Author's Note:

Once again, this chapter isn't as long as I hope but I do hope you enjoy anyways.

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Disclaimer: This following FanFiction story is a fan-based parody. "Mario" and all of its respectable characters are all owned by Nintendo and created by video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Please enjoy; favorite and review whenever you want.

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Chapter 75:
Just The Way You Are

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It was a brand new day within the now absolutely peaceful Mushroom Kingdom. The sun shined brightly over the kingdom's capital known as Toad Town. Its citizens were all out about enjoying what the day had to offer.

King Mario was standing upon a balcony within the Mushroom Castle. The spot he chosen had a clear view of the town across from him. From what he could see, everything was peaceful just like yesterday and the days before that.

"Mario,"

He blinked and turned around. Peach was behind him. In her arms was their son and heir to the Mushroom Kingdom's royal throne, Marcus.

"Peach," He smiled "What are you two doing?"

"Marco refused to take a nap," She explained as she adjusted her hold on the baby. "He's very agitated,"

"Can't really blame him," He said as he took his son into his hands. "Who would want to sleep on a day like this?"

"It is a beautiful day today," Peach thought. "Perhaps a walk around town will help claim Marcus down."

"Hopefully, we won't be plastered with too many of his fans today," He chuckled. "Only a few weeks old and he's already have a major celebrity,"

"Everyone's just excited to know who will take care of them and their children in the future."

"Even the ones trying to pair him up with their daughters?"

"Although I appreciate their enthusiasm, I think it's far too early to think about marriage right now," She said coolly. "Also, I would like to give him the option of choosing his own bride, not us."

"Fair enough," Mario agreed.

"Your Majesties!"

Both of them turned to see the long time faithful servant Toad as he ran towards the Mushroom Rulers.

"What is it, Toad?"

The little mushroom let out a short breath. "A package has just been delivered for you,"

Peach blinked. "A package?"

"From who?" Mario asked curiously.

"We're not sure," Toad replies. "However, the sealing suggestion it's from the Koopa King,"

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

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A red box tied with blue ribbons and a box sat on top of the table. The box was a bit damaged; unfortunately, Parakarry had dropped it during his rush to deliver it. Hopefully, the contents inside remain unhurt.

However, that was the last thing on Mario's mind right now as he stared at the box with great suspicion. It's been months since they have heard anything from the Koopa King. At first, he had been very doubtful that the villainous Koopa would keep his end of the Treaty. But as the months go by and the days become ever more peaceful, he was beginning to think that maybe - just maybe - Bowser was capable of keeping his word.

This, however, brought back all the doubt he had before.

"There's also an envelope that came with it," said Toad.

Mario took it and looked at it with an intense stare. It had the koopa royal seal on it, the one with Bowser's head. He removed it and took out the small note inside. He scanned it quickly, and almost instantly a surprise look overcomes his suspicion one.

"Mario?" Peach asked with both worry and curiosity. She had placed Marcus in his room just in case.

"This..." He started. "This is Luigi's handwriting,"

"Luigi's?"

"Are you sure?" Toadsworth asked.

Mario nodded. "I know his handwriting anywhere,"

"What does it say?" Peach asked.

"It says, 'To my nephew, a unique gift you won't find anywhere else, signed everyone within the Koopa Klan',"

"So the box is for Prince Marcus?" Toad said.

"It seems like it," Mario said as he rereads the note to himself, confirming it was written by his brother.

"So what is it?"

"We won't know until we open it, won't we?" said Toadsworth.

"I'll open it," The red King volunteered. "Just in case,"

He had to make sure it was safe for his son; for all he knows, Bowser could have tamper with it. Carefully, he rid the ribbons around it and took off the cover. After removing some stuff materials inside, he found the photo block placed inside.

"Oh my," Peach gasped as Mario lift it up for all to see. "It's beautiful,"

"I must say I never seen anything like it," Toadsworth commented.

Mario held the block in his hand. It was a fine-looking keepsake, one that caught the delicate features of his son. He recognized the picture to be the same one from the newspaper a while ago. He turned and gave the gift to Peach.

"Show it to Marcus," He told her. "He'll enjoy it,"

The Queen nodded and went off to show their son his new gift. Toad looked up at the red King who had solemn expression on his face.

"Are you okay, your highness?"

"I'm fine..." He sighed. "It's just that... I'm wondering how Luigi's doing,"

"I'm sure he's doing alright," Toadsworth remarked. "After all, you were very thorough on what he can and cannot do while Master Luigi is in his custody."

"Yeah, that shell-head isn't allowed to touch him, much less hurt." Toad added.

"Maybe...but knowing Bowser, he'll probably figure out a way to work around it." He sighed. "I just hope he's okay,"

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Luigi was not okay.

Why?

Because he was smelly, that's why...

A spell went wrong in Kamek's workshop had resulted in a big sticky, stinky mess. Cleaning up wasn't so bad, but the stench was. Three Toadies helped him with the clean up. But even with their help, it still took about four hours to get everything spotless. No one could stay in the room any longer than twenty minutes so they had to break frequently. Even after the mess was cleaned up, the smell still lingers. There wasn't much to do about that except put up some air fresheners and let the room air out. Unfortunately, that technique won't work on his clothes.

