Author's Note:
Hey, guys! Sorry about the delay! I meant to get this chapter out sooner, but some stuff came up and I just wasn't able to finish it until now. The next chapter shouldn't take nearly as long though. I hope this was worth the wait!
RECAP:
Utterly dissatisfied with his failure to become the protector his kingdom needed, Junior resolved to find and develop his own inner strength so that he might soon face Contemno again. After parting ways temporarily with Larry and Iggy, Junior came across a waterfall deep in the heart of the forest.
The prince used meditation as a means of finding the answers he needed in order to get stronger. Through clarity of the mind, Junior reached a mysterious domain known as the Realm of Refuge – a safe haven for mental magic users. Here, Junior met a mysterious voice later known as Merlon. Merlon urged Junior to seek him out in the real world so that he might aid the prince in his quest.
Elsewhere, Contemno and his accomplice Eris resolved to launch another attack against Junior and his siblings in order to eliminate them before they can develop into a real threat.
But just before departing, Contemno had one other request for his accomplice. He warned Eris of the danger that might unfold should Maldeon and a certain prisoner ever meet…
A few days earlier…
"Ah, you're awake at last," Contemno greeted.
The man resting atop the examination table gazed upon Contemno with weary, dumbfounded eyes. The man looked as though he were dying to say something, but couldn't find the strength. Contemno reached for a small mason jar on the tray nearby. He stirred the red liquid inside a few times for good measure and presented it to his patient.
"Drink this," Contemno instructed. "It will help stabilize your condition." Too weak to say anything or do otherwise, the man accepted the drink as it was fed to him. After several gulps, the man erupted into a coughing fit. He settled down after a moment or so, and Contemno stood by; patiently waiting for him to finish, as if he knew this would happen.
"Where…am I…?" the man spoke at last in a low, raspy voice.
"Your sanctuary," Contemno answered.
"S-sanctuary?" the man repeated. Contemno nodded.
"That was quite the accident you had. You should count yourself lucky to be alive."
"W-what…what accident?"
"I saw your ship falling out of the sky in the outskirts of town. We rushed to the scene as quickly as we could," Contemno began. "After you were pulled from the wreckage, we brought you back here." The man examined his body. His arms, legs, and forehead were all wrapped in bandages.
"Everything…hurts…," the man spoke.
"That's no surprise," Contemno commented. "You have been through quite a harrowing experience. Tell me, how much do you remember of what happened?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all…"
"I see…That's unfortunate. However, I don't want you to worry." The man stared blankly at the mage. "My serum has sped up your recovery tremendously. I imagine your burns should be completely healed within a few days' time. The soreness should wear off relatively soon as well."
"And my memory…?"
"There's little I can do about that, I'm afraid," Contemno confessed. "However, you are more than welcome to stay here until you have fully recovered. I'm certain I can find something for you to do while you wait for your memory to return."
"Okay...sure. I guess I owe you one for…saving my life," the man agreed. "What do you need me to do?"
"All in due time, my boy. For now, you must rest. Let me escort you to your room."
"Gee, thanks..uhhh…," the man started as he climbed down off the table. Contemno looked back at him.
"You may call me Contemno." The man nodded.
"I guess this is the part where I give you my name but…I can't remember it for some reason," the man confessed with a small chuckle.
"Not to worry. For the time being, I will call you…Maldeon."
Maldeon slowly awoke to the gentle pattering of rain against the enormous glass window behind him. It looked to be yet another overcast day in the Rain Kingdom. In the few days he'd been here, Maldeon gathered that the kingdom must've been named for its obnoxiously predictable weather patterns. But that was about all that he could understand. The man reached over and touched the small scar on his forearm.
For someone who had allegedly been burned within an inch of his life in some kind of crash, Maldeon had made a miraculous recovery. He had hardly any burns, cuts or bruises to speak of. The ones he apparently had when he was found had vanished in record time. All except for the scar on his arm. Maldeon had no recollection of where this came from.
The answers he sought had to lie with his mysterious host: Contemno. Who was this man? How did he come to Maldeon's aide so quickly? What were the secrets behind his medical techniques? Most important of all, what plans did he have for Maldeon himself now that the latter was here in the Rain Kingdom? The man in the mask had barely said two words to Maldeon after he was first released from that examination room.
Maldeon dressed in his beige brown business suit with matching trench coat, gloves, and dress shoes. Underneath it, he dawned a white undershirt and striking red tie. He made his way for the door, then stopped.
"Oh…almost forgot…"
Approaching the dresser, Maldeon reached for the small red cloth resting atop it. He froze when he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror. The man examined his bushy mustache and large nose. There was an immense sadness festering in his sapphire eyes. Today was the final day he would drift in obscurity. It had to be.
