CHAPTER FIVE
THE CAPITAL OF THE EMPIRE

"I still recall the day my wife spoke of her mission to bring Mario to the Capital. I couldn't believe it - her commanding officer seemed to have lost their mind. The Empire was convinced that Mario was a savage plumber who had decimated entire battalions of soldiers. However, when Mario finally arrived, I remember Belle saying he seemed almost uneasy as he gazed upon the city. He didn't study it like a criminal mapping out his escape, no, he studied it like a curious visitor. It makes me wonder, if we were so mistaken about him, just how much did he misunderstand about us?"

Lucinia Porter-Fontiere, Imperial Commandant of Golem Academy, The Rise of the New Empire, 2529 AC

Belle let out a sigh of relief as she felt the reassuring hum of the airship beneath her feet. As grateful as she was to be leaving the civilian freighter behind, the discomfort of the journey to the Vista Hill garrison was not something she wanted to relive anytime soon. And with the addition of Mario Segale to their group, things were bound to be even more awkward than usual. The man had barely spoken to the crew since coming aboard and spent most of his time holed up in his quarters, save for the occasional comment about the state of the Vista Hill fortress.

But now, standing in front of Mario's door, Belle knew she had to do something. It was going to be a long and uncomfortable flight back to the Capital if they didn't at least attempt to break the ice. Taking a deep breath, she clicked her heels together and knocked on the door, steeling herself for the awkwardness that was sure to follow.

As Belle stood before the door, she felt a twinge of surprise when Mario appeared on the other side, clutching a book at his side. "Yes?" he asked, his tone brisk and businesslike.

Belle swallowed nervously before speaking. "The Commodore was wondering if you would care to join us for dinner," she ventured cautiously.

It had become something of a routine ever since they had departed from Vista Hill, with Mario consistently rejecting their offers. Despite his consistent refusals, Belle couldn't help but notice the puzzled expression that crossed Mario's face each time they extended the invitation. Was he expecting Commodore Vossak to demand his presence? What was most interesting this time, however, was the contemplative look that had replaced his usual dismissive demeanor.

Mario gave a noncommittal shrug. "Why not?" he said simply.

Belle blinked in surprise, taken aback by the unexpected response. She turned on her heel and began to lead the way towards the elevator, with Mario trailing closely behind her. As they walked, Belle couldn't help but notice the deliberate focus that several crew members directed towards their small entourage. She couldn't blame them, after all. Despite his diminutive stature, Mario was widely regarded as the bane of the Empire. Glancing over her shoulder, Belle observed that Mario appeared to be taking in his surroundings with a look of bemusement and curiosity.

As they stepped into the elevator, Mario cleared his throat before speaking. "Can't say I was expecting to meet a human in the Empire," he said, his tone cautious.

Belle's lips formed a slight smile as she detected a hint of naivety in the plumber's statement. "Whether you believe it or not, Red, some of us have our roots embedded in the Empire," she replied with a chuckle. "And, if I may add, a few of us even choose it over the other options."

Mario's expression turned quizzical. "But why?" he asked. "All I've seen is the misery you bring to the Mushroom Kingdom."

Belle snickered at his statement. "The Commodore would surely have a bone to pick with your exaggerated view of the Empire," she retorted. "Sure, the Empire can be demanding at times. But the whole purpose of it is to keep us safe. It's hard to win people's allegiance when you're depicted as a cliché comic book villain twirling your mustache, isn't it?"

Mario raised an eyebrow, "Did you choose that just because of my mustache?"

Belle shook her head with a grin, "No, that's just something my girlfriend likes to say." Belle said fondly, lost in thought for a moment.

The elevator doors opened, and Belle led Mario towards an ornate door marked with the symbol of the Imperial Shell, an ornate double-layered hexagon. She could feel his eyes on her as she knocked on the door, and the doors slid open to reveal the familiar sight of the Commodore's spacious quarters adorned with encased sculptures, weapons, and paintings. Belle smirked as she caught sight of Mario marveling at the artwork.

"Ah, Commander," Vossak's smooth voice called out. "Thank you for bringing our guest with you."

Belle turned to see Vossak seated at his desk, with three trays of food arranged neatly in front of him. She noted with amusement that Mario still clutched the book he had brought with him. Had he intended to bring it all along? She took her place at Vossak's right as Mario sat down across from the Commodore, looking wary.

