6.
"Being offered the title of Imperial Chancellor? Jeez… I remember my brother telling me about that. I can't say I ever expected that. How do you respond to your biggest enemy coming to you and saying, 'Hey, things are bad; I need you to watch over my empire and keep it from collapsing! Oh! And some bad guys might be after my heir, so watch out for him!' Bowser never asked for help, so you can imagine how odd that request was. But… given what we all uncovered? I have to wonder… did Bowser know something we didn't?"
Luigi Segale, Prince-Consort of Sarasaland, History Channel, Rise of the New Empire, 1921
"Wait… what the fuck?!"
The words tumbled out of Mario's mouth before he could stop himself. This was a sick joke. It had to be! That wonder drug had seriously screwed up Bowser's brain! Yet, Mario stared in disbelief at the Emperor. Mario scoffed, huffed, and finally let out a deep belly laugh. His hands clutched at his sides as he struggled to catch his breath. Gasping for air, Mario stumbled to the chair opposite Bowser and lowered himself before snorting in laughter again. Taking a deep gulp of air, Mario leaned back and sighed, "I'll admit… I needed a good laugh…!" Mario wheezed before looking up at Bowser and Kamek. His face fell, "You can't be serious…!"
"I am," Bowser replied, his expression not changing.
"…How bad did that wonder drug scramble your brain?" Mario snapped. "Do I need to explain why that's a bad idea?"
Bowser withdrew a handkerchief and wiped the blood from his hands, "Please, do explain." He said as he looked at Mario with his eyebrows raised politely.
Mario held up a finger, "The first reason should be obvious! I'm not a politician! I like enemies I can see and punch." He declared firmly. He raised a second finger, "Second, I'm not a citizen of the Empire! Hell, I'm still convinced you've got people outside waiting to haul me off to some prison, or you'll just have me killed! One of your guards nearly killed me when your commodore brought me here!"
Bowser tsked and shook his head before turning to Kamek, "Well, we expected something like that. But, seeing as you're here, I can only surmise that Commodore Vossak intervened." The Emperor said with a smile. "As for your other concern… it is a tempting notion, but let's be real. If I wanted you dead, I wouldn't have resorted to wasting Imperial assets to bring you here…"
Mario felt his frustration boil over, and he leaped to his feet. He paced around the room, muttering darkly to himself. This was all a joke. It had to be. Another wet, rattling breath from Bowser caused him to turn his attention to Kamek. The wizard tightened his grip on his cane, and Mario only snorted. Maybe there was something there to the idea that Kamek had raised Bowser since he was a boy, but Mario couldn't help but feel insulted. It was true that anyone aspiring for glory back home might have done Bowser a favor and simply put him out of his misery, but Mario wasn't a murderer. He had taken lives, but that had always been in the heat of battle; it was never done in cold blood.
The plumber shook his head, "No." He declared before sitting back in the chair, "Even if I wanted to help you. Your Empire wouldn't accept me. They'd see it as me having killed you in a coup d'état."
Bowser leaned back in his own chair and sighed, "Believe me. I didn't want to explore this option but regarding your concern about the Empire accepting you. I have a proclamation ready to be presented to my ministers, the governors, and the General Assembly." He explained before coughing, "But humor me for a moment: I die, then what happens?"
What would happen when Bowser died? Mario scoffed, "Easy. Your son gets crowned." He murmured.
"True. But let's speculate a moment." Bowser invited, "The Empire doesn't lack for ambitious nobles or officers. One would seek to twist the Empire into whatever they wanted." His face became grim, "That alone is bad enough. But let's assume that another wishes to spur one of my other children on to become the next Emperor or Empress. Potentially, it's a civil war with each side claiming to be my rightful heir."
"And how exactly is that my problem?" Mario bit back. "Again, my loyalty is to the Mushroom Kingdom!"
"What do you think happens if the Empire collapses into civil war?" The Emperor asked while tilting his head. "Many innocent lives get caught in the crossfire. Many more decide to brave the Frontier and the Dark Lands, many of whom would die on the journey, and those who do make it would try to seek asylum in other nations." Bowser's face darkened, "Specifically, the Mushroom Kingdom, the Waffle Kingdom, and even Sarasaland would be many refugees' destinations."
