A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Mario and Luigi competed in a team rally for the third time. Mario couldn't finish the last race because Bowser caused him to crash, but luckily for him, Luigi sacrificed his victory to help him finish the race. Unfortunately for Luigi, he lost for the third time in a row, and before the team rally started, he had confided in Mario, telling him that he would retire from racing in case of defeat. After the end, he eventually decided not to quit racing, but still decided to take a break from it for a month because he was unhappy with his recent results and his losing streak negatively affected his confidence in himself and his abilities despite his brother's support and love. Luckily for him, Mario has offered to help him training over the course of the month. Let's move on to something a little more carefree this time: a nice day at the beach! Let's get started!

Chapter 9: MAW-RAY ATTACK!

(''Mario Bros.' House- Paper Mario OST'')

It was a warm and sunny Monday morning in the Mushroom Kingdom. The sun was shining brightly, and it was the perfect day to leave the house and go to the beach. Mario and Luigi were hot, and even though they drank some water, it wasn't enough to cool them down.

''It's really hot today, huh, Luigi?'' asked Mario.

''Yes, you can say that again.'' Luigi replied. ''Hey, Mario? Shall we go to the beach together?'' he proposed.

''Oh, yes! It's the perfect day for that! Let's go to Cheep Cheep Beach!'' Mario accepted.(1)

''LET'S-A GO!'' declared Mario and Luigi.

(''Mario Bros.' House- Paper Mario OST'')

Mario and Luigi went to get everything they needed, such as shovel, bucket, something to eat for lunch and two surfboards and set off for Cheep Cheep Beach on their kart.

(''Cheep Cheep Beach- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe OST'')

Not far from the coast, there were wooden huts where tourists could stop.

Luigi was a little nervous. ''Mario? What if a Maw-Ray attacks us?'' he asked.

''Don't worry, Luigi! I don't think that a Maw-Ray will attack us.'' Mario assured him.

''If you say so.'' said Luigi.

They took off their usual clothes and hats and changed into their swimming trunks. Apart from their swimming trunks, they were completely naked. Before leaving, they had to put on some sunscreen.

While he putting on his sunscreen, Mario struggled to spread it on his back. He could barely stretch his arms towards his upper back, while Luigi could do it more easily because he had longer limbs. ''Uhm, Luigi? Could you help me spread some sunscreen on my back? I'm not getting there.'' he asked.

''Certainly.'' replied Luigi, putting some sunscreen on his brother's back, and to be safe, he spread some more on his neck. ''Here you go.''

''Thanks, bro.'' said Mario. ''Let's make sand castles together, come on!''

The two brothers sat on the shoreline and began to make a sand castle each. When they stopped on the coast, Luigi felt his feet burn a little because of the hot sand in contact with his bare feet. After twenty minutes, they had completed their sand castles, and they were proud of it, but were very disappointed when a wave destroyed it due to the high tide. Nevertheless, this did not prevent Luigi from having fun in his own way.

Mario was lying on the sand, relaxing in the sunlight, but when he opened his eyes, he discovered that he was buried under the sand up to his neck, and only your head was visible. ''Luigi?! What the...!'' he exclaimed. ''Was it you?''

Luigi burst out laughing. ''Yes, it was me! Oh, Mario, you're really funny when you're buried in the sand!'' he replied, laughing out loud.

Mario couldn't resist, and laughed too. ''OK, that was pretty funny!'' he chuckled.

The shore moved the sand, and Mario's arms were free. His little brother grabbed his hand and pulled to help him get up, but he lost his balance and almost fell on the sand himself in the attempt. After this, however, Mario was free.

''Even if you have all the sand on you, you're a great brother.'' said Luigi, kneeling down and giving Mario a hug.

''You too, Luigi.'' said Mario, returning the hug. ''Well, now let's go for a swim!''

Luigi prepared to hold his breath before his brother took his hand.

(''Cheep Cheep Beach- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe OST-s'')

''GERONIMO!'' Mario shouted, diving into the water and taking Luigi with him.

(''Koopa Troopa Beach- Mario Kart 7 OST'')

Both brothers emerged to the surface and began to swim in the crystal clear waters of the beach.

''Look, Mario! Cheep Cheeps!'' exclaimed Luigi, seeing schools of Cheep Cheeps, Eep Cheeps and Deep Cheeps swimming on the surface and jumping into the water. A large Cheep Cheeps jumped past them and dived into the water with a big splash that almost knocked Luigi off his balance. ''Cool, right?''

''Yes. Really nice.'' replied Mario. Suddenly, he splashed some water in Luigi's face.

''Hey! No, Mario! Stop!'' exclaimed Luigi.

''Come on, this is fun!'' said Mario, splashing even more water on him.

''So that's how it will be? OK, you asked for it! I'll show you!'' declared Luigi, splashing water in Mario's face with more force.

