Time now to see who's going to Star Hill with Bowser and Mario. Oh, and some fluffy stuff to start the chapter. Also, some action in the middle. So, set some time aside and read ahead!

...

[Bowser]

Morning came sooner than I expected. With a snort, I picked up my head and shook myself awake. Though the light from the Dark Lands isn't as noticeable to everyone, I've grown used to the slight difference when the morning light breaks through the smog and into my window.

Carefully, I unraveled my hand from Mario's and slid out from the bed. My feet dragged a bit on the ground, while my arms weighed a little heavy. I took a minute to stretch before I turned back and smiled at my slumbering son, and then glanced at my boyfriend…who woke up.

"Good morning," yawned Mario. He clamped his hands over his mouth once he remembered Junior was beside him and quietly slipped from the bed as well.

"Sorry," I whispered. "I thought I could get up without waking you."

"Oh, I was already waking up." Mario buttoned his overalls in place over his red shirt, and brushed his hair before tossing his hat on. "Should we let him rest?"

"Yeah, he'll get up in a little while." I smiled down at my son again before beckoning Mario to follow me out of the bedroom.

He carried his shoes from the room and I close the door. Chuckling, I folded my arms and watched him bounce around to get his feet in.

"You know, you could have just put those on in the room."

"Hey, I…didn't want to…make any more noise—oomph! …Than need be." Mario stomped down with his foot and tugged it to make sure his shoes were on properly. Again, I laughed, and he shot me an annoyed look as he shoved his hands into his gloves. "What?"

"Nothing. You're just really cute." Mario blushed and I slid my hand around his waist with a wink. "So, any more nightmares last night?"

"Nope. I had you nearby."

"Good. Are you ready to head out later today?"

At that, Mario's shoulders and smiled dropped. "Not exactly."

"Aw, are you still worried?" He nodded almost immediately. "Come on, Mario. I gave you my word."

"That seemed fine last night, when today was miles away." He swallowed hard. "But now it is today."

"Mario. Peach won't be there. I'm not taking the Koopalings. This won't end up like your nightmare, or Junior's." I brought my hand up and rubbed his back. "We can get through this."

For a minute, he didn't answer. Then, with a deep inhale and releasing it, Mario nodded. I gave him my free hand and held onto his.

"So, what about you? You're…not nervous anymore?"

"Oh, no, I still am."

"Wait, what?" Mario's mouth fell open before he shook his head. "Then don't bury it to keep me calm!"

"No, I'm not burying it for your sake!" I laughed and bounced on my feet a bit. "My own excitement is what's keeping it down!"

"Excitement?"

"It's just that this is the first time in ages that I've been able to willingly go on an adventure with you!"

"Well…that is one way to look at it."

"You bet it is!" Again, I bounced around, but paused as I glanced back at Mario. "Isn't this the first time that you're teaming up with my troops instead of your team?"

"Um…I think it is, yes. I've worked with similar species before, but…"

"But not my actual troops, and not with me at the same time!" Mario shrugged and nodded while I rubbed my hands together. "I can't tell you how exciting this is for me!"

"Apparently, very."

"Even me jumping around like a fool won't relax you?"

"To be honest, I find it a bit terrifying." He chuckled while I dropped my arms and let my head fall. "Oh, all right, I'm sorry. Don't get all upset on me like that."

"And people call me the bad guy?"

"Yes, among many other unflattering names."

I picked my head up and expected him to have a smile stuck on his face, but he surprised me with a rather annoyed expression instead.

"Mario, those aren't that big of a deal to me."

"They can't be unnoticeable."

"Yeah, but I'm a king." A light laugh escaped me. "In case you hadn't noticed, I'm not often met without resistance of some manner. Insults come with that."

"But—"

"There's nothing for you to get hung up over," I soothed. "People talk, they fire off unflattering comments. It's unavoidable, and if it were the worst I had to live with, I'd practically sing everyday."

"Sing?" His smile instantly appeared. "Now I would very much like to hear that from you."

"Oh, no you wouldn't." I shook my head. "Unlike your singing voice, mine is…awful."

"That can't be true."

