Title: Fallen

Opening: It could never happen here. Until one day, it does.

It's odd, isn't it? The idea that the world will forever improve, that society has quelled the base instincts it seeks to suppress.

It would seem apparent that power is the most corruptive influence on the human mind. The pursuit, exercise, suppression, avoidance, and manifestations of power all weave through history, as intimately tied to current civilization as the noble causes we claim to cherish.

Yet… the calm lingers, stifling. The storm has not yet arrived. The balancing act continues.

–Trystan T., Toad Town Review

Prologue: The Calm Before the Storm

"Oh, Mario!" Princess Peach called to the mustachioed plumber from across the Mushroom Plaza courtyard as she stepped out from one of the many stores. Located in the central-west district of Mushroom City, the Mushroom Kingdom's largest metropolis, Mushroom Plaza served as a popular destination point for the affluent. The large outdoor shopping complex bustled with early-afternoon visitors.

The calming chill of early spring brought a sigh of relief to the princess, still clad in wintry attire. The pink boots and sweater she had worn, while charming, were a bit warm for the indoors. Her ponytail swayed behind her, in a defiant attempt to keep the wind from blowing her blonde bang into her eyes.

Before she could catch herself mumbling to herself about how it was too cold outside to dress lightly, but too hot inside each store to dress warmly, she remembered her sense of decorum. The throngs of shoppers would not hesitate to post an embarrassing moment of their princess, not like she could blame them.

These were good times for the Mushroom Kingdom. After a truce was signed with the Koopa Kingdom five years ago, Bowser had ceased his incessant attempts at global domination. "Feels like I'm getting a little old for it is all," he had said at the time.

Not that Princess Peach was complaining. The cessation of hostilities had opened the economy up in a way previously unseen. The Mushroom Kingdom had always been prosperous, but now its citizenry was truly wealthy. The most powerful and populous kingdom on the Mushroom World had entered an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity for all.

Alliances were strong, technological growth seemed unbounded, enemies were very few and far between, and the monarch's approval rating was extraordinary. The whispers of abolition of the monarchy she had heard since her first kidnapping had long since faded as she stewarded the Mushroom Kingdom into a Golden Age.

Ironically, her job seemed more difficult than ever. Times such as this could not last forever, but she desired to prolong this time for as long as possible.

Day-in and day-out, her life had become a monotonous bore. Meeting after meeting, government grant after government grant, ambassador after ambassador… it became tiresome. It was worth it, however, to see the excitement of a young Boo as her mom purchased the bow she'd been asking for. It was worth it to watch the vacationing Koopa family attempt to discreetly snap a photo of her. Their youngest seemed to have a mild cold, but these things could often not be helped.

Yes, it was good to have a day to spend with the public, with Mario. A break.

Mario, clad in his usual attire, bounded up to the princess. "Principessa, is there anything I can help with?" He was steadfastly loyal to her kingdom and unwaveringly helpful. Peach's truest friend, she trusted him with everything, including, on many occasions, her life.

She looked at him and smiled. "No, thank you. These bags are quite light, and I should think a bit of exercise would be beneficial. They say a healthy body makes a healthy mind."

"Okey dokey. Imma make a quick call to Luigi and see what he's doing. Text me if you need anything! I'll be right over there," he said, pointing to a nearby bench.

She watched the short Italian man jog to the bench, which sat in a centrally-located park. The carefully cultivated blooms of the flowers therein stood strikingly against the crisp blue of the sky and the lush greenery provided by the bushes and grass.

My best friend, my greatest ally. Could we be something more someday? I believe I would enjoy that. We've been through so much together… I could not imagine spending my life with anyone else. Yet, she wondered, when would be the right time? It always seems one of us is far too busy for such a drastic change to be made.

So, she made him cakes and gave him pecks on the cheek. She had for years, ever since the first kidnapping. Always hoping for something more, but never having the time nor courage to ask.

She traipsed towards the plumber, dropping her bags off with a wink. She stopped to smell the flowers, appreciating the tranquil beauty and peace they represented. As she gently lifted the blossom towards her, a petal broke off, resting in her palm.

