Here's the next chapter of this story. Though you might consider it the second half of the prologue, if you want to. It feels that way to me, at least. Ya don't have to.

Feedback has been pretty reasonable and some are nice. You're willing to give this story a chance. I can work with that.

Anyway, here's the second chapter. Hope you enjoy!~


Her gracefulness has little to no bounds. Her kindness is known and acknowledged across the galaxy. Her power can be considered to be one of a goddess, and she is fully capable of backing up that claim if she truly wished to. Her home lies within the Comet Observatory. She is the Protector of the Cosmos, and is the Mother of the Lumas. Her name is Rosalina.

The Comet Observatory wasn't always this big. It used to be pretty small in overall size, actually. It was built by Rosalina herself since she agreed to take care of Luma. She had a lot of time on her hands and she was highly intelligent. So while the task was definitely time consuming, it wasn't that difficult. Though as one would have it, it's actually much bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. And it consists of multiple different sections known as 'domes'. There was a central area, there was a Terrance, a Garage, a Fountain, a Library, a Kitchen, a Bedroom, an Engine Room, a Gate, and a Garden. All of these areas would incidentally lead to different gateways to different galaxies that can be explored, as Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi demonstrated. And Luma wouldl soon turn into the Beacon that powers the entire Observatory.

Every one hundred years, the Comet Observatory would pass by the Mushroom World, and it's denizens would celebrate what is known as the Star Festival. Because from their point of view the COmet Observatory was simply just a Comet. Rosalina didn't mind this at all. It was actually rather nice of them in a way, even if they never knew what they were truly looking at. However, from the most recent Star Festival, there came an event which Rosalina never saw coming. Somebody actually stormed the Comet Observatory and caused it to lose it's main power source: Grand Stars and Power Stars. They were scattered across the cosmos as a result of the attack, and the Observatory would remain immoblized over Mushroom Kingdom until Mario would later recover five of them to get it moving again, so the rescue of the one known as Princess Peach could commence in earnest.

A grand battle would progress afterwards, one that resulted in a sun collapsing into a massive black hole. Nothing but herself and Mario managed to survive. And with the sacrifice of the Lumas, the entire cosmos was reborn. According to her, this cycle has repeated countless times, and it never repeats the same way twice. There's always some kind of unique difference between every repeat. The cycle is constant, but imperfect. The entire universe was reborn, and so was everyone else. Including the one that was ultimately responsible for such a huge mess in the first place. The one who is widely acknowledged as Mushroom Kingdom's biggest enemy.

King Bowser.

Rosalina had to admit, if there was one word she could use to describe the Koopa King that she could be certain of, it was his audacity. It was likely he knew exactly what the Comet Observatory was and chose to attack it anyway. Or perhaps he simply didn't know and didn't care, for he was too busy with his conquest of the universe and the kidnapping of Princess Peach. Though she could give him credit for one thing, his ambition is something to behold. He was willing to take suh bold risks in order to become a powerful conqueror. There have been plenty like him in some ways, and yet none of them could measure up to how fiercely determined he was to succeed. Of course, his drive has ultimately resulted in the previous universe ending, and a new, similar one to take his place. He has no recollection of his past deeds in that specific venture. After everything was well and done, she took the Space Observatory and left the Mushroom World behind.

...Obviously she didn't leave for good.

Rosalina didn't expect it, but she came back to help Mario and the others when Bowser was once again close to taking over the Mushroom World as he had managed to suppress the Sprixies, beings capable of some advanced building. They were forced to build his army, which was admittedly much stronger than they ever were. It seems that Bowser is capapble of a high degree of intelligence and cunning when he really pushes himself. And after so long he's finally managed to get into the mindset of using Mario and Luigi's power-ups against him. One was the DOOube Cherries, which doubles the user with a clone each time they grab one. And the other was the brand new Super Bell and Lucky Bell power-ups, which gives them the powers of a cat, complete with a cat-suit. Bowser was transformed into Meowser, and was shaped into one of the most fierce felines of all. A tiger. And Rosalina's own cat suit came with black fur.

