened once more. But not by the guards standing by. But with a rather violent kick that forced them apart so hard they actually bounced off the walls. A princess with deep tanned skin, wearing a brilliant yellow dress with orange accents that was hefted up to not get in the way as she practically stomped her way in. Hair a deep brown was tied up in a high ponytail with a golden crown rested on top. Brilliant green eyes narrowed, focusing on the mouse in front of her. 

The mouse named Dew looked a little panicked as she was joined by the princess. “Your highness, you were supposed to wait.”

“And I was getting bored. You know I hate stuffy introductions.” 

“You mean the royal procedures.”

“Yep.”

“Daisy?” Peach stood up from her throne, eyes wide in surprise.

“Peach!” The narrowed eyes disappeared instantly, Daisy was now beaming with wide arms outstretched towards the other. “I’ve missed you so much! It’s been so long, can you believe it? A few years feels like a few decades. Ugh, and it’s been so boring! You look great by the way, absolutely gorgeous. I’m so excited to be here I could scream!”

“Princess Daisy,” Toadsworth interrupted the princess’s ramblings, “where…is King Olivine?”

“Oh, back at the kingdom.” Daisy admitted weakly. Her emotions shifted quickly to a sheepish but clearly not caring smile. Still standing tall with her head tilted to the side.

“Back at the- Does your father even know you’re here?”

“Ah, I mean, he probably knows by now. I did take my favorite carriage and my guards. So…yeah.”

“I- You- Why would you-” Toadsworth let out a heavy sigh before muttering out, “How joyous to see you rebellious streak has remained and apparently grown over the years.”

“And I’m very happy to see you’re still a grump.” Daisy replied with a wide smirk, arms crossed. The smug look of victory quickly dropped away and shifted to amazement and curiosity as her attention shifted to Mario and Luigi. “Holy shit, no way!”

“Princess Daisy, language, please!” Dew called out pleadingly. But it fell on deaf, pointed ears. 

Daisy climbed the stairs two at a time with such speed that Mario and Luigi stepped away. Finding themselves trapped by the castle wall as Daisy leaned in closely.

“Oh, Daisy-” Peach weakly started.

“Oh, my, Grambi! Look at you two! Look at your ears, whoa, they’re so round. That’s so weird! Are you the heroes everyone’s talking about? You have to be. But you’re so…blah. No offense. But I’m just saying, you’re unassuming. Which is probably a good thing. An element of surprise kind of thing. What’s with the matching outfits? Kind of silly. But I like your hats!”

“Daisy!” Peach was able to pull away the other princess from the brothers. Looking a little exhausted but offered a soft smile back. “Not that it is not wonderful to see you again. But this is all so sudden. What… Why are you here?”

“Oh, well, a lot of reasons. Biggest one being that I heard you had the BeanBean Kingdom here before you even invited me back! I mean, major props for getting a kingdom out of self-exile. But still! Feeling a little left out.”

“To be fair, they sort of came here on their own,” Peach admitted, “We didn’t even know they were coming until we got the letter.” 

Daisy waved her hand. “Find, pull that one off the list. Still a little upset that you wouldn’t send an invite afterwards. But I had to find out through even more rumors and gossip that you have human heroes! Human. Heroes. Are you joking? Why would you keep something like this from me!” 

“It’s been a little crazy over here.” 

“Apparently.” 

“Has your father talked about rebuilding kingdom relations?”

“Peachy-Pie, do I need to remind you that he doesn’t even know I’m here?” 

“Daisy!”

“What? I told you, I just left!”

“You didn’t even leave a note telling him where you were going?”

“No! Oh…I probably should have.” 

As Peach let out an exasperated sigh, Mario decided to step forward. “Um, Daisy. Princess Daisy. Uh, your highness?”

“You are so adorable being all unsure,” Daisy laughed, “Daisy will be just fine.”

“Okay, Daisy. Clearly this is more than just a casual visit.”

“Says who?”

Mario huffed, “Oh, I don’t know. How about the fact that you left your kingdom under secrecy? Probably in the middle of the night.” 

“Maybe I just really wanted to meet the new heroes.”

“You mean the only heroes.”

“Whatever. I’m excited, this is big news.”

