All Hail… The Queen?
Quiet graced the deck of the doomship as Mario stared off into the distance. He removed his cap to keep the wind from stealing it off his head. Despite the claims to the contrary, Mario did not lower his guard around the troops. Staring out across the burnt and twisted wasteland of the Koopahari Desert, he could only sigh. It was a regular trip into the lands of the Koopa Kingdom, though Mario had to admit that he was curious as to what the capital city looked like. If it were like any of the other places in the Kingdom that he had been through, then it was going to be filled to the brim with copious amounts of lava and very little in the way of vegetation.
Hopping off the crate, he sauntered over to where Colonel Terrapin stood overseeing the troops toiling away, "Colonel, just how far away is the capital?" He inquired.
Terrapin gave a smile, "Not too far, Mario. I assure you, we are no fonder of the heat that you are." He laughed. "I take it you've never been to Gralea?"
"I've been to a few castles your King has laid claim to, the one overlooking Vista Hill was my favorite incidentally," Mario replied with a grin. "Just how many times have you had to relocate your capital?"
"None." Terrapin intoned. "For as much as you've hindered His Majesty, the capital has never been attacked by you or your brother." Mario stared with a raised eyebrow causing the colonel to smirk, "You didn't think we lived in lands of sulfur and brimstone, did you?"
The plumber merely shrugged, "I never took stock of what the Koopahari had." He admitted, "So maybe I did assume all you had was a land of sulfur and brimstone. The King certainly seems to have no problem with lava moats and the like."
Terrapin laughed, "Well rest assured, the capital looks nothing like the outer territories. The Koopahari Desert is vast and serves as a natural buffer between the Koopa Kingdom, the Mushroom Kingdom, and Sarasaland." He explained, "Invading armies would have to account for the extreme heat and the sheer distance between civilizations. By the time they reached proper cities and the like, the invading armies would be exhausted and easily mopped up by our forces."
Mario bit his tongue as he noticed the desert sands beginning to slowly transition to lush forests. Maybe the colonel was telling the truth, he saw a massive fortress and glanced to the colonel, "Alright… so maybe you're not full of it. So, tell me, you're clearly loyal to Bowser, why?" He asked, "I mean, he doesn't seem the type to forgive failure. His own children aren't spared from his wrath either."
The colonel looked solemn, "Why are the toads and humans loyal to King Reznor?" He asked, "How much do you know of our history, Mario?"
The plumber frowned, "Not much, I'm afraid."
Terrapin sighed, "The King's predecessor was not a man worthy of the title. His Majesty ascended at the age of sixteen and worked diligently to correct the mistakes of the ninety-seventh king. Do you think I serve the Koopa Kingdom only for the sake of serving? Just because I was told to? Yes, life in the Koopa Kingdom is hard, its laws are severe. I'm aware of the reputation we have to the outside world." He then gestured to the skyline of an approaching city, "But… they're necessary to protect what we've built."
Mario followed the colonel's gaze and his eyes widened, this was not what he was expecting. The city was beautiful, far more attractive than he had thought possible. The presence of a massive palace lined with massive red banners stood out amongst the skyscrapers and other buildings within the fast approaching city. Mario turned and faced the colonel, "Others sleep peacefully because you are ready to do violence on their behalf?" He asked recalling one of his father's reasons for joining the Mushroom Armed Forces.
"Precisely." Terrapin nodded. "I know it can be hard to see the bigger picture behind the pile of corpses."
Mario chose to leave that one alone, "So… if Bowser's not left his room, why not let Ludwig temporarily assume his place as king?" He asked.
The colonel raised an eyebrow, "Um… why would he become king?"
"He's Bowser's oldest son, right?" –
Terrapin's eyes widened slightly, "Oh my…! The Koopalings may be the King's children, but they aren't of his blood." He explained. "The Crown Prince is Bowser, Second of His Name. As the Prince is only eight, he would not be in his age of majority."
Mario harrumphed, "So wait, you're saying that what? We've got it all wrong?"
The colonel chuckled, "I'm afraid so, sir. You see… the King adopted the Koopalings in his early years and for a time, even recognized Ludwig, the oldest, as his heir. But then… the Prince was born. While the Koopalings were indeed older, royal blood takes precedence in matters of succession." He clasped his arms behind his back, "Normally, this would result in a nasty succession crisis as most would assume Viceroy Ludwig to be the King's heir; however, the Koopalings all renounced their princely titles and declared their support for the future King of the land."