She didn't know why, but it felt...oddly relaxing.

What was important about this venture was that after the universe's imperfect reformation, this was the very first time they've come face to face with one another. She could remember his brief look of confusion as his eyes gazed in her direction. Though he quickly discarded it and simply considered her another enemy to remove from his way. Though he was surprised by how powerful she really was putting up a much better fight than he expected. Though to his credit, she did have to struggle against him, he was much stronger than she expected. Though in the end, they managed to defeat him, and save the Sprixies form his enslavement. Strangely, this one of the few times that Bowser did not directly go after Peach. It was also one of the few times when he was dangerusly close to succeeding in taking over Mushroom World. It would seem that his chances of success would drastically increase the less he goes after Peach. Though given how many times he captured her in the past, he was unable to help himself. He's been doing this for years, and it didn't seem like he was willing to stop anytime soon.

The Koopa King, despite how simple he seems to act, is quite a complex person. She doesn't seem to understand him as much as she might like to. Maybe if she knew the reason as to why he insists on kidnapping the Princess, she might be able to undertand. Because he clearly doesn't need Peach if ruling the Mushroom World was all he wanted. She wondered if what he also wanted was Peach's love, in which he was never going to gain it the way he acts towards her. Luckily for him the Princess is a very forgiving authority figure. Though she also isn't afraid to stand against him if she needed to.

Another thing she could be sure about Bowser just by looking at him, is that he was prideful. He puts his face on everything. Banners, flags, carpets, doors, movie theaters...honestly, she was surprised that he had the space and tolerance to install a movie theater in his castle. Then again, he also tends to be quite the showoff. Oh, that's another thing she could be sure about just by l0ooking at him! Go figure!

Still, the Koopa King was an enigma despite his actions being relatively easy to understand. Kidnap the Princess, rule the world. Though his mindset seems to work on the wavelength that he couldn't have one without the other. He could rule the world fairly easily if he wanted. His near complete conquest of the universe prior to it's rebirth attested to that. The only reason he failed was that he brought Mario's attention by coming back for Peach. Why does he keep trying? Does he not know that he could not force her to love him back? True love takes time and patience. Rosalina should know, it took her many years for her to fully proclaim herself as protector and mother of all Lumas. Because she really did love all of them. And for as long as Peach and Bowser have known one another, she could tell that Peach truly does care about Bowser, but not in the way he cares about her. If he is aware of this, and knows that it may be impossible to change, then why does he try so hard to force love onto her?

This is when Bowser becomes an enigma. And her inability to properly understand him was not helping matters much. Maybe if she could take the time to properly understand him...

"Rosalina? Does something trouble you?"

The Space Princess blinked softly as she slowly turned towards the sound of the voice. A blackish brown Luma with sky blue eyes was levitating in front of her. His name as Polari, one of the eldest Lumas in existence, and Rosalina's most trusted advisor. If there was anything she had deep thoughts about that needed an outside opinion, or if she needed to make an important decision she was unsure of, she would consult to him. He also served as a vital guide for Mario during his venture across the cosmos. Though he was to Rosalina as Toadsworth was to Peach. And that is being highly protective of them, on top of being advisors. This was actually a pretty good time for him to appear, she needed someone to bounce her thoughts off of for a while. Just because she was one of the most knowledgable beings in the Universe doesn't mean she didn't need someone to help her. And she could really use it right now.

"Oh, hello Polari." Rosalina nodded. "Something doesn't trouble me. It's more like genuine curiosity on my part. Curiosity about a certain someone." She said as she slowly stands up and walks out of the Bedroom, which was much larger than a usual bedroom would be, and is also a dome to access galaxies.

Polari looked a bit confused as he flew around her once, before eventually settling for the left side of her as she made her way out of her bedroom. "Curious? Curious about who?"

Rosalina also had taken care to remember that Polari doesn't remember the events before the universe's reformation. Though he was fully able to witness most of the events that happened afterwards, so he wasn't completely clueless. Still, she would have to inform him in order for him to give her input. "Do you remmeber the time that I brought the Space Observatory back to Mushroom World and lent the Mario Bros and Princess Peach my assistance against King Bowser?"

