"Wow we did it, golly," Koops huffed after beating the last dead bones fighter.
"See? It's no biggie!" Goombella said bumping into Koops affectionately.
Flurrie was bathing in the attention. She had done quite a bit of work and she made sure to be as flashy in her technique as possible. Mario was playing the crowd a little, but he didn't really acknowledge them much except by raising his hammer triumphantly.
"Gonzales! Gonzales!" The crowd chanted over and over and some were chanting their names as well. Most were shouting for Mario and Flurrie. She had a way of playing the crowd.
"And there we have it folks. The merciless executioner… the greeeeeat Gonzaleeeeeees! I gotta tell you folks, we gave a rising star in our arena. But the day ain't done yet! We'll see you next time! In the major league fights! Magikoopa masters versus the Craaaaaaw-Daddyyyyy!" Mario and the gang made their way off the arena and into the hall. All the while the crowd screamed for their team.
Goombella was jumping up and down excitedly. "Man! That was awesome. Koops the way you slid in there at the last second right before they got me. Your timing was great!"
Koops blushed and bashfully shrugged it off, "Oh that was… nothing."
Goombella averted to Flurrie, "And Flurrie! Oh! My! Goodness! You still got it! You're a natural born arena fighter, girl!"
Flurrie laughed and hid her mouth, "My dear, sweet Goombella. Remember: I am an actress. I was born for the stage. Even if the part I must play is on the arena."
"Totally! And Mario! I knew you were good but not that good! I never see you do that stuff in the real fights."
"Our Mario has always been the best," Flurrie remarked, "You're talking to the man who wins princess's hearts."
Mario was becoming just as much a bashful mess as Koops was. Koops laughed. "Well, I have to admit. I was nervous about this whole thing. But now? I think… I think I'm having fun."
"That's the spirit Koops, dearie!" Flurrie cheered, "Now you have a future on the stage."
"The stage? Naw, I don't really like the idea of acting," Koops said, tossing his hand. They entered the minor league locker room. They took seats or sat on one of the beds and continued their conversation.
"I don't know, Koops, I could see you in an action flick," Goombella smirked, "Me though? I'll make my way into a documentary one day."
The team laughed. Joleen opened the door behind them then approached Mario. "Here's your fighting money, Gonzales." She handed him a stack of coins and looked at the gang one by one. "It was a good fight out there. Keep up the good work." She was stoic and it was hard to tell if she was being genuine. She fixed her glasses then left.
"Ugh, what a creep. She really needs to lighten up," Goombella groaned. "Like, she's a real mood killer."
"Eeey! If it ain't team Gonzales!"
"Now that's better," Goombella smiled.
King K and his boys waltzed up to the gang and high fived them. "Ey man, my boys were tellin' me that you knocked some blocks off in the ring. Not bad gang, not bad. Too bad I didn't watch; I was busy hoggin' on some hot… dawgs! Man, those things are to die for!"
"Ooh, we should get some. Great celebratory meal after our win, am I right?" Goombella asked.
"A hot dog?" Flurrie echoed. "Hmm, I could use a nice meal and a hot dog does sound interesting."
"What do you think Mario?" Koops asked.
Mario shrugged and nodded. "Oh, yeah."
"That's what I'm talkin about. Hey, I just rolled up to tell you that you are the real deal man. Realest I've ever seen. And if anyone rolls on up here and gives you lip just tell 'em King K said, 'Back it up!' Biz-OW!" King K got into a fighting stance and screamed over Koops, who jumped up and was ready to defend himself. Both smiled, the gang on both sides laughed, and King K clasped hands with him then gave him a shoulder bump, "Love you guys, keep bustin' heads!"
"AAAIGH! IT HUUUURTS!"
Both groups looked at the door and followed the sound of the pained combatant and the medics.
"Keep quiet, you're going to be fine."
"MY FOOOOT!"
"Oh, your fine, stop exaggerating!"
"Hey, hold pressure here. Did you hear me? I said hold pressure!"
"OOOOOUCH!"
"Do we have any gags?"
"Come on, man, get a grip."
"MOOOOMMYYYY!"
"Wow…"
"Hey! Outta the way! Move!"
King K looked back at the gang and grinned. "Whoa-ho-ho it looks like somebody won himself a trip to the hospital." Koops took a deep breath and King K could see his nervousness. "Hey man, this is a brutal sport sometimes, you know? This stuff happens. Keep doin' what you're doin' and you'll be a'okay. Cool?"
