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Author's Note Today:

Wow, everyone was really applauding Wendy in the last chapter.

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Enjoy the chapter :)

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Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the story idea and any OCs.

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Chapter 63:
A Change of Heart

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It was morning down in Toad Town and everything was once again peaceful. Outside of the Toadley Clinic, Princess Peach and Princess Daisy as well as Toadsworth and Toad were making their ways towards the building to visit Luigi and Kastoadra. Everyone in the castle had become increasingly worried about them, Kassie especially.

When the indigo toad never came back, Toadsworth quickly send out a search team to look for her. Unfortunately, the search turn out empty and they immediately feared the worst. Thankfully, the princesses returned just a few hours later and put all their fears to rest.

The group of four entered inside and walked over to the Nurse's station. In their hands, Princess Peach and Princess Daisy were carrying flowers and gift baskets as get well presents to their two friends. Once they were in front of the station, they asked the nurse for their room numbers.

"Ah yes, let me see," said the Toad nurse. "There we go...You'll find Mr. Luigi in room 102 and Ms. Kastoadra in room 109."

Princess Peach thanks her and leaded the others through the hall which slip into two directions. Since Luigi's and Kassie's room were in the opposite direction of each other, the foursome decide to slip into groups of two. Toad and Toadsworth left to visit Kassie while Peach and Daisy left to visit Luigi. The two princesses walked over to room 102 and knock on the door.

"Who is it?" said a voice from the other side.

"It's us, Luigi. Peach and me," reply Daisy.

"Go away," said a different voice.

There was some muffling from the inside before Luigi respond again. "You guys can come in,"

They opened the door and enter inside the room. Luigi was up, wrapped in several bandages with Wendy taking care of his every need. The pink koopa just shot them a glance as she resumed fluffing his pillow. Luigi, however, greeted them with a friendly smile.

"Good morning, Luigi, how are feeling?" Peach asked.

"Better, thanks for asking."

"Here, we got you some get well presents." said Daisy.

Luigi smiled. "Thank you, Princess,"

Daisy flinched when he called her that but she quickly shook it off. She walked over and placed the gift basket beside his bed. Wendy stood on the sidelines watching them both like a hawk. She was there to make sure either of them was going to hurt him, regardless if they were is friends or not.

"How long did the doctor say you'll be here?"

"For a few weeks; I got lucky, I didn't need any surgery done."

"Well, I'm sure with Wendy around she'll get you back on your feet in no time."

"Darn straight I will," She mumbled.

"Anyways," said Peach. "Have Mario came to see you yet?"

Luigi frown and turn his gaze on his bed. The princesses were confused by his downcast state and turned to Wendy, hoping she will tell them what was wrong. Unfortunately for them, the pink koopa turn her head towards the window, not giving them any answer.

"Sorry, Princess," Luigi said softly. "But I don't think that Mario's…"

"Morning everyone,"

He was interrupted by someone entering inside the room. Everyone turn around to see it was Mario. The red plumber gave them all a genuine smile.

"Oh there you are Mario, how was your night?" Peach asked.

Mario rubbed the back of his neck. "Not good, unfortunately; I toss and turn all night."

He wasn't lying. The red hero looked worn-out; he had bags under his eyes, and his hair was a complete mess. He glances over to the bed. Luigi was avoiding eye contact with him while Wendy was giving him a heat glare. He mentally frowned but managed to keep a smile up for the princesses.

"Actually, princess, if you don't mind, I would like to talk to Luigi for a bit in private."

"Is something wrong?" Daisy asked.

"No, everything's fine, just need to clear up something,"

Both Peach and Daisy frowned at the request. They knew something was up between the two from the way Luigi was acting but decided not to intervene. The brothers can work it out themselves.

"Alright," said Peach. "We'll just go and see how Kastoadra's doing."

Mario nodded. The princesses took their gifts for their female toad friend and left the room, promising to be back soon. Once they were gone, Mario turned back to his brother only to get an earful.

"What the hell are you going here?" Wendy started. "I told you not to coming."

"Wendy," Mario placed his arms up in defense. "I'm not here to fight,"

"I don't care; now get out,"

Mario frowned. "Look, I'm not leaving until I apologize."

"Fine, I'll make you leave."

"Wendy, wait..." The pink koopa pause from her approach towards Mario and turn back to Luigi with a raised eyebrow. "Let's hear what he has to say," He said.

Wendy looked at him as if he was crazy. She then growled and return back to his bedside. "Fine, but if he says something I don't like, he's out of here."

Luigi nodded and turned back to his brother. Mario came up to the bed and paused. "Well, Mario, what did you wanted to say to me?"

"Luigi..." Mario cased his eyes on the floor, feeling ashamed. "I wanted to say I'm sorry... to both you and Wendy. I shouldn't have yelled at you or made you feel worse than you already felt." He looks up to him in sadness. "I guess I was just mad that you kept this from me. But now I see why."

