Chapter III: Familiar but Unfamiliar
Luigi's head hurt, pounding like an incessantly persistent drum. He had his fair share of bonks to the noggin from battling and whatnot, but it never got easier with time. A rough sensation poked from underneath. Sitting up, he peered down at the culprit of his sore back. Luigi had somehow ended up on a rocky terrain that was encompassed by woods. His eyes, still fuzzy with sleep, surveyed the area in an attempt to pinpoint where he was. It wasn't too far from his previous location since the lake remained visible, though it was much more distant than before.
Luigi feebly lifted himself off the bumpy surface, stiffness becoming increasingly apparent. What time is it? Luigi guessed it was morning due to a curtain of light streaming through the trees. The sun was just starting to rise into a purple sky. Did I fall asleep? he wondered, befuddled thoughts mixing in with his slowly subsiding headache. Usually the reality of spending a night outside, vulnerable and alone, would turn him into a blubbering mess, but his exhaustion overrode any concern.
Hold on. Purple? Luigi did a double-take. Any lingering grogginess dissipated immediately, rapidly replaced with distress at the sudden realization. The sky wore a shade of purple, adorned with grayish highlights as dark clouds stretched across it. Luigi was no meteorologist, but he was pretty sure he knew what a normal sky looked like, and this was not it. The abnormal sight was hauntingly beautiful, but unsettling nonetheless.
He wondered what Mario would think of this. Oh no! Luigi had completely forgotten about Mario. He was probably looking for him right now. Great, now I'll have to sit through another talk, he grumbled inwardly. The "talk" was a term Luigi used to describe the lectures Mario gave when someone acted irresponsibly or messed up. Luigi was the most common recipient of them. He knew Mario had good intentions, but as a grown man it was frustrating to be scolded like a child.
Luigi dusted the dirt off his overalls and hastily tried to find a way out of the forest. Why did he feel different...lighter? Luigi glanced at his feet. Then it dawned on him. His sprained ankle from the night before was healed. And not just a little. The swelling was gone. Overcome by disbelief, Luigi crouched and pulled his striped sock down. Any sign of the former injury had vanished completely. How is this possible? Luigi wanted to keep gaping at his miraculous recovery, but he was on a tight schedule; he had to find Mario.
After internally debating, Luigi decided the best place to start searching for Mario was their house. Not knowing where he was, and lacking a good sense of direction to begin with, Luigi randomly trudged on. Many long minutes of aimless wandering passed, until his eyes settled on a clearing. Could it be? Luigi ran forward, relief flooding his body. It was the cleared path. Thank goodness! He got back on the known road and quickly hurried home.
Shortly after his mini marathon, Luigi finally reached the brothers' house. Catching his breath, he looked up, and upon closer inspection, any feelings of joy crumpled immediately. Luigi timidly walked a bit closer, not believing what he saw. The once cozy home was now a dilapidated building.
"What? No!" Luigi blurted, rushing to examine the house further. The originally well-kept wood was rotten, lines from termites covering poorly aged planks. The entire exterior drooped, neglected, including a rusty, green pipe atop the worn roof. Luigi's focus shifted to the the outside yard. Well, what was left of it. Previously healthy, green grass had taken on a brittled and brown appearance. How could this happen? His heart sank. Mario!
Luigi deserted his cautious nature and swung the door open, staggering back in surprise when it flew off the unstable hinges. Pushing the broken door away, he burst inside with newfound panic. If the house was like this, was Mario okay? "Mario!" Luigi called, scanning the seemingly empty house. "Mario! Are you in here?" Luigi searched every inch of the bottom floor but to no avail. Other than some dusty and abandoned-looking furniture, the only reply he got was silence.
No. He's fine. Everything is fine. Luigi attempted to soothe his jumpy nerves. His gaze landed on the set of stairs. He tried to flip another light switch, but it was burnt out too. He hated the dark, and the upstairs bedroom always made him antsy because of its lack of windows. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to climb the dim stairwell.
