Hello dear readers! Today is a big day! Take your places, settle down *indicates free benches*, the ceremony is about to begin.

First of all, yes, I took a lot of inspiration for a particular scene from a popular series. But when I saw this part, I immediately thought of Cinder and Bowser. I couldn't help it, I had to do it again for them, because it was just too cute!

So if you have the series in question, just mark an "Got it!" in the comment section.


An almost perfect wedding

He'd pulled out all the stops for the occasion.

The sky was a beautiful turquoise blue with not a trace of cloud on the horizon, except for those that hovered around the castle but they were far enough away not to spoil the beauty of the setting. The sun was shining brightly on the round platform, while the white and blue benches had been returned to their place in front of the altar, where a huge arch in the shape of a winged heart adorned with white roses and lights stood. Below, the usual molten lava threatened anyone who tried to descend, jealously guarding the whole of Bowser's territory. Pretty floral arrangements had been designed for each row of benches. Floral garlands, bows and wreaths were hung, the large blue and white carpet running from the double doors to the altar had been unfurled, a table overflowing with gifts of all kinds was waiting to be unwrapped... At the top of the six steps stood two large wrought-iron candlesticks and Kamek already in position to begin the ceremony.

Bowser watched impatiently as the guests took their places in the pews, his slight nervousness translating into repetitive gestures. Tightening the edges of his sequined jacket, he tinkled with his claw as he watched each figure settle into his seat. The Hammer Bros, Spiny, live and boned Koopas, two piranha plants, Shy-Guys, Goombas, Bob-ombs, Bullys, the Koopalings deliberately placed at the very back to avoid maximum disorder... And even King Boo, who agreed to come after Kamek saved him from being turned to stone by King Tick-Tock. For his part, King Bob-omb had declined the invitation because he hadn't enjoyed being blown up by Princess Peach the last time, and now had a grudge against her. She'd blown him up in front of everyone! Granted, he was described as a proud character, but that was no reason to ridicule him in public.

Luckily, the Koopa King didn't hold it against him for a simple matter of safety.

At the foot of the steps leading up to the altar stood a large metal display stand with a beautiful, layered cake featuring spiny green shells, horns, musical notes, a red fruit coulis, and a purple whipped cream. The giant white cake was reminiscent of Bowser's white jacket, with the little nails on the folds, a perfect creation by the talented Koopa Cook. It was a miracle it didn't melt in the extreme heat! But of course, what would such a beautiful wedding cake be without the two characters sitting atop it? Instead of Peach holding his arm with an admiring smile, it was a representation of Cinder holding Bowser's hand as the two gazed lovingly at each other. Even here, the difference was obvious. It was as if Koopa Cook had a premonition a long time ago that this layer cake would soon see the light of day.

Everything seemed perfect. The guests were almost all there already, and Bowser was finally beginning to relax with a discreet sigh to loosen his muscles, quickly followed by a smug smile. He wanted this wedding to be remembered forever! He wanted it to be as beautiful and spectacular as possible. He wanted everyone to know that he was close to achieving his goal. However, his satisfied smile died instantly when his eyes fell on four figures who had just appeared at the end of the aisle looking for a seat. To see them here after all that had happened... Knowing that they would witness his wedding without being able to say or do anything almost made him sick. The helplessness was unbearable. But he was doing it for Cinder, to prove to her that he could make tolerant efforts just for her.

Because if it were up to him, he'd have made a scene in front of everyone by now.

With a slight grunt of disapproval, Bowser contented himself with keeping his mouth shut, chin up. He had to be patient, which was quite a challenge. The big Koopa looked askance at the three humans who were timidly making their way to the first bench on the right. Accompanied by the chattering Toad with his annoying grin, they quickly settled into the seats they had been assigned at Cinder's request. Well, rather his begging, since she had to be persuaded to let them enter his territory on this holy day... Which was no mean feat. But then again, he was doing it for his future wife, so that she'd have at least a few friends at her wedding. Since apart from these four oddballs there was no one else on the bride's side. Bowser's friends and associates were literally taking up every available pew!

