A Most Unusual Invitation
"No!"
Who knew that such a simple word could provide so much clarity? Mario certainly could appreciate having such clarity in the aftermath of the Odyssey adventure. In the six months that passed since the fateful journey, Mario had struggled to rebuild his friendship with Princess Peach, and though thoughts of a romantic relationship were all but dashed, he was certainly grateful that she still considered him a dear friend.
It had been on a whim yet returning to the more metropolitan New Donk City had seemed like the right idea, after all, no one in the city cared that he was the Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom. There, he was just another average joe, albeit one who had a past relationship with the incumbent mayor. It was almost refreshing to be in a place where merit mattered over blood.
Sitting at an outside café table, Mario thumbed through a menu while silently musing at the surreal nature of being back in his home town without the hassle of an ornery gorilla or an imminent attack from the Koopa Kingdom. He exhaled softly; it was almost masochistic but, in a way, he felt more at home wading through haunted forests than sitting in a city without fear for his life. He closed his menu after placing an order and began reading over a newspaper with a frown on his face. There was still no sign of the infamous Koopa King after their encounter on the moon.
"Oh dear… that's not a good sign."
Mario jerked his head up and saw a svelte woman wearing a red suit grinning good-naturedly at him. Mario coughed at the failure to adhere to decorum and promptly scrambled to his feet, "Madame Mayor…!" He rasped out, "I'm sorry, I should have given you a warning that I'd be in town. Just happened to be a spur of the moment thing though."
The mayor smiled, "Mario… I don't know how many times I'm going to have to tell you but call me Pauline, alright?" She sat down across from him, "It's not like I'm suddenly different just because I hold a public office… right?"
Mario sat back down while chuckling, "Spend enough time in the capital and in court, and you start to pick up some interesting habits." He waved dismissively.
Pauline merely smirked, "Not a worry," She looked at the menu before sparing a glance, "I am a little curious though, what brings you into town?"
"Just felt like reconnecting with my roots. After all, this is the town where I grew up." The plumber shrugged. He returned to his newspaper before feeling an uncomfortable gaze upon him. He looked up noticing that Pauline was looking at him intently. "…What?"
She heaved a sigh, "Mario…" She began slowly, "What's the real reason? Don't forget, I do know when you're lying."
"I'm going to have to learn that trick one of these days." He chuckled uneasily, "Well… the truth? I just felt like getting away from the capital for a bit. Things are bit…. uncomfortable there for me right now."
"So, you decided to come to your hometown?" Pauline asked neutrally, "Where your ex-girlfriend happens to be?"
Mario sputtered before gawking at the mayor, "N-no! I know you're married to Stanley! My cousin's been good for you, and I'm not a homewre—" He blinked when Pauline broke into a fit of barely restrained giggles. He cursed inwardly and shook his head, "You're an evil woman, you know, that right?"
The mayor grinned before shaking her head, "I am sorry, but you made it just a little too easy, Mario." She smiled softly, "Speaking of, you should come by for the holidays. Provided you're not off gallivanting off on some crazy adventure or something."
"Well if the rumors of Bowser's disappearance are true then I might be out of a job as the Mushroom Kingdom's Champion." He shrugged, "So I am looking to perhaps move back home. Of course, there's the off chance that Bowser could attack again."
"What about reopening Mario Brothers Plumbing?" Pauline asked with a tilt of her head.
"Nah." Mario shook his head, "Luigi spends more time in Sarasaland nowadays, and I'm not eager to spend my days scrounging for clients when Scapelli Construction has the market on lock."
"Had." She clarified with a grin. "Anthony Scapelli has been in prison for three years now."
"Alright, I need to know what happened to that slimy weasel!" Mario's eyes widened in shock.
Scapelli Construction was practically synonymous with New Donk City for better and for worse. Serving as the city's largest construction company, it was almost hard to compete in the city so long as Anthony Scapelli had anything to say about it. Mario remembered the long, frustrating nights where he could barely make ends meet for himself, let alone contribute to a relationship. Mario recalled many reports of students launching protests against the construction company's disruption of archaeological dig sites. Rumors had it that Scapelli even had connections to organized crime, yet nothing concrete ever emerged in trial.