Before long, the brothers were having a playful but competitive water fight. They grabbed each other's arms and legs to try to pull the other underwater, but they didn't try to drown the other.

Mario and Luigi swam together for a while until they heard a sound that caught their attention. It was a baby Dolphin. ''Let's go!'' said Mario.

Luigi approached and saw that little Dolphin had a cut on its dorsal fin. ''Oh, no! That Dolphin is injured! Poor thing! It likely got separated from its mother!'' he exclaimed.

''Let's bring it to shore.'' said Mario.

''Did we carry some bandages?'' asked Luigi.

''Yes, we have one. Let's go back inside for a moment to get it.'' replied Mario. ''Come on, help me bring the Dolphin to shore.''

They gently took the Dolphin and swam to the shore, then went to the hut to get a bandage and returned to the coast.

''Come, little one. We'll take you to your mother.'' said Luigi, bandaging the wound, and the Dolphin let out a happy chirp.

Mario and Luigi returned to the water, helping the mammal swim while searching for its family. They heard calls, but had no idea where to go, and Luigi was very worried, especially since he didn't want to get lost in the middle of nowhere with an injured baby.

''Did you hear that?'' asked Mario.

''Yes, I heard it too. Maybe it's the baby's mother. But I can't figure out where she is.'' Luigi replied.

''Wait. I think it's trying to call her.'' said Mario, referring to the sound made by the baby Dolphin.

The call from before became stronger, and the brothers felt something big diving into the water. The chirping was followed by others that were more high-pitched, and the child reacted with a chirp of his own.

''Look! It's the family!'' exclaimed Luigi, catching a glimpse of three baby Dolphins and another larger one in the distance.

The family was reunited, and mother and son rubbed their faces. The other little ones did the same.

''Your child is fine now. Everything is fine.'' said Mario.

"It's injured, but it's nothing serious. It'll be alright.'' added Luigi.

Starting with their mother, all the Dolphin nuzzled Mario and Luigi, thanking them for reuniting them. In return, the humans gave a hug to the little ones, especially the one they had helped before, and pet Mama Dolphin. After that, they left jumping repeatedly.

''Yes! High five!'' shouted Mario happily, and he and Luigi gave each other a high-five, cheering.

''YAY!''

Mario and Luigi spent the rest of the morning continuing where they left off: swimming, diving underwater together and playing splashing water on each other. At one point, Mario climbed up a rock.

''Oh, no! No no no no no, what do you want to do?!'' exclaimed Luigi, realizing what would happen.

*SPLASH!*

Mario jumped at Luigi and landed on top him with a big splash. They resurfaced, but Luigi was a little irritated. ''Mario!'' he groaned.

''Oh, I'm sorry. I got a little carried away, huh?'' Mario chuckled.

''No, don't worry. I didn't expect it, that's all.'' said Luigi, putting himself in a supine position.

''I'm having a lot of fun with you.'' said Mario, climbing on Luigi and sitting on his body as if it were a raft.

Luigi raised his head and positioned himself in a sitting position so that his older brother was on his lap. ''Oh, Mario... I'm having a lot of fun too.'' she told him. ''I wish Daisy was here. Apart from her, I wouldn't spend this day with anyone but you.''

''Awww, you're so sweat...'' said Mario, gently cupping Luigi's head in his hands and giving him a small brotherly kiss on the forehead. ''Hey. I think that we'll have some lunch soon. Let's go back to shore and eat something, then we'll sunbathe for a while and do something else, OK?'' he proposed.

''OK.'' said Luigi. He lay down directly above the water again, moved his arms, and the current pushed them toward the shore. Through it all, Mario lay down on his longer body until they reached the shore.

(''Koopa Troopa Beach- Mario Kart 7 OST-s'')

(''Gelato Beach- Super Mario Sunshine OST'')

Back at the hut, Mario and Luigi took a lunch break and ate a tuna sandwich. When they finished eating, they agreed to do some surfing in the afternoon after some rest in the sun.

''Do you think I should spread some more sunscreen?'' asked Luigi, as they lay down in the sun under an umbrella.

"I don't think we'll need more. Our skin isn't that pale. Peach has a pale skin though, so her skin is vulnerable to sunburns.'' Mario replied.

''Good point.'' said Luigi. They had fair skin, but more of a peach tone, while Peach was paler in complexion.(2)

''Sunbathing here is really enjoyable. Come here.'' said Mario, and Luigi embraced him.

''I love you, big bro.'' said Luigi, resting his head on his brother's chest.

''I love you too, little bro.'' Mario told him, patting him on the head and giving him a loving smile.

