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Chapter 18
0 ReviewsComplications Chapter 18: Peach and Pauline's Adventure
Complications
Chapter 18: Peach and Pauline's Adventure
"You actually went down there?" Peach was shocked by Pauline's confession. "I thought you didn't believe me!"
"Shh! Not so loud, no one needs to know about this. Anyway, I found a mushroom carving on a wall but that's it. It's strange but I'm sure it doesn't mean anything." Pauline watched as Peach got up.
"I want to go there, please tell me which way you went," the princess was determined to see that mushroom carving for herself. It might be some sort of clue.
Pauline should have expected that reaction. "You can't go there, it's dangerous!"
"You've told me that already; but you went. I appreciate your help and I'll try to make it up to you somehow; but you don't need you to baby-sit me. It's my choice to go," Peach couldn't let this chance slip away, it was her only clue.
"Fine, change into some normal clothes and I'll show you the place tonight. People are not allowed to be running around in the sewers, so we can't be caught." Pauline wasn't sure why she was agreeing with Peach. It could only be described as her instinct or subconscious telling her to go for it.
"Thanks," Peach went to get her dress from a small closet. She had changed into white hospital pajamas, since she didn't really have anything else to wear.
"Wait a minute; don't even think about going in that dress. It stands out too much, and it will make it harder to move around. I'll bring you some normal clothes; normal clothes from this world," Peach knew Pauline was only teasing her about her belief of there being another world. Pauline would not believe such things unless she saw proof.
xoxox xox xoxox
After sneaking out of the hospital, and making their way back to the sewers; Peach and Pauline headed towards the mushroom carving, with Pauline leading the way. Heavy footsteps were heard and Pauline suddenly turned off the flashlight. "Do you think you can go back the same way we came without light? This is technically illegal, and I'm sure I heard someone heading this way," Pauline whispered.
"Kammy this place stinks! You said the other world was a lot like ours!" The unmistakable voice of the Koopa King was heard, echoing in the dark tunnels.
There were many portals that connected the Mushroom World with Earth; but only people from the Mushroom World could activate them. The Mario brothers were born in the Mushroom World and send through a portal that led to Earth's Italy when they were children. They later traveled to Brooklyn, and from there found a way back to the Mushroom World by accident.
"The book didn't say anything about a bad smell. Ugh, this smell is really terrible," the second voice belonged to Kammy.
"Bowser!" Peach called, her voice echoing with relief.
"What are you doing? Do you want us to get caught?" Pauline started to head back, but Peach stopped her.
"It's okay, I know them!" Peach's heart was racing with happiness, because her hero was here. At that moment, she didn't remember that her hero was supposed to be Mario. The Mario brothers were also searching; but Bowser found Peach first.
Pauline turned the flashlight back on, and saw some kind of dragon-turtle creature take Peach in his arms and hug her. "Hey! Don't eat her!"
Peach broke the sudden embrace and laughed. "You have never seen a koopa before, right?"
"I don't know what koopa means, but I never thought the sewer monster in those cheap magazines they have the hospital waiting room was real!" Pauline pointed her flashlight straight at Bowser.
"Sewer monster?!" No one dared to call the Koopa King a sewer monster; he might have been called a monster, but not a sewer monster.
"Bowser, calm down," Peach stood in front of Pauline, to make sure Bowser didn't try to incinerate her for the offence. "Pauline, Bowser is not a sewer monster, he is a koopa. It's a species from my world. Why don't you come with us?"
"An alien species... another world... I'm not entirely sure what I'm agreeing to, but I want to find out. I want to go to the place where Mario went." Pauline thought her life had become boring and it would never change; then a chance for adventure came, and she would not let it go to waste.
xoxox xox xoxox
It had been around a week since Peach and Pauline arrived at the Mushroom Kingdom. The shock everyone felt seeing Bowser arrive with Peach on his arm would not be washed away any time soon. She was not struggling in any way, nor did she look frightened or discontent. They didn't know how annoyed Bowser was at Pauline for pulling his tail to see if it was real. They didn't know, Peach was only holding on to Bowser to protect Pauline. Bowser had only forgiven the red haired city girl, for the sake of his beloved princess.