Pauline's grin seemed a tad predatory, "Well… turns out money can only buy so many favors. Scapelli's ties to the aristocracy only helped him so long as it didn't threaten their interests." She mused, "But a Duke's daughter dying in a 'mysterious cave-in' prompted a rather… thorough investigation and uncovered Scapelli's ties to the Pianta Syndicate."
Mario tilted his head recalling the mob boss living back in Rogueport, "I knew I should've done something against that man…" He muttered softly. "Dismantled the Pianta Syndicate or something…" He sighed in irritation.
"You're not all-powerful, Mario. And besides, Scapelli wasn't some crazed gorilla nor the King of the Koopa Kingdom." The mayor shrugged, "I just wish Scapelli could've been exiled to the Kongo Jungle or something… maybe he'd have met that gorilla or something."
Mario winced recalling the gorilla in question. How was it that singing could rouse such a cantankerous beast? That first "adventure" had not exactly been his most fond memory due in part to traveling across frozen tundra and then finally ending the journey in some tropical island in the south.
"So… how did you go from practicing law to enforcing the law?" He asked, deciding to change the subject.
"I suppose you could say that I did so because I wanted to help people." Pauline smiled softly. "Sort of took after you in that regard. Just… my method doesn't involve me wading hip deep in sewage or fighting ancient demons."
He snorted, "Yeah, but my method prepared me mentally for ending up on the moon, Madame Mayor." He gave her a playful grin.
"Oh, woe is me, the poor politician who thinks that being taken to the moon is actually abnormal." She shot back grinning just as widely. "There is a bright side to all of this; however, King Reznor was kind enough to grant my city additional funding to beef up security. Something that I believe Professor Gadd has been most eager to help with."
Mario grinned before raising his water glass, "Aside from one invention putting me through a kangaroo court in Isle Delfino…" He paused thoughtfully, "I'm sure Gadd's a bit more careful nowadays."
Pauline stared at him, "If you were anyone else, I would assume you were full of it. But being that it's you…" She laughed. Her mirth fled quickly as she stared down at her glass, "So… tell me, what's the story with Her Highness?"
Mario grimaced; it was inevitable really. He briefly considered telling her that it was none of her business and walking away, yet Pauline had done nothing to deserve such a response. Exhaling he looked up at her, "Turns out I completely misread the situation." He stated plainly. "She uh… stated that we were better as friends."
The mayor gave a sad smile, "It is a shame." She began, "But ultimately… I think you're better off knowing. You can potentially move on."
The plumber nodded, "True enough. She did mention something that got me thinking. Apparently… Bowser and I are a bit too similar in certain regards."
"Like being obsessed with a pretty blonde?" Pauline asked with a raised eyebrow. Mario looked at her with alarm, "Mario… I don't mean that you'd have kidnapped her and taken her to some evil fortress in a war-torn hellscape. But… you have to admit; you probably didn't endear yourself to her when trying to force an answer out of her with regards to marriage."
He nodded numbly, was he really that bad? Chewing thoughtfully on his bottom lip he couldn't help but think back to his antics with Bowser on the moon. Shoving a bouquet of flowers in Peach's face and practically barking at her to choose him over the Koopa King had not been a particularly proud moment. Maybe there was more truth to the comparison than he thought? He shook his head in dismay.
"Yeah… I suppose I didn't." He admitted reluctantly.
Pauline frowned, "But… I know you well enough to know you will learn from your mistakes and be better off for it." She gave a gentle smile.
The sound of thundering footsteps cut off his reply as he quirked an eyebrow. Pauline's gaze hardened as she stood up, her eyes like ice as she stepped forward. Mario sighed and took one last sip of his water before standing up and facing the direction Pauline was glaring at before his own eyes widened in shock. Three dark clad members of the Koopa Troop marched forward with the one in the middle wearing an officer's cap and overcoat. The plumber's gaze hardened as he stared at the officer who merely nodded and held up a hand. The other two stood at attention while the officer removed his cap and stepped forward offering a hand to the plumber.
"I must admit that it is a pleasure to meet the esteemed Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom." The officer smiled while shaking Mario's hand. "And Mayor Rosecrans too? My… my… the Star Spirits have been far too kind to us today. My name is Tolaris Terrapin, I serve as a colonel in His Majesty's Koopa Troop."