Belle observed the two men closely. Vossak's glowing eyes were fixed on Mario with a sense of curiosity, and she couldn't help but share in that intrigue, despite her own apprehensions. The fact that Mario hadn't attempted to destroy their ship was a promising sign of progress. For his part, Mario met Vossak's gaze with unwavering intensity.

"You seem curious as to whether or not you may have heard of us?" Vossak said, his voice tinged with amusement.

Belle observed Mario's widened eyes with a sense of satisfaction, as she herself could never quite get used to Vossak's uncanny ability to slice through needless conversation. It was reassuring to know that she was not the only one unnerved by the man. Mario nodded thoughtfully. "I can't say I've ever seen your name pop up before." he remarked. "Nor with yours, for that matter," he added, glancing at Belle.

Vossak inclined his head politely. "The Commander and I have served the Empire in other capacities," he explained calmly. "Our encounter in New Donk City marked the first time we had the pleasure of making your acquaintance."

Mario snorted, "Figures," he said before taking a bite of his food. "You know, you're not like most of the other officers I've met," he added.

Vossak's eyebrows lifted fractionally. "In what way?" he asked.

Belle struggled to maintain a neutral expression as Mario gestured around the room at the artwork. His expression was one of incredulity. "I've fought my way through a fair number of airships in my time, but I don't think I've ever seen one filled with art like this before," he remarked.

Vossak rose from his chair and strode over to a painting depicting a vast cityscape. "Tell me," he said, his eyes fixed on the artwork. "How much do you know about the Empire?"

Belle cast a sidelong glance at Mario, knowing full well that he would offer no response. To her, the question seemed irrelevant, but she couldn't help but feel a shift in her attention towards the plumber. Mario, for his part, crossed his arms and let out a snort. "That the Empire is obsessed with conquering the Mushroom Kingdom," he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.

As expected, Belle thought wryly. But her attention was drawn back to Vossak as he turned to face them. His boots clicked against the floor as he made his way back to his chair and took a seat. "I see," he said simply.

Belle rolled her eyes, recognizing that this was Vossak's typical response when he didn't want to divulge more information. She couldn't blame him, given the sensitive nature of their conversation. She let out a heavy sigh and turned to Vossak, who shook his head ever so slightly. Belle pursed her lips, realizing that their discussion was far from over.

Mario let out a deep sigh before admitting, "Alright, I'll be honest. I don't know much about the Empire. All I know is that I've been fighting against you guys my entire adult life."

Vossak nodded, gesturing towards a nearby painting. "Tell me, Mario," he said. "What do you see when you look at that painting?"

Mario furrowed his brow as he examined the painting, and Belle couldn't help but smirk as she took a sip of her drink. She knew this was going to be an interesting exchange. Was Vossak hoping to bond with Mario over their shared appreciation for art? Belle studied Mario's face carefully and could sense the tension building. Mario leaned back and let out another sigh. "It looks like a painting of New Donk City from its early days," he said uncertainly. "I'm not sure who the artist is, though. My brother might know."

Vossak nodded knowingly. "That painting was created by Vincent van Gore," he explained. "A citizen of Crimino." The kremling leaned forward, his eyes intent. "While others may see a beautiful work of art, I see something different. I see a pathway to understanding the people I may someday face in battle."

"I don't quite understand," Mario said, shaking his head as he glanced back at the painting. "How does a mere work of art help you comprehend your enemies?"

Belle couldn't help but smirk as Vossak's eyes turned to her. This had all the hallmarks of their previous discussion with Kamek. Vossak's gaze returned to Mario, and he replied, "To be perfectly honest, it is not something that can be explained to your satisfaction. But one can glean insights into a culture through its art." He then gestured towards a thick manilla folder. "The Empire keeps extensive dossiers on all of its adversaries. Yours, I must say, was quite impressive. However, when we were ordered to infiltrate the Mushroom Kingdom, the Commander and I spent hours poring over every available piece of information."

Mario's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "So that's how you found me?" he asked.

Vossak shook his head. "Not entirely. It was a combination of thorough preparation and a bit of chance," he said, gesturing towards Belle. "Perhaps the Commander can elaborate further?"

