Author Notes - Once again, we're actually being game accurate this time! And while I still think the 'script format' gimmick was clever and fun, it's a little disoritenting. So that's gone in this version too. When I said that I was re-writing these chapters, I bloody meant it.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - THE SUPERSTAR SAGA

Morty was in no better shape than he was when the search began. If anything, he was somehow even worse.

'What's an artist without a brush, huh?' He wailed. 'A chef without a knife? A dog without a bag of trash?! Nothing! Without my megaphone, I'm nothing too! No... I'm less than nothing!'

Not even Luigi's social anxiety could stop him from running over to Morty as fast as he could.

'Mr Morty!' He cried out in joy. 'We found your megaphone!'

In spite of the good news, Morty continued to weep into his hands. 'No! Do not promise me such things! My sweet, sweet megaphone will never be returned to my side... OOOH, how will I possibly move on without thee, megaphone!'

Daisy rolled her eyes with a sigh, and stood in front of that overdramatic ghost. She grabbed his forehead and forced him to look at her.

'Here it is!' She declared, shoving it into his arms. 'Happy now?'

He stared at the megaphone in his hands, like he just uncovered the world's biggest diamond and couldn't believe it. His gaped mouth slowly morphed into a massive smile.

'MY SWEET MEGAPHONE!'

He flew into the air and twirled around like an enchanted ice-skater, embracing the chromatic device like it was his long lost teddy bear.

'Oh, we are finally reunited! After so long, I thought I'd never see you again... but here you are! I can FEEL the inspiration flowing through my veins as I touch your beautiful plastic!'

Luigi watched him with a little wholesome smile, and Daisy couldn't help a soft and sincere chuckle. Morty floated back down, refusing to let go of his precious object. That was until he glanced at the one who delivered it to him in the first place. The moment his eyes fell upon Daisy, the megaphone slipped out of his hands and onto the floor.

'Wait a minute... WAIT A MINUTE!'

He grabbed the princess by the shoulders and pulled her in.

'Hey!' She yelled. 'Let go of me!'

Luigi, in a knee-jerk reaction, grabbed his flashlight and aimed it. He was about to charge it up, when Scarlett put her hand on his shoulder.

'Just give it a moment.' She said. 'It'll be okay.'

Morty's eyes darted up and down, and he smiled even wider than before. He soared up like a loop-de-looping airplane, and spread his arms and tail like an exploding firework.

'Yes! YES! I've done it! I've found her... the perfect actress to be in my movie!'

'Wait, what?!'

'Look at that fiery passion in her eyes! Marvel at the strength of her spirit. Be HYPNOTISED by her daring voice!'

Still floating in the middle of the air, he pulled out a full-on script from his pocket and tossed it her way. It slammed into her chest and almost brought her to the floor, but she managed to catch it.

'Read that treatment, my fletching actress! That is the treatment that will make you a star! No... no no... a SUPERSTAR! I'll make you an offer you can't refuse!'

Daisy's mind was racing a mile a minute at that moment, completely discombobulated by whatever the heck was going on. Luigi just watched the whole thing, unable to piece any words together. Scarlett and Brad just laughed to themselves, exchanging looks that said simply 'Yep, he is back'.

'And YOU!' Morty yelled, pointing at Luigi.

The green-clad man flinched. 'Y-You talking to me?' He looked around. 'Well, I'm the only one here, so uh, you must be talking to me.'

'Your charitable act to return my megaphone through no benefit of your own has proven your unending compassion for those around you! I can't simply throw you aside as though you are nothing. You must be a part of this production too!' He gasped as an idea jumped into his mind. 'Of course. Why couldn't I see it before? You'll be the heroine's lovely and compassionate partner!'

Luigi held his hands up. 'Uh, n-no thank you. I can't-'

'Well, if you do not wish to be a part of this production, then I will not stand in your way! But, if you were to take a part, you would elevate my wonderful movie with your big glorious heart!'

