Diarchy By Ninetails2000/RVroovie
Chapter 2: Hibiscus
Luigi awoke in a much better state of mind. At least as much as one can realistically be when they're a prisoner of war. He let out a yawn and stretched his arms and legs as he shook the cobwebs from his mind. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see something set upon Peach's nightstand. A card and a wrapped bundle.
"I will be by to consult with you on the full terms of your stay over tea at nine. Please enjoy a warm bath and fresh clothes.
~ Lord Bowser"
The handwriting was as large as he'd expect a giant turtle-dragon-ox man to write but otherwise it was very formal looking. It's hard to remember that Bowser is actually a king and is capable of dignified procedure. Luigi shrugged off the card and moved on to the bundle. After undoing the green ribbon and tearing open the fancy wrapping, he found a pair of silky green briefs, a set of fluffy green candy striped socks, a pair of exquisite looking denim overalls and a cottony soft green turtleneck shirt. His signature outfit, except in a quality he had never known in his entire life. At the bottom was another card.
"Unfortunately we were unable to refurbish your clothes to Lord Bowser's meticulous standards so please accept this reproduced ensemble made using the finest materials in the kingdom. Be reassured in the fact that they have been expertly fitted to your figure down to the millimeter.
PS: Yes, even the underwear. Don't think to hard about it.(Luigi could just barely make out the erased remains of the word "Impressive" underneath the second sentence.)
PPS: Yes, this is also service that the Princess would expect. We servants would rather stay in Lord Bowser's good tiding than play tricks on our political prisoners.
~Sincerely-The Royal Seamstress"
Peach really did get all of this special treatment? Bowser actually had all of this set up for her? Figuring he had nothing else to loose, Luigi gathered the bundle up and wandered into the large bathroom to draw himself a bath.
The tub was huge and seemed to be made of a black marble-like stone that Luigi couldn't quite name. With various soaps, body washes and bubble bath concoctions lining the lip, he had more fun than he cared to admit trying to blend them together to make the perfect scent profile for himself. With the tub full and steaming, he stepped out of the pajamas he had been wearing and with the slightest bit of vulnerable hesitation, his briefs. As the awkward feeling of being completely naked in Bowser's kingdom hit him, he jumped into the bath, hoping the water would offer him even a little bit of coverage for his shame.
Sitting and soaking in a hot bath was one of those simple pleasures that Luigi never got to experience very often for himself. Mario always monopolized the bathroom in the mornings, so Luigi always had to settle for lukewarm showers. Even when he would try to have a hot bath to himself in the evening, Mario always managed to ruin it by barging in to take care of his business or forcing him to cut it short to help with something around the house. While he wasn't very certain about how much privacy he had in a bathroom made for Peach, he was more than sold on the idea the moment he settled into the tub. The almost scalding hot water immediately ate away at the tension in Luigi's muscles and seeped into his tired bones. The aromatic soaps and bath products combining with the steamy air to clear out his sinuses and the sheer size of the tub allowing for him to let everything hang out and get a taste of the water instead of the accordion game he had to do to fit into his bath at home.
After a good soak and scrub, he climbed out of the tub and grabbed one of the pretty pink towels hanging by the side. He marveled at how plush the towels were as he dried himself off. It was as if he was rubbing himself down with a passing cloud. After getting dressed, he caught the sight of himself in the mirror. He hadn't looked this good...ever. Everything felt right, everything fit right. He chuckled to himself as he fixed his cap. If this is what it felt like to be a princess in captivity, then sign him up.
Stepping back into the bedroom and seeing the barred window however brought him back to reality. He was a prisoner. All of this special treatment was probably just carryover from the princess. Bowser loved Peach so he gave her the best. Nobody loved him, so it's just coincidence...well he shouldn't say that. Daisy has always been fond of him when she shows up...Whenever that is...And Peach is always so nice to him when he's with Mario...Though he's never really been around her without Mario so...And Mario too for that matter. His big bro would always be there to love him. In fact, he was on his way to rescue him like the damsel in distress he was...at least, he hoped that was true...It WAS true...Was it true?
His thoughts were interrupted by the door being unlocked. He was able to face the door just in time to watch the king of the castle march back in, a amicable-yet-reserved look on his face. as if he was dealing with a business partner. "Aah, you complied with my request and right on time too." Bowser nodded, satisfied. "Good. The less you resist, the smoother this will go for both of us."