Belle let out a resigned sigh. "While the Commodore could certainly address the more technical aspects of our operation," she began, glancing briefly in Vossak's direction. "The element of luck came into play when we planned to approach you at a restaurant you were known to visit called Luca's."

Mario chuckled and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Ah, yes. I do have a weakness for a good plate of pasta," he said with a weak laugh.

"We had not initially intended to approach you at Vesuvio's," Belle continued, "but the Commodore determined that it would be the optimal time to do so. And if we had been unable to locate you in New Donk City, we were prepared to search for you in Portabello."

The last part seemed to catch Mario off guard, and Belle could sense his surprise. While she had never been particularly fond of the idea of venturing into the capital of the Mushroom Kingdom, she knew that duty called and personal desires had to be set aside for the greater good. Mario crossed one leg over the other and frowned, turning his attention to Vossak, "So…" He began turning his attention to Vossak, "You mentioned back in New Donk City that you couldn't talk about what Bowser wanted? Was that because of where we were?"

Vossak shook his head, "I am afraid that is a question best directed to the First Minister." He admitted. "Our mission parameters were to escort you to the Citadel." An intercom chimed as Vossak tapped it. "Yes, Captain?"

"Sir, we're crossing the Frontier now. We should arrive at Caldera within the hour!" A woman's voice replied.

"Thank you, Captain Dyce," Vossak responded with a smile.

Mario's brow furrowed in confusion. "The Frontier?" he repeated.

Vossak chuckled lightly. "Indeed, you've never ventured this deep into Imperial territory. You surely didn't think that the Dark Lands were the entirety of the Empire?" he asked with a casual tilt of his head. He gestured towards the window.

Belle walked over to the window, smirking. "You should see it for yourself, Red. It's not something you see every day." She grinned and leaned against the wall, crossing her arms.

Belle observed as Mario approached the window, his eyes scanning the lush scenery outside as if he were searching for something suspicious. The red-clad plumber shook his head and jammed his hands in his pockets. "Color me impressed," he muttered.

"Well..." Belle's voice was steady as she started speaking. "A few individuals would contend that the Frontier is even more hazardous than the Dark Lands. Moreover, the Empire hasn't ever really encountered an invasion before."

Mario furrowed his brow. "Except for Smithy," he said, glowering at her.

Vossak interjected smoothly. "The Invader only captured the Vista Hill garrison," he clarified. "What the Commander means is that our Homeland has never been directly invaded."

Belle's lips quirked into a grin. "I mean, let's be real... how do you prepare for a giant sword falling out of the sky?"

Vossak chuckled indulgently as Mario turned to them, gaping incredulously. "Wait a minute," he said skeptically. "So let me get this straight. Bowser kidnaps the Princess all the time, but he never takes her to your homeland?"

"The answer is simpler than you might think," Vossak replied, a gleam in his eyes. "Owing to your and your brother's prompt interventions, His Majesty has never managed to return to the Homeland with the Princess

Mario smirked. "Touché," he said. "But I have to ask, how is the Frontier even more dangerous than the Dark Lands?"

"Your observations may be grounded solely in your travels to Big Island and the Kitchen Isles," Vossak said, leaning back in his chair and lacing his fingers together. "But unfortunately, the Frontier's flora and fauna are highly venomous. Even the tiniest creatures can be lethal, and the vegetation is no less hazardous." He paused for a moment before adding, "Fortunately, it is an aberration that is exclusive to the Empire."

Belle observed the transition in Mario's face from perplexity to astonishment, almost as if the details Vossak had just shared had expanded his thoughts to an entirely different level. The plumber folded his arms and scrunched his eyebrows, lost in contemplation. After a while, he began to speak, his words measured and careful.

"Alright, I have another question," he said. "I know you can't really tell me what's happened to Bowser but come on. If things are really that bad, why can't he just let Ludwig take over for a while?"

At Mario's proposal, Belle's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Was it possible that he genuinely didn't know...?

Vossak shook his head, his glowing eyes fixed on Mario. "The reason why Prince Ludwig has not taken over is due to the fact he is not of royal blood," the Commodore explained. Mario's eyes widened, confirming Belle's suspicions. "Certainly, Prince Ludwig and the other six princes and the princess are His Majesty's children. But… they were adopted by His Majesty. The Crown Prince is not Prince Ludwig, but rather Prince Bowser, Third of His Name."

