Fair warning: this chapter is super long. Like, it just beat up Chapter 3 to take the title. That's hardcore. Seriously though, make sure you've got a good amount of time to read. Stuff happens and I'm not sure if I'm over or under with my estimations. No spoilers until you finish it! (Or skim it, that could work.) Happy reading!
...
Hello,
I'm not quite sure who will read this, how long it'll be until it gets seen. But it helps me pass the time while I wait here in this dungeon. Otherwise, I fear that I'll grow mad from the wait, insane from solitude.
My options are limited to waiting, sleeping, eating small amounts delivered, and planning on what to do next. The fourth is more difficult that I would have imagined; it makes sense how Princess Peach can't break free so easily when she's captured. If I so much as try to battle my way out, I'll lose by sheer force, easily outnumbered. There are no hidden escapes, not to my knowledge anyway, that I could take out. Persuasion is definitely out of the question, as neither Bowser nor his troops would be willing to listen. Certainly, there must be another way, but it's difficult to come up with a plan over guard racket, threats on how I'll next be tortured, or overwhelming exhaustion from tolerating my captors, my wounds.
One frightening thought is if they do decide to kill me at some point. Surely, it won't be soon, but it could happen. His forces detest me. He does himself, but he hasn't shown his true rage yet, unlike his soldiers. It's understandable, I've mentioned it before, but it's quite terrifying when I'm at their mercy.
Worse still, I don't have a rejuvenating 1-Up Mushroom on me; they're extremely powerful, enough to bring all life back into the user, but quite rare. Harvesters from Peach's Castle look to find the mushrooms, saving them for when Luigi and I journey to rescue her, to combat. Use one and no abyss is too deep, no lava is too hot, no enemy is too strong. The user will live. Unfortunately, we're out of the supply, and didn't press the matter during peacetime. Everyone hoped it would have lasted.
Alas, should I die, here is where I will truly lie. Such is the mantra that keeps me awake, restless, until I can stay awake no longer. Two days have passed since my kidnapping, but I've fallen in and out of slumber more times than I care to count.
Dreaming hardly occurs, but it's faint when it does, nothing like my nightmare from before. Bowser confessed to me that he does not love Peach. Obviously, the first instinct is not to believe it. After all, who would?
Letting that moment play over in my mind, however, has led me to decide that he's telling the truth, that he does not love the Princess. Following that leads to many questions, but I didn't even get his answer to my first question, let alone figuring out the rest. He wants me to be afraid for her, for the kingdom. All that I have become fearful of? Not understanding. If not for her, if everything is not to impress her, win her, then whom or what for?
I wish he would tell me. I want to tell him.
He told me his true feelings, making me feel obligated to follow. Should I be so bold? Tell him the secret that could ruin me, the one that gives him control over me?
Should I truly tell him that I love him?
My reservations on doing so are clear. However, I've never considered what to do about it should I suffer an untimely death. Who would think of that? Now that I can, though, what do I do? At this point, what's left to lose? If he rejects me, then it's clear and I can die. If he accepts me, loves me back, then his army will kill me, so I will die. He could call them off, but that couldn't be so simple. Whether on the King's orders or not, someone here will kill me, once the opportunity is presented.
What if I'm not meant to die here though? What if someone does manage to rescue me soon? What then? Do I risk never telling him and hope that I am saved, let the secret live on? Should I give in and just make sure that it is out of the way? Is it about surrender, relenting, or is it about letting truth have its day?
Ah, there's little room left on the paper that I brought with me. This will have to end here and I'll need to figure out my next steps soon, or I'll lose my mind, slip away. Until I can write again though, this is the end for now.
Still breathing as of writing,
Mario
[Mario]
With the last of it written, I fold and tuck the page into my shoe, keeping it pressed to the bottom. There are no good places for hiding, and I'd prefer to keep it on me than somewhere in here, to be found easily.
Torch light down here isn't very helpful, so I still feel around the dark, almost black cell, locating the cot to sit on. It's not really a bed, far too cold and lacking proper care, but it works. Lying back on it, I run my hands across my body, feeling various bruises, small cuts. Nothing damaging, nor permanent, but painful, more than I've felt in a while. Parts of my gloves are ripped open, allowing me to feel each sore spot, each torn fabric of clothing.
