Chapter One: I Could Care More, I always could care a little more...
Teela Yoshi sat perched like a bird in a tree. Her legs dangled as she smiled, a small stick-like possession within her paws. Said paws were glowing a rather bluish and aquatic color, the stick-like trinket being seemingly shaped in a delicate manner, Teela squinting, her eyes growing narrow but retaining their focused demeanor.
Near her sat a red bird, plucking red feathers from its wing, its head bending over and eyes being shielded by the wing it was preening. The bird's eyes seemed to twinkle when in view, its beaked curved into what seemed a permanent smile.
"Chirpy," Teela snapped her attention from her current project, the bird looking up from its wing. "Hey... you think I could get some of your feathers? I mean... I'm kinda makin’ Karma something... Her birthday’s coming up, ya know? A few days... and... I mean..." She seemed almost guilty, her bright green eyes looking away from the bird, though not quite guiltily but rather in a shy manner. Her tone was polite, sincere in the most of ways, the bird looking to her, its eyes widening and narrowing on reflex.
"Chirrrrup," it chirped simply, Teela seeing as it now stretched a wing to its head, knocking a loose feather from its skull, its beak grabbing at it instantly and rather sharply to save it from falling to the ground. It hopped in its own little skippy way to Teela, dropping the feather near her turquoise-colored boot. The glowing had stopped, revealing Teela's light blue paws, as well as the rest of her body which, as she leaned out into the sunlight, became more than just a silhouette.
Her hair was a stable bluish sort of color, orchard ends bordering her bangs and edges of her locks of hair. One could see the rest of her body beginning to take on its all-too-soon-adult sort of form, hips becoming known instead of their once straight and simple form. She had already obviously gained her upper body material; twelve and already too mature mentally too. Her fangs gleamed in the sunlight, protruding over her lower lips from her upper gums, a sight which might confuse some. Indescribably, they were perfect in shape and form, simple white things that completely broke her entire picturesque figure and yet made them.
Chirpy, the elegant, red figure standing solely in the sunlight, plucked a few of the longer feathers from its at-least-one-foot-wingspan wings. Teela took them gingerly, her eyes now becoming that focused sort of expression again, the stick now being revealed as she leaned out to get the remaining feathers the bird offered her.
The stick was clearly not a stick but rather a hollow wooden piece that was taking on a flute-like appearance. Back in the shadows, a small wooden (poorly made) basket held many beautiful scales that glimmered in the light. It also contained sharp-looking fragments of almost shell-looking materials, glittering despite their shadowy location in the woven holder. There were assortments of shiny things within that basket, all of which would take part in making one of the most beautiful instruments perhaps on Plit, its elegance symbolic of not only royalty but peace and stability in the whole world. That instrument would be going to one of, perhaps to Teela, the most beautiful people she knew, and one of her most valued friends. Karma Koopa-
-was sitting on a bench-like structure in the royal hall, near the entrance hall. She was clearly engrossed in a book, as there was nothing else for her to do aside from read, write, and maybe even draw a little. Or a lot, depending on who was viewing.
"There can't be any way Macbeth would go that far..." The book was clearly not the best she'd ever read, and perhaps it was even the worst. She didn't really understand what was happening, obviously, or if she did she clearly couldn't piece the book together on her behalf. Rather suddenly, Karma heard Bowser's shout; right on time. Just about every five minutes of every single hour... Who was he yelling at this time? Any minute now-
"LARRY! GET BACK HERE OR DUNGEON FOR A WEEK!" Ah, Larry clearly was the one causing troubles this time. Karma rarely heard her “father” say anything to her or Ludwig. It had been that way ever since she ended up here anyhow, and perhaps that was a good thing... She had honestly never heard anything affectionate or supportive from Bowser's mouth to his own children. That, in her mind, was just plain pathetic. Picking the book up (she had almost decided to leave it there, let someone throw it in the trash...) she began to head off down the hall. Tomorrow was her birthday; no one knew, as no one even bothered to ask, and that was just fine with her. Or so it seemed...
Later that night Karma sat in tears against the stonewall of her room, moonlight striking the ground a bit more than it usually did in Dark Land. This moonlight was odd, though Karma didn't realize, because it seemed to be lighting more of a path. A path for whom or what, however, the blank moon could not answer.
