nintendoscript15

I've been wanting to give Bowser more depth for awhile, so it's great that I finally got the chance to do it! Aster's actions in that scene traumatized Bowser, and made him swear to not show fear or weakness around his enemies or people ever again. This is why he has a galaxy-sized ego.

breath20k

There's more…

SleepingBeautyRocks

Can you blame him for being angry though? He killed a bunch of his people and emotionally beat him up. All he wants is revenge.

LiamTheYoshi

I guess you could choose to compare Aster to Shadow in this regard. Though Shadow did have an alliance with the Big Bad Eggman when they first met. While Aster and Bowser hated each other from the start. Which I guess would make them more like foils in that regard.

I don't think he'd want to tell anyone what he did. He wants to forget it ever happened in the first place and move on. Heck, he didn't even remember it until Bowser did. Plus, why risk ruining his new friendship with Mario, or his recently reunited relationship with Rosalina?

Let's face it, with how much she's gotten kidnapped, Peach was bound to completely lose her cool at some point.

StarlitDuck

Ah, yes. It'll be special alright!

KazamaFam2006

Bowser: I don't know who this "Frieza" is, but DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!

FairyTalePrincess16

Yeah. I understand why you have your limits when it comes to the length of a chapter.

Thank you! I took this opportunity to give Bowser some more depth, sympathy, and induce LOTS of drama! You couldn't imagine how much fun I had writing it. After Alpha Pandora, I've gotten more comfortable writing scenes like this.

Before we begin today's chapter, I've got a special guest here today who has a message to deliver. Introducing… STAAAAAAAAAAAAARLITDUCK!

*audience claps*

StarlitDuck: I know what you're thinking; what? StarlitDuck? In mariobroultimate's story? Well, yeah. This is because I volunteered to write this chapter for him, as it is kind of a filler chapter. I hope you all enjoy! :)

Chapter 25: A Little Break

[BGM: To the Observatory Grounds 1 - Super Mario Galaxy]

The Grand Star led Mario and Aster through the great cosmos. Mario had to admit that following behind it was a special treat. It sparkled and shone, similar to a beacon. When he thought about it, it kind of was a beacon; guiding him and Aster along as they flew back to the Comet Observatory.

Speaking of the Comet Observatory, Mario could spot it on the horizon. It was growing bigger and bigger the closer he and Aster got to it. While he had noticed it before, now the fact that some parts of it were black really bothered him. It was as if those parts of the Observatory had died and were slowly withering away. Mario felt a void grow in his stomach just looking at those parts of the Observatory. However, they melted away when he saw that the Grand Star was growing brighter. If what happened the last time they achieved a Grand Star was any indication, they were bound to open up a new dome sometime soon. Mario felt himself tingle with anticipation just thinking about that fact.

When Mario and Aster got to the Observatory, they circled around it a few times. This allowed him to see Rosalina, Alex, the toads, and the lumas down below. The lumas cheered as they came whooshing in with the Grand Star. Alex also waved at them, as did Rosalina. Mario smiled and waved back just as their feet settled down on the ground.

Everyone watched as the Grand Star twirled around in the air, as if it too were happy to be at the Observatory. Then, it zipped right toward the beacon. Once it made contact and was absorbed into the beacon, the beacon grew brighter, now emitting a nice green glow. Mario watched in awe as the right hand side of the Observatory came back to life. For the most part, its floor was made out of red velvet. A wall made out of bookshelves rested right next to a tower made out of tables, draped in green tablecloths. At the top of the tower was another dome, this one constructed from red bricks. It reminded Mario of some cottages he read about in fairytales. He grinned as he saw the doorway open up to the dome.

They just completed another mission.

[BGM: Rosalina in the Observatory 2 - Super Mario Galaxy]

Rosalina smiled at them, her turquoise eyes glittering like the cosmic expanse. "The kitchen dome is up and running again, and the beacon is continuing to grow brighter." She looked at Mario. "If you keep up with collecting these power stars, we'll be able to save your special one in no time."

Mario felt as if an arrow shot by cupid had punctured his heart. Peach. Oh sweet Peach. He would save her. He would make sure she was safe.

