The one with the grand wedding at last, between an Emperor of Koopas and an Empress of the Cosmos.
It took a lot longer than necessary due to burnout across the board, but I was determined to see this through.
And now we're finally at the turning point.
Hope it's enjoyable.
Peach almost didn't believe it when the Toads gave her the mail, with Bowser's insignia on it. Not the message arriving by itself, but what the message was overall. She stared blankly at it with wide eyes, rereading it over and over to make doubly sure that she was in her right mind.
While she was going through this, Mario and Luigi could see her still by her mailbox, which got their attention almost instantaneously.
"Princess, what's the matter? Did Bowser send that letter?" Mario asked, curiously peeking over one shoulder. Indeed he did, as most would recognize the Koopa King's signature stamp.
"What does he want? He's not gonna attack us again, is he? Please say that he doesn't, everything's been nice and quiet...okay maybe not quiet, but things have been pretty decent!" Luigi peeked over the other shoulder, looking quite anxious.
"It's...it's an invitation." Peach said slowly, which confused the plumbers further. She turned around and fully showed them the letter so they could see. "More specifically, a wedding invitation!"
"WHAAAA?!" Both brothers gasped, as they scurried over to read the letter for themselves.
Dear Peach,
I'm sure you of all people are gonna be really happy to hear this, but guess what? Me and Space Princess are getting hitched! And after this, she'll be officially known as Space Queen! Hey, that's pretty awesome! I'll be a Space Koopa King! GWAHAHAHA!
Anyway, if you're still worried about me turning back around to being a jerk trying to kidnap you, you can put those to rest. My kidnapping phase is over. Me and Rosalina are getting married, and I want you to be there. All hiccups and such aside, you're a cherished friend of mine, and I just really want you to be there for this. I hope you can make it. I don't even mind if you're a touch fashionably late. So long as you show up, I'll be happy.
Oh. Right. Daisy can come. The Mario Bros. too, I guess. I promise I won't punch those two in the face...immediately. Sorry, still trying to rein that part of me in more.
Hope to see ya soon!
Bowser
"You were invited to Bowser's wedding. Mama Mia...I never thought this would happen." Mario blinked.
"Hey hey hey, why did he have to add the part about punching us?!" Luigi pointed to the specific line in the letter. "Is he seriously gonna make us watch out for punches we don't deserve?! That seems a bit cruel, don't you think?!"
Peach blinked, looking over the letter again even though she knew full well what it's content's were already. "Bowser is getting married...and he wants me to be there..."
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
The Mario Bros. blinked as they heard a loud yell from the distance. Before they could turn around and see the source, they were both hurriedly run over by a hectic Daisy, who immediately snatched the letter from Peach's hands and read it herself. "Bowser and Rosalina are really gonna go through with it?!"
Peach blinked, looking towards the open door, them back to Daisy while pointing towards said door. "Daisy, how did you-"
"I seriously can't believe it! They're really gonna do it! I have to say..." Daisy took a deep breath, then sighed. "I'm actually pretty happy for them."
"You are?"
"Of course I am. I may mot be the biggest fan of Bowser still, but there's no way I'm gonna miss out on a good wedding. So count me in!" Daisy smirked as she wrapped an arm around Peach's shoulders. "We're gonna go to the wedding of a Koopa King and a Space Princess! What could be cooler than that, huh?!"
"If you say so." Peach definitely wasn't going to chase the woman away, but she was surprised by how she warmed up to the idea, even though she was one of the ones wanting her and Bowser to get along better. In any case, Peach herself had some preparations to make. "Alright, since we're attending a wedding, there's one thing that is absolutely needed. Cake! Nothing says a good wedding like a good wedding cake!"
"Oh, he's definitely gonna appreciate that. He loves it when you bake cakes for him. So you oughta make sure that it's gonna be a really good one!"
"Of course I will!" Peach agreed with a lightly huff and puff of her chest. She always made sure to make her cakes with all the effort and love that they needed in order to be absolutely extraordinary. So she would spare no quarter to make this came the best that she could possibly make it. Because two of her friends were getting married, she needed to make this the best it can possibly be, which can help make this wedding the best it can possibly be.
