AN: Special thanks to my friend Fox for helping with this chapter. He's the true angst king
In only a matter of seconds, Luigi's entire world came crashing down. Everything that he loved, everything that mattered to him, was gone.
Mario…was gone.
He refused to believe it. After all this time, of him waiting and waiting, hoping Mario would be here to save him like he always has.
It couldn't be true.
How could it be true? He had just seen Mario days–no, a few weeks ago.
He hadn't kept track of how long he had been held captive but he remembered Mario's bright, joyful expression reassuring him that they would make ends meet. The same man who convinced him to start a new business together, side by side like always in whatever they rolled head first into. His brother, who always stood by his side, who promised would never leave. Gone.
Bowser had proven himself to be ruthless, downright evil for all his gloating about his schemes and plans to take over the Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi had only bought into his faux attempt to be caring due to his naivety, his innate inability to be anything short of a poor excuse of a dim witted fool who was never cut out to be a hero like his brother had always told him he was.
The reality was that Luigi wasn't strong enough. He wasn't brave enough, wasn't sharp enough, wasn't dealt the hand that his brother had been given. He couldn't go through things alone. Luigi couldn't grow a spine to save his own life. With all these variables–these cruel truths–he was left with the world tilting before his very eyes at the deepening wound that had made itself at home in his caving chest.
Without one of the few people who relied on him and believed he was capable, saw him as something more than even Luigi could ever picture. Who was he now without his guiding star? His rock? His reason?
It hurt. It tore Luigi from the inside out to think that Mario, his brother, was gone. Luigi didn't do a single thing to stop it despite being a foot away from the one who had brought his brother's life to an end. His own carelessness and lack of common sense led to this.
If only Bowser had miraculously stopped his attack and released him and all the prisoners before this could have even happened. It was wishful thinking, delusional, a grasp at a ledge in his descent down into grief. But Luigi still wanted to remain hopeful despite its bittersweet, false taste in his mouth that nearly made him sick down to his core. If this had been the reality Luigi had been given, Mario would have no reason to save them.
His brother, even in their normal life back in Brooklyn had a hero complex. He wanted to help people, regardless if it benefited him or not.
It was why Luigi admired him so much.
Who would have thought that heroic drive of his would have been his inevitable downfall?
Luigi wanted to blame Bowser. Blame his bloodthirsty troops who followed his bidding without thought. But he couldn't shake the feeling that deep down, he was partly responsible.
That this was all his fault. Not Bowser's, not his troops. It was Luigi's fault his own brother was dead. He was so stupid.
Luigi's body felt miles away from him now, like it had somehow died alongside Mario's own as he stood in a world that felt like a whisper of its past self. Unable to think past the repetitive phrases, furious and broken questions raviging his mind. There was no escaping the feeling of pricking static washing over him.
Luigi crept into the cold, darkness of his room, its emptiness looming over him. His fingertips trembling, giving him no aid in being careful as he pulls the door open with the remaining strength that he has left.
"As long as we're together, everything's gonna be okay."
Those were the last words Mario had spoken to him. Why did it have to be something so twisted, ironic with the connection of his death so far away from Luigi?
The cruelty simply never seemed to cease.
When would this nightmare end?
No. He shook his head, physically shaking him from his ever faltering, slipping grip into darker and darker pits of mourning. Mario is alive, a desperate part of him cried out. He has to be alive. He's alive and breathing and wonderful. They were going home together. They're going to see their family again, and prove to Dad that Mario is the best son–
He lifted his head from where he sat dejectedly on his bed.
Did Mario leave this world still thinking he was a failure to their father? Did he have that hanging over his head until he uttered his final breath? Had it been his final thought in the end?
He had to have known how important he was, that small, hopeful part of Luigi reasoned past the ever growing and gnawing pain in his chest. Mario needed to know that he was so much greater than their father ever gave him credit for. Hewas the one who protected Luigi furiously since the moment they were born. He was the one starting fights in the playground in order to defend Luigi when they were boys, picking Luigi up when he fell down, encouraging him to follow what felt right and to take pride in his small accomplishments.
