"The two shades of green."
Chapter 12
"Voices in my head."
"LUIGI!" Mario screamed, face covered in sweat and eyes wide in terror.
When the calm, reassuring voice of his little brother, convincing him that this all was just a bad dream, didn't come, he began to panic.
With his heart thundering in his chest, his eyes frantically looked around the dark room unable to focus on anything, and desperately tried to sit up.
Something was keeping his body strapped to the bed he slept in, preventing him from getting up without help. Growling he struggled against the bounds, cursing their sturdy build as well as his sudden lack of strength.
Were it any other day, he would be out of those silly bounds in seconds.
Not this time, though.
Whoever made those chains made sure they can hold him down, so he ain't going nowhere without outside help.
Screaming loudly in sheer frustration, he began trashing around in his bounds so hard, he could practically feel the leather cutting into his sickly-pail skin.
A few more reckless moves and either his wrists will be slippery enough to slide through the straps, allowing an easy escape. Or he'll find out just why suicide people cut themselves in those places and follow in his little brother's footsteps.
The only difference being that he won't be coming back as an evil double.
If he dies, he stays dead.
There were no second chances, not for him. Not after what happened.
Even the countless lives he saved during his adventures, couldn't make up for the one life he took.
If he does it, everything will end.
All the pain…all the suffering…all the guilt…
Literally everything.
He paused. Suddenly going quiet in the dark room.
Could he really do it? He asked himself, staring at the far wall. Was he selfish enough to abandon dozens of other responsibilities, for the sake of one that he failed to fulfil? Was his guilt really so bad he couldn't live with the weight of it? Was he really that much of a coward, to take the easy way out and leave his remaining loved ones without protection? Could he stand this hit to his reputation as a hero, if they manage to save him?
Similar questions floated around in his head, but there was no one around to provide answers.
No. Mario shook his head determinated. I can't leave now, Peach needs me. A picture of a broken-looking princess Toadstool, filled his vision. Another death would cause too much damage. Especially if it's me.
Don't make me 'laugh', hero. A voice in his head spat. What good are you to this kingdom after your oh-so-great fall? It reminded, in a sly, dark voice. Don't lie to yourself, Mario. You know you mean nothing to them now that you proved to everyone you're not as infallible, as they thought you are.
That's not true! The hero argued. They care! They're not just empty fans, those people are my friends!
Friends? The voice laughed a raspy chuckle. You call those air-headed Toads, friends?! Oh, how far have you fallen, hero. The voice then turned into a low whisper. The mighty Mario, so desperate for friends he gives that title to the first person who gives him attention.
Shut up! The red-clad plumber yelled in his mind.
Oh, Mario, Mario… The voice ignored him. Do you really think they'll keep you around after this? You're hurt, weak and broken beyond repair. The voice sneered. What good is a hero who can't fight?
I said, SHUT UP! The man was losing both patience and resolve.
The truth hurts doesn't it, Mario? The voice cooed, laughably. Better get off this world now, before they send someone to suffocate you with a pillow. Leave with what's left of your dignity.
No! This is wrong! Peach wouldn't do that to me!
Would you leave a useless, sickly, wannabe hero alive?
I'm not sickly! There is nothing wrong with me!
Luigi would disagree with you.
Don't you dare bring Luigi into this!
You're right, Mario. The voice agreed. You wouldn't listen to him, anyway.
Shut up, you liar! That's not true!
Isn't it, Mario? The voice asked bemused. Did you listen to him when he tried to tell you about his injury? Did you stay to play tennis when he asked you to, a week ago? Did you fulfil his longtime desire and actually took him for one of your more exciting adventures?
…
Well, did you?
No…No I didn't. I didn't and I regret it now. The hero's head lowered itself in shame.
See, hero? The voice asked, triumphantly. Those were the last days you would ever spend with your brother, and the only time you two did something together, was when he was already dead and you were holding his still warm body in your arms.
Shut up! Mario lost his temper. I already feel guilty enough, I don't need your help with that!
I know, hero. The voice snarled back. I just think you're not bleeding hard enough.
Will you stop tempting me? You already know I'm not going to do it.
Everyone gives in, eventually. You are no exception. Not anymore.
Why do you want me dead so much? Mario asked. My death won't solve anything, it won't bring me peace.
The voice laughed.
My dear, hero. If you really didn't believe it, I wouldn't suggest it. It laughed. But I suppose it wouldn't matter. Peach will put you down, once she sees how unstable you are. If she doesn't already, seeing that you are tied up in a bed.
Shut up! That doesn't prove anything! Mario argued, renewing his struggles. She probably strapped me up because I was trashing in my sleep to much! I'm not insane!
Really? The voice asked amused. Then tell me Mr. Mario-
Suddenly it sounded right next to the red plumber's ear.
Why are you arguing with a voice in your head?
AN: Hi guys! Sorry for the long wait! My plot bunny was running around 'Black Lion' so much, I couldn't find it! ^^' And to those who are waiting for the new chap of 'Dream Adventures': Don't worry, I'm working on it! Should be out soon. :D
Have a nice read!
JA107
