(Peach's PoV)

Donkey Kong charged at us full speed, and Pit had to push me out of the way so that I wouldn't be in the receiving end of DK's fists slamming the ground. The attack shook the whole mountain, and I lost my balance. I fell on my bottom, and looked up to see Pit fighting Donkey Kong. He was dodging the gorilla's massive arms by ducking and jumping, slashing at the Original when he left himself wide open. I stared, awed, and mustered up all my courage, taking a hold of the Triple Deluxe frying pan Daisy had given to me. I wanted to help Pit. I didn't want to be useless. I stood up slowly, waiting for the perfect opportunity to hit DK from behind.

I studied his moves—it seemed like he only had his fists to fight with. Still, for DK, that was more than enough. I watched him block Pit's bow, and he pushed forward to send Pit up to the edge of the mountain. This was my chance. As DK approached Pit, I ran towards him as fast as my heels would take me, swinging Daisy's frying pan like a baseball bat. It struck the back of his head, and Pit took the extra seconds to recover and swipe at DK's legs.

Donkey Kong roared in pain, and Pit joined me where I was standing away from the ledge and closer to the altar where the key was no longer floating.

"You have the Diamond Key?" I asked, breathless.

"Yes," he replied.

"You think we can make a run for it?"

Pit shook his head, "You really believe DK would let us?"

As if to prove his point, Donkey Kong jumped an amazing height and landed before me and Pit. He was hunched over, but he doubled in size as he stood straight up. Seeing him up this close—and the fact that he was the enemy—made him that much more intimidating. His fur had this musty smell that got caught in my nostrils, shutting down my respiratory system. Seriously, he stank!

He looked my way, and I was afraid he noticed my discreet gagging, "Hmm, who may you be?"

"Fidelity Grace," I said.

He glared, "As if. You work for Pit, which must mean you are a Defyer."

Pit frowned at what DK said, "You don't know her identity? If that were true, why would Diddy accuse us?"

"Eleventh reported fighting you and Ike—he was only able to catch a glimpse of two other members of your new group—a woman and a lad, both blond, the latter of which wore a tunic, and the other wore an apron over a pink dress."

"Eleventh?" I asked.

"Ness," Pit and DK said at the same time.

Donkey Kong laughed, "You know what? Don't tell me. I'll just throw you in the stream so you're disguise will wear out. It's more fun that way." Without warning, Donkey Kong picked me up.

I shrieked, and Pit came to my rescue. He stabbed DK from behind, and he threw me as a reflex. The world flipped for a moment, and all I was able to see was the clear blue sky before I landed hard on my back. The wind was knocked out of me, and I was unable to move.

A minute dragged by, and I sat up after my breathing returned to normal. Pit and DK were locked in combat, and my fingers dug into the ground. I bet if Ike would have been with Pit, he would have been alongside of him taking down DK. I'm glad that's not the case, because then he wouldn't be with Junior now.

Junior… I pray he's safe. He must be, if Ike is with him. I'm sure he would not let any harm come to him—

"Look, Ike, you're a good guy…"

Ike's eyes narrowed at this, and I began to lose my nerve. I took a deep breath, and finished what I had to say.

"…and it's because of that I want you to stay away from Junior."

"No no no no…" What if Ike leaves Junior because I told him to do so? The idea sounded ridiculous, but I couldn't help but get paranoid. I just had to know my son was safe. Ever since Junior wandered off and was attacked by Snake, I would not take my eyes off him. In fact, the only reason I left him in the amusement park was because Ike was with him, and I knew he would be able to protect him if anything were to happen. Now, I'm not so sure I want him around Junior. When I saw him jump after my son that was tackled into the jungle by Diddy Kong, I knew it was going to happen again, just as it happened so many times before. Junior will begin to see Ike as a potential father. That wouldn't bother me so much if it weren't for the way Junior's attitude changes towards that person. All of a sudden, a small little mistake will lead to Junior torturing himself if that person happened to be there. Junior tries to impress that person, and if he sees no reaction, he gets desperate. With the case of the Tutor, Junior admitted long ago that the reason for his behavior is that he did not want him to leave, despite knowing deep down it was inevitable. I just don't want to see him get hurt again.

