This fan fiction was actually meant to take place before another fan fiction that I haven't posted, but I have written. I'll post that one up once this one is done. The genres of this story may be a bit wrong, but I couldn't think of what this would really fit into, so those are probably going to change.

The Proper Princess

Chapter 1

Daisy stood by the balcony, letting the chilled wind caress her face. It was a dark and cool night, which was expected around the winter months. The stars twinkled in the sky, making them look like party lights, blinking in specific patterns. As beautiful as the night was, Daisy didn't really want to be here. It wasn't that she hated Princess Peach enough that she wanted to stay miles away from her; or that her castle was too big and colored for Daisy to comprehend. It was the nagging feeling for her father.

After Daisy was old enough to understand that she needed to learn how to be a princess, her father allowed her to stay with her friend while he was away on travels. Daisy usually forced herself to have fun with her friends but it was hard to stop the thought that her father could die while she was laughing at a joke or playing with the curtains on the windows. So rather than avoid the fear, she let it happen. She would lock herself from everyone else and stayed far away from reality as much as she could. It wasn't easy, though; especially when Peach forced her to go…dancing. Dancing was the one thing that all royals must learn and Daisy never had the chance to learn it.

Tonight was the rescue party that Peach had arranged to thank Mario. Daisy just thought she threw the party because he got tired of the cake. Originally, it was meant to be a small party for the four of them, Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Daisy. Then, Toad found out and the next thing the princess knew the entire kingdom was in on the party. Peach should have known better, Toad could never keep a secret.

While the kingdom was having a good time in the ball room, Daisy looked out the balcony. For some reason, she felt like being outside today. She could hear the symphony of the ball room echo through the marble halls. It was a strange symphony; loud and bombastic in one measure, but then quiet and still in another. Her mind stopped so she could focus on the music for a minute. As the music paused, the musicians most likely starting a new piece of music, she heard footsteps behind her. She balled her fists in preparation to pound whoever this was into the ground.

"Hey." a familiar male voice sounded. Daisy turned around quickly and stepped back.

"How dare- Oh, it's you…"

"Were you expecting someone?" Luigi's voice was faint, like a whisper, but she could still hear him clear as day.

"No, but Peach might come soon to check on me."

"Ah," he nodded and walked to the rim of the balcony. Daisy turned back to the sky, keeping her eyes away from him. "I needed a break from all the…whatever's going on."

Daisy smiled, but it quickly faded. "You're Mario's brother, right?"

He nodded, looking at the black sky peppered with stars. It was hard for her to believe that he was even related to Mario. They were so different; one was brave and outgoing, while the other was quiet and shy. Nonetheless, brothers are brothers, after all.

"Are they dancing?" she asked irritably.

"They just started."

Daisy sighed and turned away from the balcony. "Well you better dance with your girlfriend while you still can."

She began walking gracefully away as Luigi turned around to her. He almost reached for her arm, but he stopped himself before he could grab it. "I don't…"

His voice trailed off, sounding empty. She stopped and looked back at him with a slight sympathetic glare. "Oh," she replied, "Well I can't dance."

"I can…teach you, if you want." Luigi's eyes beamed suddenly. Daisy remained still, shocked by his offer. Someone actually wants to teach her how to dance? No one ever dared to teach her. Deemed un-teachable by most of pervious instructors, she refused to try again. "But I can't-"

"So?" he took her hand and gently pulled her towards him. "I have an idea; I'll tell you some things that I can't do. Deal?"

Daisy put her hand on his shoulder, mentally agreeing to his strange offer. Her other hand met with his and she felt his remaining hand hug above her waist. Almost immediately, the music began again; it was slow, soft tune.

"Let's see…I can't be alone in the dark for more than five seconds." They began to sway as he led her into a waltz. He spoke still with a faint voice that seemed to fit with the ambiance, as it was soothing and clear. Daisy looked away from his eyes, trying to remember the stance and which way to move her feet.

"Why?" Daisy blurted.

He shrugged slightly, looking to the sky for a second. "I can't stand ghosts and dark places. Dark places usually mean ghosts for me..."

"Logic." Daisy mumbled.

He chuckled.

"I can't stand shrimp. Blech." she heard herself say.

Luigi laughed strangely, which made Daisy tilt her head in confusion. "I'm sorry," he shook his head, smiling; "I can't laugh like a normal person."

"If I laugh, I'll probably snort." she said. She never usually admitted that she snorted if she laughed too hard, but she just felt comfortable admitting it to him.

"Well I don't make anyone laugh, so don't worry about snorting around me."

"I think you're pretty funny. Well, with your 'flawless logic' and all."

"It is flawless logic, I'm perfect."

Daisy smirked at him, making him smile. "Alright, Mr. Perfect."

"Ms. Piggy."

"Mr. Darkness."

"Ms. Surprise."

Her smile faded at the last remark. "Ms. Surprise?"

He glanced down then, looked back at her. "Surprise," he spun her around and led her into a dip, "You're dancing." He whispered.

She almost flipped out of his grasp, but contained her excitement. She had danced and for once, didn't step on anyone's feet. "I-I guess I just needed a distraction."

He pulled her up from the dip and smiled. "Don't we all?"

From the side of the right wall, Peach peered over, smiling at the sight. She felt her hands tremble with excitement. This was exactly what she wanted for her friend; the perfect setting, the perfect timing, and the perfect dance instructor. She kept her squeal to herself and ran back to the ball room.

Daisy let out a content giggle and hugged Luigi. He stood back, not sure what to do. His arms finally wrapped around her body and embraced her, which made his blood race. She leaned back from the hug and met with his eyes. They both began to blush.

"Well, thank you...Luigi." Daisy let go of him.

Luigi nodded and looked out the balcony solemnly. Daisy headed back to her room with a slight skip in her step.

The night was quiet after the party had ended. There was a sense about the stillness that made the world stop for Daisy. She laid down flat on her bed, her legs and arms spread out. She breathed inwardly as her eyes moved to the full moon that was visible through the window. The light was set on the desk next to the window, which had an unopened letter. Daisy had opened all the letters she had received this morning, so this letter was delivered later in the day. She stood up from her bed and walked meekly towards the desk. The letter was sent from her castle and was marked as "URGENT". That's weird, she thought. Her father wasn't due to come back until next week. Perhaps Toadette misfiled one of the deeds or something silly like that.

She ripped the envelope open and took out the letter slowly. Her eyes slowly scanned the top of the letter; as she predicted, the letter was from Toadette. As she read on, her eyes moved faster and faster. She jumped from one word to the next without thinking. She dropped the letter and raced out the door. The letter read:

Dear Princess Daisy,

I have some news.

Your father just returned from the previous travel early due to a disease. This isn't the same cold or flu that he got a while back, this is the same disease that your mother had.

He's been getting weaker and weaker as the hours go by and I'm scared. I think you need to cut your trip short and come here soon. I can't hold him any longer. This disease is not contagious, but it still gives me the chills.

I don't want you to miss your father, so please please please come soon, Daisy. I need you. He needs you. Your kingdom needs you.

-Toadette

Leave any reviews to help me out with this old story and thanks in advance if you did. Have a happy new year and I'll see YOU...in the next update!