Chapter Eighteen: The Aftermath

-Dark Lands-

The throne room seemed to have grown silent, as far as Mario came to understand. This kingdom seemed just as cold, like the man in his arms. The air around his head grew sill, as what he had done finally registered in his mind. Mario looked down to see that his hands were bathed in crimson.

"Luigi..?"

Mario's voice was weak, his heart beginning to race, panicked. His brother didn't say anything; instead he had slowly sunk to the floor.

"No, no, no, no..."

Mario removed his cape, trying to cover the offending wound, but Luigi's hands stopped him, Mario watched as Luigi slipped off his mask. The king felt his eyes burn "I didn't mean...I didn't..."

"It's okay..." Luigi somehow managed to smile, how? The youngest then gripped the hilt of the sword, trying to pull it out of his abdomen. Mario stopped him "what are you doing?! You're going to bleed out!" Luigi bared his teeth "no… please… I…need to…" Mario reluctantly grabbed the hilt, then quickly pulling it out.

The mushroom king flinched as Luigi arched his back, letting out a choking howl of a scream. Mario threw the offending object away, then wrapping his cape around Luigis abdomen. The oldest then held him close to his chest. Gently rocking his little brother, a poor attempt to stop him from shivering, but it was all he could do.

"Don't leave me... please... I'm so sorry... please...don't leave me, brother..."

Mario never felt so hallow and bitter… and he is only to blame.

"It's okay..." Luigi choked, his expression was one of peace "it's going to be okay now..."

Mario could only nod, holding him tighter "I'm not going to let you go again... never..."

…

The kingdom was silent.

Bowser watched as the windows were once again draped in black, casting harsh shadows across the hallways that he had became so familiar with.

He had dreaded this moment, where reality would destroy whatever state of mind he is currently in. He now understood why Luigi became known for absentmindedly wondering the castle. Here, Bowser could pretend that nothing bad had happened, that nothing is going to change his world.

But here it is. The koopa king stopped at the door, wondering if he should walk in. He shouldn't be here; he doesn't belong in there... Bowser shook off the thoughts.

He is a part of that world now, whether he likes it or not. Silently, he pushed open the door.

...

There he was, lying on a table of stone. A thin, black sheet draped his form, though his hand was uncovered, and was being held by a second figure. Dressed in a black, funeral robe.

Despite that they were both dressed the same; Bowser knew exactly who it was. The only person who would stay after the service, the only person who may never stop mourning the loss of his only family; Bowser silently approached the hunched figure of the once proud mushroom hero.

"I… I will sign…"

The king was caught off guard; Mario made no indication that he had heard Bowser enter the room. Mario gently rests his forehead against his fallen brothers, holding the head close. The koopa king could tell from his weak voice and choked breathing that Mario had been crying.

Mario forced himself to continue "I… I will sign it…" he forced his voice to be louder, to make sure that Bowser knew that he was talking to the koopa "I will sign the treaty…"

Bowser didn't know whether to give a supporting hand on his shoulder, or to leave knowing that he won. Instead, he stood there "Mario…"

"Just please…" Mario cuts him off, voice full of grief "just let me take him home…" the mushroom king slowly turned to see Bowser nod. It was the least the koopa king could do. Bowser stepped closer to study the pale details of Luigis face, knowing that this may be the last time that he would see him in person.

He knew that Daisy disappeared earlier, after the memorial. She slipped away in the cover of night. Possibly to go to Sarsaland; or maybe somewhere far, far away from this pain. But where ever she may be, he wishes her luck.

Bowser glanced at a clock that hung on the wall and realized that it was almost morning. Gaining the courage he placed a hand on Mario's shoulder "it's almost time for the sunrise…"

Mario looked up at him, confused "what?" Bowser gestured to the clock "it's almost time for the sunrise… we have to go…" the mushroom king glanced back at Luigis body, reluctantly letting go of his hand, placing the sheet back over it. "A…alright…" Mario took a breath "if you insist…"

The mushroom king adjusted his hood, tucking his arms back in. It was so surreal to Bowser to see Mario dressed like this. In a traditional funeral robe; but he know that it wasn't out of respect for him, but for his brother and the culture that he had to adopt to become their ambassador. If Luigi was here to see this, he would have been so proud of his brother.

Mario silently left the room, forcing himself not to look back at the body that was on the stone table. Bowser silently follows, noting that Mario had let his guard down completely. It was a nice feeling, it reminded him of the feeling of relief when Luigi learned to trust him…

Silently making it to the roof they stood at the edge, watching the horizon for the first rays of light in the new day. In this kingdom, the sunrise was very symbolic. The new day represents the motion that life goes on after a loved ones time in the physical world has passed. That Luigis soul is now part of the light itself. That he would always be there to tread the land in spirit.

Bowser stole a glance at Mario; he doesn't know when he explained that to him even helped. But he knew it did something to affect the older brother. After all, Mario had agreed to do all of this for his brothers' memory.

Down below he watched as what remained of the villagers from below stood outside of their houses in direction of the sunrise, and Bowser knew that most of the citizens that fled to the neighboring kingdom were probably doing the same thing. Mario sighs "look below…" the koopa king glanced at his formal enemy and answered his question "they too are mourning…"

Mario was about to ask another question but the first rays of light began to dance across the dark lands. The mushroom king stood in awe, he never really paid any attention to the sunrise, but part of him told him that this one was different...

Special.

As light bathed the side of the castle and his form, Mario couldn't help but to smile. The lights warmth chasing away the cold that had plagued his body, he raised his head to the sun. The feeling that his brother was there beside him was just as strong as when Luigi was still alive.

Bowser silently watched Mario, not used to him smiling. The koopa king noticed that Mario shared the same smile as Luigi. It suited him better than that frown. Bowser looked back at the sunrise, but was startled as Mario laid a hand on his shoulder. Bowser turned back to see that Mario's eyes were once again glassy, but he was smiling at him now.

"Thank you…"

End of Chapter

A/N: Two more chapters left! Yay!