Hi Everyone... Sorry about this chapter's delay. I had written the 1st half early Jan. but just finished the 2nd set today... Damn you laziness. I'm, also, sorry about last chapter... I thought the strike feature would cross off a few words but they posted normally.
Disclaimer... I don't own King Koopa or Jinx but I wouldn't mind being part of their RPG party one day.
Day 419-
It's been around one month after the race and King Koopa's invited me to dinner every night since. Does that mean he considers me family? Or perhaps it's the same respect a pet gets?
I imagine the Kooplings and his majesty gathered around a table. I wiggle my way beneath it like a dog dodging the swinging clawed toes while begging my dad- I mean master for scraps. The idea makes me laugh each time.
Somehow I managed to hold true to my principles since my king hasn't freed me from his services or asked my name. It takes an enormous amount of will power to turn down his invitation. Dining with my dad- I mean king- is all I wanted and with his kids is just a bonus. Gosh… Why do I keep saying "No"? Principles suck.
Attempting to distract my mind from weighing the pros and cons of the previously written question, I trained 4 times harder sharpening my swordplay. I've increased my speed and stamina impressing Master Jinx from time to time. Unfortunately, my sensei responded by increasing his own attributes. Sometimes our sessions last until King Koopa's dinner ends. Master Jinx is always the victor.
Today he inquired, "Why do you turn down Bowser's dinner invitation" after the goomba left.
"King Koopa hasn't freed me from his services," I answered defending his attacks. "I decided not to accept as long as I'm a slave."
"Perhaps, Bowser plans to free you during dinner," Jinx's words as well as his swordplay countered my feeble attempt at defense.
I hadn't considered that a possibility. "I don't think so," I recovered blocking my sensei's next strike.
"How would you know if you don't go," Jinx performed a technique similar to a Pocket Monster's "Double Team" ability. "I think you should attend."
He sliced me from 3 directions. "It's not fair to the other slaves," I answered blocking a 4th attempt.
"The special treatment Bowser already gives you," Jinx attacked again. "Why would dinner be any different?"
"I don't know," I said backing away defending my sensei's relentless assault. "It just is."
"Throughout history slaves are treated better than others. Some would be considered friends or family if not for the slave title," Jinx rationalized. He continued his attack while increasing its ferocity, "You'll be despised by the other Darklandians and slaves regardless.
"You're human," he swung authoritatively. "You'll never be accepted by the rest of this realm. So why? Why refuse his invitation?"
My heels dug into the dojo's floor involuntarily stopping my retreat. Master Jinx's remark bothered me and I got tired of hearing them. I'll be accepted in the Darklands one day as a person.
I know I've earned King Koopa's respect along with all of his kids, Chef Xander, and Loki's family and that's enough for now.
"Eventually when my king abolishes my forced servitude," I held my ground. "When I truly earn it," I remembered Ed and Bain. They were freed after showing their loyalty to Koopa's crown.
"My king will look me in the eye welcoming me as a proud citizen of the Darklands," I countered Jinx's assault. "And then we'll become real friends!"
I matched my sensei's speed and ferocity sending him on the defensive. "Until, then I don't have the right to sit at his table."
"But why," Master Jinx insisted attacking with full force.
"My pride won't let me," I answered both his question and attack. My sword found its way across my sensei's chest. It was a shallow cut but my 1st victory nevertheless.
Master Jinx backed away with a smile. "Not bad form, intensity or conviction, Footstool. That's all for today."
"Thank you sensei" I bowed calming down.
"I'm going to let King Koopa know your initial training is complete," he stated. "I want you to continue training on your own."
"Yes, Master Jinx," I replied flatly.
"What's wrong, Footstool?"
"Master, there aren't any others skilled at swordplay in the castle," I answered. "How am I to improve without a partner to gauge my progress?"
"Opportunities will present themselves whether directly or indirectly related to your training," Jinx explained reminding me of a creed I followed in boxing. "Remember aspects of your training and new lessons learned are applicable in the passage know as life.
"Plus, I'll stop by from time to time to test your progress," he extended his hand. "Until next we meet my friend."
I returned his gesture. "Goodbye Master Jinx and thank you."
That night King Koopa fell asleep quickly after putting his feet up leaving me to ponder my sensei's philosophies. How would my everyday life aide my swordplay? Should I train Morton to use a sword? Lastly I weighed his opinion on dinner the most. Would King Koopa really free me during a dinner with his kids?
A half smile creased his face erasing that notion. It just wasn't my dad's style. A thought entered my head. Perhaps King Koopa's inviting me to BE dinner? I chuckled recalling several conversations about that plausible scenario. My head made this a long night.
