5.

"When my wife told me about her mission, I admit I was upset. Worried for her but upset at her commanding officer. I thought then-Commodore Vossak lost his mind. Seems a trifle silly now, but… you have to remember, we all thought that Mario was this savage monster. But… after talking with the man? I began to wonder. Belle even told me how he looked around the city – not as a conqueror would, but more like a curious visitor."

Lucinia Porter-Fontiere, Commandant of Coldvein Academy, History Channel, Rise of the New Empire, 1922

Belle stretched her arms as she pulled on her tunic and looked around her quarters. If her calculations were correct, they were on the final leg of their journey. The awkwardness of the past two weeks would soon be behind her. Tying her hair back into its proper bun, she sighed. Contrary to what she was expecting, Mario was quite the unorthodox guest. Besides the few times she caught him walking around the ship, Mario largely kept to his personal quarters. Vossak had ordered the crew to treat Mario as a special guest and, more specifically, instructed Belle to invite Mario to meet with the Commodore on occasion. Despite the invitations, Mario had routinely refused.

Belle walked through the ship's corridors and stepped into the elevator. Fortunately, this would be the end of their journey. She sighed softly and looked at her watch. Given the time, she had a strong feeling about where the Commodore was. The elevator doors opened, and Belle was surprised to see Mario standing in the doorframe. He looked momentarily surprised before regaining his composure.

"Commander." He greeted her as he stepped onto the elevator beside her.

Belle frowned. "And here I was expecting you to be holed up in your room, " she commented.

Mario gave a shrug and shoved his hands into his pockets, "You can only really stare at the same blank space on the wall or read the same book over and over again before you lose interest." He glanced at her, "I have to say, though, being on an Imperial ship as a guest is a bit different than I expected."

Belle's lips curved into a small smile. Of course. He was an enemy of the Empire. It was only natural that he felt at odds with being treated like a foreign diplomat. That didn't suggest that the crew had enjoyed it much, either. Belle glanced at him and was surprised to see him staring at her. She returned her focus to the elevator, ticking down the numbers, "I see." She replied.

"Help me understand something, Commander." Mario spoke after a moment, "You and your Commodore aren't like many Imperials I've met. Why serve the Empire and facilitate all the misery that it has brought to the Mushroom Kingdom?"

The smile returned to her face. There was something funny about talking with the proverbial boogeyman and finding out he was more confused than she was. Belle sighed before turning to face him fully. "It might be hard to believe from your side of things, but we legitimately prefer Imperial rule, " she explained. "The Empire is a government. It helps keep millions of people fed and clothed. We can't do that if the Empire acts like a cartoon villain twirling their mustache."

Mario arched an eyebrow, "I trust that wasn't chosen just because of my mustache?"

Belle snorted, "Nope. My girlfriend likes to say something along those lines. And Commodore Vossak has had several thoughts on the matter, too." She said as she crossed her arms. In some ways, resisting the urge to shove her hands into her pockets was difficult. Such were the problematic habits that Imperial training had tried to break her out of, "Speaking of the Commodore, I don't suppose you'd be willing to meet with him before we land in the capital?"

The plumber blinked and pursed his lips. He then shrugged his shoulders, "Why not?" He replied.

Belle blinked in surprise. She had half expected him to deny it and that be the end of it. The elevator doors opened, and Belle led Mario down a corridor to a door emblazoned with a double-layered octagon. His eyes bore into her as she wrapped her knuckles against the door. The door slid open, and Belle led the plumber into an elaborate room. Having been in the Commodore's office multiple times, she had gotten used to his office looking more like a museum exhibit than an actual military official's work quarters. Glancing at Mario, she wasn't surprised to see him gaping like a fish at the odd sculptures and paintings on display.

"Ah, Commander," Vossak's modulated voice broke through the silence. "And Mister Segale, too? Well, this is a surprise."

