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A quick sketch of the blorbo while I decide what dress type would suit him best for something more detailed
Y'all it is the first day of break I am feeling pumped and I am having WAYYYYY to much fun
Tbh they’re kinda gay for each other
Have they
(My hand slipped again)
Saw the movie last night, needed to get this one out of my system as fast as humanly possible
Luigi was perplexed as to why he engaged in this forbidden act. His brother had explicitly prohibited it and with good reason. Nevertheless, he defied his brother's words and emerged from the ocean's depths, stepping onto the stable ground.
The young selkie concealed himself behind a cluster of rocks, draping his enchanted coat over his shoulders. From a secure vantage point, he observed the pirate captain effortlessly casting his net into the vast expanse of the ocean. Luigi attentively watched as the mariner skillfully reeled in his catch, taking note of the captain's impressively defined arm and chest muscles.
He had never encountered a being quite like this before. It was evident that this individual was not human, not only due to their distinct physical appearance, but also because of their remarkable affinity for the sea. Luigi observed with fascination as the reptilian creature skillfully plucked fish from the net, carefully selecting only those it required and returning the rest to the ocean. The captain's nurturing behavior towards the marine ecosystem was truly remarkable. Luigi tilted his head and cooed. He’s taking what he needs, he thought.
The mustachioed selkie has witnessed this unfortunate occurrence far too often: entire reefs decimated by individuals driven by self-interest. He has found himself consoling sharks in their final moments, as they are callously tossed back into the water with their fins brutally torn from their bodies. On a few occasions, he and his brother have taken on the responsibility of nurturing an orphaned whale calf, left motherless due to the insatiable pursuit of profit.
But yet, here stood someone who clearly defied all that.
After he gathered enough, the turtle-dragon reached into his pocket and retrieved a piece of cloth; once he held it to the light, Luigi saw there was a gemstone within. The captain walked deeper into the tide, then dropped the gem into the sea where it was quickly swallowed by a wave; a thank you for the sustenance it provided.
Mario was wrong about these pirates, if they even were that to begin with. Luigi has never seen such a respectful gesture for the sea. Whoever they are, the selkie would like to know them. His heart was racing at the thought.
The captain kneeled down and grabbed the basket of fish, stopping a moment to wipe his brow before setting off down the beach. Luigi gasped softly, then quickly slipped his coat on and sank into the watery depths. He raced towards the spot the captain had just been mere moments ago, scouring the sands below. After a few minutes, he found what he was looking for.
The beautiful gem the captain dropped to the sea.
.
.
.
Once again, ignoring his brother’s words, Luigi continued observing the island’s visitor from a distance for the rest of the day. He watched from a safe distance (so Mario couldn’t technically reprimand him) and tried to remain in his seal form. For the most part, it would seem the crew was just passing by and resting after a seemingly long trip.
They weren’t doing anything harmful, just playing on the beach and maintaining their ship. It was a rather domestic sight; furthermore, it soothed his fears and anxieties that they were to cause harm. And with that settled, Luigi decided to call it a day and head back to the den. Mario must be wondering where he was.
╚══ ≪ °❈° ≫ ══╝
Oh, Bowser was more than aware he was being watched. He could see their silhouette out of the corner of his eye and could smell them from his position; despite that, the captain was not too concerned.
It wasn’t every day he was within the presence of a selkie.
Kamek has told him stories of the mysterious creatures ever since he was little, how they were shape-shifters that took the appearance of seals and guarded reefs. At first, Bowser didn’t believe it was a selkie spying on them from a distance; however, his encounter and their scent proved otherwise. He remembered vividly that the seal that interrupted his nap had vibrant blue eyes, something he had never seen or heard occur in seals; furthermore, they had a darker spot on their snout that looked a lot like a mustache.
Not only did their appearance differ, but their behavior exhibited a higher level of sentience compared to that of a typical animal. These distinctive qualities served as undeniable evidence supporting Bowser's assertion. However, possessing this knowledge did not provide him with much assistance. The presence of a selkie, a harbinger of good fortune, following him was indeed an honorable occurrence, but how does he respond?!
Bowser dropped a jewel into the sea, but was that enough? The least he wanted to do was insult the guardian of this island! He also worried that he may have somehow upset them; after all, they were being rather vigilant towards him. He should consult Kamek as soon as he can.
With a huff of smoke, Bowser headed down the beach and boarded the ship, weaving his way through the relaxed crew. Some seemed to be playing betting games, playing Liar’s dice or darts; others busied themselves writing letters to loved ones or preparing meals for the day. The captain smiled softly at the sight, then headed below the decks and toward the officer’s quarters.
Entering the officer's quarters, Bowser found Kamek engrossed in a collection of maps and charts spread across a large wooden table. The quartermaster looked up and adjusted his glasses, “Hello captain, how did your net fishing go?” he asked.
Bowser walked over and grabbed a stool. “Got quite the catch today; the crew will be happy having fresh fish rather than the dry rations for supper for the next few days.”
“Yes, our rations have been low so this will most certainly buy us some time before we reach the next ” replied Kamek. “However, you didn’t come here to tell me about that.”