Day 452-
Today during class Master Kamek announced that the next Bowser Day would be in 30 days and dismissed class early. In the mad scramble to find a gift, Morton had no time to spar today. I decided to stop by the kitchen to inform/elaborate Chef Xander on my plan to help King Koopa win Princess Toadstool's heart.
"And I'd have to cook for her," he questioned.
"Yes, Master Xander. It's the same idea as the tables here in the castle," I moved over to the Toadstool table. "The only difference is they would be images of King Koopa."
Xander rubbed the back of his head. "I don't know…"
"Imagine," I crossed the kitchen behind the chef. "King Koopa and Princess Toadstool finally standing side by side." He stared at the location. Stretching my arms around him, I framed the Princess table and space reserved for King Koopa's figure between my thumbs and index fingers like in paper football. "It's what we're striving for."
A smile formed on Xander's lips when he closed his eyes. (He must have been picturing it). Suddenly the smile sagged into a frown. "What if I can't make what she asks for? They use different ingredients in the Mushroom Kingdom."
"I know you can do it. Have you ever eaten your food," I asked. "Besides King Koopa will do everything in his power to help you get it right when he finds out?"
"Finds out," Xander questioned.
"Well of course," I laughed. "It's going to be a surprise present. King Koopa won't know about it until Princess Toadstool opens it." I grinned imagining my king's face when he goes to place an order.
"I don't like that smile," Xander commented concerned.
Hiding the sly grin, I put my hands together and quivered my lower lip. "Pa-pawease Chef Xander. I have the tables done and weady."
"Bwa, ha, ha," Xander burst into laughter. "Stop wiggling your ear." Apparently I haven't gotten any better at begging. "Alright I'll help." At least I didn't have to.
Day 468-
My stubbornness continued prevailing over my desire to join my king for dinner. The most surprising thing about my king's request is that not one of the Kooplings asked about it. Maybe King dad hasn't told them yet but I find it difficult to believe rumors haven't reached them. Oh well whatever the situation I won't say anything incase my king does want it to be a surprise.
I officially finished both my gifts for Bowser day. King Koopa left the master wand in his room and I was able cast the Princess kissing spell again. I'll be able to replace the Bob-omb on his alarm clock.
Getting the little tables completed was a little more difficult. Not because the spell was difficult or anything… I think I was able to cast the food ordering spell on the koopa table but I won't know for sure until Princess Toadstool opens it. (Thank you Master Wand).
But smuggling the tables out of my king's room proved more challenging than expected. Luckily I managed to talk Morton into helping without asking too many questions.
"Whut's dat," Mort asked pushing a cart found at most home improvement stores on Earth.
I had wrapped the figure with some sheets from Xander. "My next Bowser Day present for your dad," I answered seeing his brow raise. "It's a statue of him but," I finished in a whisper "it's a secret."
"Whoa. Can I swee," Mort tugged the fold.
"No," I slapped his hand like a mother disciplining a child. He looked annoyed. "Sorry."
"Hey Bawdy," Morton found a tag. "If t'is is fo' king dad, why is Pwincess Toadstwool's name hon it?"
"How's your retractor system coming," I asked desperate to change the topic.
Mort took the bait. "Havwing Pwobwems wit ta chwains."
"Help me hide this on your dad's battleship and I'll help you work out the kinks with the retractors."
"Dweal."
Thanks to Mort's help, we didn't have any questions on our way to the hanger.
Night 482-
Today started so fantastically. My king leapt out of bed promptly and excitedly. (He woke me up today).
"Footstool," he exclaimed but interrupted himself to order breakfast. "Princess Toadstool, two plates of Yoshi egg dipped French toast, bacon, eggs, and sausage."
"At once my king," she replied.
"Footstool do you know what today is," King Koopa asked handing me a plate of food.
"Your birthday my king," I answered. "Happy Birthday my king."
"Um," King Koopa spoke with his whole plate of food in his mouth. "It's only a half birthday."
I laughed barely making out his sentence. "A birthday nevertheless. Happy Half Birthday, my king."
King Koopa swallowed his breakfast. "Thank you, Footstool. Have fun at school today."
His majesty ran from the room filled with more gusto than I've seen in him for months. I finished eating and set out to class after deciding to replace the Bob-omb figure later.
Master Kamek acted as enthusiastic as King Koopa did. The wizarding turtle bounced on both heels questioning each Koopling about the presents they gotten their father. Ironically, all of them replied with an "I don't know." Either they really didn't get him anything or they didn't want to be out done by one another, I couldn't really tell.
Our professor's happy expression sagged into one of discontent. His once jubilant bounce became a thud of sadness. Could Master Kamek be upset? Why; because the Kooplings didn't say what they gotten their father. The wizard sighed about to return to today's lesson.