"Let's just leave it a mystery that you'll need to solve at a later date."

"Another date to reveal the 'Ballads of Bowser?' Sounds like a win-win scenario for me."

"Hey, that's not…" He grinned as I let out a heavy sigh. "I think you're spending too much time around me. You're starting to get as cheeky as I am."

"Like attracts like." Mario pulled me down the hall, away from the bedroom door.

"Really? I always thought it was, 'opposites attract.' That makes more sense, no?"

He guided my head down and I leaned closer. "Honestly, it's probably somewhere in the middle of those two." My eyes were met with the deepest blue. His mustache tickled my top lip and my face flared up. "After all, that's where the best things happen."

My smile practically invited him into my lips as he tenderly pressed against me. We kissed deeply, our tongues pushing into one another's mouths almost immediately. Wrapping my arm around his waist and my hand behind his head, I pushed forward and ran my tongue on the back of his, delighted by his moaning. His hands gently gripped my face and pulled me into him. Mario's tongue rolled against my cheek and tapped at my tongue before rubbing over it. And a moan escaped from me, causing him to slide his against the edge of mine.

Out of breath, we untangled ourselves and broke apart for air. Still, he scratched under my chin and beamed broadly at me as we panted. Again, I pulled him in closer and leaned forward, but paused.

"Hold on. We need to get going." His hands lingered on my face even as I inched away from him. "Kamek will be waiting for us."

Silently, his hands fell from my face and my heart dropped from their abrupt absence. Mario stepped back and nodded, ready to turn down the hall.

"Wait." He paused as I moved my face back against his. Kamek can wait a little longer. Once more, I returned my arms around him, and we kissed tightly. Our lips pressed against one another's, his so soft and delicious. We pushed our tongues past and into each other's mouths, and my heart skipped in delight.

But then, Mario slid his hand onto my chest and slowly pushed away. We stopped and I pulled back from him.

"We can't keep him waiting too long."

"Yes we can."

"Bowser." He stared straight into my eyes. "Come on."

Frustrated, I grunted. "Fine. But I demand more of these later."

"Considering that there's no one around to hide from, deal." Mario smiled as I blinked and nodded. Though I knew there was no one left to hide from, it still didn't come naturally to me. Besides, stolen kisses are fun.

In spite of internally screaming to stay up here, we took the stairs down to the main level. Mario gazed around at the portraits of me along the walls, and I clawed at the back of my head.

"T-Those aren't because I wanted them up," I brought up. "Well…not all of them."

"They look nice."

"Really?" I paused as he lowered his eyes at me. "…Oh. Because you're into me, right."

Mario chuckled while I scratched my cheek. Couldn't he stare at the tables with a bunch of little statues on them instead? I blinked and glanced at them. They were also of me. Grumbling, I shook my head.

"Ok, so I'm pretty vain."

"Not entirely."

"Oh no? Even as you're fixated on it?"

"Well, if you were completely self-absorbed, I don't think we'd be able to date." He started to walk away as I jumped a bit. "I wouldn't be good enough for you."

At that, I hurried back over to him. "No way! You read my letters!"

"Right, but imagine if you were completely full of yourself." We stopped by a portrait of Junior, and thankfully without me in it. "That wouldn't exist, and neither would your interest in me. Or, it would, but then you'd be disappointed that I couldn't measure up to your expectations."

"Screw vain me then, you've exceeded them."

He blushed and picked at his mustache while I grinned and ruffled his cap. His hair brushed against my hand slightly, making it harder to pull away. Mario took my hand and intertwined it with his.

"See? Not entirely."

"At least when it comes to you and my kid, sure." I posed proudly and he laughed, before he tugged me along to continue.

Passing some closed windows through the stony corridors, we eventually found the red carpet that led to my throne room. Mario quietly studied them and rubbed under his chin.

"What is it?"

"Did you really pick out the red colors because of me?"

"Yeah."

