The group had finally made it through the tall grass. Both Mario and Violet were staying close to Luigi. Luigi didn't protest, he appreciated it. No one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room. They had other things to worry about. But from what Luigi had guessed, he could fold himself as the Earth Vellumental. He would have to think on that.
Olivia commented, "Ah! Finally out of that grass!"
Mario stated, "Well, that's good. I was starting to think about burning down that grass."
Luigi shot him a look, "Is that a good idea, considering your track record?"
To that, the red clad plumber blushed out of embarrassment.
Violet was about to point out, "Uh you know you two are the only ones that..." She stopped mid-sentence and asked, "Hey, where's Bobby?"
Olivia blinked, "Maybe he ran ahead." She asked the twins, "So what does Luigi mean about your track record, Mario?"
Mario quickly pointed out, "It wasn't my fault! How was I supposed to know that the stupid boat was supposed to sink?!"
Violet raised an eyebrow, "What boat?"
Luigi told them, "So Malleo and I were trying to find the pieces of the Beanstar, there was this guy stuck in the hole of a boat. B - but the crew was all skeleton people."
Olivia perked up, "Really?"
Violet asked, "So what happened next? I mean how did Mario accidentally sink the boat?"
Mario was embarrassed, "Do we have to tell them, Weegie?"
Luigi chuckled, "Yes cause they asked!" The hero of the kingdom grimaced. Luigi continued, "So we find this TNT and it got the guy out. However, the explosion rocked the boat so hard, it forced it all the way to the sea where it sank."
Mario was just as red as his hat. Everyone laughed at his discomfort. They finally got to the Water Vellumental shrine. But then they got worried when they didn't see Bobby.
The red clad plumber asked, "Wait, where's Bobby?"
The man in green stated, "He should've been here by now."
The sacred violet ice was getting worried, "You don't think he got lost?"
The origami girl replied, "We better go find him..."
Everyone nodded as they went to look for the bomb. They were all worried about him. They managed to find him with a shy guy with a sombero on. The shy guy was also playing on a guitar. Bobby saw them and was relieved.
Bobby commented, "I knew that you would find me sooner or later."
The shy guy stated, "Aww, you've met up with your amigos! That's the best."
Bobby told them, "This is Diego. He's been here jammin'."
Diego greeted, "Hola mi amgios."
Everyone said hello to him.
Mario asked, "You ready to go to the shrine?"
Bobby answered, "Sure are, Big M. Let's go."
They all waved goodbye to Diego as they started to go back to the shrine. However, there was a giant origami Goomba on the other side of the bridge. Just when the heroes were about to do something, the giant jumped up and down. The bridge collapsed, sending the group to the ground below.
...
Mario slowly got to, putting his hand to his head. His body was still sore from the fight he had with L. Speaking of whom...
"Weegie? Violet? Olivia? Bobby?"
Luigi groggily answered, "Here fratello."
Mario walked over to his brother, offering his hand to Luigi. Luigi took it as they were unusually quiet.
"Malleo?"
The red clad plumber perked up, looking at the ghost hunter. "Si? Did you say something?"
Luigi asked the obvious, "Are you okay...? You've been kind of quiet since..."
His voice trailed off when he looked down at his origami form, sadly. Mario walked over to him, placing his hand on Luigi's shoulder.
He stated, "I know I haven't been the best brother but I am glad you are okay, origami or not."
Luigi frowned, "You haven't been the best brother? I haven't been the best brother. Think about it, you are probably sore because of L. Because of me."
Mario sighed, "The reason you even turned into L in the first place was because of me."
Luigi pointed out, "I already told you that I didn't blame you for what happened. I know you haven't forgiven yourself but don't you think it's time to?"
Mario mused, "When did you get so wise?" To that, both brothers laughed and shared a big hug. They were glad to have each other. He further added, "I think it's time to find the others. Will you follow me?"
Luigi answered without hesitation, "To the ends of the earth."
Mario stated, "Good cause that's exactly where we are going."
With that, the brothers started to walk around Chestnut Valley to find the others.
...
Violet groaned as she got to her feet. She asked, "Luigi? Mario? Olivia? Bobby?"
Olivia answered, "It's just me, Violet."
Violet frowned, "Oh great...we better try to find everyone."
Olivia stated, "Agreed."
...
It didn't take long for Mario and Luigi to find Violet and Olivia. But they were still looking for Bobby. They found him finally and pulled him out of the ground.
Bobby commented, "Thanks guys."
Olivia stated, "Glad you are okay."
Mario replied, "Agreed."
Luigi looked around, "Those are some big chestnuts, though."
Violet responded, "Sure are."
They headed up the path, chit chatting with each other as they did.
...
The group finally got back to the shrine. Mario stood on the one side and Luigi stood on the other side. The buttons went down and the doors opened for them. They all went in. But Bobby decided to stay outside. He was scared but decided not to say it.
The red clad plumber was in awe, "Wow, it's amazing!"
The ghost hunter agreed, "Sure is, it is beautiful!"
The violet ice wielder stated, "And check out the dragon in the back."
The origami girl replied, "So cool!"
...
Wishmaker1028: Bit of a short but I do want the Water Vellumental fight to be in the next chapter. This chapter is dedicated to TimPrime1's Christian Aunt, who had passed away July 7th, 2023. For now, please read and review! And always think outside of the box!
