In this chapter, a certain someone is being introduced. Some of you may know her, as she is from the first two Paper Mario games before promptly disappearing and never appearing again. At first I thought she was simply limited to the Paper Mario Universe to be the replacement for Kamek...but then I see Paper Kamek in Paper Jam...
*Sigh*
At least with this knowledge, since there's a Paper Kamek, surely there's a regular version of her around here somewhere. That's an acceptable scenario, right?
...Let's just start the chapter.
A young koopa prince slowly opened his eyes to the bright gleam of the morning light. He mumbled a bit as he turned over and pulled hs covers over his head. It was a pretty good thing that the covers were specifically made of a material that wouldn't tear every time it passes over his spikes. The Koopalings ran into the same issues, as well as his father. Eventually Kamek grew incredibly tired of the constant wears and tears, so the covers were enhanced so they could stand up to the spikes on their shells. There were more important things to spend their well-earned currency on.
The bottom line was that Prince Bowser Jr. was not going to be waking up so easily. He needed a bit of rousing in order to fully wake up.
"Your highness...wake up~"
"Ngggh..."
"Rise and Shine~"
"Grrr..."
"Wakey Wakey, Sweetheart~"
"Go away...the Prince commands it..." Junior growled, shifting his pillow over his head. It was then and there that the voice speaking to him lost their patience.
"NOW, CHILD!"
ZAP!
"WAAAAH!" Junior yelped in surprise as a shock to his tail was able to wake him up outright, causing him to jump out of his bed and lightly rub his rear with a slight whimper. "Owowowowowow...that really smarts...grrr! Who dares-!" Junior turned towards the offender, only for his eyes to widen and his face to pale considerably. "O-Oh...Miss Kammy. I-I didn't know that it was you..."
A short Magikoopa with a hunched back was seen dressed in dark purple robes and a dark purple hat. She has white hair showing down the sides of her face and wears oval glasses; it was safe to say she was much older than Kamek. Like him, she carries a wand and a broom around. Though regarding the previous statement, calling her 'old' outright was very unlikely to trigger a friendly response. She does show signs of being senile, but that wasn't safe to say to her either.
She went into semi-retirement at some point of her life, leaving Kamek to be Bowser's fully appointed right-hand man. She still lends a hand from time to time whenever she feels like she's needed, but she's mostly just sticking around the castle, very free to listen to the problems of others. Aside from being very vain about herself, she can be very sweet when she wants to be.
But one thing has changed drastically. While she still fully supports Bowser and is very devoted to him, she no longer tolerates his disrespectful attitude towards her. And trying to pass that attitude to Junior was a very bad idea. Cue becoming a woman who is fully capable of making Bowser think twice about disregarding her too many times. She no longer allows disrespect to be her reward for devotion, and has no qualms with showing it. Everyone else in the main castle learned this lesson very quickly. They anger her at their own peril.
"Of course you didn't, child. You were off into dreamland and outright refusing to exit from it, so I had to force you awake with a quick zap of lightning. Worked, didn't it? Nyeah heh heh heh!~" Kammy chuckled as she shook her head for a small bit. "Enough of that for now though, you oughta go brush your teeth. Can't have foul breath so early in the morning. How else do you thing your father has clean white choppers?"
"Do I have to brush NOW, though?"
"Hmm...you're right. You should eat some breakfast first. It would kinda defeat the purpose if you brush first and eat later, wouldn't it?" Kammy said with some slight deep thought. "Right, right. Go on ahead and eat breakfast first, then go brush your teeth. That's the proper order to this. Go on then!" Kammy said, gently pushing him along out of his room, which he groaned loudly at.
"Alright alright, I'm goin'..." Junior pouted while yawning aloud. He rolled his eyes a bit while the elder Koopa follows him to the kitchen where breakfast was already prepared for him. "Where are the others? My siblings?"
"The Koopalings were here for a little bit. They were up early, against their will might I add. They had things to do outside the castle that really required their attention. They like to be lazy, but I plan on fixing that as soon as I can."
Junior chuckled. "Haha! They gotta do chores so early in the morning; meanwhile, I'm getting off scot-free!"
