Princess Playmaker
Hey and welcome back I hope you had a good time since last time. Toady we enter the second half of Fire Cup play as the season is already halfway done. Mario face Peach once again as he looks to continue his winning streak to four. So lets get in and find out
Like always I do not own Mario or Mario Strikers Charged Nintendo and Next Level Games do
Despite all odds, Mario at top of standing! Read the headline further explaining in the article below.
The red machine leads all teams at the midpoint of fire cup play. Mario and team are dominating on both sides of the ball scoring a ridiculous nineteen goals and only coinciding one in return in the first three games with a undefeated record of 3-0 to start the season.
Mario brings back two old friends from his previous strikers team. His left midfielder Koopa Troopa and Kritter goalkeeper. Both were integral parts in his Super Bowser Cup winning team and bringing the two back was a great idea.
Both are contributing greatly as the red shell Koopa can play offensive or defensive if the team needs it and the Fireballs Kritter goalie is not only the anchor of the team but with the limited shots that come his way he is a figurative brick wall only letting in one goal so far.
Newcomers to Mario's squad are the addition of a right midfielder Hammer Bro and Center back Dry Bones and they are exactly the new high energy new bloods the team needed.
The Hammer Bro is a slow but powerful one already scoring two goals and setting up opportunities for goals with his elite passing skills. A defensive liability but his main job is to score or create goals which the hammer turtle is doing a great job.
Dry Bones is quite the opposite, He is the defensive starwort, fast and nimble the undead creature is. He is almost impossible to get by and though he doesn't present much of an offensive threat his shocker skillshot is one all future Kritter goalkeepers must respect.
With his hot start can Mario continue this momentum and ride it all the way to the Fire Cup. Many experts and fans say yes and many expected him and his team to be crowned Fire Cup champions so let us see if the red plumber can do it.
Sunday arrived fast as week four began with Bowser visiting Donkey Kong at Konga Coliseum. Closer than their last encounter DK put up a good fight but still lost 3-2 thanks to a clumsy pass intercepted by Bowser's Boo scoring late winning the game as DK falls even further to 0-4 and Bowser improving to 3-1 still one game behind Mario. Last on tonight Mario and Peach met once again this time in primetime in Peach's home field The Palace.
The Palace is located along the border of the Mushroom Kingdom and Sarasaland. The Palace served as both Princess Peach and Daisy's home field not only as political allies but to show their sister-like bond in a show of friendship as the two were the very best of.
A capacity of only fifteen thousand made getting a ticket hard only increasing the demand to visit the prestige's stadium. Light green grass was the turf of the pitch which team Fireballs were very grateful for after last week's game at The Dump's pure mud floor they played at.
A cold breeze flew through the stadium raising goosebumps on the sidekick's arms with a starry sky over the arena. Floodlights circled the pitch so the players and fans could see what was happening on the field completing the setting for the venue.
"Ahh, the place still looks just as it did before" Kenny said looking around the stadium as people were still walking in to take their seats.
"Is this one of the old fields used in the old strikers games?" Dean asked curiously to his Koopa friend.
"Why yes, this field was the official home of the Mushroom Cup and Super Mushroom Cup and I'm glad to be back here and for you guys to see what it looks like. What do you think?" Kenny asked his friends for their opinion on the acclaimed tourist attraction.
"I like it, the stadium is top tier and if I have some free time i might want to visit as a fan and experience the energy of the crowd." Dean replied positively so far loving every aspect of the arena.
"I hate it"
"What?" Kenny uttered out knowing exactly who said that, asking why the such negative response.
"Why?"
"Anything that has that blonde brat's name over it is bad, it's a proven fact." Henry answered explaining his sour view of the illustrious field.
Henry still wasn't over the first encounter they had with Peach. Before he had a neutral view of the pink princess not loving her nor disliking her but that all changed indirectly meeting her.
Henry loathed spoiled people who were giving anything on a silver platter. Royalty especially, why does someone automatically have the right to rule over a large swathe of land?
Henry disliked the idea of monarchies. Rich people benefiting off the hard work of common people and never working for the people who have helped them maintain their power and riches.
Bowser was the same but Henry never dared to talk out against Bowser. He would probably end up being thrown in a dungeon to rot away in.
"I'm more concerned about our game and not only continuing our winning streak but to also beat that stuck up princess again"
Peach is the home team this time around and Mario as the away team only right as this was Peach's home turf. Peach's team were on the left half of the field and Mario on the right.
Peach's Toad, Shy Guy and Birdo sidekicks were talking among themselves. Henry didn't even bother trying to instigate something with the three knowing they would just ignore them like last time. The chatty pink sidekicks talk was interrupted by the entrance of the read plumber.