Mario sighed and thought about that little bit of information. A lot of other nations would want to try to stabilize the situation. Luigi had at one point speculated that some, like the Kingdom of Ferros, would like to reclaim lost borders if the Empire ever seemed weak. Still, the Koopa Empire was a large nation, and trying to launch an all-out war with the Empire seemed like a bad idea. Then there was that whole Frontier thing that Vossak and Fontiere had explained to him. A refugee crisis, though? How many would be willing to open their borders to starving masses?
"…So what you're saying is that potentially, it could be so bad that people might look fondly at your reign?" Mario asked darkly.
Bowser hacked into his handkerchief and nodded grimly, "Among other things. You may even see people like King Russet or Emperor Cedaris trying to prop up a ruler more… amenable to their interests." He scowled, "And that wouldn't be good as their chosen ruler would be seen as an extension of the Mushroom Kingdom or Sarasaland…"
Mario snorted, "So you'll choose me instead? I don't see how that's any different." He frowned, "I'm still a Mushroom Kingdom citizen and a foreigner."
Bowser nodded in acknowledgment before raising a finger, "One difference." He replied, "Yes, you're a foreigner. You would be chosen to be my representative, though." He leaned forward, "Your tenure would, ideally, last until Kamek cures me. If it proves to be too late…? Well, the office of the Chancellor would enable you to serve as the Regent for my son."
"You'd be better asking my brother." Mario countered. "He's got an idea for this kind of thing, not me."
"But would he have come here?" Bowser asked with a small smile. "Luigi is also far more heavily involved in Sarasaland's courtly politics, what with his relationship with Princess Daisy."
"And why not approach Daisy or Peach?" Mario replied. "They were raised with this kind of training…"
"And beholden to the wishes and whims of their fathers. Even someone as inoffensive as Princess Éclair would be beholden to the whims of King Challah…." The Emperor sighed.
Mario lowered his face into his hands and let out a muffled sigh. An uncomfortable knot had formed in his gut, and it only seemed to tighten as he considered his choices. It was like choosing whether to eat a poison shroom or a trial stew. Mario leaned back and removed his cap before running a hand through his hair. There was temptation, and then there was temptation. It felt surreal to think that Bowser was asking—no, begging for Mario's help. Mario raised his head and looked at Bowser, "I'm… sorry, but I can't." He murmured.
For some strange reason, that knot in his gut didn't loosen so much as it turned into a lead weight. Even more surprising was Bowser's reaction. Rather than get angry or continue trying to persuade him, the Emperor only gave a resigned smile and nodded. Kamek, on the other hand, didn't disappoint Mario as the wizard seemed to swell with anger, "So that's it? You've seen what he's dealing—"
Bowser raised a shaky hand to silence the wizard, "Kamek, it's alright." He rasped. Bowser tapped his cane on the ground, "Very well, Mario. It appears that I can't change your mind."
If Mario was shocked at Bowser conceding defeat, it was nothing to the apoplectic look on Kamek's face, "Your Majesty!" He squawked in protest.
Bowser's expression darkened as he glared at Kamek. Mario frowned as he watched the two, "You warned me that this was a likely outcome. I'll readily admit that I was wrong in my assessment. But you will remember yourself." Bowser stated. His expression cleared as he looked at Mario, "Regardless, Mario. I hope you recognize the opportunity presented to you?"
"Come again?" Mario asked.
The Emperor smiled faintly as he gestured around the room, "You're in the heart of my empire." He chuckled weakly, "You're also my honored guest."
"So why don't you work up that imperial magic and send me home?" Mario muttered.
Bowser clicked his tongue, "Ah. That." He began, "The only officer I trust not to try and kill you would be Commodore Vossak. And I did give him and his crew shore leave."
Mario glared at the sickly Emperor, "So… what? I'm stuck here?"