Mario ran a thumb over his mustache and sighed, "So… how did this boy become the Crown Prince?"

Vossak gave Belle a nod, indicating for her to continue. "Well, Red..." Belle started, "The Prince is only eight years old. However, on the day he was born, all the other princes and princesses within the Empire publicly acknowledged his status as the heir to his father's throne. As a result, His Majesty not only permitted them to retain their royal titles, but also appointed them as Imperial Governors of their desired provinces."

"Even Wendy?" Mario asked with a raised eyebrow. "I remember she threw a massive tantrum when my brother defeated her on her airship."

"Even the Princess," Belle affirmed, her tone firm.

As Mario went back to his seat, Belle noticed the troubled expression on his face. It was evident that he wasn't the monstrous figure that the Empire's propaganda had portrayed him as. She furrowed her brows, reminiscing about the nights spent with Lucinia where they discussed the abhorrent acts that this man had committed. However, something about that didn't seem right anymore. Belle was curious about what was going on in his head. If Mario's reaction to her being in the Empire was any indication, then he was going to be astounded when they arrived in Caldera.

"I have to say," Mario began, his voice low. "This isn't quite what I had expected upon arriving in New Donk City."

"Please elaborate," Vossak said, inclining his head.

"For one, I'm sitting here having a chat with two Imperial officers," Mario chuckled. "And I have to say, I'm learning a lot more about the Empire than I ever thought possible."

Vossak chuckled in turn, "Well, you can expect to learn even more once we arrive at the Capital."

Mario had quickly realized that the kremling and the woman were far from ordinary Empire officers. And Vossak had not been exaggerating when he promised to reveal more. The entourage stepped off the airship, and Mario's eyes widened in amazement as he took in the towering buildings and skyscrapers that wouldn't have been out of place in the Kingdom of Chai in Sarasaland.

The scent of the city was reminiscent of New Donk City, but there was a weightiness to the atmosphere that reminded him of Portabello. Mario looked up and gasped softly at the sight of a mountain encircling the city. Belle noticed his reaction and turned back with a smirk. "You're looking at the Kappa Mountains," she said, answering his unspoken question. "It used to be a volcano in the early days of the Empire, and the force of its eruption was so strong that it actually caused the mountain to split into pieces."

Mario raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Wait a minute, let me get this straight. You decided to build your capital next to a volcano?" he asked.

Belle chuckled and shook her head in response. "No, the capital city wasn't built on top of the volcano," she clarified. "In fact, it was constructed inside the crater that was formed after the volcano erupted. Emperor Valter had a grand vision for a capital city, and he turned that vision into reality."

Mario's stomach dropped at the thought. "But what if the volcano were to erupt again?" he asked, trying to hide the unease in his voice.

Vossak interjected before Belle could respond. "The volcano is extinct," he said simply. "Volcanic activity has shifted from these peaks, over a millennium ago."

Mario let out a low whistle at that. As the three of them approached the waiting vehicle, decorum dictated that Mario should open the door and allow Belle to enter first. But before he could act, Belle beat him to the punch and opened the door for herself, stepping aside to let Vossak gesture for the plumber to enter.

Mario climbed into the comfortable car and settled into his seat. He couldn't help but roll his eyes at the military protocol that required aides to perform such menial tasks. But overall, his expectations had been met and exceeded thus far. As the two officers filed into the vehicle, Mario gazed out of the window and took in the sights of the city.

Compared to the bustling metropolises of New Donk City and Portabello, Caldera was positively teeming with activity. As they made their way through the crowded streets, Mario couldn't help but notice the curious gazes of the passersby. He turned back to the two officers accompanying him, his expression cautious. "Did Bowser mention anything about my arrival?" he asked.

Vossak shook his head. "No. The Emperor has kept your visit secret, though I suspect that will change once he meets with you."

Belle cast a reassuring glance out the window. "Don't worry, Red. They're just surprised to see a diplomatic vehicle in the city. It's nothing to be concerned about."

