The Origin of Bowser: Part 5 - Secrets

Chapter 20 - Operation: Rescue Rosalina (Narrated by Rosalina)

    This is Princess Rosalina, and I will be telling this segment of this story. You have been wondering if Bowser’s wife Rosaria relates to someone who “looked after the Lumas”. You see, the white-haired girl was my daughter who I sent away to Earth to give the Koopa someone to love.

    It all started after the marriage between me and my husband, when we had a desire of raising someone with unique traits based on what we dreamt of rather than those of what we had. This was all because Lubba the purple Luma recently bought us a book that taught us how to create a dream child using various forms of cosmic energy and magic. As we were interested in following the book, what we wanted was a beautiful daughter, with cotton-white hair symbolizing light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity, and sapphire-blue eyes representing peace and serenity. We also wanted her to be completely moral, particularly social, deeply caring, talented in sports, and fond of art. When we began the experiment at the kitchen of Comet Observatory, I wondered how ethical this would be, but I wanted to try something new for a change. So we started off by bringing out a cauldron and adding sugar, spices and everything nice. After minutes of boiling and stirring, a thick cloud formed. Then, I emitted bursts of lightning from my hands to electrocute the cloud and voilà, our dream daughter was born. The Lumas were excited about this new member of our family, and we could hardly wait to spend time with Rosaria during her development.

    Then sometime during Smash War I, the soothsayer and the turquoise Luma invited me and my husband at her tent to warn us about the widely known prophecy about a certain Koopa turning bad:

    “As a consequence for the terrors of Smash War I, one day, a mistreated prince named Bowser will live a lonely life and grow up to become the most terrible villain of all time and rule the universe…”

    “Oh, no…” responded my husband. “This could mean danger to humanity and eternal suffering by then.”

    “This is bad news,” I said. “Please tell us, soothsayer. What can we do to stop this from happening?”

    “Listen to the other part of the prophecy, and you’ll find out,” replied the soothsayer. “As a consequence for the terrors of Smash War I, one day, Bowser will live a lonely life and grow up to become the most terrible villain of all time. BUT if he shall bond with the most divine love in the galaxy, he will end his evil doings and live a happy life.”

    “What do you mean by the ‘most divine love’?" I asked.

    “Who else could it be? It’s your dream daughter Rosaria, of course. She is the one that will have Bowser redeem himself and avoid Gothic’s reign known as the Dilim. Quickly place her to a portal to where she’ll be adopted to a new loving family.”

    My husband and I felt sad for sacrificing Rosaria, especially when we did not get to spend enough time with her. But we had no choice but to send her to the magic portal in the library. Suddenly, Lord Gothic, the darkest villain in the universe, and his demonic minions invaded the observatory and broke into the library to capture me.

    “Well, well, why it isn’t Princess Rosie, the founder of the Teologo and the one who I used to love,” cackled Gothic in a charming tone. “Thought you could change the prophecy, eh? But Bowser WILL grow up to become the most powerful villain in the universe and join the Dilim, and you and your daughter will do nothing to stop him!” Boys, take this princess to the Chamber of Ambers and freeze her in a crystal cocoon for at least 30 years! We don’t want her to cause any more tricks!”

    “Rosalina!” yelled my husband.

    “HONEY!” I shrieked back.

    “MAMA!” the Lumas shouted, bursting in tears.

    The Lumas tried to stun the minions, but they ended up being knocked out in return. At the Chamber of Ambers, Gothic and his minions immobilized me by spraying me by liquid nitrogen; after that, I was sealed by that crystallized prison, left to be untouched for a long period of time.

    This was the time when my out-of-body experience began whereas the executive and my trustworthy friend Victoria took my place as director, or chief executive officer. Years later, based on my investigation, Bowser was invited by Agent Ben to my organization so that he would not turn bad like what the prophecy says; I was relieved to find out that the dragon turtle was getting a lot of love and support to have him remain good.

