Knockout Baby!
Hello and welcome to the next chapter in Fire Cup action. The knockout round is finally here and whoever wins will get the chance of playing in the Fire Cup finals. So lets get into this read shall we.
And yes I don't own Mario or Mario Strikers Charged all rights go to Nintendo and Next Level Games
MARIO ADVANCES! The title of the article read.
It's on to the knockout round for Mario as he manages to get the number one seed and qualify for a playoff berth. The road continues for the Fireballs and are one step closer to challenging for the Fire Cup.
Mario also wins defensive honors winning the Fire Cup Brick Wall award. Conceding only two goals in their six games. Mario had a stellar defense no doubt helping the Fireballs to their unbeaten record. Mario mentions his Dry Bones and Kritter as key contributors and the reason they won the award.
Mario also in the scoring spotlight taking home the Fire Cup Golden Boot. Netting twenty three goals. Mario by far had the best attacking team in round robin play. Mario thanks sidekicks Koopa and Hammer Bro helping with their three headed attack and Dry Bones for chipping in. Mario jokingly said that a few Megastrikes might have pushed him over the hump.
With collecting all the hardware Mario is predicted to squash Bowser and become the number one contender to face the Fire Cup champion. However the game does slow down in the playoffs and believe me the knockouts are different monster in their own right.
Well, all we can do is sit back and enjoy and see what happens.
- Tommy Toad, Striker Times
What can I even say that isn't already confirmed? Well, not much. Mario and Bowser play again for the third time in their trilogy. Twice in the regular season and now again once more in the knockout stage.
The previous two games? You can throw them out. In the playoffs its one and done. So all that the two teams did in the regular season doesn't matter, only today matters.
The venue of the knockout game was none other than The Vice. The Vice was not only the biggest stadium in Strikers history but in sports.
Able to hold a massive three hundred thousand! A seating capacity a whopping six thousand times bigger than their second largest venue The Wastelands. Set in the heart of the Mushroom Kingdom it definitely a sight to be behold.
It was eight thirty on a cool Sunday night. The Vice was packed. A sellout was recorded. Well over a quarter of a million people crammed in the stadium.
The fans went above and beyond with their team pride. Signs, jerseys and facepaint were common among the crowd wearing the colors of the side they supported. As the electric fence was switched on the fans exploded knowing the start was soon. Dueling chants started battling for dominance.
"MA-RI-O" shouted a majority of the crowd.
"BOW-SER" fired back a smaller but still noticeable amount in the stands.
Henry was loving the rowdiness of the crowd. He actively encouraged their behavior and swear he saw some punches being thrown.
"YEAH, I'm loving the energy" Henry said barely audible from the sheer intensity. "You already know who's winning don't you?"
"You really are as thick as your hammer"
Henry's face quickly changed from overzealous to irked knowing all too well who's voice he just heard was.
"Well Boo if I'm so thick, how come I was correct in saying we would beat you morons twice?"
"You got lucky" Bowser's yellow Dry Bones retorted
"I disagree. Us beating you multiple times is no lucky break, it's called a trend" Dean chimed in refuting his own kind's claim.
"Shut up! No one asked you" Monty Mole threatened Dean who remained unfazed. Kenny got angry at the try of intimidation.
"Listen you tubby joke. You don't threaten us"
Henry and Dean were shocked. Never have they heard their friend talk with such venom. They gotten so used to the calm low energy Kenny they were baffled how Kenny could even lob an insult.
"Heh, hey Dean where you get the new guy?" Henry said asking Dean, lightly making fun of the bizarre situation.
"Don't know, maybe he fell on his head" Dean answered following along with the joke.
Kenny ignored the comments. Everyone knew they had to play their absolute best tonight. If not all the games, pain, bumps and bruises would have been for nothing. Then someone dropped in.
In came Bowser falling from who knows where making his long awaited entrance. He roared and puffed out some fire from his mouth. Once again rocking the yellow alt uniforms the king and his minions were ready.