Mario frowned slightly before settling back into his seat. As they left the crowded inner city behind, he couldn't help but marvel at the peaceful parks and serene lakes that dotted the landscape. He wondered how many anthropologists back home would give their left arms for a glimpse of this side of Bowser's Empire.

"Ah, we're approaching Victory Plaza," Belle announced, a note of excitement in her voice. Mario turned to see a grand roundabout with a towering column at its center. "That column is dedicated to the Empire's victory in the Tortuga Restoration."

"The Tortuga Restoration?" Mario repeated, his curiosity piqued.

"Indeed," Belle confirmed. "It is widely regarded as the foundation of the modern Empire. Numerous warlords competed for control over the homeland, but it was King Bowser, the First of his Name, who finally managed to unify the territories."

Mario's eyes widened in surprise. "And when did this happen?"

"Seven hundred years ago," Vossak replied. "Upon his victory, King Bowser declared himself the First Lord of the Empire. His successor posthumously declared him to have been the first Emperor."

Mario shook his head, trying to make sense of the unexpected turn of events. It was evident that there were things back home that needed correcting, things that were not as they had seemed. As he gazed out the window, a massive building came into view, capturing his attention with its awe-inspiring architecture. The structure was a true masterpiece, with a massive dome that seemed to touch the heavens. The building exuded strength and power, with a sense of balance and grace that was remarkable. Mario could see delicate curves and intricate patterns etched into the walls, creating a sense of harmony and unity that was truly remarkable. The centerpiece of the structure was the massive dome, which seemed to dwarf everything else around it with its grandiosity and majesty.

Belle's voice cut through his musings. "Welcome to the Imperial Citadel," she said, beaming. "This is where the Emperor and the Imperial Assembly are headquartered. The architects estimated that the main hall alone could accommodate more than a hundred thousand people."

Mario raised an eyebrow skeptically. "I'm not so sure about that," he said doubtfully. "Having that many people in a dome would create enough moisture to practically make its own weather."

Vossak let out a chuckle. "Ah, that predicament is readily resolved with the implementation of dehumidifiers," he expounded. "It became a necessity when the Empire discovered a morning mist within the chambers of the Citadel."

Mario let out a low whistle as the car came to a stop at the foot of the grand staircase. He gazed up at the towering edifice and couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This was a far cry from the grim and oppressive fortresses and castles he and Luigi had stormed in the past. It almost felt welcoming. But the thought quickly dissipated as he shook his head and scowled. The word "welcoming" was never one he'd use to describe Bowser's Empire.

Several soldiers stood at attention, their rifles at the ready. Mario inhaled and exhaled slowly, then followed Belle and Vossak out of the car. One guard twitched nervously at the sight of the plumber, as if itching to swing his rifle around. But Vossak raised a forefinger and the twitchy guard froze in place. Mario started to put his hands in his pockets before quickly thinking better of it, eyeing the other guards warily. He followed Belle and Vossak up the steps in silence, taking note of the white and red flags fluttering in the breeze. And in the center of each flag, he spotted the familiar golden hexagon that he had seen back on the ship.

"Hey, what's with the hexagon?" he asked curiously. "I thought you guys plastered Bowser's face everywhere."

Belle chuckled. "You must be kidding, Red. We've had numerous Emperors and Empresses before His Majesty," she replied, shaking her head. "The Imperial Shell was the emblem that Emperor Bowser the First had chosen during the Tortuga Restoration."

"Oh… right…" Mario muttered feeling his cheeks warm.

The three of them walked into the Citadel. Upon entering the building, Mario's eyes moved from the seamless white marble flooring that moved seamlessly to the gold and red carpeting forming something of a pathway leading to, presumably different areas of the massive building. The walls were a deep, dark gray, crafted from the same seamless marble as the floor. It was as if the marble had been hewn from a single block, with no seams or blemishes to mar its flawless surface. The effect was simultaneously imposing and elegant, a testament to the craftsmanship and resources at the Empire's disposal.

The interior space was vast, with high ceilings and broad archways leading to various rooms and chambers. Yet despite its size, the building was immaculately maintained, every surface polished to a mirror shine. Mario couldn't help but feel a twinge of awe at this building. Despite everything, despite the history the Empire had with the Mushroom Kingdom, and despite his own animosity towards Bowser, he could not help but feel impressed with this building. Unlike other castles and fortresses, this one was ready to receive all manner of visitors, there were no enchanted moats of lava nor were there any perilous obstacles that threatened to do him serious harm.