Today was the day Maldeon would learn his true purpose for being here, no matter the cost. He intended to confront Contemno for answers, and Maldeon refused take "no" for an answer. The man gripped the red cloth tightly in his hand. He had played by Contemno's rules for the past several days, but he didn't intend to keep up this blind, helpless guest façade forever. The man rushed out the door in a hurry. He couldn't keep destiny waiting.
Bowser was violently thrust down onto the cold, concrete floor. He staggered up and rested on his knees as the rattling of his shackles and chains rang through the air. Bowser gritted his teeth and glared at the one standing before him.
"Oh how the mighty have fallen…," taunted Contemno.
"… You! Who the hell are you!? What's going on!?" Bowser roared.
"You don't remember me? I must admit I'm shocked," Contemno replied. The Koopa King's eyebrows rose slightly.
"…Remember? What are you talking about!? I've never seen you before in my life!" said Bowser. He wracked his brain but honestly couldn't recall a single detail about the masked man standing before him.
"Hmmm…perhaps this will enlighten you." A magic chain materialized from Contemno's hand and wrapped itself around Bowser's neck. The Koopa King panicked as his breaths were gradually cut off.
"Aaack! Y-you…!" Bowser stammered. Contemno closed his hand and tightened the chain's grip slightly. Bowser gasped for air as he floundered around on the floor at Contemno's feet.
"That's right. I'm the one who nearly stole your life all those years ago," Contemno explained. Bowser's eyes widened. It was all coming back to him now…that terrible day when he lost everything; his freedom; his dignity; his purpose.
The mage violently yanked at the collar around Bowser's neck and forced his captive to gaze into the empty eye sockets of his mask.
"I want you to burn the image of my face into your memory forever," Contemno instructed maliciously. "From now until the end of time, I want you to always remember the one who owns you." With bloodshot eyes and a face that was quickly turning blue, Bowser…smirked. Contemno hesitated.
"…Get….bent…," Bowser retorted. With all his might, Bowser swung his fist towards Contemno. A purple wall appeared just in time to stop Bowser's punch in its tracks. The chain disappeared as Bowser regained his breath.
Suddenly, Contemno leaped into the air just above Bowser. The Koopa King's eyes were barely able to keep up. As the mage fell back down towards him, something new materialized in his glove.
Before Bowser could get a good look, Contemno landed atop his shoulders and jammed something aggressively into the side of Bowser's neck. A sharp, stinging sensation radiated throughout Bowser's entire body as he roared in anguish. He became disoriented as the room around him began to spin. Finally, Bowser collapsed to the floor. His eyes met Contemno's mask once more.
"The first thing you need to learn is respect," said the mage. "This is my world now, and I will be the one to decide if you are still fit to live in it." Bowser struggled to respond as he desperately reached his hand out towards his opponent. "Sleep tight."
Just as Bowser slipped into unconsciousness, Eris entered the throne room.
"Guards, take this one to the holding cell," Contemno instructed. The two soldiers – who had just watched this scene unfold – acquiesced without a word.
"That injection was lethal, I hope," Eris commented. Contemno stared at the used syringe in his glove.
"No, just a tranquilizer for now," Contemno responded. The woman crossed her arms and shook her head.
"Contemno…you won't get anywhere if you're exercising mercy. Surely you realize this."
"Of course, but this one is different. He'll make for an ideal test subject. If I am to make the best possible use of my serum in this conquest, I need to know everything that I can possibly do with it; every action; every reaction; every side effect; in turn, every conceivable option available to me. Bowser will be a perfect testing ground as he has a body that can withstand torture unlike any other," Contemno described.
"If you ask me, it seems like a waste of time to fiddle around with your enemies. They're better off dead and out of the way," Eris reasoned. "If you want new toys to play with, let's round up some civilians to pump your serum with instead." Contemno shook his head.
"My dear, innovation has never been born without taking some risks. Trust me." Eris smirked.
"Fair enough. I just hope for your sake, you know what you're doing," she warned.
"Your concern is appreciated, though unnecessary," Contemno assured. "I've waited my entire life to put these fools in their proper places. But I must take precautions to ensure my victory; no matter what challenges may come my way."
"Where are you off to now?" Eris asked as Contemno passed her on his way to the doors.
"I'm departing for the Mushroom Kingdom. I have a date with the fair princess herself."
"Is there anything you need from me in the meantime?"
"I believe Maldeon is ready to begin working for me starting today. Do make sure he is brought up to speed. I assume you are familiar with the necessary protocol?"
"Naturally."