"Only for a short time," Bowser replied, smiling amiably. "Commodore Vossak often requests a return to active duty after a week, bare minimum." He looked thoughtful, "You could explore the Citadel and Caldera itself in the meantime, though you naturally will have to be accompanied by guards." Bowser tapped his cane again and rose shakily from his chair, "This audience is now finished. Edmund!"
To Mario's surprise, the doors slid open, and a toad stepped into the room. The toad wore a black and red suit and a black mushroom cap with white spots. The toad bowed at the waist, "Yes, Your Majesty?"
Bowser descended into a violent coughing fit. Watching the Emperor collapse into his chair twisted something in Mario's gut. Why though? This wasn't his problem. If the request had been to find someone capable of leading the Empire, he would have readily agreed to it. But this…? This was something impossible. It didn't help that Bowser looked like death warmed over.
"Please take His Majesty's guest to the guest chambers," Kamek ordered. Kamek turned his gaze onto Mario, an unreadable expression on his face, "Ensure that he is given the utmost care."
Frowning, Mario rose from the chair and shoved his hands into his pockets. What was Bowser thinking, asking Mario, of all people, to lead the Empire? The Emperor's coughing had subsided, yet that damned rattling sound that the koopa made while he struggled to breathe… Mario desperately wanted to get away from the sound. Turning on his heel, Mario couldn't help but mull over Bowser's proposal; it was crazy. Mario didn't know the first thing about running a nation. Yet even so…
"Oh… and Mario?" Bowser rasped out. Mario stopped but kept his back to the Emperor, "If you should change your mind… please feel free to let me know."
Mario said nothing as he followed Edmund out of the room. The heavy doors slid closed behind him, granting him a merciful reprieve from the rattling of Bowser's breathing. As Mario followed Edmund, he couldn't help but remember catching up with Bowser outside Booster's Tower. There, the Emperor had asked Mario for help, but it was done in typical Bowser fashion, that was to say that he had asked but not really asked. Here though… Bowser wasn't hiding his desperation. Bowser had actually asked for his help. But really… it was crazy.
Looking at the portraits lining the hallway, Mario looked at the impossibly regal figures of the past emperors and empresses of the Koopa Empire. Each one looked nothing like Mario had thought. He had half expected many of them to resemble Bowser, but they all looked less like warlords and actual statesmen and stateswomen of the Empire. Mario stopped as he gazed at one portrait in particular: An emperor wearing a suit of black, red, and gold and with a wild, barely tamed mane of fiery red hair. Mario frowned. If he didn't know better, he would not have been able to identify this portrait as that of Bowser himself. The regal look suited him. The Emperor's portrait didn't make one think of the domineering warlord that terrorized the Mushroom Kingdom, and it certainly didn't present the image of the dying koopa that Mario left behind.
"You mustn't linger too long, sir," Edmund murmured, causing Mario to jump slightly. The toad chuckled softly, "My apologies, sir." His gaze then shifted to the portrait, and his smile fell.
"Your name is Edmund, right?" Mario asked quietly, "…What's the likelihood he'll be cured?"
Edmund's expression didn't brighten. Instead, the toad only sighed, "I have served as His Majesty's aide for much of my adult life." He answered, "Unfortunately, His Majesty does not confide in me about everything that troubles him." He gestured toward the Emperor's chambers, "This is one such case. You are concerned?"
It felt surreal. On the one hand, this was everything the Mushroom Kingdom wanted: Bowser would be out of the picture, and the Empire would be demoralized. Could the next Emperor be persuaded to seek peace? Would King Russet even want peace? He knew that Peach would definitely push for peace with the Empire, but even with her position as Prime Minister, she couldn't do much without her father's blessing. Mario sighed and clenched his fists tightly. It was a victory for the Mushroom Kingdom, but… a hollow one. He glanced at Edmund, "This isn't right." He murmured, "It feels… wrong somehow."
Edmund looked at him and frowned thoughtfully, "I must admit, sir, I had expected you to be celebrating the news."
Mario snorted and shook his head, "I'm not that ghoulish, am I?" He asked.
The aide merely shrugged, "We've had nothing but passing stories and hearsay regarding you." Edmund said casually, "It is refreshing to see that perhaps the stories were just that… stories." He cleared his throat, "But come now, we've stayed in these halls too long. You must be exhausted."
