Gralea

The flight had been relatively quiet with many of the soldiers speaking amicably to him, though most others were content to ignore the plumber. Mario sat in his room and flipped through a book, reading had been all that he could do to occupy himself and keep his mind from wandering. Perhaps it was strange to the soldiers, but it seemed Terrapin himself was empathetic to Mario's plight of "being surrounded by enemies."

The plumber sighed and snapped the book shut before standing up and stretching out his limbs. He needed to get out and walk around the ship. Exiting, he nodded to two goombas standing at attention before strolling down the hallway. It was strange to be on one of Bowser's airships and not have to fight for his life. Peering out of the porthole, he hummed thoughtfully as he looked down at the vast jungle that the ship sailed over.

"We call the vast expanse between our kingdom proper and the Koopahari Wastelands, the Frontier." Terrapin offered as the plumber turned to face the approaching officer. "I trust all is well?"

"Well, I've been able to sleep now, so that's always a plus," Mario replied with a shrug. "Mostly I keep expecting to wake up with a knife in my gut or at my throat."

Terrapin only laughed, "And I must keep reassuring you, sir. Your safety is my priority." He grinned before looking down at the jungle, "I doubt you've ever been this far out to the east?"

The plumber shook his head, "No, what I'm amazed at is the fact the Koopa Kingdom can even supply full garrisons as far out in the Wasteland as you do."

"We've had to in order to prevent invaders from attacking the kingdom proper." Terrapin explained, "I can confidently say that the Koopa Kingdom has never been invaded by a foreign power."

"Except for Smithy." Mario cut in.

Terrapin shook his head, "The invader only took one fortress in the Wastelands and its garrison as his own. Hardly a successful invasion I would say." He corrected, "Though I suspect he would have used the information that the traitors and turncoats provided to invade and occupy Gralea if you and King Bowser were slain."

"I'm sure that Ludwig would have rallied the kingdom to avenge his father." The plumber replied, "Which begs the question, why not let the prince take the throne, at least temporarily?"

The Colonel quirked an eyebrow in confusion, "…I'm afraid I don't… Oh!" He rubbed the back of his neck while chuckling slightly. "Ludwig von Koopa is not the Crown Prince. You see… the children that your tabloids have referred to as the 'Koopalings' are indeed King Bowser's children." Terrapin explained, "But they are not of royal blood."

"You mean they're adopted?" Mario asked with a tilt of his head. "Huh… never would've imagined."

"The King, in the early years of his reign, had found seven displaced children in the aftermath of a rebellion that he crushed." The Colonel stated, "These children were bereft of their parents, and as such, King Bowser adopted them and made them his family."

"But they all hold princely titles, yes?" –

"The laws of succession place precedence on royal blood first," Terrapin clarified while clasping his hands behind his back. "In most normal circumstances this would result in a civil war, yet it just so happens that the King can also appoint viceroys to govern the seven provinces of the Koopa Kingdom."

"And viceroys are… what? Like governors?" Mario asked.

"In a manner," The Colonel nodded. "Viceroys act as the eyes and ears of the King and Queen. Typically, in the case of monarchs having multiple issues, their children can be granted the title of viceroy and effectively rule as monarchs of their own province. King Bowser granted his adoptive children the titles of viceroy, and in exchange, they have all sworn fealty to Bowser, Second of His Name."

"I see…" Mario muttered rubbing his forehead, "And here I thought politics in the Mushroom Kingdom were confusing."

Terrapin chuckled softly before gesturing, "Please join me, Mario. I want to show you something."

Following, Mario frowned as he thought on what Terrapin explained to him. It was perhaps better that he didn't fully understand the convoluted nature of royal politics. How was it that Luigi had been able to find such a tangled mess fascinating? He shook his head and walked up a flight of stairs after the Colonel. Arriving on the deck, Mario felt his mouth fall open as he beheld a beautiful city skyline, this was far beyond what he had expected. Red banners adorned several skyscrapers while Mario's attention was drawn towards a large, domed building.

"Welcome to Gralea," Terrapin smiled.

"Wow…" The plumber muttered before nodding towards the domed building, "Guessing that's the palace?"

"Yes, it is." The Colonel nodded. "The crown jewel of His Majesty's glorious kingdom."

The sight of the city made such a claim hard to refute. Straightening his cap, Mario stepped forward and huffed thoughtfully. The city's majesty reminded him of both New Donk City and Ronastre. Yet, as the ship began to land, he couldn't help the deep sense of foreboding that hit him. He sighed before turning to regard the Colonel.

"I've got a question for you, Colonel." Mario began cautiously, "Why are you loyal to Bowser?"

Terrapin clicked his tongue and paused thoughtfully, "I take it you aren't familiar with His Majesty's predecessor, correct?" Mario shook his head, "His predecessor was not a man worthy of his title and in fact, nearly ruined our nation. When King Bowser ascended the throne at the young age of sixteen, the youngest king in our nation's history I might add, he worked tirelessly to undo the mistakes of his father."