"M-mario?" Luigi called again as he reached the top of the staircase. He entered the dusky bedroom. Once his vision adjusted slightly, he was able to make out a bed, and oddly enough, there was only one rather than two. He walked closer and gasped. Mario's red comforter had been torn to shreds. Luigi also saw that the bedside table was knocked over, residing lamp a pile of shattered glass as well. It was almost like there had been a struggle of some kind.
Luigi's building worry heightened into pure horror within seconds. "Mario! Mario, please answer!" he yelled, voice cracking with emotion. Not now, Luigi. Don't you dare cry! He continued shouting his older brother's name, each time with more urgency. Luigi stumbled while frantically hunting about the rest of the room.
"MARIO!" he wailed, dropping to his knees, absolutely crushed. He wiped away a few tears that had escaped. "Come on, Luigi," Luigi chided himself, "don't overreact. This is probably one big misunderstanding."
"What is there to misunderstand?"
"Eek!" Luigi screamed at the sudden noise, falling onto his rear. The voice came from a glowing ball that filled the tiny space. Luigi shielded his eyes from the blinding radiance. "Oops! Sorry...again." The light faded, leaving only a faint glow. Luigi lowered his protective arm, feeling a sense of déjà vu. There stood the Nimbi, Clarbi, from the night before.
Luigi sprung to his feet in shock. That was real? Luigi pinched his arm for good measure and yelped in confirmation from the sharp sting. "I-I thought it was a dream. You...you really did show up last night?" he asked, already assuming the answer.
Clarbi nodded. "Why? Oh, I see! That is why you were shouting just now! You are in disbelief of your wish being granted," Clarbi paused speaking to peer dubiously around and frowned. "Though, I do not understand the appeal of this." He gestured to the messy bedroom. "Either way, you are most welcome!" he beamed brightly.
Luigi wasn't sure how to respond. This angel-creature-thing had the audacity to smile carelessly amidst his home being in shambles. "You!" Luigi stepped forward. "You did this!" he exclaimed. Tears warned their possible return, his eyes burning. "Why?"
Clarbi's face held a look of confusion. "This is not the reaction I was anticipating," he started, grabbing a book. It wasn't his dictionary this time, but a notepad. Luigi didn't even know where the materials came from, as Clarbi seemed to pull them out of thin air. "Hmm. My notes say you should be happy," Clarbi continued, peering at Luigi again. "Are those...tears of happiness, perhaps?"
Luigi was confounded. This guy wasn't just dense, he was totally clueless. "What?" Luigi cried. "Why would I be happy about this, exactly? I don't know what's happening, my house is a mess, and Mario-" Luigi froze. Mario. His demeanor went from anxious to accusatory. "My brother, where is he?" he interrogated. "What did you do to him!"
Clarbi's expression became pleased. "That was part of your wish too!"
Luigi's bewilderment grew. "What are you talking about?"
"You wished to never be born," Clarbi stated frankly like it was obvious.
My wish? Luigi's eyes enlarged with fright. "But-but, that's not possible! You can't just become not born!"
"You can with magic. That is why your ankle is healed, for example. It happened when you were born. Now, you are not."
So that was the reason behind his inhumanly speedy recovery. "Well, I-I want you to un-magic this right now!"
"That is impossible," Clarbi replied.
Luigi huffed, totally flabbergasted. "How?" he asked, alarmed. "How can you grant wishes, but undoing them is impossible?"
"That is not how it works," Clarbi responded sadly. "Nimbis can grant wishes but not reverse them."
"Great! Just my luck!" Luigi laughed uncontrollably. He was going crazy.
Clarbi observed Luigi for a moment before speaking. "Is this not what you hoped for?" he tentatively queried.
"No! I wasn't thinking clearly when you asked me! I didn't actually believe it would come true!"
Clarbi's response was not what Luigi expected. His calm attitude became frenzied. Luigi watched as Clarbi paced the room back and forth while mumbling wildly to himself. He stopped, glanced at Luigi, and then continued his frantic episode.
Luigi was overwhelmed by his own dilemma and knew it was the Nimbi's fault, but he felt bad. He couldn't stand on the sidelines when someone was struggling. "Are...are you okay?" he asked.
