Hey guys! I am to apologize again, but I'm sure you all have heard it before. SORRY!!! I am, very much so. I guess I am the worst type of fanfic writer; the one that takes forever to update!!! Well, what can I say I am a procrastinator, heck I'm the president of the procrastinator society...Anyways, enjoy!
Chapter 21: Castle Politics
They walk back to the castle and along the way Luigi wonders why Daisy had not corrected the nokobon at the drawing booth. He looks at her out of the corner of his eye, noticing her also lost in thought. Concern washes over his face, Something's not right here, but what? He notices her hand clutching at something on her chest again, like earlier when she won the mirror at the festival. Reaching his hand up, gently grasps her shoulder; she jumps in surprise and looks at him like a deer caught in the headlights of a car. "Daisy are you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah just a little dazed I guess," she excuses, her fingers still fiddling with the necklace hidden underneath her dress's neckline. "Thanks for asking," she adds noticing his eyebrows knit in worry. "Did you enjoy the festival," she asks trying to change the subject and dispel his concern.
"Yeah it was fun, except for the dizziness from the coaster," the plumber replies with a slight blush upon his cheeks.
"I've never known someone with such a sensitive stomach," Daisy laughs. "I did tell you not to eat that funnel cake before getting on!"
"You did not," Luigi playfully defends. "You were the one that insisted on having the funnel cake!"
"Oh yeah, I forgot," the princess admits with a grin. The castle's main gate comes into view, "Are we already here, seriously?" The younger Mario brother follows her gaze and confirms the front door coming ever so closer. Two guards stand at their post in front of the door.
"Welcome back Princess Floral," one guard greets as the other opens the door.
"Thank you," Daisy nods as she and Luigi walk past them into the foyer. The door slams heavily behind them as they make their way to the east wing.
A satisfied grin grows on Prince Cashmire's face as he finishes off the last chocolate chip cookie on his plate placating his hunger. After gulping down the last drop of milk in his cup, he leaves the small island in the kitchen and heads for the stairs to the west wing when footsteps grab his attention. Following the sound, he heads up the stairs toward the east wing and continues to a hallway where he finds the hired security specialist escorting the desert princess to her door.
"Thanks for coming with me; I had a lot of fun," Daisy notes gratefully.
"It was my pleasure; I had a lot of fun too," Luigi replies with a smile and a twinge of red in his cheeks.
She replies with a sweet smile as she walks into her room. Luigi turns to walk back to his room when the brunette princess pops her head out the door. "You wouldn't want to go with me again tomorrow would you," she asks curiously while nervously biting her lip and strumming her fingers on the door frame.
"Sure," the green clad plumber agrees happily; "as long as I get to hang out with you I'm happy with whatever we do," he adds then blushing fully in embarrassment for saying his thoughts out loud.
"Good, cause I don't want to go back with anyone else, but my good luck charm." She steps back out into the hall and leans over toward the younger Mario brother planting a kiss on his cheek. "Night," she bids with a seductive smile then disappears into her room; the door closing behind her.
Luigi smiles drunkenly as he realizes what has just occurred. After a long day, this was the perfect night! Oh I can't wait for tomorrow! He begins to turn to head to his room when he feels pain rush from the back of his skull then his vision turns to black.
I don't believe this crap man! I travel all the way from the Tarpon Kingdom to impress this chick and this happens? Well its time to fix this once and for all, Cashmire determinedly thinks as heads down the east stairs and up the west set. He turns to a hallway and knocks on the first door.
"What do you, oh my," the red-headed prince exclaims surprised.
"Are the goody-tooshoes in bed," Cashmire asks quietly.
"Peasley and Pine? I think they so…why do you ask and why are you carrying the guy from the Mushroom Kingdom tossed over your shoulder," Toffee asks inquisitively.
"Just listen, meet me out in the courtyard by the willow tree and don't get caught," Cashmire orders. "I'll be there after I find Waluigi."
"But he's already out there," Toffee informs Cashmire shoots him a questioning look so the Saffron prince continues; "He snuck out for some air awhile ago and hasn't come back."
"Well then what are we waiting for, let's go," Cashmire insists as he grabs Toffee's arm and drags him down the hallway.