Luigi needed Mario more than Mario needed Luigi, after all, he was his guiding star for a reason. The world bowed and praised for Marios, while leaving Luigis to be forgotten.
He couldn't bare to think of his brother any longer once a nasty pang of emotion strikes him at his core. Whether in the pain over his passing or in hope that his death was a lie. Both made the aching, burning sensation inside of him only worsen.
It didn't help that Bowser's low growl echoed in his head, drilling into his skull like a worm thrashing its way into a coffin's decaying host.
There was a strangled scream that burst into Luigi's mind, the mental image of watching his brother fall lifelessly before his very eyes. The weight of him in his weak arms and the warmth of Mario's skin fading like it was never there to begin with. How his own eyes would sting with horrified tears that burned worse than any heat the Dark Lands have pressed upon him. His chest collapsing in on itself, taking his heart with it. Taking every last bit of him with it.
The image is enough to make Luigi nauseous as the mental dam breaks and he is flooded with noise, drowning him alive in so many emotions it makes Luigi's body shake harder than it has in years. It's impossible to hear any string of thought. They all clash, overlap, repeat, break, and shatter against his skull and mind like thrown pieces of glass.
Without thinking for even a second he shoved his hands over his ears, praying to make the noises stop, but they did not. He is left helpless as he finally falls apart in the harsh, gloomy room, held captive to more than just a king, but to a life that has forever been changed for the worse.
Bowser had stayed where he was when he broke the news to Luigi. Not because he wanted to, but because he was incapable of moving anywhere else.
He stood by the nearest tower, claws resting on the sides. He shut his eyes, trying to keep his mind at ease, but even when he closed them he could only see Luigi's devastated face. He was still there. He had run off without another word, before Bowser could explain himself. Then again, he wasn't sure how he could explain himself. There was no guide on how to apologize, especially since he had launched the attack on Mario. Sure he hadn't been there physically, but he might as well have.
He had wanted Mario dead since before he even knew the man's name. Or so he claimed. If he was being honest, he initially hated the idea of the plumber getting too cozy with Peach. Jealousy was a strong emotion, even if it was irrational. The more he thought about it though, the more he realized that it never mattered as much as he thought, even as he desperately tried to convince himself.
Now all he felt was that wretched guilt-something that he was completely unfamiliar with. How could he have been so stupid trying to convince Luigi like that? He was truly too hopeless for his own good, thinking the man would consider his offer. Perhaps it was wishful thinking. If he had accepted, Bowser would have Peach and Luigi ruling by his side. It would be a win win.
But instead of a win, it felt like a loss. He had lost the person he had wanted the most, in such a short amount of time. Bowser fought the urge to yell. He was angry at himself for being so stupid, so foolish.
'Don't. Don't touch me. Just ...stay away from me."
His heart shattered into pieces.
The look on Luigi's face said it all. He saw him as a monster. And he was right. He was a monster.
He was used to relishing in such a compliment. He loved when creatures feared him. At least, he used to.
But before he could continue to wallow in his own self pity, he heard a cough behind him, and the sound of a hovering figure.
"What is it, Kamek?
"I was looking for you," He replied calmly. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes." He said behind gritted teeth.
Kamek fluttered beside him, not saying a word. He seemed to be silently judging him.
"No." He finally admitted with a low growl. "I ruined everything." The words tumbled out without any fear or anxiety. He could trust his oldest friend to be wise with him as he explained.
"Hmm."
"Aren't you going to tell me that I didn't mess up? Give me a pep talk?"
"I will not because I agree with you. You messed up."
Bowser scowled. The action made Kamek squeak in terror, but he did not back down from being blunt to his superior.
"Sire, you offered him part of your kingdom, yelled at him when he said no, and then you told him you indirectly killed his brother!"
