CVGWJames

Thank you so much.

LiamTheYoshi

Is Bowser defeated for good? We'll never know. But for now, Team Mario can celebrate all they want!

mariobroultimate

Those Magic Mushrooms sure did. No matter what happens, there will always be hope.

Mario bros fan4ever

Looks like Team Mario gave us a really good show.

8C - Our Work Here is Done

It's now 8:27 AM. Mario and friends exited the Warp Pipe into the forest where Cybele's log cabin was at. In fact, they reappeared a few feet from the front door.

"This is Cybele the Sorceress's log cabin," Mario told Peach. "Cybele may look evil, but she's a nice witch."

"Okay," Peach replied. Mario approached the front door and opened it, allowing Peach to go in first followed by Luigi, Alex, and Yoshi. Mario was the last to go in and shut the door.

"Down here." Mario pointed down the hallway leading to Cybele's room. Everyone walked down the hallway and stopped in front of Cybele's table.

"Well, hello there, lads," Cybele greeted the group. Her cloak's hood was over her head. "And a special welcome to Princess Peach of the Mushroom Kingdom."

"Thank you," Peach thanked Cybele.

"Please take a seat." Mario and friends sat on the couch behind them. "Congratulations for defeating Bowser using the Magic Mushrooms and retrieving my Book of Spells. May I have it back, please?"

Cybele reached her right bony hand out, prompting Mario to hand over the Book of Spells. She then revealed her face and her green eyes; Alex was not fazed by Cybele's appearance anymore.

"Indeed, I may now use this book to create spells of my own for the good of your kingdom. I cannot be more thankful for what you've done," Cybele went on. "I watched your adventure from my spot in my cabin, seeing you collecting the Magic Mushrooms, overcoming the difficult obstacles standing in your way, and defeating Bowser's army of Boos."

"I knew you could do it, Mario and Luigi. I had faith in you, knowing you would persevere and save the day like you have always done in years past." Cybele turned to Alex. "If it were not for you, young man, Mario and Luigi's adventure would not have succeeded. Special thanks to you."

"You're welcome, ma'am," Alex answered.

"And Yoshi, you did all you could and it paid off greatly," Cybele praised Yoshi. "Your skill and determination are what makes you a true hero. Impressive."

Yoshi nodded his head in agreement.

"Finally, Princess Peach, it is a wonderful pleasure to see you safe and sound. Now that you're out of Bowser's clutches, I can assure you that you'll be in good hands. Even if Bowser does come back some time soon, do not fear. You can count on your heroes to save you once again."

"This completes your incredible adventure to rescue Princess Peach and retrieve my Book of Spells," Cybele continued. "I have a feeling that once you leave my cabin, there is a highly likely chance that we won't see each other again. You will be dearly missed, my lads. But I shall not cry, for I will continue to observe your future adventures from my place. That is what makes my life a pleasant life."

"Nice words, Cybele," Mario complimented Cybele. "Your speech really summed up everything that went on the last two days. And it was all worth it."

"Exactly, Mario. You are absolutely correct," Cybele responded. "You may now leave my cabin. Thank you once again for your hard work and astounding actions."

"Okey-dokey," Mario said. "Goodbye, Cybele."

"See ya!" "Buh-bye!" "Until next time!" "Later!" Alex, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi bid Cybele goodbye.

"Farewell, my lads," Cybele said. Mario and friends exited the cabin back into the forest. At the same time the front door was closed, a gray metallic Warp Pipe emerged in front.

"After we get back to Toad Town, guys, you're in for a treat," Peach said with a smile.

"Ready to have some pancakes, buddy?" Mario asked Alex. Just earlier, the group arrived at Michael T.'s Flapjack House and sat at a center table. Peach took them there as a thank-you for saving her from Bowser.

"I'm so hungry, I could eat a hundred!" Alex exclaimed, making the Mario Bros, Yoshi, and Peach laugh.

"Me too," Luigi chuckled.

"What do you feel like getting?" Peach asked.

"The big chocolate chip kind!" Alex responded happily.

"Good choice, darling!"

"I haven't decided yet. Give me a second, please," Yoshi said while looking at the menu.

A few minutes later, a waitress handed over five cups of ice water and took their orders.

"Alex," Mario said.

"What is it?"

"All of us can't thank you enough for helping save Princess Peach. You're going to be on the front page of the newspaper pretty soon!"

"I am?!"

"Yes, buddy!" Mario patted Alex's shoulder. "I'll be honest: when Toad came over to let me and Luigi know that Princess Peach was kidnapped, I had a feeling that the two of us wouldn't make it. We knew we needed a friend to go with us. A friend who means the world to us. And do you know who he is?"

"Who?" Alex asked.

"It's you, buddy! It's me and Luigi's little brother! Thank you so much!" Mario stood up and hugged Alex. Luigi, Yoshi, and Peach joined in the hug before sitting back down.

"Wow," Alex said; his cheeks had blushed pink. "I've never felt this happy in my life."

"Me neither," Luigi agreed. "In fact, we're all very happy. Even more than the past few times Princess Peach was rescued."

"Really?" Alex asked.

"Really."

"Hey! I wanted to give you something exciting!" Mario said.

"What is it?!" Alex gasped.

"I'm getting there. This is me and Luigi's thank-you gift to you. And it's something we've been holding onto for a small while."

"You're gonna love it so much," Luigi chimed in.

"Are you ready?" Mario asked. Alex nodded his head 'yes'.