So, here we are! The chapter, which will most likely be the third or fourth to last chapter. We're getting close to the ending guys! After spending more than half a year on this story, it's finally coming down to the ending. So, I've been getting ready for college, and I'm so excited for it too! And I'm just waiting for everything to fall through, including my transcript being received, and my dang housing packet finally coming in my mail. Anyways, read and review, and enjoy!
Mushroom Kingdom: 13th Century
Prince Flavio's Castle Grounds
The night went by very quickly, and the big day has finally arrived. All the preparations that needed to be done were done. The archery contest became a distant memory in compare to this. This is the day some waited for a long time, and some dreaded and wanted to never happen. This is the most important day in Mushroom Kingdom history so far. This was the day that could change the history of the Mushroom Kingdom forever, for better or for worse. This is the day could future could to it's prosperity or utter fall. The moment(s) we all been waiting for.
This is the big day.
Now you're probably wondering why it's such a big day, and why that paragraph before was a little over-dramatic. Today is the day of the wedding Sir Bowser and Maid Peach', and unfortunately, the execution of Mario Hood. Prince Flavio wanted the lovers to be completely miserable by seeing each other other doing the worse thing they never want to happen. The scaffold with that one soft, but sturdy noose made of the finest rope in the kingdom was to remind Maid Peach what would happen if she refuse, but only she doesn't know what will happen when she says "I do.". However, doing what she thinks is right for Mario Hood, and the Merry Men, Maid Peach had to marry Sir Bowser even though shes, along with her own fiancée, and friends, didn't want that to ever happen. But due to the circumstances that were before, she had no choice.
The wedding platform would be a couple of feet away. Not too close or not too far. On the platform, stands the Chancellor (the same one from Super Mario RPG), and Sir Bowser, dressed up in suit (like the one from Super Paper Mario), but black with silver trimmings all over it, and has a cape of the same style. Sir Bowser is excited as a dog at the front door, waiting for the mail to come, or its owner to come home. He's been waiting for this day since he was child. Finally, he's getting to the woman he loves, and always wanted. He can overlook the fact that she's in love with Mario Hood, but he knows after his execution, she will learn and grow to love him, and in time, they will be a very happy married couple.
But love doesn't work that way.
She knew she would never love him. Nor she never will. Her heart will always been for her fiancée "The thief", and would never change. No matter if one of them dies, their love is strong, and eternal. And no one could change that. That's what Mario Hood believed as he calmly walked toward the scaffold. The crowd was by the thousands, who were in absolute disbelief when they heard the news. They didn't know which news they couldn't believe more. But seeing this a chance to see something amazing happen, and a chance to get free food, they took it right away. No one said a words as the man they saw as a beloved hero walked toward his death. Some women, children, and even men shed tears for their fallen hero, and their last symbol of hope and chance would soon be gone forever. Even though they still had the Merry Men, his proud and faithful followers, they couldn't help but wonder how long would they last without their beloved leader. Their questions was soon pushed aside in their heads as the hero finally made it to the scaffold. The hangman, dressed in all black, and wearing a black mask with two holes for their eyes, walked over him, and put the noose around his neck. After he was done, the two locked eyes for a moment, as if saying something that cannot be said with words. The hangman stand a few away from him, and wait for his cue. As soon as the hangman's done, the music "Here Comes The Bride" is played, and the crowd turns to the back to see the bride.
Out on cue comes Peach, wearing a beautiful white dress (the same one for Super Paper Mario) with a veil covering her face, and her hair is out, and reaches toward her back. She's being lead down the aisle by Flavio, the supposed King. Even though he couldn't help himself, Mario Hood thought she looked like an absolute angel, but if you saw closer on the beautiful maiden, would you realize that she is shedding tears. Flavio cannot hep but smile at his achievements. He finally caught Mario Hood, and he's about to be executed. And he had also finally gotten Maid Peach to accept Sir Bowser's proposal, and they were soon to be wed. With Sir Bowser on his side, his could get more coins from his the people of his land, which would make his usual amount double, or even triple. But Flavio pushed those thoughts aside, as he and Peach finally arrive to the platform where stood Sir Bowser and the Chancellor. The music cuts off, and the whole field is in absolute silence.