Seconds later Mario appeared in front of his sidekicks. Mario received a massive pop from his adoring fans. The feeling was electrifying in the stadium and not from the electric fence.
Getting up Mario took a few steps backwards lining up in his starting position. Bowser did the same and their sidekicks followed their captain's lead. Both sides made sure that their cleats were tied and armor on tight not taking any chances in this game.
The crowd remained hot all the way through. Ready to see a game for the ages on their weekend night before going back to work the next morning.
Everyone ready and Kritters in goal the captains said they were ready and the whistle was blown beginning Mario as the home team versus Bowser the traveling away team.
Mario leaped over the ball and tackled Bowser. Still upset by how Bowser targeted him in their week two encounter Mario gave the ruler of the Koopa Kingdom a taste of his own medicine with the big hit starting off the bout violent.
Dean and Bowser's Dry Bones were the first to reach the ball. Dean touched the metal sphere first but was knocked down by green shells thrown by the opposing Dry Bones stealing the ball.
Running with the ball Bowser's Dry Bones used his disappearing technique vanishing before Kenny could touch him. Reappearing from thin air Dry Bones evaded the attack. However he didn't realize how far he went and he teleported in front of Kingston.
Kingston saw the little nuisance appear about two feet away from him and got an idea. With a devilish smile he pulled back his leg and with all his strength he kicked the Dry Bones wear his groin would have been. He and the ball were sent high in the air and crashed hard.
Some time passed and Kenny had the ball. Since Dry Bones getting obliterated the Fireballs took the ball back and pushed into Bowser's away side. Kenny dribbled easily around Monty Mole evading the rodent even he despised.
Kenny saw Henry waving for the further down field near but not along the right sideline. Kenny however was met by Bowser blocking his way but the clever Koopa found an opening.
Kenny passed the ball through a gap between Bowser's stumpy legs. Through Kenny's gifted brain Henry now had the ball.
Henry cut to the outside jogging only inches from touching the fence. At the far right corner of the pitch Henry crossed the ball creating a chance in the middle.
Mario was in the middle like he always was and acted fast. Mario dove for a flying header using his great jumping getting a good amount of air sending the ball at goal with the top of his hat.
Bowser's Kritter goalie stopped the ball diving and caught the steel sphere mid leap. Disappointed he didn't score Mario threw his hands up and ran back to play defense but hey you couldn't say the header wasn't pretty.
Bowser's Kritter had the glowing ball in his right hand weighing his options. Finally he punted the ball towards the right sideline. In the mosh pit were Mario, Bowser, Henry and Monty Mole waiting for the ball. Shoving started but soon escalated kicks and elbows.
Bowser anger building inside pushed Mario roughly back first into the electric fence. Monty kicked Henry in the shin causing the Hammer Bro to hold the front of his leg. Bowser then grabbed Henry with his left metal clawed hand and held the helpless hammer turtle above his head.
"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU OVERGROWN TURT-"
Henry couldn't finish his insult as Bowser slammed him face first into the high voltage barrier above where Mario was getting torchered by the same shocking wall leaving them a twitching mess.
Monty took the ball and jogged down the sideline alongside Bowser flanking him. Near Mario's goal and still by the sideline Bowser commanded his groundhog sidekick to dig underground like he was a general in battle.
Monty did what he was told and charged power in the ball. Once the ball glowed pure white the mole dug and borrowed underground. Monty Mole's skillshot Dirt Drill was an impressive special shot. Digging underground and zooming towards goal before popping out from the earth below crashing his weight on the unsuspecting Kritter. From the right distance it is unblockable scoring goals effortlessly.
Kingston saw the fat rat go underground with the full power ball. Kingston got in his defensive stance and closed his eyes. He focused himself listening intently to hear the grumbling under his feet.
The red goalkeeper then sensed movement under his feet and acted. Getting on one knee Kingston stabbed his hands through the ground trying to grab something. Once he got a hold of what he was looking for a struggle commenced. Kingston was pulled and slammed into the grass. But the Kritter was able to hold on and pull him out from below.