"Why not save Eris the trouble and fill me in by yourself, Contemno?" a voice spoke. Eris and Contemno looked over. Standing in the doorway was Maldeon with his arms crossed.
"Maldeon. How long have you been standing there?"
"Just got here. It's time we talked."
"I must say I'm not a fan of this rather aggressive tone of your's," Contemno advised ominously.
"And I'm not a fan of your methods," Maldeon countered.
"My boy, you cannot expect me to ever be of any assistance to you if you insist on keeping up this wall between us. Whatever you must say, come right out and say it." Maldeon chuckled.
"That's funny, coming from the guy in a mask and cloak. You're telling me not to keep any secrets, yet you're holding me captive here against my will and won't tell me why!"
"Do you see any shackles on your wrists? Any bars on your window?" Contemno asked. "You mistake my hospitality for a prison sentence. There's nothing holding you here. Yet here you've stayed for the past several days. Perhaps it is you who has something to reveal." Maldeon gritted his teeth.
"What's there to tell? I can't remember anything. Not a single thing about my past or who I am. I don't even remember my real name!" Maldeon exclaimed. Contemno approached him and gently gripped his forearms.
"You're quite right. Yet, you expect me to simply toss you out onto the streets in such a condition?" Madleon's eyes fell. "I brought you in because you were hurt and you would have died in that fire if I had not done anything. I gave you a roof over your head to provide you with stability, and a name to give you a sense of purpose in this troubling time of your life."
"I know…but now I have a debt to repay to you. If you won't let me do that, then how am I supposed to feel anything other than trapped?" Maldeon asked.
"Making you feel trapped here was never my intention, and you're welcome to leave whenever you like. I never expected repayment. I saved your life because it was within my power to do so. Nothing more. You could walk right out the front door today and I wouldn't stop you. But if you were to leave, where might you go?"
"I dunno…out there I guess. I need to remember who I really am. I just can't shake this feeling that there's something terrible that I'm forgetting."
"Then you must ask yourself how important your old memories really are. Are they really worth searching aimlessly for? You haven't a clue where to look or who to ask; no leads to go on. Why waste time wandering around blindly like that?" Contemno continued.
"Because…I…," Maldeon started before trailing off.
"Realize that while you have the freedom to leave, Maldeon, that does not mean you must take it. I'm also giving you an opportunity to stay here and start over; to leave the past behind and build a new life. All you have to do is reach out and take it."
"But you don't know any more about me than I do. How can you trust me? Why would you go so far for me? What exactly are you offering me here?" Maldeon interrogated. His eyes met Contemno's mask.
"I had to leave my own past behind to become the man I am today," the mage answered. "It isn't an easy decision to make, but at times it's what must be done. I recognize that you are in just the same situation as I once was. I offer you guidance."
"Why's that? What happened to you?" Maldeon probed.
"That's not important, my boy," Contemno denied. "All you should concern yourself with now is the decision you must make. Are you willing to let go of the past, or will you chase aimlessly after it?" Maldeon hesitated. He looked over at Eris, who was glaring right back at him. The man returned his attention to Contemno and sighed.
"Well, it doesn't make much sense to leave now. I guess I could stick around here a little longer. At least until I remember something..."
"A wise decision," Contemno praised.
Eris led Maldeon down a damp, decrepit corridor with pockets of light dispersed throughout from the dying light fixtures above. The hallway was so narrow that Maldeon was forced to walk directly behind Eris as the walls sandwiched him in place from both sides. So far, Eris hadn't said two words to Maldeon since Contemno passed him off into her custody a few minutes earlier.
Much like his mysterious caretaker, Maldeon couldn't get a reading on her either. From the rare occasions where their eyes had met before, the woman didn't seem too thrilled to have Maldeon here for some reason. She never had anything more than an icy glare to offer him.
"So, Contemno made it sound like I might have some 'grand role' to play here," said Maldeon. "What exactly am I supposed to do?"
"You'll be looking after our 'guest,'" Eris answered.
"'Guest'…?" Maldeon repeated.
"His room is coming up. Do you remember where the dining parlor is?"
"Sure, it's where I've had all my meals the past few days."
"Starting tonight, there will be a second tray on the table for every meal. You are to bring that tray to our guest to make sure he eats."
"Why does this guy need someone bringing all of his meals to him? Why doesn't he have the same freedom to move around the building as we do?"
"He and Contemno are not exactly on trusting terms with one another. So for the time being, he needs to remain down here. We need you to deliver his meals because our guest would rather starve to death than eat anything he thinks Contemno made. We can't have that. Contemno needs him alive, so you have to make certain that this guy doesn't keel over on us."
