Love in the Oddest Places (bowuigi story)

Chapter 21: Anguish

Perfect.

Holding his side, Rool slowly made his way toward them. Every step he took was agonizing but he pushed through. Whoever they were would serve as perfect leverage out of this. If they could call Bowser's attention so easily, it was clear they were close. Bowser's attention remained fixated on it. Rool couldn't help but notice the intensity in Bowser's gaze, a glimmer of concern hidden beneath his fierce exterior.

The Kremling could vaguely hear the person yelling, most likely trying to calm Bowser down. He couldn't believe how quickly things had escalated. All he had done was make a harmless comment about Bowser's wife, and now he found himself in the middle of a chaotic situation. With slow progress, he managed to get within a few yards of them. Now that he was closer, he realized he had no idea of what he was looking at. It looked like a Royal Toadstool or an Imperial Shy, but they were clearly not royalty in any capacity.

The thing shouted frantically, and Bowser seemed to be listening. Rool chuckled under his breath and crouched slightly. If I time things right, I can take that little twink hostage. Bowser clearly gives a shit about him so if I have him, he won't hurt me, he thought. He flexed his claws, ready to grab him. A mischievous grin crept across Rool's face as he chuckled under his breath; there was a sick sense of delight in this.

Just as he was about to lunge, Bowser slammed his hand, separating him from his would-be captive. The force cracked the ground and lifted a cloud of dust. A deep snarl reverberated from Bowser's throat, "Don't. Touch. Him."

As the dust settled, Rool realized just how close he was. His snout was touching Bowser's enlarged knuckle. His eyes flickered downward, and he noticed the fractures on the earth. That could've been me, Rool thought.

Rool's heart pounded in his chest as he took a step back, the realization of his near-death sinking in. He had underestimated Bowser's strength and power, foolishly believing that he could overpower him and claim victory. But now, standing face to face with the mighty Koopa King, Rool couldn't help but feel a surge of fear coursing through his veins.

Bowser's fiery eyes bore into Rool's soul, a warning that sent shivers down his spine. The air around them crackled with tension as if the atmosphere recognized the danger that had just been narrowly avoided. Rool knew he had pushed his luck too far this time; he had crossed a line that even he hadn't fully comprehended until now. And it was too late to back out.

"BLUE SHELL!"

"Everyone run!"

"HIT THE DECK!"

As the panicked cries filled the air, chaos erupted. From the jungle emerged a blue blur, dashing toward K. Rool. Koopas and Kongs dropped for cover. King Bowser pushed Luigi beneath him and shielded him with his arms. As the blue blur drew closer, K. Rool's eyes widened with terror. Panic consumed him as he desperately searched for a way out, but it was too late. With a thunderous crash, the Blue Shell collided with K. Rool's body.

The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, knocking everyone off their feet. Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring vision and adding to the confusion that had already taken hold. Bowser shielded Luigi from the flying debris with unwavering determination, his massive forearms providing ample cover.

The impact sent K. Rool hurtling through the air, his body spinning uncontrollably before crashing into a nearby tree. His body splayed across the ground, unmoving.

»--•--«

Luigi blinked the dust from his eyes. He looked over Bowser's large forearms and grimaced at the large crater. Idaten stood within it, panting and holding a hand to their bleeding ear. The blue-shelled Koopa opened their wings and took to the skies. They flew in circles above Bowser's head. Luigi turned his attention to his transformed friend. "Bowser! Listen to me! You have to get small again!" he yelled.