“But why? Couldn’t you just, I don’t know, make us aware of your arrival? This is a whole lot of sneaking around to just see two people. Especially dangerous if you didn’t even inform your father, the king, where you would be going. Which, to me, sounds like you’re doing something beyond the scope of just wanting to visit. Wouldn’t a king want to rebuild a strong partnership with other kingdoms? Shouldn’t he be on board with that idea? So why sneak a visit? Unless this is more than just a casual meet and greet.”

For just a moment, Daisy deflated. Enough for Mario to get the idea that, whatever was happening, it was something larger than he expected. 

But there wasn’t a chance given to inquire further when the left hand side doors were opened. Allowing a flood of chaos to flow into the main hall. The kitchen staff were shouting in absolute furry as they chased Wario and Waluigi. Who were covering their heads with their hands as items were thrown at them. Attempting to argue back, but were quickly silenced. 

“What in Grambi’s name is happening?” Peach called out as she approached the chaos.

“We found these two eating from the prepared meals that you'd requested!” The closest chef responded, rolling pin brandished as a sword. 

“You’re making food you haven’t touched in years! How are we supposed to keep our hands to ourselves?” Wario argued back with a huff.

“The food was for our guests, not for you!”

“We’re guests! …Technically.”

“You’re pests!”

“Wait,” Waluigi stood a little straighter as the information fully hit him, “we have guests? Since when?”

“You absolute fucking bitch!”

Before Waluigi could turn towards the new voice, he was hit hard in the head with a yellow heeled shoe. Unable to recover when Daisy launched herself at him. Both now screaming and yelling as they rolled around on the floor. Daisy clearly trying to do as much damage as she could, as quickly as she could. While Waluigi was doing his best to keep the princess at bay. 

Just as Daisy attempted to claw at Waluigi’s eyes they were finally separated. Luigi and Peach with Waluigi. While Mario, Wario, Toadsworth, and Dew were clambered around Daisy. 

“...Hello princess.” Waluigi mumbled out weakly.

“Don’t you dare!’ Daisy hissed back, “How dare you just- Where the hell did you go and when the hell did you get back!” 

“New Donk City and a while ago. Here’s your shoe, by the way.”

Snatching it back, green eyes narrowed on Waluigi further. “That’s it? That’s all I get?” 

“Good to see your sour moods are just as puckering as before.”

There was another outcry as Daisy, heel still in hand, tried to land another hit. Held back once more. 

“Okay, so, how about this?” Peach started cautiously, “How about we go our separate ways for a bit? I’ll answer any questions you have, Daisy. To the best of my ability. And we’ll take the time to just cool off.”

While the offer wasn’t given to him, Waluigi visibly relaxed at the sound of the plan. Luigi, from his angle, was able to get a clear view of the princess in yellow. More importantly, her face. And he was a little worried when Daisy’s heavy pout suddenly shifted to a nefarious gleam. Before Luigi could question it further, said princess let out a heavy, dramagic sigh. 

“Fine, I know Waluigi’s not great with handling things on his own. He does need others to pull his weight.” 

Waluigi tensed at that. Fear replaced with a small bit of defiance. “Excuse you?”

“Well, I mean, we haven't seen each other in so long. Guess your drive to be the ‘better person’ and ‘handle things on your own’ just isn’t there anymore. Did the city make you soft?”

“Like hell I am!” 

“Waluigi…” Wario said softly as if that would, in any way, defuse the situation.

Instead he and Mario were practically barreled over as Daisy stepped forwards. Now wearing a wild smile as she practically shouts, “Then why don’t you put your pride where your mouth is! If you’re so sure you’re that man you were trying to be, then how about a little game to see your perseverance? You and me, one-on-one, a game of Striker!” 

“Striker?” Mario and Luigi asked in unison, clearly confused. 

While the rest let out a collective groan of, “Oh no…”

Waluigi sneered down at Daisy, who didn’t back down. “You’re on!”

“One hour, on the field!”

“No problem!” 

They both turned a sharp 180 and stomped down a different side hallway. Dew and Peach frantically followed Daisy while Wario tried to catch up to his brother. 

Leaving the twins in the grand hall with a group of Toads who let out a collective sigh. 

“Why do I have a feeling we’ll never have a ‘normal’ first greeting with anyone here?” Luigi frowned softly. 

On Mario’s part, he turned to Toadsworth and asked, “What is Striker?”

“An accursed game that’s far too rough for my liking… But I suppose I only have an hour to get ready what I can. Follow along you two. Let’s get you acquainted.”

With a confused shrug to each other, the twins followed Toadsworth to the back of the castle. 