    On present day, Bowser, the Warriors of B.L.A.Z.E. and Charlotte have received new badges for achieving the most missions over the years, of all of the sub-groups in the forces. My Lumas were there to see the ritual.

    “Captain Bowser, Larry Starcatcher, Antonio, Zack Hackrabid, Ellen Mills, and Charlotte, all of the Teologo would like to congratulate you for all that you’ve done for the people around you,” announced Grand Mistress Victoria.  “As some of the greatest heroes in the galaxy, perhaps you have led a special legacy beyond compare as you have achieved the most missions such as rescuing the Gearmos from a nuclear explosion, encountering an evil cyborg Toad who used to be a famous soldier, saving a planet from an asteroid, but mainly foiling many of the Dilim’s ploys.”

    “I wonder if the humans on Earth know that I’m one of the greatest heroes of all time,” said Bowser.

    “I am sure they will, captain,” replied the director. “Think about it, your recent history over the years shall be long praised once they understand your impenetrable altruism as well as your extraordinary formidability and that you are certainly not the monster people think you are. More importantly, your family will be proud of how you saved lives and took down a large number of villains in various areas. Your parents Morthophelus and Cynthia Koopa would have also been proud if they were alive today. I think it’s time to put that so-called prophecy aside and keep it up like this.”

    “I give my thanks for those who supported me.”

    Suddenly, Lubba interrupted the celebration to bring the organization an urgent message. “Bad news, everyone!  As revenge for foiling his plans, Lord Gothic and his members have plans of declaring Smash War II, and if so, this could mean that we would live as their puppets!”

    Everyone began to panic.

    “The darkest villain in the galaxy,” said the Koopa Captain.

    Victoria then told everyone, “Remain calm, every one of you! As a promise, we will find a way to prevent this war! *faces Bowser and the gang* Captain, it looks to me that you and your team has a special mission. Have you ever heard of Princess Rosalina?”

    “Mama?” suggested the white Luma.

    “Her name sounds familiar,” said Charlotte, wondering.

    The lady answered, “Before she was forgotten, Rosalina was a very powerful figure and the founder/former Grand Mistress of the Teologo, as her duty was to watch over us and protect the cosmos as well as the Lumas. When she sent her created daughter Rosaria to Earth, Gothic ordered his minions to seal the princess in a crystal cocoon for thirty years. She would've been the one to bring permanent peace to the galaxy. To find her, you must search for the Chamber of Ambers to break her free with physical strength high enough to shatter a boulder and have her reunite with her Lumas and stop the Dark Lord’s ultimate plan once and for all.”

    “You can count on all of us!” said Larry.

    In the headquarters, the Koopa and his crew were looking for the location of the chamber.

    “So where in the galaxy is this Chamber of Ambers?” asked Zack. "We can't find it on the GPS."

    Ellen answered after searching for a rare book in the library, “According to this map in the Book of Dilim, I believe that the chamber is in Gothic’s Castle, 35 thousand light years from here. Keep in mind that there will be lots of troops on guard, so it will take lots of combat.”

    “That won’t be too big of a job, if we all stay focused and work together,” said the Koopa Captain.

    “And guess what, Lumas? You’ll get to see your mother again,” Charlotte told the star children. “Isn’t that exciting?”

    My Lumas cheered.

    The captain continued, “Everyone, you know our motto. May the craze shall go with the blaze!”

    The group shouted, “MAY THE CRAZE SHALL GO WITH THE BLAZE!”

    After the 35,000 light year drive via spaceship, when the group entered the maze-like castle, Captain Bowser, Larry, and Antonio were to tackle the cyborg Koopatrols (each half robot, half Koopa soldier) until all were gone. Meanwhile, Zack, Ellen, Charlotte, and the Lumas were safely searching for the chamber where my body was frozen; by the time the chamber was found after solving puzzles and unlocking 40 rooms, the two girls and the jackelope were about to be eaten by a Dino Piranha on guard duty.

