Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Mario or its characters/themes/settings.
Chapter Two
I really should've done this last night; packed my clothes, I mean. I'm a pretty organized person, I plan ahead and I'm good at keeping things neat and orderly in my life. Last night, no the entire day yesterday had been rough and all I had on my mind was getting a good night's rest from such disorienting news. This morning I planned on packing up my clothes before I left to board the train to the Mushroom Kingdom but unfortunately I got a little too good of a night's sleep and didn't wake up until almost noon. The train should be leaving around three or four, I wasn't totally sure seeing as I hadn't had time to stop and glance at it, I was too busy chucking clothes into a pile on the bed. Shirts in one pile, pants in another, underwear and socks in the last one. Most of the pants I was bringing along were my work slacks, they were some of the only ones I owned besides a few pairs of dark jeans. The shirts were all black or blue or green t-shirts and were hopelessly wrinkled. I only wore them to bed or on my rare off days. I didn't even remember whether I had an iron stored here somewhere or not.
Once I was satisfied with what I'd chosen, I went over to the bed and began folding each article of clothing quickly. I did manage to go and brush my teeth and wash my face after I'd rolled out of bed so late this morning so I didn't have to worry about that. The clothes that I folded were separated once more, the bulk of which were casual wear and were placed in my small black rolling luggage case. The nicest outfit I owned, a dress shirt and a pair of slacks, were put in my small black satchel. The other stuff I just kinda threw into my old green backpack; stuff like my toothbrush, toothpaste, my comb, my underwear, and a good chunk of my comic book collection. I walked around my apartment looking for stuff that I could've overlooked in my rush. During that cursory scan I added my black wristwatch, the one Mario gave me when I was twelve, and my worn house slippers. I decided to go and pee before I left, and while doing so I remembered to grab my pills. Those I put in my satchel with my nice clothes. I was pretty sure I'd packed everything.
With my backpack on and the black satchel in hand, I extended the handle on my luggage and went about making my way to the front door. While I rolled it along the hardwood I shut doors and turned off lights. Should I tell my landlord I'm leaving? I already told my boss. It would be the courteous thing to do. I nodded: I'd call him. I dragged my stuff to the door and set it there, then went to the kitchen where my house phone was set up. I hardly ever used the thing but it was good to have. With it I got in touch with my landlord; of course he didn't answer. He only comes by when the rent's due and only then if I miss a payment, which I try to never ever do if I could help it. I left him a brief message explaining things and then went to the door. Clutching my bags, I stepped outside and was glad I'd remembered to wear my leather jacket over my dark polo; it was freezing. I blinked in the afternoon light and then saw someone on the balcony. It was Tanya.
Great. Just what I need, I thought to myself. I turned around and put my satchel and suitcase down so that I could rummage through my pocket and get the key. I took my time locking the door. I didn't want to deal with this girl. Still facing the door, I shut my eyes and blew out a quiet sigh of frustration. I didn't want to, but I had to deal with her. She wasn't the type to just take a hint and go away on her own. I turned around and was about to say something when I noticed what she was wearing. It was ridiculous. The girl had on some of the tightest burgundy corduroys that did her slim hips way too much justice and a pair of rugged cowboy boots that jingled every time the heel of her feet hit the railing. She was perched precariously on the railing, I idly wondered how long she'd been there. Once again her tan stomach was exposed as she wore a long sleeve black cotton button up that was pushed up at the elbows and tied in a knot below her chest. Speaking of that area, the top buttons were undone so that the edges of a royal blue, lacy bra showed below her popped collar. Her thick, tangled short hair curled under her chin and brushed her flushed cheeks. I didn't know why the redhead insisted on walking out of her room dressed like that. I suppose I should be flattered at her attempts to impress me but I was only worried for her. The silly girl might get sick if she wasn't careful.
I moved to pick up my bags just as she hopped down from the balcony and grabbed one from me. It was my satchel. She smiled and strode ahead of me. I thought about making a scene but decided against it. I'd play along, if only to make this ordeal go more quickly.
"Morning, Luigi," She smiled flirtatiously.
Stuck in her mouth was a skinny white stick that attached to a lime green sucker. She pulled it out before she spoke, then popped it back between her lips again. I don't know why, but this got on my nerves.
I walked past her and said, "It's not morning."
It was a bit cold, but I was in a hurry and she wasn't really my favorite person. Briskly I headed downstairs but she avidly kept pace with me, even asked questions all the while much to my aggravation.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
"Wedding," I answered shortly.