Luigi sighed serenely. Mario's smiles were always caring and warm, and he loved when he smiled at him. When he slept with his head on his lap or on his chest, he felt that he would never have nightmares, whether it was from contact with his soft skin or how he held him in his arms. Every part of his body was so soft to him, and he didn't know how to say it, but he could go on and on describing it. His hugs were warm, comforting and reassuring. Every gesture of affection, whether it was a hug, a pat on the back, a cuddle, holding his hand or stroking his hair made him feel better in a flash. If Luigi was injured and felt pain from his bruises, his brother pressed gentle kisses on the places where he had injuries, and although it didn't treat them directly like an ice pack, it made him forget about the pain better than a painkiller. When Mario kissed him to show affection for him or to soothe the pain of his bruises and held him in his loving and warm arms, Luigi felt loved, safe and protected, and there was nothing that made him feel better than being in the arms of his beloved older brother. Obviously, kisses between relatives were platonic displays of affection, and they did not hesitate to show affection for each other in public.

As they sunbathed and huddled together, the bros occasionally changed positions, but they did not dare to let go, nor did they go to do anything else. At first, Luigi had rested his head on Mario's lap, but then he held him tighter to him and his brother snuggled up to him, resting his head on his chest.

(''Gelato Beach- Super Mario Sunshine OST-s'')

Two hours later...

Dry and rested, Mario and Luigi got up around 4 PM. ''Hey, Luigi, let's go surfing!'' said Mario.

''What if something happens to us? What if the waves separated us, and a Maw-Ray attacked us?'' asked Luigi, a little nervous.

''Relax, Lu, everything will be fine. Maw-Rays usually don't go to the surface, and a wave will not be enough to separate us.'' Mario reassured him.

''If you say so. But I have a bad feeling.'' Luigi replied, feeling a little uncomfortable.

(''Cheep Cheep Lagoon- Mario Kart 7 OST'')

Taking their surfboards, Mario and Luigi returned to the water and swam until they were at some distance from the shore. When they were far enough away (but not too far away because Luigi was afraid that something would try to eat them if they strayed too far from the coast), they got on their surfboards and got ready.

''Hey, Luigi! Follow the waves and do as I do!'' said Mario.

He began to ride the incoming wave and passed through it, jumping at the end.

''Whoa!'' Luigi exclaimed

''OK, bro, now try it yourself. Another wave is coming.'' said Mario.

Luigi tried to push himself and ride the wave, but lost his balance and fell halfway through. ''It's not as easy as it sounds.'' he said.

''You'll just need a little practice. Try again.'' said Mario.

''What should I do?'' asked Luigi.

''The first thing you have to do is follow a specific movement when you start, called take-off. When you take off, it's best if you are lying on your belly. Push yourself forward with your arms when the wave is approaching to take off, and when it passes on your surfboard, it will push it forward. Put your hands on the surfboard and stand up at that moment. This will allow you to ride the wave. But be careful: you must be precise in your movements, especially if the wave is high and steep, otherwise you may lose your balance and fall, with the risk of injuring yourself. If you're in the opposite direction, you can also try jumping off the wave.'' explained Mario. A third wave had arrived, and he took the opportunity to show his brother the movements to follow.

''It's been a long time since I last did it. We've done it before, haven't we?'' said Luigi.

''Of course. Do you remember the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games with Sonic and his friends?'' asked Mario.(3)

''Oh! I remember now!'' the man in green exclaimed.

''Good. Now it's your turn. Try it.'' said Mario.

Luigi sighed, and seeing a small wave in the distance approaching, he got into position. Following Mario's advice, he got up when the wave reached the surfboard, riding it successfully. ''Hey, I did it!'' he exclaimed happily.

''Well done!'' Mario cheered, high-fiving Luigi and congratulating him. ''You've done well, Lu!''

''Thank you, Mario! I surprise myself sometimes.'' said Luigi.

''Now let's do it together. Look at me carefully and everything will be fine.'' said Mario.

They moved further away, and the waves were larger than the areas closest to the shore. They surfed and rode the waves together, and thanks to his brother's advice, Luigi managed to get by well, but struggled to stay balanced with the bigger waves. Mario helped him stay balanced, however.

''Jump, Luigi!'' said Mario out loud, and he and Luigi jumped off a big wave, landing together in the water before getting back on their respective surfboards. Another bigger wave came, and Luigi trembled with fear.

''Mario! I don't want to fall!'' the younger brother cried out.

''Hang on tight, Luigi!'' said Mario.

Mario and Luigi entered the wave at high speed and surfed in a zig-zag motion. Imitating Mario's posture, Luigi managed to maintain his balance.

''You're doing great, Luigi! Keep it up!'' congratulated Mario.

They were having fun, and Luigi even forgot that he was scared. Suddenly, however, a huge wave, bigger than usual, threw him off balance. ''Look out, Mario!'' he shouted.

Mario didn't notice it in time, and they were thrown off their surfboards.

