Compassion Chapter 5, a mario fanfic

I realized that Dreambert is just as bland as Antasma...

Let's fix that~!

Also also please be patient with me when it's time for me to write in Mario's perspective, this is all still new to me and I'm pretty nervous about accidentally making him out of character. ;u; (Also x3 I'm going going to attempt to write his accent. Just… nah Not comfortable yet XP )

[Dreambert]

Leaning back into his plush throne, Prince Dreambert sighed to himself. Eyes closed and head bowed, the prince was in deep thought. The Princely Pi'illo idly fiddled with the zipper like charm hanging from his neck. It all started out so normally. Today marked the third week of Antasma's disappearance and Dreambert started to wonder if the Bat King will ever show up… it's not like him to wait so long for an attack.

Then it finally happened. The morning was still young when he heard about Antasma, from Peach no less. Early in the morning, during breakfast, the Princess recalled the dream she had. Naturally everyone was worried for the princess's safety. While Mario and Luigi were flabbergasted at the action the Bat King did, it was what Antasma DIDN'T do that surprised the Pi'llo Prince more.

It was startlingly easy to break the mind through dreams, the thoughts and soul floated freely in the Dream World. It is the reason why Dreambert was so adamant to stopping Antasma's plans and the reason he insists on traveling with the brothers into the Dream World. As mighty as they are, the two humans were not dream entities like him… Their minds were frail like glass compared to his or Antasma's. With that being said, it baffled Dreambert to hear that ANTASMA of people didn't shatter's Peach's mind, after all it sounded like he was pretty mad at her.

After breakfast, Dreambert separated from group to do some thinking, the pi'illo always thought better when he is moving his body around. His wanderings at lead him away from Pi'illo Blimport into the castle's Throne room. Time may have passed and rotted away his homeland, yet the stone paths were still the same. It's the one of few things that stood the test of time, and Dreambert was thankful for it.

Dreambert glanced around the Throne room when he arrived, a little surprised to be here of all places though he quickly got over it. The Brocks has done a fantastic job of rejuvenating both the room and the throne itself. They even had the right colors down. It made Dreambert happy to see this place so well repaired. Many memories were formed in this room, it used to be one of his favorite places in the castle. This room and the kitchens!

Memories of his past surfaced his mind as Dreambert gently placed a hand on the aged pillars. There was an ache in his heart, as he remembers his mother... He missed his mother. Missed the way she cradled him every night, missed those shining eyes that spoke many years of wisdom, and above all else, Dreambert missed her voice… Her voice commanded respect and yet instilled inspiration in the hearts and minds. Strong but gentle, fierce yet comforting...

The Prince shook his head quickly then huffed, his thoughts had wandered off. Lately his mind has been doing that, perhaps it can't be helped. So much as changed after all, it was only natural that the prince thought about the past. What could have been and should have happened instead of all of this. All thanks to Antasma... Dreambert affectionately stroked the arm of the throne before rising up and away from the seat. The prince has a plan in mind. It'll be difficult to track down the Nightmare Bat, yet it is not impossible. Every living creature has a certain energy unique to each individual and, with the right tools, one can see its trail.

All Dreambert need is a pair of glasses.

Turns out finding tungsten framed glasses is a lot harder then Dreambert originally thought. THe prince finds it rather odd that most glasses of today is made out of hard plastic! Whatever that stuff is… It was must later in the day, before the prince could finally track down a decent pair of metal framed glasses. It may not be tungsten but these steel frame will do.

Prince Dreambert causally floated around the hidden house with in the Mushrise Park. Along with him was Eldream, Mario, Luigi, a handful of able bodied pi'illo guards, and oddly enough Princess Peach with Toadsworth glued to the hip. The latter had insisted on coming with them, for reasons Dreambert can not understand. Of all people, Peach was worried for the King of Bats and it baffled the prince. Less than a month ago, Antasma wouldn't have hesitated on killing her or worst! Yet here she is, hands held together over her chest like she's fearing for a loved one. Thankfully Mario has talked some sense into her and she won't be entering the Dream World but sadly she refused to leave. So here she stands, with him on her left and Toadsworth on her side.

The Prince watched Mario and Luigi talking to each other in rapid Italian, most likely coming up with plans to confront Antasma. Each of them held special items of interest, mainly mushrooms and small jars of honey. Dreambert is pretty sure that's honey… Either way, it's nice to see the two humans so well prepared and coordinated.