On Karma's dresser, which was crude and rather sorry-looking, lay a wooden, flute-like instrument that looked crude as well but perfect in its own way. At least, unlike the dresser, it didn't look like it had come from a dump. Karma's window was open, a gentle breeze blowing into the room rather suddenly, more of a strange and unscheduled almost sort of gust. It blew into the room, as well as through the flute-like instrument, producing a low and too-silent-for-normal-ears note, meaningless (seemingly) to the rest of the world. Even Karma herself couldn't hear the tune; it was indeed silent, to most if not all but a few in the world.
Rather suddenly, the wind began to pick up more; more notes being played without thought by the wind itself. The wind and gusts seemed to be taking on life, a form of their own as Karma suddenly became aggravated and reached to shut the window. A light blue paw then grabbed her arm, Karma nearly jumping half a mile upwards, if the exaggerative phrase is all right.
"Heyyyy!" At first the figure was shadowed, but Karma immediately recognized the voice. She couldn't help but return the grin that pierced the shadows and the dark, a friendly and suddenly warm-hearted sort of grin emerging as Karma stared. "Why ya crying?"
"Teela!" Karma spat the name out, surprised and taken aback by something perhaps known as shock.
"Ayup, that's me, at yer service!" Teela was obviously using a strange sort of accent, clearing her throat and repeating the phrase normally.
"Hehehe... What're you doing here, you silly wanderer?" Karma asked, Teela bemused at Karma's suddenly giddy sort of nature.
"I came to give you your birthday present," Teela stated, her grin, unbelievably, growing even wider. Karma's jaw practically dropped five feet to the floor.
"You... remembered?" She stammered the words out, unable to believe anyone even knew. "How did you... know?!"
"I asked awhile back casually. Kept it in mind. It's important... or so I thought... Are you telling me nobody here remembered your birthday?" Teela asked, her eyes growing cross, though not at Karma. Her look became a cross one of anger almost, she feeling pity and anger towards the fact no one had known Karma's birthday had arrived.
"I don't think I really care, Teela, really, it's fine." The hybrid lied, trying to put on a fake grin, but she wasn’t fooling Teela. Teela looked at her for a moment, attempting to decipher what exactly the hybrid really was feeling. Was it more of remorse, even surprise, or was it modesty? Perhaps something else entirely?
"Can see right through you, I can, Karma... This isn't good, really... People should know it's your birthday, I mean... it should be special."
"Nothing is special to me anymore," Karma stated, not a depressed tone in her voice but quite the contrary, one of anger and seriousness.
"Oh come on now, I don't want to see you like this..." Teela then took a seat on Karma's bed, sighing and pulling out the box she had been holding behind her back. "I don't want to see you depressed.... You're my best friend; you deserve to be happy... to even have something special for yourself..."
"If I'm not even special, how do you expect me to have anything special?" Karma glared, snapping at Teela. Teela, however, refused to back off.
"I'd give you some huggles, but I don't think you're the hug type of person... Oh well." Teela then instantly lunged at Karma, wrapping her arms around her in a rather furious sort of hyper hug. Karma, at first, was going to act on the instinct to toss Teela to the ground and practically beat her face in. Yet Teela was her friend; Teela understood... She might be in a rather happy and carefree attitude that night, but Karma knew Teela cared nonetheless.
Teela had accepted her from day one, had become her friend and stuck to being labeled “Karma's friend”. Karma herself labeled Teela as such, as friendship was an acceptance sort of thing. Teela had even gone so far as saving Karma's life, though Karma wouldn't talk about such a disastrous nightmare, but Teela had done that too. She was now even remembering Karma's birthday... all these thoughts, so many things Teela had done for Karma, and Karma realized rather sullenly she had not ever done a single thing for the wandering Yoshi girl. At least not as much as Teela had done... Or so Karma thought.
Teela listened when Karma needed someone to talk to, and even once, only once though, Teela had actually been told by Karma that Karma had longed for the sweet melons of Yoshi's Island. This was before Teela could “magically” appear here and there, so the next morning Teela had arrived with a whole melon. A crazy request fulfilled... why? Karma asked herself now, though all these thoughts were going much quicker than expressed being as one thing simply led to another, why would Teela constantly just do whatever Karma wanted? ... Because she was a friend... a true friend, one who obviously cared for even the smallest things; Karma realized this too.
Teela let go of Karma, grinning rather cheekily though clearly still sincere. Karma returned the grin, her tears apparently now fading into her very smile, which was blossoming.
