A Ring, A Promise! Take A Knee, Brave Hero!
Characters, locations and events belong to Nintendo. The Elite Beat Toadies are inspired by characters belonging to inis. You Might Think belongs to Ric Ocasek and The Cars. I do not claim ownership over the song. I am only a fan.
Normally, the sound of a screaming alarm clock would bother the sleep-loving Luigi, but today was different. He slammed the clock's ringing bells to shut them up, followed by his daily tradition of taking a big stretch before jumping out of bed.
Looking into his antique wardrobe, he pulled out a white polo shirt, a pair of black slacks and his lucky emerald bowtie for good measure. Upon placing the articles upon his queen-sized bed, he trotted over to his dresser to pull out a towel. Thankfully, one of his several bathrooms was connected to his main bedroom, so he didn't have to go far to take a shower and brush his teeth.
Returning back to the bedroom from his warm shower, Luigi took the clothes he had chosen and walked them over to the changing screen that he keeps in the corner. Despite the fact that he lives alone (aside from the occasional visits from E. Gadd), Luigi still did not like walking around his new mansion naked. Y'know, just in case a couple of stray specters were still lurking around. Upon getting dressed, he walked over to the large upright mirror and examined his attire.
"Lookin' sharp!" Luigi boasted to no one in particular as he spun around to eye every bit of his fashion choice.
But before going down to his mansion's kitchen to make himself some breakfast, he reached into his bedside stand and fished out an object, which he quickly stuck into his pants pocket.
Even though he wasn't even that hungry, Luigi began absent-mindedly frying up some eggs. Cooking has always been therapeutic to Luigi. It's almost as if he goes into a trance whenever he makes a meal. But suddenly, Luigi was brought out of that trance by some knocking at the main entrance.
"What could the professor want now?" Luigi grumbled, turning off the stove. Thankfully his breakfast was already fully cooked so he wouldn't be stuck with room temperature eggs. The knocker's patience wore thin as Luigi was trying his hardest to navigate his labyrinthian haunt. "Hold your pants on, prof!" Luigi called as he finally made it to the foyer, sliding down the railing that put him face-to-face with the wooden double doors.
"Hey sweetie!" the mysterious knocker practically jumped on an unsuspecting Luigi as he opened the door.
"Daisy, you're here early! I thought our date was later this evening." Despite being puzzled, Luigi returned Daisy's affection with a hug and kiss of his own. "Please come in. I was just making breakfast if you want any." As Daisy entered the foyer with a smile, Luigi got to get a good look at what she was wearing. To his surprise, she was not looking especially dressed for the date that Luigi had planned. Instead, she was wearing her usual casualwear complete with yellow shirt and orange shorts. Around her neck was the faux gold necklace that Luigi got her for their first anniversary of dating.
Daisy sat herself down at a nearby sofa, making a small thud. "No thanks, Weegee. In fact, where we're going, you're gonna need to keep your tummy empty."
"Wha? Are we going somewhere to eat, then?"
"Not quite! You're just gonna love what I have planned! But you're looking a tad overdressed." Daisy could not help but giggle whenever Luigi got caught off-guard. He always made the same dumbfounded expression that she just found adorable. "Tell ya what. I dig the shirt and the tie, but maybe lose the pants."
Luigi's face turned beet-red. "Y-you want me to do what?"
Daisy's giggle erupted into laughter. "You know what I meant! I'll be waiting right here, honey."
Not wanting to keep his love waiting, Luigi rushed back up to his bedroom to slip into a pair of blue jeans. But before doing that, he took that mysterious item out of his other pants and into his new pair. Luigi was so happy that it didn't accidentally slip out of his pocket in his excitement. As usual, he checked himself out in the mirror.
"Hmm. Something's off…" Luigi was displeased at how his dress shirt didn't match up with the jeans. So, he went over to his dresser and whipped out a plain, white t-shirt. After all, it was shaping up to be a pretty hot day outside.
"Lookin' sharp!" Daisy whistled as Luigi emerged back into the foyer, causing him to blush. "Now let's get going!"
"But darling, you haven't told me where we're going yet."