Following the aide quietly, Mario glanced back to the doors leading to Bowser's room. Questions raced through his head. If their situations were reversed and Mario had been on his deathbed, would Bowser have felt this uneasy? Or would he have gloated about the situation? Or would the Emperor have sought to attack the Mushroom Kingdom in an all-out invasion? Mario's eyes widened, and he came to an abrupt halt when he noticed the large and spacious room that he was now in. In Mario's estimation, the room size was the combined size of his living room, bedroom, and kitchen back home. The walls and floors matched everything he had seen of the Citadel thus far, but the lavish décor was far from the modest accommodations he was used to.
"I think… I'm in the wrong place…" Mario murmured.
Edmund chuckled as he busied himself with laying out a simple white button-down shirt, black slacks, and black boots on a nearby bench. The toad smiled happily, "Not at all, sir." He declared. "His Majesty had this room prepared especially for you. For the duration of your visit, this will be your room." Edmund then turned to the folded clothes, "And these are your clothes for the morning: All tailored to your measurements."
It was off-putting to know that they had his measurements, but Fontiere had said that the Empire had collected a lot of data on him. Had Bowser anticipated him accepting the job offer without a thought? Or was this merely an example of the Empire's meticulousness as far as research was concerned? The sound of a curtain being drawn caused Mario to turn and see Edmund pushing back said fabric to reveal a window that exposed a view of the city itself.
"Mama… Mia…" Mario breathed out slowly.
"Will you be needing anything else for the evening, sir?" Edmund asked.
The plumber shook his head and turned to the aide, "No, not tonight. Thank you." He replied absently.
Edmund bowed and left the room, leaving Mario alone with his thoughts. Mario removed his cap and tossed it onto the bed with a frown. Turning, he faced the window and looked at the setting sun. The deep orange and red gave Mario the sense that blood had painted the skies, and the city lights that began to make their presence known did surprisingly little to ease his thoughts. This was so surreal. That lead weight in his gut only seemed to grow heavier as he pondered his situation. What could he do? Run an empire? Help Kamek cure Bowser? Find someone infinitely more capable of running the Empire?
Mario exhaled softly. Glancing back to the bed, he had to admit… it looked inviting. Yet, his gaze returned to the city skyline, and he frowned. Sleep was definitely not going to come to him that easily….
Belle had asked the Commodore if he needed anything from her before they went on leave. Fortunately, Vossak only expressed that she should enjoy her time ashore, which was good as she had every intention of obeying that order. Being able to get out of her uniform had been a blessing. Her hair had been pulled back into a messy ponytail, and she had changed her uniform for the casual clothes she had worn in New Donk City. Repositioning her duffle bag, Belle shivered slightly at the cool air breezing through her damp hair. The Vigilant certainly had showers and all the amenities that civilians took for granted; there was just something… refreshing about being able to shower while ashore, even if it was at the Citadel.
Nodding to the guards, Belle walked down the steps and turned away from the massive building. Inhaling the familiar scent of the city, she strolled along the street. The evening sunset was one of the few things Belle enjoyed about the city, even if she didn't see it that often. Sitting on the bench, she mulled over her thoughts: Her first instinct was to go home to her apartment and collapse onto her bed. Checking her watch, though, a small smile spread across her face. Peering up, she watched as a bus pulled up. Grabbing her bag, Belle deposited several coins and told the driver her destination before sitting near the bus's rear.
Thinking on her interactions with Mario, scant though they were, she had to privately admit to being fascinated by him. Sure, she had been vehemently opposed to the mission, but it definitely made a nice change of pace from hunting down pirates in Imperial territory. Vossak hadn't made his thoughts on the plumber known, but she suspected that the Commodore had a better read on Mario Segale than most of the Empire did – save perhaps for the Emperor. Looking out the window, a thought belatedly hit her: Lucinia would freak out when she learned about Belle's mission.
Far too short for her liking, the bus stopped, and the driver turned back, "Coldvein Academy, ma'am!" He exclaimed.
