Luigi's Nightmares

Epilogue

Two days later, Charlie exited the Training Room and was about to hit the showers when she noticed two well-muscled men bearing a large flower bouquet each, walking down the hall.

The blond one with the tunic and short shorts flagged her down. "Hey, Charlie!"

"Hi, Simon. Richter," greeted Charlie.

"Where's Luigi?" asked Simon. "I heard he's in the hospital. Is he doing all right?"

"He's doing fine. He'll be discharged later today," smiled Charlie. "Let me point you in the right direction."

Charlie led the Belmonts to the infirmary and paused at the door to Luigi's room. "L," she said. "You have some visitors."

"Let them in," Luigi's voice said from within.

Charlie nodded to Simon, who pushed open the door and stepped inside. Richter followed him.

Luigi's eyes widened when he saw his visitors. "Simon! Richter!"

Simon smiled. "I heard what you did," he said.

Luigi blushed. "Bet you didn't expect that."

"Actually, we kinda did," said Richter.

The plumber raised an eyebrow.

"After we saved you from Death, we had some time on our hands. We found out a lot about you," explained Richter. "We were very curious about that thing on your back. That's how we heard about—the mansions."

"Luigi, you're braver than you realize," said Simon. "Richter and I could find no words when we heard the tale of how you saved your brother's life twice. And the fact that you ventured into that castle in the first place was—wow."

"It was a dare," huffed Luigi.

"But you still found the courage to take that dare. That's what I mean," gushed Simon. "Courage from within—perhaps there's a bit of Belmont in you, figuratively speaking, of course. And while Richter and I fight vampires, you fight ghosts. We overcame much, and so have you." The vampire hunter rested a hand on Luigi's shoulder. "Keep fighting the good fight, my friend. Don't let your fears bar you from living your life." He placed the flowers on a table beside Luigi.

"Those are very beautiful," said Luigi.

"You know," ventured Richter, "maybe you can help us on our quests, one of these days."

"You have to teach me a few moves, first," smiled Luigi. "Maybe I can introduce you to Elvin Gadd. He's my mentor, and he trained me in ghost hunting. If you explain to him how monsters differ from ghosts, the two of you can work together to modify my Poltergust. Then, I'll have two areas of expertise, the ethereal and the corporeal."

"If we do that, then maybe you can give us some pointers on catching ghosts?" asked Simon.

Luigi grinned broadly. "It's a deal."

They shook on it, and then the door opened, revealing Dr. Mario. Peach, Daisy and Mario trailed behind him.

"Hi, Luigi. How are you feeling?" asked Dr. Mario.

"Honestly, I've never felt better," said Luigi. "I've freed myself from the specter of Dracula and his ilk. And I'll fight him again if I have to. I'm not afraid of him anymore. That goes for Death, too."

"Your adventure really helped," offered Dr. Mario. "I see that your injuries have nicely healed up, and your vitals and blood work look fine. I'll prepare your discharge papers."

"Great. Thanks," said Luigi.

Dr. Mario exited, and the other three leaped into the room, hugging Luigi wildly.

"We're so proud of you!" trilled Daisy, kissing Luigi deeply on the mouth. "Way to show that Dracula creep what for!"

"I didn't do it alone, though," mused Luigi. "I had you. Thank you—for being there."

"When we learned of your plans, we knew we had to lend our support," said Mario. "You're a brave man, Luigi, the bravest I've ever known."

"Oh, Mario—I thought Dracula had you. But make no mistake, if he ever lays hands on you, or Peach, or Daisy, then all bets are off. I'll get my soul ripped out a thousand times to pry you from his clutches."

"We know," said Daisy. "We know." She kissed him again.

Richter and Simon stood back, watching in admiration.

Just then, however, Mario noticed them. "Hey," he said, walking over.

"Hey," said Simon.

"You know—we never got to thank you—for helping him," the man in red said softly.

Simon nodded. "Of course."

"Yeah. You two rock!" chirped Daisy.

The two Belmonts blushed.

Dr. Mario returned with Luigi's discharge paperwork, which he signed with a few quick flourishes.

"All right," said Dr. Mario. "You can get dressed, and then you're free to go."

"That's what I like to hear," grinned Luigi.

"After you've dressed, let's say we go out to dinner?" proposed Simon. "My treat."

"You read my mind," said Luigi.

Charlie walked in with Luigi's clothes, and he ducked into the changing room to put them on.

"Ah, Luigi," said Charlie. "He's a man who always bounces back, isn't he?"

"You're right," Mario mused softly. "He is. My baby bro suffered, that is true, but he ultimately grew stronger. The times tried his soul, and through the trial, he overcame."