"Who knew that Wendy could be so magnanimous?" Mario chortled recalling the brattiest koopaling's infamous temper tantrums. "I mean going from a princess to a commoner? That's got to hurt a little."
Terrapin only smirked, "They may have renounced their princely titles, but the King did make them viceroys of all seven provinces within the Koopa Kingdom."
Mario shook his head before returning his focus to the approaching city. He inhaled and exhaled slowly, this was it. He was going to set foot inside the capital of the Koopa Kingdom, his nerves were ablaze. The ship docked, and Mario disembarked, flanked by his escort. This was almost surreal seeing actual life within the heart of the Koopa Kingdom. Unlike the volcanic wastelands that graced the Koopahari Desert, this kingdom had clear skies and the fact that there were actual grass and trees sent Mario's head spinning. At a glance, the capital city looked fundamentally no different than any city in the Mushroom Kingdom. Stepping before an empty archway, Colonel Terrapin held up a hand to stop the Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom.
"What's up?"-
Terrapin merely stepped over to a terminal and punched in a few codes, "Another reason why ground invasions would not work well are these walls of light." He gestured to the archway as it crackled, "They send a lethal jolt of electricity to any unauthorized personnel that walks through it."
"Seems a tad harsh," Mario shrugged as he followed the colonel through the archway, to his surprise and relief the pylons did not react.
"Yes, but it keeps the people safe." Terrapin replied.
Mario only nodded as the entourage traversed the streets of Gralea. What astounded him was the presence of koopas, toads, and even humans wearing uniforms of black, red, and khaki patrolling the streets. If the Koopa Kingdom worked similarly to the Mushroom Kingdom, then it was a fair bet that these were the Kingdom's own City Watch. He wasn't too sure why the presence of toads and humans surprised him; however, it wasn't as if the Mushroom Kingdom didn't have its own share of traitors and defectors.
He observed the red banners flowing in the gentle breeze and made a note of the golden sun emblem, "I have to admit, I half expected Bowser's mug to be part of your flag." He admitted.
"The Kingdom is more than His Majesty," Terrapin stated plainly, "The Koopa Kingdom has endured before his time, and it will endure long after we're in the dirt."
Their journey continued in silence as Mario found himself quietly reevaluating everything he knew or thought he knew about Bowser. Walking up the long flight of stone steps, the plumber made a note of the stage that was evidently used for public addresses. He really needed to start watching the news more. Entering the castle foyer, Mario stood stunned, this palace did not have the usual flair of the other fortresses. There were no enchanted moats of lava nor garrisons of soldiers poised to fend off invaders. Instead, this palace was decorated to receive visitors. They entered the throne room, or rather, what he presumed was the throne room. Red banners with golden suns adorned the room as the plumber looked a flight of stairs leading up to a high-backed and red upholstered chair.
Mario was snapped from his thoughts as an old magikoopa shuffled into the room wearing blue robes. Immediately, his guard went up; however, Colonel Terrapin stepped forward and saluted, "Master Kamek, I present to you, Mario of the Mushroom Kingdom."
The wizened old koopa nodded absently, "Yes, yes… that will be all, Colonel." He muttered before harrumphing at Mario.
The plumber watched as Terrapin and the other two soldiers marched out of the throne room before crossing his arms, "Alright, so what's so important that your master brings me all the way to the capital?" Mario asked. "I highly doubt he'd call me here for anything less than another invasion from the Smithy Gang."
Kamek grunted, "I see no point in what the King wishes to discuss with you." He sneered, "Alas… my counsel was not heeded."
Mario raised an eyebrow at the tone Kamek was striking. The old wizard was a notorious sycophant of Bowser's, and yet now he sounded like he was at odds with the King. Mario sighed, "You didn't answer my question, Kamek." He replied. Treading carefully was his safest option, Kamek may not have had Bowser's herculean strength, but he was an infinitely more capable mage and even trained Kammy Koopa in all that she knew.
"Nor must I." The wizard answered firmly. "It would be best for you to see for yourself."
