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Prologue The New Mushroom Kingdom A/N: If no formatting (italics, boldface) bothers you, please find the story on fanfiction dot net. It has been many years since Bowser, Koopa King of the Dark Lands, had gone too far against the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom. Using a bomb derived from the power of a Super Star, Bowser only just managed to destroy Peach’s Castle as well as much of the surrounding area before Mario and Luigi were able to contact Rosalina, who was the only one whose powers could counter Bowser's new weapon. Rosalina was able to stop the destruction, but there had already been too much damage done, as the bomb had killed off Peach as well as many of the higher up Toads in the Kingdom. Daisy of the neighboring Kingdom began rebuilding in the wake of the attack, but she could not take over the position of Monarch of the Mushroom Kingdom. Instead, after much deliberation and the revelation of a secret tale of where Peach actually came from- being the only human for the most part in the Mushroom Kingdom- it was decided that Rosalina move her Observatory to the surface, creating the New Mushroom Kingdom Castle as the ship docked with the surrounding landscape. Mario was heartbroken, as was Bowser, from these newest developments. Mario over the loss of Peach and Bowser who, in his haste to fire the weapon, had lost his only heir Bowser Jr. Mario, however, found comfort and affection in Rosalina, who was learning more and more about human companionship from the plumber. Eventually the two became married with a small family of their own as Luigi and Daisy themselves had been planning for some time before the rebuilding of the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser, on the other hand, being practically immortal through the many half-successes he had planned and enacted over the years, wallowed in self-hate and depression for some time after realizing his own plan had caused Peach to die. For a while, there was peace between the New Mushroom and Koopa Kingdoms. One day, after the succession of the new Mushroom Kingdom had been handed down from Rosalina to her and Mario’s first-born daughter Pechalina- named after the former Mushroom Monarch- the Magikoopa Kamek approached a mysteriously dying Bowser with a single Power-Up item. One which, in reality, should not have been able to work at all for the Koopa King, even in his state of sickly near-death. That item was a Super Crown, the very item that had tricked Bowser several times as Peach had swapped herself out with a Toad wearing the strange transolformative item. But Kamek had a plan. He would use his magic to combine the essence that created the Super Crown’s effects with that of Bowser to give the Koopa King new life. This would take time, however, much more than Kamek had before medical Koopas had deemed Bowser to have left. He began his work anyway, and after many years succeeded in his plans, with one small hiccup. While Kamek indeed was able to create a new Koopa Monarch using the two essences, it was not Bowser that was reborn. Instead, a mostly humanoid Koopa with features resembling Peach much more than Bowser than born. Deemed Bowsette, even as a toddler the Koopaling showed genius-level planning as the Koopa Kingdom began attacking the New Mushroom Kingdom again, now defended by an aging Mario who passed his skills down to his grandson, Nick. The same age as Bowsette, Nick proved himself better than his grandfather as plot after plot to kidnap his mother Pechalina by Bowsette was foiled. Presently, both Bowsette and Nick are now eighteen, and the respective heirs continue their fighting. In fact, the teenage heirs are just finishing up another fight in their long, conflicted history with one another. But, things are about to take a turn.. Dark Lands, Koopa Castle Throne Room.. Nick Mario, grandson of the legendary Mario Mario, ducked under the fireball aimed at him from across the throne room, a chuckle leaving his lips. “Is that all you've got, Bowsie? Fireballs are nothing for me to get around.” Taking out a brown leaf from his overall pocket, he ceushed it in his hand as a cape appeared on his back, the boy jumping into flight as Bowsette flung another missed attack at him. The humanoid Koopa groaned, flipping her blonde hair behind her shoulder. “Stay fucking still! I won't let you win this time, plumber boy.” Nick flew through the air of the room, dodging fireball after fireball. “It's no fun just letting you hit me, you know. Plus, enemy or not, it's still rude to beat on a girl.” “Like I give a shit about your chivalry!” Bowsette growled despite the dusting of pink on her cheeks. “Now fucking fight me or your mother gets dropped down into the lava pool.” She looked through the side wall of the throne room, where Queen Pechalina stood inside a cage dangling over said pool of lava. Nick, knowing Bowsette wasn't one to mince her words even though she'd given him no proof of such ill intentions over the years, grit his teeth and landed on the ground as Bowsette whipped her tail around, slapping against Nick hard enough to make him lose the enhancement of the Power-up he was using before rushing forward, hands outstretched with her nails- now elongated claws- pointed at Nick ready to slash at him. Nick caught her arm, the extra strength Bowsette natirally possessed making it more difficult for Nick as he pushed against her, Bowsette flexing her claws in vain as they hovered just far enough from Nick not to make contact. Nick’s eyes widened as he saw the aparks of fire form at the corners of Bowsette’s mouth before ducking down, the ensuing fireball only just managing to singe the edge of his cap. “You know, anger management can work wonders, even when you don't believe you need it.” “And I would just end up roasting the therapist alive! Just surrender the kingdom in your mother's stead and you can both go home, otherwise unharmed.” “Fat chance. The last time I fell for that one, it took me sacrificing a Yoshi and almost having mom married off to that old man Boo. Why do you even want our Kingdom? You rule one of your own already and both of them saw peace for years before you came about.” “Yes, and now a Koopa sits on the throne again, and conquering is what my family has always been best at. Now just. Give. Up!” Bowsette pushed again, this time making Nick buckle onto his knees, sweat lining his brow as he refused to give up. “And that's why you'll never win, Bowsette. Like my grandpa Mario, I never give up!” He rolled to the side, Bowsette stumbling as her claws dug deeply into the stone floor. As she struggled to break herself free, Bowsette’s eyes widened as Nick took a Super Star our of his pocket, the Power-up immediately crushed as the ternager glowed with an aura of rainbow light. Bowsette closed her eyes as she knew the final blow was coming, but it never did. Instead, all she heard was the sound of metal grating against stone before a metallic groan, signaling Nick's obvious rescuing of the Queen. Looking back, Bowsette grit her sharper than normal teeth. “What? No final blow for your nemesis today?” Nick clicked his tongue. “Not