December 24, 1967
Christmas Eve
"Pow!" Mario cried, slamming his red-and-blue action bot into Luigi's green-and-white one. "Take that!" He grinned as Luigi pretended to have his figure go flying, letting out a rather dramatic scream.
"Oh no! Red Fire's power is too much for the Green Thunder!" Luigi gasped, letting his bot clatter to the ground. "The Green Thunder surrenders. He surrenders!"
Mario laughed, though he was used to Luigi's odd way of playing games. He tottered the Red Fire over to the Green Thunder. His action figure held out a hand. "It was a good fight!" The Red Fire hoisted the Green Thunder to his feet. "You're tough to beat!"
"Aww, thanks." Luigi smiled, bouncing his figure. "The Green Thunder thought it was a good fight, too."
Mario lunged, sweeping both their action figures aside whilst making a loud explosion-like noise. "Pew! Oh no! A sudden attack from above!" He spun around, pushing wrapping paper aside as he searched for the third action figure. Oh no! Where did we put him?
"Mario, here he is!" Luigi called, holding up the black toy, the purple cape flowing behind him.
"Cool!" Mario reached for it, but he hesitated. "Say, Luigi. Do you want to be the bad guy this time?" Mario was always the bad guy, and his brother had never asked. Given his shy nature, Luigi might feel hindered from asking.
Luigi shook his head, handing Mario the figure with a sheepish grin. "I don't think I could do two at once. Besides, you make a really good bag guy."
"Mwuhaha!" Mario cackled, hovering the bot, Lord Dark Slayer, over the two fallen toys. He put on a deeper voice as he continued, "You two suckers didn't see my attack coming. Now I shall defeat Brooklyn's famous heroes and take over the whole of New York!" Mario gripped the Red Fire, standing him up. Luigi hastily did the same with the Green Thunder. Mario reverted back to his normal voice, moving his hero toy as it 'spoke', "You will never win, Dark Slayer! Me and Green Thunder will join forces to beat you, and then you can crawl back into your dark world of evil!"
"Boys," a soft voice floated in, causing the two to stop and look over at the source. A short, plump woman stood by the big red couch. She wore a yellow apron decorated with little gingerbread men and candy canes. Flour clung to the fabric, as she had been baking all day. She was Mario and Luigi's mother. She smiled at the two, her dimples deepening. "I hate to interrupt, but I'm afraid it's time for you two to go to bed."
"Aww, but Ma," Mario protested, but cut himself off when she waggled a finger.
"No buts, sweetie. The sooner you go to sleep," she winked, a twinkle in her eye, "the sooner Santa will come."
Luigi gasped and his posture went ridged. He grabbed Mario's arm. "Mario! Mario! Santa! Tomorrow's Christmas!" He beamed, jumping to his feet. "We have to go to bed right now!"
Mario bit back a sigh, but he smiled despite himself. "Yeah!" He rushed over to his mother, wrapping her in a bone-crushing hug. "Good night, Ma!"
Ma laughed. "Mario, don't you want me to tuck you in like I normally do? While you're all cozy in bed?"
Mario withdrew, blinking. He giggled and flashed a smile up at her. "Don't take too long!" He raced to the bedroom on the far side of the living room, shoving open the already-cracked door.
Mario hop-scotched through the array of toys and dirty clothes scattered on the floor of the twins' bedroom. Their apartment was too small for them to each have their own space; thus they shared a room and a bed. Luigi was already in said bed, snuggled deep under the superhero-themed blankets. He had been so hasty in getting ready to sleep, that he had forgotten to take his signature green hat off. Mario hopped into bed, climbing overtop him.
"Mario!" Luigi protested, laughing.
"Be quiet and go to sleep!" Mario slid into bed besides him. He took off his own red cap, dropping it onto the floor. "Tomorrow we get to open all those presents!"
"Yeah!" Luigi shifted under the covers, giggling. "What do you think Santa will bring this year?"
Mario bit his lip.
"You boys will see tomorrow," a gruff, yet kind voice assured. The twins turned their heads towards the door, in perfect unison. Overshadowing their mother was their father. His mustache curved along with his smile, and his soft blue eyes gazed upon the brothers.
"Papa!" Luigi cried, sitting up in bed. "Christmas is tomorrow!"
Pa laughed. "I know, son. Are you two excited?"
