As the red clad plumber studied his younger brother, the wind increased in speed slightly...as did Mario's heart. He didn't want to ask this question but he knew that it had to come out sooner or later.

Mario looked at his younger brother as he asked, "Is...he the reason that you stay away?"

Luigi looked at his older brother and answered, "P-please, Malleo. Don't make me upset..."

Mario stated, "Please, Weegie. I need to know the truth. I, too, have been tormented by your evil alter ego."

Luigi looked confused as he questioned, "What are you talking about?"

The red clad plumber looked at the sky as the sun started to set for the day. The awkward silence was deafening to Luigi.

Finally; Mario answered, "You may or may not believe me when I tell you this..."

-Flashback-

Mario was enjoying relaxing for once in his own home. Peach was safe, the Chaos Heart and The Void were gone, and everything was back to normal. The only thing that was bothering Mario was that Luigi seemed more distant than usual. Though Mario didn't blame him after what had happened. Mario involuntary shivered whenever he thought of The Green Thunder, Mr. L. 'I never expected for him to be my baby brother. Why didn't I recognize him,' Mario thought, furious at himself for not recognizing Mr. L as Luigi. A sudden cackle sound caught his attention. Mario looked around, igniting his red fire powers.

Mario demanded, "Who's there?"

When he heard nothing but silence, he suspected that he was alone. Mario deactivated his powers, but made sure that they were ready to go. He had a feeling that he wasn't exactly alone...

After a few hours and not hearing anything else, Mario finally decided to turn in. He laid down in his red sheet covered bed and covered with his red comforter that Luigi got him for last Christmas. Mario closed his eyes as he heard another cackle. Mario bolted his eyes open and floating in front of him was King Boo himself!

Mario breathed, "What the..."

King Boo replied, "Never thought you would see me again, huh, red cap? Well, what can I say? Old habits die hard."

The way he said that, shivers went down Mario's spine but he didn't let it show.

Mario questioned, "How'd you get out of that painting?"

King Boo answered, smirking, "Turns out that being in total and complete isolation increased my magic powers. So, I was able to get myself out right under that stupid professor's nose. Strange, though, he wasn't there for me to get but whatever, I'm flexible."

'At least that's some good news,' Mario thought.

Mario stated, "You won't have the chance in getting Elvin, I'm stopping you here and now!"

As Mario tried to activate his red fire powers, he saw that two rings of Boos were holding down his arms. Mario struggled but it was no use, the Boos were too strong for him.

King Boo smirked even more if that was at all possible and told Mario, "You seriously didn't think I would come prepare for you? Oh, I knew that I was facing a real challenge in you. I'm not afraid of your brother but it seems that you are."

Mario hissed, "I'm not afraid of my brother, you devil."

"I beg to differ, sir-jumps-a-lot."

Mario couldn't believe his eyes. Standing right there, in front of him, was The Green Thunder. 'But that's impossible, isn't it,' Mario thought, hoping that his baby brother didn't turn into the masked bandit yet again.

Mr. L finally spoke and commented, "Speechless aren't you, sir-jumps-a-lot? Well, you should be."

Mario stated, "Snap out of it, Luigi! This isn't you! You don't try to kill me or team up with something that you fear most!"

Mr. L shouted, "Do NOT call me that name again! I will no longer be that weak junior! He was too imperfect, always looking for the spotlight because he wanted to get noticed by the one person that wouldn't give him half the chance to prove himself."

Mario replied, "Luigi, please, listen to me. I know how much you want to be the hero but you can't be the hero, if you are The Green Thunder. Please baby bro, snap out of it and help me fight these Boos..."

As Mario waited for a reply from Mr. L, his smirk mysteriously got creepier - almost like a Boos smirk.

Mr. L responded, "I can't believe that you fell for that again."

Suddenly, Mr. L turned pale white as Mario watched in horror as The Green Thunder turned into one of the Boos - the exact same one that trick him two years ago.

The Boo stated, "Oh man, I can't believe that worked twice!"

King Boo replied, "That's because our dear red cap ignored the fact that we are able to create illusions at will. You're reaction Mario was spoton predictable. Though I have to admit, it was rather satisifying."

Mario hissed, struggling even more now, "You won't get away with this!"

The last thing that Mario heard before he blacked out was:

"I already have."

-End of Flashback-

Luigi looked surprised. When did that happen? He couldn't remember. Before he could ask, they heard a scream.

Mario blurted out, "Peach!"

With that, Mario started to run towards the castle but then stopped and turned around to his younger brother. Luigi looked at him, surprised yet again.

Luigi asked, "What are you doing?"

Mario answered, "Come with me. Before we say our goodbyes..."

Luigi was touched by this as tears came to his sapphire eyes. Before he could cry and hug Mario, the red clad plumber knew that Luigi had agreed to come and had ran ahead.

Luigi yelled, "Hey! Wait for me!"

With that, the green clad ghost hunter followed, running to catch up.

AK1028: Second chapter is now done and over. What was with the scream? Can Mario save his relationship with Luigi? All these questions and more will be answered soon! Please read and review. And always think outside of the box.