"We're going to Pinna Park!" cheered Daisy, jumping up and down like a little girl.
"Pinna Park? That's so far away! If I had known you had wanted to go, I could have arranged for us to stay at Isle Delfino for the weekend."
"No need! Besides, I wanted it to be a surprise! C'mon, let's go!" Daisy slammed open the mansion's double doors to reveal Peach's private jet waiting for them outside.
"You got Peach to lend you her jet?" Luigi marveled at the towering piece of pink machinery.
"Yuh huh! How'd you think I got here so fast?" said Daisy, also admiring her best friend's plane. She turned towards Luigi, who suddenly appeared to have had all the color drained from his body. "Something wrong, sweetie?"
"N-no! Nothing at all!" Luigi lied. "It's just really hot out! Yeah, that's it! I'll go get us some water bottles!"
"Luigi, wait!" Daisy tried calling out, but it was too late, he was already sprinting to the kitchen. "… I already got us some."
Luigi traversed his way back and carelessly slammed the door behind him, creating a loud bang. He slid over to his refrigerator, ignoring his now-cold eggs, and frantically reached for two bottles. He began thinking out loud. "Pinna Park!? Of course it had to be Pinna Park!" Luigi began thinking of all the fast rollercoasters and other attractions, causing him to shiver in fear. "I can't let Daisy know that I'm afraid of rollercoasters! She'll think I'm such a wimp! But can I really put on a brave face for her?"
The constant doubt and tachophobia swirled through Luigi's mind until reaching a breaking point. "HEEEAAALP!"
Little did Luigi know that he was being watched.
Deep underground in an unknown location, four round silhouettes stared at a monitor until one of them spoke up. "Agents are… GO!"
Suddenly, the other three sprang into action, jumping out of the briefing room and onto three jet black turbo-powered jet skis en route to Isle Delfino.
Luigi determined that he needed a good yell today and headed back to Daisy with water bottles in tow. He didn't even mind the handful of flies now swarming around his abandoned meal. He was surprised when he found Daisy back in his foyer. "You okay? I heard a lot of loud noises coming from up there."
"Oh, I figured I'd go to the bathroom while I was thinking about it. It was kind of a struggle if you catch my drift." Luigi lied again.
"TMI, dude!" Daisy chuckled, playfully slapping him on his scapula. Luigi chuckled too. "I'm ready when you are!"
Luigi caught sight of Daisy's face which was full of childlike wonder. With her around, why should I worry? "Right! Let's-a go!" he cheered as they exited the mansion and boarded the jet.
The flight was pleasant enough. The couple spent their time conversing about various topics, such as tennis matches, the latest gossip on Bowser's next evil plot, what have you. They were only interrupted a couple times by an obsequious Toadette stewardess, but other than that, the flight went by like nothing.
"Okay Daisy, stop me if you've heard this one before. 'I'll need a map just in case I get lost in your eyes.'" Luigi could barely finish the quote before breaking down into a hearty chuckle.
Daisy also erupted into laughter. "I think some rando tried using that one on Peach. Poor girl had to put up with it too!"
The pair's laughter died down as Luigi suddenly asked in a very serious manner "But what if I used that one on you?"
"I'd still find it ridiculous! There's more cheese in that one line than in all of Moo Moo Meadows!" Daisy cracked up at her own joke.
"Oh…" Luigi could not help but feel a little disappointed at her response. "But what if I meant it?" His eyes were now glued onto Daisy's, watching her eyes sparkle as her smile widened.
Despite her vociferous nature, Daisy knew that now was not the time to speak up; rather it was the time for action. She pulled the taken aback plumber towards herself for a passionate kiss. They enjoyed the moment until a raspy voice abruptly thundered through the plane's intercom.
"Uhhhh… This is your captain speaking. We are now beginning our initial descent on Isle Delfino. Please fasten your seatbelts until the plane has reached a complete stop. That means you, Princess."
While Luigi wanted to heed the captain's warning, but something, or rather someone, was holding him back.
"Daisy, please. We're almost there." Luigi's speech was muffled by her embrace. "There'll be plenty of time to hold me once we get there."