Luigi let out a tired sigh; he felt and reeked like the dead, or at least something close to that. The smell was still strong, even after a few hours. As he made his way back to his room, he came across several of the castle staff, all of which held their nose as he passed by them.

"There you are,"

He stopped and turned away. He saw Wendy walking towards him, holding her nose in disgust.

"I was really hoping that smell wasn't coming from you,"

"Good to see you too," He mumbled annoyingly.

"Don't get snappy with me," She puffed. "You ruin the shirt I bought you,"

"I know," Luigi sighed disappointingly. This shirt was so comfortably soft and light; it was his favorite shirt...which so happens to be the same one same light blue shirt Wendy had bought him months ago.

She took a big whiff and winced at the stench. "Ewr, you smell like sweat, rotten eggs, and some kind of foul smelling cheese"

"How can you tell?"

"I just can..."

Luigi didn't say anything to that. Koopas had an excellent sense of smell, something that can rival a dog's own nose. A good example of that was when Bowser followed Princess Peach's perfume into the dream world back at Pi'illo Island.

"Sorry,"

She sighed, shaking her head. She took the plumber's hand and started leading him down the hall.

"I just have to buy you a new one then,"

Luigi blinked in confusion before asking, "Where are we going?"

"What kind of wife would I be if I let you walk around like smelling like a zombie; it will ruin my image," she answered. "We're going to get you clean up,"

He raised a curious brow. "Together?"

She glanced back at him and flashed him a mischievous smirk. "If that's what you want, fine,"

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

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A relieved sigh left the green man which was soon replaced by water bubbles. He could feel the day's stress and fatigue leaving his body and mind as he soak in the relaxing hot water.

"Hmm, you smell much better now," Wendy said kneeling beside him.

Just as she promised, she was in there bathing with him. Even though it wasn't exactly what he was thinking, he enjoyed having her in his company as they both took pleasure in the relaxing water of the hot spring.

The spring wasn't very deep; it only went down to about three feet. After a few more minutes, Luigi emerged his body from the water. He crawled over to the more shallow area where Wendy was, blissfully relaxing with her eyes closed.

"Want me to clean your shell?" he asked her.

She opened her eyes and nodded. "Yes, please,"

A Koopa's shell was a very personal thing for obvious reasons. Cleaning and polishing a shell of the opposite sex was considered to be an intimate gesture in the Koopa culture, shared by only family and mates.

Luigi walked over to the stone edge of the spring and grabbed a small towel from a basket placed there. He returned to Wendy's side in the shallow water and sat next to her. She turned around and lay down on her stomach, submerging part of her chin and mouth in water. He dipped the small cloth and ringed out some excess water.

Luigi was very efficient when it comes to his work. He scrubbed and washed every inch of Wendy's pink shell, from the white encasing to the sharp tip of each spike. Judging from the small wag of her tail, he could tell Wendy enjoys it so he always took his time to make it last as long as possible.

"Hey Wendy,"

"Uhm," She cracked her eyes opened slightly. It felt good having your shell wash, especially if it's by a family member or mate. They tend to reach areas that you couldn't reach yourself.

"What is it?"

"Have you ever thought about how I would look like as a koopa?"

The pink koopa blinked; she wasn't expecting such a question. "Uhm, no; why do you ask?"

"Well, you know..." He shrugged, keeping his eyes on her shell. The thought came to him a few days ago, but he hadn't really mentioned it until now.

"I'm practicing magic now and I was wondering if things around here would be easier if I were a Koopa as well."

"Hmm," She thought about it. "I guess it would be easier if you were a Koopa like everyone else." She mumbled mostly to herself. "But seriously, why would you want to become a Koopa?"

"There's a number reasons actually... you guys are already really strong and are naturals when it comes to magic. Most importantly, our marriage wouldn't be so complicated if we were the same...species wise."

There wasn't an immediate reply from Wendy and Luigi was thinking she was considering on his offer. For the next few minutes, he continued cleaning her shell in silence. When he was finally done, she sat up and turned around to face him.

"Luigi..." she said softy. "Would you stay as a koopa if I ask you to?"

The green man smiled gently. Mr. L had asked him that question once but he didn't get a chance to answer it before.

"Yes," He replies. "I love you, Wendy; I'll do anything to make you happy,"

"Oh Luigi,"

She pulled him close and placed her lips on top of his. Luigi closed his eyes and placed his hands on her waists as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her body.

The kiss was emotional yet passionate. It took some time before they can part from each other. When they finally did, Luigi's cheeks were a little red and Wendy's eyes were sparkling.

"I love you too, Luigi, just the way you are." She smiled warmly. "And I love how different we are; it makes us special and one of a kind,"

"That's true; we're not like any couple seen before,"

"My thoughts exactly... Now, get yourself dress; we're going into town and I would like to get some shopping down before sundown."

"Yes, dear,"

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Ending Note:

I had half this chapter ready for a long while; I just couldn't find the right chapter to put it until now.

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