Mario had a small smirk already set to play. Mario ran toward the three pink Monarchs members, stopping then tipping the brim of his cap revealing his eyes and still possessing the same smirk.
"Oh yeah" Mario calmly said in a slow but full of swagger.
The pink Toad, Shy Guy and Birdo were stunned by the plumber's bravado. He was ready and full of confidence and why won't he. Mario was currently atop the standing and borderline unstoppable at the pace he's going. The Toad looked particularly worried then looked up and saw something that caught his eye;
"Is that who I think it is?"
"IT'S THE PRINCESS! Its Princess Peach" Shy Guy exclaimed jumping up and down pointing at the sky.
Peach was high in the night sky falling fast gracefully and landed in a crouched position elegantly with little issue. Standing on her feet Peach and Mario stared at one another. Neither spoke, just stared with narrowed eyes, the game was serious for the both of them.
Mario would like to continue his winning ways and Peach is currently still in the hunt of the knockout rounds and every game from now on was a must win in her eyes. Mario and Bowser had three wins each and another win here would put her one game behind the eternal rivals keeping her chances of playoff aspirations alive.
Peach and Mario walked back to their teams getting them ready and discuss strategy one last time before lining up in their designated position. Mario and Peach playing center forward, Kenny and Toad as left midfielders, Henry and Shy Guy manning the right field, Dean and Birdo in the back and Kingston and Peach's pink armored Kritter in goal.
The crowd was mainly Pro-Peach with many of her supporters there to cheer her on. Peach waved to her fans even blowing kisses at pink supporting fans. Mario could never be booed by the Mushroom Kingdom people as they adored and loved the red plumber but Mario had a small legion of fans taking up two sections of the seats near Kingston's goal and Mario waved at the Fireballs fanatics grateful for the traveling fans. Every set the match officially started with a loud whistle was used to begin play.
Peach made first contact with the ball running with the ball with Mario right behind on her tail in chase. Peach had the speed advantage on the plumber but Mario used his better defensive range checking her from behind knocking the princess to the ground.
Taking the ball Mario dribbled the ball getting around the pink Toad and Birdo with ease by tripping them up with his stylish footwork. Mario took a long shot at goal but was caught mid dive by Peach's Kritter but the shot sent a clear message, Mario was at top form.
Mario for the last two games was in a funk. He was not playing at his best as he knew could be. His rib injury at the hands of Bowser was the reason why.
He had been playing through the injury not only slowing him down but his aggressive defense he had to tone down only checking if only absolutely necessary. Now he was completely healed and was ready to end off the second half of the season strong.
Shy Guy had the ball waddling around trying his best to not give the ball up to the opposing team. The masked man was soon met by Henry in his way and tried getting around the Hammer Bro but Henry managed to stay in front of the faster Shy Guy with a hammer in hand ready to pounce.
Shy Guy then noticed Henry slip up not being able to stay in front of him forever and dashed forward jumping with the ball. Henry in desperation reached out and grabbed Shy Guy's leg pulling the pink right midfielder back.
The steel ball rolled along the right sideline where Dean retrieved the ball. With the ball Dean saw Peach running his way ready to attack. Dean curled up to use his disappearing deke but Peach reached him before he could vanish into thin air and checked Dean smashing her knee in the back of Dean's skull stopping the shifty one.
A mad scramble for the ball began with Peach getting the ball only for Kenny to slide tackle her from behind taking the ball away from her.
Kenny turned around only to be met by a check right in the chest by the pink Birdo that made a sickening crack sound that could be heard by everyone in the stadium. Kenny ragdoll on the ground before stopping near Kingston's feet where the Kritter helped the limped Koopa back on his feet.
Birdo found where the ball was and started making her way to the steel sphere only to be checked unexpectedly from her left by Mario coming in smashing her with such force the crowd hissed feeling the pain the Birdo was feeling.
Mario was then hit by a giant blue shell freezing him solid by Peach's team stopping the plumber for the time being.
Toad ran over from the other side of the field and recovered the ball that was resting against the right side electric fence near Kingston's goal. Kingston saw the Toad and wasn't thrilled about the idea of dealing with his hands setting on fire again so he waited for the little fungus to get in range. Toad turned to face Kingston and the red goalie striked.
Kingston ran and shoved his right foot in Toad's stomach sending the mushroom man high in the air like a soccer ball. Toad went back first high into the right sideline electric fence, zapping him badly before falling down face first in a triple whammy of pain.
Dean received the ball from a Kingston throw and the violent series of events ended.