"That's an odd way to decorate your interior." He glanced at some red curtains that hung from the windows and a few red and black banners with my emblem on them. "And I've seen the red colors for years, so…"

"First off, I have been interested in you for years, so that definitely works." We slowed to a stop and turned to one another. "Second, it's not everywhere that's decorated with red rugs and curtains, just a lot of places that I frequently visit." He raised an eyebrow at me, unconvinced. "It's true! I use other colors in other places. But red works as a reminder of you and can be menacing, so it was a two-for-one decision." That was a lie, but he already knows how obsessive I am over him.

Still appearing unconvinced, Mario nodded and rubbed my hand. Blushing, I tried to look away to hide it, but squeezed his hand as well.

Down another couple of halls, we reached my throne room and walked in. Tall, unlit candles and torches lined the walls as we walked into the empty room, again with statues and portraits of me along the walls. For the first time in a while, I really wish I had put a little more variety into my design decisions.

Toward the end of the room, I went to go sit on my cushy black and red throne, but hesitated. Mario had stopped before it and watched me stand next to it.

"Well? Come on."

"Up there? That seats one."

"Yep, but so do I." Grinning and lowering my eyes, I sat on the throne and patted my lap.

Rolling his eyes into a glare, Mario tapped his foot. "That's indecent."

"No it's not. And we're the only two here right now, so what does it matter?"

"It matters because I don't want Kamek or anyone else walking in on me straddling their king." If my grin could grow any bigger, it would have. "Stop smiling!"

"When I'm around you, I can't help it!" His face was flushed and he folded his arms. "Come on, Mario. I don't have an extra throne in here, since Junior threw his last one at a Spike, but I'll get you one while I get a new one for him, ok?" I stretched out my legs and patted my lap again. "For now, just come on up. And you don't need to straddle me, unless you want to." I finished with a wink.

Flustered, Mario bounced on his feet for a moment. Then, to my delight, he walked up to the throne and climbed onto my lap. Too excited, I threw my arms around him and pulled him into me.

"B-Bowser!"

Jumping, I slid back into my seat and let him rest on my thigh. He lightened up a bit while I rubbed his back, still flushed. My cheeks burned as well, but I couldn't get the smirk off of my face even if I wanted to. Steadily, he relaxed and eased into me.

"So…you'd get me a throne too?"

"Yeah, why not?"

"For starters, we're not married."

My eyes widened as it finally clicked. "Uh, well, it's not, I mean, you're not required to be…to have a throne, that is…um." He laughed while I shifted around in my seat. "Really, it's just a chair. You having one wouldn't mean anything more than it does for me."

"It means you're king."

"So does a crown, and I don't usually wear those!" Mario laughed again while my free hand clawed through my hair. "Quit it!"

"Aw, why?" He leaned into me and placed his hands on my chest. "You made a good point, and I'm just agreeing."

"…So do you want a throne or what?"

"Wasn't it just a chair?"

"Sure, but I…" A sigh escaped me and I wanted to look anywhere but his bright and smiling face. "You've been in this kingdom for ages. Don't you want more from it?"

"Right now, I'm getting more." He scooted up further and moved to level his head with mine.

"Please, tell me the truth." My arm dropped away from him and I pulled back. "I can't be your end goal."

Mario's expression shifted to a confused one. "Why not?"

"Because I…I can't be." He frowned while I shook my head. "Never mind; we're focusing on getting you better, ok?"

If we had another minute, I could have spoken more. But the doors down the end of the hall smashed open and we whirled our heads around to find a few troops coming down the room toward us. Notably, Kamek wasn't with them.

Quickly, Mario jumped off of me and I stood up as they approached. A Lakitu, two Koopas, a Paragoomba, a Snifit, and…a Fuzzy. Not Kamek's choices.

"Never heard of knocking?"

"Apologies, your most regal nastiness."

Dissenters.

"State your business." My fists tightened as I pushed Mario behind me, though he tried to bat my arm away.

"Are we not allowed to come visit our king and his precious pet?" The Lakitu darkly smirked. "Or was this meant to be a more private moment?"

"Cut your crap," I growled. "You're not even trying to hide your intentions. If you're here for him, you're going through me this time."

"Hehehehe!" The Fuzzy bounced around excitedly. "With pleasure, meork!"