Waluigi leans back to lie on the grass and look at the stars; not something he did normally, but without his green house of piranha plants to help him think he found this to be the best substitute. At least he thought it could be a substitute; however, he cannot see the stars. Miffed he sits back up and looks toward the village noticing the ample light radiating from it. Stupid festival with its light pollution, he mentally grumbles. Makes me wonder how that fat slob brother of mine is doing. Probably enjoying himself over at that stupid company of his with that girl all over him, ick, Waluigi scrunches his nose in disgust. What's her name, oh yes Mona. She's what, twelve? Or at least she acts like it always so damn peppy and cheery! Urgh, irritates me to death! Wario's never had the best taste in women anyway…like that phase where he swore he loved Princess Toadstool, that was a joke! Like he was going to win her over with Mario around, HA right. The younger Wario brother laughs aloud then walks over to the courtyard's pond and looks at his reflection. Am I in that rut now? Chasing after some princess that I can never get? Nah, no way Daisy's not like Peach no! Peach was infatuated with Mario the moment they met, disgustingly so, but Floral she's different. Those eyes show something more complex, a rebellious side that just needs some coaxing to come out. A side that sees me as something more than just a nuisance… Some rustling snaps Waluigi out of his thoughts and he quickly turns to find the source of the noise. A hulking figure with jet black hair and another smaller figure with red hair emerge from the patio doors. "What the hell are you two doing here," the jaunty Wario Brother asks irritated.
"Hey was just looking for you; you got a minute?"
Luigi's eyes remain heavy, but slowly his other senses kick in. He feels his head drooping down, like a dying sunflower bloom weighing down the stalk. His arms are not free as he shifts them slightly to no advantage, instead he finds them tied behind him and wrapped around some sort of pole. The pole feels rough on his back as he leans against it. The crisp night air blows against his face and brings the smell of water to his nose. Finally the sound of people talking registers in his ears.
"She took him to the festival," Waluigi asks frustrated.
"Yeah and they just got back like fifteen minutes ago," Cashmire informs. "I caught them parting ways in the east wing after a, um, interesting good-bye…"
"Interesting," Waluigi squints suspiciously, "what do you mean by that?"
Luigi coughs and brings his head up to look at the two suitors talking about him. "Why are we out here," he groggily asks after glancing around and realizing that they are in the courtyard.
"Because we are going to teach you a lesson, plumber boy," Cashmire threats, but really does not scare Luigi.
"A lesson? What for? I didn't do anything to you guys," he defends confused.
"Yes you are," Waluigi interjects miffed, "you are trying to squirm your way to the throne through Daisy and we don't appreciate more competition."
"The throne," Luigi replies perplexed; "you think I care about who takes the throne? Wow, you are completely off-base."
"Off-base? Ha! What else would you be after if not that," Waluigi snorts contemptuously as he turns his back to his cousin. "What no snappy comeback? No attempt to explain yourself? What cat got your tongue," the younger Wario brother quips expecting a reaction. He stares at his bound cousin who is unwilling to explain himself breaks eye contact, dropping his gaze down to the grass, and blushes pink on the cheeks. "No way," Waluigi suddenly interjects as an idea hits him. "Don't tell me you love her," the lanky man asks and watches as Luigi blushes a deeper red; then breaks into a hearty laugh. "This is priceless! Oh, oh you've got to be kidding right? A princess and plumber, what do you think this is the Mushroom Kingdom?" Both Waluigi and Cashmire break into a fit of laughter until Cashmire stops suddenly. "Wait what's so wrong with that? I mean Mario did it…," the Tarpon prince begins.
"That's exactly the point," Waluigi interrupts causing the other two to look at him confused. He again turns to Luigi and crouches down to be eye-level with his bound cousin. "You might be Mario's brother, but that doesn't entitle you to the same things that he has. Not every plumber gets a princess," he coldly informs. "Besides she deserves a man, not a mouse; she's out of your league," Waluigi hisses.
"You're right," Luigi replies causing Waluigi to smirk. "I'm not my brother, I never want to be," the younger Mario brother continues. Normally he drops arguments here to avoid further conflict, but tonight he is not worried about stopping the conflict; instead he wants his piece to be heard. "She does deserve a man, not a self-serving jerk like you."
"Oh how cute, the little mouse is trying to be a man and fight back," Waluigi mocks. "Too bad it is a waste of breath; once a mouse, always a mouse," he sneers as he flicks his cousin's nose then stands up to turn and leave.
"She told me about the kiss," Luigi throws out, stopping the lanky man in his tracks. "How you came at her out of the blue and scared her to death the she pushed you away. I think you're angry because she has pushed you away and not me. Maybe she is out of your league," he retorts.
