Chapter 6: In Hot Lava
Mario stirred from his slumber. Back in his bed. Back in his home. The sheets a mess all over a mattress covered in sweat despite having slept with the windows wide open. And the dream. Odd as it may sound, this was by far the strangest one he had in awhile. Despite it being some time since their last encounter, he felt as if Bowsette had been at his side throughout the entire night. The feeling of her stroking his chestnut hair lingered even after the sun came up. Her glistening red eyes still bore into his soul every time he blinked. Her mischievous giggle still echoed in his ears. And the sensation her warmth embracing him at every angle was present through his body. Everything had felt so real. Perhaps too real. Had he seriously fantasized about his arch enemy?
With a yawn, he crawled out of bed into his bathroom. After completing the rest of his morning routine, he put on a recently cleaned set of clothes and ran downstairs for breakfast.
As he ate, he inadvertently glanced at the calendar. A full week since the last encounter. It was time for the next one. Funny thing was he never recalled having drawn a heart in the square. A silly detail made by accident, for sure. Just like how he accidentally hung up the 'No.1 Boyfriend' button on his fridge. Still, he found his mind wander to what foolhardy event the two would partake in this day. Some wild shenanigan no doubt. Maybe they would go out to dinner at some small restaurant where he would have to pay for her meal. A movie also sounded nice if she did not spend the entirety of it throwing popcorn at obnoxious patrons. Then again, there was also the possibility of going swimming while it was still warm. Mario chuckled at the thought of seeing Bowsette come out in a silly set of floaties and a snorkel to boot. Most likely wearing sandals that were obviously too big for her feet. Her reddening hair tied up in a ponytail as per usual. Her body caressed by an inky black single piece swimsuit with her tail dangling out the back… He momentarily stopped eating, leaving a single strip of bacon to hang at the corner of a half-open mouth.
A sudden knock on the door nearly made him jump out of his skin. Not thinking clearly, Mario wolfed down the last of his food before popping a few breath mints. He zoomed to his bathroom, hastily fixed his hair, and sprayed on his best smelling cologne.
Knock knock!
"I'm-a coming!" he called. Once he was satisfied with his image, he ran to his front door. A final sweep of his overalls, an adjustment of his gloves. Perfect. Puffing out his chest, he confidently turned the knob. "Come-in-a, gioia mia-"
"Huh. Looks like Birdo got-a back with-her old-a boss."
It was Luigi. And he was busily tapping away at his phone screen. A small pack over his shoulders. The phone clicked off, and as soon as the two met eyes, the younger one jumped in surprise. Mario froze in place. Oh how he would have wished his soul would leave his body. The scent of manly cologne hit the green plumber like a ton of bricks. Realizing what was going on, he could not help but hold back a chuckle.
"Well well, don't-a you look snazzy today?"
"L-Luigi!" stammered Mario. His puffed out chest once again dropped to become a belly. "W-What-are you doing here?"
The younger brother continued laughing. "You look like you're dressed to impress some-a lovely maiden, bro!" he teased, slowing his glee. "I hope you weren't-about to leave!"
"Uh…" Mario lightly scratched the back of his head.
Luigi cocked an eyebrow. "What, did you seriously forget-a videogame night-a, bro? You've-a been looking forward to it-all-a week!"
"That was tonight?!" the other put his hands on his head. "Oh no! I did!"
Luigi grinned. "That-a focused on-the Koopa-Cuddles-I see?"
While it was intended as a joke, a guilty Mario shrunk his head into his shoulders. Any manner of humor in Luigi's voice downshifted to a stop. "Wait...really?"
Mario winced. "Eheh. I uh, promised-a Bowsette I would-a meet her for-another date."
"Uh...should-I be concerned?" Luigi asked. A hint of worry in his voice.
The older brother shook his head. "Nah. I'll-a be fine."
"I dunno bro." pressured Luigi. "Don't-a you think-a you're taking this-a little too far? I mean, I know the whole-a 'Peach'-a thing's-a gotchu down, but…"
Mario smiled cheerfully, waving a hand over his face. "I'm-a fine, bro." he reassured. "But-a since you're-already here, you wanna-go a few rounds? At-a least till I have-a to go?"