Belle glanced at Vossak seated at his desk. Vossak sat observing something on his display before shutting it down. The Commodore's glowing eyes were fixed on Mario, and privately, Belle had to wonder if Vossak had any of her own misgivings about the plumber. But then, Mario had spent almost the entirety of the trip, not even trying to tear the ship apart. Maybe this was progress? Mario, however, met the kremling's gaze with one of equal intensity to the Commodore's.

"So, I know you've been trying to meet with me throughout the entire trip." Mario spoke up, "Why?"

Vossak looked thoughtful before gesturing to a seat across from his desk. Mario strolled across, and Belle had the distinct feeling that Mario was uncomfortable. Vossak, for his part, looked on with a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "You are perhaps wondering where you may have heard of us?" he asked lightly, ignoring the question.

Mario jolted in surprise, and Belle had to fight to suppress a smile. The Commodore's ability to bypass unnecessary conversation rattled many within the Empire. It was nice to know that certain things held true, even in places like the Mushroom Kingdom. Sitting beside the plumber, she watched Mario try to regain his balance, "I can't say that I've ever heard of you before. I've certainly met a handful of kremlings in the past, but I've never met one who served Bowser." Before glancing at Belle, he admitted, "And while I've met plenty of human Imperials, I can't say we've ever met."

"No, you haven't." Vossak replied amicably, "The Commander and I have served the Empire in other capacities." He explained, "Our meeting in New Donk City is the first time we've ever become acquainted."

Mario nodded absently, "Naturally. I must admit, you aren't like many of the Imperials I've met." He mused.

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

The plumber gestured to the art pieces decorating the office. He sighed, "I've fought across many airships while fighting the Empire. But this? I can't say I've ever seen an office full of artwork." Mario's lips curved into a smirk, "And admittedly, my experience with Imperial officers has always been some chest-thumping and practically overriding the concerns of lower officers."

Belle frowned. It wasn't an unfair statement about how officers got their ranks in the modern day. Many officers preferred to use their stations to browbeat their subordinates. In her estimation, some were undeserving of their ranks, yet due to some connection with a nobleman or industrialist, they maintained their rank, and the whole Empire suffered for it. How many of the Emperor's kidnapping attempts were done, not just because of the Emperor's desires but because many officers were not willing to take a risk and simply told the Emperor no?

Vossak chuckled. "I have often maintained that only results matter for my Emperor, not glory, " he said, "As for the artwork, well…" He stood up and walked over to a painting of a city. "How much do you know about the Empire?"

Mario snorted, "The Empire's obsessed with conquering the Mushroom Kingdom." He replied with a sneer.

"I see." He answered—his back to the plumber.

Belle rolled her eyes at that. Vossak often used that very tactic in many conversations he had with her. It was surreal watching him employ the same techniques upon someone else. Mario stood up and walked around the various sculptures and smaller paintings before he stood beside Vossak and stared at the larger painting. He sighed, "Alright… so maybe I don't know much about the Empire. Ever since Bowser took the throne, though, all I know is that the Mushroom Kingdom has been at war with you. We've brokered a ceasefire that's been tested with his kidnapping attempts in the past."

Belle raised her eyebrows. That didn't seem right… standing up, she moved to take a position to Mario's left as Vossak spoke, "Very well. Now, tell me this: What do you see when you look at this painting?" He asked as he pointed to the artwork in question.

Was he being purposely oblivious to Mario's statement? Belle watched the plumber as he looked at the painting, his brow furrowed. Moving her gaze to Vossak, he merely gave a fractional head shake. Belle nodded in turn while Mario let out a low hum, "Well… the painting is very good if I had to guess…" He began, "It's New Donk City from its early days?"

"Indeed. It's the very last painting by Vincent van Gore." He explained, "A citizen of Crimino." Even Mario couldn't have missed the emphasis on the Mushroom Kingdom's province. "It has told me a great deal about the Mushroom Kingdom itself. For example, your kingdom favors its alliances with other nations, relying on steady exports. It also has terribly neglected its military, inviting attack from not just the Empire, but other… threats." He raised a forefinger to stop any protest from Mario, "I say this not to criticize your country but merely to show what one can learn just from the art."

