Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

*Luigi POV 3rd Person*

Today has been an absolute disaster. Luigi, and his fraternal twin Mario, had officially started their own plumbing business. It had been his brother’s dream for as long as anyone who knew him could remember. But their first job had gone down the gutters of bad luck and chaotic mayhem. All because of a dog who decided to make them public enemy number one.

After getting home, their family hadn’t helped matters any, even going as far as to say Mario was dragging Luigi down with him. As much as Luigi loved his family, they weren’t very skilled in thinking before speaking, and that lack of said skill showed its true colors tonight as their words, especially their father’s, rubbed salt onto the wound of an already failed day.

Once dinner was done,  Luigi had planned to talk to his brother and let him know that what they said hadn’t at all been true, for he never once felt like Mario brought him down. If anything, his brother in red was one of the few people who encouraged him and stuck up for him, despite how anxious he himself could get.

But Mario had been fast asleep in his bed. It had been a long, exhausting, and frustrating day, so he hadn’t blamed his twin for conking out early. Silent steps led him into the bedroom and he soon stood beside the small bed while hearing faint snores. An amused smile played along his lips as Luigi nabbed the lone blanket that had fallen on the floor and softly laid it over Mario.

“Tomorrow will be a better day,” Luigi whispered, though more to himself since the other was out cold. “Goodnight bro.”

As the fleece blanket settled on Mario’s sleeping form, Luigi made way over to the television to turn it off. However, when making his way over, he noticed a small handheld device. It was an old Gameboy, and beside it, a box containing a cartridge for one of the first games the two had ever played.

“I can’t believe you still have this.”

Hesitant digits reached out and picked up the device and box as he cautiously examined the much outdated handheld gaming system and game, afraid of breaking them if he wasn’t too careful. “I wonder if these still work.”

Luigi murmured this to himself. Deciding to take it with him, he pressed the power button on the television to make the blank blue screen turn to black, and as quietly as he could, he snuck out of Mario’s room so he wouldn’t take any more chances of possibly waking him up.

Thankfully, Luigi didn’t have his shoes on, only socks, so it made silently trekking the narrow halls of his family home easier as to not wake up or disturb anyone while walking to his bedroom. His room had only been two doors down, so that helped too.

Besides light creaks on the wooden floorboards and the turning of the door knob to his room before it clicked shut once closed, no other sounds had been made. A subtle sigh left him. His family could get mad and loud when woken up, but he was grateful that they were pretty heavy sleepers for the most part.

Not thinking of that further as he was now in the safe confines of his personal space, his baby blue eyes took in the neat and borderline OCD layout, which was much different from Mario’s who wasn’t afraid to have clothes or other miscellaneous things cluttering his room. Just the thought made his anxiety spike, and he shook his head to rid himself of it.

The room was relatively dark, but the full moon outside illuminated the area enough to where a lamp really wasn’t needed, which he preferred because he wanted to try out the game he borrowed just now without having his light on. The old Gameboys couldn’t be played in the dark after all, and it made him feel old to remember that he grew up on this thing.

Luigi made his way over to his bed and gently sat down upon the mattress before snuggling under the blankets soon after. All cozy and ready, he removed the game cartridge from its box.

“Huh?”

The box had been for a game called Frogger. You basically played a frog who jumped across various environments – from lily pads on pond surfaces to crowded streets. However, the game cartridge he pulled out was definitely not that. Granted, the title was pretty much worn off, but the pictures of a flowery landscape meshing along the edge towards a volcanic like environment told this was for sure not Frogger.

“I wonder what game this is?” Luigi whispered as he tilted his head. “I don’t remember playing a game with a cover like this.”

Him and Mario either played every game together or ended up swapping after finishing a game. Though this tampered off a bit as they got older and found varying interests in not just games but other hobbies as well.

But anyway, he didn’t think further about the past because he wanted to focus on the now. So, Luigi put the game into the back of the Gameboy. Praying it’d work, the power switch was moved, and his wish was answered as the screen lit up only enough to show the game. It was still a bit dim honestly despite the bright moon right outside his bedroom window, but he really didn’t want to move in order to turn the lamp on.

The title screen soon appeared.

“Peach’s Escape.”

He’d never heard of that before. Was this some random one off game they had as kids? And maybe he just doesn’t recall it? It has been a long time since he’s played the Gameboy, so perhaps he just didn’t remember this particular one.

A yawn then left Luigi’s lips, but the last thing he wanted to do was sleep. Sleep meant he’d wake up soon after and have to deal with the failures of yesterday and what they could do differently. That was the last thing he wanted to think about.

So, without further adieu, Luigi pressed the start button. 

“Weird.”

There was no save file. Only a new game. Had Mario not played this game yet? Or maybe the file was accidentally deleted or something.

Shrugging, Luigi didn’t give it another thought as he started a new game. And from there, he watched as an interesting environment showcasing mushrooms that shot up taller than most buildings and reached high into the sky along grassy plains on a sunny day.

Then text appeared – a story.

Princess Peach was a wise and just ruler. She could be kind, but also knew when to stand her ground not just for her people, the Toads, and not just for her land, the Mushroom Kingdom, but for herself as well.

A tyrant by the name of Bowser, who was the mighty and feared king of the Koopa Kingdom, the ruler of the Darklands, and known as evil and cruel amongst all the lands, wanted to take Princess Peach to be his wife. Despite his vile nature, he was madly in love with the princess, and obsessed with the idea of them being together.

However, she had no desire for a wicked being like Bowser. So, their story of Bowser kidnapping Peach, and her escaping his clutches every time became their normal routine.

And this day would be no different.

The story faded away, and the introductory cut scene began – Princess Peach sat in her throne as she seemed to be going over some document in her hand.

But then, King Bowser appeared.

Luigi had no idea what to think of the creatures he saw along the pixelated screen. Peach looked human, and her guards, some of the Toads, had the appearance of walking mushrooms. The koopas though looked like turtles. Bowser was the one that left him the most perplexed. While he was clearly a turtle as well who stood much taller than any other creature in the room, the pixel picture showed him with hair? And horns too? It was a bit hard to tell.

Bowser had come and attacked her village along with kidnapping Peach in hopes of making her his wife. That was according to the side text that gave more background information for the story. However, as the scene played out, there was a line of dialogue that struck him as odd. 

“Why is this our norm? You never loved me…and now I’ve been reduced to doing this over and over again….A never ending cycle.”

Despite Luigi’s uncertainty on this, his thoughts were cut short when he noticed the introductory cut scene coming to an end before the tutorial on how to play had officially started. Peach was in a bedroom alone, and the lone door that would lead to freedom was locked. The tutorial explained that the princess would need to use what she had on her in order to escape the room, and from there, stealth skills would be needed from time to time to sneak around and escape certain areas in secret. 

The game starts off by giving buttons to click and directional patterns to press as a means of manipulating a hairpin she had pulled out of her hair in order to pick the door open.

“If we had this game as kids, then I must have not played it because I have no recollection of this at all,” Luigi murmured as he continued working on the introductory puzzle, which was strangely tougher than he imagined given this was supposed to only be the start of the game. “I should ask Mario about this game in the morning.”

After picking the lock, the door easily opened, and the princess grabbed the front of her pink dress enough so she could take steps out of the room she’d been trapped in mere seconds ago and was now in a hallway. It was vacant, but that was perfect since more tutorial messages appeared along the screen.

Luigi quietly read, “The aircraft is vastly large. Princess Peach knew this all too well. Assist her in finding a map so she can learn how to escape the Koopa King’s clutches.”

That sounded easy enough. Or at least hopefully simpler than the lock picking puzzle he just finished.

From there, Luigi played for a good while as he snuck the princess all around the haul, never once getting spotted. Some of Bowser’s lackeys, called Koopas and Goombas, traversed the aircraft, and Luigi took his time and hid behind boxes and barrels as he searched. It was hard to know how much time passed as he finally found what he assumed was the command center. Oddly enough, it was completely empty.

“There’s no one here?” Luigi mused curiously.

It seemed Peach had the same idea as a thought text bubble appeared above her with text that was identical to what he had just murmured to himself.

The plumber pushed the forward button to make the princess completely enter the room, and low and behold, a gigantic paper map rested on a table located right in the center of the control center. 

However, this seemed way too easy. This for sure had to be a trap, but he assumed it would be central for the story. So, he went to the map, and there, he’d been able to study the entire layout of the airship.

“I got you.”

A cage fell from the ceiling and trapped the princess right on the spot, map still in hand. Bowser entered the screen, and it appeared he’d been hiding behind one of the walls. Peach stealthily folded the map and stuffed it up one sleeve before the towering dragon approached her cage.

“I’m tired of this facade. Stay in your room and leave me be.”

“Huh?” He grunted. “That doesn’t sound like an obsessed guy in love. I thought the story at the beginning established that Bowser was in love with her or something? Sure doesn’t seem that way to me.”

A huge yawn then escaped his lips, and Luigi couldn’t help but to stretch in the process as exhaustion began to hit him hard.

“Okay, I need to go to bed.”

It seemed the game read his mind because the option to save popped up after the cut scene ended. Thankful for the opportunity to end things for now, he went through the motions and saved his current progress. After all was said and done, he turned the Gameboy off for the night before hunkering down beneath his blankets – the handheld device right beside him on the pillow.

As Luigi laid there, his mind began to swirl. Exhaustion was prevalent, but there was just something about Peach’s Escape that got to him.

“You know, rather than being angry, cruel, or in love, Bowser more just seemed tired than anything, not love struck like I thought he’d be.”

