Dirty play
Hello and welcome back I was able to make this chapter relatively fast and had a lot of fun writing it. In this read Mario faces the third generation Donkey Kong in what sure to be a fun game so lets get right into this.
Again I don't own Mario or Mario Strikers Charged all rights go to Nintendo and Next Level Games
Another week had passed and game day was here on this beautiful Sunday. Lots of excitement was in the air as the week couldn't seem to go by fast enough as Strikers was the main topic on everyone's mind.
To great success the Strikers League were blown away by how much of a success the early soccer games were. Forty four million viewers is how much the primetime Bowser and Mario game brought in smashing the previous record of twenty eight million. The sport was big in the Mushroom and Koopa kingdoms and the empire of Sarasaland gaining millions of views from each region but they also grew a new foothold in a new area they desperately wanted to expand in.
The Beanbean kingdom was always a place the Strikers committee wanted to cash in on but never could but now the popularity was quickly rising in the marketable kingdom with more people watching the games.
The heads of Strikers could not be happier with the early success with high merchandise sales, selling out arenas and sponsorship deals they were securing and projectings were showing it wasn't stopping anytime soon.
Kenny, Henry, Dean and Kingston were already on the field ready for their game. Once again Mario was slotted in the primetime slot of eight in the night.
Earlier in the day at four in the afternoon Bowser and Peach had played their game at The Vice. Both teams fought hard but it was Bowser who came out on top winning with a score of three to one thanks to a two goal megastrike early in the game and the pink princess was never able to catch back up. Bowser improved to two wins and one loss as Peach fell to a one and two record as one of the two games of week three was already done and finished.
The Dump was the field Mario and DK will be battling in as the league decided for the primetime game. The turf was completely dirt with the field all muddy as a result of the rain that downpoured showing no intended to stop anytime soon. The stadium was large holding fifty thousand fans seating many sarasalanders because the stadium was actually located in Sarasaland.
Mario was playing as the home team as Donkey Kong played as the traveling away team. DK's team was on the field as well his yellow armored kritter was standing in goal somehow the large ape was able to convince a kritter to play for his team considering Donkey Kong spends most of his day fighting them and their king. His sidekicks consisted of a Toad, Shy Guy and Birdo all wearing yellow attire standing across from the red dressed sidekicks.
"It's nice to be the home team again but it took forever to get here. I barely got any sleep last night." complained the tired Hammer bro rubbing his half open sleepy eyes. Kenny scoffed at Henry's whining before speaking;
"You were out all night doing who knows what in the streets of Sarasaland"
"Not true I was only out until no later than eight pm" Henry said back defended himself from the red Koopa's accusations. Dean then spoke up;
"You didn't come back to the hotel until eleven thirty. You were so tired you knocked on mine and Kingston's room thinking it was yours and Kenny's room"
Henry knew he was caught now so he changed the subject about the game they were about to play. All three of them looked over to three sidekicks they were going to face today and saw them talking among themselves.
Henry was ready to talk some smack. Maybe he could make fun of the fact they still were winless or even how they were just the superior team and they should just forfeit. Kenny saw the evil in his friend's eye and knew he was planning on angring the competition and decided to put a stop to it.
"You know you don't always have to instigate with the teams we're playing right" Kenny told his upfront friend.
"Why not? Trash talking is half of the fun of playing." Henry whined calling the Koopa a wet blanket under his breath. Kenny rolled his eyes hearing what Hammer bro said before talking to the visiting away team.
"Hello how are you three doing?" he asked, greeting the three yellow sidekicks grabbing their attention and breaking their conversation. The Toad, Shy Guy and Birdo didn't know what to say and one by one they said they were good.
"Are you guys ready for the game?" Dean asked them in a friendly manner
"We sure are" the eager Toad answered for all of them. The Shy Guy folded his arms waiting for his excited teammate to be done talking before he spoke up;
"This game has some big implications for the both of us"
The Shy Guy couldn't have been more right. Both teams had a lot on the line and reasons they wanted to win.
If Mario wins he could continue his winning ways and hold a one game lead above Bowser. The closest person to his first place standing entering the second half of the season. A Donkey Kong loss would be devastating to the great ape's season falling to an abysmal zero and three record staying in last place for another week.
A DK win would do wonders for the team. A win in the win column would bounce the team from fourth place to third place tying with Peach for the spot. Also a win against Mario would be such a morale booster for the squad taking down undoubtedly the best team so far this season. A loss here wouldn't do the Fireballs any favors. It would tie them up with Bowser for first place and losing to DK would affect morale but not in a positive way.
"Well we don't plan on losing anytime soon. We crushed Peach ten zip imagine the absolute blowout we're going to hand you." Henry taunted pointing at the Shy Guy. This made the yellow Shy Guy narrowed eyes not liking the Hammer Bro's sharp tongue. The short masked man then looked up and smirked at who he saw coming his way.
