Author's note, First of all, I'm deeply sorry I was unable to make the promised release date for this chapter last week. My laptop froze on me after completing a Windows update, so I had to take it in for repairs which left me without a laptop for several days. I've also had writer's block when it came to this story. Again I sincerely apologize for the delay.
Special thanks to TGN, The SD321, and Tsukimine12 for leaving a review. I genuinely appreciate the support alongside with your feedback.
Special thanks go out to everyone who viewed clicked the favorite/ follow button since we're already over ten favorites and nine follows along with over 180 views. Thank you all so much for the support.
Also, I want to say thanks to TGN, SD321, Tsukimine12, KitKatestar, SkyDragon Queen 17, and Keyblade Writer of the Dawn for favoriting and following this story.
Thanks go to Pkgamer, coswave and That oneobessedLinguist for leaving a follow along with a special shoutout to MGfan5, SpongeKrabs Plankton, Raizar and TriMusicaDrag00n90 for leaving favoriting this fic. I'm glad to see you're enjoying the story, and I genuinely appreciate the support.
A special shout out goes to The Sensational SpiderDom321, for helping me out with this chapter along with some of the dialogue. If you do get the chance, please do check out his stories. They're all great reads. He also gave me inspiration for an idea which you'll see later on in the story. Thanks for your help my friend, if you ever need my help, I'm more then happy to give it to you.
Disclaimer I don't own Mario or any of its characters used in this fic. It's copyrighted to Nintendo, and I don't own anything.
Luigi's group trekked through the dense undergrowth his breath coming out in quick, short breaths. Every so often Luigi would glance over his shoulder, to check on Mario's condition. The slight rise and fall of Mario's chest confirmed he was still breathing much to Luigi's relief.
"Mario's going to be fine, he's been through worse situations," Luigi said hoping to reassure himself. The raw panic of finding Mario lying sprawled on the ground shook him to the core. Like every resident in the Mushroom Kingdom, he was well aware of the long-standing grudge Bowser held against Mario for thwarting his multiple attempts to kidnap Princess Peach.
There was no doubt in Luigi's mind; Bowser had gotten the upper hand on his brother. the though Bowser had enacted his long sought after revenge on Mario leaving him to die. The thought of Mario dying left Luigi even more determined to save his brother's life.
"How far away is the clinic?" Luigi asked fighting to keep the tremor out of his voice.
"It should be a half hour's journey," One of the Toads replied unfolding a map. "It's a small clinic run by a skilled team of Toads. If anyone can help Mario, it'll be them."
Luigi nodded silently taking in the new information. He picked up his stride making sure Mario was comfortable, desperate to get to the clinic.
The sound of a snapping twig startled Luigi who pivoted on his heel. In that instant, Luigi broke into a sprint feeling his heart pounding in his chest. Luigi nearly stumbled a couple of times due to Mario's dead weight the pristine white building stood out against the jungle foliage.
"Almost there, Mario," Luigi said panting slightly from carrying Mario's dead weight. His thoughts turned to the Toads wondering how they were keeping up with his frantic sprint to the clinic. Luigi looked back over his shoulder seeing the pair of Toads falling further behind him struggling to keep up with Luigi's longer legs.
"Luigi, you need to wait up!" One of the Toads cried out. "We can't run as fast as you can!"
Luigi felt guilty at outrunning his Toad companions, so he slowed down allowing the Toads to catch up with him. The small group silently passed by several bushes Luigi froze hearing a twig crack turning his head towards the source of the bushes and his heart stilled when he caught a pair of red eyes glaring back at him. The Toads exchanged a look, before looking back at Luigi who held Mario gently.
"'We'll hold off whatever it is that's following you, Luigi!" One of the Toads said turning on his heel facing the bushes. A low rustle came from the bushes indicating something was approaching them. Much to the group's confusion, a small strange green humanoid creature leaped out of the bushes. A single spike protruded from its head holding up its hands in a grabbing motion slowly approaching the small group.
One of the Toads took several steps back, looking over at Luigi's pale face upon seeing two more of the strange creatures approaching them. Luigi doubted any of the strange creatures were friendly he reached out to steady Mario glancing over at the Toads while one of them looked ready to fight back.
"L-Luigi, wh- what d- do we do?" One of the Toads stammered."What are these things?"
One of the Toads flipped the map around his eyes scanning the text. "It says here they're called Trapeetles. They are aggressive and to be avoided at costs. Under any circumstances, do not throw your headgear at them, as it leads to a tragic display seen nowhere else in nature."
