Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He was something of a fixture at the Mushroom Castle. The tall, thin shadow haunted the marble hallways like a ghost. Though not quite as tall as Queen Peach, he still towered over the toads. Tilly remembered when the Queen and Mario, her husband, had brought him to live in the castle. She had only been hired to work there a few weeks previously, and she still hadn’t gotten used to just how tall humans were. Even King Mario, who was apparently very short for a human male, seemed like a giant.

Most of the castle toads tried to ignore or outright avoided the lean man and the constant cloud of grief he carried with him. Even so, some of the older members of the court, those who had known him from before, always went out of their way to treat him kindly. Toad and Toadette were especially attentive to him and never missed an opportunity to speak to him, even if he never spoke back. Even on his worst days, when he couldn’t even acknowledge them, they still tried to reach him. Old Toadsworth treated him like his own grandson, and saw him when he could, though the old toad was much less mobile than he used to be. All three of the latter retainers would glare daggers at anyone they heard whispering behind the green shadow’s back.

***

The door to the castle kitchens burst open and the newest castle maid stormed in with a huff, hefting a large laundry basket full of dishcloths and towels. “Ugh! That guy gives me the creeps! They really should have him institutionalized!”

The Head Maid turned to her with narrowed eyes. “If you are referring to Master Luigi, I suggest you stop right there, Rosa. Luigi has done too much for the Mushroom Kingdom to be spoken of so disrespectfully.”

One of the cooks, a blue-capped toad, snorted. “Really? He was never that impressive. Mostly just cowered behind his brother, didn’t he? Mario always protected us just fine on his own.”

“That isn’t true!” asserted the Head Maid. “Luigi assisted Mario on many missions. Besides, Mario wouldn't even be here anymore if it wasn’t for Luigi! Don’t you remember the King Boo incidents?” She looked at him pointedly.

The cook merely shrugged and returned to his work, but another toad with a yellow cap shuddered. “I certainly do,” he muttered.

The Head Maid raised her brows. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be on guard duty?”

“’M on break,” the yellow capped toad answered through a mouthful of doughnut.

“Well, anyway,” she continued, “We have no right to judge. Not after what he’s been through. And be glad I’m more forgiving than Toad. If he heard you talking about Master Luigi like that, he might smack you!”

“Nah, Toad would never do that,” chimed in the yellow guard toad. “He’d just get you fired. Now, Toadette would probably deck you if she overheard you talking bad about Luigi. Then she’d get you fired.”

“Okay, okay, I get it,” said Rosa defensively. “I’m sorry. I’m sure he’s suffering and all that. It’s just that, he startled me as I walked around the corner and made me drop the laundry basket. Some of the towels fell out and I had to re-fold them. I was frustrated. And then, he just walked right on past me with a blank stare, as though nothing had happened!”

The guard toad grimaced. “Not one of his better days, then. Don’t take it personally. He probably didn’t realize you were there. He’s really a very considerate person. He’s just…not in his right mind. It’s really no surprise he cracked. He never was a very strong person.”

The Head Maid turned to the guard angrily. “Not you, too! How could you say that? Weren’t you there for one of those King Boo fiascos? At that hotel?”

“Hey, hey, calm down!” the yellow toad attempted to placate her, “I’m not bad-mouthing Luigi! He saved my life at that hotel! He always came through when it really mattered. It’s just that, you have to admit he was never that strong. At least not emotionally. And after…what happened, it’s not surprising he cracked, that’s all I’m saying.”

Tilly bowed her lavender cap and quietly washed dishes in the corner, listening to the conversation uneasily. She had to admit that Luigi was unsettling at times, but she couldn’t help but pity him. The very sight of him nearly broke her heart.

***

Tilly remembered that day two years ago, when she was still a new hire. Queen Peach and King Mario brought Luigi back from Sarasaland. He had looked awful, pale and hunched over, his eyes dazed and unfocused. His left eye had been a little red and puffy, no doubt from crying. His jaw and right eye were both swollen and bruised. He had walked with a limp, favoring his right leg. He leaned on Mario for support. A ghostly dog trailed sadly behind them.

He stayed sequestered in his room for the first week, until that horrible night when she heard screams and yelling and Luigi had been rushed to the hospital. She only saw him for a few moments, as King Mario rushed past her in the hallway, carrying Luigi in his arms. Though it happened so fast, she remembered the ghastly sight of Luigi’s chest covered in blood.

The next week had been tense. Mario rarely left the hospital during that time. On the one occasion Tilly saw him in the castle, he had been rushing past her with a grim expression and clenched jaw.

Luigi eventually came back to his new home at the castle, looking pallid and wan, but alive. King Mario had already forbidden the staff to give Luigi any knives or sharp objects. Gossip ran rampant throughout the castle. The toads were never given any details, but they could put two and two together.

Tilly shook herself out of her grim memories and sighed. She recalled something Toadette had once said. The death of Luigi’s wife broke him. Losing his child three years afterwards had shattered the remaining pieces.

***

He had good days and bad days. On his worst days, nothing could make him leave his bed, not even the gentle pleadings of King Mario or the soft whining of his polterpup could coax him out. He would tremble and weep underneath the covers, or else lay there listless, staring blankly at the wall or ceiling. Some of the castle toads preferred these days; when he would just stay out of sight and stop troubling their happy kingdom with his constant miasma of gloom. Of course, the drawback was that the queen and her husband were always extra worried on these days. Too worried and stressed to cover their emotions with fabricated cheerfulness.