"Hey, hey... Ya know what? A birthday isn't quite a birthday without cake either... Where would a bakery be open at this hour, however? Oh! I know!" Teela giggled, Karma looking at her, now puzzled. "On the other side of the world!"
"I can't go that far, remember? Metbond..." Karma sighed, and for a moment it seemed as though she would actually have some hope. Teela then thought for a moment, wondering. Her complexion then became serious, her eyes becoming not blissful but rather occupied with staring at the wall with thought.
"Well because Ludwig is here... You ever see those movies where guys wake up and they don't know where they are?" Teela's eyes then lit up again, her smile becoming evil and clever simultaneously.
"No way, Teela... it'd never work..."
_
Deep within the
confines of the mechanical jungle sat a blue-haired figure, his claws brushing
his bangs back and out of his eyes every few seconds or so. His face was
rough with sweat, his one fang pressed against his lips as he moved his
hands carefully around his current project.
In short, Ludwig
von Koopa was working upon something or another, his eyes glittering madly
as he now picked up the blowtorch as well as a hammer. Before him was a
rectangular-looking wire frame, a circle amidst the outskirts of it, as
well as colored painting to the left of the wire framing. What was he working
on? It would appear that would not be known until Ludwig was done.
_
"It would if he is already asleep... at this hour, I betcha he is," Teela replied, looking to Karma to actually ok the idea.
"You're saying you're gonna teleport him to the place we're going but a different place?" Karma asked, cocking her neck and giving Teela a bizarre sort of “you're crazy” look.
"Unless you want him to know it's your birthday. Your choice." Teela shrugged, awaiting Karma's decision.
"It's daylight... Oohhh! I got an idea... Can we go somewhere seaside? We can put him on a boat and then come back for him... He ain't stupid, but no way will he believe it's daylight and such..."
"I could knock him out..." Teela mulled it over, Karma grinning, shaking her head in delight.
"Yeah! Let's knock him out!"
"Man that's cold..." Teela replied, her eyes narrowing. "You sure?"
"What else you wanna do?" Karma retorted, Teela thinking for another minute.
"I'm Ludwig's friend, too... well, sort of... not as much as I am your friend, but I am his friend nonetheless... and I don't hurt my friends, you see..." Teela then stood up, starting to pace back and forth, moonlight bleeding in on her. "I could quickly teleport to a town I know of... and then teleport to his lab... and have the boat ready... 'Twould only take a mere... hm... two minutes at most?"
"You can do that THAT fast?! No way..."
"I betcha two slices of cake," Teela boasted, Karma shaking her head.
"Wouldn't work... we'd have to teleport at the same time..."
"'Tis fine. I just want to get the boat ready. All you'd have to do is keep a hold on my arm and that box."
"Fine, two slices
of cake... you’re on!" Karma giggled, Teela winking and disappearing rather
quickly.
Chapter Two: Sweet Drea- CAKE?
Ludwig’s hands were now working madly as he pieced together the outer shelling for the rectanglar prism figure, leaving one end open as he inserted the actual mechanics for the device, closing the open end and scooping up the small paint set beside him.
Nimbly, Ludwig strung the paint on neatly, the device coming together now as he added the color, the one lens upon the machine sparkling and reflecting the Koopa’s face as he painted the rim around it. Clearly, Ludwig had made a camera, which he was now painting a pretty darker shade of green with black here and there, dark blue spots elsewhere.
It was quite fancy looking, and could have been mistaken for something special ordered if not for the spring that was still sticking out of the top. The Koopa boy realized this as he placed the small, metal piece (after scrounging around on the ground, looking, for a moment or two) on the camera nearly, painting it a darker blue color. As it was becoming finished, the blue-haired koopa smiled to himself, thinking:
It vill be late, but vetter late zan never…
He put on the final coat of coloring and slipped it into another machine (The "Dryer of Paintness") to allow quick paint drying. Moments later, the camera was out of the machine, polished and luminous as Ludwig snatched it, grabbing a silver ribbon off one of the other tables. It was a hair ribbon, but for now it would suffice as a ribbon for his gift.
He began to head out of the lab, careful to be quiet, as it was much past lights out and he wouldn’t dare want to awaken any of his other siblings.
