Chapter Text
Bowser looks down at the invitation one last time.
You are cordially invited to
this year’s Princess Ball at Toadstool Castle.
Date: X/XX/202X Time: 18:00
This year’s theme is “New Beginnings”. The dress code is Creative Black Tie.
We hope you are able to attend & await your arrival.
No RSVP is required.
~Princess Peach
He can’t believe it’s real. He thinks the letter was addressed to Wendy, but that still doesn’t answer anything. Since when did Wendy and Peach get along? Was it just a formality thing?
Stars, he hopes not. That’ll only make him regret using this stupid power-up more.
~<>~ ~<>~ ~<>~
He had to use something, obviously, but would this do the trick? Bowser wasn’t sure.
This stupid, pink crown was the only spoils from a failure of an invasion. Treasure yanked back, pillaged fields only going to feed his troops. He had a handful of other power-ups, but that was expected. It’s the Mushroom Kingdom after all.
This crown on the other hand… this crown…
It had a mushroom-y look, but what did it do? He recalls vaguely from the haze of a battle that Toadette used it. She got taller, lost her mushroom cap, and…
Well, she kinda looked like Peach.
Maybe he could get someone to wear this, have them take the place of Peach while he kidnaps her.
Hmm… no. They’d get found eventually and it’d only prolong the inevitable: being on the receiving end of plumber boots.
Bowser growls, gripping the crown tightly. If this was any normal crown, the gold would bend easily from his force. But the Super Crown remained flawless.
Why does everything he does result in failure? In the past, he could get away with taking over a kingdom or two and the stuff with Peach was more for fun. But now, if he went anywhere, Mario was sure to follow. The Sprixie Kingdom, the Flower Kingdom… The man needs a hobby.
Not just that, Bowser’s negotiations with the Mushroom Kingdom have gotten less and less fruitful. Sure, he attacked them, kidnapped Peach and caused a real big problem for them. But Mario stopped him in record time. So, it was an about equal draw. Neither side was winning.
Okay, he was definitely losing.
So, what could he do? He wasn’t ready for another invasion and this party invite was… well, it felt like he had to use it! The world was handing him a golden opportunity and he couldn’t let it slip him by!
Maybe he could attend for intel, blackmail and finding out secrets. Maybe he could sow discord between the princesses, cause a scandal? Something, anything to make them fear him again!
But he’s not the manipulator type. He’s never been good with people. He’d end up just making a fool of himself.
He’s tried just about every angle, so the best thing he can do next is… to wait. To build up resources, to get plans, back up plans, to get everything perfect for his next attack. Because he was getting really sick and tired of invasions. All they were good for now adays was getting out of the castle. He was definitely still in shape, but he rarely left his castle if it wasn’t for an invasion or another ruler being, well, unruly in his kingdom.
This left Bowser with the Super Crown. He’d almost forgotten about it, letting his hand idly play with it while he thought. Its luster still remained perfect and it was positively glowing with power. It was a weird power-up for sure. But most power-ups were strange.
He did enjoy sampling them, of course. A Cat Suit, Tanooki leaf, double cherry and the like. He loves adding new weapons of mass destruction to his toolbelt. If Mario can use them, so can he!
And so, once in his room, Bowser puts the crown on. After all, if it’s good for Mario and his cronies, it’s good enough for him!
A bright light fills the room and before Bowser knows it, he’s no longer the koopa he was just a second ago. He was now an eighth of the weight and around half the height. It was a disorientating drop in metrics that made Bowser feel less… present. The beast was gone and now…
“What the hell?” He asked, trying to speak as he usually would. Instead, a feminine voice came from him.
“Wait… woah what? No, no, no. I don’t sound like that. Do I?” He gasps, “I do!” He was rubbing his throat with - after a quick inspection - delicately manicured hands that had red fingernails. Bowser didn’t know the first thing about nail maintenance, but he did know they looked good which made him oddly proud.