__________________________

“Princess Daisy, I implore you that you reconsider all of this and just talk like a-” Dew let out a small squeak as part of Daisy’s outfit was suddenly draped over her. Peach removed it with a smile before addressing her childhood friend. 

“Is this really necessary?”

Daisy’s head peeked around from the partition with a heavy frown on her face. “With how upset I am, you know this is the best way to get my aggravation out.”

“I mean… Yes, I understand. But our first time back together after so many years and you want to start it with playing a game? You came here for a reason. Whatever it is, that should be our first priority.” 

“Hey, you’re the one who didn’t invite me after ‘so many years’. I made the move to come back here on my own. The least you can do is allow for this avenue of pent up aggression! Besides, a good game can really bring us together.” 

“Even the ones where you bash everyone into the ground?”

“You know it!”

Peach let out a small sigh, “If it was over a tactics game, sure. But Strikers tends to bring out…the really competitive side of you.” 

“It’s one of my better sides.” Daisy emerged from behind the divider. Posing as she showed off the brilliant yellow-orange jersey outfit with black protective pads and helmet. 

“Glad to see it still fits.” Peach softly commented. 

“And I still make it look good. Hope Waluigi is ready to get his butt kicked!”

Daisy let out a boisterous laugh as she led the way out of the room. Peach and Dew exchanging nervous looks before following after. 

The princess dressed in sport armor led the way through the castle. The many years absence clearly did not hinder her memory of the place. As in no time, the trio were outside. Heading straight to a large field surrounded by bleachers with overgrown grass and weeds everywhere. There was a small group of Toads taking care of the foliage. Others followed along to point white lines with a few more setting up large goals on either ends of the field. 

“Wow Peach, you really let the place go.” Daisy commented. 

Peach offered a shrug with, “I haven’t really held a reason to upkeep it. But it looks like you’ll be able to play soon enough.”

“Sweet!”

Picking up the pace, Daisy made her way to the small group already waiting on the sideline. 

Waluigi was wearing a similar outfit and equipment to Daisy’s, except being purple instead of yellow. Stretching as he eyed the field, waiting tensely to finally be allowed on. Paying no attention to Daisy as she joined them. Who casually dropped an arm around the twin’s shoulders. 

“I’m assuming someone was kind enough to catch you two up to speed?” She said, giving a little shake to Mario’s shoulders. 

“We understand the basics, I suppose.” Mario answered, “Kind of like football. Just, way more intense. Like ‘I’m almost worried people are going to die if we’re not careful’ kind of situation.” 

“Nah, if you know what you’re doing, you’ll be fine. Besides, you’re just watching for today. Nothing to worry your little head over.” 

“Unless your kicks are as wildly off placed as they were when we were younger. Then we have plenty to worry over.” Waluigi replied with a monotone voice. Able to hold back a flinch as Daisy got in his face. 

“Say that again, you gangly limbed monstrosity.” 

“If you want to prove me wrong, do so with the game you so desperately want.” 

“I’m going to kick your ass so badly you’re not going to be able to sit for a month.”

“Your highness, please,” Dew whispered fearfully. 

Toadsworth took a more forceful approach. “None of that, Princess Daisy. And do keep your mouth in check as well, Waluigi. You’ll both have your chance to work out whatever this is on the field. Now, does anyone need a reminder of the rules? Namely those dealing with making sure to not purposely injure your partner.”

Beady eyes narrowed as they darted between Waluigi and Daisy. Both of whom gave an off handed reply of ‘No’, while not looking at anyone.

“Very well. Then we’ll make this a simple game. One round, the first person to reach 5 points wins.”

“Awww, come on! We’ll be over in 10 minutes with those limitations!” Daisy pouted. 

“Then you best make the most out of the situation as I’m not allowing a free for all. That is all I’m allowing.”

While she said nothing, Daisy’s crossed arms indicated that she wasn’t happy. But her silence said that she wasn’t going to argue back. 

In almost no time, the field was cleared off. Lines painted with two large field goals placed at opposite ends and a scoreboard behind both. The rest of the space was littered with large metal poles that allowed for space to move but added an interesting element to dodge. Curiously, the twins noted, there were a few power up boxes placed on the field as well. The group went to the stands while Daisy and Waluigi went to the field. Numerous Toads were dressed in referee outfits. Two of which were climbing into two strange shaped contraptions. Basically bowls with a propeller attached at the bottom. Mario and Luigi leaned forward in their seats with interest showing as the Toads were lifted up in the air. 