_
The seaside air wasn’t tainted with city stench, wasn’t even tainted with anything but the overwhelming aroma of salt. It was a thick smell, but regardless it was overshadowed by the horizon and view.
The fact that the sun was blazing overhead, the birds still cawing at nothing in particular, and even people were still wandering about in the town nearby didn’t take Teela too long to get used to. In fact, she was already seemingly adjusted to the lighting, her eyes hardly squinting as she eyed the surroundings for a wooden feature, or something that would be docked. The thought was, in other words, a “boat”.
“Now... Where is it?” Teela asked no one as she scanned the landscaping a bit more, her eyes growing picky and attempting to spot out what she needed.
A few moments late, Teela did indeed spot a boat, positioned it in the water just the way she would need it. That was all it took, and then she was gone.
_
Karma expectantly waited, Teela finally appearing before her.
"Ready?" Teela asked, grinning. Karma nodded, eyes glistening as they both disappeared.
"No, actually… While you were gone, I heard something… you can tell when people are coming down the hall, I mean… I-"
"It’s probably a guard." Teela stated, shrugging as Karma shook her head.
"No… I don’t think it is; we don’t normally hear the guard roaming in the sleeping corridors. Maybe one, but since when could I hear a guard’s footsteps? The only person…" Karma paused, sudden epiphany dawning on her. "Ludwig… It must be Ludwig."
"Huh? Isn’t he the guy we’re supposed to ‘leave on a boat’?" Teela asked, a slightly befuddled questioning expression now upon her. Suddenly, a small knock was heard on the door, more or less a tap that barely resounded throughout the room or even to their hearing capabilities for that matter.
"Wha?" Karma pushed herself off the bed, Teela standing there, now quickly darting under it, just in case. Opening the door, Karma’s eyes now beheld a tired-looking Ludwig. He grinned, a clever sort of grin that, in a Ludwig-ish way, was somewhat charming. Karma motioned him into the room before Ludwig had a chance to say anything. Closing the door, "Ludwig… what’re you doing here?
"Happy birthday." Ludwig held the camera out to her, looking shyly away as Teela crawled out from under the bed. Ludwig’s back was to her; she could have had the perfect opportunity to scare him, however, she didn’t.
"Hi Ludwig." Ludwig swerved around, slightly spooked by what he'd heard, as he wasn’t expecting anyone at all to speak. Karma was lost for words, she staring at the camera, gaping in shock.
"Teela?"
"Heh, yeah. You DID remember her birthday!" Teela smiled, holding up her paw in a high-five manner. Ludwig, shocked to see the Yoshi, did indeed "claw-paw" her as he looked to Karma.
"How’d she get here?" he asked, glancing back to Teela, who was still grinning away. "Not to be rude or anything…" Ludwig now became cautious, as he didn’t want to offend Karma in any means at all.
"Eh, you know Teela, she gets around." Karma smiled, looking to the camera still. "You… you made this?"
Ludwig took note Karma seemed a lot nicer when Teela was around, more accepting. He really never knew how to respond to such a change; it made his heart flutter to see the girl happy, for some reason. He couldn’t understand this feeling of "fluttering" in his heart, which had sped up slightly now for some reason. It was a feeling of happiness almost, and as Karma smiled, he felt a whole wave of warmth pass over him, Ludwig himself powerless to stop the returning smile.
"Yes… I did. And hello, Teela." Ludwig now had his attention on both of them, realizing Teela was certainly here and this wasn’t something, he doubted it could ever be, unreal. Teela now stepped aside him, looking at the camera and grinning.
"Wow, that’s pretty!" she remarked, smiling sincerely to Ludwig as he nodded.
"Pretty is right," Karma agreed, Teela looking to her now, an idea popping into her mind.
"Hey, why don’t when we get there, I take a picture of you two?" the Yoshi girl asked, Ludwig looking to her in a questioning manner.
"Where are we going?" Without protest, Karma stood beside Teela, the box still in her other claw, camera in the other, Teela placing one of her paws gingerly on each of their shoulders, and before Ludwig could react, all three of them were gone, the room left empty now as the window creaked open. It was as though some invisible force had just been doing so.
The group’s current surroundings was an ocean worth of views, literally. Ludwig put his hand to shield his eyes; it was daylight here, and it would be a few moments before he could view everything.
