I have not touched this story in so long. And given that it's one of my personal favorites, that is a crime. One I seek to somewhat redeem myself with, through this chapter.

Hopefully you'll enjoy.


The Koopalings were not ignorant to what has slowly been happening. Oh no. It took longer for some of them to get it than others, but ALL of them had pretty clear understandings of what had been going on for a while now.

Bowser and Rosalina have been growing close. Quite close. Even more importantly, the closer they've gotten, the less that Bowser has Peach on his mind. None of them missed this significant detail, least of all Wendy, Junior, and Ludwig. It was a significant enough detail that they were fully intent on meeting up and talking about it in deeper detail.

And they found a good opportunity to do so, while walking a few Chain Chomps.

"I'm telling you, I'm not the only one who sees it!" Wendy exclaimed dramatically, gesturing her paws upwards.

"You certainly aren't, Wendy." Ludwig noted while stroking his chin. The mini-chain chomp in front of him jumped and barked occasionally as he casually held onto his chain. "It is quite clear thar Father and Miss Rosalina have formed a rather intimate bond with each other. And it can become something more if they truly tried. Lady Rosalina at least seems willing to do so, if given the chance But Father is not very sure that it can go any further than a possibly close friendship."

"So a possible objective to originate from this is to ease Father further into the possible idea. It could do them both wonders, and do wonders for us as well." Ludwig hummed. "With one of those major benefits being that Father can refrain from attacking Mushroom Kingdom as constantly. Perhaps his antagonism with Mario can be reduced to a mere harmless...mostly harmless rivalry between them."

"Huh. Fair enough. Though Daddy and 'harmless' aren't too words that go together very often. But it happens every once in a while, I guess." Wendy cooed while petting her own Chain Chomp. "Though there is one question that really needs answering. How are we gonna get Daddy to take that extra step?"

"It won't be too hard to plan for something that can work. But at the same time, we should be considerate of Rosalina's feelings on this as well. We know she isn't against the idea, but she seems to be waiting for Bowser to take more steps further. She wants to step with him. Not before or after."

"So we risk things slowin' down because Pops might be gettin' shy?" Roy scoffed while adjusting his pink shades and walking his much bigger Chain Chomp which was surprisingly the cheeriest. "Shy doesn't seem like Pops. Awkward and Hammy, but not shy. Then again, dere's a firsr time for everythin'."

"Maybe Dad needs a bit kore encouragement. Though what kind of encouragement would that be?" Iggy thought while rubbing his chin, this own Chain Chomp being one of the jumpier ones.

"I mean, we know that he sees her as beautiful, so I doubt that her appearance is an issue. And it really, truly isn't. I mean, have you seen her? She looks fantastic!" Wendy exclaimed.

"That's out the window for sure. Miss Rosalina is super pretty, and we know Dad thinks so."

"Okay, so physical attraction is checked off. How about emotional?"

"They seem to get along super well." Larry points out fondly, walking a medium sized Chain Chomp. "I mean, they both enjoy sports more than we thought they did, and she's really good at it!"

"Technically both of them are royalty. Maybe there's something there as well." Ludwig tilted his head. "Though I'd say that Miss Rosalina has a much wider range, given that she's basically the protector og the galaxy. Several of them, even."

"Many of which Bowser and Junior endangered with their antics, accoeding to their stories. So that's both an avenue for them to connect through...and the most awkward connection we could ever make between them. But it's there and viable." Iggy hummed.

"They also have children to think about on a daily basis. Us for Daddy, and just about every Luma for Miss Rosalina. That's definitely something they have in common. They're already parents." Wendy said. "And if there's ever something more rough and tough than trying to take over a Kingdom or being a Guardian of the Galaxy, it's being a parent. Let's face it, sometimes we're a bit...much for Daddy to handle."

"And we could imagine that Miss Rosalina has her hands even more filled, given all of those Lumas." Morton pointed out.

"And the main difference is that she probably has an easier time despite all the Lumas because they're simply always behaving well. As for us...well...we're us. Misbehaving might as well be a special skill of ours, begging to be used constantly. And we happily indulge ourselves, whether Daddy supports it or not."

"Yeah. I wouldn't wanna be raisin' us alone." Roy nodded, as did the others. Conqueror, King, Beast,...none of those titles were very difficult to hold for Bowser. He wore them like his scales. But Parent/Father. That was more difficult to manage than any enemy he'd ever faced, Mario included. Which was saying a LOT, as they have been fighting since they were babies.

