//------------------------------// // The Inevitable Conclusion // Story: Brusque & Brooding // by Compendium of Steve //------------------------------// Brusque & Brooding The Inevitable Conclusion The day eventually arrived. On the dark plains of World 3, the towering edifice of Sombra’s reconstructed castle lit up the night in gleaming perfection. Within the refurbished entrance hall, Bowser and Sombra stood before the crowd of workers who chatted amongst themselves with anticipation over what their leader had to say. Bowser raised up his arms to motion everyone to silence. “Alrighty gang, shut your yaps while I talk,” he announced. “From what I can see, it looks like you really outdid yourselves this time around. You took your sweet time in building up this baby, and I can safely say it was time well-spent. So it is with great pleasure to announce this Castle Reconstruction Initiative a success, and the construction after-party has begun!” The work force cheered and threw up their hardhats to kick-off the celebration before dispersing for the buffet tables and drink dispensers that had been put up earlier. “Yes, have a good time, minions,” Bowser continued. “Party as hard as you want; just remember that whatever you break you have to fix, otherwise heads are gonna roll.” A gruff-looking, bearded koopa troopa in an orange vest approached his lordship, whom Bowser addressed. “Very superb work your men did, foreman.” “Well we’re the best of the best, as you said, sir,” the foreman replied. “Heh, I’m pretty sure you got more into it then usual.” “You wanted it to be exceptional. Is it too good?” “Are you kidding? It’s perfect! If my past self had a castle this nice, he wouldn’t have left this World at all.” “It honors me greatly to hear that, sir. But were you able to look around the entire castle, see if everything was to your liking?” “Not yet, but that’s what me and the homeowner here are gonna do. Relax with your men, you earned it.” “Thank you, sir.” The foreman turned and went back to his fellow rabble-rousers, who were shoulder-deep in raucous good times. Bowser looked down to Sombra with an eager look. “So how bout it: wanna check out your awesome new digs?” “Perhaps later; I would like to relax a little,” Sombra said politely. “Well you won’t find it here. These guys are animals on their time off. C’mon, at least let’s find some place quiet for ya.” “...Oh, alright,” Sombra complied, joining Bowser in leaving the festivities for another section of the castle. They entered into a large central room that sported an impressive staircase of polished black stone, and as the two ascended them to the upper floors, Bowser resumed talking. “Does everything look good to you so far?” “Considering I’ve only seen the outside and the entryway there wasn’t much to judge. But based solely on those two things, it is a vast improvement to the original.” “I know, right? This place is about as spiffy as one of my newer towers. And since you’ve mostly been living in one the past week or so, then you’ll fit right in.” “Ohhh yes, because I’ve grown soooo attached to your dingy fortress, how could I ever adjust if it were not so?” “Haha, same sarcastic uptight big shot as before. It’s already working!” Sombra only shook his head as they made it to the top floor. Passing some rather tasteful Sombra statues, paintings and some swinging pendulum traps primed to release, Bowser stopped before an ornate wooden door with a crystal set atop it. “I put in specifications to put these little crystal doodads on all the important doors in the place,” he explained. “When you get the time, you could give them that one fear spell you tried pulling on me. And since no one’s as fearless as me, then it’ll be the most foolproof security measure possible. Right now, though, they’re just for show” “A surprising feat of foresight on your part.” “Heheheh, I totally got your bases covered.” Bowser reached for the knob and turned it open. Inside was a spacious bedroom with a high ceiling, furnished with fanciful plush rug, boudoir, fireplace, and a massive regal canvas bed, as well as a large bay window that led out onto a balcony. Sombra moved over to the bed while looking the room over in its entirety, whilst Bowser stomped over to the fireplace. “I thought you would be taking me to the throne room,” Sombra said. “You wanted to relax, so I brought you to the most relaxing room of all. Also, if you wanted, you could go to the