Anyone playing this wouldn’t get the whole ‘Bowser being deeply in love with Peach’ thing, for he just seemed irritable and borderline wanted nothing to do with her. The whole thing had been bizarre.

“The game said you loved her. I wonder what happened,” Luigi mumbled sleepy as his eyes began to flutter shut. “Maybe it sounds silly, it’s just a game after all, but I hope he can become happy somehow. If he truly is evil, maybe finding someone else can make him change his ways, and enjoy life rather than seeming downtrodden like in the game…”

Heh, he always did have a weak spot for fictional characters.

A few fingers graced the Gameboy, and strangely feeling a little off, Luigi finished with words he meant, “I hope you can be happy Bowser.”

None of his actions and words made sense. It was only a game, simple as that, yet he was drawn to the giant turtle who was displayed as a monster despite not really giving that vibe to him. The only conclusion he could come to was that his day had been rough and that his mind was demanding sleep.

No longer fighting against his body’s will, blue spheres fully shut, and it was less than a minute later that soft snores escaped his parted lips, never once seeing the game cartridge that was still present in the Gameboy shimmer a subtle red, nor ever noticing that same red hue touch the few fingers that rested on the device before outlining his entire body.

No, Luigi never saw what took place when he fell asleep, nor could he have predicted what would come after he fell into a deep slumber.

Chapter Text

*Luigi POV 3rd Person*

There was a strange hum that reached his ears, but beyond that, it was eerily silent, not normal for what he was used to hearing as even the quietest of nights in Brooklyn were still loud in their own right.

“Did I fall asleep with my headphones on again…?”

As this was mumbled, one hand reached for his side table as a means to check his phone for the time, but all he felt was more of his bed and the softest of bedsheets that he was in no way used to. His bedding tended to be more coarse and worn.

That was when he finally opened his eyes. 

“W-What—?!”

A metal ceiling was what greeted him, and the room giving the same environment as he hastily sat up and scanned the just as metallic space he found himself in. While the bed had been the coziest one he’d ever slept in, the area past that was anything but. 

Sweat formed along his brow and shaky movements were made as he stumbled out of bed. A sickening drop was felt in the pit of his stomach as he tried to decipher this unknown situation.

“Where am I? What is this place?”

No one was present to give him the answers he sought. Taking in a shallow breath, Luigi took silent steps in his socks, as he was still very much in his nightwear, and went up to the door. Cautiously testing the knob, he found it to be locked.

“Shoot.”

Suddenly, a pink ball of light appeared in front of him. Luigi flinched and took a few steps away from the unsuspecting sphere that floated freely in the air. However, before he could even try to wrap his head around what he was seeing, a green laser type of light came out of the circle, and Luigi glanced down to see it made him glow. His pjs shimmered this same green, and soon, his all too familiar signature overalls with his utility belt strapped to his side were now visible.

“Huh?!”

The green light disappeared, and the pink sphere shifted until it took on the form of a box above the door. Cursive words then appeared.

“A…text box?”

Just like the one in the game.

“Hello player. Welcome to the world of Escape.”

Facepalming, of course this was a dream based on Peach’s Escape that he’d just been playing right before falling asleep…it just took him so long to connect the dots because it had so much realism to it. Though, is it weird that he realized it was one? Most times he doesn’t.

But wait, the text box said the world of Escape, not Peach’s Escape. Why? 

Dream logic maybe since he was clearly the player. Scratching his chin curiously, he couldn’t help but wonder just how weird this was.

He was thinking too much about this. 

The old text then faded away as new information appeared before him.

“You must escape King Bowser’s airship at all costs. Your first course of action is to free yourself from this room.” The box explained. “You will find all the instruments needed during this aircraft section in your toolbag on your waist.”

Glancing down at the bag, Luigi noticed all the tools and other things he carried around with him for every job there was. Most might think it’d be heavy, but he was used to this on him, and if anything, having it was sort of a comfort in a way, as he knew he’d have everything he could ever need right on him and could nab anything in a heartbeat.

“Go brave player. Use stealth to escape the ship.”

Suddenly, a folded piece of paper fluttered down from the text box. Luigi easily caught it, and unfolded it to see its contents.

“The ship’s map?”

“You may have been brought here against your will, but I will do all I can to assist in your escape. Use the map and make haste towards the ship’s deck. Take one of the small airpods there, as using one to fly away will be your ticket to freedom. I will do all I can to direct your movements as you proceed.”

“Um, okay.”

This was one hell of a dream he was having. It probably wouldn’t have rubbed him as strange if it hadn’t felt so realistic. A metallic scent hung in the air due to the walls surrounding him, the added weight from the bag hung along his side was there, and even his overalls held their usual heat that once used to be uncomfortable wasn’t anymore since he’d gotten more used to it after first becoming a plumber years ago before starting a business with his brother.

Dismissing the naturalism this dream brought, Luigi focused on the task at hand, remembering that the door was locked from the outside. When playing Peach’s Escape, she had a hairpin in her blonde hair that she’d pulled out before picking the lock. There were all sorts of tools and things in his bag of tricks, so he had no doubt there’d be something of use there. 

Since he didn’t need the map at the moment, he folded it up and stuck it in the front pocket of his overalls. From there, Luigi glanced down at his tool bag and easily unzipped closed up sections before shuffling around its contents as a means to find something useful.

“Aha!”

A small pocket knife was removed from the bag, but there was more to it than that. Pulling on a small indent on the back of the thick handle, thin metal needles with sharp points and all of them being various lengths and thicknesses were seen. Luigi was beyond ecstatic that his lock pick/pocket knife had been there. 

While he didn’t exactly make it a common practice to unlock doors and break into, or in this case, out of places, this would be one of those few instances where he would put his lock picking skills to the test. 

It unfortunately took several minutes of trial and error, because again, this wasn’t a habitual thing. Failed chinks and clicks were heard here and there, but thankfully had been pretty quiet. The only reason he could hear any of it was due to being right next to the door as he fiddled with it.

After another two or so minutes, a satisfying unlocking of the door was heard. A relieved sigh escaped his lips before Luigi shoved the now closed up lock pick kit back in his bag.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

And with that, the knob was turned and he swiftly pushed the metal door until it was opened just enough so he could slip into the hallway. It was vacant, which surprised him as he remembered there being at least one Goomba in this hall.

The text box from the bedroom popped up above him once more and fresh words appeared.

“These halls are crawling with guards. There are none here, but they will thicken as you make your way to the deck. Use the map to locate where enemies are so you can hide, and escape when needed.”

“The map?”

The parchment he’d received earlier was folded and in the front pocket of his overalls. So he removed it from there before opening the sheet to see its contents. On the map was one green dot and then various red ones that constantly moved along the paper. If Luigi had to guess, he was the lone green dot, and the enemies were the red ones. On one part of the map was also a giant X.

“Follow the map and make your way to the X. That’s where the airpods are stationed. Once you make your way there, I will assist in getting you in one so you can escape. 

“In the meantime, avoid the enemies via map, but more than them, avoid Bowser at all costs. If he catches you, it’s truly a game over. I won’t be able to help you if you’re found by him. So please, be very careful.”

That had been the premise of the original game as well, to avoid the koopas and goombas as much as possible. However, Luigi hadn’t seen Bowser show up except for cutscenes, which couldn’t be avoided.

Dream logic he supposed. The setting had to assume that he’d run into Bowser despite that this was only a scenario based off a game. Shrugging, Luigi gave no other thoughts as he did what was told of him and began to follow along the routes presented in the map. 

The beginning of his journey had been pretty simple and he escaped areas that held anyone with ease, but that wouldn’t last. It was a game after all. 

After rounding a left corner, Luigi saw both on the map and further down the hall that there were enemies, and he hastily hid behind an available wooden crate that was more than tall enough to hide his petite form.

Blue eyes peeked past the box to examine his adversaries. From the handheld game Peach’s Escape, everything had been pixelated. It made sense given the time and that most games had a pixel like appearance to them on the Gameboy. 

However, it seemed his imagination went into overdrive as he saw the koopas with their intricate shell designs and colors, and how no two looked exactly the same. As for the goombas, they were each various shades of brown, and the tip of their heads looked so squishy, like real mushrooms.

“I don’t think I can go this way,” Luigi muttered to himself. “There’s too many in this hall. Makes sense given this would’ve been the shortest route to the deck. Guess I’ll have to go around.”

And with that, silent steps took him away from the crate and down a different pathway. The map was then examined once more, and Luigi realized there weren’t a ton of options. He may have to go that way after all…

The all too familiar pink box suddenly appeared right in front of him, causing him to flinch before reeling backwards slightly.

“You must go back! You can’t go this way! He will find you!”

“He?…Bowser I presume?”

As those words left his mouth, it was then that beyond the transparent text box, he saw a familiar black door adorned with red and gold swirl designs.

“The command center.”

That must be why the text was telling him to turn back. Though, Luigi recalled the enemies he’d just seen and how detailed his imagination made them to be.

If small common enemies were like that, how much more would Bowser be?

It wasn’t like him to be brave, for being on the more timid side was unfortunately a normal reality for him. But this was a dream. So what if he got caught? It’s not like anything will actually happen to him.

None of this was real.

With that in mind, Luigi walked around the pink box that he could practically feel yelling at him for heading towards the command station rather than turning back like he’d been told to.

As he made it up to the door, there was this sudden weight. It was hard to explain. It was almost like, if he went through, he’d never be able to turn back. Yet, there was also this pull, this yearning, to head inside and see what awaited him. 

Making a decision, he decided he’d press forward and see what was there on the other side. There was no handle on the door, but one wasn’t needed as he easily pushed it open. 

