[Coolshaymin]

Rosalina almost did not notice Peach seemed bothered by something while she was into her story. She just barely realized though that Peach seemed bothered in some way... They are getting close to the end though so that can wait. Besides, they were at the part Rosalina wanted to retell most of all. The reason the tree was so special. The tree that was on a hill that overlooked the castle above all.

"I suppose she really was strong... But everyone has their breaking point. This is the part where the story turns dark as a fair warning. However, it is also the most important part. Let us begin," Rosalina said before Chapter 7: The telescope.

"After seeing their 100th comet, a sudden thought popped into the girl's head: 'I wonder if my home planet is still as blue as it was.' That's when she remembered her father's telescope."

"Peeking into the telescope, a tiny blue dot floated into sight. It was smaller than a Star Bit. 'How strange... It's so far away, but it feels so close.'"

"She twisted the knob of the telescope, and the blue dot grew until she could make out a grassy hill dotted with flowers. It seemed very familiar to her. Zooming even closer, a terrace on the hill came into view. 'I used to go stargazing there when I lived on my home planet.'"

"She remembered rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as she followed her father up that hill to look at the stars..."

"She remembered how she and her brother would sled down that hill..."

"She remembered having picnics with her mother on that hill on bright and windy days... And..."

"'I want to go home! I want to go home right now!' The girl burst into tears, and the Lumas didn't know what to do. 'I want to go home! I want to go back to my house by the hill! I want to see my mother!' The girl was shouting now, her face wet with tears. 'But I know she's not there! I knew all along that she wasn't out there in the sky! Because...because...'"

"'She's sleeping under the tree on the hill!' The girl's cries echoed through the stars, and a hush fell over the area."

Rosalina went silent at the end of the chapter once again. Not for the same reason as before though. It seemed more like she was trying to regain herself after that chapter in paticular. After a few moments, Rosalina spoke up. "The tree that her.... no, my mom 'sleeps' under is this one," Rosalina revealed.

[Mari]

Princess Peach became worried again as it was mentioned that the story was about to become dark. As she politely listened, as always, she was not disappointed in this regard. Peach felt her heart twist as the story went on. With each passing moment, she felt her stomach drop. Listening to the girl's homesickness was sad, for certain. Listening to how badly she missed her family was even sadder. However, it was the realization that the girl's mother had passed that seemed to hit Peach hardest. There was that terrible feeling of wanting desperately to do something but being utterly unable. It was, after all, a story. Tears built up in the princess' eyes and she averted her gaze downwards, gently brushing some of the tears away. Hearing this final revelation, looking up and seeing Rosalina's struggle; there was only one probable response to this.

Peach would move in and gently embrace Rosalina supportively. Whether she had initiated the hug because she needed one or because she thought Rosalina needed one was unclear, but it seemed like it might be a little bit of both. One thing was for sure--It was a very genuine display of empathy, a gesture of solidarity from one woman to another. "I'm sorry..." Peach murmured, barely audible.

[Coolshaymin]

Rosalina told this story to her Lumas plenty of times but she was not sure why it felt so heavy now. She was surprised when Peach hugged her and looked down as it seemed like the Princess tried to apologize. Rosalina returned the embrace with her arms and looked up at the sky. The atmosphere made it hard to see, but she could still feel the stars. The stars seemed to guide her and she realized the next part of the story is why she was able to handle this story. She just had to remember that her mother was always part of her.

"It is okay. I am no longer concerned with it. The Lumas taught me a lot. Maybe the next chapter will explain it better," Rosalina said before continuing to Chapter 8: The Wish.

"Though usually quite cheery, one day the girl became sad again. Luma drew close and tried to comfort her. 'Mama, you still have me!' 'And don't be sad about your mama, because she's a part of you! That means she's always close by!' 'It's like me. I love Star Bits because they remind me of my mama.' 'No...no...' the girl said, unable to stop the tears."