"What did you get King Koopa, Master Kamek," I asked. His face lit up once again. I think Master Kamek was just excited about his present.
"A clock," Kamek cheered. "I couldn't believe it when I found it at Darkland markets."
"Wow a clock. King Koopa loves clocks," I cheered.
"I know," Master Kamek replied.
"What's it look like," I asked eagerly.
"It has a tiny fortress with a flag pole and a tiny Bob-omb," Kamek described giddily.
"Wish I thought of a clock," I mumbled worrying about my gift today. "Can I see it?"
The wizard wagged one of his digits at me. "Now, now, a general descriptions all you need Footstool."
"Fine," I pouted hoping King Koopa won't replace my clock with Master Kamek's.
"Since today's a special day, we'll dismiss class at noon today," Kamek said returning to his lesson.
After class Morton walked me to King Koopa's room. He looked nervous chewing one of his claws.
"Is everything alright, Mort?"
"Bawdy, I dwon't know whut ta give king dad," Morton said. "Whut you get'em?"
"A figurine," I told Mort since he seems too forgotten about the table.
"W'ere yo' buy d'at?"
"I made it," I said drawing a weird look from Mort. I couldn't believe I was having this conversation with him again. "I don't have any money Mort. I have to make King Koopa's gifts. Remember the Princess figure Master Kamek broke last Bowser Day?" He nodded. "I fixed it and want to surprise your dad tomorrow."
Mort frowned, "I won't be abwill ta top d'at."
"My advice…" the turtle looked intently at me. "Give him something sentimental or homemade." His attentive stare transformed into a vacant one. "Like Wendy's ballet or Ludwig's symphonies."
"Aw Bawdy they w'ere cowney," he countered.
"Yeah but they meant allot to your dad," I replied. "You spar with him. Maybe he said something just between you two?"
Morton raised his clawed hand to his chin. "Maybe," he whispered recalling a private memory. "I cwould give'em my wevised hewhoa essay. It was abwout'em."
"That sounds perfect," I smiled.
"Bwah, wast weswart," Mort turned a bit sheepish. "Bawdy come spa wit me and whe'll see if I can t'ink of sumtin' bwetter."
"Okay," I answered deciding to make the switch later.
We ended training early today so Mort could get ready for dinner. It made sense since we had an early start anyway. If Mort came up with any other ideas for King Koopa's gift, he hadn't told me.
'Yep today was a great day' I thought getting ready to make the figure exchange when I entered my room. To my surprise, King Koopa was present pacing beside his princess table. I knew I shouldn't be surprised. It is his room after all but when I see my king here before me it leaves me pondering why? (I guess I'll have to hold off finishing his gift).
"About time Footstool," King Koopa grumbled impatiently. "I've been waiting all day."
"Good afternoon my king. Is everything okay," I asked concerned by his demeanor.
"Fine."
"I'm happy to hear sire," I got to work. "Would you like to rest your feet for a spell?" King Koopa obliged. After settling in, I asked, "How's your birthday so far?"
"Terrific," he answered stretching.
"Um… My king," I started becoming unnerved by his one word answers. Clearly my king has something nagging on his mind. "Are you sure you're okay?"
King Koopa rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah," he replied with another one word response. I continued staring intently at him, implying that I wouldn't let the conversation end there. "I'm just trying to figure out how to ask…"
"Ask what, sire," I inquired further when he trailed off.
King Koopa's arm tucked into his shell then reemerged holding a piece of paper. His eyes ran across the sheet before he set it down, took a deep breath then said in one breath. "Footstool, I respectfully request your presence at dinner tonight."
"M-My king," I stammered from the shock of a personal invitation from him. How can I say "No" to my king to his face on his birthday? "Are you sure sire? What would the other servants-."
"Don't care," King Koopa interrupted. "They're not invited."
I blushed. Ever since the first invitation, I said "no" but now my king invited me. He invited me to spend Bowser Day once before but I had said "No" then too but that's because I was helping Wendy. Today I don't have anything or anyone else to help. In fact I was planning to eat alone and wait up until my king returned tonight anyway.
'Maybe he's waiting to free you during dinner' Master Jinx's voice entered my head. It's possible. Would my king do that? Am I that important to him? The thoughts caused my whole body to blush.
"Footstool, you're burning my feet," my king said removing his heels.
"Sorry my king," feeling myself growing darker. I guess the spell on my shell reacts to my emotions too. I never knew that before.
King Koopa stood up. "Never mind that. Are you coming or not?"
"Yes," my mouth responded by itself. "I'd be honored to dine in your company today my king."
A grin creased his whole jaw. "Of course you would," he snorted turning toward his changing screen. I watched the reptile lift the paper to his lips.