"Lead the way then, I'd hate to keep His Archmagnificency waiting." The plumber grumbled irritably.
"I see you are in the mood for jokes, but I assure you the King does not share your… disposition." Kamek replied while leading the plumber down a large hallway. "You will address him as Your Majesty, spoken clearly and with respect."
Mario only grunted in affirmation while following the blue-robed magikoopa. Really, the questions just received the same answer: Ask Bowser. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he trudged down the halls observing several paintings of aristocratic koopas, each wearing immaculate suits, 'Guess these are the past kings and queens…' Mario mused internally.
Entering a large room, Mario was surprised to see a large, comfortable looking bed. He glanced to a spacious desk with stacks of papers and a quill while raising an eyebrow. Sitting in a high back chair was a figure wearing a black hooded cloak, it didn't take a degree to figure out that this was Bowser. Kamek bowed at the waist, "Your Grace, here is the plumber as you've requested."
"Very well." Bowser's voice sounded… off. Mario quirked an eyebrow, was it an illness after all? He frowned, there hadn't been a point in his life that he could remember Bowser being ill. The cloaked figure made a dismissive gesture, "Leave me alone with him. For now."
Kamek moved to protest the order; however, Mario was unsure of what it was, but he got the distinct feeling that Bowser was glaring at the magikoopa. Whatever protest the wizard was going to vocalize died on his beak as he merely bowed and exited the room. Mario crossed his arms and kept his eyes on the figure, if this was a stare down then he wasn't about to turn away, "So, I don't see some world-ending threat. You would never seek my help for anything less. If this is some sickness, then I'm sorry to disappoint you: I don't have my megavitamins with me."
The cloaked figure tutted playfully, "Perhaps I should be thanking the Star Spirits that I am stronger than a mere sickness." Mario's eyebrows rose at the clearer sound of the King's voice. It was higher in pitch, and if Mario was generous, it had a feminine quality to it. What in the world was this? The figure sighed, "Loathe as I am to admit it, this is a far more practical matter that I need help with."
Mario only frowned, "I figured as much, but what you're leaving out is why." He growled irritably.
The figure sighed before standing upright and let the cloak fall to the floor causing Mario's eyes to widen.
This wasn't Bowser. This was a human woman dressing to look like Bowser. If he didn't know any better, he would've sworn that this was a facsimile of Princess Peach. There were apparent differences to be sure, such as elongated ears that reminded him of his doppelganger Wario, or the fact that this woman favored a black ballgown with open shoulders and left any observer with a good view of her ample cleavage. She bore physiological similarities to the King in the form of protruding horns from her skull and a sharp turtle shell that resembled a backpack as opposed to natural protection. Mario blinked noticing that she wore spiked bracelets on her wrists and biceps, but what had surprised him the most was the presence of a long, thick tail.
"…Well, I guess…" Mario swallowed hard. He had seen many oddities in his life; however, this was not something he expected.
"Cat got your tongue, plumber?" The woman asked with a stern expression on her face.
That attitude was familiar. Mario frowned, "Bowser?" His eyes trailed up to a strange mushroom crown resting atop her head, "…What happened?"
The woman sighed, "My men were investigating ruins in the Koopahari Desert and discovered this," She tapped the crown, "It clearly was magical and in my own haste…" She gave a bitter smile, "I placed it on my head. I believed it would give me power, but… look at me now."
Mario found his voice at long last, "…So let me see if I've got this right…" He began slowly, "Your men find a strange magical artifact in the middle of nowhere, and instead of making sure that it was safe to use, you test it on yourself?" He frowned.
The transformed king sat back down and leaned back with a mirthful chuckle, "Kamek certainly voiced his objections. Kammy too now that I think on it," She shrugged before giving a grin showing off a pair of elongated canines, "But we've known each other for many years, Mario. Can you really say I'm the epitome of restraint?"
He had to concede that point, "So… why?"
The woman frowned, "I've stolen from the Star Spirits, stood poised to create a brand-new galaxy, I even had the power of the power of the Dreamy Stone. Care to guess what happened each time?" She inquired. It was rhetorical, "You defeated me each time. Maybe I was just a tiny bit desperate."
The plumber rolled his eyes, "Alright, but how am I supposed to help you out of this predicament that you've gotten yourself into?" Mario asked unfolding his arms, "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm no lady so if you wanted etiquette lessons, then you'd have been better off asking Princess Peach."