After I let out a long and heavy sigh, the doors open. The two guards outside my jail turn and watch a new Koopa walk in. He whispers to them briefly, and then exits. Nodding, they turn to me and I rise, force myself up. They've got a matching pair of dark grins, wicked smiles, on their faces.
"Good news," one speaks up, something nasty about his tone. "You'll be going with Bowser to take your first hostage photos. We'll be sending demands out soon after."
They cackle together, as if it's something humorous. Perhaps they feel that defaming me will somehow break me. It's going to take more than that though. Unfortunately, I suspect they'll bring additional soldiers to…well, "escort" me.
[Peach]
Two days have passed since Mario was taken. If I had been the one taken, I'd imagine he would have rushed out immediately to Bowser's Castle. The issue is that Bowser moved sooner than anyone anticipated, with the rest of the kingdom recently falling to his forces. Unlike Bowser, or even Mario, I await a final tally before I will make any moves with our forces.
It's only half of my decision, though. Part of me wants to act impulsively and charge off to go save Mario. Contrary to people's beliefs, I can handle myself and would go if I had the opportunity. The same part is still mentally abusing the dazzled princess that couldn't help Mario from the attack. However, I still have a kingdom to run, and officials that simply refuse the notion of me saving the man who constantly does the same for me, always for so little in return.
They lie to me though; I know that they're forcing me back in order to keep me safe, so that they won't have to deal with the kingdom falling into complete disarray. And it's the part of me that sees and understands their viewpoint that plays the strategic route; waiting and being cautious, until we can see each step Bowser has taken.
The sun has nearly set and I sit alone in my throne room. Though it doesn't last for nearly as long as I prefer, it's refreshing to have my thoughts to myself. I only wish I could talk with Mario about everything; he's a good listener.
Abruptly, taking me from these thoughts, the throne doors burst open. Luigi rushes in, with two Toads, blue and yellow in tow. They appear ragged, with slightly scuffled clothing.
"What happened?" I lightly gasp as I rose.
"Grasslands…overwhelming…" pants Luigi.
I cover my mouth with my hands for a moment before lowering them slightly. "No, that can't be right," I protest, "The Grasslands are the closest to the castle!"
"They're holding…positions," Luigi responds, still catching his breath. "Maybe they are…awaiting orders?"
"Then we simply cannot wait. We must respond!"
My fists are clenched and I'm ready to begin sounding orders across the castle, but Luigi shakes his head.
"We'll try again," he breathes in and out, slowly recomposing. "Easier. It's easier to send smaller groups. Us. They'll think we act independently, like usual." The two Toads nod in agreement, still breathless.
"This isn't wise," I shake my head. "We need to retaliate—"
"Not yet," interrupts Luigi. "They must have plans for you still. It's taking longer than usual for them to issue threats and they changed too many tactics."
"Luigi…"
"We'll try again," he repeats. Beckoning the two Toads to follow him, the trio rushes back out. A heavy sigh escapes me.
Though he isn't so persistent about it as the retainers are, I know that he's protecting me as well. However, I understand that he's worried for his brother's safety. And as valuable as an asset Mario is to this kingdom, he still does not hold the proper ranks that would let me meet my desire for a full-scale attack.
Retribution that Bowser's had coming for ages. This would weaken my forces, including my protection, which would leave me vulnerable to another kidnapping attempt. If they were to succeed, even with Luigi left to save the day, my kingdom would still fall. It's too much to toy with my people's lives like this, constantly endangering them and leaving the potential to have their kingdom overturned by a tyrant. Allowing this would be inexcusable, and my guards will be increasing tenfold soon enough. To keep the kingdom alive, safe, I need to maintain the throne.
It pains me to do so, but I relented again, and will continue to wait.
[Junior]
Waiting on anything is boring. Waiting on Dad's orders, waiting on total takeover of the Mushroom Kingdom, waiting on news, it's enough to drive anyone nuts!
A Magikoopa walks into my Airship cabin, fixing his glasses.
"Yeah, what is it?" I demand. Dad says that I need to work on bossing troops around.
"Reports from the Koopalings, young sire," the Magikoopa answers. "Ludwig, Iggy, and Roy have overtaken their respective sectors completely. Wendy and Morton have made strong progress, with the tropics and mountains conquests respectively. Lemmy's takeover is underway as we speak. Larry's forces had an issue with Luigi, but his forces have dealt with the issue."