Luigi shrugged. "Sounds-a good." he agreed with a weary thumbs up.
Over the next week, what was intended to be weekly meetings soon became every couple of days. Supposedly, it was Bowsette's way of speeding up the process, albeit the two did become abnormally excited at the prospect of the next faux date. The two became the talk of the town. One of the Mushroom Kingdom's greatest defenders was wandering about with a mysterious horned woman whose beauty was unmatched sources claimed. It fed into their scheme, crossing their fingers in hopes of fueling the fires of Peach's jealousy. Low and behold, their plan appeared to finally be yielding results. She did in fact begin making more and more public appearances, assumingly to keep an eye on them both the moments she was not tending to the masses. No longer did the two have to flaunt their little love show in her face. If anything, now she was coming to them! With such glimpses of the Princess becoming increasingly prevalent, it seemed the two were finally on the verge of a breakthrough.
Whether or not either of them wanted said breakthrough to occur however could be left to interpretation. At one point, Mario even pitched in with an idea for one, catching her completely by surprise. Not that she was objecting of course. If anything, it delighted her that he was finally taking some initiative.
With each new date came a new experience for them both. One day while enjoying a milkshake, a familiar pink dress just so happened to flutter by. Bowsette was the first to spot her, coyly sipping at the treat while fluttering her lashes at her partner. Topping it off, she positioned herself so the restaurant lights above would hit her eyes in such a manner that they shined like dazzling gems. Mario had already been nipping at the straw, and catching his date's sight sent his face into a bashful spiral. He did his best trying to hide his embarrassment under the brim of his hat. That face he made when flustered, admittedly, always did make her titter.
Seconds later, something lit up momentarily out of the corner of their window, followed by the sound of something catching fire. No doubt that was Peach's Rage Vibe going off by accident. Mario cocked his head to the side. "What-a was that?"
Bowsette quickly reached across the table. "N-Nothing, sweetie!" she chuckled while stroking the top of his hand.
His gaze fixated on hers. Then on her hand. He swallowed hard. Realizing the gesture, she promptly withdrew hers. A bright red wave overtaking her cheeks. And the rest of her face? Certainly a look that could melt hearts.
On another occasion, Mario invited her over to a kart race with only the two of them competing. The prize? Bragging rights and a chance to pick the next date at the loser's expense. Sure enough, the two drove around the open raceway with Mario getting the jump on her. The sound of their motors calling the attention of nearby onlookers. It was only a matter of time before their race had drawn together a small crowd.
Their competition fierce. Mario turned a sharp corner with his partner close behind. The finish line just within reach! A dreaded sound of a red shell fast approaching! It would be close!
"Oof!"
A direct hit. The red kart tumbled uncontrollably to the grassy curb, conveniently back on its wheels. Had it not been for his seatbelt, Mario would have certainly flown off.
"Bwa, ha ha!" laughed Bowsette as she zoomed past. Victory was hers. His car had been too slow to regain momentum. Sure, he lost, but he still could not help but smile watching her make doughnuts in the dirt. All the while, the small group that had gathered cheered from behind barriers. Among them was, of course, their intended audience, doing her best to keep her face hidden under her hood. A small posse of Toads surrounded her. The gleam of her eyes just barely visible from the shadows. The cherry on top was when Bowsette swore for the slightest moment she heard a conversation amongst the onlookers.
"Who is she?"
"I don't know, but she sure is pretty!"
Her ego was certainly having a field day. First the victory, and now a random compliment? This was too perfect!
"What now Mario baby?!" she called, turning off her motor. "I guess this means I win!"
He nodded in agreement as he walked over. All the while waving his hat about to get pieces of broken shell out. "Okie-dokie, a deal's-a deal."
A finger curled her reddening locks. "Hmm…well…" She leaned over the steering wheel of the kart. In the process, squeezing her bosom between her arms. "I was thinking about that meteor shower that's hitting in two days. How about we meet around the Mushroom Kingdom's northern gate? Say, seven o'clock?"
Mario tensed up, trying to keep his eyes fixated on hers. Whether or not she knew what she was doing, he certainly did not want to offend. "P-Perfect!" he declared with a thumbs up. Blood rushing to his face. A coquettish Bowsette giggled, slowly pulling at the brim of his hat to bring him closer.