"We are gathered here today to join these two beings in holy matrimony. Now who gives this woman away?"
"I do." Flavio says a little excited, which makes the Chancellor look at him strangely, but nonetheless continue. Flavio puts Peach's hand into Bowser's. He takes a few steps back, but not before giving Mario Hood a look that said "I won. You lose." Mario Hood rolls his eyes, knowing that somehow, the Merry Men will make comeback with or without him.
"Sir Bowser Koopa, do you, take Maid Peach Marian Toadstool, to be your wedded wife, to love and cherish her? In sickness and in health? For better or for worse? Until death do you part?" The Chancellor says as Bowser looks at his bride with a smile on his face.
"I do!" Bowser says really excitedly, which kinda makes you wonder how long he's been waiting to hear those words, and say those words as well.
"And Maid Peach, do you, take Sir Bowser Koopa, to be your wedded husband, to love and cherish him? In sickness and in health? For better or worse? Until death do you part?" Peach looks down, then at Mario Hood, who looks at them back. She can't help but shed tears, realizing they can never be. Their dream of becoming married when this is over is crushed for she realizes that it won't end. She mouths to him "I'm sorry. I love you.". Bowser squeezes his hand to get her attention back to the task at hand.
"Peach dear, answer the Chancellor."
"I...do." Peach says as she chokes on those words. Bowser smiles with glee and love in his heart, and Flavio smirk happily, knowing they both finally got what they desired.
"If anyone have any reason why this man and woman should not be wed, please speak now, or forever hold your peace."
"I object!" The crowd gasps and looks around surprised, and somewhat relived that someone had the guts to object to the wedding. Peach, Bowser, and Falvio looks behind them to see Little Luigi, standing in the middle of the aisle, tall and proud.
"And he's not the only one!" Daisy says as she walks next to him on the aisle. Maid Peach and Mario Hood can't help but smile and their best friends helping them out in their time of need. Flavio clenches his fist in anger, and looks at Peach.
"So, this is why you gave in so quickly! And I thought you actually realized the truth and accepted your marriage, but no. You decided to keep believing in this little fantasy of yours. Now, your silly fantasy will be the reason of your lover's death. Hangman, kill him!"
"No!" Peach, Luigi, and Daisy scream simultaneously. The Hangman abides, and pulls the lever, releasing the trap door, and causing our favorite hero to to fall through to his impending death, but out of nowhere the hangman cuts the rope with a small knife before Mario is killed due to strangulation and a broken neck, causing the hero to fall through the door safe and sound. The trap door closes, so no one is able to see what happens under the platform.
"Hangman! What is the meaning of this!" The Hangman takes off his mask to reveal himself to be...
"MARIO HOOD! HOW DID YOU ESCAPE?" Yes ladies and gentlemen. The hangman was indeed Mario Hood, the man they thought they finally managed to capture. Somehow, he managed to get out of his cell, and disguise himself as the hangman.
"Well Flavio, let's just say I have some really great friends. Now, to end this once and for all. But first, I'll take back the woman I loved from your nasty hands."
"You're too late thief! Peach and I are wed! You heard her say I do herself! You lost, I won thief! Peach is mine!"
"Actually my lord, I beg to differ. This ceremony wasn't official." The Chancellor says to Bowser. Sir Bowser looks at him with a dirty glare.
"What do you mean it wasn't official?"
"I'm not a licensed Chancellor. In fact, I'm not even the man of the cloth." The Chancellor takes off his robes, and it revealed to be Merry Men member Toad. Peach, Bowser, Flavio, and almost everyone in the crowd (except Mario Hood, Little Luigi, and Lady Daisy) gasp in shock at the scene that unfolded.
"Looks like your plan is quickly crumbling in your face, Flavio. Why don't you surrender now, and make it easy for yourself?"