"Larry better not mess this up," I grumble. "Anyway, that's good news, so good for you. But I want total domination by this point! If the Koopalings aren't done by the end of today, there will be super serious consequences!"
"Yes sir, young sire. I will issue your orders immediately. Any messages for your father now?"
"When we're done later today, sure." I wait, but then I have to ask something. "Did he send anything?"
"Not yet." Weird. Dad usually issues orders for us every day or other day. No one's heard from him since he told us to takeover. I wonder how different this plan is.
"Ok, fine, whatever," I nod. "Now get my orders out!"
"Yes sire," he bows, and then walks out.
Dad must be waiting on us to finish up before he tells us more. He wouldn't hide anything from me. Well…ok, he might, but…I'm sure he's just waiting on us! Either way, we'll be back home soon. We better be.
[Mario]
There's a slight spark in me that's begging for me to build it. Several soldiers surround me though, and I understand this is not the most ideal situation to suddenly spur on an attack. Still, I crave an escape, or rather, an engagement, with me stomping on each Koopa, Hammer Bro., and Magikoopa that forces me forward.
That won't get me out of this though. Even if I could take them at once, I would still need to find my way out of here. The Magikoopa are casting hexes above us, blocking my view of the corridors we pass through. Were there any chance that I could memorize a path to an exit, they've made certain to take it away from me.
Annoyed, practically blinded by the flashing, vibrant, multi-colored spells waving around, I drop my head and watch the floor shift from nicely sorted gray stones to luxurious, decorated red carpets. Truthfully, perhaps surprisingly, we have yet to pass the lava pits that I normally need to cross around the castle. Perhaps they haven't had the need in a while, similar to Peach's lowered guardsmen.
Though unlike Peach's soldiers, Bowser's forces don't have a hero they rely on. Therefore, they need to stay well trained, to properly protect their king.
Admirable, or it would be more so, were it not for this predicament.
Time has passed until we finally reach an end, with the ring of enemies around me easing into a halt. A Hammer Bro. takes the liberty of shoving me forward, into what I'm barely able to make out as a doorway, pushing me past it and slamming the door shut behind me.
"Welcome," he chuckles. I don't even need to look up to realize Bowser's in here as well. What I do glance at are the spiral stairs that I imagine we'll be climbing.
"What, no rest?" I retort. It's justified though; I'm exhausted and was marched all the way over here. The least he could do give me a minute to gather my bearings.
His grin is almost wicked. "Not a chance," he sneers. "Go on."
Letting out a sigh, I drag my feet forward, placing them on the first stone step. There shouldn't be any motivation for me to continue, but I feel him place his hand on my back. Gently, not rough. Confusing.
"The faster you move, the sooner you can rest," he mutters. "You want to struggle and have me drag you up, that's fine. However, I think you should take the small choices that I give you."
"Is that what you call it?" I snap back, or would if I had energy to put behind it. The words just feel like they tumble out of my mouth rather than cutting at him like I want. Stepping forward, his hand left my back. Suddenly, I feel a chill; his missing touch, warm and oddly pleasant, is noticeable. Shaking it off, I continue up, with Bowser steadily at my heels.
Still perturbed by the situation, I can't help but ask, "Why do you pride your troops on making this place so complicated to navigate?"
He laughs, and it feels condescending, mocking. "You don't know the first thing about tactics, do you? More long halls, more complicated turns, and more climbs are designed to weaken invaders." He pauses a moment before adding, "I don't know how to deal with stubborn asses that bound and bounce through every room though. What keeps you so damn energetic?"
My mouth curves to a smile, but I can't manage the laugh I want to come with it. "You wouldn't quite understand."
"Try me."
"Well, to keep it short," I think for a moment, then continue, "I get kicks out of stomping down one enemy and leaping to the next one." He's good at it, but I can play insult games too.
"Huh, is that all?" He murmurs, almost…disappointed? "Here I am thinking you've got a special stamina power-up or whatever. Just good exercise, ricocheting off of my troops' heads, and getting your stupid princess are all you need?"
"Something like that," I chuckle and cough softly.
"Hey, are you dying after only two days?" he asks. "They should be feeding you. After all, I did say that I needed you." He almost purrs that last part. Or is that just my imagination, delusion again?
My next response is stifled by a coughing fit, and I need to pause my climb. "They're still not the most ideal living conditions," I manage after the coughs.
"Poor thing," he coos, and I can't tell if he's mocking me.