Mario and Luigi looked at one another, as the former folded his arms. "Huh. Bowser's actually getting married."
"Just hearing and saying it feels...new." Luigi lightly rubbed his shoulders. "We've been stopping him from forcibly marrying Peach for years. Now he's actually gonna get married, but it's gonna be to someone else. Rosalina, of all people!"
"It's really something. A lot has changed." Mario acknowledged, before tipping his cap and nodding. "Right if this is gonna be a thing, then we need to be there for them. Let them know that we support their union."
"Yeah, yeah!" Luigi jumped a bit. "I'm still really shocked, but I'm all for it! Just, we, so long as he doesn't actut try to lunch us. I think I can comfortably hang around if he resists the urge to beat us up on sight. He's been getting better, but I'd rather not chance it if I can help it."
"It'll all be alright." Mario briefly patted his shoulder, before turning towards the outside with a rather calm glance.
It was surreal, Bowser getting married. Trying to force that with Peach was one of the many things that kept him and Mario in constant fighting. Now that he wasn't trying tondk that anymore, and found love with someone else, Mario couldn't help but support them both, genuinely.
Maybe they can further put things behind them, and better their friendship.
It was very much lively in the Darklands, in Bowser's Kingdom.
There was plenty to be excited about for, though. In fact, it may very well be one of the Kingdom's buffets events in it's history. It's not every day that their King manages to find love, and genuinely manage to succeed.
They would soon have a Queen. They would actually have a Queen. And not only a Queen, but a truly powerful one within the Space Queen, Rosalina. With this in play, the Kingdom was bound to become more powerful than ever. Support for their Kingdom from the Space Queen herself. In terms of what influence they could gain from this, this event was bound to be ridiculously huge and grand. And thus, Bowser being Bowser, was likely to make a big show out of it.
Other than that, the citizens were simply happy for their King. Truly, surely happy for him. And they were more than happy and excited to participate on his big day.
Especially the Koopalings.
"Today's gonna be a magnificent day." Wendy hummed as she and Kammy briefly twirled around in sparkling dresses. "We need to look gorgeous, Miss Kammy!"
"Absolutely, Dear! Nothing but the best for what's sure to be the best day of our King's life!" Kammy beamed with a twirl of her wand, before rubbing her cheek. "Actually, it's going to be pretty hard to top the other moments he's had that are just about as big."
"What could that possibly be? What could make Daddy happier than finally finding true love?"
"Silly girl." Kammy shook her head, lightly tapping the Koopa Princess's cheek. "He has you and your brothers."
"Huh?"
"I can be just as hopeless a romantic as you, my dear. But I never forget that there's more than one way to love people. I told your father this exact same thing." Kammy lightly waved her wand. "Would your father do anything in his power to make and keep you all healthy and happy? Would be do anything for your sake? Would he do anything to help those he truly values as his friends? Would he do anything he could to make sure his Kingdom prospers? And you yourself would do anything for your brothers when it really counts?"
Wendy blinked owlishly. "Of course he would. Of course he'd do all of those things, he's Daddy. The strongest of us all. We'd do anything for Daddy, too. And I obviously love my brother's more than the world, as annoying as they can be sometimes."
Kammy smiled. "That there, is also true love, my child. Never forget that there's more ways to truly love someone than romantically."
Wendy sighed. Seriously, Kammy chooses very strange times to be all wise and knowing, when a lot of the time she's one of the kookiest Koopas out there. But honestly? The Royal Family wouldn't want her to be anything but herself. Wendy nodded with a smile as she briefly holds Kammy's hands. "Alright, I'll be sure me and my brothers don't forget, Grandma Kammy."