Daisy broke away from her hug. "Hold you, eh? What's the matter? Scared of rollercoasters or something?"
Just like before, Luigi's face was drained of all color, turning even paler than last time. "W-what?! N-no! I meant it in a romantic way! I know how much you like it when I play Casanova." Luigi was never known for being a good liar, his heart would not let him be, but it seemed that Daisy was convinced since she gave him another quick peck on the cheek right as the plane finally landed.
"We're here!" chirped Daisy rushing excitedly down the jet's stairs. "C'mon, Weegee! Time's-a wastin'!" She looked behind her to find Luigi cautiously descend the steps with shaking legs.
"Coming, darling! I'm just so excited, my legs don't know how to react! Heh… heh…" Upon reaching the bottom step, it was impossible for Luigi, or anyone for that matter, to miss the yards upon yards of Toads, Koopas, Piantas and Nokis lined up in front of the entrance. "Oh well! Looks like the line's too long! Guess we'll have to come back some other time. It really is too bad!" Breathing a sigh of relief, Luigi promptly turned himself around and was about to climb back onto the plane, but he was stopped by a tugging on his shirt collar.
"Not so fast, sweetie! You didn't think I wouldn't have expected this, did you?" Daisy reached into her shorts pocket and revealed two sky-blue plastic cards. "Take a look at these babies! I got us lifetime passes! And what's more, we get to skip all the lines with these!" Daisy began jumping up and down again, this time with greater speed and intensity.
But while all this was going on, a deadly game of tug-of-war was raging in Luigi's mind. I know I asked this before, but what should I do? I love her more than anything, but I can't help but fear for my safety. I can't keep on lying to her, though. He almost wanted to yell out "HEEEAAALLP!" again, but if he did, he knew Daisy would get suspicious.
Thankfully, she did not notice him lost in thought as she charged forward, savoring the jealous gazes of the patrons stuck in the queue. "What should we ride first? The carousel or the swinging pirate ships? I know I wanna save the Ferris Wheel for last…" Daisy thought aloud. Luigi was still near the jet, so he did not hear her, rather he just sighed and chased after her.
Without warning, three shadows inexplicably fell before Luigi's exhausted face, blocking his way to the entrance. Luigi thought he was dreaming. What could three Toads dressed in black suits and sunglasses want with me anyway? And look at their hair! The seventies called; they want their do's back! This cannot be real. Luigi would never have the courage to insult a stranger, much less ones so sharply dressed. Luigi quivered, "W-who are you? What d-do you want from me?!"
The Toad in the middle, with golden brown spots and a spiraling pompadour spoke up in the shrill voice that toads are so famous for. "The Elite Beat Toadies are at your service!" The two Toads behind him (one with a red afro, and the other with a small trilby and goatee) said nothing, but kept their arms crossed while nodding in agreement.
"What?" was all that could escape Luigi's lips.
"ARE YOU READY?!" The Toadies each stuck out their index fingers towards Luigi, who fell on his back from the shock of it all.
Luigi started panicking, pinching himself erratically just be sure this was not all some grand illusion. But no, every pinch was felt. What was strangest to him, however, was the fact that nobody else seemed to be surprised at operatives dropping in unannounced. Could they be performers that work here? Luigi was interrupted by the sounds of music filling his ears. He had never heard this song before, but it sounded familiar somehow.
"3" the Toadies called out.
"2" Sweat poured down Luigi's face, anxious as to what might happen next.
"1"
"GO!" Suddenly, Luigi felt as though his body was losing all control as his legs moved as if they had minds of their own. His arms were equally enchanted as they waved from side to side.
What's going – Luigi's thoughts were drowned out by the tune resounding in his head. An array notes from a keyboard, followed by electric guitars, a cool bass and drums swam through his mind. All anxiety that once dwelled there had flown south for the winter as a smooth, yet slightly neurotic voice entered the scene.
You might think I'm crazy to hang around with you. Or maybe you think I'm lucky to have something to do.
Luigi's legs sprang to life and quickly found himself next to his floral-themed lover, who was feigning an annoyed look while mindlessly eying her silvery wristwatch (another gift from Luigi, of course). "There you are, Weegee! You know how much I hate it when you keep me waiting!"