Despite feeling brave mere seconds ago, a sudden anxious wave washed over him as he slowly, carefully, entered the room. The layout was exactly the same as the game, but no longer pixelated as all the command boards and buttons had distinct details, and even the wooden table in the center of the area had cracks and designs just like that of real wood.

However, one noticeable difference was the extra presence in the room, for the room had been vacant when Peach first entered it when he played before falling asleep. 

Standing tall, or for sure several feet taller than him that is, was a colossal Koopa who had his back to him and stared out at the see-through window that was located on the opposite side of where Luigi himself stood.

His shell was gigantic, and he immediately noticed lines that swirled and connected, making specific designs along the hard exterior, and there were huge silver spikes that jutted out threateningly. However, among those, he noticed deep marks in various sections that he knew weren’t natural. Were they from past battles? The story mentioned that Peach escaping Bowser was normal for them, so perhaps the towering turtle had gone through fights and trials during his times of going after the princess.

“You freed yourself from that room and had the option to leave, yet you decided to come to me.”

That voice was deep, one that demanded respect and authority. It had a way of making a nervous shiver run along Luigi’s spine, but making him tense even further was when he witnessed the Koopa turning to face him. 

His towering demeanor with those sharp blood-like eyes that stared down at him would make any go weak in the knees. Luigi’s breath hitched as their gazes locked; knowing the one across the room was indeed Bowser, the mighty and terrifying king of the Koopas and ruler of the Darklands.

Bowser’s arms and legs were entirely muscle, there was no denying that, and the plastron on the front of his body held just as many scars as his shell, though were more visible since his plastron held a much lighter coloring in comparison.

What made him not like normal turtles though was the fiery red hair that settled on the top of his head and the two thick horns that stuck out from those bright locks.

“Or was this visit unintentional?”

That tone that dipped so low in a way that was a mix of dangerous yet alluring made Luigi quiver, but not in terror. 

No, not at all. 

Granted, he knew Bowser could pick him up like he weighed nothing, or beat him to a pulp if he wanted, but there was something about him that drew Luigi in. He couldn’t help but want to keep examining the colossal turtle/dragon, or whatever he was supposed to be…

…What the hell was wrong with him?

“Um, no, I mean,” Luigi stammered slightly, before coughing awkwardly and explaining. “I meant to come here.”

That seemed to earn him a skeptical gaze, Bowser clearly unsure of what to think of that answer.

“…Why?”

With zero hesitation, as Luigi didn’t think it mattered if he was honest or not, he answered truthfully, “Because I was curious about you and wanted to see you in person."

Absolute shock was read on the koopa’s face, and if he hadn’t known any better, he’d almost think there was a subtle pink hue on those tanned cheeks, but he could have seen that wrong. It was a bit hard to tell.

“Well, I suppose that makes two of us.”

Huh? Why would Bowser say that?

Uncertain of that response, Luigi decided that maybe he’d come closer. It seemed silly to stand so far away when the two were having a conversation after all. So, before asking on Bowser’s meaning, he approached the king who stood stoic by the giant window that outlooked a mostly clear blue sky save for a few clouds that dotted the vast expanse.

As he moved nearer, he could practically feel those red eyes bore into him the entire walk over. That intense staring made the mini journey seem way longer than it actually was, for in reality, it only took a few seconds to a half minute tops to reach his destination. The two now stood side by side, both of them facing the view of the outside.

“Quite ballsy of you to come up to me.”

“Is it?” Luigi questioned.

“Most would think so.”

Hm…Thinking about it, he supposed it made sense. Bowser was known as an all-fearing beast to every land in this game world according to some of the information he’d been presented with at the beginning of the game. 

“I don’t think many people would call me that, but I suppose I don’t feel as afraid as I usually do,” Luigi admitted. 

To everyone who knew him, they always thought of him as the scaredy cat, especially when compared to his brother. While it was annoying to say the least, he couldn’t deny the truth that came with it, as much as he didn’t want to admit it. He was much more timid about things in everyday life, while Mario, well, he wasn’t afraid to charge head first into most situations. 

But Mario wasn’t stupid about it. His bro had a pretty good head on his shoulders. But while Mario could see the full picture and not be afraid to dive in, Luigi could see that same picture and pinpoint everything that could go wrong.

Not wanting to dwell on that, for he really didn’t want to wallow in self-consciousness and doubt, he decided to ask about something Bowser said mere minutes ago that he was grossly curious about.

“Earlier, you said ‘that makes two of us’ when I expressed my interest in seeing you. What did you mean by that?”

Instead of answering outright, the plumber heard, “Before we continue any form of conversation, tell me your name. I’d rather know who it is I’m speaking with.”

“Oh! I’m Luigi.” He hastily introduced, feeling embarrassed for not doing so sooner.

“Luigi…so that’s your name.” Was murmured, though those words were just loud enough to hear. “For formalities, I am Bowser, King of the Koopas and Ruler of the Darklands.”

It was strange to see this giant turtle that the game described as vile and cruel seem so calm and composed, and not at all giving that evil vibe like the game described. Maybe it was just his dream being kind to him, for the idea of dealing with an angry Bowser didn’t sound all that appealing. Dreams should be nice and peaceful, and he’d more than take this.

Giving a smile, Luigi replied, “It’s nice to meet you.”

No verbal response was given, but rather only a subtle nod. It soon grew quiet after that. There was this sort of peaceful silence that settled between them. Normally, this sort of thing would make Luigi all skittish and he’d feel the responsibility of having to make conversation weigh on him, but for some reason, none of that was here. 

Maybe it was due to being in a fake fantasy world, or perhaps it was just from the long day, he wasn’t sure, but the plumber clad in green couldn’t deny how much he enjoyed this tranquil moment as the pair stared out the window that overlooked an endless blue sea.

“For as long as I’ve been trapped in this place,” Bowser began, catching his attention. “I’ve been completely alone, minus the fake imitations of real life people and creatures that reside here.”

“You’re trapped here?”

“Yes. You could say that this is my prison. It only takes on the form of areas and things from my home world, but it all is nothing but a facade.”

“All of this is…you’re saying this is fake? That it’s meant to be a prison with illusions rather than reality?”

As Luigi questioned this, he briefly glanced around. The airship they were on, this wasn’t real to Bowser? He said everyone in the place was a manifestation of his home, meaning the Koopas and goombas roaming these halls were imitations too. But if they’re not real, and if this ship isn’t either, then to Bowser, who was a part of all this, what exactly was real to him?

Ugh, this dream was starting to confuse him.

“I suppose it would sound strange to you, being as this is your first time here,” was the reply Luigi received before he watched the king plop down onto the ground. They were closer in height now, for he stood slightly taller compared to Bowser’s relaxed seated form. “This place plays many of my misdeeds and shows much of the mayhem and destruction I’d caused, especially when trying to take Peach as my own. But the only thing those efforts got me was to be trapped in here, and to relive every single thing, every single day, for I don’t even know how long. It is the punishment for my crimes.”

Hearing that made Luigi remember something Bowser said at the beginning of the game.

“Why is this our norm? You never loved me…And now I’ve been reduced to doing this over and over again….A never ending cycle.”

“You said something like that when I first turned the game on too.”

“So I came in the form of a game to you before you arrived? Interesting,” Bowser mused before glancing down at his hands. “I noticed that my power is stronger than usual, and thus, some leaked out from the chains that usually bind my magic away and keep me here.”

Blinking, Luigi looked over at him, but nowhere on the turtle did he see any form of chains. As if reading his mind, two clawed fingers snapped, and black chains and giant hand cuffs were seen along his wrists.

“I can’t break it by force because of the magic placed on them, and they seal away my powers so I can’t use magic to remove them.” The Koopa king divulged. “But I had enough leak out that I could pause the memories for a time and bring you here to me. 

“If I had to guess, it must be the days where a blood moon is present in my world. Not even Peach’s magic sealing gauntlets can stop my increase in power when that occurs. But unfortunately, that spike in magic wasn’t enough to free me.”

This has been a lot to process so far. Prison, magic, blood moon, power locking chains…it was starting to become too much. As much as Luigi liked lore and things in stories, his mind wasn’t following everything. It probably didn’t help that he was still exhausted from the day despite that he was technically sleeping.

But there was one piece in that whole statement that piqued his interest, and he had to know, “You said you brought me here?”

“Of all the things to take from that,” Bowser chuckled out, causing a slight frown to form on Luigi’s lips from the teasing. However, before he could form any sort of reply, he heard Bowser answer him, “But yes, I did.”

“…Why?” Luigi couldn’t help but to question, not understanding why anyone even in a dream world would say that. “Why would you want to meet someone like me?”

One brow rose. If Luigi had to guess, Bowser probably hadn’t expected the second half of that statement, but it didn’t deter him at all as the dragon gave, “Something that I obtained power from before being sealed away was an item called the Special Star. I had originally been hunting for a Super Star, but the Special Star was just as useful since its magic can be used for a variety of things, from constructive to destructive.

“A Super Star can give the one obtaining it brief invincibility and increased strength, but for a Special Star, which are the rarest of the stars out there, it will allow the one who has it in their possession a wish, or multiple depending on the amount of power one possesses. I had absorbed this star, but I was locked away before I could ever use it, so I technically still have its power available to me. I just can’t access it.”

“You found power that could grant wishes?” Luigi probed, genuinely curious while also surprised his mind managed to keep up with the information dump this time since he struggled literally a minute ago. But this star stuff was fascinating. “Wouldn’t something like that be dangerous in the wrong hands?”

“Can be. Most would probably consider me the wrong hands, which is why Princess Peach got all this aid and assistance to seal me away before I could use it, and force me to reflect on my crimes in the process.