Peach sighed and wondered what Mario was doing right now. She knew he was with Pauline; she was happy to see him, curious about everything, and excited about the way of life of that world. Pauline wanted to try everything from a mushroom meal to a magical power-up. Right now Peach could only wish she was there while she felt the beginnings of a headache. "Excuse me, Toadsworth."
"I must ask for an extra minute to speak please, if everyone would be so kind to give me a little more of their time and attention." Toadsworth had not dropped the subject of Bowser's evil intentions and Peach's image to the world, since she came back. Peach had started to avoid Toadsworth trying to escape his speech, but it couldn't always be done.
"Toadsworth..." this time it was the Mushroom King who interrupted. His daughter had told him, as well as Toadsworth, everything that happened: her trip to the spirit world, the grudge that Lavanda and Kuvio held; it had all been cleared up. Peach's memories where crystal clear now, and all the misunderstandings had been untangled.
"Yes your majesty, I know. Something must be done about the danger that our princess and the entire kingdom is in." Toadsworth was not only worried, but very upset. He had been tricked and Peach was speaking nonsense about making peace with the Koopa Kingdom. Toadsworth's entire life as he knew it, had been turned upside-down, and he didn't like it one bit.
"Actually, I agree with Peach about this. Besides, I wanted to point out that it's already two thirty and this meeting was scheduled to end at two. I'm sure the council wishes to be excused." All the necessary discussions had already taken place, and in the end, as it was customary in the Mushroom Kingdom; the king allowed the members of the council and representatives to speak freely of whatever topics they thought deserved attention.
Eager to prove his point, that an attempt to make peace with the Koopa Kingdom would only bring the Mushroom Kingdom to ruin, Toadsworth made it clear that he wished to go first, plus it was his right by rank anyway. His speech had consumed the time that was to be divided among everyone and added another thirty minutes to the meeting. Peach had politely hinted that it was time to give someone else a turn to speak several times, but Toadsworth played along her words, and politely refused to shut up; until the king decided to end this.
After the members of the council and other high ranking guests left, the Mushroom King offered Toadsworth a vacation, which he refused. "I could never leave at such a time."
"Toadsworth, trust me, you need a vacation. Take some time to relax, everyone is a little upset about what happened, but things have been settled." Quite honestly, Toadsworth was a ball of nerves waiting for a heart attack, at least that's what the king thought. He would make Toadsworth take a break somehow; it was for his own good.
xoxox xox xoxox
"Please princess, wait!" Daisy rushed down the hall to meet Peach, with a Sarasaland dignitary after her.
"Peach! These clothes are a big hit. Have you been around Toad Town?" During the past week, Daisy had gone to Sarasaland and returned to the Mushroom Kingdom. When Peach arrived from Earth, she was wearing the clothes she borrowed from Pauline; now jeans, sneakers and t-shirts were considered elegant, which was all the more reason for Daisy to use it as an excuse to wear something more comfortable than a gown. Some said they didn't know what was more shocking, seeing Peach wearing jeans and no pink, or seeing Peach holding Bowser's arm willingly and with a smile on her face.
"No I haven't, someone has been making sure I don't leave." It was clear Peach was referring to Toadsworth.
The out of shape Sarasaland dignitary, took a moment to catch his breath. He opened his mouth to speak but only inhaled air, realizing his lungs were still thirsty for more oxygen.
"Tell everyone I will be staying at the Mushroom Kingdom for a little longer. Say it's to support our allies or something like that," Daisy was determined not to miss out, and she had a few things to discuss with Peach.
The dignitary let out a tired breath, he felt like he was truly getting old. It was best not to argue with Daisy when her mind was set. "Very well, I shall inform all those who need to know of your decision, princess."
"Thanks and take the day off, you seem tired." That was only because he had spent half the day running after Daisy, trying to talk her into accepting being followed by bodyguards; which she firmly refused arguing that the Mushroom Day parade incident would not repeat itself. Besides, she had Luigi to protect her if needed.
xoxox xox xoxox
"Daisy, slow down!" Peach had come to the conclusion that it was not good for public safety to allow Daisy behind the wheel when she was in such a rush.