    “We’re all lunch, aren’t we?” gulped Charlotte.

    “We’re the main course while the Lumas are the side order,” said Zack.

    I thought it could mean their end, but the rest of the gang distracted the beast by throwing a giant stone bone for it to catch. They all went inside the chamber at the end.

    “We’re here, in the Chamber of Ambers,” said the white Luma. “You can see a lot of corpses sealed in those crystals.”

    “Look, guys, there’s Princess Rosalina at the end of the chamber!” shouted Charlotte.

    Bowser got closer to me and took a long look.

    “It’s time to do the honors, big guy,” said the rabbit with antlers. “You know what to do. It’s time to set the mother of the Lumas free.”

    It was time. So after I returned to my physical body, Bowser delivered my diamond-hard crystal cocoon a mighty punch that was so powerful that the prison instantly shattered into a million pieces, in which I was finally released and landed slowly on the ground sparkling, after 20 years of prison.

    “You’re here, Mama! We all missed you!” cried the Lumas in joy. They came up and kissed me.

    “Picky Pikachu, you’re still alive,” Bowser told me.

    “You’re the one who freed me,” I said gently, hugging my Lumas. “I would like to give my thanks for this time I knew would come. So how is Rosaria, my long-lost daughter, treating you?”

    “Like an angel- Wait, you’re saying that my wife, or true love, is your child?” asked Bowser.

    “Yes,” I answered. “Perhaps it’s about time I give you an explanation. You see, I sent Rosaria to Earth so that she would find you and become your deep friend in order to prevent the prophecy from taking place. Do you remember when the white-haired girl mended your wounded leg at the park whereas all of the kids at school mistreated you, like you were a monster? I was watching you sometime during my out-of-body experience.”

    “Yes…” sniffled the Captain briefly. “She was the only one who cared about me. In fact, we kind of shared a romantic relationship together. Besides raising eight kids, we would go out to eat, and every bedtime, we would kiss before we slept… Thank you for sending her to me. Otherwise, I would’ve walked to the darker direction.”

    “And you must be Charlotte, the one who took care of my Lumas while I was frozen,” I continued.

    “That’s right,” replied Charlotte. “While my mother helped me a little, I took REALLY good care of your star children by feeding them, singing them songs, reading them bedtime stories…there’s so much examples for me to tell. I totally enjoy having them around!”

    “Thank you very much for taking so much responsibility for my beloved ones.”

    Suddenly, a robot hiding outside the chamber, pushed a button, and cried in a monotonous tone, “The entire galaxy will be gassed in less than 3 minutes.”

    “No more time for life reviews!” warned Larry. “We have to go back to the ship before we suffocate!" 

    For this reason, we immediately escaped the castle. As a shock, Charlotte tripped over a thorny bush and wounded her leg like how Bowser did so at the park as a child.

    “Hold still, Charlie!” yelled Bowser. “Let me hold you!”

    Bowser carried the girl and rushed to the ship with us only to find out that is was destroyed by an asteroid. “This is bad.”

    Only thirty seconds were remaining: “Thirty, twenty-nine, twenty-eight…”

    “I know! How about we transform into Launch Stars to transport you guys?” advocated some of the Lumas.

    “Mamma-mia, won’t you have to sacrifice yourselves IF SO!?” asked Antonio loudly.

    “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine! We’ll come with you later!”

    The Lumas transformed into the large orange stars hovering just above the ground. We all took one each (including Charlotte despite having a scratched leg), spun, and became catapulted unexpectedly to Earth before the last ten seconds until the castle became polluted by the poisonous gas. After the considerable enjoyment flying for a period of time, we landed on “Bowser City”, Bowser’s home place next to Hawaii. But why so? Perhaps this was time to reunite with someone I knew…

Chapter 21 – Am I A Man Or A Monster?

    “We’re here in my home place, but why?” The Koopa Captain asked the Lumas.

