AN: So, here's the last chapter. Before I start, I'd like to bring up something that's been on my mind recently. WTF is that Mario movie cast?! Seriously! Chris Pratt as Mario?! Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong?! JACK BLACK AS BOWSER?! What is this world we're living in?! I'm not automatically thinking the movie is going to be garbage because of the voice cast, don't think that for a moment. It's just...what?! I've always heard how video game movies have a tendency to be terrible, but this...I'm filled with too much curiosity to stay away from it. When the movie comes out next year, I'll be seeing it. I don't care if reviews would end up saying it's garbage, this collection of actors is just too insane for me not to see them all in action. Anyway, final chapter of Six Koopalings For One Guest. A reminder that Bowser, BJ, the Koopalings, and Kamek belong to Nintendo. Stevie is my own OC. Enjoy!

Ch 4: The Final Two Days

Stevie is once again walking with Wendy to the dining room for breakfast. 'The only one of Wendy's brothers to have not confessed yet is Ludwig. Wonder what he'll do. For that matter, how will I even go about choosing between six suitors? Six?! How does something like this even happen?!' Entering the dining room, Stevie sees that most of the others are already there in their chairs. Once she takes her seat (Morton pulled the chair out for her this time), she falls back into thought. 'Wouldn't it be cruel turning down so many like that? Dating one of those guys in front of all his brothers would just be heartless towards them. Should I…try to get out of it?'

Bowser comes in, sits down, reads a note left for him, then looks up at everybody. "Let's dig in."

"Ludwig's not here," Morton points out.

"He's not joining us. He left this note explaining that he's busy. He already had someone bring his food up to his room."

"Typical," says Iggy. "Holed up in there prepping for a performance."

"He didn't reserve a time on the stage," Lemmy reveals. "I always try to keep up to date on the schedule for it."

Roy groans. "That means he'll be putting us to sleep with that damn piano."

"Hey," Larry says with a frown. "Some of Ludwig's stuff has been pretty cool."

"Exactly," Iggy agrees with his younger brother. "I have a few recordings he gave me on in the background sometimes when I'm working."

"And I use a few for some of my performances," Lemmy adds in.

Roy chuckles. "Well, you guys are nerds."

Just as the four start to get into a full blown argument, Bowser stands up. "ENOUGH!" He lets silence fill the room for a few seconds. "The staff shouldn't have to be forced to clean up another mess after the Table Helper incident."

"We didn't start a food fight," Larry points out.

"I know you guys. You were going to in the next few seconds. Just stop it."

"Aww," BJ complains. "That would have been so much fun to see."

Bowser gives the young prince a flick to the forehead before sitting back down.

Lemmy turns to his twin. "How is the new Table Helper coming along?"

Iggy smiles. "Progress is good. It should be ready for tomorrow's breakfast. The perfect way to send off Stevie when she heads back home."

Stevie frowns to herself. 'Will I even be there?'

The rest of breakfast goes by with general chatter. Once they're all full, everyone begins to discuss what to do while they wait for Ludwig to call them for his performance.

The door opens, revealing a Shy Guy. "Master Ludwig wishes for everybody to join him in the family room."

"That was quick," says BJ.

"Let's just get this over with," Roy complains with a groan.

"Don't be like that," Larry says to his older brother.

"Most of us are actually looking forward to this," says Iggy.

The group heads for the chosen room.

Ludwig is waiting by a piano that he had brought down from his bedroom. He's standing stiff and straight as a board (by Koopa standards) while waiting for everybody to take their seats (or lean against the wall in Roy's case). "Thank you all for coming. Today, I shall unveil to you my latest composition."

"Get on with it!" Roy groans out.

"Shut up, Roy!" shouts Larry.

Ludwig takes a calming breath. "I hope you all enjoy what you hear…despite some here not appreciating quality sound."

"I'm rock and roll through and through," Roy says with a smug grin.

"There are other genres out there," Lemmy says to the sunglasses wearing Koopaling.