"Grandma, she says. Bah." Kammy rolled her eyes, but nonetheless reached forward and sweetly kissed the Koopa Princess on her forehead. She couldn't really deny it, it was true in every way but blood. "Might as well give you Grandma-style kisses then, eh? Your brothers might be a little less receiving...but they don't have a choice. Hah!" She and Wendy both laughed together, as they lightly adjusted their dresses. "Come along, child. Speaking of brothers, they're very likely waiting for us."
"Right." With a nod, Kammy followed Kammy out of the room, the tender moment coming to an end for now, and another one was sure to begin.
Meanwhile, Bowser was feeling quite snazzy, on one paw.
He was completely clothed in white, with a hat, suit, shoes, cuffs and everything. Even his collars were white for the occasion, as he lightly pulled on his tie to adjust it slightly. It wasn't too tight, but it did itch just a tiny bit. He placed his paws on his hips and chuckled lightly, feeling quite accomplished. Heh, just look at him. He was pretty much the most handsome Koopa there is, and now he was even more awesome looking! There was no way he couldn't feel a little bit proud of his looks here. He really outdid himself here, that much he could be sure of.
And yet despite all his confidence, paired with a wide grin...he found himself sweating just a little bit.
"Papas sweaty." Junior called out. Bowser turned to see his son waddling up to him. With his getup, he was pretty much a smaller version of himself, with a cute little white had, and even a white bandanna with a smile on it.
Bowser resisted gushing how adorable his son was. Wait. Why should he?!
"Bahaha! Son, you look fantastic!" Bowser reached his paws out and picked up his youngest child, lifting up into the air, then pulling him close to nuzzle his cheek and causing him to giggle, his limps lightly wiggling about.
"Papa, c-cut it out! That tickles!"
"Sorry son, you just look so amazing. I couldn't resist." Bowser hummed as he gently sets Junior down, just in time for his other sons, as well as Kamek, to come into the fray, with each of them wearing suits of their own that matched their personal favorite colors with a touch of white. "Ah, boys. You've all come to bear witness to one of the best days of our lives."
"Best days of our lives, eh? Then why do ya look so sweaty, Pops?" Roy questioned with a rubbing of his chin. "You're not scared, are ya?"
Bowser looked at Roy with an irritated glare, before it proceeded to soften, and he sighed while briefly taking off his hat and scratching the side of his head. "Yeah. Maybe a little bit." The boys seemed a bit surprised at this, and he didn't really blame them for it. Bowser admitting he was a bit scared of something? That was almost unfathomable.
He can punch out eldritch beings of darkness without even flinching, with a large grin and a confident cackle. But getting married to someone who isn't Peach, who he's been chasing for years, with someone he's deeply wrong and was also Princess of the Cosmos? He can't help but admit that this was completely uncharted territory and he feels a bit anxious about where this would lead. He didn't know what the future would hold.
It excited him as well. He had absolutely no thoughts about backing out after all this time, no way no how. He wasn't that nervous. He was fully intent on taking the Space Princess's hand on marriage and sealing it with a kiss. King Bowser Koopa doesn't back down from anything if he can help it, and he especially wasn't going to back down from what was sure to be one of the happiest days of his family's entire lives. But he can't help but feel incredibly nervous.
The kids would officially have a mother in their lives.
His Kingdom would acquire a Queen.
They would all have a deeper connection to space since Rosalina was indeed the Space Princess.
So many things to take into account, so many things would change. For the longest time, everything has been the same for him, and despite his attempts to forcibly change that-with one attempt going too far, which started this entire journey in the first place-he was quite comfortable with it. But now? This was the point of no return. There was no coming back from this. This would seal everything that's changed about him for good.
And the deepest part of his heart would rather go that path. His children were happier than ever. His Kingdom continues to flourish. He quite possibly found the love of his life that wasn't Peach, yet he managed to stay friends with her. In this regard, this was enough for him to be happy. He didn't want to go back and possibly undo all of those betterments to his life, back into constant conflict with the Mushroom Kingdom.
No, Bowser Koopa will take stomp forwards, not back.
"It's about to start, your Groominess! You'd better get ready!" Kamek suggested with a wave of his wand. "Let's go, boys! It's time!"
