Another chapter, I'm on a roll!!! Hee hee! Well guess what here's where that lovely T rating comes in; some cursing and a slightly suicidal thought, nothing too terrible I hope….Well anyway, thanks for the reviews, specially the Kapt., I like your thinking! Enough talk on with the chapter!
Except this of course…
Disclaimer: Not my characters! I did not come up with them so thus not mine! They belong to Nintendo. (Geez this is getting repetitive, but I gotta cover myself).
Chapter 10: Sun's Morning Rays
The sun's ray's pierce through the glass of the balcony door and consequently glaring in Daisy's face. Rolling away from the window she grumbles, "Not worth getting up today." Just as she is beginning to fall back asleep her bedroom door flies open and her grandmother steps in.
"Daisy wake up, it's nine o'clock! Time for breakfast," she notes happily.
"Are those idiots going to be there," she mummers vexed.
Hyacinth smirks as she grabs the edge of Daisy's comforter, "Maybe…" She rips the blanket off of Daisy causing the princess to instinctively curl up for warmth. "It's not that bad, I'm sure."
"Grandma," Daisy stars as she sits straight up in bed, "yesterday I had to sit down and talk to them for a half hour each. I had to hear about Prince Toffee's stamp collection, Cashmire's recent exploits in and training for a strong man's contest, and Pine's hunting trips with his father then I had to deal with Waluigi's sarcastic commentary on everything and his attempts to compliment me. The only normal guy here is Prince Peasley and he's a bean!" Hyacinth gives an unsympathetic look, cocking one eyebrow. "I guess I'll be down in a couple of minutes," the desert princess huffs.
"Good," the former queen smiles, "we're having crepes and fruit. See you down there sweetie." She shuts the door behind her and Daisy flops down back on her bed.
Why me, urrgh! She runs her hands through her hair in frustration then sits back up. Okay, okay, let's just take this one step at a time. Go to get dressed then makeup and …I hate this, she thinks as she goes to her closet to grab her dress and begins to get ready for her appearance downstairs.
The sun peaks up above the horizon piercing through the window of the train immediately causing Luigi to stir. He barely opens his eyes, squinting out of window to figure out the source of light. He had been resting his head in the nook between the back of his seat and the train wall, his head facing toward the window. It can't be time for the sun already, he whines wishing the sun had a snooze button. So that means it's around seven and I've been on this train for three hours? Not even close to a full night's rest, might as well go back to sleep, got at least two more hours until I get back to the border of the Mushroom Kingdom then maybe another half to one hour after that anyway. He turns over, back towards the window and sun when the conduction comes over the PA system.
"Sorry for the interruption folks, but it seems there is a problem with the track switch up here which would have led us to the Mushroom Kingdom, so we are going to take a detour and stop within the Beanbean Kingdom until the problem is fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience folks."
The speaker shuts off and Luigi's eyes pop open as the information given over the PA just now begins to sink in, Are you serious? It's going to take forever to fix the tracks. He sighs irritated, I guess I'll be trekking up to Stardust Fields up to back to the border of Mushroom Kingdom then warp piping from there or maybe I could go to the airport, but that means spending money… The train shakes as it crosses onto the bridge over the Beanbean River and off again; it begins to slow as it pulls up to the station. This has to be new, must have put it in after the attack from Bowser's Castle a couple of years ago.
"Beanbean Station, all passengers please depart onto the station platform. Feel free to take in some of the sights here in the Beanbean Kingdom such as the Beanbean Castle and the Chuckola Museum. The train will be function once again soon. Sorry again for the inconvenience and thank you for choosing Kingdoms Expressway for your traveling needs." The plumber and the rest of the passengers walk out of the train single file and into the station. Most of the passengers head to the nearest phone to inform loved ones or business associates of the delay while others, including Luigi, begin to explore to get a grasp on where they exactly are.
Well let's see, Luigi thinks as he turns toward the south. I believe the airport is that way, so the castle is this way, turning 180° now facing north. I think I'll visit the prince, maybe he'd be generous enough to give me a ride back to Peach's Castle on that winged bean thing that he uses. He heads toward the castle hoping for a quick return home.
Mario awakes to the sun's light in his eyes, causing him to roll over to escape the light. "Just five more minutes bro," he mummers sleepily, smacking his lips then he suddenly leaps out of bed. "Luigi, I almost forgot! I've got to go find him now!"
"I believe that you should eat breakfast before journeying off," Toadsworth suggests in a fatherly tone from the doorway.
"Aah! Sheesh," Mario clutches his chest surprised at the elderly toad's appearance. How does he do that? He shakes off the shock and replies to the toad's suggestion, "But could I just eat on the go? Weegie is out there all by himself in unfamiliar territory, not only to him but me as well!"