Clarbi stopped abruptly at Luigi's question, panicked strides ceasing. He quickly recollected himself. "Ah, yes. I-I am. I just seem to be in a troubling predicament. That is all."
"How? I'm the one freaking out here!"
Clarbi gravely shook his head. "You are not alone in the 'freaking out' I am afraid."
"What do you mean?"
Clarbi appeared to be uncomfortable with the question but sighed in surrender. "I will get in a lot of trouble if those in my realm find out."
Luigi stayed quiet.
Clarbi continued, "The Nimbi are beings of the clouds. While we do have the ability to grant one wish, it is forbidden."
"Huh?" Luigi couldn't hide his puzzlement. "Why?"
"Years ago The Nimbi used to grant a wide variety of creatures' wishes. However, many of the wishes ended in disastrous chaos because the creatures used them for their own greed...especially humans." Clarbi's face darkened, unnerving Luigi. "After numerous Nimbis were taken advantage of, King Grambi outlawed wish-granting because it was too dangerous."
"H-how do you gain your wings then? Don't you have to commit an act of worthiness?"
Clarbi bobbed his head. "Yes. We are still able to accomplish this in our own realm, but it takes a long time. Wish-granting is a much faster means."
"Can't you call on one of your friends to help us?"
"Ah. That is another predicament. The Nimbi are not allowed to leave The Overthere," Clarbi admitted sheepishly. "If they do discover where I am, they are of no use still. I am stuck in this reality as well until your wish is satisfied." He perked up suddenly. "Aha! There is a solution! Your wish must be granted!"
Luigi's brain was overloaded with too much information. He tried to make sense of everything he heard. "But...you said my wish was granted. That I'm not born now, remember?"
"Not quite!" Clarbi eagerly insisted. "A wish follows the individual's heart. This world of you not being born was created for a reason! Your true, deepest desire has to be here somewhere. Once you find it, we can both return to our reality!"
"Ugh!" Luigi buried his face into his hands after hearing Clarbi's plan. It would work, right? I wish Mario was here. He'd know what to do. Luigi paused. He had been so consumed with his own emotions, he had forgotten about his older brother. "Clarbi! Where is Mario?"
"Your brother? He is gone." Clarbi said solemnly.
"What? Where is he?"
"He is no longer here. It is a tragedy."
Time froze as Luigi's entire world collapsed at the news. The destroyed home, this weird situation, his building stress. It was all nothing compared to the sadness that swallowed Luigi whole. Mario. His brother. His stubborn, kinda stupid, caring, strong, and amazing brother was gone. Just like that. Since they were kids Luigi thought Mario was invincible. No matter how hard his fearless brother fell down, he would aways get back up. In fact, the possibility of Mario dying never crossed his mind because it was too inconceivable. No! This can't be happening! Luigi started hyperventilating. "No!" he yelled. "No, no, no, no, no! You're lying! That's not true!" He bolted down the stairs, through the house, and out the door.
Luigi sprinted to nowhere in particular, his mind telling him that everything was fine. He needed someone, anyone, who would comfort him. To tell him it was all a dream. He needed Mario. Mario, who sucked at emotions and wasn't one to console others. Despite that, he made up for it with his resolute approach toward every problem. He'd laugh his annoying yet reassuring laugh and tell Luigi he would fix it; he would stop at nothing until it was solved.
Luigi's fierce racing died down upon hearing a noise. Ears perking up, he strained to decipher what it was. Voices. His heart swelled with solace. Finally, he could talk to someone that wasn't a strange and aloof angel-thing. Luigi moved toward the sound. Squinting his eyes, he saw blue and yellow pop against the dark, green forest. There were two Toads discussing something. "Hey! Guys!" Luigi called out as ran nearer, relief filling him.
They spun around sharply at the sudden shout, spotting Luigi. Luigi's happy strides slowed significantly as he drew closer. Instead of a warm welcome like he was hopping for, the Toads glared at him. Based on their outfits and spears in hand, Luigi knew they were guards from Peach's castle. The Yellow Toad pointed his spear's piercing tip at Luigi. "Who are you?" he demanded.
