#Loving and appreciating Junior as he already is- but also feeling priviledged for the brief time skip

[elitadream]

Ok, I have one last question regardig the babies, sort of anyway, How would everyone react to seeing an adult Jr?

Ooh, that's a fun one to imagine! ☺️🩵

They would recoil in shock upon seeing this large beast suddenly appearing around the corner and barreling towards them at high speed; their instant feeling of alarm relenting somewhat upon seeing the huge grin on his face and the sincere joy in his eyes.

"Mario!!"

Before the man could react or even process this new development, he would be swept up right off the ground by two massive paws and squished in a strong bear hug, wheezing from the pressure.

"It's so good to be able to do this for once!" The creature would exclaim, happily swinging him back and forth in his crushing hold. His voice -pleasantly deep and amicable, yet unmistakably familiar- would have Mario blinking incredulously in recognition.

"Junior??" He would rasp, hardly able to breathe. The Koopa would finally release him, still smiling broadly, and it would only be then that Mario would note how strikingly similar he looks to Bowser. Behind them, Luigi and Peach would also stare in amazement.

"Can you believe it? Now I'm just like my papa!"

The prince would strike a regal pose for good measure, his merriment however dissipating rather swiftly as he would hum and join his hands in front of himself in thought; a hint of his usual self reflecting starkly in his sheepish demeanor. "Too bad it's only temporary though..."

"You- But- What- How's that possible??" Luigi would stammer out loud, visibly dumbfounded.

"I, uh... took Kamek's wand while he was asleep," Junior would say, shuffling his feet bashfully. There would be a stunned silence before he would hastily add, "B-but I made sure to put it back where I found it before anyone noticed! He usually keeps it under lock and key. I just wanted to try it, that's all! Besides, the age inducing spell only lasts about an hour, so... I'll be a kid again very soon."

His enthusiasm would deflate entirely with his statement, and Mario couldn't help but shake his head with a fond chuckle at that. Peach and Luigi would follow suit, sharing an amused look.

"What's so funny?" Junior would ask, frowning confusedly.

"You seem to think of that as a bad thing," Mario would answer. "As though this older version of you is better."

While explaining himself, he would step forward and maintain Junior's gaze, his expression warm and indulgent.

"And fair enough, it's indeed incredible... I'm looking at you and- I feel so proud. But that's only because of who you already are. Child or not, it doesn't matter. You're amazing, and I know that you have a bright future ahead of you. I'm only glad I got to see a small glimpse of it today."

Junior's astonishement would morph into deep thankfulness and delight as he would promptly embrace him again; albeit more gently this time.

"Thank you," he would murmur, giving the man a meaningful squeeze.

Mario would take a moment to marvel at how big and robust and majestic his young friend has temporarily become, openly welcoming the fantastic surrealness of the moment. As for Luigi and Peach, they would similarly admire the stark change in Junior's appearance; however knowing full well that it will only be a matter of time before they see him like this again. ^-^ 💫