"Charmed, Colonel." Pauline seethed venomously, "Now… would you kindly explain why you and your men are in my city?"
Terrapin shook his head, "I do apologize for the intrusion, Madame Mayor. However, I'm afraid the reason for our visit concerns the Champion." He looked at Mario. "His Majesty Bowser, First of His Name, King of the Koopa Kingdom, Master of the Koopahari, and First Lord of the Empire requires your assistance in a most severe matter. He has instructed me to escort you to the capital city of Gralea."
Mario snorted and crossed his arms in defiance, "And why should I even bother helping out your master?" He asked with a scowl. "The last time your master and I worked together was to combat an extra-dimensional invader. After that? He was quite content to resume his antics against my country."
Terrapin nodded, "I understand your reluctance, sir. In your position, I would have the same reaction." He admitted with a pleasant smile on his face.
"I'm hearing a 'but,' Colonel." The plumber growled. "If your master truly needed my help then he would have come personally."
"His Majesty was concerned that his presence would spark undue panic." The Colonel offered amicably.
Pauline snorted in bitter amusement, "Indeed it would. New Donk City hasn't fully recovered yet from his last attack." She muttered.
Terrapin nodded apologetically before turning back to Mario, "It is also because his absence would cause undue chaos within the kingdom and even threaten the stability of the Mushroom Kingdom and Sarasaland." He clasped his hands behind his back, "It is because of this that the Koopa Kingdom needs your help, Mario."
Mario felt Pauline's confused gaze fall on him as he spared a glance at her. He shrugged by means of an answer. What was Bowser even thinking? Asking the Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom to help stabilize the Koopa Kingdom? Could he really help keep the Mushroom Kingdom and Sarasaland safe by assisting Bowser? Why was he even entertaining this? He sighed.
"Very well, Colonel." The plumber nodded.
"Mario, are you absolutely sure? For all, we know this is a trick!" Pauline hissed.
The Hero only chuckled, amusement dancing in his eyes, "Have a little faith in me, Madame Mayor." He grinned. "It's not like I'm unable to defend myself. Besides, if something happens to me, then Luigi just has to juggle protecting two kingdoms. And if I buy the farm, I'm going down swinging and take as many as I can to the Underwhere with me!"
Pauline frowned before nodding, "I trust you to stay safe, what I don't trust is them." She gestured to Terrapin.
"Please, Madame Mayor is it so hard to imagine that we would come under the banner of parlay?" The colonel asked.
"Yeah, and I'm the Emperor of Sarasaland." Mario snorted. "Yet I lack his fancy clothes." He glanced to Pauline, "Can you let King Reznor and Princess Peach know where I will be for the foreseeable future? I'll even submit myself to an inquiry from the Internal Security Bureau once I get back if necessary."
She nodded, "Very well… you stay safe…"
A friendly smile spread across the plumber's face, "Don't I always?" He glanced to the Colonel, "Shall we?"
To say that being escorted by three members of the Koopa Troop was strange would have been like saying that water was wet, yet Mario followed while quietly thinking. Nothing less than global destruction would have necessitated Bowser reaching out to Mario for help. Was Terrapin telling the truth? Shaking his head, Mario wasn't sure which was the more unsettling idea.
Stepping onto the Koopa Troop's airship, Mario looked up and clicked his tongue in surprise. If nothing else, the Koopa Kingdom's ability to break down racial barriers and forge a national identity impressed him. Aggressive campaigns and massive propaganda might have been part of the reason that such things were possible. The Mushroom Kingdom, by contrast, could not lay claim to having such harmony among its citizens, even in the capital city of Ronastre, the koopas and goombas were often treated with suspicion, and the silence from the Chancellor of the Mushroom Kingdom and even King Reznor did not help matters. Princess Peach certainly made efforts to ease such tensions by appointing goombas and koopas alike to serve in her staff, yet the public opinion would almost always regard them with a degree of suspicion.
Mario sighed as he stepped over to Terrapin and cleared his throat, "So, Colonel… just how long will it take to get to the Koopa Kingdom?"
Terrapin chuckled, "A week's flight." He stated, "You seem… ill at ease?"
"Consider my position, Colonel." The plumber drawled, "You tell me there's an emergency that requires my aid, give me no details, and expect me to sit comfortably for a week on a ship surrounded by soldiers of the Koopa Troop? Never mind the fact I've agreed to venture into the Koopahari Wastelands."