Luigi let out a laugh, both from hysterics and bafflement. Many Toads in the Mushroom Kingdom failed to recall him name, but they at least knew who he was. Mario's brother. "Alright, very funny," Luigi began amused. "Let me guess. You're going to say you don't remember me, right?" He was used to being the victim of pranks because his gullible nature made him an easy target. However, the threatening look on the Yellow Toad's face didn't change after hearing his joke. It was a joke...right?
The Blue Toad stepped forward as well, weapon raised. "Doesn't matter who he is," he stated. "He's a trespasser. Let's take him with us."
Luigi slipped another incredulous laugh. "W-what? Trespasser? What-" Before he could finish the Yellow Toad tackled him to the ground. Luigi made an oof! as the wind was knocked from his lungs. He tried to pry the Toad off but the Blue one joined in, pushing him down. Luigi was surprised by their abnormal strength. He had enough experience to know he should be able overpower a couple of Toads. Though some could put up a fight, they weren't exactly the biggest opponent.
"I'm sorry about this," Luigi apologized before colliding his head with the Blue Toad, making the Toad yelp in pain and let go. The Yellow Toad glanced his partner's way, giving Luigi enough of a window to twist sharply. This caused the distracted Toad to release his grip. Luigi scrambled backwards and got to his feet. Fighting stance ready, he turned toward the Toads, only to squeak in fright. Their faces were contorted, mouths pulling back in an unnatural way. Sharp teeth glistened as they bore an expression of unfiltered rage. But it was their eyes that caught his attention; they glowed an uncanny yellow. His stomach backflipped nervously. He would recognize those pupil-less eyes anywhere. "G-g-ghosts!" he screamed, confident facade disappearing.
Luigi did a one-eighty degree spin and scampered the opposite way, legs wobbling like jello. He made it three steps before being pushed face-first on to the ground. He hit the mossy earth roughly and was then harshly flipped over, arms pinned to his sides. The grasp belonged to the Yellow Toad, eyes still glowing. The Toad was small but his hold on Luigi was powerful. Luigi's heart palpated fearfully. He knew only one category of ghosts that could manage such a grip: Grabbing Ghosts.
The Blue Toad -ghost- walked forward, spear aimed dangerously close to Luigi's throat. "Ya know what?" he spat. "I say let's kill him. The boss would want him dead anyways." Luigi's body trembled uncontrollably. If he was to fight a villainous enemy, he would have preferred literally any other kind. His experience at the Haunted Mansion had been the worst moments of his life. He never got used to the ghosts, always shrieking in terror when a new one popped up. The only thing that had kept Luigi from hightailing it out of the scary building was his captured brother.
Luigi, eyes squeezed shut, felt helpless and vulnerable without his ghost-fighting gadgets. He let out a whimper as the cold iron prodded his neck.
"What do you think you're doing?" The ghostly Yellow and Blue Toad halted their actions, ghastly features slowly fading. One of Luigi's friends, Toad, emerged from the bushes. He wore the same type of outfit the other two guards had on. "I need to take him prisoner," he said, pointing at Luigi.
"Oh, yeah?" the Blue Toad sneered. "Why is that?"
"The boss will want to interrogate him. He could be one of Bowser's spies."
The Yellow and Blue Toad shared a look before the Blue one spoke up. "Did the boss actually say so? Got any proof?"
Toad unrolled a slip of paper. "Actually, I do. Here's the announcement. It was passed out today." Toad handed the Blue Toad an important-looking document that read:
Attention! Report all suspicious activity to the castle. Bring trespassing individuals to the castle as per request of His Majesty. Those who fail to do so will be punished in a method of unfathomable torture.
The bottom of the paper had a purple emblem. "It's legit?" the Yellow Toad asked, still holding Luigi down.
The Blue Toad nodded. "Yeah, it's got the royal stamp," he replied.
"Hmm. Alright, let's take him to the king."
King? Luigi was confused. The Mushroom Kingdom wasn't ruled by a king. His thoughts were cut short as the Yellow Toad jerked him to his feet.