"You might find other things you like if you give them a chance," says Iggy.

"Not everyone has the same tastes as you, Roy," Wendy points out.

"Yeah," Morton agrees with her. "So, just be quiet and listen."

Before Roy can make a loud outburst in response, Bowser sends him a glare that subdues him.

"Go on, Dude," BJ says to Ludwig. "Play."

The eldest Koopaling sits down at his piano and plays a few practice notes as a warm up. Then, he looks to their guest. "Stevie…I dedicate this song to you."

If anything could make Roy pay attention along with the rest, it would be that. Like all of his younger brothers, he finds this to be an unfair advantage in attempting to win over Stevie.

Wendy grins to herself. 'Even without having played yet, I think Ludwig has won.'

Stevie is just staring in shock after Ludwig's announcement.

The eldest Koopaling pushes down on the piano keys, beginning his performance. 'Hear my thoughts, Stevie. Hear the promises my heart makes through this song. I shall do everything in my power to always have you smile at me.'

As the song progresses, Stevie's eyes well up with tears. She can hear all of the promises like Ludwig had hoped for. Devotion, invitations to view his songwriting process, dances by the moonlight, and so much more. It all makes her body start shaking.

Wendy smiles. 'I believe this is assured victory.'

The brothers are stewing in jealousy over what their eldest brother has achieved. They all can do many things, but writing a song for Stevie of that quality (in days at that) is something the rest of them just can't do.

When Ludwig finishes, he receives the expected enthusiastic clapping and cheering from Bowser, BJ, and Wendy. The glares from all his younger brothers as they reluctantly clap strokes at the eldest Koopaling's ego. Seeing Stevie wipe away tears and get up, Ludwig stands ready to finally say the words he has wanted to say.

"That was beautiful," the white haired Koopa says in a quiet voice.

"Thank you." Ludwig gently takes Stevie's hand. "I know this will be quite sudden, but I have fallen for you. Your beauty and kindness were great inspiration for this song. I wish for a relationship with you. I may have an overdeveloped sense of what is proper and a near obsession with control, but I would do all that I can to make you a happy woman. Could I be someone you would consider as a partner in life?"

"I'll have an answer before I leave tomorrow," Stevie automatically says to Ludwig.

The eldest Koopaling nods before bending down to kiss her hand. "If you and everybody else will excuse me, I need to have a word with Kamek." Ludwig exits the room.

Wendy walks over to Stevie with a big grin. "Romantic, wasn't it?"

The other girl nods, but she doesn't want to stay on this subject. "Hey, Wendy? Why is it that everyone's going to Kamek?"

"Well, he's King Dad's advisor. He has lots of wisdom."

"Why haven't I seen him around?"

This question takes everyone by surprise.

"You don't know?" asks BJ.

"Should I?" Stevies asks feeling worried by that tone.

"Guess Wendy forgot to mention it in her letters or whatever," says Roy.

"What?"

Bowser runs a clawed hand through his hair. "Kamek's dying."

Stevie gasps. "Oh. I'm so sorry."

"It's just the way it is."

Iggy adjusts his glasses. "Magikoopas can live for a long time, but they are not immortal by any means."

"Kamek's bedridden," Morton reveals.

"We don't know how long he has," says Larry.

"King Dad's father died before he could even know him," says Lemmy. "Left Kamek in charge of raising him."

This makes Stevie realize something that makes the situation much worse. 'Kamek is the closest thing to a dad King Bowser has.'

Wendy pats her friend on the shoulder. "Want to do something?"

"Actually, I could use some time to myself. Excuse me." Stevie leaves the room.

Gradually, most of the others head off to do their own things until Bowser and BJ are the only ones left.

"You okay, Dad?' asks the young prince.

"I'm fine," the older Koopa says rather unconvincingly.

"I'll admit, as a little kid, I didn't appreciate Kamek at all. Actually, I was too much of a brat to appreciate most things. Don't say I wasn't a brat, Dad. I was one. Now, I can admit that Kamek was basically a grandpa for me. I'll miss him when…it happens."