Luigi tensed hearing a low moan coming from his shoulder. A glance over his shoulder he met a pair of blue eyes beginning to open. Mario stirred his eyes flickering open before another low moan escaped his lips. In an instant, Mario slipped down Luigi's back standing on his own two feet, his knees trembling, before sinking to the ground.
"Mario, you need to take it easy!" Luigi cried out seeing Mario turning around to face him. Before Luigi reacted Mario flung his arms around Luigi hugging him tightly his face buried into Luigi's chest. Luigi returned the hug, feeling relieved Mario was awake at least. "Luigi, you have no idea how glad I am to see you right now," Mario said faintly. "How did you know where to find me?"
"We found you on the ground knocked out cold bro further back in the jungle," Luigi answered Mario's question eying the burns along Mario's arm. "I should be asking what happened to you, Mario?"
"It's a long story, Weegie," Mario answered his brother's query. "Bowser kidnapped Peach because he's forcing her to marry him and when I tried to save her, I was knocked off his ship so hard, I landed in this place called Bonneton. There, I met this hat named Cappy, who told me Bowser kidnapped his sister, Tiara. So, the two of us teamed up and began traveling from kingdom to kingdom, looking for these relics called Power Moons. When we caught up to Bowser in the clouds, we failed to save our loved ones and we crash-landed in this place. Shortly afterwards, that stinky vulture kidnapped Cappy and knocked me on my buttock."
"Yeah, it's good to see you're awake, Mario, but for now we have to run away from these guys since I don't think they're friendly!" One of the Toads cried out panic in his voice.
One of the Toads narrowly avoided being grabbed by one of the Trapeetles. Luigi took the time to weigh his options. He couldn't run the risk of Mario engaging these strange new enemies, possibly even getting killed, caused Luigi to shake his head. Their other option, of course, was to flee and reach the safety of the clinic.
"So, what are we going to do Mario?" One of the Toads asked trembling.
Mario remained silent staring at the approaching enemy approaching them it's hands making grabbing motions and idea formed in the plumber's mind. He turned his head looking for an outcropping or a small ledge, where either Luigi or one of the two Toads could climb up to where they would be safe.
"Weeg. Take off your hat, and toss it to the enemy," Mario spoke catching Luigi's attention. "Run to that ledge, and I'll help the Toads deal with the other two enemies."
Luigi turned to Mario shock registering on his features. "Mario, but what if you get hurt even more? If something were to happen to you, who would rescue Cappy? Or Princess Peach for that matter? No, I can't allow that to happen, you're my brother, if something happened to you, I would never forgive myself."
Mario looked up to see the small tears leaking out from Luigi's eyelids. Luigi silently clenched his fists; his whole body was trembling with emotion. Mario slowly removed his arm from around Luigi's shoulders reaching out to touch Luigi on his shoulder gently.
The small touch prompted Luigi to open his eyes making eye contact with Mario, smiling back at Luigi.
"I'm scared to Weegie, but please I promise you, I won't get hurt. That's a promise."
"Alright then, let's do this!" One of the Toads cried out.
Luigi allowed Mario to remove his arms from his shoulders limping over to the two Toads explaining the plan to them. Judging from the expressions of shock on their faces they weren't keen on the idea, until he saw them reluctantly nod in agreement slowly removing their turbans handing them off to the Mario, waving them like a flag in the air.
"Hey, you stinky pair of beetles!" Mario shouted. "Let's see if you can catch these hats!"
In one swift movement, Mario tossed the Turbans through the air. Two of the Trapeetles leaped into the air catching them in before landing back on the ground. They began to flash red several times before they charged forward heading straight for Mario and the Toads narrowly climbing up onto the ledge watching the enemies explode in the small ball of flame.
Luigi heard the tread of the enemies' footsteps walking across the soil coming closer and closer to Luigi, and its hands extended ready to grab Luigi at any second. Luigi tensed reaching up for his hat tossing it at the enemy watching it soar in an arc the last Trapeetle jumped up to grab it.
"Run Luigi!"
Luigi broke into a run hearing the strange beeps coming from the enemy he ran to where Mario and the Toads were jumping high into the air. The tips of his fingers gripping onto the edge of the ledge, Mario and the Toads were standing on. Mario bent down ignoring the stab of pain traveling down his arm, pulling Luigi on to the edge hearing the dull boom the enemy made as it collided with the wall the force of the impact nearly jostled Luigi from his position.