everything has to be about a fight, Bowsette. You've already lost, don't make today any more embarrassing for you than that.” Turning away with his mother's hand in his, Nick used the Warp Star given to him by his father to send him and Pechalina back to New Toad Town. After several moments of sitting on the floor, Bowsette glared as Kamek popped his head in the door. “Not now, Kamek! Leave me be!” Not having to be told twice, the Magikoopa ducked back out of the throne room. Moody teenagers, he had had enough of them even before raising Bowsette. Totally alone, Bowsette's tail thumped against the stone floor weakly before she brought the extra appendage back into the small, somewhat magical Koopa shell on her back. Magical, in this case, meaning she could remove the object from her body but still be herself. It was a tactic not many knew about, and even less people had seen her without the shell in general. Standing up, Bowsette went over to the small window in the outer castle wall, her mouth curled in a despondent frown. “Stupid fucking Nick. At least let me lose with my dignity intact..” Why didn't he fight me like he used to? She thought to herself, remembering past encounters with Mario's grandson and the subsequent, sometimes even miraculous battles that took place. To Bowsette, there was no reason for Nick not to fight her this time, it would only be another session of their all-too often war against each other, Bowsette to conquer the New Mushroom Kingdom and Nick to defend it. It was their role to fight each other, wasn't it? Sighing heavily, Bowsette retreated to her private chambers off of the throne room proper. She needed to think. Meanwhile, New Mushroom Castle.. Pechalina smiled as Nick and her appeared in the NMK throne room. “Thank you as always, my love, for coming to your mother's rescue. Your grandfather would be so proud of you if he could see you now.” Nick nodded, smiling. “I know, mom. I'm gonna go get some rest, then, now that the drama is over.” Pechalina nodded as Nick turned to leave the throne room, stopping just inside the door. “Mom?” Pechalina regarded her son curiously. “Did.. Did Bowsette seem a bit.. off to you?” Pechalina hummed. “Not that I noticed, but then again this routine our Kingdoms have going makes it a bit difficult to notice small changes, don't you think? Whatever brought this on, dear?” Nick shook his head, snapping one strap of his overalls. “Nothing, she just.. I don't know. Bowsette just seemed a bit off as we were leaving. Usually, she would have tossed one last fireball at us in denial of losing but she just stood there and let us leave like she was giving up.” Pechalina laughed. “I doubt that, Nick. Bowsette is just as much her father as anything, and like your grandfather, failure only made Bowser try harder. Perhaps there is a reason behind Bowsette’s sudden sullen attitude, but I do not believe that is our business to attend to. Now, get some rest. You've had a long journey the last few days, and you've deserved some time in bed for your Valor, my prince.” Nodding, Nick left the throne room, still unable to shake the feeling that he was missing something. Hours Later.. Nick hadn't been able to sleep much at all, his mind still wandering to things he knew were better not thought about. Bowsette.. What's going on with you lately? Even your kidnappings have been lackluster as of late.. He pulled the now recharged Warp Star out of his now hung up overalls, turning it in his hand in contemplation. Maybe.. Without thinking, his hand squeezed the power-up, activating it as he was whisked away in a flash of light. Dark Lands, Koopa Keep.. Nick cursed to himself as he reappeared in what was obviously Koopa Keep, Bowsette's seat of power in her kingdom and the very Castle he had rescued his mother from. However, he realized the room he was in.. wasn't one he had ever entered before. It was obviously a bedroom, but at first glance there was nothing to discern just who stayed in this room. “Where am I?” He asked as he heard a new sound: running water. Following the sound brought the Mushroom prince to a door, which he opened to find a very lavish bathroom. The sound was coming from a steamed up, frosted glass shower situated along one wall, where Nick now also heard a distinctive voice humming. Bowsette's voice. Nick’s eyes widened in shock, now realizing where he must be and turned to leave, until Bowsette's humming turned into a melodious harmony he had never even thought to believe the Koopa Queen to possess. The sound made Nick stop his retreat. “All these years, I've been keeping to myself. Hard to tell, why the hell, I kept on putting her in that cell. Boy, I missed you after every farewell, but now I'm out of this shell. I'm finally out of my shell!” Nick found himself sitting outside the shower like some creeper as he listened to Bowsette sing, amazed at how talented the young Koopa was. He was also starting to get a feeling, something in the back of his mind saying that while he should be listening, there was also something deeply personal in the Koopa Queen's words that made him question staying, even as she continued after tapping her nails on the glass wall rhythmically. “I'm sorry, but mommy's in another castle. And you won't get to her without a fight, I fear. You don't have to power up to solve that puzzle, she's out there, but I'm here! While she doesn't have some fancy hustle, she'd be nowhere without your princely self, my dear. Your Queen might be in another castle, but I'm still here!” The girl sighed as she finished her song. “But of course you aren't. Stupid prince.” She turned the water off, still oblivious to Nick’s presence as the glass door slid open and her semi-clawed hand grabbed a towel hanging just off to the side. Nick only had enough time to stand back up before Bowsette slid the door open entirely, towel wrapped around her as stray water drops dragged themselves down her tanned skin. The two eighteen year olds’ eyes met, Bowsette's going wide before narrowing, her pupils elongating into slits as Nick’s own eyes widened like he was a deer caught in a pair of headlights. The Koopa Queen growled. “Nick?! What the fuck are you doing here in my bathroom?! How did you even..?” Nick gulped. “Well, that's kind of a funny story. I.. um.. I had been thinking about earlier, about your attitude specifically. I may or may not have been holding my Warp Star as it.. activated and brought me here.” That didn't ebb the half-Koopa’s anger as he threw his hands up. “I was only going to wait until the Star recharged to get home, but.. then I heard you singing.” He looked away, for some reason unable to meet Bowsette's blue eyes as he finished his statement. “You sing beautifully. I've never heard such harmony, even in semi-rap format.” Bowsette's expression softened then before turning into an expression synonymous with shock. “Y-you..? How long?” It took Nick a moment to realize what she meant, but he answered as quickly as he could. “Uh, from all these years. I wasn't trying to be creepy or some shit by being here, Bowsette, I swear.” Bowsette pursed her lip, one eyebrow raised as her pupils rounded back to their regular appearance. Snapping one