Brittany Bauer - You want more? Well here you go then. Hope you enjoy.
I've never had this dream before but judging from the look on our faces, we were having a ton of fun. I was dancing, already something strange, in a tux. Now, I don't dance. I can't dance and never will because I refuse to embarrass myself and whoever my friend or partner is. However, while I say that, apparently, my dream self is trying extremely hard to prove me wrong. I seem well-adept in the motions, moving to the rhythm like a master without missing a beat. The melody, while somewhat fitting, struck me as a simple tune one could nod their head to, but lo and behold, I'm moving in perfect sync with my partner, whose star struck face made butterflies rise in my stomach. We were enjoying every second of it, swaying and twirling around the dance floor. As mentioned before, I'm not one for dancing. Racing barely gets a pass but that's because I know for sure I can perform it. Dancing takes truer skill, which I apparently now have, but outside in the real world, I'm abysmal.
What makes this dream strange, besides me dancing like a pro, is the one I'm dancing with. Okay, I know I'm not the only one who dreams about characters from different franchises. I can safely admit that it's a common thing amongst me and my friends, but usually, my dreams are completely weird or crazy. This is one of the most normal if you consider me dancing with a princess from another series normal. Still, this is the first time I've danced with someone in dream form, and it is also the first time I danced with of the characters from one of my top favorite franchises.
"I had no idea you could dance so well." Her voice was elegant and soothing. "I thought you said you were terrible at it?"
I gave a sheepish chuckle. "I usually am, but I guess I've been inspired somehow. Normally, I'm too shy to even step on the dance floor."
Her skin is pale like snow while her eyes, a beautiful light blue color, sparkled like the water on a crystal blue lake. Her eyelashes, long and curly, fluttered slowly as her ebony irises kept my face in sight. I'm not sure what it is about these characters having such piercing gazes, but the way hers shined upon me, it was magical. They were breathtaking, surpassing the beauty of even the most radiant gems.
Her lips, which were dolled with peach-colored lipstick, were stuck in a beautiful smile. For some reason, I was heavily drawn to them, but when she spoke, I hastily looked back into her eyes. I'm not sure whether to be thankful or not, but she is taller than me by a couple inches, and I'm a tall s-o-b. I don't think she noticed me staring at her lips, but it would be a million times better than being caught looking elsewhere, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
Her hair, a stunning platinum blonde, flowed in waves as it reached her curvaceous hips. She wore star-shaped earrings colored gold and a brooch painted silver, complimenting her powder-blue dress nicely. The gown cuts off at her chest, where a flap loops around.
Overall, there were no words to accurately describe her beauty.
"You could've fooled me," she replied as I spun her around. The base of her dress lifted in motion before her back leaned against my chest and my arms snaked around her waist. Did I mention I have butterflies? My outside appearance may look confident and content, but on the inside, I was a nervous wreck. I'm surprised I can speak without stuttering because, with me, I either stutter for thinking too fast or due to nervousness. Nine times out of ten, it's the former.
"Oh my," she said. I almost laughed at the surprise in her voice but held it back. Her hands landed on my arms, and despite her wearing gloves, I could feel how soft her fingers were.
"Are you having fun?" I inquired. We continued to sway to the music, which changed into something slower.
"I am," she sighed and leaned more against me. It was just the two of us in this ballroom setting, enjoying the magical properties of the melodies moving us along. I didn't see any reason to fret over the mind. All that mattered was the energy being produced by our dance. "You've swept me off my feet, literally."
The way she smiled at me made my heart skip a beat. Her eyes fluttered open, slowly in my mind, as her smile grew. The light blue of her orbs was hypnotizing. Since I first entered this domain, I was ensnared by her. I'm one hundred percent sure she knew this as well.
"You're too kind," I said in response to her last statement.
"I am not one for jokes," she replied and shifted around. We were face to face. Her arms went around my neck while mine remained ensnared around her waist. I could feel my insides beginning to melt. Up close like this, I wondered how long I could stay calm. This beautiful princess standing so close to me, leaning against me, made my stomach knot. I couldn't get my heart under control, it was beating too fast.
"It's rare I have someone to dance with. Up on the Observatory, it's just me and the Lumas. I rarely get human visitors." I almost froze when rested her head on my shoulder. We enjoyed the warm embrace while continuing to move. She was very warm and fit nicely in my arms. It could never last too long, this hug I shared with Princess Rosalina.