Kammy's glasses gleamed menacingly while smiling. "Oh? So ya think because you're the youngest that you're getting away from doing any chores? Maybe I can simply find something for you to do then. You don't wish to feel left out, do you?~" Junior blinked a bit, a flash of nervousness flashing across his eyes before he swiftly turned to his breakfast-consisting of bacon and eggs along with orange juice...but mostly bacon-and began eating it immediately. Kammy chuckles at this as she turns to leave, already knowing he would finish it all. Royal Koopas tended to be a very hungry bunch.
Junior swallowed some of his bacon before immediately turning towards Kammy. "Kammy...I was up for a little while after my bedtime. know I wasn't suppose to be up past that...but there was something about him last night. He came home all tired and angry at himself...is Papa okay?"
Kammy paused for a moment, wincing at the intense concern behind the usually cheerful and mischievous child. She took a deep breath and responded as honestly as she could without revealing the full truth. "Your father has had a very long night, sweetie. And he needed quite a lot of rest when he came back home. I'm worried about him too, so I'll help kamek check up on him if that will put you a bit more at ease."
"...Okay." Junior nodded towards her as he continued eating, while Kammy turned her back on him while sighing. She waved her wand once and teleported out of the kitchen, leaving the young koopa in the care of several Goombas and Paratroopas that would help him clean up afterwards...and by that it means they would do the cleaning for him. As long as Kammy didn't eventually find out about it, he could cleverly find a loophole around her rather observant eyes.
She is slightly senile, after all. And again, it was no longer smart to say so to her face.
Meanwhile, Kammy reappeared in a bright flash of light as she stood outside Bowser's bedroom door, which was quite huge. Though it obviously wasn't comparable to the inside of it, which had quite a high emphasis when it came to the King of Koopas himself. He likes to plaster his face on nearly everything. They share that kind of vanity, except she doesn't have nearly as many things with her face plastered on them. It would sure be nice though. She pushed the doors open and stepped inside. She could clearly see her King lying rather uncomfortably on his bed, having been in a deep yet unfulfilling sleep for the rest of the night since he returned. Shaking her head, she walked up to Kamek after clearing her nerves.
"Kamek...how is he?"
"He's been in quite a deep sleep ever since we got home last night. He really needed it ever since the bombshells be wasn't prepared for having been dropped on him. It really shook him." Kamek sighed, shaking his head. "And as usual, he hides his discomfort behind genuine anger so we won't see it. But I've been looking out for him since he was a young Koopa. I know when he's trying to hide discomfort. Anger is usually his most successful method towards anyone...anyone but me that is."
Kammy frowned a bit as she walked around the bed, her paws clasped behind her back as she gazed at Bowser's conflicted, uncomfortable face. "I'm guessing he's also using sleep as an excuse to not be open with his emotions?"
"That's a consistent problem with him. He believes that opening up might be emotionally compromising and make him look weak in front of his troops. Being King, he's not entirely wrong about it. I still don't think he should use that as an excuse to hide his discomfort. He knows he can talk to us at anytime. That's what a right-hand Koopa does. They listen to their problems and help whenever they can."
"Agreed. But alas, he's a stubborn king with an impressive stubborn streak. He's not going to open up emotionally, at least not as much as he should." Kammy shook her head as she gently placed her paw on Bowser's head, lightly petting it. Had he been awake, he would have immediately slapped her away and wonder what the heck she was doing. But he was deep within dreamland, so he showed no intentions on waking up because of this. Kamek wondered if he managed to, ahem, borrow one of the Pi'illo's from Pi'illo island, place one under Bowser's head, and see what he was dreaming about. He, like Luigi and unlike Mario, has a very intuitive feeling for the Dream World, able to shape his own world from within. Though his dreams usually consisted of Bowser sitting in big scary castles with Peach in a cage and using Mario and Luigi as punching bags, laughing like a mad child.
He agreed that particular adventure was one of Bowser's closest successes aside from the one after it, which involved the Sprixies. He's been growing more and more competent as time goes on. But it didn't really do much for Bowser's confidence, especially not after confronting Rosalina. He knew it was a bad idea, but it turns out it was for an entirely different reason.
"...He must have really wanted to see that Rosalina, did he?" Kammy noted while turning towards Kamek. "He might not really think that this would be worth it, the emotional turmoil. Bet he really didn't wish to have even more emotional baggage, especially one such as this. Though I do know that he a Koopa of few regrets. This may be one of the few genuine regrets that he has, as it's brought up a few things he doesn't want to admit might fill him with self-doubt."