arm out, she pointed towards the bedroom. “Sit on the bed and wait for me. Don't go running away on me, prince.” Nodding silently, Nick turned and rushed out of the bathroom, Bowsette sighing as she tightened her hold on the towel around her body. “How the hell is this going to resolve itself easily?” She asked herself, knowing she'd unknowingly bared her heart to the boy now in the next room. After several moments of waiting, Bowsette entered her bedroom again, now dressed in her regular black bra and panties with an added light blue shawl covering herself up otherwise, not that it helped as it slipped halfway down her forearms as she sat down a little ways away from Nick. Crossing her arms, she looked at Nick. “I should lock you up, you know. Throw away the key, make sure you have nowhere to hide a damned Power-up. I bet the Queen would love to know about her son's most recent antics. Hell, I could consider you being in my bedroom like this a declaration of war.” Nick gulped, fearful the usually harsh Koopa Queen would act on her words. “No, there's really no need for all of that, Bowsette. It's all on me for being here, as accidental as coming here truly was.” Biwsette hummed. “Sure..” There was silence for several seconds before she spoke up again. “You said you were thinking about me before you whisked yourself to my chambers?” Nick nodded. “Why?” “Because you've been.. off lately. I don't know what's going on with you, I don't pretend to understand your reasoning behind your actions, but I'd be lying if it didn't worry me. Today, for instance. You.. You didn't seem like you were really in it for our fight. You gave up much easier than most times.” Bowsette felt her cheeks heating up. He noticed..? She was sure she had hidden her lackluster desire for battle well enough, but apparently not. “What are you talking about, plumber boy? Your family aren't the only ones known to not give up, and I live up to that expectation every time we-” “I can tell you're lying, Bowsette,” That shut the half-Koopa up as Nick looked at her. “I don't know how, but I can tell. And speaking of expectations.. Do we really need to stay molded in the roles our families thrust us into? This constant fighting isn't good for anyone, for either of our kingdoms.” Bowsette was surprised. Even as little serious talking the two teenage heirs had done in the past, Bowsette hadn't thought something like that would come out of the current Savior of the Mushroom Kingdom. “So what are we supposed to do then, if not follow in the legacies left for us? Do you honestly believe we can have peace with such a shared hostile environment between the Kingdoms?” Nick laughed dryly. “Not with that attitude, we can't. I may not be the heir to take over the New Mushroom Kingdom, our throne being passed down to the oldest princess which would be.. Not important right now,” Nick looked back at Bowsette, a smirk on his face daring her to challenge his declaration. He knew she would target said princess if he revealed anything else about her so he promptly shut up about it. “What is important right now, for me at least, is why that song sounded much more personal and connected to you and I than I would ever expect.” “Attentive today, aren't we? What makes you think that song was personal? Or about us?” “Because your attitude today, for one, plus those lyrics screamed unrequited feelings which is odd enough coming from you. Something has changed, I can see that much. I just want to get to the bottom of it.” Bowsette frowned, frustrated with herself. She had kept these emotions to herself for several years now, always able to hide them behind her normal schemes and plots to take over the New Mushroom Kingdom. But, he's right, really.. Why am I trying to take over their Kingdom? My father, template, whatever Bowser was only did it because he was desperately in love or something with Princess Peach, but I don't.. Have to.. No, it can't be so simple, could it? “Are you sure you really wanna know? The shock alone might kill you, plumber boy. And then what would happen to your mother, I imagine?” Nick rolled his eyes at the young woman's continued evasiveness. “Bowsette, seriously, stop avoiding whatever you are because it isn't helping right now. In one form or another, we literally grew up together and I'm only oblivious to a fault. I've noticed plenty about you over the years to know that the Bowsette I fought today had changed. Is it wrong to want to understand what happened? Hostilities between us be damned.” Bowsette didn't know when she had scooted closer to Nick, but even the slight brush of his fingers against her bare leg caused her to sigh in feigned annoyance while doing her best to hide the feeling of electricity-imbued fire the touch radiated on her skin. “You're either very bold, or just idiotically foolish. Maybe both, with your family history. What makes you think I won't still string you up in the dungeon?” “If you were going to do that, you would have called in some Koopas to do just that when you found me outside your shower. No, the only reason you're not doing anything about my unexpected presence is because on some level, I'm right. Aren't I?” More than I would care to admit.. Bowsette frowned. “Even if you were right, and I ain't saying you are, why would I just tell you about it?” Nick laughed. “You don't have to, but something tells me you're only stalling yourself from telling me, anyhow.” “Why are you suddenly so.. not just insistent but attentive today? Why worry about little old me?” “It's like I said before, Bowsette. We grew up together, even if most of that time was spent fighting each other. Somewhere along the way, I guess I just developed a bit of worry for you, especially after so many defeats that can't be entirely good on anyone's mind. Can you honestly say that things are so cut and dry between us? That we must fight each other?” Bowsette let herself slip as she clicked her tongue. “What I can say is that you're annoying me, Nick. You're absolutely sure you want me baring the entirety of my soul to you? Right here in the most compromised situation the both of us have ever been in?” Nick shrugged. “If not now, when we have the time- without distractions- then when, Bowsette? I.. Being honest, I don't want to keep fighting you over and over again.” The half-Koopa looked at him for a moment, looking back towards the wall as she saw him pick his head up from its currently board position. “Not if you're going to look like you did today, it doesn't even seem like fun to fight when you're left in such a pathetic state. No offense.” Bowsette’s lips curled upward slightly in a smile. He does care.. “None taken. For once. But.. I don't feel comfortable having this conversation right now. So, off you go.” She got up, taking a seat at a small vanity mirror on the opposite wall. “I'll be in touch, prince. Safe travels.” She said, tossing something back towards Nick. Nick caught the object, reflexively squeezing it as he realized Bowsette had somehow grabbed the Warp Star and thrown it at him, knowing it would activate when he caught it. “Come on, Bow-” was all Nick managed before flashing out of the room in a small shower of stardust. Giggling