Bowser smiles. "Glad to know you care, Son.'

BJ nods with his own smile, but it soon vanishes. "So…about Stevie."

"What about her?"

"Do you think she'll go through with it?"

Bowser thinks on this. "Hmm. I could tell she was panicking while Ludwig confessed to her. So, bailing out and sneaking away without giving an answer does seem more likely now."

"Shouldn't we stop her?"

"That would probably make things worse. We don't know she'll do that either. Let's just wait and see what happens."

BJ sighs. "This is one time I'd be glad not to win a bet if it means that the guys won't get royally screwed over."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Bowser snorts. "You haven't won that many bets yet, Kiddo."

"Ever since I hit puberty, I've been catching up, Old Man."

"Old Man? I'll have you know I'm still the stud of Peach's dreams."

BJ rolls his eyes. 'Definitely senile like an old man.'

Later…

Ludwig is walking from Kamek's room, but he's not returning to his own room. Instead, he knocks on another bedroom door. "Stevie? Are you in there?"

A clutter can be heard on the other side before the door opens enough for Stevie's face to peek through. "Oh. Hi, Ludwig. What brings you here?"

"Kamek sent me. He wanted me to tell you he wishes to speak with you."

"Really? Um…alright. Show me the way please?"

"Of course."

Stevie opens the door just enough for her to slip through.

Despite these efforts, Ludwig gets a peek inside the room. He notices an open suitcase is on the bed. 'Stevie doesn't leave until tomorrow. Why is she already packing?' That question is running through his mind as he leads Stevie to a tower staircase. "Kamek's room is at the top of these stairs. He wishes to speak with you in private."

"Okay." Stevie starts climbing the stairs.

Ludwig walks away until he's out of earshot, then he goes into a sprint. 'I must warn my brothers what's happening!'

Stevie is going up the spiral staircase…the long spiral staircase. 'Of course a Magikoopa would have his room at the top of a tall tower. When I get home, I'm exercising more.' Once she finally reaches the top of the stairs, the female Koopa takes a few breaths before knocking on the bedroom door.

"Come in," a raspy voice responds.

Entering, Stevie finds herself in a room that clearly had once doubled as both a study and a bedroom. However, she sees a layer of dust is on the desk and a few books on the shelves that suggests the study part hasn't been done in some time. A scepter hanging from a nearby wall, the item also having dust on it.

Lying propped up in a bed reading a large book is a frail looking Magikoopa. He holds a hand up to his visitor as his bespectacled eyes read over the last few words in his book. Soon, he shuts it and looks up. "Hello, Stevie. I am Kamek."

"It's nice to meet you."

"Forgive me, but would you mind putting this book back on the shelf?"

"Okay." Stevie grabs the admittedly heavy book and places it back in its slot.

"I'm also planning take a nap after we speak. Would you take some of these pillows and place them at the foot of the bed?"

"Of course." Stevie does as asked.

"Thank you. I'm surprised that you didn't question why I wouldn't simply use my magic to move everything."

"I didn't even think about that. I simply helped because you asked for it."

"How nice. Just so you know, my condition has taken away most of my abilities. I can't even move a thimble at this point."

"Oh. Are you close?"

"To my death?" Kamek chuckles at the sight of Stevie's disturbed expression. "I am not cowering away from the inevitable. It's pointless to do otherwise. Anyway, my time hasn't quite come yet, but it's fast approaching. Faster than I'd like, but what can I do at this point?" Coughs come out of the Magikoopa's throat. He looks up after he's done to see that Stevie is standing by him with one hand on his back and the other on his shoulder. "Thank you, but there's nothing for you to do to really help me."

Stevie backs away. "I feel so sad for King Bowser."

"He'll find another advisor. He's already testing out new candidates."

"No. I mean he'll be losing his dad."

Kamek turns his head to stare at Stevie. "I think you've misjudged how close we are."

"Lemmy told me what happened to the king's father. He died before King Bowser could even know him. So, who tucked the king into bed when he was a child?"

