On my birthday, I promised myself something- that I'd finally get Spyrorocks's request done. It's been a long time coming, but here it is.
This chapter's story takes place at around the same timeline as the Spitfire chapter, you should soon notice.
Hammer Slam Bowser joins the brawl!
That's what they say, right?
Hope you like it. :)
Chapter Eighteen: Long Live The King
The wind whistled through the windows of the Skylanders Academy. The rain splattered hard on the walls, and that too could be heard. A storm had hit the Academy. This storm was a normal storm, but everyone was still frightened.
Most of the refugees had holed up in the library, taking...well, refuge. Bowser had wandered here as well, purely out of boredom than fear. He'd been having trouble sleeping; he thought that the storm would lull him to sleep like they did at home, but alas, it had no effect on him here. Man, did he miss home. He thought that since the Sky Eater was destroyed, he and that ape would be going home. But nope- Bowser and Donkey Kong remained in Skylands for the time being.
Eventually Bowser got irritated by the squabbling about the storm. He shouted, "What are you all worried about? It's just a storm!"
The Dreadwalker known as Nightfall took her seat in the red overstuffed Storyteller's Chair. "You're right," she said with dripping sarcasm. "It's not like high winds can force an island out of the sky. No, it's not like that at all!"
"Lay off him, Nightfall," the purple dragon Spyro insisted. "You know Bowser doesn't fully understand our culture."
Bowser leaned against the wall. "Ahem, that's King Bowser," he spat.
"There are no 'kings' among the Skylanders," Nightfall retorted. "Only friends. You are 'Bowser' to us."
"The King can be your friend."
The Mabu children gathered around the Storyteller's Chair. "Are you going to tell us a story, Miss Nightfall?" one child asked.
Nightfall looked at them, surprised. "I-I can if that will make you feel better about the storm," she guessed.
"Tell the one Trap Shadow made up about 'ze Baron von Shellshock'!" a little girl begged.
"Yeah! That one's the best!" a boy agreed.
Nightfall chuckled. "Alright," she decided. Clearing her throat, she began, "Baron von Shellshock was a horrid creature. He kidnapped innocent civilians, forcing them onto his oil rigs in Motleyville. He fled town when the Skylanders caught wind of his plans. Not wanting to risk capture and imprisonment at Cloudcracker, the Baron escaped to the Outlands, hoping to continue his evildoings there. But angry savages caught the Baron. They tied him to a high pole in the heat of the afternoon sun. The heat baked onto his shell, filling the air with the sweet scent of freshly-caught crab steaming in a Cascade Glade seafood medley. But what was that at the bottom of the pole? Why, hungry spiderlings had gathered there. Lured by the steaming crab, the spiderlings decided on a feast."
The children gasped in awe.
Bowser scoffed. "That's what calls for good storytelling in this place?" he asked.
Spyro shrugged, replying, "Eh, Trap's not the best storyteller."
"I could tell a better story."
Nightfall got up. "Then be my guest," she dared him, motioning to the chair.
Oh man, he didn't mean it! But what kind of king backed down from a challenge? Bowser took his place in the Storyteller's Chair as Nightfall sat with the children. All eyes gathered toward him. Bowser had the floor now.
He cleared his throat and began, "In a faraway land, vastly different than your Skylands, there lived a mighty king-"
"Oh jeez!" someone sighed.
"No interrupting! Ahem, there lived a mighty king who ruled the territory surrounding his enormous castle. The king was a fair king- he did nothing wrong. But the apes living in the jungle thought he was foolish and mean."
"Maybe they had the right idea," Nightfall chuckled.
Bowser glared at her. He continued, "Oh a bright and sunny day- completely opposite of a stormy night- an ape came to the castle to give the king a piece of his mind. The king and the ape argued for a while, and did not at any moment fight using fire, barrels, or flaming barrels."