She whispered. "Alright, your turn while she's looking this way. Gimme my victory kiss."
Mario felt the color drain from his face. "W-W-What?!"
She did her best to gesture with her eyes, murmuring through clenched teeth. "Princess Pinhead's over there, you ding dong, now pucker up!"
If any other enemy had been nearby, he surely would have shrunk to half his size. He may as well be the Koopa trying to hide in a shell at that moment. "I-I didn't think you'd-a feel this way about-a me!"
She rolled her eyes. "Not on the lips, nimrod! Right here!" She gestured to her cheek, leaning in close.
"B-Bowser-!"
"It's a pretend kiss, okay? No contact! J-Just get it over with!"
Right. An air kiss. One that could easily be planted without touching the she-Koopa's tender skin. She leaned in with bated breath. Mario clenched his fists, begrudgingly doing the same.
Faulty footing on the kart's metal rods made Bowsette slip forwards and with literal centimeters between them Mario had little time to react. His lips not only met her face, but hit with a full on smack. A well planted, full contact kiss on the cheek.
Both immediately recoiled in shock. Their eyes locked. Their breaths withheld. Faces steamed. Off to the sidelines though, it seemed their mischievous little act was a success, as a fuming Peach too began emanating steam. Her group of Toads promptly led her away through a crowd of razzing spectators.
No more words were exchanged as the pair moseyed awkwardly off the race track. Bowsette was doing her best to keep her legs from melting into jelly. Both hands concealed a face caked in embarrassment.
"Y-Y-You dunderhead! I thought I said a pretend kiss!" she scolded after they were a good ways away.
For once, she was the one losing her cool. Mario could not help but grin through his blush. An unprecedented air of confidence in his silky voice. "Then-a pretend you didn't-a feel it."
Bowsette was floored. Never before had she seen him pull such a move. She watched him walk off in a disbelieving stupor. Originally, he barely had the gauze to even look in her eyes, now all of a sudden he had his hands over his head like some hot shot, smooth-talking lover boy?
"Why you conniving little pipe snake!" she growled.
He glanced over his shoulder. Oh, how that little smile taunted her ever so. With little warning, Bowsette broke into a full on bull-run after him. Her horns aimed directly forward. All the while chasing a laughing Mario.
Days later, they met up again without hassle. Mario gazed at the starry sky above. Strangely, it seemed Peach of all people was a no-show to such a momentous occasion. The meteor shower was in full swing, so it would only be natural to stick around for a chance at catching falling star bits. Bowsette sat with her legs up to her chin. Her large eyes twinkled with the passing stars. She eventually lay a hand on the grass, kicking back in a more relaxed position. Her fingers inadvertently brushing her date's. The two stiffened simultaneously. Her breathing labored. His arm numb. Then, in a most hesitant move, they slowly crawled closer to one another, intertwining their digits together like the roots of a tree. Bowsette's hand had lovingly embraced Mario's in an ever so gentle hold by the end of it all. Neither of them pulled away, yet neither of them dared to face the other. The moment she made the faintest glance in his direction, Mario's concentration was fixed elsewhere. Likewise, each time he steadily shifted his eyes to her, she too was none the wiser.
Out of the blue, Mario broke into a run. She soon followed after, catching up to him at a spot where a nearby meteorite had just broken. Its star bits bouncing about as her partner jumped trying to grab them. She beamed excitedly, hastily collecting as many as she could herself. After gathering a few in her arms, she stared quizzically at them.
"Ya know? I've seen these all over the dang place and I don't even know what one tastes like."
He held one up to her after cleaning it. An excited smile on his lips. "Try one!"
Bowsette sniffed at the blue bit inquisitively. Under any other circumstance, she would never have dared defile her mouth with such an insignificant commodity, especially coming from him. Yet, her guard was nearly dropped entirely. She knelt down to her knees, setting hers down, and brought the treat to her mouth with both hands. A light nibble was all it took.
"Honey!" she exclaimed.
Mario chuckled. "Yup!"