Terrapin blinked in surprise, "Let me first put your mind to ease, the men under my command are loyal without question to me. They understand that we are to ensure your safety above all else." He began, "As for the Wastelands, yes our journey will take us through there, but I assure you that Gralea is far more splendid than you give us credit for."
It didn't really convince Mario, yet he decided to drop the issue of his safety for the moment, "And Bowser?"
"I cannot say. However, the King has primarily spoken through Master Kamek or through Mistress Kammy. No one else has seen him, all we know is that King Bowser has sequestered himself to his private chambers." Terrapin said, clearly looking troubled.
The plumber harrumphed, "Is Bowser ill?" Why else would the Koopa King isolate himself?
The Colonel shook his head, "In all my years in service to the crown, I have never known His Grace to be ill."
Mario sighed as he crossed his arms, "Nor have I. I'm sure it goes beyond saying; however, that if Bowser needs me to kidnap Princess Peach that the answer is going to be a resounding no." He mused, earning a lopsided grin from the colonel.
"Do you really think that King Bowser would let others do something like that?" Terrapin smirked. "My King is far too proud to allow anyone else to do that."
"A fair point, Colonel." Mario nodded with a barely suppressed grin on his face.
His suspicions were eased only slightly, and Mario's gut did tell him that he could trust Terrapin, yet he recalled his father's wise words: Trust, but verify.
If nothing else, this would prove to be an educational journey.
Author's Note:
So, some of you might be wondering "What in the pan-fried fuck is wilji1090 doing?" I'll gladly explain.
To start with, I'd like to welcome you to Bolero V2. No, this doesn't mean I've completely restarted the story. Instead, I'm going back and revising it on a larger scale than before, with some of the ideas I introduced in later chapters I felt that they could be introduced far better and hinted at early on so that the developments do not come out of nowhere. I've also been playing games like Dragon Age: Origins and felt that I could've done better with the "hardening" of Mario's disposition and worked it in such a way that Mario's later actions don't come across as "out of character" necessarily. Hopefully, I'll be caught back up to Chapter 12 soon enough.
Now to answer the question: Why? Well, let me be blunt: I grew bored of Bolero as it was, if not writing in general. I don't know how else to describe it, but ever since I found myself working on a separate project entirely, the idea behind Bolero just wasn't as stimulating as it had been before. Bad enough that I had to practically force myself to write Chapter 12 of this story, which by the way did not come anywhere near what I intended it to be but writing Chapter 13 is turning out to be a chore. Which is precisely when I remembered exactly why I've been writing Bolero in the first place: For fun. I know I've talked about other Bowsette stories and how I wanted to add my own story to the market, stories like Bowsette Syndrome and The Glory of Bowsette inspired me to take this idea and run with it, yet when it became a bother to write to a point where I had to bend over backward just to get a chapter out, it lost its original purpose.
To be perfectly honest, I nearly dropped this story entirely. Again, it wasn't doing for me what it had done back last year when I published the original Bolero. Whether this was due to the nature of my own job or my personal project or just because I'm not the same person I was back then. Combine all of that together, and Bolero just lost its appeal to me. Not because I hated it or anything or even came to hate the Bowsette meme, the thrill was gone, unfortunately.
Only a select few reasons kept me from dropping this story. One of them, strange as it sounds, was the blurring of morality. Gundam Wing remains one of my favorite anime just because of how hard it was to tell who the "good" guy was so to speak. Those of us who grew up playing the Mario games all know that Mario's the hero. But in writing Bolero, I really felt like I missed an opportunity to set Mario on a path that would cause him to question things that he once thought he knew with absolute certainty. Despite this, I kept writing all the same, until I finally reached this breaking point, from which I decided that if I was going to keep going with this story that I would need to do some significant revisions. So far, I must say it's worked out quite well; I've been having fun going back and revising past chapters. Fun enough that I'd like to continue the story for a little longer in fact.
Now because real life does get in the way of things like writing, I cannot promise that the jump back to Chapter 12 will be instantaneous, but I will leave the original Bolero up for one primary reason: I want people to be able to see what was changed between the original version and the newer, revised version.