Most days the green man just wandered through the castle with a blank expression, or else followed the king consort around like a shadow, but Mario never objected. Queen Peach and King Mario would fuss over him, and try to get him to eat, with varying success depending on the day. Though despite their dedicated efforts, it was clear from his frame that the man never ate enough.

Sometimes he would drop to the floor without warning, curling in on himself, his body trembling and wracked with sobs. He would stay like that until someone found him, sooner or later. Mario would be fetched immediately, and the shorter man would attempt to console his distraught brother. He would tenderly rub Luigi’s back and speak soothing words in their first language. The grieving man would eventually sit up, hiccupping, and allow Mario to lift him up and lead him back to his room. The length of this entire process varied, sometimes taking ten minutes, other times taking hours. If Mario was unavailable, Queen Peach would substitute, singing the man soft lullabies and softly rocking him until he calmed down, her own eyes and face wet with tears.

During one such breakdown, a huge panic erupted in the castle because the queen and king were both out. Toadette had done her very best to soothe the broken man, but it wasn’t until the young princess intervened that his sobs subsided. She rubbed her zio’s back and sang softly in Italian. He finally settled down and held his niece close.

Luigi’s reactions to little princess Bella were somewhat unpredictable. She usually had a soothing effect on him, but at times her presence seemed to trigger something in him, and he would flee from her or even break down. But in such instances, the small girl was never offended. Wise beyond her years, she would smile sadly and give him space. She understood. He loved her, but she reminded him of another small girl. A little princess he would never see again.

On his best days, he was almost normal. He would read in the library. He would try to make himself useful by cleaning or fixing the castle’s old pipes, even when the queen insisted there was no need. She would implore him not to work too hard, saying that Mario or one of the castle toads could take care of it and wouldn’t he please eat something? When he finished, she would take his hand and drag him to the kitchen, where she would sit him down and present him with an enormous slice of cake. He would nibble at it while she prattled on about cheerful things.

He would take walks in the garden, often accompanied by his strange ghost dog. He always stopped to view a certain memorial, a large marble statue of a beautiful woman, holding hands with a small girl. They danced in suspended motion, spinning in a circle with flowers all around them. The gorgeously carved marble captured expressions of pure delight on the two subjects’ faces. The Toad gardeners and palace workers all loved this spot. At least, they loved it when he wasn’t roaming the area. He frequently gazed up wistfully at the memorial or else rested on the nearby bench, absently petting his polterpup. Some days, he would even curl up at the statue’s base to take a nap.

Even on his best days, he never spoke, but his eyes were clear and focused, and he would listen. He still enjoyed following King Mario around, and the king welcomed his company. They would talk for many hours. At least, Mario would speak. Luigi would listen, nodding or shaking his head as appropriate. Some days, Mario even managed to coax a soft smile from his brother. The King Consort was always excessively proud of himself on such days.

Two years had passed since Luigi came to live with his brother’s family in the Mushroom Kingdom. He was still technically a prince consort of Sarasaland, even without his princess, but he never visited his previous home.

***

Tilly hummed to herself as she took a stroll in the gardens, enjoying the birdsong and the vibrant colors. She stopped when she came to the statue of the flower princess and gazed up at it sadly for a moment before turning around and resuming her walk. She was on break, and it was such a beautiful day. She was admiring the flowers and not bothering to look where she was going when she bumped into something solid and fell back on her bottom. She groaned and looked up, freezing when she saw Luigi blinking back at her. He sat on the ground across from her looking slightly dazed, but he gasped and got to his knees, hastily gathering the flowers he had apparently dropped.

Tilly jumped up, overflowing with apologies. “M-master Luigi! I’m so sorry! Totally my fault! I’m such a klutz, I wasn’t even paying attention to where I was going!”

Luigi gave no indication that he heard her, too busy with his task. Tilly gulped and started assisting him with the flowers. She carefully gathered up daisies, sunbeams, lilies, and pale pink roses. She arranged them as best as she could and handed them back to him so he could re-form his bouquet. The two blinked at each other awkwardly. A pleasant breeze ruffled his graying hair and blew her plait about. Tilly’s face flushed with embarrassment, but at least Luigi didn’t appear to be angry with her. His weary blue eyes dropped back down to his bouquet, relieved that there was no harm done. He then looked up at the statue of his deceased family.

Tilly wasn’t sure what she should do next, but the silence was getting far too uncomfortable. “A-are those flowers for the memorial?” she inquired hesitantly.

Luigi looked down at her and nodded. Tilly smiled kindly. “They’re beautiful,” she said sincerely. “I’m sure Princess Daisy will love them. Princess Fiora, too.”

Luigi swallowed hard and his eyes welled up with tears. He tried to blink them away unsuccessfully before giving Tilly a grateful nod. He then shuffled past her and laid the flowers at the statue’s base.

***

“Fiorella.”

“Huh? Fio…rella?”

He grinned. “It means ‘little flower!’”

“Hmmm… That’s sweet, but I dunno… How about Fiora? Doesn’t that mean flower?”

He chuckled softly. “No, no. Close, but that’s Fiore. Fiore means flower.”

“But Fiora sounds cuter.”

“'Fiora' is pretty cute.”

“What sort of nicknames could we give her? Fi? Fi Fi? Fio?”

