Brother's Loyalty: Endgame

Something Strange

Sigh. I should've known Luigi couldn't talk Mario into laying low. Especially when I'm still in the shark's jaws. I guess that's what I've always loved about him. Well, here I am, up on the roof, and I have this feeling in my gut. Like King Boo knows Mario want to run to my rescue. He and Luigi both need to be careful. For all I know, they could be wandering right into a trap—

...

It was just like old times.

Mario and Luigi, teaming up and maneuvering past all of the obstacles in their way to defeat the villain and rescue Peach. Telling each other naughty jokes to ease the tension and listening to music on their phones to ease the tedium. Only this time—things were different. The Bros were scaling their way toward the roof of a haunted hotel, both having been in the belly of the beast. While Mario had to survive Hellen Gravely's unwelcome sexual passes, Luigi had to survive seventeen floors of traps, puzzles, harrowing ghost battles and taunting phone calls. Neither had emerged completely unscathed, but they were still pushing on, motivated by a sense of loyalty and love. That was just how the Super Mario Bros were.

"C'mon—let's go!" Mario enthusiastically cried, racing up the flights of stairs.

"Coming, Bro!" said Luigi, jogging after him. Of course, his speed was slightly reduced, due to the heavy vacuum on his back.

Atop one flight of stairs was a gaping hole, which Mario expertly leaped across. Luigi, however, played it safe, inching his way across as it crumbled beneath his feet.

"There it is! The exit!" Mario exclaimed, opening another door and dashing through.

The Bros emerged into the night air, now even chillier due to the high altitude.

"J—s—I should've brought a coat," muttered Mario.

"Here," said Luigi, wrapping his arms around Mario from behind. "I'll keep you warm."

"Thanks, Bro," said Mario.

It lasted only for a few moments, and then the man in red took off again, towards a ladder. "This way!" he shouted, vaulting into the air and executing his signature wall-jumps.

Luigi rolled his eyes. "Showoff," he muttered.

"Hey, Luigi..."

Gooigi appeared beside him, joined by Polterpup.

"Yeah?" asked Luigi.

"I wanna ask you something before we head up there," said Gooigi.

"Shoot."

"What happened in the Master Bedroom..." Gooigi rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Did it mean something to you? Because it definitely meant something to me.  It was my first time."

"Gooigi—of course it meant something to me," Luigi said softly. "I've always wanted to push my boundaries like that. It was a thrilling and daring experience, and..."

Gooigi sighed in relief. "Great," he breathed. "I just—I don't want it to interfere with—this."

"Rest assured, Gooigi—it won't get weird," smiled Luigi. "I mean, it could get a little weird, but—you know."

"I know."

"Hey, you two!" Mario called down to them. "Let's-a go!"

"We'll talk later, yeah?" Luigi said to Gooigi.