Chapter 12: The Guest

---

Luckily for Luigi, Bowser did not assign him any training exorcises after breakfast. The Koopa King said next to nothing during breakfast and once he had finished eating, he stood up, released a large belch, and went on his way to another part of the castle.

"Something's wrong with daddy," Junior said after Bowser had left. "He didn't give out any chores."

"Maybe he didn't have any in mind," Lemmy suggested. "When he thinks of some he will give them to us."

"Or maybe he just forgot," Junior smiled at the idea and seemed to be somewhat relieved. "I could go and remind him."

"Teacher, teacher you forgot to give out homework," Morton scowled at the youngest Koopa. "Shut up." He roared at his brother.

"Lay off," Ludwig smacked Morton on the back of the head. "He's just a kid."

"Do not smack your brother," Kammy pointed at the eldest Koopaling. "Don't roar at your brother." She gave Morton the stink eye.

"You just want to spend the entire day in your room," Roy said. "With your web cam and your talk show." He used his fingers to make quotations at talk show.

"None of you see the big picture," Morton said. "I have a complex site that gets at least a thousand hits a day."

"What, A My Dungeon?" Wendy asked.

Morton scowled. "For your information sis, I am now and Internet phenomenon. I make pod casts about my favorite games, shows, comic books, and movies. Once a week I do an actual show where DJ Goomba plays music and I get guests from around the castle. I read e-mail live and I do web cam talks about my thoughts on life in the show."

"Must be a short segment," Roy said, earning chuckles from Lemmy and Junior.

"At least it is more productive than just having sex in my room all damn night," Morton was pink in the face. "Your room is next to mine, do you have to bang against the walls every time?"

The clatters of forks against the plates were heard all across the table. Luigi was glad he had already swallowed what he was drinking or he would have spat it out. Poor Tethys's face was a darker shade of green than normal.

"You two banging against the walls, Dru's singing when she and Ludwig hit the high notes and Luigi's roaring keep me up at night." Morton continued.

Luigi felt the color drain from his face. He couldn't move, nor could he breath. He had never felt this embarrassed since the time Mario pantsed him during middle school.

"Morton Koopa Junior," Kammy grabbed Morton by the horn. "Breakfast is over for you, now stand up."

"But I'm still hungry," Morton protested.

"You should have thought about it before you used those words." She pulled on his horn. "Now stand up."

Morton got out of his chair and stood as tall as he could. He had to tilt his head to the side due to Kammy's firm grip. "Can you let go?"

"Nope," Kammy shook her head. "I'm taking you to the bathroom and you are going to hold a bar of soap in your mouth for at least an hour."

"I didn't say any cuss words."

"No, but you still used filthy language, and in front of your baby brother, you are lucky I am not going to tell your father."

"I'll tell him," Junior smiled.

"Awww man," Morton whimpered as he was dragged away.

"I want the rest of you to finish eating," Kammy turned to look at them. "And if you do need a chore, Junior, you can always clean your room."

---

"I don't mean to roar," Luigi said as he finished brushing back his hair. They had finished the breakfast in silence ten minutes after the outburst and he was preparing for his trip to see Gadd. "I just really can't help it."

"Ignore Morton," Wendy opened the door and looked out. "He's not my brightest brother."

"His idea of a Web show is a bit creative." Luigi set his brush down.

"He thinks people want to watch and hear him talk."

"Maybe he might want to use his idea to make money," Luigi licked his talons and smoothed one lock of hair back into place.

"Why are you de-oh there you are." She stepped back inside with two flat cardboard boxes in her hands. "Kinda glad I did over bake last night." She set the boxes down on the table. "Maybe he does have a good idea, but what he said today was disgusting."

"I won't argue with that," he placed his hat on his head. "Did he forget there was a minor at the table?"

"He is still a minor himself," Wendy said. "At least for another year. Morty never really thinks before he says anything, especially when he is pissed off, and Roy did goad him into getting that angry."

"Okay, I have the underground map that will take me to the woods," Luigi placed the folded map into his pocket. "I have no idea when I will be back."

"Don't forget the pizzas," Wendy pointed to the two boxes. "You might get hungry on the way, they are cold right now, but I think you can cook them with your fire."

"Sometimes I'm in the mood for cold pizza," he stared into her light blue eyes. They never seemed so beautiful before. "Have I ever told you, you have the most beautiful eyes?"

"This is the first time," Wendy said.

"Well they are."

"I think you have the cutest moustache, never shave it off."

"I never plan too." He pulled her close and stared into her eyes before he kissed her.