to herself, Bowsette leaned her face on one hand. “Don't worry, Nick. You won't have to wait. For too long. I just damn well wasn't going to confess my feelings in lingerie.” That would be a sight to explain to Kamek, of anyone here in Koopa Keep. She giggled again as she stood back up, intent on going to sleep this time. No more distractions, not even the- dare she say it- handsome prince in the next Kingdom over. Three Days Later, New Toad Plaza.. Nick was helping the Toads decorate the Plaza in town for the upcoming Star Festival, the very same event that sparked his grandfather's adventure that saw him first meet his grandmother, Rosalina. He had been tempted to go back to Koopa Keep via Warp Star again and tell Bowsette off for the cold shoulder she'd given him, but at the same time he knew it was just how Bowsette was. He was worried, however, that she would eventually come back for this talk in some overly dramatic fashion as she was prone to do, mainly by crashing such events and kidnapping him instead of Pechalina which, oddly, wasn't that horrible an idea to Nick. Unorthodox to be sure, but not the worst way to go about having a private conversation. Not for how the two heirs already were in day to day matters. Pechalina watched her son from a distance, smiling curiously at the boy as he continued hanging banners and posting signs for the various Star Festival attractions. It was then that she was distracted from her thoughts by another voice. “He's growing into a fine young man, My Queen. Your parents would be proud of him.” Pechalina turned to meet the gaze of her advisor, a newer species of the old Toads known as Luma Toads, those of which have gained an otherworldly glow to themselves as well as very minor powers similar to other Luma of the past. This was Lumarie, the oldest Luma Toad(ette) in the New Mushroom Kingdom, and also the very first Luma Toad to be born in the reborn Kingdom. “Yes, Nick is a fine prince, isn't he? And just as much a hero as his grandfather.. Lumarie, do you believe this ceaseless war between us and the Koopas is still relevant?” The Luma Toad looked at her Queen curiously. “What do you mean, Your Majesty? It's a war as old as time here in these lands.” “But that's just the issue, isn't it? Look at the past, before grandmother and Mario rebuilt the Mushroom Kingdom in Peach's death. Bowser was a tyrant, but there was more of a point for him kidnapping Peach repeatedly, be those reasons love or the need to conquer. Now, Bowsette kidnapping me isn't really the way she should be going about it, is it? At least, looking at it as Bowsette not learning from her ‘father's’ mistakes. Her mistake is kidnapping the Queen, unable to help herself by the fact my Star Powers went inert after having Nick, hence why he's so powerful even for just eighteen years old. Bowsette would be kidnapping him if she wanted to win this war, you understand?” The Luma Toad nodded. “I do. Take the Hero prisoner, and the Kingdom can't help but fall. But, then, why doesn't she?” Pechalina smiled coyly as she remembered a moment from her most recent capture: Several Days Earlier.. Bowsette hummed as she paced around her throne room, knowing Nick was not long off from busting down the door for the.. Stars above only know what time. The New Mushroom Kingdom Monarch had been eavesdropping on the Koopa Queen, and found her reasoning a bit.. odd, to say the least. But the final nail in the coffin of her suspicions was her next line. “It really sucks that I have to kidnap his mommy to even see him, though. Not that He would just agree to meet up and talk with his nemesis, right?” Pechalina gasped lightly as the words registered in her mind. Was Bowsette.. crushing on her son, the Mushroom Prince? It can't be that simple.. Pechalina thought with a hum of her own as she continued watching the now obviously nervous half-Koopa. End Flashback.. “I don't know, Lumarie, but I'm sure that whatever it is will bring a much bigger change within the Kingdom than even my mother rebuilding it from the ashes of Bowser's Star Bomb.” “A mighty and bold claim to make without proof, my Queen. But a worthy thought, to be sure. Peace between the Kingdoms was what Mario wanted after Bowser saw the error of his actions. Too bad the Big Bad Koopa couldn't just swallow his pride.” “Indeed.” But will Bowsette be any different than her father in that regard is the true question. Pechalina thought as she looked at Nick once more, using his Star Powers to help him hang a banner on a particularly high area. ~SML~SML~ Koopa Keep.. “Koopoid!” Bowsette's voice rang out throughout the Keep's halls as a small, Koopa shell-shaped robot whizzed around towards the throne room. As it arrived in the throne room, a robotic head popped out of one of the holes situated around the main shell. “You called for me, your -bzzt- Majesty?”  Bowsette frowned. She had hoped that little tic in the droid's speech would have been fixed by now. “Yes, please take this letter directly to Prince Nick in New Mushroom. No one is to see you going into the New Mushroom Kingdom as well as while delivering the letter. You are to wait for an answer to this letter before returning only to me with such a reply. Am I understood?” The little robot backed up a smidgen as it nodded its mechanical head. “I understand clearly, My Queen. But, may I ask why you're sending a very obviously secret letter to your nemesis?” “The two of us need to talk, that's all. Without the added stress of having to fight one another. Now go! I expect you back before tomorrow. Take the Star Tunnels if you must.” The Star Tunnels were newer pathways to speed around the Zones of the World, created in the aftermath of Bowser's highly nuclear Star Bomb without the dangerously irradiating effects. She waved off the robot, who popped his head back inside the shell and spun around as it zoomed back out of the castle, the letter from Bowsette firmly held inside the main body. Now, Bowsette only had to wait. Although a growing panic within her mind only made her hope that this wasn't just some stupid whim on her part. Later That Night, New Mushroom Castle Observatory.. Nick loved the view over New Toad Town from the Observatory. It added to his comfort that the area, like much of New Mushroom Castle itself, was made from what used to be Rosalina's space-faring home years before and the power of the Stars emanated from every surface. However, what he wasn't expecting was to see the strange Koopa shell flying through the air, unusually reflecting the moonlight of the night. The object stopped spinning directly in front of him, making him see it indeed was a robotic Koopa shell, now floating in front of him as a beam emitted from the underside of the shell, seemingly scanning him by the looks of it. When the beam stopped, a head popped out of one hole in the shell's side with a whir as it held a letter in its beak-like mouth. “Prince Nick of New Mushroom, a le-le-bzzt-letter for you from her highness Bowsette, Queen of Koopa Keep.” Nick tilted his head, unsure what to make of the little robot, being something he hadn't seen before. “Thank you, I guess.” He said before plucking the letter from the