"Not on your life Mario Hood! Guards! Get them!" Flavio says as a lot of Koopa Troopas, dressed in soldier apparel, appear and run toward the members.
"Merry Men! Now!" Mario Hood says as the rest of the Merry Men appear to counter the soldiers. Mario Hood jump off the platform, and runs underneath the platform. On the ground is an unconscious Felicity, dressed in a lavender T-shirt, and a short skirt of the same color with her hair in a ponytail. Her wrists are tied up, and she has a noose around her neck. Mario Hood rushes toward, and cuts all the ropes. He holds the teenager closely and tries to shake her awake. After a couple of heart wrenching minutes, the young girl coughs and gasps for air. He breathing returns to normal as she opens her eyes. She looks around and sees Mario Hood. The two share a somewhat really cute moment as they hug each other tightly.
"Hey Mar Hood. Thanks for getting me out of that jam. It really wasn't doing well for my neck."
"Felicity! Are you alright?" Mario Hood says as they let go, and checks all over her, including her neck, which has a little bit of rope burn on it.
"I'm fine Mar. It's just great to see you, Peach, and the gang safe and sound. Now let me just say that I told you it would work. I'm such a great actress."
"You're just lucky I managed to cut the rope in time. If I hadn't-"
"But you did, so it's all good. You should get moving to save your fiancée from her "husband" before he takes her to honeymoon suite, married or not. I'll help out the guys."
"Right. Good luck Felicity. And thanks."
"Yeah yeah. You too." Felicity says as she winks at the hero. He smiles proudly, thinking how far she came from meeting them to now. The duo walks out from the bottom of the platform, and go their separate ways.
Mario rushes toward the pedestal, and sees Bowser grabbing her wrists, and trying to take Peach away from the action to a place he calls "safe": their honeymoon suite.
"Come along, my wife! We must get away from these ruffians, and retire to our Honeymoon suite!"
"No! I'm not married to you! The wedding was a sham!"
"We both said 'I do', so we're married. Now you will obey me as your husband!"
"Over my dead body!"
"Poor Bowser. Can't separate fantasy from reality. Obviously, the wedding was not real, so if you would be so kind to let my fiancée go, that would be really great." Sir Bowser and Maid Peach stop bickering, and turn to see Mario Hood in surprise. Maid Peach kicks Bowser's knee, forcing the Koopa to subconsciously let go of her wrists. Peach runs to Mario Hood, and they hug each other very tightly. They even managed to share a deep, passionate kiss, for having been separated for a while.
"I thought I would never see you again. I thought...I really had to Lady Bowser for the rest of my life."
"I promised that I would never let anything happen to you, and I very much intend to keep my word."
"So, that was Felicity who was with me the whole time? Why didn't you tell me?"
"If I did, you would had overacted, and Flavio and Bowser would have been suspicious. I'm so sorry for keeping you in the dark, my love. I only did it to protect you."
"I understand perfectly." Peach says as they share another passionate, but quick kiss. Bowser's pain finally subsides, and he sees the woman he loves in the hands of the thief. His eyes flash red in anger. He growls, causing the couple to look at him in shock and alarm.
"Peach, go with Daisy."
"But Mario-"
"I don't want to risk you getting hurt. I would never forgive myself if you got hurt."
"I understand. Be careful." Peach says as she gives Mario Hood a quick kiss on the lips, as she runs away to find her best friend. Only Mario Hood and Sir Bowser remain in their spots, not moving an inch.
"You interfered in my plans for the last time thief! We're going to settle this here and now!"
"I couldn't agree with you more. You and that coward of a prince will pay for forcing into a marriage she clearly didn't want for your personal gain." Mario Hood as he clenches his fist in anger, thinking about what they put her fiancee through. Sir Bowser roars to make his opponent feel frightened, but he suddenly stops, and falls over unconscious. Behind him, is Maid Peach holding a pan in her hands. Mario Hood looks very confused at his fiancee as she walks toward him confidently.
"Where did you get that pan from?"