His hands, oh stars, his hands! They were tiny! Soft, harmless, pretty! They were nothing like the Koopa King he just was!
He still is. He still is the Mighty Koopa King despite his transformed form. What is going on? Blood has rushed to his head and he almost feels like he’ll pass out. Bowser stumbles back, struggling to walk on the diminutive legs he now possessed.
He was wearing heels and he falls onto the bed behind him.
His bed is not comforting, barely moving from his tiny weight. Still, the covers and vague suggestion of cushion was better than the stone floor. Bowser stares up at the ceiling as he has many, many times before.
His heart was racing, his breathing coming out ragged as he can barely keep up with the flood of sensations he’s experiencing. He feels a shell on his back and a tail from his rear. Those were still there, good. He felt skin on fabric, a lot of fabric. It was a surreal, indescribable feeling wearing a dress with his legs covered yet open.
He’s no stranger to wearing pants, but he rarely wore anything. Now, a notable percentage of his weight was clothing! Or he thinks. He’s not sure. Why is he thinking about his weight so much!?
His voice, his voice. It was feminine. It was absolutely the voice of a woman. “That…” Yes, it still is. He wasn’t imagining it. How is that his voice? How is that possible?
He must be dreaming. He must be in some kind of nightmare! Any minute now, someone will walk in on him freaking out on his bed!
Bowser sits up, knowing he had to do something about it. He had to lock his room, shove a dresser in front of it, put everything in between him and the world!
That means… he needs to walk. He has to get from his bed to the door, an act he’s done probably a million times, but now with a tiny, fraile body. The room felt bigger. His reduced size and height doing him no favors as everything was sized to the king’s monstrous size.
He felt like a prisoner in his own room and he can only imagine how things feel for Peach.
Focus, Bowser! Door! Get the door. He moves his feet to the ground and to his frustration, he can’t see them under the dress! It was a muted red dress, similar to Peach’s pink dress albeit much darker. He reminds himself this must be a nightmare as he moves his body to be standing on two legs.
Two, high-heeled legs. Bowser lifts one leg, feeling the dress shift - which sends shivers down his spine - as he takes a cautious step forward. One after another, Bowser eventually reaches the door and he locks it.
Bowser sighs in relief, thankful he could have some privacy. One look at his new arms made it clear he wasn’t moving the dresser on his own. They were slim, barely had any muscle and were absolutely pathetic for a Royal Koopa such as himself.
What now? He was behind a locked door, no one was going to find him…
Does he take it off?
That felt idiotic for some reason, like there was something to gain out of this. What was there? He was weaker, smaller, lighter, not as scary, harmless and with the shell and tail, he couldn’t pretend to be Peach or some Princess.
Or… maybe he could?
Would those traits get him kicked out? His shell looked the same despite being smaller. He could pretend to be some Royal Koopa that’s finally poked her head out from her hiding place, want to get cozy with the other Princesses.
Ha… no way.
But that was the only use he could think of. He had to find another way, another use of this power-up.
He should look in the mirror. Bowser grabs at his desk, using it for balance as he walks to his bathroom. He was so small and delicate. He felt like only a fragment of his former self and stars, he kinda liked it?
What was this feeling inside him? He didn’t understand it, like something was stirring. Energy, perhaps? Motivation, drive? Was this what humans feel? What Mario feels? Maybe he could use this energy, put it to evil uses.
Bowser gets into the bathroom and he turns to look at himself in the mirror.
“Oh stars…”
Immediately, he notices a few things. He has horns on his head, another trait that’d expose his true nature to anyone who looks at him. His tail was swishing back and forth quickly, not used to the lighter size.
Not just that, he has long, flowing blonde hair with beautiful waves like a waterfall. He looks like… Peach. Her facial features were all precise in the mirror and save for the few identifying features, he was a near replica.
He could have Peach, he realizes. He could have Peach in his castle anytime he wants with this. He’d get some loyal koopa to put it on and poof! Peach with a detachable shell and tiny tail that hides under the dress.
