For the most part, the stories are always simple. There is a hero with the task of saving the world or something symbolic of it, but he will always be interrupted by an antagonist with opposite ideals. Sometimes, both can have right hands and if we want to get more complex, the hero will have two, one male and one female.

But who was the one who invented these rules? It was unknown information, but everyone was aware that it existed since he was the director of the Fungwarry academy. Known worldwide for being the largest exporter of heroes and villains for fairy tales, movies, and more recently video games.

You like Harry Potter? The story and characters came from here. J.K. Rowling? A name invented so as not to give oneself away in front of mortals. A fan of Zelda? It was also created here. You can name any franchise; it is unlikely that it didn't leave the academy.

However, even though everyone around the world has enjoyed at least one of these stories, they never know what's behind it.

Wait, Animators and programmers? Sorry to disappoint you again, but do you really think that there are people so masochistic as to do all that? No way.

With all this clarified, I think we can finally start with our story.

It was the beginning of a new semester; this implied that the most experienced were creating new stories, non-poisonous potions and new, innovative and functional artifacts. All this in search of a new generation of new titles within the most popular franchises.

Fungwarry was not a school like the others; things like graduation meant the end of your franchise, so everyone was afraid of it. If your intention was to be successful, you had to pass each exam with a grade greater than 7.5, counting the opinion of the external public.

With everything explained above, you may be wondering, so they are all actors? It is a valid and quite recurring confusion to be honest, but no. At birth, each character is classified as a hero, sidekick, villain or extra. Depending on the support of the public, you may have the opportunity to be the protagonist of your own title, but that will never change your origin and your role in the main story. Said like this, it may seem unfair to many, but don't worry, everyone at the academy understood and accepted it.

Or at least that's how it was until before the new semester, when more than one would realize that not all heroes are so good, nor are villains so evil.

"It's him, I can't believe it"

"He looks much better in person than in games"

"What a shame, I had the illusion that he was taller"

Those were just a few examples of what was whispered in the corridors when they saw him go by.

It's not very difficult to guess who it was, because despite wearing the academy uniform and not his famous plumber suit, his characteristic mustache always gave him away.

Mario was undoubtedly one of the biggest successes within Fungwarry. Finding someone who didn't know his face was an almost impossible task.

The blue-eyed brunette attracted glances without even trying, it wasn't so much because of his physical attractiveness (To be honest, he wouldn't enter a top thousand of the most handsome students), but his confidence and popularity were with him at all times. However, this story is not about Mario.

If not from his younger brother, Luigi.

Luigi might have been taller and had a more handsome face, but he was always in the background. Something that many would think is bad luck, but for him it was a complete blessing. Unlike his brother, he was coward and quite anxious. He would never forget the day he was told that he would be the lead in his own title. He almost fainted from nerves! Although in the end that cowardice made his game a complete success, despite everything, he felt more comfortable being an ally and nothing more.

"Mario! Is the news serious? Will they have their own movie?" Kirby approached him.

"I see that rumors spread fast around here" he laughed "But yes, the first previews have already come out and it seems that they were well received. We look forward to a good premiere next year"

"Good time, my friend" Link hugged him by the shoulders "It's still amazing how the hedgehog got ahead of you. Twice," he sneered.

"Are you talking about those generic craps where his 2D to 3D move was a huge flop?" he growled.

"In the end they looked pretty good"

"It's pure filter!" He yelled, "Do you remember the first trailer? This is what he really looked like after his operation"

"For the second movie it was more natural, but my brother refuses to see it" Luigi joined the conversation.

"That's because I shouldn't waste my time on stupid things like that. I have to prepare for the movie and new releases" he approached his locker and reviewed the list of future projects that the academy was proposing "Another sports game!? Haven't they learned that it doesn't sell?"

"You have already been told many times, you are a good image to promote physical activity"

Mario made a face. "Well, I guess everything will be fine as long as I don't get asked to work with Sonic again" he wrinkled is nose "What smells so bad?"