That's right. The galactic princess, the mother to the Lumas and theorized daughter of Luigi and Peach, is currently in my arms. I prayed it lasted longer, that she would never let go.
'I wonder what would happen if I press forward.' I'm having a dream so what's the worst that can happen? I mean besides the obvious, nothing in the real world would change. To hell with it!
She must have the same thoughts because before I made a move, Rosalina looked me in the eye and said, "You can tell I'm so nervous." Her voice was a little shaky, a great contrast to her normal calm and collected portrayal. I noticed her hold has tightened and my life was beginning to shorten. She was hugging me too hard, but I did not voice a complaint. I was greatly satisfied.
"However, I have no regrets." She graced me with another elegant smile, her head tilting slightly to the side for cuteness. I wanted to ask what she meant by that, but everything slowed down when I felt fireworks explode around me. My heart was racing, exceeding the speeds I race on a regular basis. I feared it was about to explode, that something would come and ruin this beautiful moment.
Her lips touched mine, and all senses began to deteriorate. Like a smooth cloth, her lips spread a level of warmth that couldn't be replicated. Beyond surreal, I felt weightless as a rainbow of colors danced around us. The plane was starting to break, but neither of us cared. Our bodies pressed against each other. No gap separated us. Despite this being all a dream, I could not believe this turn of events. Part of me was jumping up and down like a kid on a sugar rush. Another part was trying to fathom the results.
A tang of disappointment struck me when we were forced to part, but the smile on Rosalina's face made it evaporate. She giggled while her cheeks glowed a rosy pink. I, on the other hand, was grinning like an idiot. My smile was so wide I thought it would split my face in two.
"Tell me, do you believe in magic?" She inquired, simultaneously snapping me from my stupor. Yes, I do believe in magic. My mind is always blown away by tricks and illusions.
"I believe," I responded. The reason I'm having this dream must be related to some magical force because my brain is incapable of this. 'Stupid blue balling organ.'
"Then, prove it to me," Rosalina stated. She reached in her sleeve and pulled out…a Starman. My brow raised as the innocent looking star gazed at me. "You have the golden ticket," Rosalina continued.
Golden ticket?
"Take it, and come back to me!"
As if she spoke the magic words, the Starman began to shine brighter and levitate. I covered my eyes, as my transitional lenses weren't strong enough to block out that kind of light.
It all happened so fast. One moment, I was dancing with Rosalina, definitely top ten dreams, and now I'm back in the comfort of my bed. The first thing I see is the same Starman Rosalina held in her hands, except now it was in mine. Unlimited warmth spread over my fingertips and surged through my veins.
"What the?" And in that instant, I was able to recall the events of yesterday. There was a man in green who challenged me to race, but after being taken by surprise by his superior skills, I lost big time. Then, before I could ask for his identity, he vanished. I had pondered who he could be, and when I arrived at my apartment, there was a package with no address sitting outside my door. My skepticism rose to new heights as I tried to figure out the contents of the package. First, there was a very suspicious letter that made me want to board up my windows and buy an insane amount of ammunition. Second, and this is the biggest one, there was a Starman from the Super Mario series hidden inside.
"Back to seeing this thing again," I yawned while entering a sitting position. The Starman stared back at me with its black beady eyes. It was truly innocent in every way and I admired the artisan for it. "Still a nice design."
It was a good idea to keep it as a nightlight. I've never slept so soundly. But, what was up with that dream?
"Do you believe in magic?" Rosalina's words came back to me. "You have the golden ticket. Take it, and come back to me!"
What the hell was that about? Come back to her? I had no idea what she could be referring to. I'm pretty sure I'd remember having someone like Rosalina in my life. I am even more positive I would remember having a serious relationship with her.
"Wait a minute!" I quickly checked my person for…embarrassing moments. Thankfully, I am dry. It wasn't a wet dream, but what I saw stayed with me. I bet this dream started after arriving at the conclusion that Mario characters are trying to invite me to their kart tournaments. The letter in the package mentioned how certain characters have gathered to travel the through dimensions and find racers that can offer thrilling challenges. Personally, I think they're asking the wrong person.
I also think I'm being played for a fool. Mario and the gang crossing dimensions to recruit others to join the kart fun? Yeah, like I'll believe that. With the brothers, I can see them coming to the real world because that's where they were born. I can't see warp pipes coming to play here though. The Starman or other star objects I can see.
