Luigi was about to run over to take the hit again but Mario made a quick Firebrand cage to keep him, Koops, and Goombella safe. Luigi was terrified for his brother.

The face taunted, "But wait! There's more to this great deal! I'll throw in a free curse! No charge!"

Mario told the face, "I'll do anything for my brother."

Luigi was sobbing, "N - no, Malleo! Don't!"

Before Luigi could do anything, it was too late. Mario was cursed, making him to change into a piece of paper at will.

The face laughed, "Now, you are cursed, you doofus! And it serves you right!"

The laughter on his face was getting to Luigi. It felt like a lot of the Toads laughing at him because he wasn't as fearless as his brother. He didn't feel like a hero…especially now.

"You can't be serious! You are no hero! You are just a bad rip off of your brother! You are no Mario! Not even close! Not in a million years! You are just a second rate hero! You will never be a superstar!"

Luigi felt more depressed after remembering that. King Boo had taunted him privately before he and Violet were able to seal him away in the painting. The face was gone as Koops and Goombella came up to Mario first. Mario had sent away the fire cage.

Goombella asked, "Are you okay, Mario?"

Koops shivered, "Was that as scary as we saw?"

Mario confirmed, "Even more so but I'll be okay." He turned to Luigi, who had been looking at his feet. He asked, "Weegie?"

Luigi looked at him as he snapped out of his thoughts, "Y - yeah? A - are you okay?"

Mario admitted, "A bit sore… Are you sure you are okay? You seem distant."

Luigi stammered quickly, "Y - yes, I'm okay."

Before Mario could say anything else on the matter, Goombella spoke up.

She commented, "I think we should keep moving, Mario."

Mario nodded in agreement as he took his place in the lead. 'His rightful place. Because he's a better hero than you anyday,' Luigi thought, sadly.

…

The group had gotten deep into the castle before they discovered a mouse with a mask on.

The mouse said, "Huh? Oh, my! Who's this handsome piece of cheese? I can't believe there are other thieves here besides me. How strange…"

Mario corrected, "We aren't thieves, though. You are, however."

The mouse commented, "Whatever you say."

Koops asked, "Wait, who are you?"

The mouse answered, "I'm Miss Mowz, the global-trotting thief! Heard of me, sweetie?"

Luigi raised a brow, "No, never heard of you."

Mowz deadpanned, "So I've noticed."

Goombella shot her a look, "So why are you here?"

Mowz responded, "I heard there were rare and valuable badges here in this castle. That's why I'm here. But the real question is…why are people like you roaming in such a run-down place?"

Koops explained, "Um, well, you see… We're here to beat Hooktail and get the um Crystal Star. So don't think we'll let you get the Crystal Star first, no matter how cute you are."

Mario agreed, "Yeah, you tell her Koops!"

Mowz perked up, "Crystal Star, ya say? Mhm… I didn't know a thing like that was hidden in this castle… How intriguing! Perhaps I just heard something you didn't want me hearing?"

Goombella rolled her eyes, "Smooth you two."

Luigi replied, "It's not like we aren't going to beat her to it."

Goombella was about to say something but then Mowz spoke first.

She said, "Oh, that's okay. I mean if you were looking for this Crystal Star first… And I already found the badge I was after, so I'll let you get your Crystal Star."

She walked over to them. Koops asked, "Um… Hey! What is that supposed to mean?"

That's when she stole a quick cheek kiss from Mario. She winked, "It means I must say bye-bye for now, Mr. Cutie. I know. It's sad. We just met, and it is time to say farewell. Alas…"

She jumped to the window pane as Goombella rolled her eyes, "Aren't you the bold one?"

Mowz giggled at her, winking at her too. Goombella felt flustered easily.

Mowz perked up, "Oh, I almost forgot… I have a little secret to share with you. Somewhere in this castle is a badge that'll help you best Hooktail, or so I've heard. I don't know what kind of badge it is. Maybe you found it already, maybe not. If you're going to fight Hooktail, I'd recommend finding that badge first. Well, take care all! Let's get together again real soon!"

With that, Mowz left.

Koops wondered aloud, "I wonder what her story is. I bet it's an interesting one."

Goombella added, a bit more quietly, "Maybe it is full of romance." Everyone turned to her, making her blush out of embarrassment. She pretended to cough, "I mean I was coughing, those weren't words…"

Mario asked, "Are you sure, Goombella? You seem more pink than usual."

Goombella shook her head, trying to snap herself out of it. "Y - yeah, I think I'm okay…"

Luigi reassured, "Well, whatever the case, we are here for you."

Goombella stated, "Thanks Luigi."

To that, the ghost hunter nodded. The group decided to press on.

…

The group got all the way up the tower and entered into a room.

"Who dares approach me?"

Mario perked up, noticing it was a bit dark, activated his Firebrand. Right in front of them was Hooktail himself.

Mario told him, "We dare approach you!"

Hooktail roared at them, "Hmm… So… You are friends of the strange-garbed one who came earlier? I didn't expect more to come to steal the treasure I protect… Such rashness…"

Luigi was shaking, activating his Thunderhand, "W - we aren't here to steal anything!"

Hooktail roared again, "That was foolish, I fear. Do you really think you can beat me?"

Goombella stated, "We will try! And we're definitely not with that cute little mouse!"

Hooktail snorted, "Whatever you say. But you're so small. And you don't appear tasty. I suppose you might make a good snack. And the bottoms of your feet smell like they might make a good sauce with some spices."

Koops fiercely told him, "W - we aren't a good snack! W - we are here to stop you! And avenge my father!"

Hooktail laughed, "Heh, we will see. What I'll do is saute you to crispy goodness and gobble you down…headfirst! Snack time, little appetizers! But which one of you morsels should I taste first?!"

With that, the fight against Hooktail had begun.

...

Wishmaker1028: Chapter 10 is done! The fight with Hooktail begins! Can Mario and his friends stop this awful fiend? Or will Hooktail eat them for lunch? For now, please read and review! And always think outside of the box!