Stolen Hope - A Super Mario Bros Fanfic

Chapter 2 - A Terrible Fate

"Oh no....this can't be happening.." Peach muttered in a solemn tone, much to the confusion of Toadsworth and the mailtoad, the former turning back around to face the princess rather than walking away.

"What is it princess? You know its rude to stare," Toadsworth questioned indignantly, taking the envelope from Peach's loose grip. Upon grasping it, Toadsworth's face went blank from shock, his body stiffening in fear. "B...b.BOWSER! HE'S BEHIND THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE BROTHERS!" He exclaimed in pure terror, alerting other staff within the building.

"BOWSER?!?"

"IS HE STILL HERE NOW?!"

"RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!"

The castle had broken out into a festival of shouting and panic, while Peach had grabbed the envelope back out of Toadsworth's paralysed hand and had broken the seal. Panic began to flood through her veins as she slipped out the neat white slip of paper out of the grey envelope. A lump had formed in the back of her throat as she read out the letter, suppressing her tears.

Dear my beloved Princess Peach,

I, King Bowser Koopa of the Darklands, once again, requests your hand in marriage. What makes this time different, you may ask. Well, upon your last denial, I have added an incentive to your acceptance.

Last night, my army unleashed a siege upon the Mario brothers' home, killing Luigi and taking Mario as prisoner. If you refuse to accept my proposal, I will personally execute Mario myself and forcefully take you from your kingdom. If you accept and come to my castle willingly, Mario will live as a prisoner for the rest of his life and you will become my queen. You have three days to make a choice, otherwise Mario's life will not be spared.

You may think I make some bold claims, but I left the proof within the envelope. See you soon my love.

Your future husband,

King Bowser

Luigi...dead!? That can't be right! It can't!  Peach sobbed, waterfalls now streaming from her eyes at a rapid rate. Quivering, she reached her hand into the envelope, the toads around her still in chaos, each either running, screaming or crying. Reaching in, she felt something soft and pulled it out. In her hand sat a tattered, green piece of fabric, torn with rough, fraying edges, the shade looking horrifyingly similar. Unmistakably, it was the fabric from Luigi's signature shirt.

"No...no..th..this can't be...Luigi's dead?!" She exclaimed, her voice cracking. This sparked more chaos and fear from the toads, each now much more frantic. The sounds felt deafening to hear, only adding to the princess's panic. Mario, her sworn protector, one of her closest friends and the love of her life, now within the grasp of the one he swore to protect her from. His own brother, another close friend, dead by his claws. She knew how powerful he was, yet never had she ever felt...hopeless. She could always rely on the brothers to save her, but now... one was dead, the other, imprisoned.. It all felt so surreal, much like a nightmare that never ended.

In a blind act of fear, pain, regret and sadness, Peach couldn't bear to stand still, nor to stay and help her people. She needed to know the truth for herself. Stiffening, she bolted, running for the castle's doors, those calling out to her went unheard by the mournful princess. Everything sounded like static to her ears, all apart from her deafening heartbeat, alongside the sound of her heavy breathing and uncontrollable sobbing. Each step felt as if she was being dragged back, each muscle begging for her to stop, but she continued, reaching the grand doorway. She pushed the doors open with mighty force, continuing her sprint towards the one place that could give her answers; the brothers' home.

Continuing the pace, her mind was spiralling with thoughts, terrible outcomes plagued her every breath, each thought worse than the last. She tried to snap out of it, and with much effort, was able to focus her mind on each step.

Left. Right. Left. Right.

She repeated in her head, over and over, trying to ease herself.

The thought of Luigi had slipped into her mind, was he really gone..?

Left. Right. Left. Right.

She thought of Mario, seemingly hopeless and trapped just like she had been many times before, but for him, he was brotherless. Each step was becoming more and more effort.

Left. Right. Left. Right.

She thought of her kingdom, now seemingly doomed under the turtle tyrant's iron fists.

Left. Right. Left. Right.

She neared their house, now running across the dirt pathway within the woods that led to the house. As she approached, she noticed something up ahead in the bushes. As she approached, she could see that the bushes looked trampled, its branches strewn across the rich soil housing the plant. It was as if someone had been here... Without hesitation, she plunged into the dense forest, following a trail of seemingly trampled plants, broken sticks and other unnatural sights. What happened here to cause this? Maybe some kind of chase... She pondered, almost losing herself in her thoughts, tears starting to fall once more. She halted, something causing her to flinch, along with halting her pace.

"Someone! Anyone, please! Help!"

The voice was faint and weakened. No matter how much she wanted to continue the trail, the voice was coming from her left. How could she ignore someone in desperate need? Without giving it another thought, she ran in the direction of the voice, determination over sadness now driving her movement, worry still plaguing her mind. 

Sorry for not uploading in awhile! I got caught up in a few things over the last week or so, but I'm hoping to build a weekly schedule from here on, hopefully next week I'll have the next chapter out! I hope whoever reads this enjoyed the chapter! ^-^