“Heh, this is sure to be the most interesting birthday I’ve ever had....” Karma stated, Teela’s smile blossoming again from her serious and stricken lips. It was a snide grin, which stated all too surely “you bet”. Ludwig then watched as Karma handed the camera to Teela, Teela motioning the two of them together. Karma blushed slightly, Teela could tell, as Ludwig stood next to her.
“Everything seems to be interesting when I’m involved,” Teela admitted. What perhaps might have been more or less an innocent statement truthfully had too much emotional content and truth. In other words, the statement was used lightly, when it had been before used to simply mean “OMG everything’s going wrong!”
"Come on, Ludwig, put your arm around her," Teela commanded, Ludwig looking surprised. He then looked to Karma, who shrugged. She didn’t seem to mind, so Ludwig did indeed put his arm around the hybrid, her hair pressed against his claw for a moment before he placed it on her other shoulder. Karma leaned in against him as Teela smiled. "You two look cute." She remarked, both of them looking away from one another as they blushed, Ludwig actually grinning in embarrassment. It was perhaps the only "good" statement about him and Karma that he’d heard, perhaps, the only "supportive" thing. "Look at the camera, you two, sheesh!"
Karma and Ludwig both looked to the camera, both smiling as Teela snapped the photo, she herself looking bemused, handing the box and the camera back to the Yoshi-Koopa hybrid.
"Teela, can you take a photo with me, too?" Karma asked, tightening her hair ribbon slightly, Teela looking to Ludwig.
"Yeah, I’ll take
the photo," Ludwig replied to Teela’s questioning look, Teela nodding.
Both Yoshis (if you consider Karma a Yoshi) stood back-to-back, arms crossed
as they grinned, posing for the camera in the most "rebellious" of ways.
It made Ludwig grin to see them both happy like that.
"I’d tell you
guys to put your arms around each other, but it just wouldn’t look as good,
now would it?" Ludwig asked, and before either of them could scowl, he
snapped the picture.
"Ha ha, Ludwig." Teela remarked playfully, Karma shaking her head in laughter. She picked up the box that was as Ludwig’s feet and took the camera.
The day glistened, Karma having to shield her eyes from the sunlight now as they began to bolt away towards the town nearby. The waves were the only sound, and they were a bit away from the actual city Karma beheld in her site. Teela grabbed a hold of Karma and Ludwig’s arms, the three of them vanishing and reappearing near the town.
The town was relatively quiet, though the sizes of some of the buildings made it seem more or less a city. Said city went by the name of “1,000 Leagues” for some reason neither of the Yoshis (If you consider either of them Yoshis, really) actually knew. Was it really important?
“Man, it’s pretty cool here, aside from the sunlight... it’s pretty,” Karma admitted, Teela nodding. Karma, truthfully, had never been to such a city, this one was right on the seaside but still held a moderate temperature. She didn’t recall ever even being to an ocean, and would have loved to swim within it, but they only had a small amount of time.
Ludwig was glancing left and right, amazed by the architecture of the buildings, the seaside air, and the distant call of the birds in the surroundings. He was too focused on what was around him now to really think about whether or not it was sunny; he was more noticeable of the fact he liked it here.
“I liked it when I came here. Warp pipe guesses, actually, heh...” Teela chuckled, Karma smiling. This place was peaceful; the town’s members didn’t even eye them as they stood, marveling, three children on an adventure. The fact of the matter was that they were two friends together, enjoying life without a care in the world at the moment.
Friends always seemed to do that; they took you away from your troubles, eased your mind, so when you went back to the problems, you handled them in an even smoother manner being as your mind had been cleared. When peace arrives from a friend, it seems to clear one’s conscience. Karma realized this absently, enjoying the heating of her hair and shell with the cool wind whispering into her face softly. Things were balanced here; peaceful, and she liked it. A break from Castle Koopa, at last...
“This way,” Teela ordered, her voice high in power and even in tone. Karma and Ludwig jerked their attention from the way their bodies and minds were feeling to Teela. She didn’t have to be defensive, didn’t have to fight, and Teela (as well as Ludwig at the moment) wished her no harm. Karma had, and didn’t think she ever would, never gotten over the fact she had a friend. A sometimes too friendly friend, but Teela was Karma’s friend. Karma loved and was, simply put, delighted with this thought. The fact Ludwig seemed quieter was good for her too; he even seemed friendlier when Teela was around, an easier person to get along with, it seemed.