"A lonely look flickered across Luma's face, but it was soon replaced by a wide grin. 'I have an idea!' 'I will transform into a comet, a soaring comet that can carry you all on this journey!'"

"With that, Luma, trailing bands of white, soared high into the sky and just as quickly started to plummet back down. KABOOM! KABLAM! The ground shook, and a bright light poured out of the crater that the Luma had created."

"The bands of light twisted together to form a comet tail. And then Luma emerged, reborn as a comet."

"The girl could scarcely believe her eyes. 'But...how?' she kept asking. 'Our destiny as Lumas is to transform into different things,' said a red Luma who had suddenly appeared. 'Stars, comets, planets... We can become all of these things! When I grow up, I want to become a star that makes someone special smile,' said a green Luma. A blue Luma chimed in, 'That Luma turned into a real cutie of a comet, didn't he!'"

"All of the Lumas together said, 'No more crying, Mama!' 'Thank you...' said the girl in a whisper, and she pulled the Lumas close and hugged them. From that day on, Star Bits no longer fell from the girl's eyes."

"The comet set forth for the girl's home planet, its long tail blazing proudly behind it. "

And true to her word, Rosalina did not have star bits fall from her eyes. Not even now was she going to let herself go back into that state. "The first luma I met taught me that my mother would always be part of me. Just because she passed does not mean I should be down. It's like my mom said in my dream. She is always watching over me no matter what. That is why I should not be down," Rosalina elaborated.

[Mari]

Princess Peach would raise her gaze, watching Rosalina carefully as she spoke out of politeness. The smaller princess considered Rosalina's words silently as she went on, a tad torn on how to feel about them. She couldn't help but wonder about her own mother, not to mention her father. Would she have to go on without seeing them? Was that a lesson she would have to learn? Peach's heart fell and she gave Rosalina a little squeeze before gently seperating from the other. As Rosalina went on and finished, Peach found herself without words. Her gaze fell in a troubled manner and she failed to find the words she needed in the face of Rosalina's wisdom.

"Sometimes I really miss my grandpa." Perry piped up in the absense of the ladies talking. "But after getting to know Princess Peach, I realized there were people just as great as my grandpa out there, and that I didn't have to be alone even if I couldn't find him." Perry explained, drawing Peach's attention. She still seemed somewhat speechless, not the least because Perry had acknowledged some feelings she hadn't been sure they shared up until now.

[Coolshaymin]

Rosalina frowned a bit at Peach seeming bothered by what Rosalina has said. Peach has not been silent until this point so it was a bit disheartening to see her speechless. Perry however was helping a bit with his addition to the conversation. Rosalina was not aware the parasol was even paying attention. "The Lumas were a lot like that for me as well. They were in a way my new family... And that brings us to our final chapter: Family."

"With its many Lumas and telescopes, the comet was quite a sight to behold. The girl and the Lumas were proud to call it home. At a welcoming party for a new Luma, the girl gathered everyone in the Kitchen and said in a louder voice than usual... 'All right, everyone! Let's make a cake! A cake sprinkled with Star Bits! Then it will be a star cake!' The Lumas excitedly began to gather the ingredients."

"As she watched the Lumas scurry about, the girl smiled and thought to herself, 'This is my family now, and I will stay with them until they're ready to leave the nest. And when they do leave, I'll see them off with a smile. Because that's what makes a mother happiest.'"

"That night, when the girl lay down to sleep, a soft light enveloped her and reminded her of the blue planet she once called home. 'But it would be nice to return home once every one hundred years to nap in my favorite sleeping nook.'"

"The comet carrying the Lumas and the girl continues on its journey to this very day. With more 'family members' in tow than can be counted, it's said that the comet visits the girl's home planet once every hundred years, its proud white tail glittering in the sky."