Looking back, I find my eyes on level with his. An obvious change occurs, his expression softening once he looks at me, eyebrows rise, peering into pain. We connect, and it lasts a small moment, lingering for both of us. Empty air waits to be filled by nothing. His eyebrows lower again.
"Eyes front," he snaps. "And keep moving." I turn back and obey.
We quietly continue for a bit. Why does he always have such endless staircases? More importantly, though, are my questions from last time.
"You never answered me," I start. "Last time, I asked about you kidnapping Peach. If it's not for her love, why do you do it?"
"Does it need a reason?" he questions, not missing a beat. "Seriously, just because love is what motivates you to play hero doesn't mean that it helps me play the villain. Did you ever stop to think that there are some really nasty people out there?"
"Even you need something to fight for," I counter, positive he isn't sharing the truth today.
"Whatever," he grumbles.
We continue to climb, each step more painful to land than the last. We come near a window, but it's shuttered. I stop here and turn again. He avoids my gaze.
"If I'm going to die here, could you at least let me look out again, see the world?"
"You're not dying today," he snaps, annoyed from my question. "And there's nothing out there that you haven't seen already."
"Perspectives change when we take a new approach to how we look things over," I offer. "Maybe you'll find something new out there too."
Bowser looks at me now, one eyebrow raised. Burning tension, I wonder if he can feel it, with us waiting here and looking into one another. Taking a calmer face in, his mouth closed, messy red hair, focused eyes. My mouth curls again into a smile. He frowns, suddenly looking annoyed.
"I don't know what you're playing at," he growls, "but if you're trying to pull one over on me, good luck."
"Do you think I'm going to jump out and try to escape?" My question flies out with a venom that I can't quite contain. "This high? Wait. How high up are we?"
"Please. You'd make the jump anyway." He turns me around. "Now enough! Keep climbing!"
Again, we fall silent and continue the relentless climb. We've passed several torches, dancing flames. I'm tempted to bat one over and make a move, but I'd have to hit Bowser to have a chance. Passing another one, I raise my arm, slowly, carefully. It's not enough and he smacks it down.
"Don't even think about it," snarls Bowser, and we keep moving, not missing a step.
Several steps later, I'm not sure what energy I had before, but it's expunged by now. My movement is sluggish, I feel my legs get caught on a step, and I fall. There's no hard landing though; he won't even give me that.
He laughs, "Well, I thought the overalls were a weird fashion statement, but I guess they're pretty practical." Bowser tugs back and I'm back on my feet.
"Thank you," I reply softly.
"Yeah, yeah," comes the muttered response.
Silence fills the stairwell once more. I lean back against the wall and take a breath.
"They won't risk her for me," I hear myself say in a hollow voice.
"They don't have to," he returns. "She will."
My head shakes. "No, she won't. My brother might, but I'm guessing you took over more than just the Grasslands." He doesn't answer. "Then, it'll take time."
"We're just getting started. I haven't even issued my threats yet." It's strange how he half comforts me, with plots of conquest. "I shouldn't even be telling you that much, but if it shuts you up and keeps you moving, it works."
"Why does this one feel so different?"
"You're letting it get to you. I'm not doing anything different from usual."
"Aren't you?"
Bowser's quiet again. He glances at me, but turns away. "Just move."
"Can't you talk to me?"
"No. Move."
"Why not?"
He lets out a heavy sigh and moves to scoop me up. I bounce forward and up a step to dodge him, not conceding. Not now.
"Explain to me," I persist, but I don't know how. "You actually bothered to visit me, you're being civil and talking with me—"
"I'm going for a new image," he interrupts and misses me again. "Come on!"
I keep talking. "You're tell me things that you've never spoken about before—"
"I'm sick of them," he snaps. "You don't know what it's like to hold everything—"
My turn to be disruptive: "You even try to keep me in good spirits and keep me healthy? Why?"
"You're my bargaining chip!" he roars, turning to me. "Right now, you're a perfect little tool that I need to get that damn kingdom under my total control! I didn't plan to take you, but that changed and here we are!"
"What aren't you telling me?!" I yell back at him. "What are you hiding?!"
"What am I hiding?!" he bursts, nerves shot. "How about you, Mario?! What the hell are you hiding?! You're not this damned weak! You're just trying to pick at me, figure me out, question me, and for what?! How about you, pal?! Huh?! Why do you have to come save the day?! Why don't you just stay out of everything that doesn't even concern you?! Why can't you just submit now and wait until someone else saves the day?! Do you always have to play the hero?!"