But no, it wouldn’t be her. He considers it for only a moment as he thinks of all the things he couldn’t get. Her moxie, intelligence and kindness? Stars, he loves- focus, dummy!
So, he can’t have Peach, fine! There was still benefits to this, still…
His head was running pretty slowly as he watches the girl in the mirror. It was hard to focus with her doing everything he was doing. She moves her arms, turns her head, blinks her eyes… That couldn’t possibly be him.
“No way…” He whispers before clearing his throat. He wasn’t sure where to rank this power-up among the others. It was unlike anything he’s experienced before, but he was definitely enjoying it.
“So,” Bowser says slowly, trying to add roughness to his voice. It comes out as a growl from a distinctly feminine voice. “I’ll go to the party like this?”
Everything about this woman was unreal. She was short, soft, weak, graceful like a shadow. She doesn’t exist.
Bowser puts ‘her’ hands against the dress and its poofiness, feeling the expensive fabric move and jostle due to his actions. With ‘her’ hands already so close, Bowser puts them together in a polite manner he’s seen Peach do plenty of times before. Back straight, this girl looks like any other prim-and-proper girl though underneath was a monster.
Could he fool them?
He had to. He had a find a way to make this work.
Bowser spends a few minutes just staring into the mirror, watching the girl keep that position. Every once in a while, her back would slouch or her hands would get restless, but he would correct them as soon as he spots them.
His heart was still racing, his eyes unable to calm down. What was happening? Why was he like this? Something must be seriously wrong.
“I…” he says slowly without the roughness he attempted. There was no point in trying. He was a girl right now. “I should take this off,” he finally says.
Her makeup, her lipstick and the mushroom-y crown on her head. Stars, her jewelry, her dress, her curves. It was all so much. Too much. He has to get out of this.
Bowser grabs at the crown and right as he does, he freezes. In the mirror, the woman was grabbing at her crown and Bowser knew what would happen. She would disappear. She would cease existing.
It hurt. He didn’t want to do that to her, but he had to. It’s not like he can go out there like this. So, he shuts his eyes.
“Sorry, Princess. But you’ve got to go!” He takes off the crown. His body expands like an explosion, growing past anything sensible. His weight rests heavily on him and he hates it. He is a monster. He must remember that.
Bowser slams the crown down on the counter and stomps out of the bathroom. He doesn’t dare look at his reflection again.
. . .
A day has not gone by without Bowser thinking back to the crown. More rightly, he has thought of the crown nearly every hour of every day. Always a fleeting thought in the back of his head, unwilling to consider it further. It was so… so unlike him. Both that he’d get hung up on a power-up like this and also… that woman in the mirror. She wasn’t Bowser. She wasn’t anything like him.
She doesn’t get beaten by Mario, isn’t hated by her subjects and has no trouble speaking at great length. People love her jokes and her wit. People want to be her friend.
She isn’t real, he reminds himself just as often. She’s a figment of his imagination of something he can never have. It leaves him in quite the glum state that plenty of his advisors notice. Bowser Jr. tries to cheer him up with a card and it does for a while.
She doesn’t have a son, isn’t a proud father. She must hate monsters like him, want to be rid of every Royal Koopa. She must love being a ruler.
Kamek told him to keep his chin up and that he’ll win next time, that he earned plenty of things with their latest invasion of the Flower Kingdom.
But why does he feel trapped? Even in his castle, even when he had the power of the Royal Wonder Flower, it was so… anticlimactic. Unlimited power and his deranged mind imagines a rock concert. What was his deal?
There’s an odd relief in Bowser. If he had tried the Super Crown before their invasion of the Flower Kingdom… he wonders what would have happened. It’s for the best that didn’t come to pass. For him, for the kingdom, for everyone.
But now, today was the night of the party. Bowser was going to attend, he reminds himself. For once, he’s scared! This isn’t just fear from losing or getting beat up by Mario. No, this could ruin everything if he gets found out.