"Wait!" Toad yelled. He cleared his throat uneasily after everyone stopped to stare at him. "Uh, let me! You two are patrolling this area, right? I will take him to the castle since I'm heading there."
The other two Toads seemed to mull over his suggestion. "Alright," the Yellow Toad decided. He pushed Luigi toward him. "Where's your weapon?"
"Oh...I don't need it! I use my own raw strength!" He grabbed Luigi's right arm tightly for emphasis. Luigi noted that his grip did not feel like the other two Toads; his felt weaker. "Come on you dirty scum!" Toad barked. Luigi was lurched forward, clumsily tripping over his own two feet. He was still shaking, unsure of what was happening. Was Toad evil too?
Toad just began to drag Luigi along when the Blue Toad retched in disgust. "Uck! Why is this sticky?" He was referring to the stamp at the bottom of the paper he still held. "Is this...jam?" He sniffed the paper. "I think this is jam! Get a load of this!" He showed the sticky stamp to the Yellow Toad who smelled it as well.
"It is!" the Yellow Toad confirmed. "What game are you playing?" he growled, defenses rising.
Toad stopped in his tracks and turned to face them. "Oh that? Th-that's just a new upgrade. Ya know, jam...flavored...stamps?" he chuckled nervously.
"Say," the Blue Toad stepped closer to the pair, spear raised, "what's your name anyways? It's hard to tell Toads apart, but I think I'd remember you."
"That's funny you ask!" Toad shuffled back slightly, dragging Luigi with him. "My first name is Gotta..second name is, RUN!" Without warning Toad booked it at full speed, yanking Luigi behind him. Luigi's vision filled with green as he and Toad zoomed passed a multitude of trees. His blood ran cold at the sound of crunching footsteps that followed close behind. Luigi, whose hand had been released, struggled to keep up with Toad's sporadic zig-zags. After what felt like hours, but was probably just five minutes, they finally rested.
Luigi bent over with hands on his knees, heaving rapid spurts of air. Too much. Too much running for today. Toad recovered much faster from the spontaneous sprint and put a finger to his mouth in a hush motion. Luigi fell silent, quieting his breathless panting. Other than a soft breeze that ruffled the brush or an occasional bird, no other sounds were present.
"I think we lost them," Toad finally said while taking off his royal guard attire. "Man, this disguise sure is sweaty."
Luigi peeked over at Toad. He looked like his normal self...but was a little different. His jacket was tattered, and his body was a mix of bruises and scratches.
"So, what's your name? What are you doing here? Are you a spy of Bowser's army?" Toad loaded Luigi with rapid-fire questions.
Luigi saddened. He had allowed a flicker of hope to remain, but it was now distinguished. Toad. One of his best friends. He doesn't remember me? Am I really...not born? "My name's Luigi. I-I'm not a spy. I don't know what's going on," Luigi answered meekly.
Toad acted surprised. "Really? There's no way! You must not be from around here."
"Actually-" Luigi faltered. It would be too confusing to describe his situation. It was best to keep things simple. "Um, y-yeah...I'm a traveler, I guess."
"I see. Are you okay, by the way? You looked pretty scared back there."
"Oh, haha, yeah. I just really don't like ghosts. T-thank you for saving me." That was another thing Luigi observed. Toad seemed a bit more courageous. Toads weren't that adventurous which was they left the adventuring to Mario. "You were brave back there," he stated.
Toad grimaced. "Thanks, but it's not like I want to be. I have to be. I've had to since the ghosts took over."
Wait! The ghosts! "That's what I was wondering," Luigi uttered promptly. "The ghosts...they were possessing Toads. How?"
Toad's face creased thoughtfully. "No one knows. It has something to do with King Boo, that's for sure. Once he took the throne a year ago, it's been all messed up. Even the sky is weird now." He signaled to the purple and gray sky.
"King Boo!" Luigi hollered at the name, quivering again. Of course it has to be him! "B-but Princess Peach! The other Toads! What about them?"
Toad frowned sullenly. "Half got possessed by ghosts and half are trapped in paintings. He likes to frame his prisoners like trophies," Toad seethed. "A few of us managed to go into hiding, including the princess. We've been trying to find a way to stop King Boo, but we have no idea how."