"Well…"

"Who took care of him when he was hurt?"

"I mean…"

"Who made him feel better when he was upset?"

"Stevie…"

"Face it, Kamek. Whatever your official status is, in Bowser's mind, you're his dad."

The Magikoopa stares at the girl for a bit, then he removes his glasses and wipes his eyes. "I'm guessing you're aware of a certain thing that King Bowser has done on a regular basis."

Stevie sighs. "I've tried not thinking about it while I'm here, but yes. I know about how he constantly takes Princess Peach hostage and that the plumber known as Mario saves her."

"If it disgusts you, why did you bother coming?"

"Wendy seemed so nice during our correspondence and I don't have any real friends back home. A part of me was also curious to see what they were all actually like."

"And? What's your take?"

Stevie lets a smile appear on her face. "Everyone is so…nice. They all clearly love each other and care deeply, even Roy. Bowser is a stern but loving father to all of them even when the majority aren't even his by blood. It shocks me that this is the same guy who kidnaps a princess all the time."

Kamek sighs. "As a child, King Bowser was spoiled. I let myself indulge each and every single demand that he placed on me. It was exhausting and sometimes distressing, but I lacked a backbone to speak against it. Then, he met Morton Koopa, the future father of the Koopalings. I thought him to be a bad influence on Bowser at first, but then I realized that the friendship those two developed had actually mellowed out some of the king's worst tendencies. Then, Ilse Koopa came along. Morton was smitten. When she had to move away, the boy followed after her. This made Bowser feel betrayed and he acted out in many ways. I feared what would happen because of it as the years passed, but they were eventually put to rest. The King met his future wife."

Stevie lightly gasps. "BJ's mother."

"Yes. She was incredibly sassy and didn't take any of Bowser's posturing lying down. If his ego ever became a little too inflated, she'd deflate him instantly with a snarky comment. I've never seen Bowser as in love as he was with her. Their marriage was a day of celebration for the entire kingdom. Within a few years, Bowser Jr was conceived and his egg laid. However, to the shock of all, the queen became ill quite suddenly and passed almost as quickly. Bowser was just so destroyed by her death, he could barely interact with his own son. I ended up being the one to take care of the young prince while his father spiraled downward into a depression that made him neglect his duties as a king as well as his son. The kingdom almost fell into ruin." Kamek lets a big sigh escape him. "That's when Bowser set his eyes on Princess Peach."

Stevie grimaces. "I'm guessing something about her lit a fire that brought him out of his depression."

"In this case, unfortunately. He grew obsessed with her."

"Why did you let it happen?"

"He was finally acting alive again. The other reason…I looked into multiple futures with a spell. Any attempts to talk Bowser out of it would've ended with me getting fired or banished, leaving him to commit even worse acts without me there to temper him. Imprisoning him would have been pointless since he's too powerful to remain there for long. The only remaining options were to let it all happen or…kill him."

Stevie gasps. "Are you serious?"

Kamek nods. "Stevie…what loving father would want to kill their own son?" Tears that are coming from the Magikoopa's eyes are quickly wiped away before he gets another coughing fit. He continues with the story once the coughing stops. "I stayed on to keep Bowser's plans as tame as possible. When I heard of Morton Sr's death and his seven orphaned children, I believed that would be the catalyst for ending the Peach kidnappings. Instead, he brought them in on it. I was becoming more distressed as time went on, then came the worst of it. Bowser lied to his son about Peach being his mother."

Stevie looks disturbed. "Seriously?!"

"Bowser can't stand to think about his late wife anymore. Too painful. I, however, could not stand that farce. I secretly told the young prince about the lie. I didn't reveal who his mother was though since that responsibility should've been his father's. I convinced the young prince to play along with his father's lie as long as possible. To this day, Bowser does not know I was the one who told his son the truth. He thinks the young prince figured it out for himself."

Stevie becomes thoughtful. "Princess Peach is marrying that Mario guy now."

