...

Author's Note:

As promise a long chapter (over 3000 words long).

...

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

...

Chapter 68:
A Day in Town

...

"Okay, I just need this one thing from the store then I'm all set,"

Luigi was walking through the sections of the Koopamart. Earlier today, Kamek had given him a short list of items needed to purchase in town. He only had one more to find before he could stop by the southern district and pick up his gift from Mrs Kitava.

He scanned through the items carefully, looking for the item he needed. He kept looking until he spotted an empty section. He stopped in front of it and found what he was looking for – four pale white and grey eggs, all in one egg carton.

'Bingo,' He thought. 'Mystic Egg is in the bag,'

The Mystic Egg can only be found in the Boggly Woods within the Mushroom Kingdom. These eggs had strange properties and were pretty rare. They only come within the market a few times a year and were also pretty expensive so it was difficult to purchase one. Luigi reached out to grab the very last one only to have someone else to snatch it from under him.

"Hey," He frowned. He glanced over to the side to see the one who took it was a female Shy Guy. He stood up straight and walked towards her.

"Excuse me Miss, but that's mine,"

The Shy Gal turned to him. "What makes you say that?"

"Well for one thing, I was here first. Second, I was just about to grab it when clearly you snatch it from me."

"Well maybe next time you should be a bit quicker," She said as she started walking away.

Luigi grunted and ran in front of her, making her stop. "Okay look, I really need those eggs so how about I just buy it from you?"

She thought about it. "As tempting as that sound, I have to decline. You see I need this egg to make a Love Pudding for the Koopalooza Dessert Contest next month."

Luigi raised a curious eyebrow. "The Koopalooza Dessert Contest?"

"You don't know?" She said in a tone Luigi did not like. "Every year, the town holds a five day long festival called Koopalooza. During the five days, multiple kinds of tournaments are held. I'm entering for the Dessert Contest that is taking place in the mall. The winner earns the title of Master Chef and 5,000 coins."

"5,000 coins? That's a lot."

"Oh it is, but unlike the rest of them, I'm in it to win so…good day,"

She walked around him and continued on her way. Luigi frowned.

'Now you know you have to get everything Kamek asked for, right?' said Mr. L

"I know but I can't just take it from her,"

'Uh yes you can. You're a high ranking member of the Koopa Klan remember? You have some power over the common folks,'

"I'm not going use my authority to boss people around, not unless I absolutely have to,"

'So what are you going to do?'

"Simple, I'm just going to trick her,"

'Do you really thing that would work on someone other than Lemmy and occasionally Junior?'

"It's worth a shot; going to have to put a bit of sass to get her attention," He cleared his throat. "You know what, you're probably right…You're going to need that way more than I am,"

'Uh, what are you doing?'

"Watch,"

"Excuse me?" The Shy Gal paused and turned back at him. "Are you saying my food is awful?"

Luigi raised his hands in defense. "No, of course not; I never even tasted your food. It's just that a Love Pudding seem like an obvious choice to make for a Dessert Contest,"

She frowned. "It is?"

"Yeah, I mean, no knows… there might be others who are thinking of making the same thing. I know Mystic Eggs are rare and all but do they normally go out this quick?"

"No they don't," She mumbled.

"And you wouldn't really stand out if you're one of the few participles with the same dish. You do want to win don't you?"

"I do, especially after that trump Shyvonna bet me last year,"

"Well then, if I were you I'll try and think of something new that will knock the judges' socks off,"

"You're right!" The shy gal said, full of convince. "I won't need these anymore,"

She hands Luigi the carton of egg and walked off. Luigi smiled as he held the item in his hand.

'Well played,'

"Thank you,"

…

…

"Can we go home now?"

Roy glanced at his slightly taller brother with a raised brow. It was a nice Monday in Koopalis. So nice, that most of the Koopalings had decided to venture out of the castle. Wendy and Kanary had gone to the mall; Luigi was off running some errands for Kamek, while Morton, Larry and Ludwig were doing their own things. So that just left him, Iggy, and Lemmy to find something to do themselves

"Why do you want to go home so bad?" He asked.

Iggy turned his gaze to him. "I have something to do,"

"Like what?"

"That's none of your business,"

Roy rolled his eyes. Iggy, being the geek at he was, had been struck in his lab before Roy came in and dragged him out. The koopa was rarely seen these days unless it's to eat.

"He has a video date with Hali," Lemmy blurted out.

