Prologue

No matter how many times the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom was kidnapped, it always amazed Luigi how quickly the status quo was reinstated upon her safe return. The near-apocalypse, having been thwarted by the heroes of light, barely rustled the leaves within the kingdom. There was no trace of extra fear or anxiety within the small and almost infantile villagers. Even Mario, who had seen his latest companion disappear, who had fought against his brainwashed brother, who went to the afterlife, and who saw the destruction of an entire world was unfazed.

Luigi trembled.

He hadn't left his house in months.

Mario had mentioned something to him about it, but Luigi had instantly brushed him off. Inconvincible, he mostly remained in his room.

He constantly heard a voice in the back of his head.

Though he didn't remember being Mr. L, it appeared his alter ego still haunted him to this day. Never before had the green-clad plumber experienced this level of internal conflict. He cursed the day he had ever wished for excitement in his dull life. Playing second banana to his brother was better than being part of the evil that nearly wiped out all of the worlds and life itself from existence. Anything was.

Today, Mario defeated Bowser once again in returned victorious to the house they shared. He had offered Luigi a slice of Peach's famous cake.

Everytime you try to be heroic you fail.

Remember the wedding?

Remember trying to rescue the goombas?

Remember when Dimentio blew you up?

He shuddered again

"Bro," Mario opened the bedroom door, letting in a stream of dim light. "Can we talk?"

Luigi sat up. "What is it?" He noticed that Mario was wringing his gloved hands. This couldn't be good.

"I think maybe we should go talk to Dr. Toadley tomorrow."

Though not the brightest man in the world, Mario could at least tell that Luigi was struggling with something.

"Nah, why would you—"

"Something's wrong!" Mario interrupted. "You look like you haven't slept in months, and I'm worried. You never come to kart races or games, and never leave this room. Princess Daisy is worried about you and asked me about you today."

This was met with silence.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" Mario said in a soft tone.

Luigi nodded.

No you can't.

He didn't even recognize you.

He doesn't care.

It's all an act for his image.

Mario's lips formed a slight smile, satisfied. "Okay, bro."

"I'm gonna sleep, I'm tired," Luigi said.

Mario's smile wavered, but he left nonetheless. "Goodnight, Luigi."

And Luigi shut his eyes, embracing the darkness.

Remember this well, as long as you are alive, the chaos can always come back, Mr. L.