    The Lumas answered, “Captain Bowser, we sent you all here for a special reunion. We would all like you to take us to your castle so we can meet Rosaria again.”

    “I assume that you don’t know exactly where our castle is. Everyone, head to the castle!”

    When they entered the castle, Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings ran into their father for a hug.

    “You’re back, Pops!” they cheered, hugging.

    “It’s good to see you all you again,” replied Bowser.

    As for Rosalina and the Lumas, they slowly looked for the daughter until they all met at the family room. There, they were quite flabbergasted to see Rosaria in the form of a Koopa. So Bowser’s wife shape-shifted back into her human form, and that was when she looked familiar.

    “…Rosaria, is that you?” asked Rosalina. “It seems that you were taught how to shape-shift.”

    “…Mom?” responded Rosaria. After a flashback regarding the first time she saw her mother, she said, “It’s you!”

    The two quietly hugged each other.

    “Why couldn’t you visit me after you sent me away?” Rosalina’s daughter asked.

    “First off, I’m so sorry that we didn’t spend enough time together. If you did not realize what happened, Lord Gothic, who wanted to keep me from prevent a prophecy, ordered his minions to seal me in a crystal prison for 20 years before Bowser set me free. I’m not expecting you to forgive me; I just want you to understand.”

    “It’s alright, Mom,” replied Rosaria calmly. “I do understand.”

    Meanwhile, at the living room…

    “Dad, lately, you haven’t been there for us,” Bowser Jr. told his father. “I know that you had to take lots of missions to protect the cosmos, but we’ve been pretty lonely for years without you around.”

    “I know,” replied Bowser. “I apologize for not using enough time with all of you. The reason why I rarely come back is because I’ve been very busy from day to night. You can consider it a demanding and difficult situation to travel to hundreds of galaxies and fight villains.”

    “Couldn’t you take us to work so that we can spend time together?” advised Larry.

    “I could have, but I feared that it would be too dangerous.”

    “Agent Ben would’ve let you take a day off if you just asked,” said Morton. “And whenever you come back home, you would make promises, like setting up a picnic at the park or bring us a giant cake from outer space. But what do you? You don’t fulfill them.”

    Bowser looked away and mumbled, “Agent Ben did advise me to go home and spend time with my kids, but I refused so that I can spend time showing off to the aliens my powers and abilities to them make respect me…” Also, I gobbled up all of the sweets from Planet Sweet Tooth out of house and home like if it was a reward.” He then covered his mouth. “Oops.”

    “Dad?” asked Junior feeling suspicious. “What was gotten into you? Were you being selfish to us? How could you?”

    “Kids, I can explain…”

    “How can we ever trust you now since you care about the special treatment more than us?” sobbed Junior. “If you’re not going to spent time with us anymore, then you shouldn’t be a king anymore! I guess you are going to be a bad guy after all.”

    After heartbreaking the children, Bowser decided to leave the castle. “Crew, it’s time to go, and that’s an order.”

    The warriors, Charlotte and Rosalina left as a command by their captain. Then, Agent Ben began to communicate with the Captain via smartwatch.

    “Bowser, is that you?” asked Ben. “It seems that you finally freed Rosie. Now where are you and your crew?”

    “We’re at my home place. You see, our ship was destroyed at Goth’s Castle and we all need a ride to Teologo Federation.”

    Eventually, Ben’s spaceship arrived and the Warriors of B.L.A.Z.E. entered.

    During the ride, Ellen told the depressed captain, “I’m sure your kids will eventually forgive you for those mistakes you made. Perhaps you got carried away by your enthusiasm and that you were just desperate for rewards and the fame from your fans.”

    “But I betrayed Junior and the Koopalings because I swore to come home more for recreation time.”

    “Others break promises too. Besides, we all hold grudges only once in a while. And you know what? Even great heroes can make great slip-ups, which is a sign that we’re all human…metaphorically speaking, since you are a Kooportentum Rege technically.”