---

Luigi did not feel the least bit hungry during his trip through the sewers on his way to Boo Woods, nor did he feel any hungry while walking through the forest. He came across a few toads and while they did seem nervous at the mere site of him it did not last long. Luigi wasn't certain what it was until he saw one toad point to his hat and mouthed Luigi's name. It seemed the mention of his transformation had gotten through the rest of the kingdom.

"Good after-ahhh," Shivers answered the door. "I mean good afternoon master Luigi. Please forgive my rudeness."

"You don't have to apologize," Luigi said. "And I promise not to breath any fire around you."

"Oh good," Shivers smile was brief. "You can breath fire?"

Luigi nodded. "I no longer need a blow torch." He blinked. "Has Iggy produced any fire?"

"Oh no it is not that sir," Shivers shook his head. "I am aware of what the Koopis Draconae can do, and I know that you are currently one of them, but I am still shocked about the abilities you have."

Luigi shrugged. "You might not have to get used to this." He pointed at his body. "If Gadd and Iggy come through then I will be human again."

"Oh good," Shivers smiled. "Those two have been hard at work non stop, even when we do have guests come over."

"That reminds me, Iggy mentioned they have a special guest over."

"Hey Weegie," Mario was not the person, Luigi was expecting. "Is that pizza?"

"Yes it is," Luigi held the boxes high above his head. "Don't tell me you are the special guest."

"Trust me sir, he isn't," Shivers stared down at the older of the two brothers.

"So they have told you?" Mario raised his eyebrows repeatedly.

"They didn't tell me who it is," Luigi handed the boxes to Shivers. "You don't mind putting these in the fridge?"

"I won't sir, but are you certain you wouldn't want them heated up, it is around lunch time after all."

"Please," Mario pressed his hands together.

"They are for sharing," Luigi nodded. "Wait, where is Luggs?"

"He is still in his painting," Shivers floated down the hall. "You don't have to worry about your pizzas being stolen."

"Thank God," Mario shook his head. "I have seen that guy eat, makes me look like I'm on a fast."

"I'll say," Luigi laughed. "Of course the way I eat may make you look like you are on a diet."

"Really?" Mario poked him in the stomach. "Where are you putting it? You only have the same small amount of bulge as you did when you were a human."

"I still weigh more."

"Well yea, you have a wider frame, and who knows how much that shell weighs."

"Lets find the others," Luigi was tired of just standing around.

"They are in the largest lab," Mario said. "C'mon, this way."

"I know where it is," Luigi said, but allowed Mario to lead anyway.

"Here is Mr. Disgusting," Mario paused by Luggs's portrait. "Man, he aint winning any beauty contests."

"You should have seen him when I sucked him up," Luigi shuddered at the memory. "He never did pause to wipe his mouth or any thing."

"You know who he reminds me of? Remember that one Monty Python movie?"

"Mr. Creosote?" Luigi and Mario had worn out their VHS copy of that movie. "Good lord you are right."

"I wonder if he died the same way, just blew up."

"Mario," Luigi covered his eyes. "Please stop. We are going to eat soon."

"Sorry," Mario chuckled.

The largest lab was set up in the basement of the mansion. Luigi had wondered how they were able to make what was once a damp smelling room so clean and sterile. It may have been the new tiles that had been set up.

There were several wires set out on clean strips of cloth, they were the only familiar parts that Luigi could identify amongst the technology that was spread out across the room. There were also charts hung up on easels, computer print outs spread across counters, and the aforementioned dry erase boards, filled with mathematical equations that gave Luigi just a headache by just looking at it.

Gadd and Iggy were seated close together at one of the tables; their heads were nearly touching as they loomed over what appeared to be an engine. Tiny screwdrivers, tweezers and the smallest soldering iron were within an arms reach of them.

"I feel like I'm in a garage," Mario whispered.

Luigi nodded. He dared not say a word, he did not want to risk a surprise and cause either Gadd or Iggy to make a mistake.

"I think that is good for now," Gadd said and sat back. The pop was loud enough for Mario and Luigi to hear from where they stood. "Ugh I'm getting to old to be leaning forward like that for hours."

"Should we take a break?" Iggy sat back.

"I think now would be a good time for a break," Gadd rubbed his stomach. "It should be lunch time. I'll ask Shivers to make us something."

"No need for extra cooking," Mario said. "Luigi brought us some pizza."

"Luigi's here," Iggy slid off his stool. "How's the rest of my family?"

"Everyone is well, except we don't know about Larry," Luigi said. He chose not to inform Iggy of what had happened at breakfast. "Wendy and I are going to Prince Mallow's ball this weekend."

"Don't remind me," Mario paled. "Peach wants me to get fitted for a new tux."