"I can't do that or we'll miss them!" Daisy pressed the gas pedal harder, only to stomp on the breaks and come to a screeching halt when she heard a scream overhead.
Peach's heart was still racing, her adrenaline high from Daisy's driving. Then Pauline suddenly dropped into the backseat of the yellow convertible and startled the princesses.
Pauline took a short moment to gather her thoughts and stop the laughter that her previous screaming had evolved into. "Hello!"
Peach could only blink, while Daisy tried to find the right words to express her thoughts and failed to do so. The Saraland Princess observed the raccoon ears on Pauline's head, noting that those raccoon ears were her only pair. Daisy once again tried to phrase things properly, to no avail. Whatever kind of magical leaf Pauline used, Daisy had a feeling that it was not an ordinary one.
"Ow, how does your friend sit?" It took Peach a few seconds to realize that the odd question was directed at her, and a few more to know what Pauline was talking about while she shifted uncomfortably, trying not to sit on her raccoon tail.
"Bowser? I suppose he's used to having a tail." Peach glanced at Daisy, only for a second, but that was enough to know that this, is what Daisy wanted to show Peach.
"Pretty cool once you get to know him. Thanks for catching me, these seats are a lot softer than the ground would have been." Pauline opened the door and let herself out of the car. "Sorry for dropping in like that, nice seeing you both," Pauline smiled and walked to the side of the road, as if making room for Peach and Daisy to drive off.
"Wait a minute, what?!" Peach battled with the door's lock, looking back to Daisy for help.
"You have to press it not pull it," Daisy instructed, as she set the car on park, and opened her door. There were no cars coming anyway, and she was certain Peach would want to drive the way back.
"You were at Bowser's castle?" Peach inquired with obvious interest.
"Yeah, I know, I've been told by everyone, Mario included, that he's terrible. But since I didn't believe you about the existence of the Mushroom Kingdom at first, and you proved me wrong; I decided to take your word for it this time and believe what you said about Bowser being nicer than most people think. Besides, he looked like he listens to you." Pauline knew that Mario wouldn't approve of this, and she was sorry to go against his well intended advice, but she decided to believe Peach and not judge Bowser as the tyrant so many thought he was.
Peach let everything sink in. She didn't understand why Bowser would allow someone who obviously annoyed him, though not on purpose, to visit one of his castles. "The magic leaf... Did Bowser give that to you?"
"Yes, well the lady wizard, er, magikoopa, Kammy used her magic to give it to me. Apparently koopas are allergic to these leaves or something. They were keeping it in a floating golden box with a question mark on it. Kammy hit it with her magic and the leaf came out. I caught it and somehow knew right away it was special. That's pretty obvious taking into account that it came from a floating box, but it was more than that. This magic doesn't work on koopas, it's a human thing. The next thing I knew I was a raccoon girl like something out of a Japanese animated series." Pauline touched her soft fuzzy ears, this world was truly exciting.
"But why would he do this?" Peach was confused, there had to be some kind of plan behind this.
"Don't you see?" Daisy blurted out. "Kammy is trying to turn Pauline into a female Mario!" The Sarasaland princess received surprised stares for her statement.
"Turn me into... What are you talking about?" Pauline was too busy rejoicing with the ability to fly with her newly gained tail, to even consider some sort of plot developing right under her nose.
"That can't be!" Peach simply could not picture it. "Bowser doesn't get along with Mario or Luigi at all. In fact, they very much hate each other, though I wish they didn't. Why would he want someone similar to Mario around?" Peach didn't think it was a trap for Pauline. She had made it very clear to Bowser that she would not forgive him if he hurt Pauline, and he promised not to. Peach believed in his word, Bowser wouldn't lie to her; so this couldn't be a trap in hopes that Pauline would crash or fall and get herself seriously injured or worse.
"To keep him away from you..." Daisy spoke in a quieter tone this time, and all the pieces fell into place.
To be Continued
Disclaimer, I do not own the Mario games or characters. Next chapter, "A Golden Opportunity". Also check out my new BowserxPeach two-shot "Slaying the Dragon".