"-The End- "

Rosalina concluded her story before opening her eyes and speaking to Peach as she looked at the stars. "You do not have to take the same path I did though, Peach. I can tell you may be missing your real family by your reaction. I know that feeling twice now that I have lost my Lumas as well. I ask you to stay strong and not give up however. I have faith your parents are still out there and you have to hold onto that faith as well. I am sure you can find and rescue them after seeing you defend yourself. The universe is full of unlimited possibilities... How you craft them is up to you," Rosalina reassured.

[Mari]

Peach was relieved when the story came to an end and Rosalina seemed to read her mind. She had been too polite to bring up her parents while the other was telling her story, but now that the story was over Peach knew exactly what she needed to get off her chest. And yet... Rosalina already knew. Somehow, she had known without ever needing to be told. It was a gesture that made Peach smile weakly. "...I've been worrying about them at night. There are lots of citizens unaccounted for. I feel like... every day I don't rescue one, the chances of ever finding them grows slimmer." she began, peering worriedly past Rosalina. "...I worry about Paula, too. She seems so independent, but I can't help but feel like she needs a ... mother to look after her." Peach continued on, gently brushing some of her hair out of her visage. "As for you." Peach would begin, her smile growing much bigger now. She seemed to forget her troubles for the time being.

The princess would bow her head for just a moment, holding her hand out to Rosalina in offering. "...I would be honored to call myself anything you would ever ask of me." Peach would state in a matter-of-fact tone. Perry stifled the tiniest of giggles. If, and only if, Rosalina looked at him, he would wink.

[Coolshaymin]

Rosalina looked down at Peach as she talked to her about her feelings. She felt a lot of what Peach seemed to be feeling which made a bit of sense. She is as worried as Peach is for her Toads except with her Lumas. Even Peach's feelings on Paula felt familiar as she kind of felt bad for the girl. She is so helpful and dependent despite being on her own all the time. Made her wonder how she became so strong and if she ever thinks about her original family as well...

The next thing she said came as a bit of a shock however. Peach's words kind of made her seem even more innocent than she already appeared. She gave a curious look to Perry as she heard something from him and he gave a wink... What did he know she didn't?... Well, Rosalina has been missing a sibling for a really long time and Peach seemed so bright and cheerful.

Rosalina decided to add a bit of a joke to her answer as well. "Then you may be my sister and aunt of my Lumas. Then... if you are Paula's Mom... I guess that makes me her aunt, huh?" Rosalina stated to lighten the mood with a bit of a laugh after her sentence.

[Mari]

Perry declined to comment, but his expression spoke volumes. He seemed to wince as if Rosalina had said made some grave error in her speech. Fortunately, Peach did not seem to share his reaction. Rather, she was entirely oblivious to what the parasol was doing. Peach, in comparison, beamed brightly at Rosalina. "That sounds lovely." Peach replied, her tone one of relief. "Do you think Paula would ever accept me that way??" Peach would quickly go on to ask however, her tone one of excitement. She had been too afraid to so much as bring these feelings up to Paula. Did one simply ask a wandering child if they wanted a parent? It became clear that the princess didn't have a lot of self-confidence regarding this topic. But maybe if Rosalina thought it was a good idea...

And then, Perry abruptly ended his silence. "She has a crush on you!" the parasol blurted out to Rosalina. His voice was rather quiet, but considering he was resting right next to Peach's head, it was a wasted effort. Perry was normally careful not to be rude or obnoxious with his words in the company of royalty, but watching what he perceived to be a terrible miscommunication was too much for him. The princess' eyes widened in shock at Perry's outburst. Her lips parted, but she failed to find any words for the situation. Perry didn't wait long for her to reply, either. He wasn't done yet. "The reason she can't sleep every night is because she worries about her parents, but lately she dreams about spending time with you instead!" Perry went on to blurt out.

Princess Peach seemed to snap out of her shock at around this point, closing her eyes and doing her best to regain her composure. She would lower Perry into her arms, rotating him to face her before hushing him by gently yet firmly hugging him to her person.