"Sire, what is that," I asked looking at his hand.
"My present from Morton Jr.," he beamed. "It's his hero essay. He wrote it a while back."
I smirked. So I guess Mort couldn't think of anything else after all. "May I hear it," I asked widening to a full smile.
"Very well Footstool," King Koopa sat down. He put his feet up and cleared his throat. "My Hero by Morton Koopa Jr." King Koopa grinned pre-reading the first line. "My hero is my king, Bowser Koopa, ruler of the Darklands. His excellence has many qualities…"
I smiled. It was my essay! MY ESSAY! Morton had copied it word for word from the qualities "of strength, confidence, and a heart of gold" to "decisions that affect bonds, subordinates" and even ending with "being a slave" and "those qualities making King Koopa feel more like a father."
King Koopa looked up proudly after reading.
"Um," I struggled trying to contain my laughter. "H-How'd Morton do on the assignment?"
"100 Starmen," he replied proudly. I felt my face crack a little. "He said the assignment called for 1000 words but he said its only 700 because he didn't need anymore."
I laughed. Oh why did I laugh?
"What's so funny footstool," King Koopa asked. Unfortunately, the tone of the question was overwritten by my laughter. Oh why did I laugh? My king's eyes narrowed on me.
"What," he growled. "Does the idea of one of my children considering me a hero seem ridiculous to you?"
"No, sire," attempting to muffle my amusement. "It's that," I paused trying not to completely destroy my king's happy feelings. I mean his son did finally call him a hero. "I didn't know Morton had a sentimental side-."
"That's Prince Morton Koopa Jr. to you," King Koopa growled interrupting me. His temper continued to climb. "And how dare you LIE TO ME!"
"I didn't."
"I KNOW YOUR TELL," King Koopa yelled bouncing to his feet while pinning me to the ground under his left foot. "You think my SON isn't smart enough to write a piece like this!"
"Sire, you misunder-."
"Now, I'm STUPID," his rage continued boiling over. My words were swallowed by his. "HOW DARE AN INSOLENT WORM LIKE YOU SPEAK TO ME IN SUCH A MANNER!?"
I felt his foot press down and heard my shell start cracking under the pressure. "MORTON TOOK THE TIME TO CONSIDER HIS FEELINGS ABOUT HIS FATHER!"
"Sire," I screamed instinctually trying to escape from underfoot.
"THE PATIENCE TO TRANSFER FEELINGS INTO WORDS AND EXPRESS THEM," his rant continued while pressing down harder. The outward curve of my shell caved inward digging into my spine.
"Sire," I cried out. "Please!"
"AND YOU CALL HIM STUPID!"
King Koopa's rage along with my fear climaxed when I felt large points press into my skull. Realizing the jagged points digging into my head were his teeth when his hot breath hit the top of my head.
"Ow, ow, MASTER PLEASE," I begged.
"YOU ARE A SLAVE. DO NOT THINK FOR A SECOND YOU'RE NOT EDIBLE," King Koopa growled clearly despite having my head in his mouth. His jaw closed a millimeter together.
"Ow," I screamed as his teeth pierced my skin. The warmth of my blood mixed with his salvia racing down my cheeks. My eyes closed. "I'm sorry my KING! I shouldn't have laughed at Prince Morton's essay. I wish I had chosen a better topic!"
I felt King Koopa's jaw loosen slightly. "What did you write about?" His rage diminished a bit. My words must have alleviated some anger but I was still in his mouth.
"Nothing," I answered. I felt his jaw tighten again. "M- my father."
Almost instantly I was freed from both his mouth and foot. "Your father? I'd like to read it," King Koopa said as if nothing happened. He collapsed back into his chair.
"I- I don't have it my king," I replied truthfully lying in a heap. "I-I failed th- t-the assignment and f-flushed it down the toilet," I stammered. I doubt King Koopa would see my tell this time. I was a mess. Given what happened… Who wouldn't?
Looking timidly toward my king, I saw him studying me. I could barely look him in the eye. "Too bad," King Koopa commented after his examination. I couldn't tell if he believed me or was giving me a pass.
My king turned toward his bed and rose. "Listen Footstool. You're uninvited from dinner tonight and I want to hear more about your father when I return."
"Y-Yes, my king," I answered. King Koopa must have excused me because I couldn't stop trembling.
When King Koopa disappeared into the hall, I removed my clothes including the collapsed shell and entered the shower. I curled into a ball and cried under the water.
The nostalgia of this world ended and my ignorance wore off. For the first time since coming to Darklands, I am afraid of King Koopa and I "want to go home. I want my mommy." I cried into the water.
Oh today started so great. What happened?