Polari was briefly confused, and he nodded affirmatively. "Yes, I do remember that. It was quite strange of you to do such a thing, Rosalina. Usually you only revisit the Mushroom World every one hundred years. This is actually the first time you've broken your own tradition. I was genuinely surprised about that!"

"Indeed. I suppose you could say I've grown attached to the Mushroom World. To the extent that I would come to it's aid whenever it needs me." Rosalina admitted. "The denizens of Mushroom Kingdom have always celebrated the arrival of the Comet Observatory believing it was an actual comet. It flattered me quite a bit. Mario and his friends havr assisted me in some endeavors before. So it was the least I could do to return the favor. It was also nice to help the Sprixies. They're quite the effective builders, I will admit. I was even able to learn a few things from them just by watching them."

"Just goes to show that you can always keep improving!" Polari chuckled at that. Though he returned to being slightly curious and concerned as he gazed at Rosalina from where he was. "There is a reason you're bringing up that adventure, isn't there? And it has something to do with this person you're curious about? Who is it, my dear? You can tell me." He said honestly, which brought Rosalina some degree of ease. He was about to be surprised by her answer, and it would be completely understandable.

Rosalina sighed slightly as she clasped her hands before turning to look towards Polari with an honest look. "The one that has recently gained my attention...is King Bowser."

"WHHHAAAAAT?!" Yep. Polari definitely look flabbergasted as he flipped backwards multiple times from the shocking statement, before he readjusted himself and approached her again. "Forgive me for my outburst, Princess. But what could have gotten you curious about King Bowser? You said it yourself, you were helping the hroes of Mushroom Kingdom combat him!" It wasn't that he wasn't trying to understand what brought this up, he was just mostly shocked that she brought it up at all. How is it that the Koopa King managed to capture her attention to the point of openly pondering about him? And judging by how calm she was being-it was the degree of calmness, since it's really difficult to break her composure-it was obvious that she has been thinking about this for a while now.

Rosalina, understanding Polari's surprise, nodded softly as she gently closed her eyes. "In all honesty, I do not know. Perhaps it was the latest encounter, when I was actually staring him down, that I've begun to think about him a bit more than I usually would or should. He's obviously very much full of pride, that wasn't hard to figure out. Then there was his ambition, which I find respectable even if it's for malicious purposes. And he can be rather...eccentric sometimes. As well as really angry." Rosalina pointed out these things while her head tilted to the side. "These things are rather simple to point out. But as I think deeper about him and his relationship with Mushroom Kingdom's denizens...I find myself at a bit of a loss."

"A loss? How so?"

"I've spoken with Peach about him before. Bowser can be a malicious person without a doubt. But what puzzles me is that despite that, he does have goodness within him, even if it's deeply hidden."

"Goodness? Within King Bowser? How can that be?" Polari wasn't trying to be hurtful, it was just a lack of understanding. A lack of understanding that Rosalina shared.

"It was difficult for me to believe as well. But Peach has known Bowser since they were children. She's the only one who could know Bowser as much as Mario since those two are always fighting over her. Despite how malicious he can be with his actions and his tyrannical implulses, he does have some semblance of good within him. He is reasonable with his subjects. When there is someone who wants to destroy the world he wishes to conquer, he'll immediately side with Mushroom Kingdom to stand against them. And he genuinely loves Peach."

Polari tilted himself a bit, before readjusting himself and shaking side to side. "He surely has a rather strange and unwarranted way of expressing it. I do not believe that Peach would ever be interested in returning his affections if he insists on kidnapping her and trying to rule her kingdom by force. She's highly unlikely to return his affections if he continues to act like that. I honestly find it quite surprising that throughout their history, she continues to forgive him for his transgressions. They get along relatively well during those sporting events and parties they're always participating in together. Though I hear that he crashes at least half of those events, so he's not always invited."

