Chapter Nine: Mario the King

-Dark Lands-

It was months since Mario attempted to rescue Daisy. Bowser mused to himself as he ate his dinner alone. Mr. L retired to his bed chambers earlier, insisting that he had tired himself out from training with the koopa kings children. He allowed it, of course.

He had grown very fond of the smaller man. Not because his foe was finally defeated (and by his own flesh and blood of all things!) Bowser admired him because throughout everything that had happened, he had stuck by his side. Even as going so far as sacrificing his own identity for their cause. That is true dedication, something that he haven't seen in years.

Suddenly there were frantic shuffling of feet; the noise was familiar to him, so much that he didn't need to look up from his meal to know that one of his advisers had something important to report to him. He could only hope it is good news. Looking up to see Kamek standing up straight after he had bowed slightly to him with a look of worry in his eyes…guess it was bad news.

"My lord… I have… news from the Mushroom boarders…"

Bowser sat up, taking a large gulp from his cup "what is it?" Kamek looked away for a second, clearly he was upset, still, the king continued "and make it quick…"

The magikoopa shuffled his feet, clearing his throat, Bowser could tell that his advisor is forcing himself to continue "the red hero…" his words were slow, much to slow for his liking, like Kamek was putting off the news. The king growled, making the advisor jump again "what about the hero? Has he returned for the princess?"

The advisor shook his head "no… the hero… he… married the other princess…"

The words echoed through the dead silent dining hall. It took him awhile to let those words sink in. He felt a knot begin to twist in his stomach and rise into his throat "what did you say…?"

"The Mario… he is now… a king…"

Dismissing his advisor, the king sat in silence. A landslide of emotions taking over his mind, his thoughts began to jumble up, as he realized that this might prove to be a major hurdle in the plans. But one thought stood out, a truth that he will have to reveal the next time he sees his ambassador. Part of his heart ached for his new friend. But now he has a new problem at hand.

How is he going to tell this to Luigi…?

…

It was easy to forget about the flower princes, because she had gotten better at avoiding him at all cost. It was easier to focus on the goals he wanted to achieve. Mr. L smirked.

Mario never came back to face him again, the coward. So the king will break anytime now, and sign that treaty. With the ability to cross the Sarsaserian borders granted to both countries, they can rally a bigger army in case the Mushroom Kingdom refuses its offer to also become allies. With the three kingdoms united. The ability to defend its citizens will increase tenfold, defending them from other kingdoms that are even more power-hungry than the koopa king himself.

Yes, he understands that there would still be tension between both worlds, but that was from years of brainwashing and fear mongering from the Mushrooms courts when a new family of monarchs was established centuries ago. Why would they make these innocent creatures seem like monsters, he would never understand. Maybe to enforce their power over the minds of the simple mushroom folks, who would want to be friends with the bogeymen that lived in the naturally volcanic lands?

Mr. L took a deep breath, when the king gives in and they return Daisy safely, they will both understand why all of this had occurred…hopefully. Sarsaland and the Mushroom Kingdom are known allies, so it would be proven to be difficult to make such a huge decision.

Tomorrow he is going to make his first appearance as the ambassador for the Dark Lands. He will come with the intent of peace and prosperity, hoping that his prepared argument to the consul men and their king will change their mind. So Bowser would not have a reason to use a more… familiar tactic.

He glanced back at his pen and papers that sat beside him on his large stone desk. He was tempted to write Mario another letter. But that would mean he has to sign as Luigi again, and he is not Luigi. Not anymore, he repeatedly told himself, almost like a chant. He knew Mario can be an understanding person when he allows himself to be. Maybe it would be better if Mr. L tried to explain it to him with words instead of fists. It was worth a try. He doesn't think he could survive another fight with Mario. Somehow he was still healing from their last encounter.

Taking a deep breath, Mr. L reached for his supplies and carefully crafted a more detailed letter. He knew Bowser wouldn't approve, but maybe this might be his last desperate attempt to win his brothers favor, before anything serious takes place.

...

Later when he finished, Mr. L sent another goomba off to deliver it. But little did he know is that the small creature would be dropping it off at an abandoned home.

End of Chapter