He should give up. He should realize the risks and not go through with the plan. But no, he decided to do this weeks ago and he will see it to the end, whatever that end might be.
Bowser flies out an hour before the party starts, holding the crown in his claws the entire way there. With roughly twenty minutes to spare, Bowser knows he must work on his appearance.
The crown’s appearance. He’ll look like Peach and everyone will see right through him. Not just that, they’ll think he’s some kind of joke, a mockery of Peach and her continued kidnappings by him.
Maybe he can wipe away makeup or mess with his hair? Maybe tear off parts of the dress or even just cut his hair. He doesn’t want to cut it, but sacrifices must be made. He cannot look like Peach.
Once his ride is adequately hidden, Bowser puts on the crown.
That same sensation of shrinking occurs, of his scales fading and soft skin rising to the surface. His belly tucks into a flat, toned stomach and curves rise up from the mass he once had.
In a near instant, he is someone else. Bowser grabs a hand mirror he brought for this exact purpose and-
That’s not Peach. The girl in the mirror looks shocked, absolutely stunned by her new look. He can barely see Peach at all through the tan skin, red hair and fiercer look. Not just that, her dress was black with more gothic detailing and black nail polish on her fingernails. Bowser didn’t know what to say.
“I…” Again the voice surprises him. “Stars, that’s my voice. I’m… Hello, I’m…” Crap, he doesn’t have a fake name ready. He’ll think of one soon. Right now, he has to come up with a backstory.
“I am from the Koopa Kingdom, yes. I might not be the official princess, but well…” He pauses, unsure what angle he should take. “I hope one day to bring peace to the Koopa Kingdom and help its people instead of needless war.”
Haha, yeah! That’s exactly the stupid sort of thing a Princess would believe. With more energy, Bowser continues. “I’ll educate the masses! Build new roads, dams, bridges. I’ll… create universities! And try on all kinds of pretty clothes, plus I’ll listen to each and every subject and their needs!”
Perfect! Oh, he’s going to kill it at this Princess stuff! The Princess giggles and Bowser is left stunned by the sound.
That felt… cute. That felt really nice!
She giggles some more, just to hear the sound and feel it bubbling out of her. It’s so light and uplifting. It makes her want to dance!
She stashes away the hand mirror into her shell. It’s detachable after all and is a very handy way to store things. It also just feels right, like she’s incomplete without it.
The princess walks through the streets of Castle Town towards Peach’s castle. Once she sees it come into view, something stirs inside her, inside… him.
Right, he’s here to get intel, blackmail material and information for future invasions. That’s all. That’s the only thing he could be here for.
~<>~ ~<>~ ~<>~
Which brings us back to the present, with Bowser waiting nervously in line for his chance to enter. He clutches the invite tightly, scared to let it slip away. Would he be let in? He wasn’t on any kind of list, but he got the invite! So, maybe it’ll work? Maybe he can get away with it?
Stupid, stupid. This is so unbelievably stupid!
He’ll just have to… just have to try! He can do this!
“Welcome, Prince Peasley,” the guards let him through. Great. So, this ball isn’t just Princesses? That sure makes Bowser feel stupid. Then again, it’s not like he could have come just as himself. He had to get a disguise and this was the only one he could find.
The woman in front of Bowser steps forward, some random President/Princess/Queen/whatever of a random Kingdom he couldn’t care less about.
The guard toads look at Bowser, eyeing him up and down as they try to figure out who he is. “State your business!” one exclaims. “This is an exclusive event!” the other adds.
“Yeah? Well, I got an invite!” Bowser growls, shoving the invite into one toad’s hands. He looks it over.
“It’s real!” one says, “What should we do?”
The other one sighs, “Toadsworth adds people every year. This isn’t new.” He pulls out a small book from his pocket. “Name and Kingdom of origin for our records!”