"When you put it like that..." Bowser tiredly turned away. "It does sound bad."
"Which is perfectly on brand for you. Besides, I thought you weren't going to tell him that last part."
"I couldn't lie to him! I just...I wanted to..."
He couldn't address the obvious ultimatum he was experiencing. And the fire in Luigi's eyes that burned into his soul as he called Bowser out for his behavior, only made him yearn for him more.
"You want to have both. But you can't."
"Especially not now. You should have seen him, Kamek." His face fell. "He hates me now. He sees me as a monster, and he's right. I am a monster. Now without him, I have nothing."
"You have your kingdom, and soon you'll have the Princess's hand."
He grunted, pretending to ignore Kamek's words. "I want to fix this. How can I?"
"You can't. You must move forward." But Kamek did soften a bit. "Stop feeling bad for yourself, own up to what you did, and find a way to apologize. If you really want him to like you, that is. I would let it be, if I were in your position."
"Do you think he'll even forgive me?"
Kamek shrugged.
"Thanks for the reassurance." He said sarcastically, then stopped to think for a moment. "I've got to make it up to him somehow."
"Nonsense, you have wedding preparations to attend to." Kamek gently nudged him with his snout in a way that wasn't patronizing, but almost fatherly. "Remember what we talked about."
"Of course I do. Don't think about Luigi, even though you crushed his spirit."
"You'll only be hurting yourself more if you continue pining over Luigi."
"It's not pining!" He hissed, careful in case any other koopas were eavesdropping. Or worse, his own kids. "I don't know what it is but it's not that. Listen, I need to think and-"
He was interrupted by Kammy flying through one of the outdoor windows. "Sire!"
"What now?" He growled in exasperation , then suddenly felt a wave of anxiety upon seeing her. "Wait, why are you here? I told you to watch Larry and Junior!"
"I tucked them in already, however I did ask the green human to help assist. He rudely ignored me, opting to stay in his room and sulk for whatever reason."
That made Bowser's heart ache. That dreaded feeling of guilt.
"So I asked young Master Ludwig to keep an eye out for them." She reported. "He was in the middle of practicing his scales, but he did agree."
"Well, I suppose I could ask for a worse babysitter..." He grumbled. "What's going on?"
Kammy beamed. "I bring even more fantastic news! Princess Peach has arrived at last! The airship has just landed by the gardens."
"That's splendid!" Kamek clasped his bony clawed hands together to clap in delight.
Bowser, meanwhile, was panicking. "She's here? Now? At this hour? Oh Grambi, I'm not dressed, I'm not ready at all!" He was ready to burst into flames from pure anxiety and stress.
This complicated things further, but at least it would buy him some time to dwell on his thoughts.
"Relax Lord Bowser, she will say yes no matter what." Kamek soothed.
His stomach was churning. "I don't want to do this. I want-"
Kamek laughed, believing he was joking. "Of course you do! Kammy, will you lead him to the Princess?"
"Certainly. Come, we mustn't leave her to wait."
Bowser trudged along for lack of a choice, finding time to slick his hair back and check his breath to see if it smelled bad. Luigi had told him his breath needed to smell fresh, otherwise the Princess would be grossed out. It had taken some convincing, but he did find a suitable mouthwash and tried to use it daily. Unfortunately that was the most he could do for his appearance.
He knew the moment he proposed to Peach, he would rush back and apologize to Luigi. It wouldn't be easy. But he had no other options.
He stepped outside to the gardens, where Princess Peach and her Toad companion stood alongside several koopa guards. She looked dazzlingly regal as ever, but her frown was apparent. Still, Bowser made an effort to bow.
"My, my, you look absolutely stunning Princess." He drawled, moving closer to her sweet form. He didn't react when she raised her weapon high in defiance.
"Bowser," She greeted coldly. "I am here on behalf of the Mushroom Kingdom to offer a compromise. If you refuse to listen to reason, I will not hesitate to-"
"Hold on there Peaches," Bowser gestured for her to put the weapon down, which she did not oblige. "I'm not here to fight."