Donkey Kong came crashing in from the sky. The large ape started pounding his chest rapidly and slammed his fist in the muddy ground grunting the whole time. The gorilla was big and fierce. He was wearing his old green number fifty five jersey under his yellow two piece upper body metal armor that protected his chest and back with green and red accents. He also wore yellow wrist straps on his arm looking quite heavy. Henry was startled by the huge primate not because he was scared but for another reason that made him uncomfortable.
"Um… why isn't he wearing shorts?" Henry whispered to his two friends feeling quite uncomfortable.
"What's the big deal? Normally all he wears is a tie" Dean tried explaining to the in disbelief hammer wielding turtle but not sure how he felt about the half naked ape either.
"He didn't wear shorts during the old strikers and plus Bowser didn't wear a jersey or shorts so why is it a big deal now? Kenny pointing out the weak logic of Henry making a big deal out of this.
Their talk was stopped by the sudden appearance of their leader and captain Mario when he landed perfectly on his feet in front of the ball in a crouch position. Mario stood up with his hands on his hips and with a happy look on his face not with his usual scowl.
"Well long time-a no see Donkey" Mario greeting the grandson of the original Donkey Kong who goes by Cranky nowadays. They were on good terms only the occasional kidnapping of his first love Pauline but it was never out of evil so he was always able to forgive the ape.
He should really see how Pauline is doing he thought maybe they could go out for dinner sometime. DK grunted saying hello in his own language that the plumber couldn't understand.
"Um... great lets-a have a good game" Mario said with good cheer extending his arm out for a handshake. The great gorilla took the hand and shook it showing good camaraderie. Little did he know he was applying a little too much strength to the handshake hurting the plumber with his strong grip.
Mario held his hand close to his chest after the handshake and waved his hand trying to relieve some of the pain. He looked back and saw Donkey Kong still with a big smile not fully knowing what he did so again Mario didn't hold any ill will to the ape understanding it was just an accident.
Both teams were now ready to give the fans and people watching from home a good game that was worth waiting for. Being the home team Mario had the crowd on his side the people from Sarasaland loved him. Some were wearing Fireballs merch, holding up signs and one shy guy in the crowd went above and beyond with a comically large red foam finger.
DK by no means was hated but the crowd was overwhelmingly on the portly plumber's side but a few in attendance were rooting for the leader of the DK crew.
Line ups go as the following, Mario and DK upfront as striker Kenny and Toad as left midfielders Henry and Shy Guy as right midfielders Dean and Birdo playing defender and Kingston and DK's kritter being the goalkeepers for today. With everyone ready and the fans red hot the horn was set off and the game began.
Mario slide tackled grabbing the ball and knocking down DK in one fell swoop. Getting back up Mario maintained his momentum and ran towards the left side electric fence trying to avoid the Toad which he did. Running down the left sideline for a little he stopped and made a quick shot not even bothering to charge his attempt on goal.
The yellow dressed kritter had no problem catching the ball and held the ball as everyone less ran back anticipating the kritter to kick the ball back in play. DK's kritter did just that punting the steel ball over to Mario's half of the field no problem with some serious hang time.
Henry and Shy Guy were the closest to where the ball was heading for as both made for a beeline. Shy Guy won out with his better running and secured the ball before Henry could make it. The Hammer bro tried to delay him with a swing of his hammer but the Shy Guy felt his presence behind him and leaped forward avoiding the vicious attack.
Shy Guy ran his way awkwardly to Kingston and the goal drawing everyone on team Fireballs to him just as he hoped. He passed the ball back with the back of his cleat to Donkey Kong.
DK was standing at the middle back of Mario's side of the pitch near the midfield line when he was given the ball. Donkey Kong grabbed the ball in his left hand holding the round piece of steel at face level and pulled his head back. Kenny was the nearest to the ape but he wasn't fast enough to make it to the big gorilla in time. Donkey Kong whipped his head back making contact with the ball with his forehead sending a decently charged shot Kingston's way.
Kingston kept his eyes on the ball and saw it for the left side of his net so with quick vigor the kritter dove. The fast thinking and equally swift action of the Fireballs goalie blocked the powerful shot rerouting the metal sphere to the right sideline of the muddy arena only stopping at the electric fence that stopped the ball from rolling any further.
"HEY! Why did he use his hands that shouldn't be legal" Henry shouted, not believing what he just saw.
"Again Bowser used his hands for volley shots and besides you're using hammers you're not exactly helping your case" Kenny rebutted back to the Hammer bro, why is he just noticing that Strikers isn't your traditional soccer he mumbled under his breath.
