Mario had been contemplating solutions in vain, sitting by himself forlornly after yet another grim and discouraging day of continuous failure when he registered the faint shuffling of timid steps nearby.
It was quite late and the man didn't exactly have the energy to feel surprised, but he curiously lifted his head nonetheless.
"Junior?" He wondered aloud, gazing worriedly at his provisory ally. "What's wrong?"
The young prince was rubbing his eyes, swaying idly on his feet and stubbornly staring at the ground. He didn't respond, but he didn't need to. His distress and need for company was plain to see.
Knowingly, Mario unfolded his legs and rested both hands on his knees, giving him a compassionate look.
"Couldn't sleep either, huh?"
Junior shrugged before joining him and leaning against his side, eyes downcast. There was no trace of mischief or deception to his demeanor. Only a defeated sort of acceptance.
Mario couldn't help but feel a genuine twinge of amazement at the vulnerable gesture.
"I'm... really sorry about your dad," he ventured, not quite daring to move.
Junior blinked wearily, but showed no other sign of acknowledgement. There was a brief moment of silence until Mario felt compelled to look at him once more.
"I don't know how long this might take, but I promise you we will find a way to turn him back to normal. I will not give up on you, or him. You have my word," he assured gently.
Junior merely curled in on himself more tightly as a response, appearing impossibly small compared to the gigantic beast his father had somehow become. His brows were furrowed in an expression the plumber had never seen before. A deep sadness mixed with a touch of remorsefulness, or perhaps resentment.
Mario was about to ask if he had somehow said something he shouldn't when Junior finally spoke.
"My Papa is wrong about you," he muttered, very quietly.
Before Mario could so much as blink, the small Koopa went on, shaking his head with a sniffle.
"You're not a coward and you're not stupid. You work hard and you never complain. You just want to help everyone, all the time. Even us."
His words, albeit said reluctantly, were spoken with uncharacteristic sincerity. Mario couldn't find it in himself to smile, so he carefully wrapped an arm around the prince's shell instead, giving his shoulder a comforting pat.
"I don't mind the insults. Not really," he amended softly, hoping that he somehow sounded more confident than he felt. "I guess that's just the way Bowser perceives me. It's okay."
"No, it's not," the young heir retorted. "He's very unfair towards you. He said some really mean and hurtful things, and-"
Junior stopped himself with a small whine, pawing at his face again. He was still averting his gaze, but the fragile tone of his voice betrayed his guilt.
"...I said mean things, too. I'm sorry."
For a few seconds, Mario could only stare mutely back at him, stunned by the unexpected apology. He then shifted closer, bringing his arm more securely around the Koopa in a side hug.
"Everybody makes mistakes," he murmured. "But everybody can change."
"I wish that was also true for my Papa," Junior mumbled, dejectedly.
At this, Mario hummed wistfully, his answer long believed and thoroughly considered.
"Maybe... all he needs is a bit of help."
-
When I first heard of Bowser's Fury a few months ago, all I knew about the plot was that Junior goes to seek Mario's help in the hopes of stopping his father's rampage. And words couldn't describe how much I LOVED the idea. Although this is an older drawing and my look for Junior has since changed a bit (the same way I eventually altered Bowser's design), this was the concept that later inspired the way I've decided to approach Mario and Junior's relationship in a broader sense - which means that there'll definitely be more with these two. :3
Mario being enduringly kind and winning foes over with nothing but his goodness of heart never fails to give me feels, and I want more of that. 💖
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Delilah calling Ashton a child in ep 78 vs ep 37 when they confront her at the Desiccated Sun Tree in Laudna’s Mindscape and she calls them all ‘children’ and reminds them what, exactly, she does to children (via a reference to the two kids hanged alongside Laudna as Pike and Scanlan.)
We all know Delilah was trying to manipulate Laudna into acting on her behalf, going against those she calls friends to get power and revenge, but that particular vein… It all just hits on some deeper insidious kind of way. But Laudna’s so fundamentally good, it flies over her head. She loves children. She doesn’t want to hurt them. So she doesn’t even clock the implications Delilah is laying down, diametrically opposed to her own as they are, and decides to do for Ashton something that does not treat their ‘childishness’ in a condescending way, but with warmth and compassion.