(''Cheep Cheep Lagoon- Mario Kart 7 OST-s'')

(''Main Title- Jaws OST'')

''Mamma mia... are you okay, Mario?'' asked Luigi, when he and Mario returned to the surface.

''Yes, I'm OK. I didn't expect that wave.'' replied Mario.

''That wave doesn't seem normal to me. I think now our surfboards are over on the shore.'' said Luigi. He turned and saw the coast, with two long objects, one red and one green, on the sand. ''Yeah. As I thought.''

''Come on, bro. Let's swim a little more.'' said Mario.

*SPLASH!*

Suddenly, there was a huge splash, and Luigi had a bad feeling. When he turned to see what had been, he let out a high-pitched scream.

''Luigi! What's wrong?'' asked Mario, not expecting this reaction.

''Maw-Ray...'' Luigi murmured in a whisper.

''What?'' asked Mario again, confused.

''MAW-RAY!'' Luigi screamed, turning Mario around to show him what he was referring to.

(''Main Title- Jaws OST-s'')

A huge reddish brown creature resembling a giant eel or moray eel was inf ront of them. At least three meters long and with a large mouth full of sharp teeth, the Maw-Ray was one of the most terrible marine predators in the Mushroom Kingdom.

''Oh, no...'' muttered Mario, realizing his was right. He should not have underestimated this potential danger, and now the Maw-Ray let out a sinister sound. It wanted them as its snack.

(''Middle Boss Battle- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST'')

''LET'S GET OUT OF HERE, MARIO!'' Luigi shouted, hurriedly starting to swim away, and Mario followed him. The Mordorena chased there, not wanting to miss her snack.

Mario and Luigi swam to the coast in fear. It reminded him of the time Luigi had seen a movie about a shark with him, and the intense scenes with the shark shocked his sensibilities. The movie left Luigi so shocked that he had nightmares for three nights straight.(4)

''I don't understand! Maw-Rays usually don't go to the surface! Why is it attacking us?'' asked Mario.

''I don't know! But I don't want you to get eaten by it like that time a Cheep Chomp devoured you!'' replied Luigi.(5)

The two plumbers swam as fast as they could to the beach, but the waves hindered them, and the hungry Maw-Ray pursued them relentlessly. Sometimes, it would dive into the water and return to the surface, creating waves that slowed them down or caused them to lose their balance. One of these waves was so big that it separated them.

''Luigi, where are you?!'' yelled Mario, realizing that he had lost sight of his brother.

''Mario!'' Luigi cried out in response, to his left. He was climbing a rock. ''The rocks! Jump on the rocks!''

Although it wasn't entirely clear to him, Mario was able to understand what Luigi was trying to say and looked for rocks to climb and jump on.

However, despite this evasive tactic, his younger brother failed to increase the distance between him and the Maw-Raw, and as he escaped, he screamed in terror as it focused all its efforts on him.

''HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!''

Luigi, who had climbed another rock, had narrowly escaped another assault, since the Maw-Ray had dived into the water and lunged at him, narrowly missing him only because he had dove into the water in time.

Mario was also afraid. The Maw-Ray had unexpectedly ruined the holiday, and it intended to get a morsel of him and his brother. Meanwhile, on the beach, several Toads saw it and ran away in panic about how it was approaching.

This was not how a holiday was supposed to be. They were supposed to spend the day swimming, snuggling in the sun and eating ice cream in the afternoon, not being chased by a monster who wanted to eat them!

''No! No no no no no! Don't get any closer!'' shouted Mario, seeing the Maw-Ray getting dangerously close to Luigi. Now he, too, was beginning to panic. ''Luigi! Hold on a little longer! We're almost there!''

''I won't be able to hold out much longer!'' Luigi cried out in terror. He was breathing heavily. Swimming was getting more and more tiring, but he didn't dare stop. He was too scared to become the meal of a sea monster. Unfortunately for him, the Mordorena came even closer.

Seeing the coast slowly approaching, Mario felt hope fill his heart. If they managed to get to shallow water, they could escape danger. But what happened next was not pleasant at all.

''AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''

The scream made Mario's blood run cold. It was as if a ghost had appeared a few inches from Luigi's face and jumpscared him. He had climbed another rock, but before he could go down, the Maw-Ray bit him in the right leg, and now he was clinging to the rock with all his might.

''OH, NO! LUIGI!'' Mario screamed.

''MARIO! HELP ME!'' shrieked Luigi.

The younger but taller twin tried to kick with his left leg to hit the Maw-Ray in the eye, but it did not let him go. If only he had shoes on, he could have at least stunned it, but he had left them at the hut like all the tourists who went to the beach did, and he felt that his legs would break at any moment by now.

''Leave him alone!''

Mario swam towards the Maw-Ray and punched it, but it did not let go.

