Nothing More than a Hero
Disclaimer: Mario and his crew of comrades belongs to Nintendo and the groove-tastic 80's, not this writer. I do own, however, any original characters, which were born in the recesses of my mind. Poor widdle critters. .
Anyway, I'm not sure where this story is going and if it's going any further, but the idea was floating around in my mind ever since I dusted off my old N64 game, and finally removed OoT from the machine. However, nothing ventured, nothing gained, so enjoy!
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In the backroom of the old plumbing shop, a man sat alone. There was a letter unopened on his desk and he watched it with a strange expression; torn between longing and hatred. That small piece of folded paper tore him apart inside, tangling him in a web of indecision. There were only two threads he could grab and neither felt strong; break the waxed seal or leave it be and send back to the pipe it came from. But with this hesitation, he realized that he had finally had enough.
For fifteen years he had traveled between worlds, transforming from plumber to hero. He had fought villains, saved kingdoms and rescued a princess. His princess. Fifteen years ago he was eighteen. Young and green, fresh from the city life, and ready for adventure. It seemed like a sheer accident when he and his brother fell into the pipe that carried them away to the Otherworld. Yet, it had always weighed heavy on his mind. Fifteen years ago, he had rushed head first into danger, without looking back.
And now, fifteen years later, he stopped caring. Because, like any other time, the ending remained the same. He didn't want to be the Savior, nor any other title that was thrown his way. But he knew that's the way he would always be known, all he'd ever be. Nothing more than a hero.
His mind became remarkably clear and he stood up from the old wooden chair. His eyes never drifted back, nor did his step hesitate as he turned his back on the pipe, the letter and ultimately his other life. Without a goodbye, he left the room and never returned to it.
No longer a hero, he was now nothing more than Mario.