The children started giggling. Spyro chuckled as well, noting, "If you want to convince us that these things didn't happen, try not bringing the idea into the air."
Well, at least they were enjoying it. Bowser added, "And in the midst of their actions, a blue swirling vortex sucked them in. They were teleported to a different world, one containing a system of floating, magic islands. The king and the ape landed on a jungle island, out of their element, forced to act as allies in an unfamiliar world. In the jungle, the two happened upon ancient relics of a bygone civilization with great power. The relics were Rift Engines, and they had the power to..."
"That had the power to do what?" a little boy asked.
"...Travel through dimensions." That was right. The Rift Engines had the capability to travel through the dimensions. It was the engines in the vehicles that allowed the Superchargers to move through the rifts that the Sky Eater had formed. Bowser and DK were official Superchargers. They could go home!
"Um, wouldn't people be after the Rift Engines if they were so powerful?" Nightfall suggested.
Oh yeah, he was still telling the story! "Yes! Evil people!" Bowser explained. "At that moment, pirates had been looking for the Rift Engines to power their flying ships. They came too late, however. The king and the ape had bonded with the relics, imbued with the power they held. Together, the two of them defeated the pirates and secured the Rift Engines. Eventually a group of protectors found them-"
"The Skylanders!" the children exclaimed happily.
"-and seeing that the two had been brought here for a reason, the Skylanders asked the ape and the king to join them in protecting the universe. You know, like space cops!"
The children clapped, smiles growing on their faces. A flash of light came into the room, followed by a roll of thunder. Everyone except Bowser jumped, though they quickly regained their composure.
"Yeah, that was better," Nightfall decided. "Good enough for a novel."
"Or a comic book!" another little girl insisted.
Bowser camped in the library with the others that night. The floor was covered in sleeping mats used by the refugees. The only one who wasn't on the ground was Nightfall- she had won the stick drawing for the couch. Bowser had been given a mat to sleep on, and he was comfortable enough, but sleep was still hard to come by. Thoughts of home lingered in his mind, as they had been for the past few weeks. But his his heart fluttered, excited by the idea tha the Rift Engines could take him and DK home! Home, where the land didn't float in the sky, where Bowser's castle stood, and where their friends and family waited for them. It had been too long- now they could go back!
Bowser managed to doze off at some point. He woke up later when he heard loud footsteps pound into the library. Oh great, the ape was up. Donkey Kong ran up the steps, leaping in great bounds, ensuring that everyone was up. It must've been a jungle thing, Bowser figured. DK took the greatest pleasure in rudely awakening everyone in the Academy.
"...And I thought the library was supposed to be quiet," Bowser grumbled, sitting up with a yawn.
DK noticed Bowser's presence and immediately ran to him. The ape muttered strange monkey jibberish- Bowser didn't know what it meant, but body language spoke better than words. DK hovered over him, curious that he was in the library.
"What can I say?" Bowser spat. "I simply spent the night in the library."
DK grinned- with the refugees, no doubt. The ape had that look in his eyes, suggesting that the Skylanders might be growing on Bowser.
"What would make you think of a stupid thing like that? The Skylanders aren't growing on me, idiot."
Well, maybe the Skylanders were growing on him a tiny bit. Like, grain of sand tiny. Bowser simply found it interesting that this multi-species group could get along so well.
Spyro got up from his spot on the floor, stretching with a great yawn. "Hey Bowser, did you sleep okay last night?" he asked.
"Yeah, I guess," Bowser lied.
"That's good. Just let me know if everything is okay, then, if you need anything."
"Why does it matter to you?"
"It matters what you're feeling. We're all on the same team."
Apparently the Skylanders were also concerned with his well-being. Bowser was an alien- they didn't know his intentions, and they still tried to be nice to him. Nobody acted that way in the Mushroom Kingdom where he and DK hailed from. Bowser didn't mind that too much. But there was just something about the Skylanders that Bowser was drawn to.