Belle smiled and hoisted the bag over her shoulder again. Nodding politely to the driver, she departed the bus and smiled at the building before her. The memories of her cadet days came flooding back to her- or rather, when she had been dropped at Coldvein alongside Vossak by the Emperor's order. Given that she was from a place like Crestwood and Vossak was a foreigner, she wondered how many of the well-connected cadets had really had it out for them simply because they didn't fit the mold.
Presenting her military ID to the guards, she was waved in and entered the warm building. She spotted a lone, open office with a light on. Her lips curved into an impish smile, and she padded to the doorway's other side. She was out of view and wrapped her knuckles against the door frame.
"If it's not an emergency, Cadet Claythrone… then it can wait." A weary voice called out.
Belle raised an eyebrow before sauntering into view. Leaning against the doorframe, she only chuckled, "Wait till when, babe?" She asked, smirking at the woman seated at the desk.
The woman's violet hair swiveled around, and silver eyes widened in surprise, "Belle!" She exclaimed before jumping to her feet and rushing toward Belle.
The duffle bag hit the floor with a soft thud as Belle found herself pushed against the doorframe and the other woman's lips upon hers. Belle grinned into the kiss before pulling back and cupping the other woman's cheek with her hand, "Glad to see you too, Lucinia." She grinned affectionately. The smile faded somewhat at the tired expression on the woman's face, "You alright, Luce?"
Lucinia only smiled and hugged Belle tight, "Much better now," She sighed, nuzzling the crook of Belle's neck. "It's been exhausting trying to juggle a lot of these rich kids who like to flaunt their parents' names like it's a shield."
Belle snorted lightly, "It's good to know that some things haven't changed." She murmured. "So… Claythorne?"
Lucinia shook her head with a light smile, "Just a spoiled brat, nothing new there." She placed her hands on Belle's hips, "When did you get back?"
"A few hours ago, actually." Belle grinned. "Shore leave too. You wouldn't believe the mission I was on. The Commodore—"
"Wait. Vossak made Commodore?" Lucinia asked, tilting her head, "Last I checked, he was still a captain."
Belle clicked her tongue, "Ah… right, we didn't do a big ceremony for it." She sighed before kneeling down and opening her duffel bag. She withdrew her bronze oak leaf and held it out. "I got a promotion too. It's been two weeks, but I'm still not used to being called Lieutenant-Commander Fontiere just yet."
Lucinia only smirked, "So, want me to salute you?" She asked.
"Oi!" Belle protested, her cheeks warming, "Don't need you to be all formal on me!"
The violet-haired woman only smiled faintly before kissing Belle's lips quickly. Lucinia then turned her attention to the paperwork on her desk with a baleful glare. Belle smirked in understanding. She hated the mountain of paperwork her role as Vossak's aide had often foisted upon her. Lucinia stepped over to her desk and gathered the loose paper before arranging them into a neat stack, "You know what…? This can wait until later." She said, putting the documents into a manilla folder and sliding the folder into a drawer on her desk. "I'd rather spend time with you."
Belle's lips curved into a smirk, "Greasy junk food and bad movies?"
"That, and you can tell me about this big mission you and Vossak were on." Lucinia replied with raised eyebrows, "You guys didn't find Captain Syrup or anything like that?"
The redhead snorted in amusement, "Nah, the Commodore's convinced she's long gone now." She said while shaking her head, "Believe me, babe, the story's wild. I'll tell you about it when we're in the car, though."
If Lucinia was put off by that statement, she certainly didn't show it. Instead, the violet-haired woman only grinned, "Deal!"
Watching Lucinia finish cleaning up her workspace, Belle couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. The fact that Mario was in the Empire's capital wouldn't remain secret for long and would likely make Lucinia panic. Maybe it was selfish but for just a few moments… Belle wanted to enjoy some quality time with Lucinia. If the Citadel hadn't imploded, that would have been a good sign that things weren't as disastrous as she had predicted, right?
"You all right, hun?" Lucinia chirped.
Belle jumped slightly before noting that Lucinia was holding a briefcase. She smiled faintly, "Yeah… sorry, just a lot more tired than I thought." She said.