The little black fuzz ball bounced at me, but my hand shot up and flicked him out of an opened window. I rolled my eyes while the Paragoomba flew over to attack next, knocking him on the head and tearing his wings off.

He yelped out and bounced back while the two Koopas rushed forward. Mario leapt from behind me and stomped down on them, knocking them back into their shells.

Smirking, I kicked the two back at the Snifit, who was attempting to launch a bullet at us. They collided and fell over, with the Koopas sliding back out from their shells and groaning.

"Tell me this isn't everyone you brought," I taunted to the Lakitu.

"Of course not."

At that, the Lakitu threw a Spiny Egg down the room and hit the door. It rattled on the floor for a moment before the door slammed open once again. A Sledge Bro clomped into the room, releasing slight tremors as it stepped in.

"Will that make things more interesting, your grumpiness?"

Glancing back at Mario, I watched as the Sledge Bro made his way over to the throne while the other rebels stood back up. "Take care of the trash." He nodded and I spewed a stream of fire at them.

Walking past the flames while Mario jumped at the Lakitu, the Sledge Bro pulled out his mallet and watched as I strode over to him.

"You can always turn back, you know," I offered.

"No chance," rumbled the Sledge Bro. "No choice."

"Those only happen after you attack me."

"Sorry."

A hammer sailed through the air to give me his answer. Sidestepping it, I spat a fireball at the Sledge Bro, who jumped away from it.

Once he hit the ground, a shockwave that rippled around him, ruffling the red carpet beneath him. Keeping my distance, I spat another fireball, which he threw a hammer at. It cut through the fire, but fell to the ground and dented the floor beneath the rug.

This was taking too long for me. I rushed over to the Sledge Bro and tackled him to the ground. Falling backwards onto his shell, he struggled to rise. I started punching him while he tried to block my blows with a sledgehammer.

Instead, I took it and whacked him over the head with it. While the helmet softened the hit, the Sledge Bro's eyes spun and shut. His chest rose and fell, but he didn't move after that.

Grunting and standing, I checked on Mario. He leapt onto one of the Koopas again and threw the shell at the Snifit, who tried to spit a bullet at him. The shell collided and took the Snifit out.

Just as that happened, the Lakitu threw a Spiny Egg down at Mario, who had barely pulled his arm away from the needled egg. He glared at the Lakitu, and watched him ready another Spiny Egg.

"Hey!"

Hearing my bark, the Lakitu panicked and turned to throw the egg at me. He was met with a large fireball to his face as his cloud disappeared.

Smiling at Mario, my eyes shot open as the Goomba popped up and threw himself at Mario. The other Koopa hurried over to attack him as I stepped forward to help.

Something else anchored me to my place. Glaring back, the Sledge Bro had grappled me into place within seconds.

"When did you get back up?"

"Faking."

"Ah."

Struggling to break free of his hold, I helplessly watched as Mario jumped away from the Goomba, only to get tackled by the Koopa. His other two opponents recovered and the Snifit hurried over to join in while the second Koopa checked on the fallen Lakitu.

Angered, I readied another fireball in my throat, but the Sledge Bro choked it and kept my mouth clamped shut. The Snifit's bullet whizzed just past Mario as he kicked the Koopa off of him, and the bullet ricocheted away from my throne. Once more, the Goomba crashed into him and my shouts for him were muffled.

"You lose," murmured the Sledge Bro. Harder, I squirmed in his grip and almost broke out of it.

Suddenly, he grunted and his arms fell away from me. Freed, I breathed a heavy fire stream at the trio still attacking Mario, each one who cried out from the flames.

I ran to Mario as he pushed himself up from the ground. He steadied himself and dusted his clothes off, which looked wrinkled, but otherwise fine. I checked him over, noticing just a few scratches, but nothing major.

"Are you ok?" It was an unnecessary question, but I had to ask it regardless.

"Yes, I'm fine. And you?"

"Just panicked a little, nothing new." A quick glance showed a few scratch marks from where the Sledge Bro had grabbed me, but nothing threatening. Mario hugged me and rubbed my sides while I embraced him back.

