Chapter Text
To reconnect Concordia's Islands, Mario and Luigi traveled across the seas. They're typically up and about because of this. Taking time to solve various problems around the islands also took its toll on Mario and Luigi. So, after saving one another from a corruptive substance called Glohm, they returned to Shipshape Island to catch up on sleep. Connie noted that they were out like lights the moment they settled in.
"After being hit by Glohm, I can't say I blame them," Snoutlet noted. "Let's leave them be."
Connie tucked them both in on one of the beds before catching up with her friend that night.
With moonlight comfortably shining on them, they snored while cuddling each other. Mario was most affected by his adventure, indicated by the bags forming near his eyes. One hand rested on Luigi's head, his fingers weaved around his brother's hair. He nuzzled closer to his brother, getting his mind off the stress of his current adventure. Mario let out a sigh shortly afterward, truly content in his dreams.
Luigi felt Mario's touch but didn't wake up. He let out an incoherent mumble while wrapped up in his dreams.
"Luigi."
There was no response at first.
"Luigi."
"...who's there? Where am...?" Luigi tried to ask in his sleep.
He soon relaxed with his breathing evening out again.
...Where...Where am I?
It feels like...I'm in a warm house on a stormy day.
Everything feels cozy here...but I thought I fell asleep.
"This is the inside of your heart, Luigi."
"Hmm?"
My eyes open halfway and all I can see is green with some blue. It's like there's no end to this abyss, but I'm not scared.
Funny. I don't feel weighed down. Is this because of my dream?
"About that...look down."
Eh?
...
Mamma Mia! Where are my clothes?!
"Do not panic. You are safe inside your heart now. The Glohm affected you to the point where you succumbed to despair and almost committed suicide. Your Bond with your brother saved you."
Oh, Mario...when I saw him, he was worried sick about me. I saved Arc from being hit, but to learn I almost died because I was so sad...
"Mr. Voice, why am I here?" I thought out loud. "I-I-I don't think I'm needed to save Concordia..."
"Wherever your older brother goes, you want to follow. Although initially seen as cowardly, you are the one person who can make all the difference. Your power comes not from the absence of fear, but from doing the right thing despite those fears. Combined with Mario's drive, the two of you are unstoppable."
Memories of adventures with Mario come to me around then. He's right. When I was with him, nothing scared me as much as it used to. I can't help but let a smile come to my face. There were good and bad times, but we got through them together.
"Remember this, Luigi. If ever you are lost, know that you are loved and cherished. Especially by your older brother. Together, you will make all the difference within Concordia."
Once the voice faded away, Luigi's eyes slowly fluttered open. He untangled himself from Mario's arms and yawned, sitting up and stretching. The first rays of sunlight were now shining on Shipshape Island. The sky was dyed in hues of purple, pink, and orange.
"I just dreamed about..." he began.
"Being in my heart and that voice..."
Luigi fully woke up when he heard his brother wake up around the same time.
"You had the same dream, Bro?" he asked.
"Yeah..." Mario confirmed. "Who do you think he was?"
"No idea," Luigi said while in thought.
Both briefly pondered this before getting out of the bed provided for them.