Chapter 18: Peach and Pauline's Adventure
"You actually went down there?" Peach was shocked by Pauline's confession. "I thought you didn't believe me!"
"Shh! Not so loud, no one needs to know about this. Anyway, I found a mushroom carving on a wall but that's it. It's strange but I'm sure it doesn't mean anything." Pauline watched as Peach got up.
"I want to go there, please tell me which way you went," the princess was determined to see that mushroom carving for herself. It might be some sort of clue.
Pauline should have expected that reaction. "You can't go there, it's dangerous!"
"You've told me that already; but you went. I appreciate your help and I'll try to make it up to you somehow; but you don't need you to baby-sit me. It's my choice to go," Peach couldn't let this chance slip away, it was her only clue.
"Fine, change into some normal clothes and I'll show you the place tonight. People are not allowed to be running around in the sewers, so we can't be caught." Pauline wasn't sure why she was agreeing with Peach. It could only be described as her instinct or subconscious telling her to go for it.
"Thanks," Peach went to get her dress from a small closet. She had changed into white hospital pajamas, since she didn't really have anything else to wear.
"Wait a minute; don't even think about going in that dress. It stands out too much, and it will make it harder to move around. I'll bring you some normal clothes; normal clothes from this world," Peach knew Pauline was only teasing her about her belief of there being another world. Pauline would not believe such things unless she saw proof.
xoxox xox xoxox
After sneaking out of the hospital, and making their way back to the sewers; Peach and Pauline headed towards the mushroom carving, with Pauline leading the way. Heavy footsteps were heard and Pauline suddenly turned off the flashlight. "Do you think you can go back the same way we came without light? This is technically illegal, and I'm sure I heard someone heading this way," Pauline whispered.
"Kammy this place stinks! You said the other world was a lot like ours!" The unmistakable voice of the Koopa King was heard, echoing in the dark tunnels.
There were many portals that connected the Mushroom World with Earth; but only people from the Mushroom World could activate them. The Mario brothers were born in the Mushroom World and send through a portal that led to Earth's Italy when they were children. They later traveled to Brooklyn, and from there found a way back to the Mushroom World by accident.
"The book didn't say anything about a bad smell. Ugh, this smell is really terrible," the second voice belonged to Kammy.
"Bowser!" Peach called, her voice echoing with relief.
"What are you doing? Do you want us to get caught?" Pauline started to head back, but Peach stopped her.
"It's okay, I know them!" Peach's heart was racing with happiness, because her hero was here. At that moment, she didn't remember that her hero was supposed to be Mario. The Mario brothers were also searching; but Bowser found Peach first.
Pauline turned the flashlight back on, and saw some kind of dragon-turtle creature take Peach in his arms and hug her. "Hey! Don't eat her!"
Peach broke the sudden embrace and laughed. "You have never seen a koopa before, right?"
"I don't know what koopa means, but I never thought the sewer monster in those cheap magazines they have the hospital waiting room was real!" Pauline pointed her flashlight straight at Bowser.
"Sewer monster?!" No one dared to call the Koopa King a sewer monster; he might have been called a monster, but not a sewer monster.
"Bowser, calm down," Peach stood in front of Pauline, to make sure Bowser didn't try to incinerate her for the offence. "Pauline, Bowser is not a sewer monster, he is a koopa. It's a species from my world. Why don't you come with us?"
"An alien species... another world... I'm not entirely sure what I'm agreeing to, but I want to find out. I want to go to the place where Mario went." Pauline thought her life had become boring and it would never change; then a chance for adventure came, and she would not let it go to waste.
xoxox xox xoxox
It had been around a week since Peach and Pauline arrived at the Mushroom Kingdom. The shock everyone felt seeing Bowser arrive with Peach on his arm would not be washed away any time soon. She was not struggling in any way, nor did she look frightened or discontent. They didn't know how annoyed Bowser was at Pauline for pulling his tail to see if it was real. They didn't know, Peach was only holding on to Bowser to protect Pauline. Bowser had only forgiven the red haired city girl, for the sake of his beloved princess.