In his hands he held Monty Mole. In pulling out the groundhog the ball reappeared from the ground and returned back on the pitch.
Monty struggled in Kingston's iron grip. Trying to squirming out of the grasp of the Fireballs goalie. Monty Mole told Kingston to constantly let him go and put him down.
Kingston smirked and decided to comply with the gopher's request. He pulled back on his arm before launching his arm back. With a first he punched Monty Mole square in the face. Unable to block he ate the full punch and was knocked back.
Dean took the ball and sent it off to Kenny. Kenny now with the ball had to dodge the many bananas that laid over the field entering Bowser's territory.
Mario and Henry recovered from their electrocution and joined in the attack. Mario called for the ball and Kenny with another great pass got the orange glowing sphere through Boo and Dry Bones.
Mario slowed down his pace and waited for the ball to roll his way. With the ball ready Mario kicked the ball aiming to the left side slot of the goal.
Bowser's Kritter remained stubborn and blocked the ball while diving with the edge of his fingers. The ball went to the top right corner Kenny and Boo gave chase. Boo reached the ball first but Kenny was able to use the nearby electric fence and tackle the ghost into it and take back the ball.
Kenny passed the ball down Mario. Mario had the ball in front of his cleats and pulled his leg back. Expecting a shot the yellow dressed Kritter got in his stance spreading his arms out and bending his knees.
Instead Mario passed the ball down to Henry. Henry was near the middle part of the right sideline electric fence the same distance from the midfield line and right endline.
Henry grabbed one of his two hammer holding the handle tight in his right hand. The ball still hadn't reached him so he looked up trying to find an opening in the net. He found one and by then the ball reached him and with finesse he sent the white hued ball at goal.
Aiming for the top left corner Henry from the opposite side of the field gave the ball a good curve to sneak it in there. The yellow goalie jumped trying to get a hand on the fully powered ball but came up short as the metal ball hit the crossbar into the goal.
Henry was soon playfully tackled to the ground by Mario. Kenny and Dean soon came by and joined the fun before Mario helped Henry back up. The fans in the stands cheered happy to see the home team on top.
When everyone was back to normal both sides lined up. Bowser stood at midfield and kicked off with four minutes and nineteen seconds left to go.
Bowser passed the ball up to his tricky Boo when he heard the whistle. Boo turned invisible turning the ball not visible to the eyes too. Mario's team were perplexed by the round ghost disappearance.
"Where-a is he?" Mario asked himself looking in the general direction of where Boo was last spotted.
Dean looked as well moving his head every which way to find the sneaky Boo. Dean's ear soon heard faint laughter. Turning his head to where he predicted the sound came from. Dean saw the figure of Boo floating past Kenny going through the Koopa. Dean sprinted right over to the left sideline. Boo's invisibility wore off him and the ball became visible.
Dean slide tackled under Boo taking the metal sphere before he could pull another trick. Dean passed the ball down to Mario who stood at midfield. Mario ran forward messing up Monty Mole with his quick dribbling and took a long shot from midfield.
The ball ended up hitting Bowser's Dry Bones in between the eyes. The ball was sent in the air as Dry Bones fell on the ground skull coming off clean off the shoulders. Dry Bones' decapitated body got up and picked his head up and reattached it back on the rest of his body. Unfathomably pique Bowser's undead minion swore he would bring Mario down to size.
Bowser's Kritter caught the ball before it could touch the ground in his goal box and threw the steel sphere to the left sideline near the right endline. Boo took the ball and cut to the inside of the field passing the ball to Monty.
Monty still in his right fielder area jogged across breaking in Mario's half of the field. Monty attracted Henry to come his way and the slow hammer wielding turtle trotted. Monty Mole knew about Henry's hammer attacks had short range meaning the high goal scoring sidekick had to get absurdly close to pose any real threat.