beak, opening it to see what Bowsette had to say to him in a letter of all things. Didn't she say we'd talk about this in person? He thought before reading the letter itself. Prince Nick, Was that too formal? Eh, doesn't matter. I promised you we would talk about our little unexpected rendezvous the other night and I plan to deliver that to you. As for why I didn't just let us talk the other night.. I was dressed in my panties, little Mario, hardly an appropriate set of attire for a serious conversation. With that said, I send this letter to arrange the meeting I can only imagine you've been waiting for as much as I may or may not be dreading. However, I.. can't figure out where we would actually have the privacy and time needed to have the discussion. I know you're probably busy with helping mommy dearest set up for this year's Star Festival, but if you have an idea about this please go ahead and tell. Anyway, I should stop writing this before I write something in that I'd rather not. Please send your reply with little Koopoid, he is programmed to come right back to me and only me upon returning from your Kingdom. Your nemesis, Bowsette. Nick chuckled as he shook his head in amusement. “Tell her to meet me at New Toad Town's North Gate at five in the evening, the day after tomorrow. And tell her that I will come to her if she decides to flake out.” He said to the small robot, who barked out its own mechanical chuckle. “Your message will be delivered. Good day.” Koopoid said before rushing away, back towards Koopa Keep. Nick looked over the balcony of the Observatory, hoping no one saw the obviously Koopa object flying away from the Castle. Koopa Keep, Not Long After.. Bowsette was aware of Koopoid's servos running before she saw the robot reenter her room, looking towards the bottom as it stopped feet away from her. “So?” Koopoid's head emerged. “The meeting time is five in the evening the day after tomorrow at New Toad Town, North Gate.” Bowsette pursed her lips, knowing something was up with that date. Her eyes widened as she realized the truth: The Star Festival began in just two days, when the meteor showers of Star Bits would begin falling all over the New Mushroom Kingdom and their surrounding Kingdoms. And he was asking her to meet him in the literal heart of enemy territory? “Hmm. Bold choice, Mushroom Prince.” “He also said failure to show would draw him to come to you instead.” Koopoid added to a groan from the young Koopa. “Of course he did. Ever like his grandfather, I guess.” Now to figure out what to wear.. I very well can't just waltz into the New Mushroom Kingdom as purely myself. I'd be arrested on the spot. She thought as the robot left her chambers, her eyes lingering on a set of clothes very much more casual than the dress she usually adorned. Two Nights Later, North Gate of New Toad Town.. Nick stood just outside the gate, waiting for Bowsette. She was already running late, as it was almost five after five. She better not make me talk her down.. Nick thought as someone cleared their throat nearby, making him look over before he felt his jaw drop. There, dressed in a deep purple dress that reminded him of both his mother's and grandmother's own dresses worn in the past, was Bowsette. At least, he thought it was Bowsette, since this beauty lacked the telltale horns the half-Koopa usually sported proudly. “Bow-” She shushed him with a finger. “Ah, ah, ah. I am not supposed to be here, and you very well know that, Mushroom Prince. Around your people, my name is Roselie, got it?” “That's.. fine, Rose. I was just surprised by how.. um.. beautiful you looked, even if not in your signature black.” ‘Roselie’ felt her cheeks heating up from the compliment as Nick seemed to realize just what he had said, turning away. “T-thank you.” She finally said after several moments. “You clean up pretty well yourself, when you're not dressed in those awful overalls.” She giggled, breaking the tension that had suddenly been between them. “It's a family thing. Seriously, though, where are your horns?” Bowsette grinned. “Wouldn't you like to know?” Nick gave a deadpan expression. “Well, yeah. It's why I asked.” Bowsette laughed. “They're just hidden. You aren't the only one who has magic, Mushroom prince.” Nick hummed. “Well, let's go enjoy the festival then, shall we? Better than standing around here doing nothing.” “Enjoy the festival? My dear nemesis, some would think you were luring me here for a date, of all things.” Bowsette declared, suddenly feeling the bite of nervousness. Wasn't this.. kind of what I wanted, though? She thought to herself, annoyed with her own indecisiveness of the situation. Nick chuckled. “And, as your nemesis, aren't I supposed to keep you on your toes?” Bowsette sighed. “I don't think it works that way with us. I'm the usual harbinger of danger around here.” “Yeah..” Nick looked like he wanted to say something else, but didn't at first as he and the semi-disguised Bowsette (anyone who had seen one of the many memorial portraits to Princess Peach would instantly know this girl was her half-Koopa look-alike, but if anyone was noticing it now, it seemed they deemed the prince suitable security for such a person of usual interest) began slowly walking through the town as the sun began to dip over the horizon, the sky going from blue to orange. “But.. do you have to be?” Bowsette looked over at him, only now realizing that she was actually shorter than the legacy plumber. “Are you still on this? Nick, what are you really doing, bringing me here for the festival?” “I just wanted us to talk without a hostile environment. I figured the meteor shower later might be.. well..” In all honesty, Nick barely knew what he was doing, only that he wanted to do it. With Bowsette. “It's alright, I.. I'm sorry I'm being rude. You don't understand how uncomfortable it is being in the heart of enemy territory like this.” “Yeah, not like I was alone with you in your bedroom with you dressed in lingerie. That's just as much in the heart of enemy territory, by my outlook.” “You're insufferable sometimes, you know? Plus, why is this talk so important to you? I told you, that song was a private matter that didn't concern you and-” Bowsette was surprised when Nick cut her off this time, the two standing just beyond earshot of his people and the carnival booth they had just passed by. “And I told you to stop lying to me, Bowsette. That song, whatever you say, was aimed directly at me, those lyrics were obviously tailored to talk about me. You literally made it the most obvious because I'm the only prince in all the Kingdoms other than Litty Kong, and I know how you absolutely hate the Kong Kingdom more than New Mushroom.” “Because they're jerks who just want to flaunt that they have the most in-depth Kart garage.” Bowsette crossed her arms with a frown as she met Nick's amused gaze. “That still doesn't mean the song was about you.” “Then who was it about, Bowsette? Is it seriously so hard for you to just talk about it?” Yes! Bowsette mentally screamed as she sighed. “Being as alone as I am, family-wise, you learn not to let others in where they could hurt you.” Nick was semi-confused by her words but nodded. “But