"Where?" she inquired.
"Far away." I told her.
Far, far away from you, I thought.
"Who's getting married?" She wanted to know.
"A relative." I replied.
"Are you in it?" She then asked.
"No." I lied.
"Oh." was all she said.
I suppose it worked, those curt answers. Maybe she got the message that I didn't want to talk right now. She and I touched down on the first floor and started towards the parking lot. I chanced a glance at her and saw that she had my satchel up to her chest and a soft look was in her eyes.
"So how long are you staying?" she asked.
I said, "Not long."
Not long enough, I added inside. Should've packed more clothes.
Her grey eyes darkened mischievously, "Good, I can't wait til you get back."
Why, so you can harass me some more, I thought to myself. I walked around her to my car and popped open the locks with my remote. As I was loading the suitcase and duffel bag into the front passenger seat, I noticed her still standing there. My head was level with her decorated navel and from this angle I could see the goosebumps littering her smooth flesh. What is wrong with this girl, I once again thought. I stood up and held out my hand.
"Give it to me," I ordered wearily in reference to my satchel.
She grinned and held it behind her back, then shook her head. "Nuh uh."
"Tanya," I warned.
She stepped closer to me and batted her lashes with her head tilted up, "I want a goodbye kiss first."
My eyes were rolling before I could stop them, "Tanya, don't start."
She pushed herself onto her toes but I was quicker in backing away. She pouted and took the sucker from her mouth, leaving only one small hand to grip the satchel strap. I reached around her rapidly and yanked the bag from her easily. However, as I grabbed it she dove forward and knocked her lips against the corner of my mouth. I leapt back and glared at her. Those candy-pink lips of hers were soft and sweet, but artificially so thanks to the waxy gloss she'd coated them in. She backed away empty-handed, looking quite pleased with herself.
"Bye, Luigi!" She called as she sashayed away back towards the apartments complex.
I watched her go, too relieved at the idea of being away for a good while to be mad at her for long. I really did need a break, from her especially.
For the past two hours I went through every one of the eighteen comic books I'd packed at least twice. My mind wasn't on them. I was nervous. I didn't want to do this. What would it be like, seeing my brother again after so long? In all our life we'd never been separated for more than a few days, and at one time a couple of weeks or maybe a month. Would there be some kind of change between us or would things just go smoothly? He did have a knack for setting awkward situations at ease most times. And what about her? What would seeing her again be like? My body did funny things just thinking about it, so I chose not to. I looked out the window instead. It was the same old dreary scene; faded tan dirt ground and a washed out baby blue sky. There were no clouds and there wasn't the usual golden glow about the Kalimari Desert that I remembered. It looked like all the life had been sucked from the normally cheery landscape. I gazed down at the book in my lap and flipped through the embossed, colorful pages boredly.
Suddenly the train slowed to a stop. I looked up in confusion at the other passengers for an explanation. They were all fine, nothing was going on, there wasn't a state of emergency so what was going on? I turned my head in the opposite direction towards the front of the train and saw that the a man in uniform was coming down the aisle, checking for tickets. Well duh, Luigi, what did you think was happening? Has it been that long since I've ridden a train? I've gotta get out of my apartment more, besides going back and forth to work.
I shifted in my seat and faced forward once more. Might as well get my ticket out now and be ready for when he comes up to me. I didn't have any seat mates, so I put my backpack and my suitcase on the table in front of me. The comic book that rested in my lap I put on top of the wooden table as well so that I could sit up and dig through my pockets for my ticket. It wasn't in the left one. Nor the right. I frowned and checked once more, but it wasn't there.
That's weird, I thought. I dragged my green backpack across the table down into my lap and pulled the zipper open. I checked inside but it wasn't in there, nor was it in any of the other compartments. Rummaging through my suitcase that lay at my feet, I came up with similar results. Where is it?
"Your ticket sir," The collector stated blandly.
I looked up at the older guy in mild distress and said, "Just gimme a minute."
He could obviously see that I was having a bit of trouble. He told me he'd be back around after checking the other passengers. I breathed a sigh of relief and began searching anew. Right when I was delving through my socks and underwear unabashedly, it came to me. My ticket wasn't here, it was at home. On the nightstand. Inside the envelope with the invitation I'd neglected to pack.
Ah, man, why?