"Mario, what are we doing here ... I don't like this place at all, it gives me creeps! There are enemies everywhere. Remember the last time we set foot here? What if he takes us prisoner? What's going to happen to us?" Luigi exclaimed beside his brother, gnashing his teeth at all the frightening faces around them. He yelped when a piranha plant licked its lips when it looked at him, or rather when it smelled fear as it had no eyes. This observation sent shivers down his spine.

"Everything will be fine. Just relax Luigi. I won't let anyone hurt you, you have my word! You'll never be anyone's prisoner again. Me and the Princess will make sure of that." Mario tried to calm his brother, who was trembling with fear and cowering on the bench. He put a gloved hand on Luigi's shoulder and Luigi was immediately affected, making him laugh.

"You're right ... As long as we're together, nothing can happen to us. We're doing it for our friend." Luigi repeated more confidently, his fists clenched with a look of conviction. Even if inside he was still scared to death at the idea of finding himself in his worst enemy's castle, where he had almost died more than once... He swallowed loudly, which prompted Peach to speak.

"We have to be there for Cinder in case she needs our help. Think of us as her bodyguards on a secret mission. At the slightest sign, we'll intervene!" She declared with a playful wink, showing Luigi her biceps to back up her words.

They still had their doubts about the authenticity of these weddings, but Cinder was clearly in love with the evil turtle, and the love was mutual. Or so it seemed... Even if it was still difficult for them to admit it after all that blackmailing to get the princess' hand. Because they never knew what to expect with Bowser! Or what his diabolical plans were to achieve his ends. But whatever happened at the wedding, they'd stay on their toes and protect their friend if the situation called for it. Peach smiled at the two boys side by side on the bench, and then her beautiful blue eyes fell on the bravest Toad she knew as he took his turn to speak.

"A secret mission? So cool! I love danger. I'm the best at infiltration! Nobody scares me here, I'm not afraid of all these big ugly things! I'll cut them up into little pieces and cook them with fried onions and garlic, you'll see, it's succulent! I'm not afraid of anything." Toad puffed out his chest with a determined look, this sharp exclamation frightening the three humans to his left who stared at him with wide, shocked eyes. It was a big threat, and one they hadn't at all expected from such a cheerful little fellow. Suddenly Toad lost his almost frightened expression and exchanged it for a cheerful smile, which he offered to someone on the other side of the main aisle.

"Hey, bro! Hi there! Over here!" He greeted, waving to another scarred Toad sitting on the first bench between two Koopas. Wearing a black spiked jacket, a gold chain and hanging sunglasses, the latter sank further into his seat.

"Oh please..." Terry grumbled with one hand covering his peripheral vision at his idiot brother who was embarrassing him in front of everyone. Why was he even here?! This was the most important day for his beloved monarch, and this idiot had to be there to ruin it! He had the urge to smash everything, to vent his anger in a great cry of rage except that he resigned himself at the last moment.

"Psst, who's the bride? What country's she from this time?" Asked a little bob-omb behind him. Nevertheless, it was the Koopa to Terry's left who answered with a smile.

"She's not a princess. And she's from the Kingdom of Time." Charlie recalled with a glance at his brother Marwin when there was a collective sigh at this information.

"Not a princess?!" A Shy Guy exclaimed.

"From the Kingdom of Time? Why is Bowser interested in her if she has nothing to offer him?" Questioned a bewildered Boo in his ghostly fluent voice, raising his little arms to mark his dismay. Since when has the fearsome Bowser been interested in anyone but Princess Peach? And without the promise of greater power? The world was turned upside down!

"As long as she doesn't cause a scandal... And doesn't try to freeze us all, I'm fine with it." Sighed a Hammerhead Bro half-slumped on the bench, scratching his belly with a long yawn.

"Praying this is the last wedding." A Dry Bones grunted wearily as he crossed his arms under his skeleton snout. He was the one who'd been roasted by his boss when he'd asked an angry question about Peach's answer back then.