He stops and pants, heavily, angrily. I don't even know what to say now.
"Why do you feel so damn self-righteous?" he growls again, only a bit calmer. "Why do you need to play hero? Do you need to impress her that desperately?"
He thinks…? Of course he does.
"If she's that much trouble, why not just move on? Find some other girl. There are plenty of idiots all over the kingdom that would take you. Does it have to be her?"
"It's not for her," I shake as I answer. "I'm not…I'm…"
"Speak! It's your turn to talk!"
He's…right. It is my turn. I suck in some air and then let it out slowly. Another breath and I start:
"It doesn't have to be her. Actually, it's not for her."
"That's a load of crap!"
"No, it's not. We're friends. She's not interested in me. And I'm…interested in someone else." That should not have come out.
"What?! Who?!" He leans in, demanding, but patient. Curious.
My heart is on fire. "It's not…" Name anyone. Daisy, she visits enough. "I don't…" Pauline, my ex, she'll do.
"Tell me!" He's close and has me against the wall. Rosalina, she's an option. His head moves closer to mine. "Mario." Run, now, there has to be an opening. "Talk." Bowser is inches from me and his breath is warm, still heavy. "If not Peach, then who?" I look up and my eyes are burning under his gaze.
"This isn't relevant," I try, shift my eyes to find a spot to slip out. No good.
"Yes it is. You don't love Peach, I don't love Peach, why the hell are we dealing with each other?"
"You threaten people! That's enough—"
"That's not why we brought this up." No. Think faster, Mario.
"Yes it is! You wanted to know why I play hero, and I do it to save people!"
He's not buying it. "Who? Tell me, who do you love?" I could name any other guy. Any of them, anyone else will do. I could make something up, anything.
"Why do you have to hide it from me?" he asks in a voice that's soft, hurt, innocent somehow. We're enemies! I don't owe him anything. We're supposed to hate each other. We don't share secrets. I don't need to say anything, and he wouldn't care. He'll pick me up and drag me upstairs any minute. He's never this patient. Never.
"I told you some things," Bowser whispers, and I still feel every breath. "Please?"
Is he really begging? Should I? I'm going to die anyway. No! No, I'm not. Just stall, he'll give in. Say anything else, change the topic, and breathe.
"Cornering me doesn't force me to say anything," I retort. Good.
"No, but it's more fun this way," he chuckles. Cave to me!
"Bowser, please." Think.
"No, Mario. It's a simple question." Snap back at him, anything.
"Why do you care? What, do you want to torture everyone I love?" Got him!
"That didn't even cross my mind. Pure curiosity right now." No!
"Why?!"
"Look, we were early for my threats," Bowser explains. "We're still going to be on time, I've got plenty of it to kill and be late with whatever I want to do next. I freed myself up just to get those pictures and warnings out early. Just to be with you." I can't think with him on top of me. "Wasn't that sweet of me?" Is he…flirting?
"No." He can't be.
"Tough. Talk. We've got hours to sit here." I'm going to break. I'm going to…
To…
…Just do it.
"You." I've officially lost it.
"What?" He backs up.
"You, all right? It's you."
Why does he look so confused? "I don't get it." What do you mean you don't…?!
"And you call me an idiot? It's you! You, you're why I play hero! You're the reason I risk my life and have everyone cheer for me! You're why I fight, why we fight! The only reason why I rescue her is because you have to take her! You and your stupid tail! You and your red hair and matching red eyes! Your lousy, toothy smile! You!"
A smile. His mouth forms the exact thing I just…! "What are you getting at?" He asks, with…amusement?! "Me, me, me, what about me?" What?!
"I love you!"
There! Damn him! I've played this exact scenario I don't know how many times, in how many ways, with all kinds of results, and yet it's nothing like this! An outburst. I just confessed to him in a fit of rage over his ignorance, his persistence, his…!
His arms wrap around me. I feel his body bouncing. Laughing? Laughing. He's busting a gut over this, great. That's one of the reactions and not a good—
"I don't believe this!" Bowser manages to get out. I try to shove out of it, but he's got me locked in tight.
"Yes, super," my deadpan response. "Now you know. Happy?"
"Very!" He loves every second.