I closed my eyes dismally and flopped back against the booth. I sank down in my seat with this new revelation and frowned. Now what, I thought. The train hummed to life. I jerkily sat back up and looked over the edge of my seat to see the collector coming back my way. My heart sounded off in my ears and I nervously stood. I wanted to get off this train before he came back, figured I'd save myself some embarrassment. I pulled on my corduroy backpack and yanked my suitcase off the table, then hurriedly made my way down the aisle towards the exit. I made it just as the collector neared my seat. As I stepped off the vehicle I blew out a tired sigh. Well that was a waste.
With my suitcase rolling along the sand behind me, I walked over to the rest station that the train had stopped under. It was a modest wooden structure with benches set on both sides of the large train. I settled myself on one of them to sort out my thoughts. It looks like I'll be walking to Mushroom City now. And with this heavy, hulking suitcase no less. Wait a minute.
"My bag! My satchel!" I remembered aloud.
I left it on the train! After I took out my comic books, I left those on the table as well, I stuck my black satchel under the seat. The saying, out of sight out of mind was unfortunately ringing true. I had to go get my stuff. Rising from the bench quickly, I parked my suitcase beside it and adjusted my backpack. I made it back to the train and stepped up to the platform but as I was ascending the steps, the collector stopped me.
"Ticket sir," He demanded.
I told him, "I don't have one. I left it at home."
He lifted his chin and said, "No ticket, no access. I'm sorry, but I must ask that you-"
"Look, my stuff is on there, just let me go get it." I interrupted.
The guy eyed me warily, "I'm afraid I cannot do that."
Unbelievable, I thought. I wasn't desperate enough to hitch a ride on this train for free. It was my stupid mistake to leave my ticket at home, I could admit that much. But couldn't this guy just let me run and get my bag? What did he think I'd do, stow away in a compartment or lock myself in the bathroom or do something else ridiculous that would cause a scene? As he began walking away I huffed and rolled my eyes. I was careful to school my features once more into the picture of politeness.
"Well, sir, can't you just go check and see that it's on there, escort me to go get it, then escort me back off?" I suggested in a calm tone.
He seemed to be mildly assuaged because his eyes softened somewhat as he replied, "Very well. Wait here."
Where am I gonna go, I thought wryly. I crossed my arms and turned, then kept an eye on my suitcase by the bench. I could see that nobody was messing with it. All too soon the collector came back with a questioning look on his face. Had he checked that fast?
"What compartment did you say your luggage was located?" He asked.
I began to panic but didn't let it show on my face. On the outside I yet remained calm. I had no clue which one I was sitting at, so I told him one at random and hoped it was the right one. He rose a brow but merely walked away again to go check. Now I was nervous. If it wasn't where I said it'd be, there was a chance he'd think I was lying and wouldn't let me get back on here to get it. I should have told him to just bring it to me but I wasn't thinking clearly. I was too nervous. With my eyes still on my black suitcase I tapped my foot and crossed my arms. Seconds, minutes passed without him returning. Finally, the train roared to life and other passengers milled about, getting back onto the train and settling themselves down in their seats. I could see that they were about to depart; where is he?! My thoughts were more frantic than my outward countenance and for that alone I was grateful. If there was one thing I could do well, it was keep things hidden. Even from myself, if this latest debacle said anything. I sighed. What if he isn't coming back?
Just as I thought that, the guy came back. By now all the passengers were comfortably seated and were ready to go. He stood wearing an angry, disappointed scowl. I wondered why that was.
"I'm guessing it wasn't there?" I remarked flatly.
"You would know." He stated, unimpressed.
I sighed, "Maybe it was the wrong one, did you check all the others around it? I know it's there, just let me go-"
"I will not, sir." He said firmly. "So come off it at once."
I frowned a bit, "What. What do you mean?"
He narrowed his eyes and spoke with a voice laced with scorn and a bit of empathy, "Look, son. I know that the war has left us all on hard times but that gives you no right to try and pull a fast one."
I was utterly confused. War? What was he talking about? I wanted to argue further in order to get my stuff but I could see that the man was genuinely offended and didn't want to anger him any more than I already, inadvertently done. I offered him a tight smile and just walked away. It was a tough break, losing my stuff, but it wasn't the end of the world. I still had my backpack and my suitcase. I walked slowly back to the rest station and grabbed it by the handle, then wheeled it over to where there was a map posted on the wall. I stared at the dull parchment and its drawings until I had a good idea of where the city was and what route I should take. According to the scale at the bottom corner, 1 inch was approximately four miles. With any luck, I should reach the city in two or three hours, at best.