"That's great. Thank you."

Rosalina nodded just as Alex came over. He wore a timid little look, one that was quite unremitting of the plucky little boy that Mario knew and loved. Mario furrowed his brow in concern. He was just about to say something, but Aster beat him to it.

"You doing okay, kid?"

Alex directed his attention down toward the ground. He held his hands behind his back and seemed to whimper a little bit. "Yeah," he said in a soft voice. "I'm fine."

Mario felt a pang. This was not the Alex that he knew. Alex was happy, Alex was adventurous. If he was acting this way, that surely meant that his time as Alpha Pandora had a bigger impact on him than Mario originally thought.

With this thought in mind, Mario took a step forward. "Alex, it's okay! You aren't that horrible monster anymore. You can't do anyone any harm anymore, so you don't have to worry about your time as Alpha Pandora! It was all…"

Before he could finish his sentence, Alex burst into tears. Rosalina went over and hugged him, allowing him to bury his face in her cosmic teal dress.

Aster shot Mario a glare. "Mario, that was inappropriate."

"Inappropriate?" Mario asked, doing his best to hide the hurt in his voice. "But...I was just trying to help!"

"I understand that. But next time you try to help, why don't you try using a little something called tact!"

Mario felt as if he had been stabbed. He stared into Aster's scowling face. He was about to say something to object, to argue, to do anything. However, right before he could, he heard Alex sniffle. He looked over and saw that the young boy still was shaking, clinging to Rosalina as if she were a life preserver.

He sighed. "I'm sorry." He approached Alex. "I did not mean to cause you any harm, mi amico."

"I...I know," Alex said. The hurt in his voice was still there. Sure, it had lessened, but it was still there. Mario felt as if he himself was going to burst into tears.

Thankfully, before he could, Rosalina came to his rescue by clearing her throat. "You know what I think would be a good idea?"

Mario turned toward her. "What?"

Rosalina smiled. "Since the Kitchen Dome has opened back up, what do you say we prepare a nice dinner for everyone? That ought to help relieve our stress."

Mario perked up. Dinner? He loved dinner! Oh, he wondered if lasagna was going to be involved in any capacity! He hoped so, as that was his favorite dish of all time. Next to spaghetti, of course.

"That sounds awesome! That will give all of us amicos a chance to bond and talk!"

Aster smiled. "That does sound like a good idea, Rosie." He laughed. "Especially considering that I haven't had a taste of your cooking in centuries."

Rosalina chuckled. "Well, that just gives me all the more reason to do my absolute best." She turned toward the kitchen dome. "Mario, Alex, why don't you guys come with me so we can decide on the menu?"

Mario nodded gleefully. He gently took Alex's hand and followed Rosalina to the kitchen dome.

Aster watched as Alex and Mario followed Rosalina with his hands in his pockets. The idea of food was extra appealing to him. For the past who knows how, he had been existing on a diet of starbits. As much as he loved starbits, he had to admit that he was getting pretty sick of them. He wanted to have a real meal. He wanted to have a real, substantial meal, something that could fill his belly and fatten him like a calf.

However, he wouldn't dare step into the kitchen dome until the meal was all set. The reason being was because he was a terrible cook. Really terrible, enough to make even the most dedicated of foodies throw up in their mouths. No, it would just be better to let Rosie do all the cooking, and not let his complete lack of talent completely ruin everything.

So, with this last final sentiment, Aster made his way over to the Terrace. Once he got there, he took off his shoes and allowed the grass to tickle his feet. He took in a deep breath, taking in the smell of the mown lawn. It was so nostalgic. It reminded him of his original home, back in the Mushroom World. The grass there had been so tall that it reached all the way up to his waist. He remembered when he first started dating Rosalina, he would often joke that if the grass got any taller, he would look like an ant.

Recalling those memories made him chuckle. Those were the days. That was the time where he didn't have a care in the world, where he and Rosalina didn't have to worry about anything or anyone. Oh, how he wished he could get those days back.

But alas, some things would only be possible if a miracle were to occur.