Luigi blushed profusely and fiddled with his hands. While he was debating his choice, Daisy opened up the first page of the treatment.

'A creepy lady in a well gives water and an ominous warning…' She read out loud, chuckling. 'And this connects to the shrinking thing how exactly?'

Morty floated back down to the ground, and clapped his hands twice. 'Where's my assistant? In the director's room, correct? Scarlett, Brad, deliver her to my room at once! She must get ready for her new future!'

Daisy's hand shot up from the treatment. 'Wait, hang on. What? I-I don't-'

'Forget it, princess!' Scarlett said, already dragging her away. 'It's the Last Resort.'

While she was being dragged off to the Director's room, Luigi thought about this offer seriously. Morty did seem pretty excited for this, and Luigi couldn't stand to break his proverbial heart.

'A-Alright, Morty.' He said. 'I'll do it!'

'WONDERFUL!' Morty shouted, making him jump, before he placed his hand on his shoulder. 'I'll help prepare you for the fantastic role yourself! You're going to be wonderful! And is that a little pet dog? That's even better! Now, our movie can have a lovable animal sidekick too!'


Daisy hadn't quite expected Morty's assistant to be a female Oozer - named Meryl according to her name tag - who was done-up in heavy make-up. Oh, and spoke in an accent that she couldn't identify to save her life. The princess couldn't even pay attention to anything in Morty's somewhat messy director's room, thanks to Meryl giving her a doubting look with her chin in her hand.

'Yes, you are - how Morty says - perfect.' Meryl said. 'But Morty's crazy movies demand more zan perfection. And you... you are not eet.'

Daisy cocked an eyebrow. 'Uh, I'm just gonna ignore that remark, and ask how you're gonna make me more than perfect.'

Meryl turned to a small desk in the back corner of the room. Tons of make-up supplies - all entirely her own - dotted the surface. She picked up a little powder puff.

Daisy groaned. 'Sorry. I don't wear a lot of makeup. Little on the lips, little on the eyes… that's about it. And I'm certainly not dealing with the powdery stuff.'

The Oozer glared at her. 'Why do you say zat? Eet is zee only way to improve on your perfection. Now, hold still sweetie.'

The princess stood still for about half a second, until Meryl began powdering her cheeks. It just served to remind her how little she cared about applying that much make-up to begin with, and she couldn't help but fidget around a bit.

'Eet might take a while for you to reach Morty's view of further perfection. And eet will take longer if you do not sit still.'

Daisy wanted to comply with her request, just to end this sooner, but that scattering powder tickled her nose like crazy. Any moment she was going to-

'AAAHH-CHOOOO!'

Do that. Daisy sniffed and refocused her vision, and she gasped when she saw Meryl leaning back with her eyes open wide. The Oozer's face was covered in the powder.

Daisy blushed, just a little. 'Uh, sorry. But like I said, I hate the powdery stuff. Makes me sneeze every time.'

The ghost wiped her face clean. 'So eet seems you are not so keen on powder. I'm... sure I'll find a way to make eet work.'

Daisy grumbled to herself. 'Of all the hotels in all the kingdoms in all the world... I had to walk into this one.'

'Well! You don't hear me insulting your home, do you?'


Morty had brought Luigi into the corner of the main room, spending most of his time complimenting Luigi on just about everything he possibly could. And the bashful plumber couldn't stop blushing.

'You'll be perfect, Luigi!' The director said. 'I cannot imagine anyone else with the heart that this role requires! And you're going to love it. So many directors treat their actors like machines, forcing them to get up early and work all day. I've met so many fallen actors who were treated so horribly in their life! I would never do anything like that to my beloved crew. NEVER!'

'U-Uh, yeah.' Luigi said, hardly able to keep up. 'I'll, um, do my best.'

Morty grinned. 'You are already at your best! I don't think you'll even have to try, because I already know you're perfect! I can only hope that I will, for once, finally give my actors the love and effort that they deserve.'