As he stepped into the room, he snapped his fingers. Suddenly in the center of the room, a table and chairs appeared from what seemed to be a black void. As if on instinct, a pair of koopas rushed ahead of Bowser, setting down cups and pots and saucers and sweets. Before Luigi could even grasp what was going on, Bowser was setting down into one of the chairs for morning tea. "Come, sit. We don't have a lot to discuss, but I'd like to get it done soon."
Luigi was beside himself. He looked to the door after regaining his senses only to find it closed back and guarded by Hammer Brothers. Finally heaving out a sigh, he shrugged and joined Bowser at the table.
"Come on, brighten up a bit little man." Bowser smirked down at his captive prisoner. "We've got a nice blend today from the Chai Kingdom." Bowser poured Luigi and himself a cup of tea from the pot. "Cream? Sugar?"
"Alright, that's it!" Luigi jumped up from his seat. "Why are you still acting so...so nice!?" Luigi barked.
"Hurr?" Bowser looked at Luigi as if he had two heads. "What do you mean?"
"The room, the food, the luxurious bath...THIS!" Luigi pointed down to the cup of tea set before him. "You're being too nice to me! I'm a Mario Brother!"
"Like I said last night, I don't have any real business with you. And everything else is simple hospitality. I know you're a plumber by trade, but ain't you ever been treated to hospitality before?"
Luigi froze. That was a good question. Sure, he'd enjoyed some nice perks from being Mario's brother...But only from being Mario's brother...Otherwise he would be forgotten and left to the side. Left behind. Left...alone.
Bowser looked Luigi up and down. The little man was shaking like a leaf. He looked like he'd been torn apart by what he asked. "Sigh, LOOK, I'm giving you this gratuity because I know being holed up here with nowhere to go sucks. Same reason I did it for Peach."
Bowser grumbled a bit before continuing. "Peach always acted nicer and behaved when she had nice stuff and since I didn't exactly want her hurt, I gave her that gratuity. Right now, I feel the same way about you." Bowser froze for a moment, re-tracing what he just said and instantly regretting it. "I don't mean like I LIKE you or anything but, like, I want you to be comfortable so you won't be a pain in my ass."
"...okay."
"Huh!?" Bowser looked over to Luigi, who looked like he was in a much better mood.
Luigi didn't want to admit it because he knew it was just a slip of the tongue, but hearing that someone-anyone-felt like treating him with respect and gratuity filled him with a joy like he'd hadn't felt in years. Knowing that Bowser truly wasn't going to hurt him as long as he didn't pull anything put him at ease as well. He sat back in the chair, his chest out and a gracious smile. "If you mean what you said, then I'm okay with talking. I apologize for my outburst. I'm not used to...this kind of treatment."
"Huh..." Bowser was taken back for a moment. Luigi was like a whole different person now. Radiating confidence and control. "R-right..."
For what seemed like an hour the two discussed the terms of Luigi's arrest. He was allowed access to some of the castle grounds and gardens, but he'd be monitored at all times by troops. He was forbidden to enter the king's chambers or anywhere his children resided. And if he needed anything, his minions would be at his beck and call.
"That's about it I supposed..." Bowser shrugged. "As far as being a prisoner, you could sure as hell do a lot worse, right?"
"True." Luigi nodded, sipping the last of his tea. "I have to say, Peach has it pretty nice here."
"Bwahaha, what? Did you think I just left her in that dusty old cage all the time?" Bowser rolled his eyes.
"...Well...that is how we find her..." Luigi shrugged.
"Huh? No! That's just to keep her safe from you two when you breach my defenses!" Bowser shook his head. "She's a princess, a delicate flower, she can't just be sitting around in a cage. She'll wilt or something..." Bowser took the final sip of his tea. "Aah, that was great. Nothing like a great cuppa to get your motor running, 'eh?"
"Y-yes, it was very nice...though I am more partial to coffee." Luigi looked down at his cup shyly.
"Really? Huh, Peach wouldn't shut up about the tea stuff. Got me hooked on it even. You should have said something. I'll be sure to have some coffee for you next time you're here." Bowser thought out loud.
"What makes you think either me OR the princess will come willingly after this?" Luigi steeled himself, somewhat annoyed by Bowser casually plotting to his face.
"Seriously? Have you SEEN her royal court and army?" Bowser gave Luigi a sarcastic look. "Even at their best, they're just a bunch of screeching Toads. About all they can do is give me tinnitus. And as for you..." Bowser pointed to the green mustached man. "If I was able to catch you when you're already scared of your own shadow, then I doubt the next time will be any different..."