Iggy turned to his twin in surprise. Roy smirked. "Is dat all?"

"Yeah, so?" Iggy crossed his arms.

"So… does she plan on comin' over fo' yur B-day?"

Lemmy and Iggy's birthday was coming up soon. The two will be turning eighteen that day. Iggy turned his glaze slightly to the side.

"Unfortunately no; there are some tropical storms forming in the area with at least three of them threatening to become serious hurricanes. At this time, not many ships or planes are allowed to come and go to the island, obliviously for safety reasons. But she did promise to send me something as soon as she can."

"Too bad; dis could have been da perfect opportunity to ask her to be yur girlfriend."

The leaner Koopa blushed. "…It's not that simple,"

"What's not so simple about it? You two have be talkin' through a monitor fo' almost two years now. If I were you, I would have asked her by now,"

"Well, it's a good thing I'm not you," Iggy mumbled.

Roy raised a brow. "What was dat?"

"Oh nothing,"

Lemmy, who was balancing on top of his trademark ball, rolled beside Iggy. "Don't worry about it, bro; Roy isn't as tough as he leads on." He said. "Word around the castle is that he has a crush on Muriel."

"Really?" Iggy smirked

Roy growled, "I don't have a crush on her,"

"That's not what I've heard,"

"And where exactly did you hear dat?"

"I have my ways," Lemmy smirked, rolling his ball in front of them.

Roy crossed his arms. "Well, if I were you, Lemmy, I'll watch my shell,"

"Uh…?"

That was all the smallest Koopa was able to say before he bumped into someone with his ball. He fell on the ground face first while the other fell on their bottom. Lemmy's ball rolled over to the side as two boxes fell as well, one of which revealing its contexts of party supplies. Lemmy grunted slightly as the one knocked into started laughing.

"Oopsy daisy," The victim giggled. "Sorry about that,"

Roy and Iggy came up towards them. "Don't be; dis idiot should've been payin' attention."

Lemmy frowned at the insult. He turned his gaze to the side and paused when he saw the Koopa he bumped into.

The Koopa was pretty; she was a Parakoopa with a bubblegum pink shell and light blue shoes. She had bright, clear blue eyes compared to the black, beady ones of other Parakoopas, and shoulder length hair dyed in a swirl of pink, purple, and blue colors.

She flipped her wings, lifting herself with ease, and dusted herself off. Once done, she walked over to Lemmy and offered her hand to him.

"Here let me help you," she said.

Lemmy blinked, not realizing he was staring until she talked to him. With a slight blush, he took her offer and she helped him up. Once they were both standing, it was clear that she was taller than him but only by some inches. He also got a small whiff of her scent; she smelled like cotton candy – he liked cotton candy.

"Hi, my name is Kelestia, but you can call me Kelly," She introduced herself cheerfully. "What's yours?"

"I-I'm…Lemmy," He stuttered slightly.

"Nice to meet you Lemmy," She gasped suddenly causing him to jump. "Oh my shell, is that your ball over there?"

Lemmy blinked and looked over to where his ball was. "Uhm, yeah?"

"Wow, that's so cool; are you in the circus or maybe a carnival?"

"Well, no but I'm interested in joining one someday,"

She shrilled out of excitement, bouncing up and down. "Oh that's great! I love the circus."

Lemmy smiled. "Really? Me too,"

Roy and Iggy shared a glance with each other; this koopa was really hyper. Lemmy, however, liked how energetic she was.

"Mind if I have a ride on it?"

"Uhm, okay sure,"

Kelly beamed brightly. She flew up and carefully herself on top of the ball. She swayed slightly before finding her balance and began rolling it. Lemmy, Roy, and Iggy watch in surprise as she played around with the ball. Other than Lemmy, they haven't seen anyone else capable to balance themselves on top of a ball. She even managed to balance herself on top of it with her hands which impressed Lemmy greatly.

"Oh boy, that was fun," she said as she jumped down. "Unfortunately, I have to get going; these supplies aren't going to deliver themselves,"

"Here, let me help you," Lemmy said quickly.

He gathered all the party supplies on the floor and placed them back inside the box. He then stacked the box on top of each other and lifted them up in his hands, carrying them both.

"Oh, okay then," She said, holding onto the ball. "Well, since you got those, I'll carry the ball for you."

"Fine by me," Lemmy answered.

"Uh Lemmy?"