you're not completely alone. It may not be friendship, but here I am extending my hand and ear for you to talk about it. I was serious about wanting to get to the bottom of the mystery that is you.” “But why?! Nick, this sudden change in your attitude puts mine to shame, so what's this really about? You've already got me here, right where you would if your plan was to have me taken out in any way..” Bowsette was becoming frustrated, at herself more than anything as it was her denying herself to just talk to the Mushroom prince. “Because, Rose. Somewhere along the line, after all these years of fighting you for no gratifying reason, I realize now that I actually give a shit about you. Maybe that song made something click in my head, maybe it was the sight of you in practically nothing,” Bowsette felt her face heat up as she shrugged her shoulders to shake the very persistent memory. “Either way I care, Bowsette, and maybe the best way for me to tell you that was luring you here, as you say, for something others might call a date. Is.. is that really so bad?” “No.. it's really not..” Bowsette whispered, realizing maybe she was fighting herself a bit too hard about this. “Fine, you'll have your answers, Nick. But, later, plumber boy. Right now, if you're going to call this a date, then maybe we should act like it.” She relented at last, refusing to look at Nick. With a grin wide enough to swallow a Bullet Bill, Nick nodded. “As you wish, my lady.” He chuckled as Bowsette crossed her arms before letting them fall back down, taking the arm Nick offered as they walked back off into the main festival. From her vantage around the corner from the two teens, Queen Pechalina giggled as she watched the two walk off. Of course she had known Bowsette had entered her Kingdom, she could sense the half-Koopa through her surviving abilities from before giving birth to Nick. She hadn't acted only because she knew the girl was with Nick, which could only mean her suspicions about Bowsette during her recent incarceration must have been true. Smiling, the Queen walked off for her own duties. She trusted Nick to keep the boisterous half-Koopa girl in line. She really does look so much like Peach when she doesn't have those Koopa features in plain sight. She thought as she glanced back one last time to see the two still walking off, stopping at a stall at the end of the small street. Later, Observatory.. While Bowsette was still a bit nervous about the inevitable talk between her and Nick, she had relaxed a lot since first arriving, mostly because Nick had been next to her the entire time lowering her guard bit by bit. But, the major influence outside of Nick himself was the plush Luma he had won for her at one of the festival stalls, without even needing to flaunt himself as the prince or pull out however many Coins the Luma Toad would have otherwise asked for the toy. That and the bag of Star Bits the two had collected during the first couple of meteor showers of the night. Now, as the festival below them began to wind down, the pair of heirs continued watching the falling stars from the Castle Observatory, Nick sure that no one would disturb them up there, as the Observatory saw almost no other visitor but Nick and maybe his mother. However, just as Bowsette was about to relent to Nick that she was ready to talk, a voice neither expected sounded from behind them. “Ah, so here's where you've wandered off to, my little Mushroom.” Smiled Pechalina as she walked into the Observatory. “And without coming to introduce me to your friend?” Not missing a beat, Pechalina gave Bowsette a smile that unnerved the eighteen year old. Nick chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “I wasn't hiding her from you or anything, mom. Roselie and I just wanted the evening to ourselves, is all.” “Roselie, huh? Pretty name for such a pretty girl. You won't mind if I borrow her from you for just a moment, will you?” Bowsette blushed for the umpteenth time that night as Nick looked towards the half-Koopa. “I don't see why not. Just don't whisk her away to the dungeons.” He half-joked even as Bowsette bristled slightly at the mention. “I would never, Nick. Come, Roselie.” Not wanting to upset the Monarch, Bowsette followed behind the Mushroom Queen as she stopped the two of them just outside the door of the Observatory. Trying to relieve any tension and keep up the ruse she had begun by disguising herself, Bowsette bowed her head to Pechalina. “I'm sorry to surprise you, your Majesty. It is an honor to finally meet Nick's-” She was shocked by the words that came out of Pechalina's lips next. “You can cut the act, Bowsette. I'm far too smart to think anyone looking like the last Toadstool Princess is anyone other than you or that stupid Boo, although she at least has a different hair color.” The look of shock and fear that passed over Bowsette's features made Pechalina smile. “What I want to know is why you and my son are being far too comfy this evening as opposed to any regular day. Concerned mother, and all that, you understand.” Bowsette felt the pinch of fear in her stomach form into a knot, making her nauseous. “I-im not here for a fight or anything, Pechalina, I swear. Tonight was.. just..” What? Too perfect? A date? A voice mocked in the back of her mind as a frown replaced her shocked, open mouth when Pechalina giggled madly behind one hand. “OH, no, no! You've got it all wrong, honey!” Pechalina regained her composure, clearing her throat. I hear a lot when in your imprisonment, Bowsette. I know all about your little crush on my son. I'm more curious about how this little date of yours came about..” Bowsette's cheeks heated up once again, but Pechalina was able to discern the blush. “Oh, so it's not an innocent tale, then?” “N-no, it wasn't like that! Yes, Nick disobeyed every guideline of personal boundaries, accidentally warped himself into my bathroom while I was showering using that stupid little Star of his, heard me singing a song that may or may not have been me conveying my feelings for him and then I shafted him out of an explanation after the shower because I wasn't going to have that conversation in my panties alone.” Bowsette explained so fast that Pechalina wasn't sure for a moment she had heard the recounting right. Pechalina was surprised at the chain of events but nodded nonetheless. “And so orchestrating some secret date with him was a better alternative?” Bowsette nodded, shrugging. “Hmm. Much better than I figured. Definitely could have disguised yourself a bit more, although having no horns visible is a nice touch.” The Queen laughed. “And you got yourself dressed so beautifully. Are you sure he doesn't know this is, in fact, a date?” “He won me this plush without even asking. He only saw me look at the stall where it was kept, so..” Bowsette squeezed the stuffed Luma. “This night has been close to- if not- perfect, Pechalina. I.. I don't want it to end, for that means in some capacity things will go back to how they were before the other night..” “No, it doesn't.” The half-Koopa girl looked at the older woman. “Nick isn't an idiot, Bowsette. He has a feeling of what's going on, I'm sure of that much. Go have