Mario & Meggy: Their Story [Re-ignited]

2. Warm Regards

Mario and Meggy spent the rest of the day in Inkopolis, meeting up with Kenji and Sam for their regular training exercises. The vibrant city buzzed with activity, a stark contrast to the unsettling phone call Mario had earlier. He tried to focus on the training, pushing the thoughts of Peach to the back of his mind, but they lingered, casting a shadow over his mood. Kenji stopped at one point, clapping Mario on the back as he neared.

Kenji: Hey, Mario! You alright? You seem a bit off your game today.

Mario: <forcing a smile> Yeah, I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind.

Sam also seems to take notice of Mario and joins the conversation.

Sam: Well, let's work it out with some intense training. Ready to get your butt kicked?

Mario: <laughing> Bring it on.

Meggy: Less talking, more training! We've got all evening to chat!

The training session was rigorous, with the team pushing each other to their limits. Meggy kept a close eye on Mario, her concern evident even as she gave it her all. Despite the physical exertion, Mario couldn't fully shake the anxiety gnawing at him about Peach.

Meggy: Mario, you're doing great. Just stay focused.

Mario: Thanks, Meggy. I'm trying.

As the day wore on, they ran drills, practiced maneuvers, and strategized for the upcoming Splatfest. The camaraderie and energy of his friends provided a temporary distraction, but Mario knew he'd have to face Peach eventually. The thought of their inevitable confrontation filled him with dread.

When the training session finally wrapped up, they all went their separate ways, exhausted but satisfied with their progress. Mario and Meggy walked back together, the city lights casting long shadows as they made their way home.

Meggy: Hey, Mario. If you need to talk or anything, I'm here for you, alright?

Mario: <smiling softly> I know, Meggy. Thanks for everything today. It really helped.

Meggy: Anytime. Get some rest, okay?

Mario: I will. See you tomorrow.

Back at his home, Mario practically collapsed in his bedroom, drained from the day's events. His brother, Luigi, was already asleep on the lower bunk, snoring softly. Mario climbed into his own bed, his mind still racing with thoughts of Peach and the unsettling phone call.

As he drifted off to sleep, Mario found himself in a dream that felt incredibly vivid and real. In the dream, he and Meggy were a lot more than friends. They were walking through Inkopolis, hand in hand, sharing laughter and intimate moments that felt both surreal and wonderful.

Dream Meggy: Mario, I've always felt something special between us.

Dream Mario: <smiling> Me too, Meggy. You mean the world to me.

The dream was filled with warmth and happiness, an idealized version of their friendship that blossomed into something deeper. They shared a kiss, the moment feeling so perfect and right that it took Mario's breath away. He had never thought of Meggy in that way before, but in the dream, it felt natural and undeniable.

When Mario woke up the next morning, the vividness of the dream lingered, and he found himself conflicted. He swore he never saw Meggy that way, but the feelings from the dream were too powerful to ignore. He glanced down at Luigi, who was still asleep, and tried to process what he had experienced.