"O…kay…?" Maldeon agreed hesitantly. "Sounds easy enough." Suddenly, Eris stopped.
"But before we reach his door here in a moment, there are some guidelines you have to follow," Eris warned.
"Name 'em," Maldeon replied.
"The first and most obvious one, don't let the guy out of his cell under any circumstances."
"…Seriously?" You really think I'd be dumb enough to-"
"I don't care if you're gullible enough to get tricked into letting him out, or he breaks the door down himself. You are to keep him down here at all costs. Is that clear?" Maldeon nodded.
"Next, don't ever make eye contact with him. None whatsoever. Don't look at him, and don't let him see you. We're expecting you to wear that blindfold at all times whenever you come down here just to avoid the temptation." Maldeon fished the red cloth out of his coat pocket and stared at it. "Temptation" seemed like a weird way to put it…
"And what happens if he does catch a glimpse of me?" Maldeon inquired.
"…He'll kill you."
"Hehe…so, no pressure then," Maldeon commented sarcastically to squelch any visible fear. Eris smirked ever so slightly at that. "How long do you expect me to keep this up for?"
"Until Contemno decides that we're through with him. So get used to doing it for a while," said Eris.
"I understand. Anything else I should know about this guy?" Maldeon asked as he adjusted the blindfold over his eyes.
"Don't make conversation with our guest. You'll only be inviting him to try and get under your skin so you'll eventually let him out. For your safety, just drop the food off, slide it under the door, and leave without saying so much as two words to the guy," Eris explained.
"Can I just ask one more thing?"
"What is it?"
"Keeping this guy alive but contained seems like an important task. Why would you guys entrust it to me; someone whom you barely know anything about?"
"Don't get the wrong idea, kid. You're useful, but you're not important. Keeping our guest locked up is a risk. Someone's gotta look after him, but we can't afford to lose anyone important over it. So that's why we're tasking you with this job. If you die, then hardly anything of value was lost," Eris explained coldly.
Maldeon didn't gather that this explanation was supposed to motivate him to do the job well in any way. It seemed fitting that Eris of all people was the one to drop such a bomb on Maldeon. She never gave any impression that she saw value in him. But at least she was honest about it. Unlike Contemno, Maldeon didn't have much trouble piecing together Eris's true feelings now.
Bowser's eyes cracked open ever so slightly. From within his dark, cramped prison cell, the sound of footsteps was faint, yet still apparent to him. The Koopa King used every remaining ounce of his consciousness to listen silently and try to anticipate what was coming next. He could barely make out the sound of someone talking, but it wasn't until the person drew near his door that he could make out what was being said.
"So who is he anyway?" One of the voices spoke.
"Frankly, I couldn't care less who he is. He's just a means to an end for Contemno."
"That doesn't exactly answer my question…" Suddenly, Bowser heard a loud thump. He gathered that someone was aggressively being shoved against the wall.
"You've got a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and three square meals a day! Show a little gratitude and don't look a gift horse in the mouth with your ridiculous, prying questions! If you can't, I'm sure we can make room in that cell for you too!"
Bowser began to crawl over towards the door across the room, but he stumbled and collapsed. Whatever garbage that guy in the mask had pumped him with before was starting to kick in again as Bowser slipped back into a deep slumber.
Maldeon strolled down the hallway later that evening, carrying the second dinner tray for the mysterious guest he was expected to feed. The man's mind had been racing all afternoon. Was this job worth keeping? For how long? The job itself wasn't especially difficult, and without his memory, Maldeon didn't have any reason to leave. Yet, Eris had made it abundantly clear that Maldeon was not valued or even welcomed here.
So why should Maldeon play by their rules? What should he do then?
What could he do? Without any clues about where he was from or what his past life was like, Maldeon had nowhere to go. He was trapped here, despite the thin illusion of freedom his host wished to cast over him.
Regardless, it just made sense to stick it out here until Maldeon could come up with something better. For now, he would play by the rules.
The man reached the prisoner's flimsy, rusted old door. How this thing could hold anyone inside was up to interpretation. There was a small flap near the bottom of the door that swung inward and out; vaguely resembling a dog door. This slot was just big enough to slide the food tray through it and into the holding cell inside, but far too small for anyone to think of crawling through it to escape.
There was an eerie silence in the air, aside from the faint shuffling coming from inside the prison cell. At least the prisoner was still alive. But if he refused to say anything, Maldeon saw no reason to speak himself. So, he tied the blindfold over his eyes, slid the tray under the door quickly, then turned and began to walk away.
He stopped when her heard the sound of the tray being pushed right back through the flap. The man turned around, lifted his blindfold, and saw the tray completely untouched.