"No," I shook my head. "I need to stop kidding myself. The kid in me is just trying to relive its fantasy."
Some may say I'm in denial. To them, I say shut the fuck up. I'm not going to be tricked into humiliating myself for something I wished was real. If I had solid evidence, I would immediately accept, but I don't so no way am I allowing my kid self to take control.
As I got ready for the day, my mind was haunted by that letter and my dream. I want to believe, I really do. However, there's just no plausible way any of this is real. As a result of last night's brainstorm, I realized that the only Mario character that could fit the green rider's description is Luigi. He fit the bill perfectly and is one of two characters that can freely go between the human dimension and the Mushroom Kingdom.
Say this is real. Mario and Luigi are the only ones with access to this world. Now, as I mentioned many times before, the star items are incredibly powerful and can very well bend space-time. Stars can grant wishes, so, in all honesty, it's not that far-fetched. However, and this is where the more critical and adult side comes in, I'm debating whether a fictional world is crossable. Disregarding any scientific approach, I can safely say it's possible using the Mario universe's methods. They can cross galaxies, but I'm sure passing through dimensions is another story. Well, I say that, but according to Super Paper Mario, Dimentio is the master of dimensions and his abilities go beyond just flipping between them.
I believe star power can grant the same abilities, and say the Starman in my possession is the one from the series. I have been given a weapon of mass destruction. Forget about entering another universe, I can do some real shit with this thing. I'm glad I'm not that person though. I was raised better than that, but even as the years passed by, I never let the kid in me perish.
When I finally stepped outside, I was greeted by a warm summer's day. Clouds were flying, birds were singing, and the scent of flora wafted in my nostrils. It was a beautiful day, but I didn't like the heat. I never liked summer, unless it was raining. Hot days are my natural enemies while cool days are my best friends. If it was spring or winter, I wouldn't mind it at all. It's usually cool during spring and cold during the winter. It's about fifty-fifty during fall, but summer, especially where I'm at, it's always scorching. The wind feels hot, and on the rare days that it's cool, I find myself wishing for more days like it.
"You finally came out." My thoughts were interrupted. "I was beginning to think you went into hiding."
I turned my head and nearly gasped at the visitor. The rider in green was standing off to the side. He leaned against his sports bike with his helmet covering his head. I should've known he'd come see me again, but I was not expecting this soon a confrontation. Something in me even reached for the Starman in my pocket. If I could see the rider's face, I expected them to be smirking. I could feel a smirk bouncing off their concealed face.
"I see you brought your ticket," they continued. Rosalina called the Starman a golden ticket too. What do they mean by that though? Are they referring to a ticket into their universe?
"Are you going to give me answers, or do I need to figure out something else?" I inquired. "I already have the pieces put together but I'm still having doubts. Is it really safe to assume that you're one of the Mario Bros.?"
I expected a witty response, something to let me know I'm just crazy and that I'm deluding myself. However, instead of that, the guy I thought to be Luigi Mario clapped. He was clapping for me, not in a mocking way, more like he was impressed. Does that mean I'm right?
"I knew it wouldn't take you long," they responded. "It was the Starman wasn't it?" The Starman keeps making me think I'm insane.
"It definitely drew some questions, but after reading your message and making sure I wasn't mental, I thought maybe this isn't so far-fetched. Considering you and your brother's history, I couldn't rule out the possibility of crossing different universes. However, I'm not sure the same thing is possible with us here."
"You believe in magic though, don't you?" He asked back. Another thing Rosalina asked of me, does seeing her in my dream correlate to what's happening now?
"I do. However, is it really that simple?"
"A lot more simple than you think." He hopped on his bike but I wasn't about to let him get away this time. "If you want the full story, follow me; however, this time, I won't go so easy on you."
He revved up his bike and accelerated towards me. Fear struck me as I thought he'd run me over, but the rider performed a wheelie and flew over me instead, landing with both wheels hitting the ground. He skidded to a halt and eyed me with what I felt as a critical stare.
"If you want answers, try to keep up. I'll wait."
I wasn't intending to race today but now it seems I have no choice. I need those answers.
True to his word, he waited for me to return in my racing outfit and my trusty Inferno blaring its engine. I rolled up beside him.
"It's a game of Follow the Leader huh?"
