Chapter 39:
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The day of Luigi’s coronation had finally arrived. Mr. Gingerbread waited a few days after Luigi had the ace bandage and sling removed. He wanted Luigi to still use the wheelchair for the ceremony. He didn’t want the new king of Sugar Land to be in any discomfort. The man was extremely busy. He had every detail planned.
Gingerbread wasn’t the only one who had worked hard to prepare for the ceremony. Iggy and Daisy were working on a fireworks display that would look spectacular at night. Larry and Mario both made suggestions for the dinner banquet. Mario had a long list and Larry made a few mentions, including milkshakes.
The uniform for the ceremony was covered in clear plastic and laid out over the bed. It consisted of a crisp white shirt with pressed black slacks. It contained a white button down jacket that look more suited for a naval officer. There was even a pair of white satin gloves. Why couldn’t he wear his usual gloves? What would be the purpose of making gloves out of satin?
One of the few tasks, Luigi had mastered was managed to get his pants, slacks, and overalls over his leg cast. Things became even easier once the doctor said his arm had healed and he could remove the ace bandage. Wendy had helped him while his arm was still bandaged, and she still insisted on helping.
“I can get these on,” Luigi assured her. “You have to get your own dress on.”
“Are you certain?” Wendy asked. She was really showing. In a week she would be due to lay her eggs.
“If my son says he is certain then he is certain,” Madam S stood in the entrance, dressed in a deep purple sleeveless gown. There were a few pink flowers pinned to her chest. She used hair dye to make her hair seem more vibrant and to cover up the streaks of gray.
“Mom,” Luigi had yet to see her mother wearing anything besides her pale blue dress and veil.
“Yes?” his mother raised an eyebrow.
“You look nice.”
“Nice?” Wendy asked. “She looks beautiful.”
“Why thank you, Wendy,” Madam S smiled at her. “My son is right. You need to change into your own pretty dress. I will be happy to assist you with your dress and make up.”
“Thank you,” Wendy gave Luigi another kiss before she stood up and followed his mother out of the room.
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Luigi wore the satin gloves anyway. They were only for the ceremony anyway, and since he was going to be crowned king he should at least to dress to impress. The wheel chair was as comfortable as usual. He had never seen one made out of brass and lined with velvet.
“The queen walks besides the king,” one of the junior advisors read from the book in her hands. She was a young woman in a white dressed covered in deep green and light green stripes, shiny green hair and kept a striped bow in her hair. “There is nothing in here if the king or queen is in a wheel chair.” She flipped through the pages.
“Don’t worry about it,” Wendy said. She was stunning in a deep pink dress with puffed up sleeves and several ruffles. “I will walk slow.”
“You don’t need too,” Luigi gave the control to his wheelchair a light pat. “It’s electric.”
“I will still keep my pace,” Wendy said.
Luigi chuckled. “What is your name?”
“They call me miss Mint,” the girl said. “My official title is Junior Advisor Mint.”
“Thank you Miss Mint,” Luigi said before he inhaled.
The rest of the advisors lined the hallway to the throne room. Each one nodded as he and Wendy passed them. The Beezos guarding the throne room were dressed their best. They still had their masks, but they were also wearing suits. They nodded when he and Wendy arrived and opened the doors for him.
Everyone was gathered inside and dressed in their finest clothing. Everything was so fine and somber, causing Luigi to feel even more nervous. Even Toad, Toadette, and Toadsworth were there.
“Proceed to the throne,” Mr. Gingerbread instructed. Luigi swallowed again and rolled his chair to the throne and stopped until he was right in front of the chief advisor. “You don’t have to be nervous. You are not taking a test.”
“I know,” Luigi whispered back.
“By the doctrine written by Queen Ambrosia two thousand years ago,” Gingerbread’s voice echoed through out the room. “The royal crown of Sugar Land is passed down to the next successor by the role of engaged combat and battle.” He removed the golden crown from the throne. It was the same crown that was worn by Nougat. “I bestow the crown upon the head of the new king of Sugar Land. King Luigi.” Luigi closed his eyes and lowered his head as Gingerbread placed it on his head. “And the crown of the queen to his wife, Queen Wendy.” Gingerbread placed a smaller golden crown on top of Wendy’s head.
Luigi felt something draped across his shoulders, and out of the corner of his eyes he saw a pair of hands fasten the golden clasp of a cloak pin across his chest. The crown he wore held some weight, and he wondered how royalty was able to wear it.
“You may turn around,” Gingerbread instructed.
Luigi turned his chair around. Everyone, the servants, Beezo guards, his family, Wendy’s family, even both Peach and Daisy lowered themselves to one knee.
“You may all rise,” Gingerbread said. “Now we may go to the balcony.”
“Do you still feel nervous?” Wendy whispered as they made their way to the balcony.
“Not at all,” he looked at his shoulders. The cloak was also deep purple and dotted with bright pastels resembling jellybeans.