Did he just…reject it?
Maldeon slid the tray back through the flap once more. Immediately, the food came crashing back into the hall again with twice as much force as before. This time it collided with the wall; the glass of milk tumbling over and spilling.
Angry, Maldeon shoved the food tray through the door yet again.
"HEY BOZO, TAKE A HINT, WILL YA!?" A deep voice roared from inside the cell. The food tray rocketed back through the door and crashed into the wall. Maldeon clenched his fists, but took a deep breath. This wasn't worth getting worked up over. After all, what point was there in taking any pride in this job after what Eris said?
"It's not poisoned, if that's what you're thinking," Maldeon answered calmly at last.
"That's not what I was thinking. But even so, I'm not eating this crap. Take it back," the prisoner replied.
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger, pal," Maldeon argued. "I may be the one person around here who shows you any degree of mercy. Maybe you should show me a little respect."
"Respect!? Ha!" the prisoner chortled. "You can take your 'respect' and shove it! I won't be sticking around here nearly long enough to ever rely on you, chump!"
"So, what? You'd rather starve to death then? You've gotta be hungry by now. When were you put in here? It's gotta have been at least a day since you ate something. Quit starving yourself, idiot!" Maldeon reasoned.
"That's just what Contemno wants," said the prisoner. Maldeon fell silent. How did this guy know that? "If that guy really wanted me dead, I wouldn't be sitting here right now talking to you, would I?"
"I…I guess not. But-"
"I know he's trying to keep me alive for something. But I'm not playing his little game, got it? I don't know how you got stuck with doing Contemno's dirty work, and I couldn't care less," the prisoner continued. "But I suggest you find yourself another gig, pal. Because I won't be cooped up in here for long."
"That's the second time you've threatened to escape," Maldeon pointed out. "Just how do you plan on doing that?" The prisoner was silent for a moment. Maldeon couldn't determine if he'd just cornered his combatant in this little debate, or if he had just walked into some kind of verbal trap.
"…Do you really think I'd be stupid enough to just tell you how I plan to bust out of here!?" the prisoner replied.
Yup…it was a trap… Maldeon said to himself.
"I'm ditching this joint one way or another! Count on it! As for eating, that's the one thing you managed to get right here so far. I'll admit, I am hungry. But I plan to get some real food on my way out, and I'm not gonna let some pesky errand boy get in my way!"
"'Pesky…?'" Maldeon repeated. For some reason, that word stood out to him. It was as if a switch had just been flipped in his head suddenly. In fact, Maldeon was scolding himself for just now realizing that this voice sounded oddly familiar. It was as if Maldeon had heard this guy use the term "pesky" before. If only he could remember when…
"You…," Maldeon started.
"Huh? Are you still there!? Hit the road, tiny!" the prisoner ordered.
"What's your name?" Maldeon inquired; completely ignoring the prisoner's empty threats at this point.
"W-wha? Why on earth would I tell you that!?"
"Does it matter? I mean, it's not like knowing your name is going to help me stop you from escaping in any way."
"W-well…y-yeah! But…if you don't already know who I am, then you're not someone who deserves to know my name!" Maldeon could tell this guy was starting to break down. That last statement made absolutely no sense. The tides were finally turning in Maldeon's favor.
"What is it?" Maldeon bluntly asked again.
"…So you do have a bit of a backbone, huh? Alright, fine. I'll tell ya," the prisoner agreed. The voice was growing more and more familiar by the second. The name was practically on the tip of Maldeon's tongue.
"Bowser."
"…Bowser?" Maldeon repeated.
"Yeah, that's my name. Keep up, you dunce!" It was no good. The name itself sounded familiar, but Maldeon just couldn't remember why. The man needed more pieces to put this puzzle together before he would start to see the bigger picture.
"Thanks…Bowser," said Maldeon. "I'll be back in the morning with your breakfast."
"…Huh?" Bowser responded, utterly confused.
"If you really plan on getting out of here somehow, then trust me, I won't stop you." Bowser grew silent. "They don't value me nearly enough here for me to even bother trying to put up an actual fight with you."
"What's your angle?" Bowser asked.
"Hopefully the chef will whip up something with protein to help you build up your strength. If your bite is half as big as your bark, then punching through this door should be a cinch with the right nourishment…," Maldeon explained.
"Uhh…say what!? D-don't try to flip this around! I'm not falling for it!" Bowser argued. Maldeon smirked as he turned to walk away.
"Heh…see you tomorrow, Bowser," Maldeon chuckled as he strolled down the hall. It looked as though Maldeon had found something useful to do after all.