She then held it to his face. Gently, he too took a small bite. How he had missed the taste of these little treats despite how abundant they had been in space. It brought back memories of those adventures and how mystifying the whole ordeal had been. Without thinking, he went to take another bite. Bowsette had already beat him to the punch. Their eyes frozen in each other's sights as their mouths hovered over the same star bit. Both seemed to expect the other to pull away. An act that never occurred. Neither said a word as they both slowly sunk their teeth into opposite sides of the space treat. Eyes fixated on each other closed gradually. All the while, the stars continued to fall. All around them. All for them.
The next morning felt amazing. Bowser could not even remember getting out of bed that day. The air was so fresh outside, blowing through the castle's open windows. It had been years since he had felt this swell. Energized as he was, it took a much shorter while getting his usual routine around the kingdom done. For crying out loud, he could take on the world single handedly with such a mood! Having tended to his kingly duties, he moseyed over to his quarters to take in the sun's rays. Every last scale on his body tingled with joy. He stared out the window. His euphoria settled. A dreamy sigh with eyes gazing out into oblivion. His favorite powerup sat just to his right at his night stand.
He took it into his claws, staring deeply into the Super Crown's unblinking eyes. Oh, if only he could take the day off. How could he be so selfish though, especially now? His kingdom needed him. And yet, he needed something else. Before he knew it, the powerup was already on his head, resuming the all too familiar transformation. Red hair dangling at her forehead. A lightly tanned complexion. Bowsette looked into the distance. The only thing that could possibly complete her happiness now was-
"Yoo-hoo!"
Down below, a familiar red and blue figure was waving her over. To think he would risk life and limb simply to see her! Her of all people! Faster than lightning she hurried downstairs. Unseen. Undetected. Even though it would only be a minute, she would enjoy every waking second.
An ever expansive field of flowers complete with warm sunlight smiled upon the happy couple. Mario was already running ahead of Bowsette. Her dress did little to impede her speed. She was intent on catching her so-called pipsqueak one way or another. Truly, the short stock was giving her a literal run for her money, though it mattered little how much stamina she needed to expel catching her prey. Kicking her legs into high gear, it took her a matter of seconds to finally get within pouncing range. Doing just that, Bowsette tackled her target onto the flower covered ground below.
Both fell into a fit of laughter as they rolled down the green and yellow plains. In their euphoria, caring little for anything else. Soon, they tumbled to a halt with him on top of her. Both their heads still in the clouds. Mario straightened his arms, looming over the tall she-Koopa. His eyes caressed every inch of Bowsette's face. She stared up just as deeply, if not with a hint of embarrassment at such a bold move on his part. Her heart beat so fast, she swore it would burst out of her chest at any moment. Then she became deathly calm. Without realizing it, her eyelids drooped in longing, beckoning him closer. Here they were. Alone. No one to interfere with their little nest. An apologetic plumber did no such thing however, shying away at their sudden embrace. Bowsette, it seemed, was not through just yet, grabbing at his arm before he scurried away. In the process, forcing him to kneel down beside her. Having him so close sent an unprecedented wave of adrenaline throughout her body.
Bowsette sat up. Surely a scene out of some corny romance novel. The scent of grass and honeysuckle blew with a gentle breeze. Her strawberry red hair flowed about softly. A sun that made her partner glow like the light of a Power Star. Her focus lost itself inside his shining blue irises. Her trembling body inched closer. She could barely help it. A hand upon his own while the other gently stroked the edges of his soft, rounded face. A thumb ran across the soft bristles of his mustache. Despite a lack of dialogue, her message was clear. Through his apprehension, it appeared he too yearned for the same thing. She could see it hidden deep in his inky black pupils. Her eyes gradually closed. Lips puckered ever so slightly. She already felt his warm, minty breath at her quivering mouth…
"D-Does this come with the raise your majesty-?"
"Huh?! Ha?! What?!"
Bowser's thought bubble popped. His eyes darted around the room.
"Are your glorious lips the seal of approval?"
It was a Goomba. A lone Goomba clenched in his fist. On his throne. Inside his castle. In his wine-red throne room. Back where he so rightfully belonged. Gone was the aroma of honey and morning breeze, ravaged by the scent of lava and what he could only assume to be doom. Or his own gas. He promptly dropped the tiny brown creature, unsure of what had transpired.
"I did what?" he asked.
