7. Restitution

The silence felt heavy as Nastasia prepared to speak. Taking a deep breath she started.

"Brothers, so that we can get things in context, I'm going to need to give you some background on why I'm here and what we need to do 'k?"

Both nodded, their faces showing nothing.

"As you both know, Blumiere and Timpani's wedding only just stopped the Void before more worlds were lost. Of Castle Bleck, only those who were present at the wedding survived as Castle Bleck was consumed by the Void. More than 200 souls were lost that day."

She paused to compose herself.

"Right, to cut a story short O'Chunks and myself have sought asylum in the Mushroom Kingdom. He is elsewhere in the Castle. This is where we find ourselves as we are now stateless persons and for various reasons, Flipside is not a safe place for us."

A quizzical look passed over both the Bros' faces.

"Our identity, that is O'Chunks and myself was soon common knowledge in Flipside. It soon became a dangerous place-we are rather distinctive. So we had no choice but to come here and face justice. We are completely dependent on the mercy of Princess Peach as of now."

"O'Chunks is here too!" Mario gasped "Who else? Mimi?

"No, she was taken in by Merlee. She now works as her maid. She has always been able to adapt. However, she too has a Summons but since she is still a minor cannot be tried alongside us."

Luigi flinched at those words. Tried alongside us. If that was the case then the trial would be just a formality. He felt nauseous at that thought.

"Luigi, are you alright? You look like you're going to be sick! I'll fetch a glass of water 'k?"

"Yeah, thanks. So, what's actually going to happen now? What are you going to do?"

Nastasia swallowed hard and blinked.

"Luigi, you're aware that you are here on the request of Princess Peach, and Mario. Remember that it's only been less than two weeks since you awoke, but it is imperative you are fit for trial. It is not just your freedom but Princess Peach's suitability to rule rests on this!"

Luigi turned paler. "N...No pressure then. But Dr Toadia said she was happy with my progress so far. Mario, I didn't just think that?"

Mario looked at him as he had some difficulty meeting his eyes.

"It's those nightmares, isn't it? And those flashbacks! But they're not happening all the time. I've come off that knock-out mushroom tea. I've not had them every night? Not this week?"

Mario looked almost on the verge of tears. He looked back at Luigi and shook his head.

"What?! So, when you said you walked into the cupboard door- oh no!"

"Luigi, I only wanted to help you. I thought it would give you more confidence that you are recovering. You've done so much-."

"Cazzo! Why do you have to treat me like a..a bambini!? I'm a man dammit!

"AHEM! Bros! We won't get far like this! Pay attention 'k?"

The Bros fell into an embarrassed silence.

"Right! Now, believe it or not, I did some medical training. Princess Peach gave me the information I needed to help you."

"Why are you doing this? Why do you want to help me? You worked for Count Bleck!?" Luigi hissed.

"Blumiere" Nastasia said almost inaudibly.

"I am under no illusions as to my guilt. I could have left at any time. Blu-Count Bleck said so. But I will never forgive Dimentio or forget what he did not just to you. If I can do some good and ensure that justice is served then that will be enough reward whatever my sentence is."

Luigi sat upright, touched by her emotion. Nastasia glanced at Toadessa, who gave a curt nod to continue.

"As I was saying, the evidence is that apart from the mental scars from the torture."

She paused to compose herself.

"And the brainwashing on Count Bleck's orders, the reason for these flashbacks are that you are trying to make sense of the memories, but you don't have a timeline."

"That kind of makes sense," Luigi said.

"Now I think of it, my first memory of Castle Bleck was the workshop. But after that, the nightmares started..." He trailed off clutching his brother's hand.

"I can help you with that, but it won't be easy. I am not lying, but it will get worse before it gets better."

Luigi felt that familiar knot in his stomach. Of course, it would.

"And another thing, Toadessa will have to be the witness but I recommend you ask Princess Peach to have a room made up for you here over this duration. Mario, I know this is difficult but it would be best if you are not around for these interviews unless Luigi specifically requests it.

"Yes, I get it." Luigi wondered if there was a slight note of relief in Mario's voice.
"He can stay for now. This will be difficult for you both to hear but there are some things you should both know about how exactly Mr L was created."