The sun was half buried into the horizon, painting the sky with rich inks and violets. Several helium balloons that have broken free from their binds had floated high into the sky.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Mr. Gingerbread addressed the crowd below. “I know it is unfortunate the young prince who we have watch grow up turn out to be a sinister creature.”
“Sheesh,” Mario stood right behind Luigi. “He has to start off with a downer?”
“Mario, not now.” Luigi said. He was trying to listen to what Gingerbread was saying.
“I’m just worried he is going to make people be suspicious of you.” Mario said.
“Mario step back,” Peach grabbed Mario by the arm and pulled him back.
“You new ruler has defeated the dark usurper who had our beloved King Sucrose and Queen Caramel murdered.” Gingerbread continued. “I have gotten to know him in the past few weeks and I can say he will be a benevolent ruler. Now let us welcome him. Long live King Luigi, and his wife Queen Wendy.”
This was Luigi’ and Wendy’s cue to roll up the railing. He could not see exactly everyone from where he sat, but he had seen hundreds of people, his people now, as they covered the courtyard.
“Long live King Luigi and Queen Wendy,” the crowed cheered. They repeated the words several times before they kneeled in front of them.
“This still feels odd,” Luigi said to Gingerbread.
“I will be here for you, your majesty,” Gingerbread said.
“Good, cause I’m going to need you, and your speeches for when I become a pure Koopa again.” Luigi said.
“I’m already working at one.”
“Thank you,” Luigi continued to stare at the sky and his people. The last bit of sun slid beneath the land. The stars shone in the deep blue-black sky.
Several rockets were launched, creating smoking arches until they collided into each and exploded into multicolored sparkles spelling out All Hail King Luigi And Queen Wendy. There was even a small crown at the side.
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Mario stared in front of the mirror. He looked ready for a wedding. His hair was slicked back just right; he even slicked back his mustache. The tuxedo was a perfect fit. The only problem was that he had to get it custom made. There was nothing that would fit both his height and his weight. The bright red cummerbund did make his stomach seem slimmer.
“Mario we are about to start,” Luigi stepped inside. His brother looked dashing, despite the fact he was a Koopa. He shouldn’t think like that. He had lost count of how many times he had turned into a Koopa himself.
“I know,” Mario inhaled and sucked in his gut. “I should have gone on a diet.”
“Pardon?” Luigi adjusted the circlet on his head. He had explained that out of town it was customary for the regent of Sugar Land to wear circlets instead of their usual crowns.
“I should have lost weight.” He tapped his stomach. “I had to indulge on mama’s cooking instead of eating healthy.”
“Mario what is wrong with you?”
“I just want to look nice for my own wedding. Instead of looking nice and healthy I got this.” He pointed at his stomach again. Luigi slapped the side of his head. “What was that for?” He examined his hair again. Luigi hadn’t knocked anything out of place.
“You were being an idiot again,” Luigi, pointed a claw at him. “Did Peach fall in love with a tall and lean man with washboard abs? No she fell in love with you. You never really cared that you had a bit of belly before, neither did she. For all we know she probably loves that belly. I know I do. She loves the way that you look when you first met, started to date and she still loves the way that you look now.”
“Wow,” Mario blinked. “It seems like you got smarter when you got your crown.”
Luigi shrugged. “A king has to be wise.”
“Well I hope you loan some of your smarts,” Mario swallowed. “Because I’m about to become prince.”
“You have two great people to give you advice,” Luigi held up two talons. “You have both Toadsworth and Peach.” The music in the background was growing even louder. “Mario we have to go.”
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“All right,” Toadsworth said to the wedding part gathered around the foyer. “You know how it goes. First is the groom, then it’s the bridesmaids and grooms men and then it is the flower girl and ring bearer.”
“We know how it goes,” Mario could not believe how bossy the older toad was being.
“We have been through several of rehearsals,” Toadette said. She and the other bridesmaids were dressed in bubblegum colored gowns.
“Ahem,” Toadsworth narrowed his eyes. “I know you all think you know how it should go, but a small reminder is always good, as for you Mario.” He thumped the end of his cane against the floor. “Just because you technically are going to be the prince of the Mushroom Kingdom does not mean you will have authority over me.”
“Mama Peach,” Bowser Junior shook his head. They needed someone to be the ring bearer and Wendy and Luigi had suggested they invite him. “I mean Princess Peach does.”
Toadsworth placed both hands on top of the mushroom top of his cane. “That may be, but do not think Mario will be running off to Peach for help.”
“I never had to before.” Mario crossed his arms.
“Uncle Mario?” The youngest member of the wedding party approached them. She was his goddaughter and the daughter of Pauline and her husband, Darien, AKA the arcade king of Brooklyn. The family was one of the few who knew about the Mushroom kingdom, and the adventures both brothers had engaged in.