Remembering the last Koopa, I jolted away from Mario and whirled around. Before him and the fallen Lakitu were a gray Spike Top and an orange Tail Bob-omb.

"Oh, greetings, sire," the Spike Top turned to me.

"…Glaucus?"

"Yes sir, it's me." He shuffled in place. "Got a tiny bit of an upgrade since we last met. They wanted me prepared for when we left."

"Prepared?"

"Best not to talk about it in front of these craven cretins," interrupted the Bob-omb.

"Bombkin?"

"How ever could you tell?" He wagged the green and brown tail behind him with a sigh.

"When did we get Super Leaves?"

"One Super Leaf," Bombkin corrected. "I was supposed to have it for Mario, but that klutz of a Goomba crashed into me and now I have…this." He spun and whipped his tail around, not at all pleased by the result. "Enough of that, though. He's taking care of the Fuzzy outside while we bring this lot to the dungeons. You two head down to the Council Chamber. Kamek should be waiting there for you."

Nodding, I took Mario and led him out from the throne room. Walking down the hall, we glanced back at the throne room doors. Shrugging, the two of us stopped halfway and turned right, strolling down another stony corridor. A Spike wandered past us and waved, turning left from the hall we just departed.

"This place is still confusing me." Mario shook his head and held it with his hands.

"That's the point." I laughed and pulled him along.

We took another left and made our way back to the stairs. We traveled to the lower levels and went down the back hall to the Council Chamber. Mario hesitated and stumbled as I guided him along.

"What is it?"

"Ah…I didn't even notice this hall before." He stared down the darkened corridor and shuddered.

"Don't worry; they try to make it all secretive." I lifted my hands and waved them around, getting a laugh from Mario. "It's just a straight walk down and the door's right there." And we walked right over to it…though the darkness was intimidating, I'll admit.

Inside, Kamek waited at the end of the long table, hopping up and shuffling down to Mario and I. Along with him were a colorful gathering of troops, some that I recognized from earlier, though it took a moment.

"Kamek, who do you have assembled here?"

"My selection for those to serve as your royal guard."

"Royal guard?"

"They'll function as elite soldiers that are specifically working to your benefit, a cabal if you will." I scratched my head and looked to Mario, who shrugged. We stepped forward and the door opened behind us, with a Spiked Goomba tripping his way inside.

"Goomphen, you've got to get a hold of yourself," scolded Bombkin as he and Glaucus helped the Goomba back up. His eyes were wider and his teeth were softer than most other Goombas.

"S-So-Sorry, guys."

"Wait. Is that Stammers?"

"Yea-Yes, sir, it's m-me." The Goomba with the green spiked cap shuddered in my presence. It had three horns in a triangular shape at the top, with a fourth larger spike protruding from the middle. "They n-needed a f-final m-me-member."

"He's actually stronger than he appears to be," vouched Glaucus. "You'll see."

The trio made their way to three open seats around the table, while Kamek guided Mario and I to the opposite side. A yellow Snifit and a blue Shy Guy whispered to one another, but stopped once we approached.

"These are Jasmine and Tech Guy," introduced Kamek.

"Wait a second, I know them." I stared at the duo as nervously waved. "His name is Blue Guy, I thought."

"No, sire, that's the name you gave me."

"Then why didn't you correct me?"

"Correcting the king doesn't seem wise."

"…Smart." I nodded to the blue Shy Guy, who now had a propeller on his head. "Does that make you a Fly Guy now?"

"Supposed to, but you can call me what you please."

"Very smart." He tugged on his hood at my compliment. The yellow Snifit patted him, and I noticed her nozzle was slightly charred at the end of her facemask. "Jasmine, right?"

"Yep, that's me, sir."

"What's with the burn marks?"

"Oh, I've upgraded my nozzle." She shifted it around and clapped. "Now it shoots out fireballs too!"

"So, bullets and fireballs?"

"Exciting, isn't it?" She twisted her nozzle again. "I think there's still an ice upgrade for me too, but I'll get that later."

Kamek took us along the table to the next two, a Red Boo and a green Blooper.

"These are Ruby and Olive."

