Chapter 38

Ravens and Fuzzies

Luigi sat down, his back against a tree trunk, knees tucked under his chin with his arms wrapped loosely around his legs. The branch he was on was thick, sturdy, and supported his weight. The ground wasn't far below; he could safely jump down if he was needed. Harry – or was it Bob? – Told him the problem that plagued the ravens.

Fuzzies.

And it wasn't a few of them – it was a swarm of fuzzies that pestered the peaceful ravens. They raided the territories of the black birds, stealing food, smashing unguarded eggs, destroying nests and attacking the ravens. Raphael the Raven would always scare the fuzzies off, but he was in the Jade Jungle, leaving the little birds to fend for themselves. A messenger was already sent to their leader, and they hoped Raphael would come to their aid.

If Luigi and his companions helped the ravens ward off the fuzzies, they would receive the Star Piece as a gift of thanks.

The ravens estimated the fuzzies would invade later today, and it gave Luigi time to prepare. However he was tired and wondered what he brother would do if he were here. He chuckled.

"Cheer up, Weegee," Mario would say. "We'll find all the Star Pieces."

Dread and dolor crept into Luigi's face. How would Mario handle the fact that Peach was gone? The taller plumber knew that Mario and Peach shared a strong relationship – but how close were they exactly? Mario never mentioned that he loved Peach, but Luigi took note of his brother's actions. Mario often gazed at the picture of the Princess in his bedroom dresser, and carefully stored all the letters she sent him in a small wooden box.

Voices below broke Luigi's pondering. Mallow and Toad were chatting, and Luigi pushed aside his grief and sorrow and concentrated on the light-hearted conversation.

"What are fuzzies, Toad?" Mallow asked, pushing a pebble with his toe. Toad sighed, the fungus knew only little about them, but he wasn't going to let the Prince know that.

"They resemble dust bunnies, have beady eyes, and tiny fangs," the retainer responded, stroking his chin and portraying the image of a genius. "They come in many colours – black, yellow, and pink and probably more."

Mallow was amazed. "How do they attack?"

Toad pretended to shudder. "You don't wanna know," he grinned darkly. "Using their fangs they latch on to their victim and suck the life force right out of them! Like this!"

Toad attached onto Mallow's scrawny leg, making growling and driveling noises. Mallow screamed, trying to shake the stubborn fungus off him. The puffball tripped, sending the pair tumbling. Toad released Mallow, and rolled on the ground, laughing hysterically.

Geno lazily opened one eye, the doll was leaning against a different tree trunk with his shoulder, and watched in mild amusement as Mallow pushed the giggling Mushroom.

"Not funny, Toad," Mallow breathed, glaring at him. The fungus babbled inarticulately, gasping for air between laughs.

"Was… so."

Arms crossed, Geno glanced up at Luigi, who returned the look, and they both shook their heads failing to hide their smiles.

A low rumbling cry broke through the trees, and they froze, uncertain. Then, again, it sounded.

"Meeeeooook!"

The ravens cawed alarmingly, followed by loud rustles of feathers as they took flight. Luigi leaped off the branch, landing with one knee bent, then straightened up. Bowser stepped into view – no one knew where he had gone and did not bother to ask.

"It must be them," said Luigi, and took charge. "Come on, the faster we finish this, the sooner we'll obtain the Star Piece."