It had been six weeks since the end of the Trial. The Bros had returned to their simple home near Mushroom Castle after a short holiday touring the islands between Isle Delfino and P'illo island, courtesy of Peach and Daisy.

There had been some unusual events for Luigi after the end of the Trial. The first person to congratulate him in an official capacity was Gallete from the Waffle Kingdom. The elderly diplomat had bought with him a telegram from the King and Queen of the Waffle Kingdom. But no word from Sarasaland, despite Daisy's return.

They had slipped into their normal domestic routine, although Luigi wasn't working yet. He preferred to tend to their garden as it was now the middle of summer and there was plenty to do. Mario had done his best, but the garden was still in need of some TLC.

The glass framed pictures were back in his bedroom. The drinking vessel on his nightstand was glass but still Luigi was troubled by strange semi-remembered visions that would sneak up if he let his mind wander. But these he could tolerate more than the strange internal itch that he couldn't quite place as to what was the cause. He did go out with his brother on some of the jobs - there was no shortage of work right now - but that didn't go too well, he was surprised at how little focus he had for work, which was usually a welcome distraction from dark thoughts.

"See you later bro! I'll be back by four!"

"See you later big bro."

Luigi sighed as he cleared up the breakfast things. It was a warm sunny day - perfect for weeding as the tomatoes and squashes would need some attention. His homemade bug repellent (washing up liquid, Waluigi's homegrown chillies and mashed up garlic) should soon be ready for application. He made a mental note to make sure ALL fruit and vegetables were washed before eating.

He wandered out into the garden, checking the mailbox near the front gate out of habit. Only there was a letter addressed to Luigi.

"Hi Bro I'm home! Bro?"

Mario put his toolbox down, feeling slightly nonplussed. Luigi was reading the letter again.

"Bro?"

Luigi sat up with a start.

"Mario! Damn! I've not got dinner on!"

"Don't worry, I'll get us something. Uh, what's that letter?"

Luigi put it down.

"It's from Professor Mycroft. I must have read it at least a dozen times. But I'm not sure what to feel. I thought it was all about the diplomatic stuff that I'm supposed to be getting from Sarasaland but that's not until next week."

"Ok?"

"It's about a reunion."

"huh?" Mario looked perplexed.

"I know. What reunion? Then I read the rest of the letter. It was a request by Mimi at first - apparently she's going back to Flipside to get a job with Merlee. Mycroft sorta said 'why not?' and O'Chunks and Nastasia were contacted. It would be at Peach's Castle next week, 'cause that's just before Mimi goes to Flipside."

A strange look flittered across Mario's face. It was one Luigi was unaccustomed to seeing, but if summarized just how he felt.

"Are you going to go then?"

"That's what I've been thinking all day - am I going to go? It's...I wish I knew the words - 'was a shame that we never got to finish that extra-mural class on literature at College."

"You remember that still? I'd almost forgotten!"

"Yeah. It's like I should sorta hate them but I can't. Like Count Bleck - he started it - did terrible things but I can't hate him. Not that it matters for all we know he's dead. But O'Chunks and Nastasia - they helped us. I think she might have saved my life...And Mimi - she's a kid, she got bullied as a freak from what I guess - it's like Bleck and O'Chunks and Nassy were her only family. And O'Chunks..."

Luigi dipped his head. Mario nodded. He knew that out of all of the surviving minions it was only O'Chunks who fully understood the loss of control, the loss of self that those terrifying parasitic plants had one the Sprout was fully active. Mario too had seen himself the despair and shame from the warrior and that twice he had asked him to end his life after defeat. But they both know that there was more to O'Chunks than just his fearsome physical prowess. He nodded his head.

"I know Bro."

"But the letter is just asking for me, Bro."

"I kinda guessed that ,Bro. But do you want me to come with you before you meet them - that is if you decide to go?"

And so the answer was Yes.

"No, Bro. I think I'll go on my own this time. But thanks for asking."

It made sense. Mr L was the fourth loyal minion.