"Are you stupid or what? The most important thing is that our boss is happy and fulfilled! We don't care if she has power or not, as long as she fulfills her role as his wife. Our mighty King needs to be fulfilled to guide us to victory! So we can crush every last one of them!" Inflamed, Terry clenched his fists in front of him with a demonic grin as Marwin and Charlie exchanged puzzled looks at this sudden outburst in favor of their monarch. Not surprising, given Terry's unquestioning allegiance.

There was no more loyal Bowser worshipper than him.

The first notes of the wedding march began as soon as everyone was seated, cutting off all interaction between the guests. Everyone turned towards the double doors, waiting for the human to appear at the end of the aisle. The suspense was at its height. All eyes, without exception, were riveted on the doors that would soon open to reveal the bride-to-be of King Bowser. The one everyone had been talking about for some time, mysterious though she was. Who had finally accepted the proposal of the cruelest and feared of all Koopas? The famous notes echoed across the now silent platform as Bowser proudly awaited Cinder at the top of the steps, his self-confidence evident on his delighted face. He briefly met Peach's gaze on the bench, then his smile faded to a small frown at the blonde's gesture.

She pointed two fingers in front of her eyes before directing them in his direction to let him know she was watching him. Obviously from a distance, but she'd always be there. He felt like chuckling at this absurd threat, but his nervousness quickly returned when the doors still didn't open and the music continued. Swaying on his feet, the large spiny turtle leered at the three humans diagonally from his position. Mario and his brother were both dressed in black tuxedos, minus their colorful caps, which he found ridiculous. A good thing, too! Otherwise he'd have kicked them out of his wedding for bad taste. Glaring at Luigi, who was frantically straightening his bow around his neck, he moved on to the Toad, who was openly defying him with his eyes. Taking his cue from the princess.

Then he returned to Peach, who had opted for a pretty pink dress with white tones, silky short white gloves, a large umbrella with hearts and her usual hairstyle. Like the two brothers, she had made an effort to dress for the occasion, which Bowser had to acknowledge despite his aversion to the three of them. He still couldn't get his head around the fact that they were all here and on the loose ... Sitting on a bench instead of locked in a cage frying over the lava. Was he already starting to go soft before he'd even been married for good? Bowser wondered as he crossed his arms under his snout at this lingering moment.

The music had just started up again as the minutes ticked by with no sign of his beloved Cinder. But where was she?! Behind him, Kamek cleared his throat as murmurs of confusion began to rise from the ranks. The guests looked at each other in disbelief, wondering what was going on and why there was still no bride, thinking bluntly that the bride-to-be had finally taken to her heels after some reflection. Which wouldn't even be surprising after all... Nothing new there. The only thing they were really worried about was the angry King's reaction, with some Koopas already hiding in their shells in anticipation of the possible explosion. All Bowser's self-confidence had just vanished as he watched the entirety of his guests search for an explanation for the bride's absence, his expression alarmed at the feeling of worry crawling in his stomach.

Where was Cinder?

"Um, I think there's a little problem..." The Magikoopa commented in front of the altar after licking his finger to turn a page in his book. Nowhere did it say that the bride would be late!

"What's going on!" Bowser said in his big, scary voice.

Peach quickly got up from the bench, handed Mario her umbrella and walked down the hallway toward the closed doors. She had every intention of getting to the bottom of this! Gathering up her petticoats, she hurried out of sight to find her friend inside the castle. Seconds passed, then minutes, and finally a long quarter of an hour without anyone returning. The whispers soon turned into an interrogation for Kamek, who had to do all he could to calm the guests, who were becoming increasingly irritated by the interminable wait. Was this a bad joke? Yet King Koopa seemed disconcerted, even distraught... Finally, Bowser caught his breath to descend the steps and join the doors in his turn, rushing all the way to the vestibule only to find it completely empty.

He raised a curious eyebrow. No sign of the two girls, but where could they be? Heading for the next set of doors leading to the main corridor, Bowser stopped in his tracks when he thought he heard noises on the other side. It sounded like voices... He grabbed his top hat to keep it from falling off his head as he leaned curiously against the wood to listen to what was going on behind, eyes squinting in concentration. It was muffled by the thickness of the doors nevertheless he could hear small sniffles as well as Peach's voice.