"Try not to mess it up, Pops." Roy smiled with a pull of his shades.
"Don't start, not today." Bowser deadpanned, shooing his sons away as he adjusted his hat on his head and stood with clasped paws, taking a deep calming breath. "Alrighty, Bowser. You can do this. You've dealt with much tougher things than this your entire life. How much can this possibly floor you?"
He got his answer. Because Of course Rosalina didn't decide to make her entrance normally.
There was a bright light engulfing the entire area, a star giving off it's brilliant radiance without blinding anyone. It was gentle, comforting, and warmly embracing. And after a moment, it slowly dimmed down so they could actually see someone stepping out of it.
Bowser's eyes widened.
Rosalina stepped forward, her every step releasing a swirl of stars around her person. Each star would them place itself on her wedding gown, decorating herself in a mix of white and shining gold brilliance, from the dress itself to her wedding veil. Lumas danced around her, releasing stars instead of flowers. And Kammy and Wendy were doing the same, releasing a rain of starry shaped decorations all around, which stuck top some places and were left be in others. Eventually, Rosalina made it all the way to the alter, slowly turning to Bowser, and opening her eyes to him with a smile.
"What did you think? You tend to prefer flashy entrances, so I tried my hand at one of my own. Does it impress you?"
"Y-Yeah..." Bowser sputtered in surprise, looking absolutely entranced by the Space Princess's pure beauty. He still couldn't believe it, that he was marrying someone as beautiful and radiant as her. It wasn't a dream in any sense of the word. Well, unless one counted Bowser's dream of getting married and giving the kids a mother and his Kingdom a Queen. But he'd never thought it'd actually happen, even though he also genuinely refused to give up on that.
And now, that wish was granted. It's almost as if a shooting star granted that wish, which is quite a hilarious thought to him given the theme of what's going on around him right now.
Snapping him out of his trance, both Kamek, Kammy, and Polari both appeared by their respective superior's side, briefly swirling around them before stopping above their heads. Both of them twirled slightly with colorful brilliance, before nodding and smiling at the married pair to be.
"Everyone! We are gathered here today, to let ya know that this ain't gonna be like the weddings that are usually done! We're gonna have a tiny bit of fun with this, if no one minds." Kammy warned everyone ahead of time. "They're pretty much going to do this their way, as they wished!"
"This is at their request, mind you. So we're gonna follow it as much as we possibly can. Again, if no one minds." Polari emphasized with a little bit of a twirl, spinning shining stars everywhere. "This is the beautiful union between the Princess of the Cosmos, Rosalina! And the King of the Koopas, Bowser!" The was brief moments of loud applause, given from many walks of life that came to see this grand event.
In the crowd, Bowser could definitely see Peach amongst the large gathering, alongside the Mario Bros and Daisy. They did make it, after all. he was all too glad and happy that Peach managed to make it. The Mario bros and Daisy, on the other hand, he was nearly completely neutral to, at best. He wouldn't actively lash out at them, at the very least, if they begin annoying him. He didn't want to ruin this grand occasion with his temper. No way no how.
With radiant stars swirling around Rosalina, and brilliant flames swirling around Bowser, the couple stepped towards one another and briefly joined hands/paws, looking each other in the eyes. Both of them smiled, but as usual, the blush was much brighter on Bowser's cheeks than Rosalina's. But tis time, he didn't mind that at all. On a day like this, he couldn't bring himself to mind it all too much. He was far too happy and excited for such a thing to bother him now.
"Hey. Space Princess. Didja ever think things would end up bein' like this?" Bowser couldn't help but ask, curiosity piqued.
"That is a curious question, Bowser. And to be quite honest, I do not think I am able to give a clear and succinct answer to it." Rosalina responded, gently caressing his paws with a small smile. "The stars do provide an answer to many factors in the universe, once in a while. But for something like this, I am afraid that to an extent, I have been left in the dark." She tilted her head. "That being said, it does provide a pleasant surprise for not being able to predict this. It's a very happy surprise, I can indeed say that much."