His smile faded into a frown, and Luigi couldn't help mimicking it. This frown was different from his 'missing megaphone' expression, however. It looked more subtle, and felt more real.

'What's wrong, Morty?' Luigi asked.

'It's just that… I've never been able to make a movie that truly lives up to my wonderful actors.' Morty said, speaking calmly (for his standards). 'I love my works, and the audience does too, but they could be even better. Everyone loves my movies because they're so wild and fun, filled with enough passion and love to carry the bizarre plots and crazy acting! But… I've never been able to make a movie that's perfect. Truly a masterpiece.'

Luigi stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder. 'Well, I-I'm sure it'll be different for this movie. Daisy and I-'

'ARF ARF!'

'Daisy, Polterpup, and I will make sure it's a masterpiece.'

Morty smiled. 'I hope so too. All I want is to make the most perfect movie I can. Once I do that, I'll finally be able to see my sister again.'

He left the conversation at that, and it left Luigi even more confused. The plumber chased after him as he clapped his hands again, opening up the big '5' door. It revealed another set, this one resembling a tiny city that Luigi and Daisy easily towered over.

'Wait!' Luigi said. 'What do you mean, your sister?'

'Oh, I'm afraid I didn't properly explain my predicament.' Morty said, floating down to Luigi's eye level. 'You see, Luigi, I had a little sister. Her name was Adriana, and she was the greatest little actress you have ever seen!'

'Had? … What happened to her?'

'She lived a long and happy life, even after her big brother died when she was only young! She was a wonderful and strong person like that, you see. When I died, I followed her around everywhere. She was quite happy that her big bro was always there for her. But when she died… she simply moved over to the Overthere. So, I've been stuck here while she's been waiting for me for years now. If I could only make the perfect movie, I'll finally be able to join her…'

Luigi's mouth fell open. Suddenly, Morty's insane dedication didn't seem so insane anymore. Morty didn't give him any time to let it all sink in.

'PLACES, PEOPLE!' He yelled. 'Where is my actress?'

'I am so sorry, Morty,' Meryl said, floating out of the room with Daisy behind her. 'But eet seems zat our newest actress refuses to let me improve her perfection further.'

Morty stammered for a bit. 'What... what are you saying, Meryl? When I said help her, I meant get her into character. Help her prepare her spirit for the greatest moment in her lifetime! Not slather her perfect face with your cursed powders and eyeliners!'

Scarlett and Brad, who were standing on the sidelines, laughed with each other once again.

'But I do not understand.' Meryl said. 'I do agree zat Miss Daisy ees as perfect as zey get, but why do you always insist zat any given actor ees perfect?'

'BECAUSE, my lovely assistant, they ARE always perfect! Short, tall, fat, skinny, light, dark, alive, dead, missing three limbs... all are perfect! No... MORE than perfect! And sweet, fiery Daisy... she is MORE than MORE than perfect! Unless the scene demands it, we never mess with our actors' perfection!'

Daisy blushed a little; not even Luigi ever got to this level of flattery. Of course, her blushing was nothing compared to Luigi's.

'DAISY!' Morty cried. 'It is time for us to start filming the first scene! Your co-star is ready to go, and it is time to start filming!'

'Wait, huh?' Luigi said. 'But I haven't read the scr-'

'I can guarantee it to you Daisy, that this will be a movie of not just your lifetime, but your afterlifetime too! Ever heard of 'carpe diem'? SEIZE THE DAY, ACTORS! Make your lives EXTRAORDINARY!'

Morty grabbed Luigi by the shoulders and shoved him forward onto the set, no matter how many 'no-no-no-no's he got thrown his way. He didn't stop until Luigi was in the middle of the tiny city, and then he pushed Daisy into the scene too.

'PROPS!' Morty yelled. 'We need some props!'

Angelina immediately rushed off into another room, and returned with a massive box that she slammed on the ground. In the middle of the set. Meryl pushed the Hammer aside and delved into the box herself, looking for the perfect props.