The Goomba bounced excitedly. A wide grin on its face. "Lips or not, I must say, this is most noble of you! Now I'll finally have enough for my beloved's daily needs! Bless you!" With that, the mushroom scurried out of the room with the occasional ecstatic jump. All the while screaming "Honey! I got the raise!"
Not once did Bowser remember mentioning anything about a raise to anyone. Not even his closest subordinates, the likes of which sounded like they were busy clamoring outside his throne room. In a half-witted daze, he ambled over to the front doors. An eye peeked through the crack to find not one, not two, but an entire line of minions eagerly awaiting his presence. After slowly pushing the door open, they erupted into cheers. By the Great Power Star, they had never been this loud before. Come to think of it, they had never been this overjoyed in his presence!
"Great king!" called a Koopa. Its small, yellow hand waved frantically as it jumped. "Your hair looks particularly voluminous today-!"
"How do you get your nails so perfectly filed, my lord?" jumped in a Goomba.
"I too would like a raise in pay your majesty!" cried a Boo.
"As would I!" yelled another from the back.
Any fuzzy warmth within the menacing King had promptly vanished, replaced with an infuriated rage. He roared at the top of his lungs, sending most of his subordinates flying back.
"Begone!" he bellowed, and the frightened posse quickly scattered back to their rightful stations. Soon, the hallway was devoid of any minions. Devoid of anyone. Nice and tidy. The way he wanted it.
Of all the despicable things to ever come to mind. That was the fourth fantasy this week! That gruesome horror of running through flower fields on a warm day. The repetitive torture scenes of holding fluffy critters in his womanly hands. Complimented by an endless supply of sweets?! Oh, but that paled in comparison to the worst of it. The one factor cementing these sights could only arise from the darkest depths of the Underwhere itself. Mario. That pestilence was in every last one of them! His most hated enemy, the bane of his existence, invading his dreams! And showering him with extravagant gifts?! And always with that same giddy goofy grin, that clean-cut mustache, those glistening inviting blue eyes, that overwhelmingly gentle nature no one could ever be mad at, and that soothing pillow-talking accent that made his heart flutter...it made him want to puke! That nimrod must have been plotting something from the start! And Bowser surely fell for it like an amateur! Not like he was delusional! That had to be true!
"My lord-?"
"Kyahh!"
What was intended to be a manly scream came out a girly high-pitched squeal.
"Fret not, it is simply me." Kamek stated, removing a set of noise canceling headphones.
Bowser breathed a sigh of relief. His heart felt like it had skipped a beat or two. He stood erect, facing his subordinate with a puffed out chest. "Ahem. Report on what I ordered?" he said as he began walking down the royal hall.
"Defenses have been raised as you ordered, sir. All in the wake of my recommendation." replied Kamek holding a clipboard. "However we are quite low on Flower Points for magical barriers. Odyssey left us quite drained I'm afraid."
The Koopa grumbled. "And the scouting for more goes how well?"
"That's just it, your majesty." the Magikoopa said adjusting his glasses. "Though we've searched for powerups far and wide, they've all but turned up scarce. Call it a hunch, but I believe someone or something is getting to them before we are."
Eventually, the two made it to another hall in the castle. Bowser clawed at his chin, analyzing the situation before him. "Set forth my minions to find whoever's doing this. Last thing I want is an FP shortage on our hands."
The Magikoopa nodded in agreement, momentarily going silent. After a moment, he spoke again. "And word around the kingdom states Princess Peach has finally reached out to you."
Bowser immediately stopped. His eyes darted towards his subordinate. "W-Wait, really? Has she really?"
Kamek shook his head disapprovingly. "I say everyone assumes that due to your behavior as of late."
"Huh?" the Koopa scratched his head. "What are you talking about?"
Kamek cleared his throat. "It's quite obvious really. The reason you've been so distracted as of late. Everyone down to the humble Goomba agrees. You're in love."
Bowser tensed up slightly. "O-Oh! Well, that's Peach for ya." he laughed. "Tempting my heart ever so. But that shouldn't come off as anything new."
"That's just it, your nastiness." continued Kamek. "We know you've not made complete contact with the Princess in a while, leading me to believe the one you admire is another."