"You know, it's never too late to give up. If you're not ready, don't force yourself to do anything. The choice will always be yours! And if he really loves you..." The princess paused for a moment after this word, which had struggled to leave her mouth; "then, he'll wait! It's as simple as that."

Behind the door, Bowser's brows furrowed at the anger that was coming to life inside him.

"You want me to get you an ice flower? It can come in handy in this kind of situation, I know! But you don't need to be afraid, nothing will happen to you as long as we're here. I give you my word as a princess." Peach laughed.

This was one sentence too many. He definitely saw red. Was she trying to ruin his wedding to Cinder? Could it be some kind of revenge or something? Why did Peach want to make his future wife doubt him? And of course he loved her, what a question! Fists clenching violently, the Koopa gritted his teeth at the surge of rage that invaded him to the point of smoke coming out of his nostrils. He felt like destroying everything, burning down that door and driving away all those people waiting outside in the sun. He felt ashamed and humiliated! Growling with hatred, Bowser suddenly stopped shaking when he heard Cinder crying behind the door, which calmed him instantly. His heart broke at the heartbreaking sounds... So calmly, he grabbed the handle to open it and burst into the corridor where only the two girls were.

"What are you doing here? You're not allowed to see the bride before the ceremony!" Peach immediately shouted, kneeling before Cinder in tears.

Bowser ignored her, his eyes riveted on the beautiful human in her wedding dress sitting on a small stone bench to his left. Between two candelabras bringing a little light to this sinister corridor, the whiteness of her dress made her stand out against the graying walls, her long train falling to the side like a waterfall. She looked like an angel fallen from heaven. Her face was buried in her hands as she sobbed her heart out, elbows resting on her knees. Her shoulders trembled as the princess tried in vain to comfort her with a few friendly pats on the knee, her worried blue eyes trying to make eye contact with this inconsolable girl.

"She needed comfort! A kind presence to support her in such a difficult time. Not someone to put more pressure on her!" Insisted a wounded Peach after glaring at the tall Koopa in the doorway. She had almost managed to stop Cinder's tears before he entered the room... She felt like shouting at him for his lack of tact! However, her fiendish gaze faltered slightly as the King in costume squinted at her in warning.

"Out! Before I unleash another Bill Ball on the Mushroom Kingdom and all those idiot Toads!" He threatened in a tone that left no room for argument. And this threat was effective enough to discourage Peach from standing up to him any longer. Throwing his thumb behind his shoulder, he followed the princess with a disdainful raise of his eyebrows when she repeated her funny gesture to tell him she was watching him as she passed him by. He waited for the door to close before returning to Cinder.

But the girl in question refused to look up. Luckily, she'd refused to let Wendy do her make-up because she'd wanted to keep it natural, so her tears left no trace on her cheeks. Still hiding her face in her hands, she sniffed sadly as the big turtle approached her to delicately place a claw under her chin so she could finally look at him. He was struck by the desperation in her beautiful wet green eyes. Was she that unhappy? Uncertain about this wedding? Yet she'd seemed delighted when he'd proposed... Bowser didn't understand, but he couldn't bring himself to be angry with her despite the disappointment he felt. Her pained look struck him right in the heart, chasing away all the irritation he'd built up as he dropped to one knee to try and catch her elusive gaze. Finger tucked under her chin, he raised his eyebrows with a sheepish smile when he spoke again.

"I don't know what Princess Peach said about me, but I thought this wedding was what you wanted!" He assured her with a doubtful nod. To remain calm in this situation required an unimaginable effort. However, at Cinder's shocked look at his words, he blinked rapidly.

"Of course I do!" She said abruptly as she took his hand in hers to embrace him. His scales were smooth and warm under her touch. She'd surprised him with her scream, but the last thing she wanted was for him to think she wasn't interested anymore, far from it. And there was no need for a quid pro quo on this day. Chasing the tears from the corner of her eyes with the back of her hand, she sniffed before resuming with a touch of embarrassment in her voice affected by her emotional state.

"I tore my veil... I ruined everything." Cinder grabbed the beautiful white veil trailing behind her back to show Bowser the famous torn piece. The turtle kneeling in front of her said nothing as he casually studied this piece of cloth, forcing her to continue.

