We're in the Endgame Now

"Uuuhhh…"

His head hurt. So did the rest of him. It was as if white-hot fire was spreading inside his body. His brain, struggling against the bonds of thorny ropes as multiple malevolent beings were shoved inside his conscience and forced to fight for an evil cause. But Luigi wasn't one to submit so easily. Sweat covered him as he battled in futility against Dharkon's control. He was pretty sick and tired of being used as someone's puppet, anyway. First Count Bleck, then Dimentio, then Lucien, and now this. Luigi was more upset and annoyed than anything.

Continuing to push against Dharkon's power, endeavoring to preserve at least some shred of himself, Luigi had enough presence of mind to leave a message for his loved ones should his efforts to resist fail. Slowly, painfully, the man in green pulled out a small recording device and held down the button with the red circle on it until he saw a blinking light on the side of the device.

"Hello," he spoke into the device. "It's-a me, Luigi. I'm currently imprisoned in the Mysterious Dimension and at the mercy of Dharkon. He…" He screamed as a bolt of pain shot through him. Dharkon was increasing his power. "He's using me as one of his foot soldiers for his little takeover campaign. As you can hear, I'm not making it easy for him." He managed a little laugh. "Mario—Daisy—I hope you'll find this recording. I know you'll find it. And when you do, and when you hear my voice, all I ask is that you not feel bad about this. Part of the journey is the end. Just for the record, I think the universe seems to get off on me being mind-controlled." Another round of pain interrupted him, his body spasming, his hands trying to muffle his cries. Once again, he managed to keep Dharkon at bay and continued. "Yeah, I know the universe has a thing for it. But for what it's worth, being subjected to Dharkon's will is more fun than it sounds. Right now, I can fight against him, but he's pulling out all the stops now. I can feel his hold on me tightening—soon, what's left of my conscience will be wiped out, and I'll be just another mindless slave. And that'll be it." He sighed heavily, tears falling from his eyes. "When I drift off, I will dream about you. It's always you. Always. Please…" He sobbed heavily. "Don't forget me…"

Luigi pressed the "end recording" button, and with his last ounce of strength, flung it out of Dharkon's reach, watching it drift beyond the Mysterious Dimension. Dharkon punished him for this defiance by initiating a fresh round of torture.

By and by, the plumber felt his grip on himself slip. He closed his eyes and smiled, imagining his tomboyish Flower Princess and his cool big bro smiling at him, encouraging him to continue the fight.

It's always you…

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