''I'm scared! It won't let me go!'' shouted Luigi.

The older brother firmly grasped Luigi's hands. ''I got you! Hold on, Lu! Don't let go!'' he said.

''I'm trying! OW!'' yelped Luigi. ''Mario! It wants to eat me! I can't hold on!'' The Maw-Ray was aggressively biting onto his legs, and by then he was struggling to maintain his grip.

''I'm with you, brother! You won't have anything to fear as long as I'm there!'' said Mario, trying to reassure him.

Luigi gave Mario a small smile as if to say ''Mario... thanks.'', but the Maw-Ray pulled him back with such force that he lost his grip on Mario's hands and let out a scream before falling into the water.

''NO!'' Mario screamed, very worried.

(''Middle Boss Battle- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST-s'')

Luigi heard his brother's scream, but before he could return to the surface towards him, the Mordorena bit him in the stomach and dragged him to the bottom. It was dragged at least 200 meters below sea level, and even some Cheep Chomps seemed to want him as a snack. He managed to free himself by hitting the Maw-Ray with a kick in the throat and swam to the surface, but could not hold air for long. He accidentally opened his mouth and water entered his lungs, something burning that prompted him to close it again in less than a second. When he was close enough to the surface, he felt something long crushing and suffocating him, and he realized with horror that the Maw-Ray, willing to do anything not to let him escape, had twisted his body around him, wrapping around the neck to the legs of the hero in green and applying pressure on his body.

Full of fear and feeling that he would soon suffocate, Luigi saw that the Maw-Ray was looking at him with his mouth wide open, like a snake with its prey, and seemed about to detach his head with another bite. Being under water, he could not scream, but his body was practically crushed, and he was rapidly losing oxygen. Everything around him began to turn black.

Furious at the attack on his brother, Mario reached the Maw-Ray and repeatedly punched it in the eye with alternating hands. A double punch from both hands that hit it on the eyes forced the creature to let go and drove it out, but before Mario could reach his brother, he was pushed away by a wave, and when he came to the surface, he didn't see him.

''LITTLE BROTHER! LUIGI, WHERE ARE YOU?!'' he yelled. He looked around until he saw him floating to her right on the surface, unconscious and motionless. ''Luigi! No... Please, hang on!'' He grabbed his unconscious body and arduosly swam to the surface.

(''Sad Song- Super Mario RPG OST'')

The beach was almost completely empty due to the Maw-Ray attack, and there was not even a lifeguard. The few Toads present were in shock, partly because of the Maw-Ray's violent attack.

Breathing heavily from fatigue, Mario was horrified to see his brother's condition. His legs had horrible bite marks, with nasty-looking cuts, his skin seemed discolored and his body was full of bruises on his neck, chest, back and arms, a sign that the Maw-Ray had strangled him.

''Luigi! Luigi, are you okay?! Come on, breathe! You have to breathe! Luigi, wake up! Please, fratellino... Breathe...'' Mario pleaded, making compressions on Luigi's chest and applying pressure to try to make him spit the water he had in his lungs. He opened his brother's mouth and began giving him mouth-to-mouth in a desperate attempt to give him air. He tried to get him to breathe for two minutes, and by now his eyes were full of tears. At one point, he heard him coughing and spitting water. Encouraged by this, he applied more pressure, and Luigi spat more water, but after that, his body again became still. He had lost consciousness.

Mario was panicking again. He picked up his cell phone, and his instincts told him to call Dr. Toadley, but instead he looked up Peach's number and called her, speaking extremely quickly. ''Peach! Help me! Luigi was attacked by a Maw-Ray! He almost drowned! Call your doctor! Now!'' he babblered. He could understand that Peach was also shocked, but he was talking so quickly that they couldn't understand a word of what the other was saying. After less than twenty seconds, he hung up and then slapped himself in the face. ''I'm an idiot! Why didn't I call Toadley or an ambulance?!'' he groaned, but fortunately for him, an ambulance arrived shortly after, transporting Luigi's unconscious body.

Upset and feeling guilty over what happened to his brother, Mario stood on the coast, not moving a muscle and crying silently. Luigi was right to worry about the Maw-Ray, and he disregarded his concern. He saw the ice cream van a short distance away and became a lot sadder. They were supposed to get ice cream in the afternoon, but now they couldn't. To make matters worse, a few of the remaining Toads, who had seen the ambulance leave with Luigi's body, began to speak ill of him, accusing him of bringing the Maw-Ray to them and putting them in danger. In response, he gave them a threatening look as if to tell them to don't dare to blame his brother because he almost died. When they left, he cried louder.