It was clear that he was saying it in a mocking tone, something that became clearer when a group of koopas passed by, including King Bowser.

"I guess it's serious that monsters don't bathe," he laughed.

"Dude, that's racist," Link said.

"It's not, I'm just repeating data."

"Didn't anyone else get chills?" asked Luigi.

"Brother, seriously. Wouldn't you like to get over that ridiculous cowardice? " Mario hugged him by the shoulders "Imagine, for the first time being able to look a villain in the eye without your legs shaking. And punch him in the face"

"I prefer to leave the punching and stomping part to you."

"Don't push him, Mario, he's not just an ally for nothing" Link said.

"That's right, not everyone has that warrior blood in them," Kirby added.

The younger sighed while he listened to his brother's friends. Although there was no lie in his words, he thought that sometimes there were comments that should not be made or at least not in front of the person they were talking about.

"Guess who I am" a blonde stood behind Mario covering his eyes.

The boy laughed, "Is it my dream girl?" He kissed her hand.

Like every semester, Peach did nothing but get more than beautiful. The brothers always thought that her wardrobe in the games did not allow her to show off her beautiful figure, but her uniform did do her that favor.

"Think fast!" another girl jumped on Luigi.

"Daisy" he smiled at her on the ground.

"I'm excited about this new semester, I'm sure that now they will remember to include me as part of the story," she blurted out excitedly as she helped him get up.

"I hope so, I miss seeing you on adventures."

"I know you do, after all, I doubt you can find a better friend than me." She tossed a lock of hair back.

"Are you still doing that?" Peach rolled her eyes. "Luigi, seriously, you should formalize your relationship"

"I...

"Don't push him!" Can't you see that he's shy? " The chestnut came out in her defense "He's a little baby who only needs love, understanding and tenderness" she squeezed him.

"Hey," he broke away with a blush.

"Oh, you're so easy to annoy. I love you!" She squeezed his cheeks and then looked at all the protagonists around him"Suddenly I smelled a lot of inflated ego and superiority complexes, let's go, Lu" he pulled his friend "See ya later, guys!" they left "I don't understand how you always end up with them"

"They're Mario's friends and apart from him there's no one I get along with here"

"Excuse me?" She crossed her arms.

"Except for you," he corrected with a nervous smile.

The girl made a face "This year you will make new friends, that's an order."

"As if I could control that."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but in fact it is so."

"It's not!"

"Lu, people won't get close to you if you don't open up to them first. Until now, you've been lucky to work in the same job as your brother and he's been sheltering you forever. But it's about time you let go of him."

"It's not that easy." He looked down at the ground.

"I know, but you're always complaining that you don't like his friends and you feel uncomfortable, so just walk away! But then you're also always afraid of being left alone, so you come crawling back with zero dignity."

"There's a way to say it, you know?" he mumbled. "Besides, it's easy for you to talk. You get along with almost the whole school! Even villains respect you."

"Ever since I blew Bowser out with one punch in Mario Party," she laughed.

"Exactly, you are strong, brave and confident. And I admire you so much for that, but I can't be like that"

"And you don't have to" she took his hands "Lu, you have many virtues. For example, that beautiful heart of gold that you carry with you and how in the face of danger, despite being scared to death, you take risks to save those you love most. Something that, if you allow me to say, makes you much braver than your brother" she kissed his cheek.

Luigi blushed and caressed her friend's hand, "Daisy, do you think we can try it again tonight?" he asked her.

The smile on the girl's face turned into a grimace "Lu, I don't think it's going to work."

"Please," he begged, "I know it didn't go very well last time, but I'm sure today I'll finally be able to do it right."

She rolled her eyes.

"Okay, I'll see you tonight in your bedroom.

"Thank you," he hugged her.

The friends walked to their classroom. Most of their saga companions were already present. It was amazing how even characters in the same story could be found separated into different groups. As always, Peach and Mario were in the middle of everyone with that confident and intimidating aura that unconsciously turned people of lower rank away.

