Chapter 25
Downhearted Heroes
The Amphitrite never appeared so unpleasant to Luigi and Mallow before as they slowly climbed up the rope ladder that was dropped down and they both dreaded facing Geno. Luigi stepped onto the deck and discarded the frog suit while Mallow appeared anxious. The wooden doll greeted them.
"Did you find the Star Piece?" he asked hopefully while the two gave each other apprehensive glances.
"We did, but…" the Prince trailed off, even his royal authority did not give him the courage to speak.
"But what?"
"There was a battle over the Star Piece," Luigi explained nervously, "and well, I lost to Mario. Now he has the Star."
Geno was too shocked to be angry, his face frozen in disbelief. Battle? Mario?
"How can it be? Mario would never do that! Are you sure it was your brother you fought?"
"I'm certain," Luigi said, his voice rising with every word. "I know it was Mario! I know my own brother!"
Deep in thought, Geno said, "Back in the castle… what she said… do you think…?"
The nods indicated they knew what he was trying to string together and he fell silent.
"Mario would never…" Geno muttered. "He must be under some sort of spell."
"I have no idea," acknowledged Luigi, "but we better head back to shore. Mario could be after the next Star right now."
"I don't think so. He probably has a master now – since he might be under a spell – and he'll probably give it to him or her first. It should save us some time," said Mallow.
"Unless Mario is accompanied by others," Geno said darkly, diminishing the Prince's hopes. "I agree with Luigi. Who knows where Mario is present or how many people that have been enslaved to do the enemy's bidding."
"Geno, I'm sorry," Luigi apologized, but the doll waved it away.
"It's not your fault," Geno replied. "We never anticipated we would be attacked, or that Mario would be our enemy. We may have lost the battle, but we don't lose the war. The next Star Piece is ours for sure."
"Too bad we don't know where it is," Luigi pointed out. "A location might help."
"At times like these…" Mallow trailed off and Geno smiled, understanding the arcane suggestion while Luigi stared at them confusingly.
"What should we do?" the plumber asked.
"We should ask my grandpa, Frogfucius, for help," elucidated Mallow, "he knows everything! Hey… I just received strong déjà vu vibes just now…"
Chuckling, Geno left and requested the fungi crew to return to Seaside. With a strong "Aye, aye" they hoisted up the anchor and unrolled the sails. Working the helm, Kai turned the Amphitrite toward the coastal town, the breezing blowing into the white sails. Content now that they had a plan, the three landlubbers went below deck, hoping for a quick rest before docking, the high afternoon sun blazing over the schooner.