"Yes. Hopefully, once the marriage happens, Bowser will finally stop the madness. I am thinking that something else may just be kickstarting thoughts of ending that early."

"What's that?"

"Seeing all the young men falling for you has reminded him of his time with the queen."

Stevie looks away from Kamek at those words, guilt making it to hard to face him.

"You know, you are incredibly kind, Stevie. You didn't have to do or say anything for me to realize that. I would've known even without the Koopalings telling me. It's no mystery to me why they're all entranced by you." The Magikoopa glances at the girl. "It would be tragic if that lady they all cared for ran out on them."

The female Koopa stops breathing for a moment. "I…how did you…?"

"I only suspected it until now. So tell me, why would you do such a thing?"

Stevie takes some time to compose herself (during which Kamek does nothing to rush her along). "Back home, I'm the last one anybody notices unless it involves helping with something. When it comes to romance, I'm always with someone else who takes all the attention. I live with a single mom who's always working and I'm the oldest of six. Helping and taking care of others has become second nature for me. The only reason I became Wendy's pen pal is because most of the other kids have become independent enough to not need me all the time and Mom though I'd need something to take up my new free time. I never would have accepted Wendy's invitation to stay if Mom hadn't taken the week off to watch over things at home. All I expected when I came here was quality time with a new friend in her home. Who'd have ever imagined all of Wendy's brothers would start courting me?! That kind of attention is just so…foreign to me!"

Kamek interrupts with another coughing fit. "I'm seeing various reasons for your choice from that spiel of yours. Fear out of inexperience, not wanting your attention diverted from your family, but I'm still missing something."

"I don't know. I don't like hurting others."

"Aha! The missing piece! You don't like hurting others. You're in a situation where you will hurt someone no matter what. Choosing none of them leads to all of the Koopalings getting upset. Choosing one leads to the others being rejected and feeling jealous of their lucky brother. By running away, while all of them would be hurt by it, at least you wouldn't have to see it. Am I correct?"

Stevie's ashamed silence is the answer.

"That's not very brave of you."

"Who ever said I was brave, Kamek?"

"Stevie, answer this question. Can you honestly tell me that you wouldn't be plagued by guilt after going through with this decision? Also, do you think your family would approve?"

Once again, silence is the answer.

Kamek sighs. "You may go now."

Stevie slowly walks to the door and opens it.

"Stevie…don't break my grandsons' hearts like this."

With those words in her head now, the female Koopa shuts the door behind her and heads down the stairs. She's upset and feeling guilt, but she's still planning to sneak out. Facing any of the Koopalings seems overwhelming to her now. At the bottom of the stairs, Stevie gets a shock.

All of the male Koopalings are waiting.

"Oh. Hi."

Ludwig steps forward. "Stevie, I saw your suitcase earlier. We know what your plan is."

The female Koopa feels dread.

"If it had only been me you were going to run out on, I'd be upset, but I would eventually move on from it. The fact that my brothers were receiving the same treatment from you fills me with so much rage."

That last statement hits Stevie hard. As the eldest sibling in her own home, she relates to Ludwig's protective instincts towards his brothers.

The eldest Koopaling turns to his brothers. "You may all say your pieces now."

Larry shuffles his feet. "I'm sorry if I came on too strong. I've just never liked anybody that much before."

Iggy adjusts his glasses. "I understand that having all of us wishing to be with you can be rather overwhelming, but sneaking off seems a bit…much."

Lemmy is sitting by his ball. "I figured about me already, but I didn't think you'd find all of my brothers unappealing too."

That one really hurts Stevie. "Lemmy…"

"Stevie," Roy says from his place by the wall. "I told you what my first girlfriend did. I thought, with you, even if you turned me down…you'd be different. Looks like I was wrong."

The realization that Roy is right devastates Stevie. "Roy, I…"

Suddenly, Morton is up front. He looks like he's desperately trying to hold back tears. "I haven't tried having any happiness for myself after what I did to Roy. Didn't think I deserved it. Then…you came and you were so pretty and nice and…" The brown Koopaling starts to shake. "You were so amazing and Lemmy even encouraged me and I felt so happy when you didn't just turn me down or laugh at me." A tear manages to slip out. "Stevie? Was I dumb for wanting to have something good in my life?"

