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Chapter Text

The skin felt itchy and it forced blue eyes to open with some difficulty, which quickly closed at the sting he received. Light everywhere, hitting him in full force. Like a train rushing towards him, he can't move and can only close his eyes and wait for the impact. That's how the owner of the blue eyes felt. Something's wrong, Luigi thought, but it hurts to think. It hurt so much. An unexpected soreness punishing every breath he took, every beat of heart. His entire body feels heavy and flushed. Where I am? He thought again, several seconds later. His heart started to beat faster in tune of the ticking of a clock far away from him. He heard another sound, softer this time, a sound he couldn't identify. He felt relieved, his body spasming as the tension slipped away. I'm not alone. Came the hopeful thought. That's all it took to calm the plumber down enough to fall asleep again, a sigh escaping his lips without his knowledge.

Red eyes glanced up to the body stretched out on the hospital bed at the sigh. The figure noticed the lack of a grimace on the human's face, his extremely weak body relaxing comfortably in the white sheets and ignorant of the bandages covering almost his entire body. He's still sleeping. Good. 

The King put aside the book he's been reading during his visits, moving to inspect closer the strange human.  Three days passed since he - it is a male, isn't it? - appeared with his skin bright red and swollen, clothes that were so torn and black that were barely recognisable. It was practically a miracle the human was alive when his Dry Bones found him, quickly bringing him into his castle. When his healers and Kamek arrived at his call, the human had long stopped reacting to his surroundings. He didn't seem to be aware about where he was or who was with him. Luckily, they managed to stabilise him, although it took hours and a lot of energy from everyone present. And it didn't stop there as his skin still had blisters and bleedings they had to take care of. The King remained outside while they tended to the human's injuries, not used to seeing so much blood and burns. Koopas don't burn. He never... never thought humans were that fragile. Peach has never looked so pale and still, which he hoped to never see if even this mysterious human made him feel like this.

It scared him, it shook him more than he wished it did, constricting his breathing and making him tremble all over while outside of the room. Unable to help. He needed time to calm himself before he entered the infirmary, refusing to let Junior his own entry. His kid should never see something like this. 

Shaking his head from the troublesome thoughts, as if he were getting rid of cobwebs stuck persistently in his mind, Bowser was back to the present. He quietly asked for his adviser, hoping the old magikoopa would appear silently as he didn't wish for the human to wake up just yet, not when he was in such a bad shape. And appear silently he did.

"Yes, sire?" Kamek asked after the smoke cleared, already knowing what would the King ask. And as always, his answer would be the same to their eternal frustration.

"Have they accepted?" 

Kamek hesitated before shaking his head. Disappointed but not surprised. "Negative, sire." 

Bowser huffed in annoyance, his internal heat bubbling at the rage he was feeling. Unfair. This is how he felt about this situation he's been thrust into. They tried so many times and in different ways to get just one miserable green mushroom but it was all for nothing. The Mushroom Kingdom simply don't care. They keep on refusing again and again, cold towards his pleads and his threats. His pride ruined all for the sake of one human that still has to wake up. Why am I even trying? His tail swung against the floor in agitation as Kamek watched. 

"What's the point?" He growled, not realising he said those words out loud, his paws over his face to hide his real expression, - the pain he couldn't help but show openly, raw and intense. His smoke couldn't be hidden, to his dismay.

"Your worryness, I'm sure-"

"No!" Bowser growled again, louder this time. He sent a quick glance towards the sleeping body in case it woke the human up. It barely moved. "That's enough." He said much more softly, reigning in his anger. "If Peach doesn't want to help then we'll ask someone else." It was an order.

Kamek wasn't done, however. "We could steal, sire." It was a constant reminder, a reminder he refused to even acknowledge. There's something stopping him from doing what he's done multiple times before. It felt... wrong, somehow. More so than usual. What would the human think of him? So he shook his head. His mind was already made, and everyone knows how stubborn the King can be. Especially Kamek, who sighed tiredly. "As you wish, my King."

The magikoopa disappeared as he appeared, leaving blue with a tinge of purple smoke behind.

Left to wait, the King has never felt so defeated.

A pair of blue eyes opened slowly, blinking several times before they managed to focus on what was in front of him. A mushroom. It was a mushroom with a face and clothing. Mario furrowed his brows in disbelief. I must be dreaming, he thought a tad hysterical.