throne room from here.” Once by the fireplace, Bowser punched a hidden switch by the mantel, causing a click and retraction of the metal grating along with the pulling back of the back section within. “Is that... a secret passage?” Sombra asked, barely able to hide the sound of delight in his voice. “Peach had a secret passage that connected her bedroom with another bedroom, and I thought I’d do the same with mine, except make it more practical by having it go to the throne room. And guess what: I had the same done for yours.” “Such a thoughtful gesture.” Sombra stood by his new bed and looked over the room again. “I must say, you’ve certainly spared yourself a horrible, painful retribution for your recent transgressions.” “See? My word is totally good,” Bowser smiled while crossing his arms smugly. Meanwhile, Sombra lifted up his hooves to get himself onto the edge of the stately bed. “Mmm, very comfortable,” he commented. “Care to sit down?” “Huh? Okay, sure.” Bowser stomped over to the bed and planted his rump onto the covers next to Sombra, giving a test bounce before settling in. “Yup, a bed fit for a king, exactly as I specified.” The two sat in silence for almost a minute, with Bowser kicking his legs and twiddling his thumbs. “Glad you're liking everything,” he spoke up again. “I don’t do it often, but it feels nice to repay debts. Makes everyone all happy and squared away in the end. Don’t wanna be carrying about any kind of baggage or—” Without warning, Sombra wrapped his forelimbs around Bowser’s shoulders and rested his head on the brute’s chest. “Uhhh, what are you doing?” “Just a thank you, for the other night,” Sombra replied softly. “Listening to my woes without making insult. It really helped put my mind in order.” “Well, hey, what’s an excellent, considerate host for other than to make things swell for their guests?” “You stayed with me in my melancholy, even went so far as to comfort me physically. I cannot properly express in words how much that meant to me.” “Like I said, you looked like you were hurting, and that was the only thing I could think of. But hey, a hug for a hug, so we’re totally even. So, thanks.” “And also for this wondrous castle.” Sombra looked up into Bowser’s eyes. “You could’ve simply rebuilt it as it originally was and I would have been satisfied with that.” “Naaah, that’s not how I roll. If there’s one thing I’m good at, other than being totally rad and amazing, is building castles. Imagine what it’d do to my reputation if workers under my name built a ramshackle fortress. I tell ya, there’d be a lot more upstarts gunning for my villainy billing if that hap—” A kiss on the cheek shut him up instantly, as his eyes and mouth widened in shock. “Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa, What!?” Realizing what he just did, Sombra released Bowser and scrambled backwards in a panic. “Oh no what did I do no no I didn’t—” In the midst of his rapid talking he fell off the edge of the bed and hit the floor, but quickly stood up rigid, looking at Bowser in desperate dismay for his actions. “I-I-It was an impulse! A-A-A-And, that’s exactly what it was, an impulse!” “What sorta weird impulse was that?” Bowser asked, remaining on the bed in sheer dumbfoundedness. Sombra’s eyes darted around the room as he gritted his teeth. “W-Well, the thing is, ummm...” Sombra’s voice began to ease down as he looked to the floor, rubbing his legs nervously in shame. “Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I might as well. That night, when you listened to me and comforted me, you showed a gentler side that seemed rather... desirable.” “Desirable? Am I hearing you right? Or am I hallucinating?” “Look, it’s as confusing to me as well,” the stallion admitted, still looking flustered. “Up until recently I considered you as nothing but a hulking destructive idiot who was able to scare himself up an empire, but the past week or so I’ve seen first-hoof the sort of capable leader you are, one who could easily maintain rule for the decades you claimed to have been in such a position. What’s more, you showed a hospitality that utterly defied my perception of you as an intolerably selfish child. Then after that night in your study, I began having thoughts. Ideas, about us having a connection, on a... ‘deeper’ level. A more... intimate level.” “...You’re serious.” “I said I had been alone for a long time, and embarrassing as it is to say, you have been the only