"Ironic, isn't it?" He replied and took off in a burst of speed. After getting over his words, I quickly gave chase. He led me around the entire apartment complex and out onto the highway. Unluckily for me, I couldn't slip through cars as easily as he could. He left me in the dust but I wasn't about to quit now. I just hoped no one called the cops. Two bikes speeding around town like madmen is a surefire way to stir up trouble.
"Okay, I'm following Luigi Mario around town in hopes of finding some answers to his sudden appearance and the message left behind. I better get something good at the end of this," I told myself. Revving up my bike, I sped up, but Luigi sped past me, an amused laugh echoing in the distance. I swiveled and followed, feeling my cautious brain yelling angrily at me for being so stupid. I shouldn't be doing this. I should be going to see my family or spending some time with my buddies. Instead, I'm breaking many speed laws just to satisfy my own curiosity. My mom and dead relatives would kill me if they find out. Then they'll bring me back to life, ground me for life, and then kill me again, all in the same hour.
"I wish we could do this without all the cars and pedestrians eyeing us like maniacs." It's a good thing I'm wearing a helmet. It covers my face really well, and by constantly changing lanes and speeding ahead, I'm making it difficult to read Inferno's license plate. "If only."
Suddenly, I feel something vibrating in my pocket, and it wasn't my phone. I wanted to stop and look, but I would lose sight of Luigi and be lost. The vibration continued, spreading tingles across my body. It tickled and it gave me newfound energy. I felt energetic, euphoric, it was as if something offered to give me help.
That's when I realized. "The Starman."
"That's right," Luigi said, suddenly appearing beside me. I gaped at him, pondering how he could appear without me noticing. "It's responding to your desires. Your wish will be its command, but I don't need to explain the rules of such things."
"Is that why you personally scout for others, to avoid giving something away to dangerous individuals?" I could feel another smile.
"Right on the nose. The Starman isn't stupid. It doesn't allow just anyone to harness its power. That's where we Seekers come in. We try to isolate the weakest who have the potential to use it wisely and whittle down the contenders until we know for sure who is trustworthy and who's not," he explained. So it's basically a test of the heart. However, before I could ask another question. I noticed the Starman moving in my pocket. It felt weird, and as it finally set itself free, the Starman hovered in front of Luigi and me, surpassing any speed we could generate.
"What's it doing?" I inquired.
"Making your wish come true," Luigi answered. He was right. Through some magical force, the cars and people began to disappear. The entire landscape began to change. Trees vanished, the sky began to darken, and buildings went down. When it was over, Luigi and I were racing in a space of nothingness. We were the only people, our vehicles the only modes of transportation, and the Starman the only source of light. The sky, or what I assumed it to be, was grayed out. The horizons were a lighter shade, stretching endlessly over the distance. Below us, the shadows of our forms and bikes glided over the surface. It felt like road, despite not looking like any sort of road I've seen. It appeared smooth.
"Without the cars and pedestrians looking at us like maniacs," I whispered.
"Yep, and it just came true." The Starman's light dimmed as it flew back into my pocket, not before shrinking of course. The original size was too big, but it shrunk itself just for the occasion, or was it because I had wished for it without directly speaking to it?
"Incredible," I said in awe.
"You did say you believed in magic," Luigi said. I know, and I do, but I wasn't expecting something like this.
"Have we been transported somewhere?"
"Now do you believe what you read in the letter?" I nodded dumbly, not really paying attention. Only when Luigi merged in front of me did I regain awareness. "Continue to follow me and all will be answered."
We resumed our game of Follow the Leader. I couldn't help but marvel at the surroundings. They constantly changed when I asked. I didn't say anything specific, and the Starman complied with each wish. The landscaped ranged from mountains and steep cliffs, dirt roads, and real race tracks. I decided to let the race track I also go to serve as our landscape but decided to let the track randomize itself after each lap.
I was astonished. I wanted to exploit some sort of flaw, but the Starman acted in accordance with my wishes. I asked for something random and it would appear in a few seconds. However, this made it harder to accept. I did want answers, but the simplicity of it all rubs me the wrong way. What I want, it happens. I thought there would be another flaw I could use to prove Luigi wrong, but the never-ending feeling of his smile baring into my backside quailed my smugness.