Possession of the ball changed many times both sides taking the ball back when either got too close to their goal. The fans in attendance were hot, excited for the action they were witnessing. Mario and Peach tried to limit the illegal attacks of their team but a few slips up happened.
Peach's main tool was red shells using them to stop the Fireballs with relentless speed. Mario countered the homing weapons with bananas and tripping up anyone who dared get near him.
Kingston saved the ball from a Shy Guy shot and threw the ball to Mario. Mario made his way to the left sideline juking out the pink Toad with his rolling deke. Mario still ran along the sideline and saw Kenny running to goal waving for the ball. Mario crossed the ball in the air.
Kenny jumped in the air and kicked the ball with an overhead kick. Peach's Kritter dove but the ball got past the green Kremling in the top right corner. First goal belongs to the Fireballs scored by Kenny the Koopa.
Kenny fell on his shell and got on his feet to make his way Mario and five fived. Henry and Dean made their way to the two and joined in the celebration then the four of them walked back to the right half of the field together.
"You're looking better out there boss, you're not as sluggish" Henry remarked, noticing the rejuvenated form of the Brooklyn native.
"Yeah I-a guess you could say I-a got a pep in my step" Mario laughed at the end of his sentence.
Mario did feel great. His ribs had finally healed getting rid of his pain. During the Fireballs weekly practice Mario participated fully with his team not standing off practicing on a limited schedule.
Today Mario had that flair to him when playing soccer. Every touch of the ball Mario dribbled with elegance blazing by the would be defenders always being one step in front of them.
Mario even nutmeg Peach passing the ball through her long legs earning some applause from the crowd impressed by the move.
Four minutes and ten seconds remained of time. Everyone was back in place ready to continue. The whistle was blown and play resumed with Peach quickly passing the ball down to Shy Guy.
Shy Guy didn't even get a chance to move as he was struck by green shells by Henry. Henry swooped in and stole the ball already in Peach's territory. Henry immediately eyed the princess trying to see what she would do. Peach however told her Birdo to go down and deal with the Hammer Bro not wanting to do anything with the impulsive turtle's giant hammer swing.
Henry saw the pink Birdo running her way to him and passed the ball back keeping the ball in his team's hands. Dean stopped the ball running with the steel sphere heading to the left sideline and in Peach's side of the field. Now in the top right corner of Peach's half Dean charged and shot his electric skillshot.
Like every other time the green goalie stood no chance as he was zapped in place by the strong electricity.
Dean prepared for a header as the ball came back to him but was pushed by Peach into the electric fence preventing an almost guaranteed goal.
Peach ran with the ball jumping over Kenny leaving the Koopa in her dust. Dribbling the metal ball Peach crossed the ball in the air almost mirroring Mario's exact move. Mario and Henry along with Shy Guy and Toad crowded in the goal box.
Kingston was overwhelmed with the many bodies in his space shoving and elbowing each other. Kingston saw the lob pass and ran knocking down his own captain and teammate in the process and leaped to punch the ball sending the steel sphere in the other direction.
Kingston pickup Mario and Henry apologizing for knocking the two down. Kingston then saw the pink Shy Guy running and very unsportsmanlike held out his leg tripping the mask minion as the Kritter laughed under his breath.
Play continued for a while as both teams fought tooth and nail. Toad took a ugly tumble from a behind the back check from Kenny making the short fungus eat dirt with his face sliding across the grass. Dean was still a little woozy from taking a knee to the back of his head but got revenge by freezing the pink playmaker when she tried to recover the ball.
The ball rolled to the bottom right corner of the field after a Kingston diving save. Mario went to the ball as Peach followed closely behind. Mario reached the ball first only to be trapped in the corner by Peach.
Peach pressed herself on Mario's back trying to force the plumber off balance and in the electric fence. Mario had his foot on the ball trying to maintain his balance while Peach tried to push him off the entire time.
The red cladded hero then started juggling the ball with his right foot while keeping the pink princess at bay. Mario then softly kicked the ball over the two catching the pink monarch off guard as Mario quickly spun out from behind Peach regain possession of the ball back in the process.
Fans in attendance went into an uproar impressed by the stunning maneuver. Mario didn't enjoy the cheers for long as he was almost immediately crushed by a giant Bob-omb and was in the middle of the explosion after detonating.
Peach and sidekicks then made an offensive push shooting multiple times on goal. Peach and Toad tried setting up good looks for Shy Guy and Birdo with their excellent passing skill but could never get one through. Kingston always stayed in front of the ball swatting the metal ball away everytime.