"Hmph, I'm not that much of a pushover." Luigi harrumphed at the giant koopa.
"Yeah yeah, I know...trust me, I know..." Bowser grumbled. "But even a Mario brother couldn't take on an entire army at once." Bowser got to his feet. "Well then, this has been a nice chat. I'll check back in with you tomorrow unless something comes up." Bowser cracked his knuckles. "Enjoy your stay in my castle...and don't try anything dumb." Bowser strutted out the door, cocky and smug.
And that's how the following few days went. Luigi would wake up, wash up, meet with Bowser for morning tea and be allowed free time to do what he liked before dinner and bed. At first Luigi was content to stay in his room, but by the middle of the week, he had gotten stir crazy and began to explore the castle grounds.
He knew Bowser held several castles within the Koopa Kingdom and this one was by far the most elegant and refined he'd seen yet. As a carpenter like his brother, he marveled at the craftsmanship that must have gone into it and took to studying the architecture.
Luigi was exploring the gardens of the courtyard on this particular afternoon. There were a great host of exotic flowers that Luigi would never expect to see in Peach's gardens. Compared to Peach's more reserved pink, white and pastel choices, Bowser apparently valued vibrant, saturated and wild looking flowers.
As he walked the path he came across something really interesting. An open field of orange flowers with petals like licking flames. He was almost entirely sure that they were the variant of Fire Flower that could be found on Dinosaur Island, but when he picked one, there were no effects. Inspecting the flower closer, he couldn't find the distinctive set of eyes that would manifest on magical items.
Suddenly he felt the earth beneath him rumble.
"Don't bother trying to power up off of those. They're not real Fire Flowers." Bowser strolled up to Luigi, unusually calm and peaceful.
"O-oh? I see..." Luigi tried to make casual conversation, not wanting to admit that he was actually hoping for some effect.
"Well technically they are, but it's a different sub-species that's benign when it comes to magical power..." Bowser smiled warmly at the bed of fiery flowers.
"Never took you for the kind to enjoy flowers..." Luigi looked up at Bowser incredulously.
"I don't. Usually I leave beautifying my castles to my more artistic minions...but I like these flowers in particular." Bowser breathed deep. "The color of them is magnificent and they have such a spicy aroma that I just can't get enough of..." Bowser chuckled. "Not having to worry about them coming back to bite me is a bonus too."
Luigi followed Bowser's lead and took a deep breath, a sweet and peppery scent hitting his nose and making him feel warmth and peace, as if he was inhaling sunshine. "Aah, it is nice...I wonder if you could make them into tea..."
"Huh? Tea?" Bowser looked the plumber up and down in confusion. "What do you mean tea? They're flowers, not tea leaves."
"You do know you can use more than tea leaves for tea, right?" Luigi snickered at the big beast. "There are plenty of flowers that can be made into teas.
"I...had no idea. Peach is the one who's all about tea and she NEVER mentioned anything like that." Bowser's voice got more and more excited as the gears began turning. "Hold on one minute..." Bowser stuck his fingers in his muzzle and let out a sharp whistle. As if on cue, a magikoopa appeared by his side.
"Yes my lord!?" The magikoopa saluted him proudly.
"Tell me, can these flowers be turned into tea?" Bowser motioned to the bed of fire flowers.
"Well let's see..." The magikoopa manifested a giant tome from nowhere and began searching. "I do know that true Fire Flowers can be steeped or distilled for use in dishes and potions that are safe for consumption...I don't see any reason why the dormant variants can't still be steeped and consumed." He looked up to Bowser. "By all accounts, you should be able to make tea of them, my lord."
"Wow, really? Get out of here!" Bowser guffawed with disbelief. "In that case, send word to the chef to prepare some tea for me and our guest using these flowers!"
"THESE flowers?" The magikopa looked to the bed of flowers and back to Bowser. "It would ruin the look of the garden.
"Not THESE flowers, smart-ass!" Bowser barked at the magikoopa. "I know we have extras in the greenhouse, use those!"
"Right away sire. It will be ready for you in the study." The Magikoopa flew away in a rush.
Luigi was left beside himself as he watched the powerful demon king bop up and down on his heels like a child with a massive goofy smile on his face and his tail wagging like an excitable dog. "So...I take it we're going to your study then?"
"Of course! Come along!" Bowser guided Luigi along, nearly vibrating with excitement "This is gonna be so weird, I NEVER would have guessed you could make flowers into tea!"
