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Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the story idea.

Chapter 10:
A Look into the Future

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"That's it; I had enough of that useless plumber. I'm getting rid of him."

"But your Koopaness that will break the treaty."

"I don't care!" Bowser roared. "I spent two months training that green wimp and for what? All I get is a depressed walking zombie."

"You know things don't just happen instantly," Kamek explain. "It takes time and patient."

"I don't have time or patient; one way or another I'm going to take back what's rightfully mine with or without that green blumber."

"Try as you might, your Impatientness, but I'm afraid you're not going to succeed unless that green blumber is with you."

Bowser grunt and sat back in his chair. Believe it or not, it was actually Kamek that had convinced him to take part in the peace treaty just so they could get the green plumber on their side. Three months ago, the old magikoopa had forecast in his crystal ball that the green plumber would be a key player in an upcoming event they were preparing for.

He was reluctant at first to believe the old koopa, because he knew the green plumber to be weak and timid. But Kamek's predictions were always true. And with the proper training, the green wonder could become one of his strongest minions, possible even stronger than his brother Mario.

Of course, the chance to get the upper hand on his most hated enemy was something he couldn't pass by. And the fact that he gets to take away someone precious to his rival like he did to him, was just an absolute bonus to the plan. But now he was having second thoughts because things were not turning out as he had hoped.

"And what exactly is so special about Green Stache that makes him important to me in the future?"

"I...am not sure." Kamek admits. "But I do know we are treating this situation all wrong. If I may, my lord, allow me to guide him in the right direction. After his discussion with Wendy the other day, he has lost his faith and his way of life. Although I was hoping he'll figure it out on his own, this does help speed the process up... if only slightly."

Bowser sighed and buried his face in his large hand; years of stress and pressure were weighing down on him. There was an internal conflict within his realm - something that only a selective few outside his domain knows about. It had started around the time his grandfather, Poopa La Koopa, was king. After his untimely death, his father Morthophelus Koopa, had to deal with the problem. Unfortunately, he did not success and the burden of this responsibility was pass down to him.

This dispute was old, one he wanted to end while he was still king so his own son wouldn't have to deal with it. But according to Kamek and his foresight predictions, he would not succeed without the aid of the plumber...the green plumber; not red, but green.

"Fine, do what you want." Bowser groans. "But I want to see some results by the end of the week or else that plumber is gone, got it?"

Kamek smile and bow heavily to the king. Time was on the essence. He was going to turn this around, even if it was the last thing he do.

"Yes, your Majesty,"

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Eight weeks...

It's been a total of eight weeks – two months, since Luigi moved to the Dark lands and his life was as miserable as it could get. After finding out the truth from Wendy, he had been hit with a hard case of reality. The kingdom he had loved and often risked his life for had never cared about him. Instead they used him to get what they wanted regardless of all the things he had already done for them. And to make matters worse, his brother – his twin brother – the one he idolized and depended on until this day, did little to prevent it from happening.

Right now, he was sitting on a hill overlooking the imaginary border that separates the Mushroom Kingdom and the Darklands. In the very far distance he can barely see the old town he used to live in, as well as the castle standing next to it. Although he was miles away, he can faintly hear the sound of music in the wind as if a celebration was taking place.

Subconsciously, his hands clenched into tight fists; years of disappointment, bitterness, frustration, and anger were boiling inside him. He should have seen this coming, especially since 90 percent of the inhabitants continue to forget his name and/or existence while his brother's grew to be known as some sort of god.

"Ah, there you are,"

Luigi snapped out of his growing depression and turned behind him. He grew tense when he saw it was only Kamek standing before him.

"Oh, it's you," Luigi said quietly. He turns back to the scenery ahead. "I'm not trying to escape if that's what you're wondering."

"Yes, I am aware of that." Kamek said. He turns to the scenery ahead of them. "Don't worry, you're not in trouble. I just came to check on you, that's all."

Luigi calm down, but only slightly. He sighed and turned back to the kingdom before them. It was peaceful and green, just like it was before Bowser first started his invasion.

"A lovely sight, don't you think?" Kamek said suddenly. "A nice change from the dark and gloomy place you been living in for the past two months."

Luigi didn't say anything. Taking his silence, Kamek continues.

"You know, I'm a bit surprise... By now, I thought you would have sneak back home at least once or twice."

"I can't do that." Luigi said softly. "If I did, it would break the treaty and give Bowser a reason to start war."