“Fia!”

“Oh, that’s adorable! We’re totally doing that.”

Another chuckle. “But we don’t even know if it’s a bambina yet! It could be a bambino.”

“Yo, kid! Kick if you’re a girl and your name is Fiora! Oh, that was definitely a yes!”

Chapter Text

Mario sensed something very wrong even before he heard the shrill scream of a castle Toad. Realizing that the horrified sound came from the vicinity of his brother's room, Mario wasted no time as he ran to find the sound's origin. Once he reached his destination, he discovered several toads staring in horror at the river of blood streaming from underneath Luigi's door. Mario shoved a toad retainer aside and banged on the door. "LUIGI!" he screamed as he tried in vain to open the locked entrance. When no response came from the other side, Mario forced the door open with a powerful kick.

The sight before Mario made his blood run cold. His little brother lay in a pool of blood. Ugly gashes all over Luigi's chest oozed with the life-sustaining liquid. Luigi's eyes were dull and unfocused. A steady trickle of blood leaked from Luigi's open mouth. A large chef's knife lay next to the younger brother's unmoving fingers, stained and dripping with the sticky red substance.

"No," Mario gasped. "No! Luigi!" He gathered his brother's ice-cold body in his arms, not caring about the blood staining his own clothes and hands. He cradled Luigi and wept, begging his fratellino to wake up, but Mario knew he was too late.

***

"No!" Mario sat up gasping, his face wet with sweat and tears. His fearful blue eyes darted wildly around the room, taking a moment to remember where he was. A pale beam of moonlight shone cheerfully through the glass of the balcony doors. Someone next to him stirred.

"Mario," sounded the sleepy voice of his wife. She yawned loudly. "You okay, dear?"

Mario fought to steady his breathing, feeling ashamed for waking his queen. "I-I'm alright, Amore," He finally managed. He gulped. "I-I just need some air."

Peach, only half awake, sighed. "All right," she mumbled. Within minutes, she was snoring. Mario watched her for a moment with an amused smile, relieved that he hadn't disturbed her too badly.

His smile melted away as memories of his vivid dream crept uninvited into his mind. He carefully got out of bed and put on his slippers before tiptoeing out of his bedroom.

That awful night hadn't transpired exactly like his dream, thank the stars. Luigi had still been alive when Mario found him, albeit barely. Mario remembered tearing the sheets off of Luigi's bed and doing his best to stop the bleeding as he tried to ignore the gurgling sounds coming from Luigi's throat. He hadn't even noticed Toad coming into the room, but he had gratefully accepted the medicinal mushroom Toad had offered and shoved it into Luigi's mouth. He then had gathered Luigi into his arms and rushed him to Dr. Toadley's hospital.

Mario had almost lost his brother that night, but Dr. Toadley had thankfully been able to stabilize him. ("Would he have survived had you been a mere two minutes later? I say, he would not!") The combination of the mushroom's power, Mario's haste, and Dr. Toadley's skill had saved Luigi, but his chest was permanently scarred.

***

It took two days for Luigi to awaken. His eyes flickered and slowly blinked open with a confused look. Suddenly, they widened in shock, and he bolted up in his hospital bed, only to cry out in pain and gingerly poke at his heavily bandaged torso. He glanced around the stark, sterile hospital room until his eyes landed on his brother sitting to his right. Luigi gazed at his brother with apprehension and something akin to fear.

Mario felt all kinds of jumbled up emotions in that moment: Relief, joy, sadness, and even a sliver of hope. But one emotion managed to rise above them all. Anger.

"WHAT the HELL were you thinking? How could you? Don't I mean anything to you? Did it never occur to you how I might feel? Seeing you laying there in a pool of your own blood? Not knowing if you would survive? What if you'd actually got your wish, eh? You think everything would have just been fine and dandy if you had died? That I'd just pick up and move on like nothing happened?" His voice quieted without losing any intensity. "Do you think I would have gone a day without thinking of you, or blaming myself for not being there to stop you? Do you have any idea how scared I was, or how worried I've been?"

Tears streamed from Luigi's shocked eyes, and he shrunk back into his pillows, wincing at the pain in his chest that even a little movement caused. Mario's anger dissipated as quickly as it came, and he felt a pang of guilt in his heart as he looked at the broken man before him. Luigi's entire body quivered as he sobbed into his hands, and Mario cursed himself for losing his temper.

Mario slowly closed the gap between himself and Luigi and gently wrapped his younger brother in his arms. "I know you're hurting," Mario said in a quiet voice, sounding more vulnerable than Luigi had ever heard him before. "I-I know you're suffering more than I could ever imagine. I wish… I wish I could fix this. If there was a way to bring them back, I would do anything. But all I can do is mourn with you. It's not enough. I feel so useless."

Luigi shook his head emphatically. "No! Y-you're not! M-Mario, you're not…"

Mario continued, "I'm grieving too. I know it's not anything close to what you're feeling, but I miss her, too. Fiora. And Daisy. If I lost you, too, I… I don't think I could take it, little bro."

"I-I'm s-sorr-y," Luigi gasped. "I-I'm so s-sorry, Mario!" Mario smiled sadly and stroked Luigi's hair, not realizing that those would be the last words he'd hear his brother speak in a very long time.