Everyone started dispersing from the library, off to different parts of the Academy. Bowser decided to make his leave as well. He exited the library and headed down the stairs, DK following behind him. Another yawn escaped his jaws- he didn't get enough sleep last night. They walked down the Main Hall, and Bowser spotted the pink-haired inventor known as Mags. She had built their vehicles. Had she thought about sending them home yet?
DK noticed where Bowser was looking. He nudged him in the shoulder, pointing at Mags and muttering once more. Go on- go tell her!
"Alright, I'll go talk to her," Bowser sighed.
He walked forward, inching toward Mags. His throat suddenly went dry. Bowser didn't want to talk to Mags if he thought his question would embarrass him. A gentle shove from DK forced him onward.
"Ahem, Mags!" Bowser coughed.
Mags noticed the two walking toward her. She smiled, walking up to them. "G'mornin' boys!" she greeted them. "How are y'all feeling?"
"We're good," Bowser continued. "Actually, I was wondering if you had figured out how to send us home."
Mags' demeanor changed, becoming shameful. "Hot buttered toast, I'm sorry," she sighed. "Everything's been so hectic, dealin' with the aftermath of the Sky Eater and all. I haven't had time to think of a solution to your problem."
"I get it. I actually came up with an idea last night- could the Rift Engines get us home?"
"Huh. Maybe. I'd have to look into it."
"Take all the time you need."
"And I guess we'll have to keep ya busy in the meanwhile. Say Bowser, Spitfire's not up yet. Do ya mind runnin' the training sessions this morning?"
"Not at all!"
DK huffed, glaring at Mags.
"Because I'm the king, that's why!" Bowser retorted to the ape.
"I have to go," Mags said. "Fix the stove in the kitchen. See ya on the training ground."
"Yeah, take care," Bowser replied.
Mags left, turning toward the kitchen. DK stomped his foot on the ground indignantly. He was still miffed about Bowser being chosen over him. Why didn't anyone ever trust apes?
"Sorry, pal," Bowser shrugged.
DK made a motion with his hand that simulated the knocking on a door. Spitfire's dorm room had been locked, keeping everyone out.
"Wasn't he out in the rain last night? I wouldn't be surprised if the kid turned to cinders."
A shrill gasp came forward.
"Hey, I'm not wishing it on him! Just let Spitfire sleep, and he'll be fine."
Another yawn escaped his jaws. DK tapped Bowser's nose, staring at his eyes.
"Personal space!"- Bowser shoved the ape away- "And yes, I do miss home. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. Don't you miss home?"
Nod.
"I guess we finally have something in common, then."
Though it wasn't precisely homesickness that plagued Bowser with insomnia. It was the wonder of what not being at home meant. Bowser felt that he was losing himself to Skylands, bit by bit, as these heroes lured him closer and closer into their ideals. DK wouldn't understand that. He'd remained himself through this entire journey.
They traveled out of the Academy's interior, moving to the corner where the training ground was. The shiny red Greeble dispenser seemed to sparkle in the early morning sun, especially with water still glistening on it. That alone was a call to adventure and excitement. A few Superchargers had gathered in the center- Splat, Fiesta, Stormblade and Nightfall. Most everyone else had been dispersed into Skylands, working with the other Skylanders on reconstruction efforts.
"Alright, how's everybody doing, this morning?" Bowser announced.
"Dreadful," Stormblade sighed.
"Hey, don't be like that. Everything's fine- that storm was nothing to worry about. Is everyone ready for training?"
"Pretty much," Nightfall shrugged.
Bowser took a spot on the level slightly above them. "Then let's begin," he decided. "Fiesta, you can go first. Why don't we test your weird horn doohickey?"
"Hey, why does Fiesta get to go first?" Splat huffed. "Whatever happened to ladies first? Especially since we outnumber him three to one? Or two to one, what with DK here?"
"Unless you're going to join in the training, Bowser," Nightfall reminded them.