Mario frowned. "That seems like an awful lot of conjecture, " he pointed out. Next, you'll tell me you found artwork depicting me?"

"In fact, I have found three." The Commodore said in amusement, "But rest assured that we had to resort to different methods to learning about you." He gestured to Belle, "Perhaps the Commander can elaborate?"

Belle sighed and faced Mario, "The Commodore is correct." She gestured to a manilla folder on the Commodore's desk, "That is every bit of information that the Empire ever compiled on you." She explained, "Everything from your height and weight to your bank statements are all listed in that dossier."

Mario snorted, "Well… the Bureau's going to love that…" He sighed, "So, I take it you found me through that?"

"Preparation and luck, I'd argue, Red," Belle said with a smirk. "Our original plan was to approach you at Luca's. A restaurant you've been known to frequent." She had to fight to keep her composure at the faint red creeping up Mario's cheeks, "Fortunately, you happened upon us at Vesuvio instead."

The plumber only frowned as he stared at Belle, "And that's when you two came to me and spun the yard?"

"We hadn't intended for the ruse to last." Vossak said mildly, "But, correct in essentials."

Mario crossed his arms and scowled. His expression softened slightly as he turned to Vossak, "So you mentioned at the restaurant that you couldn't discuss your mission. Was that because of where we were?"

Vossak dipped his head, "Regrettably, it was because we were in the Mushroom Kingdom, but neither the Commander nor I were fully aware of what His Majesty wanted."

"Commodore, we are crossing the Frontier now. We will be at Caldera within the hour!" A man's voice called out over an intercom.

Vossak tapped a switch on his desk, "Thank you, Captain Terrapin. We will join you within the next half hour." He spoke.

Mario arched an eyebrow, "The Frontier…?"

The Commodore chuckled at the question, "Indeed. You've never been this deep into Imperial territory before." He stated and gestured toward a display.

Belle stepped over to the display and stood watching. The sight of the lush jungles passing beneath the ship had never been more welcoming than it was now. "You should count yourself lucky, Red. The Frontier is arguably the most dangerous part of Imperial territory. Some even call it the Imperial shield."

Mario looked at the scenery skeptically, "Given that the Dark Lands are marked with volcanoes and lava? I find it hard to believe a jungle is more deadly. Besides, I doubt it did much to stop Smithy."

"Ah, but the Invader never occupied the homeland." Vossak countered, "Certainly, the Vista Hill Garrison was captured, but you and His Majesty stopped the Invader."

"And really… the Vista Hill Garrison only fell because no one plans for a giant sword to fall out of the sky," Belle grumbled.

Vossak only chuckled indulgently as Mario stared back at them incredulously, "So let me make sure I follow you here…" Mario began slowly, "Bowser just attacks Portobello, captures the Princess, and never takes her to the Homeland?"

"Come now…" Vossak chided gently, "You've been on this ship for two weeks now, and you've been a willing passenger. Imagine how much effort His Majesty put in to ensure Her Highness wouldn't try to escape or die from a fall?"

Mario only scowled at that. Belle couldn't blame him; she never liked imagining Lucinia in danger. The scowl faded, and Mario looked more contemplative, "How is the Frontier more dangerous than the Dark Lands?"

"Your travels to Big Island and the Kitchen Isles certainly influence your view on the matter." Vossak pointed out, "Certainly, they had their dangers, but you had moments of respite, whether in water or edible plants. The Frontier does not have such… amenities. More than that… The Frontier's flora and fauna are all uniquely dangerous. Something in the air there incites even vermin to view intruders as prey. Vegetation is also highly venomous, and many would sooner die of thirst than drink the water there." Vossak paused thoughtfully, "Fortunately… such an anomaly is only found within the Empire."

Watching Mario's transition from skepticism to sheer astonishment had been enjoyable. Belle wondered how much of what Vossak had explained had opened Mario's eyes to how ignorant he was of the Empire as a whole. Mario's eyebrows lowered as he looked between Belle and Vossak, "Alright, so Bowser has been pretty quiet these past six months…" He began slowly, "If things are so bad that he's asking for my help, then why doesn't he just let Ludwig take over for a while?"