"You woke up!" It squeaked, shocking him back into reality. No, it's real. His hand had unconsciously moved to his head, flinching at the dull throbbing. "Here, take this." He was presented with another mushroom, green and not alive this time. He took it without thinking, still trying to process everything. He was with Luigi when...

"Luigi!" His sudden exclamation startled the talking mushroom doctor thingy, who jumped in surprise. "Where's my brother!?" He questioned, a mix of fear, worry and distrust in his voice, his hands gripping tightly the green mushroom. 

"Your brother?" Another voice, more delicate and soft sounding, commanded his full attention, his eyes meeting different blue ones. Pretty, he thought at the sight. He gulped down his nervousness as he trailed his gaze towards the rest of the beautiful face of a blonde girl with a pink princess gown. Like in those movies Lu likes so much. "Is he another human?"

"Yeah." He croaked out, clearing his throat and trying again. "Yes. His name is Luigi. He's like me but taller and in green." His words were rushed, desperate to know more. They got separated, it's all he remembers. He couldn't, for the life of him, remember where was his brother sent to, however. What did it look like? He frowned as he tried to recall what happened. His head throbbed some more at the action.

"You should eat that," the blonde said nodding pointedly towards Mario's hands. "It will help." She offered him a gentle smile, soothing his worried heart. He took a small bite of the mushroom, surprised at himself for eating it so readily. I hate mushrooms. He shuddered. It did help, though, feeling the pain in his head floating away as if it had never been there to begin with.

Finally, with a clear head, Mario took a quick glance around before his eyes landed on the blonde, his determination showing clearly in his face. "Where am I? And who are you?"

Chapter Text

Frustration was brewing under the scales of the King's troubled mind, his fangs showing off his obvious distaste as his red piercing eyes glared daggers at the opened letter. Another negative. A growl escaped from his muzzle in a deep rumble. The Cooligans not only refused helping him, but also threatened him - him! - all because he took their stupid star and their King. A star they didn't need nor could they protect. It was better in his claws than in their pathetic, flapping, useless, weak wings. He snarled at the prospect of opening the next letter. The Sarasaland Empire. Their Princess is a good friend of Peach, which didn't give him much hope. I wish I never met her. 

The paper crinkled under his claw as he tried in vain to open it without ripping it. It was still legible, however, when he finally managed to read its content. His heart started to beat faster in anticipation.

To his utmost amazement, it read:

King Bowser of the Koopa Kingdom, 

In the name of Sarasaland Empire, I, Princess Daisy, accept your request on the condition that I receive an explanation for the use of the green mushroom. 

Regards, Princess Daisy. 

It was short and to the point, but it was something. It was progress. The King, then hurriedly took a piece of parchment, the inkwell, and started to write:

Princess Daisy of the Sarasaland Empire, 

My motives are a bit personal but if you really must know, - and only to get the green mushroom - I'll tell you in hopes it stays a secret between us. Know that I'm entrusting you with something important and there will be consequences if I ever discover you didn't keep your word.

Almost a week ago, a human male appeared in the Dark Lands. He was found in a poor condition and we treated his injuries to the best of our abilities. But, as you are probably aware, we do not have any green mushroom hence why we've been looking around for someone to give us a hand. Not for the sake of my Kingdom, not for me and any future plans, but for the sake of the human in our care. We do not know his name, nor where he comes from, only that he was on the brink of death.

I do hope to receive an answer from you as soon as possible.

Best regards,

King Bowser of the Koopa Kingdom. 

The King's shoulders slumped tiredly against the back of his throne like seat, unable to gather enough energy to clean his sharp claws. There would be time for that later. 

"Kamek," He called. He waited until his adviser popped up in front of him, awaiting his next order. He slowly nodded towards the table. Without saying a word, Kamek took the letter into his old paws and put it inside a black envelope, sealing it with a burgundy wax stamp over it. As the magikoopa was getting ready to leave, his mind occupied with different potions to help relief the human's pain, he heard two unexpected words. "Thank you." The magikoopa stopped in his tracks at the whisper, almost as if he wasn't meant to hear it. The King has been changing, slowly but surely, since the human arrived. The old koopa didn't know what to make of it. However, he couldn't deny it made warmth bubble inside him. He was proud, he realised. 