"Are you done trying to get one over me?" He asked. We both skidded to a halt and faced each other. I wanted him to take off his helmet but he was committed to remaining mysterious. It was like his Mr. L persona was taking control. He hasn't slipped over anything. He's been very courageous and confident in his abilities, something Luigi has trouble doing. To me, Mr. L is the part that wants to work with Luigi and not make his life hell, but Luigi is too afraid to see the truth. He's too afraid to take a stand.
"Needed to see if it wasn't a one-time thing. I'm ready now," I stated. It's about time we get this squared away. I'm tired of wracking my brain around this issue.
"Okay then, allow me to start at the beginning. We have been using this method for nine years."
"Nine years?!" I repeated. "Wait a minute." I had to think about this. "Nine years, subtracted from this year. Back in two thousand and eight, which is when… Mario Kart Wii!"
"Excuse me?" Luigi tilted his head to the side. Mario Kart Wii is the first instance that allowed players to use their Mii characters. It was the first-time players could indirectly race against Mario characters.
"Nothing, just trying to connect other facts to make things easier. Carry on," I replied. He nodded slowly and continued his explanation.
"We're tired of maniacs coming and causing trouble for us competitors. Sometimes, we would get really crazy people whose goal is to wreak havoc. Even Bowser is at his wit's end." I had to laugh. I didn't expect the King of Koopas to be so annoyed too. Luigi laughed too. "I had the same thought. Bowser would normally jump at spreading havoc, but he was quite infuriated. I remember him saying, "I'll tear those annoying meat bags to ribbons when I catch them."
"Wow," was all I could say. I get it now. To prevent all unnecessary placements, the Seekers, organized themselves and took a more direct approach. They isolate those they feel would make a good addition while disregarding the unworthy. Then, after looking through the chosen players, they whittle down the competition until they have the real competitors. Hard to believe I'm part of the final selection. Am I being tested? Is this to see if I have what it takes to join their ranks.
"We're just looking for serious competitors who aren't afraid of a few extra gimmicks. And we award those competitors with," he ushered me to continue, and the words came instinctively.
"The golden ticket, which is this Starman." I summoned the item to my hand. It amazed me how responsive it is. I stared into its innocent eyes, which closed as if smiling happily. It was so adorable.
"Bingo, and now, you have earned this right." Heaviness swelled in my chest as Luigi reached for his helmet and slowly took it off. I was expecting one my racing buddies to reveal themselves, but no, it was exactly who I claimed it to be. It's weird to see the game depiction of Luigi though in this modern world. His auburn colored hair matted to his head from the sweat rolling down his thin face as his crystal blue eyes stared me down, a smirk on his lips as his bushy mustache curled upward in turn.
Luigi Mario sat before me. My favorite Mario Brother is in my presence. The man capable of using the thunder hand technique, able to capture ghosts, and, despite his fears, assist his brother in protecting the Mushroom Kingdom is right here before my eyes. I couldn't stop the massive grin growing on my face, nor could I stop myself from grabbing Luigi's hand and shake it vigorously.
"Mr. Luigi, it is truly an honor to meet you. I have dreamed of meeting you and your brother for ages, but I NEVER thought I'd get the opportunity. You're my favorite brother. How is Daisy? Is she as the company depicts? May I meet her and possibly shake her hand too? What about Bowser? Does the King of Koopas mind fans? Will I get to meet the others, and is it true that Rosalina's your dau—"
"Marquis, breathe!" Luigi yelled. I stopped talking and did as he instructed. His face was all sorts of red.
"Sorry," I said and released his hand. My smile never vanished though. "I'm a huge fan though."
"I-I can tell," he responded. He probably thinks I'm crazy now. Well too bad! This is a once in a lifetime change! "Um, am I really your favorite?" he inquired, his face red from embarrassment.
I nodded. "Yes, I like you a lot more than Mario. I've always sided with the underdog characters because out of everyone, they have the most potential."
Luigi scratched the back of his head and gave a sheepish laugh. That's the Luigi I know, flustered and embarrassed by the praise.
"Thanks a lot, your words really mean a lot."
"You have a ton of fans, Luigi. I'm serious about the other questions though. How is Daisy? She's my favorite princess." If this was an anime, my eyes would be sparkling with excitement. Luigi would also be sweat dropping. I noticed his blush deepening while he thought about his lover. Many ship Daisy with Waluigi or Waluigi with Rosalinda, but I'm against both of them. I don't hate Waluigi, but he's a meh character for me. I'm an avid Luigi and Daisy shipper.