Luigi entered the Courtyard of Mushroom Castle and saw them sat near the fountain, accompanied by Mrs Toadlia and Professor Mycroft. There was O'Chunks and Nastasia, sitting on one bench with Mimi, Mrs Toadlia and Professor Mycroft on the other bench. Professor Mycroft nodded as did Mrs Toadlia. There was a brief, awkward silence, broken by O'Chunks.

"So you came, Luigi. How are you now?"

"I'm...better. How are you too?" Luigi caught site of the dark pink scar on top of O'Chunk's scalp.

"Aye, I'm grand. There is a lot to get used to now. And a wee bit later." Was O'Chunks nervous about something? Meeting him? No wait not just that - Luigi couldn't help notice Nastasia's swollen abdomen. That would explain a lot.

"So where are you living now?"

"We're in the Dungeons here - but they've been set up for us - it was where Nastasia was before the trial. They've even got a crib ready. But we're not sure where we'll be living as you're not really supposed to live here long term."

Nastasia spoke up.

"We hope to come to some arrangement with Princess Peach at some point, but this isn't why we've asked to meet today. This is Mimi's last day here before she starts her apprenticeship in Flipside. We...wanted to meet up for the last time. I know that the last time we were together, um and how we ended up together wasn't the best place and time but it seems right to do this before we go and there didn't seem to be any legal objection to this 'k?"

"I guess so"

Luigi wasn't really sure what to make of this as he slowly paced in front of the fountain. Nastasia had changed in appearance. She was now in her sixth month and fine dark blue veins could be seen on the side of her face. She still had her hair in a bun with her glasses but was now wearing clothes that seen unusual for her. She appeared to be wearing a shirt like O'Chunks but which on her was dress length, over which a plaid like O'Chunks was wrapped around her and pinned over one shoulder, not unlike a sari which he had seen in parts of Sarasaland. It seemed to suit her though.

"So what are you going to do when the baby is born? Will you still be living here?" Luigi heard himself speak.

"Princess Peach says we can come to an arrangement, considering that since we have effectively served our sentences, we are in this country as 'Aliens with Special Abilities'. Mimi don't snigger!" Nastasia turned with a sharp look to Mimi.

That broke the tension. Luigi found himself sniggering despite himself - wasn't there a point when that designation applied to him and his brother?

"Yeah, it does sound kinda funny - but it's a real label. Even back where I came from!"

He smiled. Everyone else smiled back - the mood lightened and the air seemed warmer somehow.

"I'm glad you're here" Mimi spoke up. "I didn't think you'd come. I sorta see why, but I miss.. L, Luigi - I mean you. You where the only one other than Nassy - Nastasia who was any good at computer games!"

Luigi looked at Mimi. She was wearing a simple sleeveless black knee-length shift dress and a neat scarf around her neck - Luigi guessed correctly that it was hiding a bandage.

"So you are going to work with Merlee in Flipside?"

"Yes, but she didn't say work - more that it would be work and study - it's part of my probation. I still have to check in with officials from the Mushroom Kingdom every three months. But I'm kinda looking forward to it."

"So how are you now?"

"It's not been easy. I've been at time a pain to Mrs Toadlia here too. There are some places in the MK I don't want to go - Toad fanatics but although I'd never need to go there it still - scares me - too much like growing up. So I'm kinda glad I'll be in Flipside but I'm gonna miss you people."

Mimi got up and shook Mrs Toadlia's hand.

"I'm gonna miss you. I know that I was sometimes mean but you've helped me out more than your job was worth."

She shook Professor Mycroft's hand.

"Thanks for listening, Sir. I guess you'll still be seeing me now and then.

She walked over to Nastasia and O'Chunks and embraced them both.

"I've missed you guys! I didn't know about the little one until the Professor told me! I bet it'll be a little cutiepie!"

"We've missed you too, Mimi.

Finally she turned to Luigi and took out her hand.

"I've missed you too. It was nice to have someone around who was, uh... young and more...fun. Dimentio did a really dirty trick to you but you beat him! Don't forget that!"

She blushed. There were tears in her eyes. Luigi extended his hand to hers. They shook. Her hands were surprisingly warm.