(''Sad Song- Super Mario RPG OST-s'')

After the Maw-Ray attack, Mario didn't felt like continuing the day at the beach. He went back to the cabin, took everything and drove back home. He was so sad that he drove slowly, and it took him forty minutes to get home, more than twice as long as the departure had lasted. He quietly entered Peach's castle, walked to the princess's room, and knocked on the door. He didn't usually need his permission to enter Peach's room, but he just didn't feel like just entering.

''Who is it?'' asked a voice, which Mario immediately recognized. It was Peach's voice.

''It's Mario.'' he replied.

''Come in.'' Peach said.

(''The Luma and the Hat- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST'')

Having obtained permission, Mario slowly opened the door. ''Good afternoon, Peach...'' he said sadly. Luigi was lying on the bed, and a bandage covered his legs.

''Mario, what happened? First you call me in a panic, then you call my personal doctor and then I find Luigi unconscious in my bedroom. Why are you so sad?" asked Peach, worried, noticing how he was so down.

''Luigi and I went to Cheep Cheep Beach. We were supposed to spend the day at the beach, but I had to give up my plans for the afternoon because something happened.'' explained Mario.

''What happened?'' asked Peach.

''We were attacked by a Maw-Ray.'' sighed Mario, and Peach gasped. ''Luigi was very nervous about a possible attack, but I didn't pay attention to this and the Maw-Ray attacked us.''

''That explains why Luigi was so badly injured.'' said Peach.

''Yeah... I should have listened to him...'' muttered Mario. He looked like he was going to cry.

''Mario...''

''Everything is my fault, Peach. Luigi is hurt and it's all my fault. I-''

Mario didn't have time to finish when Peach gently cupped his cheeks in her hands and kissed him on the nose.

''Mario, everything is alright. It's not your fault. No one could have predicted it.'' said Peach.

Peach's kiss did nothing to comfort Mario. He felt he didn't deserve that kiss. ''How is Luigi?'' he asked.

''My personal doctor examined him. Luigi is fine. He will recover, but he's asleep right now.'' replied Peach.

''I would like to talk to him. Would you mind waking him up?'' asked Mario.

''Okay.''

Peach shook Luigi's shoulder slightly. ''Luigi? Hey, Luigi, wake up.'' she said softly.

Louis slowly opened his eyes. Peach was in front of him, and Mario was on his left, holding his hand. ''Mario...? Peach...? What happened? Where am I?'' he asked.

''You're in my room. A Maw-Ray attacked you and suffocated you, almost drowning you. Mario saved you and phoned me. He was so panicked that I couldn't understand a word of what he said because he spoke too fast.'' explained Peach.

''Are you okay, Mario? The Maw-Ray didn't hurt you, did it?'' asked Luigi, sitting down.

''Yes, I'm fine, but you... Oh, Luigi... you were right about the Maw-Ray. I should have listened to you.'' replied Mario, closing his eyes. ''I was so sure everything would be fine that I ignored your concerns. And now you're hurt because of me. I'm sorry... This all my fault...''

He didn't even notice he was crying until Luigi put his hand on his cheek and wiped away a tear.

''Mario... it's all right.'' whispered Luigi.

''Luigi...'' muttered Mario.

''It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself for what happened.'' said Luigi.

''But I shouldn't have taken you surfing. That Maw-Ray almost suffocated you to death, and you almost drowned. I almost lost you because of my negligence.'' said Mario, crying openly.

Luigi took his brother in his arms and placed him on the bed so that they were seated facing each other.

''Lu, I-'' muttered Mario.

Luigi interrupted him with a hug, but when Mario did not hug him back, he was disappointed and pulled away.

(''The Luma and the Hat- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST-s'')

(''Peach's Castle- Mario & Luigi Paper Jam Bros. OST'')

''Mario, please. It's not your fault.'' said Peach.

''Peach is right, Mario. Come on, give me a hug.'' added Luigi.

Although he thought he didn't deserve it, Mario hugged him, crying on his shoulder, and Luigi, for his part, was happy to return the hug, even though his bare skin was getting all wet because of his brother's tears, since he had nothing but his swimming trunks on. ''I'm sorry, Luigi. You almost died because of me.'' he said. ''You'll be mad at me for putting me in danger, I know it.''

''No, Mario. I'm not mad at you.'' said Luigi.

''Huh?'' Mario was confused.

''You didn't put me in danger. You saved me.'' corrected Luigi.

''Really?'' asked Mario.

''Yes! If it wasn't for you, I would have become that Maw-Ray's snack.'' the younger brother explained.

''I was so scared. I thought I lost you. I'll pay more attention to your hunches. I love you, Lu.'' said Mario.

''I love you too, Mario. Don't you forget that.'' said Luigi, giving his older brother a kiss on the forehead.

Peach looked at them fondly. No pair of brothers was as close as they were.

''Hey, Luigi? Can you get up?'' asked Mario, when the hug ended.