"Yeah, cool," Koops sat down and exhaled.
King K massaged his shoulder then left. "See yah, homies."
"Bye!" Goombella smiled. "Man, if the rest of the league was like him, the world would be less disappointed."
"Indeed," Flurrie agreed.
Suddenly Joleen returned and stood next to the team. "Team Gonzales? Mr. Grubba would like to speak with you. This way, please."
"Already? What's this about?" Goombella asked. The team all shook their heads and followed her.
Mr. Grubba had his back turned at them in his chair, but he was staring at a photo of him raising a champion belt. "Glory, mah friends. It's all about glory and fame. The rush of adrenaline when you struggle to win it. The reason people watch the fights is more than to see violence. They want to project themselves into the fighter's shoes so they can imagine they're greater than they are. Thing is, there's more to winning that makes a fighter great. It's not the violence that makes the fans scream, Gonzales. It's the fun." He turned his chair over. "And I'm sure your eager to get that belt and win the title but… just winnin' fights ain't gonna cut it, remember?"
"What do you mean? We satisfied your conditions!" Goombella said, ready to give a defense for the team.
"Whoa, girly, that's not why I called you here. I'm not sayin' you ain't made no progress to the top. No sir-ree. All I'm sayin' is… the conditions are there to make the battles last longer, make the crowed enjoy it! See their hero struggle and seize greatness with one arm behind his back! Thing is, you're not struggling. I don't see no shuffle I see hustle. And I said I get it, you want the title that belt, that room! But what's the use if you don't sweat? Here's what I'm sayin'…" Grubba stood up and broke into a Marioish walk. "Say I'm you, and I want to win the champion's belt. And this here magazine is every opponent I have to face. This is what's happenin'." He turned a single page and then another…and another and the point wasn't exactly clear to some of the team, but Mario understood what he was saying and that's what mattered to Mr. Grubba. "It's that fast. You ain't even reading the dang page. Except instead of me being you it's the crowd! You get out there and you flip your fancy hammer and the pretty lady over there…" Mr. Grubba lifted his hat to salute her, "she struts her stuff… That's great! That's what we need! But girly and the high school quiet kid are just there. The mystery is killin' the crowed!"
"Uh… well sorry, Mr. Grubba sir…"
"And it's perfect!"
"Huh?" Koops was now very confused.
"Here's what I propose. I rarely do this. Before you go schedule your next fight I want a make this match a special one. Do this and I'll bump the pay of the fight." Grubba cleared this throat. "I want the crowd to see what you are all about! A Goomba girl straight outa nowhere starts fighting with the Great Gonzales but who the heck is she? An inspiration! To every Goomba out there! Who is she, what's her groove? You gotta bring it all out with some stylish moves, girly!"
"Stylish? What do you want me to do? Fight in a dress?" Goombella asked sarcastically.
"No, I wanna see some somersaults or soemthin'! I wanna see some self-expression in your moves. Every Goomba out there can headbonk but what can that mysterious Goomba Girl next to Gonzales do? Spice it up!" Goombella sighed and looked up at Mario.
"And you!" Mr. Grubba pointed at Koops who guarded himself and jumped back.
"M-me?"
"Yeah, you and your pathetic getup make a great combo. But what's the use of lookin' relatable if you aren't gonna show everyone what the quiet kid in the back of the class is actually made of!? You should make the bullies sweat in their shells when they watch you! Cause' you're the kid they'd pick on!"
"Why did he have to make it so personal?" Koops asked Goombella as he felt all his high school memories spill out on the table.
"You're a fighter, not just a nerd. The quiet kids aren't quiet because they don't got no talent. They're quiet because they hide it all inside! Not on my ring, buddy! You wear all that out on your sleeves!"
"So, if I'm understanding you correctly, Mr. Grubba," Flurrie began.
"Please, it's just Grubba for you, darlin'." Grubba grinned.
"Ah," Flurrie smiled, "Grubba, you are merely asking the dears too… freshen their style and embrace the stage so to speak?"
Mr. Grubba smiled, "Abso-positively-lutely, ma'am. That and… make the matches last a little longer. And Gonzales, play the crowed more. Don't just beat your opponents with a hammer. While their down and recovering don't finish them off. Get the crowed hyped for the blow, for pete's sake!" Mario shrugged and nodded in understanding. "And Miss Flurrie… please, keep doin' what you're doin'. I have the best angle."
