10

SPLASH!

Mario and Luigi found themselves immersed in a pool of ice-cold water after their brief freefall through the old pipe. They immediately surfaced and swam over to a nearby rocky shore where they were dripping wet and shivering. It was also much darker than it was outside, however they have since gotten used to the dim lighting so it really did not matter. They looked around and saw that they were in a small cavern. Inside, they discovered old rusted mining equipment that had been used hundreds of years ago, as well as an old mining cart railway that branched out into three different tunnels.

"We n-need some l-light." Luigi shivered.

"I know, Luigi." Mario said. "But we can't waste anymore of our fire flowers. We only have ten left."

The brothers starred at the three branching caves and became worried. The Crystal Star was bound to be buried somewhere…but where exactly? Mario pulled out the book, but was dismayed.

"Damn! Can't see a thing in this dim lighting!" he said.

"Are you sure you don't want to use another fire flower?" Luigi asked. "It can help us read you know."

"Well, I suppose." Mario said reluctantly as he rubbed the flower in the palm of his hand. When the flower's effects started to kick in, Mario examined the book from where they had left off.

"According to this," Mario began, "the three paths that will be present all lead to your goal, but one of them will get you there in the least amount of time. The other two paths are said to be more hazardous and depending on which one is chosen, you will encounter something different. Of course, this is merely based off historical documentation, so this information may or may not be useless to whoever may lay their eyes on this text."

Luigi glanced at Mario.

"Should we split up?" he asked.

"What gave you that idea?" Mario asked. "There really is no point in doing that!"

"Aren't you forgetting that Lord Crump is still after us?" Luigi asked. "He's probably on his way down the pipe right now! It would probably better our chances of obtaining the Crystal Star before Lord Crump!"

"I guess you're right." Mario said.

"Don't worry about me, Mario." Luigi said. "I can look after myself. I won't let any Scuttle Bugs eat me alive!"

"Believe me, Luigi. I have confidence in you." Mario said. "I'm your brother. Brothers look out for each other."

Luigi nodded.

"I know."

Just then, something was heard from the cavern ceiling. The brothers glanced up at the pipe and saw Lord Crump's feet poking out from above. Mario and Luigi began to panic.

"Which paths should we take?!" Luigi said. "Hurry!"

"Quick, you take the cave on the left!" Mario said. "I'll take the one on the right!"

"Sounds like a plan!" Luigi said. "I'll meet you at the Crystal Star!"

The two brothers immediately split up and began traversing the empty caverns. What they did not realize was that they were both in serious danger, both coming from behind and in front of them. They were, in a sense, trapped…

Hey, everyone! I do apologize for the long wait, writer's block really does suck sometimes (more like ALL the time!). I know this chapter is a little short, but I promise there will be a lot more danger and suspense to come. It's a guarantee! :)

Please feel free to send a review; I'm open to any comments and/or suggestions:)

saturn95