Glancing to the other side of the bed, Dreambert saw Eldream conversing with the guards. He's no doubt reinstating warnings about Antasma, after all it's only been weeks since they were freed yet the dark power of the Nightmare Chunks still lingers… Dreambert felt like he should go to his personal guards and comfort them somehow, he's their future king! A king should care for his people, no matter the title!

… And yet...

Dreambert didn't move where he floated. His eyes drifted down and his mind started to wander away. He idly stroked his thumb against the magically infused glasses frame, trying to calm his nervous stomach. Dreambert felt a little shame for being nervous, why should he? The prince basically has a small army with him… Perhaps… Perhaps the very last time he faced Antasma is when they were perched atop Neo Bowser Castle, fighting for their lives and the fate of the world. It's hard to forget the gleam of his teeth as he smiled wickedly, nor his shrieks of rage against the Princess. A small shiver ran down the pi'illo prince's body.

It honestly frightened the pi'illo prince how far gone the once hurtless Dream Batty is. It also didn't help that his memories of the past mingled with recent… Especially that laugh... Dreambert forcefully stopped his train of thought, took a deep breath, and exhale slowly. Now it's not the time to relive bad memories! He ignored the worried glance from Peach. Thankfully she didn't say anything and her eyes returned to the brothers. Dreambert's eyes followed too.

Dreambert was secretly thankful that the human brother insisted on helping him and his guards to hunt down Antasma. Speaking of which...

Dreambert looked up from his thoughts and towards the pair. Seems like they were ready, Luigi was already sitting on the overfully fluffy bed and Mario is walking towards him.

"Are you ready?" Dreambert asked, straightening up a little. Mario's answer was a firm nod then his attention turned to Princess Peach stood towards him.

"Mario," Peach started, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Please be careful, I have a feeling that this is different… This isn't like your other encounters..."

"Don't worry Peach." Mario said, confidence shining in his eyes and placed his hand on hers. "Me and everyone else will be a okey!"

Dreambert watched the exchange, choosing to believe Mario's words than his anxiety. Floating forward, Dreambert made his way to the bed and to Luigi. Looking down, Dreambert had to smile, just a little. The human was all ready laying on his back, fighting away sleep and dutifully waiting for everyone else. Truly this man could just sleep anywhere and at any time.

The Prince suddenly felt a presence and turned around to see Eldream. The elder pi'illo placed a hands on Dreambert's shoulders in a comforting manner. Seems like Eldream noticed Dreambert's anxiety.

"My prince," Eldream said softly, "Everything will be fine. This isn't like the first time we fought Antasma in the Dream World and it won't end with tragedy."

Dreambert closed his eyes tightly and breathed in then nodded. He exhaled once again before looking into Eldream's eyes. Yes things are different…

"And yet…" Dreambert said, his over just above a whisper "It all feels the same-"

Eldream suddenly held up a finger, interrupting the prince. A bold move to make yet a necessary one. He's old enough to know where that sentence is going.

"Shush now." He said, "We all remembered that day well, and trust me when I say that everyone is too frightened at the thought of history repeating itself."

Eldream lowered his hand and continued,

"However, like I said, everything will be fine. Not only we learned from our mistakes, we have gained powerful allies." Eldream nodded towards the sleepy Luigi and his words also implied Mario too "Whatever Antasma is planning, we will thwart it! And this time, Antasma will be defeated."

The elder pi'illo gently placed his hand on the prince's cheek for a brief second before removing himself from Dreambert's presence. Prince Dreambert saw Mario walking toward himself, head held high and eyes bright.

'Yes things are different.' Thought Dreambert to himself as he and Mario shared a nod before turning to Luigi. Seeing this as the sign that everyone is ready, he willingly allowed sleep to take him. Sighing deeply, Luigi's body went limp and the portal to the Dream World cracked open.

'Everything is different' Dreambert repeated to himself, putting on the glasses and stared into the swirling mass of colors in front of him.

'Antasma… We're coming for you!'

There's no way Antasma didn't cause trauma in the pi'illoes and there's no way Dreambert isn't a little scared of him. Yay anxiety! ... wait no that's a bad thing.

Comments are welcome! :D