Flurrie gave him a courteous smile then asked, "Would that be all, Mr. Grubba?"
"Of course. You kids are free to go. And I'll see you, in the ring tomorrow. Good luck!"
The door closed behind them and Joleen stood in front of it. "Your free to go. Enjoy your time off. And please, remember what Mr. Grubba said. He's doing you a favor. He never does this with normal fighters. Especially minor leaguers."
"We'll keep that in mind," Goombella smiled. Once she turned around she rolled her eyes and made a disapproved face at Mario who shrugged back.
The team were sat down at the Watering Hole and silently eating their hotdogs. Some special drinks were being served on the house for the days winning combatants in the Glitz Pit. An extra incentive to get fighters to compete. Especially since the Watering Hole had the best drinks in the city.
Goombella finished gulping down some of a smoothie then sighed. "He basically called us bland. Kinda insulting."
"Well, he is an experience fighter," Flurrie mentioned, "We may do well to follow his advice."
"We might need the coins too," Koops added.
"He, said I was girly. I'm studying archeology, I'm wearing an academy uniform, nothing girly about that. It's sophisticated!"
"Yes and you are absolutely adorable," Flurrie smiled.
Goombella groaned. "That's not what I'm trying to say! …But thank you."
"Well, it was just advice," Koops shrugged, drinking from his root beer float.
"He called you the quiet kid in the back of the classroom!" Goobella added.
"Are you okay?" Koops asked, "You seem very caught up in that lecture, Goombella."
"My pride's been hurt, whatya think? Tell me somethin', Koops, am I girly to you?
"Err… pardon?" Koops asked.
Goombella rolled her eyes. "Girly! You know, like… fashion this, cute that, werewolves and vampires are hot! Blah blah blah! Am I any of that?"
Koops didn't want to answer. Instead, he hid his face into his root beer float again. Mario immediately dug himself into his pina colada so she wouldn't look for an answer from him either.
"Koops… get your face… outta the root beer… and answer the question!"
"Goombella, dear, you're taking this too personally," Flurrie jumped to the rescue, "Listen, what Mr. Grubba thinks is of little concern of yours. What does it matter what he says about your looks. He is right about one thing. Girls like you will be watching from all around the world, and they'll be seeing you compete. You are a representation of what they dream to be. Own that."
Goombella sighed. "Your right. I'm sorry." Both boys simultaneously put their drinks down and sighed in relief. "So… what do you suggest, Flurrie? How do we spice up our style?"
"Well… have you taken any extracurricular activity in your university or school?" She asked.
Goombella sighed and thought about her days in the university. "Well… my mom paid for some lessons for me to take goomnastics… But that was a long time ago! I can barely do that stuff now. I've been too occupied with the crystal stars that I dropped out of it."
"Did you ever compete?" Koops asked.
"Yeah, a few times. I won gold in the floor routines three times in a row. For three seasons… but, like I said, long time ago." Mario smiled at her and leaned over so she could see him.
Flurrie clapped excitedly. "Dearie, that's perfect. I'm sure if you do some stretches and practice a thing or two we can develop some pretty impressive headbonks."
"I don't know," Goombella sighed. "I really don't think I can do that anymore."
"There's only one way to find out," Flurrie smiled and looked outside. Mario picked up his pina colada and held the door open.
"Uh, no! No! I'm not doing in front of all those people!" Goombella shouted.
"Sweetie, you did it three times before, what's so different about this time? Come along."
"No!" Goombella was picked up against her will and forced outside. "Mario! Help!"
Koops followed with his root beer float and dug into his pocket for some coins. "Keep the change."
"Appreciate it, you four. Knock 'em dead in the ring," said the barkeep.
Goombella was put down near the billboard and the three watched her as she stretched. "There's no one watching is there?"
"No, we're blocking the way," Flurrie assured.
Mario sipped at his pina colada and looked back to make sure no one was looking. Then he gave a thumbs up.
"Okay," Goombella exhaled. She did every stretch she could think of. Thought of every muscle she might pull if she didn't. Once she felt loose enough she took a deep breath and looked out at the crowed. "Oh, gosh! Those goombas are watching us! I can't do this!"
