A/N: Thank you for waiting for the next update. However, I have some bad news to discuss after the end of this chapter. I hope you'll understand.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the story idea. Mario and Sonic belong to Nintendo and Sega, respectively.
Chapter 20: Fraternal Feelings
Location: The Overthere
The Nimbi ruler fluttered over to his chamber, passing the same two Nimbis who ran into Luigi while playing ball the other day. He smiled from behind his beard, being in a great mood to see everyone continuing to enjoy their time peacefully. As he was about to open the door, the green plumber and the twin-tailed kitsune called his name.
"Grambi!"
He looked over at them. "Oh, Masters Tails and Luigi," he greeted cheerfully. "How was thy visit to the Mushroom Kingdom? Did thou meet thy older siblings?"
"Yes, we did. And before we continue, thanks again for letting us see them again," Tails gratefully told him.
"It's mine pleasure." The king turned his head to see Luigi, whose face was written with concern. "Why, Luigi, what seems to art the problem?"
"You see, Grambi, we came to speak to you about something urgent."
"Urgent? Hmm, come into mine room and we'll talk about it." He pushed the doors open to allow them in first. He locked them up and turned on the lights. "Okay, Luigi. What is on thy mind?"
"You know how these Brotherhood Bracelets that you and the Nimbi sages built allowed us to warp to my home?"
Grambi slightly chortled. "Of course. That's wherefore I decided to invent them for thou two. Are thou not satisfied withal them?"
"No, both of us are. However, there was something else it did for me."
"And what's that?"
Luigi tugged the collar of his green shirt. "Um, you see..." He started to stutter.
"Go on, Luigi," Tails urged.
He swallowed the lump in his throat. "So, the bracelet started beeping."
"I mean, it's supposed to beep to warn thou about thy timeth limit down thither. I did give thou the full hour to find and engage a reunion withal them."
"Yes, but that's not exactly what I meant. We already returned to the Overthere hours after our visit." That made Grambi confused. "The light on the bracelet was blinking as it made the noise. When I tried to turn it off, something strange occurred."
"Something strange?"
"The digital screen gave me an image of Mario. He was running over to Sonic, who was apparently on the ground, and he threw him to the side as he got struck by a Bullet Bill!"
The Nimbi was aghast, although he didn't express it. "Are thou certain that's what thou saw?"
"He's right, sir," the vulpine backed up his friend. "I witnessed the scene, too. And Mario looked like he was in critical condition."
Grambi shuffled over to the other side of the room. Luigi and Tails turned around, wondering what he was doing. Standing near the water goblet, the elderly spirit shut his eyes. The liquid rippled until he viewed an image of the Toadley Clinic. He manipulated the water so he could get a better view of the inside. Once he was successful, he saw the red-hatted man in a hospital bed, wheezing heavily over the side. Dr. Toadley and some nurses were inside to soothe the patient while cleaning up the mess on the floor.
"Oh nay," he thought for a second. "Gentlemen," he gestured afterward.
They sauntered over to the chalice. Luigi stared with wide, nervous eyes. The look on his brother's face was pale, a clear sign that he was sick. But he also noticed how badly bruised Mario was. White gauze covered his upper torso, and machines were hooked up to his physique. Staring at Mario being hospitalized made him shudder.
"Do you think he's alright?" Tails wondered.
If only Grambi had an answer that was truthful yet also reassuring. Based on Mario's condition, the only thing he can do was wish him for a full recovery.
"I'm sure he'll returneth to full health."
Luigi was somewhat doubtful. "How can you tell?"
"It's mine intuition."
"Well, besides that, I wanted to ask you about my bracelet. Was there a reason why it notified me of this incident? Was there some sort of connection that this gave me an update on how Mario is doing?"
Grambi was afraid he would ask something like that. He felt that the two should know the truth.
"The sages and I built these devices for the sole purpose of unifying the bonds withal thy respective brothers. But thither was another function that was developed into the technology. It's a 'Sibling Signal', an occurrence that takes placeth of what goes on down in thy world, notifying thou an one of thy brothers got himself into peril. Since Mario was the one to art affected, thy signal was stimulated from the response. And the scene replayed in front of thou as an up-to-date event. This only happens an thou were far apart from each other."