"If he wasn't filled with self-doubt before, he definitely is now." Kamek said while lightly scratching his head after removing his hat for a few moments. "I really shouldn't have allowed him to go see Rosalina. I had a sinking feeling that something like this would happen. And k must say, it's both not as bad AND worse than I thought it might be. I honestly thought he was going to rampage throughout the Comet Observatory when she spoke out about his obsession with Peach without batting an eye. His reaction was actually pretty subdued, but then I hear him grumbling to himself, saying a few spiteful words towards himself before going to sleep. And even in his sleep, he's not thinking very highly about himself right now. And it might persist even in the future."
"How so? What did she say?" Kammy asked worriedly. Kamek turned towards Kammy and began recounting the events.
Bowser grumbled a bit in his sleep when Kammy stops petting him. He hasn't heard any bit of their conversation, but he was nonetheless feeling a bit uncomfortable within his lumber. And as for his dreams...
Well, his dreams weren't in the best shape.
(Dream World)
Bowser was slowly sinking into an unconscious part of his mind, around the edge if the deepest depths of his dreams. And he has dreams about many things. Most of them involved conquest as usual. Others obviously involved Princess Peach being captured as usual and the Mario Bros ending up defeated and being used as living doormats every time he enters his castle. His castle standing proud, tall, and filled with intense amounts of intimidation. And he was the owner of it all. He was the almighty King Bowser!
...At least he likes to boast that. Now, he wasn't so sure he deserved such a title. Not after what he heard last night. It genuinely haunted him, and he hated how much it shook him. Especially since it was his own idea to seek Rosalina out in the first place. There was no way he could pin that idea on anyone but himself. It turns out the truth was much more powerful than lies. This truth effortlessly shattered a majority of his confidence, which gave way to reveal some rather intense negative emotions disagreeing with one another:
You're being all shaken up over THIS? Don't make me laugh!
He has every right to be shaken by this! He realizes that he's crossed the line!
Technically he never did cross it. Entirely different universe.
That doesn't mean his paws are clean. Things might have been restored differently, but that doesn't make him any less responsible!
This is an overreaction at best and a pathetic whine at worst. It was Mario who foiled us! He's always the one foiling us and our plans! Had he just stayed out of the way, we would have been completely victorious!
That's the problem. We DID almost get away with it. But then Bowser HAD to go back for Peach. He was doing perfectly fine without having her around. He would have gone to rule the universe without Mario never knowing it. But no. Peach HAD to be there! Look at what good that's done!
We've always been chasing after Peach! What's the big deal?!
The 'big deal' is that there was much more to lose from that decision than it was possible to gain! And he did so anyway with reckless abandon! And look at where that recklessness got us? The universe got erased because of OUR selfishness! It's gotten too far that this time. TOO FAR.
Bah! How do we even know that Space Girl was even being truthful about all of that junk?
WE'RE the ones who went to her for answers. She's blameless. For once, take responsibility for your actions and recognize that you've DEEPLY cross the line with that scheme. It doesn't matter if this is a different universe, it's like that because we started the cycle early! Everyone died! Including US! Our KINGDOM! PEACH! And...! And...Junior. Our flesh and blood was erased along with us...time to face facts. We messed up. BADLY.
What does it matter if it's wrong to anyone else or not!? So what if we messed up a little? We're the King of Koopas! There's nothing we can't do when we set our minds to it! That includes ruling the universe!
Not if ruling the universe comes at a great risk to Junior! He paid for our ignorance and our greed! We CAN'T let that happen again! He means far too much to us to lose him over something so trivial!
Our love for Peach is NOT trivial!
Chasing her that time has LITERALLY been the death of us! We can NOT drag Junior down with us again!
"RRRAAAAAAGH! SHUT UP!" Bowser's aggravated roar echoed throughout his dreamscape, sending everything away in a very powerful shockwave; everything was cleared from his sight until he was the only one left. He snarled angrily while clenching his fists. He couldn't think properly with all of this noise! Surely he couldn't be feeling THIS guilty! But that was hard to deny, because now he was outright arguing with himself! It was a notion so ridiculous that he had no idea how he should deal with it. Or if he's capapble of dealing with it at all.