'What did you have in mind, Morty?' She asked.

'Whichever props our amazing actors think are best!' Morty replied. 'And if they don't think any of the props work, then that's a fantastic choice too!'

Luigi and Daisy glanced at each other, shrugged, and looked into the box. To tell the truth, most of those props were obviously for other movies: a miniature sled, a pair of ruby red shoes, a cigar, things like that.

'Oh, I like the look of this!' Daisy said, reaching into the box.

She picked up a bandage and wrapped it around her arm, noting that it even had a tiny dash of fake blood on it.

'Kinda makes me look like I've been through some epic battles.' She said. 'What do you think?'

'Uh, yeah.' Luigi said. 'It's good, um, visual storytelling? Unfortunately, I haven't really found anything that I-'

His eyes widened and sparkled at one particular prop. It looked like a single headphone, one that gently clipped around his ear. He would've ignored it if it wasn't for the E. Gadd symbol on it.

'This is one of the professor's inventions…' Luigi murmured.

'Ghosts must've stolen it.' Daisy said. 'I wouldn't put it past them. What do you think it does?'

'Only one way to find out.'

He pressed a red button on the device, and the E. Gadd symbol lit up. Hands shaking a little, he clipped it over his ear and spent a good minute adjusting it so it wouldn't hurt.

'So… what's it doing?' Daisy asked.

'I… have no idea.' Luigi admitted.

Polterpup tilted his head. 'Well, that was a let-down.'

'Hey, but I-'

His eyes widened so far it's a miracle that his eyes didn't fall out. He immediately turned to Polterpup and let his jaw fall open.

'Wait, did you just say that was a let-down?' Luigi asked.

Polterpup looked around. 'Wait, did you understand that?'

'Uh, Luigi.' Daisy said. 'What on earth are you-?'

Luigi suddenly grinned. 'I can understand you, Polterpup! The professor must've invented a, uh, universal translator or something.'

Polterpup's jaw, too, fell open. 'Oh, that's awesome! Finally. I've been getting so sick of the constant communication boundaries between us.'

'It's a translator? For Polterpup?!' Daisy cried. 'Oh, E. Gadd, you've done it again! For once, I'm glad these ghosts stole something.'

Both mortals jumped back when Angelina suddenly slammed the chest lid shut again. Daisy got her hand out of the way just in time.

'DONE WITH PROPS NOW?' Angelina asked.

'Uh, I guess so?' Luigi replied.

'GOOD. Do shot now!'

She carried the prop box away as quickly as she had brought it on screen, and slammed it on the ground. Morgan waited until she turned around to glare at her.

'Alright, Morty.' Daisy said, rubbing her hands together. 'I'm ready for my close-up!'

Morty picked up his megaphone and yelled, 'Lights!'

Spotlights switched on and aimed at our heroes.

'Camera!'

Morty adjusted the camera so it was filming his stars perfectly.

'ACTION!'

The set changed, much like the ones before it. The town turned out to be a full-on coastal city, with a half-destroyed bridge connecting the tiny island to another. It was nighttime, and the city's streetlights and the stars were the only thing illuminating the scene.

'Hold on.' Daisy said. 'If all these sets really are connected, then that means that we're tiny in one scene and then gigantic the next. How does that make any sense?'

'Don't question it!' Morgan said from seemingly nowhere. 'Just go with the flow.'

The princess shrugged. 'Alright then.'

Luigi stepped forward, rather unsure as to what his motivation was. A tiny model car came barreling down the highway, until it ran into his foot and careening off course.

'Oh, sorry!' He said.

Polterpup walked around, sniffing at various buildings. 'So, uh, what are we supposed to-?'

They were interrupted by the sound of a tiny skyscraper being smashed to pieces. All three heroes turned their heads to the sound, and found a reptilian monster that towered over the entire city and destroyed everything in her wake.

'AHH!' Luigi screamed, jumping back. 'W-What is that?!'