"Oh Mario," Luigi sighed. "I didn't mean to hide this from you for so long. Things just happened,"

"That still doesn't excuse me from my behavior," He mumbled. "Wendy told me how you felt about Peach."

Luigi turned to the koopa with disbelief. She shrugged. "What? I was trying to get my point across. And it worked."

"She's right; it did." Mario said. "And I'm not mad."

"You're not?" Luigi said unsure.

"No. Peach is a princess and a beautiful one at that. Any man will be happy to have her. But I never once thought you will be one of them, and I feel really stupid for not putting you on that list first."

"Mario... you know I will never try to steal Peach from you."

"I know you won't." Mario smiled. "And I should just be happy you found someone for yourself...regardless of who she is."

Luigi smiled. "You mean it?"

Mario nodded and turned his focus on the koopa. "Wendy, I'm sorry about last night. If you want to be with my brother, then by all means...you have my approval."

Wendy smiled slightly. "Thanks...but I was gonna be with him whether you approved or not."

Mario shrugged. "I figure you might say that."

Now that the brothers had made up, the tense between them had ease down to a comfortable atmosphere. Unfortunately, it didn't last long. Their peaceful moment was soon broke by the sound of an argument outside the door.

"For the last time, Toadsworth, can we please just drop it?" said a voice. It sounded like Kassie.

"I will not just 'drop it', young lady; we need to have a serious talk about this." said an older voice, Toadsworth.

"There's nothing to talk about. I'm an adult; I can date whoever I want."

"Not this koopa you will,"

"'Ey, you got a problem wit' Koopas!?" said a rough voice, Roy.

"Leave him be Roy, he's just overreacting,"

"I am not just overreacting, I'm actually concern with your safely!"

"Toadsworth, please keep it down; we're still in a hospital." said a lighter voice, Peach.

"Princess, where is Master Mario? His assists is greatly needed."

"He's talking with Luigi right now," said another light voice, Daisy.

"Good, perhaps they can help me reason with her,"

"Well, we can go ahead and see him, if ya will stop yappin' fo' five minutes."

"Oh, you disrespectful koopa,"

The sound of multiple footsteps was heard and soon there was a knock on the door. Mario and Luigi shared a look before answering. "Ah, come in,"

The door opened and Toadsworth was the first to enter, then came Kassie and the others. "Master Mario, thank goodness you are here,"

"Uhm, what's the problem, Toadsworth?" Mario asked.

"It's Kastoadra, I'm afraid." Toadsworth answered.

"Really?" He glances over to Kassie. "She looks fine to me."

Toadsworth look at him with disbelief. "Surely you are not blind, Master Mario. Can't you see...?"

"See what exactly?"

"That Koopa standing beside her,"

"You mean Roy?"

"Yes," He stressed. "She's actually dating one of those troublesome Koopalings. All this time, they have been toying with us; feeding our minds with lies. And I fear Kastoadra have fallen victim to this koopa's schemes."

"Toadsworth, please," Kassie stressed; however, Toadsworth wasn't listening.

"I tried to reason with her but she's too far gone." He continued. "Please, Master Mario, you're our only hope...save Kastoadra."

Mario looked back at Kassie. The purple toad looked both annoyed and embarrassed by the way Toadsworth was acting. Plus Roy was giving him a look, a look that says 'Just try to break us up...I dare ya.'

Mario sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Uhm, sorry Toadsworth but I don't think I can do that."

Toadsworth jumped in surprise. "W-Why not?"

"Well," he said, a little anxiously. "Because, I just approval of Luigi's and Wendy's relationship, and I don't think it will be fair if I don't do the same for Kassie and Roy." He shrugged. "I mean, Grambi knows I'll be a hypocrite."

Toadsworth blinked at his explanation. It was then he noticed the second koopa in the room. He turned pale when he saw Wendy who waved playfully at him. He look back at Mario with a stupefy look.

"B-Bu-Bu-Bu," He struggled to say. "B-But I thought...Master Luigi was dating Lady Fettuccine?"

"Kassie and Roy weren't the only ones playing tricks,"

Toadsworth stood there for a moment, taking in the information given to him. Suddenly, his body started to sway which catch the attention of everyone. Fortunately, Mario was quick enough to help stabilize him.

"Are you okay, Toadsworth?" Peach asked.

"I'm...fine, princess; I just need to sit down for a bit."

"Here, let me help you," said Mario.

The red plumber assisted the old toad into a nearby chair. Once seated, the old toad took deep breath to calm his racing heart. Peach and Daisy stood by his side as he did so.

"Boy," Roy spoke "if he's acting like this now, you could only imagine da look on his face when he hears about da pregnancy."

"Roy!" Kassie shouted at him, but it was already too late.

No sooner than when he said that, Toadsworth fainted and they had to call for a doctor to get him checked out.

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Ending Note:

I'm so glad everyone can make up :)

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