"Wahoo. Can you kill me now?" Please do.
"Not a chance! Never! Not for the rest of…of…" He pulls himself back and looks at me. He still has a huge grin and his eyebrows are raised. I don't even want to look at him anymore. "You…you don't get it?"
"Look, I'm glad this is a great big joke to you, but I—"
"Joke? No! No, no, you don't understand."
"I'm pretty sure I do."
"Now I know you don't."
"Ok, I don't. Can we just drop it here?"
"Absolutely not! You have no idea how long I've waited for this!"
"…What?"
"I love you, too! I've…that's why! That's my explanation for everything! It's all for you! I do everything for you too! Oh my Stars, is this real? Are we really doing this?"
"…What?" I can't process this at all. Is he pinching himself?
"We love each other!" He exclaims. I feel a swift shift in pressure, tension. We do? "Mario, this is…us! This is really us! Ha! Ha-ha-ha! I don't believe that just happened finally! My heart feels like it's exploding right now!" He hugs me tightly again, his laughter vibrating against me. This is the most genuine joy I think I've ever seen from him. I smile.
This is real.
My arms move and I reach up to hold him. I'm shaking and he squeezes me. Should I say something? No, that might ruin it. He pulls back, his smile drooping a bit.
"Are you all right? …Please don't say you're lying." He's nervous. So am I.
"No. I just…what now?" Yep, I just ruined it.
"Huh?"
"Bowser, we can't." I feel like explaining, but I don't know where to start.
"…We can't," he echoes. "There's…a lot in the way." He understands.
I think I can feel my heart sinking. My arms drop away, but he grabs my hands, almost as a reflex.
"No."
"What?"
"Mario, we just…no, no this can't end here." Denial.
"You have to understand," I voice my thoughts. "Bowser, there are so many—"
"Obstacles. I know. But I'm not quitting here."
"There's nothing to quit, we haven't even started."
"Yes, we did. We started the minute I brought you here. Before that, even. We just made progress now."
"That's not—"
"Hush. We're not giving in here. We're not giving up before we really get rolling. I want this. You do too, don't you?"
"Well, yes, but—"
"No buts. I love you and I'm not about to lose this, lose us, now. This is the greatest moment that I've feared and begged for. We're going to do this." He lifts me up.
"Bowser…"
"We'll make this work. I promise." Determination.
"You can't promise that though. I want this too, but it's not—"
"Realistic? Fine by me, it feels fantastic either way." He carries me up to the top of the steps. Gently, he places me down. "Go with me on this, all right?" Whispers.
"…Ok."
He kicks the door open and tosses me in. "Get moving!" I stumble, very close to falling, but manage. Looking around, there's a video camera and a blue Shy Guy in this darkened room. It's almost blank, but torches lit around us make it menacing.
What's he up to?
"L-Lord Bowser! Greetings! You're right on time."
"Can it, Blue Guy!" Bowser thunders. That can't be his name. He grabs me by the collar. "Start recording!"
"Yes sir!" A red light signals that we're on.
"Princess Peach! I've got your precious little hero right here! By the time you get this message, my forces will have control over your kingdom. Surrender if you want to save Mario! Don't, and he's finished. I'll send you more terms soon."
The light goes off and the blue hooded Shy Guy packs it away. I'm stunned, even after Bowser lets me go.
"Blue!" He barks.
"Yes sir?"
"Send that out as soon as you hear word from my son. In the meantime, I want a cell arranged near my bedroom, even if it's just locking a spare room. I need him close to me at all times. Remind his guards that he is not to be harmed without my say-so."
"Is…is that safe?"
"Do you want to know what it is?"
"Um…"
"AN ORDER! Follow it!"
"Yes sir, absolutely, sir."
The Shy Guy scurries past us and down the stairs. I notice that he has a small pin that has Bowser's insignia on it.
"And keep at your project, Blue!" he calls after the Shy Guy.
"Of course, sir!" I hear him call back.
I wait a minute before I burst out, "What was that all about?! Are you out of your mind?! I thought we were—"
"We are." He has his mischievous grin on. "You're ok, right? Was that too rough?"
"I'm fine! Bowser, what are you doing? Peach won't just surrender, don't expect—"
"Yeah, I'm not, I know she won't." He paces.
"Then what was the point of that?"
"Maintaining status quo."
"What?"