The monster turned around, and revealed to the world that the costume wasn't even finished. An entire Goob's tail could be seen sticking out, which certainly killed the illusion.

Daisy chuckled. 'A bit of a fail in the prop department, huh?'

'Daisy!' Luigi said. 'Try to take this seriously!'

'I'm trying. … But I don't think I can.'

'Neither can I…'

'Polterpup!'

Once the Beast caught sight of our heroes, she emitted a low but powerful evil laugh before roaring loudly at them. Luigi's knees were already trembling. Despite just being a Goob in a costume, spit came flying out of her mouth as she roared (it was just water, but still).

'RAAWWWWRRRR!'

Luigi narrowed his eyes in confusion. '... What did you just say about my moustache?'

Daisy stepped forward and held up her fist. 'Behold, foul monster! I know not how we became so giant, or how the hell you ended up here, but I do know this: that I must vanquish you!'

She could hear a chorus of clapping ghosts from off the set.

'You go, girl!' Scarlett said. 'Chew that scenery!'

Luigi glanced around. '... Chew the what?'

Daisy ran past him and approached that monster with her fists ready. Of course, she didn't plan to actually hurt the ghost, but she was sure going to make it look like she did. She was so focused on punching this beast in the jaw that she didn't notice the costume's eyes glowing blue.

'Daisy, look out!' Luigi yelled.

The Beast spat out a ball of blue energy that was almost as big as she was. It didn't move too fast, but it swirled with powerful ghost energy nonetheless. Daisy skidded to a stop and put her arms up in a panic. The ball smacked against the Phantasma-Gloves, but kept on pushing. To ensure it kept going, the Beast exhaled like a machine to push it back more.

'Uh, Luigi!' Daisy said, her shoes scraping against the floor. 'I need some help here!'

'Oh, right!' Luigi said.

He rushed to her side and equipped the Poltergust right away, switching it over from 'suck' to 'blow'. Once air was blowing out of the Poltergust, the energy ball was beginning to be deflected. Still, Daisy could feel it pushed her back, and its heat was passing through its gloves. It gave her hands a strange tingling feeling.

'Could ya come a little closer, Sweetie?' She asked. 'I cannot possibly defeat the forces of evil without my beloved sweetheart by my side!'

'Um… I will stay by your side no matter what!' Luigi said, stepping forward.

Stepping a little closer was all the extra force they needed.

Daisy grinned. 'There we go. LOOK OUT!'

With the power of the Poltergust backing her up, she pushed the ball of energy hard enough for it to smack right into the Beast's face. It exploded on impact and sent her flying backwards, making her Goob-ish tail all the more visible.

'YEAH!' Daisy said, pumping her fist. 'I love the smell of monster bustin' in the morning!'

But then, the Beast got back up and readjusted her entire head.

'Do not give up too soon, uh, my maiden!' Luigi said, unsure of how 'dramatic' he needed to be. 'The foul beast is yet to be fallen!'

Leonardo cheered him on. 'Are you sure you're a first time actor?'

'Well, I-I once played the role of grass in-'

Daisy groaned. 'Of course it wasn't that easy. Oh, uh, I mean… HARK! The beast is still standing! I should have known that we would not be rid of her so easily!'

'We must bring her down before our beloved city is totally demolished!' Polterpup said, because why should the humans have all the fun?

The Beast's eyes glowed again, but this time, they were orange. They only lit up for a moment before she spewed out a small fireball. Daisy yelped and dove out of the way, accidentally throwing herself into a building in the process. Luigi, however, was not so lucky.

'AH!'

The fireball struck him in the chest and sent him falling backwards.

'Luigi!' Daisy cried.

'Master!' Polterpup said, rushing to his side. 'Are you okay?'

Luigi glanced down at the burnt hole in his shirt, but was shocked to find that he wasn't feeling any pain at all. He was hardly feeling any warmth for that matter. So, he got to his feet, just in time for the Beast to fire out another ball of energy. This time, the ball was blue.