Why oh why did he ever seek out that Space Princess? He could have done much better if he had simply ignored his gut feeling, and went on to never have this heavy guilt weighing on his heart. But being the stubborn Koopa that he is, he refused to give in in such a manner. Rosalina was on his mind and he seeked her out for answers. It wasn't her fault that the answers he was looking for were somewhat too much for him to handle. Why would she even tell him all of this? So calmly and with a straight face? She could have hidden the truth from him and he never would have known. But she had nothing to gain from lying and hiding the truth. Or better yet, lying and deliberately hiding the truth was simply not something she does. Still, she could have been a bit more gentle and at least sound more saddened by her revelation towards him.
Then again, she did apologize for giving the information in a somewhat emotionless manner. So she definitely wasn't trying to hurt him on purpose, despite having a very good reason to. She was actually rather polite; he was sure she would have shared snacks with him if she had some prepared for the both of them.
He shook his head and clawed at his head a bit. What was he supposed to do? There was no one to blame for this massive misshap. Any more denial to his part in the catyclism would be seen as cowardice, and Bowser is no coward. He accepted that he can't shift the blame on his minions or even Mario, as he was the one who provoked the Plumber in the first place.
"If you still somewhat doubt my words, you can ask Mario. I know despite your hostility, he will not lie to you."
...That was it. He knew what he wanted to do next. It was rather stupid, but he was not going to stray from the decision.
(Real Word)
"...Oh Dear. That's...that's terrible." Kammy muttered in disbelief as Kamek finished recalling what he knew based on what Rosalina told him and Bowser. Kammy listened with curious detail, which soon turned into terror around the time he reached the very end. Kammy couldn't help but touch her heart instinctively. "So...all of us...everyone and everything...was destroyed? And then we were somehow reborn completely unharmed, yet certain things are different?"
"The only ones to survive the transition into this new universe was Mario and Rosalina herself. I must say, the plumber's luck has become outright ridiculous with that reveltion. I aree with his Royal Highness, that's outright unfair." Kamek two Magikoopas jumped as Bowser slowly slides out of bed with a determined frown on his face, and he then began leaving his large room. "Y-Your Viciousness! W-Where are you going?!"
"I'm off to Mushroom Kingdom. Me and the plumber need to exchange words...and fists." Bowser snarled angrily, his footprints leaving flames in their wake. He was briefly stopped as his door opened before he could even touch it. His temper coold somewhat as he could see Junior behind the doorway, being the one to open it. "Junior..."
"Oh, hi Papa. I just finished breakfast!" Junior exclaimed proudly, though his expression shifts back to worry as he walked up closer to him. "Is...is everything alright, Papa? You look tired..."
"No, son. I'm fine, Everything's fine." Bowser smiled as he leaned down and pulled the younger Koopa in a gentle fatherly hug, and a rather tight and loving one as well. Junior was briefly confused, but he was also simply happy that the two of them were hugging. So eh didn't question it, melting in his father's embrace. The young prince was completely oblivious to the worry stemming from his father's body. The relieved tears that threatened to leave his eyes, which he refused to blink closed for any reason for an extended period of time. It was childish and stupid, but Bowser dared not to blink while he had Junior in his arms. After the whole conversation with Rosalina and his mental arguement with himself, he ws greatly relieved to be hugging Junior as he was now, grateful that he was completely healthy and as adorable as ever.
And above all, he was still alive, not having been erased from existence as a casualty from his folly. He had never felt such terror in his life. needless to say that his intense protectiveness over Junior has just increased, as well as how much he greatly appreciated having him in his life. But now, Bowser fears that Junior has to be protected from so much more..and he feared that he himself has been added to that list. He soon shook his head.
He needed to focus. He knew Rosalina wasn't lying...but he needed to hear Mario's side. He needed to be absolutely sure, since the plumber was the only other person who remembered. But Bowser was filled with such frustration and rage from his inner conflict...
Oh well. He'll relieve it by punching Mario's face in.
As you were able to see, it was Kammy Koopa! As I said before, after the first two Paper Mario games, she just...disappears. Never to be seen again. At least she is still somewhat relevant character in some Mario fanfiction I've read, and she'll be a regular in this one. Here, she acts as Junior's caretaker whenever Bowser or Kamek aren't watching him and the Koopalings are minding their own business. They're all somewhat intimidated by her, despite being slightly senile.
Heading towards the Mushroom Kingdom next chapter... and Bowser's bringing his fists.