"The cook. He was so willing to lend it to me when he found what I was planning to do with it." Mario Hood can't help but laugh at her reason. Maid Peach decides to laugh along with him, as Sir Bowser lies on the ground, out cold (yet again).
Meanwhile, Felicity manages to run to Luigi and Daisy while beating up some soldiers along the way. She skids to a halt when she arrives where she wanted to go. Luigi and Daisy turns around at the sound, and are shocked at what they see.
"Hey guys! Did you missed me?" Felicity says as she gets into a fighting position, smiling at the duo.
"You bet your future seeing butt we did!"
"Glad to see you safe and sound. Now, you mind helping Daisy and I out?"
"Of course I don't mind Little Lou. I've been waiting to do this since this plan started." Felicity as the thee of them work together to defeat the soldiers. Two try to sneak up behind Daisy, but Luigi manages to Knock them out before they can do any harm to her. Daisy gives him a quick kiss on the lips as a sign of thanks, causing the teenager to widen her eyes at shock.
"Um excuse me. When did you two become so intimate with each other?" Felicity says trying to sound more mature in a joking way. Daisy and Luigi blush at the teen's question. More soldiers come toward them, and the three getting into fighting stances yet again.
"Would it be better if we tell you after we beat all these soldiers?" Luigi asks as they begin to fight.
"Yeah, it probably would be." Felicity as the trio starts beating soldiers yet again. Meanwhile, Flavio is hiding under a table, trying to avoid all the violence as much as his cowardly butt can.
"Kamek, where are you!"
"Yes my lord?" Kamek says as he appears out of nowhere next to him, causing the king wannabe to be startled.
"Don't do that! You scare the heck out of me!"
"I apologize your majesty. What is your wish?"
"Cast a spell to beat Mario Hood for good!"
"As you wish my lord. Evictas!" Kamek says as he waves his wand, creating a light blue colored beam. He shoots it at the unsuspecting Mario Hood, who is fighting while trying to protect Maid Peach.
"Mario! Watch out!" Mario looks up to see the beam heading straight towards them. Mario stands his ground, in front of Peach, so only she won't be hit by the beam. He closes his eyes and braces for the attack.
"Reflecta!" Mario Hood opens his eyes to see Felicity standing in front of him, and creating a diamond shaped shield around her while she spins around. The beam hits the diamond, and flies back to Kamek, who has no time to react, and is hit square in the face. The beam knocks him out as he falls on his back. Flavio's eyes widen in fear and shock as he looks at the person responsible for knocking his strongest minion out. He gasps and his mouth drops wide open as he sees Felicity, with her hair blowing in the wind(Her ponytail holder fell out when she was casting the spell) and smiling.
"Esmerelda? She protected him? Did she also protected him at the Archery Contest as well?"
"You guys are so lucky that I saw that coming. If I hadn't man, it would have lights out for you Mar Hood."
"Again, I can't thank you enough for saving my life for the third time."
"Are you alright dear?"
"I'm just dandy. For real." Felicity says a big smile on her face. Soon the last minion is defeated, and the Merry Men cheer in victory at their win. Lady Daisy jumps into Little Luigi's arms, and he swings her around. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong jump around doing a primate victory dance (the same one from Brawl.). Koops take a big sigh of relief, but only after his beloved Koopie Koo runs toward him, and hugs him and kisses him profusely (while he hugs and kiss her back). Kooper nods in approval. Toad (in his regular outfit), jumps up and down and cheers. Maid Peach and Mario Hood hug each other very tightly, while Felicity looks on happily. The couple stops hugging as they look to Felicity. Felicity runs toward them and hugs them individually. Finally, after all this times. All this planning. All the blood, sweat and tears that came with it. Al the heartbreak, the pain, the sorrow, the joy, the laughter, the anguish, and everything that came along with the Hood, the Merry Men, along with Maid Peach and Lady Daisy, finally overthrew Flavio, and ended his cruel, selfish, greedy, reign over the Mushroom Kingdom.
The battle was finally won.
And that's it ladies and gents! So, read and review, and I'm going to get some well deserved sleep. This is Hopefaith2 signing out. See ya!