Peach soon got frustrated and called for the ball. Toad heard the call and passed the ball back to the princess. Peach ran back from Kingston's goal trying to get as much space as possible and once satisfied he charged the ball. She kicked the ball in the air looking to do a Megastrike.
Mario saw that the pink playmaker was trying to do and dashed running as fast as he could. Peach didn't see or expected Mario to reach her so fast but when he did it hurt.
Using his momentum Mario lunged checking Peach very aggressively making the lightweight princess flying into the electric fence as her shrieks of pain filled the stadium from convulsing from the high voltage fence.
Mario with the ball called his sidekicks to follow him and rally for a counterattack. Mario ran down the right sideline with his three sidekicks crossing into Peach's territory along with the three pink sidekicks following them closely. Mario saw Henry behind the rest of the pack right in the middle of Peach's half of the field.
"HENRY" Mario called, grabbing the attention of the Hammer Bro.
"HERE" passing the steel ball to the right midfielder. The white glowing ball rolled across the green turf effortlessly making its way to the hammer turtle.
Henry grabbed a hold of a hammer getting ready for the ball to arrive to him. Once ready he struck the metal ball as hard as he could sending the ball with a fast curve.
He was immediately struck by Birdo but she wasn't able to make it in time to stop the shot.
The pink dressed Kritter dove with his hands up but wasn't fast enough and was too slow to reach and the fully charged ball zoomed past the pink goalie tucking in the top left corner of the goal as the second goal of the game was scored this time by Henry the Hammer Bro.
Henry who was still on the ground shell first heard the horn go off signaling he had scored. He raised a fist then slowly brought it down above his chest silently saying yes.
A hand cover by a metal glove then appeared above the Hammer Bro offering a hand. Henry looked but didn't need to as he already knew who the hand belonged to.
"Nice goal there-a Henry you-a deserve a helping hand"
Henry smiled seeing his captain and gladly took Mario on the offer grabbing his hand. The plumber helped the brash one up and patted him on his shell telling good work on the goal. Kenny and Dean soon met up with the two both applauding Henry on his score before the four walked back to their side of the field.
While walking Henry pointed to the small section of red wearing fans acknowledging them. Henry started telling the fans to get louder by extending his arms, lifting his forearms behind his head then dropping them back to their earlier position repeating the motion over and over again.
The Fireballs fan obliged getting more rowdier stomping their feet and cheering with a fire in their stomach. The pink dressed ones didn't like what the Hammer Bro was doing and in protest they started booing in an attempt to drown out the cheering of the traveling away team's fans.
Henry noticed the sour home fans and smirked. He started instigating with the Monarchs fans heating them up rubbing salt in the wound.
"Yeah keep booing, but it doesn't change the fact your team is two goals down" Henry yelled laughing at the thousands of angry Peach fans.
The crowd only got worse raining more boos louder and some even spewed their own insult not only at Henry but the rest of the Fireballs. Henry soaked it all in still laughing his head off before a swift smack to the back of the head put a stop to him as a stinging pain took over his head.
"OW" Henry exclaimed, holding his head before quickly turning around. "Who did that?"
"Stop-a trying to get the-a people angry on purpose Henry or I'll do it again" Mario warned the provocative Hammer Bro.
Henry scoffed mumbling under his breath in annoyance. Mario told his sidekicks to get to their spots so play could start again. The three did what they were told and walked to their positions.
Peach was helped up by her Pink sidekicks. Her introduction to the electric fence wasn't a pleasant one. She got up and saw the cheering Fireballs walking back to their side with a disgruntled face. Being two goals down with a little over two minutes left wasn't ideal. She had hoped for a better outcome then her embarrassing ten goal thrashing she had suffered but it seems history was repeating itself.
Peach gave her team a quick talk telling them that the game wasn't over and they could make it the goals up. After the motivational words Peach and her team got lined up. Two minutes and seven seconds remanded on the clock. Peach was now at midfield to kickoff and once that was done the whistle was blown to resume the action.
Most of the action stayed on Mario's side of the pitch. Peach and company made good on their promise of trying to make up the goals. The pink suited player took multiple shots on goal with the help of Peach's superb passing.
Kingston stayed relaxed and focused and blocked every shot that came his way. The outstanding red goalkeeper had not let one shot get past him swatting or diving to block the decently charged ball.
Items flew from both teams. Shells and bombs were used plenty by both sides and the electric fence was used often to cut off a player if they were near the dangerous barrier.
The pink Birdo hit by a gnarly check from Dean from behind with such force the fans hissed at the brunt attack.