The aging sailor got up and grabbed a book from the lining shelves; he flicked through its pages before walking back to the desk. Bowser nervously wrung his hands, “You’re right about that,” he said. He waited a moment for Kamek to get comfortable before just coming out to say it.
“We are being watched by a selkie.”
Kamek's eyes widened in surprise as he absorbed Bowser's words. The mention of a selkie immediately piqued his interest, for he knew that these mythical creatures were known to possess magical abilities and had a deep connection with the sea.
"Are you certain?" Kamek asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. "How did you come to this conclusion?"
Bowser leaned forward in his chair, brow furrowed. "I've been noticing some strange occurrences lately," he explained. "Unexplained ripples in the water, glimpses of a shimmering figure disappearing beneath the waves, and an eerie feeling that we're constantly being observed."
Suddenly Kamek appeared in front of him, clutching his shirt. He stared intently into Bowser’s eyes, “Do you have any idea what this means?!”
“No… That’s why I’m telling you,”
Kamek let go and started pacing, “Selkies are such skittish creatures; rightfully so, considering there are wretched bastards out there willing to steal their coats.”
Bowser growled at the mention. To steal a selkie’s coat was to steal a piece of them; it was a truly despicable crime. And the fact that most did so to force the magical creatures into marriage just made it even more horrible. They have every right to be afraid of landfolk. Kamek snapped his fingers, catching his attention. “Bowser, you haven’t told anyone else about your suspicions, right?” he asked.
The captain shook his head. “I wasn’t about to risk their safety,” he replied. “But what does this mean? Why are they so interested in us?”
Kamek tapped his chin and walked around. The two stood there, mulling over the situation. After a few moments of silence, the quartermaster snapped his fingers, “Perhaps they misunderstood our presence,” he said. He walked over to his desk and retrieved some random materials; a polished gemstone, an empty bottle, and other miscellaneous items. Bowser watched as he walked around, grabbing ingredients from baskets and shelves.
The captain watched as he worked with a confused look on his face. Kamek threw them into the cauldron, then looked at an old calendar behind his seat. Mumbling under his breath, the koopa continued going, completely ignoring his presence. Bowser crossed his arms, “What’re you doing?” he asked.
Kamek started stirring the contents in the cauldron. “Preparing an offering for you to give them,” he replied. “Tonight’s a full moon, so it’s perfect! With this, we may be able to convince them that we mean no harm.”
“Why do I have to do it?” asked Bowser.
“Because you were the one that noticed their presence and are the captain of this ship.”
Bowser grumbled. It’s not that he doesn’t want to do this; he’s just deadly afraid he’ll mess up and insult the selkie. As Kamek continued to stir the contents in the cauldron, a mixture of herbs and mystical ingredients, Bowser couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He glanced at Kamek, who seemed confident in their plan. "But what if they don't believe us? What if they attack instead?" Bowser voiced his concerns, his voice laced with worry.
Kamek paused for a moment, considering Bowser's words. "I understand your fears, Bowser," he replied calmly. "But we have to try. The selkies are powerful beings, and if we can convince them that our intentions are peaceful, they might even bless us."
Bowser sighed heavily, realizing that Kamek was right. He had been the one to notice the presence of the selkies near their ship during their journey through these treacherous waters. Having a selkie’s blessing would do them some good, considering the foe they were facing. King Boo would do anything to tear them, considering they were a threat to his rule. And who knew… perhaps the mystical shape-shifter will get closer, allowing themselves to be seen by him.
.
.
.
Nighttime quickly fell upon them. The captain waited until everyone was asleep below decks before proceeding with his plan. Carefully, he quickly put on his boots and grabbed the offering basket; for someone of such size, Bower managed to leave the ship silently.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the vast expanse of the ocean. Bower's eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any signs of danger or unwanted attention. Sand crunched softly beneath his feet as he headed towards a familiar set of rocks; hopefully, that would be close enough for him to see them, but not too close that he’ll scare the selkie.
Reciting Kamek’s instructions under his breath, Bowser held the gemstone into the moonlight before placing it inside the basket. He walked to the tree line and retrieved some colorful flowers; he meticulously placed them inside the basket then put it into the tranquil waters. The captain gave it a small nudge forward and watched it drift away.
╚══ ≪ °❈° ≫ ══╝
“Where were you today, bro?” asked Mario.
Luigi clutched his bowl of food tightly. He hasn’t come up with an excuse for his absence today; he was too busy gawking watching over the captain. Something simple should work; Mario looked exhausted after swimming all the way to the Jellie Kingdom and spending a full day with the princess. With a forced smile, Luigi replied, "Oh, you know, just helped some of the Jellies with their seagrass fields. The currents were strong today" He hoped his nonchalant tone would divert Mario's suspicions.
Mario sighed. “Ah, that makes sense!” he said.
“H-how was your date with Peach?” Luigi asked in a desperate attempt to change the topic.
Mario threw another log into the fire. Thankfully, the cove they lived in was big enough that the smoke could exit with ease and the light wouldn’t be too noticeable. The elder twin adjusted his coat around his hips and sat down, “Everything went well. We had lunch and I carried her around to see some of the flower patches outside the lagoon,” he said.