"Hold on, I met them before." I glanced at Mario, who scratched the back of his neck.

"You too?"

"Duh. We've met both of you." Ruby cackled as he floated around. "But, you didn't meet me when I could do this!"

His body glowed and he morphed his form into a hybrid of himself and a Shy Guy.

"Now I'm a Boo Guy!" He cackled. "But wait, there's more!"

Again, he shifted his shape and turned into a dinosaur-like ghost.

"Eerie, right?" He snickered as he turned back to normal.

"They call that a Shifting Boo, or a Morphing Boo, your highest grace," explained Olive.

"Hey, hey! I wanted to tell them!"

"Apologies; you weren't quite getting to the point." I blinked at the darker spots on her head and around her tentacles. "Oh, I've been temporarily cursed, lord sire. I'll be able to double as a Poison Blooper for the time being."

"Um…will you be ok?"

"From the poison? Most certainly, your gracious majesty, it won't harm me. Our enemies, however, should proceed with caution." She paused and shook her tentacles. "Or perhaps not, since that would help them."

"Just think though: you could have been a Blooper Nanny!" Ruby laughed while Olive shuddered.

"Children are fine, but I'd hate to bring them around to fight with me."

"Aw, where's your sense of adventure? We're going on one!"

"Ruby, truly, you mustn't be so insistent on endangers the lives of others like that!"

"Why not? Then I get more friends like me!"

Ruby laughed once more as Kamek took us to the end of the table. On one side sat a purple, armor clad Koopatrol, while a black Rex and a white-shelled Paratroopa were on the other side. I studied the Koopatrol for a moment.

"Is that Koopella?"

"It is indeed, sire." She stood and saluted me. "I recently completed my training."

"Congratulations, then!"

"Thank you, sire!"

"Ooh, Koopella dear, relax." Nix smirked from the other side of the table and rested his head on his hands. "No need to be so uptight."

"Nix, you're the foulest and most idiotic option to have joined this group."

"Tell me how you really feel, love." He winked at her and grinned broadly. She responded by throwing her glove and bouncing it off of his head. "Ouch."

"You kind of deserved that," admitted the Paratroopa, flapping his wings a bit.

"Mm, that's fair." The Rex leaned closer to the Paratroopa, grinning again. "Would you say that I deserved you too?"

"Bowser's still right there."

"I know."

"Then lay off of Feather Duster, will you?" I folded my arms while Nix slid back into place, now turning his smirk to me.

"As you wish, milord Bowser." He winked at me and stared for a moment. Mario coughed while I raised an eyebrow. Oddly, Nix waved to Mario too.

"Um…my name isn't Feather Duster, sire," whispered Feather Duster. "It's—"

"Cutie pie," interrupted Nix.

"What? No."

"Nix!" Koopella slammed her fist onto the table. "Kamek, why did you even add this imbecile to our line-up?"

"Each of you has a different reason with one common goal," explained Kamek.

"That, and I'm one of the very few Rexes that can fly," gloated Nix.

"So? We have how many people here that fly?"

"True, but I've also got a few tricks to back me up." Nix mischievously grinned. "Though, nothing quite like Sparkles here." He patted Feather Duster, who scratched his cheeks. "Shining Paratroopa, you called it?"

"Yep! When light gleams off of my shell, I can redirect and—"

"Blind the enemy." Nix nodded and licked his lips. "You'll be stunning."

"All right, this should be everyone." Kamek clapped his hands as Nix and Feather Duster moved down, with the others repositioning themselves in their seats.

"Um…Kamek—"

"Give me a minute." He turned to the others. "Before we begin, I just need to check that everyone here is part of this, ah, inner circle, so to speak. Bowser Brooches?"

Each member of the group held out their brooches of my emblem. It was a dark green, almost black, pin, with an orange rim and my insignia colored red. Kamek gazed at all ten of them, held out his own and nodded.