"Look, everyone still needs to think I'm going to kill you. They don't need to know that I'm not. Peach won't surrender. My son will have the rest of the territories conquered by tomorrow morning. We'll usurp her throne in days."
"That doesn't make any sense! What does this have to do with us?"
"Mario, I take control, and we're free. I'll be in charge and we can do whatever we please. You could rule alongside me." He stops and comes to me, picking up my hands. "We do this, we answer to no one."
I take my hands away. "Bowser, that's not the answer." He frowns. "People will lay down their lives over this. Your troops hate me enough as it is for that, for killing their brothers-in-arms."
"So? Are you worried that they'll rebel?"
"Everyone will!"
"Do you have any alternatives in mind?"
He gives me a quizzical look as my mouth hangs open. What other way could there be?
"No," I admit. "But total domination is not going to win anyone over. We need another plan."
He smiles again, scratching under my chin. "All right. We'll think of another way. But in the meantime, I can't call this off. Inexplicably giving you up wouldn't solve anything for us."
"That's not true."
"No? Tell me, does your brother know about your obsession with me? How about Peach? Is there anyone in the entire kingdom that knows? I haven't told a soul."
"Bowser, it's not like this is unacceptable." He drops his eyes, raises an eyebrow, and gives me an expression of disapproval.
"You're joking right? How do you expect it to play out?" He snatches my cap and puts it on his head. Then, in an awful imitation, "'Wahoo! Hey-a everyone! It turns out that we're-a in love! That'll be-a ok, right? Bowser's sorry for all-a the bad things he did! Do you think we can-a live-a happily together at-a his castle and never fight again-a?'" I need to hold in my laughter while he grins. "Come on."
Composing myself, "We'll work on it."
"It's going to be a lot of work. I promised my people this kingdom. I promised them your blood. There's no way around that."
"No simple way," I insist. "We can do it though. Together."
"Together," he repeats, placing my hat back on my head. "Right." He slides his arms down my shoulders and pulls me in for a hug. I reciprocate, reaching up to hold him.
This is only our beginning, and everything is complicated already.
...
Whoo, level up! How was that?! Lemme hear you! (Lol, jk, I can't hear anything. Excuse me while I sob quietly in a corner.)
But seriously, that was heavy. At first, I was all, "Yeah, this is gonna be the chapter that they admit their love and it's gonna be nice and sweet!" After that, though, I thought, "Wait. They're enemies. This isn't a simple 'OMG love you babe!' thing. And more drama is more fun." Thus, enter conflict!
Don't you wish that your love was more like Bowser? He'll take over a whole kingdom just so he can be happy with his lover! Isn't that the cutest thing ever?! ...Ok, I tried. Don't hate pls.
Now, let's recap. Mario couldn't escape (or didn't want to, shocker). Peach and friends are pretty powerless...for now. Junior exists again, yeah! Bowser and Mario are in love...LET THE SHIP SAIL ON! (Why doesn't anyone support this?) Only Blue Guy has the brains to rule Lylat...jk, he's a grunt. Oh, and I am apparently amassing my own Paper Mario partner roster of semi-original characters. But the big, um, "but," is that Mario and Bowser cannot co-exist without everyone opposing the idea. (Lol, what's wrong with a Koopa killer and a princess thief dating? ...Oh.)
Funnies aside, I tried to follow-up writing the p.o.v. swap and letter thing. That died after I let Mario take over the second time though. Oops. Honestly, I was going to bounce around again, but Mario's been shortchanged a bit, so I decided to give him the love confession chapter, which turned out to be hyper long. Oops again. Also, I tried playing with the present perspective to keep us guessing, because why not. It probably clashed a bit with the past perspective, but that's cool, I'll do better next time. Hopefully. If this is even good. Is it? Oh boy.
That's all I can think of saying. Write me feedback if you'd like! Comments and criticisms welcome! I'd love to hear your thoughts via reviews or messages. Also, thank you so much for reading all of this! It's exciting to see the views go up on this. At least, I hope it's because people are reading and not because, "oops, I clicked the gay Bowser story again." If so, I'll just cry myself to sleep, it's cool. (I don't know why I'm trying to be so funny; I think I'm giddy over finishing this chapter. It was a lot. Or maybe I'm just a try-hard. Either or.) But yes, I'd love to hear from you, in spite of not being able to hear you! (Not funny; I'm sorry, not sorry.) Thanks again!