My, my, how can one derive joy from boredom? How can one see the good when all is grey? How can a man live with no beacons in his life, no splashes of color?
Thankfully, I haven't that particular issue. I've plenty others to compensate, but still. To be alone, and with no hope in this world...that would be just horrendous! I've all I could ever need; good food, a great family, much reason to keep pressing on. What more can a gentleman ask for?
I wonder what White thinks I'm thinking about...ha, what a silly question.
"To answer your question, yes, the Stardust Field Border is still strong. We've also increased security around the other checkpoints, per your orders," I replied, sipping on my rich coffee under the cloudy skies.
"That's good to hear...I fear we can't take any chances with the intel I've received," came the General, munching on his reuben sandwich.
"You're talking about that 'Cataclysm Project', right?"
The wind seemed to pick up a bit, whipping the vibrantly colored leaves into a weak cyclone.
"Very much so, unfortunately. This blasted rumor hasn't let me rest easy for a month."
"Yes, it is quite the enigma. Do we know anything about it?"
"No. I can't find any leads, Toadette can't either. Not even that confounded Toad Brigade can guess what this project entails."
He took another munch, frustrated and confused. It reminds me of when I used to fight that brute day after day, week after week; such a tiring routine it is, being stuck in a perpetual check. That was a long time ago, though. He may still be here, but I feel his spirit is all but gone, crushed by such a predictable and worn out pattern. Can't say I blame him, though. At least I was on the winning end most of the time. I'm guessing that's how White feels now, weathered and tired.
"...I just don't know where to go from here, Mario. There isn't any place to go," came he, a few glistening tears dripping into his pitch black coffee. Poor guy, just wants to do some good in the world.
"Hey, chin up, pal," said I, reaching out for my drink, a furnace in this soothing breeze. "You've never failed the Kingdom since you were hired. We've almost never been attacked since, in fact. You're an amazing strategist, and a good friend. Don't let some stupid plan ruin your mood."
He gazed forlornly at his sandwich, a spectre of hope in his eyes.
"Hell, whoever's planning an attack on us doesn't know who they're messing with. The world-famous General White, leader of the Fahr Battalion!" He looked up, eyes shimmering with tears. Were they of sadness or joy? "Who do they think they are, taking on such a powerful and influential Bob-omb?"
He chuckled, his sleek white moustache gaining its usual vigor.
"Now, you always know just what to say to cheer a fellow up," he said, wiping his mouth and jumping off his chair. Throwing on his white fur military coat and cap, he said, "Though, I still want to know who we're up against. Could be more than I'm expecting."
"Please," I scoffed, throwing on my emblazoned top hat and black overcoat. "No one can be as bad as Bowser, and we'll trump whoever this enigma is as if they were that brute!"
"Oho, yes, indeed! We shall not lose, no matter who they are!" White exclaimed, jumping in delight.
"Glad to hear the enthusiasm, General," said I, giving him a pat on the back before I footed the bill.
"Me as well, thanks again, sir. By the way, you'll be at the Queen's party tonight, yes?"
"Do I enjoy a Fried Shroom Plate? Yes, of course I'll be at my beloved's bash!" I jubilantly stated, throwing my arms out as accompaniment.
"Yes, yes, of course! Then, I'll see you tonight, my friend!" he replied, tipping his cap in my direction.
"Au revoir, my friend," said I, us parting ways with a wave at the quaint cafe.
The wind seemed to calm my nerves, if only slightly. I had always had a knack for putting on a brave face, even in the most dire of situations, to keep everyone hopeful. Without my brother or my lovely lady, I doubt I could've lasted so long. To think about such a life without my friends, nay, my family...such a world is one I want no part of.
I wonder, though, at times when the night fades out, if that king, my old rival, feels the same as me. I mean, he has a great family, trusting servants, and a land to call his own. We aren't so different now, perhaps not even back then. If that deed hadn't been so on that day long ago, would that king and I, so distant now, be...friends?
A familiar ringtone played, one of electronic and backbeat.
"What's up, bro?" came I, lifting the familiar cellular up to my ear.
"Hey, bro, could you swing by real quick? I need help picking out a tux for tonight," came that suave and killer voice.
"You better not be thinking about wearing your electric green one. It's a black tie affair, remember," I replied, a hanger banging on his end.
"O-Of course not," said he, no doubt feeling foolish. "So, can you come over?"
"Sure, you can help me pick out one too. See you in a bit, L."
"See ya, M," he finished, hanging up with a frustrated press.
What a good brother. Yes, all this worrying about plans and such can wait for tomorrow. A birthday bash waits for me, after all; no time to panic and stress! With my bro and Her Highness by my side, no one will dare cross us!
...Hmm? That's odd...the wind seems more biting than normal, more hostile than normal. Nights like these are the kind you remember years on, not for jubilance, but for sorrow.
No, this is no time to stress or be irrational. Everything is going to be fantastic, everything's going to be fine. Just...fine.