Luigi was always in the dilemma of which group he belonged to even in his own franchise. Academically he was listed as an ally, but at times he was treated as a not-so-important protagonist. It was like he was always stuck in a limbo of not belonging anywhere. Unlike her, Daisy came greeting and talking to literally any creature she encountered.

The boy tried to sit next to his brother, but the brunette prevented him from doing so and she took the place. Luigi looked at her confused and sat next to her.

"Do you see that empty chair next to you?" the girl pointed out. "I want you to give yourself the opportunity to meet the person who will sit there, maybe he will become your new best friend."

"Is that your plan?" I can't do it," he replied annoyed.

"You must take the risk,"

For a moment, Luigi considered listening to her; she was right, he would never know what could happen if he didn't give himself the opportunity. However, that all came crashing down when the seat was taken by the famous king of the koopas, Bowser.

He froze, the monster's shoulders were too broad and it made his arms brush against the guy's.

He turned to see Daisy, who was just holding back a laugh.

"Don't even think I'll do what you said," he told her, "Let's switch places, please."

"No," she said between laughs.

"Daisy, there's no way I could be his friend," he whispered to her.

"Maybe, but at least this will help you stop being so afraid of him a little."

Luigi looked at him out of the corner of his eye, Bowser didn't usually talk much when they were at the academy, not even with his henchmen; it even seemed that they also feared him. Sometimes passed the time with his cousins, the koopalings, but they and Bowser Jr. also seemed to be his own group that the king sometimes got into. The boy had to admit that in that aspect he identified a lot with him; both were just bodies floating in space looking for their place in life.

However, that didn't change the fact that just having him close made him tremble to the point of wanting to wet his pants.

"Good morning, guys" Professor Miyamoto entered the classroom "You have no idea of all the excitement out there for the movie!" he smiled "It will be a great success, I assure you"

"Everyone's scenes will stay right?" Daisy held up her hand.

The professor looked away nervously. "The plan is yes, but you must also take into account that due to time constraints, some may be cut," he replied.

"So I won't be in the movie," she growled.

"Bowser, Luigi, remember that you still have to record your scene" the teacher reminded them.

"What!?" The chestnut released "I thought it was already the last time"

"That's how it was, until someone destroyed the box with the footage believing that we were hiding his banana" he looked at Donkey Kong annoyed "Then we have to do it again, but it will surely come out better than the first time!"

Luigi wanted to die, he had taken too long to gather the courage to record that damn scene to have to repeat it.

"Changing the subject, we must prepare our next big hit. Did everyone receive the list of ideas in their lockers?"

The group nodded and took out their sheets.

Luigi raised his hand. "Is another Luigi's Mansion necessary?"

"But of course! You're one of the public's favorites, everyone adore you" he smiled.

"Yei," he forced a smile.

"The council members and I have been discussing it and we believe that recreating the first Donkey Kong game is our strongest card. What do you think, Mario?"

"Honor my grandfather's legacy like I honored my father's in Mario 3D All Stars? Sounds like a great idea to me." He smiled.

"You really are the spitting image of the two of them," he mentioned, "Donkey, clearly you'll be taking your grandfather's place as well. You will have some classes with Cranky to teach you how to correctly throw the barrels. Pauline will obviously return as a damsel in distress."

Peach crossed her arms. "Isn't she too old for that? In Odyssey they didn't even look close in age"

"That's because Mario is short," Daisy scoffed.

"Peach, you'll also be part of this, but as a playable character" explained the teacher "You'll have to save your beloved Toad" he pointed to the ones in the Mushroom hat "And of course you'll also be there" he looked at Daisy and Luigi.

"Please tell me I'm not the one to play" the boy looked at him.

Miyamoto laughed "I really love your sense of humor, Daisy, you'll be the hostage and Luigi, you'll be able to save her and even kiss her at the end" he winked at him "It'll be a one hundred percent modern version. There will be all our new artifacts. The flowers, the mushrooms...

"Peach's crown?" Mario asked.