"Shhh. Va bene, fratellino," Mario said gently as he slowly began to rock his brother. When Luigi's sobs slowed into shuddering breaths, Mario spoke again. "Luigi… So many people care about you. Please, promise me you'll never try to hurt yourself, again. I won't ask anything else of you. I… I just need you to live." Mario felt Luigi nod his head against Mario's shoulder. "Grazie. Ti voglio bene."

They sat together like that for a long time. Holding each other close as they wept. Mario briefly wondered if he was being just a bit selfish. Perhaps, in some twisted way, it would have been kinder to let Luigi go; to let him reunite with his wife and daughter. But he didn't save Luigi just for himself. He knew that so many people cared about Luigi, even if his brother didn't realize this himself. Peach, Toad, Toadette, Toadsworth, Yoshi, Bella and Matteo, Professor Gadd and Polterpup. All of them would grieve if they lost Luigi. Besides, he thought to himself, cracking a small smile no one else could see, Daisy had asked him three years ago to take care of Luigi for her. If Luigi passed away too soon, her vengeful spirit may have come after Mario. He didn't need that in his life.

***

Luigi kept his promise, but Mario still worried. For the first few months after Luigi's stay in the hospital, he had discreetly put Luigi on suicide watch, ensuring someone was watching his brother, even when Mario himself couldn't be there. After about three months had passed with no further attempts, Mario had relaxed a bit, but he still didn't dare allow Luigi access to any sharp or otherwise dangerous objects, at least unsupervised.

Luigi's condition gradually improved, though much of the damage to his body and mind was irreparable. He still had very dark days, when he was completely unresponsive, trapped in his own tortured mind. Or perhaps he wasn't really trapped, but rather escaping; hiding from his emotions in a desperate attempt to protect himself. Taking a break from the constant strain of his anguish. He had days when he would cower under his bedcovers, sobbing; or days when he would break down in the hallways, sometimes without warning. Mario didn't know what was more painful; the outbursts of grief, or the periods when Luigi showed no emotion at all.

But he had better days now, too. Days where he was responsive and expressive, even if he never spoke. Mario cherished those days. He remembered on one such day, the first time he saw Luigi smile since the green brother had lost his only child. It was about six months after Fiora's death, and Mario had been talking to Luigi about something silly. Some mischief they'd gotten into as boys. As Mario chuckled and asked Luigi if he remembered it, his brother had nodded and cracked a small smile. It was one of the most beautiful sights Mario had ever seen.

Mario approached the door to Luigi's bedroom, just around the corner from the bedroom Mario shared with Peach. He closed his eyes and shuddered at the memories of Luigi's self-inflicted stab wounds, a sight he knew he could never forget. Even if the memory began to fade, the sight of Luigi's scars would resurface the image in vivid detail. Luigi mostly took care of his own hygiene, but at his deepest lows, Mario sometimes needed to remind him or even aid him in the bath, where he would see the angry slash marks shining starkly against Luigi's skin.

Mario took a deep breath and quietly opened the door. He had to reassure himself that Luigi was alive and safe. He carefully entered the room and approached Luigi's sleeping form. Mario relaxed when he saw Luigi's calm face and the steady rise and fall of his chest, thankful that his little brother's sleep was peaceful and for once undisturbed by nightmares.

Mario smiled. He almost reached out to ruffle his brother's hair, but decided against it, not wanting to disturb his much-needed sleep. Mario soundlessly crept out of Luigi's room and made his way back to his own bedroom. Maybe it was selfish, but Mario needed his brother to live. Even if he was never again the same Luigi from before. Even if the green plumber's very mind and heart were in tatters, Mario needed his brother. As long as Luigi lived, it would be enough.

***

Mario confidently strode into the castle foyer, smiling encouragingly at his family gathered there. They didn't return his smile. Peach looked worried and his little ones looked sad. "Oh, come on now, why so glum?" he inquired cheerfully. There had been some skirmishes on the border. Ludwig had been stirring up trouble again, but Mario could handle it. Sure, he didn't fight nearly as often as he used to, but he still managed to keep in fighting shape.

Peach enveloped him in a warm hug. "Please be careful, Mario," she said softly. You're not as young as you used to be."

Mario looked slightly affronted. "Peachy! Come on, I'm only 39! I'm still in my prime! And I'll have backup!"

Peach managed a teary smile. "I know, I know. I just worry," she whispered.

Mario gave her a sad smile. "I'll be back before you know it! Be sure to look after Luigi while I'm gone."

She nodded. "Of course."

He turned to his children. He knelt and opened his arms up for a hug. "Okay, piccoli, you be good for your mama, eh?"

Bella and Matteo rushed into their father's embrace. "Come home, soon, papa," entreated Bella. But Matteo stiffened, looking at something behind Mario's back. Mario released his children and turned around quickly to see what was behind him. Luigi stood there, looking anxious.

Mario's eyes widened. He thought that Luigi was still in bed. He managed a smile and approached his brother. "Buon giorno, Luigi!" he said cheerfully, "You here to see me off, too?" Luigi stepped forward and embraced his brother, trembling slightly. "Now, now, not you, too. It's just a simple mission. A little trouble at the border. I just need to remind those Koopas that the Mushroom Kingdom is still under the protection of Super Mario, you know?" Luigi broke the hug and looked away, blinking back his tears. Mario sighed and put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I'll come back, Weege, I promise."

