Chapter 2

Motives and Identities

Mario had left him alone again. At least that was an advantage to Daisy at the moment. She wanted to start her plan as soon as possible, and now was as good a time as she would get. She knocked on the door and her green-clad hero answered it. "Daisy!" his eyes always brightened when he saw her. It was enough to make her heart flutter.

"Hey, Weeg. What's going on?" she came inside.

"Nothing really. Mario and I just kicked Bowser's shell. I think he went out to make sure he stayed… um… kicked."

Daisy took a seat, and Luigi plopped next to her.

"So what are you doing outside the kingdom boundaries?" he asked.

"I wanted to hear more about your latest adventure. It's not often you're a part of things. But look at you! A destined hero!"

"Well…" Luigi scratched the back of his head. "It was more right-place, right-time, I think. Too bad I can't remember half of it… Mario was telling me about a whole half of an adventure they went on. Then, next thing I know I'm in the Underwhere of all places! Thank goodness Mario found me there! I don't think I would've ever gotten out of that place on my own."

"You sell yourself too short, Luigi."

Luigi was used to such a line from Daisy. But honestly, he couldn't imagine what would've happened if Mario hadn't come for him. "…and how did I even end up there?" he asked aloud. "The last thing I remember—" He tried so hard to do so, his head started pounding. "Ow… never mind. All's well that ends well, right?"

Daisy nodded with a smile. "No matter what happens, it all seems to work out in the end for you, Weegie. You're a pretty good hero in that regard."

"Dumb luck?"

"That's not what I meant."

"But it's true." Luigi shook his head. "Anyway, the toughest of enemies had to be Dimentio! But… after my last battle with him, he… I don't…" His head was starting to ache again.

"Say, Luigi…" Daisy wanted to go for it now before his head exploded or something. "Are you sure you don't remember any other fights… maybe fights where you were a genius and could hold your own against… maybe one of the strongest enemies you could face?"

Luigi looked at her like she sprouted another head. "Mario and Peach told you about the journey. There really wasn't anything they missed."

"But if there was half an adventure you missed while you weren't with them…" That's it, Daisy… keep it separate. If he remembers Mario being that enemy, he'll freak.

"Probably just knocked out in the Underworld after Nastasia got a hold of me…" He frowned. "A lot of good I was to the team."

Clearly this angle wasn't working. It was time to bring out the good parts of Mr. L. Without letting Luigi remember… or letting Mario find out.

.

Bowser had burnt down his ninth tree when he found himself face to face with his greatest enemy. He roared, "What are you doing here? Kicking me while I'm down?" He was in a sour mood.

"You're losing your edge, Bowser," Mario told him. "Or something. That was the easiest battle I ever fought. And I've faced millions of goombas."

Bowser's eyes flared. "Watch it, Mario! I'll clobber you right here!"

Mario's brow furrowed. "Then why didn't you?"

Bowser just looked at him.

"I just insulted you… and all you did was threaten me. That's not like you. You would've flown at me, claws flying, flames falling."

Bowser gulped. Burn it! He's right. Why didn't I…? He roared again. "Oh yeah, well… well… I…"

Mario raised an eyebrow.

"Drop it, Red Stache!" He scurried away.

Mario, of all people, could never catch wind of his doubts. NEVER. Whatever this feeling is, I better get rid of it fast. I'm a ferocious Koopa King! I am the ruler of the Koopa Kingdom and the rightful ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom… just like pop said…

.

Powser put a claw on his son's shoulder. "You see that kingdom out there, son?" he asked. "There's a princess there about your age. You'll be the king of that place. You'll take her as a bride and rule these two kingdoms with an iron claw!"

"Yes, father, I will!" the little Koopa growled.

But within a few years the plans fell apart before his very eyes. His father was defeated by a young 'hero'. A nameless boy from the outskirts of the kingdom. The very same hero that had squashed his infant dreams on a tribe of yoshis. He had sworn revenge on him, all while trying to capture that princess that was supposed to be his bride.

.

"And finally she was!" he growled. "Or she almost was…" He sighed a spurt of fire. "Pop would've been so proud."

.

Mario wandered back home, barely paying any attention to the bushes, bricks, and pipes along the way. He almost tripped on a discarded koopa's shell. He couldn't wrap his head around it or even really name what it was… but Bowser was different. He was softer, somehow. Or was it just Mario's imagination after teaming up with the Koopa King to save the dimensions?

He glanced up toward his house, where he saw the orange and yellow-clad princess leaving. "Oh no…" he mumbled. Of course Daisy wouldn't pay Mario's instruction any mind, but he at least hoped that she would be wary enough of Luigi's feelings and reaction to keep from bringing out Mr. L. "Daisy…" he growled.

"Oh, hi, Mario," she grinned.

"Don't play dumb, Daisy!" he shouted. Then, he immediately switched to a whisper, "He can't know."

"He's not going to know, Mario! But is it so wrong for me to want him to be more confident in himself?"

"That's Mr. L…"

"He IS Mr. L."

"Don't say that."

"But it's true. Mr. L—the good parts of him—are in him somewhere!"

She left him with that. But Mario was still not convinced. "Are there any good parts of Mr. L? Because as far as I'm concerned, Mr. L is the anti-Luigi. And my little brother is perfect the way he is. Any opposite just wouldn't be him."

.

He almost laughed at his idea, but he settled for an evil grin. He had the perfect plan. He was back, and no past alliance was going to stop him from reaching his childhood dreams. This was it, and he was holding nothing back.

He called upon his army and gave them instructions to siege the city. He called upon Kammy to nab the princesses. He left it to himself to distract the plumbers. This was going to be a piece of cake.

He set out again in his clown copter, hovering over the brothers' home quietly. Never before had he attacked twice in one day. He hoped that would give him an edge.

.

Daisy had just reached the castle when she heard a piercing scream from the upper room. "Peach!" she called, running to her friend's aid.

Unfortunately, that was all Kammy needed her to do. Using her magic, she trapped them in the princess's chambers. The guards and soldiers tried to bust their way in, but to no avail.

"You rotten hag!" Daisy growled.

"Watch it, princesses… or I may turn you into hags yourselves!" Kammy grinned. "Master Bowser won't mind, I'm sure." She narrowed her eyes toward Daisy. "Then again… I don't exactly need to keep you alive, flower princess."

Daisy's eyes flashed. "Bring it, witch!"

"D-Daisy…" Peach whispered, grabbing her friend.

"Oh, don't worry…" Kammy laughed. "Maybe we can work out a deal. Keep the flower princess alive with your agreement on wedding King Koopa."

"Why does everyone want me to marry Bowser?!" Peach groaned.

"Where is Bowser?" Daisy asked. "Isn't he usually the one who does the kidnapping?"

Kammy laughed. "He's taking care of things outside of town…"