“How does that work?” Luigi eagerly asked. 

“You can ask them later. Now sit down you two. This is about to get a little crazy.” Wario warned as he gently pulled the two back down. 

Their question for clarification was answered when the ground let out a warning rumble. The painted lines gave way to metal beams that activated a semi-transparent screen of some kind that enclosed the field. The scoreboards that had been dark before suddenly lit to life. Each player's name flashing on with a large ‘0’ under each. The goals were latched down onto the stadium ground, lighting up as well with a hum of energy. 

“Whoa…” The twins whispered out,  eyes wide. 

One of the floating Toads moved to hover over the players. Who were unaffected by the sudden change. Attention still focused on each other. 

“Alright,” the Toad called out, “We’re going to make this a nice, clean game. Or, as best we can make it. One round, first person to reach 5 points wins. Are we clear?” 

There was a sharp nod from both. 

“Very well.” 

Same Toad dug into his vehicle and pulled out a very shiny green Koopa shell. Holding it up high for everyone to see. 

“Where did you get that?” Luigi asked, looking back to Peach and Toadsworth. 

“An heirloom for this specific game,” the elder Toad answered, “Handed down from countless generations.” 

“And it’s still going strong?”

“Koopa shells are something else.” 

A loud, shrilled tweet sounded. Pulling all attention back onto the field. Shell holding Toad game a little ‘Hup!’ as they tossed the shell in. Quickly darting back as the players dashed forward. 

In a blink of an eye, Daisy had claimed the shell. Giving it a hard kick to launch forward. Just barely avoiding Waluigi’s shoulder as it wizard by. The shell bounced off a few pillars before heading towards the goal. 

Waluigi grabbed one of the power ups, an Ice Flower, to quickly create a wall of ice that curved away from his goal. With a pillar of ice knocking the shell towards him. Once it was closer, Waluigi made sure to keep away from Daisy before sending it towards her goal. 

In retaliation, the desert princess actually pulled a pillar out of the ground and threw it to where it knocked the shell out of its path. Both players kept a close eye on it as it randomly knocked around the field. 

On the stands, Mario and Luigi were back on their feet. Trying to keep track of every movement as closely as they could. Leaning over the beams to get a closer look.

“This is so intense!” Luigi tapped his feet in excitement. Both pulled away slightly when the shell hit against the barrier. Uncomfortably close to their face. 

“It’s actually rather tame for both of them, to be honest,” Wario commented calmly, “Must be out of practice.” 

“You’re joking.” Mario replied, heavy disbelief hear in his voice. 

“There’s a force field up for a reason.” 

Another shell impact proved Wario’s point. Sudden enough to cause the twins to jump back. 

“So…do we have a guess as to who's winning?” Luigi asked. 

Peach hummed softly as her eyes easily followed the shell, “That’s kind of a hard question to answer. They play differently enough to counteract each other.” 

“Waluigi is all about strategy,” Wario started, “You two know he likes to ‘plan’ what he wants. He just executes it quickly when he’s on the field. Works well for a fast paced game like this. He’s thin, quick, and overthinks. He’s in and out before anyone can make a move. On the other hand, Daisy is-”

All fell quiet as Waluigi launched another ‘attack’ to the opposing goal. Which was halted almost immediately when Daisy, arms raised to at least block her face, used herself as a blockade. Her arms may become bruised. But at least she was allowed to claim the shell once more and knock it to the opposite side of the field. 

“Daisy is headstrong.” Peach finished sheepishly. Laughing at the twin’s open mouths of surprise that were turned towards her. “Waluigi may be the planner. But she is a walking powerhouse.” 

“Honestly, her goals come more from launching the shell as far away from her side as quickly as possible. Which will occasionally just put it in the goal.” Toadsworth added dryly.

The princess laughed softly, “How true.” 

A loud ‘ding’ sounded from the field, which was followed by Daisy’s loud cheering. 

“And that’s how it’s done!” Daisy pumped her first in the air. Turning to Waluigi with a smug, sly smirk on her face. “Someone seems to be slipping.” 

Waluigi let out a low grumble. Not looking away from Daisy as the shell was dropped into his opened hand. “We just got started, princess.”

“And it’ll be over before you know it. Especially if you keep playing like this.”

“At least I’m not reliant on luck.”