“Uh…” Crap! Why didn’t he spend more time thinking up a cool name!? “U-uh…. Bows…ette…” Stupid. That’s perhaps the stupidest name he could have ever imagined.
“And uh, Koopa Kingdom.”
He could hear the murmurs of gossip behind him and Bowser has half a mind to turn around and glare at them. How dare they!
The two toads whisper between each other. Eventually, they part their halberds to let her through. “You may enter!” one says “Don’t cause any trouble!” the other declares.
“Yeah, yeah.” Bowser grumbles, “I’m not stupid.” Bowser folds his arms under his chest and walks through. The place was packed and he immediately thinks of the parties he’s crashed.
That’s what he’s doing now, right? Just… more covert and less destructive.
Bowser meanders his way through the crowds of people, catching glances from just about everyone. People hold their drinks closer, eye his shell, tail and horns as conversation likely turns to discuss his disgusting visage.
Right, of course. People hate koopas. How could a bit of makeup make him forget that? Bowser takes a glass of champagne from a server toad who looks at him with confusion. Bowser lingers by the wall, sipping idly as he wonders how long this party will take.
. . .
“Attention, everyone!” Peach calls out, earning the attention of all those assembled, conversations fading to silence.
Peach smiles atop the grand staircase overlooking the crowd. “It is so wonderful to host another year of the Princess Ball. As most of you know, this ball is about connecting across borders, making new friends, reconnecting with old friends and forging close bonds. It is not about politics, royal duties or official matters. Speak of your hopes, your dreams and wishes. Tell others about the ‘you’ behind the crown.”
“The doors to dining will open at 19:30. The fundraiser and auction begins at 21:00. There will be a lot of projects to support so be sure to choose wisely” Peach looks across the room and briefly, she meets the eyes of Bowser.
He tenses up and almost wants to run away, but he just stands there, terrified. Peach moves on after the briefest of pauses. “The Dance Hall opens at 21:30 and the silent auction and fundraiser ends at 23:00. Now, let us all have a wonderful time!”
The chorus of cheers lead into conversation of all sorts. Bowser curls in on himself, looking down at the ground and his stupid dress.
What was he thinking? How was he supposed to talk to anyone and why would a single soul share a secret around him? He’s a monster down to his core and everyone knew it. He wasn’t getting any secrets or useful intel. He was wasting his time when he should be preparing for the next invasion or something.
With a heavy heart, Bowser finishes his drink and starts making his way to the exit. Few wanted to part the way for him so he was often left lingering on the edges of groups, trying to find a way to walk around. After a few minutes of glum patience, the entrance was close at hand and he had a straight exit out of this stupid party.
And that is when someone taps on his shoulder. Bowser tenses up, feeling terrified that someone would touch his smooth, unprotected skin. It was something he’s never felt before. Smooth, soft skin. He turns around to see who in the world would want to talk to him. They haven’t yelled yet at least.
It was none other than Princess Peach. Bowser had trouble believing it was her. She was… so much bigger! Rather, he’s much smaller and now the two of them are the same height. That fact alone was difficult to process, but not only that, Peach was smiling at him!
“Good evening!” Peach cheers just like any good host, “I don’t believe we’ve met before. I do my best to remember each and every guest and I’m sure I’d remember someone so, distinct!” She falters just slightly at the end, unsure how to say what was so obviously interesting. Her shell, horns and tail.
Bowser knew he shouldn’t talk to Peach. She’ll realize it’s him in a heartbeat as soon as he opens his stupid mouth. He also can’t come up with a different fake name. His chance at staying was firmly set in the impossible. Bowser points behind him, “It’s fine. I was heading out anyways. You don’t need to concern yer self with me none.”
Peach doesn’t react how Bowser thought. Her eyes don’t widen with recognition. She doesn’t give him a confused look when he talks in an unprincessy way. Instead, her smile becomes more sincere, as if he’s touched her heart?