"Wow…" He muttered softly.

Mario heard Belle's laughter. "Believe me, Red, you're not alone. Everyone has a similar reaction. I remember feeling the same way," she said. "I first saw the Citadel when I was brought here to introduce the Commodore to His Majesty. It was quite terrifying."

"As I recall, Commander. You were not at all thrilled at the idea of coming here." Vossak replied, his voice tinged with amusement.

"Well, I was born and raised in Crestwood. But someone decided that they needed a translator," Belle explained with a playful frown. "So... His Majesty thought it would be best for me to assist the Commodore in adjusting to Imperial culture."

Mario snorted, "Maybe we can chat about that later," he suggested. "Honestly, I'm ready to wrap up this meeting. My blood pressure's already through the roof."

As they entered the spacious room, Mario couldn't help but recall Belle's vivid description. It was immediately clear to him that this was the main hall - a grand and imposing space that seemed designed to inspire awe in all who entered it. The hall was dominated by escalating rows of seats, each one seemingly larger and more ornate than the last. The seats were upholstered in rich black leather, and the backs were decorated with intricate gold filigree. Mario couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in every inch of the furniture.

At the very top of the hall, he could see a large balcony that overlooked the entire space. It was clear that if there were a speaker addressing the assembled crowd, they would have a commanding position from which to deliver their words. The balcony itself was a marvel of engineering, suspended high above the hall on a network of steel supports that seemed almost impossibly delicate. The overall effect was one of grandeur and power, a visual representation of the Empire's dominance over its subjects. Even Mario, who had seen his fair share of impressive architecture on his travels, couldn't help but be awed by the sheer scale and opulence of the main hall.

Mario's gaze drifted down to the Imperial Shell, the golden hexagon that had become all too familiar to him. Despite everything, he couldn't help but be impressed with the sheer scale and grandeur of the building. As Vossak and Belle came to a stop, Mario halted just in time to avoid colliding into their backs. His eyes shifted upwards and landed on a familiar figure. It was not a welcome sight, but it was one he knew all too well. Kamek, the hobbling blue-robed figure, approached them, leaning on his cane for support. The two officers bowed deeply, while Mario settled for crossing his arms.

"First Minister," Vossak called out. "We have returned with Mario Segale as ordered."

"Indeed, you have," Kamek replied with a chuckle. He leaned against his cane with a warm smile. "You are to be commended for your success, Commodore Vossak," he added, his gaze flicking to Belle. "And you as well, Lieutenant-Commander."

"Thank you, your Excellency!" Belle replied.

"As a show of gratitude to you both, the Emperor has granted you a period of shore leave," Kamek continued, still smiling. "I'm certain you and your crew could use the rest, having been deployed for nearly six months now." He chuckled. "But now, I must take our guest to see His Majesty."

Mario watched as the officers clicked their heels together and moved their hands in a strange gesture. Was this some kind of salute? The two then turned on their heels and began walking out of the room, leaving Mario alone with Kamek. Mario kept his gaze fixed on the wizard, who didn't seem to have his wand with him. But Mario knew better than to underestimate Kamek. He was an exception among the Imperial battlemages, capable of performing magic without a wand.

"So… this is an interesting way to bring me into the Capital. Are you planning to execute me by firing squad or what?" Mario asked with a tilt of the head. "I mean… you fed them a whole mess of crap with Bowser needing help and all that?"

Kamek scowled at him. "Your flippant remarks are unnecessary, Mario," he said firmly. "If you'll please follow me?"

"No," Mario shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere until I get some answers," he said, gesturing around the hall of the Citadel. "Your officers said Bowser needs my help, so until you explain what's going on, I'm staying right here," he added, crossing his arms once more.

Kamek seemed to deflate at Mario's words, pinching the bridge of his nose before turning to face the plumber. Mario narrowed his eyes, wondering if he was imagining things. Was Kamek actually...tearing up? It was a wild thought, even more outlandish than the idea that Bowser might need their help. The chief battle mage and closest advisor to Bowser wasn't the type to show weakness.

