A/N: I usually keep to an strict uploading schedule. But I am in a rush to get this out. So whoever is following this story. I am sorry for spamming the crap out of your inbox. If you had ever followed my other stories, you would know that I am not usually this rushed. I just have a lot of things going on right now; and I don't want to worry about keeping my usual uploading schedule. But because I am rushing to get this out, doesn't mean that I rushed the story itself. I had spent months writing this story in advance and I just edit and upload as I go.

Also, if I missed any errors, please don't be a stranger. I welcome criticism as long as it is constructive. As a writer I spend my time here perfecting my craft. Fanfiction is a great way to practice.

I am sorry for the long note here. But now I hope you enjoy.

Chapter Seven: Mario the Hero

Mario felt a mixture of emotions, he knew that Luigi couldn't be involved with Daisys kidnapping, it was something that Luigi would never do. Even if he was no longer considered a hero to the mushroom people, Luigi is better than that...he has to be... right?

But here he was, looking up at Bowsers castle. He knew that Daisy is in there somewhere, and he will save his friend. No matter what, Luigi would be angry if he lost the flower princess to the might of King Bowser...

...

Getting in was no problem. The guards were a piece of cake. Soon he made it to the throne room where he saw Bower sitting on his throne. He narrowed his eyes; the king was just sitting there, like nothing was wrong.

"Bowser!" he called "where is the princess?!"

Bowser smirked at him, tapping his claws at the arm of the chair "oh… I'm not telling you…"

Mario took another step closer "then I will beat the answers out of you!" Bowser stood up, cackling loudly "oh, no, you will not be fighting me…" he trailed off. Mario was caught off guard when a strange new opponent appeared, jumping from behind the throne and landing on his fist and knee in front of him.

"You will be dealing with him…"

Mr. L stood up, wasting no time "hello… brother…" Mario narrowed his eyes, not recognizing the man in front of him, but it seems like he had done something with his missing brother "who are you and what did you do to Luigi…" Mr. L gave a slow laugh in return "oh…don't you remember me… bro…?"

Mario glared at him, staring straight into unfamiliar eyes "you are not Luigi…"

Mr. L smirked again, ignoring Mario's comment, changing the subject "we will get the king to sign…just you wait…" Mario jumped at him, knocking him to the ground "no one is signing your fake treaty, not on my watch!"

Mr. L quickly kicked him off, landing a couple of punches on the other before he could recover "you are a fool, Mario…we will win…"

Mario ignited his fists, leaping after him "over my dead body!"

Bowser watched at a distance as burst of flames and sparks rained through the castles air. He had never seen Luigi fight like that before, but he was never really given a real purpose before, never given a chance to fight with real passion.

…

Mario refused to acknowledge that he was tiring out; both were torn up and bruised. But Mr. L wasn't giving up just yet. Not with his goals in sight. Mario will not win this, he can't.

Mr. L let all the negative memories flood his mind and in his sight. All the years of hiding in Mario's shadows, all the years of fighting the same battles, over and over again…Luigi was too weak and blinded to understand that so many were suffering because there was never an true end in sight. But here, Mr. L can see the light at the end of the tunnel...and he will reach it.

Kicking Mario squarely in the chest, the oldest was thrown across the room, hitting a large pillar, and sinking into the ground, unable to get back up and continue to fight him.

Mr. L walks over to him, lifting him up by the shirt. He whispers at his unconscious brother "I'm sorry…but one day… you will understand…"

…

Mario woke up in a field on the outskirts of the mushroom kingdom. Sitting up with a start he looks around to see that Mr. L was nowhere in sight. He was confused, he was still alive. Why was he still alive? But he knew one thing… Mr. L was back. He was back and Luigi was gone. His brother was gone and it was his fault. He should've fought harder for Luigi to stay…

He stood up, more heartbroken than bruised; forced to limp back to his kingdom as a failure.

End of Chapter