Luigi listened intently; it always lifted his spirits when Mario talked about Peach. The mermaid was such a sweet soul, caring for the kingdom that took her in during a time of need. That and she made his brother very happy. While the relationship seemed odd from the outside, (a relationship between a selkie and a mermaid was unheard of) the two really cared for each other and made it work. Since Mario could also walk on land, he would often carry Peach along with him, allowing the princess to see the world outside the massive lagoon within the island.
Some day, Luigi hopes to be with some like that.
The first person that came to mind in that department was the pirate captain. The thought surprised him, causing him to choke on a bite of food. Luigi had always been a dreamer, occasionally envisioning himself in extraordinary situations and seeking companionship with unique individuals. He remembered his short-lived crush on the spunky merl Daisy from the Betta tribe. Or that other time, he embarrassed himself in front of a royal court because he couldn’t stop blushing when the seahorse mer Peasly kept chatting with him.
As he sat there, gasping for air (and assuring his brother that he was okay) after his unexpected choking episode, he couldn't help but wonder why the pirate captain had popped into his mind. It’s not like he didn’t meet his taste in partners. The captain seemed to possess an air of confidence and freedom that Luigi found incredibly alluring. Not to mention he was rather aesthetically pleasing in Luigi’s eyes. The way his scales shimmered in the light, those bright red eyes…
Luigi was pulled away from his daydreaming to hear something heavy fall to the ground. He looked to the other side of the fire and saw Mario on the floor, snoring louder than a walrus. The younger brother put his bowl of cold food to the side, then got up. He picked Mario up and carried him to his bed of woven seagrass. Luigi draped a blanket over him before walking to the entrance of the cove.
A bright light in the distance caught his attention; something was shimmering with moonlight. Luigi squinted, trying to get a better view but couldn’t discern what it was. He looked over his shoulder; Mario was out cold, he wouldn’t wake up until morning. Luigi had plenty of time to check out what this mysterious light was. Slipping on his coat, the now transformed seal headed towards it.
Luigi franticly palmed his way through the unusually darkened Koopa Kingdom and toward Koopa Castle, determined to see the king, plague of darkness be damned. Potholes the size of washtubs pitted the ground around him, nearly causing him to trip over as he grew ever closer to his destination.
Bowser was going to listen to him this time, he will make sure of it!
He just had to.
There was too much at stake if he refused now.
For him and Luigi both.
He sighed as he felt his way towards the main gate. The Koopa guards had long abandoned their posts when the fourth plague came in the form of a swarm of flopters, so there was no fear of being stopped for trespassing. Luigi knelt down and felt around the ground before finding an abandoned torch before venturing closer to the lava moat and dipping one end, lighting it. Though the darkness still obscured his view, the glow of the lava moat and his new torch allowed him to make out the extensive damage the castle took from the bob-omb sized balls of fiery hailstones from two plagues back. Chunks of obsidian stone were missing from the castle's battlements, dashed to pieces by the fiery balls of ice. Stone statues of the gargantuan Koopa we're missing limbs if not completely smashed all together. As he turned his gaze from the building, he felt his heart constrict with sympathy. Whatever damage Bowser's castle had sustained was nothing compared to the absolute devastation that his citizens' homes endured. The few he was able to see had irreparable damage, ranging from nearly being burnt to the ground to being almost crushed by an giant hailstone, or both. Many of the citizens who lost their homes had to take shelter in one of their gaming arenas, leaving the streets completely empty.
So much destruction. And for what?
He placed a hand over his face before taking a shuddering breath.
How did it come to this? He thought to himself.
What was supposed to be a simple plumbing job with Mario to "save Brooklyn" had turned into a few months of a dream turned waking nightmare. And all because of a certain king whose selfishness was going to get others even more hurt.
Including himself.
Suddenly, the castle gates were opened, causing the timid man to jump. He looked down as Kamek, the royal Magickoopa and one of Bowser's closest advisors, glared at him through his thick coke-bottle glasses.
"What do you want?" He sneered, his beak turned up in a snarl.
"I... I need to speak with Bowser," Luigi stammered, holding the light closer to himself.
Kamek scoffed, "Oh, do you now? What else could you possibly have to say, hmm? What? Was turning our only water supply into lava not enough? What about the frogs? Or our moo-moos dying? Hmm, maybe when you gave everyone shellpox?"
"Kamek-"
"Oh wait, maybe it was last time when the swaphoppers destroyed the rest of our crops after the flying balls of fiery hail burnt most of it to a crisp?"
" C'mon-"
"Let's not forget about the skeeters and flopters! Although, I might be speaking to someone else entirely, considering it's so dark here lately, I haven't been able to see my own beak in front of my face!"
Luigi went silent for a moment. He couldn't blame the elderly mage in the slightest for his anger. But the more time he spent with Kamek, the more time was running out.
"Please, Kamek," Luigi begged, "He needs to hear this. If he doesn't, this next plague will destroy us!"
Kamek paused.
He very well knew what Luigi meant by "us".
He growled.
"I swear, if any harm comes to my grandson-"
"That is what I'm trying to prevent!"