Luigi thought there was more to his reasoning. He just didn't know what. "Why did you include this? Did you want me to be aware of Mario almost dying?"
"No, it's not liketh that."
"Then what is it like?" Tails noticed how tense Luigi's voice was.
"That... it's something I cannot explain, really."
"You must have a reason for why this Sibling Signal is even a part of my bracelet."
"And I reiterate, it's something I cannot explain."
"Why not?" his eyebrows lowered.
"I believe our timeth is up," he dismissed while the water undulated as the image disappeared.
"King Grambi, why won't you tell me the truth?"
"It's something that's worth breaking the laws of the Overthere. That's as much as I'll describe it."
"What about breaking the rules?" Tails was confused.
"Please, thou two. Thou hast had a long day after seeing Masters Mario and Sonic. I believe that is gratifying enough to allow thou men to sitteth down, relax, and enjoy thy timeth together before things could get awry. And by that, it means I don't want Queen Jaydes to banish thou from our land and let thou live thy lives in any depths of the Underwhere. I know better based on thy history. Thou don't deserve to live thither, and I won't allow any actions that could jeopardize thy afterlives. Now, please hie get some rest. I'm sorry to troubleth thou."
Before either of them could talk back, Grambi gently pushed the two angels outside of his chambers and locked his doors.
"That was bizarre, not to mention unaccommodating," Tails murmured.
"Grambi was definitely hiding something from us. I just don't know what it is and why he was keeping it secret."
"Maybe it was something personal to him, Luigi."
"Personal where it risks our lives, even though we're technically spirits? I don't understand. I mean, I understand the consequences since he gave us the bracelets. I just don't know how it ties into the signal to show that Mario and Sonic were in trouble, along with the fact that Mario was injured."
"If it was important, maybe he wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. He could probably explain the meaning behind it sooner or later. Now wasn't the right time, based on his reaction."
"I guess. But still, that makes me more worried about my bro. To think, we were talking about them wanting to live prolonged, happy lives until their games are over. Suddenly, just after we got to reunite with them, they were involved in some trouble, especially Mario."
"I still wonder if Sonic is doing alright, too."
"At this point, I'm worried for both of them."
The plumber and the fox haven't moved from their spots in front of Grambi's room. It was at that point Tails decided to retire for the day.
"Come on, Luigi. Let's get some sleep."
He sighed. "Okay. I'm right behind you."
Tails tried to form a smile to cheer him up, but his body wouldn't let him. Lingering in his mind was the visualization of Mario saving the Blue Blur and feeling sick in the hospital. While he also wished him for a fast, full recovery, he couldn't help but worry about Sonic.
This was not the kind of note to end a day on when it was supposed to be pleasant.
Location: Toadley Clinic
Princess Peach ambled to the main floor's waiting room where Amy, Cream, and Cheese stayed for the past two hours. Her footsteps caught their attention.
"Peach, how's Mario?" Amy sat up from her seat.
She sighed but gave a small smile. "He's okay."
"I'm glad Mr. Mario's alright," Cream smiled at the news.
"Chao!" Cheese was also relieved.
"It's nothing too severe, right?"
"There are scars and a major bruise he sustained from the Bullet Bill, but the doctor mentioned everything else should be fine. However, he could be in the hospital for at least two weeks."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Can we see him now?"
"I'm sure we can. Sonic was there before I left."
The girls and the Chao headed over to the elevators to reach the third floor. After getting off, they walked over to Mario's room, except they ran into a surprise. Seeing through the window with the curtains open, Mario was sitting up with a bucket in front of him. His face looked queasy and white. Dr. Toadley was by his side, looking after the bedridden man.
"I thought you said Mario was okay," Amy turned to the princess.
"After he woke up, he seemed to be alright. I didn't expect him to be sick for some reason."
"Isn't Mr. Sonic supposed to be here?"
"He is. But I don't know where he is now."
"I can go search for him," Amy proposed. "I'll catch up with you three in Mario's room once they're done in there."
"Okay, Amy. Thanks."