The two walked out of the building and toward a car. Opening a door, Belle threw her duffle bag into the back seat before settling into the passenger's seat. Lucinia settled into the driver's seat and grinned at Belle, "So tell me why you're not offering to drive?" She asked.
"I'm half dead on my feet, and I remember the last time I drove your car. As I remember it, you were practically hyperventilating as I 'mishandled your baby.'" Belle grinned. "Besides, Sofia would probably kill me if I banged up the car again."
Lucinia snorted, "Yeah, she'd be a bit upset. Speaking of… she's on track to become a quartermaster." She remarked as she pulled into the flow of traffic.
Belle arched her eyebrow, "I'd have figured she'd be a mechanic?" She grinned, "I still remember the look on your father's face when Sofia dismantled his truck."
Her girlfriend smiled fondly, "Yeah… Dad wasn't too thrilled with that." She mused warmly, "But really, Sofia heard about the things you and Vossak got up to and decided she wanted to serve on an airship."
A faint smile tugged on Belle's lips. She remembered joining the Navy and hoping to become a supply officer. In hindsight, it was perhaps the Navy's most dead-end and tedious job. The fact of it was that she couldn't have imagined Sofia being any happier as a mechanic working on military vehicles at a base. Glancing at Lucinia, Belle couldn't help but notice the slight hint of worry on her girlfriend's face. Belle reached over and placed her hand on Lucinia's free hand, "She'll be fine, babe." She smiled, "Besides, it's not like life on an airship is as exciting as the Ministry likes to make it."
"I know, it's just…" Lucinia's expression strained, "Two of the most important women in my life constantly in harm's way? It's a bit tough, you know?"
The redhead nodded, "I get it." She said, "Bad as it may sound, I look forward to those moments when we're hunting pirates. Most of the time, I'm bored out of my mind until the Commodore picks up on something or asks me to look over a shipping manifest."
The car pulled into a line at a fast-food restaurant, and Lucinia glanced at Belle, "That reminds me, how did Vossak make Commodore so fast? Usually, captains must warm that seat for a bit before getting promoted." She asked.
Bracing herself, Belle sighed, "Well, we got called back to the Citadel, and I thought the Commodore had pissed off some noble again." She shrugged. "Not the first time that's happened, but instead of facing an inquiry before high command, we were called to meet the First Minister."
"Oh my…! Meeting the Emperor and the First Minister?" Lucinia grinned. "Seems like you're rubbing elbows with important people."
"Yeah, yeah..." Belle smiled faintly, "The First Minister reviewed our records and then presented us with a mission: Travel to the Mushroom Kingdom."
The levity was gone as Lucinia frowned, "For… what?"
Belle winced, "Yeah… that's the part you won't like." She admitted sheepishly, "His Majesty wanted us to bring Mario Segale back to the Capital."
Lucinia's eyes widened, and it was perhaps a small blessing that the line was practically at a standstill. Lucinia turned her head and looked at Belle incredulously, "…Why?" She asked warily. "Why would His Majesty want him? For that matter… what the hell was Vossak thinking?!"
Belle raised her hands palms outward, "Relax, babe," she murmured, "As for what the Commodore was thinking…? Well, you know him. He likes a challenge." She gave a weak chuckle. "As for why His Majesty asked for Mario? I haven't got a clue about that." Belle shrugged, "Personally… I thought the Commodore was crazy."
Lucinia snorted in derision, "Yep. He is crazy." She sighed. "The Pyreburner's probably trying to figure out how to destroy the city…"
The redhead frowned and shook her head slowly, "I don't think so…" Belle said hesitantly, "During our return to the city, Mario kept to himself. Two weeks, and I half expected him to try and destroy the ship." She shook her head again, "When we arrived, he seemed… I don't know, more like a tourist getting to see a place he'd never been before?"
Lucinia grimaced before she sat back in her seat. She exhaled slowly, "I guess we'll see what happens…" she muttered darkly. Belle opened her mouth before Lucinia raised her hand, "Moving on, you said you were on shore leave, right?"