''I think so. But I won't be able to run.'' replied Luigi, slowly removing the bandage off of his legs. The shoes were on the side of the bed, so he put them on and got back on his feet. He tried to walk, and he managed to move without falling. ''Would you mind turning around, Peach? I have to get dressed.'' he asked.

''Go ahead.'' replied Peach.

Luigi put on his usual clothes, and he and Mario put on their trademark hats.

''Now let's go home. See ya, Peach.'' said Mario.

''Bye then!'' said Peach. ''Luigi? Be careful.'' she added, kissing Luigi on the nose.

''See you, Peach.'' said Luigi.

When they began to leave the castle for home, Peach gave Mario a kiss on the cheek, and this time, he blushed. Before leaving the room, he blew her a kiss from the door, which made her laugh as she blushed a little.

(''Peach's Castle- Mario & Luigi Paper Jam Bros. OST-s'')

On his way home with Mario, Luigi saw the ice cream van, and this gave him an idea. When he returned to Mario a few minutes later, he saw that he had a sad look.

''Luigi?'' asked Mario.

''Yes?'' said Luigi.

''I'm sorry about earlier. This was supposed to be a nice day at the beach like brothers, but instead I put you in danger.'' said Mario.

''But you saved my life.'' Luigi told him.

''And if I had delayed a moment longer, I would have lost you.'' Mario replied.

Louis, who had something behind his back, just smiled. ''Why making that long face when we can eat something together?''

Mario was confused. ''What do you mean?'' he asked.

''TA-DAH!''

(''Resting in Toad Town- Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey OST'')

Luigi revealed his hands, showing two chocolate and vanilla-flavored ice creams.

''Ice cream?! Did you get an ice cream for me?'' asked Mario, amazed.

''Of course! I noticed that you were down when we were coming home, and when I saw the ice cream van, I thought I'd get you some ice cream.'' explained Luigi.

Mario was moved by his brother's gesture. ''Oh, Luigi... I wanted us to eat ice cream together on the beach, but we couldn't because of the accident," he said.

''Then I'll fix that.'' Luigi said, giving him one of the two ice creams.

Mario gave Luigi a big hug full of gratitude. ''Grazie, fratello.'' he said, moved.

''Oh, nothing.'' his brother replied.

Mario and Luigi sat on a bench and ate their ice creams with a smile under their ebony black mustache. Luigi's selfless gesture had restored Mario's good mood, and while they were eating, they also licked and ate some of the other's ice cream. When they had finished and got up, the older twin burst out laughing at how Luigi had chocolate all over his mouth, and his brother pointed out that he had chocolate and vanilla stains all over his mouth and even his mustache smeared up with chocolate. This made them laugh like crazy as Luigi wiped his brother's mustache with a handkerchief.

''Hey, Mario. How do you feel?'' asked Luigi.

''I feel like this incident never happened! I'm really happy that we spent this day together, even if it didn't go as we hoped!'' replied Mario happily.

''If you're happy, I'm happy too.'' said Luigi.

''Thanks again for the ice cream!'' said Mario.

''You saved my life, and I wanted to return the favor.'' replied Luigi.

''Awww, Luigi... You're too kind. Come here, bro!''

With these words, Mario gave his little brother another tight hug and pressed a kiss full of brotherly love to his cheek. Luigi chuckled at how he had a chocolate stain on his cheek.

Luigi returned the hug and kissed Mario on the forehead. Since he had already wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, he did not leave any chocolate stains on his forehead. ''I love you, Mario.'' he said.

''I love you too, Luigi.'' said Mario, as his brother ran his fingers along the locks on the back of his head.

What Mario loved most about Luigi was his unconditional generosity. He always helped others without ever wanting anything in return. Even though he was sure his brother didn't have to take ice cream for them because was gonna do it himself, he did it anyway because he was such a good man. As he thought this, he rested his head on Luigi shoulder.

''You didn't have to get ice cream for me. But you did it anyway.'' the older brother said.

''I would do anything for you.'' replied Luigi.

Mario gave him a warm smile and a thumbs up. His smile suddenly became more mischievous and he began licking the chocolate on Luigi's face.

''What are you doing?'' asked Luigi, surprised.

''Your cheek is all dirty.'' explained Mario.

''OK, but you're not a dog!'' the younger brother replied, but he was laughing.

Mario's tongue tickled Luigi as he licked the chocolate from his cheek, but even though it made him feel a little embarrassed, he was not uncomfortable. His brother was always careful not to make him feel too uncomfortable, and even then his touch was as gentle as always.

After finishing cleaning Luigi's cheek, Mario burst out laughing heartily. ''I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable, bro. Did I embarrass you?'' he asked between laughter.

''A little. But you didn't make me uncomfortable at all.'' replied Louis.

''Good. Because I would never forgive myself if I humiliated you in any way.'' said Mario, running his hand under Luigi's hat and stroking his hair.

