I had the weirdest fever dream…

I was on a plane but it would only take off in an area full of power lines, water, and flying cacti…

I stayed home today. I miss too much school…

ANYHOW…

No food, no water, no sanity. That sums up how Mario was feeling. You know, besides all of the other thoughts on his mind.

Despite his misery, he continued to walk. Every now and then, Kira would hiccup or something, so he knew she was still there. Anyhow, a part of Mario didn't want to go back. If he did, everyone would know that the amazing Mario had finally been defeated.

But I guess he technically hadn't failed yet, right? There was a chance that Luigi was still alive.

Correct, but he was probably still in a coma. Mario mentally told himself that Luigi wasn't dead, and that he wasn't going to die. He never wanted to outlive his little brother, and 26 was a pretty young age to die. (A/N: Yes, Luigi's 26 because I say he is. Problem?)

Mario didn't even stop to sleep; he was afraid that Kira might die overnight, and more than anything, he didn't want to endure the deaths of two people.

But also, he was beginning to develop feelings for Kira.

No, not romantic feelings…

But it was more like a friendship. How could he be friends with her? She DID put his only brother's life in jeopardy. She had only come with him against her will…

But there was something about her that was different from any other princess. Whatever it was, it made her stand out. Peach had magic to some degree, so it wasn't that. But something about Kira made her so unique and likeable. Maybe it was her personality. She was a tomboy at heart, even more than Daisy. Maybe it was the way her green eyes seemed to sparkle when she smiled, or the fact that she wasn't your average skinny, naïve Nintendo princess. She wasn't beautiful like peach, she was plain and simple. She wasn't a pushover, she was stubborn. She was different, and no one likes a copycat- especially Mario.

A day and a half had passed, and Mario felt lonely with no one to talk to. Kira was still alive, but she wasn't responsive for the most part. Every few hours, she might mumble something, but other than that, she was just a brick. Mario was almost back to the Mushroom Kingdom; he only had a few more miles left to go.

Then it began to rain again. Mario hated the rain, and in the forest, it rained way too often.

It was dusk, and Mario just hoped that Luigi was still breathing. His arms were sore from holding Kira for so long, but he wasn't feeling too bad. I mean, when else did he get the chance to hold a princess like that?

Finally, Mario was back at the Mushroom Kingdom, and he was in a hurry to get to the hospital. He quickly got Kira admitted to a room, and went to see his brother.

Sure enough, he was still alive. Mario sighed with relief, although he could hardly recognize Luigi at this point. He was pale, and he seemed lifeless. Mario turned to the doctor, tears in his eyes.

"What's the prognosis?" Mario choked out.

"He has about 72 hours left. He's in critical condition, and if he survives, it will truly be a miracle." The doctor said. "I'm sorry, Mario."

"How's the princess?" he asked. "Will she be alright?"

"Well, she's definitely doing better than Luigi." The doctor said. "I'm afraid that's about all I can tell you."

Mario sighed. His life had fallen apart in less than a week. He felt that he had no one to blame but himself, but it really wasn't his fault.

He sat in that room for hours, awaiting the miracle that would save his brother. He prayed and prayed for a spark of good luck, but absolutely nothing had happened.

After a few hours, the doctor came back in.

"How's Kira?" Mario asked, desperate to know her fate. "Is she alright?"

"Well, that's why I came in here. You see, Kira's gone-"

"Y-you mean she's dead?" Mario asked, his heart seeming to stop.

"Well, not…not exactly. By gone, I mean, she's missing." He said. "I-I have no idea what happened to her. One moment she was there, I left for a bit, and now there's no trace of her."

Mario's mind turned to one individual.

Bowser.

Well, I don't want to spoil what's going to happen, and I only know half of it…

But MAYBE Bowser has something to do with it.

I'm on some medication that makes me talk and make weird noises in my sleep. I don't like it because I keep waking up to my mom laughing at me…-facepalm.

I mean, that's not even a side-effect listed on the container! SMH…

Anyhow, the review button likes to be clicked. Obvious button is obvious.