Her determination seemed to falter, but she wasn't scared. "What do you want?' She demanded.
He cleared his throat, batting his eyelashes innocently. "I want you." He kept his voice soft and gentle, like Luigi had once instructed.
She flinched, looking as though she was preparing to roll her eyes.
"You enchant me, and with the Super Star we could rule together. We would be invincible!"
Peach made a face. It was definitely a blow to his ego and not unlike his last conversation with Luigi. Still, he continued.
Without any passion behind the words, he finally said: "Will you marry me?"
He had asked her this before, and while he hadn't heard her rejection, he was still expecting it. Kamek had told him that she would much rather be betrothed to a moldy dry bones carcass.
She looked at him, flabbergasted.
"I know we've had our differences, and you've already said no, but I'm a changed koopa. I'm willing to make you happy."
"Ha, in your dreams! She would never marry a monster like you!" Toad taunted, only to be bonked on the head by Kammy's scepter.
Peach on the other hand seemed to be concentrating deeply, her expression unreadable beside her furrowed brows. She looked as though she wanted to yell at him, to call him insane, to spit in his face. But her words said otherwise.
"I'll do it."
"Wait, what?" Bowser, Toad and Kammy chorused.
"Are you serious?" The former asked in disbelief. He had been silently hoping she would say no-although he still wasn't quite sure why. This was what he truly wanted, wasn't it?
She winced. "If I say yes, will you cease this attack once and for all?"
"Princess, don't do it! Don't listen to that jerk!" Toad shrieked in horror, only to be caught in a magical bubble cast by Kammy. "Princess!"
Toad wriggled and squirmed in pain, Kammy's magic keeping him in control as she blasted him with small, yet dangerous sparks of energy from her wand.
"No!" She gasped, reaching out. "Please, I'll marry you, just don't harm my Toads!"
Bowser snapped his fingers. "Release him." He ordered. Kammy reluctantly obliged, tapping the bubble, making it fade away.
"Promise me you won't hurt my Toads."
"You have my word."
"Then it's settled." She released a breath that she hadn't realized she had been holding. Toad rushed to her side, hugging her.
Bowser smirked. "Huh, I didn't think it would be that easy. I didn't even have to use any of my pick up lines!"
"You did great, sire." Kammy complimented. "Dare I say you didn't need any assistance."
He nodded firmly. "Have the guards escort the Princess to her room. "Our wedding shall happen as soon as we're both ready!"
"Kamek is setting everything up as we speak, sire." She giggled wickedly.
Thankfully, while Bowser and Kammy seemed to still be having a loud conversation about wedding plans, Peach had some time to herself. She felt faint, still processing what had happened.
This was Bowser's big plan? To marry her?
It was honestly hard to believe, let alone accept. Such a foul beast would surely have better things to worry about something so trivial and romantic as marriage. There had to be something else to it. Something sinister.
She knew she had no other option but to accept. At least for now. She didn't intend on marrying him, if she could help it.
"Peach!" Toad's shrill voice interrupted her thoughts. "I can't believe you said yes!"
"I didn't have a choice." She murmured. "I couldn't let them hurt you, or anyone else."
"Are you really gonna marry him?"
With a flicker of mischief dancing in her eyes, she said: "Not if I can help it. I have an idea, but I'll need your help." She whispered something that was inaudible for the koopas. "Can you do that?"
"You can count on me, Princess!" Toad vowed happily, giving her a quick salute.
"I hate to interrupt your important whispering," Kammy said sarcastically. "But the Princess needs to have her fitting. Pronto!"
Peach sighed. "Of course. How could I forget?"
Her fitting was just as invasive and uncomfortable as she expected. Being forced into a white, flowing wedding gown was enough to make her scream at the koopa dubbed Pom Pom for deciding this was the best outfit for her. Still, she bit her tongue and pretended she adored it.