"No," he answered seriously, "That thing made the internet go crazy in a strange way in ancient times." He looked sideways at Bowser, causing him to blush.

"Sounds like complete chaos," the blonde spoke.

"It seems so, but don't worry, everything will be justified by history."

"So," Bowser spoke suddenly; everyone was surprised, it was rare for him to make comments, in addition to the fact that his deep and raspy voice impacted anyone even if it was not the first time they heard it "Will I not be required for this delivery?" he asked hoping that the answer was no.

"But of course you will, you're the main villain."

"But I thought this time it would be Donkey."

Bowser, everything is justified in the script. We'll give them to you in a few days, okay? But you and your little koopalings will continue to be annoying as usual.

The koopa snorted.

The rest of the day was gone in that meeting. Everyone knew that the only ones who truly benefited from each game were Mario and Peach, they were loved and their opinion was always taken into account. The others, despite each having their own fan base, were rarely heard; not even in their own game Luigi, Yoshi or Donkey could have much say. They had an hour of rest that was not worth much, because somehow they managed to continue discussing future projects.

At seven o'clock, Bowser was the first to get up from his seat; followed by his younger brother, Bowser Jr. (became his son within the games, but really they were only seventeen years apart) and all the koopas.

The last to leave were Mario, Peach, Luigi and Daisy. The first couple invited the second to dinner, but they were turned away; instead, they went to Luigi's room.

They sat on the minor's bed and were silent for a few minutes.

"Lu, you really don't have to feel pressured."

"No! I know that this time it's going to work." He looked into her eyes. "Daisy, you're the most beautiful and amazing girl I've ever met in my entire life. I admire your strength and courage, you always know how to make me feel safe."

The girl sighed "And you, Luigi, have one of the noblest hearts I've ever known. You know how to make me laugh every day and I think you are very handsome."

The boy bit his lip. "Are you ready?"

"I should ask you that, your hands are sweating," she laughed.

He laughed too and slowly approached his friend. They both joined their lips in a kiss that lasted just a few seconds. As they parted, they stared at each other.

"So?" Daisy asked.

Luigi diverted his gaze to the ground "I'm sorry, I didn't feel anything" he paused "Again" he sighed.

The girl placed a hand on his shoulder "Hey, don't feel bad, you don't have to like me."

"But you must!" he jumped up. "We are technically destined to be together and everyone is happy with the couples the academy gives them. And you're beautiful and funny and I love being with you, so why don't I feel anything when I kiss you? I know it's not because I feel something for someone else, no girl really attracts me."

Daisy considered her next words well, part of her was in a dilemma about saying it or not.

"Ok, I'm going to ask you a question and you might be uncomfortable answering, but, Lu, have you ever considered that you might be, you know, gay?"

"WHAT!?" he yelled.

"I know it's sudden, but think about it. You've never liked any girl and you're not attracted to me to the degree that I'm sure I could undress myself right now in front of you and there would be no reaction. I mean, you could also be aromantic asexual, which is fine, but I think you're over-torturing yourself by wanting to have romantic feelings for me."

"No, nothing like that. I'm straight, we just have to go out more, and then sooner or later something else will be born between us" he approached her "Give me three more months and...

"Lu" she caressed his cheek "I adore you and I like you very much, but there's nothing wrong with not feeling the same way about me. I want you to be happy."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"I'll be fine, I always am" she smiled "But if you want to make me happy, for God's sake, make friends. Enjoy your life; if you want to feel love, then find someone who makes you feel it. The academy is not perfect and that certain things work for some doesn't mean that they should work for you too."

Luigi rushed to hug her.

"I'm really sorry," he squealed, "If I can do anything to make it up to...

"Actually, you can," she laughed. "Come with me to a club tomorrow."

"Huh?" But...

"No buts, you said you wanted to make it up to me, right?"

"Yes, I did," he snorted.

"Then get ready for tomorrow, handsome. You and I are going to party" she got excited "Rest, Lu" she left the room.

The boy fell onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.

To hell with rest, it was clear that this wouldn't happen.