"Ah, not even the universe wanted to give ya a sneak peek or a spoiler, eh?" Bowser hummed, lightly reaching out and touching her cheek with a paw. "But I guess if you find it a bit worth it, I'm not about to complain about it either."
"Nothing to complain about. Only to smile and celebrate. And this is certainly a day for both."
"Ain't that the truth. Now then..." Bowser grinned as he lightly lifted his other paw to touch her other cheek. "I do believe I'll be stealing a kiss from you now. It only seems fair, given that you're about to become my wife."
Rosalina smiles knowingly. "Ah, but is it truly stealing? Because I am more than happy to receive a kiss from you, while giving one of my own. If anything, it feels more like a happy exchange than a steal from one or the other. And as husband and wife, we can give each other even more kisses, as much as we please." She tilted her head again. "Would you prefer if I lovingly kissed you every single day, Bowser? Does that thought bring you joy?"
Bowser blinked, his blush brightening at how casually yet sincerely she made this promise. "Darn Space Girl. Even during our big day, ya can't help but do this to me, huh?"
"Perhaps. Though there is currently only one way to stop this, and you have yet to do so. I am waiting with gentle patience, Bowser." Rosalina smiles playfully.
"My future Queen has made her request. I'd be quite a poor King if I didn't fulfill it." Bowser growled affectionately. With their desires made clear, they both closed the distance between each other and embraced one another, and they shared a tender kiss between each other. The crowd around them cheered at the sight, with various bits of 'Wahoo's!' and 'Yahoo's!' sounding off, and the Koopalings especially cheery at the finalization fo their newly reborn family.
"Haha! Hey, check it out!" Iggy chuckled as a numerous amounts of Lumas surrounded the Koopalings, spreading sparkling glitter and stars around them with friendly calls of glee. "Guess we're gonna be hanging out with each other even more, now!"
"I look forward to that. They might provide quite a bit of inspiration for any future works of art." Ludwig hummed, a Luma hovering over his head. "A painting of outer space does sound beautiful. A symphony of stars all around us."
"We're gonna be able to play a lot more now!" Lemmy bounced about on his yellow starred ball, Lumas dancing around him.
"Pop's finally tyin' the knot." Roy smirked as he and a Lubba were sitting by a table, with the former's shades lightly pushed down. "Never thought I'd see the day. But boy, am I glad it did."
"Definitely." Morton, in a rare moment, was rather short on words. There simply wasn't much that could properly show just how happy that a day like this has finally come.
"Woohoo! Things are gonna be better and better from here on!" Larry cheered with a wave of his wand, blue fireworks being set off all around him.
Wendy smiled, briefly raising her own wand, and all the other Koopaling's followed Larry's lead and began launching firework spells all around them, in conjunction with the Lumas' stars. "Here we go, now it's a definite celebration worthy of this event. You've earned it, Daddy. And newly gained Mama."
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Daisy were all in equal applause. Mario smiled. "Ah, never thought we'd see the day. This is surely a bit of relief and joy on everyone's minds, huh?"
"At least we won't be fighting that much anymore...so long as we don't annoy him." Luigi smiled anxiously. "We didn't annoy him today, right? I need to know a safe enough distance."
"I'm happy for Bowser, truly. With this, he and his family will be even happier as a family." peach noted with a shining heart over her head. "And that is certainly something to be glad for."
"Heh, guess I'll be happy for em'. I can't try and get worked up over this, it's a good thing that's happening here." Daisy smirked with her own applause.
"STOP THAT YOSHI! HE'S DEVOURING THE WHOLE BANQUET!"
The Mario Bros' eyes widened as they immediately turned and followed the source of the ravenous eating. "Yoshi stop, it's not all for you!"
"You can't possibly be that hungry!" Daisy agreed, running after them while lifting the top of her dress a bit to run easier.
Peach sighed with a shake of her head, before turning back towards the couple.