“I am not!”

One of the referees blew their whistle. “Calm down you two. Get your issues out with the game. That’s kind of the reason why we’re here.”

There was a quick huff as acknowledgement and the game picked up once more. 

It was clear to the twins as to why Toadsworth gave the limitation of one game with only 5 points as the marker. While this game was fast paced, neither Daisy or Waluigi backed down. It seemed that, when one scored, the other would do so only a few minutes later. However, getting to the point where one got the leg up on the other was where the true time was spent. Even with only playing as a team of one for each side, they were able to cover every position perfectly. 

It was a war of few words and many actions. 

The sun had started to sink below the horizon when the game reached its peak. Both players had made it to 4 points each and were fighting hard to keep the other back from scoring another. Both refused to back down. Both looked absolutely ragged. Those in the stands were watching on with worry. 

“Shouldn’t we stop this? I feel like this is getting a little out of hand.” Luigi fearfully asked. 

“Trust me when I say that will make this so much worse.” Peach whispered back. 

“Caged animals don’t do well being backed into a corner.” Wario added. 

On the field, the referee Toad nervously handed the shell over to Waluigi. Who took a second to stand back up to take it. As he held the shell between his hands, Waluigi let out a slow breath and looked up to Daisy. 

“...How about we just call this a draw.”

Daisy’s head snapped up. A look of shock on her face that slipped away as she laughed. 

“You…want to draw?” She snorted out, “Big, over-achieving Waluigi wants to call a draw for a game.” 

“This is going on way too long. I’m exhausted. I know you are too. We’ve proved our points, so-”

“We haven’t proven anything!”

The field fell quiet at that. All wide eyes on Daisy as she clenched her fists. Waluigi a little taken aback with how angry the princess was. 

“Daisy-”

“What? You think smooth words will just make all of this okay? That we can just forget about this game and move on?” 

“I don’t-”

“Yes you do!” Daisy stomped her foot, “Why are you like this? You don’t just get to determine for everyone how we’re supposed to move on. We’re not your little machines that you can reprogram to fit the narrative that you want.”

“I’m…” Waluigi faulted, eyes flickering over to Wario before focusing on the situation once more. “I didn’t. I don’t.” 

“Oh, shut up, yes you do! You don’t get to just re-enter our lives and pretend everything’s fine. Did you let anyone know you were coming back? You certainly didn’t when you fucking left!” 

Waluigi’s frown deepened. 

“See! This is what you do. The moment you don’t want to deal with something, you just push it away. Pretend it’s not there. Pull away, don’t let anyone know what’s happening and just let us panic.”

“Daisy-”

“Shut up! You don’t get to just dump me and then leave like none of it mattered!”

As if realizing what she’d just said, Daisy pulled back. Eyes wide as she stared down Waluigi. Who also looked just as stunned. Daisy quickly yanked her helmet off and turned away. Storming off the field as everything was powered down. Just as she reached the edge did Waluigi follow after. Tossing the shell and his own helmet away as he did so. Only able to catch up with Daisy when they were in the castle. 

“Wait- Daisy, wait, let’s just…” Waluigi reached out to gently grab at her arm. 

Daisy pulled away quickly. But she did stop, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. Both allow a few moments to catch a breath with a stretch of heavy silence hanging between them. 

“Why did you do it?” Daisy eventually whispered. 

Waluigi bit his bottom lip, “Do what?”

“Just leave? Were we such a bad thing that you had to flee the moment you could? Get away from me?”

“No! Fuck, no, it’s just… It was bad timing.”

Daisy gave a small laugh, shaking her head. “That’s an understatement. Do you know how much you hurt me? Hurt everyone? You just get up and leave in the middle of the night and expect nothing to happen?”

Stepping away slightly, Waluigi huffed before answering. “I mean, nothing has been directly said to me about it. But there have been hints of how I’ve…messed up.”

“...Answer my question. Why did you leave?”

“Because I was pissed!” Waluigi kicked the wall. “Do you know how much it sucks being the younger brother of a con artist? The youngest son of a liar? To come from a poor family with subpar education because half the time you couldn’t get there because you had no food or sleep? I felt like I was going nowhere, being stuck here. I felt like I was in a cage and if I didn’t leave, I was just…going to be here, forever.” 

“Is…that why we didn’t last? Because you’d be stuck?” Daisy asked. 