"That appears to be everyone then. As you're aware, this cabal was personally selected and assembled by me to defend Bowser regardless of circumstances and costs. I've determined you as the most loyal minions available among the army, be it that you have a high personal interest in Bowser, or go above and beyond all assigned duties pertaining to him, and so only you are meant to know the king's status to the fullest extent available. As such, it will be you that accompanies the three of us on our journey to Star Hill in order to cure Mario's curse. We'll be up against Shamans, with indeterminate allegiances to both Bowser and Mario, so we'll need to proceed with caution, but nothing drastic until measures against us are clear. You are under my orders, but your interests are always foremost for the king."

Mario and I gawked as we gazed down the table at the ten selected soldiers, each quietly listening and nodding to Kamek's words. These ten? They were Kamek's choice to be my closest guards?

"Any questions?"

Ruby's hand shot up. "Oh, oh! Can we come up with a cool name for this? 'Royal Guard' sounds so played out and overused. We should be something creative, like the 'Bowser Baddies!'"

Nix shook his head. "How is that not generic?"

"Ok, ok, maybe…the 'Bowser Battlers!'"

"You're trying too hard for alliteration," voiced Tech Guy.

"Uh…oh, how about the 'Bowser Monsters?'"

"That's definitely a baseball team," Jasmine recalled.

"…Um, 'the Bowser Bunch?'"

"Enough." Kamek shook his head and pinched his brow. "We don't need a title—"

"No way, we totally do!" Ruby huffed while Olive pushed him back into his seat.

"Regardless, we're getting ready to depart soon, so we'll need to get everything else ready." Kamek returned his pin to his robe and looked over us. "Understood?"

"Yes sir." They collectively nodded and rose.

"Good. Get to the docks then. We'll meet you there."

"'Bowser Loyalists!'"

"Ruby…shut up and go."

One by one, each of them poured from the room, until only the three of us remained. Mario and I stood up, shooting confused expressions to Kamek.

"What?"

"How long have you had this group put together?"

"Planning it, ages ago. Actual assembling was recent."

"Huh." I turned to Mario, who shrugged and nodded. "Well, that's sort of new."

"Eventually, you'll come to like them. Hopefully." He beckoned us to follow as we exited the Council Chamber. "Oh, you know what? Let's test this spell…"

Kamek whipped his wand around and cast a magical dust cloud around us. Mario and I covered our eyes as the sparkling colors flashed around us. Our bodies became weightless and we floated briefly before regaining weight and dropping back to the floor.

The magical cloud dispersed and we gazed around the dockside of the hangar. A large, wooden boat was docked at the end of the pier. I observed it, noting the black sails with my emblem and the figurehead shaped like me at the prow under the bowsprit.

"We're not taking this old thing, are we?"

"Why not?"

"Kamek, we have airships."

"Right, which the entire Mushroom Kingdom assumes to be a threatening sign."

"Anything from me is a threatening sign." I pointed out the sails and figurehead. "Those scream 'Bowser is coming,' and no one at Star Hill wants to see that."

"First, we don't know that for certain. And second, we're sailing for an abandoned harbor at the base near Star Hill."

"Isn't Star Hill closer to Bowser's Castle?" Mario glanced from the boat to Kamek and I.

"When the kingdom was younger, it was easier to reach," clarified Kamek. "These days, it's a bit of a journey, with new locations popping up between…and that a lot of them don't like seeing us." He tapped his wand against his palm and pointed at the boat. "That's another reason we're taking this ship. Not as many people check the waters as they do the skies."

"Maybe, but Kamek, my great grandparents used that." I shook my head. "Just because you gave it a slight overhaul doesn't make it useable."

"You'd be surprised."

"Are you trying to keep the airships here for the Koopalings or something?"

"Considering that we don't know how long we'll be—"

"Then why didn't you just start with that?"

A sigh escaped him. "Sire, we may be gone while Peach's forces bypass the other fortresses. The Mountains and the Skyline need the Clown Cars and the Airship for additional defenses." He ruffled his cap around. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"If there's a chance that happens, then yes."

Tilting his head, Kamek rubbed his chin. "You're usually angrier when someone reports unfavorable possibilities like that."

My eyes shifted to Mario, and then back to Kamek. "Maybe I'm mellowing out."

He looked to Mario and chuckled. "Maybe."