"Heh..." Luigi stifled a laugh as he followed behind the excited king. His genuine interest and excitement was a bit endearing.
Luigi was guided through the halls of the castle to a tucked away room. Inside was a elegant looking office and library. Nearly every wall from floor to ceiling was lined with books. From what Luigi could make out a lot of them were magic tomes and spell books but he was surprised to find some familiar classics from back home and even story books.
Bowser grumbled as he looked around for his minions. "Hmph, looks like they're running behind time. Please, have a seat." With a snap of his finger, a table and a set of luxurious chairs appeared seemingly from a black void in the center of the room.
"Huh...How..." Luigi awkwardly began. "Do you...do that?"
"Hmm? Oh, the snapping thing?" Bowser smiled, a bit of pride appearing on his face. "A basic apperating spell. Though I did customize it a bit so I could do it with a snap." Bowser let out another snap and eight more chairs appeared around the room. "I actually use it to store extra furniture when I'm not using it." Bowser snickered as he gave another snap, dismissing the eight chairs. "A bit mundane for a magic spell I know, but it keeps the kids from ruining things."
"Aah, I see..." Luigi nodded. "I sometimes forget how skilled you are with black magic..."
"As the ruler of a kingdom of darkness, it's my duty to be well versed in the dark arts." Bowser seemed a bit bitter as he spoke. "Just as my father before me and his father before him."
"I see..." Luigi reflected on himself. "You have to admit though, black magic sure is wild..."
"Aah that's right, you've dabbled in the dark arts yourself." Bowser sat at the table and motioned for Luigi to join him.
"Well I wouldn't say 'dabble'...But...I suppose I have the capability for it..." Luigi sat nervously as he thought about his experiences.
There was that damned mood again. Bowser's eyebrow twitched as he watched the plumber seemingly retreat into a shell and become a mumbling shy mess again. It killed Bowser's buzz and anything that could kill his buzz irked him. "Hmph...It's...not that bad..." Bowser needed to lighten the mood somehow, some way. It was ruining his tea time! "I...could teach you a few things if you're worried about it..."
"T-teach me?" Luigi looked equal parts disgusted and interested. "What could you possibly have to teach ME!?" Luigi's defenses rose. "I'm just fine how I am!"
"Woah, take it easy!" Bowser backpedaled on himself. "I didn't mean to say you need to change! Just that...There's things you can do to have better control over black magic, you know? I just meant sharing some of those with you." Bowser motioned nervously to Luigi, trying to calm him down.
"...I'm sorry..." Luigi heaved out a sigh and sunk into his chair, the emotions he felt draining out. "I didn't mean to blow up at you it's just...Dark magic is a bit of a...sore spot for me..." Luigi rubbed his shoulders.
"S-sorry..." Bowser nodded. "When you grow up with darkness, you kinda forget it's supposed to be bad..."
"Don't I know it..." Luigi mumbled to himself.
"Hmm?" Bowser held an ear out to Luigi. "Come again?"
"Oh, n-nothing..." Luigi shook away his thoughts and smiled.
Just as the conversation was about to reach an awkward halt, a koopa entered the study with a platter. "Forgive us for the wait. We had to dry the flowers before steeping them and that took a bit of time even with magic." The koopa set down the tea pot and two cups. "Please enjoy."
"Thank you. You are dismissed." Bowser waved the koopa off.
"Yes, my lord." The koopa stepped out of the room, leaving the two to their tea.
"Since it was your idea, allow me to pour." With a serene grace completely uncharacteristic of the koopa king, he poured a cup and presented it to Luigi politely.
"Oh...Thank you." Luigi took the cup from Bowser. The liquid inside was a fiery orange and crystal clear. "The color..."
"Yeah, I see..." Bowser marveled at the tea as he poured his cup. After setting the tea pot back down gently, he lifted his cup to Luigi. "Well, here's to trying new things..."
Luigi perked up a bit. He was still being kept here against his will but he had to admit that when they weren't trying to kill each other, Bowser kept good company. "Y-yeah. Cheers." After watching Bowser gently lift the cup to his lips, Luigi took his own sip.
It was unlike any tea he had experienced before. At first it was pungent and spicy, like black pepper and cinnamon but that flavor quickly mellowed into a smooth, floral back end that gave Luigi an inner warmth like he'd never know. "Hmm...That's pretty good..." A smile crept onto Luigi's face as the heat and spice lingered on his tongue. "W-what do you think?" Luigi looked over at Bowser expecting him to be inhaling the tea but was shocked at what he saw.