"Sorry 'bout that, darlin'. But I'm here now. What say you, shall we groove on over the pirate ships?" Luigi coolly leaned himself on a nearby pillar and wrapped his free arm around Daisy.
"Luigi! What's up with your voice?" Daisy could not ignore the surprise she felt by witnessing his sudden metamorphosis, but she found herself attracted to this new side of her boyfriend.
But I think that you're wild. Inside me is some child.
Ever since Luigi's first trip to Pinna Park, he always hated going on the pirate ships. First of all, they were infamous for breaking down, causing all passengers to fall into the pool below. He always wondered how the park passed safety inspections. The laws must be different in Isle Delfino. Either way, he knew that Daisy loved this particular attraction due to its unpredictable nature, which mirrored her own disposition.
"You heard me. Didn't ya, darlin'?"
"But you hate those things! You always have!" Daisy knew something was up by this new behavior. Still, it did not bother her much.
"Times change, babe. Let's-a go." Luigi's signature catchphrase was spoken with a different cadence. The timbre of confidence and resolve resounded through Daisy's ears like a cathedral bell, enamoring her.
You might think I'm foolish, or maybe it's untrue. You might think I'm crazy. All I want is you.
Luigi and Daisy strolled arm-in-arm towards the pirate ships, completely oblivious to anything or anyone besides themselves. They completely missed the pair of eyes spying on them from a secluded bush. Within it, the Toadies looked at each other and all gave a thumbs up in approval.
"Continue the mission." A voice faintly crackled through the agents' earpieces.
"Roger!" declared the Toadies in unison.
Upon reaching the line to the attraction, the couple flashed their passes to the ride attendant and got in right away.
"I told ya these things would come in handy!" Daisy exclaimed as she hopped up onto the wooden vessel. She briefly examined the metal rods connecting the ship to the swinging mechanism up above. Sure enough, it looked as rusted and dangerous as it always had. "Weegee, lookie there!" she shouted, pointing towards the machinery.
Stepping onto the seemingly unsafe replica, and taking a seat next to Daisy, Luigi wrapped his arm around her soft shoulders. All he could do was smile as he absorbed Daisy's thrilled appearance. He especially delighted in how her eyes shined in the sun while her mouth remained agape in excitement.
Much to the couple's chagrin, the rest of the passengers crept painfully slowly onto the ride. One noki child even had a temper tantrum, which delayed the ride operator even further.
Daisy turned to Luigi, whose arm was still locked onto her, and whispered playfully "Gee, I hope our kids aren't like that."
Suddenly, Luigi's tough guy persona evaporated. "W-what!? Daisy! W-we would have to get married before that!"
"Take it easy, Weeg! It was just a joke…" Daisy feigned a laugh. It was plain as day to anyone who is not Luigi that she was not joking.
Rows behind them, the Toadies continued to observe their interactions. "Don't let the mission be compromised! This is our only chance. Up the music!" crackled the mysterious voice yet again.
"Roger!"
You might think it's hysterical, but I know when you're weak. You think you're in the movies, and everything's so deep.
Thankfully, it did not take much longer for the ships to begin swinging back and forth. Its pace increased exponentially with each completed swing. Even though the music began playing through his head yet again, he did not revert to his newly found identity right away.
"WOOOHOO! Now this is a ride, eh Weegee?" Daisy's arms swung wildly above her head, intentionally ignoring the operator's reprimands.
But I think that you're wild when you flash that fragile smile. You might think it's foolish, what you put me through. You might think I'm crazy. All I want is you.
Luigi could not hear her over the screams of fellow park guests and from himself. Not too long after, his face transformed to a nasty shade, nearly matching his trademark color, but managed to hold back from vomiting by sheer force of will. The music only got louder as his eyes wandered to the rods holding everything in place. Sweat poured down his face as he eyed a couple screws popping off.
Quickly thinking, the equally nervous ride operator pushed a flashing red button labeled 'TRAPDOOR.' "Hold on tight! We're in for an emergency landing!" With perfect timing, the button was pressed right as the ship swung directly above the pool underneath. "Please press the green button on your seats, and a parachute will pop out." the panicked voice erupted from the intercom.
