Disclaimer: I do not own Mario, Nintendo does.

Game Over

Not once in his life did Mario think he would ever wear something beside his signature overalls and shirt. It wasn't to say that he didn't plan on wearing a different pair with different colors, such as certain dates with Peach, and even a planned white pair that he would wear to his wedding, but not once did he think he'd have to put on a suit. Not just any suit though.

A funeral suit.

He felt stuffy as the carriage that carried the plumber, his brother Luigi, Princess Peach of the Mushroom Kingdom, and the princess' stuffy advisor Toadsworth to the funeral. None of them were speaking. In fact, they all seemed to have come to the same decision to simply look at the passing scenery outside the window. It was a fitting scenery too for the event.

Dark Land, the volcanic wasteland Mario had to constantly intrude upon to save the fair Peach or stop one of Bowser's schemes, had changed just for the event. The dark clouds still hung overhead, only the glow of the volcanoes' magma was nowhere. Combined with the downpour of rain, it was a fitting place for a sorrowful event.

Additionally, the many residents of Dark Land were making their way to the same destination as the carriage. It surprised Mario at the number of Koopas, Goombas, Boos, and so on that were traversing by foot. Then again, it was an enormous gathering. Chances were they'd be lucky if they could even stand next to the castle the funeral would take place in due to the large gathering of guests.

Finally, the carriage came to a halt and the door was opened by a Koopa, his shell painted black for the occasion. Guilt struck Mario like an icy needle when the turtle cast a quick glare at him before he focused on Peach. Speaking to everyone, he said "Your presence is much appreciated. Please stand in the main hall. Lord Kamek will be with you shortly to bring you to your seats"

"Thank you" Peach softly spoke. The four stood in the large hall of the large castle. No changes had been made to the decorations, with rugs and drapes still red and black. Statues of the Dark Land's King still made it an intimidating place, but no form of intimidation could deter the group.

Looking around, Mario could see that quite a number of important people were there. Some he expected quite a bit, while others were a surprise to see. One surprise was Daisy and Rosalina, who had very little interaction with Dark Land as it was, let alone the unfortunate soul they were here to mourn. Still, it was a welcome sight for them to come over and speak with Peach, who had been upset about the whole ordeal.

For Mario alone though, it was just good to see someone who hadn't tried to kill him, and in return he hadn't delivered a humiliating defeat to. King Boo, General Guy, Petey Piranha, Wario, Waluigi, Count Bleck and some of his minions, and even Donkey Kong. Given that Donkey Kong was now considered an ally of Mario, but he was the first enemy Mario had ever had to save Peach from. And of course there were countless others that Mario just couldn't name after seeing with a simple glance.

"Princess Peach, Mario Brothers, I am glad to see you arrived safely" the Magikoopa they had been waiting on announced. Mario was a little surprised, not realizing he had approached them. Then again, he was on his broom as he usually was, so he likely just floated down without alerting them. "I would like each of you to take one of these and follow me" Kamek stated, handing each of them (Daisy and Rosalina included) a black card with a red Bowser face print on it.

"Wh-what are these for?" Peach asked curiously, slowly following the floating Koopa.

Not bothering to turn around to answer her, Kamek continued to lead them as he answered. "His Unliving-ness had a will prepared and you all are included in it. After the main ceremony, you will be asked to stay behind so that you and the others included in the will may receive what his Lifeless-ness has left for you"

Everyone was a little pained by hearing Kamek refer to the deceased in such a manner. Then again, the loyal right-hand to the Royal Koopa family has always refered to the King as such. Perhaps, in his own way, he was trying to respect the dead by talking about them the way he always had.

As they walked through the main hall, there was one thing that disturbed the plumber more than anything. The absence of eight very important people who should be affected by this death more than anyone else. Of course, he quickly found them when Kamek lead the group into the throne room. Only, it was altered so that a coffin lay in place of the throne.

In the front row, sitting perfectly still, were the eight people Mario was expecting to see. The Koopalings and Bowser Jr., all looking at the coffin. Then, to Mario's horror, Kamek lead his group to the front row, right next to the Royal Koopas. "You are all people who have interacted with his Deceased-ness the most, and it is for this reason that he requested you would be seated here during this unfortunate affair" Kamek explained without needing to be asked. He was mostly saying it to Peach, Mario, and even Luigi, with Toadsworth, Daisy, and Rosalina being extras that Kamek didn't bother to move elsewhere.

Peach chose to sit right next to the turtle group, the one closes to her being Bowser Jr., who gave a miniscule smile at seeing his 'Mama' there. "Hello Jr., how are you doing" the Princess asked, looking out for the child's wellbeing.

"I'm doing fine Mama" Bowser Jr. lied. It was an obvious lie that anyone could see through, but the boy wanted to do his best to avoid worrying the woman he had been told was his mother, even after he revealed he knew the truth.

"Its not good to hold it in. Please talk to me if anything is wrong" Peach pleaded.

"I-... I want to talk to you after the ceremony" Jr. admitted. Mario knew it was tough for him to say that. His constant battles with the Koopa lineage, especially the King and his next in line, had told him the family was strong physically and emotionally. Admitting defeat in any form or way was next to impossible, so the fact Jr. was willing to speak to Peach after a simple request was a sign of how hard things were on him.

Looking over to the Koopalings, Mario was surprised to see a mixture of emotions. Sorrow and anger were some of the things he was expecting to see, and he did see that. But he also saw indifference, as though this event was no different than any other. He even saw annoyance at having to be there. There might have been some glee in some faces, but he couldn't be sure.

And then, for an hour, they all just sat there, waiting for everyone to come in and find their seats. It was the longest hour of Mario's life. It felt like days. Days sitting and waiting to hear about how a person he had known for so many years as an enemy, yet treated like a friend on occasion, was now gone. Finally, when everyone was where they needed to be, Kamek floated above the coffin and addressed everyone.

"Friends, enemies, and associates, I thank you for gathering here today. I wish I could be glad to see you here, but none of us are pleased with what we have come together for. Before we celebrate the life and mourn the death of his Dead-ness, I ask that we have a quick moment of silence. As a sign of respect, as he will always be silent now. King Bowser Koopa"