Bowser chuckled. "That's funny Kamek. It sounds like everyone's implying I'm falling in love with Mario."
They abruptly stopped walking. After a precious moment of silence, the entire castle shook with a massive "What?!" that not only frightened a flock of birds, but knocked down an entire row of Thwomps from their designated locations.
"What in the Great Power Star's name would lead you to believe such a horrid implication, man!?" bellowed Bowser.
His subordinate hid under his blue hood. Little more than his beak poked out to continue his statement. "I fear we may have more than enough substantial evidence for such conclusions, your majesty."
"Oh yeah?! Name one!" an angry Bowser demanded with a finger to the Magikoopa's hidden face.
Kamek gestured backwards with a trembling thumb. "You attempted to kiss one of your minions in the throne room, your beastliness."
Silence befell the two for a moment. A puff of Koopa-shaped smoke announced the great king bursting into a cowardly run. The doors to his private library flew open. In a panic, Bowser tore open the first magic book on the shelf. After a brief skim and not finding what he was looking for, he tossed it over his shoulder. Then he grabbed the next one. His subordinate waltzed into the room not long after.
"What kind of plumber's magic did he pull to make this happen?!" His tone became increasingly frantic.
"Uh, plumber's magic my liege?" inquired a weary Kamek. An open book landing over his face.
"That no good mushroom muncher did something to me, I swear it! Probably poured some drain de-clogger into my drinks!"
The Magikoopa pulled the book from his face. "I'm sure you'd have a stomach ache by now-" Another one hit hard enough to knock him on his rear.
"Do stomach butterflies count?!" cut in Bowser. "This is serious Kamek! He used magic, I just know it!"
Book after book flew off the shelf. No matter which one he searched through however, nothing gave him a concrete answer to his problem. Not once did Bowser cease his hysteria, even when the last book was ripped from its pedestal. He even went so far as to rummage under the carpet for more to no avail.
"Need I remind you Mario's not one to delve in the dark arts?"
Thoom!
The massive bookcase slammed to the ground, inches away from Kamek's feet. Any hope of finding any more books was swiftly dashed. He eventually stopped his frenzy, panting over his mess. A booming thud announced a sitting Bowser. Defeat lined his face. Despair crossed his lips. In all his years of being the bad guy, partaking in romantic affairs had never once been his strong suit, not even with Peach! He had even lost track of how long he had been doing things with Mario. To think this entire time, he could have ended his persistent rival on a number of occasions only to be met with hesitation every single time. Worse still, that urge to break the little imp in two had shrunk. Its presence remained, but its roaring fire was reduced to dying embers. Whatever tricks that cunning plumber had used on him, they had slipped under his radar. And they worked effectively. He buried his head in his claws. Frustration had never gripped him this tightly before. A click of the door was followed by Kamek's hand gently patting the Koopa King's arm.
"My plan was perfect! I refuse to believe any possibility of being in love with Mario!"
"I'm sure no one saw this coming sir." Kamek reassured. "But if I may pitch in my two coins, perhaps your lack of romantic encounters contributed to these developments? Perhaps an unattended need?"
Bowser looked up from his hands. A feeling of helplessness he had only experienced few times before came to surface. With it came memories of past struggles. What it took to become king. What wins he had to steal. What things he missed.
"Understand I'm not foul mouthing your methods, great one." Kamek continued. "I'm simply saying perhaps this whole situation is putting a strain on the way you two see each other. Not just you, but for Mario as well. You two are destined to be at an impasse, and these Super Crown shenanigans are throwing things into territory you may not comprehend. Maybe it's time we retire the power-up to the shelf so things may return to normal."
Bowser stayed quiet for the longest minute. A small, frail voice that no subordinate had before witnessed escaped the Koopa King's snout. "That's just it Kamek...I...I don't know if I wanna go back to the way things were."
The Magikoopa looked up at his leader. "Your grace?"
He rose to his feet. Fists clenched. Eyes in shadow. Teeth bared. "I don't know whether it's on purpose or by accident, but that robust ravioli-eating doofus has me feeling things I've never felt before! Day in and day out, all I can think about is the next time we'll be together even without the crown! I swear he's driving me insane, but not in the way I want him to!" He thought back to the Super Crown. "Maybe it really is that stupid power-up that's got me feeling this way."