Relieved at the subject change, Belle smiled happily, "Yep!" She exclaimed, "Apparently, His Majesty was the one to grant it to us. The Brass'll be happy because Vossak's out of their hair for a while. Knowing him? He'll be going stir-crazy after a few days. But until then…? I'm all yours."
Lucinia smirked, "Well, I did receive an invitation to a brunch tomorrow." She said, "They did say I could bring a plus one if I wanted."
"Oh, c'mon, Luce…! If you want me to go, then say it!" Belle grinned. "So, who sent the invitation?"
"The Countess of Crestwood, actually." The violet-haired girl replied.
Belle's eyes widened, "And you waited till now to drop that on me?" She asked. "I definitely want to come then if I can!"
Before Lucinia could reply, an angry-sounding honk snapped them back to the fact that they were now holding up the line. Lucinia moved forward and placed their order. Belle, for her part, settled back into the seat and sighed. The conversation about her mission wasn't as pleasant as she might have wanted, but it was understandable. She doubted she would've handled it as well as Lucinia had if their positions had been reversed. Belle shuddered at the thought of what Lucinia would've done if Sofia had been the one to go on the mission.
A pleasant aroma of burgers and fries snapped her out of her musings, and she surreptitiously tried to reach into the bag to sneak a fry. However, Lucinia only swatted at her hand, "Not in the car, Belle!" She snapped playfully.
Belle pouted, her stomach growling in protest, "Aw c'mon, Luce! I'm hungry!" she protested.
Lucinia stuck out her tongue, "Just wait till we get home; we can eat then!"
Sitting back in her seat, Belle closed her eyes and enjoyed the quiet rumblings of the car. Music began playing as Belle cracked one eye open and watched Lucinia increase the volume. The tune was pleasant enough, and both women were bobbing their heads in rhythm with the music. Before she knew it, they were pulling into the apartment complex and into a parking spot. Belle's muscles protested as she clambered out of the car and grabbed her duffel bag. Shouldering the bag, she followed Lucinia up the trail to their apartment, shivering slightly. Lucinia unlocked the door as the two entered, and Belle sighed happily at the warmth of the apartment.
Setting her bag on a bench, Belle let out a long, drawn-out sigh as Lucinia shut the door and turned the lock, "I'm beat…" Belle groaned, "I don't think I could've taken another moment on that ship!"
Lucinia snorted, "I'm still half-expecting Vossak to show up." She said before glancing warily at the door.
"Luce!" Belle whined, "Don't joke about that! I need a break!"
The violet-haired woman smiled faintly, "Well, he's had you for what six months? I think it's my time now." She grinned. "So what're we thinking? Comedy or horror?"
Belle snorted, "Given how we always go for the cheesy movies, let's go with a comedy."
After changing into proper evening wear and their food on plates, Belle snuggled against Lucinia while the movie was playing. Belle sighed happily, feeling Lucinia's fingertips stroke against her upper arm. Glancing up at the violet-haired woman, Belle pulled Lucinia into a gentle kiss. Without breaking contact, Belle had moved to sit in Lucinia's lap as the kiss deepened. Soon, both the movie and the food lay forgotten…
Note from the Author:
Initially, I wrote this scene with only Mario's interaction with Bowser in mind. But really? I like the idea of including a scene with Belle, especially as the tone was very different from what Mario was dealing with. Writing Lucinia was challenging, especially since we don't see much of her in Meta Runner. Still, given that she and Belle are in a confirmed relationship in the show, it gave me an angle to work with.
I've always been a bit critical of the depiction of LGBTQIA+ relationships in media because it never feels authentic and more like a move by major corporations to try and market themselves. They have the appearance but not the substance of diversity, as it were. This is especially compounded by the fact that the same corporations seem to rely on stereotypes and gratuitous content, and in my view, the community deserves better representation. This is partly why I wrote Belle and Lucinia's relationship like I did. The other part stems from the fact that I've never written a same-sex couple before, so this is me throwing my hat into the ring on that end. So, I hope I've done my part and given the relationship between Belle and Lucinia the respect it deserves.