Mario hovered over Kamek as the wizard knelt by Olivia's side, beginning to carefully refold her. In hindsight, the decision to let someone made of folds and creases soak in a hot spring that claimed to be effective against folds and creases was incredibly foolish, and Mario cursed himself for not realizing that sooner. At least we don't have to go all the way back to the Craftsman to fix her, Mario thought hysterically as he watched Kamek work. He couldn't believe that he let her be in mortal peril a second time. And he almost didn't notice in time, even though she was right next to him! And now all he can really do right now is stand by again, unable to do much of anything. Mario fidgeted with his cap, trying not to think about Olivia being flat lifeless paper, all because Mario couldn't keep her safe like he was meant to. And if couldn't manage to do that...then...what did that say about his ability to save-
"Ahem."
Mario snapped to look at Kamek. The wizard was looking straight back at him, brow raised.
"I hate to be rude," he snapped, "But I have to know: Are you just going to just hover over me as I do this, or are you going to make yourself useful and help me remember what she looked like before?"
Oh.
Mario swallowed a distressed keen and shuffled closer.
The group spent the next few moments in stifling silence. Mario did his best to help, pointing at what folds to make and giving answering nods or headshakes to Kamek's questioning glances, but even still, judging how Kamek's shoulders were hiking up, Mario's nervousness was sorely affecting the mood. Even Bowser Jr was floating in an uncharacteristic silence. Whether it was from the gravity of Olivia's situation or from Mario's inability to reign in his negative energy, Mario couldn't tell.
The seconds dragged on. Mario's anxiety only grew. Is this taking too long? No, Kamek's more than capable of doing this. Olivia will be fine.
...
This is definitely taking too long.
Maybe he should have jumped out of the clouds to go find the Origami Craftsman after all. Mario made to suggest it-
"...Ughhhh..."
She's okay. Mario let himself sag a bit in relief. He was so overcome with relief, in fact, that he missed most of what Olivia said next.
"...you so much for helping refold me." Mario tuned back in as Olivia bowed to Kamek.
Kamek grimaced, clearly uncomfortable with the praise. "Yes, yes...don't make a big deal out of it. I'm not used to receiving praise for a job well done..."
Olivia grinned. "All riiiight!" she sang, stretching her arms up high and dancing away from the water. "Come on, Bowser Junior, let's go get another stamp!" Perking up a bit at the idea of getting rewarded for something, Bowser Junior trailed behind her. As they left, Mario turned to Kamek, wanting to also thank him for his help. Before Mario could say anything, though, Kamek held up a hand to interrupt.
"Now hold on," he said, "I may have begrudgingly accepted Olivia's thanks, but I won't take yours! I have a reputation to maintain, you know. Although...having you owe me a favor is quite an appealing idea..." Kamek smirked at Mario's immediate scowl. "Ah, it was worth a shot, I suppose. I figured you'd be too much of a goody-two-shoes for something like that. Well, since you're already assisting me with restoring the Young Master, I suppose I can let this go for now."
Mario rolled his eyes. Behind them, Olivia's voice rang out. "Mario! Mr. Kamek!" she called from the stamp kiosk, "We need to hurry to the next hot spring!"
"Yeah, what's taking you guys so long?" Bowser Jr's voice joined Olivia's, "We'll leave you slowpokes behind if you don't hurry up!"
Kamek sighed heavily. "Young Master, please," he groused, obligingly making his way towards the grass. Chuckling quietly to himself, Mario followed behind.
A/N: I lost my muse partway through this one, lmao. Oh well! I finished it anyway :)