Chapter 23
Brother Versus Brother
"Anchor's away!"
At Kai's command, Sachiel and Morwenna cast the metal and chain into the ocean. It splashed before disappearing into the depths below. The three landlubbers leaned over the railing, observing the sea that contained the Star Piece.
"If our calculations are right," said Morwenna, "the Star should be around here."
"I guess we better start searching," said Luigi, pulling up his sleeves, "no point in waiting for the unknown foe to snatch it."
"How are we going to get the Star?" Mallow pointed out, "Swim?"
"Yeah," the plumber responded, accepting the frog suit Kai gave him, "but not without help."
"What is that?"
Luigi held up the green costume for the Prince to examine, "A frog suit. It increases your swimming abilities, and it enables you to breathe underwater."
"Funny looking thing," Mallow remarked, "It may be useful, but it will be ridiculous to wear one."
"That is the main reason why I haven't donned on in such a long time," acknowledged Luigi before turning to Geno. "Are you coming along?"
The wooden doll shook his head sadly, "I can't. This toy is very worn, and I don't want to damage it further. But, if there is trouble, I won't hesitate to dive in after you."
"Fair enough," said Mallow. "I'm sure nothing awful will occur underwater anyway."
"Famous last words," muttered Geno, as he watched the two plunge into the ocean. "Good luck."
The sun penetrated through he surface barrier, casting dancing rays along the rocky bottom. Small schools of colourful fish swam by lazily, ignoring Luigi and Mallow, and weaved in the seaweed swaying in the ocean current. The frog-suited plumber and the Prince gazed at the pelagic scene hoping for any sign that might lead to the Star Piece. Looking at Mallow, the Italian gestured to himself than pointed in a direction then he motioned to the Prince before aiming in a different location. Mallow made an okay sign with his fingers and separated from Luigi, swimming toward the ordered region. They would find the Star faster if they split up. Luigi swam in the opposite direction, checking every crevice, fissure and chink on the sea floor carefully. Praying that Morwenna and Sachiel were accurate, he continued gliding through the water gracefully from the power from the frog suit, examining between rocks and tangled seaweed.
The sunken Star must be around somewhere, thought Luigi. The ocean current here isn't strong enough to carry it away. Mallow probably found it now.
The plumber was about to turn back when a crimson twinkle caught his eye. He glanced toward the glimmer and decided to investigate. Kicking his flippers, he swam quickly to the top of a jutting rock and viewed the ocean floor. Slightly buried in the ground was a red Star, reflecting off the sunlight. Excited, Luigi was about to leave his position when someone appeared. Luigi stopped, watching the figure. The unexpected guest landed beside the Star, adjusting his scarlet hat before reaching for the prized item.
It was Mario!
Luigi shouted to him, but bubbles came out of his mouth instead. The young brother had so many things to ask him. How did he escape? Where was Peach? Who did he knew about the Star Pieces? Luigi swam eagerly to his sibling, and Mario spotted him, and expression of animosity clear on his face. Taken by surprise from the loathing glare his older brother gave him, Luigi backed off, stunned. Why did his brother look at him that way?
Clutching the Star, Mario started to swim upward, and Luigi followed willingly. The green plumber caught up to his brother when Mario suddenly faced him. Luigi was shocked by how black his eyes were, and his face was magenta with rage. Luigi, with his free hand, threw a punch and Luigi ducked, feeling the disturbance of the water from the swift and anticipated movement.
"What had gotten into you?" Luigi wanted to shout, dodging a kick, but Mario successfully sent a buffet to his shoulder. Luigi was knocked back, pain gripped his left arm, and he placed a hand on it. Angry, the injured plumber rammed Luigi with his elbow in the stomach, and Mario cried out furiously, bubbles escaping his mouth. Mario decided to retreat and swam toward the surface again. Quick, Luigi grabbed Mario's leg, preventing him from swimming up. The brother glanced down and aimed a well-placed kick to Luigi's forehead. The sharp edge of the show cut his face, the salty water stinging the open, bleeding wound. The grip loosened and Mario slipped through, with the Star in his possession. Luigi clutched his face, blood diffusing from the injury. It seemed like forever before the pain subsided, and the plumber could open his eyes. Blood still lingered in the water, and he moved, worried about carnivores being attracted to the scent.
He gazed up toward the barrier between the ocean and sky, feeling deeply ashamed of his failure, but more so, confused of his brother's behaviour. Why would Mario attack him? Reminiscent thoughts flashed through Luigi's mind and he remembered Kammy Koopa saying that Mario was held captured in a way unlike Peach. He still didn't understand what she meant, but maybe it was connected to Mario's actions. Was he brainwashed or was he offered something he could not refuse? Did Mario willingly or unwillingly turn against him? He shivered at the possible explanations and theories and decided to find Mallow.
Luigi discovered Mallow not too far away, the Prince was swimming toward him. He continually shook his head till he reached Luigi, indicating his search was fruitless. The puffball's eyes grew wide when he saw the long gash in Luigi's forehead just above his brow. The wound was throbbing painfully, and it was numb to the touch. Mallow swam to the surface, his lungs started to burn for oxygen again. The Prince's early years were spent growing up in a tadpole pond, he was a strong swimmer and he could stay underwater than most people. When the two broke the surface, Mallow burst out, "What happened Luigi? How did you get that cut?"
"You won't believe me, Mallow, " said Luigi, "but I got attacked."
"Thank you Mr. Obvious," he muttered. "Attacked by who?"
"My brother."
The Prince's jaws opened and shut multiple times, like a fish out of water. He gaped in disbelief.
"Y-your brother?" he stuttered, forcing the words out of his mouth. "But… w-why?"
"I don't know," Luigi responded downheartedly. "He changed… Plus he escaped with the Star Piece."
"He WHAT?" bellowed Mallow, angrily. "You LET him get away? With the Star Piece!?"
"Hey," Luigi retorted defensively, "I didn't expect to go face to face with my own brother."
"I understand," said Mallow after a pause, nodding weakly. "The Mario I know wouldn't do such a thing."
"We better head back to the ship," said Luigi, glancing toward the faint schooner the loomed in the distance. "We lost one Star Piece and I don't want it to happen again."
"Geno won't be thrilled by the news," Mallow said grimly, and the two swam reluctantly toward the Amphitrite.