Ugh. This story, man.
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Christ's Call:
The Joy of Serving Others:
Introduction:
Start a compelling journey of service and compassion as we delve into the transformative impact of serving others, as illuminated in the Bible. Together we'll uncover the joy and fulfillment that comes from following Christ's example of selfless love.
Scripture Passage: Matthew 25:35-40 (KJV)
Cross References: Galatians 5:13, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Peter 4:10-11
Commentary:
Matthew 25:35-40 recounts Jesus' teaching on serving others, emphasizing that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the needy, we are serving Him. This passage highlights the integral role of compassion and service in the Christian life.
Galatians 5:13 exhorts us to serve one another in love, for all the law is fulfilled in one word: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." This verse emphasizes the connection between love and service within the body of Christ.
Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to esteem others better than ourselves, looking not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others. This passage underscores the humility and selflessness required in serving others.
1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us that each one should use the gifts received to serve others, as good stewards of God's varied grace. This verse highlights the importance of using our talents and abilities for the benefit of others and God's kingdom.
Questions:
How does serving others contribute to your spiritual growth and relationship with God?
In what ways can you identify and utilize your unique gifts and talents for serving others?
What obstacles hinder you from engaging in acts of compassion and service?
How can you cultivate a lifestyle of service that reflects Christ's love and compassion in your community?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the privilege of serving others in your name. Teach us to embrace the joy of selfless love and compassion, following the example of Christ. Help us to use our gifts and resources to bless those in need and to glorify your name. May our acts of service reflect your love to the world. Amen.
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲
The Greek word for the spiritual gift of mercy is eleeo. It means to be patient and compassionate toward those who are suffering or afflicted. The concern for the physical as well as spiritual need of those who are hurting is covered by the gift of mercy. Those with this gift have great empathy for others in their trials and sufferings. They are able to come alongside people over extended periods of time and see them through their healing process. They are truly and literally the hands and feet of God to the afflicted.
All Christians are called to be merciful because God has been merciful to us.
³³ “Should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant as I had mercy on you?”
—Matthew 18:33
⁴ “But God is rich in his mercy, and because he had such great love for us, ⁵ He brought us to life with Christ when we were already dead through sin—it is by grace that you have been saved. ⁶ He raised us up in union with Christ Jesus and enthroned us with him in the heavens,”
—Ephesians 2:4-6
The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of mercy to some in the church to love and assist those who are suffering, and walk with them until The Lord allows their burden to be lifted. The gift of mercy is founded in God’s mercy towards us as sinners and is consistently expressed with measurable compassion. Those with this gift are able to:
¹⁵ “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.”
—Romans 12:15
and
² “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
—Galatians 6:2
They are sensitive to the feelings and circumstances of others and can quickly discern when someone is not doing well. They are typically good listeners and feel the need to simply “be there” for others.
⁸ “...whoever performs acts of mercy should do so cheerfully.”
—Romans 12:8
⁷ “Blessed are the merciful,
for they will obtain mercy.”
—Matthew 5:7
³⁰ Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him and beat him, and then went off leaving him half-dead. ³¹ A priest happened to be traveling along that same road, but when he saw him he passed by on the other side. ³² A Levite likewise came to that spot and saw him, but he too passed by on the other side.
³³ “But a Samaritan who was traveling along that road came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. ³⁴ He went up to him and bandaged his wounds after having poured oil and wine on them. Then he brought him upon his own animal to an inn and looked after him.
³⁵ “The next day, he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Look after him, and when I return I will repay you for anything more you might spend.’
³⁶ “Which of those three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” ³⁷He answered, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
—Luke 10:30-37
¹⁷ “However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, and considerate, full of mercy and good fruits, without any trace of partiality or hypocrisy.”
—James 3:17
²² “Have compassion for those who are wavering. ²³Save others by snatching them out of the fire. And for still others have compassion mixed with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.”
—Jude 22-23.
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