Belle tilted her head in confusion, "Why would he take over?" Did Mario really not know…?

Seeing the confusion on Mario's face, Vossak only shook his head, "Prince Ludwig is not of royal blood." He explained. The look on Mario's face only confirmed Belle's suspicions. "Prince Ludwig, the other six princes, and the Princess are certainly His Majesty's children. But they were merely adopted by His Majesty. The Crown Prince is only an eight-year-old boy, Prince Bowser, Third of His Name."

Mario looked confused as he idly plucked his mustache. "Alright… so I'm guessing that the boy's being of royal blood makes him the Crown Prince?"

Vossak nodded at Belle, and she cleared her throat, "Before His Majesty's son was born, Prince Ludwig was the Crown Prince. However, upon the Prince's birth, all His Majesty's other children made proclamations of loyalty to the newborn Prince. His Majesty permitted them to retain their royal titles but made them Imperial Governors of their desired provinces."

"Can't imagine Wendy was too thrilled with that…" Mario grumbled.

Belle snorted, "Princess Wendy was among the first of the others to offer her fealty." She corrected.

Mario frowned and walked back to his seat. Belle frowned as she recalled their many late-night conversations about the Imperial boogeyman. The Pyreburner seemed like a demon from ancient legends. Some said that he was an ifrit bound in the guise of a man. But… if that were true, he would have tried to kill the Commodore, wouldn't he? If this was Mario's reaction to simply not understanding the line of succession within the Empire or even regarding the Frontier… what would his reaction be once they arrived in Caldera?

Vossak looked at his clock and stood up, "Come. We will need to head to the bridge."

The fact was that the crew of the Vigilant was not at all what Mario had been expecting when he first stepped onto the ship. Certainly, they were wary of him, and in turn, he was just as wary of them. But his time on the Vigilant had been a relatively peaceful, if dull, affair. Yet even now, as he watched Commodore Vossak and Lieutenant Commander Fontiere coordinate the crew, he felt something different about this kremling and how he ran things. The view of the Imperial capital was a sight to behold. From his limited vision within the ship, he could see towering skyscrapers and other buildings that put him in the mind of New Donk City. Still, the rooftops of the buildings bore a heavy resemblance to the architecture of the Kingdom of Chai, one of Sarasaland's four kingdoms.

Following Fontiere and Vossak, he wondered what else there was to see. Being able to step out onto the tarmac, Mario was immediately greeted with the smell of the city, and, in many ways, it reminded him of the smells of New Donk City. Still, it combined the familiarity of a significant city with the immense power of a country's capital. By contrast, Portobello was not as developed as this city, and Mario often wondered if that was by design. Glancing up, he noticed an impressive mountain range that seemed to encircle the city.

Fontiere glanced back at him, "The Kappa Mountains," she said, in answer to his unspoken question, "It used to be a volcano in the early days of the Empire, but the force of its eruption was so strong that it destroyed much of the mountain."

Mario raised an eyebrow, "And you just decided to build your capital next to a volcano?"

Fontiere smiled and shook her head, "No. The capital wasn't built on top of the volcano." She said while pointing her index finger up. She then turned it downward, "We build the capital in the volcano. Specifically, the crater that was left behind after the eruption. Emperor Valter imagined a city of marble and concrete. Sadly, the Emperor would not live to realize his dream."

Mario's stomach dropped at the implication, "So… what happens if the volcano becomes active again…?" He asked, hoping he didn't sound as nervous as he felt.

Vossak glanced at him, "The volcano is extinct." He stated plainly. "The eruption of the volcano occurred long before the Empire's formation. And ever since, volcanic activity has ceased entirely."