"Is everyone okay?" One of the Toads asked glancing down at the ground noticing the cap and turbans lying on the ground slightly burned from the enemies colliding into the wall. Luigi turned to face Mario smiling back at him with a warm smile reassuring his brother he was okay.
"I'll help you down," Luigi spoke slinging his arm around Mario's shoulder helping him climb down the cliff making sure Mario kept a steady grip until their feet touched the ground with Luigi making sure to support Mario seeing the small smile appear on Mario's face.
"You see Weeg? I didn't get hurt like I said I would fratello," Mario said smiling before it faded away into a frown glancing over his shoulder at the jungle in the distance. "I sure hope Cappy's doing okay, and that no harm's come to him."
"We'll rescue him, Mario," Luigi said hoping to reassure Mario. "I haven't met him personally, but if he's anything like your previous companions such as Goombella, Flurrie, Koops, and Vivian, then he'll be okay."
A quick smile appeared on Mario's face, Luigi could tell Mario was still concerned for both Cappy and Princess Peach and Tiara, but he was still determined to press on ahead to rescue both of them.
"You're right Luigi, as soon as I'm healed, rescuing Cappy will be the very first thing I do and I want my bro at my side when I do so."
Luigi saw the warm smile appearing on Mario's face and he slung a gentle arm around Mario's shoulder holding him steady the two of them reached the ground safely hurrying over to where their headwear lay on the ground.
Of the strange creatures who'd attacked them only a few fragments of green metallic skin remained, along with a few severed fingers. Luigi stepped forward awkwardly bending to pat out the few small flames flickering along the edge of his cap.
"Well, I hope nothing else crazy happens here," Luigi said glancing around the area wearily. The last thing any of them needed was to come under attack from any more of the Lost Kingdom's hostile wildlife.
A scream filled the air. One of the Toads picked up his burned turban covered in ash along with a small flame flickering on his headwear. "Aw man, this was one of my favorite turbans too."
Picking up their scorched caps the Toads hurried over to Mario and Luigi. Luigi turned to face Mario, who began to walk with a slight limp until Luigi ducked under his brother's arm steadying him.
"Thanks, Weegie, I'm glad you're here, but what about Balloon World?"
"I can focus on that later," Luigi said. "Right now, getting you to the clinic is more important, then Balloon World."
The small group hurried to the clinic while praying all the while they wouldn't run into any more of the Lost Kingdom's more hostile creatures.
Darkness, everything and everywhere hurt. Cappy stirred slightly letting out a low moan sitting upright rubbing at the top of his head. Wincing the Bonneton glanced around his surroundings ignoring the sense of dread, his hand resting on the wooden straw surface underneath his hand.
"Where am I?" Cappy asked himself.
Cappy approached the edge of the nest. There was no sign of Mario anywhere at all. Closing his eyes, Cappy reflected on his conversation with Mario before the Klepto ambushed them, Mario's valiant effort to save him, his last desperate cry for Mario's help. A shriek caught his attention, followed by heavy wingbeats.
The sound prompted Cappy to freeze seeing the Klepto winging into the sky, before it dived towards him it's talons extended forcing the Bonneton to flatten himself against the rough, scratchy straw feeling the gush of air rushing over his back hearing the Kelpto shriek in pure furcation at having missed its target.
Cappy hovered into the air coming face to face with the Klepto diving down towards him again talons bared ready to drive into the Bonneton. Cappy narrowly avoided the second strike hearing the frustrated shriek coming from his tormentor seeing it ascend into the skies once more folding back its wings racing towards Cappy extending its talons waiting for the moment to sink them into Cappy.
The Bonneton quickly began to form a plan in his mind, quickly diving towards the ground the sound of the Klepto's wing beats signaled the Klepto was getting closer to him. The Bonneton drove a hand down into the muddy soil picking up a clump of dirt.
"This is for Mario, you feathered bully!"
In one swift motion, Cappy threw the clump of dirt right into the Klepto's eyes. The bird shrieked recoiling beating its wings, shaking its head from side to side, raising it's left wing, wiping away the soil from its eyes. It succeeded in its task before shooting a death glare at Cappy.
The Klepto shrieked once more ascending to the sky, soaring above the densely packed trees waiting patiently for its chance to grab Cappy.
Under the dense foliage, Cappy crouched down pressing close to the dirt his eyes trained on the shape of the Klepto lazily flying overhead. Cappy lowered one of the branches hearing the flapping of the Klepto's wings. Cappy shivered hugging himself hearing the angry shriek in the distance, serving as a reminder the Kelpto would be waiting for Cappy to leave his makeshift shelter.