“Where we going?” Karma looked at the box in her claws now, shaking it a little, her hair bobbing and pink ribbon fluttering about her as she did. “When can I open it?”
“When we get to where we’re going.” Teela smiled a charming smile, one that only someone with fangs could muster up. It was that simple companionship of the glittering fangs along with the eyes that did the trick; it was the essence of a charmer, a smile no one could avoid returning, as one could clearly note. Karma returned the smile, big and clumsy, rolling her eyes. Ludwig walked alongside them, looking to his feet every now and then.
"Can I please know why we’re here now?" In truth, Ludwig had forgotten the fact he had been taken from Karma’s room to the magnificent place. It was so marvelous, he had, for a while at least, forgotten how they had come to be here.
"Tell me where we’re going, please," Karma demanded softly.
”I said cake, didn’t I?”
“Yes, yes you did.”
”Then?” Teela slowed her pace, walking alongside Karma as well as Ludwig now, taking the box from her.
They walked for about another five minutes, Teela finally stopping at a shop which inside had a convenient amount of tables as well as a shop window aligned with decorative cakes. Karma marveled for a few moments, eyes shining in lust for their icing, for the sweet and soft insides of the treats. Ludwig stared, his grin stretching eerily from one side of his head to the other; his mouth watered as Teela looked to the two of them.
“Hehe, your eyes are big, Karma.” Teela laughed, Karma looking to her, smiling. Teela motioned the two of them to follow, opening the door and walking in as they followed.
“Hello zere, could I help you?” a man asked as Teela nodded.
“Yes sir, I do believe I ordered one of your cakes, actually. I requested it be made so I could come and pick it up.” Teela’s voice had changed from one of leisure to one of urgent business. Karma shuffled, a little uneasy as the man eyed them, still grinning as he nodded. Ludwig stood aside Karma, his attention still on the cakes in the window.
“Order name, ma’am?”
“Teela. Teela Marie.” The name rolled off her tongue, Karma relieved she hadn’t used some strange code name. She had almost expected one, as being around Larry so much made you expectant of things.
“Ah yes, you ordered a cream-topped twenty-five inch across, twelve inch in height filled with chocolate icing?”
“That sounds about right, thanks,” the fanged Yoshi girl replied, turning and winking at Karma. Karma grinned, grinning even wider now as the man brought the cake out, opening the box top slightly and allowing them both to see.
It said: Happy birthday Karma; hope you enjoy! ~ Teela
Simple, but very elegant, Karma thought, her mind still alit with enjoyment. That is the prettiest cake I’ve ever seen! The cake was indeed cream-topped with perfect red and green frosting, the cake green with purple edges, the frosting red. There were decorative flowers upon the top, little Koopa shells and tulips around it; a truly marvelous cake to behold.
The man handed Teela the box, she nodding. “Pre-paid, I checked,” the man stated, the Yoshi girl shaking her head.
“’Tis correct.” And with that, she led Karma and Ludwig over to one of the tables. They took a seat, Teela getting up and retrieving a plastic fork, two plastic spoons, and a plate.
“That is the prettiest cake I’ve ever seen, Teela! It must’ve cost a fortune!”
”Don’t worry about how much it cost, m’kay? Just enjoy it, is all I ask.” Teela’s laugh that followed was definitely a strange one that merely stated, in an almost confused stature, “ no worries’.
"Wow…" Ludwig remarked, staring now at the cake before them instead of the ones in the window. "This is better than the ones over there!" He jerked his thumb towards the window, pointing out as Teela nodded.
"Ok, if you say so," Karma replied to Teela’s "how much did this cost" situation.
”Wouldn’t say so otherwise.”
Karma then watched as Teela bent to cut the cake but then stopped. You want candles? Should I sing happy birthday?” She blushed in embarrassment, Karma shaking her head.
Ludwig watched as Teela nodded; he could tell she wouldn’t have wanted to sing. In truth, Ludwig couldn’t blame her.
“I never really liked that. It was more annoying than anything. I don’t have anything to wish for that I haven’t wished a million times on shooting stars, ya know? So why waste time on a cake? It’s like why can’t we just dig in already? Heh.” Teela only chuckled, looking back to the cake. They watched as Teela cut the cake, placing a rather absurdly large piece on Karma’s place and pushing it towards her.
“Birthday girl gets the biggest piece.”