The pink hedgehog walked down the corridor and turned the corner, passing by more of the hospital rooms with patients waiting to be tended. In one room, he caught sight of a female Koopa Troopa holding a baby with her green-shelled husband grasping her hand. Both parents had large smiles on their faces. They lovingly stared at their newborn child, sleeping peacefully while wrapped up in a soft, pink blanket.
"Hmm, apparently not all Koopas are evil or bad-tempered," she whispered to herself.
As she continued onward, Amy noticed a pair of Toads, a father and his daughter, outside in the hallway. The latter was hugging her dad as she was crying in his arms. She realized why when she peeked into the room adjacent to them. It featured a couple of surgeons performing an operation on a four-year old Toad. Because the procedure required an incision in his body, the little boy was crying as the medical staff tried to complete their job as quickly and efficiently as they can. His mother had tears falling from her eyes as she prayed for her son to feel better. (1)
"Oh my, that poor kid. His family must be holding on for dear life, too."
Amy scuffled past another area where a young Paratroopa was lying in the hospital bed. His family was in the room with a nurse. The door was closed, so she couldn't hear what she was saying. But through the window, Amy saw the mother lowering her head on her husband's shoulder while he held her tightly. The person standing in front of his parents was another young Paratroopa, who appeared older than the one in bed. She presumed he was the older brother in the family. His face scrunched up before he was in a state of denial, unaccepting the news the Toad nurse told in front of him and his parents. As a result, he flew out of the room in a harsh manner.
She quickly moved out of the way so the Paratroopa wouldn't bump into her. As he winged his way towards the men's room, she had a feeling of why he reacted like that.
"Wow, that's so sad," she thought as she gazed back inside the room. She stared at the sleeping patient, followed by the parents. She was feeling crestfallen for them. "They lost their child, and he lost his younger brother? Why does fate have to happen like this?"
The Paratroopa father went out to follow his son. As he entered the bathroom, Amy heard a violent cough from that direction. She quickly turned her head to see someone exit into the hall.
"Sonic."
The blue hedgehog noticed her. "Amy?"
"There you are," she strolled up to him. "I was looking for you."
"You were?" Hey, at least she wasn't doing it obsessively.
"Yeah. Peach told me that you were with Mario, but we didn't see you when we got to his room."
"Oh, sorry about that. I just needed to go to the bathroom. While I was in there, I almost got knocked over by one of those turtles. Except this kid had wings on his shell. Not only that, but I think he was upset about something."
A silent gulp came from her. "What about?"
"Don't know. He locked himself in one of the stalls. And I could've sworn I heard him crying."
"Chaos..."
"Anyways, I'm here at least."
Trying to avoid her grief, Amy noticed a strange smell. She took a small whiff. "Ew, what's that smell? Are the bathrooms that dirty?"
Sonic realized Amy was referring to his... throw-up session. He cleared his throat. "Ahem, um, yeah, they kind of were. I also ate something bad, too. Hospital food really sucks."
"What did you eat here? And when?"
"Something Mario had as I got to talk with him. I decided to take a bite, and then my stomach got woozy."
"Oh, maybe that's why Mario looked sick."
"Wait... he's sick?"
"I thought you knew."
"No, I ran out to the bathroom. I didn't know what happened to him afterward."
"Well to summarize, Mario's still in bed looking very ill than he was before we admitted him here. If that hospital food was bad, this place should consider getting better chefs to make quality food for their patients."
Sonic had a good idea of the real reason why Mario must have gotten sick. He didn't eat anything tainted or spoiled. He didn't even consume anything over the past several hours. Mario was probably shocked at the fact of what he said in front of him that drove him to feel nauseous. Now he felt bad for the guy.
But again, he had to think. Did Mario really say that? Why did he say that? And did that mean anything whatsoever?
"Because you're like a brother to me!"
"Come on. Let's head back. Peach, Cream, and Cheese are still waiting for Dr. Toadley and his workers to clean up and help Mario. I'm sure they're done by now."
Amy turned around to leave before she noticed Sonic wasn't following. He was staring down at the tiled floor.
"Sonic?"
He lifted his head in a flash. "Yeah?"
"Are you alright?" she sounded concerned.
"Sure. I'm okay."