"I already have one," Luigi placed his hands behind his head.

"Lunch is served," Shivers floated in, carrying a stack of plates, and napkins on a tray. "Shall we bring it to the laundry part of the lab?"

"Laundry part?" Mario was confused.

"He means over here," Luigi ran over to the back of the room and turned on the light. There was a small counter, next to a washer and dryer. In front of it was a card table with foldable chairs.

"Just place the pizzas on the machines," Shivers instructed to the two ghost waiters who flew in after him.

"Just need some drinks," Mario said.

"She is bringing the iced tea," Shivers told him.

"She?" Luigi asked. He turned to the stairwell and felt his pulse speed up. Princess Daisy was slowly climbing down, carrying tray with several glasses of iced tea.

"Where should I set these?" Daisy asked. She was not wearing her crown, or her usual yellow dress either. She was wearing a yellow blouse, a pair of what appeared to be blue jeans, along with a white lab coat. Her usual flower earrings were still in her ears.

"You can set them down in the middle of the table for now," Gadd said.

"Hello Daisy," Luigi swallowed. He hadn't seen his friend in a while. How many times had he escorted her to fairs, the movies and to restaurants at the same time while Mario was with Peach? Were those actual dates? Was she in love with him? He still had some feelings for her. He felt a bit aroused by the fact she was wearing jeans. She looked great in them. He pictured Wendy in blue jeans and he felt even more aroused.

"Hi Luigi," Daisy didn't look at him. "It's been a while."

"Daisy do you," Luigi coughed. "Would you, uh. Can I see you at the top of the stairs?"

"Once I am finished," Daisy said. There was no coldness or anger to her voice. She still sounded as warm as she usually did.

"Sure," Luigi coughed again and ran up the stairs without looking at anyone.

Daisy joined him minutes later. "So," she still averted her eyes.

"So," he stared at the ceiling. His tail flicked back and forth. "Nice lab coat." Well that was dumb. Of all the things to say to her, he had to say something like that.

"Thanks," she stretched her arms. "I have been assisting them. I clean up things organize tools, and I help out in the kitchen. I have learned a lot about genetics."

"That's great," he stared into her eyes. "Were we dating?" He stared at his wedding band. "Before this happened?"

"It did feel like we were," she sighed.

"Did you love me?" Great he got that out.

She shrugged. "Did you?"

He also shrugged. "I'm not certain. I know we were friends. We are friends. We are still friends, right?"

"I don't think that will ever change," she smiled. "Except you should be with the one you love, and do you love your wife?"

"I think I am falling in love," Luigi held up his hand. "I did say I do."

Daisy nodded. "I don't know what your belief system is and I know this might make me look like the jilted girlfriend."

"Our grandmother has always told us divorce is a bit of a sin," Luigi said. "Not that I want to divorce her."

"I understand," she reached for the doorknob. "We can still hang out, and I still can beat you at tennis."

"You want to bet?" Luigi smiled.

"Don't make wagers that you can't keep," Daisy chuckled. "I'm famished, lets get some pizza before Mario eats it all."

"He better saved us a few slices," he followed her down the stairs and to the miniature dining area.

"Goodness," Gadd stared at the slice in his hands. "This crust is like a wet newspaper."

"It's not bad when you fold it," Iggy said before he took a bite.

"You are supposed to fold it," Mario said. "And that is the way the crust is supposed to be.

"The toppings are falling off," Gadd stared at a slice of pepperoni that had just fallen on his plate.

"This is the way a pizza is supposed to be," Mario looked up when Luigi and Daisy grabbed their plates. "Hey Weege, did you go to Brooklyn just to get me pizza?"

"Nope," Luigi smiled. He had to tell Wendy that she had impressed Mario with her cooking. "Wendy made it."

"Could she try a different style next time, sonny?" Gadd asked. "I heard this place Chicago has good pizza."

"Don't insult my wife's cooking." Luigi pointed at him.

"She made this?" Mario had actually stopped eating and was just staring at his slice.

"Wait," Iggy swallowed. "When did she learn to cook?"

"Not long ago," Luigi said before he turned to Gadd. "Listen to what my brother says. You are eating it wrong."

"She actually made Brooklyn style pizza?" Mario was still frozen.

"She said she got it from a book," Luigi explained. "Although the recipe called it New York style." He turned to Daisy. "This is the best kind of pizza you can get, but you have to fold it when you pick it up."

"I fold it in half?" Daisy asked.

"No," He picked up his slice. "Just the back corners. It keeps everything on the slice." He closed his eyes and took a bite. Wendy's pizza was just as good warmed up, as it was the previous evening.