DK was facing away from me, and I noticed a bump in the back of his head. I frowned at this, but soon realized that I was the cause of it. When I smacked DK with the frying pan, it must have really hurt. Looking at Donkey Kong, though, you wouldn't think that was the case. Pit seemed exhausted, but there was no change in the gorilla's movement. They were as fast and strong as they were before, and Pit's attacks were beginning to get sloppy. DK must not be able to feel pain, at least, not as much as Pit and I can. He can ignore it to still come at his enemy a full hundred percent. This was bad—Pit was not going to last any longer, and if he were to get knocked out, I would have no chance of victory. I had to fight while Pit is still able to do the same.

I rushed toward their battle, blocking DK's fist with my frying pan that was intended for Pit's face. The force sent me flying to Pit, and we were both thrown back. I landed on Pit, who groaned and complained to me to get off of him.

"Pit, I have a plan."

"Get off, first! You're really heavy right now…"

Pit's bangs were wet and clinging to his face, and I knew it wasn't because of the dip he took in the stream. He had long dried, and from this distance, I was able to smell the salty scent of his sweat (Which, to give him credit, was nothing compared to DK).

"You're exhausted," I said, helping him up.

Pit was too tired to give me a sharp comeback, "Yeah…It takes a real heavy hit for Donkey Kong to feel it."

"How about this?" Donkey Kong was approaching us, and I rushed the last part, "There's a bump on the back of his head from where I hit him earlier. If you were to attack him there, it will be sure to hurt."

I wasn't sure Pit had gotten all that until he nodded, "It's worth a shot. Distract him while I sneak from behind."

Pit flew to the air, and I focused on Donkey Kong. I thought of aiming at his eyes with the handle of my frying pan, but the probability in that working is probably low. Did Pit really expect me to fight this gorilla solo? I decided to do what I do best: talk.

"Donkey Kong, huh? What kind of name is that?"

"What kind of fake name is Fidelity?"

"It's sophisticated!" I cried. I cleared my throat, "Anyway, uh, oh!" I remembered Junior and Ike, "That little monkey friend of yours has real nerve! He threw my son into the jungle! Do you know how dangerous that is!?"

"I live here, madam."

"Then you should know—"

"How to survive in this environment?" DK gave a toothy grin that revealed his full set of teeth, "Your son is dead, along with Ike, who was foolish enough to follow him. Diddy knows his way around the jungle, the safest route out of the place. As for the two Defyers? They will be dead in a minute."

I slapped DK to shut him up, but it was like slapping a wall with hair. He laughed and started coming closer to me, and I took steps back in order to keep a certain distance away from him.

"You Originals really are evil."

"We're nothing compared to Pit. Do you know what he intends to do with the World of Trophies?"

I scoffed, "You mean save it?"

"I mean destroy it and rebuild the remnants of what's left in order to fit his goddess's image."

I frowned, "What?"

"In other words, he wishes to claim this world for Palutena. She's the real enemy; Pit is nothing but her loyal servant."

"That's the biggest lie I ever heard! Tabuu is the one that has Her trapped in subspace—"

"And why do you think He has Her there in the first place!? She's a threat to this world! She wishes to destroy all trophies and create her own race, ultimately making this land Hers. As Originals, it is our job to stop that from happening. And how, exactly? By deleting Pit, whose goal is to free Palutena from the Void so She can exterminate Lord Tabuu."

I shook my head, "That's a lie. You're lying!"

"Oh? Let me ask you this—what reason did Pit give you for the Quest?"