"Mario, please be okay," Cappy said glancing through a small gap in bushes. "I know you're still alive. Until we meet again I'll be brave and I won't be that buzzard's prisoner again."
Half an hour later, Luigi's group finally arrived at the clinic. The moon slowly rose into the sky, the moon's rays illuminating the foliage around everyone's relief they hadn't run into any more of the hostile wildlife, hearing the doors to the clinic opening with a whoosh, the small bell announcing to the sleeping receptionist, optional patients had arrived.
"Ahh! Welcome to the Lost Kingdom clinic, how can I help you..." The receptionist trailed of taking in Mario's condition, the tried expressions on Luigi's and the Toads' faces.
"No way is that Mario?!" The receptionist exclaimed unable to hide back her shock. "What happened to him?!"
"I fought Bowser since he's kidnapped Peach again and I got a little careless," Mario said gesturing to his burns. "Not to mention, my friend was taken by one of the local Kleptos."
"Oh my gosh, that's awful. The doctor will see you now, to get your injuries treated," The receptionist said her eyes wide with shock reaching for the phone on the desk speaking urgently into it. Several minutes passed until the receptionist faced Mario with an anxious smile on her face. "The doctor will see you now Mario. He's through the doors, down the hallway to your first left."
Mario turned to Luigi the Toads sank into the plastic chairs exhausted talking to each other relieved
"I hope you're going to be okay Mario," Luigi said holding tightly onto Mario's hand. "Once you're better, we will find Cappy and we're going to save him"
"I'll be fine Luigi," Mario said with a gentle smile hoping to reassure Luigi. "We're unstoppable together, no matter what happens."
Luigi let go of Mario's hand while continuing to help Mario walk down the hallway until they reached the doctor's office. The doctor opened the door with his assistant at his side. The doctor's calm expression faded when he saw the burns along Mario's arms with Mario's right arm draped across Luigi's shoulders.
"Oh my! Is that fiend Bowser's handiwork?!" The doctor exclaimed in shock.
"The burns are Bowser's work," Mario admitted. "The other injuries were inflicted by one of the local Kleptos."
"Oh my, you've been through a lot," The doctor said examining one of the burns along Mario's arms. "These look like to be first degree burns, and I don't think any of these wounds are serious. Luigi can wait back in the reception with his Toad companions."
"Are you sure, his injuries aren't serious?" Luigi asked.
"No, they don't appear to be serious," The doctor answered Luigi's question. "Luigi, I promise you Mario is going to be okay."
"I'll be fine Luigi," Mario said with a kind smile hoping the gesture would reassure his brother. "We're a team and nothing is ever to come between us."
"You've never broken a promise to me and I know you're not going to any time soon."
Luigi watched Mario entering the doctor's office before turning on his heel heading back to the reception sinking into the plastic chair. Luigi finally sighed in relief. It felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off his chest. His brother was safe. He wasn't going to die. Luigi exhaled a sigh looking at the pair of the Toads slumped together sleeping in the chair, the sound of their soft snores filled the room.
Luigi turned a glance over to the window leaning back in the hard plastic chair, his eyes already closing from exhaustion. He glanced out at the window seeing the moon's rays come streaming in through the doors. Luigi soon fell into a gentle slumber sitting upright against the hard plastic chair. He vowed to do everything he could to help Mario save Cappy.
Author's note This chapter's come to a close, and it was a bit of a challenge to write because this chapter went through several rewrites. I was unsure whether or not Mario should remain unconsiousness and if Cappy should be recaptured. I asked the Sensational SpiderDom 321 for his advice. He suggested Mario should remain conscious so he could have some moments showcasing his bond with Luigi and Cappy being caught by Klepto again would've come off as lazy. Thank you again for your help, my friend.
Even though Cappy is the Klepto's prisoner, for now, it was never my intention to have him sit around playing the role of the prisoner, that does nothing until their rescue arrives which I decided to have Cappy fight back against his captor. It won't be the last time Cappy is going to fight back against the Klepto. You'll have to wait and see how Cappy's rescue is going to play out.
Several references were made to Mario's partners from both the original Paper Mario and Paper Mario the Thousand year door. I've never played these games, but I do like the Paper Mario series and it's been on my mind for a while to make a reference to them.
As per usual constructive criticism/ any accidental errors I need to go back and fix/ thoughts and reviews are welcomed. Thank you for reading and I will see you guys with the next chapter on May 10th.