S'up readers,

Quick Author's Note: In this chapter, you'll see the counter-spell I made up as well as a previous one from a earlier chapter.

Enjoy :)

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

Chapter 22:
Slim Chance

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Peach's Castle

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Shade walked through the empty halls of the castle, his nose close to the ground as he searches for a scent of his targets. It was strange. The whole castle was empty, not a living soul in sight. Regardless, Shade didn't think much of it. For all he knows, this just makes it easier for him to find the targets.

A sudden movement got his attention. He lifted his head up and growled. If the targets decided to come to him then so be it. It just makes this game all the more easier.

He ran towards the direction the movement had came from. Just when he was taking a corner, he was suddenly trapped inside a magical bubble. Shade looked surprised for a second. He then growled and tries to free himself from his confinement.

"Do not worry, little spirit," said Cybele. "You'll soon be free from your imprisonment."

Mario and the others appear out of their hiding spots. They knew Mr. L and Shade will be coming after them, so they set up a plan to ambush them. Princess Peach ordered everyone in the castle to leave so they wouldn't get caught up in the fight. Toadsworth was reluctant of course. But eventually, he gave in and left the castle with everyone else.

"The spell for this one is fairly simply." Cybele explains. "It should only take a few minutes."

The others nodded and watch in silent as Cybele prepare herself for the spell. She pointed her staff at the bubble and closes her eyes. Her staff started glowing white as she cast the counter-spell on the Shadowpup.

"I call upon the good sprites

To convert this dreadful spirit

Bring forth the beings of the light

To lead this spite far from the night"

A strange white fog began to form within the magical bubble Shade was trapped in. Shade's growling had cease as the spell started taking its toll. Mario and the princesses watched from the sidelines, silencing hoping the spell will work. After a few minutes, Cybele dispelled the bubble and allows the fog to disperse into the air.

"It is done."

Mario took a small step forward. He couldn't see anything but the white fog so he braced himself for any surprise attacks. When the fog finally cleared, he saw a white, transparent, canine-like ghost with a red collar on the floor. Mario let out a small sigh of relief as he and the princesses hurry to ghost dog's side.

"Spettro,"

The Polterpup lift his head slowly and look around. His tail wags slightly at the sight of Mario and friends. Spettro let out a small whimper as Mario lifts him off the ground.

"Is he okay?" Daisy asked worriedly.

"He'll be fine, princess." Cybele replies. "The spell simply left him tired. He just needs some rest is all"

She turned to Mario. "The next one, however, wouldn't be so easy. It will take some time so I'll require someone to hold him down."

Mario nodded in understanding. He passes Spettro on to Peach and took out his brother's soul. Its light has dim even more than before. It was a sure sign that they had little time left. Mario turned and offered it to Daisy who took it without question. She held the soul firmly and protectively near her, as if silently promising to keep it safe. Mario nodded firmly to her, entrusting her to keep his brother safe.

Quietly, they started searching the castle for Mr. L. The Green Thunder was nowhere to be seen and was probably aware that they were looking for him. Mario took the lead. He knew if Mr. L was going after anyone, it will be him first.

And he was right. The moment he passes through a corner, something- or rather someone- ran right into him. The two men rolled around before Mr. L jumped to his feet. Mario stood up and faces his brother for the third and hopefully final time.

'Third time's the charm.'

Mr. L narrowed his eyes. He had learned his lesson, and wasn't going to let the hero slip pass him again. He took a glance at the princesses; his white eyes landing on the ghost dog in Peach's arms.

'Shade?'

Mr. L blinked at the sight of his partner, no longer black but white in color. He growled and glared back at Mario; whatever they did to him, they were going to pay for it.

Mr. L made the first move, throwing a lightning ball at the red hero. Mario countered by throwing a fire ball. Once the two attacks collided, Mr. L ran straight towards the red man. Mario dodges all the punches and kicks send in his way. The others stood hidden on the sidelines, watching the fight in front of them. Spettro whimpered at the sight of the two brothers fighting. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he could sense that something was wrong with his master.

The fight didn't stay in one place. They were constantly on the move with one of them - mostly Mr. L - chasing after the other – which would be Mario. It wasn't until they reach the garden area that the tide had finally turned.

Mr. L walked through the pathway slowly, searching for the man in red. He had chased the red hero to this area and loses sight of him in the bushes. He was careful. He wanted to get the jump on the plumber and finally put an end to his life.

He searched the garden thoroughly, his Thunderhand sparking dangerously in his hands. He paused in front of a tree. He could sense that the plumber was close by.

At the slight sound of movement, he quickly turned around and torched the area it had come from. The smoke clear and all he could see were burn marks and some flames.

Mr. L narrowed his eyes in suspension. His attention was then drawn to the leaves falling softly to the ground. He raised an eyebrow and looked up, his white eyes landing on the man hiding in the tree branches.

"Surprise!"

Before Mr. L could react, Mario tackled him down to the floor. The others appeared just in time to see the two men wrestling on the ground, both of them trying to gain control of the other. Mario knew if Mr. L were to win over this dogfight, he'll be killed in an instant.

After fruitlessly grappling on the ground, Mario finally got the upper hand. He pins the green man down as he roughly tries to throw him off. After some more struggling, Mario was able to get him pinned completely.

"Cybele!"

He yelled for the sorceress. He couldn't hold down his brother for long so they had to start the spell now. Cybele was by his side instantly. With Mr. L pinned down she immediately started to case the spell.

"Together as a whole

Now must release its hold

Expel this body's soul

Leaving nothing but a hole."

Mr. L struggled harder as much pain filled his body. Mario held him down firmly. His blue eyes showing sadness as he watches his brother scream and thrash to fight off the pain. Cybele stood by them, feeling sorry for causing it, but it must be done. They had to remove the artificial soul in order to return his original soul. After nearly thirty long minutes, Cybele finally found it.

"I got it." She announced. "Hold him still; this is where the real pain starts."

Mario holds the man down harder as Cybele used her magic to pull the soul out. Mr. L's scream became loud, and he struggled even harder. Cybele pulled harder in order to get the soul out faster.

"Stubborn thing" she mumbled. "Release, your hold on him…"

Finally, after much suffering, it was something was coming out of Mr. L. A black orb with red aura, about the same size as the soul, was emerging from the body. Mario, Peach, and Daisy watch with amazement as the black soul that took hold of their friend finally revealed itself.

"Get ready…" Cybele announced. "As soon as it's out, you have to place the original soul back."

Daisy nodded and stood ready.

Mr. L's chest hoist up slightly as Cybele gave the final pull to separate the soul from the body. As soon as it was out, Mr. L went completely limp. Mario stood up as Cybele summoned a magic bubble around the artificial soul and took it in her hand.

"Quickly," she said "Place the soul inside him, now!"

Daisy stepped in quickly. She places the yellow soul on top of the green man's unmoving chest. Almost instantly, the soul dissolved within him. The others hover around the down man, anxiously waiting for something to happen.

They waited for a full minute, and yet nothing happened. No movement… No response… No nothing.

Luigi… was gone.

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Ending Note: (Fall on my knees and scream out to the heavens) NOOOOOOO! Why God O Mighty…WHY?! I JUST KILL OFF MY FAVORITE CHARACTER!

But...unfortunately, it has to be done. I hope this doesn't discourage any of you from reading.

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Review :)

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