"The princess told me it was a bad omen... That a torn veil would bring bad luck. I tried to fix it!" The human revealed, playing with her veil. She looked down at the ruined fabric and smiled bitterly at this sense of failure; "I didn't succeed. And I don't want to make you unhappy. Not after all you've done for me. You deserve to know happiness, to have someone by your side who makes you happy. In good times and bad."

Facing her, Bowser protested.

"It's all nonsense! Vulgar rumors. A panoply of lies designed to instill fear in the bride and groom. A veil cannot have the power to determine the fate of a wedding, it's ridiculous and insane!" Dismayed by these words, the King shook his head, his top hat almost tipping over if his horns didn't hold it in place. Was that the problem? He chuckled a little at this strange belief, but the girl's anxious look removed all amusement from his face.

Then Bowser did something totally improbable. He grabbed the edges of his pretty purple bow and pulled violently until he heard the familiar rip of fabric.

"What are you doing!" Cinder gasped in horror.

"This way, we'll both be cursed for life. I won't let a belief get in the way of our happiness." He explained as he enlarged the tear until it matched the tear in his future wife's veil. Then straightening up with a broad, satisfied smile, he felt his heart clench in his chest at the sparkle in Cinder's eyes after his gesture. She was looking at him with adoration and love, a look he never thought he'd ever receive, especially not for something so trivial.

And yet in Cinder's eyes, the gesture meant everything.

"Both cursed." She repeated with emotion, her hand resting on the amazing Koopa's fingers. He'll always surprise her!

Bowser smiled charmingly as he took a few seconds to admire the human on the bench. She was so beautiful... She was always beautiful, but to see her in a wedding dress made her beauty even more exceptional. Most of all, the knowledge that she would soon be his filled him with an incredible happiness that he could not hide deep inside, his emotions showing on his radiant face. Thoughtfully touching her red hair with the tip of a claw, the Koopa reveled in the silky texture, inwardly delighted that she'd left it free. He loved seeing her hair fall like that on her arms, reminding him of the lava waterfalls of his castle. Then he met her green eyes again, still moist but his sorrow had been replaced by one of her wonderful smiles. The ones that warmed his heart of stone, the ones that brought him a feeling of unequalled serenity.

"The guests are going to get impatient. They'll ruin our wedding!" Bowser grumbled after removing his claw from Cinder's hair to place his fists on his hips. He could stand here for hours looking at her, but there were more urgent things to do and he wanted to conclude this ceremony as soon as possible.

"They can't miss the most beautiful wedding of all time..." Cinder laughed softly as she placed her hands on his purple chemise and then slipped her fingers around the damaged bow, which she repositioned correctly around his neck. She found him very elegant, with his white top hat proudly bearing his emblem, his satin jacket and silver-colored rings. She still couldn't believe he was wearing this magnificent costume in her honor.

"I promise them a great show!" He quickly agreed.

"No sacrifices." Alarmed, Cinder squinted suspiciously at the turtle who suddenly looked suspicious with that exalted air peculiar to Bowser. She was suspicious when he had that look, knowing how much he liked to be the center of attention even if it meant making a big show, as he put it. She gently patted his breastplate just as he gave a little grunt of dejection.

"All right, no sacrifices." Bowser sighed as he looked up at the ceiling. He'd learned his lesson, even if some of his prisoners would deserve a death dive into the lava to entertain his guests. He wanted to try and negotiate, but Cinder gave him a dissuasive look before he could even open his mouth to argue, which resulted in another awkward laugh.

It was so close!

Bowser offered his arm to the young bride once he was sure she was ready to take the plunge with him, to face the outside world and its stares at his side. She was nervous, he could feel it. Her fingers clung resolutely to his forearm as they made their way to the double doors where the two Koopas guards, acting as doormen, were waiting. He could see out of the corner of his eye that she was trying to make herself as presentable as possible by running her free hand through her hair and then over her dress. Her nervousness growing stronger now that they were about to take the plunge. Her breathing was almost suffocating. A nod sufficed to bring daylight into the vestibule, so Bowser took the opportunity to say one last word.