Aster sighed, put his shoes back on, and made his way over to the library. Now that that part of the Observatory was open again, he was allowed to enter the library, which was a benefit to him as there was something that he wanted to research. As he passed by the library's door, he heard laughter coming from the kitchen dome. He looked up and smiled when he saw that Mario was welcoming a bunch of lumas into the dome, promising them a feast to end all feasts.

[BGM: Luma - Super Mario Galaxy]

Mario really was something else. That was something that Aster had often thought about during their time out adventuring. There was something so...genuine about him. Well, sure, he was also naive, which would ultimately be a big problem if not handled correctly. But at the same time, he was also so...happy. Hopeful was a word that Aster could apply to the moustached plumber as well. He was just so optimistic that it honestly made Aster think back to the days when he was young. He would often approach situations head on, just like Mario did. He would go into even the most dangerous of situations, knowing...no, believing that he would come out on the other side without a scratch. Oftentimes, those beliefs had paid off.

Unfortunately, there had been a time where Aster's beliefs had failed him, and failed him hard. He shook his head and cringed as he recalled the pain he had experienced over the last few centuries. Away from Rosalina, away from the Observatory, away from his home. He had made a promise to himself in the past that he would experience no such pain ever again, and that no one should have to experience what he had.

Perhaps, then, it was an absolute miracle that Aster had decided to go fight Bowser by himself. It was a risky move, to be sure. After all, he had put his life on the line by facing the evil Koopa. And yet...he did it anyway. Perhaps Mario really brought out the best in him.

With this thought in mind, Aster smiled and entered the library.

[BGM end]

[BGM: Library - Super Mario Galaxy]

"Someone's in the kitchen with Rosie, someone's in the kitchen I know-oh-oh-oh-oh…"

Mario put on a cheery grin as he sang a song. The purpose of it was twofold. Not only would it entertain the lumas, but it would also be an attempt at trying to cheer up Alex. The first part of that motive was accomplished successfully, as the lumas bounced and danced around to the tune of Mario's Italian voice.

Unfortunately, the second part of Mario's motive wasn't panning out so well. For the most part, Alex just kept his head to the ground and his hands in his pockets. He looked terrified, almost as if he were reliving his time as AP. Every time one of the lumas came up to him in order to get him to taste test the ingredients, he would do so with a solemn mood. This hurt Mario more than any tussle with AP ever did.

"Okay," Rosalina said, "the soup is on the stove, and I have the lasagna in the oven, as per your request Mario."

Mario licked his lips. "Good! Very good."

Rosalina nodded and turned back to Alex and the lumas. "Say, now that everything is all set, how about you guys go play with Alex and Mario?"

"Sure, Momma!" The lumas exclaimed in unison. They tugged on Mario's finger, trying to bring him out of the kitchen dome. "Come on, come on!"

"Okay okay, I'm coming; don't worry!" Mario said as he laughed. He turned toward Alex. "you coming, Little Buddy?"

Alex hesitated before nodding his head. "Yeah, I am."

Once again, Mario felt a pang. He was about to say something, but then he remembered the scolding that Aster had given to him the first time he had tried to cheer Alex up. So, he sealed his lips and allowed the lumas to guide him out of the dome.

[BGM end]

"Why don't we play Comet Comet Galaxy!" a blue luma exclaimed once they were back at the front of the Observatory. "I can be the Galaxy!"

The Toad Brigade looked confused. As did Mario and Alex.

Mario raised an eyebrow. "What's Comet Comet Galaxy?"

The lumas stared at him in awe. "You don't have Comet Comet Galaxy where you're from?" When Mario shook his head, they laughed. "Oh Mama, we really need to teach you! Get in a circle, okay!"

Mario and Alex preceded to sit down. Once the game began, it became apparent to Mario that Comet Comet Galaxy was really Duck Duck Goose. The luma tapped him on the head once he made his way around, and bolted around the circle once he claimed that a little pink luma was the goose/galaxy. The little pink luma laughed once it was their turn to go around the outside of the circle.

"Comet….comet….comet….comet….comet…." the luma stopped over Alex and, as quick as a flash of lighting, tapped him on the head and shouted "GALAXY!"