My heart was beating rapidly, and I knew it was because my faith in Pit was slipping. If what DK said is true, it would make sense why Pit would be so hesitant to tell Ike and the rest of us about the time before the Memory Loss. What credibility does Pit have? We know nothing about him. But then… what credibility does DK have? If anything, he knows less than Pit. Like me, he has lost his memories. Tabuu could have lied to him about Pit and Palutena. Besides, I still hold to heart what Pit has told me what feels like so long ago… Angels don't lie. Not only that, but there is no way Pit can be the enemy. When I look into his eyes, I see so much, and so little. I see pain, I see regret, I see loss. What kind of villain feels these kinds of emotions? A real villain wouldn't feel anything about putting a boy in danger…

I gritted my teeth, DK's words making my head pulse. How dare he try to put me against Pit? It would be his fault if Junior were to die, "We're stopping Tabuu from bringing this world into subspace."

My voice was firm, as was my posture. DK was taken back for a second before he smirked, "Is that what you truly believe? In that case, I would not feel so guilty when it comes to deleting you. But before that… Let's see who you really are, Fidelity."

At first, I had no idea what he was talking about, but then I looked back to see the rushing stream behind me. My eyes widened, and before I was able to react, DK grabbed me by the neck and plunged me into the raging waters.

I screamed—huge mistake. Water rushed in my mouth, and I was unable to cough it out as I was surrounded by the freezing river. Pressure was all around me, and suddenly my vision was beginning to dim as the last air bubble escaped from my throat, immediately taken away by the rushing water. DK's figure was blurry underwater, but I was able to see his whole body shake from fits of laughter. Just as I thought I was going to lose consciousness, Donkey Kong pulled me out.

I coughed, gasping when I was capable of breathing again. Once realizing Donkey Kong was beside me, I quickly got away, breathing hard from fear, cold, and terror of the Original in front of me. He didn't make a move, in fact, he was still as a statue. His eyes were locked on my features, now exposed because of the water. Under me, there was a puddle of color from the dye Snake had used on my hair and dress. I was too exhilarated to speak, and DK's lips were trembling. I gulped, finally asking, "What?"

"Peach?"

I froze when he said my name, "How…?"

I couldn't finish my question, nor was DK able to respond as Pit swiped at the back of his head, earning a loud roar from the Original.

(Junior's PoV)

"Ike!"

He ignored me, trying to cut Diddy in half. It looked like he was going to get the monkey every time, but Diddy would jump in the last possible second, Ike getting his sword stuck on a tree trunk. He was enraged, and he simply placed his foot on the tree to pull his sword out every time, intent on getting Diddy Kong. At one point, I have had enough, and the appearance of drum-like enemies convinced me that we had to get away.

The Steep Jungle was true to its name. The ground was uneven, and the trees and wildlife appeared to grow slanted. It was a hard place to maneuver, like a mountain with brambles for earth. It was really hot, and I was sweating the moment Diddy had tackled me into this place. Because of that, the dye was beginning to slip off my body, and when I ran my hand through the back of my hair, it was drenched in a dark, orange liquid. Drops of sweat ran down my face, and my tunic was starting to get real stuffy.

"Ike…"

At one point, Diddy had gotten away, and Ike was swinging his sword around at empty space. I approached him cautiously, carefully putting my hand on his forearm, "Ike…"

He swerved around, and I flinched. Ike realized it was only me, and his anger faded away, "Junior, you look terrible."

My vision was cut in half, but I was able to see Ike's face, almost black, "The dye Snake gave us is fading because of our sweat…"

"So it seems."

I lurched forward, then back to regain my balance. Ike held me in place to keep me from falling, "Junior, are you okay?"

"It's really hot…" My eyes wandered to the branches of the trees above us, the leaves hanging from them dropping small amounts of condensation. I saw the drum-like enemies again, closer this time, "There's monsters…"

"We have to get out of here… Junior?"

I nodded to assure Ike I had heard him, "We can't go back the way we came, the wall is too high. The only way to get out of this place is by traversing it and finding some other exit…"

The monsters were surrounding us, and Ike raised his sword, "Junior, are you able to fight?"