The large mole quickly dug underground when he saw Henry reach back for one of his black mallets. Henry already committed swinging his hammer only hitting freshly break up dirt. The shelled one knew what was coming next and tried to get away.
Monty emerged from the pitch just as fast as he went down. Striking Henry with a hard uppercut to the jaw causing an audible ooh from the crowd. Henry took the swift blow making him go in the air and falling on his shell armor all in a couple seconds.
Monty charged the ball up before passing up. Bowser yelled for the ball from the midfield line which he got from his mole sidekick. The pass was not the best but did set up Bowser well for an opportunity.
Pulling back his stocky leg Bowser the king of all koopas sent the ball with a powerful shot at the plumber's goal from midfield. Kingston saw the ball going to the top right corner and divided accordingly. The red Kritter did his best but didn't jump high enough and the fully white glowing ball went into the net.
Bowser tied up the game one all after less of a minute of time passed. Bowser flexed his arms at the center of the pitch until a flying camera came to his side when he changed his position and flexed his bicep to the viewers at home.
Mario and Kenny both checked up on Henry though the entire sequence was still laying on his shell.
"You-a okay there" Mario concernedly asked standing above Henry with worried eyes.
"Uhhhhh" was all Henry could muster.
"At least he's still breathing" Kenny said in a monotone voice but was scared for his friend.
"My head is killing me ow" Henry said, finally able to string a sentence sitting up and cupping the bottom of his chin. Mario and Kenny each grabbed one of Henry's arms getting him up. Seeing Kingston on the ground and the ball in the net Henry didn't need to ask what occurred since his connection with Monty's fist.
After some time everyone returned to their places with Mario at midfield to start the game again. Three minutes and thirty seven seconds were displayed on the clock and the whistle blown and the playoff game continued.
Mario ran down with the ball down the midfield line. Passing the ball to Henry, Mario went into Bowser's side unopposed.
Henry immediately trotted forward towards Monty Mole. Before the mole could do anything Henry viciously flatten Monty under his giant hammer attack. Henry had blood in his eyes during the ambush but the look went away as the Hammer Bro continued his jog forward.
Henry was then checked from behind by Bowser. Mario heard Henry's grunt of pain and spun around to attack Bowser. Suddenly Mario got striked with a hard headbutt by Bowser's Dry Bones when he turned around. Dry Bones was still ticked about having his head lopped off by the Italian plumber and jumped the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Bowser had the ball and passed it back to his Dry Bones. Laying out Mario, Dry Bones did not have to worry about the red captain giving chase and spirited off. Still having the ball Dry Bones found himself in between Kenny and Dean.
Coordinating Kenny and Dean checked Bowser's yellow armored Dry Bones together. Crushing him from two opposite sides. A small cracking noise could be heard and the fans reacted appropriately to the gut wrenching double team attack. With Bowser's primary defender down Dean took the ball rushing off with Kenny following behind leaving the yellow defender hurt on the ground.
Taking back the ball Bowser went on the attack. Orchestrating the offense was none other than Boo. Using trickery he disappeared and reappeared swerving through the Fireball's defensive lines.
Who exactly was Boo creating chances for? Bowser and Monty Mole were who. Arguably some of the most powerful players in the league forming a formidable duo. They took several shots but Kingston stayed well composed and blocked or swatted the attempts away like flies.
Kingston made another terrific save diving to block a Bowser longshot. The ball rebounded in the top left corner of the pitch still glowing bright white. Boo scurry off levitating towards the metal ball. The ghost was then pulled back by his little stub-like tail.
Kenny was finally able to get a hold of the slithery ghost's tail. Boo in the Koopa's grasp tried to float away from Kenny but he held on. Kenny pulled the paranormal one in and reached out to get ahold of Boo's helmet. Having a solid grip on the headgear getting his fingers under the front Kenny pivoted and flung Boo into the nearby fence to get electrocuted.