“Yes Maria?” Mario stared the little blond girl in her eyes.
“Am I going to get married to Bowser Junior?” She was dressed in a frilly pink dress. “He said the flower girl and the ring bearer end up getting married some day.”
“That isn’t always true,” Mario shook his head at junior. “Now it would be cute if it happened.”
“Ahem,” Toadsworth coughed.
“All right,” Mario adjusted his collar.
“Go on now,” Toadsworth said in a gentle tone to the children.
Maria and Junior walked down the center towards the vestibule. Junior walked with his held out high, chest puffed out and held up the cushion with the rings. Mario smiled at everyone as she tossed flowers around.
“My turn,” Mario swallowed. He walked out. Everyone smiled as he walked by and he smiled at him or her. He caught glimpses of all his friends he had made in the past. Mallow and his parents were there. He also saw Dyna and Mite with their parents, Monstro Mama, Gaz and his mother, Raz and Raini, Captain Jonathon Jones, Goombario, Kooper, Bombette, Lady Bow, Sushi and her family, Lakister, Goombella, Koops, the Yoshi kid, Parakarry, Admiral Bombarry, Vivian, Miss Mowz, Wario who came with Mona and Waluigi, Gadd and Bowser and his family.
“My son,” Madam S was already dabbing at her eyes with a Kleenex. It was her idea to invite Bowser. He didn’t like the idea of his mother dating, even if they both have stated it was unofficial. He tried to look for the positive things about it. Dark Land was perfect for her photosensitivity, and ever since she has met Bowser, Mario’s enemy never tried to kidnap Peach.
Mario reached the alter and turned around to face the rest of the wedding party. Luigi and Daisy were the first to reach the alter. He was proud of his little brother, able to destroy a demon, has been a fair ruler of his own kingdom the past few months, about to become a father and he still manages to find time to fix the plumbing in his castle.
Daisy looked as radiant as the other women in their brides maids dresses. It was no secret to any of the nations on who she was dating. She had invited Iggy to Sarasaland several times and he invited her to Dark Land. Bowser hid given them his blessing and to Lemmy’s girlfriend. Mario wasn’t sure who had the biggest shock at seeing Lemmy and Nastasia kiss.
Toad and Toadette were the following couple. A few weeks ago Toad had proposed to her. Once Mario and Peach had returned from their honeymoon in Delfino they would start on planning their wedding.
Wendy and Yoshi were the last two, and after they separated they took their place on the other side of the alter. Wendy was also wearing a circlet on her head instead of her crown and Yoshi was wearing the crisp shirt and black jacket. As well as a bright red bow tie.
The music changed to the famous march and Mario felt his throat tighten. Peach and her father stepped through the doors. Peach wore a beautiful white ruffled gown with a flowing train attached to a small tiara. She carried a bouquet of pink flowers in her hands. She was so beautiful and so perfect. Each step was smooth, and almost nothing seemed to shift with each step.
“We are gathered here today,” the elderly toad behind the podium had begun. “To unite two hearts in holy matrimony. We have all seen Princess Peach grow up from an adorable baby, to a charming child to the beautiful young woman that she is today. We all knew would seek her hand for marriage, and we knew she would accept only the best.”
Mario sighed. He always had a feeling Peach was disappointed when he and Luigi were the one to rescue her instead of some kind of dashing prince on a white horse, brandishing a fancy silver sword and protected by a fancy helmet and using the magic from some kind of crystal. Instead she got two plumbers on their bare feet, brandishing their plungers, protected by their mere hats and powered by strange mushrooms, flowers and starmen.
“Mario turned out to be the best,” the toad said and no one laughed. “Both he and his brother and had answered our call to save our Princess and the kingdom. Mario had proved himself over and over again. Mario Mario, do you wish to take Peach as your bride, to have and to hold, to honor and respect, love and cherish through richer or for poorer, sickness and health, better and for worse, now and forever until death do you part?”
“I do,” Mario stared Peach in the eyes.
“Princess Peach,” the toad addressed her. “Do you wish to take Peach as your bride, to have and to hold, to honor and respect, love and cherish through richer or for poorer, sickness and health, better and for worse, now and forever until death do you part?”
“I do,” Peach said.
“You may exchange the rings,” the minister said.
“This is the prettiest ring I could find,” Mario placed the diamond ring on Peach’s finger. “But there is no ring found anywhere that could match your beauty.” That was smooth. Could be any bigger of a sap?
“It is a beautiful ring,” Peach placed a single golden band on his finger.
“Now is there anyone who feel these two should not be wed?” The minister asked. Nearly everyone turned to stare at Bowser; nearly everyone except Madam S. Bowser rolled his eyes and stared at the ceiling. “I may continue. Mario and Peach, I pronounced you two as man and wife. You may now kiss.”
Mario cradled Peach’s chin before he closed his eyes and leaned in. Her Kiss was warm and sweet as her kisses always were.
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