Meanwhile, Mario gazed at both of us, still clueless. "Uh…"

"Don't worry about it." Again, I turned to Kamek. "Give us a minute. I need to see my son before we leave."

"Taken care of."

The old Magikoopa pointed toward the entrance, where the ten soldiers walked behind Junior. He hurried over and jumped into my arms.

"Be careful, Papa!" He pulled back a bit to look at me. "They told me you and Mario were leaving soon. Just be really careful, ok?"

"No worries, Junior. We'll be fine." Again, I embraced him. "You take good care of this kingdom while I'm gone, ok son? Any trouble, send for help and we'll be back as soon as we can."

"Ok. But if the Koopalings are still here, we can handle it."

"I'm sure you can."

Slowly, I set him back down. He hesitated for a minute and then ran to hug Mario, who was startled at first, but hugged him back. "You be careful too!"

"Right. I'll try keeping your Papa safe."

"And you." Junior backed away from Mario. "This is about you too, so protect each other." Silently, Mario nodded and smiled at him, and then me.

Lastly, Junior embraced Kamek. "Bring everyone back home."

"As you command, my Prince." Softly, Kamek stroked Junior's head and sighed. "And hopefully, not from a beating, as per usual."

Junior giggled and backed away. He nodded to the soldiers and walked away, waving us off.

"The Koopalings will keep him safe," promised Kamek. "They're already looking after him."

"But who's looking after them?"

"Between the eight of them, they should be well looked after." He tapped at his wand. "And I'll be in touch whenever necessary."

"Good." Though I wasn't certain about leaving them alone, it wasn't the first time, and I imagined they could manage. I turned to Mario and smirked. "Ready?"

"As much as I can be."

Grabbing his hand and stroking it, we walked down the pier and aboard the ship, with Kamek and the crew in tow. I gazed at the spacious deck and surveyed the Bill Blasters and Skull Boxes that were added to it. Several crates were scattered about, loaded with supplies. There was a cabin that led below deck to the rooms below.

Mario stepped under a mast and gazed crow's nest. A Starman was painted under it and looked withered compared to the rest. I scratched my head, wondering why it would be there when it was usually a symbol of opposition to my kingdom. Our eyes met, but we remained silent on the matter.

After making their final preparations, the soldiers untied the ship, brought up the anchor, and readied the sails. The boat rolled off across the water and we set off for Star Hill.

...

And they're off!

Surprise, people still hate Bowser and are trying to cause him and Mario trouble still. Creeps. Luckily, they work well together as a team, and…I think this is the first time that Mario and Bowser fought on the same side! Woo!

Another surprise, I finally used each of those named characters! I've been planning this one for a while now, so it's nice to have them come together like a super team or something. Basically, they're a select group of absolutely loyal servants to Bowser, some because they work their hardest for Bowser, and others because they worship him. (Hey, Bowser needed a crew with the ship, ok?) They're not going to be major characters, but they'll help Bowsario while they're in Star Hill. And hopefully have been established or will be enough for people to care.

Yes, a boat that's called a xebec. (The actual name of the boat is Sail Ship Bowser, probably.) I picked that since the airship is going to be featured later and was featured early in the story, and because I wanted a boat. There have actually been several types of watercraft in the Mario series, but nothing as major as the aircraft. So, behold, ship terminology and usage! (I thought it could be cool…don't hate too hard.)

While Mario and Bowser are off to Star Hill, we'll be checking in with Peach, Luigi, and friends next time! How will they do, now that Peach is without the scepter? And what exactly awaits them within the Forests? (Spoilers: a fortress! Oho, I'm so clever! …There's more to it than that, honest.) Quick note: I will probably leave the poll up until at least Chapter 30; the voting is tipped in favor of a second pairing, but there are a few against, so I'll give them a fair chance. (Also because I want to see how long I can keep a poll up and going for, oops. And…no one voted on Tumblr, so yeah.) If you haven't voted yet and would like, you can and there's still some time!

That's all for now. Questions, comments, criticisms, and whatever else may be sent through reviews or messages. Feedback actually does feed the story, and I love hearing from you lovely readers, so please let me know what you think! Thank you again for reading!