Think you know the mystery of L is Real 2401? By the time this story is over, you'll never look at it the same way again!
Before we begin, you may want to skim through my previous story, L is Real 2015, in order to understand parts of this story. I'm writing this as a prequel/companion piece which explains my initial inspiration for it.
Now fasten your seat belts, sit back, relax, and prepare to delve into a 19-year-old mystery.
1996
All was well, another day (and princess) saved. Mario had just finished his first 3D adventure, simply known as Super Mario 64, created for the N64 console. Now, he was claiming his delicious reward, one of Peach's delicious cakes. As he ate, he reflected on the exciting events that had just transpired—going through paintings, collecting stars, swinging reptilian kings around by their tails, the whole nine yards. Despite the danger, it had been worth it. Peach had given him a gentle kiss, and now he was devouring cake. What more could a hero want?
For starters, he really wanted his brother by his side. He pleaded with, cajoled and even bribed the suits at Nintendo to include Luigi in this venture, but no. For some reason, they unceremoniously put Mario's younger sibling on the pay-no-mind list for Super Mario 64, thinking that no-one would notice. Sigh. They didn't care about family or brotherly love—they just wanted to sit back and watch the profits pour in. As for the jilted Luigi, he put on a brave face, yet Mario had known he was devastated. Soon, baby bro, he promised himself. Soon.
Once he had his fill of the cake, Mario walked out into the courtyard and made himself comfortable at the fountain, his eyes on a mysterious plaque engraved in the marble. He'd passed it many times throughout the adventure, but he had no time to dwell on it until now. The plaque bore a simple yet puzzling message: L is Real 2401. He had no idea what it meant. All he knew was that the L stood for the oft-neglected, oft-overlooked Luigi. Maybe this was a warning, hinting that excluding him was not such a good idea.
Possibilities flooded into his mind. Maybe Luigi was unlockable in the game, and the message was a secret code. Maybe the player had to collect 2401 coins to unlock him. Or have the game on for 24 minutes and one second. Perhaps it stood for the number of times Luigi had been passed up for recognition. Who knew?
"It's intriguing, isn't it?"
Mario noticed that Peach had joined him, just as engrossed in the plaque as he.
"It is," said Mario. "Do you have some idea what it means?"
"Maybe it foreshadows Luigi being a part of something big, thought I don't know what," postulated Peach. "I do know it has to involve him, because of the letter L, and the fact that he wasn't invited to be in this adventure. How selfish of Nintendo, by the way."
"I'm sure they'll make it up to him sooner or later," hoped Mario. "Maybe he'll be in a game where he has to rescue Daisy. Or something like that."
"Really?" asked Peach. "I think that would be wonderful for him."
"I have to go see how he's doing," said Mario. "He's still a little miffed by it. Thanks for the cake—I nearly ate the whole thing."
"You don't want me to come with you?" asked Peach.
"I think what he needs is a little brother-to-brother time," explained Mario. "I'll be back tomorrow to check up on things."
"Give him my love," said Peach.
"I will."
Mario and his princess shared another kiss before he left to see about his bro.
Neither he nor Peach would ever forget L is Real 2401.
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