Might as well get to it then, I figured. I had to tighten the straps on my backpack so that it was settled high on my back. I carted my suitcase behind me and started the long journey to the city.
Only about an hour had passed and I had to take a break. It was so hot out and there wasn't any shade at all and it wasn't like I had any water to cool me off. I had taken my leather jacket and draped it over my head while I sat on my black suitcase. If that hadn't been of the rolling variety I didn't know where I'd be; probably passed out somewhere with the sand piling on top of me with each gust. Soon the buzzards would come and peck at my body, my eyes would be the first thing to go, I bet.
The heat is definitely getting to me
"Excuse me!" Someone called behind me.
And now I was hearing voices.
"Hey! Excuse me!" They called again.
The voice was getting closer. It couldn't be in my mind. I looked up and turned around to pinpoint its location. I really didn't feel like moving, I just wanted to sprawl out on my back and close my eyes and just lay down for hours. The heat was sapping away my energy and completely draining me. I shook the lethargy off as best I could and discarded my jacket while I stood. I was glad I did, the voice actually belonged to someone.
It was a girl. She wasn't very tall from what I could see, and she was making her way over to me. Her shirt was crisp-white and sleeveless and looked to be cotton. The material billowed over her legs above a pair of pale yellow shorts. Her feet were encased in knee-length lace-up brown boots that looked as if they'd seen better days. She stamped over the sand and approached me. Her brunette hair was in a braid down her back but some loose strands were curled and plastered to her temples and cheeks. Her voice was soft and so were her light brown eyes. She had her head tilted back a bit to meet my gaze. Her forehead was level with the bridge of my nose, her top lip was even with my bottom one. She was nice-looking, but not my type.
"Hi." She smiled nervously.
I swallowed and nodded, "Hey there."
"Are you going to the city?" she asked.
"Yeah." I said.
"It's a long way from here." she remarked.
"Yeah." I said again.
"Are you walking?" she then asked.
"Yeah," I said once more.
There was a pause then. I hoped she wasn't offended by my monosyllabic answers, I was just so hot and thirsty and it was hard to think straight, it was like the sun was boiling my brains. I couldn't wait to get to the city and get a drink of water and something to eat.
She smiled shyly and asked, "Would you like a ride?"
What? Ride? My mind perked at the offer. The young woman pointed behind her and I saw that there were three horses back there. Holding their reins was a lanky young man, and another, younger one stood beside him. On the back of the steeds were loads of cargo strapped down with a twine-like rope material.
"Are you sure it's not too much trouble?" I asked her, hoping she wouldn't change her mind.
It was a fault of mine to be so polite but I just couldn't help it. By her smile, I knew that she hadn't. She shook her head and tugged her head in the horses' direction.
"Not at all," She said, "We're going the same way."
I reached down and picked up my suitcase from behind me and the girl waited for me to do so. She then led me to the horses where she instructed one of the young men to take my suitcase. They strapped it down onto one of the steeds' backs and then they both climbed on, leaving one spare horse for the girl. And me.
I haven't ridden a horse in all my life. Unless Yoshi counts.
The young woman slipped agilely onto the dark black horse and patted the space behind her. I put on a smile. I wasn't gonna lie, the prospect of riding with this girl so close to me was a bit unnerving. I would be the first to admit to my anti-social tendencies, especially when it came to women. I suppose it stemmed from my antagonistic obsession with her, but I had no choice other than to lay those feelings aside. This girl had kindly offered me a ride, I vowed to myself not to offend her and decidedly climbed up onto the steed just as easily as she had.
"Alright, we ride a little fast so don't be afraid to hold on," She advised.
Oh, but I was afraid. I didn't want to hold on to her like she so innocently suggested. In some distorted way I felt like I was betraying her, which was crazy since she barely acknowledged me and more importantly because she was marrying my brother. If that wasn't a sign that things were never gonna happen then I didn't know what was. But hey, try telling my heart that. It never listens to me anyway.
When I was on the horse I made sure to settle myself behind her with as much of a friendly distance between this girl and me. She pulled her braid over her shoulder and gathered the leather straps of reins into her hands. Then we were off.
So quickly we were off.
