Hiraeth (Luigi x Reader)

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE
HIRAETH

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Eighteen long years had passed since the day Bowser took [name] under his wing. Despite [name] being a human, she had become adored by the citizens of the Dark Lands. However, their affection for her was somewhat coerced, as Bowser, occupying the throne, demanded their admiration for her. The day of her adoption had transformed into an annual holiday, and without fail, Bowser orchestrated a grand, kingdom-wide celebration in her honor every year. The Koopa King lavished the young girl with all her heart desired, for her happiness was his utmost priority. All he asked for in return was for her to follow one, simple rule:

She must never, under any circumstances, leave the confines of the castle.

[name] never understood why she was forbidden from venturing beyond the castle's walls. Yes, the castle was settled amidst a treacherous rocky terrain and rivers of lava, but she couldn't help but sense that there was another reason as to why she was as forbid from leaving.

[name] gazed at her reflection intensely. She wore a elegant black, sleeveless ballgown, complemented by silky, elbow-length gloves. Adorning her wrists were two spiked cuffs that mirrored those worn by Bowser himself. Taking a deep breath, she gave herself a self-pep-talk, "This is it. Today is the day you'll finally learn the truth," she whispered. Pausing momentarily, she continued, "All you need to do is ask Dad. You're old enough to know. You have a right to know."

Her musings were abruptly interrupted by a gentle knock at the door, followed by the familiar shrill voice of Kamek resonating through the air. "[name]? Are you in there?" he called out. "It's almost time for tonight's celebration! You wouldn't want to miss your dad's grand speech—he's been rehearsing it all day," he added, eliciting a small chuckle from the young woman. She swung open the door, inviting Kamek into her bedroom. "Sorry, I'm nearly finished. I got lost in my thoughts," she explained.

Kamek cast her a knowing glance. "You're contemplating how to approach your dad about leaving the castle, aren't you?" he remarked.

[name] felt a blush creeping up her cheeks in response to his sudden accusation. Although he was spot on, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment every time she broached the subject with anyone. "Is it that obvious?" she asked, cringing at how easily her intentions had been discerned. Kamek chuckled and shook his head. "Not particularly. I happened to overhear the pep-talk you were giving yourself," he confessed.

This revelation only deepened [name]'s embarrassment. Her eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and exasperation as she whined, "Uncle Kamek! You eavesdropped on me?" The elderly Magikoopa laughed heartily, raising his hands in a defensive gesture. "It was an accident, I swear on my wand!" he exclaimed, trying to alleviate her distress.

She buried her face in the palm of her gloved hands, a mixture of frustration and longing evident in her small groan. "Uncle Kamek..." With a heavy sigh, she lowered her hands to her sides and looked down at him, her eyes filled with a desperate need for reassurance. "Do you think I'll have any luck this year? I know my father means well, but... I have a right to know the truth."

Kamek took a deep breath, his aged eyes filled with empathy, and gently clasped one of her hands in his own. "I cannot say for certain, my dear. But what I can tell you is that, regardless of his decision, your father only wants what he believes is best for you. Your father loves you dearly." He gave her hand a tender squeeze, emphasizing his point. "The world can be a harsh and unforgiving place, and your father knows that better than anyone. I understand how frustrating this is for you, especially now that you're an adult, but in his eyes, you will always be his little girl."