"You bet!" the twins cried.
Ma approached Luigi's side, due to it being closer to the door. She held out her arms. "Good night, my sweet little boys." Luigi latched on right away, and Mario crawled over to join. Their mother held them tight to her chest in a warm embrace. "Oh, I love you both," she murmured, kissing their heads. "So, so much."
"Love you too, Ma," Mario murmured. His eyes flicked up to his father as he withdrew. "Come here, Pa!" Pa chuckled, approaching and sitting on the bed's edge. Mario wrapped him tight in a hug. "I love you, Pa."
Pa rested an arm around the boy. "Right back at'cha, kiddo." He kissed the top of his head before pulling away to give Luigi his own hug. Afterwards, he joined Ma at the door. "We'll see you boys in the morning, okay?"
"Okay!" the twins chorused.
Their parents shut the door with a creak, flicking off the lights as they went. Mario laid back on his pillow, hearing a soft thump as Luigi dropped his hat onto the floor. He closed his eyes, finding it easier than normal to relax.
He frowned.
"Mario?" Luigi whispered. "Psst, you awake?"
"Yeah, Weege." Mario turned to face his brother. Luigi's face wasn't the bright, beaming expression he expected, it was one of utmost seriousness.
"Mario…" Luigi hesitated, breaking eye contact. "Do you… still believe in Santa?" He asked in in such a tone, one that sounded nearly afraid, that suggested he already knew the answer.
Mario's breath caught in his throat. How did he guess? It was true that his belief in the so-called 'Santa Claus' had been slipping, but he had tried to keep it to himself. He didn't want to ruin Christmas magic for his little bro, as this year he'd been a lot less excited than normal, so he kept up the act of belief. He hadn't thought he was being too obvious about it, but he really should have known better. Luigi had always been able to read him better than anyone. "Um… not really," he admitted. "You still believe, right?"
"Uh-huh." Luigi let out a soft sigh. "I just want to know why you… don't."
Mario bit his lip. Why didn't he believe anymore? Because he was starting to see the signs of reality. He was growing up— they both were. They were ten years old, and he was surprised he'd kept up the belief for so long; especially with their cousins trying to squash 'such childish stupidity'. "Because…" Because why else would Ma and Pa go on so many errands around this time of the year? Not to mention the things he heard them talking about; purchasing a chain of gifts, and Pa complaining about the high amount of money they had to pay.
If he told Luigi that, sheer logic would crush his faith forever.
"I don't believe because I'm getting old for that," Mario lied.
Luigi's brow crinkled as he frowned. "But… we're twins, and I still believe."
Mario grinned, affectionately pinching his brother's cheek. "You're the younger of us, and you can believe for as long as you want."
Luigi giggled. "Forever! I'm gonna believe forever! No matter what anyone else…" His face fell, eyes widening. "Mario? You don't think I'm stupid for still believe in Santa… do you?"
Mario shook his head. "Of course not! Why could I? We can believe in different things. You can believe in Santa even if I don't."
Luigi's smile returned. "Thanks, Mario." His mouth stretching open in a yawn. "What time is it?"
Mario glanced over at the large grandfather clock in the room's corner. He squinted at the hands through the darkness. "Um… it's nine o'clock." He rolled onto his back. "We should really get to sleep. You want Santa to come, don't you?"
"Yeah… but Mario?"
"Hmm?"
"If you don't think Santa brings the presents, where do they come from?"
Ma and Pa. "Um…" Mario didn't want to tell him. He didn't want to risk ruining his faith. Because if he was honest, Luigi would start to think. The puzzle would come together, and the magic would be gone. "Don't worry about it, Weege."
"But—"
"Goodnight." Mario turned away from Luigi, closing his eyes.
"Mario? C'mon, you can tell me," Luigi pressed. A finger poked the centre of Mario's upper back. "Mario… bro…."
Mario stayed silent. He didn't want to ruin the magic. If he told Luigi the truth, it would only make him think. He'd connect the pieces, and poof! No more Santa. Luigi tried prodding Mario a few more times, but gave up with a frustrated whine.
Despite his excitement level being below normal, Mario could not get to sleep. He tossed and turned, but he could not for the life of him get comfortable. Luigi, ironically, had only taken a few hours to fall asleep; his heavy breath was a key pointer to that.
