Counting Stars—Chapter 1

by taitofan

Rated PG-13 for eventual violent and sexual situations

Disclaimer: I don't own the Mario franchise, Paper Mario or otherwise.

Author's note: Let's pretend it didn't take so long for me to update.

If you have any CC, please share and I'll listen. Please read, review, and enjoy! Finished 09-29-16

Vivian was beginning to think that maybe she should have paid attention to those signs after all.

"Maybe, if I turn around, I can…" She did just that and frowned. No, that wouldn't do either. She'd taken so many twists and turns that she had no idea what the way back even was. Hope wasn't lost of course—she could always travel through the shadows in a straight line and get at least close to civilization again—but her spirits were certainly down. The start of her big adventure wasn't going at all as she'd hoped.

"Are you alright, miss?" Vivian whipped around, startled by the sudden voice. She froze, and not for the first time in her life, she was immensely grateful that she didn't blush visibly. Before her stood a handsome Koopa who looked to be around her age. It occurred to her that he looked vaguely familiar, but she was certain that if she'd ever met him before, she would never forget someone like him. "Miss…?"

"Oh! Um… I-I'm fine," she stammered, a bit embarrassed that she probably wasn't making a good first impression. "I'm just a little… lost."

"Is that so?" She could only nod as she watched his eyes rack up her body. Telling herself that it was only because he'd never seen a Shadow Siren before, she forced herself to calm down. "I've lived in this area for my entire life, so if you'd like, I could accompany you to your destination."

She really didn't have a destination. But a handsome man was offering to guide her back to civilization…

Honestly, Vivian didn't consider herself to be boy-crazy or anything. Mario had been the first person she'd really fallen for, and though her heart still ached when she thought of him, she had no intentions of staying depressed forever. This man… He seemed nice, and he was attractive. What harm was there in taking up his offer? It wasn't as if they'd be in each other's company for more than a few hours anyway.

"Thank you very much! That would be wonderful." She smiled shyly, tugging her hat down absently. "Um… I'm Vivian."

"Ludwig." He hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether or not to say more. Vivian wasn't about to pry; after all, it wasn't as if she didn't have her own secrets. "Where are you headed, Miss Vivian?"

"…I'm not sure," she admitted, resisting the urge to tell him just to call her Vivian. No need to get personal with someone she'd likely never see again, right? "I'm just kind of looking for an adventure I guess. But I suppose if you can just get me back near Toad Town, I can actually try following some paths this time…"

"Adventure…?" Ludwig went silent, and for a moment Vivian was afraid he was going to laugh at her. She was quite relieved when a small smile formed on his face. "Miss Vivian, I believe we have a common goal in mind. Perhaps you would care for some company on your journey?"

Remembering her previous wishes, she smiled widely. Scratch what she'd thought before—she was more than willing to take a chance on this meeting being extended.

"That would be wonderful!"

Ludwig hadn't set out expecting to travel with anyone.

The moment he saw Vivian though, he saw how very polite and extremely pretty she was, even when Ludwig didn't have a clue as to her species. He honestly didn't care. She was sweet and lovely, and he found himself jumping upon the chance to have a traveling companion.

He'd been surrounded by his family for his entire life, and he was quickly finding that he didn't like being alone all the time as he'd thought he would. While it was nice not to have seven siblings down his throat at any given moment, he found not having anyone around period was a bit… lonely. He tried to tell himself that he didn't miss any of the little brats, but he knew very well that it was a lie. Vivian, stranger or not, just seemed like the sort of person he would like having around.

He stopped short of giving his full name to her. He had no idea where she was from, or if she knew who his father was. Even if he wasn't the crown prince anymore, he was still a prince, and he had never liked girls falling all over himself just because he was royalty.

After all, he had plenty of much better qualities for girls to swoon over than that.

If Vivian had any knowledge of who he was, she didn't show it, and he was very pleased to have her agree to travel with him so quickly. It was, perhaps, a bit too quickly though, and he wondered for a moment what had happened to her to get her so far into the forest by herself. Had something happened to her similar to the experience that led him out on his own…?

It was far too soon to ask such personal questions though, so he settled on an easier one.

"Excellent. Then where shall we go?" He sincerely hoped she didn't have her heart set on Toad Town. He could certainly lead them there, but he was sure his very presence would incite a panic, and he didn't want to deal with Mario or his brother at any point during his journey. The whole point of him leaving home was to see what else was out there besides fighting the Mario brothers.

"Well, like I said, I really don't have anywhere in mind… But I came from Toad Town, so unless you want to go that way, I guess we don't have to go back there after all." He could have sighed in relief from those words. "Um, where were you headed, if you don't mind me asking?"

Like her, he hadn't really had a destination in mind. His original plan was to go around Toad Town and just go wherever his feet took him, but it seemed to him as if Vivian wanted to go somewhere far away from that place…

"I was hoping to see the Crystal Palace outside Shiver City at some point. That is, if you don't mind the cold." She shook her head and smiled pleasantly at him. He felt himself smile back, despite himself.

"I don't suppose it's any colder than Fahr Outpost, so I think I'll be fine." Fahr Outpost… Where had he heard of that before? "Besides, I'd love to see a crystal palace!"

Ludwig realized that this was all very crazy. He didn't even know this girl apart from her name, and here he was, about to travel with her. And yet… He didn't doubt his decision at all. It seemed almost like fate that he met her, and Ludwig didn't even believe in fate.

"Very well. Then let us be off!"

But maybe this once, he'd make an exception.