''Did I ever felt uncomfortable with you? Never. We do everything together.'' said Luigi.

The older brother gave the younger the warm smile he loved so much. He didn't want to tell Luigi how some Toads had accused him of endangering them because it would completely ruin the moment, although he thought that aw few lifeguards could have helped when he was about to drown.

''Hey, Mario, my legs feel a bit weak today. Would you carry back home?'' asked Luigi.

''All right.'' said Mario, lifting Luigi and carrying him on his shoulders.

The younger brother relaxed, resting his head between Mario's shoulder and his neck. If he didn't have his hat on, he would have snuggled in his chocolate brown hair. Mario looked up at him smiling as he took him home.

When they arrived home, the two Italian-Americans went to their room and Mario sat down, lying on his bed with Luigi. Their respective hats fell from their heads and onto the pillow. They spent five minutes cuddling each other, affectionately stroking each other's hair and hugging each other.

(''Resting in Toad Town- Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey OST-s'')

(''Starship Mario- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST'')

''What do you want to do now, Mario?'' asked Luigi.

''Let's play a little bit with the NES.'' Mario replied, turning their NES. ''How about our first adventure?''

''Oh, yeah!'' said Luigi, as Mario put the Super Mario Bros. cartridge into the console.

Before they started playing, Mario stood up and hugged Luigi tightly around his neck. ''I was scared I might lose you, you know.'' he said.

''It will take much more than a giant eel to bring me down.'' said Luigi, a little caught off-guard by the tight hug.

''I don't doubt it, but if something happens to you, it's a shock to me.'' Mario replied, with a slight sadness in his tone.

''Don't think about it anymore. I'm fine, and the rest doesn't matter. I love you, Mario.'' said Luigi, resting his head on his brother's shoulder.

''I love you too, Luigi.'' said Mario. Seeing his little brother smile, he smiled back at him before giving him an affection-filled kiss on the forehead, then repeatedly touched his left cheek with his index finger.

Luigi immediately understood the gesture, which meant "Come here, give me a kiss too.'', and chuckled a little. ''Awww, of course, big bro.'' he said, giving Mario a short hug followed by a small brotherly kiss on the cheek. His older brother responded by affectionately ruffling his hair.

(''Starship Mario- Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST-s'')

''You ready, Lu?'' asked Mario, preparing the two controllers.

''I'm ready!'' replied Luigi.

''So let's get started! Let's-a go!'' declared Mario.

''Okie-dokie!'' Luigi, and they chose two-player mode.

Mario and Luigi's day on the beach didn't go according to plan, and Mario swore that he would never ignore Luigi's gut feelings, even though his brother insisted that it wasn0t necessary because he always let him know if anything was suspicious for him. Even if things didn't go as they wanted, they always had a way to make each other feel better: being in each other's company and their mutual brotherly love.

A/N: It didn't go as planned. Who expected that attack from a Maw-Ray? Mario was shocked by the fact that Luigi almost drowned, but good thing his brother always knows how to cheer him up. Let me know if you liked this chapter. See you soon!

(1): Cheep Cheep Beach is the third track of the Mushroom Cup in Mario Kart DS and is back in Mario Kart 8 as the third track of the Shell Cup.

(2): Super Smash Bros. Melee and the Nintendo 64 game artworks show Mario and Luigi with darker, more tanned skin than usual, which was then made lighter with subsequent games. In recent years, starting with Super Mario 3D World first and then games like Mario Party 10 and Mario Party Star Rush, the art style has been updated, with a greater presence of more realistic details in fabric, scales, hair and more, and several existing character artworks have been updated, in the same pose but with the updated style. Mario and Luigi have always had fair skin, but since this period, the skin tone has become a bit inconsistent with time: sometimes they are shown with a fair and paler complexion, while in other games, as well as artworks, they have peach-colored skin.

(3): Surfing has become an Olympics event recently, as it was introduced in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and will also be part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. As a result, it is also among the playable events in Mario and Sonic at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

(4): It is a reference to the movie Jaws, a classic directed by Steven Spielberg.

(5): In addition to the common Cheep Cheeps, which are red, there are several varieties. Deep Cheeps are green and chase Mario and Luigi when approaching, Eep Cheeps are yellow and difficult to avoid because they swim in large groups, and Spiny Cheep Cheeps are purple and have the same behavior as the Deep Cheeps, but they are faster and more aggressive. There are also giant Cheep Cheeps known as Cheep Chomps, who will chase Mario to try to eat him. In the games in which they appear, Mario dies instantly if he gets eaten, regardless of his remaining energy or the upgrades he currently has. In the Super Mario Bros Movie, after Mario and Donkey Kong survive the ambush on Rainbow Road, they are devoured by a huge Maw-Ray, but they manage to escape.