Kamek stared at the young human. When he first arrived in the Darklands, his son had just finished conquering almost all of the known kingdoms after Princess Peach rejected his marriage proposal for the last time and fled to Sarasaland, which was currently under siege. He remembered the way that Bowser's obsession of the Princess seemed to melt away in an instant after locking eyes with this green plumber. The two of them connected in a way that he had never seen before, and he could see just how much his very presence brought out the best in him. He was able to make him laugh (and a real laugh, not the hollow-sounding cackle that he adopted during his conquest), he would stay in the library and learn everything that he could about Koopa culture in order to better understand the things that Bowser held near and dear to him.
But what had really won him over was the way Luigi bonded with the Crown Prince.
If Bowser was in love with Luigi, then Junior seemed to worship the ground he walked on. Every waking moment of the day, Junior wanted to spend it with the green clad man, no matter how boring the task. And who could blame him? In the few times that Bowser kidnapped the princess, Peach would sulk in her room and refuse to let anyone inside, even to give her meals. And though she was never cruel to the poor boy (at least not intentionally) the few interactions she did allow were filled with an apathy so palpable that after a while, Junior stopped asking for her altogether.
But then Luigi arrived.
Soon, the halls were filled with the little prince's laughter as the two of them drew together, played video games, went karting around the castle courtyard, and baked delicious treats together. And with the happiness of the prince, the king's happiness was doubled.
Happiness that the scrawny human brought.
It wasn't very long until Bowser was writing love poems and ballads dedicated to literally sing his praises and three months in, he had commissioned an engagement ring for him.
What a shame that it didn't last.
Without another word, he opened the door wider for his supposed-to-be son-in-law to let him in.
"Thank you." Luigi whispered. The elder nodded his head as he passed, but not before calling his name.
"Luigi."
The green plumber turned around to face the elderly Koopa once more. The weariness from the plagues caused him to slouch and lean against the heavy door.
"Convince him. I don't know how much more of this we can take."
With a nod, Luigi ventured further into the castle, the atrium growing darker as he carried the torch inside.
Luigi breathed in the familiar scent of smoke and brimstone that permeated the castle, his heart aching. This was his home. All he had ever wanted was right here. The man of his dreams, a child to call his own. Everything that his heart desired was right inside this castle.
But the ends can't justify the means.
In the absence of the normal hustle and bustle that used to echo in these halls, the sound of a mournful piano concerto filled the air.
Bowser.
Following the sound, he walked the empty halls as memory after memory played like a broken record in his mind.
The awkward first meeting, when the Koopa spun him around in an attempt to interrogate him.
The room he was given after staying in the dungeon for all of 30 minutes before the little prince came and broke him out in order to play with him.
Their talks in the library.
The first dinner date where they talked long into the night and into the next morning.
Bonding with Junior.
Their first kiss.
The proposal.
The night they shared after.
He stopped outside the music room door, the piece nearing its end as he tried to quietly open the door to not disturb him right away. Bowser poured his heart out over the music willing the plumber to both stay rooted to his spot on the floor and to run into his arms as the crescendo rang out of the instrument and slowly began to fade, much to his dismay.
"Bravo, mio Re. Bravissimo." Luigi whispered.
The Koopa king was startled, his claws causing the piano to create a cacophony of mixed up notes. Luigi had ended up right at the base of the floating stage. He growled as he caught sight of his former lover.
"Oh, let me guess. Greenie wants me to 'let the kingdoms go'?" Bowser spoke, sarcasm lacing his words.
In the poor light, Luigi was still able to make out the king's hulking frame as he hunched over the piano keys. A golden goblet sat right on top of the piano as he paused to take a gulp from it.
"I... I was hoping to find you here."
"Get out!" He barked, chucking the half-full goblet at the voice.
Luigi quickly dodged as the cup shattered on the floor next to him, the sheer force behind that throw causing a dent in the obsidian stone floor.
"Bowser, we need to talk."
He slowly inched his way closer to the piano before Bowser let out another snarl.
"Oh really? What else do we need to talk about that we didn't discuss the last nine times you were here?"
With a heave, he got up from the piano bench and stomped past him, nearly toppling Luigi over with his spiked tail.
"Now leave. And don't let the door hit you on the way out."
Luigi breathed out a sigh as he tried to keep up with the fleeing Koopa, his gigantic strides causing him to jog to the throne room after him, torch in hand like he was in the opening ceremony for the Olympic games.
If it weren't for the situation, Luigi would have chuckled at himself.
Bowser, meanwhile, was getting agitated. The green man was the one person he most definitely didn't want to see right now. Or ever again, for that matter.
Liar. His heart seemed to reply.
He finally got to the throne room doors and tried to quickly open and close it before Luigi could follow him in. He didn't care if the room would be pitch dark. In fact, he would actually prefer it at the moment. But the presence of a tiny glow of firelight that lit up the dark room made him aware that his efforts of keeping him away were in vain. Luigi had already found a fire pit nearby and threw his torch into it, lighting the pit into flames for the both of them to see each other better.