"Shiver City? How very convenient!" It seemed that everything Queen Jaydes had told him was the truth. So those two… Dimentio floated among the treetops, smirking as he watched the pair walk off, talking casually about their plans. An arrogant prince who felt as if he was unwanted and a pretty little Shadow with self-esteem problems—these were the two unlikely heroes to round out their little trio? How very amusing!

He didn't know what was so special about those two. They looked weak, though apparently as a son of Bowser and an ally of Mario, he supposed that looks were deceiving. He'd certainly faced his share of that over the years.

He thought back to Jaydes's lecture before she'd booted him out of the Underwhere. His powers would be very limited until he proved that he wouldn't betray the cause. He could help the other two fight, but his offensive powers would simply cease to work if he tried to use them against someone innocent. And if she found out he was up to his old tricks, he would be dragged back down so quickly his head would spin, and he'd never see the light of day again.

That, of course, simply wouldn't do. He was still stiff and sore from his imprisonment, and he had no desire to go back and rot. Not that he had any desire to suddenly become a hero either, but he was a patient man. His last scheme had taken far longer than this would, so he was perfectly able to bide his time. He'd get those two to trust him, get his previous power back, and at the right time... Yes, this was going to be fun indeed!

"How long will it take to get to Shiver City?" he heard the girl ask.

"Quite a long time," the prince replied. "It's far north from here."

They were continuously sneaking glances at each other, much to Dimentio's disgust. Instant infatuation; how pathetic. He could see it now—they'd spend all of the little adventure they didn't know was coming longing for each other, never having the courage to say anything. It would drive him mad, and he simply couldn't stand to let it happen. But that would come later. Now, he needed to make sure that the progress to Shiver City was sped up. Luckily, Jaydes had given him a few tips before she'd set him free.

Dimentio clicked his fingers, and he was suddenly on the ground, just out of sight of the pair. Jaydes had warned him to play nice, and that was exactly what he would do. He was nothing if not an excellent actor.

Of course, that didn't mean he couldn't have some entertainment while he was doing it.

"Excuse me," he called out, waiting until he saw them turn around towards his voice. Then he teleported into the road in the direction they were headed. "I couldn't help but overhear that you were headed to Shiver City."

The pair jumped and spun around to face him, and it took all of Dimentio's willpower not to laugh. Why, this just might turn out to be worth his time after all!

"We are." The prince looked cautious, but not overtly hostile. "And you are…?"

"Dimentio," he greeted, his typical faux-cheer turned up to maximum. He needed them to trust him, as soon as possible. The fun wouldn't begin until he got that particular ball rolling. "A magician of the highest caliber. And the two of you just so happen to be heading to the same destination that I am."

"How convenient!" The girl was far more trusting than her new companion, and she didn't pull a face when he'd mentioned what an excellent magician he was, unlike Ludwig. He immediately decided he liked her better. She would, after all, prove to be much more entertaining. "Do you know a shortcut?"

"What business do you have in Shiver City?" Ludwig interrupted before Dimentio could answer Vivian. He was already looking out for her—how quaint!

"I've been tasked with investigating the Crystal Palace. There are certain anomalies coming from the area that must be fixed with the utmost speed. And how opportune for us all! You both want to get there, and I can sense great magical power coming from you both! I think we could come to a little deal, don't you?"

Dimentio was sure he really didn't need them, but a little flattery never hurt. Indeed, Ludwig already seemed more receptive to him, and Vivian smiled widely. If nothing else, getting their cooperation would keep Jaydes off his case. She was really in such a snit over this whole thing…

He wouldn't admit, even to himself, that perhaps this whole ordeal was a bit worrying. Even he hadn't been able to break his bonds, and yet some self-proclaimed king was able to escape the Underwhere for revenge? Dimentio didn't have details on how the man had been scorned, but he was almost impressed. To literally escape death was quite the feat. Nothing he couldn't handle, but perhaps cause for a little caution.

"So you'll take us there if we help you look around?" Vivian clapped her hands together as he nodded. "That sounds fun! Ludwig, let's start our adventure there!"

It came as no surprise to Dimentio when Ludwig quickly agreed with her. He wondered how the two of them were able to function with all of the sentimental drivel swirling around in their heads. It made things easier for him at least. Thank the stars for small miracles.

"Then, if we're all in agreement, shall we be off?"

He readied himself to use the magic that would teleport them to Shiver City—a power he'd thankfully been allowed to keep—when he was stopped by a pair of hands grasping his own and a bright smile accompanying the action.

"Thank you very much, Dimentio! It will be so fun having you along for our adventure, even if it's only for a while."

Vivian looked honestly happy to have her little party grow, though Ludwig was visibly less so. He might have laughed at the thought of Ludwig's face when he realized Dimentio wouldn't be disappearing after they were done at the Crystal Palace, but such amusement would have to be put on hold. He could only stare at Vivian smiling at him so sincerely…

Then he snapped out of it and laughed pleasantly, turning his charisma back on as he brought one of her gloved hands to his masked face and kissed it. She gasped lightly and giggled as she pulled her hands back, and much to his delight, Ludwig looked highly unimpressed. Yes, this journey was off to a fantastic start!

"You're very welcome, my dear." Oh, if looks could kill! Ludwig was such an amusing specimen! He wasn't sure what was funnier, the prince's jealousy, or the girl's flustered response to such a simple term of endearment. "Now, let's us make haste, like a fallen leaf dancing in a hurricane!"

Before anyone could question his choice of words, Dimentio snapped his fingers, and they were gone.