Bowser stifled another yawn, his eyes suddenly feeling heavy. "I'm just here to oversee training," he insisted. "I won't be joining in. As king-"
"Got tired when Wham-Shell boasted to us about it, and it's still tired when you boast about it," Splat insisted.
"Fine! You want to go first, you can go first!"
Everyone stepped back, allowing Splat her space to practice. She moved up to the Greeble Dispenser and turned the crank, spitting out three strange yellow vermin. Their only weapons of defense were squeaky hammers, meant to keep the kids in training safe. How silly. If these kids were going to learn anything, Bowser thought he should find his Koopa soldiers to show them a thing or two.
"Are you alright, Senor Bowser?" Fiesta asked. "You're not looking so hot."
The heavy feeling in his eyes wasn't going away. "I'm fine," Bowser lied. "You kids should worry about yourselves."
The crowd dispersed as Splat tossed a Greeble in their direction. The Greeble, regaining its senses, charged at the Superchargers standing by. DK hit it with a haymaker, sending the vile creature toward the vacuum that took the Greebles back into the dispenser. The other two Greebles followed suit, Splat defeating them with ease.
"Sorry about that," Splat said, cringing.
"Nice reflexes on DK's part, though," Stormblade noted.
DK stood tall, flexing an arm muscle, charmed by the lark's compliment.
"Now we should let Fiesta have a go," Bowser insisted.
Splat moved to the back, and Fiesta took the center. He turned the crank on the Greeble Dispenser, spitting out one yellow creature.
"You always fight only one Greeble during training," Bowser realized. "Get out of your comfort zone. At least bring it up to two- then you'll learn something."
"That's actually not a bad idea," Splat agreed. "C'mon, Fi, it'll be a good change of pace!"
Splat, Nightfall and DK began egging the skeletal man on. Stormblade, the one usually excited by these prospects, did not join in. Bowser noticed that she seemed uncharacteristically wistful, simply staring out as the others trained. She couldn't be worried about the storm, right? Unless she was worried about Spitfire like DK was.
Why was Bowser worrying about her?
Eventually, as the chanting from the three Superchargers became louder and more incessant, Fiesta was inspired to turn the crank again and spit out one more Greeble. The fight began, with Fiesta evading the moves brought forth by the angry Greebles. He hit them with fancy musical notes that hurt them- Bowser wasn't sure how that worked. To be honest, his attention had started going away as the training session continued. He just wasn't…into watching the kids fight.
Toward the middle of Fiesta's session, Bowser did notice Stormblade move away from the crowd of Superchargers. Apparently her heart wasn't into this either- but she couldn't just get up while someone else was in the middle of a session. One could get hurt that way.
"Get back here, birdy!" Bowser shouted, leaving his spot to chase after her.
Stormblade noticed him, and picked up her pace. Bowser should've thought to stay where he was, not wanting anyone to crash into each other. Of course, he couldn't quite think straight, and with some strange thought, decided to chase after her. Fiesta was in the middle of evading a Greeble, side-stepping in the similar fashion to a dance, when he collided into Bowser as the giant reptile gained his stride. Their foreheads knocked into each other, and they both tumbled in some awkward fashion.
"Oh no! Are you two okay?!" Splat gasped.
Fiesta picked himself up almost right away, showing that he hadn't been hurt. Bowser wasn't so quick. His head swam, vision slightly blurry. He shook this out and tried getting up- but this hurt. The way he'd fallen had caused his knee to get jarred. It didn't feel broken, but it also hurt too much to move. Everyone noticed his distress, though DK was the one who ran to his side to help him up. The ape glared at him with fire, aware that Bowser had somehow tried to keep this slip up as unobtrusive as possible.
"I'm so sorry!" Fiesta cried. "I was looking out for the Greebles- I didn't even see you!"
"It was my fault," Bowser promised him. "Just get someone to go after Stormblade."