"I promise, Mario," Kamek spoke softly, breaking the uneasy silence. "This isn't something we can discuss openly like this. More importantly...it's better I show you what His Majesty needs."

Mario's curiosity was piqued. He unfolded his arms and gestured for Kamek to lead the way. This had to be something significant. Did Vossak know about it? Mario's mind raced back to their conversation in New Donk City. Vossak had alluded to certain circumstances keeping Bowser grounded, and both Belle and Vossak had mentioned that the issue threatened the stability of the continent, not just the Empire. What could it all mean?

As they walked down a hallway towards an elevator, Mario tried to break the silence, but nothing came to mind. Kamek seemed preoccupied with something, and the plumber didn't want to distract him. They stepped into the elevator and Kamek pressed a button for the third floor. Mario noted that the portraits on the walls were of past rulers of the Empire, each emanating a regal air.

"Who are these people?" Mario asked, his voice sounding more distant than he intended.

"These are the past rulers of the Empire," Kamek replied with a soft chuckle. "Emperor Bowser the First, Emperor Korvus the Black, Empress Morrigan...each one has had a portrait commissioned, whether they brought prosperity or great misery. Inept rulers can provide good lessons on what to avoid for future monarchs."

Mario had to admit that was not something he had been expecting Kamek to elaborate on. Despite his desire to keep the conversation going, he found himself at a loss for words. The two of them stood before a towering door crafted from polished light oak and dark walnut. With a resigned sigh, Kamek mustered his strength before knocking on the door. In response to his knock, the doors slid open, and Mario followed the wizard into the room.

The space was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the faint glow of a desk lamp. As Mario's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, he caught sight of a familiar clawed hand gripping a quill and scribbling away at a document. Why did this sight remind him so much of his recent meeting with Princess Peach almost three weeks ago? Kamek cleared his throat and spoke up. "Your Grace, our guest is here as you requested," he announced.

Mario's attention shifted to Kamek, who seemed to be disapproving of Bowser's work. A grunt of acknowledgement was all that Mario heard in response, followed by a series of slow, heavy footsteps accompanied by the rhythmic tapping of a cane on the floor. Kamek stepped aside, his gaze fixed on a corner of the room. As Mario turned to face the approaching figure, he felt his brow furrow in confusion. It was Bowser, but not the Emperor he knew. Something was off, terribly off.

Bowser looked...well, for lack of a better word, terrible. Mario couldn't tell if it was a trick of the light or if the fiery red mane of hair was truly flecked with grey. The Emperor appeared to have aged prematurely, and the dark circles under his eyes betrayed his severe lack of sleep. Rather than wearing armor as Mario had been accustomed to seeing, Bowser wore only a deep red robe with black trim. Mario's jaw dropped in surprise as he took in the sight of the once-proud ruler.

"You look… surprised." Bowser croaked out. He limped over to an empty chair before he carefully lowered himself into it. "I've… been a little under the weather as you can see."

That snapped Mario from his stupor, "Understatement of the era…" He muttered, "What… happened?"

The Emperor wheezed and clutched at his chest. Mario frowned, this was wrong. Bowser sighed, "After we defeated Smithy… I began working on my next 'great' plan." He huffed, "I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Part of me wanted to storm Star Haven…" He paused and breathed heavily, the simple action rattling in Mario's ears. "…I had plans drawn up. Another part wanted to pursue something more... scientific…" Bowser broke off before descending into a violent coughing fit.

Mario had barely started to move when Kamek rushed to the Emperor's side. It stood to reason that Kamek was concerned. Thinking back on it, Mario had suspected that the wizard had all but raised Bowser since he was born. Nothing concrete ever emerged to confirm that fact, but it was always an interesting bit of speculation between himself and his brother. Bowser only raised a hand to shoo Kamek away; however, he also gave Kamek a sharp look.

Kamek nodded before turning to face Mario, "You see… we managed to secure samples of an experimental version of Hoo Hoo University's megavitamins from the Beanbean Kingdom." He began, "The idea behind the experimental drug was that we could find a way to create something like a… super soldier pill." Kamek paused for a moment, "It would have doubled the strength and speed of anyone who consumed it. But we also wanted to increase the metabolism of the consumer to help heal faster."

Mario whistled in spite of himself, "So… what went wrong?"