"Yeah, of course…" As I said this, the monsters seemed to triple in numbers. My tunic was wet with my sweat, and the air was so thick with heat that it was hard to breathe. It was nowhere near this hot in the amusement park, and my mind wandered back to the Barrel Blast ride. I smiled, remembering the way Ike had his hands up while mine were holding the metal bar that kept me seated. I screamed from fright while Ike cheered from all the hype he was feeling. I started to laugh, and suddenly my eyes saw nothing but black. Before I knew it, my body fell on the jungle floor.

(Ike's PoV)

Junior fainted, and the monsters that have surrounded us took that as their cue to attack. I stood near the boy and slashed at the coming enemies, glancing at him from time to time to make sure he was okay. His breathing was long and slow, and sometimes his body was motionless like a corpse. Every action I took made me precipitate more, to the point that drops of sweat would get into my eyes. The weight of my arms seemed to double, and I needed to use both hands to wave Ragnell efficiently. The number of the drum-like enemies did not waver, and some were able to hit me with their wooden bodies. Thinking of Peach kept me going. The idea of how unhappy she would be if Junior were to be deleted from mere exhaustion is something that would make my heart collapse. I never wanted to see Peach cry. When I saw tears in her eyes before we got on the Jungle Tour, something inside me churned. It was the Monster, and it seemed to have hated the intense emotion I was feeling from being the cause of those tears. Peach had the power to suppress my hidden wrath, and that alone is enough for me to admit that I have fallen in love with her. She is just so amazing. Peach is kind, caring, strong, and beautiful. I am afraid what Junior would think of my new found feelings for his mother, but that's a bridge to be crossed some other time. For now, I must focus on getting the two of us out of this place.

The monsters began to cower after some time, and they scampered off once they realized a lot of their numbers have fallen under my blade. Once Junior and I were alone, I kneeled at his side, laying him on his back and setting my ear over his chest. His heart beat was faint, and his tunic was completely wet. I picked the boy up and slung him over my shoulder, keeping my arm on him so that he would not fall. I moved quickly through the Steep Jungle, intent on making it to the amusement park at the base of the mountain. Traveling downhill was difficult—sometimes the ground was so steep it was more of a wall, and the trees would serve as the even ledges to stand on. Everything was of a vibrant color—the foliage was a dark green, and the flowers were a bright orange and red. The ground was completely covered, and I constantly tripped over roots and tangled vines.

In the distance I caught sight of brightly colored fruit. I approached it enthusiastically thinking maybe the juice would revive Junior. As I was making my way up to it, images pierced through my mind, coming in continuously and fast enough to form a video. At first I wasn't sure what was happening, but then I realized it was a memory:

Pit's eyes were closed, and his back was against the mossy trunk of a tree, supporting him. Beside Pit was a two dimensional figure, solid black in color with a grey outline. This was Mr. Game and Watch, the trophy that joined our group two days before. Only Pit was able to understand his language, which consisted of only beeping noises. Currently, he was giving out high pitched sounds which I can only interpret to mean that he was worried for the angel. I turned around to see a woman behind me. She wore a dress, purple over white silk. Her hair was pulled back and in a braid midway up her back. The golden leaves she had on her forehead made her look regal, similar to a fairy princess. She was sweating profusely, and I stared at her for a while before asking, "So what's our next move, Zelda?"

She shook her head, "We have to get out of here, that's for sure, but we can't while Pit's unconscious."

"I can carry him," I suggested.

"You'll overexert yourself."

"We'll pass out if we stay here. It's only morning—the heat will intensify in the afternoon."

She thought for a while before sighing, "Very well, but if you get tired, you must take a break."

"Of course, Zelda."

I approached Pit and slung him over my shoulder. Mr. G&W watched me and walked over to Zelda. She looked around and then stared at the ground covered by bramble, vines, and leaves. "If anything," she said, "I could just teleport us back inside the mountain. There may be no way out, but there are pools of water that can refresh us at anytime."