"...Sorry." Peach murmured, now quite flustered. For one reason or another, she had chosen not to deny anything Perry had just ever so rudely said on her behalf--or to reply to it at all.

[Coolshaymin]

Rosalina listened to Peach but noted Perry seemed not very happy with her answer... Why exactly was he seeing it as a mistake?... It could not be that Peach had feelings for her beyond family?.... That was a ridiculous thought to consider. Peach was kind and innocent and Rosalina doubted there was much more to it than that. Peach asked her the question about Paula which Rosalina seemed to be considering... until a certain outburst happened...

Rosalina held her wand to her face with a shocked expression from Perry's declaration. Rosalina was silent as she was not sure how to reply to this at all. Perry then stated that Peach was having dreams of being with her... Rosalina was not sure what to say... Peach was a kind and innocent person... one she had great respect and trust in... one that was sure to cheer her up... But she was not sure about the situation.

It was even more stunning though that all Peach did was apologize. She did not try to deny what Perry said at all... was he right in how she felt then?... Rosalina had to hear it from Peach herself. "... Peach, if you wouldn't mind, I have a request. I want to hear your true feelings from you. I want to know how you really feel. I do not want to hear what Perry thinks you feel," Rosalina requested. It was hard to tell her thoughts through her monotone voice.

[Mari]

Peach listened to Rosalina's response. If one was paying very close attention, the princess was subtly holding her breath. Such was the extent of her nervousness. When Rosalina finished, Peach's eyes opened and she nodded in response, her gaze fixated on the Umbrella gently squished within her embrace. She gazed down at Perry with disappointment in her eyes. Oh, you naughty parasol; look at what you've done! Peach had a very methodical way of speaking. She didn't just say anything that came to mind, Perry, and she had had a very good reason for not discussing her feelings this way. Yet, the situation had changed and she now felt that she owed Rosalina an explanation.

The princess remained quiet for several long moments as she considered her words carefully. When she was finally ready to speak, Peach took a deep breath and met Rosalina's eyes.

"Very well."

Peach would smile at Rosalina. It was a gentle smile that reassured the other that everything was alright. The smile had been very difficult for Peach to manage, considering how nervous she actually was, but she had forced all of her insecurities to the back of her head. She had to trust that everything would be alright, that Rosalina would understand just as she always had, that no matter how this conversation ended it wouldn't be the end of the world.

"When I listen to you, you are a voice of reason. Your words are eloquent and wise." Peach began, smiling fondly as she seemed to reminisce about something. "They're also kind and thoughtful. You never interrupt me when it's my turn to speak, and I love speaking with you." Peach went on, shaking her head whimsically. "...When I look into your eyes, they put the world into view. Even though I only get to see one, whenever I look into it I see someone I can trust. Even when I'm upset, seeing you makes me happy." Peach explained, beaming at Rosalina pointedly.

"I admire you. You have a heart of gold, and when I listened to your story and watched you stand up to those men I... I realized you were braver than I." Peach would continue, smiling sadly at that last part. She did regret her sensitivity and cowardice, but she did not resent Rosalina for it and the sadness quickly melted from her expression. "You're cool and collected, but whenever I get to see your passion it inspires me. When I listened to your story, all I could think about was how warm and caring you were."

Peach began to pace a bit, hesitating only a moment before she continued. "Rosalina..." she began in a soft tone, stopping where she stood and finally releasing Perry from her embrace. The parasol would expand back to his open position, but declined to comment on the current conversation. He was, however, sporting a smile again.

"I think you're beautiful, in every sense of the word, and I wouldn't mind spending every day of the rest of my life in your company." the princess would remark rather fondly, averting her gaze down at the ground for a moment. "If... only that were possible." Peach would go on to lament, placing her hand upon her heart. "...Once this is all over, you'll have to return to space to take care of your lumas, right?" Peach would ask, a sadness falling over her. The thought that Rosalina only visited once every hundred years was going to make staying in contact very difficult.

