The Dark Tournament

By Joshua Carlson

Chapter Six: Mario Vs. Ike

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters displayed in this chapter.

Master hand read off the listed combatants and their fights, first up would be... 1 and 28. " First match! Mario, hero of the mushroom kingdom Versus Ike! Swordsman." The former glove announced, with a snap of his fingers he teleported the two combatants to the battlefield below.

Mario got in a fighting stance, as did Ike. " Now, on the count of three, you shall fight." Master hand told them as he got off the battlefield.

" This is going to be simple..." Ike mumbled confidently. " How tough could a short, fat plumber be?"

Mario steamed, " Listen pretty boy, I've been around for a lot longer then you and I know my way around a battle!"

" Sure, gramps." Ike retorted, grinning arrogantly.

Mario faced Ike and then suddenly ran up for him, charging a fire ball in his right hand. Ike unsheathed his large golden blade and glared down Mario.

Mario started to run in circles around Ike, the fireball charging in his hand. Ike wasn't amused, he shifted his eyes each time Mario passed by him, readying his blade. And then he struck.

And missed.

Mario got behind him and unleashed the charged fireball, it charring Ike's back. Ike screamed in pain, the smell of burnt flesh entering his nose. He swung in a blind fury, missing and missing. Mario punched him in the gut which sent Ike sprawling to the ground, gasping for air.

" It's time to finish this." Mario said in front of Ike, he grabbed Ike's leg and started to swing him, around and around and around and then Mario threw Ike out of the battlefield. It was over. The battle had been won.

The viewers were silent and then erupted applause! The battle had been quick but sweet and the victor had barely broken a sweat. Ike got up slowly, he was outside the battlefield. Ike rubbed his head and gasped for more air, he was in excruciating pain.

Mario walked up to him and helped him up, Ike glared back at him.

" It's a nothing personal kid, just business."

" And the winner is... MARIO! Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom! He will advance to the next rounds! Congratulations!" Master hand announced.

Mario smirked and waved to his viewers, they cheered.

Mario was sent back to the seats, Ike vanished, No one seemed to notice.