Rings magically manifested on their fingers, further signifying their newfound bond and signal of their marriage. Bowser eventually pulled away from Rosalina, their eyes opening just slightly. The latter snickered just a bit, causing Bowser to blink in confusion. Kamek helpfully waved over his mouth as a hint. Bowser wiped his mouth with a tissue, and blushed to see that his mouth was smeared with Rosalina's lipstick. No wonder she was giggly all of a sudden.
"I swear, it's always something with you."
"Hmhm.~"
"Mama Rosalina!" Junior popped up with a gleeful smile, running up to the newly crowned Queen of the Stars. She smiled and picked him up in her arms, nuzzling and kissing his cheek. "You're Mama for real, now!"
"Yes, Junior. Yes I am. I am officially your mother from here on out." Rosalina then lightly kissed his nose. "I do hope you'll be happy to have me."
"BWAHAHA! This is awesome!" Bowser pointed towards the skies above them. "Look out, Space! Things are for real legit this time! Your territory is all mine, now! Soon the universe will know me as 'Star King Bowser!' GWAHAHAHAHA!"
Rosalina chuckled. "Star King Bowser does have a bit of a 'ring' to it, it seems. Though, how about 'Star Emperor'? I can be your Empress of the Cosmos."
"Woah. That sounds even cooler! Dang it, why do your ideas keep outshining mine?!" Bowser playfully growled at her, before he pulled her and his son into a big hug, kissing both of their heads. "But to be super serious for a bit...this is the greatest day of my life." he briefly turned to the Koopalings, then to Kammy and Kamek, then to Rosalina and Junior themselves. "I don't say this often enough, but I should. And I'll start now." He closed his eyes. "I...I love you all."
"Y-Y-Y-Your Kindliness!" Kamek bawled out, crying into his sleeves,
"Baby." Kammy taunted, but couldn't help but take off her glasses and wipe a few tears of her own away.
"We love you too, Dad/Daddy/Pops/Papa/Father!" All of his children exclaimed at once, and they soon all found themselves in a great Koopa Hug, one none of them could escape from, nor did any of them want to.
"As do I, Bowser." Rosalina says lovingly, resting her head against his chest. Bowser tightened his embrace over his entire family, lovingly growling with them.
He blinked briefly, turning to see Peach still clapping. She sent a peaceful smile his way. Surprised but glad for her presence once again, he quietly smiled back at her.
Then he realized something. Peach was here. That means she baked and brought...
He could see the towering treat off on the dessert table, with stars, hearts, and glitter sprinkles and candles all over it. His jaw dropped eagerly.
"WEDDING CAKE!" Bowser cheered with excitement, pounding his chest. "Newly husband and wife gets first slices! And I swear if that green dino touches it before I do, I'll deck him in the jaw!" He points towards it. "Koopalings! TO THE CAKE!"
As the newly completed family found themselves in chaos due to the promise of delicious cake, Rosalina couldn't help but chuckle and follow them. One thing is for sure, her life was going to become a lot more lively, thanks to Bowser being able to find true happiness with her.
And no matter what happens from here on, she'd be waiting for him, and she'd take his paw every single time. She knew what kind of person he was. Gruff and still rough, but his heart remains firmly with his loved ones. And now, she was officially included in that group. He'd do anything to make and keep them as happy as they can be.
To him, that's what it means to reach for the stars.
Good for them, Bowser and Rosalina.
Despite rough beginnings, they were able to truly shine and radiate brilliance together. And now they'll be able to go beyond as a full-fledged family.
Alrighty. The story is 'officially' complete, and I'll mark it as such. Though there will still be a couple chapters after this, tiny little stories just to show what their married/family life is like.
Again, burnout multiple times resulted in this taking so long, and I thought I'd never be able to finish it. But I grew to love these two so much, I couldn't let it just sit on the wayside without at least trying to complete it. And now I have.
For those that still bothered to put up with this, thank you. And if you'd like, the bonus chapters will be nothing but sheer wholesomeness, with funnies in the mix. But again, officially, this story is complete.
Thanks for reading!