The Yoshi girl cut a piece for Ludwig, who marveled at it. Teela then cut a fairly sized piece for herself, instantly eating it whole in a Yoshi manner. Ludwig gaped, bursting into laughter when he saw. “Not bad manners, just good food,” Teela commented, Karma’s eyes wide. She had seen the way the piece was for one moment there, the next, gone.
“Woah...” Karma then burst into laughter, taking a bite out of her cake. Her eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks lighting up. “WOW... This is the best cake I’ve ever had!” Ludwig then took a bite out of his, his entire face lighting up, knocking him speechless.
”You expected otherwise?” Teela raised an eyebrow as Karma began to shovel the thing down. They both continued to eat cake until the last piece was left.
“I’m so full!” Karma groaned, her smile still there. Teela giggled, grabbing the plastic knife and cutting the piece into thirds.
“My torture is your torture, friends!” she laughed, pushing Karma’s plate back to her, Ludwig’s back to him. The three of them ate the last piece, Karma thinking it odd. No one had ever offered to share anything with her, or if they had, it had been too long since she could remember. There wasn’t a day that went by in Castle Koopa that she wasn’t alone and terribly bored. No one shared the video games, no one shared the couch, no one would even bother to share their bathroom with her, thus making her end up walking all the way down to Ludwig’s laboratory, or even Clawdia’s. Sometimes it did feel like no one cared; sometimes Karma didn’t even care if no one cared. This was different, however, because Teela did care. For that, Karma was happy and thankful. She didn’t get the feeling often, but it made her happy regardless.
As for Ludwig, sometimes it seemed like he did care, this moment being one of them. He had cared enough to make her something, care enough to even remember. She was mildly surprised he'd remembered, but he did remember nonetheless. Perhaps he did care, and just had a difficult time of showing it. That would make sense- knowing Ludwig, Karma figured, he probably had a hard time opening up and showing things. She knew boys were like that, after all.
“You can open that box now.”
“Hm? Oh, I almost forgot!” Karma admitted, blushing for feeling slightly foolish. She untied the ribbon, a small cardboard box under it. The thing was packaged rather nicely, and one could tell it had been hand-done, as the tape wasn’t placed in any particular order. It was simply perfect in its natural state.
Inside the box was a handcrafted flute-looking thing, one that was decorated with an abundant amount of aqua-colored scales that gleamed and to some extent even glowed. There were red feathers on the sides, placed in an even amount away from one another; the light blue scales small in amount, only lining the sides to where the feathers were. The decorative instrument had no holes within it, seemingly, but as Teela held out her paw, Karma handing it to her without question, she began to play a wide array of notes.
“Wow... it sounds as beautiful as it looks... Teela, where’d you get it?” Karma asked, elbows on the table as she placed her chin in the crook on one, eyeing Teela thoughtfully.
"Hey, that’s neat!" Ludwig looked at the sparkling thing, allowing his eyes to grow wide. It was certainly shiny; he thought it was metal at first, but upon closer inspection, it had too many colors and textures all at once to be metal.
“I made it.” Pulling the instrument away, Teela grinned gaily, smiling that once more charming smile that simply stated “I know things.”
“Seriously?! It’s so pretty!”
“You really like it?”
“Yes! You REALLY made this?”
”How else could I, girl? To be honest, I had to make your gift because I’ve not a job, am too young, and the cake was, simply put, enough.” Teela laughed, her serious tone and expression back on.”
“Makes sense... thank you so much, Teela! Thank you... I really just don’t know what to say!”
“Don’t think anything of it. Just tell me... you’re happy then?” Teela asked, Karma nodding furiously as though she were now rocking her head to a beat that had her entranced. Ludwig prayed secretly she did say she was happy; he now, more than ever, wanted her to be, but couldn’t quite understand why at the moment. Upon later realization, he would know it was because he cared.
“VERY happy, Teela... just thank you.” The hybrid stood up, embracing the fanged Yoshi awkwardly. Karma was somewhat shorter than Teela, but it was a hug anyhow. Teela hugged Karma as well, smiling as she then handed her the instrument. Karma then hugged Ludwig, who was slightly taken aback, but finally embraced the hybrid in return. She certainly was warm.
“Ever played a kazoo?” Teela asked, Karma nodding, still smiling. Teela picked up a napkin, wiping the mouthpiece of the instrument, then handing it to Karma. “Played exactly the same way, without the vibrating sound to it. It’s more... melodic, pretty, you see.” Ludwig watched in focus.