Kamek nodded. "True, true,"

"Besides," He continues sadly. "I don't have a home anymore...probably never did. I lose everything the day I had to move here and became Bowser's slave."

"Maybe, maybe not" Kamek shrugged. "You may not be able to return to your old home in the Mushroom Kingdom but you can always make a new one here."

"A new home?" He frowned and turned to face the magikoopa. "How am I going to that? You heard Bowser; I'm nothing but a weak, useless plumber. The only thing I'm good for is trade and even that didn't go as plan." He sighs and looks back at the landscape ahead. "Let's face it; we both know the truth already so there's no point in denying it. No one wants me – not even my own brother."

Kamek sighed heavily. Apparently the plumber was more emotionally damage than he had thought. Well, playing nice wasn't going to cut it. He'll have to do this the hard way then.

Taking out his magic specter, Kamek raised it high in the air and quickly brought it down hard on the plumber's head. Luigi cringe in pain when the specter hit him and stumbled away from the magikoopa with a confused and fearful look. Kamek place his hand on his waist and stare at the plumber with an irritated and displease glare.

"Listen and listen well, because I'm only going to say this once," He started. "I was hoping you would figure this out on your own, but it seems you are too deep in your depression to care much about yourself anymore. So, I'm just going to cut to the chase..." He took a deep breath and sighed. "I've been watching you, Luigi; watching you for a while now. You have been living in the shadow of others for a long time and because of that, you have failed to see that it was leading you into a life full of misery and sorrow."

Luigi frowned. "I'm sorry but...why do you care?"

Kamek cross his arms. "I care because you may be the only one who can restore this klan to the kingdom it once was."

Luigi blinked confusingly. "Restore? What do you mean by that? Wasn't it always like this?"

Kamek shook his head. "No, it wasn't. In fact, it was once much like how the Mushroom Kingdom is today – peaceful and serene. Unfortunately, thanks to a series of events, it had crumbled into the Klan we see now and it's still crumbling as we speak." He sighed sadly. "His Highness may be cruel and brutal, but he's only like this because he thinks it's the only way to get back the kingdom he was told so much about as a child."

Luigi was completely baffled. He didn't know what the magikoopa was talking about. The Koopa Klan, a kingdom just like the Mushroom Kingdom? He never heard of such thing nor was he sure if he could believe it.

"O..kay? So... what do you want me to do about? I'm not exactly the most helpful person out there."

Kamek shook his head. "You think you're not; but believe it or not, you are. At least, you will be in the future..."

Luigi raised an eyebrow. "The... future?"

"Yes, the future...Here, I'll even show it to you."

The magikoopa dig into his blue rope and pull out his crystal ball. He held in his hand and motions the plumber to come closer. Luigi was hesitant for a bit but he did what he was told. Once he was within view range, an image started to appear within the magical orb.

Inside the crystal ball he saw... himself, except he was different. His clothes, his stance, his whole demeanor – everything about him was different. The image changed, showing more visions about his future self. He was strong, stronger than he ever been before. He was respected, for the people around him actually care, admire, and acknowledge him. He was also loved; not just by those surrounding him, but by his family as well.

Luigi leaned in closer to the sphere, hoping to get a better look. It was the family he always dreamt of. It too was different than what he had imagined, but it was still a family nevertheless and that's all he ever wanted. He reached out a timid hand and touched the orb softly. He smiled slightly, the first smile he made in weeks. He loves his family; even if he hadn't met them yet, he already fell in love with them all.

But in an instant, they were gone and so was his smile. He wanted to see more; more on himself, his life, his family – especially his family. He moaned pitifully when Kamek took the ball away and placed it back inside his robe.

"Judging by the look on your face, you really like what you saw," Kamek said.

Luigi bite his lower lip and case his gaze down to the ground. "Please," He said softly "What do I have to do to make it all become real?"

Kamek shook his head. "Don't ask me; all this was of your own doing"

"Me?" Luigi said surprise. "But...how?"

"That's for you to find out on your own,"

Kamek stepped for and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Luigi flinched at the unsuspected touch. When he realize he wasn't going to get hit, he calm down slightly.

"A word of advice, Luigi," Kamek said. "If you want to see your future come true, then I suggest you step out of that shadow you're living in and take hold of your own life...starting with your unhappy marriage."

The old koopa gave him a gently pat on the shoulder then turn and left the plumber alone to think over his words. Luigi walked him go until his silhouette disappeared. Luigi bow his head and turn his body straight forward. The beautiful scenery ahead of him was no longer appealing to him; only the words of the magikoopa.

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