Amy didn't buy it, but she decided to leave it there. The hedgehogs slowly made their way back to Room 310. Dr. Toadley and his staff were no longer inside. Mario was instead accompanied by the princess, the bunny, and the Chao.
When she knocked on the door, they heard Peach answer. "Come in."
They entered inside, and everyone was glad to see Sonic. Well, almost everyone.
"Mr. Sonic! There you are!" Cream said, standing on the left side of the bed.
"Chao!" Cheese cheered.
"Yep, sure am!" he forced himself to sound cheerful. At the same time, Mario kept his gaze down, looking at the bucket in his lap.
"We were wondering where you went to since I left you to visit Mario," said Peach, sitting next to him.
"He just went to the bathroom. He said he got a little sick from the hospital food Mario had," Amy explained.
Mario was confused. "Hospital food? I didn't eat anything." He coughed a little.
"Are you going to throw up again?"
"No, Cream," he remained calm. "Just a little itch in my throat."
"Oh, okay. Sometimes I feel that too whenever I have to cough."
"Hey, Mario?"
"Yes, Amy?"
"What happened to your cheek?"
"My cheek? What about it?" he acted innocent about it.
"It's so red. I didn't see that before. And I don't think the Bullet Bill hit you there at all."
"Crap," Sonic blinked.
"Since you said that, Amy, I didn't notice until now." Peach carefully looked over, placing her hand on Mario's left side. He hissed at the touch. "Oh! Sorry, Mario."
"No, you're good." He gave Sonic a small glare. Thankfully to the hedgehog, the others didn't notice it was directed towards him.
"How did you get this?"
"I don't know," he kept his eyes on him.
"Do you need some ice to cool it off?"
"No thanks, Peach. It's not a big deal, really."
"If you say so."
"Sonic..."
He sweated as he scratched his ear. "Yeah, Mario?"
"Can I talk to you alone for a minute?" Everyone stared at the red-capped man. "Please?" he added.
"Mario? Is something wrong?" Peach rubbed her hand over his.
"Is it important?" Amy tilted her head.
"Yes. And it's personal, too."
That made everyone curious, except Sonic.
"Well, we won't disrespect your privacy. We'll leave you two alone. Take as much time as you need," Peach stood up.
"Grazie. I appreciate it."
"I hope you feel better, Mr. Mario."
He smiled at the rabbit. "Thanks, Cream. I hope so, too."
"Chao!" Cheese sadly chirped as he gave the plumber a small hug.
He chuckled and responded by patting his head softly. "Thank you, Cheese."
Everyone left the room while Amy was the last to leave. Before she did, she gave reassurance to Sonic that Mario was okay. However, that was not the thing that lingered in his head.
Sonic heard the door click, confirming it was shut. He went over to the curtains to close the view and so that others won't look inside. He headed to Mario's bedside, sitting down in the chair Peach occupied earlier. Mario kept glaring at him. It made Sonic extremely uncomfortable.
"Dude, can you stop with that?!"
Mario shut his eyes and exhaled deeply. He looked the other way towards the window with a view of Toad Town. "Happy now?"
"No," he slouched. "So... What did you want to talk about?"
Mario didn't turn his head to look at him. "I think you know the answer to that," he muttered.
"I had a feeling you were gonna say that. Listen, Mario. I'm sorry that I slapped you and went crazy in front of you. I wasn't thinking ahead of myself, as usual."
No response came from him.
"I should've thanked you for saving me back there at Bowser's Castle. Eggman was shooting for me when I was already down and hurt, but you were courageous and daring enough to take the hit for me. And, the reason why I was furious with you was that... you reminded me of Tails when he basically did the same thing to save me."
The man still stared at the wall.
"I already mentioned how much Tails meant to me. He was my best friend. Losing him was bad enough. And since I met you, after we resolved our issues the first time around, I didn't feel as empty as I was before. You somehow filled that void for me. You were a great friend, and I wasn't. So, I take back what I said when I hit you. I hope I didn't strain our friendship because of me."
Mario closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He set the bucket to the cabinet beside him. Sighing, he faced him with a serious look.
"Sonic, there was something about you that made me had an impulse to protect you. From what you told me about Eggman, I didn't want you to fall from him. I promised I would help you and your friends get back home, and letting you get killed was not part of the deal."