"You look beautiful." He said after leaning towards her, tapping his fingers on her clammy hand to reassure her.

Stressed all the same, Cinder thanked him with a soft murmur before straightening up to sketch a smile as the two walked down the aisle with the music playing in the background. Her cheeks naturally warmed at all the glances that landed on them. The faces were full of wonder and all those smiles lifted her spirits, her fear vanishing. The bottom of her dress was a discreet green that blended into the white of the fabric, her veil reaching down to the middle of her bare back. Floating behind her. She briefly met the gaze of the Koopa gardener leaning against the bench on her right, who admired her with a dreamy expression. She waved vaguely as they approached the altar where Kamek had almost fallen asleep waiting in the same position. Shuddering when Bowser made an annoyed noise, the Magikoopa hurried back to his book to finally begin this ceremony.

"Dear friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the King Koopa..." Kamek paused to cast a wary glance at Cinder in case the urge to hit him overtook her. A simple precaution. However, the latter only had eyes for Bowser, so he continued on his way with more confidence this time; "with the lovely Cinder here."

As the speech progressed, Cinder's hands tightened around those of the fire-breathing turtle who couldn't stop smiling at her. Joy was written all over his scaly face. Genuine happiness that knew no bounds as Kamek continued his reminder of commitments, or something like that as Cinder found it hard to concentrate on what he was saying with Bowser stealing all her attention. How could she resist him? Imitating his adorable expression, she barely heard the next words of the master of ceremonies, who asked if anyone wanted to oppose the wedding before it was too late. Strangely enough, at this request, the King's head turned sharply towards the three humans seated in front. And more particularly towards Peach, as if he expected her to say something.

But the princess simply crossed her arms with a dreadful look.

"Anyone? Phew." Kamek was relieved as he ran his hand over his sweaty forehead. Finally, a wedding was taking shape! He couldn't believe it. Straightening his magnifying glasses on his muzzle, he continued impatiently just in case someone backed out at the last second.

"In that case, by the powers vested in me, I officially declare you husband and wife! United forever in the sacred bonds of marriage. For better or for worse! And thanks to this union, Darklands now has a Queen at its head. You may now kiss the bride." He declared solemnly with an inviting gesture towards the human, seeing how his King was dying to do so.

And Bowser was not to be denied. Now that everything was official, he quickly placed his hand behind Cinder's head then placed his lips on hers in a tender kiss. They soon met again to thunderous applause. Winged Koopas flew over the platform to throw flower petals as Junior finally made his entrance. Also dressed in an elegant suit with a black bow around his neck, the young prince moved to join the newlyweds with the two wedding rings on a large red cushion he held with both hands. The last thing he wanted to do was drop them because of his clumsiness! The last thing he wanted was for his father to be angry with him. Skillfully, he made his way up the steps, taking care not to trip so excited was he that he finally reached the altar and presented the rings in an elegant bow.

Cinder allowed her left hand to be taken so that Bowser could slip the ring around her finger. Unlike the engagement ring, this one was all black. No frills. She, in turn, slipped the larger ring onto Bowser's finger with a cheeky smile, the cheers of the crowd echoing off the floating platform above the lava. She slowly turned toward them as the giant Koopa urged the others to cheer louder, flexing his muscles at the sense of accomplishment he was finally feeling. He laughed in euphoria and called on the guests to begin the party that had no end in sight.

Emotionally, Cinder's gaze fell on her four friends who were smiling knowingly at her from the bench. Peach applauded, Mario nodded respectfully, Luigi flashed his thumbs, while Toad howled at the top of his lungs doing a little dance to express his joy.

She was now the wife of the King of the Koopas and Queen of the Darklands.

End


It was so beautiful, I almost shed a tear! They were reunited at last, with the promise of a better future. Bowser will always be the same, but with Cinder at his side, he can only get better.

I'm going to change registers for the next story 😊 I'm going to look at friendship. But I'm not done with Bowser and Cinder, far from it! I've got far too many ideas and so little time... It's annoying!

See you soon, VP