"Master Mario, Master Luigi is a grown and adaptable adult; he can handle himself."
"But you don't understand," Mario continues, "it's and older brother thing. If something happens to him, I would feel like I failed as an older brother. I'm suppose to protect him."
"I empathize Master Mario I do, but I would like to approach this with a better plan than having you running off without a clue as where to go. The last thing we need is to loose both of you, the princess would fall to pieces!"
"Well when you say it like that…."
"Now come to the kitchen and join the princess for breakfast," Toadsworth insists and leads the way. Mario sighs, frustrated that the elderly toad always seems to get his way. Mario enters the kitchen where Princess Peach is already sitting at the table eating some strawberry pancakes. The plumber hero joins her with a plate stacked high with five pancakes smothered in maple syrup. He gets about half way through before he slows down and sets his fork down in thought.
Reading him like a book Peach tries to comfort her hero, "I'm sure he's fine, probably on his way home right now."
"Thanks Peach," Mario smiles appreciatively, "did I mention that you look beautiful today?"
"No, but you say that everyday," Peach giggles bubbly as she blushes.
"Only because it's true, you're the most beautiful woman in the world." They look at each other lovingly then lean toward one another eyes closing, lips almost touching, when…
"Master Mario!"
Mario sighs again Toadsworth has interfered with his plans. I swear one of these days...
The flustered Toadsworth squeezes between the lovebirds and turns their attention to a slip of paper. "I did some research with the information you gave me Master Mario and found the phone numbers to all the major train companies along with taxi services and the airports, but most importantly the number of WarioWare Inc."
"That's wonderful Toadsworth," Peach praises.
"All in a day's work Princess Toadstool," he responds dully, but a sparkle in his eye shows his joy in his work being appreciated.
"I guess I should call him then," Mario notes in dread. Peach puts her hand on his shoulder supportively while nodding her heard. Mario sighs before dialing the number.
"He's not here? That's weird," Luigi notes.
"Yes I'm sorry, he's currently partaking in some endeavor out of the kingdom," the advisor to Queen Bean informs.
"Dang, oh well I guess I'm going on a hike then. Thanks for your help," Luigi waves goodbye and heads for the door.
"I'll let him know you stopped by," the advisor shouts after the younger Mario Brother before he disappears outside.
Didn't exactly want to hike all that way, but I guess I have no other choice now; unless I want to wait for the train. He walks into the local item shop and checks the clock, 9:17. I'm not waiting; it's probably going to take them all day to fix the tracks. It would be faster if I just walk. He leaves the shop and heads north through the woods toward Stardust Fields.
"May I speak to Wario please," Mario asks trying to sound kind and cover up the dread in his voice.
"One moment please," Mona swivels in her chair and yells back toward Wario's office; "Hey Wario you have a call!"
"We really need to get some more phones," Wario grumbles as he comes out of his office and sits on the receptionist's desk. "So Mona what are you doing tonight babe?" He waggles his eyebrows at her causing her to giggle and Mario, who can hear their entire conversation, gags.
"Depends," she answers coyly.
"Playing hard to get on me uh; you always knew what I liked," Wario flirts.
"Answer your call then we'll talk," she continues to tease.
"Deal sweet cakes," Wario takes the phone from her. "This is Wario, what do you want and make it fast."
"Isn't she a little young for you," Mario asks, suspicious of Wario's intents.
"Mario! It's none of your freakin' business! Grr…," Wario covers the mouthpiece, but not very well and turns back to Mona. "I thought you were going to screen my calls!"
"Sorry forgot to ask," Mona apologizes nonchalantly.
Wario sighs begrudged, not wanting to bother talking to his cousin, but uncovers the phone. "So did you call to criticize me Mr. High-and-Mighty or did you need something," the elfin cousin asks vexed.
Mario clears his throat and fights the urge to scream at Wario remembering that this is for Luigi; "I want to know if you have seen my brother," he responds coldly.
"Yeah he was here," Wario answers vaguely.
"Was? Where is he now?"
"I don't know! He said he had to get back to you and your little girlfriend's kingdom," Wario sneers defensively.
"When did he leave," Mario asks his tone more biting showing that he is getting more frustrated by the second.
"Around 3 this morning I think," Wario scratches his chin.
"Three! And you just let him walk on out," Mario exclaims angrily.
"Hey he's the one who left in an all-fire-hurry; I didn't shove him out the door! Geez maybe he'd a little thicker skinned if you didn't baby him all the freakin' time," Wario jabs.
"Oh yeah so he can end up like Waluigi, hating life and everyone around him; not to mention being cold hearted and selfish," Mario quips back. Peach and Toadsworth exchange concerned glances as Mario stands up yelling into the phone.