The smallest Koopaling turned to the direction Iggy and Roy were. "Oh, uhm, why don't you guys go ahead without me, I'll caught up with you later,"

Roy and Iggy shared a look. "O…kay,"

Kelly jumped on top of the ball again and turned to Lemmy. "I work at a party store not far from here. It shouldn't take us long to get there."

Lemmy nodded as best as he could. "Lead the way,"

Kelly beamed and started rolling in the direction she needs to go. Lemmy followed close behind her, leaving Roy and Iggy to themselves. Both Koopalings blink at the outcome.

"Well, I got to admit," Iggy said "I was not expecting that to happen,"

…

…

A small bell rang as the door to "Koopapa's and Koomama's Family Store" opened. Luigi wonder inside, searching for the store owner. Regardless of the bell, he was sure the elderly koopa was not aware of his presence.

"What's the point of that bell if she can't even hear it?"

Luigi shrugged. "Don't ask me…speaking of with…"

He turned to the stairway where he heard footsteps. A Koopa appeared but it wasn't the same one from before. She had long black hair with grey streaks, tied in a ponytail. She wore a light blue top with a dark blue shirt and matching shoes.

"Oh a customer," She spoke. "Are you here for a pick-up?"

"Uh, yes, I am" Luigi replies. He was not expecting this new koopa, but at least he wouldn't have any trouble translating.

"I've been expecting your arrival; this way please,"

The blue Koopa gesture him to where the register was. She kneeled down and pulled out a small box from behind the corner. She opened it and showed him what he ordered.

"Here we go; you picked a beautiful gift by the way."

"Thank you," Luigi replies. He beamed when he laid eyes on it. "Perfect,"

"Isn't it? I got the same thing for each and every one of my eight grandchildren once they hatched. Granted most of them are bigger now but the photos always bring back my memories of when they were smaller."

She placed the item back inside the box so it could be transferred safely. She then turned to the register and started to ring the item up.

"I thought Kitava had stopped making them entirely but I guess I was wrong."

Luigi tilted his head. "Is Kitava the one I saw last time?"

The Koopa nodded. "Yes, she's the owner of the store," She paused for a moment. "Oh, where are my manners… My name is Mrs. Kendall; I'm a close friend of Kitava."

"I'm Luigi; nice to meet you."

"So, is Ms. Kitava here today? I'll like to thank her personally…that is if I can."

"She's here but she's resting." Mrs. Kendall replies. "You know how us old folks are, we tired easily,"

"Some more than others," Luigi mumbled as he recall a certain elderly scientist with more energy than most people his age.

"I'll be sure to send your regards once she awakens,"

"Or I can tell her now,"

"Uhm?" Mrs. Kendall blinked in confusion before turning her head to the side. There by the stairway was the Koopa Luigi saw before, Ms. Kitava. Her hair was a bit muddled, a clear sign that she had just woken up. Mrs. Kendall frowned and walked over to her.

"Kitava, shouldn't you be in bed,"

Ms. Kitava tilted her head in confusion. Mrs. Kendall put her hands together, palm-to-palm and rested her head on them as if they were a pillow.

"Bed," she said. "You should be in bed,"

Ms. Kitava shrugged and turned her attention on the green man. Luigi blinked before waving at her.

"Hello," He greeted.

"Kitava, this is Luigi. He wanted to thank you for the photo block," Mrs. Kendall signed to her.

Kitava glanced at the plumber who nodded in agreement. She signed something in response and Mrs. Kendall translated for her. "She said you're welcome,"

"I think I get that,"

"Kitava, why don't go back up stairs. I'll be there in a moment to make some tea to go with your medication."/ Mrs. Kendall signed.

Ms. Kitava glanced at the green man once more before nodding. She retreated back upstairs where she lives, leaving the others alone.

"Oh, such a nice lady,"

"Has Ms. Kitava always been deaf?" Luigi asked out of curiosity.

"For as long as I've known her, yes." Mrs. Kendall said as she return to the corner. "She and her husband moved here over 20 years ago, and started this little shop of theirs. It was one of the most popular stores around town until…"

"Until what?"

She sighed. "Things change...These last few years especially have been tough on her…"

'I can relate,' Luigi thought but remained silent as Mrs. Kendall continue on.

"It was bad enough when she was diagnosed with Meniere's disease. But then her husband, Kristopher, came down with an illness and well…"

"I see; so she's a widow,"

"Unfortunately yes…" She frowned sadly. "In a way, it's a relief that he's no longer suffering. But now, Kitava is all by her lonesome self. I try to help her out as much as I can but I'm not as young as I use to be and there's only so much I can do…"

Luigi said warmly. "You're a good friend Mrs. Kendall; I'm sure Mrs. Kitava appreciates you being there for her,"

"I guess you're right," She smiled kindly.

