Hey Everybody,

Quick Author Note: From the reviews I got from the last chapter, you guys seem pretty eager to know what happens next. So, I'm not going to take any more of your time and let you read on.

Enjoy :)

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Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the story idea.

Chapter 19:
Rescue

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Boo Woods

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Peach and Daisy ran through the halls of the mansion, heading straight for the exit. Every once in a while they would check to see if they were being pursued by Mr. L or Shade. Fortunately for them, there weren't any sign of either of them. It wasn't until they were completely out of range of the mansion that they stopped to catch their breath, if only for a moment.

After catching her breath, Peach stood up and checked on the soul. She never saw a soul before and was quite marvel to hold one in her hands. The small ball of light was very warm and its light shines brightly in the dark.

"It is okay?" Daisy asked. She was concern if their mad rush out of the mansion had damage it.

Peach turned to her and nodded. "I think so. It's warm and I don't think Dimentio did anything to it while he had it in his possession."

"…Can I hold it?"

Peach smiled. "Of course"

She handed Daisy the soul who held it firmly in her hands. The soul shined brightly at its new holder, as if sensing who was holding it. Daisy smiled. The soul was very warm and it seems to know that she wouldn't hurt it.

"We should get moving," Peach suggested. "The faster we find Cybele, the sooner we could help Mario and change Luigi back to normal."

"Right,"

The two turn to continue on, but pause at the sound of movement in the bush. They both turned and tensed. Daisy held the soul close to her as Peach stood in front of her. Was Mr. L after them already? Did he exactly kill Mario?

"Daisy, get ready to run," Peach whispered.

Daisy looked at her surprised. "But Peach, I…"

"You have to get Luigi's soul back to Cybele." She interrupted "She might be the only one who can change him back. If you don't, then Dimentio will win and it wouldn't matter if we live or not."

If Mario had fallen, then she would have to risk her life so Daisy could reach Cybele. Hopefully, the old sorceress can change Luigi back to normal and then the green plumber would put an end to Dimentio's plans.

Daisy wanted to argue...she didn't want to leave her friend behind. But she knew she was right. They had to get Luigi back and stop Dimentio. Peach took out her umbrella and took a fighting stance.

"Who is there? Show yourself!"

The bush rustled some more as the figure behind it emerge from hiding. Daisy took a step back, ready to bail when given the signal. Finally, the shadow figure revealed itself. The princesses gasped.

"It's you!"

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The fight between Mario and Mr. L was much livelier than the previous one in Toad Town. It had started rain and as stated before it had came down quite heavily. But even in heavy rain, the two men continue to battle as if there was no rain at all.

Both men were roughly equal to each other. Mario equipped with his hammer and Firebrand. And Mr. L equipped with his Super Jump and Thunderhand. The fight lasted for more than an hour. Both of them weren't showing any signs of giving up. But eventually, the fierce battle became one-side as Mr. L gain the upper hand.

Mario hit the ground roughly, his hammer landing just inches away from him. He was scoring bruises around his body. All of them were throbbing painfully. His clothes were torn and burnt from the numerous thunder attacks and wet from the constant down pour.

He grunts as he sat up. He could hear Mr. L's footsteps, approaching him from behind. He reaches for his hammer. A lightning ball was shot at it, causing it to slide farther away from the red man.

Mario turned as Mr. L stood in front of him, his dark shadow towering over his being. He too was scoring bruises and burnt clothes, but he showed no signs of pain or discomfort throughout the whole battle. A wicked smile appeared on the green man's lips, one that caused cold shivers to go down Mario's spine.

"You know," he said, his voice sounding darker than before. "I'm a bit disappointed. To think, a great hero like you... one might think you would have put up a better fight."

Mario scoffed but didn't say anything. It was true; he could have put up a better fight. But he just couldn't bring himself to place serious harm on his brother… or at the very least, what looks like his brother.

"But then again," Mr. L resumed. "I'm not here to play games. I still have a mission to complete…starting with you."

Mr. L places his hand behind his back and pulled out a weapon from his belt. Mario's eyes widen at the sharp pointed dagger in his hand. Mr. L smirked at his expression,

"You like it? I was saving this for the Sarasaland princess, but I think my primary target should get first use."

Mario tried to get up, but was quickly shot down when lightning course through his body. He fell on his knees, his body recoiling with numbness and pain.

"Don't bother getting up. We both know this is your end."

Weakly, Mario looked up to the man in green. For once, his eyes showing fear. He couldn't believe he was about to be killed by his brother. He shook his head. No, it wasn't his brother who was going to kill him. It was whatever evil essence that took over his body; that was his true killer.

Mr. L tossed the dagger in the air and caught it in a striking position. He looked down at the red hero and held it above his head.

"Say good bye, Mario."

Mario closes his eyes as his final thoughts play though his head. He would never blame Luigi for his death and he regrets that being there to protect him and restore him back to normal.

"I'm afraid I cannot let you do that,"

Mr. L turned to the source of that voice by the door. Before he knew it, he was hit with an energy sphere. The dark green man went flying into a statue. He hit it roughly and slide down to the floor. He black out soon after.

"Mario!"

The red hero looked up and turned to where his name was being called. He gasped, "Peach?"

The pink princess ran towards the down man, worry written all over her face. "Are you okay? We came to save you."

Mario frowned when she said that. "We?"

Peach nodded. "Yes, me and Cybele"

"Cybele?"

He turned to look at the old woman who was approaching him. "Are you alright?" Cybele

Mario nodded. "I'll be fine."

Cybele nodded and turned her attention on Mr. L. Peach helped Mario up to his feet.

"Where's Daisy?" Mario

"She headed back to the castle." Peach replies. "We met up with Cybele on the way there. She came to help us."

Mario nodded in understanding. He turned back to Cybele who had approach the unconscious man on the floor.

"Careful, Cybele," Mario warned. "He could still hurt you."

"I'll be fine, youngster."

She stopped right in front of Mr. L. 'So, this is the magician's victim.' She thought. 'Hmm, he has done more than simply taken his soul away.' She knee down and leans forward for a better look. 'Even so, this young fellow must be strong to withstand such extreme and fatal treatment.'

A small groan drew her attention. Using her staff, she stood up and step away from the dangerous man. Some more groaning sounds could be heard, a sign that Mr. L was starting to wake up. Cybele looked to the side to see a pile of rope left unattended.

"Let's see if we can hold you down for a bit, shall we?"

She pointed her staff at the rope and mumbling a few words. The rope came to life and immediately tied itself around Mr. L and the statue he was leaning on.

Mr. L regained conscious and look up at the woman with hate in his white eyes. He moved to attack the woman. But as soon as he tries to get up, the rope around him tighten and prevented him from moving. Mr. L looks at his restraints with disbelief. He growled and struggles against them to free himself.

Mario and Peach came behind Cybele, surprise that she had managed to contain him. Mr. L paused from his struggles to glare at the three furiously, a low hiss escaping him. Mario and Peach frowned. They wanted to help the green man, but they knew they shouldn't.

"We should go," Cybele said. "Those ropes won't hold him forever."

Mario and Peach nodded. Quickly, all three of them headed for the door and started heading back the castle leaving Mr. L to continue on trying to free himself.

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Ending Note:

There is a 50/50 chance that there will be a character death in this story. Now, I already decided who it will be. But it won't be revealed until later... in about three chapters (so you don't have to wait too long).

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Review :)