your talk, this mother has been nosy enough. Just know that, if any of your little minions decide to use whatever is going on between you two teens against either you or the Kingdoms at large, it will be war.” Bowsette gulped, having only felt such fear from this woman several incredibly rare times in her life. The woman was gone from sight well before Bowsette found the energy in herself to go back to Nick, who knew what was up as soon as she sat back down next to him near the balcony. “Mom knew it was you the whole time, didn't she?” Nick knew Pechalina was- usually- much more perceptive than he was and it didn't surprise him that Bowsette's attempt at hiding wasn't as effective as she may have wanted. “Yeah, now I see where you get those bouts of ultra-perceptiveness from. Maybe.. I think maybe now is the right time to have that talk, since the Queen already knows more about the situation than you do..” Bowsette still dreaded this conversation. After the night they had had so far, she didn't want to make it awkward or destroy the good progress she'd made in this endeavor already, but she also knew it had to be said. Nick looked at her curiously. “You sure? We really don't have to tonight, the night has been better than I even hoped for when I told that robot of yours the time to meet. I just wanted a day together where we weren't at each other's throats in combat.” Bowsette looked back at him in disbelief. So this wasn't a date, then? But he still.. “Alright, Mushroom boy, now you're just confusing me. So you arranged what anyone else in this Kingdom would consider a date, a romantic date, just to have a day of civility?” “That's what I started the day with as the plan, yes. However, I think we both know that isn't the case at this point.” He looked to their hands, which rested so close to one another that Bowsette's had been laid on top of his, her fingers curled just enough to squeeze his hand fully if she wanted. When she realized her action, she withdrew the hand from his, but didn't pull it entirely back to her. “But, if you're ready to talk, then I'm here.” Bowsette gave him a small smile, her other arm preoccupied with holding the plush tightly to her chest. “I am. I'm.. sorry if I've done anything to hurt you worse than just kidnapping the Queen. To be honest, even as a prisoner it's nice to know someone is listening to the endless venting I can be prone to in the wake between defeats at your hands. But, that's not really the issue, is it? The song.. I never really came up with a name for it, mind you, but it is emotionally charged. See, I can't tell you when it exactly happened, but it's been a long time since I thought of you as just my nemesis, my foil. No, somewhere down the line, I discovered I wanted more. I yearned for it. “And you were right, I was depressed the other night, after we fought. I had gone into the shower thinking I would never be able to relay the truth I withheld from everyone, especially you as the target recipient. So I sang to let the sadness out, singing has always cheered me up although I only do it in the comfort of my usual loneliness in Koopa Keep. And added to that I had no idea you had warped in and heard any of the song. In reality, in some ways more than others, I was ecstatic to find you there, even as shocked as I was that I was naked at the time and you were being caught in a very naughty situation.” “And so.. why couldn't we have had this conversation then? You being in your nighttime lingerie wasn't enough of a reason to just not go through with it.” Bowsette felt that particular logic was flawed, but knew herself better than to have told Nick her true feelings that night. Nick may never have even gone back to the New Mushroom Castle that night if Nick’s current line of thinking had been the other night's events. “Because it was a compromised situation due to the sensitive nature of the conversation, Nick. Just let me get this out, alright? Before I decide to just ghost out of it.” Nick chuckled. “You won't. I can feel it.” He said, his thumb lightly rubbing the top of Bowsette’s hand. “Just.. let it all out, Bowsette. Let me in to that beautiful head of yours.” He seemed to realize his wording as he looked away with another, more nervous chuckle. Bowsette smiled, realizing that all her fear and uncertainty about revealing her feelings were pointless, as Nick was exhibiting some extreme patience towards her in lieu of his curiosity to get to the bottom of the situation. “If you're sure, Nick.. The earliest I could tell my emotions were changing, evolving, probably came just after the Birthday Kidnapping, almost two years ago. Once you had sent me home with a loss, I realized I wasn't passed at you, not angrily at least. I was sad, without any reason to be until I realized it was because I knew that fight meant I wouldn't see you again for a while. And that rightfully terrified me. I, Bowsette the Koopa Queen, missed you, and without any idea why. I wanted to tell you, but quickly realized that would be problematic in the long run as I was only just coming to terms with whatever it was I was beginning to feel towards you. So I kept it in, bid my time waiting for a chance to tell you that wouldn't be a problem to have revealed such feelings. Of course, I never did just tell you and instead my feelings grew and kept me in a state of annoyance towards you, hence why I tended to try and fight you so much more. “Then came my real revelation, a few months after the Birthday Kidnapping. I hadn't gone after your mother for a while, guess my heart wasn't in it for that time, but then one day I got the urge to go grab her, some weird feeling in my head telling me I needed to tell you the truth as quickly as possible. But, when the inevitable face-to-face came around, I chickened out, fearful you would reject me. And fairly harsh rejections, from what I remember about the daydreams I had back then. And so the old song and dance continued.. Until the other night.” Nick had been listening to Bowsette quietly, only acknowledging he was still listening when she thought he wasn't. He motioned her to go on, knowing that night seemed to catch her truly off-guard. Smiling with a relieved sigh, Bowsette went on. “The shock of you listening in on me singing is why I stayed so quiet, not wanting to just curse you out or lock you up. I didn't want to then, I just wanted you out so I didn't do anything I shouldn't do.” “Shouldn't or couldn't bring yourself to?” “Bit of both, really. Anyway, so I ignored myself for that night, only deciding to stop it because I'm slowly going mad from the continued bottling of these feelings. I sent you that note thinking you were going to just Warp yourself back to Koopa Keep, and instead you practically asked me out. Well, more demanded I meet you, but that's not really the important part, is it? I came here today against much of my better judgment, apprehensive this could all be some elaborate trap to stop my constant attempts at conquering New Mushroom. I'm.. happy that I was wrong about that. Even if this isn't a date, per se, it's been one of the best nights I've ever had. And, as always, that leads back to you.” Nick laughed. “Well, I'm happy