Mario glanced at the old grandfather clock. The time was ten minutes to midnight. Mama mia, I've been laying awake for that long? He let out a heavy sigh, turning over. His throat was parched, however, and its cries for water pushed sleep away even further. Biting back another sigh, Mario slipped out of bed. He tiptoed out of their bedroom and into the family room. The Christmas tree twinkled in the dark, its colourful lightbulbs offering the perfect light.
However, there were no presents.
Ma and Pa probably want to wait until later to put them under. After all, if either of the boys had to use the restroom, or get a drink of water (such as what Mario was doing), they'd leave their room and see the tree early.
Mario entered the kitchen and filled a glass with water. He gulped it down, set the cup on the counter (he might need it later), and snuck back into the bedroom. Luigi was still sleeping, undisturbed. Mario slipped back under the covers, taking slow breaths as he lay on his back. His eyes slid closed. The grandfather clock tick-tocked away.
Tick… tock… tick… tock… tick… tock…tick…tock
Tick…. tock… tick… tock… tick…tock
Tick… tock… tick…tock…tick…
No tock.
Mario's eyes flashed open. He glanced at the clock. The hands had frozen, stuck at exactly five minutes to midnight. Even the 'seconds' hand was perfectly aligned for it. Mario let out a long sigh. Great… the clock's broken again. He made a mental note to tell Pa in the morning.
*rrrrrrrrrrrrrr*
Mario cracked an eyelid. What's that? It was a low hum, subtle, but soothing at the same time.
*rrrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRR*
It was getting louder. The bed started to shake. Mario sat up. What the—? Was it teenagers? Sometimes they liked to thunder up their motorcycles, speeding through town in the dead of night and keeping everyone awake. Occasionally, it was so loud it shook the house.
*RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*
The room was quaking more violently now, almost with the force of an earthquake. Objects clattered on shelves, several falling to the ground. The water in their goldfish bowl sloshed around and out. It's an earthquake! A literal earthquake! Luigi stirred, moaning. Mario glanced at him, his eyes widening. No! Luigi will lose his mind if he sees this!
*WHOOOOO!*WHOOOOO!*
A whistle blared out. Luigi bolted up with a scream. He latched right onto Mario, shaking harder than the house itself. Mario wrapped his arms around his brother, squeezing his eyes shut. Oh God, please let this be over!
*SCREEEEEEEECH!*
Everything fell silent and still. Mario raised his head. "W-was that an earthquake?" Thank God our house is still standing! With the force of it, he was surprised he didn't see any cracks in the walls.
"Get Mama! Get Papa!" Luigi cried, tears streaming down his face.
"You do that." Mario pried himself away from Luigi. He slid out of bed, slipping his feet into his cotton-insulated slippers. He leaned down to grab his hat, jamming it on head as he announced, "I'm gonna peek outside to see if everything's okay." He hurried through the even-worse mess to the door.
"Mario, wait!" Luigi cried.
Mario didn't pay attention. He hurried straight for the window, kneeling on the couch to peer outside. Using his sleeve, he wiped the fog away. His jaw dropped. No way! Sitting in front of their apartment was… was…
Luigi scrambled up besides him, shivering. "M-Mario… you can't leave me— Whoah! I-is that…?"
Mario nodded. "It is… it really is."
In front of their house was a large black locomotive.
"We gotta check it out!" Mario exclaimed, his face brightening as he grabbed Luigi's arm. "Get your coat, and hurry!" He rushed for the hall leading to the door, stopping at the closet to grab his red coat. Luigi, after hesitating, followed suit.
Mario didn't even bother to zip up his coat as he went outside. He sped down the hall between rooms, rushing out to the sidewalk. The chill nipped at his face, snowflakes spiraling lazily down. Mario skidded to a halt a the sidewalk's edge, his jaw dropping as he stared up at the train in awe. Mama mia…
The thing was massive, nearly as tall as the two-stories. It puffed steam from the front chimney, the colour a coal-black. Letters inched along the side of the engine, reading; The Polar Express.
The snow crunched as Luigi approached besides Mario. He was panting, and was bundled up as though he was planning to play in the snow; complete with a scarf, mittens, and snow boots. All he was missing were his snow pants and hat, though the latter was substituted with his signature green one.