'Come on, my beloved sweetheart!' Daisy said. 'We will never vanquish this horrid monster unless we work together!'

'Coming, at once!' Luigi said, running over to her.

'Go, Luigi!' Brad cheered. 'I know you can do it!'

Daisy caught the energy ball in her hands without a sweat, but almost jumped from the force it exerted. It was, without a doubt, much stronger than the last energy ball. It pushed her along the road, causing her to knock over several cars and streetlights in her wake. Any buildings the ball scraped against were instantly reduced to rubble.

'Uh, this city was evacuated, right?' Luigi asked.

'STOP ASKING AND GET GUSTING!' Daisy shouted.

'Ah! Right!'

Luigi stood by her side and walked backwards as he Poltergusted the ball. The Poltergust was using all of its available power, but it didn't seem to be working quite right. Daisy could feel the ball pushing against her - and pushing her back.

'Uh, sweetie?' She said. 'I don't think that's enough power!'

Luigi had to inch backwards to keep up with her. 'But I don't think the Poltergust can get any stronger than this.'

'Well, I'm gonna end up going for a swim if you don't think of something!'

Polterpup scampered onto the scene. 'Maybe if you had, I dunno… two Luigis?'

Luigi gasped. 'Of course. Gooigi! I haven't used him in so long, I almost forgot I had him.'

He deployed the gooey doppelganger immediately, once again getting a quick shock from seeing everything through a slimy green filter. Once that shock was over, he aimed his Poltergoo at the energy ball and started blowing air through it. He swapped back to his regular body and did the same thing, noting that Gooigi continued to use his Poltergust despite lacking any sort of consciousness.

Then again, Luigi wasn't so sure of that. He could've sworn that Gooigi had a slight look of determination on his otherwise inexpressive self.

Daisy felt the ball beginning to move. 'HERE WE GO, BABE-BEE!'

'Yes. YES!' Morty yelled. 'This is sure to be a masterpiece of masterpieces!'

'Yoo-hoo!'

Luigi almost forgot what he was doing. That voice couldn't have been anyone else but Gooigi. Which didn't make any sense, since at that moment he was just a vessel with no consciousness inside of him. … Wasn't he? With the force of two Poltergusts and a determined princess, our heroes were easily able to deflect the giant ball of ghost energy back at the Beast. The monster's eyes widened with fear as the ball came right back at her.

'Uh oh…' She murmured.

And that was all she could get out before the ball smacked her in the face. The sheer force knocked her right back. She tumbled straight through several buildings until she landed in the water with a mighty splash.

Several seconds of silence passed.

'Wait, did we do it?' Daisy asked. 'Did we save the city?!'

The costume disappeared into a cloud of smoke. Once the smoke faded, only a single Goob could be seen. She was coughing into her hand and trying to wave the putrid smoke away.

'Ugh… this is the last time I play the villain…' She muttered. 'I'm getting sick of-'

It was only then that she put her head up, and noticed the mortals and doggy staring awkwardly at her in silence.

'Uh, what are you looking at?' She asked.

'Pssst, Sigourney.' Morgan said, from just off screen.

'SIGOURNEY COSTUME OFF.' Angelina blurted out.

'My what is what?!'

Sigourney glanced down at her body, and unleashed an embarrassing shriek once she realised that she was no longer wearing her costume. She placed her hands over her chest and faced away from our heroes.

'I am never playing a villain again.' She said. 'I am never playing a villain again!'

Daisy and Luigi glanced at each other, unsure of what to do. That was until Daisy decided to blurt something out too.

'Oh my Grambi.' She said, speaking rather unnaturally. 'The Beast was a giant ghost the whole time?'

'Um, it would appear so!' Luigi said, incredibly lost and confused. 'Who knows what compelled her to wear that strange costume? Maybe she was… lonely?'

Sigourney looked at them briefly, before turning away again in shame. 'S-Sure, let's go with that.'

Luigi put Gooigi away into his Poltergust, and approached the embarrassed Goob. When she didn't turn around to address him, he held out his hand.