“Oh, don’t say that! Please, you should stay!” Peach insists. She keeps her hands to herself and Bowser knows its because she doesn’t want to touch him. “I’m sure all of this is a lot to take in.”
“Uh… yeah…” Bowser finally relaxes just a touch, oddly comforted by Peach’s words. She was right, of course. It’s a lot and he’s completely out of his depth. “Never done something like this. I’ve mostly just been…” Right, he needs to keep his secret identity. Time to distance himself from Bowser.
“hiding out in a hole. Not really… interacting with people. But then I got this invite and I figured sure why not? My name’s uh, Bowsette. I know, I know. It’s just… my folks took one look at my shell and said ‘She looks like Bowser’. It sucks.”
Peach goes through a series of emotions listening to this girl’s woes. Her analytical side wanted to make sure this wasn’t a trap, but if this was Bowser, wouldn’t he try to corner her? Why would he be trying to leave? Why would he be looking like that? And also how? This couldn’t be Bowser, even with the evident similarities.
Not only that, Peach wonders what happened to the invite she send Wendy. Did it end up with this poor girl? It seems like she needs the support even more than Wendy does!
Her compassionate side aches for this poor girl, forced to hide from the evil King Bowser, knowing she looks a bit like him and even sharing part of his name. And now here she is at the Princess Ball, trying to get out there, finally meet some friendly faces, but the fear has gotten to her.
Her curious side was full with a million questions for this girl. There’s so little known about the Koopa Kingdom and this girl seems like a mix of human and koopa. How is that possible? Course, Peach doesn’t look a single bit Toad and storks have been known to deliver humans and a koopa or two so it’s completely possible.
Ultimately, Peach knew she had to do one thing: help Bowsette have a wonderful time at the Princess Ball! “It’s no matter to me, Miss Bowsette.” Though, Bowser could tell there was some lingering doubts and uneasy feelings under the surface. “This year’s theme is all about New Beginnings and you seem a shining example of that! I insist that you stay!”
“Uh… yeah, sure.” Bowser answers, taken aback my Peach’s insistence. She actually wanted him to stick around? Didn’t even say he could leave, just that he should stay. Before he can say anything else, Peach continues.
“I could help you find some people to talk to. I know meeting new people is so hard and I would not be a good host if I let that be!” Peach offers her hand to Bowsette, all with the purpose to lead her back into the main hall and to some unknown prince or princess he was supposed to talk to.
“Uh… you sure?” Bowser looks down at Peach’s hand and back up to her face. She had to be joking, right? “Who would want to talk to me?”
Peach just giggles in response, “Well, myself for one! Would you want to start with me?” Peach waits for Bowser to answer and he gives her a nod.
“Well, we are getting to know each other. So, feel free to ask me any questions you like. I can start us off.” Peach waits a moment, giving Bowser a chance to speak up. He doesn’t. “What is your favorite thing about the Koopa Kingdom?”
“Favorite thing?” Bowser raises an eyebrow, not used to such a question. But well, it deserves an answer. He puts a hand to his chin as he thinks. After a moment, he realizes how unladylike that is and so he stops to preserve his cover. “I’d say the wealth of martial arts, philosophy and history. There’s a lot to love and admire about the past.”
“Oh my!” Peach exclaims, showing interest though Bowser doesn’t know how much of it, if any, is genuine. “I would love to learn more. Do you have any recommendations? Books on the matter are quite sparse. Despite myself spending plenty of time there, I rarely get to see the true Koopa Kingdom.”
“Yeah…” Bowser trails off, unsure how to respond to that. “Uh, I could give one or two recommendations. There’s also poetry?” Bowser would normally never mention his admiration for poetry. He’s not a huge fan of it or anything, but surely Bowsette is a fan, right? “It’s quite beautiful. Much of the Koopa Kingdom is lava fields so the few places with water and plant life are seen as sacred. There’s a lot of beautiful pieces on the nature of seasons, time, weather and life. I’m practically butchering it right now since no examples are coming to mind…” Bowser winces at that fact. He’s doing such an awful job!