Location aside, Mario had to admire the Imperials' gall in creating such a place. The three approached a limousine, and Fontiere moved ahead to open the door. Mario rolled his eyes at the military protocol; simple etiquette told him to be a gentleman and open the door for the lady, but he had to remind himself that he was the guest. Climbing into the vehicle, Mario admired how the rich leather smelled while the two officers filed in behind him. Feeling the limousine rumble to life, Mario glanced out the window and took in the city's sights as they pulled out onto the streets.

"Did Bowser make some announcement 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 you."

"Certainly, don't want a panic, now do we, Red?" Fontiere asked with a grin.

Mario frowned at her before settling back into his seat. Would his presence cause a panic? The engine's hum was light, and Mario glanced out the window to see they were leaving the inner city behind; the peaceful parks and serene lakes dotting the landscape were like nothing he had ever seen. In fact, if he hadn't known where he was, he would have assumed that this place was from either Ferros or the Waffle Kingdom. How many anthropologists would have loved to have witnessed this side of Bowser's Empire?

"We're approaching Victory Plaza," Vossak announced.

Craning his neck, Mario noticed that they were entering a roundabout with a large dark obelisk built in the center. Mario raised an eyebrow at the double-layered octagon at the top of the column. Frowning, he looked at the kremling, "So… what's the deal with the octagon?" He asked, "I always thought that Bowser liked to plaster his face all over things."

Fontiere rolled her eyes, "Really, Red? The Empire's been around for over six hundred years." She explained Mario's eyes widened slightly at that, "We've had emperors and empresses before His Majesty." Her expression softened somewhat, "The Imperial Shell—what you see as an octagon, was the clan symbol of the first emperor. Of course, he didn't hold the rank of Emperor at the time. He was simply King of the Koopas."

Mario frowned, "That explains why I've heard Bowser called that…"

Fontiere nodded, "King Bowser, First of His Name, was the founding emperor of the Koopa Empire—though he was crowned Emperor after his death." She explained. "The formation of the Empire came to be called the Tortuga Restoration. Victory Plaza was created to honor the first emperor."

He shook his head as he processed that. Mario pursed his lips and sighed before looking out the window once more. This time, his eyes widened at seeing a massive, domed building coming ever closer. The architecture was imposing, and even he couldn't help but feel impressed by the aura of the structure. What astounded him was that even this far away, he could tell this was not a typical building.

"What the…?" He murmured.

"Ah, the Imperial Citadel." Fontiere beamed. "You could also call it the Imperial Palace if you wanted. Put simply, that's where the Emperor resides and where the Imperial Assembly meets for important addresses from the Emperors or Empresses of the time." She looked at Vossak, "What was the capacity the architects said the main hall could hold, sir?"

"One hundred thousand, perhaps more," Vossak replied evenly.

Mario snorted, "Unlikely. That many people in a domed area would create its own weather patterns." He interjected.

"That's why the Citadel incorporated dehumidifiers into its ventilation system," Vossak answered in turn, a small smile on his face. It was something of a necessity when workers observed a morning mist forming within."

Mario whistled softly at that. The limo stopped at the foot of a grand staircase. Gazing up at the massive dome, Mario couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This wasn't like the grim and dour fortresses that dotted the Dark Lands; this place almost felt welcoming. Mario paused and scowled at the thought. Welcoming and the Empire didn't precisely belong together in the same sentence. Turning his attention to the ground level, Mario took note of armed guards standing at attention. He inhaled slowly and exhaled softly as the door was opened.

Fontiere exited the vehicle first, followed by Vossak, and Mario steeled himself, half expecting a sniper's bullet when he stepped out. One of the guards nearest to him twitched nervously and gripped the butt of his rifle tighter. However, Vossak raised a forefinger, causing the guard to freeze. Almost reluctantly, the guard relaxed his grip on his rifle, but Mario wasn't blind to the fact that the guard was eyeing him with intense hatred. Glancing up, Mario noted the white and red flags emblazoned with that same octagon – Imperial Shell, he amended.