A giggle escaped Peach's lips, however, and she apologetically smiled at Rosalina. "To be honest, though, I'd be happy no matter what you chose to call me." she would begin again. "The words aren't what matter; the feelings are. And I feel like... I love you." Peach would finally finish, allowing the words to linger in the air.

[Coolshaymin]

Rosalina patiently waited, realizing Peach may need some time to get the words out. Rosalina needed a moment longer than what she said to fully prepare anyway. Rosalina continued looking down to meet Peach's eyes when she was ready. She did know how moments like this tended to happen even if it has been quite a while for a personal experience... and this may be the strangest time she has had it... but she will save any judgements until she heard Peach's perspective.

Peach looked up with a smile and Rosalina could not tell whether or not it was forced... but she did feel glad that Peach could have one while speaking about it. Peach began with complimenting Rosalina's wisdom and eloquence... which was kind of her defining feature. She learned a lot about the workings of the galaxy in her long years through many resets. But she has never forgotten the respect that must be had for others. It even appeared from her following sentence that the sight of her was like a totem of strength for her.

The next part was a bit unexpected for Rosalina to hear however. Peach complimented Rosalina's bravery which Rosalina was not so sure was a more defined trait of her's... Sure, she put herself in the fight despite being against the odds but it's not like she could stand by and let them do what they were planning to to Peach. Though, that is a symbol of courage in itself now that it is brought to mind... She was not sure however that Peach would not do the same given the position.

The second to last part was the most disheartening and allowed a small frown onto Rosalina's face. Though Peach's words were more kindness than Rosalina expected... She was right that Rosalina would have to go back into space to watch over the Lumas until they grow up into new things after this was all over. It was a duty she could not really abandon no matter the circumstance... The part about coming back to Peach's World only every 100 years though... that can be altered.

Then Peach ended her confession and Rosalina closed her eyes in thought as she let the words hang for a moment while she thought. Peach did bring Rosalina joy as well. Seeing her innocent smile and her pure heart were all traits admired in Peach. She was also very polite and though she thinks she is not that strong... Rosalina has seen plenty of her strength to know better. She did not know a person more trustworthy and good hearted than her either. Rosalina considered Peach Mario's Special One... But maybe she was inaccurate in her assumption. Whether or not she was his special one was not clear at this moment... Peach's feelings seem to hang elsewhere.

Rosalina opened her eyes and changed her expression back to her warm smile as she reached a decision. "It is true... The Lumas are my childern and I have to watch over them. That can not be changed... However, visiting your planet only after a hundred years was made so I could visit my favorite spot since I seen no point in it needing to be more regular than that. Now, I see a much more important reason to visit your home more frequently. Everyday I can not promise for sure, but at least once a week I could spare. Besides, that is not what we need to be concerned with at this moment. We still probably have plenty of time here together. To be honest... I feel similar feelings for you as well. I have constantly called you Mario's Special One... But now I see that as somewhat inappropriate. Therefore, you are now My Special One," Rosalina said with a bigger smile than normal though still somewhat modest.

[Mari]

Peach listened to Rosalina attentively as she spoke, her eyes progressively lighting up with excitement as the other went on. All of these things sounded great! ...And then--Rosalina said those words. Those were very special words, though they meant something very different to the two different girls. Peach understood what Rosalina meant by them however, and her expression erupted with joy. She skipped forward, a giggle escaping her throat as she moved to celebrate by embracing Rosalina. She would lay her head against Rosalina's heart, a series of little pink magical hearts rising from the smaller girl's head in a rather comical manner. "Oh thank you, Rosalina..!" she would blurt out, leaning into the other for support. "I'm so happy I could..!" she began, though she trailed off as she realized that she wasn't quite sure how to express those emotions. ...Bake her a cake? Another cake sounded like a good idea. She might just do that. She giggled in spite of this, the awkward stumble unable to bring her mood down.