Splat was the one to do it, running away from the training ground. Nightfall kept the annoying Greebles away from them, sending them back into the Greeble Dispenser, before checking up on Bowser.
"Where are you hurt?" Nightfall asked.
Bowser pointed to his knee. Nightfall touched it, a smiling look entering her eyes.
"Ooh, dislocated. Haven't seen a wound like that in a while," Nightfall mused. "Set him down, DK. I've done this before. I promise, this won't hurt a bit.
DK complied, helping Bowser sit on the ground. Nightfall gripped two parts of his leg, specifically where his kneecap had been moved out of place. She forcefully shoved it back in the proper position. Bowser cried out, feeling a sensation of fire move throughout his leg. It went away slowly, apparently having been set right. DK noticed Bowser's distress, pounding on the ground angrily toward Nightfall.
"You said it wouldn't hurt!" Bowser yelled at her.
"I lied," Nightfall admitted. "But how else would you cooperate?"
No comment.
"It wouldn't hurt to take you to the sick bay, though."
It turned out that Bowser's leg would indeed heal properly, though he was left with a slight limp. He remained in the sick bay for a short while, however, as he wanted to make sure everything was indeed okay. He dozed on a cot for a half hour, waking when he felt a hot banana breath on his forehead- DK.
"Do you mind not standing around this close to me while I sleep?" Bowser asked. "It's really creepy."
DK crossed his arms with an over-exaggerated frown, trying his best to be mad at him. But the only emotion that came across to Bowser was sadness. What was he going through? Why did he not want to let anyone know that he was having problems?
"This isn't my home," Bowser griped. "I don't want it to be my home. We can't stay here forever- we won't. I know we won't. There's no point forging bonds with people we'll have to say goodbye to."
DK's eyes welled up.
"At least we can say goodbye to these people. Our friends and family back home don't even know what happened to us or why we left. Isn't that concerning to you?"
DK wrapped him in a hug, letting out heavy pouts- apparently he was more homesick than he'd appeared. Bowser hugged back, resisting his own urge to cry. They were together through this, that much was certain. For now, they were stuck with each other- and Bowser didn't mind it.
"Though I am concerned about these people, though I don't know why," Bowser admitted with a sigh. "I haven't felt like myself in weeks. What am I, if I'm not a king?"
"A Skylander," a voice insisted. "And a friend."
Bowser turned toward the entrance to the sick bay, noticing that Nightfall and Fiesta had come in. For some reason, they hadn't announced their presence. So they definitely heard Bowser's chat with DK. He wasn't sure whether to feel mad or relieved.
"There's nothing wrong with change," Nightfall continued. "Everyone changes. Nobody remains the same forever. And there's nothing wrong with caring for people you know you have to say goodbye to."
"At least promise to stick around for a while," Fiesta asked meekly. "You know, to help with reconstruction efforts."
DK released himself from Bowser, nodding excitedly.
"Have you guys talked to Stormblade yet?" Bowser asked.
"She's upset about last night," Fiesta explained. "She got into an argument with Spitfire, and now she realizes how hateful she must've sounded to him. We kind of forced her to come outside with us- Stormblade wasn't interested in doing anything today. She and Splat are going to try and talk to Spitfire, and I was going to accompany them."
"But first, he wanted me to check on you," Nightfall explained. "And… 'apologize' for hurting you."
"Hey, you got my knee back in place," Bowser shrugged. "I'm fine now. For real, this time. Oh, Fiesta, maybe you three should go easy on Spitfire. He might be a little worse for wear from last night's storm."
Fiesta nodded, promising, "I'll keep it in mind."
I think a few things changed from the original request, but for the most part, I think I did okay.
Nightfall's story at the beginning of the chapter was semi-inspired by a story told in an episode of Malcolm in the Middle.
And Bowser and DK belong to Nintendo. Who've made a deal with Activision to produce Sky-miibos. It's really complicated.