Some people underestimated just how literal that was. They would think they were exaggerating for drama's sake. Kamek can readily confirm the story to be true, much to his mental exhaustion at times.

It was quite clear that Mario and Bowser were destined to butt heads. Be it as genuine enemies, fierce rivals, friendly rivals, it mattered not. They were always going to find some reason to fight, either playfully or seriously, no matter how much Mario might try to prevent it.

"And considering that there's far more Lumas than there are of us, I'm kinda surprised that Rosalina's not a tiny bit more stressed." Wendy rubbed her chin. "Then again, Lumas are far less troublesome than we are, despite outnumbering us so immensely."

"Quality over quantity, sis!" Iggy pointed out. "Dad's got much on his plate regarding us because we made mischief into an art!~"

"Which is pretty funny, since Junior is REALLY skilled at grafititi art." Larry raised a hand. "Maybe he can't take that up as a hobby alongside being a prince!"

"...Speaking of which..." Ludwig hummed as he turned to the Koopa Prince himself, whom was walking his own Chain Chomp. He seemed to have a contemplative look in his eyes. He was in deep thinking, and Ludwig could take a guess and say that it had something to do with the subject at paw. "You've been surprisingly quiet, little brother. Are you well?"

"O-Oh! Yeah, I'm fine. Nothing's wrong." Junior said hurriedly with a waving paw.

"Haha...try again." Wendy gently reprimanded.

Junior sighed as he lightly scratched his head, his Chain Chomp barking at a few butterflies. "Well...this has been on my mind for a while now. And...I don't really know what to do with it. It might be a bad idea...but I really wanna try it..."

"Well we ain't gonna know if its a good idea or a bad idea if ya don't spill." Roy said with folded arms.

Junior sighed as he pulled something out of his shell, handing it to the gang of Koopalings. Ludwig grabbed hold of it first. Everyone took a look at the poster with various curious faces. After a moment of consideration, they nodded.

"Well what do you know. This is actually a good idea, Junior." Ludwig smiled.

"Yeah, not bad at all." Wendy smirked.

"Eh. I can see it workin'." Roy cracked his neck with a grin.

"I guess it can work." Mortan scratched his head.

"Hoo hoo! Dad's really gonna be miffed that we'll be arranging this behind his back.~" Iggy snickered.

"This is gonna be awesome!" Larry grinned.

...Lemmy had said nothing for a while, either. Junior blinked.

"...Lemmy?" Ludwig blinked as everyone turned towards Lemmy's direction.

"Down girl! Bad girl! This is NOT how we do walkies!" Lemmy shrieked in panic as the largest Chain Chomp of the group chased him down with a cheerful bounce and happy eyes, not realizing the damage she could do. She had a cute pink bow on top of her head, and long eyelashes.

The Koopalings gasped.

"CHOMPETTE NO!"


Bowser seriously needed to rein his children in better. Because otherwise, things like this were bound to keep happening without his input. And he would VERY much like some input on things like this.

Like, seriously. If he did, he'd be better able to predict them coming up with ideas like this. Then they would be...just as unpredictable as before, really.

He couldn't win when it came to those kids, could he?

"It was nice of you to invite me for a fireworks display, Bowser." Rosalina says kindly as she and several Lumas were outside with Bowser and the Koopalings. Several Koopas, Paratroopas, and Goombas were helping setting up fireworks all over the field.

"Yeah, real nice thing for me to do." I'd rather have known about it beforehand, though.

Sure, Rosalina could have used her telepathic powers to read his mind, but she made a point to respect his mental privacy more. That, and she didn't really need it to tell shat he was thinking, given his exasperated expression, which made her giggle quite a bit.

"Welp. Apparently I'm hosting this mini fireworks deal." Bowser scoffed as he folded his arms. "If I'm gonna host this deal, then I'm gonna be the one who lights them up. These fireworks are top-notch! Which means we're gonna get top-quality displays right from the get-go!"

"Yes. Because if there's anything we can expect from you, great King Bowser, is top quality fireworks." Rosalina hummed in amusement, yet not unkindly.

"Fire ANYTHING is gonna be top quality if it comes from me!" Bowser grinned while pressing a thumb to his chest. "I don't care what Mario says, I'M the Fire Master between us! I'm the one who literally breathes it as second nature! Which means I mastered it first! I beat him there, no doubt about it!'

"Indeed." Rosalina smiled knowingly.

"It's true!"