Kenny went to the idle steel ball and kicked the sphere up and out of the area. The ball went towards center field. Henry and the opposing Dry Bones stood where the ball would land and shoved each other for the ball. Henry grabbed one of his mallets but instead of boinking the dead one on the head he tapped the ball over to Bowser's half of the field.
Mario sprinted to the open ball breaking away from the rest all by himself. Running and dribbling the ball at the same time Mario looked up at Bowser's Kritter. The last line of defense he got ready and concentrated.
Mario still running got ready to take a shot and the Kritter jumped. Leaping to the left side of the net the goalkeeper thought he just stopped Mario's chance of taking back the lead. However Mario faked the kick and made the goalie prematurely jump.
Mario then kicked the ball in the wide open right side of the goal scoring the easy goal. Taking back the lead Mario did what he did best. He performed a spiral triple jump showing off his world his renowned jumping skills with the adoring people cheering the portly plumber..
Back over on Mario's side the Fireballs got together giving props to Mario on the smart fake out. After that the players got in formation to resume the knockout round game. Bowser returned to center pitch ready to start. Two minutes and forty one seconds was left of time but it was far from over and Bowser kicked the ball ready to play.
Items were awarded the whole match but not until now were they used effectively. Bowser threw red shells galore bring down the Fireballs. Mario fought back calling for bombs to drop on Bowser's head, crippling the turtle.
Bowser still had the ball and passed the metal ball when out of nowhere Henry slammed a hammer in the king's gut. Clearly an illegal hit Bowser's side was given an item for the penatity committed. After some deliberation Bowser received his special captain item.
"BOW-SER BOW-SER BOW-SER" ripped through the stadium wanting to see someone go a blaze.
Bowser must have thought that was a good idea and let loose. Bowser started by torching Henry igniting the Hammer Bro. Done with that Bowser set his sight on Mario aiming his flames towards the plumber.
Mario however evaded the attack staying clear of the fire. Failing to set the master of the fire hand on fire ironically Bowser turned his attention elsewhere.
Calling for the ball Bowser trudge straight ahead for Mario's goal. In his way Kenny tried to come in cautiously but Bowser cut his straight path off and now lumbering at the Koopa.
Bowser started up his fire breath and caught Kenny in the flames. In the commotion Bowser's terror tour was put to a stop by Dean. Dean caught Bowser by surprise after setting Kenny on fire checking the grand Koopa in the stomach.
The hard hit came in by such force Dean who was tiny compared to Bowser sent the much larger Bowser in the air for a brief second before hitting the torched grass. Some of the turf mostly on Mario side was burnt killing the grass to the roots. Only dirt and ash covered splotches of earth.
Mario took the ball Bowser lost and with some well-timed green shells he broke through once again. Mario and Dean both overloaded Bowser's Kritter.
The yellow dressed goalkeeper blocked all six shots even when with every kick the ball grew stronger. With Dean's poor kicking abilities and Kenny and Henry having their getting set on fire problem the Fireballs offense was weakened.
With great teamwork Dry Bones and Monty took down Mario and Dean at the same time. Monty tackling Mario and Dry Bones pushing his fellow undead comrade down.
Everything back to normal. Well as normal as they can be with Kenny and Henry extinguished and returning. Ash covered their uniforms and armor and gray soot in their skin but mostly faces.
Monty had the ball but quickly gave the ball to Bowser. Bowser with the metal sphere between his feet was met by Mario in his way. Mario went for the ball but was cut off by a swipe of Bowser's razor sharp metal claws. Jumping back by the swing Bowser lodged on his steel nail under Mario's chestplate. With the claw securely in place Bowser threw his archnemesis over his head.
The throw was so fast you blink you miss it. Going at such velocity Mario hit the ground hard taking the full bump on his back. Mario could only hear the sound of the throbbing and pounding of his heart pulsing in his ears. His back felt shattered groaning as he forced himself up. Though the pain Mario got on his own two feet a commendable feat.
Continuing his march Bowser avoided the dozen bananas that cover the middle of the field. Weaving his way past the slippery minefield Bowser passed the ball Boo.