"You're welcome... son." His voice was soft, uncertain, before he left. 

As soon as Bowser was alone, he took off this glasses, closing his tired eyes. He pressed a hand in his forehead at the headache that was starting to grow, ignoring to the best of his abilities the ache in his chest and the lump in his throat.

Soon. It will be over soon. 

~

Much, much later, - after Kamek delivered the letter - did consciousness stirred in the sleeping plumber.

It was while King Bowser was in his way to visit Luigi that the human opened his eyes, wincing at the light but managing to keep them open for far longer than last time. He almost wished he hadn't woken up, however, as an strange but familiar heat filled his body, tears sliding down his cheeks at the burning sensation. What happened? Why am I hurting? 

Confused, but desperate, he blinked a few times to get rid of the tears gathered in them and turned his head to the side. He saw a big and elegant chair next to a small table that had a glass of water and a book sitting unperturbed. He couldn't hear anyone else in the room. It could have been his imagination, a simple delusion because of the pain and whatever was given to him, but he could have sworn he heard someone the other day. Days? Somehow, the knowledge that he was, indeed, alone, stung him in a way he didn't expect. Getting dizzy, he turned to stare at the ceiling. Dark and far away. So lonely. He took a deep breath, trying to calm down, and moved his head to the opposite side. He saw an open window. It's dark outside, what appears to be a brewing storm hiding the sky, feeling warm - much too warm - air surround him. Could it be they have the heater on? Then he remembered he was in a strange room, albeit similar to a hospital, that was much more comfortable than it ought to be. It lacked the typical smell of anticeptic and cleaning agents. How much he hates that smell, unlike his brother.

His brother... 

Blue eyes opened wide, unsure when he closed them. Where's Mario? He tried to move, using his hands to support his body in order to lift himself up, shaking at the effort. His heart was beating fast against his ribcage as he did, like a bird trying to free itself. It was too hot and too cold. After another frustrating moment, his arms gave up. They couldn't support him and he slumped down at the bed, failing and feeling miserable. Where am I? Was his second sudden thought, breathing harshly at the effort. Then... It hurts. He whimpered, his breathing turning shaky. Please. He pleaded. Someone, help me. His tears felt cold against his burning skin, hiccuping at the pain it sent. He couldn't talk, couldn't scream. Someone must have heard him, however, as he heard the sound of a door opening. Then a scream. He couldn't understand what they were saying. Luigi couldn't take it anymore, losing his battle against the agony coursing through his body.

The last thing he could remember was the phantom touch of something sharp forcing his mouth open. Then, an earthy, slightly woodsy, meaty flavor spread across his tongue and lingered in his mouth before he was forced to cough. 

His eyes open yet again, but this time he didn't feel any pain. Only a slight soreness. He coughed again. Water, I need water. 

As if by magic, a glass of water appeared in his vision, big hands helping him drink it, slow and steady, until there was none.

Luigi blinked, shocked at what he was seeing. I must be dreaming. I must be dead. 

No. It's real. 

Chapter Text

The short plumber slowly sipped his cup of tea, dark liquid swaying inside the light pink clay, the hot air of the tea warming his insides and sending a calming effect better than the drink could. He was never a fan of tea. His eyes hesitantly looked up, discreetly examining the Princess across from him. Princess Peach, as she introduced herself as, was of fair skin with only the slightest blush in the cheeks, blonde hair falling down her back and shoulders, framing her face. Her lips, the same color as her namesake, were pursed. She was frowning at the lack of answers to her questions, the same ones the plumber has been pondering on for long minutes now. She's beautiful, his mind betrayed him. Dammit! It's not the time for getting infatuated, I need to focus on finding Lu. 

The mushroom creature - called Toad - was sitting next to her, sipping his own cup of tea while looking from one human to the other as the silence stretched out uncomfortably.

"I-" The plumber stopped suddenly, cleared his throat and put back the cup. His hands started to shake, compelling him to take the beverage back. And tried again. "I'm sorry, I don't think I understand."

Peach sighed tiredly. She quickly sent him an understanding smile at his rising tension. It isn't his fault, after all. "It must be a shock to find yourself in another world. If you need more time..." She trailed off. Her blue eyes found his, noticing the turmoil on them. "Mario, right?" He nodded with a forlorn look. "We'll find your brother. I promise." Her right hand found his left hand which was tapping nervously in the table, and squeezed it reassuringly. His eyes moved up towards her and away from his tea, staring in wonder at the princess.