“Do I call it a kazoo flute?”
“Heh, if you’d like. I’m too full to explain the technicalities of it and history, all that whatnot,” Teela admitted, Karma nodding in understanding. She put the kazoo-flute to her lips and blew, producing a beautiful C note, then an A, the tune carrying on perfectly, not too high or low in sound. It held power in its notes, which were resounding well, a lovely tune to the ears emerging. Karma played it for a few moments before pulling it away and looking into the actual hole she blew in. There were tons of tiny carvings within it. Teela took note that her jaw had dropped open.
“What?”
”So many pretty carvings inside of it, Teela! They’re so pretty! How?!”
”A little talent and some focus,” the Yoshi girl stated, smiling as Karma now did.
“It’s very pretty... just... thank you.”
”Heh, you’re welcome... Glad to have made your birthday at least somewhat good for you.”
“Somewhat?! Teela, this... this is the best birthday I’ve ever had...” She looked to the flute, amazed by its beauty, the picturesque cake in her head, its beauty too. She then focused on the camera for the longest time, finally glancing up to Ludwig, her eyes filled with tears. These were elegant things, so simple, but amazing on so many levels. Karma hugged them both at the same time now; a group hug it certainly was.
“Well, it shouldn’t
be too late from when we last left.” Teela now brought Karma into the realization
that she did have to go “home”. But Teela did state something about “special”.
This birthday had indeed been special; she appreciated it more than she
ever had appreciated her birthday within her whole life. Karma did have
something special; a reminder that someone cared. Two people cared! What
more could she ask for?
Chapter Three: My Friends
Teela took care of disposing the garbage, their tummies hurting but ignored due to the pleasant feelings of happiness they withheld. Karma had her kazoo-flute as they appeared by the boat, zipped through the air back to Karma’s room.
“Thanks again, Teela, really... I wish I could express how happy I am,” Karma stated, almost reluctantly.
"And you…" Karma looked to Ludwig, grinning. She stared at him for the longest time, Ludwig finally glancing away in discomfort, Karma leaning towards him and kissing him on the cheek, hugging him. "Thank you both… I just… thank you."
“Think nothing of it; as long as you’re happy, then I’m good with that,” Teela replied, smiling. Chirpy stood perched by the window, Karma letting the bird in without thought as it now landed collectively on Teela’s shoulder.
“You’re leaving?”
“Aye, I got too, k. What am I gonna do here? I needed to say happy birthday, and be on my way, sadly. Wouldn’t wanna annoy the rest of the royal subjects here; don’t think I wanna be Teela Le Fried, or even Teela Le Smashed...” Teela giggled nervously, Karma nodding.
“Well... ok. Thank you...”
”Aww, Karma, you keep saying that and I’m gonna be here for a very long time, heh. You’re welcome; I’m just glad I made your day... er... night.”
”Yeah, this is the happiest I’ve been in a very long time.”
”Glad I was of service. I guess I’ll see you later, Karma.” Teela hugged her friend, Chirpy taking flight for a moment or two.
“Bye Teela. Be careful.” Ludwig waved, Teela waving in return. Teela looked to Karma one last time.
”If you need me, you know how to reach me.” Teela winked, glancing to the flute. “I’ll know when you need me.”
”I could always use a friend.”
”Well you’ve always got one, always will have one.” Teela said her last words before Karma could say anything else. Teela knew if she would have stayed, Karma wouldn’t have let her leave, simply because Karma had definitely enjoyed herself, but surely wished the night could have lasted forever. It was the sheer happiness, no worry sort of attitude Teela always had whenever she came to visit Karma. It was a break, something to look forward too. It made Karma happy.
She wouldn’t cry now, even though Teela was the only one who actually knew and remembered Karma was appreciative. This was the best birthday she’d ever had, simply put, because it was with someone who really cared about her, someone who actually enjoyed her company and accepted her for who she is. It was simply because it was spent with a true friend.
She wouldn’t cry now, not tears of sorrow at least. Teela and Ludwig had remembered; Karma was appreciative. This was the best birthday she’d ever had, simply put, because it was with two people who really cared about her, and perhaps both (meaning Ludwig too) of them actually enjoyed her company and accepted her for who she is. It was simply because it was spent with true friends.
The End
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