"Perhaps I can come with you sometimes, and stay with you and the lumas for a week." she thought aloud. Leaving her kingdom in the hands of her parents for a week seemed a little risky, but she supposed she could accommodate it. "For now... I want to be by your side." she would relent, calming down a bit. Spending the evening together sounded wonderful, though in all actuality she was offering far more than that. "Until we've fixed all of this mess, that is." Peach would go on to clarify.

[Coolshaymin]

Rosalina was so happy to see Peach so happy with her ending. Peach's happiness was so charming and uplifting despite everything that has happened... To think, this situation may of never came if this planet did not end up like this and bringing everyone here. She smiled down at Peach and returned her embrace as she spoke to her. Her stumbling though reminded Rosalina was not really sure how exactly it would go from there. She did not really put much thought into it while going through the Galaxy and it's resets... She did not really have time to consider it when young either.

Maybe she grew up a little too fast when going with the Lumas. That did not matter though when it seemed like Rosalina gave Peach the strength she needed. She would be wrong to leave her side in that case. "That would be wonderful if you think the Kingdom can handle your absence. For now, though, you can count on me to be there for you. Even when apart due to our own agendas, we will still be there for each other. Now, how about we return to your castle now? Better than staying out here where the infected might come at any moment," Rosalina suggested, though she did not break the embrace. She would let Peach do that on her own.

[Mari]

Princess Peach would turn her gaze up at the taller woman, her face still beaming with joy as she relished in the moment of intimacy. A hint of curiosity would cross her expression at Rosalina's words, a thought tumbling through her mind as she considered what the other had to say. They'd always be together, even while they were apart, huh..? Her cheeks turned a gentle shade of pink at the remark.

As much as she was enjoying herself, Rosalina did have a very good point. As uncommon as it actually was, it was all fun and games until the infected actually did show up at any given moment and ruin your moment. She would gently release the other after a long moment's hesitation, shifting to take Rosalina's hand in hers. Her satin evening gloves were fitted to her petite arms, having very little give in Rosalina's grasp.

"...We'll always be there for each other, even when we're apart." Peach would repeat, her gaze drifting up to Rosalina as they walked. "...That's the most romantic thing I've heard in a long time~" she would reply, smiling brightly. The remark had put her in a good mood. "Almost as if you might know something about what a princess wants~" she would then go on in an only partially teasing tone. It would seem, judging by her words, that Peach still thought Rosalina was a royal princess.

".Would you like to stay over at the castle tonight?" Peach would finally ask with a bit of concern in her voice as they approached her castle again. Frankly she had no idea about Rosalina's living arrangements, and although her castle had seen better days it was certainly safer than traveling Li at night. Everyone knew Li was strange at night.

[Coolshaymin]

Rosalina's face turned a light shade of red at Peach's comment. It was just a sort of moral she grew to accept after her adventure in the stars. She was not expecting a reward in romance for it. The ending comment was the more biggest reason the comment felt so flattering. She never considered herself a princess... at least, not since she left home so Peach's comment may imply she was still one... Did she get that off her outfit?... Rosalina had to wonder something if that was the case... What did Peach think she was the princess of? It would seem odd for her to think that after finding out her mother was buried not that far outside her castle... Rosalina won't dwell on it.

Rosalina took Peach's hand and walked with her towards her castle. Peach offered her  to stay at her castle for the night. Rosalina honestly felt that was best than walking back to the Life Sphere where she parked her Comet Observatory above it. The Luma would be safe in the forcefield of her home anyway. But a problem occurred to Rosalina. Peach's castle did not seem that safe a place to stay. She could use somewhere better to stay, at least until it was repaired... Rosalina decided. "I would love to stay the night at your castle... I have to go make some more repairs on the Comet Observatory in the morning. I can probably prepare some rooms to sleep for the night however. I can bring it over here since I got the movement and forcefield working. You and anyone you want can rest or stay at my Observatory. It looks safer than your castle... Until I help you repair it and add some... extra defenses," Rosalina suggested.