    At the Mushroom Kingdom, years have passed since Nascosto’s failed attempt of becoming ruler.  Peach’s father and rightful ruler was back to his throne and eventually, the masked man was not seen since until the day that he gave a false message that Gothic declared Smash War II when he himself was the one did so.

    Meanwhile, Mario and Luigi were taking a stroll at Toad Town until they unexpectedly met Darwin Kurosawa at the alley.

    “Ciao, Mario Bros.” greeted Darwin nervously.

    “It’s-a YOU again, bullo spietato (ruthless bully)!” marched Mario angrily. “What do you want-a from us this time? HOW MANY-A PEOPLE ARE YOU GOING TO HURT!?”

    The red-haired man stood back. “No, no, please listen to me! I’m not here to do anything with you guys!”
 
    “You’re lying,” replied Luigi angrily.

    “No, I’m not! Honest! I just want to ask for your help!”

    “Is-a this about Bowser?” asked Mario. “Why have-a you been so against him for years?”

    “I never wanted to be against him! It’s about some kind of inevitable prophecy.”

    “What-a prophecy?” asked Luigi.

    “It’s the prophecy in which Bowser grows up to be the biggest supernatural treat in all of existence. After my parents sent me back to Earth, when I grew up, my group and I put up campaigns against Koopas and outsiders only to end up in jail several times. As a xenophobic, I realized the mistake I made of attacking those creatures, like Sonic the Hedgehog. And the guy with the hood who burned down the Smith’s mansion, that was me all along and anyone else. I burned their house because they were ‘Koopa-lovers’. I want to say how sorry I am for all of those things I did; I had a truly bad experience of foreigners, especially with the Kooportentum Reges. And when those merciless Kooportentum Reges killed many of us particularly during Smash War I, I wanted my own kind to be safe from Bowser’s hands. You see, according to the Cosmic Soothsayer and the Lumas, once the Koopa King joins the Dilim to become completely evil, he’ll never turn back and steal of the cosmic energy from the galaxy to take over the Mushroom Kingdom and eventually, the entire universe. All that we love would be lost as long as Bowser wins Smash War II for the bad. Also, think about how many innocent the hate-bloated Koopa would kill when they attempt to rebel. And no matter how hard you get him to stay good, it won’t do anything because the astrologers are never wrong. But you can prevent his universal conquest, by slaying him.”

    “Slaying him?” said Mario. “After all we’ve been through?  I swore to support him, no matter what.”

    Darwin continued calmly, “Look, I know it’s hard to face the truth, but you have to do what’s best for humanity. So what’s it going to be, the innocent, or the love stealing tyrant whose fate you cannot change?”

    Mario stood still and shed a tear. “Very well. Keep in mind that Bowser’s virtually indestructible, so it’ll require millions of volts and extremely high amps.”

    “So you’re saying that we need a special taser so powerful that it can stop his heart in just a few seconds. Excellent, find someone to build that super taser and give it me so I can end the beast’s wrath once and for all.”

    So Mario and Luigi took Darwin to see Professor Elvin Gadd, the founder of Gadd Science, Inc. and a trusted friend.

    “Professor E. Gadd, can you build us a tazer gun powerful enough to exterminate every living thing, including a Kooportentum Rege?” asked the red-haired man.

    “Why?” asked Professor Gadd feeling suspicious. “You know, I don’t think that would be ethical.”

    Darwin then used his black magic to mind control the professor, surprisingly WITHOUT his mask! “This is to protect everyone from Bowser once he turns evil. So build the gun and bring it to me at dawn.”

    “Yes, sir.” The professor started making the weapon right away.

    When the taser was finally built, Darwin was ready to call his Tabo troops via walkie-talkie and start the war. “It’s time. Long live the Tabo.”

