Finding The Light In The Dark

The next day.

Rosalina visited the kitchen, training room and last but not least, the library. But she wasn't alone, someone was sitting on the couch reading a book. The princess noticed that this person belongs to the higher ranks. He looked similar to Bowser, but this one has a blue shell and blue hair. She recalled one of the Goombas mentioned a group called the Koopalings. Does Bowser have other kids? Mario only mentioned Bowser Jr. as his biological son. Anyway, it was no doubt that Koopaling sitting on the couch was Ludwig von Koopa. Ludwig noticed the princess looking at him. He slighty put the book down, seeing her presence. "Are you the new prisoner?", he asked. It seems not everyone got the news...Rosalina thought and answered him. "I'm allowed to walk around the castle. It's admirable." Ludwig scoffed and continued to read. "I didn't know Lord Bowser has a soft side for someone who isn't Peach." The cosmos protector knew he got some rudeness from Bowser, maybe the Koopalings are related. Rosalina searched a book for her idea. Ludwig watched her levitating around the area.

What is her deal anyway? , he thought.
It didn't took him long to figure out what Rosalina was searching. He put the book down again. " For what exactly do you need a cookbook?", he asked. Of fucking course he would know it. Ludwig is the smartest and oldest Koopaling after all, and she didn't say that she wants to make a party for everyone to relax. " I'm looking for some good recipes for the party.", Rosalina says. That actually made Ludwig a bit curious. He closed the book he was reading. " When is the party?", he asked. Rosalina sweat a little. " I don't really know. I haven't asked Bowser about it." Who in the world would throw a party into a home of a stranger? Ludwig thought and raised his eyebrow. " I don't understand. Why would you wanna announce something without Lord Bowser's approval?" He was right though. She is only a guest in this castle. She needed to ask for permission. Rosalina wanted to go back to her room but she was stopped by two Koopa Paratroopas. A male with heterochromia, orange shell and some markings on his body. And a female with a pink shell, she also has some markings on her body. Siblings, perhaps? " Miss Rosalina, we are here to escort you.", the pink Koopa exclaimed.

The cosmos protector was escorted to the kitchen where Bowser awaits. He was sitting at the table and glares at her. Rosalina knew he was somewhat angry at her but she didn't want to ask. It would make it worse. However,  she wanted to know how he's doing.
"Are you feeling better?", Rosa asked him. Bowser couldn't give her a clear answer, he still thinks about how he created a supermassive black hole.
"We come back do that later. I wanna know why you're in such in hurry."

"Me in a hurry?"

"Yes, you. You're holding a cook book."

Rosalina didn't really figured out how to convince him hosting a party for his army. She thought for a bit and looked at Bowser. She laid the book on the table and sat next to the king. She spoke. "I was curious. When one of your henchman escorted me to my room, I asked him some questions. I just feel... bad for them...", she clarified. Bowser didn't know what to say at first. Why does she want to help? Was it out of pity, or does she think if she helps she would be released? "Well.", he started " If you really feel bad for them, then you'll be my deputy. How's that?" A deputy for him? Rosalina didn't like the idea but she remains calm. "Why me? You're the king. You should take the responsibilities, or asking someone else to do it who isn't a guest.", she clarified, hopefully he believes her. But then again, Bowser's wounds were still there. His horn and some spikes on his shell were almost healed, and from the looks of it, the wounds on his arms weren't healed at all. Did he reopen his wounds on his right arm? , she thought. "With opened wounds and pain in my legs, I barely can do anything. And Kamek has already has hands full.", Bowser said.
Rosalina knew it. Bowser did reopened his wounds. Was it on purpose? The princess noticed the blood leaking out of the bandages. Whoever tried to nurse Bowser made a terrible job. Rosalina exhaled. She had no choice. "Well.", she started "I better get something for that wound on your arm." Rosalina used her hands to form a star. When she touched it, she pulled out her magical wand out of nowhere. The king was somehow amazed how Rosalina uses her power. He didn't show it on the outside of course, he remains his poker face. Rosalina conjures bandages, a bowl with hot water and a towel. "The bandages need to be changed.", she said. Bowser was a bit nervous but mostly suspicious as soon as Rosalina removed the old bandages. She took the cloth, soaked it in warm water. As soon as she got it out, Rosa squeezes the cloth to avoid puddles on the floor.

Rosalina walks closer to Bowser.
"Alright. Let me see the wound.", she said. Bowser growled at her as she touched his arm. "Don't you dare coming close!", he warned her. The Protector of the cosmos didn't really care what he wants right now. If he attacks, she won't hold back. "I just want to help.", Rosa explained.
The King of the Koopas was getting furious that she doesn't listen to him.
"Go away! Don't touch me!", he yelled.
That was Rosalina's breaking point, being calm wasn't the answer this time.
"It'll get worse if I don't treat you well!"

"Who said you should treat my wounds?! I have plenty of minions who can do this!"

"Doesn't look good to me.", Rosie continued "It's your fault to reopen the wound."

At this moment Bowser didn't have a good answer for that and thought for a second. "Well...uh...It didn't reopen because of me! It's because I had a fight with Mario!"

"And who started the fight?", Rosalina asked while folding her arms "Seriously, you need to stop being so selfish. And control your temper for once!" This was final. Bowser glared at her, resting his cheek on his left hand. He didn't have anything to say, he had to take this...this...defeat. The chefs heard their argument and couldn't believe it. There was someone who stood against Bowser. Someone who wasn't Mario who defeats him all the time. It wasn't Kamek who acts like a father to him. It was Rosalina, the one who protects the galaxies from evil. She has every right to be mad at him, however, they need to work together if they want to have a normal conversation. Rosalina took his arm and saw the wound. It wasn't very deep, it can heal from its own. But Bowser reopened the wound. "Now hold still. This might hurt a bit.", she warned the stubborn king. She carefully wipes the blood from the wound. This time the princess uses her magic to help for several things. To wrap the new bandage around his arm and conjures the needles for acupuncture. She carefully stick the needles into Bowser's legs. He was amazed how much she knows how to treat someone, unlike Kamek. Bowser exhaled. "Why do you need the book?", he asked with a calm voice.
"Your soldiers are very exhausted. They don't get enough freetime or breaks, and thex stand on their posts for 24 hours.", Rosalina explained.
Bowser thought for something. He does actually care about his troops, he just doesn't show it. And when he heard that Peach was getting married, he lost his control. Bowser was too obsessed with the princess, who is now queen.

"You know...", he started "Maybe you're right. Maybe there is something we can do." Rosalina looked at Bowser. She couldn't believe he cooperates with her idea. Rosalina was excited for the upcoming party.
She wouldn't admit it, but she can feel a bond building between her and Bowser. Not romance, but a friendship.