"Daisy is exactly how you see her, but she's actually the jealous type." He said. "I'm sure she'd be happy to meet you." It was then Luigi gave me his patented Death Stare. My legs began trembling. "Just don't get any bright ideas."
"Don't worry; I have my eyes set on someone else." Did I just say that out loud?
"I'm sure. So, ready to head deeper?"
"Hold on, this may sound too good to be true, but I need a little bit more time to ponder this," I answered. I folded my arms, entering a state of deep concentration. It did sound too good to be true. My chance to live my childhood dream is now resting in my palm. If I was still seven, I would jump at the chance with no hesitation. However, things changed, and while the kid in me is still strong, I have to think about this critically.
"Is there a way for me to return if I get homesick?" I asked. Luigi nodded and then gestured to my golden ticket…which sounds so wrong when I say it like that. "I won't be stuck?"
"Of course not, you'll be able to return anytime you wish. However, I recommend staying a while to grow accustomed to the layout. Trust me, you'll want to." Luigi's answered filled me with relief. Not that it would be bad to stay in the Mushroom Kingdom, but I easily get homesick. I cannot, and I can't stress this enough, stay away from home too long.
"Okay, and this Starman is the only way for me to go back and forth?" I inquired. It had to be. Why else would they make me experience its power and not something else?
"Man you're good," Luigi replied with a proud nod. "I knew I made the right choice. Yep, that's your ticket between dimensions and only these two dimensions. Whenever you want to return, just wish for it. Your buddy will do the rest."
"That takes a load off," I said with a sigh. I gave Luigi the most confident stare I could muster. "Alright, I accept the invitation."
"Excellent." He placed his helmet back on and hopped on his bike. "Meet me at your race track after midnight. I'll be waiting."
"Right." I followed suit and hopped on Inferno. "Take us home buddy," I requested. Per my command, the Starman flew into the air and shine brightly, much like before. Luigi and I took off as the landscape started to become more familiar. However, when I searched for him, Luigi vanished, and I nearly crashed into a tree going about eighty.
"Shit!" I carefully and frightfully maneuver around the tree and saved myself, except now I know my life span decreased about five years. "Damn it Luigi!"
I never thought I'd say something like that. I guess Luigi really does win by doing absolutely nothing.
I came up with the excuse that I was going on a trip with some of my racing buddies. It was the most logical thing I could think of that wouldn't make my family and friends ask too many questions. If I was going to stay a while, I had to pack some clothes. Luckily, my duffle bag is big enough; however, my bike isn't suited for luggage, and I do not own a car.
"Alright, I have everything packed." Before I left, I told my neighbor Clarissa to handle my rent for me. I know I can trust her to handle my money. "Let's roll."
Nighttime has always been my favorite time of the day, and while I enjoy the cool days or cold afternoons, the nightly air won my heart more. There was no need to worry about dying thanks to the scorching temperature or worry about the sticky sweat running down my form like I'm a wild beast. No, the night sky greeted me with its cluster of stars, but its light couldn't compare to the shine of the Starman in my grasp.
"We better not keep him waiting." It was a disaster to drive and keep my bag steady. I'm glad it's night and only cars are out and about. If anyone saw me, they might get the wrong idea.
Luigi waited for me in the center of the track. His attention was on the stars in the sky.
"Ya know, it's been a long time since I gazed up at the stars in Brooklyn," he told me. "I delayed the search to revisit it, and boy let me tell ya, there's no place like home."
"I know what you mean. I can't stay too far away without getting antsy."
"You'll only be gone for three days at the most. Like I said, it's to help you grow accustomed to the Mushroom Kingdom. It's different there than it is here."
"Trust me, I have an idea." I revved up my bike. "Shall we get going? I'm ready when you are."
Luigi cracked a smile and nodded once. He pulled his bike up beside me.
"To the Mushroom Kingdom buddy," I stated. The Starman came out and released its golden light. In front of us, a large portal opened up, a mass of blue and yellow swirling around a tunnel shaped corridor. I felt my heart grow heavy, my body tensing up. I've accepted the truth, but now I'm about to live it.
"Here we go!" I shouted and drove in.
"Let's-a go!" Luigi shouted next and followed me in, the Starman zipping right by and sliding into my pocket.
