Chapter 22 Listen to the Bells

Before the Koopalings left, Kamek had pulled me to the side. He took me down the winding hallways of Bowser's Castle. I got to see so many interesting sights, including the throne room. I also saw other Koopa Troopas, who apparently worked as servants. I had waved at them, and they greeted me back with beautiful smiles.

Finally, Kamek and I had gotten to the place where he had wanted to take me. He let the door slide open mysteriously. Inside was a very dimly lit room, with bookshelves lining the walls and a crystal ball resting on a pillar in the middle. I stepped in reverently and cautiously as Kamek closed the door behind us. Once the door was closed completely, a magical orb up near the ceiling cast the place in a bright white light.

"Come, sit down," Kamek instructed me.

I looked around. There were no chairs to be seen.

"Where?"

Kamek grinned mischievously and waved his wand. Two chairs materialized on the room's left hand side.

"Okay. Now you can sit down."

I nodded, still feeling a little hesitant and cautious. Once we were both sitting down and facing each other, I decided to start asking questions.

"What are you going to do?"

Kamek displayed his wand to me.

"I am going to help you," he said. "The Koopalings are people who I can provide magical therapy to at any time. You, Miss Trooper, are a different story. I want to be able to at least get a start with your therapy; that way, you don't have two sets of memories crippling you."

I nodded in response. Kamek took off his glasses and started to wipe them with his robe.

"Now," he began as he put his glasses back on. "Which timeline do you wish to keep?"

I hesitate for just a second.

"Well, obviously, I need to keep the one where Frostwall was destroyed, right? I mean, that is the one I am from."

Kamek grinned.

"Not necessarily. You did live a life in the timeline where Frostwall wasn't destroyed. I imagine that one was more pleasant than the one that you actually lived."

I thought about it. As I recalled the memories from that timeline, I couldn't help but smile. Obviously, Shellbert had still been alive. He and I had spent two years planning our wedding. However, I had to go away to Sparksville to take care of my grandfather. I had stayed there for six years, acting as his healthcare provider as he battled dementia.

What was interesting is that my bakery in Sparksville still existed in that timeline. Apparently, I had set it up to get money for my grandpa's healthcare. After he died, however, I had focused all my energy on getting money to move back to Frostwall. I still had yet to do that, but I knew that Shellbert was waiting patiently for my return so we could actually take care of the wedding.

I smiled. This seemed like the timeline I wanted to keep after all. I was happier. I didn't have the trauma to deal with.

"You're right," I told Kamek. "I do want to keep the other timeline."

With a small smile on his face, Kamek nodded.

"Wise choice."

He then held his wand to my forehead. I could feel as he sucked the bad memories from my mind. There went some of the tears. There went some of the nightmares. As these unwanted memories slipped away, I felt like a humongous weight was being lifted off my chest; a weight that had been growing cancerous over the last decade. Once Kamek was finished, he stopped and smiled at me.

"Alright. I have removed about ten percent of the unwanted timeline." He looked at me curiously. "How do you feel now?"

I felt my heart be washed in a wave of joy.

"Much better."

"Good," Kamek said. "Now, it will take a while before all the memories are completely gone. You will need intense amounts of magical therapy during that time."

I nodded. That seemed like a good compromise.

"Thank you," I said to the magikoopa.

"No problem."

I started to get up and head to the door. Before I could do that though, Kamek stopped me.

"Wait."

I turned back. I saw him pull a satchel full of gold coins from behind one of the bookshelves.

"You will need money if you wish to get back to Frostwall."

…

Snow fluttered down like feathers outside the church. I could practically smell the cold; it smelled crisp, relaxing. I could also hear the sound of church bells, chiming away on top of the building. They seemed to signify peace, joy. Union.

It has now been a year since I went back in time. I have had a lot of magical therapy during that time. While it took a while, I managed to get away with all of the memories I didn't want. I still remembered meeting the Koopalings, and I still remembered Bob and Kameron. However, that is all I have left of the true timeline. Honestly, at some points, I doubt it even happened at all. With the new memories I have, it almost seems like a very bizarre, very lucid dream.

I smile as I watch the snow fall. I hum the melody that the bells are playing. It is lovely. It makes me happy on so many levels. I always loved the sound of the bells above the Sapphire Cathedral. I remember hearing them chime before a service every time I came to the church as a little girl. But now, they are chiming for me specifically.

"Sheila, it's time."

I nod my head at my cousin. I smooth out my dress and drape the veil over my face. I take the bouquet of roses my cousin is holding and put on a smile. I sneak one last glance at my diamond ring before confidently facing forward.

"I'm ready."

AN: Yes! Another story is finished! I've gotta say, I was not anticipating this one being as long as it is. But hey, I'm not complaining.

Thank you all so much for the support this story has gained. It is just...unreal. I immensely appreciate all who took the time to read this during its runtime, and I also immensely appreciate all those who took the time to favorite, follow, and review. Thank you so much everyone. Stay safe and stay awesome :)