"In short? Everything…." Bowser rasped and raised the hand that he had been coughing into.

Mario inhaled sharply at the sight. Bowser's hand was smeared with blood. The amount didn't match anything he had seen before in his life. He thought back to a time when Luigi had been sick with pneumonia. His coughing fits had been bad and occasionally Luigi had coughed up blood, but the doctors all but assured their parents it had been due to damage to the esophagus. By comparison what Bowser had was… considerably worse.

"Our initial test was conducted by His Majesty and in the beginning, we thought we succeeded." Kamek continued, "It was only after that we realized just how wrong we were."

"Clearly…" Mario exhaled.

"The side effects of the experiment make the megavitamin regard the body's healthy cells as a disease and so are working to break down the body itself." Kamek explained grimly. He then gestured to Bowser, "What you're seeing here is the result of five months of continue degradation."

"What Kamek is saying, Mario…" Bowser coughed once more, "…is that I'm dying."

Mario's mouth had gone dry as he processed what Bowser was saying. The idea of Bowser dying, strange as it was, sounded like something out of King Russet's darkest fantasies. He glanced to Kamek who looked equally grim. Mario removed his cap and scratched his head in confusion, "Alright… you're dying." He agreed soberly, "I'm missing the part where I'm going to be able to help you. I'm not a doctor. My grandfather was one, but he's been dead for quite a while now." He gestured wildly, "And a plunger certainly can't help with this!"

"You were always good for a laugh, Mario…" Bowser chuckled before shaking his head and coughing once more.

"His Majesty asked you here for a different reason." Kamek explained in a patient tone, his gaze focused on Bowser. "While he is incapacitated, the Empire must have a ruler. The Crown Prince is too young to rule in his own name and his siblings have no claim." Kamek turned to face him, "In the past, the Empire has seen monarchs appoint chancellors to act in the throne's name. It—"

"Well, great!" Mario exclaimed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "There's your answer, Bowser! Just name Kamek as Chancellor and we can all go home!" He placed his hands on his hips and began clapping slowly. "I mean, thank you for bringing me all the way out here for something so simple," he added, the sarcasm still evident in his voice.

Bowser shook his head slowly, "No… I don't think you understand Mario…" He began quietly, "Kamek's time will be split between his duties as First Minister of the Assembly and in working to find a cure for this problem." He gazed at the wizard who looked somber, "I have no doubt that he will be up to the task, but… I'm afraid I must take steps to protect my son in the event we're too late." A predatory grin spread across his face, "I asked you here because I still need a Chancellor. And that… my portly Pastafarian is where you come in."

Mario blinked, "Wait… what the fuck?!"

Author's Note

Ah, the joy of finally unveiling a pivotal chapter! It has been delightful to see the speculation among some of you regarding Bowser's needs. A few even suspected a trap, which only added to the excitement. Of course, my biggest challenge has been revisiting old scenes in new and creative ways. For instance, in a previous draft, the Imperial officer was not a Kremling, but a Koopa by the name of Terrapin. And when I conceived Komodo Vossak, I found myself drawn to the idea of a character modeled after Grand Admiral Thrawn. However, the challenge was to integrate him in such a way that he did not overshadow the other discussions. If you're confused as to why Mario doesn't know about Bowser Junior, then please reread the Chapter One notes. The decision to have the Koopalings as being adopted by Bowser serves as a nice middle ground between them being his kids as was established in the Super Mario Bros 3 instruction book and their eventual retconning for New Super Mario Bros Wii as Bowser's minions only.

Another challenge was designing significant buildings for Bowser's capital that would not just be typical castles and fortresses seen in the games. I toyed with the idea of something similar to the Fire Nation's palace but ultimately decided against it. Instead, I wanted something more impactful, and so the Citadel's design was modeled after the Volkshalle, also known as the People's Hall, which was to be the focal point of Adolf Hitler's Welthaupstadt Germania project following World War II. The layout of Germania actually served as a great inspiration for Caldera's design, with the addition of Japanese aesthetics on the other buildings as established in Super Mario Odyssey to reflect Bowser's Kingdom.

And as for the chapter's ending? Well, let's just say I adore that final line precisely because it's so unexpected coming from Mario. It has appeared in every version of the story in some form or another.