It was calming to be on that horse, letting it take me to the city. Actually, it could take me anywhere for all I cared, so long as it was just going, going, going so fast and so smooth. The staunch wind that had been aggravating the back of my throat and the inside of my nose now whipped pleasingly through my hair and kicked up the bottom of my polo to cool the skin over my stomach. That stifling sun that had moments ago tormented me now descended steadily over the horizon in so beautiful a manner as we rode. After a while I could tell we were close to the city. I could hear noises, could smell scents and see signs of industrialization. The desert sand gave way to firm, un-shifting dirt ground and there were more and more trees taking their place on either side of us. Finally, the ride was over.
We'd arrived.
The girl led her horse past the outskirts of the city and I saw that there were little shanty houses, shacks more like it, scattered on either side of our entourage. The houses had things missing, a door on this one or a few windows on that one, and most of the roofs were just made of a patchwork of different materials. There weren't many people outside but the few who were all dressed alike; in near rags. No matter the age or species, they were all looking pretty rough. I wondered how long this little area existed. I certainly didn't remember it last time I was here. The vibe here was like the slums back home.
We left the grungy outskirts and reached the heart of the city, the marketplace. now this was the part of the kingdom I did remember. Man had it changed. The market used to be a bouncing, cheery place full of chatting little toads and laughing little tykes and good-natured shop owners and haggling customers and the sounds of horse hooves clopping and money jingling and carts wheeling down the cobblestone roads. It was quite silent as of now, not totally so. There was a dreariness about the whole evening atmosphere. People were there, milling about of course, but they seemed lackluster in their way of walking around buying things and making quiet exchanges. One of the shops was a small brick storefront offering sweet-smelling flowers and cool fruits. We pulled up beside this shop and the girl dismounted, so I did, too.
I made sure to scramble down quickly before her so that I could help her down. She looked a bit startled when I offered her my hand but she took it nonetheless and slid down the side of the beast. I broke contact with her soft palm as soon as her booted feet hit the ground. Not because I was so put off by her, it was just my hand was so sweaty and I didn't want to subject her to that for long. I hoped that she didn't feel offended by that.
She turned to face me and gave me a bright smile. "Welcome to the city."
I could only smile with a pitiful fraction of her enthusiasm and say, "Yeah."
What is wrong with me?
Not wanting to seem totally inept, I cleared my throat and told her sincerely, "Thanks a lot for letting me ride you to the city, I really appreciate it."
There was a moment of silence as my words sunk in for the both of us. This horrible heat flooded my face and I'm sure it was as red as the bushel of apples in a cart on display to my left. She was faring a bit better than me. Her light eyes had widened and her lips were tugging at the corner. One of her dark brows were raised. There was only a tinge of red on the apples of her cheeks, not all over her face like mine.
"I uh," I stammered, "I meant um. That I. Th-Thank you for the."
"It's okay, I know what you meant," She smiled softly. "And you're very welcome."
I laughed nervously and looked down at my black trainers, "Yeah."
What is wrong with me?
It all seemed so moot now, leaving that train in the first place. I did to save myself some embarrassment but in the end I got more than a day's worth of the stuff. It was ironic, really. I ran my hand through my hair and laughed a short, quiet laugh at my own expense. The young woman also laughed at my awkward blunder.
"Thanks again," I told her with a smile, a real one this time.
She nodded and began walking towards the shop with the two young men in tow. As she went, she waved. I was competent enough despite my embarrassment to do the same. Once she was out of sight, I released a large breath and smiled goofily. That was something. Of all the interactions I had with people on a day to day basis, none of them were quite like this one. Usually I was the one bestowing a kind gesture towards someone, like giving Terry money or a ride, or picking things up for someone or busing my co-workers' tables just because. Now someone had gone out their way for me. I didn't expect help from others and I usually never got it and that was just fine I wasn't used to that, not much. I wasn't complaining, though, it was nice. That girl was nice. Too bad I had to mar my first nice encounter with that stupid mistake: thanks for letting me ride you to the city? What is wrong with me?
I knew I had to be gaping but I didn't care. This place was amazing! The huge stone castle was just as stunning as my memory beheld it. Granted it looked sort of different, but the differences were subtle. That's probably why I noticed them, I have an eye for subtlety. Such differences included the moat and how its waters seemed denser and more foreboding than the clear baby blue depths that once filled the vast area surrounding the edifice. Also, the glistening whiteness seemed to have faded over time. It was a dingy color, almost the same as my white cotton t-shirts after they've been through the wash too many times. I looked from the castle's imperfections over to the guards. Had there always been so many members of the royal guard? They stood erect, the lot of them, along either side of the grand white stairs of the castle. For some reason, even the guard possessed an air of cheery dutifulness that was no longer comparable to the stoic coldness they exuded at the moment. They were watching me, waiting for me to make my way up to the castle.