Luigi looked back at Mario. He didn't look completely convinced, but he gave a slight nod and hugged his brother once more. Peach, also looking slightly teary, came forward and put her arm around Luigi comfortingly.

Mario was halfway down the castle's walkway when he heard footsteps hurrying to catch up with him. He spun around and saw Luigi approaching him with a determined expression.

"Bro?" Mario inquired. "What do you need?" Luigi just looked at Mario, willing his older brother to understand. "Are you...? Do you want to come with me?" Luigi nodded seriously. Mario gazed at his brother, unsure. On the one hand, he was happy to see his brother acting a bit like his old self, and he was grateful for Luigi's concern. He wished he could take Luigi with him, but he knew it wouldn't be possible. Luigi's mental instability could put himself and others in danger, and his too-thin body wasn't exactly in fighting shape.

Mario smiled sadly at his brother. "Thank you, Bro. I mean it. But I need you to stay here, where you'll be safe. I won't be alone. I'm bringing some Toad soldiers with me."

Luigi looked at him skeptically and Mario could help but grin. "Oh, come on! You know I've been training them up. They're quite capable. And Yoshi's meeting us on the way. You know he can handle himself in a fight." Luigi sighed and looked at his feet, but he didn't try to argue. Mario squeezed his brother's hand. "Bye, Luigi. I'll be back soon." Mario turned and left quickly. Luigi stood there and looked after his brother until long after Mario was out of sight.

***

Mario returned four days later, gingerly rubbing his injured shoulder. "K-King Mario?" The young Toad walking next to him piped up. Mario looked down to meet the Toad's eyes. "Are you alright?"

Mario smiled kindly. "I'm alright, Kino. Just a little sore." Maybe he was just a bit past his prime. The fight had given him more trouble than he had anticipated. Not that he would let Peach or anyone else know.

Mario glanced around at the group of ten Toads that accompanied him. Thankfully, there had been no casualties, but several of his soldiers had been injured. The two with the worst injuries rode atop Yoshi's back. The friendly dinosaur was doing his best not to jostle his passengers, but they still gave occasional winces. Mario turned his head and looked down the path worriedly. This was getting out of hand. He needed to contact Bowser and speak with him about the eldest Koopaling's behavior. Mario groaned inwardly. He was not looking forward to that.

The group marched into Toad Town, greeted by a chorus of thunderous applause. Everywhere Mario looked, Toads cheered and jumped up and down with irrepressible excitement. One Toad squealed, "Long live King Mario!" Mario suppressed a grimace and plastered on a cheery smile as he waved to the Toad citizens. He really wasn't in the mood for this, but he had to keep up appearances.

Another Toad shouted, "Hooray for our heroes! Our heroes have returned!" Mario smiled a bit more genuinely as he nodded and gestured to Yoshi and his soldiers, happy the Toads weren't giving sole credit to their king.

Mario forgot his weariness as the group approached the castle gate, where Queen Peach and their children stood ready to greet them. Mario smiled adoringly at the love of his life, who responded with a radiant smile of her own. Mario and the Toads bowed to their queen. After a moment, she gently bade them to rise and took Mario's hands in her own. She bent down and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips as the congregated Toads exploded into more cheers. Bella and Matteo happily skipped forward to hug their father. Peach smiled at her subjects and held her hands up for quiet. "This is indeed a joyous day. My beloved husband and his brave companions have once again protected our kingdom and returned home safely. This is indeed cause for celebration!" The Toads erupted into more ovations, but Peach held up a hand once more, signifying that she had yet more to say. "However, I ask that you all be patient. Celebrations are in order, but first please allow our heroes some time to rest and recover from their injuries. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for supporting me, my family, and our brave soldiers."

Mario gave his wife a grateful smile as the Toads began to disperse. Peach embraced her husband gently. "Welcome home, Mario! I just finished decorating a cake for you." she said cheerfully.

Matteo fist pumped while Bella jumped up and down with enthusiasm. "Yahoo! Cake!"

Mario beamed and Peach giggled as they turned to cross the castle moat. They approached the castle entrance, and Mario looked up when he heard the castle's heavy doors opening. A green blur rushed at him, nearly tackling him to the ground. Mario struggled to stay upright, trying not to wince at the pain in his shoulder. It took him a minute to register what was happening, but he soon recognized his brother's green shirt and returned the hug. All thought of pain left him when he felt his brother trembling in his arms, crying softly in relief. "M-m-ari-o," Luigi whispered, voice weak from lack of use. But to Mario, it was one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard.

***

"Lu-Luigi?"

"Yes, mia principessa?"

"A-are you afraid? Are you scared I won't make it?"

"Please don't talk like that!"

"Heh. So you are. B-but you shouldn't be. I'm not. "D-Do you know why?"

Anguished blue eyes gazed into hers intently, but he couldn't find any words to say.

She continued. "It's because I know that you and Fiora will still have each other. I know that you will always take care of her, and... protect her."

"D-Daisy, stop! Why are you saying such things? You'll get better. You're the strongest person I know."

"And you are the strongest person that I know."

A nervous giggle. "OK. That's the fever talking."

"No, I'm serious. And it's a good thing, because I need you to be strong for me, okay? For Fia? I need you to love her for both of us, okay?"

"D-Daisy..."