“No… Maybe?” Waluigi sighed softly. Sliding down along what cool wall until he was sitting down. Daisy shuffled over to sit down beside him. “I don’t know. I mean, it wasn’t a bad experience. And I liked being around you. But…it felt wrong. It was better when we were just friends. With that weird feeling… I won’t lie, it was the kick off for the whole crisis.” 

“What brought you back?”

“New Donk is a big city. I may have ideas, but I’m a bit too eager, I guess. Leaving without a solid plan was a bad move. So, I came back when things were not going great. I was stuck and…I just couldn't do it anymore.” 

Daisy let out a small sigh. Gently leaning against Waluigi. “You do overthink things.”

“Yeah… I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Well, I won’t lie, it was painful. I really thought I had done something wrong. It’s good to know it’s just your craziness.”

“Hey!” Waluigi huffed, but he did laugh. 

“What, you know I’m right!” Daisy argued back, “Have you…talked to Wario about this? About any of this?”

“No…I left so suddenly and came back just as random… I don’t know, it’s hard to explain what happened.”

“Didn’t you just tell me?”

Waluigi shifted, “Kind of… Sort of. Nothing that would satisfy Wario’s questions.”

“Why are you so complicated.”

“Because life is.”

“Poetic…”

“Sure…”

“So…was that the only reason why you were so upset?” Waluigi looked over to Daisy as best he could. 

“Well, kind of. I think you were just the final straw to get me really upset,” the princess sighed, “I did come here because of the stories and…another thing.”

“What?”

“Explain later. With everything that I had heard, I figured I could toss my crown into the ring. Go up against the big bag Koopa myself.”

“You do realize that we barely escaped with our lives last time, right?”

“Sure, but I also want to know that I’m doing something to help. I really did come here to help…and to get help. I guess old emotions got in the way. Acted before I thought.” 

“Old habits die hard.”

“You know it.”

“...I don’t suppose we’re okay now?” Waluigi winced when Daisy landed a hard punch on his arm. “What the hell!”

“We aren’t even close to being ‘okay’! But I’m not as upset as I was before.” 

“At least that’s something.”

“There you two are!” Peach’s voice rang out as she and the rest from the stands rushed over. “Are you both okay?”

“As well as we can be.” Waluigi replied, rubbing his arm. 

On her part, Daisy stood back up. Stretching a bit before fixing Peach with a smile. “I believe I’m owed a few stories from you?”

Peach nodded, “Of course. Do you- How about we get you showered and changed first. Yeah?”

Daisy tilted her head in thought. “Uh, I suppose that might be a good idea. Dew, were you able to get my luggage from the carriage?”

“Of course, princess.”

As the trio of females, with Toadsworth following after, departed from the rest, Waluigi watched them go. Only pulling his attention away when by the twins.

“That was awesome!” Luigi cheered.

“Uh huh. You want to play next time?”

“Absolutely not!”

“You okay?” Mario asked. 

Waluigi gave a short nod. He stumbled slightly when Wario slapped a hand onto his shoulder. 

“You sure?” The eldest brother asked. 

Waluigi paused slightly at that. Attention darting over to Daisy once more. Who had looked back, offering a small smile. No doubt trying to convey some kind of comfort. 

King boo | King and "" of boos. Love interest: Hellen Gravely.

Hellen Gravely | Shepherd of ghosts. Love interest: King boo

Sheila | Former princess of the Spirit Animal Kingdom and Bowser's second wife. Love interest: Bowser. {Only when I'm with @marioandsonicfangirl793-art}

Donkey Kong | Prince of the Kingdom of Kongs, best known as a great fighter. Love interest: Candy Kong.

Candy Kong | Big fan of fashion, music and dance. Love interest: Donkey Kong.

Yoshiko | Yoshi's older sister and a talented artist. Love interest: Boshi.

Boshi | A rebellious yoshi and great skateboarder. Love interest: Yoshiko.

Geno | Rosalina's assistant. Love interest: Mario Mario.

Prince Peasley | Prince of the Beanbean Kingdom and also heir. Love interest: Luigi.

Toadworth | Administrator of the Mushroom Kingdom and a kind of adoptive father to Peach.

King Totomesu | King of Sarasaland and adoptive father of Daisy, he was like a brother to Daisy's father.

Karen the zebra | Inhabitant of the Spirit Animal Kingdom, Sheila's former bully. Love interest: Fang.

Fang the geopard | Sheila's former bully. Love interest: Karen.