The plumber swallowed down any warmth he was feeling, removing his hand. "I know." He croaked out. "I just... This seems crazy." Laughter bubbled up from him then, not from happiness but from sorrow. "And I don't know where Luigi is. I don't even know if he's alive." Tears started to gather in his eyes, sobbing quietly. "I'm the worst brother." His voice broke as he said those words. Ashamed of being seen so weak, Mario grabbed the brim of his hat and hid his tear-stained face.

"No. No, no, Mario." Peach stood up frantically, her heart braking at the scene in front of her, and went to his side. She hesitated only one second before gently putting her hand over his shoulder, squeezing it. "You're not a bad brother. You couldn't have predicted what happened."

The warmth from the Princess's hand was nice, and the gesture was appreciated. It wasn't enough. 

"But I should have been more careful. I should have listened to Luigi." His reply was weak, hoarse. Knowing that nothing she could say would make the plumber feel better, the princess simply stayed by his side until Mario stopped shaking and his eyes were dry. Although she just met him, she felt compelled to comfort him, this strange human that so suddenly appeared in their world. It was as if she's always known him and instinctively knew that this wasn't the real Mario. The one in her mind is grinning at her, full of confidence and ready to fight for her, next to her. She wanted to see that happy side of Mario. She wanted to see his smile.

Toad stayed silent the whole time, tea forgotten, watching sadly the other human losing himself in the loss and the guilt, grieving for a sibling who might or might not be alive. Even though he longed to speak and lighten the mood, there was nothing he could do to make him feel better. Perhaps it was a mistake to request to join on the, admittedly, not so fun tea party. 

Long minutes passed where they heard a far away voice calling them, startling them. Mario quickly wiped away his tears, not wanting anyone else to see him in such a state. Peach straightened herself, her hand back to her side.

"Princess! Princess!" It was another Toad, a panicky expression in his face and something black clutched in his tiny hand as he wave at them. "Princess! There's a letter for you!"

Bowser took a step back when the human jumped in fright, crawling back until he ran into the wall. Worry washed over him as he heard him groan in pain, but he stopped when terror-filled blue eyes met his. "Where-Where am I? What...?" What are you? Luigi wanted to ask, although he didn't dare for fear of angering the strange and gigantic creature in front of him. Towering over him. 

Its sharp teeth and claws gleaming under the light looked like they could pierce through his body easily. Its red eyes like lava from volcanoes had an odd emotion on them that Luigi didn't know what to make of. It made him shiver. Its mane was fiery red, slipped back, albeit wildly, showing openly two slightly curved horns. Its scales were seemingly made of gold and emerald, strong but smooth, covering its entire body. Stranger still was the dark green shell on its back as it had many spikes protruding from it. Where those made of bone or were they similar to the spikes on the black bands around the creature's neck, arms and wrists? 

"Are you okay?" He heard the creature say. No, it can't be possible. Luigi thought as his wide eyes stayed on the giant koopa. Unbeknownst to him, his body was shaking as if a current had struck him. It shouldn't be able to talk. Then, when the question finally registered in his mind, he let out a hysterical laugh mixed with a strangled sob, his eyes filling with tears. He quickly covered his mouth afraid of letting out the same pitiful sound. No, I'm not okay! He wanted to yell. I don't know where I am. I was in pain and so alone. And Mario isn't here. But all he could do was whimper and gasp for air as more tears slid down his cheeks. "H-Hey...!" Bowser was at a lost on what to do, hands hovering over the human. He didn't expect that reaction. He didn't know what he was expecting, but not this. He never knew how to deal with someone crying, sometimes not even his son. "Kamek." He called, a tinge of panic in his voice. "Kamek!"

Kamek appeared, surprised at the King's desperate expression. When he turned his gaze at the sobbing human, he immediately understood and gestured at the far corner of the room for Bowser to stay. Luckily, he did without questioning him.

