Love in the Oddest Places (bowuigi story)

Chapter 45: Ghostly Guide

Luigi and Bowser weaved through the busy ship bay, avoiding machinery and workers; the small team that would be accompanying him to Boo Woods followed after them. As they headed for their awaiting vessel, Luigi was doing his best not to have a panic attack. He had a mission, and he was not going to let his fear stop him—

WHY?

Why did it have to be ghosts?

Luigi had unfortunately grown up hearing ghost stories and other things of the like, courtesy of his uncles who found his frightened reactions amusing. Not only that but the neighborhood they lived in were paranormal fanatics; Halloween was a huge deal, even more than Christmas for them. So, when spooky season came around, it was hell for Luigi. And Mario did not help in the slightest since he loved watching horror movies.

As he grew older, Luigi kind of grew out of it. After all, he knew that the "hauntings" of some places were fake, just CGI or props set up by attention seekers. But then he heard more ghost stories, ones that sounded so frighteningly real and unexplainable, that Luigi couldn't find any comfort in logic. And so, the phasmophobia stuck.

"Luigi?"

With a startled yelp, Luigi realized that Bowser had been talking to him. He turned to the king with an apologetic expression, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Bowser narrowed his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay, just a little nervous."

Bowser narrowed his eyes. Luigi knew he was doing a terrible job at lying (if he could read his significant other, then the opposite is possible); however, he wanted to lighten Bowser's workload. Furthermore, he wanted to meet E. Gadd and find out how he got here. This was going to be an insane letter to Mario once he returned from his mission. So, Luigi insisted that he was fine to do this. The duo walked toward what looked like a marina; except instead of water, a skipper boat and other similar vehicles floated on lava. The soldiers quickly headed for the nearest boat and began boarding one of them. Luigi stared at the area in shock. "How... how are the boats not melting?"

"That's the beauty of tungsten," Bowser replied with a smug smirk. "It's practically impossible to melt. Plus, the magma tamers have intensive cooling systems to keep everyone safe. You'll reach the outskirts of Boo Woods and then back here before you know it."

Luigi focused on the new information on the Darklands' technology; it offered a distraction. Plus, he loved when Bowser boasted about his kingdom. He looked so happy and excited when he talked about it. Suddenly Luigi felt something wrap around his shoulders. Bowser clasped a cloak around him, "This is made with ice flower fiber. It'll keep you cool while you walk around the area," he said.

"I thought power-ups couldn't grow in the Darklands?" Luigi asked.

"They can't. But I snagged a few during our travels, to see if we could grow them here."

Luigi adjusted the cloak around his shoulders, the warmth of Bowser's care lingering in the fabric. The magma tamer's steady movement over the churning lava felt almost comforting with the king by his side. Bowser's expression softened as he knelt to Luigi's level, his concern evident in his eyes. "Once you've helped E. Gadd, get back home quickly. I don't like the idea of you being there for too long," Bowser said, his voice a mix of authority and worry.

Luigi smiled, standing on his tiptoes to plant a kiss on Bowser's cheek. "I'll be right back, promise."

With a final squeeze of Bowser's hand, Luigi sat down, feeling a mix of determination and reassurance.

.

.

.

As they crossed the sea of lava, the heat was almost overwhelming, but the magma tamer glided smoothly over the molten waves. Soon, the ashy shore loomed ahead, and the small group pulled the magma tamer onto the blackened land. Luigi's eyes scanned the landscape—charred trees with skeletal limbs stretched towards the sky, creating an eerie, desolate atmosphere. What could have once been a vibrant forest was now a graveyard of wood, the air heavy with the scent of ash and decay. Luigi took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. "This place looks a little bit familiar," he whispered to himself.