Boo beside Bowser dash with the ball. Using a mushroom Boo already speedy movement boosted tenfold making him impossible to catch. Mid boost Boo turned invisible again hiding himself and the metal ball from the keen eye.
Everyone looked to try the invisible ghost. Even Bowser wondered where his little poltergeist went. The spectators went quiet, almost impossible considering the three hundred thousand in attendance.
Kingston was on high alert. Scooping out the entire pitch trying to find the smallest glimpse of Boo. The croc also tried to hear for the ghost's chuckling as he was prone to do so but only quietness filled his ear until a shout.
"KINGSTON WATCH OUT!"
Kingston caught off guard with the warning and looked trying to find what he was exactly to be watching out for. Seconds later he saw Boo only a couple of feet from him charging the ball. Turing his body now facing the trickster Kingston was caught with his imaginary pants down.
Boo charged the ball to full power and went in with his skillshot. Going through Kingston's chest and leaving out of his back Boo shot the ball spitting the white hued sphere into the net.
The horn went off and the pyro was set off. Boo flew up in the air as he giggled the entire time flying back down getting a high five from Dry Bones. The playoff game returned to its deadlock. Tied at two goals many wonder if the game would ever see a winner and loser.
Mario and Bowser both stumbled back to their side battered and beaten. Sidekicks were not in the best shape either worn out and tired with every little left in the tank everyone trying to find their second wind to finish the contest out.
Mario stood at the center of the pitch wiping his off the beads of sweat siding down his brow. The stage was never set higher. The next thirty three seconds were the last stretch of the game both teams hoped but for different outcomes. Them winning and sending the other home to watch them from their couch.
Mario started by passing the ball up to Kenny. Kenny pushed Boo out of his way before breaking off the sideline. Bowser sent a giant red shell and the homing shell gave chase after Kenny.
Kenny knew the inevitable outcome and passed the ball back down. The colossal targeting red shell caught up to Kenny flatten the Koopa Troopa.
Henry was the man Kenny was passing to and the ball made it to the Hammer Bro. Henry was then swarmed by Bowser and Monty. The powerful brutes were quickly surrounding the lone Hammer Bro. Thinking out of sheer panic the Hammer Bro got rid of the ball passing the metal sphere off.
Mario received the ball from a half decent pass from Henry taking in he was under distress. Not too long after Mario was blindsided by Dry Bones slide tackling the plumber from behind and taking the ball at the same time.
Rebounding up Bowser's Dry Bones scuttled over the midfield line crossing onto Mario's side. Henry tried to stop him but he wasn't fast enough and his path was blocked by the big boned Bowser and Monty Mole.
Dean was the only one left standing in Dry Bones' way. The yellow armored Dry Bones tried throwing Dean off his feet. But no matter where he sprinted Dean mirrored with the same speed always keeping him away from the net.
However stopping in the middle of his dash to the left sideline the yellow dressed Dean took two steps too many surprised by the sudden halt. Having some space Dry Bones curled up and rolled vanishing out of thin air.
"Dang, where did he go?" Dean asked himself silently with a whisper.
Half a second went by and Bowser's Dry Bones reappeared teleporting behind Dean. Dry Bones rolled on his feet figuratively patting himself on the back for getting past Dean. Bowser's defensive anchor looked down to see if he had the ball and he did. He started raising his head and noticed something, green feet.
How strange he thought and continued lifting his head. Then he saw a big red chest protector with a white skull drawing. His knees buckled and very slowly raised his face and connected eye to eye with him.
Kingston was looking down on Bowser's undead speedster. He was getting crossed with Bowser's sidekicks constantly disappearing and reappearing as if it was one lousy magic show and the green crocodile fully intended to take out his frustrations out on the Dry Bones.
With an evil grin big enough to be entirely visible through his facemask Kingston's face showed what he was thinking. Grabbing the undead minion off the ground Kingston turned and faced the left sideline. Holding up Dry Bones to the crowd to see Kingston dropped him and punted him.