"Well…" Mario muttered, "Guess it's time to meet His Archmagnificency…"

The guards scowled at him as he followed Fontiere and Vossak up the stairs and into the Citadel. Once inside, Mario looked at the seamless white marble flooring that seamlessly transitioned to gold and red carpeting that seemed to form a pathway to certain areas. The walls were of a darker marble and equally seamless. Placing his hands on his hips, Mario was impressed at the architecture. The fact that there were no enchanted moats of lava nor any perilous obstacles threatening to do him harm almost made him forget where he was. Almost.

Evidently, the look on his face caught Fontiere's attention as she chuckled at him, "Believe me, Red. I had the same reaction when I first came here. Of course, I was just a cadet helping bring someone here to meet His Majesty."

"As I recall, Commander, you weren't at all thrilled at the idea of coming here," Vossak replied, his voice tinged with amusement.

"Well, think about it. I'm from Crestwood. So, a country girl coming to the heart of the Empire? That was bad enough. But someone decided they needed a translator." Fontiere shrugged at Mario, "So His Majesty assigned me to the Commodore throughout our stint at the academy here."

"Fascinating, but I'd like to get this crap over with." Mario grumbled, "My blood pressure is about to go through the roof…"

Following them, Mario felt his eyes widen as he entered a spacious room. It was immediately clear to him that this was the main hall – a grand and imposing space designed to convey the power of this building. Looking around, Mario saw escalating rows of seats, each identical in their rich black leather and gold filigree design, lined the room in a semicircle. At the opposite end of the room was a massive balcony. Given the space of the room and the fact that there was ample enough space for crowds to congregate, Mario had to wonder just how visible one could be to the crowd if they were all focused on the balcony.

Letting his eyes drift down to the floor, he saw the Imperial Shell on the floor– this one appearing to be brass. It was a shame that this was the Koopa Empire. Vossak and Fontiere came to a stop, and Mario stopped just in time to avoid walking into their backs. Lifting his eyes, he frowned, seeing a familiar figure. Granted, it was a familiar sight but not a welcome one. The blue-robed figure of Kamek hobbled toward them, leaning on a cane for support. The two officers bowed deeply, but Mario settled for crossing his arms and leveling a stare at Kamek.

"First Minister," Vossak announced, "We have succeeded in our mission and brought Mario Segale with us as ordered."

Kamek only raised his eyebrows politely at Mario before fixing both officers with a warm smile, "Indeed you have, Commodore. I will recommend commendations for both you and the Vigilant's crew."

"Thank you, Your Excellency," Fontiere replied.

What unnerved Mario was how Kamek, the wizard who had nearly killed him and Luigi, seemed to take on the mantle of a kindly grandfather. Kamek only chuckled at Fontiere, "You're quite welcome." He said, "Ah, but His Majesty would also like to convey his gratitude for your success and, as such, has granted the Vigilant a period of shore leave." Kamek gave them a chuckle, "I'm quite certain your crew could use the rest, having been deployed for nearly six months." He tapped his cane against the floor, "Now if you'll excuse me, I must take our guest to see His Majesty."

Mario watched as both officers clicked their heels together and snapped to a salute. Both officers turned on their heels and left the room, leaving Mario alone with Kamek. Though Kamek didn't have his wand, Mario knew better than to underestimate the aging koopa. Many Imperial battlemages that Mario and his brother had encountered needed wands to cast their spells, but Kamek was an exception.

"So, what's the big mystery here?" Mario asked with a tilt of his head. "I mean… you fed them a bunch of crap about Bowser needing help, right?"

Kamek scowled at him, "Sometimes I forget what dealing with you is like…" he growled, "Please. Follow me."

"No," Mario replied shortly. "You people wanted me here and wouldn't tell me why." He gestured around the room and crossed his arms, "Until I get an explanation, I'm not going anywhere."

Kamek, rather than puff up in anger, seemed to deflate at that. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Kamek sighed and looked at Mario with what seemed like an exhausted and defeated expression. It caught the plumber by surprise. Combining that with the fact that Bowser specifically asked for help caused the hairs on the back of Mario's neck to rise. Kamek merely shook his head, "I ask only that you bear with me for a moment longer." He said softly, "This isn't something I can discuss openly… In fact, it would do better if I showed you."