"HAHAAAAAAA!"
"AAAAIIIIEEEEE!"
Daisy's laughter and Luigi's terror created a surprisingly sweet harmony as the rest of the riders plummeted into the warm water below. The pool reflected the sun's rays perfectly, which created an enchanting view that nobody could properly appreciate from a sudden ejection. Finally, the commotion quieted after the crescendo of everyone crashing into the pool.
Suddenly, everything went silent. Well, mostly silent. Luigi could only hear the muffled cheers of "Again! Again!" that swarmed around his ears. Part of him liked this silence, but the rest of him was troubled because he could not hear the music in his head anymore. His calm was quickly interrupted by a thought snapping into his mind. I didn't lose it, did I? Luigi hurriedly rummaged through his pants pockets. No! There's just no way! The only thing that interrupted his search was the oppressive suffocation that would meet him, should he stay underwater for too long. Keeping his eyes on the pool floor, Luigi allowed himself to float upwards.
"There you are!" Luigi was greeted by Daisy towering over his floating form. "I was starting to get worried!"
Luigi flipped himself over to get a glimpse of her beauty. Somehow, she looks even more beautiful now. Luigi was brought out of his thoughts by a more pressing one. "I had a nice pair of sunglasses in my pocket. I'm afraid they may have fallen out, so I'm gonna try to find them. But I'll be right back!" That was the only excuse Luigi could think of, but it seemed to work on Daisy.
"Oh, alright! I'll just chill out over here then!" There was a slight disappointment in Daisy's voice as she watched Luigi dive back down into the water, but not before giving him a couple playful splashes, of course.
Plunging into the blueish-green depths proved to be more of a challenge than Luigi anticipated. His vision was clouded by the intense stinging sensation of chlorine. It did not help matters that his nose and ears were getting clogged up with water to an uncomfortable degree. But eventually, his tired eyes spotted something, or rather, someone.
He almost wanted to scream but screaming would mean a whole mess of chlorine in his mouth, and nobody wants that. Sitting quietly in the center of the pool was a lone Toad with an oxygen tank strapped to him. His strangely styled fungal features bobbed slightly with each passing ripple. He looked familiar to Luigi, and that's when it hit him. It was one of those men in black-type characters Luigi thought he saw earlier! Now he really wanted to scream.
The Toad, who despite being submerged about ten feet underwater, was still wearing his snazzy black tux and sunglasses. In his two tiny Toad hands, he held a couple items that Luigi could not make out.
Out of curiosity and simply because of how strange the sight was, Luigi swam deeper down into the pool until his feet touched the floor. Though he could not tell, the Toad eyed him inquisitively through his sunglasses before handing him the items in his grasp.
Now in Luigi's left hand rested a pair of green-rimmed sunglasses. Do I even own these? They suit me, though! However, what really caught his attention was the object in his right. It was what he was looking for! Luigi snagged the miniature black box, which thankfully was not water-damaged, and put it back into a different pocket, one with a zipper. Luigi wanted to thank the Toad profusely but was stopped by the Toad wagging his finger in front of Luigi's joyous face. Out of nowhere, a large bubble appeared from behind the Toad's oxygen tank. Luigi's gratitude changed to confusion in a matter of moments as the bubble chased towards him, until reaching his bulbous nose, popping.
"You saw nothing."
"I saw nothing." As though under a spell, Luigi repeated the sound stored within the bubble as his body began to lifelessly resurface.
And it was hard. so hard to take. There's no escape without a scrape.
"OH MY GOSH LUIGI!" Luigi awoke to an all-to-familiar-sounding shriek and the feeling of sun-heated asphalt against his back. His burning eyes stayed closed for what seemed like forever but was only for about a minute. Upon opening them, his sense of sight beheld the weeping face of his beloved princess resting on his chest.
Using the remainder of his strength, Luigi pushed his upper torso up to seat himself. The motion shocked Daisy, as she instinctively slapped Luigi's slightly sunburned visage, leaving a white spot on his left cheek. "You meanie! I was worried sick about you!" The pain of the slap was nothing compared to the pain in Luigi's heart, knowing that Daisy was so concerned about him.
