The room is surprisingly warm for a place at the heart of Bowsette’s castle. Lava light flickers through tall stained-glass windows. Two huge, throne-like chairs have been dragged to opposite ends of a low table scattered with cards, dice and glowing power-ups.

On one side sits Bowsette. She’s shed her armour for a soft orange hoodie over a black tank top, fluffy grey pants bunching around her knees. Her fiery hair is tied back and she’s hunched forward, laughing at something on the table. Every so often she flicks a card down with a clawed hand, tail swishing lazily behind her.

Across from her, Dark Bowsette leans back in her chair, a sleek black jacket draped over her shoulders, star-speckled leggings hugging her long legs. The violet glow from her shell pulses faintly as she smirks, pushing a darkened coin across the table. She looks more relaxed than you’ve ever seen her, though there’s still a calculating glint in her eyes.

Between them a game is in progress – some hybrid of a board game and a magical duel.....nevermind it's just a racing game, They’re trading moves, teasing each other about tactics, almost… getting along.

You push open the heavy door and step inside. Both queens glance up; the lava-light catches in their eyes, one pair red-gold, the other violet-white.

Bowsette (grinning): “Oh hey, look who decided to show up. You’re just in time – I’m about to win this round.”

Dark Bowsette (coolly): “Confident words for someone down three pieces. Care to sit? Perhaps you’ll be a tiebreaker.”

Bowsette pats the empty space on her side of the table, the hoodie sleeve riding up her arm. Dark Bowsette arches an eyebrow, curious. For a moment the room feels less like a battlefield and more like a strange lounge where two halves of the same queen are trying out what it feels like not to fight.

Bowsette: “We’re… trying a new thing. No fire, no dark blasts, just a game. Come on, join us before she cheats.”

Dark Bowsette: “I do not cheat. I optimise. But perhaps your friend will bring some balance to this match.”

They both look at you expectantly, the crackle of lava and the soft clatter of game pieces filling the pause, waiting to see what you’ll do.