"I'm sure it is.~"

"I mean it!"

"I know you do.~"

Bowser was now sure that this was some kind of ritual between them. And the more they happened, the less genuinely annoyed he was by them. In fact, a part of him might even be having fun with it like she clearly was. It was strange, because she was being completely sincere with her responses, yet still made it feel like warm banter between them.

"Fireworks are ready, Papa!" Junior shouted over to the duo with raised paws. The other Koopalings sounded it off just as well, with the fireworks properly placed. Bowser nodded in approval. Though he felt a tiny bit unsure about how cheeky Wendy looked when she was the last one to confirm it.

He felt like he should worry about what they all had in store. But Rosalina came here for fireworks, so fireworks she shall have!

"Alrighty then, kiddy Koopalings! We're gonna light these things up, and it's gonna be super cool! Worthy King-Sized Fireworks that can match the size of the Koopa Klan's greatness!"

"Oh, it's going to be a showing of something, alright.~" Kammy says quietly with a quiet witch-like cackle...which was briefly interrupted with several much louder coughs into her fists.

"We're ready and rarin' to go, Papa!" Junior raised his paws again, his open jaws emitting the light beginning to burn from his throat.

"Preparing to fire up the fireworks on three." Bowser says as a similar glow emitted from his own throat as his maw opened. "...Three!" Bowser, Junior, and the Koopalings lit the fireworks up, and they took a few seconds to sizzle, before they pushed off the ground in a spectacular launch.

"It launched!" Kammy cheered with raised paws.

"I have a feeling that this going to end...unexpectedly." Polari said quietly while looking up towards the fireworks. "...Though then again, fireworks are lovely."

The Koopalings are definitely up to something, and Kammy approved of it, whatever it is. What's up with those fireworks...? Kamek couldn't help but worry.

Once the fireworks reached a high enough altitude, they exploded in a vast arraw of colors and shine. To add onto this, various colorful designs would result from the explosions. The first was an array of designs based around Koopa Shells, mostly the ones being green and red, with even a dash of blue. There was also the signature symbols of each of the Koopalings, Junior included.

"Ah...how pretty.~" Rosalina says with slightly clasped hands.

"Pretty! Pretty!" The Lumas repeat/chanted while circling around Rosalina.

"GWAHAHAHA! They're pretty awesome, huh?~" Though I seriously wish I would have planned this out myself. Bowser mentally grumbled.

The next set of fireworks were slightly more interesting than the last, which had the various Lumas that many have experienced over the years. Such as Polari, Lumalee, Lubba, and Comet Tico.

"To think that such a level of detail could grace grace fireworks..." Polari said in amazement.

Nearly there... Kammy thought with a sneaky smile.

The Koopalings seems to be waiting in anticipation as well. It only made Kamek more nervous, while Bowser himself doesn't seem to notice the current danger.

The final row of fireworks set off and soared towards the night sky. And then, only then, did Bowser acknowledge the growing feeling that something was wrong. A very concise gut feeling, and it wasn't about food this time.

The row of fireworks detonated, and the images that showed...

"...HAAAAAAH?!" Bowser gaped in shock.

"Oh my." Rosalina placed her hands over her mouth, slightly surprised herself.

"Stars above..." Polari gaped.

"What in the...?!" Kamek gaped, his eyes bulging through his glasses.

Ehehehehehehe~ Kammy mentally cackled.

This was a fireworks display that caught the Koopa King and Space Princess vastly off-guard. Because it was a display of both of their faces close together and fitting inside a pink heart, with various Lumas and the Koopalings sparkling around them.

"A...A...A-Bah...Gah...?!" Bowser stammered, which was somewhat rare for him, as a bewildered blush spread across his face.

"I do not think your children are being subtle anymore." Rosalina eventually relaxed and smiled, even though she was blushing as well.

Those little brats upended me again! Bowser mentally grumbled while clenching his fists and gritting his teeth.

"...Then again, they've taken a lot from you in that department." Rosalina says quietly while turning towards Bowser himself. "Something tells me that you're more bothered by the timing of this gesture, rather than the gesture itself. Am I wrong?"

"...This stuff takes careful planning and dedication, you know." Bowser grumbled with folded arms. "This is why I have to be present when those brats concoct their little schemes. There's an outline to be followed so that things don't go off the rails. And thanks to this little stunt, MY outline just got burned. I swear I'm tempted to take away their Clown Car privileges for two weeks..."

"Bowser." Rosalina placed her hands on her hips, pouting slightly.

