(The Rayas look at each other in confusion over Bowser's words, with Real Rayas slightly squinting at Other Rayas. What will Lion choose? All the while the twins having a silent conversation, thinking of the fact, it all happened with the Puzzles AU event being very close. Could it be...)
(Lion is straining so hard over the two decisions. Yeses and Nos overwhelming him into indecision, to the point the larger Koopa notes.)
(The Rayas finished their silent conversation, and conclusion. They talk to calm Lion, and Other Rayas mentions the competition... resulting in Lion completely calming down and start connecting the dots)
(Looks like Lion has made his mind... The twins are uncertain, of what Lion has chosen)
(Bowser, hearing this... from Lion, and a different Puzzles from the others he's kidnapped, this is a first. Will order chicken, but turns down a better cell in exchange for it, why?)
(Everyone including Bowser, with raised eyebrows, of how Lion was able to say his logic. In addition, we get to see what is Lion's moral compass)
(So chicken it is. An unexpected third option yet good one, that would satisfy both sides. And somehow bringing up the concept of Bowser Revolution)
(Lion is aware that not all Puzzles will be nice, and wonders if Bowser has already met them and if they put up a struggle. In addition, to their varying personalities. He personally, isn't sure what to think about them)
(Lion looks down at the back of his hands and arms, and itching at one of them; the back of them covered in pale white hair... doing this solemnly. Reminding himself, he has to live with what he's born with; physical and emotional insecurities. The Rayas Twins, know how Lion's (story) life is) (slight self-deprecating)
(As Other Rayas handles Lion her phone since her other arm is trapped and Real Rayas holding on the peculiar small backpack, to order more chicken, Bowser boasts he'll put any Puzzles AUs in place if they bother Lion. Because he has dealt with them with little to no effort. But Lion doesn't want any trouble)
(Lion knows this is how his third option will work. Other than satisfy both options, this is only between him, Bowser, and in addition, the Rayas. And keeping the Bowser Revolution intact)
(Author here: I'm too tired to draw any more. Blasted burnouts from work. So narration and dialogue will (and one last Image) will have to do here below)
(Lion tries to lighten the possible awkward mood of Bowser's thoughts, by recalling how Bowser did an awesome move to scoop the twins first before catching Lion and the last piece of chicken in mid air thanks to the shockwave (which also launched the Rayas in the air, but Lion went higher)... Lion is light) (STILL WON'T DRAW IT)
(The Rayas twins look at each other with hopeful small smiles, seeing that no matter what happens, and if Lion knows as well, not all is dull; but even if things won't go how they want, they'll have to go along with it) (dialogue here because I'm burnt out to draw more, author speaking)
*Other Rayas: (thinking) "I'm so proud, I want to kiss Lion (platonically) on the side of his TV frame."
Real Rayas: (thinking) "Lion might had sometimes cowered from stressful situations, but he can still grow courage along with careful logic making. It is slow, yeah, but he has shown otherwise. Besides, he has a good heart."
(Oh... now that the Uber Eats with the order of chicken is on its way (and very soon arriving, hopefully before arriving to their destination by the time Bowser has eaten it), Lion wonders if... one or both Rayas could join him in his cell; or at least, check on him once in a while during his stay (hopefully and mainly as long as they don't attempt to let Lion out; he would tell the girls not to, if the option presents). He knows it's very unlikely even if they are his 'support coaches,' so Lion decides it is likely out of the question; plus doesn't want to ask more than what he has already with the Koopa King. Not even, when the missed lunch is reminding him he's overdue... However, the Rayas are on the same boat, so from the peculiar small backpack Real Rayas has, she shares some wrapped dango for each; for herself, her twin, and Lion. As if knowing, wherever they are being taken, might take long. Lion smiles gratefully at the Rayas even if he could barely see them from his angle, just as he finished his treat)
Real Rayas: (with a calm expression, Other Rayas as well. Both reach Lion with their fixed cord tails, taped where the connecting prongs used to be, willingly severed a year ago since the "incident," and wrap it gently on his hand in reassurance) "We'll cross that bridge when we reach to the other side."
(Lion figures as long as the Rayas are watching from afar (unless if allowed to check on Lion once in a while), he knows, he wasn't kidnapped alone)
(So... what now? Just wait)
(Huh, the UberEats seems very quick on deliveries at this time. That was quick)
BONUS LINE (partially noncanon):
*Other Rayas: "I already highlighted which chicken for speed ordering. I think it was regular fried chicken (from before), and... spicy drumsticks with crispy, honey flaked? Yeah, honey flaked.
(Even if neither the Rayas nor Lion could see, Bowser slightly raises his eyebrows on the last one. Is that his favorite kind?)