to have been able to do that, you know. Even being my nemesis for all these years, I find it hard to even think of you as just my enemy. At least, these days it's much easier to think of you in such a way.” “Really? And what makes you say that?” Bowsette asked, frowning as she had to throw her arm up to intercept a Star Bit that would have hit Nick in the head if she had ignored it. “A bunch of things, really. Possibly mostly linked to puberty, as hilarious as that sounds.” Bowsetee raised an eyebrow curiously. “Please, like the connection hasn't crossed your mind. We're getting older, we've probably been more or less around each other more than anyone else in our lives, especially ones our age. That makes us more likely than anyone to gain any form of connection to past the hostility we were technically born into. Plus, I let it slip before, didn't I? Calling you beautiful when I saw you at the gate.” Bowsette giggled. “Yeah, well, maybe you have a point there, somewhere. You have grown into a pretty handsome young man yourself, but I chalk that up to your grandmother's genes more than anything. So, you're saying you don't see me as just some pain in your ass?” “No, not for a long while, at least. And you? I'm not just a meatball head, in your own words?” Bowsette smirked. “No, you're still a meatball head, I just don't hate you anymore. Then, what happens now?” Nick shrugged. “Not sure. It's up to both of us, isn't it? What do you want to do, going forward?” I should just get this out, shouldn't I? I won't have such a perfect chance to confess.. Bowsette sighed. “I.. I don't know, Nick. It isn't that I don't like the idea of not needing to attack you and New Mushroom, it's just that.. What would everyone think, if what I choose was to pass?” “Why does it matter? To you, especially. Bowsette, you're the ruler of the Koopa, they listen to you without even a sideways glance. Except maybe Kamek, he's always seemed shady to me. If you said the way forward was peace, whatever else that might entail, your people will listen to your judgment. What is your choice then, Bowsette?” Bowsette took a deep breath, feeling the bite of nervousness again as she shook her head of the negative thoughts. Tonight has been good. And despite my fear, I feel it's only going to end on a better note. She thought before she swallowed her fear. “I choose the way of peace. With one little condition, of course.” She laughed at the curious face Nick threw her. “I want to go out more.. with you..” Nick looked at her for a moment, her words registering before his mind effectively rebooted. “Wait.. why is that your condition?” Bowsette rolled her eyes. “Dumbass. Nick, I'm asking you out this time, meatball head,” She smiled, one fang lazily hanging over her bottom teeth. “Officially instead of unintentionally. I really like you, Nick. It's unconventional, and doesn't make much sense to me because all we've ever done is fight but it.. it feels right, being with you like this. I would rather tonight never end, but since neither of us can freeze time..” Nick nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. “Yeah, sure.” Bowsette looked at him in surprise. “You're right, tonight has felt right. It's strange, a week ago we were just enemies fighting one another over you kidnapping my mother, and now we're.. well, on a date. And, I guess it isn't a bad first, either.” Bowsette beamed, hugging the Luma plush to her chest as she shook her head. “Even with our inexperience at it, this has been the perfect first date, Nick. I think maybe I should get going. Gotta sort out some things before I go through with any talks of peace.” The half-Koopa sighed heavily. “This is going to be such a headache.” “It'll get worse before it gets better. And that end is what's important, right?” Bowsette nodded, giggling. “Alright, beautiful. You go get home before Papa Kamek decides to go hunting you down. I bet you told absolutely no one where you would be going tonight.” “Nope. The only one who knows is Koopoid, the little robot. And he's restricted to a very strict ban from even mentioning this.” She stood up and snapped her fingers, which brought out the infamous Koopa Copter from.. somewhere. She saw Nick's curious face and shrugged. “I hid it in the woods until I was ready to leave. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to stay so long.” Nick chuckled as the vehicle floated slowly down onto the balcony. Bowsette went to climb in but was stopped by Nick as his hand caught her wrist. Looking back, Bowsette frowned. “What happened, plumber boy?” The Koopa Queen squealed as Nick pulled her the short distance back down the ramp as her hands found rest on the Mushroom Prince's cheat, their faces mere inches apart. Smiling, Nick said. “I can't let you go home without this, can I? Wouldn't be a complete date without it.” Before she could retort to ask what he meant his lips crashed onto hers and, as her clawed fingers dug lightly into the skin beneath Nick's clothes, she felt herself melting in his embrace. He's kissing me?! He's kissing me! Her mind played on repeat as they stood there for several seconds before Nick broke the contact, Bowsette knowing that wasn't enough for her. “Go get some rest, Bowsette. Figure out what you need to, I'll be waiting.” Nodding dumbly, Bowsette, not trusting herself to say something stupid in lieu of the kiss, made her way up into the Koopa Copter. As it took off from the Observatory balcony, she waved down at him. “Thanks for tonight, Nick. And.. For giving me a chance.” Nick didn't say a word, only sticking his hand up in a thumbs up pose before he turned to go inside himself. It truly was late already, and it looked as if a new dawn would come to their Kingdoms. Later, Koopa Keep.. Bowsette jumped from the copter straight into her bedroom from the window, the ship flying itself back to recharge as the young Queen couldn't stop herself from smiling the goodies grin anyone would have ever seen. Suddenly, she felt her heart almost leap out of her throat as her door slammed open and Kamek's voice sounded, the nasally tone echoing off the stone walls. “And where the hell have you been, your Highness?!” Bowsette put on her best scowl as she turned to her advisor. “Why does it matter where I was, Kamek?! Unlike even the few competent troops under my rule, I was getting things done all over the Lands. There is going to be much change in the near future, uncle, and whether or not everyone agrees with such things matters not as my choice is to bring about this change. Too long have we suffered indifference because of our actions. Now leave! It is late and I am extremely tired and irritable at the moment.” Muttering to himself about disrespectful children, Kamek left the room. As the door clicked shut behind him, Bowsette extracted her new Luma plush from her shell's storage space and held it close, smiling as she relived the evening with Nick before eventually falling to sleep. In the dead of night, unaware to the magic in the air, Bowsette's body glowed faintly, sparks of the Cosmic Star Powers Nick and his family possessed floating around her before fading away, the tiniest of changes occurring to the half-Koopa.