Decided to hold back from admitting how cute her pout was, Bowser sighed and scratched his head. "I'll admit, the thought has crossed my mind the more I got to know you. I was still working over my feelings for Peach, and admittedly I still am, to a degree. Probably will be doing so for a very long time."

"Understandable. You've known her much longer than you've known me, so those feelings are unlikely to go away easily, and perhaps will never cease completely. There will always be a small ember that's never truly sparked enough to truly catch fire..."

"...I have never heard it worded like that before. I'm truly impressed." Bowser blinked. Then he shook his head and slapped his cheeks. "Bah! Enough of this dancing around! King Bowser Koopa does not stall and does not hesitate! He charges straight in!"

"Meaning...?"

Bowser pushed his paw through his hair, took a deep breath, and decided to rip the bandage off on the issue. "Yeah, my heart began following you over Peach. I never thought it possible since I've been following her for years, and yet suddenly my heart yearns for you? You could see why I was somewhat hesitant on getting things across. I wanted to at least do so properly. Ya know, like I said, following an outline. But my kids kinda botched that plan, so I might as well roll with what we've got right now."

"Hmm..."

"Yep. Then I remembered and realized...planning for matters of the heart is...well...really hard. I couldn't have planned for this development even if I tried. And I DID consider it."

"Indeed." Rosalina nodded. "So what remains is a curious question. How brightly will the stars in our hearts shine for one another?"

"Basically, are we gonna pursue this path before us or not." Bowser said bluntly.

"Yes. Basically." Rosalina smiled.

Bowser turned towards the Koopalings, and then towards the Lumas, both looking very expectant of something. His thoughts very briefly went to Peach. He then shook his head. Stars above, putting this kind of stuff into words is too tough for me sometimes. Which leaves my more favorable option...action.

Bowser moved closer to Rosalina, lightly sliding his arms around her shoulders. She responded by lightly feeling his much larger arms with her hands, allowing herself to be pulled closer. He searched for permission in her eyes, she calmly provided it. With a sigh, Bowser burned away the hesitation in his heart, and graced Rosalina's lips with a kiss. One which she gracefully, sweetly returned as their eyes slid shut.

"Haha! At last!" Kammy cheered as she waved her wand, igniting yet another wave of fireworks to launch into the sky. They ignited and displayed another wave of patterns, which was multiple sparkling hearts and stars and Koopa shells.

"Victory is ours!" Wendy cheered as well, as she and the Koopalings gleefully danced in the midst of the fireworks, faking it as a cheeky yet hapoy celebration.

"Papa and Mama Rosalina are together now!" Junior hopped about with the biggest baby smile of all, breathing little sparks of flame all the while.

"Y-Your Brashness has claimed the Space Princess' kiss!" Kamek sputtered with his hands on his cheeks.

"R-R-Rosalina, dear! This is far too sudden! At least take another moment to process it all!" Polari said with utter confuzzlement.

The duo eventually separated, as they both blushed slightly. Though Rosalina was obviously still much calmer than he was.

"Geez, they're sure making a lot of noise over this." Bowser grumbled in embarrassment.

"I await Daisy's reaction to this latest development. I'm sure she'll be thrilled." Rosalina smiles knowingly.

"Oh man, that's gonna be fun." Bowser grumbled while turning away. Rosalina gently pulled his head back to meet her eyes.

"It will be alright. Our friends can be quite understanding when they truly try to be."

"'Friends' is a bit strong. Also...Daisy? Being understanding with me? Seriously?"

"Maybe you two weren't trying hard enough. You made progress already, after all.~"

"For a wise and benevolent Space Princess, you sure are cheeky."

"At this point I do believe you see that as a charm of mine. As I you, for your reactions to it."

"Hmph..."

Neither Bowser or Rosalina minded the chatter they were making-though the former made it clear that he was going to have a talk with his children about the scheme-and simply focused on one another. Awkward as it may be at first, given Bowser's lips being much different than her own, Rosalina did not mind at all. For two things began shining a lot brighter during this night.

The stars above that she governed and protected.

And the warm, cozy fire burning in Bowser's heart.


There we are! Stars and Fire shining brighter together! It's been so long since I've touched this story, I might as well make the wait somewhat worth it.

It probably wasn't, but gosh, it felt great to finally reach this point. Thank the Koopalings for pushing forward the initiative.

Cheeky Koopaling Kids...then again, Kammy was also a major player.

Cheeky Koopa Witch...