Just like how he would kick a ball Kingston smashed his foot in the area where Dry Bones' gut would be if he had one. Dry Bones soared for what felt like minutes. His fly was soon abruptly suspended by the electric wall catching him and holding him like glue.
Back on the ground Kingston grabbed the ball quickly tossing the steel sphere out to Dean. Dean took the ball and hurried over to Bowser's side in quick fashion.
Dean passed the ball to Kenny who took the ball deeper in Bowser's territory. While running Kenny was checked from his side by Monty losing the ball in the process. Taking down the Koopa Monty waddled over to the ball but was decked.
Mario laid out the fat mole using his metal gloves to good use cracking them across Monty's check. After bashing the groundhog Mario's eyes opened wide hearing the sound of stomping behind him. Turning his head he saw Bowser making his way to him.
Bowser mid stride hurled himself leading with his shoulder. Mario spun out of the way dodging the attack. Bowser missed only barely with what was sure to have been a devastating hit. Stopping Bowser turned around looking to attempt another try at bruising up the red plumber.
Setting his feet Bowser was struck with another blow to his soft under shell. Dean dealt the sickening blow making the great turtle king making him land on Monty crushing his own sidekick under his weight.
Mario held a snicker in watching Bowser fall. He looked over to Dean and flashed a thumbs up. Dean smiled and gave his own thumb up back at the plumber.
Focusing back on the action Henry made his appearance recovering the ball and on the spot took a shot. Bowser's Kritter swatted the ball away sending it back.
Mario sprinted for the ball and got the ball back in his possession. Boo soon got in front of Mario challenging and wanting the ball back in his control. Mario knew the danger of letting Boo get his slimy tongue on the ball and ran away.
Dribbling past the small ghost Mario darted with Boo following not too far behind gaining ground. Mario feeling the hairs on his neck rising passed the ball away back to the midfield line.
Dean received the ball far back at the midfield line in case Bowser's team stole the ball and tried a counterattack. Now with the ball Dean darted straight for Bowser's goal with an wide open path.
Bowser's Kritter set his feet ready for whatever Dean was planning to do. The croc smirked, what was the defensive backbone of Mario's team going to do? Sure he was a superstar defender he admitted but when it came to offense he was a liability. The confident goalkeeper watched on as Dean came closer and closer.
Dean continued dribbling forward all alone with no one to impede him. In the middle of his run Dean curled up and rolled forward with a cloud of dust concealing him. When the dust blew away Dean was gone.
The yellow armored Kritter eyes popped. Dean was using his teleporting deke and would appear in a different place. The goalkeeper looked all over the pitch but the red Dry Bones was nowhere in sight.
Mario and even the crowd started to wonder. Where was Dean and what was he planning? After some more time the horns blared. Everyone was startled by the blast of noise and looked at the source of the sound. Bowser's Kritter was the closest to the ruckus and slowly turned around and was absolutely horrified.
Standing in the net was Dean. But Dean wasn't the only thing in the goal. By his worn out cleats was the steel ball far beyond the goal line. Dean scored by teleporting past the goalie into the net breaking the deadlock giving team Fireballs the lead back.
Dean ran past the dumbfound goalkeeper with his hands in the air. The crowd was roaring, it was the loudest they had been all night. Dean was soon caught by Mario and Henry in a light hearted manner taking him down to the ground.
Mario grabbed Dean's shoulder shaking him telling he did it. Henry pulled his friend of many years in a hug. When Kenny made it to the trio they all ran and hopped back to their half of the field.
On Bowser's side it was anything but happy. They had almost no time left to turn the game around and were about to be eliminated. Also their pride was just as hurt as their bodies. Losing to the same team three times in a row matters made even worse for Bowser as the team that beat him was led by Mario, the person he loathed.
Bowser made his way to the ball placed on center point. Eight second was all that was left. Down three to two Bowser and team needed a miracle.