Kamek rubbing his chin in intrigue. "Mm...unlikely. A Super Crown alters appearance, not mood. Whatever's come about, Bowser, it was of your own-"
"Don't say it!"
Silence flooded the room. Bowser hung his head in shame. Coming down from the clouds had been more painful a fall than he imagined. Facing the hard grounds of reality, only now was he truly coming to terms with the can of figurative worms he had released. His scheme had backfired and now he was paying the price. Once more, Kamek went to comfort his king.
"Do you not find it plausible this crown chiseled away at the course plating surrounding a different side of you? One you typically ignore?"
Bowser glared from under his bushy brows. "Does it look like portly Italian men peak my fancy?"
Kamek shook his head. "King Koopa…" With his scepter, he pointed to his leader's chest. There was no twinkle, no spark, no spell fired, but Bowser could swear that very act shot an icy wave throughout his veins. Unlike most others, this subordinate knew him since his youth. He had watched him grow, and for all intents and purposes surely knew him both inside and outside. A nerve was struck, but for the first time in ages, there was not a single rhyme or reason to be upset. "Let's not forget...Mario's not the only one hiding his sentiments behind a mask."
Bowser stared up at the eyes of his minion. A wave of calm soothed his despair ever so slightly. With a nod, Kamek uttered. "You know what must be done."
The veil had lifted over Bowser's sights it seemed, as that all too familiar look of epiphany overtook his face. "I do…he's made this a competition to see who falls for the other first! Of course! And when the loser makes the move, he'll get dumped so the winner can sweep up Peach right from under their nose! Meddling Mario's been beating me this whole time!"
Kamek frowned. "That's not what I meant your majesty-"
"He hates me and he's definitely just pretending to like me! Everything was so perfect when we started playing this little game! I just have to be as mean as I was at the start!"
"B-But my lord!" persisted Kamek. "Has he ever even personally declared such?"
"He doesn't have to. I think I know the guy enough to know that he hates me!"
"But what about honesty-?"
"Honesty shmonesty, I'm not about to let that meatball win!" With that, Bowser ran out the library. Only Kamek remained to clean the Koopa's massive mess. "Thanks Kamek! You're a real pal!"
The Magikoopa looked about the room, softly muttering to himself. "And my advice goes, once again, unheeded."
Bowser adjusted the collar around his neck. The red pendant Mario had bought for him hung at its center with his insignia proudly glimmering through the ruby. Confidence returned, he prepared to give himself one of his usual pep talks in front of a mirror. His way of reassuring himself during a devious plan. That no-good Mario was not going to sway him so easily. No sir, he was ready to overcome whatever dastardly deed the vile meat bag could chuck his direction! Phrases were already repeating themselves on his lips as he entered his chambers.
"I am bad. People fear me." he whispered over and over. A clawed finger reached for one of his drawers where his beloved Super Crown was waiting. He yanked it open with force.
Empty. Strange. He clearly recalled stuffing it in this specific drawer. Unless he tossed it in the other one? He tried the next drawer. Still nothing. He tried the next one. Then the next. And the next. His entire dresser did not have the slightest hint of the power-up! He was sure he had not misplaced it! Did it suddenly disappear into thin air? Where could it have gone?
Poof!
That sound! And it did not come from him! A frantic Bowser burst out of his quarters. Down the hall, he saw the remnants of pink dust twinkling from a semi-closed door. Without thinking he threw it open. There, at the center of the room, was a young girl wearing his beloved crown. She could not be more than a few years old, fitted with a yellow and green dress. Large red locks tied themselves neatly away in a single large ponytail that did little to hide a set of stumpy horns. A tell-tale bib with a crudely drawn toothy grin hung from her neck.
"Junior!" yelled Bowser.
Frightened, she instantly withdrew the crown from her head.
Poof!
His son returned to normal. Both hands shyly behind his back.
Both were left speechless. Junior did not move an inch. Neither did his father. Their gazes locked. The atmosphere constricting. A silence so thick it easily could have been cut with a knife. Doing his best to keep his cool, Bowser did his best to say something. Anything would suffice to break the overwhelming quiet.
