[13 ~ video (private: Bowser) -> RL in Mushroom Kingdom]

[blahblahblah]

Hey, old man. I wanna make good on that promise from before, if it's still open. If I'm going to be traveling alone... I need to get stronger. And I can't do that here.

Tell me what you need from me.

Comments

[blahblahblah]

[Rita's not used to such rough treatment, but... it's what she's got, so she's not going to object as she's picked up like a sack of potatoes and transported to...

...where the hell was this? 'Well, clearly it's his castle, but... something like this is a little absurd, isn't it? It's like I'm a new hire at the mook placement agency.']

Yeah, I'll remember it. All of it. I've got one big question, though - how am I going to get back and forth from here and Terca Lumireis? Surely you're too busy to carry me each way.

[king_bowser]

Yep. That's why I've got you one of these. [Bowser reaches into his shell and pulls out what looks like a cell phone in his image. He displays it for a moment, then hands it to Rita.]

This'll get you to Terca-Lumi-place or here from anywhere. Don't lose that.

Laaate... sorry!

[blahblahblah]

[Her attitude immediately shifts - if she's being trusted with a worldhop to and from the Mushroom Kingdom, he's serious about this. She owes him the same, and as she accepts the phone, she gives it a once-over for apparent button configurations before nodding and sliding it into a pocket.]

Got it. Thank you, Your Highness. Any orders for now? If not, I think I've got a little spellwork to throw some logic at.

[king_bowser]

[Bowser smiles a bit at Rita's sudden change in attitude, but he doesn't pause at all.]

Not right now. It's pretty well up to you at the moment.

If you want to practice, bring some backup with you down to the surface. The Koopa Kingdom's probably pretty warm compared to what you're used to, so you'll want someone else to make sure you don't fall in the lava. You'll get some actual robes during the ceremony, but here's a practice robe. [He hands her a tattered grey Magikoopa robe that looks like it'll be a loose fit.]

If you really want to go after Mario, bring backup. He's a tornado in overalls, so you'll need to be on your guard and have a way out if things get too bad. He's also freed four of the Star Spirits now, so they're helping him, too. Anything you find out from there, report back here.

But more than anything, (puts a gigantic hand on her shoulder and makes eye contact) be careful. There's a lot of dangerous stuff in this world, and you can't afford to be reckless. (hands her two 1-up Mushrooms) Here. Just in case.