So go already, I prompted myself.
I got up a few steps successfully before the task of lugging the suitcase behind me and the weight of my backpack began to affect me. I hid my winded-ness by breathing heavily through my nose and keeping my head down. But I couldn't do that for long, I ended up looking up. And that was my undoing. I froze mid-way in my ascent because for the first time in two years I'd lain eyes on her again.
Magnificent.
At first glance, that was what I thought. There should stood, a faraway look in her crystalline sapphire eyes as she stared at some point above my head, off to the side. Her gaze was as distant as her soft smile. The dress she wore was a large, flowing pink and white creation of lace and satin and silk layers that looked more like a confection than a garment. Her hair was as tidy and as golden as I remembered with her honeyed locks swept up and held in place with glittering diamond pins and pieces. Those delicate gloved hands rested on a firm arm, one that belonged to my brother. My had he changed. He had slimmed down since I'd seen him. He was clothed in a strange, regal uniform that consisted of deep reds and royal blues and hanging silver tassels and a sleek black belt. He had his hair glossed and parted and combed neatly, he even had his mustache trimmed and shaped up. He looked so different. If it weren't for his bright eyes glittering with that familiar mirth I don't believe I'd fully recognize him.
"Baby brother!" He shouted in warning before doing the unthinkable.
He came hurrying down the steps towards me. Before my heat-addled brain could think quick enough to back away, he'd reached me and enveloped me in a tight bear hug. His arms were strong around me, just like they'd always been. Funny how I didn't even realize how much I missed him, missed this, until now. Now, when the tingling prickled the back of my eyes and the tears threatened to come down. I didn't care who saw, I hugged my big brother back and trembled a little with my chin over his shoulder. I missed him, I didn't know that I'd missed him this much. I could feel him pulling back and tried to shift my face back into that blank, polite facade. I was surprised to see that his eyes were just as wet as mine had been. He let his tears fall, though, and broke out in a wide grin.
"It's been too long, baby brother!" He said again.
He leaned forward and kissed the top of my head before taking my suitcase from me and leading me up the stairs the rest of the way. Soon we reached her. Immediately upon nearing the doors she embraced me. My heart thundered in my chest the closer she got to me. I swear every other sound was blocked out save for that rapid pounding and the blood rushing in my ears. My eyes were hazing over as she closed in on me, wrapped her arms around me and gave me a gentle squeeze. She smelled faintly of perfume, the rich flowery sort of scent, and was soft against me. I could only stand there, stock-still and blushing painfully while she greeted me. When I finally got around to putting my arms up she was pulling away. She had on a smile again, this one focused on me. The things my stomach did at that sweet smile.
"It's good to see you again," She told me in that dulcet tone of hers.
I could only nod. I was afraid to open my mouth, there was a fifty-fifty chance something stupid would come tumbling out. So it was in silence that I followed the engaged couple through the heavy wooden doors into the cool castle and from there up some marble white stairs. I tried to look around and observe the remarkable interior but all that was running through my mind was her, her, her, and how she was so very close to me. Her skirts were brushing past my leg with each stair we treaded underfoot and it was making me nervous. Worse than that. I prayed that we hurry up and make it to the top of this flight so that I could get out of this sandwiched position. The atmosphere was stifling for me. I felt like a machine walking up those stairs between them. It was all I could do not to retch from how badly my stomach was out of sorts. This was the anxiety I'd feared. This was pain, inner anguish. My fingers were growing cold from how tightly I had them clenched over the straps of my backpack and they were losing circulation. At last Mario stopped at one of the rooms upstairs. He turned the crystal knob with his free hand and pushed the door open.
"Well here you are, Luigi!" he boomed, "It's a little frilly, but you know how things are here." he laughed.
I smiled civilly as if I did. Behind him I stepped into the large room and knew it to be spare. But it was easily larger than my one-bedroom apartment. The stone floor didn't creak under my scuffy trainers, nor did the bed squeak noisily as Mario laid my suitcase atop it. He turned to leave with her on his heels.