"Give them a show, girl!" Flurrie stopped her from retreating, "Listen, there was a girl who was just as nervous as you to get on stage. She dreamed of being there but as soon as she had it she realized the pressure of everyone seeing her on stage was almost too great to bear. But she grit her teeth and put on her character then stepped out on the stage and she delivered her lines! She didn't do it because she was brave or because she wanted it. She didn't even do it for herself. She did it because she knew that if fear won that day, many fans would have been disappointed. A show would have been ruined. And her dreams would disappear if she gave it all up."
"I'm not doing this for a dream, Flurrie, this is for the crystal stars! The world!" Goombella argued.
"I couldn't have said it better myself," Flurrie smiled, "So much more is at stake. Would you let it all fall to evil just for a little dignity?"
Goombella looked down and sighed. She took a position and stretched one last time. The goombas from before were now approaching the four. Goombella did a sloppy cartwheel but followed it with a sharper, more sophisticated wheel. Then a side flip and a high flip then she went into a somersault and jumped with a higher twisting flip and landed with a wobble.
The three spectators applauded and by then the three goombas had made their way to the team and recognized Goombella. "Eeeh! It is them!"
"Oh! My! Gosh! Did she really just do that!? That was amazing!"
"Wow I can't believe this. We're actually meeting you!" The three goomba girls swarmed Goombella and introduced themselves. "I'm Goombaria."
"I'm Jubilgoom!"
"And I'm Goomly!"
"And we're your biggest fans."
"Yeah, we love you! You are so brave to get up there on the arena knowing everyday that you might get squashed!"
"Yeah, everyone thinks we're the lowest of the low in a fight."
"But not you! You taught us that we could be just as good as Mario when we work hard enough."
"Yeah! And he jumps SUPER high!"
Goombella was overwhelmed by the praise, but she found space to talk. "Uh… wow! Gee, thanks. I… I had no idea that anyone was paying attention to me in the arena."
"Are you kidding? Every fighter has their fans!" Screamed Goombaria.
"And you guys especially!" Added Jubilgoom.
"Hey, can we get a picture with you and Mario? Or should I say, the Great Gonzales?"
"Uh… sure. Whadya say, Mario?" Goombella asked.
Mario nodded then a one of the Goomba girls handed their mailbox SP to Koops who happily took it for the picture. It was his favorite thing to do. "Okay, girls. Big smiles. You're at Glitzville and it's one of the best days in your life." Koops waited then took a few pictures. "Great now, a few more." Koops took his Camera and snapped a few extras. "Now, for the fans, again, let's get some poses. Everyone say okeydokey!"
"Okeydokey!" Mario gave his iconic peace sign and Goombella gave a cute wink. The Goomba girls tried to pose in a Goombellaesk way.
"Nice job! Here you go." Koops smiled.
"Wow! These are awesome! Thank you so much!" said Goomly.
"My pleasure," Koops smiled, shuffling through his Hi-Def polaroid photos approvingly. He kept one then signed three, "Mario, Flurrie, could you sign these?" They both happily signed and Koops kept hold of them for now.
"By the way, what's your name?" Asked Goombaria.
"Goombella."
"It was so nice to meet you, Goombella. We look forward to your next match. We'll be routing for you, so knock 'em one for us and look for us it the crowd okay?"
"You bet," Goombella replied cheerfully. "Bye!"
"Wait," Koops stopped them giving Goombella a pen. "Here, sign these real fast."
Goombella smiled at Koops. "How thoughtful of you, Koops."
She signed all three copies of the photos. Then Koops handed them each one. "Here you go. Something a little more tangible."
"Autograft PHOTOS!" Squealed Jubilgoom.
"Omigosh! Omigosh" Goombly was near tears.
"How can we thank you?" Goombaria asked taking her photo.
"Don't worry about it," Koops assured, "Just keep watching out for us in the arena. Goodbye now."
"Bye!" the girls said then ran off.
"That was adorable. Koops you dear, you." Flurrie hugged Koops then looked at Goombella. "See dear? It's exactly what you've been hearing all this time. You're an inspiration!"
"Yeah… I guess your right. That felt… cool. Like, it was amazing. Is that how you feel when people recognize you, Mario?" Mario shrugged and nodded with a smile. "Well… it felt nice. So… we have me figured out…"
Everyone looked at Koops. Who was putting his camera away. He looked back up after he finished then frowned. "…What?"