"I love it." She lied through her teeth as she stared at the vanity's reflection. "It's perfect."
"What can I say? I'm an artiste." Pom Pom boasted. She tightened the final ribbon behind the bodice, causing Peach to yelp.
"You truly are. May I please have some privacy to do my makeup?"
Pom Pom frowned. "I can do it for you."
She smiled sweetly. "That won't be necessary, I got this."
"If you say so. But don't try any funny business!"
"Oh I won't."
Pom Pom begrudgingly obliged, leaving Peach to reflect on the mission at hand. With Mario gone, she had no time to grieve. She had to save the prisoners-including Mario's brother, and find a way to stop Bowser's evil plot.
Easier said than done.
As she was about to explore the outside of her dressing room, she heard the sounds of footsteps. She squeaked and pretended to apply some blush to her cheeks, only to realize that these footsteps were not of a koopa. With a mental pep talk to herself, Peach peered outside the room.
What she saw made her nearly fall over in astonishment.
She saw a taller, leaner, green clad Mario standing around in the halls. His eyes were dull and unfocused, but he was there! She couldn't help but let out a tearful gasp.
"It's you..." She uttered. "Luigi!"
The man- Luigi seemed equally shocked to see her as she clumsily ran towards him. She must have looked pretty strange approaching a total stranger in a very gaudy wedding dress, but she didn't care.
"Oh my gosh, you're here! You're okay. You're okay. You're..."
The recognition in his eyes made her heart flip. "Princess Peach?"
"Yes, it's me." She nodded, reaching out to embrace him, which to her surprise, he accepted.
Yet he looked uncertain. "How did you know who I am...?"
"You look just like him." She smiled sadly.
"Oh."
"He wouldn't stop talking about you."
Luigi pulled away.
"I - I am so sorry."
"It's true then." He muttered. "He's really gone."
She didn't have the words to form a response.
He glanced down at her dress. "You should get ready for your wedding."
"It's never gonna happen." She folded her arms. "Because I have a plan that will get us out of here. You'll finally be free."
"What's the point?"
"The point?" Peach stared at him incredulously. "My kingdom will be saved. Bowser will finally stop tormenting everyone. You'll finally get to go back home."
"I can't go home without Mario!" His voice cracked. "He told me- He told me we would stay together. I can't go back without him."
"Luigi I-"
"But he's gone. So what's the point? Tell me Princess, what's the point of even trying?" He finally made eye contact with her. There was no emotion, no life behind those clear blue eyes, silently refusing to acknowledge the tears pooling down his cheeks. He had completely lost hope.
"He would want us to keep fighting." She said firmly. "He would want you to live your life and be free."
"Don't talk about my brother." He warned, his voice quiet, yet oddly dangerous. "Leave me be."
And so she did.
He had only meant to leave his room for a minute. It was a distraction, a way to avoid staring at the decorations, and the velvet rugs and the king sized bed. It was an amazing room, and Luigi hated it.
He hated it because it reminded him of why he was here. It was a golden cage trapping him inside. He would forever be a prisoner, no matter how nice his bedroom was.
Now that he had returned after his run in with the Princess, he could only stare at every decoration with disgust. The curtains in particular, were his current focus. The way they shook in the light air, with Bowser's insignia sewn in the middle parting.
Luigi didn't remember walking towards it. But he did remember ripping it off the windows. He ripped and tore it apart, watching Bowser's hideous face destroy in seconds. With another satisfying pull, it was nothing more than fabric and string. But he wasn't satisfied. He moved towards the nearest object in his sight. A hand sized mirror on his bedside table. He reached for it, and threw it against the wall in one strong motion.
It shattered immediately on impact. Glass shards dotted the floors into tiny sparkles. He didn't dare move closer for fear of hurting himself. Not that it mattered.
A broken sob escaped him as soon as he crumpled to his knees.
He wept.
That night, he saw Mario in his dreams.