"You could've gotten yourself killed, too."
"I understand that. But I chose to save you so that Eggman wouldn't take advantage of your loss."
"The same could apply to Bowser if you were gone. No matter how you look at it, one of us was going down because of Baldy."
"I'm sorry?"
"Oh, sometimes I call him that just to tease with him. Add that with 'McNosehair' because of his stupid mustache, and it's funny every time I say it."
"I see."
"I mean, I'm saying his mustache is stupid, not yours. If anything, yours is more well-groomed and cleaner than his."
"Thanks. But I think Luigi's mustache is cleaner than mine."
"He did have a nice 'stache when I met him."
Mario slightly chuckled. "Yeah, he sure does."
"But going back to what I said, one of us was gonna be stuck in that bed. It should've been me, frankly. Yet, you saved my life. And I never even thanked you for it. I still haven't, so I might as well say it now. You really did me a solid to protect me from that Bullet Bill."
"You're welcome, Sonic. I'd do anything to help my friend."
"You mean, you still think of me that way?"
"Despite what went down recently, I care about you, Sonic. I really do. You're the kind of person who's enthusiastic and knows how to make people smile."
"Heh, thanks. That's Sonic for you!"
Mario laughed again before he groaned in pain and laid back on the headrest.
"You alright, buddy?"
"I'm good. Besides that, I'm just a little tired. And a bit cold," he pulled the sheets up. "Wearing nothing but my hat, boxers, and these shorts is typically unnatural for someone like me. But with the condition I'm in, Dr. Toadley said I shouldn't wear a shirt in case I rip these bandages."
Sonic nodded his head before he shifted to the floor. "Hey, Mario?"
"Yes, Sonic?"
"Now that I answered your question, can you answer mine?"
"Sure. What do you want to ask?"
"When you said I was like a brother to you, did you really mean that? Is that how you feel?"
Mario's smile faded away as he aimlessly gazed at the ceiling. He might as well tell him the truth.
"After we met Luigi and Tails from the Overthere, I started to have these growing feelings as we kept each other company. And as what a brother should do, I wanted to help you as much as I can. By the time we got to Bowser's Castle, I looked after your back, and vice versa. We worked together to fight those Koopas and rescue your friends before the whole incident with Eggman's gun...
"And as much as that reminded you of Tails saving you, it gave me a horrible flashback to when I was in that position against Bowser. When I wasn't able to move, I felt weak. I felt helpless. I wasn't at full strength to get out of the way and defeat him. He seemed to outmatch me for the first time after so many defeats. He was ready to kill me, until Luigi pushed me out of the way. And, I lost him in my life. I lost my connection with him. I lost a part of my heart since he has been with me from the very beginning. We were inseparable until then...
"When I saw you down on the bridge, Eggman looked so intent on ending your game. I made the initiative to protect you. Even though you're younger than me, I don't really think of you as a little brother because you've had experience as the older one. Regardless, I truly had feelings that you were like the brother I never had. We're quite different in our own ways, but we also have so much in common. And I felt true to stick by your side until the day you return to your home...
"And... that's why I felt that way, and that's why I yelled that in front of you. I... I like you, Sonic. Not just as a friend, but as a brother, too."
Sonic was astonished. Other than Tails (and sometimes Amy), no one has truly said something so humble and generous that touched his heart. Mario's speech penetrated through his tough yet outgoing demeanor. He was moved by said feelings.
"Mario... I... I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. Except, if you're not comfortable with that, we can still stick to us just being friends. I don't mind at all. Either way, I hope that answers your question."
"Yeah, it did. And as for your statement, I'll think about it."
"That's okay. I understand."
A minute of silence went by. Sonic remained in the chair while Mario laid back on his pillow. The moon in the sky shined a light through the window. The heart monitor beeped at a regular rate.
"If you want, you can head back to Peach and your friends. In the meantime, you can head back to the castle and sleep for the night like yesterday. Besides, I'm probably not going to leave this place in less than two weeks."
He hesitated for a second. "Actually, um..."
"Yeah, Sonic?"
"I don't mind staying here for tonight. I can keep you company if you want."
