Greetings reader,

Author Note: Not a lot of reviews from the last chapter. I'm guessing you all are just busy with school work and all that. So, I'm just going to post this up and let you be.

Enjoy :)

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

Chapter 20:
Soul Choice

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The sun was just setting when Mario, Peach, and Cybele got back to the castle. When they arrive, they were immediately greeted by Daisy and Toadsworth who was relieved to see them all alive and well - even if Mario was injured again.

Upon their arrival, he immediately called forth some toads to have his injuries treated. Once the toads were done, Toadsworth left to retrieve some Mushroom Tea. While he was gone, Cybele spoke for the first time since they arrive.

"Well, judging from what happened in the mansion, I can only assume that young man in black and green is your brother."

Mario nodded.

"And judging by that soul in your hand," She turned to Daisy. "I can suspect that it belongs to him, correct?"

Daisy nodded. Cybele sighs,

"I was hoping this wouldn't happen."

"Miss Cybele, what do you know about the spell Dimentio used on Luigi?" Peach

"Indeed, I do. The spell Dimentio used on your friend is an extremely old spell. This spell is very dangerous and deadly as it is known to have a high death rate if one were to fall victim to it. But after witness the events that played out, it seem your friend had survived the ordeal and has recovered rather nicely."

"Okay, so is there any way to change him back?" Daisy

"The only way to change him is to place his original soul back inside him."

"That shouldn't be too hard, right?"

Cybele frowned. "I'm afraid it is. You see, the soul is one of life's greatest mysteries. It is the immoral essence of all living thing. It's been proven that a body cannot survive without a soul. If someone has their soul taken from them, they will die soon after."

"But… Luigi has his soul taken away and his body still alive." Daisy

"That can only mean that another soul had taken its place and now inhabits his body as its own."

Peach gasped. "The artificial soul…"

Cybele raised an eye brow. "Come again?"

"Dimentio… he said he place an artificial inside Luigi. That's why he's been so loyal to him."

"I remember… He also said that he was a completely different person now." Daisy

"What he said his true; the soul basically represents one's self. Physical appearance remains the same but personality differs." Cybele

Cybele turned to Daisy who had held the soul protectively. "May I?"

Daisy blinked and looked back at the soul in her hand. "Oh, of course"

Cybele reached for the soul. Just inches from her reach, the golden orb let out a few sparks. The others jump from the unexpected attack. Cybele, however, just smiled.

"Still has some spark in him, I see." She said. "Tell me princess, how long have our friend been missing again?"

"Almost two months"

"Two months?" Cybele looked surprise. Daisy nodded. "That's… unusual. The most a soul can stay outside of a body is two weeks, three at most." She turned her attention back to the soul. "To survive this long…is surely impressive."

"Okay, so how do we get the artificial soul out of my brother's body and put his old one back where it belongs?" Mario

Cybele turned to him. "The same way his old one was taken from him."

"What…You mean the spell?" Cybele nodded. Mario frowned. "But…if we were to do the spell again, wouldn't it…"

"Kill him? Yes, it would. A soul cannot inhabit a body if there's already another soul present inside. We must first remove the artificial soul to make room for the original one. It's the only way to return him to the way he was before."

She looked at red man straight in the eyes. "I'm not going to lie to you. The process will be extremely painful; it will be the most agonizing thing he'll experience in his entire life… if he survives of course. I'll admit your brother is a strong one to be able to withstand the spell the first time, but I highly doubt he will survive it a second time."

There was a heavy silence as the others soak this in. After everything they been through, they were still going to lose Luigi in the end.

"However," Cybele continues, turning her back to them. "It is very unusual for a soul to last this long. By now it should have pass on to the afterlife and yet… he continues to linger here. Judging by his light, he doesn't have much time left, but still it's impressive that he lasted this long in the first place."

She turned her attention back on the soul in Daisy's hand. "I don't want to get everyone's hopes up but if his soul is so reluctant to pass on, then perhaps… there is still a chance to restore him to who he once was."

She turned back to Mario. "Of course, the choice is ours. Whether we perform the spell or not is up to you. Just to let you know the chance of this succeeding is at its lowest."

Mario turned his glaze on the ground. A heavy decision was weighing on his shoulders; one that will determine the fate of his little brother. Peach and Daisy look at him with sympathy; they knew he had a hard choice to make.

"All right everyone," said Toadsworth. He was just entering the room with a tray of Mushroom Tea in his hands. "This should help you all feel better."

The old toad paused as he looked around the room. He could sense some tension in the air. "Is something the matter?"

Peach approach him with a small yet sad smile. "Everything will be fine." She said. "Mario just needs some time to himself right now."

Toadsworth frowned and turn the plumber. He still had his head down, and judging by his expression he was greatly distraught with something on his mind. Nodding in understanding, Toadsworth turn and headed outside the room. Peach followed and gestured the others to do the same.

Cybele was the third one to leave with Daisy following last. Looking down at the soul in her hand, Daisy paused and turned back to the red hero. Silently, she walks back to him and offers the soul to him.

"Here," she said. "You need him more than I do."

Mario turns his head slightly to her. He stares at the soul and smiled sadly.

"Thanks Daisy."

Daisy cracked a small smile and passed the golden orb on to him. She gave him a comforting hand on his shoulder before leaving the room.

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Ending Note: We're now focusing on getting Luigi back. Stay tune to find out what happens next.

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