Chapter 21 Light Revealed

The air was cool and bright. The sun was shining a pleasing white. People were scurrying about and around. The air was filled with the most pleasing of sounds. Pom Pom was thankful to be outside, to be around people for once. She exchanged a look with Vivian, who had a bright smile.

The box of Shadow Sirens was bustling and jittering, almost as if it was going to burst out of Vivian's arms. However, that was all that it did. Vivian kept a firm hold on the violet chest. She looked strangely satisfied. She looked strong and confident, like a fierce warrior. Her golden eyes shined like the manes of a lion in the sun.

"I did it," she muttered under her breath. Her voice was soft, yet strong. She eyed the box under her arm. "I actually did it."

"Of course you did," Pom Pom replied. "We all knew that you could."

Vivian's eyes shifted over to Pom Pom. A gratitude filled her eyes, causing them to overflow.

"Thank you." She wrapped Pom Pom in a hug. "Thank you so much."

"Anytime," Pom Pom said, although she noticed that she did it stiffly. Her whole body felt as ridged as a rock. Regardless, she let Vivian hold onto her. When the Shadow Siren let go, Pom Pom wouldn't have been surprised if Vivian asked her to marry her based on the look on her face. Thankfully, she didn't do that.

"I am going to go back to Soda Jungle," she said. "I need to keep the box well contained, after all."

"Yes, of course," Pom Pom said. "By all means, go."

Vivian gave Pom Pom one last smile before teleporting away. Pom Pom stared at the spot where Vivian had once stood. That girl must feel like she is on top of the world. She must feel like she could do anything, go anywhere, interact with anybody. Pom Pom and to admit, she felt the same way. All the people who were bustling about were able to do so because of her. The sun was healthy and the sky was crystal clear, all because of her. A sense of pride welled up in her. A sense that she was important.

She didn't remember feeling this way as a child. Ever. She most often spent her childhood in fear, in terror. But now, that fear felt insignificant. It was like a nightmare; terrible when it is happening but ultimately harmless years later. Pom Pom grinned.

"Hey."

Pom Pom looked behind her and saw Roy. He looked down at the ground, timidity present in his features. It was odd, seeing this on the face of a confident person like Roy. Pom Pom was far more used to seeing guys be assertive, abrasive.

"What do you want?"

Roy cleared his throat. His timidity transitioned into nervousness, which only accentuated the odd feeling that Pom Pom was experiencing.

"B...Bowser wants to see you."

…

Pom Pom walked into the throne room. There was hardly any movement, there was a very crisp feeling in the air. The Koopalings and Bowser were standing near the throne. Each one of them looked pleased to see Pom Pom, relieved to lay eyes on her. Pom Pom felt her heart beat at a steady rhythm, her breathing slow down to a crawl. She walked with Roy, not exactly letting him touch her, but at the same time making sure he was close to her. When they stopped in front of the throne, Pom Pom felt a certain peace overtake her. It was a peace she very rarely experienced.

"Pom Pom," Bowser said. His teeth were shining like diamonds. His ruby red eyes shined like water. "We all owe you big time."

"Yes," Wendy said as she stepped forward. "You and Vivian."

"Thank you," said Pom Pom. She tried to straighten her posture, trying to appear professional. Yet the peace that overtook her made her whole body soft like butter in a microwave.

"You exhibited great amounts of bravery. You saved not just the world, but you also saved my children. I will forever be grateful to you for that," said Bowser. Pom Pom nodded.

"Thank you," she said again.

"And for that," Iggy said as he stepped forward. "We would like to officiate you into the ranks of the Koopa Troop." Pom Pom's heart nearly stopped.

"Really?"

"Yes," said Bowser. He motioned to Morton, who stepped forward with two badges in his hands. One of them had a rectangle design and appeared to be made of pure gold. The other had a star design and appeared to be made out of platinum. "You earned it."

Morton handed the rectangle badge to Pom Pom. In it the words "Commanding General" were inscribed in bold lettering. Pom Pom's eyes grew wide.

"Commanding General? Are you serious?" she asked.

"As serious as the plague," Bowser replied. Pom Pom shook her head.

"I...I don't deserve this."

"Of course you do. You saved the world, remember?" He had Morton hand her the star shaped badge, which said "Reward for Highest Koopa kingdom honors." "You will make a brilliant commanding officer. You have proven that to me beyond a Shadow of a doubt."

Pom Pom stared down at both of the badges. They felt smooth, they looked dazzling. For the first time, she felt important. She could practically imagine her mother smiling down upon her from Coin Heaven. Before Pom Pom knew what she was doing, tears of joy started to leak from her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome," said Bowser. He grinned a grin that Pom Pom had never seen on a guy before. "You sure have done your Kingdom proud."

AN: Well, it's finished. Thank you all so much for reading, and thank you to everyone who reviewed. The support means a lot. I hoped you guys enjoyed the story overall.

Anyway, stay safe and stay awesome :)