Not knowing how to quell Daisy's anxieties, Luigi held up the sunglasses that he retrieved from the pool. "I… found… them." As he held them, he noticed that one lens was cracked along the middle, while the other one was missing completely. He smiled as he placed them over his ears. "Groovy, eh?" Luigi chortled.
Daisy's fury dissolved into a chuckle, then into a giggle, and then into a straight-up laughing fit! Luigi joined into her laughter as they held each other in the warmth of the sun and the comfort of their embrace.
"Say, I'm kinda hungry after all that excitement! What do ya say we go grab a bite?" Daisy looked towards Luigi expectantly. He could notice how she was not quite making eye contact with him, instead opting to look slightly downwards to his chest through his soaked t-shirt.
Luigi recalled that he never ate breakfast this morning. "Yeah, I could eat. But the food here's really expensive and unhealthy and—"
Luigi was interrupted by Daisy lightly pressing her finger to his lips and making a "shhhh" noise. "You worry too much, babe! Today's all on me!" They kissed once more before springing to their feet and heading off towards the food court. Daisy noticed how Luigi's walk seemed to be more of a limp, and so she offered her arm for him to cling onto, which he graciously accepted.
The place was packed. But that should be expected for any popular tourist spot on the weekend. It seemed as though the sun beat down especially harshly in this area, as though the sun itself was deliberately trying to increase ice cream and Yoshi-shaped popsicle sales.
Luigi and Daisy agreed that they would both get their own treats and meet back at one of the pastel-colored picnic tables overlooking the beach's coast. Luigi returned to the spot first with a hamburger the shape of a dolphin. He scoffed at the tacky patty as he began piling mustard over it. Of course, he would not dare to take a bite before Daisy got back; after all, he is a gentleman, so Luigi spent some time watching the waves roll over Pinna Park's sandy coasts. Is now the time? Do I make my move right as I get back? No. I think I know exactly where to go.
"Heya sweetie. Lost in thought again?" Luigi looked behind him to see that Daisy was no longer wearing her athletic wear, rather she was now in a two-piece orange bikini decorated with tiny daisies all over. She made her way over to the table and had a seat. She was staring into Luigi's eyes, who, in turn, was having difficulty keeping his eyes on anywhere but her chest.
"Daisy! You're back early. Where's your food?"
"Don't worry about that. I came here because I wanted to apologize."
"Apologize for what?"
"I'm sorry I dragged you here even though I knew you did not want to go. I know that you prefer to stay in and just hang out, but I thought you could use a change of pace."
"Daisy… you know me too well. But you should also know that seeing you happy is what makes me happy. I would go anywhere for you."
The couple looked into each other sweetly as the entire world seemed to disappear around them. Time stood still in this moment, this magical moment.
The screech of wheels rolling over the dusty sand brought the two out of their trance as a couple of Koopa Troopa employees in deep blue uniforms pushed a silvery cart over towards an expectant Daisy.
"This the funnel cake you ordered?" squeaked one of the Koopas.
"Oh yea! That's definitely mine!" cheered Daisy.
Luigi's eyes were glued to the towering colossus of fried sugar that stood before him. "You gonna eat all that?" Daisy's smile gave him all the answers he needed.
But you kept it going, till the sun fell down. You kept it, going.
Isle Delfino is known for many things, among which are the spectacular sunsets that greet the horizon every evening. The hours before were spent going for a swim at the beach and enjoying a few of the less intense rides the park has on offer. But alas, time flies when you're having fun, and you could bet your bottom dollar that Luigi and Daisy were having the time of their lives. They walked hand-in-hand until reaching the final destination, Pinna Park's legendary Ferris Wheel – with an even more legendary view-!
Luigi's heart was practically pounding out of his chest at this point. He eyed Daisy as they continued across the brick-lined sidewalk. "S-so…" was the only word that left his lips.
"Yep! That's the place!" Daisy and Luigi knew each other for so long that she could almost read his mind.