“Oh nonsense! I’m just glad to hear about it!” Peach insists, “I have quite liked the kimonos I saw in some pictures. There’s a lot of culture to adore! I’m glad to hear about the nice aspects of the Koopa Kingdom. I think everyone should hear more about that side and not all of the violence.”
Now that was a surprise. “Really?” Bowser asks, having no hint of dishonesty.
“Really! Everyone equates the kingdom with Bowser and don’t care for its people! I think things could be a lot better if people cared more. In fact, one of tonight’s fundraisers is sending care packages to citizens of the Koopa Kingdom!”
“What!?” Bowser exclaims, drawing the attention of a few guests. “You’re just, you’re sending stuff into the kingdom despite all the walls and guards just to… just to help them??” That had to be fake or a cover or something! No one does stuff like that!
“Of course!” Peach replies like it was obvious. “Bowser might not care about them, but that doesn’t stop us from caring! We deliver necessary supplies like medicine, food, clothing, books and much more. It’s all to help those in need!” Peach smiles like this wasn’t a massive thing to learn.
Bowser stares at her in stunned silence. What does he even say? How does he respond? Peach starts to look at him funny and he has to say something! Just say whatever Bowsette would! “That’s incredibly nice of you! I would help if I can, but… I’m already risking a lot coming out here. Maybe I can just be a spokesperson? Talk… to… other people?”
“That would be wonderful!” Peach takes Bowser’s hand and tugs at him to follow.
“Iii uh…” Bowser starts to say without thinking. Peach looks to him confused and there, Bowser realizes something.
He’s talking more.
Without a gruff, aggressive, threatening voice, he can talk more. So, things are slipping out that wouldn’t normally be spoken. Bowser returns to the persona of Bowsette for safety.
“S-sorry. I want to help, honest! But the idea of talking to tons of people right now sounds… uh, how do I put this delicately? Very stressful for someone who wants to crawl into hi- her shell right now.” She. She. Bowser needs to remember she’s using feminine pronouns right now.
“Oh my stars!” Peach exclaims, “You’re right! We were just talking about your social anxiety and here I go wanting to throw you into the deep end! I’m so sorry.”
“It’s uh… fine.” Wow, that’s a first. Sure, people have apologized to him plenty but it was always accompanied with cowering and begging for their life. Peach was genuinely sorry for something so trivial? It was oddly touching.
“Well, what would you want to do? Any questions I can answer for you? Here.” Peach lets go of Bowser’s hand and takes his glass. She puts it on the tray of a toad server and gives Bowser a full glass of sparkling water, “Be sure to manage your alcohol intake, Bowsette.” Peach giggles to lighten the mood.
“Y-yeah…” Bowser looks down at the new drink and takes a sip. He was already feeling the effects from one glass of champagne compared to what his old body would need. The effect wasn’t major, but he did feel lighter, a calm he’s rare to experience.
And the way Peach says his fake name? It sounds so beautiful, so… warm and friendly. He wants to hear it more.
“Um, so anyways,” Bowser tucks a lock of hair back, a mannerism he doesn’t even think of. “What’s it like planning this sorta thing? I’ve never been one for fancy schmansy parties, but I dunno. I’m warming up to them.”
The smiles, the excitement in the air. Without everyone screaming in fear, he can see what people like so much about parties. Even if they can be loud and annoying at times, his dress kicks ass.
“Well, at this point, I’ve gotten it down to a science and I couldn’t do all of this without the help of the castle staff. A party like this – that’s an annual gathering with expected events and regalia – isn’t too hard as we reuse much of the same. The theme is always hard to choose. It needs to be something that inspires everyone who’s attending and not like anything that came before. Given the recent peace treaties and alliances, I chose ‘New Beginnings’ as a way to celebrate this new era of peace.”