"Why don't you do that right now? Maybe we can revitalize Pit."

Zelda's eyes narrowed a bit, "I… can't. I used up my magic transporting the four of us here. I'm sorry."

I smiled, "Don't be. How long will it take you to replenish your magic?"

"Considering the circumstance we're in… it will take a while for my magic to recover, as most of my energy is being used to maintain homeostasis…"

"I see…"

"Two hours, maybe? Half of that, if we're fortunate."

I nodded, "Let's not idle."

We traversed the Steep Jungle, me in the lead and Zelda right behind, keeping an eye on Mr. G&W. Up ahead I saw brightly colored fruit, and I pointed towards them, "Hey, Zelda, check that out."

She only gave a quick glance, "Don't bother—they're venomous."

I frowned at her, "How do you know?"

"They're not fruit, if that's what you think. They're Deku Babas."

"What?" The orange fruit split into four, exposing rows of razor sharp teeth. Without warning, it lunged at us.

I froze and stared at the fruit I was about to reach out for. They looked similar to the Deku Babas, but the ones in front of me have not moved. I decide to not take any chances, and started backing away slowly. The fruit twitched, and suddenly it opened, revealing a reptilian-like tongue and dripping green saliva. I jumped away just as the Deku Baba in front attempted to take a bite out of me. The stems which they were bound to elongated, and the three vile plants made a circle around me, snapping their jaws to keep me in the center. There was no way out, and the Deku Babas started to close the circle they have formed. I started to panic when I remembered what the woman named Zelda said.

The mountain was hollow. If I struck the earth, would I gain access to the inside? Zelda was able to do so by using some sort of teleportation magic. There was almost no chance it would work, but it was my only option. Careful not to drop Junior, I raised Ragnell with the blade perpendicular to the earth. Blue flames started erupting from the sword, and I raised it slightly higher before slamming it down to the ground. There was an explosion, and the earth below me gave away. Within smoke and dust, Junior and I began to fall. I thought that I had done a terrible mistake, but I eventually landed hard on my back. I sat up, holding on to my head. Junior was face down, about a meter away from me. I looked up at the opening I had created above, the three Deku Babas hissing angrily. I sighed in relief, checking my surroundings. The inside of the mountain was made of a dark grey rock. It was way cooler in here, and water dripped from the ceiling, forming puddles of clear water on the surface of the cavern floor. I made my way over to Junior and carried him to the larger pools of water.

I was thinking of the memory I regained when I suddenly realized something. It fit Pit's description of the first quest when we were in Entrei Mountain, and the angel stated that our other two companions were Mr. Game and Watch and Sheik. Mr. Game and Watch was there, but Sheik wasn't. The other member was Zelda, which made me wonder why Pit would lie about her. Was Sheik even real?

I shook my head. Of course she is. She's the bandaged woman with the blond hair. She said she loved me…

This was barely the third piece of my forgotten past. I try to fit all the pieces together, but it seems like they're all from different jigsaw puzzles. At least I can confirm all the members of the first quest, the last two being Mr. Game and Watch and Zelda.

What about Sheik? What was her role in the first quest? I hadn't the slightest idea, but it had to be big, considering Pit would replace Zelda's name with her.

(Pit's PoV)

Donkey Kong roared, and Peach scrambled up to rush to my side. She was trembling; from the cold or fear of almost being drowned, I wasn't sure. She was breathing hard when she laid her eyes on me, "What took you so long!?"

"I'm sorry, I couldn't see the bump," I told her.

She focused on DK, "He knows my name… How does he know my name!?"

I was shocked at this, but the answer seemed pretty clear, "Link…?"

Peach stiffened, and her eyes widened. She set her hands over her mouth, "Oh my god…"

I didn't know what to say to her, especially since she never told me what happened between her and Link. If I had to guess, Link must have left her, which wouldn't be so surprising considering Peach is supposed to be Mario's girlfriend…

Donkey Kong growled, interrupting my train of thought. He was breathing heavily and pounding his chest repeatedly, "Hey, Peach," I said, "Ready for round two?"