companion I’ve known who I could consider an equal. As someone who would understand me as something other than a ruthless dictator, a monster. Perhaps it was the shock of being made whole again, or the means of transitioning here altering my emotions, but deep down I wanted someone to guide me in this unusual realm. Our rivalry proved to be the thing to get my mind focused, to get my bearings, make a fresh start. Through twisted means I found a friend in you, Bowser. And only a few days ago... something more.” “But, you never struck me as that kind of guy. Don’t you like girls?” Sombra made a shy smile. “A curious thing about my species: we can commit ourselves to either sex quite easily.” “Wow. Never thought horses were that way...” Bowser looked to the floor in thought, as Sombra gave a sigh before turning away. “But you clearly hadn’t considered such things... Never had them in mind to begin with. Which... is perfectly alright.” Sombra made a few steps in silence, to further himself from the koopa. Assuming his serious tone, he continued. “I’m sorry you had to hear all that. You’ve done more than I had wanted you to do, and I shouldn’t have made you uncomfortable. Go back to your men and celebrate; I’ll just remain here for the evening. You all can see yourselves out whenever it's most convenient for you.” “NOW just hold it there!” Bowser yelled, springing from the bed and thudding onto the floor to face Sombra. “You go tell me all your sappy feelings about me and then you tell me to forget about it, like it’s no big deal?” “Because it isn’t a big deal,” Sombra replied stoically. “It’s not even any size of deal for that matter.” “Like heck it isn’t! It’s obviously a big deal to you!” “And if it is, what does it matter to you? It’s none of your concern.” “Oh no you don’t; it’s faaar too late to be pulling the ice-cold act! After having you live under my roof, which more or less makes you a buddy, and hearing you pour your heart out all over my study, your problems are my problems. That’s how it is, bub!” Bowser stomped the floor hard, shaking the room. Sombra stood silent for a few moments. “Even if I don’t hide my feelings, what good will it do?” Sombra asked, his stoic tone breaking away. “They would be unrequited, and that would only invite hurt, which is an inconvenience I’d rather not deal with.” “Hornswoggle!” Bowser swore. “There you go talking like a pesky know-it-all. You say I didn’t consider us being extra close and junk. But think of how spiteful that’d be if I actually did have feelings about it!” Sombra’s attention, and particularly his head and ears, shot up in surprise. Bowser, on the other hand, eased out of his outraged stance to adopt a more embarrassed look. “Uh, not that I did before, but what makes you think I can’t have them? Are they all-inclusive to snooty, fancy-dressed unicorns?” “I know it wouldn’t occur to you.” Sombra about-faced to look straight at Bowser. “Chasing after that princess all the time, hurting those who get between you and her. It’s crystal clear what orientation you fall under.” “Hey, I only go after her cuz it’s become more a time-honored routine nowadays. It’s like a tradition; it doesn’t really mean anything. Well, except that one time we got married. It was a sham, yeah, but still pretty freakin’ sweet.” Sombra looked unconvinced. “B-but those, uh, other feelings never crossed my mind cuz I never really thought about it. Heck, given my luck over the years with Peach, why shouldn’t it be an option?” “...But then you would just be forcing it upon yourself,” Sombra said, lowering his head. “We don’t know that unless I tried it out.” Bowser stomped over to Sombra, stopping before him to put a claw on his mane. “Listen, I know it came right outta nowhere, but I can tell it’s your true feelings, just like before. You were aggravating at first, but I’ve come to see that you’re a really cool guy, and it seriously bums me out seeing you all sad and depressed. So if being with me makes you happy, then I’m game.” “You didn’t seem to like that display of affection too well,” Sombra mumbled bitterly, making his head lower in an attempt to escape Bowser’s touch. “Yeah that came off pretty mean, but it was mainly shock and not me being grossed out. Admittedly I kissed a dude this one time and it wasn’t pleasant, but that was mostly because he had a scraggly beardstache and he wasn’t who I was going for, but anyway!” Bowser tenderly moved his claw from