Bowser looked as if he had found nirvana and reached inner peace. His eyes were calm and he had a soft smile on his face. His entire body looked calm and restful. "Luigi...This is the most delicious cup of tea I've ever had in my life." He set the cup down and let out a steamy sigh of relief. "The flavor is perfect. Just how I imagined it..." His smile grew wide and excited again. "THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
"EEK!? Thank me!?" Luigi jumped back, blushing a bit from the unexpected gratitude.
"If it hadn't been for you, I never would have thought!" Bowser took another sip, sighing contently. "Aah...My favorite flower is now my favorite tea...Peach was always so interested in her own preferences, she would have never even asked about it. She never cares about what I want...she never cares for me, for that matter...It feels good to be with someone who thinks about me for once..." Bowser froze in his tracks as what he just said processed in his head. "W-well...I mean...Like..." Bowser scratched behind his head, blushing a bit. "I mean...You know what I mean...right?"
"...No?" Luigi shrugged.
"Shit..." Bowser facepalmed, realizing he had to explain himself now. "Well...I know this is just a small thing-anyone could tell me about a different kind of tea like this-but it's the fact that you suggested it to me and rolled with it mostly for my benefit..."
Bowser gained a distant look. "I love my kids, so everything is about them when they're around. When Peach is here, I focus all my energy on making sure she's comfortable and when all of that is said and done, I'm a king. My subjects are going to try and treat me well, but they'd never go out of the way to do something without my asking. It's nice to hear fresh ideas is all...and be treated like a..." Bowser paused, not sure how to finish his sentence. "...Like something other than a bastard..."
Luigi hated to admit it to himself, but he knew exactly how the big koopa felt. "I hear you...You give and give and give and people will always say thank you and go on with their business...but nobody care when it's you..." He took another sip of tea, the warmth spreading through him and giving him confidence and peace. "Even the smallest token can feel like...The world..."
"Hmm..." Bowser nodded. "I wonder...if Peach feels like that all the time..."
"No doubt she does. Everyone loves to shower her with praise and love...Just like Mario..." Luigi breathed a sigh. "Having to follow behind his fame..."
"Chasing after her for so long without a shred of companionship to show for it..." Bowser couldn't stop his mouth from going at this point.
"It all makes you feel..." Luigi peered across the table, gaining a brief glimpse into the longing and pain behind Bowser's fiery red eyes.
"Like you're stuck in someone's..."Bowser gazed over at Luigi, finding understanding in his soft blue eyes.
"Shadow." They spoke in unison. They couldn't help but stare. It was the first time either of them had found such understanding from ANYONE. After the briefest of moments, they broke eye contact. Bowser stared down into the bottom of his cup, watching the soft petals float within the dregs of his finished cup of tea. "...Say...Luigi..."
"Yeah Bowser?" Luigi took his final sip of tea and set the cup back on the platter.
"How about...Instead of meeting in Peach's room for tea tomorrow morning..." Bowser couldn't believe what he was about to ask-from a Mario brother no less. "We...meet in the garden?" Bowser nervously looked over to the plumber. "you know, for something a bit more...Informal..."
"..." Luigi was at a loss. What could Bowser want with an informal meeting? "You mean just...Have tea?"
"...Yeah..." Bowser scratched behind his head. "Maybe it's the tea talking, but...I kinda liked what we had going on here." He chuckled. "You're a hell of a lot more interesting to talk to than Peach ever was..." Bowser felt like hiding in his shell, the cringe he felt at his own awkwardness was killing him inside. "I know you're still a prisoner here but it's like you said, you'd never come back here willingly once you're gone...So...Uh..."
"Sure..." Luigi smiled softly. It was crazy, it was stupid, but the mere fact that Bowser came to him upfront gave him the feeling that the koopa was genuine. "I mean what else am I supposed to do while I'm here?"
"R-really?" Knots in Bowser's stomach unfurled, sticks up his butt dislodged themselves and his heart beat out of his chest.
"Yeah..." Luigi shrugged. "I don't know, maybe it's prison madness setting in...But I feel like...I'd like to talk with you..." Luigi blushed a bit.
"Alright then!" Bowser triumphantly smiled. "Just request an escort and I'll be waiting for you at the Fire Flowers." Bowser reached a hand across the table for a shake.
Luigi eyed the clawed hand. Hesitating at first but finally taking it and shaking. "It's a deal."
