Chapter 50
Peach's Difficult Battle
Peach ducked as Mario swung his powerful fist, grazing her hair. She turned to face him, retreating away from him. Heart pounding frantically, she searched for an escape route, but Mario blocked the stairs Forgeron had used. Behind her was a heavy wooden door with metal ringlets – the main entrance to the throne room, but it would require too much precious time to pull it open.
And there was no way she would outrun the plumber to the stairway – he was faster and more agile than she.
"Mario, it's me, Peach!" she screamed. "Please, stop this!"
His black whirlpool eyes failed to recognize her, and he gave no hint that he understood her. He sprinted at her, ramming her, his closed hand contacting her stomach in the process. She fell back, her body slamming into the stone floor and gasped like a fish out of water. Her body ached and her wound still bled, dotting the ground with crimson. Mario returned to a fighting stance, waiting patiently for her to get up. She wanted to break down and weep – how could Forgeron do such a thing?
He's making sure I suffer, just like Forgeron said, she thought grievously, moaning as she struggled to stand. I – I have to fight back. Oh, Mario…
She hid a cupped hand behind her, concentrating, creating a small bomb in her grip. Completely on her feet again, she held position, wondering if Mario would make the first move. Their eyes met, unclouded azure orbs against murky swirls that radiated cold evil.
Peach shifted her position, sensing Mario's impatience rising. Just a little longer…
Mario sprung, preparing to attack. Peach hurled her Pysch bomb – hitting Mario's check and he stopped, shielding with his arms. A second explosive followed by another and another, gray smoke surrounding the plumber. Peach scampered to the other side, judging her distance from Mario by his coughs. She could see a hazy figure within the smoke, outlining the plumber. She couldn't muster the courage to use a real harmful bomb.
Forgive me…
Peach leaped into the air and, with a swift and skilled aim, kicked Mario between his shoulder blades, forcing him to stumble forward. She rebounded as Mario whirled around, his punch a few centimeters short of her face. Peach dodged his second jab, and delivered a hard slap to his cheek, a quick painful sting.
Mario did a back flip out of Peach's reach. His feet barely touched the ground when he charged, shoving her shoulder with his. She staggered and Mario eyed her cautiously. He would attack again once she regained her balance…
The battle was intense, physically and emotionally. Peach knew Mario was retaining his true strength, tiring her out, making her suffer until she exhaled her last breath. For every attack she delivered successfully, he would return thrice the many blows.
I have to slow him down somehow, she thought despairingly.
Focusing on her Pysch Bomb, Peach stepped back. Mario crouched down, anticipating another assault.
The first bomb struck the floor before him, but the puppet had already jumped into the air – and into Peach's plan. She threw another bomb that exploded above her, knocking Mario down. He hit the floor, lying down on his side.
She tiptoed toward the prone plumber and leaned slightly over him. Despite being singed in a few areas, and unconscious, he appeared to be unharmed. She sighed, wiping sweat off her brow.
I got to get out of here… But I can't leave Mario behind! What do I do?
A sharp and piercing blow struck her left ankle, causing a sickening crack. She cried out as she fell. She gazed upward; Mario stood before her. She groaned, her ankle throbbed painfully, as did her injuries.
I can't keep this up… Oh, Stars, please, I don't want to die here… Not now, I still have something to do.
Peach had no more energy to defend herself, nor the courage to continue battling the one she cared for, even if he was under a spell. She fought back tears – her heart ached more than her body.
Not now… I still have something to do.
"Sl… Sleepy Sheep," she mumbled, and directed the weak incantation. Unable to form the charm completely, a simple wave of sparkling dust engulfed Mario instead. He toppled back, trying to rub the soporific magic from his eyes. Wobbling on one good leg, Peach launched herself at him and wrapped her arms around his neck, her head buried in his chest. Drawing the last of her energy, she glowed a soft pink as she attempted to use group hug to nullify Forgeron's bind on him. She struggled to stay away, but she felt so exhausted and her injuries hurt…
Mario, I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I always wanted to…
She knew he would finish her off; she couldn't resist anymore yet she had to stay conscious for a few seconds more. Before she collapsed, she managed to utter a single sentence as the darkness embraced her. Something she wanted Mario to know for the longest time.
"I love you…"