"Go ahead, rest, relax," he advised, "Dinner's in an hour, just come on downstairs when you're ready."
I nodded.
She was the one who closed the door. Before doing so she told me, "It really is good to see you again, Luigi."
I plastered a tight smile onto my face, "And you as well...Princess."
She smiled even more at that and closed the door slowly. I breathed well again at last.
Now that they were gone, I dropped my backpack onto the floor at the foot of the bed and observed my new temporary room. It was nice but it was indiscreetly feminine. The wooden bed was carved in a way that curved delicately and gave off a girlish air as it was pushed against the wall long-ways in front of the door. There was an oval shaped floral rug to catch one's feet as they tore themselves from the clean white linen sheets of the twin-sized bed, and next to that was a small nightstand. It had a doily spread atop it and a gold trim white porcelain vase on top of that. The window spanned the far wall opposite the door and was covered in long, pale pink drapes. There was another crystal doorknob that I inspected closely. Upon opening it, I was astounded at the size of the closet. It was a bit narrow, but I could walk seven steps forward and four back and forth. It was bare for now. On the same wall as the closet, adjacent to the window, was a short, embroidered peach couch and another door. This one was open and revealed a good-sized bathroom. The stone floor, standing face-board, smooth sanded stone tub and the shower beside it were somewhat out of place, along with the toilet, in this medieval-esque castle. Knowing my brother, he was probably the one responsible for the change.
I stretched. Guess I should get that bath now, I figured. I crossed the room and took my backpack and my suitcase and carried them over to the closet. I shoved them in a corner in the closet and then took out some clothes to change into. In the bathroom I laid my clothes out turned on the shower. The water was hot and soothing, it was just what I needed to wind me down from today's tense toiling events. I dressed quickly and combed my hair and began walking downstairs. I was incredibly hungry and it wasn't exactly cordial behavior to hole up in this room so I had to go and face those two.
As I was descending the marble staircase I noticed that I was severely under-dressed. My black pajama pants, white t-shirt, and dark house loafers were comfortable but hardly appropriate for dinner at the castle. Too late I realized this. I supposed my brother would understand, and so would she, the princess. If not then oh well. I was already dressed and I didn't feel like putting anything else on. I really just wanted to eat and go to bad, to avoid all social activity for the night entirely. But I knew that wouldn't be the case. I found the dining room on my own and could hear that the engaged couple were already talking in hushed tones. I frowned before entering the room. Those weren't the lovey-dovey kind of hushed tones, more like the passive-aggressive argument kind of hushed tones. I didn't feel it right to intrude but my stomach would hardly allow me to stand there all night waiting for them to sort things out. When I strode awkwardly into the room, Mario looked up at me. The princess looked at him. He felt her gaze and looked at her. She then looked at me. So did Mario again.
I had eyes only for the food.
It was more than enough for just three people. There were plates already made for me at the table containing an entree of chicken, a side of some kind of salad and some bread as well as some fruit, a slice of pink cake, and a tall glass of sparkling juice. I pulled out the chair beside my brother, the princess was on his other side and he sat at the head of the table. Rather than eat the food, I greeted them both with a nod and a fake smile and inhaled most of it. It was hard to remember decorum when I was so hungry. That food was rich and hit the spot in places I didn't know could be satisfied.
"So Luigi," The princess began.
When she cleared her throat lightly I started. I hadn't realized how silent things had been until that soft little noise rang through it. Her trailing remark left the impression that she had something she wanted to say to me. It was probably her way of easing into the inevitable, unbearably civil pleasantries of the evening. I swallowed some salad and braced myself.
"Yes, princess?" I prompted.
She hadn't changed out of her clothing from earlier and neither had Mario. It did well to make me feel out of place but not to the point where I'd do anything about it, like go back and change. I was tired. It had been a long day. Speaking of which.
The royal asked me, "How was your trip?"
"It was good," I lied.
My brother smiled over the rim of his glass and asked, "Did you get the ticket I sent you?"
Might as well not have for all the good it did me, I thought. What I said aloud was an edited version of the truth. I didn't want him worrying and I didn't want to complain. Things could've been worse. I could've missed the train or lost all of my luggage in that compartment.
"Yeah I got it. I left it at home, though, and had to get off the train. No harm done, though. I only lost a bit of my luggage but it's okay. It would've only slowed me down, walking through the desert you know." I stated lightly.