Peach's eyes stared down at DK with determination, "Yes."

Donkey Kong swung his fist down like a hammer, and I blocked with the blades of Palutena's bow. I wasn't quite strong enough to deflect the attack, and I was forced on my knees as Donkey Kong's arm weighed me down even more. Peach swerved around DK and aimed for his vulnerable spot at the back of his head. Donkey Kong howled, bringing both hands to the injured spot. I jumped forward and stabbed DK's chest with one blade, and with the other, I pierced his abdomen. I kicked DK to take my weapon out of him, and he stumbled back.

Drops of blood started to run down his front, the strong wind immediately drying and leaving the red in place. Donkey Kong looked back, and ran for a tree that he spotted. It resembled a palm tree of sorts, with bananas growing at the very top. At first I had no clue what DK was planning until his arms wrapped around the trunk and he uprooted the tree. DK lurched back from the weight, but soon he held it confidently with his large palms, smirking before bringing the tree down on us. Peach and I got out of the way, but we had no chance to catch our breath as Donkey Kong started spinning around, swinging the entire tree with him. Peach yelped and ducked, which was probably the best option. I jumped, narrowly avoiding the tree only to be hit directly on the torso at the second revolution. The wind was knocked out me, and I was sent hurtling through the air. I landed like a rock, biting my tongue and drawing blood. I tried pushing myself up, but my arms gave away. I looked up to see DK aligning the tree above me in order to bring it down with all his strength. I rolled out of the way just as the tree fell in the exact spot I was before. I flapped my wings to gain mobility, as the rest of my body was aching. I descended slowly, my knees shaking a bit once I was standing. DK swung the tree my way, and I jumped, using my wings to give me a better lift. I timed myself so that I would be able to land on the tree, and I hugged the trunk in order not to get thrown off. DK saw me and started shaking the tree, trying to get me off. Once he realized that wasn't going to work, I guess he thought of fighting Peach, who was standing and at a loss of what to do. He started spinning again, just as I hoped, and I stood up carefully. The world was spinning and I closed my eyes, not wanting to get dizzy. I focused on the tree I was standing on and ran across its trunk, making it to the end where DK was holding the tree. Still running, I used my momentum to send a powerful kick to DK, sure to get the back of his head. Donkey Kong roared and let go of the tree. I jumped before I was to be thrown off the mountain, landing beside Peach who had ducked again.

"Peach, you can get up now," I said.

She looked up and stood shakily, "That was insane; how is DK able to have so much strength after receiving such injuries?"

"He simply ignores the pain…" I stared at DK, my eyes growing wide in horror, "Oh no."

"What?" Peach followed my gaze and gasped.

DK's eyes were glowing, and he was giving off an aura of intense yellow. This could only mean one thing, "He's going to unleash his Final Smash."

One look at Peach, and I knew she was aware of what a Final Smash was, "A Trophie's ultimate attack!? I thought that was a legend!"

"Few trophies are ever able to execute their Final Smash on command… The Originals are probably the only ones that are able to do so."

"What are we going to do!?" Peach cried.

"Calm down!" DK was approaching us slowly, and the edge of Entrei Mountain was behind us. There was no escape, "Just… cover your ears and run towards DK—if you don't, you'll surely be blown off."

Just as I gave that warning, Donkey Kong summoned two bongos and started playing them. I covered my ears and nodded towards Peach, who did the same. We ran full speed at the Original, and the first sound wave emitted from DK's bongos. It pushed us back, and it strained my ears. More powerful sound waves started blasting out all around us, strong enough to send me and Peach juggling in the air. As soon as this happened, Peach had brought in her arms, leaving her ears open to DK's music. I cursed as blood started coming out of Peach's ears, but I was powerless to do anything.