Peach sighed and wondered what Mario was doing right now. She knew he was with Pauline; she was happy to see him, curious about everything, and excited about the way of life of that world. Pauline wanted to try everything from a mushroom meal to a magical power-up. Right now Peach could only wish she was there while she felt the beginnings of a headache. "Excuse me, Toadsworth."
"I must ask for an extra minute to speak please, if everyone would be so kind to give me a little more of their time and attention." Toadsworth had not dropped the subject of Bowser's evil intentions and Peach's image to the world, since she came back. Peach had started to avoid Toadsworth trying to escape his speech, but it couldn't always be done.
"Toadsworth..." this time it was the Mushroom King who interrupted. His daughter had told him, as well as Toadsworth, everything that happened: her trip to the spirit world, the grudge that Lavanda and Kuvio held; it had all been cleared up. Peach's memories where crystal clear now, and all the misunderstandings had been untangled.
"Yes your majesty, I know. Something must be done about the danger that our princess and the entire kingdom is in." Toadsworth was not only worried, but very upset. He had been tricked and Peach was speaking nonsense about making peace with the Koopa Kingdom. Toadsworth's entire life as he knew it, had been turned upside-down, and he didn't like it one bit.
"Actually, I agree with Peach about this. Besides, I wanted to point out that it's already two thirty and this meeting was scheduled to end at two. I'm sure the council wishes to be excused." All the necessary discussions had already taken place, and in the end, as it was customary in the Mushroom Kingdom; the king allowed the members of the council and representatives to speak freely of whatever topics they thought deserved attention.
Eager to prove his point, that an attempt to make peace with the Koopa Kingdom would only bring the Mushroom Kingdom to ruin, Toadsworth made it clear that he wished to go first, plus it was his right by rank anyway. His speech had consumed the time that was to be divided among everyone and added another thirty minutes to the meeting. Peach had politely hinted that it was time to give someone else a turn to speak several times, but Toadsworth played along her words, and politely refused to shut up; until the king decided to end this.
After the members of the council and other high ranking guests left, the Mushroom King offered Toadsworth a vacation, which he refused. "I could never leave at such a time."
"Toadsworth, trust me, you need a vacation. Take some time to relax, everyone is a little upset about what happened, but things have been settled." Quite honestly, Toadsworth was a ball of nerves waiting for a heart attack, at least that's what the king thought. He would make Toadsworth take a break somehow; it was for his own good.
xoxox xox xoxox
"Please princess, wait!" Daisy rushed down the hall to meet Peach, with a Sarasaland dignitary after her.
"Peach! These clothes are a big hit. Have you been around Toad Town?" During the past week, Daisy had gone to Sarasaland and returned to the Mushroom Kingdom. When Peach arrived from Earth, she was wearing the clothes she borrowed from Pauline; now jeans, sneakers and t-shirts were considered elegant, which was all the more reason for Daisy to use it as an excuse to wear something more comfortable than a gown. Some said they didn't know what was more shocking, seeing Peach wearing jeans and no pink, or seeing Peach holding Bowser's arm willingly and with a smile on her face.
"No I haven't, someone has been making sure I don't leave." It was clear Peach was referring to Toadsworth.
The out of shape Sarasaland dignitary, took a moment to catch his breath. He opened his mouth to speak but only inhaled air, realizing his lungs were still thirsty for more oxygen.
"Tell everyone I will be staying at the Mushroom Kingdom for a little longer. Say it's to support our allies or something like that," Daisy was determined not to miss out, and she had a few things to discuss with Peach.
The dignitary let out a tired breath, he felt like he was truly getting old. It was best not to argue with Daisy when her mind was set. "Very well, I shall inform all those who need to know of your decision, princess."
"Thanks and take the day off, you seem tired." That was only because he had spent half the day running after Daisy, trying to talk her into accepting being followed by bodyguards; which she firmly refused arguing that the Mushroom Day parade incident would not repeat itself. Besides, she had Luigi to protect her if needed.
xoxox xox xoxox
"Daisy, slow down!" Peach had come to the conclusion that it was not good for public safety to allow Daisy behind the wheel when she was in such a rush.