'Uh, wanna be friends?' He asked.

Hesitantly, she turned around and took his hand. 'That… that would be nice, actually.'

They were just about done shaking each other's hand when Daisy yanked Luigi by the arm and pulled him in close. His heart thumped like mad when he saw the flirtatious look in her eyes.

'And what kind of a movie doesn't end like this, huh?' She said.

He opened his mouth to ask what she meant, only for her to plant her lips directly over his. His heart practically leapt out of his throat and into hers, and he returned the kiss with as much passion as she had delivered it. It was rare that they kissed, since it was something neither really cared about too much, but when they did… OH BABY.

'D-Daisy...' Luigi said, blushing intensely. 'Y-You're trying to seduce me, aren't you?'

'Trying?' Daisy said with a laugh. 'Oh, I'm not trying and you know it.'

'AAAAND… CUT!'


Once the illusion of the camera set disappeared, the city reverted back to nothing more than a set behind that big '5' wall. The burn on Luigi's shirt went away too. All the friendly ghosts applauded their newest stars, much to Luigi's embarrassment.

Sigourney wiped her brow. 'Ah geez... you have no idea how much I hate improv.'

Luigi's attention was squarely on Morty, wondering when was the last time he saw someone that happy. The director tossed his clapperboard and megaphone aside, and yanked out the two reels of film from his camera. He held them even tighter than he did his megaphone.

'This is it!' He declared. 'With the basics of these scenes I shall create the greatest movie anyone in this room has ever seen! No... anyone in this WORLD- no, anyone in this UNIVERSE has ever seen!'

Morty tucked the reels under his arm, and dashed to Luigi's side without a warning.

'Ah!'

The plumber tried to jump back in shock, but only managed to trip over a model car and risk falling over backwards. Luckily, Morty grabbed him by the shoulder and put him back on his feet.

'OHHHH, Luigi!' He said. I can't possibly thank you and sweet Princess Daisy enough!'

Luigi blushed some more. 'I-It was nothing. The camera was a little scary, but-'

'What? Oh no, Luigi! I'm not talking about the movie, or the camera, or any nonsense like that.'

'You're... not?'

Morty shook his head, and glanced at his megaphone on the floor.

'It's your HEART I'm talking about, Luigi! Your compassion! Your KINDNESS! When I lost my precious megaphone, you stepped forward to help me in my time of desperate need. I thought no one would dare approach me while I was trapped in an endless void of sadness! But you... you DID! You cared none for any sort of prize or reward. You did it because you WANTED to.'

While Luigi stood there not knowing how to take this speech, Daisy pulled the elevator button out of her pocket and looked at it. It helped remind her just how correct Morty was. She stopped to think about it .If it had just been her, she would've taken that button and gone. Seeing her flustered plumber dealing with the sudden praise made her smile.

'That's, uh, q-quite fine.' Luigi said. 'I just wanted to-'

'But you cannot go unrewarded. It simply will not do! Alas, I have nothing that is worth your kindness. If I could lift up this very hotel from the GROUND and give it and all the treasure within it to you, that would be but an ASTEROID in the UNIVERSE of your kindness! I have always depended on the kindness of strangers, but nothing like yours!'

Daisy rolled her eyes, but with a smile.

'BUT. There is one thing I can give you.' Morty continued. 'I promise you that this movie will make you a star. Everyone in the galaxies shall know your name! The entire universe will bask in the glory of LUIGI, the Shy Hero! And, of course... DAISY, the Fiery Warrior!'

Morty hugged his film reels again, and turned to the rest of his crew on the sidelines.

'And as for all of you... you were all amazing! Polterpup, Scarlett, Brad, Angelina, Meryl, Morgan, Sigourney… You were all fantastic! Without you guys - whether you helped build the sets, possessed the props, or were even moral support - I never would have succeeded in even starting such a fantastic work! I'll have to put everyone's name at the beginning instead of the end... But now…!'