“So when I sensed a little bit of that star magic when my powers began to leak, I tried to use it to free myself, but there wasn’t enough there to combat against this magic heavy space and my restrictive chains. So instead, I used it for another wish.”

“What wish did you make?”

That was when Luigi saw the other turn away from the window and fully look at him with tired eyes and a solemn expression — yet there was a very subtle spark of hope that twinkled in those sparkling rubies that stared at him so intensely.

“To bring someone who would free me from this place.”

Free him? There were thick cuffs and bulky chains that bounded the Koopa king here and sealed his magic away. How was he supposed to do something about that? He didn’t have magic nor was he strong. That was an impossible task.

But…even if he was able to accomplish such a thing, should he really allow Bowser the freedom to leave?

The game mentioned how the king of the koopas was a fearsome creature that destroyed homes, hurt innocents, and continuously tried to kidnap Princess Peach. Should someone like that truly be allowed to roam free?

But as he observed the one before him, Luigi didn’t see rage or the desire to wreck havoc. No, all he saw was a person who just seemed exhausted. Not physically so, but mentally, emotionally. Bags were under those eyes that screamed he was just…done.

Bowser mentioned how he’d been locked in this place while being constantly reminded of the past and the crimes he’d been put away for. Just how long had he actually endured that?

Even if Bowser had done terrible things, did he really deserve to be stuck here watching every single bad thing he’s ever done on repeat?…That punishment sounded excessive, especially if it had been for a long period of time. 

…It wasn’t right. No matter what crimes he’d done, this shouldn’t be his punishment. Making a mistake and constantly being reminded of it…No, while the things Bowser had done shouldn’t be forgotten, he shouldn’t have to relive it over and over again.

Perhaps it wasn’t his place to get involved, but he had to help, or at least try. He couldn’t just let things be. It wasn’t right.

“I’m not sure what I can do,” Luigi admitted as he turned to face the other. “I have no magic or strength. Magic isn’t even real where I’m from, just something told in stories.”

“No magic huh? And yet you’re here.”

“Well, I mean, this is just a dream.” Luigi replied simply. 

But his statement quickly ceased when he noticed an almost bitter grin on the other’s lips as Bowser let out a sharp laugh.

“You don’t think this is real. Of course you don’t…The star magic couldn’t have made it that easy for me, huh?”

Maybe he shouldn’t have confessed that? Was that like a taboo in dreamworlds or something? He had no clue, but now guilt ate away at him as he watched a mix of frustration and hopelessness filter along Bowser’s snout.

“Um, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to–” the plumber clad in green halted his words briefly as he then noticed something on one of Bowser’s cuffs. It… “Uh, this may sound strange, but can I see one of your hands?”

Lightly scoffing, as the king’s aggravation was still present, he snarkily questioned, “Why? What’s it matter to you, shorty?”

“Huh?”

“Or maybe calling you slow minded would be more appropriate.”

“Hey!” Luigi fumed, knowing full well he was being insulted. It was one thing when he got made fun of when awake, but he wasn’t about to let his asleep self do the same. “Real or not, I was still planning to help you jerk!”

“Heh, you really don’t get it,” Bowser retorted in a threateningly deep tone. “I may not have enough magic to leave, but I could still burn you to a crisp if I wanted.”

“But you brought me here to help you!” Luigi reminded him just as hotly. 

“You have nothing you can do. You said so yourself.”

“Just because I don’t know doesn’t mean I can’t, I just haven’t figured it out yet!” the human bellowed out. “Now quit sulking about what I said and let me see your damn hand!”

Bowser stared at him, a bit wide-eyed, but mostly examining him, while Luigi held out his gloved hands, ready for either one of the koopa’s own.

Unexpectedly, an amused huff left the king, before soon a string of chortles followed, flooring the plumber.

“Uh, um, what…?”

Still letting out a series of laughs, Bowser held out one of his hands for Luigi. Breathily, he got out, “You’ve got guts. Not often I meet someone who yells at me to my face. Most know I’ll just set them on fire.”

“First off, setting others on fire is bad. Don’t do that,” Luigi chided as he gently took the outstretched hand. “And I really don’t have guts. Everyone calls me the fraidy cat, the timid brother, the meek one, whatever other names you can think of.”

“Is this due to you thinking this is a dream?” 

“If I say yes, are you going to get mad again? Because I’d rather not deal with that.”

“I won’t,” Bowser promised before teasingly adding, “and that pretty much answered my question.”

Luigi couldn’t help but to roll his eyes at that, in turn earning himself a snort. Ignoring that, the smaller of the two got to work as he stepped closer so he could more properly examine the wide gauntlet-like cuff on that bulky wrist.

Carefully, he twisted and turned the hand that rested in his palms, his fingers exploring along the indents and cracks visible in the black metal — never once noticing the Koopa who studied him intently the entire time.

It was then that Luigi found what he’d noticed earlier. It was small and a bit hidden away, but there was a single screw. If he could get that out, it should make the entire thing fall away.

Couldn’t hurt to try.

With that, Luigi used one palm to keep hold of Bowser’s hand while a few fingers slipped into his utility bag and shuffled around its contents. As he glanced down to look for one of his tools that could help, a particular one caught his eye.

“Huh?” Was hummed as the screwdriver he found was removed from his bag. It had a bright green handle and honestly looked a bit childish, but it felt anything but that as a wave of nostalgia washed over him. “The first screwdriver I’d ever received. But it broke years ago and I had to get rid of it. How…?”

Dream logic. But, this felt cruel somehow.

It then began to glow a subtle green, and the tip warped ever slightly, or more that it changed just enough so it’d be perfect for the job.

“I’m guessing it was a bit more than just your first screwdriver?” Bowser prodded.

A small smile formed on Luigi’s lips before he brought the wrist in his hold nearer and put the tip of the tool into the visible screw — a perfect fit.

“You could say that, yeah.”

“Care to elaborate? We’re already here, may as well chat while you work, no?”

Luigi saw no problem with that. “When Mario, he’s my fraternal twin brother, and I were old enough to start working, we helped with our family’s restaurant. We were pretty young and only worked a few hours a week, but we both still got paid. 

“After working for months, our shared birthday came up. I got him a hammer, just a normal sized one like what I have in my bag here, because he’d always wanted to do something like be a plumber, or maybe work in construction. He had been weighing his options at the time before we later on became plumbers. 

“But anyway, I got him that, and he got me a screwdriver. It was pretty ironic that we got each other tools, but we’d already talked about wanting to have our own business one day.”

Skeptically, Bowser questioned, “You both wanted to be…plumbers?”

“It was more Mario than me, but I didn’t really care what we did. I just wanted to work alongside him.”

“You really care about him huh?”

“I do!” Luigi answered enthusiastically as he continued to turn the screw. “He’s my bro, my best friend, and I’ve always looked up to him, despite that I am technically the taller one.”

The screw finally began to loosen, and they both noticed it. If anything, this development gave Luigi the drive to twist more vigorously. 

“Mario’s the only one who’s ever really believed in me, you know? And encouraged me. Everyone else thought I was afraid of the world, and even of my own shadow. I can’t say they’re wrong, but Mario never made me feel that way or smaller during the times I was scared. He always told me I was more than that and that I could do anything I put my mind to.”

His words paused as the piece that the screw kept together faltered and now there was a gap there. The screwdriver handle was stuck in his mouth, and Luigi shifted both hands so he could roughly tug on the two metal parts. If he could pull them apart, the cuff should fall right off.

But yank as he might, he couldn’t get it to budge. He wasn’t strong enough.

It was then that Luigi saw fingers that weren’t his own grip one piece of the loose restraint, and giving a harsh pull, the cuff broke apart, and it clattered onto the floor below.

Shock filled both of them. Luigi hadn’t been sure how he was going to get the cuff off when it wouldn’t move, but relief at seeing one down filled him. 

“My wrist is…”

Bowser seemed flabbergasted as he took in his now empty wrist, not at all expecting that to actually work if he had to guess.

Luigi couldn’t help the wide grin that played along his lips as he removed the tool from his lips and replied, “Team work makes the dream work as they say. Now, let’s get to the second cuff! If we got one, we can get both!”

And with that, Luigi eagerly went over to the other restraint and made work to position the other’s wrist just right so he could get to work.

“Luigi?”

“Hm?” The plumber hummed as he stuck the end of the tool into the screw, about ready to begin turning it.

“Did you mean what you said before?”

As Luigi hadn’t even started yet, he glanced away from the wrist to now gaze at the king in puzzlement.

“Huh?”

“Before you came here.”

“Uuhhh…” Luigi tilted his head. “What did I say?”

Groaning subtly, Bowser divulged, “Before you arrived, I heard your voice. I'm assuming you were playing the game you mentioned seeing me in.”

“Um…”

That did nothing to clear things up, and the turtle obviously noticed as he began to rub his temple, as if trying to combat a headache.

“You wished for me to be happy…Did you mean that?”

Oh! Now it clicked. Luigi did recall saying something like that before falling asleep. He’d been so drowsy that he’s surprised his exhausted brain retained that. But why was it brought up now? Luigi was almost done with his task. The moment Bowser was freed, he figured he’d probably wake up. There’d be no reason left for him to stay here. Though, there was something bittersweet about that thought.

Pushing those negative emotions away, Luigi answered him honestly, “Yeah, I meant it. And I hope you can find something or someone who will give that to you.

“Life is short and so unpredictable. Of course we have to do things in life that aren’t enjoyable, like working and worrying about bills and stuff, but that’s why we should find things we like doing, and find others to partake in those things with if we can. Hobbies, relaxing times, fun adventures, friends, family, a special someone — I want you to have all those things. Not by force, but to find them just as you are.”