"I can't do that or we'll miss them!" Daisy pressed the gas pedal harder, only to stomp on the breaks and come to a screeching halt when she heard a scream overhead.
Peach's heart was still racing, her adrenaline high from Daisy's driving. Then Pauline suddenly dropped into the backseat of the yellow convertible and startled the princesses.
Pauline took a short moment to gather her thoughts and stop the laughter that her previous screaming had evolved into. "Hello!"
Peach could only blink, while Daisy tried to find the right words to express her thoughts and failed to do so. The Saraland Princess observed the raccoon ears on Pauline's head, noting that those raccoon ears were her only pair. Daisy once again tried to phrase things properly, to no avail. Whatever kind of magical leaf Pauline used, Daisy had a feeling that it was not an ordinary one.
"Ow, how does your friend sit?" It took Peach a few seconds to realize that the odd question was directed at her, and a few more to know what Pauline was talking about while she shifted uncomfortably, trying not to sit on her raccoon tail.
"Bowser? I suppose he's used to having a tail." Peach glanced at Daisy, only for a second, but that was enough to know that this, is what Daisy wanted to show Peach.
"Pretty cool once you get to know him. Thanks for catching me, these seats are a lot softer than the ground would have been." Pauline opened the door and let herself out of the car. "Sorry for dropping in like that, nice seeing you both," Pauline smiled and walked to the side of the road, as if making room for Peach and Daisy to drive off.
"Wait a minute, what?!" Peach battled with the door's lock, looking back to Daisy for help.
"You have to press it not pull it," Daisy instructed, as she set the car on park, and opened her door. There were no cars coming anyway, and she was certain Peach would want to drive the way back.
"You were at Bowser's castle?" Peach inquired with obvious interest.
"Yeah, I know, I've been told by everyone, Mario included, that he's terrible. But since I didn't believe you about the existence of the Mushroom Kingdom at first, and you proved me wrong; I decided to take your word for it this time and believe what you said about Bowser being nicer than most people think. Besides, he looked like he listens to you." Pauline knew that Mario wouldn't approve of this, and she was sorry to go against his well intended advice, but she decided to believe Peach and not judge Bowser as the tyrant so many thought he was.
Peach let everything sink in. She didn't understand why Bowser would allow someone who obviously annoyed him, though not on purpose, to visit one of his castles. "The magic leaf... Did Bowser give that to you?"
"Yes, well the lady wizard, er, magikoopa, Kammy used her magic to give it to me. Apparently koopas are allergic to these leaves or something. They were keeping it in a floating golden box with a question mark on it. Kammy hit it with her magic and the leaf came out. I caught it and somehow knew right away it was special. That's pretty obvious taking into account that it came from a floating box, but it was more than that. This magic doesn't work on koopas, it's a human thing. The next thing I knew I was a raccoon girl like something out of a Japanese animated series." Pauline touched her soft fuzzy ears, this world was truly exciting.
"But why would he do this?" Peach was confused, there had to be some kind of plan behind this.
"Don't you see?" Daisy blurted out. "Kammy is trying to turn Pauline into a female Mario!" The Sarasaland princess received surprised stares for her statement.
"Turn me into... What are you talking about?" Pauline was too busy rejoicing with the ability to fly with her newly gained tail, to even consider some sort of plot developing right under her nose.
"That can't be!" Peach simply could not picture it. "Bowser doesn't get along with Mario or Luigi at all. In fact, they very much hate each other, though I wish they didn't. Why would he want someone similar to Mario around?" Peach didn't think it was a trap for Pauline. She had made it very clear to Bowser that she would not forgive him if he hurt Pauline, and he promised not to. Peach believed in his word, Bowser wouldn't lie to her; so this couldn't be a trap in hopes that Pauline would crash or fall and get herself seriously injured or worse.
"To keep him away from you..." Daisy spoke in a quieter tone this time, and all the pieces fell into place.
To be Continued
Disclaimer, I do not own the Mario games or characters. Next chapter, "A Golden Opportunity". Also check out my new BowserxPeach two-shot "Slaying the Dragon".
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