"What do you mean? You have Mar-" Luigi's heart sank. Mario. His big bro...was dead.
"Mar? Who's Mar?"
"N-never mind."
"Well, that's enough chit-chat. I don't know where you're headed, but it's not safe right now. There are guards roaming about. Why don't you come with me?"
"S-sure."
As they continued walking, Toad made a few comments here and there. Luigi would nod in response, but the truth was he was drowned it out. His mind was overwhelmed with worry, but he was mostly focused on Mario. He had to figure out what his real wish was, then everything would return to how it should be.
Toad stopped abruptly, causing Luigi to bump into him. Toad was staring intently, eyes full of apprehension. Luigi followed his intense gaze, locking on an individual. Though his back was turned to them, Luigi recognized the figure in an instant. Mario! He started to advance, but Toad blocked him from going farther. "What are you doing?" Toad fiercely whispered. "Do you have a death wish?"
Luigi blinked in shock. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't you know who that is?"
"Of course I do! He's my broth- I mean...he's Mario! The greatest hero in this kingdom!"
Toad shook is head. "You must really not be from around here. Mario is a traitor," he stated bitterly.
Mario? A traitor? That was the most ridiculous thing Luigi had ever heard. He pushed past Toad. "No!" he heard from behind, but that didn't stop him.
His line of vision was solely focused on his older bro. His very much alive older bro. Blissful relief filled every inch of him. Mario! Mario is okay! "Mario!" Luigi cried, legs hurriedly sprinting in desperation. He had to make sure Mario was truly alright.
The red plumber rotated at the noise and was hit with Luigi's bone-crushing hug. "I t-thought you w-were dead!" he sobbed. Words could not describe his immeasurable happiness. Luigi didn't notice how Mario's form tensed during their embrace. Luigi then slowly let go, wiping tears and snot from his face. He felt like a sniveling baby, but he didn't care. Mario was okay. That was all that mattered. Luigi met his brother's eyes. Oh no. Mario didn't seem appreciative of the physical contact, withdrawing so there was more space between them. His eyes narrowed as he studied Luigi.
"Who are you?" he asked. Luigi flinched at his unfriendly tone.
"I-I..." Luigi incoherently spluttered, wet streaks coating his face. What should he say? What could he say? The whole situation was so bizarre to think about, let alone try and explain.
Mario maintained his hostile mien.
"I," Luigi tried again, "I don't know how to explain this. I know my outfit must look weird to you, right? Especially the similar letter on my hat and-" Luigi's hand brushed across an empty space above his head. My hat! It must have fallen off at some point. "Okay, so maybe not the hat. But Mario, please. I-I know you're probably confused. But, I need your help! I'm begging you!" Luigi pleaded with his older brother.
Mario's cold features melted, replaced with a smile. "Hey," he started gently, "it's alright. I understand." Luigi's spirits lifted. He knew it! Mario might not have known who Luigi was, but he was still the same Mario. Kind, caring, amazing, familiar, Mario-
Mario suddenly wrapped his arms around Luigi. Luigi was stunned but smiled tearfully. After such a rough morning, he was safe in his brother's arms. They would figure this out and fix everything. Yes. Mario is still my kind-
"Ah!" Luigi shouted as an agonizing zap shot through his body like lightning. He slammed to the ground. Caring...
A foot pressed against his back, adding to the stinging pain that shocked every nerve. Amazing...
"Gah! Let go of me!" Luigi heard Toad yell. His blurring vision barely saw the Yellow and Blue Toad from earlier drag Toad out of his hiding spot. Familiar...
Luigi was paralyzed, alertness swiftly declining. "I understand," Mario repeated in his ear. "I understand that you are a trespasser. King Boo would love to meet you." He laughed. The sound was so familiar, but unfamiliar at the same time. Instead of calming Luigi, it sickened him with dread, menacing laugh resonating inside his bones. Brother...
Luigi slipped unconscious.
Notes:
Oh wow. This chapter is wayyyy longer than anticipated!