The Mushroom Kingdom Wars

Chapter 4

The Kong Kingdom was alive with vibrant energy as always. Towering trees with thick canopies shaded the forest floor, their branches laden with bananas. In the distance, the cheerful calls of the Kongs echoed through the jungle, mingling with the sounds of rustling leaves and flowing rivers. The air was thick with the scent of sweet fruit and earth, a peaceful reminder of the harmony that usually reigned in this kingdom.
As Peach made her way into the village, she spotted Donkey Kong ahead, mid-laugh as he watched two younger Kongs swinging from the trees in a race. “Keep it up, little guys!” he called out, grinning widely. “Winner gets first pick of the bananas!”
The young Kongs hooted in excitement, their energy contagious as they swung higher and higher. Donkey Kong laughed again, his deep voice booming through the jungle. But as he turned and spotted Peach approaching, his grin softened. The brightness in his eyes dimmed slightly as he noticed the tension in her expression.
“Peach!” Donkey Kong greeted her warmly, though there was a note of concern creeping into his voice. “It’s great to see you! What brings you to our neck of the woods?
Peach took a deep breath, her voice carrying a weight that made Donkey Kong’s grin falter. “I need your help, Donkey Kong,” she said seriously. “The Mushroom Kingdom and Hyrule have been attacked—brutally. Entire villages were destroyed, people were taken. And it wasn’t just Bowser this time… Mario has joined forces with him.”
Donkey Kong’s expression shifted from confusion to deep concern. He crossed his arms and furrowed his brow, his cheerful nature giving way to something far more serious. “Mario… with Bowser?” he repeated, shaking his head in disbelief. “That’s hard to believe, Peach. What would make him do that?”
Peach’s shoulders sagged as her gaze dropped to the ground. “I pushed him to it,” she admitted quietly, her voice trembling with guilt. “When I returned to the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and I had an argument. He… he was trying to take control of the kingdom, and I didn’t understand why. We said things to each other, and I pushed him away. I didn’t mean to, but… I think that’s what pushed him into Bowser’s arms.”
Donkey Kong’s gaze softened as he saw the pain etched on Peach’s face. He stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Peach, you can’t blame yourself for Mario’s choices. You didn’t force him to join Bowser.”
Peach swallowed hard, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I tried to find him after that, to make things right, but he was already gone. Now… I don’t even know if I can reach him. I just feel so guilty. What if this is all because of me?”
Donkey Kong squeezed her shoulder gently, his voice warm with understanding. “You’ve always cared deeply about the people around you, Peach. But sometimes, people make their own decisions, and it’s not on you to carry that burden alone.”
Peach nodded slowly, taking a shaky breath. She appreciated his words, but the guilt still gnawed at her. Donkey Kong could see that, and after a moment, he asked quietly, “Why did you leave in the first place? What made you walk away from the Mushroom Kingdom?”
Peach hesitated, her heart heavy with the memories of her departure. “I didn’t feel needed anymore,” she confessed. “I had been kidnapped so many times, saved so many times, that I started to feel… useless. Like I was just a burden. I thought maybe the kingdom would be better off without me. I thought if I left, they could be stronger without having to protect me all the time.”
Donkey Kong’s eyes reflected a deep understanding. He nodded, his tone softer now. “I get that, Peach. But you’re not just some prize to be won or saved. You’re a leader. The Mushroom Kingdom wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Peach’s eyes welled up with emotion as she looked up at him. “I see that now,” she said softly. “I came back because I heard how far the kingdom had fallen with Mario in charge. I realized that the Mushroom Kingdom isn’t just a place. It’s the Toads, my friends, and everything we’ve built together. I love my kingdom… and I couldn’t stand by and watch it fall apart.”
Donkey Kong nodded again, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve told you before, Peach,” he said, his voice steady, “being a leader isn’t about always having the answers. It’s about knowing when to stand up and fight for what matters. You left because you needed space, but coming back shows you’re ready to face what’s ahead. That’s strength.”
Peach smiled faintly, grateful for his words. “I’ve realized that no matter where I go, the Mushroom Kingdom will always be home. And I can’t turn my back on it.”
Donkey Kong smiled back, the warmth in his eyes unmistakable. “Good. That’s what makes you the right person to lead. You’re fighting because you care, and that’s what’s going to give you the strength to see this through.”
There was a brief pause as the two shared a moment of understanding. Then Peach’s expression grew more serious, and she glanced around, ensuring no one else could hear them. She gently placed a hand on Donkey Kong’s arm and pulled him aside, lowering her voice.
“There’s something else I need to tell you,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “This isn’t just about the kingdoms being attacked. There was an attempt on my life.”
Donkey Kong’s eyes widened in shock, his demeanor growing even more serious. “What? Peach, that’s… that’s not just an attack. That’s war.” His fists clenched at his sides, and his usual jovial nature seemed to vanish entirely. “They tried to kill you?”
Peach nodded, her gaze steady despite the fear that still lingered in her heart. “They sent a Bob-omb, hidden in a gift. If I hadn’t realized what it was… I wouldn’t be standing here right now.”
Donkey Kong stared at her for a moment, the gravity of the situation sinking in. He let out a slow breath, his eyes narrowing with determination. “If they’re willing to go that far… then none of us are safe. The Kong Kingdom isn’t safe either.”
Peach nodded again. “That’s why I’m here. We need to prepare for what’s coming. This isn’t just about protecting our lands anymore. It’s about survival.”
Donkey Kong placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his voice filled with a rare seriousness. “We’ll fight, Peach. The Kongs will stand with you. We’ll be ready. This time, it’s not just about us—it’s about making sure they know they can’t get away with this.”
Peach breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for his unwavering support. “Thank you, Donkey Kong. I couldn’t do this without you.”
Donkey Kong gave her a firm nod, his usual energy returning but now tempered with a sense of purpose. “Let’s rally the troops. We’ll get everyone ready. And when the time comes, we’ll show them exactly who they’re messing with.”
As they turned back toward the village, Donkey Kong couldn’t help but add, “And after we win, we’ll celebrate like only the Kongs can. But first, we’ve got a kingdom to defend.”
Peach smiled at his words, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Together, they would face whatever came next—and they would fight for what mattered most.