Alex's eyes grew wide in surprise. He bolted to his feet and stared at the luma, who was waving his behind at him.

"Na na na na na, you can't catch me!" the luma exclaimed right before blowing a raspberry at Alex.

For the first time in a while, Alex actually smiled. "Is that a challenge?"

With that, he bolted after the luma. The luma squealed in delight as Alex chased him around the circle. When the luma sat back down, Alex was more or less holding his sides and laughing up a storm.

"I win! I win!" The luma exclaimed.

"Yeah," Alex said as he chortled. "I guess now I'm the Galaxy!" He chuckled. "I always wondered what it would be like to be an entire Galaxy."

Mario and the lumas laughed at Alex's joke.

"Actually," a little orange luma said, "if we're fed enough star bits, lumas can turn into Galaxies!"

Alex's eyes grew wide. "Are you serious?" When the luma nodded, he smiled. "Huh. That's pretty neat." He chuckled. "See, if I eat too much, I just get sick."

The lumas and toads chuckled, as did Mario himself. He was glad to see that Alex was starting to break out of his shell. Really, a shell wasn't a great place to be, at least not forever. How could you experience life while in a shell? How could you do anything?

Anyway, the lot of them played Comet Comet Galaxy for a few more rounds. By the time that Rosalina called out to them, they were all exhausted. Mario could barely lug himself up to the kitchen dome; he was covered in sweat and panting like a dog.

"I feel like I've just got finished with a tennis match," Mario wheezed.

"Yeah. Tell me about it," Alex replied.

Mario nodded just as he and Alex passed by the library's door. Mario was almost run over by Aster as he was coming out of the room. He fell to the floor like a sack of potatoes.

"Oh!" Mario exclaimed as he tried to pick himself back up. "I'm so sorry, Aster; I wasn't looking!"

Aster chuckled. "I'm the one who runs into you and you're apologizing to me?" He held out his hand. "Here."

Mario took Aster's hand and rose to his feet. "Thank you." He let out a breath and wiped the dust off of his front. "What were you doing in there, anyway?"

"Oh, nothing," Aster said. "Just checking out some old books. Including the one I told you about the other night." he cleared his throat. "Come on; we don't want to keep Rosie waiting."

With that, they climbed their way up to the kitchen dome, a task that was egregious given how tuckered out Mario and Alex were. Nevertheless, they managed to get up there with Aster's help. They were immediately greeted by a pleasing smell wafting from the doorway and the sight of chicken soup, garlic bread, garden salad, and, of course, lasagna. Mario felt as if he would swoon just staring at the food.

"This looks amazing, Rosalina!" Mario exclaimed as his mouth watered.

Rosalina blushed. "Thank you." She took a seat, which prompted the gentlemen and the lumas to do the same. She turned toward Aster. "Would you like to say grace?"

Aster looked taken aback, but eventually nodded. "Yes of course." He folded his hands, closed his eyes, and bowsed his head, [prompting everyone else to do the same. "Dear kind, gracious, loving Grambi, thank you so much for this opportunity to gather around the table with old friends and new. Thank you for helping us to rescuing Alex from the clutches of the Topman Tribe, and thank you for bringing us all together. Bless this food we are about to eat as well as the hands that made it. In your Heavenly name we pray, Amen."

"Amen," everyone echoed. Mario smiled at Aster as Rosalina started dishing his plate. "That was beautiful,"

[BGM: Library - Super Mario Galaxy]

"Well," Aster said. "Grambi really has been good to us."

"That he has," said Rosalina. "Mario, will you pass me your plate?"

Mario did just that. As Rosalina gave him an extra helping of lasagna, he smiled wistfully. "I really wish Luigi and Leah were here to enjoy this."

Alex nodded. "I do too." he looked up at the pull star near the ceiling. "Do you think we'll find them in the next dome?"

Aster hesitated. "I hope so," he finally said. "I hope so."

[BGM end]

Special thanks to StarlitDuck for her hard work on this. You really saved me a bit of a hassle, and I can tell you had fun writing this!