After Luigi gave his answer, he focused and worked on the task at hand as he placed the screwdriver into the second screw and began to twist the tool just as he had the first time.

It grew silent and the only thing that could be heard was the screw ever slowly loosening and the two of them breathing. Luigi noticed it a bit earlier, but now it became more prominent at just how hot the Koopa was. He could practically feel the heat radiating off of him while he stood so close. There was something oddly comforting about it, like it made him think of snuggling up under a thick cozy blanket on a winter’s night.

Unconsciously, he found himself stepping forward, unintentionally invading the king’s space as he worked. And unknowing to him, Bowser had been watching him the entire time. Not just to see how Luigi was doing on the cuff, but full on examining him, trying to figure him out.

It wasn’t until Luigi felt a heated palm settle on his side that he realized something was off, or at least different — the action making him slightly jump and he whipped his head towards Bowser in startlement, noticing those ruby eyes practically boring into him.

“Bowser…?”

“And what if I’d like to make you part of it?” He asked, but Luigi had no idea what he meant. His expression must have told as much as he felt clawed digits softly dig into his waist before he heard. “I want to know you better. You said you wanted me to be happy, and I won’t lie and say you don’t intrigue me. It’s not everyday I meet someone who approaches me the way you do, nor would willingly free me, outside of my subjects of course.”

The screw was loose at this point, just like the first one had become. All they had to do was pull it apart and Bowser would be able to leave.

That was good, but…

“Once we get that cuff off you, you’ll be free, and then I’ll wake up,” Luigi pointed out, a sinking feeling present in the pit of his stomach as he slipped his screw driver back into his bag. “And we’ll never see each other again. I’ll know this as only a dream.”

“Do you want it to be more than that?”

Luigi hadn’t expected the question. It’s not like it mattered how he responded as it wouldn’t change anything.

However…

“Of course I would,” Luigi answered honestly while glancing back at the loose cuff. “Even though I don’t really know much about you, I would’ve liked getting to know you better. Heck, I’d like to maybe even consider us friends before this all ends.”

“Only friends huh?”

What?

That question was short, but there was so much more to that simple statement. Thumps began pounding violently in his chest. Hesitantly, Luigi looked back at the Koopa who stared inquisitively yet with a hint of longing in that gaze. He wasn’t really used to being on the receiving end of such pining, but he couldn’t deny the tingles that ran through him from that one look.

Audibly gulping, Luigi found the courage to inquire, “Did you…want something more?”

“Can’t deny that I’m up to exploring the possibility,” Bowser confessed. “As I said before, it’s not often I meet someone like you.”

Luigi’s cheeks burned from that admittance, and he was sure that Bowser noticed it. When first seeing the humongous turtle, as much as he hadn’t wanted to admit it at the time, he had been strangely attracted to the other. Nothing wrong with that, just hadn’t expected himself to react in such a way.

But wait.

“What about, um, Princess Peach? Aren’t you in love with her?”

“No,” Bowser answered easily, or more so than Luigi expected. “She locked me away in here and I’ve had to watch my failures of capturing her over and over again. I think resentment would be a more accurate term to describe my feelings towards her now. If anything, I’d rather burn her kingdom to the ground.”

“Don’t do that!” Luigi hastily rebuked while gently squeezing Bowser’s hand that still had the cuff on it. “Revenge only hurts everyone involved. It won’t solve anything or make things better.”

Bowser tilted his head curiously, before Luigi watched as a wicked grin formed, in turn making sweat grow along his brow. And the next words he heard hadn’t helped ease his anxiety any.

“Are you going to stop me?”

“I don’t have the power to do that and you know it,” Luigi muttered disapprovingly. “Now quit talking like that.”

“Make me.”

Really? Was he a child now? Luigi internally groaned at the other’s antics, and that smug expression didn’t help any. But, you know what, since this wasn’t real, he could technically do whatever he wanted with no repercussions. There might be dream consequences, but that’s about it.

With that, Luigi had a brave streak, and no cares were given as he grabbed both sides of Bowser’s face and smashed their mouths together. It was awkward at best, and Luigi felt his self confidence plummet as he realized this was probably one of the worst kisses he’s ever given.

Stupid dream.

“Heh,” Bowser snickered against his mouth as Luigi started to pull away. However, the plumber noticed the grip on his side tighten and effectively kept him still, unable to retreat further. “I hadn’t expected you to do that honestly. And that was awful.”

“Yeah, I know,” Luigi replied, defeated. “I’ve never kissed anyone other than a human. That’s all we have where I’m from. Plus, I just wanted to shut you up.”

“Sure.”

“Hey—!”

The softest of pecks suddenly fell on him, making him cease anything he’d been about to argue with.

“Lucky for you, while I haven’t had an abundance of lovers, I’ve had enough in varying species, so let me show you how it’s done.”

And that’s when Luigi experienced one of the best kisses of his life. It started out tender, sweet, and light. The king had his head tilted just right so their mouths would mesh together perfectly, and there was this hint of heat behind it that made it all the better.

That single feathery kiss had been brief, before Bowser pulled away for a quick breath, and then pressed his mouth more feverishly against him. There was an increase in warmth in this liplock and Luigi couldn’t help but relish in it.

One of those scaly hands remained on his waist while the other lifted and digits laced themselves in his brown hair, causing his green hat to topple off in the process. But no cares were given as Luigi cupped the other’s cheeks once more, and this in turn caused Bowser to tug him nearer to deepen their kiss.

“Whoa…” Luigi breathed out as their mouths parted.

“You taste sweet,” Bowser whispered against his mouth, making Luigi quaver pleasantly.

Luigi pulled away, a wave of lovestruckness falling over him as he stared into those bright red orbs. He just wanted to stay in this moment.

But nothing lasts forever, and the still present cuff he felt by his head from the scaly hand that was in his hair reminded him of this. Moving his own gloved digits, he gently removed Bowser’s fingers from his brunette locks and once more gazed over the black metal.

Luigi didn’t want to leave, but it was time. 

“Let’s free you.”

From there, the plumber positioned his hands and began to yank on the metal. Again he was too weak to remove it himself and would need Bowser’s assistance.

“Luigi.”

“Huh?” He grunted as he halted and glanced at the Koopa to see a serious expression. “Bowser?”

The palm that’d been on his waist shifted, and Luigi soon found one of his cheeks tenderly cupped.

“When this is over, I’ll come find you.”

Giving false hope. 

Once he wakes up, none of this would matter. Heck, would he even recall this dream? That question caused him to become more downtrodden.

“Despite our short time together, I’m going to miss you.”

The hand on his face retreated, and it went by in a flash as the remaining cuff was ripped away and clattered to the floor — completely freeing the king of the Koopas.

An odd ripple shivered along the walls and floor, and then another.

“I need to finish things now.”

Bowser stood as he made that declaration. This meant it was time for them to part, and he’d probably wake up soon. However, before Luigi could think of much to say, or even attempt a goodbye, one side of his face and even part of his mustache was held, and his eyes were made to focus on Bowser, who heavily crouched over to where his snout was near his nose.

“Once I’m out of here and things are settled, I’m coming for you,” was declared as a wicked grin grew along his lips and a mischievous twinkle appeared in those blood-like eyes. “My new love and obsession.”

There was something almost ominous about that statement, but Luigi didn’t have time to ponder it as another shaking in the floor came through. More than that though, was the sudden presence of eager lips on his own. Sighing happily, blue spheres shut as bliss overtook him. 

As they shared what he assumed would be their last kiss, a hand landed on his chest, and he surprisingly felt a single clawed digit move the fabric of his green tee to poke right under a small part of his collarbone.

And then pain.

“Mmph—!”

That claw dug in ever slightly, and burned. The scorching heat was almost too much and tears pricked his eyes as he tried to pull away, but the Koopa kept him locked in place as the unbearable molten lava sensation along his skin and bone was becoming too much to bear.

“I’m sorry love,” was apologetically whispered against his panting lips once the lone digit was finally removed, and thus, making the pain and heat start to subside, but only slightly. “I put a magical tracker there. I needed a way to find you after all.”

“H-Huh? What…?”

“Shh,” Bowser murmured against his temple before pressing a feathery peck there. “Go back for now. I won’t keep you waiting long. I promise.”

And from there, Luigi found everything turning to black.

* * * * *

Extreme heat. That was all Luigi could think of as he sluggishly pried his eyes open. Above him was a familiar ceiling, yet everything felt strange.

What had he just been dreaming about? And why did he feel like absolute garbage that’d been set on fire?

A knock was heard on the door before it quietly opened, and Luigi glanced over to see his brother.

“Hey, you’re finally awake,” Mario teased lightly, but his expression quickly turned solemn and he entered the room to approach him. “You look like shit bro.”

“Sounds about the same as I feel,” Luigi wheezed out. 

A hand lightly touched his forehead. “You’re burning up. I don’t need to check your temp to know you have a fever. No going anywhere today.”

“Huh? But our business! What about—?”

“Don’t worry Lu. I got it covered,” Mario grinned. “We got a small job from a friend of Ma’s who’s had problems with her toilet since early this morning. I’m sure I can handle this one. You just rest.”

Guilt ate away at him, but he knew he couldn’t exactly argue further. His body was screaming at him as heat just kept pounding through him.

“Okay Mario.”

“I’ll let Ma know so she can make you something, and I can nab you a cold washcloth.”

“I can get the washcloth,” Luigi replied as he smiled weakly. “I gotta use the bathroom anyway.”