"N-Now Junior-"
"She was never real, was she Papa?"
Those words. Such a short phrase seemed to bear such potency behind them that the Great King felt everything on his side of the room collapse. Furniture, walls, floor. The entire world crumbled to dust under the elder Koopa's feet. He dropped to his knees. A wave of shame and sadness flooded his face. Before he could say anything else, the youngster ran out of the room, not saying a single word to his father. Bowser could not even bring himself to stop him.
Hours later, he crept his way to Junior's quarters. It took all the willpower in the world simply to face his own son. The one thing he swore he would never do, the one illusion he promised himself to keep during the longevity of 'Bowsette', and he broke it. A single claw tapped on the door.
"Junior?" he said softly.
No reply. He tried the door to find it unlocked. Slowly he pried it open. There he sat on his bed, holding the precious Super Crown in his tiny hands. Such a disheartened face was one Bowser had never seen before, not even when he would complain about not getting his way. It almost looked like his own son's world had also collapsed at the seems. Closing the door behind him, the Koopa King made his way to his son's side, sitting next to him. The bed creaked in protest. Even then, the youngling did little to acknowledge his father's presence.
"Oh Junior." Bowser sighed. His shoulders slumped. A tail tapped on the sheets as a coping method. "You're always so much smarter than I give you credit for." he muttered. 'I knew you'd figure it out sooner or later."
Junior shuffled in place. His gaze never left the Super Crown. "You don't have to lie to me, papa." he murmured. "I know I don't have a momma."
A heavy helplessness seemed to drop on Bowser's back. No word could describe his shame at being found out by his own child. It felt like plowing through bricks just to talk.
"Does Mario like you better with it? Is that why you wear the crown?" asked the youngling.
A choke leapt into his throat. "J-Junior, I…" he paused momentarily. "...It makes things easier…"
Junior turned to face his dad. The elder Koopa gazed down at the ground.
"I honestly thought that maybe with it, I could fill the void in your heart, kiddo. Maybe I could be both your mother and father. Maybe then you wouldn't have felt so lonely."
The youngling swung his legs over his bed gently. "But you already are, papa." he stated. "You don't need some fancy power-up for that."
Bowser slowly met his son's beady eyes. They still looked hurt, yes, but he could see the slightest twinkle in them. A hope that maybe a pardon was not entirely impossible. Something the great king knew he would have trouble accepting.
"Do you like him?"
Bowser tensed up. He would strangle the minions that let such information slip. Not that any of it was factual of course. "Err, as a frenemy, nothing else."
"You sure?" Junior stared upwards at him. A small hand wrapped around his father's finger. "Cause if you did, it wouldn't matter to me."
"Junior." Bowser scoffed half-heartedly.
The little Koopa hopped off the bed. "I'd be confused, and grossed out because you'd do all the mushy adult stuff, but you wouldn't change to me. You'd still be my papa and mamma, right?"
Bowser got back up on his feet, forcing a smile. The light of his son's room shining over him like an interrogation lamp. He softly replied. "Of course, sonny." His smile once again faded however. The air of sadness and embarrassment not yet lifted. "I'm sorry I've been the way I've been, kiddo. Is...there any way I can make it up to you?"
Junior set the trinket on the floor before waddling over. His small arms doing their best to wrap around his father's massive leg. "Just be honest with me, papa."
He looked down at his son. Surely he did not deserve such forgiveness, but how could he help it? Bowser knelt down to the Koopaling's height, squeezing him gently in his arms. Neither made a peep. The reassurance of his son's words gradually calmed his nerves. He realized how close he had come to potentially losing his son's trust. Now however, their bond had strengthened tenfold. Perhaps...in the right light, telling the truth was not as bad as he would have assumed. In time, the two let each other go.
Poof!
Bowsette opened her eyes in surprise. Low and behold, Junior himself had placed the Super Crown back onto her head. A cheery grin on the yongling's face. She smiled back warmly. "Thank you, pally."
Though he smiled, Junior still appeared a tad confused. "So, does this mean I have to start calling you 'Queen-Dad' now? Or King-Mom?"
Bowsette chuckled. "Bah, what does it matter?" She said patting his head. "Now, how about that fire breath you wanted to show me?"