"M-Mario… W-we should head inside. We don't know what this thing is…" Luigi stammered, shivering. Whether it was out of fear or cold, Mario didn't know for sure, but he assumed it was the former.
"It's train, Luigi." Mario grabbed Luigi's hand as he tried to walk away. "We should talk to the conductor. I gotta know how they got this thing here! There are no tracks!"
"I think we should go inside… we could get in trouble."
"No way!" Mario started to pull Luigi towards the engine car. "We gotta learn more about this… Polar Express."
"What?"
"That's the name." Mario pointed. "See?"
Luigi gulped. "Oh…"
The train whistled, causing the brothers to halt. Luigi clung to Mario with a gasp.
"Aaaaaall aboard!"
The brothers whipped around.
Standing down at the second passenger car was a tall man. He waved a flickering lantern, his features obscured by the snow. "Aaaaaaaall aboard!" he repeated.
"Uh… M-Mario?" Luigi stammered.
This is perfect! "Come on! We can ask him!" Mario grabbed Luigi's arm, hurrying towards the man. "Excuse me!" he called as they got closer. "Are you the owner of this train?"
"Mario!" Luigi squeaked. "He might want to kidnap us! Remember what Mama said? Stranger danger?"
Mario ignored him, striding right up the the man. He was dressed in a formal navy suit, and he wore silver half-moon glasses. His face was stern, giving off a no-nonsense attitude, along with having a stiff, short, mustache. The hat on his head read 'Polar Express Conductor'.
"Are you the owner of this train?" Mario repeated, despite Luigi's whispers to run in his ear. This man wouldn't hurt them, he was certain. He didn't know how he was certain, he just was. Luigi could feel it, too. If he really believed they were getting kidnapped, he would've taken off faster than a jet plane, even with Mario's grip.
"Owner? I'm not him, but I am the conductor." He tilted his head towards the train, cocking an eyebrow. "You coming?"
"Coming?" Mario frowned. This is so sudden! "Sir, I didn't plan on coming, I just wanted to know where you came from, because there normally aren't train tracks here. I know there weren't any this morning, so I'm just curious."
The conductor scowled, reaching his free hand into his collar. "Lad, I'm on a tight schedule." He pulled out a pocket watch on a chain, flipping it open. He grunted, his eyes widening. His gaze flicked back to Mario. "Last chance, you coming?"
Mario glanced at the train. Should he go? Maybe… I should… He grinned, nodding. "Oh yeah! I could do with a good ol' adventure!"
"Mario!" Luigi squeaked, his grip tightening on his brother's arm. "You don't even know this guy! You don't even know where this thing is going!"
"Going?" The conductor smiled. "Why to the North Pole, of course!" He flourished a hand, his arm straight, towards the train in a sweeping gesture. "This is the Polar Express!" The train gave two quick whistles to emphasis this.
Mario wondered how it didn't wake anyone else up.
"The North Pole?" Luigi repeated, then he lowered his voice to a whisper, "Mario, this guy is crazy. Let's get inside… it's cold."
"Crazy?" Mario cracked a grin. "It sounds fun! No need to worry!" He shrugged off Luigi's hold, stepping towards the conductor. "I'm coming!"
The conductor beamed. "Excellent." He ushered Mario to the steps. He halted, glancing back at Luigi. Mario, too stopped to gaze at his brother. The conductor asked, "You coming, too?"
"Uh…" Luigi's teeth chattered. "Uh…"
Mario rolled his eyes, stepping off the train to grab him. "I believe he's trying to say 'yes'." Luigi's eyes widened as Mario dragged him onto the train. The older flashed a smile at the conductor. "Call it twin's intuition." He chuckled.
The conductor didn't laugh, instead, he pushed the boys towards the door. He leaned out, swinging his lamp a couple times. The train whistled in response. Mario kept a firm grip on Luigi's arm upon sensing his brother tense up, prepared to jump before it was too late.
"We're staying," he insisted.
The train hissed, lurching forward. The boys nearly fell, but the conductor grabbed their free arms. The wheels started to turn, the chugging sound picking up. The scenery started to shift by, their apartment flashing out of sight.
They were off.
I'm sure the differences are already showing through, as Mario did not refuse the initial offer. Luigi, however, didn't get a choice. XD
I wanted to try and use some of the more iconic lines from the movie. I managed to slip some in here.