"Hey, now, no crying for me. Even if I d-die, I'll still be with you. I'll be your guardian angel or whatever crap you're supposed to say in this situation." She giggled weakly. "I'm not sure I'm cut out to be an angel, but I'll do my damnedest! At least I'm good looking, right? Aren't angels supposed to be pretty?"

"...P-please... Please stop... D-don't joke about this. I-I can't..."

"I'm sorry," she whispered. She weakly held out her arms for him, and he gently took his ailing wife in his arms.

"I love you, Luigi. I love you so, so much.

Chapter Text

"Well, hello Luigi! You're right on time! I've been expecting you. I see that you're trembling as usual, though for once your trembling stems from rage rather than fear. Pure, unadulterated rage. I think I may prefer you this way. I was growing bored of our same old routine. Did you like the surprise I left for you?"

"…Why… H-how could you-?"

"Why? Well, it was all part of my plan to destroy you, of course. What? Are you shocked? Did you think it would not come to this? That I would never stoop to this level? Fool! What's the life of one child to me, eh? When you've been dead for as long as I have, you realize how inconsequential life really is."

"H-how dare…"

"Oh, but I do dare! And do you know what the best part of this is? No matter what happens next, I've already won. You can't even avenge her, because I can't die! HA! Do you understand now? Even if you and that idiot professor do manage to capture me again, you can't kill me. I'll just sit in my prison, relishing the memory of you cradling her lifeless body, the look of pure despair on your face!"

"Y-you…!"

"Curse me all you want, but you only have yourself to blame. You drove me to it. For ten years now we've been playing this tiresome game of cat and mouse. But I finally found a way to beat you. I realized that there is more than one way to destroy a man. How long do you think it will take, hmmm? How long before the memory of your failure completely crushes you? How long before you go completely mad? Ha ha! You see now? I've done it. I've beaten you, Luigi. I'VE FINALLY WON!"

***

Matteo slid down the banister of the grand staircase at top speed, giggling all the way. When he reached the bottom, he kicked off the post at the end of the banister and jumped high in the air, performing a flip before landing expertly right in front of the Head Maid. She gasped. "Prince Matteo! Be careful! You could break your neck!"

But the other Toad maids giggled and clapped. The one called Tilly winked at Matteo. "Thanks for taking care of the dusting for us, your highness!" she said cheerfully.

The Head Maid frowned. "I'm not sure we should be encouraging this."

Just then, King Mario came rushing toward the staircase with a worried look on his face. Matteo jumped up and down in excitement and ran forward to meet his father. "Papa, Papa! Did you see? Did you see my jump?" He looked up at Mario with shining, expectant eyes.

Mario blinked down at his son for a moment before shaking his head. "Eh, sorry Teo, I wasn't paying attention. I'm in a big hurry."

"But why?" inquired Matteo. "I thought we were going to play catch today." He pointed a small finger to an open palace window and beamed. "The sun is shining so nice and warm! It's perfect."

Mario sighed with some frustration as he brushed past his son and began climbing the staircase. "Teo, I told you, I can't right now!"

Matteo stomped his foot and pouted, giving his father a look of betrayal that only a five-year-old could muster. "You promised, papa!" he shouted.

Mario paused mid-step and his eyes widened in remembrance. He turned and gazed at his son. "I-I did, didn't I?" Matteo nodded, angry pout still in place. An uncomfortable silence permeated the castle foyer. The Head Maid shooed the younger maids away, wishing to give the king and prince some privacy.

Mario stared at Matteo guiltily for a moment, completely torn. His head began to swivel back and forth between Matteo and the upper landing in an almost comical fashion. After a few more moments, he sighed tiredly and closed his eyes. He descended back down the staircase and knelt facing his son in order to meet him at eye-level. "Teo, I'm so sorry. But your zio… He's having a hard time right now. This is a difficult day for him…and he needs me. I promise I'll play with you as soon as I can, but Luigi needs me more right now. Can you be a big boy and be patient?"

Matteo bit his lower lip and looked away, trying to hold back a tear. "Isn't Zio Luigi always having a hard time?" the boy mumbled sulkily.

Mario narrowed his eyes, and his lips formed a thin line beneath his mustache. "Matteo," he warned sternly.

Matteo gave a small sigh and turned back to his father regretfully. "I'm sorry, Papa. I didn't mean it. I-I know why he's so sad all the time."

Mario gave a sigh of his own and put a hand gently on his small son's shoulder. "Do you know what today is?" he asked softly.

Matteo shrugged. "I know it's June, 'cause it's almost Bella's birthday."

Mario nodded and smiled briefly. "Yes, your sister's birthday is coming up, but she's not the only member of our family to have a June birthday." He paused to give Matteo an opportunity to respond, but the little boy merely stared down at his toes. Mario continued, "Bella's birthday is on the 29th, but today is the 20th." Mario swallowed down the heavy lump in his throat. "It's your… Well, it would have been your cousin's seventh birthday."

Matteo lifted his bright blue eyes to meet his father's matching orbs. "Fia…" the boy said in a near-whisper. Mario nodded in confirmation. "It's her birthday today, and Zio Luigi is extra sad because he was her papa, and he can't see her anymore." Matteo concluded as he dropped his gaze.

Mario smiled sadly and repeated his earlier question. "Can you wait for me just a little longer?" Matteo gave a solemn nod, and Mario's smile turned just a little bit more cheerful. "Hey, now, chin up!" He gently tapped Matteo's nose and the little boy looked back up at his papa. "Thank you, piccolo," Mario continued. He gave Matteo a quick hug before turning to dash back up the stairs.