Grimacing slightly, she recovered, planting a dainty smile on her face before turning towards the storefronts of Mushroom Plaza. Her favorite pastime was to mingle with the common people of the kingdom. She wanted to know the hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations of her people. If anything were to stand in their way, she would take fate into her own hands, as she had done so often before. Bowser had, after all, often called her a troublemaker due to her myriad efforts to avoid capture and escape. Other villains had often underestimated her abilities and cunning to their own demise.

Was she a hero in the same vein as the Mario Bros.? Well, not often. She was, however, an effective leader, a solid orator, and a skillful politician. She could gather and disseminate information better than anyone in the Mushroom World, and her kind demeanor led others to trust her motives by default. Her beauty didn't hurt, either.

She was gifted great power, in principle, by her title in the monarchy. However, the Mushroom Council were the true determinants of political life in the kingdom. This is why the Mushroom Kingdom had no king or queen, nor had they had one for centuries.

However, this was not to say she had no influence. Princess Peach was able to appoint minorities to the Mushroom Council and courts for the first time in history, essentially daring the board to refuse to consent on the basis of race. This eventually culminated in the first judge of an "enemy" race being selected: a young Koopa with a bandaged nose who had helped Mario rescue her from an ancient demon.

She also served as a popular figurehead. None, excepting the Mario Bros., could challenge her popularity among the subjects of the Mushroom Kingdom. Sure, they could always depose her, but it was nonsensical to do that now, for any reason. Both her and the Mushroom Council knew that well.

She chatted and took selfies with countless people, citizens and visitors alike: a small Goomba who claimed to be Mario's number one admirer, a Toad from Poshley Heights who ran the Luigi Fan Club, a Mouser who desired legal advice in regard to workplace discrimination, and a BeanBean family who recently landed at the nearby airport.

Occasionally, a subject would update her on current events or ask a question. "Tayce T. and Zess T. are about host a grand bake-off!" yelled a small Toadette. They had invited all in the kingdom to attend the banquet, in the heart of Toad Town, within a few short days. News stations planned on broadcasting worldwide.

"Mushroom 1st Bank just suffered a break-in!" an exasperated Toad, dressed in an executive-styled outfit, panicked.

"Is the economy really up 4% from last year?" asked a Magikoopa, almost disbelievingly.

Between coughing fits, a middle-aged Pianta approached. "Congratulations on winning that go-karting tournament last month." He…likely should not be in public. Maybe it was just allergies?

"Why do blocks have coins in them, anyway?"

"Where's Mario?"

An elderly Noki hobbled towards the princess. "Have you heard about that new disease in the Koopa Kingdom? King Bowser is gravely ill, on the verge of death, I hear. It was in The Mushroom Post earlier this afternoon. Are you two still in contact with one another? I know it may be difficult, but my mother always told me –"

It took a moment to process. "Bowser? He… is ill?"

"–and furthermore, to cut off an old woman like that. In my time, no such disrespect would have been allowed. People think they can just treat any old lady how they want to nowadays, but back in my time, hoo whee, we would have had some beef."

No, it couldn't be. She hadn't heard a thing about it. Peach supposed it was a bit presumptuous to have turned off her phone for the day's outing, but had Mario not known, either? It mattered not, however. She must make arrangements to see her former kidnapper at once.

The old Noki continued on. Something about vegetarians and how they didn't exist when she was a little girl? Peach sighed; normally she listened much more intently to her citizenry, even if she did not necessarily agree with their perspectives. It was, after all, one of the ways in which she was able to advocate for them during the vicious board meetings she was forced to attend.

"I truly am sorry miss. I must leave at once." She turned back towards the bench, yelling. "Mario! We need to get back to the castle! Immediately! Something important has arisen."

And thus, the storm began.

Hello!

It's your friendly author, Luigified531! This is the first creative writing I've done in years, so feel free to provide all kinds of constructive criticism. :)

Thank you for reading, and please come back for Chapter 1. :)