Sombra’s mane to under his chin, bringing the the unicorn’s head up gently so their eyes could meet. “I say we give it a shot, for your sake. Just to see if you actually have a reason to be mopey.” Sombra averted his gaze momentarily, but slowly looked back into the earnest eyes of the koopa king. “...Are you certain, that you would want to do this?” “Positive,” Bowser said gently. “I wouldn’t want to leave you bummed out if I can help it.” A silence from Sombra, followed by an exasperated sigh. “That’s one other thing I find attractive: your unerring persistence in getting matters resolved.” “I wouldn’t be Bowser if I didn’t get things done, bwahaha!” Bowser backed away to give Sombra some room. “So, how do ya wanna do this?” “Well, I’m not entirely sure, given that I’ve only accepted these feelings just a short time ago. Perhaps we could just talk, and maybe later go to someplace private, share a meal, so on and so forth.” “Like dating? Bah! This ain’t some dopey romance novel. We’ve done plenty enough talking as far as I’m concerned, so why drag it out?” “Then... what do you have in mind?” Sombra crooked his head curiously. “Well, we got plenty of privacy where we are now, and there is a big ol’ bed.” “Wait, are you really suggesting...?” “I figure it’s the quickest way to be sure if there’s really anything to go on and not a lost cause as you were soooo ready to accept.” “There’s more to it than just physical aspects!” A blush on the equestrian king’s face. “Besides, wouldn’t that be going absurdly fast?” “More like straight to the point.” Bowser made a cocky grin. “And what can I say: I’m a koopa of action. But it can start out small, like a hug and stuff, and see if anything goes from there.” “Yes, we could do that, and see what, if anything, progresses.” Sombra brought a hoof to his chin in thought, then put it down to look back at Bowser. “But what if someone saw us? We’re not entirely alone here, and they would surely get the wrong impression... if there were nothing between us.” Bowser went up to Sombra and gave a reassuring pat on the head. “Don’t worry, I know how to fix that real easy.” The party was in full swing back in the entrance hall, as goombas conga-lined and Boos flitted about with party favors and the one wiggler getting a little tipsy on his many feet. It was an atmosphere of good cheer and goodwill that was quickly shattered by the booming arrival of Bowser. “Okay Slackers, Party's Over! You did your work so get on back home, you’re no longer needed!” “But Your Disruptiveness, can’t we wait until morning? We’re in no hurry, and it’s still night out,” one troopa spoke up. “It’s always night out here, genius! Now scram, all of ya, before I start laying down the pain on your worthless shells! So get out, out out out out out Nooooooow!” At his roar the congregation of construction workers cleared out through the main doors and fled into the night like the devil was on their heels, with a few Shy Guys tripping over for predictability’s sake. With the entire castle quiet and mostly empty, Bowser returned to Sombra’s room. “Alright, no distractions or nosy minions to worry about.” He closed the door before looking to the bed. “Okay, so how bout we—” Bowser stopped as his train of thought was interrupted by the sight of the stallion removing the last piece of his armor, which he placed neatly on a chair with the other parts as well as his cape. “Whoa, hey there Black Beauty,” he jested. “Actually, more like Ash Grey Beauty, heheh. Looks like you were more eager for this then you let on.” “I thought I may as well get comfortable, and I think armor would ruin the mood.” Sombra went up to the bed and got on it. “Shall we adjourn?” “Heh, sure.” Bowser stomped over and planted himself onto the bed spread across from Sombra. Stallion and koopa looked to each other a few inches from one another’s face. “So... just to see if anything progresses?” Sombra asked. “Yup!” Sombra looked to the side with a bit of uncertainty, but redirected his focus back to Bowser. “Now I’ve become all nervous. Your forwardness is making this all awkward and absurd.” “I’m starting to get a bit nervous too, so you’re not alone. But it’s also kinda exciting.” “Yes, that as well. Hmm, I guess we can begin with leaning in and...?” “You’re the one leading, pal,” Bowser said with an assuring smile. Sombra took a breath. “Alright, here it goes.” Sombra leaned forward slowly, delicately, as Bowser started doing