#18: More Cake
By Emerson Kluge

Mario walked with heavy steps through the inner fortifications of Koopa Keep. The mushroom powder's effects waned quickly, leaving his mind wrapped in a stifling haze, each movement needing agonizing conscious thought.

He wandered the grand inner banquet hall as a ghost and ascended the stairs toward the upper chambers only half conscious of where he went. The stone floors of the hallways echoed softly under his rubber soles as he neared Peach's cell.

A simple bar and hook held the door closed. It moved easily in his hand - Mario could tell - but process drew out in sluggish agony. The door swung open and a cool gust washed over him from the darkened chamber beyond.

Mario heard the start of a battle-cry then a gasp and something wooden clattered to the floor. He heard his name shouted in peaked excitement before feeling warm pressure on his chest and around his neck. It wasn't an attack, he decided. Koopa and Toad were dead... and that smell... 'perfume' he thought... the kind worn by... Peach.

#

The sheets in Peach's quarters were far finer than the rough blankets that covered Mario's bed. The silk-like fabric slid effortlessly, never bunching, and maintained the perfect temperature for the occupants of the largest bed in Mushroom Castle.

A silver platter sat on the night table, its doily laced only with crumbs and smears of icing. The candle that had adorned the cake lay where it had rolled to the floor.

"Mario," Peach whispered. Her fingertips ran across the stubble of his jaw.

Mario inhaled through his nose and dismissed the possibility of an illusion. The fight with Bowser - and Toad - was over. It was safe here for them both. Eyes closed, his hand found Peach's hip under the sheets.

"So you are awake." Peach's contentment found its way into her voice. She pulled forward and slowly pressed her lips to his.

Tears welled and fell from the corners of Mario's eyes. Burning joy alone replaced the rage he had known before.

Peach pulled back and at once dried the moisture on Mario's face. "Stop that or you'll make me start," she said.

Mario's hands met at the small of her back and he pulled her close, burying his face in the side of her neck. Shiny golden hair cascaded down as she sighed and relaxed atop him. She slid down and kissed him once more before lying with her head on his shoulder.

"Aren't Daisy and Luigi supposed to be back today?" Peach asked. They had returned to Sarasaland to relay the new state of affairs in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Mario moved his arm trapped by her head to her waist. "Probably delayed," he said. "She's got to take their official response back with her."

"Mmm..." Peach agreed, closing her eyes. "Probably."

Sounds of the morning castle drifted through the open widow as the translucent curtains swayed lightly.

Peach clasped his hand at her waist. "Are you going on patrol?" she asked.

Mario thought and shook his head. "I don't see much point. Not for the next few days at least." He looked her in the eyes. "What do you think. If you need me to go I will."

Peach shuddered and pulled closer. "I'm so used to worrying about Bowser."

"I know," Mario said staring at the ceiling. "I saw him go in front of me and I still worry. Bowser and..." Mario didn't dare speak the name.

"Don't go then. I order it." Peach smiled. "Whatever you do you're not to go on patrol."

"That settles it then." Mario sighed and relaxed. "Do you have any more orders, Princess?"

Peach pulled his face close again. "Only that you're to stay here," she said playfully.

"I have to stay here," Mario repeated.

"Yes." Peach spoke quieter as they neared. "I have important things to do."

"Like what?" Mario asked.

Peach closed her eyes and whispered. "I have to bake you a cake."