With a defeated sigh, he stumbled his way towards the throne, slouching and folding his arms with a pout. It took all of Luigi's willpower to not just go up there and kiss that pout away, just like they used to, but there was too much at stake now.
"Well? Get on with it! Tell me how awful I am and how I am such a monster." Bowser interrupted his thoughts.
The human glanced at the Koopa, a hurt expression on his face.
"You're not a monster."
Bowser scoffed.
"Oh really? Then why did you leave, huh? I get the fact that you would have been startled by my plans for world domination, but to up and leave like that?"
Startled? Luigi thought, That was an understatement.
"Did you know that I had to try and explain to Junior why his Mama was missing? Why every time I looked for you, I could never find you? He was crying every night for two weeks straight!"
Luigi was stricken dumb as his heart sank. He never intended to hurt the little prince. Junior might as well be his own heart, he loved that little boy as if he was his own.
And that's why I got to convince him!
"I-"
"And then, you just decide to show up after abandoning us!"
"I didn't -"
"And then-
"WILL YOU JUST LET ME TALK?!"
Bowser jumped in shock, shutting up immediately. No matter how angry he was, Luigi had never yelled at him like that.
He didn't know whether to be scared, pissed, or aroused.
And he didn't know which one he wanted to feel more.
"Bowser, we both know there is no other option. Your people are suffering; the plagues are not going to stop unless you do what's right and let the other kingdoms go."
And... The feeling's gone.
Bowser huffed at that.
"If that is all you have to say, then you might as well see yourself out. I'll take my chances with the plagues."
Luigi growled in frustration. If he had the power to yank this Koopa around and shake him until he had some common sense, he most absolutely would.
"Stars! Why must you act like such a-"
"Like a what?! Go on, say it!"
After a moment of silence, Bowser huffed again, deciding to be petty.
"Well, at least I am not someone's pawn!"
Luigi felt his blood boil at that.
"You take that back!"
"Why?" Bowser sneered, " Does the truth hurt?"
"At least I actually care about what happens to your citizens! You're so willing to let your people get hurt 'cause of what?! Some... stupid sense of pride?!"
"Do you think I like this?! That I like to see the people I love so much suffering?!"
"Then why don't you just let the other kingdoms go, tu... tu esasperante tartaruga?!"
"Because I will not allow myself to be weak again!"
Luigi was stunned into silence. Bowser slumped back onto his throne, emotionally exhausted. It was no secret that Bowser was a very passionate king. It was regarded as his best (and worst) quality, as Princess Peach had attested when he ran to Sarasaland. His love was just as deep and consuming as his rage and both resulted in something breaking.
Or someone.
Luigi sighed. This was getting nowhere, like the other nine times. Suddenly, he had an idea.
"Why don't we just...talk?"
Bowser did not reply, avoiding eye contact with him.
"No arguments, no fighting, just a regular conversation."
Silence. Bowser was not going to budge, not one bit.
Nope.
Not by a long shot.
Let him stew in his-
"I'm sorry for not saying goodbye."
Bowser looked up at that. The plumber stood still, green cap in his hands, his eyes casted towards the floor as he spoke.
"I'm sorry for hurting you like that. For hurting Junior like that. No matter what I saw, what I heard, I should have at least left you a note. But I... I knew that if I didn't go then and there, I would never leave."
Bowser still didn't reply.
Luigi sat down at the foot of his throne, his back turned to the Koopa before he heard him grumble.
"I didn't know where you were. I thought something bad had happened to you and that you were gone forever. And when you came back, I was so relieved. But then..."
He stopped talking, unwilling to speak on that moment.
The day his world seemed to crash and burn.
He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he himself had spent many a restless night sobbing his eyes out. He never had romantic feelings about anyone in his life. Even with Peaches from before his takeover, which he had now understood as an obsessive infatuation. But Luigi was different, even now.
Luigi was the first and only person he had ever truly loved that wasn't his adopted father or his son.
And the first and only one who truly loved him back.
I highly doubt he loves me now, the Koopa King thought.
Luigi felt his eyes well up with tears of shame. He truly didn't take into account just how much his disappearance affected them. Sure, he knew that Bowser would be upset, maybe even feel betrayed, but he didn't mean for him to worry.
"I meant what I said, y'know. When you first came back."
Luigi looked up and met the king's amber eyes as he stared directly at him, watching his every move before he continued.
"You were my everything. The best thing to ever happen to me. And, to be honest, you still are. Even if you don't love me anymore, I still love you. And whatever I did to loose that love, I'm sorry."
The silence was deafening as Bowser laid his heart bare for the plumber. Luigi's own heart seemed to mend and break as his feet seemed to take a mind of their own. He sprinted up the throne steps, climbed atop the throne armrest and hugged him as best as he could before speaking.
"But that's the thing, amore. I never stopped loving you."
It was then that Bowser felt it.
The fluttering of his heart that he tried to ignore as he took Luigi and held him closer.
"Just as beautiful as the day I lost you," Bowser whispered as he cupped Luigi's face with his paw.
He closed the space between them in a kiss. Time seemed to melt away at that moment and it was just the two of them and eternity. The weeks of pain that they went through was inconsequential, it was just them, that moment, forever.