Donkey Kong's Final Smash ended, and Peach and I fell to the ground. I had racked up way too much damage, and as such, I was only able to get up on my knees. My hearing was clogged by a mute sound, which made my surroundings appear larger and more vibrant. I saw Donkey Kong making his way towards me, but I couldn't move. My mind commanded it, but my body just wouldn't listen. DK stood in front of me and started whirling his arm. I knew immediately what he was going to do. After all, this was his signature move. The spinning of his arm gathers power for a wrecking smash attack that is an instant KO if it lands a direct hit. After DK finish charging his Giant Punch, He pulled his arm back to execute the attack. I shut my eyes waiting to be finished off when I sensed movement. I looked up to see Peach make her way before me. She spread her arms out and I was only able to stare as silent tears ran down my eyes.

This was all too familiar.

Donkey Kong sent a devastating punch to Peach's face, and she was sent flying. DK grunted, and started charging for the next Giant Punch. I looked back to see Peach on the ground, motionless. Seeing the side of her face already turning a sickening purple and her neck set at an odd angle, my body started trembling in rage. Blood started pumping to every part of my body and I lunged at DK with Palutena's two blades aimed at the center of his chest. I charged, slamming the palm of my left hand to the bottom of both handles, digging the blades deeper into DK. His eyes popped out and he was unable to fight back as I pushed his larger body up to the edge of Entrei Mountain. DK's soles were no longer standing on any surface, and if it weren't for me holding on to Palutena's Bow, he would have fallen already. I pulled him closer so that we were face to face, and I said, "Tell Tabuu we're two keys away from paying him a visit."

I pressed my foot against DK's torso, pushing with all my might and taking the two blades out of his body. DK's eyes were wide as he began falling, his screams drowned out by the waterfall and my damaged ears. I turned away, running to Peach's side.

"Peach!" I held her body, checking her injuries. Her skull wasn't smashed in—thank Palutena—and her neck seemed to be aligned again. She was healing, but was still in a lot of pain, "You're going to be okay…You're going to be okay…" Peach couldn't hear me, having turned deaf. Most likely, she would recover from that, too. I mouthed slowly, "Let's go back. Maybe Ike and Junior have made it to the amusement park."

She only understood the word "Junior". She nodded furiously, and I helped her up, "Is it over? Did we win?"

"Yes, Peach, we won, and I couldn't have done it without you." I knew she couldn't understand all that, but she smiled nonetheless.

We made our way back to where the cable car was parked. It was gone, but another was coming our way. The metal doors slid open, and Diddy Kong came out. I cursed, and the monkey's eyes widened when he saw the two of us, "Y-you're alive!?"

"Mostly," I said, feeling too banged up to respond any more confidently.

Diddy Kong searched the clearing, looking notably frightened, "And Donkey Kong!?"

"What do you think? We sent him into recreation."

Diddy trembled, and suddenly he jumped, landing on my face and sending me to the ground. He started punching me, and Peach pulled him away by his shirt. Still, that seemed to be unnecessary. The monkey continued punching the air, each punch growing weaker and weaker. Tears started flowing from his eyes, and he screeched, "You bastard!"

I wiped the blood that was coming out of my mouth, "What!? Do you really expect us not to fight back!?"

Diddy failed to hear me, "You don't get it! You killed him! You killed Donkey Kong!"

I froze, "What?"

"You deleted him!" Diddy shook free from Peach's grasp and ran towards the waterfall from where I pushed DK off the top.

"L-let's go," I grabbed Peach by the wrist, "Before he comes back."

We entered the cable car, Peach looking back with a confused expression on her face.

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"What happened?" Peach asked.

We were almost to the amusement park, the whole ride silent up to now. I guess Peach regained her hearing. I was reluctant to speak to her, but I knew she deserved to know the truth, "Peach… I would understand if you would want to leave this quest after we rendezvous with Ike and Junior…"

Peach was silent for a moment, and I knew that she was aware something was wrong, "What happened?" She repeated. I looked at Peach. She was taken back by the fear in my eyes, "Pit…?" Her voice trembled.

"The safety's been turned off."