I was about to resume eating when a loud clang resounded throughout the hall. The princess had let her silver fork slip from between her gloved fingers and her face was frozen in an expression of piteous empathy and distress and concern. She sat that way for a few seconds before turning and laying into Mario.
"You see!" She cried, "I told you you should have picked him up."
Mario rolled his eyes to the ceiling at her mild outburst, "Ah, Peach it's fine. He's here, isn't he?"
"No, it's not fine, Mario," she softly insisted. "he had to get off the train and he. He lost all his clothes,"
"Not all of them," My brother spoke, "He still had two bags. I'm sure some of the clothes were in there."
"But what about the ones that weren't?" She responded.
Mario shook his head and smiled, "I'll just loan him some of mine. It's fine. Stop worrying,"
That quieted the princess but I could see she was still upset. It was in the slight part to her lips, indicative of her desire to say more on the subject, and it was in her eyes swirling with discontent. I hoped it wasn't all on my behalf. I was fine, just like Mario said. I'd make due, as usual. It was nothing for them to be arguing about. The tension settled itself stolidly within the room. I didn't like it. I tried to ignore it and keep eating, but it bothered me. I just wanted to set things right again, to make that uneasiness in the room go away. I felt responsible for that little argument and I wanted to fix my mistake.
I cleared my throat. "I really am fine. You know. A um, a girl gave me a ride to the city on her horse so I hardly walked much at all."
Another lie, this one meant to reassure. The princess was busy staring at her cake but I could see her countenance soften at my claim. Mario winked at me and chuckled.
"A girl, eh? Was she cute?" He teased.
I only shrugged.
"What was her name?" The princess asked.
It occurred to me then that I had no clue. I hadn't thought to ask. We hadn't even introduced ourselves to one another. That was a shame. The girl had gone out her way for me and I'd just abandoned decent manners that spoke of just getting her name. I sort of flushed with shame and looked down. The couple took it the wrong way, or at least Mario did. He laughed harder and waggled his eyebrows. The princess still expected an answer that I didn't care to give. I resorted to taking a piece of chicken in my mouth and gazing at her apologetically while pointing to my full mouth.
"Is the chicken too tough?" she inquired worriedly, "I knew we should have had soup."
Mario waved a hand, "Nah, soup doesn't fill you up."
"It fills me up just fine," The princess remarked while dabbing at her mouth with her napkin.
Mario said, "Yeah well some of us have stomachs bigger than a grape, eh Luigi?"
He laughed and nudged me with his elbow so that I would do the same. I didn't much feel like laughing. The princess had a cross look on her face briefly before she forced a pasty smile like I did. She hadn't appreciated that joke and knowing that she hadn't, I couldn't enjoy it either. Besides, it wasn't funny. None of my brother's jokes ever were. At least that hadn't changed while so many others had. Like this odd behavior between the two of them. It didn't feel right. The mild arguing, the veiled remarks. It was uncomfortable to be around them because I hadn't expected them to be acting like this toward each other. It was weird. I thought they'd be happier and doe-eyed and sappy around one another like they were two years ago. What had changed, I wonder?
"I think I'm gonna call it a night." I said flatly, "I'm pretty tired. Huge lag from inter-dimensional travel and all." I attempted to jest.
My jokes were no better than my brother's but at least they were never at anyone's expense but my own.
I stood and was about to take my plates out of instinct before I caught myself. I pushed my chair in, stretched, and smiled again. All that fake smiling took a toll on my facial muscles. It couldn't be healthy, I'm sure.
"Night, bro." I called, then turned to the royal. "Goodnight princess."
They each nodded but were losing themselves to another soft-spoken squabble. I hurried up the stairs with my stomach full and my eyes heavy. I remembered which flowery bedroom was mine for the night and slipped past the door, shutting it behind me. The bed that I climbed into was nothing like the one back home. It was nice and plush. There was no draft coming in from the window like back home, either, so I could feel myself drifting off as soon as I got settled. My mind was on my brother and his fiance, and how they seemed a bit off.
Was something wrong between them, or was I looking too much into it?
A/N: That's it for this chapter. You know the drill, tell me all about what you think in a review! Should I still continue now that you've had a bit more of the concept laid out? Granted it's not much more than a little peek but hopefully it'll give you an idea of what's to come. By the way, I'm a twisted authoress, I tend to have many twists in my stories so be prepared!
Until next time,
~DymondGold~
