In the weeks following the wedding, the Koopa Kingdom began to settle into its new era under the shadow of a different kind of tragedy. The kingdom, now led by Ruby and Bowser Jr., appeared to be moving forward, but the ominous atmosphere was thick with the weight of recent events. Their reign, though freshly established, was overshadowed by the looming catastrophe that had struck the heart of Bowser's strategic plans.

Bowser and Princess Peach had embarked on a crucial diplomatic mission, meant to cement the Koopa Kingdom's dominance and secure alliances with neighboring realms. This mission took them to the perilous and enigmatic lands of the Shadow Realm, a place known for its volatile and unpredictable magic. Bowser, ever the master tactician, had meticulously planned this journey, convinced that the dark energies of the realm could be harnessed to further his control. Peach, now transformed and bound by the crown's dark enchantments, accompanied him as both a symbol of their unity and a potent asset in their diplomatic endeavors.

The journey into the Shadow Realm was fraught with danger. The realm's very essence was chaotic, with landscapes shifting unpredictably and magical anomalies cropping up without warning. Bowser's convoy, comprised of high-ranking officials, elite guards, and foreign dignitaries, ventured deeper into the heart of the realm, navigating treacherous terrain and negotiating with notoriously elusive and hostile entities.

On the fateful day, as the convoy moved through a particularly volatile region of the Shadow Realm, disaster struck with brutal suddenness. A catastrophic eruption of dark magic, triggered by the realm's unstable energies or perhaps by a malevolent force lying in wait, unleashed waves of destructive power. The ground heaved and cracked, while the sky above was consumed by swirling, ominous clouds of dark energy. The convoy was engulfed in a tempest of chaotic force.

Bowser, despite his immense strength and formidable magical defenses, found himself overpowered by the sheer magnitude of the eruption. His efforts to shield Peach and their unborn child were futile against the relentless and unpredictable dark magic. Peach, weakened both by the dark enchantments of her crown and her fragile state due to pregnancy, was unable to offer any protection. As the destructive magic ravaged their convoy, it wrought havoc upon their already precarious situation.

In the wake of the calamity, the convoy lay in ruins. Bowser, known for his immense power and unyielding resilience, was left broken, his once-imposing figure reduced to a shadow of its former self. The dark energies had extinguished his formidable presence. Beside him lay Peach, her regal demeanor now a memory, her life and that of their unborn child tragically cut short. The survivors of the convoy, those who had managed to escape the immediate devastation, were left grappling with the profound loss and the enormity of the catastrophe.

News of the accident spread swiftly through both the Koopa Kingdom and the Mushroom Kingdom, leaving shock and grief in its wake. The Koopa Kingdom, accustomed to Bowser's iron grip and strategic brilliance, was thrust into chaos. The power vacuum created by his death led to immediate unrest. High-ranking officials, military leaders, and advisors scrambled to stabilize the kingdom, each faction vying for control and struggling to fill the void left by Bowser's abrupt departure. The populace, long accustomed to Bowser's dominance, faced an uncertain future as the new leadership attempted to assert control.

Bowser Jr., now unexpectedly thrust into the role of king, faced the monumental task of navigating this tumultuous period without the guidance of his formidable father. His inexperience and the sudden shift in power added to the kingdom's instability. Ruby, who had been kept hidden from the public eye and away from the complexities of court politics, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight. Her sudden emergence as a key figure, alongside Bowser Jr., added layers of tension and intrigue within the kingdom. Her presence was both a symbol of continuity and a reminder of the dark legacy that now defined their rule.

In the Mushroom Kingdom, the loss of Princess Peach and her unborn child was a devastating blow. Despite enduring Bowser's oppressive rule, the people mourned the loss of their beloved princess, whose kindness and hope had once been a beacon in their lives. Peach's tragic end was a poignant reminder of the kingdom's lost hope and the cruel turn of fate that had befallen them.

As the days turned into weeks, the seeds of resistance began to take root more firmly. Mario and Luigi, devastated by the loss of Peach, were galvanized into action. The accident, while a profound tragedy, also became a rallying point for those who sought to challenge Bowser's dark regime. The Mushroom Kingdom's resistance movement gained strength, fueled by a renewed determination to reclaim their homeland and restore the legacy of their fallen princess.

Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty, Ruby and Bowser Jr. took their place as the new rulers of the Koopa Kingdom. Their reign was marked by the heavy shadow of Bowser's dark legacy, but also by the resilience and hope of those who opposed it. The realm held its breath, uncertain of what the future would bring. The dark empire that had risen from the ashes of tragedy faced a growing resistance, and the fate of both kingdoms hung in a delicate balance, awaiting the right moment to challenge the oppressive regime that had reshaped their world.