With that, Stevie crumbles. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I was just scared! I like all of you and didn't want to see you guys disappointed or heartbroken when I turned any of you down! I'd almost took the coward's way out and now I know…Kamek was right. I would've hated myself after I went through with it. I'm just…so sorry." The female Koopa wipes away her tears.

Most of the Koopalings are looking away in discomfort. They can't stand seeing the girl they all still like crying.

Ludwig clears his throat. "Stevie, at least answer this question. Do you see any of us in a romantic way?"

Stevie takes a look at all of the male Koopalings, gets rid of any remaining tears, and she takes a deep breath. "One."

Ludwig turns to his brothers. "I believe we should return to our rooms. It will place less pressure on Stevie."

"I promise to visit all of you. I'll save the one I want to have a relationship with for last."

"Understood."

All the Koopalings depart for their room.

Stevie psychs herself up to deal with confronting the five guys she's turning down before going to face the one she wants to be with. 'Thank you for the talk Kamek. Guys. I feel so much better about myself now.'

The final day…

Stevie is walking the halls of Bowser's castle with her suitcase in tow. While she's sad to be leaving, she feels she's departing a changed Koopa. 'I've done so much. All the activities I've taken part in, the friends I have…and now a boyfriend.' As promised, Stevie did speak to all the male Koopalings yesterday after the meeting at the tower staircase. She had discussions with all the ones she ultimately didn't feel any romantic connection with so they could come out of it not feeling like failures or just downright undesirable. Talking with the one she liked…that was a lot scarier in some aspects. Stevie had to open herself up in brand new ways, apologize for her plan to run away (which the guy said she didn't have to do again even though she felt she had to), and planning how to work out their somewhat long distance relationship was grueling. Still, the end result was worth it. Stevie blushes at the memory of departing from her new boyfriend's room, it being her first kiss and all.

Everyone is waiting by the front door to see Stevie off. They all smile at her as she starts approaching.

"Have a safe trip home, Stevie," Wendy says to her friend with a hug.

The other girl smiles. "I will."

All the male Koopalings hug her as well. There's an air of bittersweetness to the five that are now just friends. However, Stevie receives a kiss on the cheek from her new boyfriend.

BJ hands his father coins with a slight growl.

Stevie waves to everyone. "I had an amazing time. I'll tell all my sisters about it."

"Sisters?" asks Bowser.

"Yep. I'm the oldest of six, so I have five younger sisters. Sorry to run, but I need to get home in time for my youngest sister's eighteenth birthday party. Bye!"

Everyone waves back as Stevie heads out the door.

Bowser, BJ, Wendy, and the Koopaling dating Stevie smirk at the remaining Koopalings.

All five of the single Koopalings have the same thought. 'We have more options!'

The End

AN: So...I'm guessing some of you are probably thinking of this ending as a bit of a copout since I didn't say who Stevie chose. That was actually always the plan before I even started writing this. Before I even fully developed who Stevie was as a character, I knew I wasn't going to identify who she'd end up dating. I wanted to leave it up to the readers to decide for themselves based on their preferences. Adding in that she has sisters...I did that for any writers out there. You see, it's extremely unlikely that I'll come back to this storyline. Not impossible, but unlikely. Any writers who want more of these versions of the characters and don't want to wait around for me to come back if ever, I give my blessing for you guys to continue it in your ways. Choose who you want Stevie to be dating and which of her sisters if any get with the remaining Koopalings. Just please be sure to give me credit for the idea since it'd be a nice gesture. Also, I do have my own choice as to who Stevie is dating. If anyone can guess who it is, I'll be sure to give you shoutouts in my next story, which is a Beastars story. Anyway, this has been Purkso Livin and I hope you all liked this story. Take care and thank you for reading.