"It's OK. He can never hurt us now. Um, Good luck with your apprenticeship. Mimi.

"Thanks, L." Mimi gave him an uncharacteristically shy smile.

Luigi sat on the edge of the fountain. There was silence, but now it was a warm silence. It was just enough to hear the plashing of the water and see the clouds move over the sky. Even Mrs Toadlia and Professor Mycroft seemed more relaxed. There didn't seem much that needed to be said.

"I'm glad you came, Luigi. It's nice to see you in better circumstances. O'Chunks has a present for you - it's been checked 'k"

Luigi wasn't sure what to make of this - but why not?

"Um, how did you get this? You don't have any money?"

"I sold some of my jewellery - but this isn't going anywhere!" Nastasia gestured at the large blue jewel she wore round her neck. It was similar to Princess Peach's."

"The Princess herself told me not to sell this as this was a gem of inestimatable value - a true blue star sapphire - very similar to hers. But I had other items on my person I could sell. And most of these were made not bought."

O'Chunks handed Luigi a pile of folded cloth that was not too dissimilar to the plaid he was wearing. Only this one was green and black shot through with finer lines of blue and red.

"We designed this for you and wove this, or Nastasia did - she's got a talent for this and there wasn't much else to do. I hope you like it"

"I don't know what to say, but thanks - why did you do this?"

"Just think of this as thanks from us. I know that their damn rumour mills keep a-grinding but we know the truth. Aye we know the truth.."

Nastasia nodded. "We owe our freedom to you in a way, but we also know that everyone else does - if you hadn't defeated Dimentio...

"Oh...oh. I understand." Perhaps it was just as well that most other people would forget him in time. But in truth it didn't matter as long as those important to him remembered.

"I...I do like this...Tarten. Thank you very much. Maybe we can all meet again, perhaps."

"Yes, we'd like that - but not for a while."

Luigi looked around the Courtyard. The breeze rustled the trees and light and shades danced across the grass. He got up and walked around.

"I guess I'd better be going back now. I'm glad I came now. I hope that things work out."

He turned and made his way to the exit. He was about to enter the hallway when he heard heavy footsteps behind him.

"Luigi!"

"O'Chunks?"

"I..I wanted to this because in a way were are brothers of the 'Sprout'. We've both been robbed by it, 'twas the worst thing bein' a beast of rage shouting CABBAGE! as all I could do! I ain't the sharpest knife in the drawer but I work damn hard to think! And to have that taken away..."

O'Chunks sighed.

"You fought it - I've fought that damn thing - that makes us brothers in arms - and don't forget it. Not like your real brother Mario.." He hastily added. "What I'm trying to say is don't ever thing you're not a warrior whatever anyone says!"

He clapped him on the shoulder - then thinking better of it, offered him his hand. Luigi took it with a smile and shook it.

"Bye, O'Chunks"

"Bye, Luigi - but say hello to Mario from me - I guess I owe him too."

Luigi smiled "I prefer arriverderchi"

It was only after he crossed the moat that it occurred to Luigi that the uncharacteristically simple black dress Mimi wore seemed to represent mourning.

Luigi made the short walk home, feeling lighter. That internal itch had gone - he knew what it was and he'd made his decision.

"Hi Bro"

"You were gone for a long time. How did it go?"

"It went...OK. O'Chunks tells me to say hello. Bro. I've been thinking."

"Yes?"

"It's not like I don't like being home its...something was bothering me and I didn't know what it was. But I do now."

"What is it?"

"I think I need to move out - I have my mansion and I ought to live in it - most its habitable - I think."

"But why, bro?"

"I'm not sure - but it's like once you go you can never go back - we've come back here but I don't feel I have. I mean I will want to visit and stay but I need a home of my own. You can always some and visit to stay with me as well! - I have plenty of space."

"Oh bro, this is weird - it'll feel kinda empty without you - but do what you feel is right."

"I love you bro, never forget that - you'll always be welcome but I'm less scared of being alone now - we'll have some good times soon. Plus I need somewhere private for Daisy and I."

Of course, thought Mario. Well here's looking to you, bro. About time you had some happiness.