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Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the story idea and any OC(s).

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Chapter 11:
Realization

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Luigi sat there for while, thinking over Kamek's remark. He returned to the castle before dinner time, his mind was still pondering as he walked through the castle's dark hall. When he got back to Wendy's room, he was surprise to see the pink koopa all dressed up for dinner. She turned at the sound of the door opening and scowled when he entered. She sat up from her chair and places her hands on her hips.

"Where have you been?"

"Out for a walk," He replies.

"Well, hurry up and get dress; we're having a special guest joining us for dinner tonight and I don't want him seeing me next to some filthy plumber."

Luigi didn't say anything and did what he was told. After a quick shower and a change of clothes, they made their way to the dining room. From there, they saw the new addition to the table.

Sir Kazvin was his name and he seems to be an ally of Bowser. He was a young koopa with good looks, a charming smile, and high standards to match. He had tan yellow skin, gray eyes, short black hair, and a polish black shell on his back. He also has a small goatee on his chin, neatly groom and trimmed for appearance.

Upon seeing Wendy, he immediately turned his attention on her. It was clear to everyone that he was interested in Wendy. And it seems that the pink Koopa showed is interested in him as well since she would always giggled when he comment her and would smile at him flirtatiously. Of course the black koopa notice the signs and asked if she wanted to accompany him after dinner tonight. She beamed,

"I would love to, Kazvin," she said.

"Unfortunately, she can't." Kammy interrupted.

"Kammy," Wendy warned. However the female magikoopa ignored it.

"I'm sorry, Sir Kazvin, that you haven't been inform earlier, but Lady Wendy is no longer available."

Kazvin looked surprise and turn to Wendy. "Is that true?"

Wendy sighed disappointedly. "Yeah, it's true."

"When did this happen?" He mumbled.

"Two months ago," Wendy said blankly.

"If I may, where is the lucky koopa now?"

Wendy scoffed and pointed a thumb over her shoulder. "He... is sitting over there."

Kazvin looks over to where she was pointing and saw Luigi sitting in his seat, completely unaware of his surroundings. He blinked confusingly and turned back to Wendy.

"Him?"

Wendy nodded and he frowned. "But...he's a human?"

"Thanks fo' statin' da obvious, genius,"

Roy made that comment for he was sitting just a few feet away from them. Wendy shot him a glare which went unseen as Kammy explained to their guest.

"You are aware of the peace converse between the King and the Mushroom Rulers, correct?" He nodded. "Well, in exchange for peace, King Bowser asked for the king's brother to resign over to our side. The marriage between him and Wendy was arranged to enforce his loyalty to us."

"I see," He mumbled to himself.

Once Bowser entered the dining room, everyone took their seats on table. Dinner went the same way as it always been; only this time it was Kazvin doing most of the talking. No paid much attention to the green plumber who just sat idly in his chair, his food barely touch and his mind wondering about. Dinner ended soon enough and everyone was free to go. Just as Kazvin was leaving the room, Wendy caught up to him.

"So, Kavin, I'm not doing anything this evening. Would you still like to accompany me tonight?" She asked him.

"How about your husband?" Kazvin asked.

Wendy shrugged the question off. "Oh, he won't mind... not that he matters or anything."

"Yes, well; I'm afraid I can't. I have some other matters to attend tonight."

Wendy frown and grew discourage. "Oh,"

"Now, if you would excuse me, I must at my leave."

He bowed to her and left down the hall. Wendy walked him go, disappointed and depressed. Luigi came up from behind her and notice her downcast state.

"Wendy? Are you okay?" he asked out of concern.

She growled at the sound of his voice and turn to him with a hated glare. Luigi jumped back at her intense stare and grew fearful.

"This is your fault," She shouted at him angrily. "You and your stupid brother ruin my life!"

Luigi just stood there, shock at what just happened. Wendy turned and headed back to her room, leaving the green plumber alone in the hall. Luigi frowned as he watched her go. He could see that she was greatly upset about this, more so than he had thought. He sighed and turned the other way, knowing full well that he was not welcome in their room for a while.

He walked around the halls for some time before stopping at the balcony. He stayed there for hours; his eyes staring out into the opening with his mind deep in thought. It was late when he returned back to his room with Wendy. The pink Koopa was already asleep so he silently changed and went to bed.

Luigi lay on the floor, staring at the dark ceiling above him. All this time he had been thinking, about what Kamek said regarding him stepping out of the shadow and taking hold of his own life. He thought about it for hours and had come to the conclusion that...it was true.

He had been living in the dark. He had been so blinded and naïve that he hadn't notice that his life was falling apart until it's too late. He thought the people he cared about, cared about him too. But now he sees it – it was all just a lie.

'I've been in the dark for so long... I barely see the light anymore.'

Fortunately for him, it was still there. The light he had lost sight of some time ago was still there, waiting for him to finally catch up. It was dimmed and dull but there nevertheless. It may be small but in spite of everything, he still had a chance to turn things around.

"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."

He glances over to the bed where Wendy was fast asleep. The Koopa princess had little to no interest in him. All throughout dinner, her eyes were fixated on the black koopa sitting across from her, never once paying him mind. According Kamek, she was the starting point. She too was a victim in this. It was only fair if he find some way to bring happiness in her life as well. After all, they were married...willing or not.

He sighs deeply and closes his eyes, finally trying to get some sleep. He knew what he had to. And by tomorrow, he'll have his plan set in play. It won't be easy, but he just had to try. If not for him, than at least for Wendy...

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