Kenny had the ball running trying his best to avoid an unsuspecting item or attack. He was soon greeted by Toad chasing right behind him gaining on him with every lunged leading with his head trying to stop the Koopa. Kenny withdrew into his shell sliding away from the Toad's attack.
Kenny popped out of his sturdy shell glad he had managed to gain some space from the mushroom man. Kenny then got a rude awakening. Shy Guy was right in front of him and dived with the top of his head for a check. Kenny had no time to react as he took his second hard hit of the game additionally rebounding in the electric fence for some extra suffering.
Play became more methodical. Peach and team tried breaking through into Mario's side for some offensive pressure.
Mario and sidekicks held their ground preventing shots or taking the ball back. Henry in particular played pretty nasty. Holding both hammers in hand, Henry would knock the ball away or even take a swing at any of the pink players often directing them into the voltaic barrier.
Kingston had the ball in hand surveying the field. Seeing no good options the goalkeeper punted the ball away. The ball headed to midfield slightly to the right. Toad was there waiting for the metal ball to come down. Out of nowhere Mario ran in front of him taking the ball from the waiting Toad.
Mario scurried around the Toad sticking by the left sideline before cutting off and running down straight at goal. The Kritter bended his knees getting in his ready stance for the Italian plumber offensive push.
Mario kept running straight at the Kritter with a full head of steam showing no intention of letting off the gas.
Dean saw what Mario was doing and ran to the net in the opposite direction coming from the right sideline and breaking off to run up to the goal.
The pink dressed Kritter didn't even notice the incoming Dry Bones to his right and ran straight at Mario. Mario saw the green croc sprinting full speed at him leaving his post wide open.
Mario held onto the ball until the pink armored crocodile was right in front of him. The jumpman quickly dumped the ball off right before getting a foot to the stomach sending him high in the air.
The steel ball rolled across to the opposite side of the goal where Dean stood. Dean without thought kicked the ball in the empty net scoring the easiest goal he would ever get.
The pink Kritter heard the horns set off and turned around completely dumbfounded. He was caught with his nonexistent pants down as he left his goal wide open without realizing the Dry Bones on the other side. He knew Peach would give him a good yell which he wasn't looking forward to.
Dean made his to Mario to see if he was alright after his little fly.
"You ok Mario? You took quite the hit" Dean asked helping the plumber up.
"Yeah I'm-a fine I have taken-a worse bumps" Mario nonchalantly replied dusting himself.
"Good job on the-a goal, that's already your-a third one this season" Mario added complementing Dean.
Dean thanked Mario and high fived before Kenny and Henry made their way to them showering Dean in cheers of scoring. The three pressured Dean into celebrating his score and the dead Koopa Troopa conceded to the pressure.
Dean dropped to ground and did his signature worm dance while his teammates cheered him on. After the dance the four walked back happy with their overall performance.
Both teams after regrouping lined up. Only eighteen seconds were left until the fat lady sang the end of the game. Peach kicked the ball off but not much happened as the final whistle blew ending the game.
Mario had now won four in a row in due part of each of his loyal sidekicks scoring a goal. Mario also played his part setting up each of them for the opportunity leading to the three to zero victory.
Both teams didn't meet to shake hands and left through opposite tunnels to get to their locker rooms. Mario and company waved at the crowd thanking them for coming to watch. The fans liked Mario and his team and clapped them off except for Henry of course giving him a not so positive response.
In the private area not much talking was done but a good aura hovered around the team. Once done they carried their bags and exited the locker room to leave for their travel bus.
"Four and o has never felt so good" Kingston said boastfully
"Say it louder, and we swept ditzy blonde and company" Henry added equally proud although for different reasons.
"I'm-a just glad we are getting along" Mario interjected trying to stop Henry tirade on the princess.
"Come on Mario, you don't feel a little good about beating her twice?" Henry questioned. Mario thought about it before coming to his conclusion;
"Maybe a little but I-a much rather win-a against Bowser'' Mario answered rather calmly.
The four laughed at the plumber's response before reaching their bus and hopping on.
The five took a seat and relaxed. They weren't as tired as the game after Donkey Kong but any Strikers game was an exhausting affair.
Four wins now in the books Mario now knew he had a dangerous team in his hands. But there was plenty of Strikers left to play so they needed to keep their foot on the gas and finish strong.
Mario stared out the window with a smile, oh how he couldn't wait to meet Bowser once again and crush his greatest adversary once more.
Author's Notes
Thanks for reading and hopefully you liked it. Its a shorter chapter but i hope it was a easier and more enjoyable read to digest.
Next time on Strikers Road Climb Mario plays Bowser in the highly anticipated rematch in one that is sure to be a doozy one.
Like always stay face and see you next time bye