Matteo sadly watched his father leave. He remembered a time when he was very small, his uncle would often visit and stay at their castle, and Matteo's family would occasionally visit Luigi at his castle far away. Luigi was never alone, though. Fia would always be with him. The little girl was just a year older than Matteo, and a year younger than his sister, Bella. The nearly inseparable trio spent many happy, carefree days playing and laughing together.

Luigi was different back then. His eyes always carried a trace of sorrow, and he often seemed sad, but he was also kind and knew how to have fun. He would ruffle Matteo's hair and play in the gardens with the children and his Polterpup, who was just about the coolest dog in existence. (Matteo had begged his parents for a ghost dog of his own, but apparently, they were very rare, and Luigi acquired his Polterpup quite by accident.)

Then came that awful day when their lives changed forever.

***

On a cold late winter's day, Matteo found his mother crying in her sitting room. A frigid downpour pattered against the windows, accompanying her mournful sobs. She told him that Fia was with Aunt Daisy now and Papa had already left for Sarasaland to be with Zio Luigi. She would be following Papa later that evening. Matteo didn't completely understand what was happening, but he knew that his mother was sad and Fia was gone. His cousin and friend, who never failed to make him laugh or cheer him up with her funny faces when he was sad. The little princess who could run and throw even better than he could.

"But why are you so sad, Mama? Fia will come back soon, right?"

Peach's face crumpled as she let out a sob and shook her head. "No, Matteo," she said miserably, "She's not coming back."

Matteo's eyes widened as the gravity of his mother's words hit him. "W-will I ever see her again?"

Peach hesitated. "I…I don't know Matteo. I wish… I-I hope we'll meet Fia and her mother again someday… But it won't be for a long, long time."

Matteo looked up at his mother sorrowfully as tears pricked his eyes. Peach scooped the three-year-old up into her arms and they wept together.

About a week later, Matteo watched from his third story window as his parents returned from Sarasaland with an inconsolable Luigi in tow. Matteo's uncle was broken in more ways than one. He was clearly quite badly hurt, as he needed Mario's support just to walk. His expression, at least what Matteo could see of it, conveyed utter heartbreak.

During Luigi's first months as a permanent resident of Peach's castle, Matteo wasn't sure how he should feel about his uncle. This new Luigi was completely different from the kind, personable uncle who always greeted Matteo and Bella with such warmth. Now, Luigi even scared Matteo at times, especially on those days when the former was unresponsive with his blank stare.

Mama and Papa seemed to have less and less time for Matteo now. They were always fussing over Zio Luigi when they weren't busy governing the kingdom.

One spring day, a few months after Luigi's arrival, Bella found her little brother furiously throwing stones into the garden's koi pond, his eyes filled with bitter tears.

"Teo, stop!" she cried out as she approached him, "you might hit a fish!" Matteo paused, his fist poised to launch another rock, but he sulkily dropped it in the grass at Bella's admonition. She worriedly glanced into the pool and observed with relief that the fish appeared safe, having fled to the other side of the pond. She turned back to her three-year-old brother, who was sitting in the grass with his knees drawn up to his chin, glowering at the innocently floating water lilies. Her green eyes studied Matteo bemusedly as she softly sat down next to him. "What's wrong? A-are you okay?" she inquired.

Matteo seemed to ignore her at first, but after a moment he grumbled, "Papa was supposed to take us to the park today, but now he says he can't because he needs to help Zio. The boy gave a frustrated sigh. "I know he's sad that Fia is gone, but he shouldn't take Papa from us! Or make Mama sad! Mama and Papa are always sad now. Toby is right. He should just stay in his room."

Bella frowned but said nothing, opting to gaze at the flower beds across the pond. After a few moments, Matteo turned to look at his sister, his expression now less angry and more perplexed. "Why doesn't Zio Luigi talk to us anymore, Bella?"

Bella exhaled sadly and looked back at her brother, managing a small, melancholy smile. She abruptly stood up and held out her hand. "C'mon, Matteo, let's go for a walk." Matteo looked at her with confusion, but complied, taking her hand and falling into step beside her.

The young prince and princess walked in companionable silence to the other side of the garden, where they soon approached a newly installed statue. Matteo smiled. "You want to look at the new statue? I like it too. That princess looks so happy, and the little girl looks like Fia!"

Bella gazed at the statue sadly. "That's because it is Fia. The flower princess is her mom, Princess Daisy, who was married to Zio Luigi. I know you don't remember Zia Daisy because she got sick and died when you were just a baby." She paused before adding regretfully, "I don't really remember her either, because I was so little." The children sat down on the bench facing the memorial. Bella continued, "Mama told me the statue is supposed to show that Aunt Daisy and Fia are together again and happy. But… Zio Luigi is sad because he was left behind." She turned to her brother earnestly, "You see Teo, he doesn't mean to frighten you or take Mama and Papa away, he's just really sad because his family went to Heaven, and he can't see them anymore. We're the only family he has left, so we must always be kind and patient with him."

Matteo gazed solemnly at the statue, knowing that his cousin would want him to get along with her papa. "Okay, Fia," he thought, "I'll try." He then turned back to his sister with a solemn, earnest nod.