Bowser didn't bother passing the ball and ran forward with his sidekicks pushing forward behind their captain. Mario saw the last ditch push and told his team to stay back and not let Bowser and company close to Kingston. Mario was then tackled by Boo.
Bowser passed the ball to Boo but Kenny ran by and took the ball. Boo and Bowser ran after Kenny to get the ball back but Kenny passed the ball away down to Henry.
Henry wasted no time getting rid of the metal ball lobbing it with his hammer. The ball went deep into Bowser's side. Bowser's Dry Bones sprinted as fast as he could after the ball eventually getting the ball back. He kicked the ball back but the whistle was blown telling everyone the game was over.
It was over. Three to two was the score. Mario won the knockout round officially becoming the number one contender to challenge the Fire Cup champion. Bowser was eliminated and wasted no time leaving the pitch through the tunnel with his sidekicks and goalie following.
During his walk into the tunnel a fly camera got in Bowser's face trying to film him. His anger at an all time high he grabbed the camera crushing it reducing the thousand coin equipment into a small ball of scrap metal.
Mario and team stayed back celebrating and interacting with the onlookers before retiring leaving through the opposite tunnel with their heads held high.
In the locker room the Fireballs sat around fatigued and exhausted. The grueling five minute game felt like an hour.
Mario examined his busted bottom lip in a mirror. Caused by the unexpected headbutt he took from Bowser's Dry Bones. The cut looked nasty but it would heal back to normal so Mario wasn't worried.
He was more worried about his two sidekicks. Henry took an uppercut to the jaw and left him a bit wobbly. Kenny had the misfortune of being cooked by Bowser's fire breath along with Henry. Dean and Kingston were relatively left unharmed for the most part. They were a little sore but if any game like Strikers only left you just a little sore you should be grateful.
"Now that's what you call a knockout round! Fierce, brutal and intense" Kingston said, wiping his face off with a white towel.
"I like playing but man does it hurt" Henry added, holding an ice pack in the bottom of his jaw.
"Well cupcake if it hurts so much why don't you trade in your pads for a dress" Kingston ribbed lightly laughing at his own joke. Henry only glared back at the teasing Kritter not happy about the comment.
"Quit it you two. Lets just be happy we made it out in one piece" Dean told his bickering friends not seeing the irony in his statement.
"Skeleton is right hammerhead, we shouldn't be fighting" Kingston sided with Dean. Henry lazily looked at the two and nodded not wanting to talk.
"Nice-a performance out there, but remember this-a only the next step to the-a Fire Cup" Mario warned his team of looking past opponents.
"Relax meatball we'll be ready and win like we've been doing for the past two months" Kingston waved off not understanding why the plumber was being so uptight. "By the way how exactly will the Fire Cup finals be played?"
"If I-a remember correctly it will-a be a best two out of-a three" Mario answered not entirely sure.
"And exactly who will we be facing?" Kenny asked, wanting to know who this Fire Cup champion was.
"Uh…, they-a never told me" The room went silent hearing what Mario just said.
"They didn't tell you who the Fire Cup champion was?" Kenny asked again making sure he didn't hear Mario wrong. Mario just said no.
"It-a doesn't matter though, I-a know when we-a play our-a best we can beat anyone" Mario said in a fiery voice encouraging his team. He held out his hand wanting to form a hand pile. "So are you-a with me or-a not"
Everyone placed a hand on top of Mario's. "On-a three say go team one… two… THREE!"
"GO TEAM" they all said together in triumphant voices. Once they all calmed down they got dressed into their everyday clothes and with bags in hand they left the locker room and exited the stadium with smiles and thoughts of championship glory on their minds.
Author's Notes
Hey and Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and if you are celebrating a different holiday I hope you all having a great time. I wanted to get this out today as a little present for you readers.
Next time on Strikers Road Climb the stage rises one more time with Mario doing battle in a best of three series versus a opponent he doesn't even know. Can the Fireballs ride their wave of success to win the cup or will they hit a brick wall against the faceless challenger.
Like always stay safe and see you later.