The kiss broke all too soon as they touched foreheads, their eyes closed.
"I love you, mio Re. Tu avrai il mio cuore per sempre." Luigi whispered.
He felt Bowser set him down on the floor him as he opened his eyes, gasping at the sight before him.
"Then stay. Please."
Bowser was on one knee, a heartbreakingly hopeful expression on his face, and in his claws was a golden ring set with emeralds and a large ruby in the middle.
His engagement ring.
The same engagement ring that Bowser proposed with all those months ago in the castle courtyard.
The same engagement ring that he wore when he ran to Sarasaland to meet up with his brother and Princess Peach.
The same engagement ring he wore when Rosalina, Princess of the Lumas, commanded him to go to Bowser and demand for the freedom of all of his conquests.
The same engagement ring he gave back when he returned the first time.
"I-"
"Mama?" A small voice interrupted.
The couple turned around to see a little Koopaling carrying a flashlight in one claw and a teddy bear in the other.
Junior.
Junior couldn't believe his eyes. His Mama was back home where he belonged. Dropping the stuffed animal at the door, he took a running start at the plumber before taking a flying leap into his arms. Luigi caught him and twirled him into a bear hug.
"I missed-ed you!" The little boy sobbed, dampening the front of his denim overalls.
"I missed you too, il mio Principe." He nuzzled the Koopa prince's fiery locks as he held him closer to him.
Bowser looked on as his two greatest joys reunited, his heart ready to burst. Junior had most definitely taken Luigi's disappearance the hardest. His crying and tantrums were loud enough to tear the paint off of the walls, and he even resulted to that when he learned that his Mama came back, demanding his father to let him see him.
And now his wish has come true.
Settling himself into Luigi's arms, Junior nuzzled his face into his shoulder, taking in his smell.
"You're home! I missed-ed you so much and I don't want you to go again! We can go see the new artwork I made for you and Papa and go round on my clown car and...and..."
Bowser laughed, ruffling his boy's head.
"One thing at a time, Junior. Mama just got back, but you have plenty of time to show him everything once he's all rested. Right, Luigi?"
Luigi's smile slowly began to fade, regret shining in his sapphire eyes. Junior, sensed his Mama's hesitation.
"You are staying this time, right Mama?"
With a shuddering breath, he hugged him closer.
"I'm sorry, tesoro. But I can't stay... Not this time."
Bowser felt his mind do a record scratch halt.
After all of that, after he had handed the plumber his battered and bruised heart once again, even after their declarations of love, Luigi had crushed it in his hands, like it was nothing. And now he has broken their son's heart in return.
"B-but, why?" Junior cried, tears forming in his crimson eyes.
Luigi was silent as Bowser gave a mirthless chuckle.
"Y'know, Luigi? You really had me there for a second."
"Bowser, I-"
"All those declarations of love you just spewed out, just gotta hit 'em where it hurts, right? So go ahead Luigi," Bowser baited, "Tell us. Why?"
"Because... because what you're doing isn't right and you know it, Bowser."
"Right? And what is right? Before I took over, those kingdoms were rife with war and famine, both with us and with each other! The citizens of those other kingdoms were treated unfairly, their leaders did nothing to help the poor and marginalized, so I instilled order by dethroning their corrupt leaders. And I don't know what "Princess" Peach or your nuisance of a brother tried to sell you about what the Mushroom Kingdom was like before, but it was not some happy-go-lucky utopia. In fact, her forefathers had once enslaved my entire kingdom for centuries. Enslaved, Luigi! Treated us like the scum of the earth! Made us fight to the death for their own wars and amusement!"
"And how is that any different, Bowser? How is taking over kingdoms by force any different from what the Mushroom Kingdom did to yours?"
"Because at least I can protect them just like I protect my own kingdom! Or at least I did, until you came along and brought these plagues down upon us!"
Here we go again! Luigi mourned.
"I'm not, Bowser. You are. The more you resist, the worse the plagues will be. If you would just please listen-"
Luigi reaches out his hand to touch his golden scales, but the king flinched away, his temper growing less and less restrained.
"I will not be dictated to. I will not be threatened. I am the morning and evening star. I am Bowser! King of the Koopas!"
"Something else is coming, something much worse than anything before. Please, let go of your contempt for life before it destroys everything we hold dear. Think of our son!"
Bowser looked down as Junior clung onto Luigi's overalls, terrified but unwilling to let go of his Mama as he placed a gloved hand on his tuft of red hair. A moment ago, Luigi's claim to his little boy would have softened his heart, but now all he felt was rage. With a roar of betrayal, he punched his throne, hearing the distinct sound of metal being snapped in half and gems crushing under his palm.
"I do." He growled at last, "And fuck me for not doing this before."
Luigi felt his breath hitch in fear.
"Bowser? Bowser, what are you-?"
"Kamek! Get in here, now!"
With a pop, Kamek appeared on his broomstick, a worried look etched into his face.
"Yes, Your Wrathfulness?"
"Call the troopas! Tomorrow, we attack Sarasaland and destroy all who stand in my way, once and for all! Starting with Mario!"