    In the interim, all of the Teologo members were preparing for the war by bringing as much weapons as possible and doubling the guards. In addition, they all prayed to the Star Sprites and Spirits that the conflict would end peacefully. As for the Dilim, which included the Society of X-Nauts and the Poison Mushroom-like Shroobs, there was a surprise alliance with the Tabo, the corrupt Teologo sub-group that was banished from its parent organization. And for Rosalina, who was now at her observatory, she was to find Lord Gothic, who was really mistakenly responsible for declaring war, and stop him to put the battle to a halt.

    “It is great to have you back, your highness,” said Mistress Victoria, who just came to Rosalina’s home. “Your husband is away, but he knows that you’re here again.” 

    “I believe that everything went smoothly when you took my place while I was frozen,” replied the Princess.

    “All of the Teologo were alright while you were sealed for twenty years. Now is the time to find Lord Gothic and put him to justice once and for all.”

    “Yes.”

    At the headquarters of B.L.A.Z.E., Lord Gothic got inside by teleporting via the shadows and darkness and sneaked into Bowser’s room. There, he sees Bowser thinking about how he broke his promise to his kids and how much fame he’s been demanding after battling.

    “Greetings, Captain Bowser.”

    “Who are you?” Bowser replied. “And what do you want from me?”

    “It’s me, Lord Gothic. Come with me if you want me to help you.”

    “I knew you would wear gothic clothing, like that black pork pie hat and those chains."

    Then, the shadow man began to kidnap him by putting him in a bubble with his necromancy skills. Charlotte abruptly showed up and in terror, saw the dark lord breaking through the window. “You monster! Let Bowser go!” After Gothic summoned some tendrils from the ground to hold the girl, he escaped the quickly headquarters and took the Koopa Captain to his new lair. Later, after the shadow tentacles released her, Charlotte called the rest of the crew.

    “Guys, you won’t believe what happened!”

    “What breaking news do we have, Charlie?” asked Zack feeling anxious.

    “Lord Gothic broke into headquarters and kidnapped Bowser! We have to find him before it’s too late!”

    “We’ll call the agents for backup,” said Larry.

    In Gothic’s new castle…

    “Where am I?” asked the captain.

    “You’re at this conference where we get you to join us.” answered Gothic with a bad smile. “Boys?”

    Fawful, Lord Grodus and an evil goat doctor who was Antonio’s enemy named Dr. Kibergoat showed up.

    “I can’t wait for this day to come,” cackled Lord Grodus.

    “I underestimated you heroic guy who will soon join a side that is dark.” Fawful chortled.

    “Let’s have an analysis, shall we?” asked Gothic. He then ordered his computer, “TEC-XX, can you explain to us Bowser Koopa’s powers and abilities?”

    “Analyzing Bowser’s body…” announced TEC, scanning the Koopa. “Peak conditions have been reached. After hefty training, his strength level far exceeds 100 tons due to his diamond-hard muscle tissues; he’s capable of leaping a thousand miles with ease; he could run at speeds greater than 500 mph with his long, developed legs; his stamina is near-endless as he doesn’t seem to get any fatigue toxins; he is unquestionably indestructible as his skin and shell is impervious to lava, needles, extreme weather conditions, and even hydrogen bombs; he can speak 20 kinds of languages like Russian and Welsh; his agility is top-notch as he can even perform a hurricane-summoning Whirling Fortress; his five senses are off the charts, especially his sight that contributes to accelerated perception; last, but not least, his fire breath, his trademark move, is quite advanced as it exceeds 13,000 degrees F. Overall, Bowser is among the most formidable warriors in the galaxy, which is one reason why he’s known as the chosen one.”

    "Utterly impressive, captain,” said Gothic. “But do you know that we can make you even stronger than you are now by joining our forces and learn what we can do beyond your wildest imagination?

“Why should I join you?” asked Bowser, wondering. “Can’t you see that I’m no longer the monster you expect me to be?”

As a situation, Bowser had to decide who he wanted to be: a man or a monster. But who?

TO BE CONTINUED