Peace. Bowser knew down to his very core he was the one stopping that peace and he didn’t know how to feel about it. Peace, ceasefires and treaties are just ways people lull you into a false sense of security, pretending that they respect and trust you. He always breaks the treaties eventually. Sure, a ceasefire is helpful when both sides have suffered losses, but really? A promise of no war beyond a few months? Ridiculous! Idiotic! He knows if he didn’t attack the Mushroom Kingdom, they would do the exact same thing.
“I know…” Peach says, putting a hand out to ‘soothe’ Bowsette. “I know. With Bowser and his penchant for war, it may seem… foolish to think of peace, but time and again, the people of the other kingdoms help the Mushroom Kingdom when its recovering and in return, the Mushroom Kingdom helps them when they’re attacked whether by others or natural disasters.”
That’s how they bounce back so quick!? Other people help the Mushroom Kingdom? The conniving jerks! How is that fair!? How is that… “Wait, so… other kingdoms help you? The Mushroom Kingdom hasn’t invaded other kingdoms like the Koopa Kingdom has.” Bowser has incorporated the Goomba Kingdom, Boo Kingdom, Piranha Jungle, and plenty others for his army.
“No…” Peach hesitates slightly, but it was clear to her that Bowsette has been living under Koopa rule her whole life and doesn’t know what it’s like elsewhere. Perhaps she can inspire in her a different way of seeing the world. “It’s all in the name of alliances, mutual aid, thanks for Mario saving the world on a few occasions and because it’s the right thing to do.”
Great. How is he supposed to fight that?
“It’s much the same as helping a friend,” Peach adds to better explain it. “We’re all in this together as I so-often say.”
Bowser has literally never heard her say that. “Uh-huh… and the Koopa Kingdom… what?”
“Gets aid packages from that fundraiser I mentioned!” Peach cheers, “Even if Bowser wants to fight the whole world, we won’t ignore the plight of his people!”
“You are…” Seriously, what does Bowser say to all of that? He shakes his head in disbelief, “Too nice. It’s going to bite you sooner or later.”
“Mmm, I don’t think so!” Peach replies like it was nothing. “The Mushroom Kingdom gets along well with just about everyone except for the Koopa Kingdom and its allies. Our humanitarian efforts have done wonders for improving relations.”
“No, I mean,” Bowser grumbles. How does he explain this to Peach? He cares about her and would rather not she get burned like this. “If you keep giving and giving, people’ll take advantage of that. They’ll use you and not give anything back. Charity’s just self-initiated robbery.”
Peach’s expression turns to pity, “Oh, Bowsette… I’m sorry you see it that way. But…” Peach knows she’ll need to be completely honest and not just paint a pretty picture of the outside world. “Yes, sometimes people ask for a lot. Sometimes, people need much more than what we can safely provide. My priorities are always for my people first. So, sometimes I say no, I tell them we can’t give all they want or tell them that they’re asking too much. But do you know what happens after that?”
“They throw a fit?” They’re all a bunch of babies, obviously.
“They might be a little upset, but they are understanding. They know that I want to help, that I am honest and that I have a lot of other humanitarian efforts I wish to support.” Peach takes both of Bowsette’s hands.
Bowser tenses at the physical contact. These gloves were thankfully stopping him from freaking out too much. He starts blushing.
“I promise, Bowsette. The world isn’t as cruel and vicious as you might think it is. People care, they want to help one another.” This girl has a rather pessimistic view of the world. It’s up to Peach to show her there’s a better way!
“Yeah, sure…” Bowser wasn’t convinced. He knows people are cruel and they’ll just take advantage of that kindness. Look at him, he gets to play sports with them and he still does the same old stuff. Bowser pulls away from Peach’s hand holding, looking away.
“Here, how about I introduce you to a good friend of mine?” Peach gestures for Bowsette to follow her.
Bowser didn’t have any option besides leaving and he couldn’t do that to Peach now. He wonders who this ‘good friend’ will be.