He turned to the love of his life, a hateful sneer gracing his maw.
"And there will be a great cry throughout all the kingdoms, such as there never has been or ever will be again!"
Luigi's blood froze in his veins as he felt his knees sink to the floor, his grip on Junior growing tighter.
Bowser briefly stole one last glance at his family before glancing down at the crushed ring in his hands, a flash of regret and pain shining in his eyes before stomping past them as he and Kamek made preparations for a full-on ambush. .
The elder mage and the young man gave each other a horrified, knowing glance before the plumber broke down into sobs as king and advisor left.
He was right about one thing: tomorrow, there will be a great cry throughout the kingdoms.
But both his and Bowser's sobs will echo the loudest of all.
You failed. The words buzzed around his mind like an angry swarm of hornets.
"Bowser," He whispered sorrowfully, hugging their scared son for what would be the last time, "You have doomed us all."
So...
I have been thinking of an angst/tragic Bowuigi AU, but I don't know how to write it.
Picture it: Bowuigi, but a Prince of Egypt crossover.
The Koopa Kingdom has already taken over the Mushroom Kingdom and everything else but Sarasaland when Mario and Luigi are separated
Mario arrives and meets Princess Peach while she is in hiding in Sarasaland.
Bowser meets Luigi after he falls in the Darklands and soon they start falling for each other.
Cue wholesome Mama Luigi and Junior moments
Mario and Peach find a way to tell Luigi about what's really going on with Bowser's rule. Luigi is in denial.
Luigi finds out on his own and runs away, also going to Sarasaland.
Bowser's heart is broken.
Luigi is told to convince Bowser to let the Mushroom Kingdom go or face serious consequences (Burning Bush: Stars/Grambi/Rosalina)
Bowser and Luigi reunite, enter Kamek and Kammy (Playing With The Big Boys)
Luigi fails to convince Bowser, Bowser feels betrayed. Double angst
Consequence #1: Water turns to Lava (Water to Blood Plague)
"The Plagues", but replace 'brother' with 'lover'
Bowser & Luigi reunite during darkness plague and have a heart to heart
They love each other still, always have and always will and Bowser is almost convinced.
Enter Junior. He missed his Mama and wants him back, but is also scared of what's happening.
Bowser : "I will not be dictated to. I will not be threatened. I am the morning and evening star. I am Bowser! King of the Koopas!"
Luigi : "Something else is coming, something much worse than anything before. Please, let go of your contempt for life before it destroys everything we hold dear. Think of our son!"
Bowser is hardheaded.
Luigi tells Mushroom Kingdom & others to put a sign on their doors (a star/mushroom/what have you)
Enter Plague 10: Death of the Firstborn
Plague takes every firstborn child in the Koopa Kingdom
Cut to Koopa Castle as one last soul is taken.
The sounds of parents screaming in grief echo through the smoke-filled air.
Out of all the weepings and wailings in the Koopa Kingdom, Bowser and Luigi's are the loudest and most heart wrenching.
Bowser tells Luigi that Mushroom Kingdom and all other kingdoms he's enslaved are free while hunched over their son's dead body.
Luigi: *reaches out hand*
Bowser: *flinches away* "Leave me!"
Luigi leaves, Bowser silently cries as he watches him go.
Luigi starts bawling once more when he gets outside.
Has to keep it in to tell Mario and friends that Bowser is no longer in control of their kingdoms anymore.
Everyone is celebrating, but Luigi silently mourns
If any of you take this idea, please, PLEASE tag me!
Bro I'm kicking my feet and twirling my hair rn this is perfect 😭💜
@sheetghostwithbones I made my own detailed explanation on how a monster in Paris Bowuigi AU would work.
So, Luigi is, of course, Lucille. He has lived in this world his entire life. He works as a popular performer at a Sarasaland hotel. He's kinda been sheltered his whole life and doesn't know much about the world outside of Sarasaland. (Guess who the commissioner's gonna be.)
Mario is Raoul. He's protective over his younger brother and very rarely leaves him home alone. Peach is Emile. She's visiting and staying at the hotel that Luigi works at. She is also not a Princess in this one.
On to the actual story. So, Peach, on her first night of staying at the hotel, breaks something of Luigi's. It's something he needs for his show later that night. Turns out it comes from the Koopa Kingdom. Mario is pissed, but Luigi's super apologetic. "No, I don't actually need it! Please don't go get another one!" But Mario drags Peach around to get another one anyway.
Cut to a couple hours later, Mario and Peach are still goofing off wherever they are and it's time for Luigi's show. He goes on and realizes that the princess, Daisy, is in the audience. He does his best and after the show Daisy gives him a bouquet.
Meanwhile, Mario and Peach are in a bit of a pickle. They got the thing, but now there's a big dragon turtle after them. They (finally) get back to the hotel, and agree not to tell Luigi about what they saw that night.
(Scene where a couple toads get spooked by Bowser.)
Anyway, the spooking of random people keeps happening. Peach decides she's gonna stay a little longer until she can get this figured out. Luigi has a date with Daisy. Well, not technically a date, but he's pretty sure it's a date. Mario's excited for him. Luigi insists that he go on his own. Mario's not as excited for him.