“Alright, but don’t be afraid to call for someone if you need anything. I’ll be back in a little while to check on ya. Get some rest until then.”

“…Okay.”

And with that, his brother clad in red gave a small wave before exiting the room. 

Luigi felt like he’d just been hit by a bus, but he seriously needed to pee. Willing himself up, he managed to pry himself out of bed and soon took slow steps out of his room and into the adjacent bathroom.

It took little time to finish his business, and he then washed his hands and thoroughly dried them on the nearby hand towel. It was then he fully took in his appearance in the mirror hanging above the sink. His cheeks were heavily flushed and sweat was present along his brow.

Sighing, Luigi messed with his wet locks as he muttered, “Mamma Mia.”

What had he come down with?

Thankfully his pajamas were thin and loose, so they’d be comfortable to sleep in for the day until he felt better.

“Huh?” 

Luigi grunted as he suddenly noticed something just under the fabric by his collarbone. He almost missed it, but his shirt laid just right to where he caught a glimpse of something black.

Nervously, fingertips nabbed the collar of his button down and pulled it to the side.

“What is—?!”

There was a black dot, a small hole, right by his collarbone.

“What is this?! I don’t have any scars or anything there! How did—!?”

His words paused. It came back to him. His dream last night. The world Escape. He got out of the confines of the bedroom he’d been locked in, walked around an airship, and then met Bowser.

Bowser, feared king of the Koopas who’d been locked away for his crimes, and the one he’d shared multiple kisses with and helped set free.

Hastily, he exited the bathroom and booked it for his bedroom, thankful no one was around or they’d think he was a madman. In his room, he shut the door before practically sprinting towards his bed. He immediately saw the Gameboy there and the game box for Froggy. 

But no game.

“There’s no Peach’s Escape?”

This isn’t possible.

Eyes darting around the room, he then saw his tool bag on one of the lower levels of his bookshelf. Desperation for answers flooded him as he hastily stumbled over to where the shelves that contained anything but books was approached until reaching it, and he swooped up his bag — throwing it unto his bed and giving no cares about the two wrenches that fell out of the already opened pockets in the process.

Hands shoved themselves into the various sections of the bag, not sure if he wanted to find what he was looking for or not. But as he continued to rummage through its contents, he began tossing various tools onto the mattress as he continued his search.

“This—!”

What he’d been looking for, the one thing he hadn’t expected to find, because it shouldn't have been there in the first place, was in fact there as Luigi examined the screwdriver with the green handle that he’d broken and had to throw away years ago.

“My first screwdriver…”

The first tool he’d ever received. But wait…

“It’s just like how it was in my dream.”

The end of the screwdriver had warped just enough so it could fit into Bowser’s shackles. The tip wasn’t originally this thin and pointed.

“Th-this can’t be possible. How?”

As this was breathed out, Luigi stepped over to his window to see a thick layer of storm clouds rolling in. A couple digits not holding the tool’s handle brushed over the hole by his collarbone — piecing together that what he thought was a dream actually wasn’t.

“I don’t understand. That dream…But my screwdriver, and the hole in my chest…”

Luigi had no idea how to process what was happening. As he watched the storm clouds thicken, he couldn’t help but to wonder what would happen now, and what he should do from here?

If that figment of his imagination turned out to not be so, which at this point, how could he even argue against it? Then, would Bowser actually come for him? And what would happen to his life here? Bowser wouldn’t actually whisk him away like he did with the princess in the game…right?

A frown tugged at the corners of his lips, uncertain of what the future might hold as he grappled with his sense of fiction versus reality.

Chapter Text

*Bowser POV 3rd Person*

Seven hours. Maybe slightly more, but that's all it had taken. During that span of time, Bowser escaped his prison in the Mushroom Kingdom before making it to the Darklands, and then not only planned to attack the kingdoms that locked him away, but executed said plans flawlessly. 

Laying on the broken throne room floor was a princess with blonde hair and bright blue eyes that stared daggers at him despite being defeated, her body battered and bruised. That glare used to stir certain feelings of admiration and fondness within him, but not anymore.

“Sire.”

Bowser heard from across the throne room to see his advisor in blue pointing towards the throne of white wood and metal with pink cushions along it — seeing a back compartment opened.

“It’s here.” Kamek voiced.

A wicked grin grew along Bowser’s lips at this. “Finally.”

“You-you can’t!” 

Peach bellowed this out as she attempted to stand, but faltered terribly before crumpling to the floor. Not even bothering to look back, Bowser made it up the steps toward her throne, and there in waiting was a bright, floating yellow star, just waiting to be claimed. Smirking further, the gigantic turtle took the Super Star and held it up for his army to see — cheers erupting from them, while the injured toads that laid in various spots through the room looked on in horror.

“You have the star! Now what do you plan to do with it?!” The mushroom kingdom princess questioned loudly, not caring that she could barely stand as she finally got to her feet, using the handle of her large staff as a means of support. “You’ve already defeated us and the other two kingdoms that sealed you away! You got your revenge!”

“Naive princess,” Bowser murmured as he made his way down the steps while twirling the star along his fingers. “This isn’t just about petty revenge. Though, I understand why you might think so.”

After this was divulged, those hefty feet made it to the bottom of the stairs. Not far from him, he saw the princess lift the point of her spear towards him, every movement shaky despite her trying to appear intimidating. 

“You can barely stand, yet to try to threaten me,” Bowser huffed. 

In the past, he would’ve found this cute, but all he thought was how pathetic it was now. Proving this point, he took the few steps needed to reach her, grabbed the staff just below the tip, and easily ripped it out of her hands before tossing it across the room like it weighed nothing — the force causing her to fall back onto her bottom.

“You see Princess,” Bowser began lowly, threateningly as he crouched down to be closer to her level before digging a single clawed digit right under her chin, making sure her attention was on him as he continued. “As nice as revenge might be, this is so much more than that.”

That claw dug in further, making her wince. 

“Since I escaped seven hours ago, I found out what you and your so-called ‘allies’ did to my kingdom. You all really thought I’d let you get away with imprisoning my people and divvying up my land?

“I may have been locked in that stupid prison for a year, but I’ll be damned if I let that time away make you all think you have the upper hand,” Bowser growled while smoke began leaving his nostrils, his rage easily seen. 

“This isn’t just about revenge. This is me making a statement. Despite how long I was locked up and all the damage you and the other kingdoms did to mine, I took everything back in a matter of hours — my people, my resources, my home, and left all of yours in shambles. Now, next time anyone dares to try and mess with me or my kingdom, they’ll think twice before doing so.”

Releasing her, Bowser stood up straight. Crimson eyes glowed as he finished with, “Let this be a warning to you. If you and the Mushroom Kingdom interfere with my affairs, I’ll finish where I left off today, and leave nothing left.”

Turning his back to her, Bowser shouted to his men, “We got what we came for! Let’s go!”

Wasting no time, and never looking back at the injured princess, Bowser, with Kamek close behind, led his army out of the pristine white throne room and castle. The air was surprisingly crisp on that particular morning when they all stepped outside, but no one bothered to take in the autumn scene that was beginning to bloom as they all soon found themselves boarding the large rock-like ship that awaited just outside the castle walls.

In little time, the koopas soon soared high through the skies that were filled with blue, white, and some black due to smoke from all the destroyed buildings and rubble from the battle that’d just taken place below.

Bowser sat on his throne that was seated outside — allowing him to see the skies. This airship made of rock and lava was quite different from the metallic one he’d been on in the prison world he’d been stuck in before being set free, the location where he met him…

“Sire?”

Hearing one of his titles, Bowser glanced away from the clouds to see his advisor standing beside his throne.

“Yes Kamek?”

“I just,” he began hesitantly. “We didn’t get much chance to converse considering we went right into battle the moment you were free, but I just wanted to say, I am truly sorry your highness. You were trapped for close to a year. I should have been able to free you somehow. Everytime I tried…”

“Do not worry yourself,” Bowser interrupted. His tone was authoritative, as he had to be as a king, but it wasn’t at all angry. “They used multiple wizards and strong magic spells in order to keep me in there. That’s why it was so difficult for you. Even when my own power increased by the Blood Moon, I still couldn’t get out.”

“Then, how did you escape?”

“How indeed…”

“Sire?”

“It’s not important yet,” Bowser replied as he sat up straighter, versus the slouched posture he’d had mere seconds ago. “What we need to focus on now is what we do next.”

“And what would that be?”

“Let's start with seeing how everyone is taking the news of our triumphs.”

Nodding Kamek lifted his staff before waving it in a circular motion in the air before it looked like a television of sorts — showing current events. The news updates shown were from multiple stations from all across the world and galaxy from varying kingdoms and lands, all saying the same things:

‘Bowser has returned. The three kingdoms that had worked tirelessly to seal him away have now all fallen, and this without the use of the Super Star, as it was attained at the end of the fall of the final kingdom, the Mushroom Kingdom. 

‘No one knows if he still has the Wishing Star’s power or not, though many speculate that he was able to access it due to the Blood Moon. And that was the reason for his escape. Now all of the world, and the galaxy beyond, wait to see what awaits following Bowser’s freedom and his line of destruction.’

The circle disappeared after the updates were given, Kamek seeming pleased as he smiled.

“Everyone fears you. No one would dare to ever try to cross you again,” the advisor provided proudly. “But as to your earlier statement, what is next?”

Giving a wicked grin, Bowser was ecstatic that not only was everything going according to plan, and quite quickly at that, but now it was time for the final part, what he’d been the most excited about. After all, he can’t exactly bring someone here without having his kingdom intact, but now that everything is fixed and established…

“My queen.”