Waluigi clinches his teeth and squeezes his hands into fists wanting to slug his green clad cousin, but instead turns to Cashmire. "Looks like somebody finally grew a pair and learned how to talk the talk, now let's see if he can walk the walk…" Waluigi turns and faces Luigi, "Time for that lesson little cousin," he grins mischievously. "Hold him," he orders the jet haired prince as he rolls up his sleeves.
The warmth of the sun heats Luigi's cheek causing him to stir, Must be morning. He tries to push himself up, but his sore arms scream in resistance. Instead he rolls over out of the sunlight and into the shadow cast by the bed. He tries to open his eyes, but only the left one will open all the way, the other has swollen shut due to being punched the night before, just had to rile them up didn't I. Man they did a douesy on me, the green clad plumber groans as the rest of his body begins to ache specifically his stomach and face. Didn't even bother to throw me up onto my bed, just shoved me onto the floor. How nice of them. He lets out a deep breath then climbs up on top of the bed and collapses again as he body reminds him how painful moving is at the moment. I guess I'll just take it slow today, give myself a chance to heal, he thinks as he begins to drift back to sleep.
"Up these stairs and it's the third door on the right," Daisy's voice chimes down the hallway.
Luigi's eyes snap open in panic, Crap! What time is it? He cranes his head to look at the clock which reads 10:23 AM. Quickly he rolls to his feet with a wince of pain and rushes down the hallway, skidding to a stop at the top of the stairs. Waluigi, Cashmire, Toffee, and Pine are carrying up the white mirror from the festival yesterday up the stairs, while Peasley and Daisy bring up the rear.
"Good morning Mister Luigi," Peasley pleasantly chimes, noticing the plumber standing atop the stairs.
"Morning Lui…Luigi what happened to you," Daisy stutters as she notices the bruises on his face and the bump on his head.
"Well I," the plumber begins then looks down at Waluigi and Cashmire, both of whom glare at him maliciously. "I fell down the stairs. All the way down," he lies horribly. The boys nod approvingly as Daisy suspiciously eyes him. "I see the mirror came, do you guys need help," Luigi asks changing the topic.
"We got it," Waluigi answers as they trudge to the top of the stairs then as he passes his cousin adds in a whisper, "punching bag."
"Put it in the corner next to the dresser," Daisy orders as the men enter her room. She, Peasley, and Luigi follow them in and watch them set the mirror in place. "Perfect," the desert princess praises as she admires the piece.
"Good so we're done now," Waluigi hints impatiently.
"Yes you can go," Daisy replies. Everyone turns to leave and the brunette princess reaches out and grabs Luigi's arm. "Can I ask you something?" The others leave and she closes the door. "What's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't try to lie Luigi, you're not good at it. You didn't get those bumps and bruises falling down the stairs. Who did this to you," she bluntly asks.
"No one, well someone, but it doesn't matter. I'll be fine," he reassures.
"No it's not fine! Someone hurt you and they deserve to pay for it, so who is it?"
"I told you I'm fine, no need to make a fuss. I can take care of myself."
"It doesn't look like you can take care of yourself if you are trying to cover for someone who is hurting you," she points out vexed.
"Hey I'm here to protect you remember? There is no need to worry about me or make a big deal out of this," Luigi sternly reminds.
"Why are you trying to sweep this the rug and make it disappear? And how am I suppose to trust you to take care of me if you can't even protect yourself," she snaps still cross.
"Well princess, I don't need you or anyone else for that matter to take care of my problems; I will do it myself! Now if you don't mind your highness, I'm going to go downstairs and have some breakfast," he states bitterly.
"Look, I'm sorry for being harsh. I'm just trying to help, please stay and talk to me about it," she pleads apologetically.
"I'll see you later," Luigi whispers before opening the door and walking out.
"So you're going to run away from this too huh? Fine, I'm just trying to help, but it looks like you don't want it. So just walk out, leave!" She slams the door after him then grabs a book and plops onto her bed, frustrated and trying to keep her mind occupied.
Luigi plops down at the table with a frown on his face, Why does she think she needs to protect me? I told her I'm fine; that I can take care of myself, why doesn't she believe me? Does she think I am a weak little mouse that can't finish his own battles? Well she's wrong and so is Waluigi. I am no mouse and he'll get what's coming to him!
Hyacinth enters the room and notices the plumber's sour expression and sits across from him. "Good morning," she greets pleasantly.
"Morning," he replies in a grumble.
"Had a long night I take it," she observes from his injuries.
"You could say that."