That piqued Mario's curiosity. Uncrossing his arms, Mario only gestured for Kamek to lead the way. This was something unusual. Mario frowned. Come to think of it, neither Vossak nor Fontiere had mentioned anything beyond Bowser needing help. Were they aware? No. That couldn't be. All that Vossak had said to him was that whatever happened would affect the entire continent itself. Was that hyperbole? Mario frowned as he found himself walking behind Kamek. The silence was thick, even as the wizard pushed an elevator button. Stepping inside, Kamek hit the third floor, and the two stood in silence again. The wizard seemed almost distracted, but a soft ding signaled their arrival before Mario could try to break the silence. The doors opened, and they walked into a hallway lined with portraits. Looking at the portraits of several koopas, male and female, Mario found that the most striking thing was that each one emanated a regal air.

"Who… who are they?" He asked, his voice sounding more distant than he had intended.

Kamek snapped from his silence and looked at one of the paintings. Giving a soft chuckle, he turned his head toward Mario, "These are the past rulers of the Empire." He explained, "From Emperor Bowser the First, Emperor Valter, Emperor Korvus the Black, Empress Morrigan… they each had a portrait commissioned. Each is an example of great prosperity or what to avoid for future monarchs."

Mario raised his eyebrows at that, not expecting Kamek to have really answered him. What should be avoided for future monarchs, though? In a morbid sense, Mario wondered what future historians would say about the current Emperor Bowser. He wanted to ask more questions and keep the conversation going but found that the words weren't coming to him. They approached a towering door of oak and dark walnut. To Mario's surprise, Kamek seemed to be marshaling his strength and knocked on the door. In response, the doors slid open, much to Mario's amazement. Silently, he followed the wizard into the room.

The only light source came from a desk lamp as the doors slid shut behind them. Mario's eyes drifted to the desk, where a familiar clawed hand gripping a pen and scribbling away at a document caught his attention. Briefly, Mario found himself thinking back to when he had been summoned to the Chanterelle Palace. Kamek tapped his cane and cleared his throat, "Your Majesty, our guest is here as you requested." He announced.

Mario glanced at Kamek, who had a look of disapproval on his face. Was it disapproval at addressing Mario as a guest? Well… the feeling was mutual, really. A grunt came from the table, and the shadowy figure rose from the desk and lumbered around it. What caught Mario's ear was that there seemed to be the rhythmic tapping of a cane in addition to heavy footsteps. What emerged from the shadows caused Mario's breath to freeze in his throat. It was Bowser, but… it wasn't the Emperor he knew.

Bowser looked… well, for lack of a better word, terrible. It had to be a trick of the light, but Mario could have sworn that the Emperor had aged terribly in six months. That fiery mane of red hair seemed to lay lank and flat and if the light wasn't playing tricks, flecked with streaks of grey. Dark circles were under Bowser's eyes, indicating a lack of sleep, yet the Emperor's eyes seemed just as alert as ever. Perhaps not as perplexing, though, was that Bowser wasn't wearing armor but a deep red robe with black trim. The overall haggard appearance of the once-proud ruler caused Mario's jaw to drop in shock.

"My apologies…" Bowser croaked out. He limped over to an empty chair and carefully lowered himself into it. "I've been a bit… under the weather, as you can see."

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

The Emperor only wheezed and clutched at his chest. Mario frowned. This was wrong. Bowser merely sighed, "After we defeated Smithy… I began working on my next 'great' plan." He sneered, "Admittedly, I wasn't sure what to do. Part of me wanted to storm Star Haven." Bowser paused and let out a wet and rattling breath, "…I had plans, you see. But storming the realm of gods? That was reckless in the extreme. So… I turned to science instead…" Almost immediately, Bowser collapsed into a violent coughing fit.

Before Mario could even move, Kamek rushed to the Emperor's side. Thinking back to his conversations with Luigi, they wondered if Kamek had raised Bowser ever since birth. This… it had to confirm that, right? Bowser, still coughing, waved a hand, shooing Kamek back before fixing the wizard with a sharp glare.

