Chapter 52

The Recovery

"I love you…"

The words were an arrow of light penetrating the darkness that infected Mario's mind. He felt the bind that entangled him shatter, rendering him weak. He clutched at his head furiously, trying to suppress the intense pain in his mind and fell to his knees. He thought his head would split from the sheer agony. A wicked laughter rang in his ears, and transformed into a shriek of rage.

It died off, leaving Mario panting and shivering from the sudden chills that inhabited his body. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, ignoring the throbbing ache in his head, and opened his eyes.

The sight sickened him.

Peach lay unconscious on her side before him, covered in horrible black and blue bruises. Her shirt was stained with blood, old and fresh. Messy blonde hair covered her eyes. Instead of her usual attire, she wore a pink shirt, and blue jean shorts. That outfit looked familiar… He pushed the thought away and focused on the princess.

"Peach…?"

He quickly seized her wrist and fumbled for a pulse. He felt the tiny beat under his thumb and sighed in relief.

"Peach, wake up. Please," he begged, uncertain of his next action. Should he move her? Attend to her injuries?

Kneeling over her, Mario caressed her cheek, brushing the hair out of her face, and glanced at the injury on her left ankle. What happened to her? Where were they?

A weak moan escaped her lips and Mario withdrew his hand, still indecisive.

You're the hero; you should know everything! A voice echoed in his mind.

Believe me, Mario thought, I wish I did.

Peach stirred, then struggled to sit up. Her right hand covered her face as she shook her head slowly, and Mario wondered if she had a headache.

"Peach, are you ok?"

Her head whirled around, and stared at him. Her eyes were wide, and her lips were slightly parted as she looked at him in disbelief. She appeared stunned, but why? He always rescued her. Why was she so shocked? Did she… give up on him?

"Ma- Mario?" her voice trembled as Mario frantically tried to string together a coherent sentence.

"I… uh… "

Peach hurled herself at him, and Mario fell back, his legs sprawled out. Her slender arms wrapped around his thick neck as she rested her body against his. Her face was buried in his shoulder, sobbing hysterically, shrugging with each sudden breath. Mario could feel his heart pound madly.

WhatshouldIdowhatshouldIdo, Mario panicked silently, blushing heavily. Mamma mia! Should I comfort her?

Cautiously, he embraced her in return. When Peach did not object, he stroked the back of her head, combing his gloved fingers through her hair. Slowly, her cries calmed down until it was a gentle weep with occasional shallow gasps.

"It's ok," he whispered. "I'm here."

"I was so scared," she mumbled, her eyes closed. "I thought I was done for…"

Mario froze, his stomach suddenly felt hollow and he subconsciously held her closer; she felt very weak and fragile in his arms. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her.

"Who did this to you?" he asked, restraining a storm rage and hatred toward the person who hurt her.

"A terrible monster by the name of Forgeron," she explained. "He's trying to take over the world using the power of the Star Road. We had to destroy it and find all the Star Pieces… Not only that… he… kidnapped you and put you under a spell to turn you against us. After I got separated from Luigi and the others, he was the one who ordered you to… to…" she trailed off weeping. Mario gazed at her injuries, devastated.

I… I did this?

"Peach, I'm so sorry," Mario blurted out.

Peach wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, and sat up. Reluctant, Mario released his grip on her so she could face him. She smiled sweetly, her moist sapphire eyes regarding him affectionately, which only made Mario flush deeper.

"I know," she spoke tenderly. "It's not your fault so please don't blame yourself."

The plumber nodded in reply, although he couldn't shake the guilt.

I'll make this Forgeron pay, he thought bitterly.

"Can I see your ankle?"

He knew Peach could heal, but he did not want her to risk overexerting herself. Mario knelt down and carefully removed the sneaker and stripped the sock off her foot. The joint was swollen and already discoloured black and blue. Like a leaky pipe, he knew he had to apply pressure to the wound, but with what? He eyed the shoelaces and got an idea. Mario undid the shoelaces, and tested the elasticity of the white sock. It was short but it stretched easily. He wrapped the fabric around Peach's ankle and secured it tightly with the shoelace.

"I- it's not much," he stuttered, flustered, averting his eyes from her, "but it should do for now."

"Thank you," Peach said gratefully and attempted to stand up. She limped once before stumbling and Mario caught her before she fell.

"Here," he offered, picking her up before she could say anything. His left arm supported her legs while the right arm wrapped around her back. Her face reddened slightly, and Mario realized this was the first time he had seen her blush.

"Peach," he questioned finally, after an awkward pause, "do you know where Forgeron is?"

"He," she gestured in the direction of the throne seat, "went up the stairs. You're not going to fight him, are you?" Her voice was filled with worry and fear.

"I have to. It's my duty to protect you – and your kingdom. Did he say anything before he left?"

Oh, good job, Romeo, he thought, realizing his wording sounded cold. You blew it again.

"Um…"

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"Don't make me ask again," Forgeron threatened. "Now, how many Star Pieces have you found?"

"F-Four…" Peach stuttered. It hurt to move.

"Already? Have they all been used?"

"Y-yes…"

"Well, no point in idling anymore. I shall dispose of them right now."

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"Forgeron took a Star Piece with him," she exclaimed apprehensively, as Mario hurried toward the stairs. "I… I think Luigi and the others are in trouble. He said he wanted to dispose of them! It's possible he used the Star Piece since they can still grant wishes."

Mario nodded, determined. "Let's-a go."

Yay, chapter 52 finished! Not long to go now!