"Hmm, may I ask how you got those nasty bruises," she asks cautiously.
"Fell down the stairs," he replies curtly.
"Is that so?"
"What don't believe me," he accuses.
"Not really, but you seem defensive, so I won't push it," she replies coolly.
"Hmph, I say I'm fine and no one believes me. First Daisy and now you; well at least you are not grilling me about it."
"I know my granddaughter is stubborn and frustrating at times Luigi, but it sounds like to me she only had your best interest in mind. Sounds like to me she is worried about you and really cares," Hyacinth explains unwavering.
"Well I…you think so?"
"I know so."
"Wait how did you know what we were arguing about?"
"It's not that hard to figure out. I think you should listen to her though, they don't deserve to be covered for."
"Thanks Hyacinth," Luigi says before she disappears and he rushes up the east wing stairs and knocks on the first door.
"Hello," the door swings open to show Toffee answering. "Oh its you what do you want?"
"I want to speak with your buddies, Cashmire and Waluigi," Luigi curtly replies.
"They are the next door down."
"Okay thanks," he leaves Toffee standing there and stomps down the hall to the next door and pounds on it.
"What," Waluigi exclaims irately as he opens the door. "Oh cuz, how nice to see you! What do you want pest?"
"I want to let you know I did not appreciate being ambushed last night."
"Oh really," Waluigi replies then turns back to Cashmire. "Did you hear that? He didn't appreciate our little lesson."
Cashmire rises from his bed and walks up behind Waluigi, "Is that so? Well that's too bad now isn't it?"
"I want an apology," Luigi demands.
"An apology? Bwa ha ha! Can you believe this guy," Waluigi breaks up into laughter.
"Yeah this guy's off his rocker," Cashmire adds.
"Well I didn't want to do this, but if you insist…" Suddenly Luigi punches Waluigi in the mouth and sends him flying back onto the floor.
"What the? You little," Cashmire starts then charges Luigi and pins him to the wall and begins punching him. "Do you ever learn?"
"Yes I do," Luigi stomps on Cashmire's foot stopping his punching assault then elbows him in the stomach and pushes him down.
"Woah, someone calls security," Toffee yells.
"You little brat," Waluigi sneers as he gets up from the floor and tackles Luigi down. "Think you can beat us at our own game?"
"No just wanted to give you a taste of your own medicine," the younger Mario brother quips as he trades blows with the younger Wario brother. As they continue to fight; Peasley, Pine, Toffee, Herb and a couple of security guards run to their position and begin to intervene by pulling each of the combatants from each other. "Let go of me, he deserves to get what's coming to him!"
"Mister Luigi, he's not worth it," Peasley notes.
"Listen to the talking bean loser, because we both know I'd beat the snot of you with one hand tied behind my back," Waluigi boasts.
"Now calm down, don't ruffle anymore feathers," Herb advises ash he assists the guards in holding the lanky purple man back.
"Lets take them downstairs to throne room, call Chizier and the king."
The three sit sulking in chairs brought in from the dining room and placed in front of the throne. Minutes later, King Thorne and Chizier enter the room. The chibibo vizier stands stolidly next to the throne as the king sits down and scornfully looks at the three men in front of him. "I am disappointed in all three of you. You should know better than to start a brawl in my castle."
"He started it," Cashmire exclaims as he points to Luigi; "he randomly came to our door and punched Waluigi in the mouth!"
"Excuse me? I didn't start this, you guys did, last night! Kidnapping me then dragging me to the courtyard, tying me up, and beating me to a bloody pulp to 'teach me a lesson'," Luigi fires back.
"Well maybe if you weren't trying to screw with our chances of getting a good woman, maybe we wouldn't have to teach you a lesson," Waluigi retorts.
"I don't care who started it or why! I do not and will not tolerate fighting in my home," Thorne yells authoritatively. The three men fall silently and nod their heads dejected. "Especially over trivial arguments like this. A leader, a good leader, for the best for his people. I hope that is what you take from this, now go," he orders then stands and disappears toward the kitchen.
Cashmire and Waluigi turn and scowl at the plumber then leave, vanishing up the east stairs as Luigi remains seated in his chair starting thoughtfully at his shoes. Well I feel like an idiot now; I let them get the best of me. I usually never do something like that. Shouldn't let pride or anger take over like that makes me lose focus. Wow I am a fool…for doing that. Wait, I need to go apologize to Daisy, she deserves that since I was so mean to her. With that thought, he rushes up the west stairs