He nodded and gathered the small box in his hand. "Well, I better get going. Thank you again."

Mrs. Kendall bid him farewell as he exit outside the store. She started back to the stairs when she remembered something.

"Oh dear, I forgot to ring him up."

She turned back and quickly moved towards the door to chase after him when she notice the coins left on the counter. It was a large enough to pay for the purchase as well as leaving a very generous tip.

…

…

Before long, the plumber made it back to the castle. As he headed towards his room, Larry came up beside him.

"Hey Luigi,"

He paused and turned to him. "Hey, Lar…ry?"

The youngest Koopaling was sporting a new haircut. His tall blue hair was now down and layered beside his face with slight curls at the end. Luigi stared at him for a moment before he broke him out of his surprise.

"So, what do you think?" Larry asked proudly. "Ludwig and I went out to get hair cut."

"It's….nice," Luigi hesitated.

'Nice? He looks like an old school pimp!' Mr. L said in disbelief. 'All he needs now is a large fur coat and a cane,'

Luigi ignored him and forced a smile. "It's nice, Larry…very nice."

"Thanks; Roy's been going around saying that I look like a pimp or something,"

'That's what I said!'

"The important thing is that you like it,"

"I do," He said, before turning. "I'm going to show King Dad,"

Luigi simply stood there and smile as he watch him leave. Ludwig, Lemmy, and Morton came along from the opposite direction, glancing at Larry as he passes by. Luigi turned to them and quickly notice Ludwig's new hairdo. His wasn't as…surprising as Larry's. His dark blue hair was cut a few inches shorter and was completely brush back. He actually looked more mature and professional.

"He got a perm," Morton said suddenly.

He blinked. "What?"

"He got a perm,"

"A perm?" Luigi frowned. "You can't be serious,"

"Oh, he is," Ludwig sighed. "Saw the whole thing myself,"

"I will love to see King Dad's face when he gets a look at him," Morton laughed.

…

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

…

The rest of the day came and went as everyone within the castle started to settle within their respectful rooms. Luigi was at his private desk, putting on the final touches on his present to Baby Marcus. The photo block was safely wrapped inside a red box with blue ribbons tied around and a blue box placed on top. Taking out a card from the drawer, he started writing a small note to go with it.

"Aren't you done yet?"

He turned his head to the side. Wendy was standing next to him, looking fresh and clean after exiting out of the bathroom. She wore an adorable fade pink and black lace gown that reach down to her knees.

"Almost," He replies turning back to his note. "I'm just writing a small note to go with it."

"Is that what you brought for them?" she asked as she noticed the second photo block on the desk.

Luigi nodded. "Yup, that's it. I figured getting one for us as well."

"This is some really great quality and design really shows off the picture," she said as she examines it. "Where did you say you bought it from again?"

"A small family store in the southern district,"

"I forgot they have shops there. Do you think they'll make this with any kind of picture?"

"Most likely; although I should warn you the store isn't much to look at. Are you thinking about getting one for Lemmy and Iggy?"

"No, they could care less about this. Besides, we already brought them gifts."

"Speaking of gifts, do you think I should include everyone in the note I'm attaching to Marcus's?"

"Does it really matter? I mean, it's not like anyone of us will be seeing them anytime soon."

"Still, it can be a sign of good will; the first step into building some much needed trust between the two kingdoms"

Wendy seemed skeptical. "Trust takes years to build,"

"All the more reason to started building as soon as possible,"

"Fine, do whatever…" She shrugged and walked over to the bed. "Just as long as it gets you into bed sooner,"

The green man grinned. "In the mood already?"

She gave him a smug look and sat down. "And this surprises you?"

"No; I'll be done in another minute or two,"

Wendy hummed and crossed her legs, waiting for the plumber to come join her. After finishing up the note, Luigi placed it in a small envelope and closed with a stamp of the royal koopa seal.

"There," He said "all done,"

"Luigi…I'm waaaiting,"

"Coming,"

He slides the gift box beside the other photo block and placed the envelope right on top of it so it won't be misplaced. First thing in the morning, he have them both mailed together. With any luck, it should arrive at the Mushroom Castle by early next week.

...

...

Ending Note:

None

...