***

Matteo and Bella embraced Mario, wishing that their papa didn't have to go. As Bella entreated their father to come home soon, Matteo glanced over Mario's shoulder and stiffened. Zio Luigi stood there with his hands anxiously clasped.

Sensing someone behind him, Mario gently released his children and stood before turning to face his worried brother. After pausing for a moment in surprise, Mario approached Luigi. "Buon giorno, Luigi! You here to see me off, too?" As his weary blue eyes filled with tears, Luigi closed the gap between them and enveloped his shorter brother in an almost desperate embrace. Mario gently returned the hug. "Now, now, not you, too. It's just a simple mission. A little trouble at the border. I just need to remind those Koopas that the Mushroom Kingdom is still under the protection of Super Mario, you know?" Luigi sniffled as he broke the hug. Mario gently placed a hand on his taller brother's shoulder, promising that he would return. Luigi nodded slightly and gave his fratello one last hug. Peach put a comforting arm around her brother-in-law and gave her husband an encouraging, albeit tearful smile.

After Mario departed, his family stood together for a few moments, wistfully gazing at the large mahogany door that had just shut behind him. Suddenly, Luigi gently broke free of Peach and wordlessly rushed to the front door, opened it, and ran after his brother. Peach gasped slightly in surprise and reached out for him. She took a few steps toward the castle entrance, but then thought better of it and flagged down one of the castle toads. She instructed her servant to give Luigi space, but discreetly keep an eye on him to ensure that no harm came to the green plumber.

The next day, Matteo found his uncle sitting at one of the castle's front windows, his mustache unkempt and his lined face sporting at least a day's worth of black and white stubble. "Zio Luigi," he entreated, "It's almost dinner time. Won't you come eat with us?" Luigi stayed silent as he continued to gaze though the glass panes. Matteo walked up to his uncle's side. "Mama missed you at dinner yesterday. W-we all did." When there was still no answer, Matteo reached out and gently took Luigi's hand. "I miss Papa, too," the boy said sadly, "but don't worry, Zio! He'll come back! My Papa is unstoppable! He can do anything!" Luigi still didn't speak or turn from the window, but he did give Matteo's hand a gentle squeeze. Matteo returned the squeeze with a small smile. "I-if you want, Zio, I can sit with you and keep you company. But we should go eat dinner first. Please? For Mama and Bella? Luigi blinked his sunken eyes and slowly turned from the window to meet his nephew's wide, pleading orbs. The man managed a small nod and stood, hand still clasping his little nephew's. Together, they made their way to the dining room.

***

Mario's return a few days later brought his family great joy and relief. It also marked a breakthrough for Luigi. To the delight of his family and friends, Luigi spoke for the first time in over two years. In the following months, Luigi continued to improve. He talked very little, and always in a soft, halting voice, but as Peach said, very little is better than not at all. Some days, Mario even managed to elicit a soft laugh from his brother. The king consort was always excessively proud of himself on such days. On his good days, Luigi would ruffle Matteo's hair and watch the young prince play with Polterpup in the gardens, almost like old times.

On a warm late summer's day, Matteo and Bella played fetch with Polterpup while Luigi sat nearby at Daisy's and Fiora's memorial and kept an eye on them. Or perhaps they were keeping an eye on him. Sometimes it was hard to tell. A cheery, red-faced Matteo ran up to their uncle with a bouncy blue ball. Polterpup and Bella chased after him. "Zio!" the boy panted excitedly, "You don't have to sit here all by yourself! Do you want to play with us?" Luigi smiled kindly but shook his head, indicating that he preferred to watch for the moment.

Matteo intended to return to his game, but suddenly stopped when he saw an unfamiliar figure approaching. The tall, broad-shouldered man wore fine clothes and a gold crown set with rubies. He was also very old. No, more than old. Matteo's papa and zio were old. This man must have been positively ancient. The newcomer's tan face was etched with lines and wrinkles. His hair was mostly pure white, save for a few streaks of auburn. The golden tip of his cane was carved with intricate floral patterns.

Bella also stopped her activity to observe the stranger. Luigi, curious, turned around to see what the children were looking at. He froze at the sight of the elderly royal, his eyes widening in terrified shock.

The newcomer hesitated for a moment under their scrutiny, then continued his approach. He paused and smiled sadly at Luigi, speaking in a soft, gentle voice, "Hello, son. It's been a long time."

***

"Weege, can you look at me?" Mario gasped. "Who did this to you? Was it-?

Luigi shook his battered head miserably. "It doesn't matter. I deserved it. I d-deserve s-so m-much worse."

Mario gently, but firmly gripped his younger brother's shoulders. "No. Don't you dare say that, Luigi. This wasn't your fault!"

"I-I f-failed. F-Fia…"

"You did all you could. It was King Boo. King Boo is responsible and no one else!"

"DON'T YOU GET IT? It was because of ME! She was targeted because of ME!" Luigi let out an anguished scream. It's my fault! "I-I didn't p-protect her. My own daughter. And now she's gone. I-I promised her, Mario! I promised myself and Daisy that I would always protect her. M-my little girl… Oh God, Mario. It's my fault. And I'll never forgive myself. IT'S ALL MY FAULT!"

"Don't do this to yourself, fratello. You did everything you could." Mario frantically searched for any words that might comfort his brother now. "King Boo is gone now. You beat him."

"It doesn't matter! I was too late. W-why? W-why didn't he just kill me? I wish he had just killed me!"