“Pardon?” Kamek hummed while adjusting his glasses, not sure if he heard right.

Meeting his advisor’s gaze, Bowser clarified, “The one who freed me from my prison, I promised I’d find him.”

“Someone freed you?”

“Yes,” Was answered as the towering king got to his feet, a strong determination present in his gaze, “I want to find him and bring him here.”

“Of course,” Kamek answered while nodding profusely. “Do you know where he is? I can bring him right away!”

“It won’t be that easy,” Bowser explained as he brought up one of his palms. Using simple magic, a rough layout of a section of the galaxy was shown, and with it, a red dot glowed on a different planet than they were on.

“That’s so far,” Kamek mused while studying the galaxy map. “We’ll have to take the green pipes to get there.”

“Yes, we will,” The humongous turtle agreed before closing the map he’d made. “But I am determined. I want him…he’ll become my queen.”

“Of course sire,” the advisor bowed respectfully. “Does that mean you no longer desire Princess Peach?”

“I want nothing to do with her now,” Bowser answered calmly. “I would’ve rather burned her and her kingdom to the ground today rather than just leaving it as a pile of rubble.”

Tilting his head curiously, the shorter Koopa inquired, “Then why didn’t you?”

“Because,” Bowser began as a sinister smile graced his lips while he lifted a hand to dig around in his hair, before pulling out a green hat and holding it at face level. “He asked me not to. Otherwise, I would have. The other two kingdoms that I did burn down have provided more than enough evidence of our strength and power.”

“Very true, your highness,” Kamek nodded, before then asking him, “Shall I get everything prepared for galaxy travel?”

“Yes,” Bowser hummed his answer before bringing the cap to his nose and getting in a big whiff. “Smells just like you…I hope you’re ready love, because I’m coming for you.”

* * * * *

*Peach POV 3rd Person*

Everything…was ruined. Her people, her castle, the surrounding city of the toads…so much destruction. Many of them were hurt, and so much was lost. How had Bowser escaped? More than that though, how had he been able to defeat her and the other two kingdoms that sealed him away, and so quickly at that? It should have been impossible…

But with the Blood Moon’s power…that must be it.

“Princess,” she heard, snapping her out of her thoughts as she came face to face with her elderly advisor, Toadsworth. “Are you alright?”

“I will be,” she replied softly before shakily getting to her feet. “We need to begin treatment on the injured soldiers and anyone else who got hurt in the crossfire, as I’m sure there are quite a few who need treatment.”

“I believe that includes you Princess.”

Shaking her head, Peach declined, “The people come first. I’m not on deathrow, so get to everyone else. That’s an order, so don’t bother trying to argue.”

After this was given, she limped her way towards her throne, taking the steps up slowly so as to not falter and trip due to her condition. Peach knew she was in worse shape than she let on, but she wasn’t about to make that obvious. Despite it taking much longer than usual, she finally made her way up before plopping down on her now worn seat — lucky it hadn’t been completely destroyed in the battle.

Taking a deep breath, the princess lifted one hand at face level. Focusing as much as she could, a ball of pink light soon emerged in her palm. Once it was about the size of a tennis ball, she moved the sphere of magic by her chest, and soon, her body absorbed it. This action made pink light outline her body briefly before it just as quickly dispersed.

“Self healing. A good idea for now, though you should get properly examined later.” 

Toadsworth’s voice rang out in the now empty throne room. Blue eyes scanned the area as she hadn’t even noticed anyone leaving. As if sensing her confusion, the advisor answered her unspoken question. 

“All injured Toads were taken to the infirmary. Any who were not badly hurt, or came out unscathed, have been tasked with aiding those in need.”

“Thank you Toadsworth,” Peach sighed while leaning back in her seat, the magic taking effect and making her quickly become better. “You should get treated as well.”

“I am not injured Princess.” 

He gently pushed against the idea, which didn’t surprise her one bit, so she didn’t say anything more on it. He’d rather be by her side wherever she was, and they both knew this.

Staring up at the broken ceiling with holes in various places, the princess couldn’t help but to wonder how things got to this point. Bowser escaped from the prison he’d been kept in that was located in a far off corner of her kingdom. When she noticed a disturbance in the prison early last night, she’d sent a magical version of herself to investigate and shut down whatever was causing it — but it failed.

“There was someone else there,” Peach mumbled to herself, not nearly loud enough to be heard despite how deafeningly silent it was.

After Bowser escaped, she tried to view the tapes but couldn’t get much, but the copy of herself she sent got information on how Bowser somehow dragged someone into his prison, and while her magical copy had tried to guide him to freedom, it failed.

“Bowser must have captured him in there and used him to help him escape somehow,” Peach mused. “But there was so much magic involved, so many barriers, what kind of power could have possibly been used?”

There were so many questions and little to no answers.

“Are you thinking about Bowser’s escape princess?” Toadsworth inquired, making her nod in her seat as she realized she must’ve said those last few things louder than she’d meant to.

“I just have so many questions on how he could’ve freed himself,” she confessed, worry thick in her tone, “And what this means for our world and the galaxy. You see how quickly he demolished our kingdom and the other two. Despite being gone for so long, he managed to get everything back while laying a path of destruction behind him literally overnight. If he stays free, what if more people face what we just did? Or what if Bowser comes back here to finish the job?”

Lip corners pinched downward as Toadsworth answered nervously, “I do not have a clear answer Princess. Only Bowser and the one he dragged inside would know how he escaped.”

That made a light flash in her head as an idea came to her.

“You’re right, only he would know.” 

As she spoke this, she easily got to her feet, having regained some energy, and then made her way down the stairs until getting to the center of the room. There was a random dark tile that thankfully hadn’t been touched in the scuffle, and a heeled shoe stepped on it. 

The ground shook ever slightly, and a large, round table slowly made its way from the ground until coming at Peach’s stomach. Hunching over the plain white table, a few delicate fingers tapped away on a visible keyboard before her, doing a couple of trial and error requests until getting a successful search.

“There!”

A holographic display appeared just above the table’s surface. Far across the galaxy was a planet of blue, green, with some white painted along parts of it. 

“Hmm, it’s pretty far.”

“What is this princess?” Toadsworth asked as he walked up to her, examining the planet curiously.

Then, a bright green dot blinked on the map, “Found him.”

“Who?”

“The one who freed Bowser. I was able to locate him based on the magical energy signature I received back when he was in the prison with Bowser.” Peach explained while a determined gaze locked with that green dot. “And I’m going to find him.”

“Wait, what?!” He questioned, practically exasperated, “Princess, please! You can’t be serious!?”

“Why not?” She argued, not at all happy to hear his disagreement in this matter.

Worriedly, Toadsworth frantically explained, “Look at what Bowser has done to us! To the kingdom! There’s so much destruction and death he’s left behind!”

“And think of how much worse things will be if he decides to finish the job!” She pointed out firmly. “He may very well come back at any time, and if he does, then what?! We don’t have any way of protecting ourselves!”

“But Princess…” 

“Someone has to stop him,” Peach explained. “What if he does this to more than just the three kingdoms that locked him away? What if he returns and kills us all? We need a plan. I want to start by figuring out how he escaped. If we can learn of that, we might be able to figure out a way to reseal him.”

“…And you think the one on that planet can help?”

“It’s worth a try.”

Letting out a deep sigh, Toadsworth replied, “I’ll get everything ready for the trip. There’s a green pipe in the mushroom fields that should be able to take you there. I will make sure everyone gets healing items, and to begin rebuilding from the damage once more Toads are healed and can assist with the building process and cleanup.”

“Thank you Toadsworth,” she gave a warm smile after hearing his statement. “Let us get prepared. We have a lot to do and not much time to do it in.”

“Yes Princess.”

* * * * *

*Luigi POV 3rd Person*

Pacing around his bedroom wasn’t going to help anything. Luigi knew this, but he couldn’t help the mix of panic and confusion that filled him at this whole ordeal.

It couldn’t be real, it shouldn’t be. This sort of thing was impossible. How in the world could he dream of something, such as meeting a giant turtle that he could easily converse with, only for things from said dream to somehow follow him after waking up? 

Going back and forth between touching the hole by his collarbone that shouldn’t be there, to looking over the screwdriver that he’d thrown out years ago that was now in his grasp…he was losing it.

Even though these two things happened, there’s no way he could ever actually meet a humongous turtle that stood at least twice his size. And one he made out with…

“Nope!”

Luigi put the screwdriver back in his toolbag, followed by buttoning up his pajama shirt as much as possible so the hole wouldn’t be visible at all.

“I’m going to eat something. Yeah, all I need is food.”

He still felt like a dumpster fire that had a bus crash into it, but he knew he couldn’t do anything about it at that moment.

“…I’m still dreaming, or just imagining things due to being sick. Yeah, that's it, and maybe some good old food and sleep will help.”

Trying not to dwell on his disbelief, but rather blaming his current sickness for causing him to have delusions, Luigi made his way out of his bedroom and down the nearby hall towards the kitchen. As he walked, his blue eyes glanced outside to see the dark clouds once more, thinking it would rain soon and hoping Mario took a coat or something with him.

As he thought this, he made his way to the dining area, and past that was the kitchen. It was eerily silent. As much as he liked peace and quiet, he wasn’t usually home when everyone else was gone. The only person he saw was his mom, who was cooking something on the stovetop. His footsteps must have alerted her of his presence, for she turned around to look at him, offering a smile once seeing him.

“Morning sweetie,” she greeted him warmly. “I’m making you chicken noodle soup. It’s just about done. How about you take a seat?”

“Okay ma.”