The magikoopa stepped closer to the human, as slowly as he could manage. He didn't touch him, unsure if it would be welcomed. "I think you might be experiencing a panic attack." He explained in a calm demeanor. "I'll help you get it under control, alright? Breath. Breath with me." His voice was gentle, patient. He waited for cloudy eyes to look at him. "Breathe slowly and deeply." Kamek took a deep breath to show him how to do it, and then slowly let it go. He repeated the same action once more. "Yes, just like that." He breathed in, and breathed out, prompting the other man to do the same. "You are doing great. Can you do it again?"

It took them several minutes before Luigi was able to calm down, tears still falling down at the bed. "Mi dispiace. I'm sorry. I'm s-so s-sorry." 

The magikoopa shook his head at his words. 

"There's nothing to be sorry about, young man." Kamek admonished gently. "You don't need to apologise." His eyes took a quick pick at his King, waiting impatiently for permission to approach the human. He nodded at him with a clear glare to behave. "Can you tell us your name?"

"I..." The plumber eyes followed the giant turtle creature as it got closer to him. "I'm Luigi." He stuttered out, deciding it would be safer to look at the other, much smaller, koopa. 

"Kamek." The magikoopa introduced himself, before pointing to the King. "And this is King Bowser." The last part was said in a whisper at the obvious fear lingering in the human's eyes. "He won't hurt you." 

Bowser's hearing was excellent, however, and so he heard those damning words his own advisor uttered to Luigi as if they were a magical shield to protect said human. Flinching, Bowser took a step back. Of course he wouldn't hurt him. He would never! It wasn't his intention to scare anyone, - with a few exceptions - perhaps. He just can't help it, he huffed silently.

"Nice to meet you." Luigi sent a small smile to Kamek, better than the fear from before. He ignored the King. "Where am I?"

"In the Koopa Kingdom." Bowser butted in, unable to stop himself, his voice deep and gruff. He had been so tense that even his vocal chords hurt to use. "We found you in the Dark Lands, one of my territories." The plumber frowned, looking down at his bandaged hands. Still avoiding the King. Why are they bandaged? "You were... barely alive when we found you." Bowser winced as memories flooded his mind, flashes of red and black a constant reminder of the human's fragility. 

"Barely alive?" It was said in a low tone, voice trembling. Luigi closed his eyes. He could remember the heat surrounding him. It was hard to breath, hard to see. It hurt. "Hurt." He said out loud, whimpering. I want Mario. Did he also got hurt?

"W-where? Where does it hurt?" Bowser took a step closer to Luigi's side, red eyes wide open in worry. Luigi shook his head. Stopping, Bowser had to swallow his need to whimper too, - tucking his tail under his legs. He wanted to help but didn't know how. He isn't wanted. He hates this feeling of helplessness.  

Kamek stayed silent as he watched them, his own heart breaking for the both of them. It wasn't easy for any of them. 

"I... I remember it hurt so much. The heat. The smoke. I-" He stopped talking, opening his eyes and staring at Kamek, then at the King. Shaking. He swallowed and open his cracked lips, "I got burned, didn't I?"

"I tried my best to dull your pain and we healed you the best we could." Answered Kamek when it was obvious his King wouldn't do it. "It wasn't enough, unfortunately. You were still in a pretty back shape. Until now, that is. We managed to procure a green mushroom. Which reminds me, I need to examine your injuries if you are okay with that."

Luigi nodded, hesitant. Green mushroom? There are so many things Luigi doesn't understand and he isn't sure he will any time soon. His mind is full of worries and... phantom pain, that it's hard to pay proper attention to what's happening. It doesn't help he still feels exhausted and disoriented. There's one thing, however, that he wishes to have the answer to. "How long?"

Kamek hummed in question as he began to tend to his patient. He made the bandages evaporate in the air, and took a good look at the scars left in the human's skin. First Luigi's right arm. The Magikoopa's hands skillfully started to cleanse and wipe away the blood staining its surface with several thick wads of cotton wool soaked in anti-septic cream - made by him. Burns like these leave their mark, no matter how powerful one is. Even with a green mushroom too, apparently. 

"How long since I was found?" Gripping the sheet under him with his unoccupied hand, Luigi continued. "How long was I unconscious? How long...?" He demanded softly, his eyes downcast. The Italian refused to see the product of his misfortune.

"Four days, as of now." Came the reply after long seconds.

Four days since he last saw Mario. Four days in agony. Four days. He wanted to cry all over again.