On his way out, Luigi sees a poster talking about how there is a monster and not to go out at night. Oh, how Luigi wishes he'd let Mario come with him. Anyway, he goes on his (not) date with Daisy.
Peach is traumatized from that night and starts writing about it in her diary. Mario is bored so comes to her room. She starts venting to him about how they were such idiots and should've never gone to the Koopa Kingdom. Just then a room service person walks in.
So, they talk to one of Daisy's advisors. The advisor says that as long as they keep quiet until the princess turns into the queen, they don't go to jail.
Luigi returns home from his date with no Mario or Peach in sight. That's odd. Luigi starts to worry about, what if the monster got them? In his dressing room, he is vigorously combing through his hair to get all the stress out.
Just then he hears a knock on the door. That must be Mario! He throws open the door to outside but there seems to be nothing there, aside from a few discarded Koopa shells. And one seems to be a lot bigger then the others. He slowly walks towards it when it starts moving.
A giant monster stands up before him. He faints. It catches him. Luigi slowly comes to and sees this giant monster holding him. He chooses flight.
He runs back into the hotel and locks the door. He's just like, holy heck, this can't be happening. He hears something from outside. It sounds like, singing? What in the what now?
(It's whatever Jack Black's song is gonna be in the movie, but sad.) Luigi is really likes this voice. Like, it sounds so handsome! He opens the door and walks over to the monster, holding out a hand for it. He's shaking like crazy but is trying to hide it.
"H-hi, m-my name's Luigi. P-please don't hurt me..."
"I'm Bowser, nice to meet you." So, like, Bowser's super proper in this and is like, an absolute gentleman.
Luigi's still kinda freaking out that he brought a... thing into his dressing room.
So, remember the thing that Peach broke earlier? That was, 1, an instrument, 2, Bowser's. So Bowser's instantly like, "hey, that's my instrument! Why do you have my instrument?"
And Luigi's like, "here, you can have it back, I really don't need it, it was Mario's idea anyway!"
But Bowser wants to hear Luigi play it, see if he's any good. Luigi's decent at it so Bowser gives him some tips. Luigi feels likes he's walking a fine line between death and not death. So when Bowser asks to play it in the show tonight, he agrees no hesitation.
Finally, Mario and Peach arrive just before the show starts, so they don't have time to check in on Luigi before hand. Curtains open and to everyone's surprise, there are two people on stage. Luigi and a mysterious stranger (who is like, 8 feet tall, but no one questions it).
"Uh, hi, everybody!" Luigi says. "As you can tell, there has been a last minute addition to the show! This is mister Bowser and he is a professional at the instrument! Um, let's get the show started! Yay..."
So the night goes down without a hitch and towards the end (just to show off), Bowser grabs Luigi while he's playing the instrument. Luigi goes into panic with a little bit of gay.
After the show, Mario and Peach come to congratulate them. Then they relize that Bowser's the monster. They don't want to scare Luigi, so they are just like, "weege, why don't you come down and come with us! I'm sure Bowser won't mind!"
"But Bowser wouldn't like that, I don't think. He might even get angry!" Luigi says, trying to hint that he knows this is dangerous but this could get even more dangerous.
So they go back and forth for a while until Bowser has had enough.
"You fools relize I'm right here, right? And that I can hear you, right?" (Wow, this is getting long.)
So, quick fire round! L thinks B's kinda cute and wants him to stay even though B really has no reason to. P&M go to a press conference held by D about the monster. D says they should kill it. P&M don't like that because L will be sad. They decide, yet again, don't tell L. Some guards come to the hotel to search for the monster but L&B get the slip on them. L finds that they should move somewhere else.
Two weeks later, it's D's ascension to the thrown. L is at the event and has set up a secret plan with B to get people to not be terrified. The plan is that B kidnaps L during the show then they show up a week later being like, "Yeah, we're boyfriends." But as they're escaping M&P&D all want to stop them because they don't know it's staged. M&P don't want kill B, they just want to throw him in prison, but D wants to straight up murder him.
They chase onto Sarasaland's castle (does Sarasaland even have a castle?). D powers up and POOFS B. L is heartbroken. D gets put on a regency plan so that she doesn't murder the rest of the kingdoms monarchs. M&L finally tell each other everything they've been hiding from each other. L's still sad.
He goes to his dressing room and gets sad at the instrument. He goes on the stage and is sad. He's sad, to say the least.
It's the night of the first show after, you know. L can't think straight, let alone sing. Just then he hears a knock on the door. He goes to open it and it's B! Holy heck, how did he get here? Well, Kamek pulled a Kamek and poofed him outta there before he died. L's just glad he's alright. They play the instrument and sing into the night.
The end.
Y'all are all like "oh luigi in a dress" for bowuigi wedding and that's cute.
But, consider...
Bowser in a wedding dress.
Take this cringe fest, I loved making it
(This video is like… 3 years old 😭)
I love how a common solution for when you don’t know who to ship Luigi with, is to just ship him with everyone
I am very sick so I’m gonna be pumping out a lot of fanart while I rot