With that Luigi sat in one of the many chairs at the table, the one that was essentially ‘his’. None of the chairs had name tags or labels or anything, but everyone sat in the same chair every single time, and he did the same.

However, he wanted to look out the window. He didn’t generally care that much, but for some reason, he just really wanted to keep an eye on the clouds. Maybe it was due to his worry for Mario, fearing he might get caught in the rain.

So, deciding one time would be fine, he shifted over to where his father normally sat, which was at one of the ends, and took that seat. He wasn’t here so it didn’t matter. At least, he assumed everyone was out for work, whether it be the family restaurant or if they had other jobs, such as him and Mario.

That’s when he heard his mom walk over. She seemed surprised at his chair choice at first, but nothing was said on it as she brought over a steaming bowl of soup and a glass of water.

“Oh dear,” she murmured worriedly while a few fingers brushed along his forehead after setting everything down. “You’re so warm and pale. After breakfast, I want you to take some medicine and go back to sleep for a while. Gotta try to get rid of this fever.”

“Okay,” Luigi nodded before blowing over his soup. “Thank you ma.”

“You’re welcome,” she smiled before leaning down and kissing the top of his head. “I’m going to clean up in the kitchen and then head to the restaurant, so you’ll be home alone. But I’ll be there all day, so if you need anything, just call and I’ll come right home.” 

“Maaa,” Luigi laughed while shaking his head. “I’m a grown man.”

“I know, but you’ll still always be my baby.”

Her saying such things wasn’t exactly uncommon for her. She was a doting mother and always very loving. For some reason, it pulled at his heartstrings a bit this time. Not anything bad, but more, in a bittersweet sort of way. It seemed so out of the blue, and unconsciously, a couple of his fingers rubbed over the hole once more. 

Thankfully, his mom hadn’t seen it as she’d already made her way back to the kitchen and quickly washed up the few dishes she used. 

“I’m putting the rest of the soup in the fridge. There’s plenty, so warm up some later if you get hungry and feel up to it.”

Luigi gave a nod before trying some. It was still hot to the tongue, but he was definitely hungry, so he took more frequent sips despite the heat. As he did this, he suddenly felt a warm pat on his head.

“I’ll try to slip over in a few hours to check on you,” she replied while giving her motherly grin, “I know you’re grown, but I still worry. Besides, you don’t have a special someone just yet, so I can take care of you for a little longer, right?”

Special someone…Bowser.

…He wasn’t having any delusions, was he? 

The dream world he’d been in was so realistic, and while there was part of him that was mentally kicking himself for trying to delude himself into thinking it wasn’t real, he knew there’s no way he honestly would’ve put that together right away. After all, that’s the kind of stuff you’d read about in books or see on TV. If not for the tracker hole by his collarbone and the green screwdriver that he’d thrown out long ago that reappeared with a warped tip, he would’ve had no idea it was true.

But it did make him wonder, what would happen now? Earlier in his room when he’d first gathered the evidence, he’d pondered that then, before trying to talk himself out of believing it…he was kind of going in mental circles over this whole thing.

With so many conflicting thoughts, Luigi did the one thing he was sure of, and that was to stand from his chair before suddenly enveloping his mom into a snug hug.

“Oh!” She let out, stunned from the unexpected embrace, but not pushing him away, but rather, returning it instead. “You’ve always been my cuddle bug.”

Luigi was quiet, mixed emotions filling him — confusion, anticipation, fear. What should he be focused on? What was okay for him to feel in this moment?

He didn’t know.

“I love you ma.”

“I love you too sweetheart,” she answered before giving him a motherly peck on the cheek. “I need to get to the restaurant, but if you need anything, anything at all, you call me.”

“…Alright.”

It went by too quickly. His mom had already been dressed, so the final things were for her to slip on her shoes, grab her keys, and nab an umbrella in case it rained. Soon, she was out the door. 

Luigi wasn’t one to really cling to others like this, because to him, he always thought he’d see everyone again. But if Bowser meant what he said, and he does in fact come for him, and let’s say even take him away from here, then he had to take all the chances he could, because he had no idea when the last time might be.

When did he get like this? It was natural for him to be fearful, but to be negative in this connotation wasn’t. 

Shrugging it off for the time being, he sat back down to have more of his soup. It was homemade and tasted just like his childhood. Anytime he got sick, his mom always made this. It didn’t matter how busy she was herself or if she’d been sick too, she always took the time and energy to make this for him.

That’s when he noticed something odd from the corner of his eye. At first, he thought it started raining, but the accompanying sounds of water hitting the roads or pounding against the rooftop above never came. Fully glancing outside, it looked like it was snowing, but darker.

“That can’t be possible.”

It wasn’t the season for snow.

Puzzled, Luigi decided to go investigate, setting down his spoon before making it over to the window. Carefully, he grasped the bottom wooden pane and tugged it back a bit before he was able to lift it up.

It was so quiet out, almost eerily so. A pen dropping would probably sound like a bomb went off due to just how still and silent the outside was. And there were no people either, which was strange at this time of day. 

A fidgety hand shook its way out while Luigi audibly gulped, but he managed to keep it still enough to catch the falling flakes. Hoping he had enough, he pulled his hand back in. The blackish looking specks weren’t cold or wet like what you’d expect from snow fall, but rather, it was almost warm.

“Is this…soot?”

A fire must be nearby, but where…?

Thoughts came screeching to a halt as he felt the ground rumble — the decorations and furniture all starting to vibrate as everything around him shook.

“W…what the…?!”

In the sky!

“What is—!?”

It looked like a giant rock was beginning to descend from the thick layer of gray clouds. It made him think of a floating island. But what? How? This wasn’t possible!

What was happening?!

The large structure soared over to the Bay Area. As he watched it begin landing on the water, its jagged rock and dirt belly going below the watery surface, he noticed something else. There was something leaving from it. It sort of looked like black dots flying into the air before they headed towards the city.

“What…are those?”

Having way more questions and practically no answers, Luigi pulled his phone from one of his pajama pants pockets, and brought up a local news app to see if he could find out anything.

Blue eyes widened as he saw videos and pictures of the rock-like structure, with multiple flowing lava rivers visible all along its surface, and then streams of it going down the sides, but somehow none of the lava got into the bay despite how it looked like it should have. And then on one end, shooting up high into the air was a massive seat.

A throne.

Before Luigi could look any further at the unexpected island floating in the nearby waters, he suddenly got his question answered in what those dots were, well sort of.

Small creatures that sort of had the height of human children who wore red robes and white masks flew from the island of lava and towards Brooklyn.

Once they arrived, Luigi watched his phone screen in horror at what happened next. For every single person the creatures came across in Brooklyn, they shot rope at them from their sleeves, instantly tying everyone in their path up before taking all that were captured to the lava landscape.

“Wh…what?” Luigi stammered, absolute dread washing over him.

Immediately, he started by dialing his mom’s phone. A few rings later and he heard a familiar voice.

“Luigi? Are you okay dear?”

“Ma, lock the doors! Don’t let anyone in!”

“Hon, what’re you talking about?”

“Just do it!” Luigi practically screamed into the phone. “Make sure everyone there is hidden and safe! It’s all over the news! People are getting kidnapped—!”

That’s when the phone line cut. Luigi stood in a stunned daze momentarily. But then he looked out the window towards his street.

They were already here.

“They must’ve gotten everyone at the restaurant already…” Luigi murmured, tears threatening to prick his eyes as thick fear washed over him.

What were those things? They were too little to be human, except for children, but children can’t fly and carry around adults the way those things had.

“Mario.”

Was Mario okay? He knew his family got taken, but Mario was further in the city. Maybe they haven't gotten to him yet.

Sneakily yet hastily, he stepped away from the window and headed towards his bedroom. It was only a matter of time before those things got here too, if they were going into every building that is.

Once in his room, he quickly dialed his brother’s phone. It rang a few times before heading to voicemail.

“I hope they didn’t get you too…”

What should he do? Should he wait here in hiding in hopes that the storm will pass? But what about his family? What about his bro?…He can’t just leave them.

“…Damn.”

Audibly gulping, Luigi pushed down his anxiety and the nausea that was beginning to stir in the pit of his stomach. He swiftly changed into his signature overalls and white gloves along with strapping his toolbag to his waist and slipping his shoes on.

“Where’s my hat?”

…Whatever. There was no time to search for it.

Once dressed, he made his way to the front door. One hand lifted, but then it faltered — thick fear suddenly overcoming him. What if he went out there and everyone was gone, hurt…or dead?

Shaking his head to rid himself of these thoughts, for there was no time to let fear consume him in this moment, he mustered up all the courage he could, and reached out once more. But then halted when he heard the knob rattle, before seeing it twist and turn. Someone was trying to get in, someone without a key.

A wave of gratefulness that it was locked washed over him, but he didn’t have time to think much about it as it meant he had to find another way out.

“The fire escape.”

Sprinting across the top floor of the building he lived in that was owned by his family, he ran to his cousin’s room. From the window there, he saw the alleyway and a brick wall from the building across the way.

Wasting no time, he threw the window open and hopped onto the wired flooring that served as the fire escape. Feet made quick work over to the ladder, and possibly the fastest he’s ever gone down it, he soon landed on the concrete ground of the alleyway.

One direction led towards one of the main streets. There were multiple of those robed guys there, as he’d seen it from the window earlier, so he couldn’t chance going that way. The back of the alley was tight, but it would eventually take him to a different part of the city if he didn’t get caught.

“Good thing I’m skinny,” he murmured to himself as he made his way down the alley, having no idea what was happening, and only praying for Mario’s safety as he slunk away into the tight corners and darkness of the backstreets of Brooklyn.