Rosalina raised her head a bit. "...There was one other thing. He has a son. They share the same name but everyone refers to him simply as Junior. And something else that Peach was sure of, is that Junior is one of the very few people in the world who can bring out the genuine good in him. The very first time Bowser deceived him into going along with his plans, he felt true remorse for fooling his son with something so sensitive. And remorse does not come easily to him."

Polari nodded slightly as he turned to the side. "I see...that is how Peach is certain that Bowser isn't as bad as he believes himself to be. Perhaps he is not the most pleasant person to be around, and he has a very tyrannical mindset. But despite this, he has seemingly good qualities that prevent him from being completely hated by everyone."

"Yes...this is where he becomes an enigma to me..." Rosalina said quietly as she lowered her head and rubbed her chin.

From what Peach has told me, Bowser is definitely one of the less pleasant inhabitants of the Mushroom World. But sometimes his thoughts and actions align to something completely different. He truly cares about his family, and is deeply remorseful when they get hurt because of his schemes, physically or emotionally. He is actually a very caring ruler over his minions, though he's rather quick to punish them for failure. And he'll save the world without question, even if his only motivation is to rule it for himself. And he truly loves Peach, though his constant desire to force her to return it has him constantly clashing with Mario. And no matter what he does or how many times he does it, he's always forgiven. Then he tries again another time.

Rosalina closed eyes and sighed deeply to herself. No matter how deeply she thinks, she simply cannot understand Bowser as much as she might want to. Her very first experience with him, an experience only she and Mario can remember, was not the best first impression. But after hearing more about him from Peach, she simply couldn't help but continue to wonder about him. It looks like the Mushroom World has added yet another thing for her to be curious about. She wanted to know more about him, as much as she could. But not from Peach or anyone else in Mushroom Kingdom. It may be a bit dangerous, but...

She wanted to ask a few things from Bowser himself.

"HEEEEYYYYY! ANYBODY HOME?!"

"W-WHAT WAS THAT?!" Polari panicked, flying around the room in multiple directions near-uncontrollably. Rosalina wasn't frightened by the voice. She was more curious than anything, because she already knew exactly who it was. So with a briefly nod of her head, she stepped outside to the view o space, making her way towards the Gate where the booming voice originated. Polari hurried after her, not wanting her to be alone. They both noticed numerous Lumas hiding behind various objects, shivering in fear. They were only reassured by Rossalina passing by them. She soon stops and got a proper look at a parked airship, a strange cloaked Magikoopa known as Kamek...

...and Bowser.

He manages to get a good look at her, and his mind pulsed a little bit from the result. Urrgh...my head...yeah. Now that I'm gettin' a good look at her, she definitely feels familiar. Now it's time that I get some answers from her.

Bowser came to me himself. That is unexpected, but I suppose I can adapt. Because now I have a chance to speak with him about a few things. And that look in his eyes...it appears he has his own reasons for being here. Rosalina thought quietly.

"Hey. Are you the Space Princess named Rosalina? The so-called 'Protector of the Cosmos' or whatever?" Bowser demanded more than asked, placing air quotes around one of her titles just a bit sarcastically.

"Yes. My name is Rosalina." She felt a specific aura emitting off of him that told her he was genuinely troubled. She would probably find out what in a few moments. "And you are King Bowser. This visit is a bit unorthodox, don't you think?"

"There wasn't anythin' here that prevented me from comin' in. So I came in. Didn't bother knockin'." Bowser huffed, folding his arms. "Anyway, I came here because you've got some explaining to do."

"Oh? I do?" Rosalina was slightly amused by his arrogance, managing a small smile. "That is amusing. Because you see...I was wishing to speak to you as well."

Bowser smirked at this, chuckling slightly. "Is that right?"

"Indeed. It would seem that we have similar intentions."

The two of them stared at each other in silence, which made Kamek and Polari equally nervous. As this staredown ensued, a shooting star managed to pass them by. It's light illuminated both of their faces for a brief moment, each showing a desire to know more about the other.

This mutual curiosity was going to lead them down a path neither of them ever expected to take...


These two really wanna know how the other ticks. The story truly begins in the next chapter.

Please review. They really help!