"But the lack of freedom…" The plumber muttered.

"We are free, but we also understand that freedom is safeguarded more effectively when leadership is in the hands of a responsible aristocracy and not in the hands of a mob." Terrapin explained, "Too much freedom and you have chaos."

"But too much order breeds tyranny." Mario countered.

"Maybe to those with limited understanding." The Colonel muttered, "I do not serve His Majesty only for the sake of serving. It is true, life in the Koopa Kingdom can be hard, and its laws are severe, I am even aware of the reputation we have as rapacious conquerors and unfeeling tyrants." He then gestured to the city, "But… the laws of the Koopa Kingdom are necessary to protect what we have built."

Crossing his arms, Mario tried to think of a counter to it; however, he couldn't. It wasn't like the Mushroom Kingdom didn't have its fair share of dubious monarchs and chancellors. He sighed thinking back to his father, Giovanni, and his reasons for joining the Royal Armed Forces.

He shook his head and let out a snort of amusement, "The people sleep soundly at night because of the violence we are ready to do on their behalf?" He asked with a shrug.

"Precisely." Terrapin nodded, "It's… rather difficult to see the bigger picture when you have a mountain of corpses to look past."

Choosing to leave it at that, Mario only nodded before sighing. Once the ship was fully grounded, he followed the Colonel out into the streets of Gralea. The sharp contrast from the volcanic hellscapes that the plumber had been familiar with sent his head spinning. Perhaps it was a consequence of the Koopa Kingdom's territory continually being referred to as the Darklands that he wrote off the Koopa Kingdom as some impoverished nation, yet the vibrant skies and the presence of trees and vegetation had him perplexed.

"Not quite what you were expecting?" Terrapin asked with a smile.

"I'm still waiting for the moats of enchanted lava and statues of your king ready to blast me with lasers," Mario muttered softly. He glanced at the red banner emblazoned with a golden sun, "I'm even more stunned by the lack of your king's mug plastered over everything."

"A nation is more than one ruler." The Colonel replied, "The Golden Sun symbolizes our pursuit of a more prosperous future. The Kingdom existed before His Grace's time, and it will endure long after our grandchildren take up our banners and we are in the dirt."

Mario nodded while observing humans, toads, and koopas patrolling the streets in ensembles of black, red, and khaki. If the Koopa Kingdom worked similarly to the Mushroom Kingdom, then it was a fair assumption that these men and women served as part of the Kingdom's own City Watch. The surprise of humans and toads serving shouldn't have surprised him really as it wasn't as if the Mushroom Kingdom didn't have its own fair share of traitors and defectors.

The stark contrast of Gralea's civilians eyeing him with fear and discontent didn't escape him. While a warm reception was out of the question, he felt as if he were about to sprout horns with the way the general public was eyeing him. Shoving his hands into his pockets, Mario kept his eyes trained on the palace.

The steps leading up to the palace doors were imposing and only split off around a massive stone stage that was evidently used for public addresses. Mario sighed making a mental note that he needed to watch the news more often. As the entourage entered the castle foyer, Mario's eyes widened. There were no enchanted moats of lava nor garrisons of soldiers poised to fend off invaders. Instead, this palace was decorated to receive visitors. Upon entering the throne room, Mario was stunned to behold a spacious room decorated with the Kingdom's banners. Yet, what truly caught his eye were two flights of stairs curving around to a large, high-backed chair decorated with red and gold upholstery.

The sounds of boots clicking together snapped Mario from his thoughts as he stared down at a most uncomfortable sight. An elderly, blue-robed magikoopa shuffled forth. As if sensing the emotional distress that the plumber was feeling, Terrapin stepped forward.

"Lord Chancellor Kamek, may I present Mario of the Mushroom Kingdom." He declared before snapping to a salute.

The wizened koopa nodded absently, "You may leave, Colonel." He replied. "I will take him to our King."

Terrapin nodded before giving a reassuring smile to the plumber and walked off. Mario's eyebrows shot up before he cleared his throat, "So… I take it that this isn't a social visit?" He asked with an uneasy grin. "I mean… it'd have to pretty major for His Archmagnificency to invite me out here."

Kamek only frowned, "I see you're in the mood for jokes. Unfortunately, this is not a laughing matter." He grunted. "If you are to address him, then the proper title is 'Your Majesty' spoken clearly and with respect."

Mario returned Kamek's frown with one of his own, "Kamek… is he alright? I know that he hasn't really left his room."

The wizard's face became pained, "It… would be easier to show you." He muttered, "While I oppose his decision… I will honor it…"

How curious it was that one of Bowser's known sycophants seemed to express doubt about a decision that the Koopa King made. Yet Kamek seemed to be wrestling with some sort of terrible news. Dreadful anticipation filled his gut as he nodded numbly. Following the wizard, his eyes scanned the corridors and noted the paintings of koopas wearing immaculate suits, or dresses in the case of the women.