Appearing in the couple's view as they strolled through the natural beauty of the setting sun was Pinna Park's star attraction: the Ferris Wheel. Why, if it hadn't been for Mario fixing the contraption's faulty wiring all those years ago, this story could not have even transpired! Speaking of, many of the park guests recognized our favorite couple as they admired the sky painted with a brilliant array of delicate pinks and oranges, and proceeded to bombard them with questions as if everyone suddenly worked for the Delfino Associated Press. Neither Luigi nor Daisy minded partaking in some playful banter with both locals and fellow tourists, for they were in such good, unsourable (that is, unable to be soured) moods.
Below the gargantuan circle, the ground was illuminated by electric light of all varieties: blues, yellows and Daisy's favorite: green. Fireflies lit up the rare bits that were left unilluminated. A band of Koopa Troopas and some Piantas belted out feel-good jazz numbers to soothe any weary soul! It was the type of music that could put you out of any funk. Maybe that's why they call it 'funky.' Daisy silently pondered. But Luigi still had a different song in his head, one that despite running through his mind all day, had not yet concluded.
Oh well, you might think I'm delirious, the way I run you down. But somewhere, sometimes, when you're curious… I'll be back around.
As the machine whirled around dozens of thrilled patrons at a consistent pace, the atmosphere of the park seemed to change. During the daytime, one could barely think over the constant sounds of carnival music and the ever-popular cacophony of screaming Yoshi and Toad brats, but something was new now… It felt more… serious. Perhaps even intimate. The blistering heat of the sun decided to cool itself to a pleasant warmth that anyone – whether in long sleeves or short, or perhaps none at all – could enjoy.
Before Luigi could take in all of the glorious sights and sounds (not to mention smells, which carried the fragrance of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, a favorite of Luigi and Daisy's) the pair had reached their destination. "Well, shall we, madame?" squeaked Luigi with an overly exaggerated French accent.
"Oui, monsieur!" chirped Daisy, playing along with the act, try with all her willpower to not crack into laughter again.
"Your chariot awaits, madame." said the rather gentlemanly Luigi as he held his hand to the side to allow Daisy to get in line before him.
"You really are too kind, monsieur."
"Bien sûr cheri. I only did what a gentleman such as myself would do, especially for such a belle as you."
"And they say chivalry is dead!" Daisy cackled, completely giving up any semblance of the character she was trying to play. Luigi followed suit in dropping the act with his own thunderous roars of laughter. "Hey, Luigi? Aren't you supposed to be Italian? Did somebody rewire your brain or something?" inquired Daisy, obviously playing it off as a joke.
Now that Luigi thought about it, he did seem to be acting differently today. But even the faintest notion of imagining that his brain could somehow be manipulated, why, that would be nothing short of ridiculous! "Come to think of it, I never took French. Oh! But my mama did like to watch those sappy foreign romance films while pops was away. Maybe I picked some up there?"
"A likely story, Weeg. If that even is your real name!" Daisy put her dukes up playfully. "Now, you have the right to remain adorable. Put your hands where I can see them or I will have no choice but to use lethal force…" A sly grin stretched wickedly across Daisy's face.
"I know my rights, officer! You have nothing on me! Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?" Luigi always loved to play along with Daisy's little daisy-daydreams, as he so creatively called them.
"Your guilt is as plain as the blush on your face, mister. I'm taking you in with me!" Daisy brought out her best pair of invisible handcuffs and bound the poor, defenseless Luigi's hands together.
As Luigi turned himself back around to view his unjust agent of the law, he began shout "I'll sue! I have really good lawyers who -" Luigi was interrupted by a pair of orange lips colliding with his own. This scene caught the attention of everyone within a five-foot radius, and why wouldn't it? These lucky patrons got to watch the greatest crime-drama on Earth while waiting in line.
"Now what did I say about the right to remain adorable?"
Luigi wanted to respond with something clever like "Officers like you prove that 'crime doesn't pay' just isn't true." or some schlock like that, but he was interrupted by the shrill, voice-crackingly awful sound of an adolescent Toad.
"Yo, lovebirds! You dudes lucked out. You got the last ride of the night!" He then turned to a nearby megaphone and relayed a similar message. "Yo, sorry to all the dudes who've been waiting in line for so long, but we're closing real soon. I kindly suggest you get your rears into gear and give these two lovebirds some privacy!"