He stopped his 'little' speech for a moment, making sure that every ghost and mortal was paying full attention.

'I must retreat to my office.' He said. 'That is the place where I shall be editing my movie into glorious fruition! I want no one else but my assistant Meryl in there with me. Do not disturb me while I am in there! Editing requires my absolute attention!'

Meryl nodded. 'As you wish, boss. I expect zis movie to be fun to put together.'

'You got that right!'

The grand ghost and his Oozer assistant flew around each other like a double helix, floating like they were heads-over-tails in the clouds. They disappeared into the director's office, leaving the rest of the crew to relax.

'I was doubting that dialogue at first.' Morgan said, stretching out his two tongues. 'But holy ECTOPLASM that brilliantly cheesy ending just nailed it!'

'No kidding.' Scarlett said. 'The end product oughta be fantastic, but sweet Luvbi has any Morty production gone this weird before?'

Luigi mostly ignored the friendly ghosts chatting among themselves. It was at this moment that Morty's speech about kindness and stardom fully sunk in.

'I'm a star!' He declared in the cutest voice you've ever heard, throwing his arms up in celebration. 'Made it, bro! Top of the world!'

'Well sweetie,' Daisy said. 'You happy now that you've helped Morty out?'

'Oh yeah!'

As much as it saddened Luigi to leave his new ghostly friends behind, he knew they simply had to leave. Preferably, as soon as possible. He waved them goodbye, every single one, and he and Daisy headed for the door.

'Bye! Goodbye! Bye-bye!'

'Goodbye, young star!' Morgan said.

'ANGELINA MISS STARS ALREADY!' Angelina said, on the verge of tears.

'Next time we co-star in a film,' Sigourney said, with a sigh. 'You play the bad guy.'

Daisy chuckled; every time Luigi did something cute, she realised that her love for him really could get stronger.

'Aight,' She said, nonchalantly. 'Let's go capture Morty.'

'Goodb-' His attention snapped to her. 'Daisy! We can't do that. He's our friend!'

'Hey hey hey, it was just a little joke. As if I'd want to capture someone who gave us the button, no questions asked.'

While they headed for the elevator to go to the next floor, Daisy looked at the button in her hand with dreamy eyes. If it wasn't so important to put it in the elevator, she'd keep it for the rest of her life. She'd keep it as a reminder. Not just for her new ghost friend, but also to remember how Luigi's kindness led to her movie career.

And to remind her that jumping the gun could result in losing a friendship before it began.


'I'LL GET YOU, LUIGI!' Hellen Gravely shouted, watching the whole thing from her cameras. 'AND YOUR LITTLE GHOST DOG TOO!'


MORTY SPOOKUS, THE OVERDRAMATIC DIRECTOR

AGE - 30

GENDER - Male

CAUSE OF DEATH - Unknown

Morty Spookus fell in love with directing moves at the age of five, when he saw Snow White and the Seven Toads. He would make amazingly awful movies with his little sister Adriana in a lead acting role, until he was found mysteriously dead in his home. His movies are not exactly good, but the soul and charm baked into every frame makes them enjoyable regardless. If only he could make the perfect movie, then he could finally reunite with his parents and little sister...

Author Notes - The fact that I didn't end the movie in the original version with a big passionate kiss is an actual crime. I mean, COME ON Younger Me! Then again, Younger Me is an idiot. Okay, so Present Me is also an idiot, but she's less of an idiot. Hopefully. Maybe. At least I was able to incorporate the 'and your little dog too' line that I failed to include in the original. Now that I've actually seen Wizard of Oz, I HAD to include it.

The 'universal translator' is a major part of later chapters and 'Last Resort Wedding', so I had to include it here despite getting rid of the 'cameo' that introduced it in the first place. In hindsight, the name 'universal translator' makes it sound much more like a Star Trek reference than the Star Wars reference it was originally meant to be. ... Oh, and I've been a Trekkie for almost a year now, so...