The wizard frowned but nodded, turning to face Mario, "We managed to secure working samples of an experimental version of Hoo Hoo University's megavitamins from the Beanbean Kingdom." Kamek's frown deepened, "The goal had been to synthesize a new type of, well… a super-soldier pill, I believe was the phrase?" He paused and glanced at Bowser, who only nodded. "We managed it, but then…"

"…This." Bowser rasped and raised the hand he had been coughing into.

Mario hissed at the sight of the blood smearing Bowser's hand. The amount didn't match anything that he had seen in his life. When they were children, Luigi had been sick with pneumonia, and his coughing was terrible, but any time he had coughed up blood, the doctors had assured their parents that it was only minor damage to the esophagus. Whatever was afflicting Bowser, though? That was considerably worse.

"His Majesty insisted on being the test subject." Kamek said, glaring at the Emperor, "The initial tests had been a success. But… then the side effects began to appear after his body metabolized the pill. The usual appeared first: migraines, muscle spasms, nausea. But then…" The wizard frowned, "A medical examination showed brain lesions. And then… our meddling with the megavitamin's structure caused it to regard healthy cells as a disease. This…" He gestured again to Bowser, "Is five months' worth of degradation."

"All of that to say…" Bowser coughed lightly, "…that I'm dying, Mario."

Mario's mouth had gone dry as he processed what Bowser was saying. The idea of the Emperor dying, strange as it was, sounded like something from King Russet's darkest fantasies. He looked at Kamek, who seemed equally unhappy. Removing his cap, he ran a hand through his hair before scratching his cheek thoughtfully, "All right… you're dying." He agreed soberly. "I'm missing the part when you think I can help you. My grandfather was a doctor, but he's been dead for quite a while." Mario thumbed at himself, "I'm a retired plumber, so how exactly should a plunger help you?"

Bowser chuckled softly, "You were always good for a laugh, Mario…" He said before coughing once more.

"His Majesty has asked you here for a different reason," Kamek explained patiently, though Mario noticed that the wizard was watching Bowser. "Currently, he cannot execute his duties as Emperor. The Empire must have a ruler. The Crown Prince is too young to rule in his name, and his siblings have no claim." Kamek turned to face Mario, "The Empire has seen monarchs appoint chancellors to act in the throne's name. It—"

"There's your answer, then!" Mario exclaimed as he threw up his hands. Just name Kamek as Chancellor, and we can all go home!" He said, clapping his hands sarcastically. "I mean, thank you for bringing me out here to solve such an easy problem!" Mario muttered, his voice heavy with sarcasm.

Bowser shook his head slowly, "No… I don't think you understand Mario." He began heavily, "Kamek's time will be spent fulfilling his duties as First Minister of the Assembly and, with hope, working to reverse this little problem." The wizard looked grim, "Doubtless, he will be up to the task, but… I must take steps in the event we're too late." A predatory grin slowly spread across his face as the Emperor looked at Mario, "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?!"

Note from the Author:

This chapter is perhaps one that I'm most proud of. Some might find it odd that Mario doesn't know about Bowser Junior here, but this is easily explained by the fact that all games after Super Mario RPG haven't happened. The Koopalings being Bowser's adopted children was a middle ground that I thought of between them being his actual children as Super Mario Bros 3 established and then retconned to be Bowser's minions in New Super Mario Bros Wii.

The design of Caldera City was originally designed with Avatar's Fire Nation in mind. Still, I decided to go for a design mirroring those of Welthaupstadt Germania (World Capital Germania) as envisioned in hypothetical Axis Victory scenarios like Man in the High Castle or Wolfenstein. The Citadel itself was modeled on the Volkshalle (People's Hall), which was to be Germany's replacement for the Reichstag building. Though predominantly Germanic, some Japanese aesthetics reflect the designs from Bowser's Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey.

Likewise, I adore the final line because it's not something you expect from Mario.