the same. Lost in the scaly lummox’s eyes, and Bowser lost in Sombra’s green and red pupils, the two grew closer and closer, until... The next... um, night, saw Sombra waking up from under the covers of his bed, his groomed mane a mess and wearing an over-sized spiked choker and bracelets. “Well, that escalated quickly.” Under the covers next to him, Bowser sat up, Sombra’s cape over his eyes as an impromptu blindfold and also wearing a sombrero for some reason. “No kidding,” the koopa agreed, as he lifted his arms to undo the cape. “I didn’t think it would go so far, to be honest. I expected discomfort and shame and regret, but everything just went by so well. A veritable whirlwind of passion.” “It’s weird. Like, it just came naturally.” The koopa paused to take off the sombrero, gave it a surprised look, then tossed it away. “I’m like, speechless at how easily I got into it. Guess I’ve been barking up the wrong tree all these years.” “You were pretty aggressive, I can say that much. But given what you are, that’s not the least bit surprising.” “Kinda awkward with those legs of yours at first, but that magic really made things interesting. Gotta say, you were a real animal in the sack. Bwahahahaha!” Sombra gave himself a facehoof. “Aren’t you a clever one...” “Yessiree! I never thought I’d get to use that pun, wahahaha!” Sombra rubbed down some of his mussy mane before looking to Bowser. “So, where does this leave us?” Bowser tapped his chin contemplatively. “Hmm. For starters, I’ve come to an earth-shattering understanding of myself. And secondly, I’m sure this makes us an item.” “Giving in to a committed relationship already, after just one night? Rather touching, but unquestionably rash.” “Why shouldn’t it be so? We’re like, total soul mates. I didn’t go run off screaming, and it was really fun.” “Hmph, now you make it sound like you were into it solely for physical gratification.” Bowser leaned over and put an arm around his stallion. “Not at all. It’s a bonus, but it only proves that I’m totally okay with going the whole way. Since, y’know, we just went the whole way. But I’m also all about the moral support and junk like that.” “Truthfully?” “Totally, man.” Bowser gave a big peck on Sombra’s horn. “Villains gotta look out for each other, and especially villainous couples.” “A couple. Ha, I never imagined I’d wind up in one, and especially not with the likes of you.” Sombra looked away as a new thought occurred to him. “Speaking of, what will your minions think? Are we going to keep this a secret?” “Heck no! We got nothing to hide: just plain, honest feelings that no one should laugh at. And if anyone does laugh, or objects, I’ll just send them to the gallows. I’ll even build a gallows to cater to the crime of mocking the love we have. Nope, no dancing around hiding from the world: this is how it’s going to be!” Sombra snuggled up with his chubby hubby. “You really are something else. Though, it will be somewhat a hassle living in two separate castles, set apart by a great distance.” “Oh right. That would make it a long-distance relationship in that case...” Bowser went silent, but an idea sparked him back to focus. “Orrrr, you could move in to my place, and we can make this into a vacation house-slash-castle. That way when we’re not doing evil scheming and villainy we can just fly out here for a weekend getaway.” “That would work out splendidly,” Sombra approved as he lovingly moved a hoof over the scaly lord's chest in circles. “Though it wouldn’t be entirely fitting for an evil king like myself to sleep in the guest suite.” “No problem, Sombra. I’ll just have my crew build a new royal bedroom just for you, and make it as big and nice as mine.” “Why not share the one that’s already there?” “Oh. Yeah, that’d work better, and make more sense.” Bowser took in a deep breath of satisfaction and looked ahead, lost in the moment. “Wow. Me in a relationship. I can hardly believe it.” “So can I.” Sombra snuggled more into the bulk of his red-headed partner, further affirming the reality of his desires made true. “...I love you.” “I love you too, heh, ‘darling’.” “I don’t think so.” “Then how bout snookums?” “No.” “Sexy stallion?” “Please don’t ruin the moment.” “Alright.” Bowser rested his head atop of Sombra’s, and for a good while, they remained there, silent, basking in one another’s presence, at one with their conjoined happiness. “So, what do you want for breakfast?” “You’re hopeless...”