"At least Waluigi can fend for himself and isn't a coward," Wario yells into the phone causing Mona to wish she had screened the call. "I bet he's even afraid of the dark and his own shadow!"
"Luigi is not a coward or afraid of his shadow, you fat greedy bastard," Mario screams.
"Ooo, that hurts I really feel bad that the great Mario disapproves of me so! You know what I might be greedy, but at least I worked for my money; not everyone gets to be a princess's whipped boytoy!"
"Whipped boytoy! I'm gonna kick your ass one of…" Toadsworth tackles Mario down with the help of a couple of guards while Peach snatches the phone.
"Wario hi, this is Princess Peach; um listen you said Luigi left around three?"
"Yeah," Wario responds, slowly calming down.
"Okay, any idea if he was traveling by plane, train, or car?"
"Well usually people travel here by train and our main train company is Kingdoms Express."
"Thank you Wario, you have been really helpful," Peach notes graciously and smiles.
"No problem Princess."
"Have a wonderful day," she sincerely wishes.
"You too," he hangs up the phone and looks up to meet Mona's skeptical stare. "What? I told you we don't get along," he says defensively.
"Yeah, but I didn't know it was that bad," Mona exclaims then again smiles coyly. "That was awesome! You are such a bad boy, what are you doing tonight?" Wario smiles widely and again waggles his eyebrows.
Peach presses the talk button and turns to Mario who is brushing himself off, "What is wrong with you two? You guys can't even talk on the phone to each other for five minutes before ripping off each other's heads!"
"He started it when he accused me of coddling Luigi thus making him a coward! Completely false then he pushed it further when he called me your whipped boytoy," Mario crosses his arms angrily.
"I do believe Master Mario that you called him a name first," Toadsworth points out.
"That doesn't matter, he deserved it," Mario responds defiantly which makes Toadsworth roll his eyes skeptically.
"The important thing is that we have a lead in finding Luigi right," Peach asks trying to keep positive. Mario nods his head stubbornly as she wraps her arms around his shoulders and places her head on his left shoulder. "You're a good man and brother, no matter what anyone says." She kisses him on the cheek causing Toadsworth to mutter something about lovebirds being too understanding and sappy. "Now let's find Luigi."
Mario smiles and grabs the phone, "What's the number?"
This fork is looking like the best option, just stick it in my temple or forehead and all this torture will be over, Daisy picks at her crepe with the fork in question. The sarcastic suicidal thought comes after a long breakfast with the suitors. She has never witnessed so much brown nosing in all of her life, most from Prince Cashmire, no shock there; however what is surprising is that along with Prince Peasley, Waluigi is silent during the entire meal.
"Well that was an excellent meal," King Thorn notes as he wipes his mouth with his cloth napkin.
Yeah great, now that it's over. They all stand and in their chairs ready to leave when the king makes one more decree.
"Daisy, why don't you show the courtiers around the castle grounds and the town today?" Her mouth drops open in surprise while the suitors chatter in agreement. The flower princess looks toward her grandmother, eyes pleading for help out of the situation.
"Sounds like a marvelous idea," she sweetly encourages the King meanwhile looking at her granddaughter with a smile screaming 'it's for your own good.' Daisy huffs and rolls her eyes feeling utterly betrayed.
"Fine," she agrees bitterly then turns to the princes. "Go get ready and we'll go into town." The men scramble to their rooms while Daisy heads to the foyer to wait for them.
He has been trekking through the countryside for about an hour without a break and his feet remind him of that with each step he takes. The green clad man pushes on for another hour until he comes up to a river. Must be getting close, this should be the start of the river after it travels down Hoohoo Mountain. I think I'll take a break for a couple of minutes. He makes his way down to the edge of the bank and finds a slower, shallower part of the river where one can cross by foot. Perching himself on a large flat rock, he takes his shoes off, sets them on the rock beside him, then takes off his socks stuffing each one in their corresponding shoe. He rolls up his pant legs then submerges his feet into the water, a shiver shoots up his back as the icy water surround his bare feet. "Ah," he states in relief then looks around at the scenery. This is absolutely magnificent, like a picture out of one of those nature magazines! How did we miss this place on our journey here last time? It's going to be a shame to leave, it's so peaceful here. Luigi smiles, again taking in the scenery then a yawn escapes his lips. Wow I'm tired all of a sudden, he smacks his lips then lies back onto the rock; maybe I'll rest my eyes for a couple of minutes. The sun's pleasant glow keeps him warm as his aching feet take comfort in the swirling cold water that gradually drains away the pain and soreness; however, Luigi is not alone as upstream another being comes across the river.