The once yellow near fully charged ball was still idle very quickly losing power the more it was left alone near the dangerous high voltage fence. Shy Guy hurried his way to reach the ball but was stopped short as Dean came out nowhere from his view knocking him in the toutures electric fence suffering its wrath.
Dean was the first to reach the still ball speeding off this the ball crossing the midfield line in no time thanks to his superb speed avoiding Donkey Kong's great defensive range. Dean passed the ball to Kenny who was near him making the pass easy on the Dry Bones.
Kenny ran for a little before stopping and launched his steel koopa shell. As always the koopa shell was effective at knocking down the kritter for what seemed an easy score. The ball knocked back near the Birdo who used her snout to pick up the ball and carried the ball away giving enough time for the dizzy goalie to regain his senses as DK's lightning catched a lucky break.
Almost like deja vu the game almost resembled Mario's previous encounter with Bowser but the crowd didn't mind jumping up and down almost shaking the stadium by their never ending hopping. The game itself was their reason for their great joy. Both teams played with everything they got but also fair with legal slide tackles and checks making items scarce between both teams but play stayed dirty literally.
Mud was the main nuisance of both teams the thick sticky liquid made it hard for both teams to maneuver as not only did the sloppy terrain slow them down the storm drain in the center of the field pulled in the mud pulling any player in its current. With every slide tackle and rolling on the after a check mud would stick on the player's faces and outfits and surely a long shower was in need for all of them after the game was over.
Toad had the ball making Mario look silly by jumping over the plumber's slide tackle with a ten out of ten somersault. Back on his feet the Toad ran a little further before charging for his skillshot. Kingston dreaded what was about to happen hoping one of his teammates could top the little fungus man but then skillshot was set off coming his way.
The fire meteor traveled fast to the loud mouth kritter in an instant Kingston raised his hands to meet the ball and when the ball reached him he knew it wouldn't be fun.
Both of his hands were set on fire letting out a scream trying to wave them off. In the commotion Kingston saw the ball sitting near his feet in a blind panic he kicked the ball away from him and his net not caring where it went or landed his main priority was extinguishing his fire problem.
The ball flew high in the air by Kingston's strong out of desperation kick. Mario was in just the right place and stopped the ball with his chest letting the ball fall to his feet dribbling crossing to DK's side. Mario ran as fast as he could in the ocean of mud but he managed to get close to the goal standing right infront of it and fired off a shot aiming for the left side of the net. The opposing kritter dove too slowly in combination with the sinking mud making it difficult to bend his knees and jump. The ball zipped by and Mario drew first blood in the first minute of play.
Mario held his arm up in a show of gratitude to the crowd cheering him on while using his other hand to wipe some of the mud off himself. Walking back to his team in the span of around forty seconds they were all dirty with mud all over them.
Kenny and Henry were trying to get some of the mud off Henry even flicked some of the mud off him at Kenny making the red Koopa Troopa ever more irritated at the Hammer bro's childish behavior. An argument soon erupted between the two, Mario often wondered how the two were friends considering the two mostly fought as their personalities were polar opposite.
Kenny being the sensible, rational and mature one as Henry was an arrogant, impulsive and loud mouth mess of a character but their friendship somehow worked. Both had what the other lacked and both enjoyed each other's company even if they would never admit it.
Dean was standing off to the side looking at the two argue. He then noticed Mario walking towards them. He silently told the plumber good job and offered a fist bump that the plumber gladly accepted.
Kenny and Henry were still heavily engrossed in their bickering they didn't even notice that Mario, Dean and everybody else were now all staring at them waiting for them to stop. Kenny was the first to notice all the eyes on him and abruptly stopped his shouting. Henry was puzzled why did Kenny suddenly go quiet?
He then looked at Mario and Dean, DK and his team and the fans in attendance were all looking at him. Kenny and Henry were both quite embarrassed. Henry was the first to speak while raising his open hand and rubbing the back of his neck with the other.
"Sorry, let's continue with the game" with a shaky voice. Mario and Dean laughed as they all lined up to resume play with four minutes and sixteen seconds left of time.
Donkey Kong punched the ball sending the purple glowing sphere to his yellow toad sidekick. The Toad didn't hesitate as he immediately passed the ball down to the yellow Birdo. Birdo sucked the ball in her snout running through the mud steadily making her way on the pitch.
Mario saw the only girl on the field running towards the right side electric fence and made a dash to her with his cleats as mud splatter with his every stride. Mario made his way and once at comfortable range we threw his full weight for a check. Birdo saw the impending danger and pirouette spinning quickly.
Mario was caught in the deke as Birdo grabbed his head and after a few spins tossed the now dizzy plumber away turning the tables on Mario. Mario landed face first on the muddy terrain getting the foul sludge all over him to his dismay. His pain wasn't done yet as the mud was quite wet he slid across the soft soil into the electric fence capping off the sad turn of events for the plumber.