Mario blinked. "Would you want to?"
"I... Yeah, I would."
A soft smile appeared from Mario's lips. "Okay, Sonic. Thanks."
The Blue Blur mirrored his grin. "Anytime."
"I can scooch over to give you some room to lie down. Because if you're gonna sleep here, I don't think the chair is the best option."
"You sure? I mean, the bed doesn't look too big. And I don't want to get caught in those wires and machines that are attached to you."
"I guess so. Maybe I can ask Dr. Toadley to bring in a mattress or something in here."
"That'd be nice."
Mario pressed a button on a control panel next to him. In just a few seconds, the blue-masked Toad entered inside.
"You need something, Mario?"
"Yes. Can you please offer Sonic an extra bed or a blow-up mattress for him to sleep on?"
"I presume you want to stay with him, am I correct?"
"If you're okay with that," Sonic shrugged.
"Will I accept it? Anything for a friend of Mario's. I'll let one my staff members supply you with an extra bed to rest on."
"Also, are Peach and Sonic's friends still here? Because you can tell them that they could go back to the castle and visit us tomorrow morning. I wouldn't mind if they left. Besides, Toadsworth is probably worried sick of the princess."
"Will I address that to Her Highness and the others? It would be my pleasure. I will also conduct another checkup tomorrow to see how you're faring from your injuries."
"Thank you, Dr. Toadley."
"I wish you a good night's sleep, sirs."
"Good night to you, too," Mario replied.
"Thanks again, Doc," Sonic added.
Toadley nodded in acknowledgment and departed the room. Peach, Amy, Cream, and Cheese were told of the situation and decided to give their goodbyes before leaving the hospital. A nurse entered Mario's room to provide Sonic a hospital bed, a blanket, and a pillow for himself. After thanking her, she turned off the lights and closed the door.
The hedgehog got himself comfortable while Mario did the same.
"Good night, Sonic," said Mario.
"You too, Mario. And I hope you feel better soon."
"Grazie," he yawned before closing his eyes.
Sonic remained awake for a while, staring at Mario before he laid on his back to face the ceiling. Putting his hands behind his quills, he thought back to Mario's genuine response. And as he went to sleep, he thought one last phrase, directed at the red-hatted Italian.
"Good night, bro."
END OF CHAPTER
Luigi and Tails met with Grambi to question the reason why they witnessed Mario's act of defense to save Sonic from Eggman's attack. But the Nimbi ruler is apparently hiding the true reason it was developed in the first place, leaving the two perplexed and curious. What exactly is the purpose of the so-called Sibling Signal?
After another heated moment between our red and blue heroes, they're back on friendly terms. Mario views Sonic as a brother, but the latter didn't seem to reciprocate the same feeling. (Or did he? *Wink, wink.) Other than that, until Mario recovers, what will their future lead to next? Find out next time in Ch. 21 of New Brotherhood. Now for the bad news...
I'm going to be busy for the next couple of months as I need to focus on finishing my spring semester. Immediately following that, I will be starting my rotations, which will last for a month. Since I still need to finish my first story, Hidden Bravery (which is nearly done), I'll do my best to complete it before I begin my rotations. Unfortunately, as for my other stories, this one and Revengeful Resistance, I decided to put them on hiatus as of this update. (I have already explained this in the latest chapter of RR, too.) I'll have to figure out when I can resume writing these fanfics, but it won't happen for a while. Once I get back, they'll be my top priorities over the summer. I apologize in advance, but I hope you all understand my dilemma. Please review for your thoughts or anything I should improve/edit, follow/favorite for more updates in the future, and I hope to see you guys soon. Thank you for your support. This is TGN, signing off.
Post-Chapter Notes:
(1): This note is more on a personal level instead of being a piece of trivia or an interesting detail. This scenario is something related to me back in my childhood when I was diagnosed with asthma. Long story short, based on the condition I was in, I received an incision on my body and had to suffer instances of pain throughout the entire operation. Thankfully, it was successful. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made it this far into life, and I probably wouldn't be here today writing this and my other stories. And of course, thanks to you kind reviewers, followers, and readers in all, you are giving me the passion and drive to continue. I sincerely appreciate it.