"Previous kings and queens of the Koopa Kingdom," Kamek chimed in, "From King Valter to Queen Acelina. Much like you Mushroomers… we revere our royals. Even if they are less than worthy."

Coming to a large door, Kamek opened the doors revealing a darkened room. Stepping in, Mario noticed a large oak desk with stacks of papers and a quill on it. How odd, he never imagined Bowser had the patience for paperwork and instead left one of his beleaguered toadies to deal with it. The sounds of a deep, wet cough caught his attention as he turned to face a large bed.

"Your Grace…" Kamek muttered sadly, "I have brought the plumber as you requested."

A grunt came followed by the sounds of slow, deliberate steps accented by a cane tapping against the ground. Mario shifted and raised an eyebrow. From the shadows emerged a sight that caused Mario's eyes to widen, though it was the same imposing monster that he had fought several times over eight years Bowser looked… wrong. No longer did he have the air of absolute confidence in his posture, Bowser looked sickly, and the dark circles under his eyes indicated a severe lack of sleep. The presence of the cane and the odd cadence of his footsteps suggested something had happened in the six months of silence.

"You look… surprised." Bowser croaked out before hobbling over to a chair and practically falling into it. "I've not been well."

"I can clearly see that." Mario frowned, "What happened?"

Bowser wheezed, "I immediately began working on my next big ploy." He sighed, "Rather than turn to mystic items, I decided to branch out into the realm of science for my next scheme." He began coughing violently, Kamek rushed to his master's side yet Bowser raised a clawed hand. "An experiment that went awry."

"We attempted to find a way to amplify the effects of the WooHoo University megavitamins," Kamek explained, "The idea would be to increase one's natural abilities and yet… we discovered all too late that what we did was create a highly advanced… well… poison I guess is the way to describe it."

Mario frowned, "And so what has this poison done exactly?"

Bowser showed the hand that had been at his mouth, Mario sucked in air seeing blood staining the Koopa King's mouth and hand. The King sighed, "I'm afraid that I'm dying…" He declared sadly. "While I hold out hope for Kamek's ability to discover a cure… I have to take precautions to secure a future for my kingdom."

"And so, what…? You're asking me to help Kamek discover a cure?" The plumber asked dubiously. "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you there, I'm neither a doctor nor a scientist."

Bowser shared a tired glance to Kamek who only shrugged, "No, Mario." The King said. "My reasons for asking you here are entirely different: Kamek can task himself with finding a cure. Yet, that's going to take time. In that time, my Kingdom will not have a leader. My son is far too young and would be considered a puppet to whatever voice whispered in his ear. His brothers and sister have no claim to the throne that would not result in a civil war." Bowser tapped his cane on the ground, "I need a Regent to rule in my name." Bowser gave a smile that almost seemed predatory. "And that, my portly Pastafarian, is where you come in."

Mario blinked, "Wait… what the fuck?"


Author's Note:

Alright, time to address two big elephants in the room:

First, the title change. I chose to rename the story to Tempest because it just sounds more appealing that referring to the Spanish dance. The idea behind the new name is that there's a storm coming to the Koopa Kingdom and it just so happens that Mario's right in the center of it.

Two, Bowser and not Bowsette. This one was actually a lot harder for me to develop and even delayed what should've been an easy revision. But a couple of readers pointed out that the segments with Bowsette seemed to interrupt the flow of the story and the sections of her identity crisis weren't as appealing as Mario's political clashes with the Koopa Kingdom establishment or his allies back home. So, I decided to change the nature of why Bowser couldn't rule directly and needed a regent.

If anyone is curious about the design of the flag I referenced, then look no further than the story cover.

Initially, I had a throwaway line of Mario using the megavitamins as if he were knowledgeable on medical issues. However, I don't consider the Doctor Mario games canon to the world of Tempest. If the Viruses were found at WooHoo University, then why couldn't the Megavitamins be found there as well? It's not as if WooHoo University was like Umbrella or Weyland-Yutani, they'd have contingency plans in case of an outbreak.

I've also changed the dynamic of Kamek and Bowser because I wasn't overly fond of how much of an ass he was in the beginning. But, Kamek has his reservations about Mario, and the latter is going to have to get used to the idea of working with the wizard who had menaced him and his brother when they were just babies.

I kept the original bit of Terrapin describing Bowser's father because I still am rather fond of the Game of Thrones-like quality of Bowser's rise as the Koopa King. Terrapin regards his nation as preferable to the democratic chaos of a country like the Mushroom Kingdom as it provides a certainty of sorts and he's also acutely aware of the fact he serves a harsh regime because it gives people the means to sleep soundly at night.

As for the ending? Well… I definitely want to keep a small smidgen of humor in this little world I've created.