The woman rolled her eyes, "As if I would call you here for something like that. The concept of being a lady might be foreign to me, but Kammy has been a marvelous tutor in such affairs." She chuckled softly, "She even came up with a name for me, Bowsette, Queen of the Koopa Kingdom. Though for obvious reasons I'd have to make my appearance as the ninety-ninth ruler of the Koopa Kingdom."
A headache was beginning to form as Mario stared at Bowse…tte, "I take it that's why Kamek seems more agitated than normal?"
Bowsette only rolled her eyes, "Kamek is at work trying to find the means to break this curse." She said, "Kammy believes that it's impossible and I'm inclined to believe her. These lessons she's been going through with me are a backup."
Mario sighed, "I'll ask the dumb question: Why haven't you taken the crown off?" He asked.
As if to demonstrate, Bowsette stared at him and removed the crown from her head, "Were it only that easy, Mario." She muttered. "As for why I wear it? Admittedly I feel a bit… powerless without it."
He chuckled at the statement recalling Peach had mentioned something similar in the past. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he couldn't help but ask, "So… where do I fit into this grand plan of yours?" He held up a hand, "I see two options for you: You either break the curse and get back to your scaly self or the Koopa Kingdom gains a mysterious new queen. So why do I need to be here?"
Bowsette smiled while staring at him intently, "True, breaking the curse or embracing my identity would be the solutions. However, those will take time. In that time, my Kingdom will be without a leader. My son is far too young and would be considered by many to be a mere puppet to whatever voice whispered in his ear. The Koopalings all have renounced any claims to my throne." She placed her hands in her lap, "What I need is a Regent to rule in my name." Her smile turned predatory, "That, my dear plumber, is where you come in."
Mario blinked, "…Wait, what the fuck?"
Author's Note:
When they were first introduced, the seven koopalings were stated to be Bowser's children. When Bowser Junior made his appearance the canonicity of the koopalings was thrown into doubt; however, Shigergu Miyamoto appeared to have retconned them to be Bowser's minions. In this story, they were adopted by Bowser and eventually became viceroys when Junior was born.
The capital city of Gralea was inspired by the capital of Panem from the Hunger Games regarding design. The name is directly lifted from the Nilflheim Empire's capital in Final Fantasy XV. Meanwhile, the palace design resembles both the German Reichstag found in the capital city of Germania from Dawn of Victory and the Citadel of Insomnia from Final Fantasy XV. Initially, I had it that Mario was familiar with the capital of the Koopa Kingdom, but I figure that here it gives a bit of a contrast to what we usually see in the games. Some might question the presence of humans and toads within Bowser's kingdom, but I figure if some goombas and koopas are loyal to the Mushroom Kingdom, then the opposite could be true for the Koopa Kingdom.
I had the flag of the Koopa Kingdom be a golden sun upon a red flag as a means of making the Koopa Kingdom feel less like an ego wank for Bowser, but rather a nation that he would have to rule and one that he would leave for his successors when his time finally comes. The City Watch idea comes from Dishonored as does the uniforms of the Watch, while true the uniforms in Dishonored were limited to the officers, I always felt that it worked better for the Watch as a whole. Likewise, the Wall of Light also comes from Dishonored, it seemed like a Bowser-type defense mechanism.
The dialogue between Terrapin and Mario originally was just the two discussing the nature of the Koopalings and the otherwise cruel nature of Bowser's predecessor; however, I wasn't thrilled with it as it seems somewhat passé to have his father be even worse than him. I opted instead for a more… Game of Thrones vibe in that Bowser's father was a primarily weak ruler which helps pave the way for why Bowser does what he does in the games. Terrapin understands the type of nation he's loyal to and understands why others don't like it, but he's also seen the good that's come from Bowser's rule.
I reworked the dialogue between Mario and Kamek as the aim was to reflect a bit of tension between Bowser/ette and the wizard who mentored him in ruling the Koopa Kingdom. In the original chapter, Kamek seemed entirely too conciliatory to Mario which I needed tension between the two as Mario was standing face to face with the one who tried to kidnap him when he was a baby.
As for the last line? I wanted to keep that in because it just made the ending that much better I think.