Luigi and Daisy could not help but turn red with embarrassment being called 'lovebirds' not once, but twice by some kid who doesn't seem to even understand the concept of love. "It's all yours, dudes. Now play nice!" Daisy could not help but audibly scoff at that last retort.
Oh, I think that you're wild, and so uniquely styled.
The pair stepped into the blossom-pink cab and sat at opposite ends, to better eye each other's beaming faces. But as the crank was pulled, and gears began grinding, nothing but the sound of silence was heard.
*thnk thnk* The cab ascended up a level.
"Daisy." Luigi finally spoke up, after gallons of sweat rained down upon him. "I had a lot of fun today, even though I did not think I would. Normally, I would just prefer a tasty dinner and pleasant conversation, but you, Daisy, you know better."
"How d'ya mean, Weeg?"
"Well… I am sure you heard the same stories I grew up with. Some baloney about how opposites attract, was it? You have proven to me that the tired cliché is indeed true. I would never have you, no, us any other way."
"Luigi… I…" Even though Luigi was staring her dead in the eyes with the utmost seriousness, Daisy had trouble keeping herself focused on him.
*thnk thnk*
"Daisy, I mean it. You have shown me that there is so much more to life than cowering in fear, allowing my anxieties to get the better of me. Every day with you is an adventure."
*thnk thnk*
"But how do adventures begin anyway? And how do they end? You showed me the answer to this quandary before I even knew what question I was asking."
*thnk thnk*
"Daisy… It begins with a promise…" Luigi began to rise from his seat.
*thnk thnk*
"…And it ends with eternity." With tears overflowing in her crystal blue eyes, Daisy watched Luigi descend with one knee touching the cab as he reached into his pocket.
*thnk thnk*The cab now stood proud above all the rest. Although neither Luigi nor Daisy saw it, the stars shone beautifully in their constellations.
"Princess Daisy of Sarasaland, you might think I'm crazy, but all I want is you. Will you marry me?" Luigi finally opened up the small black box he had been protecting all day like a mother hawk watches her eggs to reveal a golden band with an aquamarine the size of a small country surrounded by diamonds forming a blossoming floral pattern.
"Of course I'll marry you, sweetie!" Daisy rushed towards Luigi and gave him the deadliest hug and kiss combination attack known to man (outlawed in seven countries, in fact). "Luigi, this is the happiest day of my entire life!"
At this exact moment, as if on cue, fireworks crackled in the night sky, illuminating the scene with a warm glow of lovely pink. The two lovers, or rather, fiancé and fiancée held each other in an embrace that seemed to last forever, and yet not long enough.
"If this is the start of our new adventure…" Daisy began as they departed from the Ferris Wheel. "…Then we should get some 'rest' before we set off, right?"
Having known her for years now, and now even being engaged for the last five minutes, Luigi knew Daisy's euphemisms well. To which he could only oblige in his trademark fashion, "Okie-dokie!"
MISSION COMPLETE
Author's commentary:
Began: August 8th, 2022, at 8:05 AM.
Finished: October 30th, 2022, at 3:11 AM.
I would like to start by saying I am very proud of this. This story was in development for nearly 3 months, and I'm more than happy with how it ended up.
This oneshot was originally going to be a much later part of my Rhapsody in Orange and Green chapter series, but I ultimately made it its own thing. You will find similarities between Rhapsody and A Ring such as the prominent music motif. But here, in A Ring, this tale takes place in the actual Mario universe references to locations and events from the games.
The Elite Beat Toadies are a very egregious parody of characters from my favorite game ever made, Elite Beat Agents, which also features musical motifs. The song chosen, You Might Think, is from my favorite band of all time, The Cars. Plenty of favorites here: favorite game, favorite band and most importantly, favorite couple!
Finally, I am sorry it took me so long to finish this. I finally have some free time again (along with a healthy bit of inspiration), so I will likely be continuing Rhapsody soon, or begin work on another oneshot. As always, all comments and feedback is much appreciated. Thank you and let the good times roll!