Birdo crossed over to Mario's side of the pitch after outwitting the Fireballs captain. Safely alone in the bottom right corner of Mario's half of the field slightly over the midfield line she got ready for his skillshot as she charged the ball. Dean saw this and made a mad dash to stop the Birdo making his way through the tough mud going as fast as he could considering the muddy circumstances.
Birdo now ready released her skillshot extreme egg, if the giant egg reached the kritter it was a goal no questions asked so the skillshot was very feared among opposing teams and main reasons why Peach and Donkey Kong recruited Birdos on their squads. The egg moved towards Kingston while still growing not yet hard boiled sturdy.
Dean stood in the shot's way and when hit something unexpected happened. The egg exploded upon impact with the elusive Dry Bones shattering the shell many pieces falling to the ground.
The ball was visible again as it released from within the egg. Birdo ran to the ball that was fully charged and glowing and picked up the white hued ball at another attempt on goal but something caught her eye. Looking more like she was going to take a shot she instead passed the ball.
Donkey saw the metal ball coming his way as he stood barely over the midfield standing the same distance from both sides of the electric fence. The big ape pulled his right leg so far he needed to use his opposite sided hand to balance himself as he kicked the white glowing ball with a mighty kick. The ball flew at a fast velocity towards the right side of the net and Kingston dove but he wasn't able to reach the ball in time and in just twenty seconds the game was tied once again.
Donkey Kong ran and saw a flying camera and with a strong swing of his arm he knocked the broadcasting device over and jumped in front of it celebrating his half field score.
Kingston was still on the ground not believing he let the ball just zoom by him he slammed a fist down on the ground in frustration before getting up.
"Don't kill yourself over the goal"
Kingston heard seeing the voice belong to Dean walking over to him then responding with the following;
"I'm fine, no need to get all worried" he said in a disdainful way with a rough kick to the ground.
"Calm down, it's only one goal. We need to just forget about it and move on" Dean told the disgruntled kritter. The goalkeeper was perplexed by the Dry Bones's statement.
"Forget about it?"
"Just forget about the goal. If you dwell on the goal you'll end up making mistakes and what's worse? Letting one goal get passed you or two or three or four or five you get the point?" Dean explained the mentality and what the motto meant.
Kingston thought the explanation over and realized the dead koopa troopa had a point and thanked him and they fisted bumped. Kingston grew to like Dean in the short time they have gotten acquainted.
Dean was fierce on the field playing as if every second was his last but in truth he was pretty shy. Never talking too much unless spoken to but once he got used to someone he would open up. He could be snarky and bold like Henry and calm and collected like Kenny making him the middle man of the three as he had traits of both of them.
Mario, Kenny and Henry made their way to the two with all five together. Mario called a huddle to talk to his team privately.
"We're-a tied again one to one any ideas?" Mario asked his motley crew for their thoughts.
"How about a Megastrike that could turn the tide of the game in our favor" Kenny threw out there knowing the quick game changing ability of the move.
"Ok then that's what I'll-a try and do. But some-a quick adjustments. Kenny you-a stay back a bit and focus on defense. Henry you will-a push forward and do what you do best scoring and-a setting up goals ok?"
"Ok!" the rest yelled, all clapping their hands once and walking back to their designated positions. Three minutes and fifty six seconds remained on the clock and resumed when Mario heard the horn and passed the ball down to Henry.
Henry made his way past the Shy Guy with ease crushing him with a giant hammer smash knocking him into the electric fence for the second time. Henry ran along the right sideline jumping back avoiding DK's three green shells that bounced off the fence.
Henry shot the ball using his trusty hammer. The ball hit Birdo in the face sending her to the ground almost the same as she did to Dean. Henry gained the ball back and shot the ball again, actually reaching the kritter but not making it passed him as he had time to prepare for the incoming attack.
The ball rebounded back straight at Mario who stood directly in front of the net and kicked it quickly. The kritter had enough time and leaped to his left stopping the goal with the tips of his fingertips stopping the second shot. The crowd went wild blowing the nonexistent roof off the stadium at the incredible effort of the goalkeeper.
The ball was fought all over the muddy arena with shells and bananas assisting and hampering both sides. The rain continued its downpour soaking the players and some fans. The mud was still having its way with the players slowing them down and tripping them up falling into the mud to soak in the repulsive muck. Bombs were also used nonstop sending players and mud in the air in an almost breathtaking display of destruction.
DK and his sidekicks were definitely reeling, all of them had stains of dirt over them on their once bright yellow uniforms now all faded and sapped of their once beautiful color. Donkey Kong took the brunt of the beating, the ape was always shadowed by either Dean or Kenny using checks or items to take him down. Shells, bombs you name it he's been attacked by them even bananas, the things he loved so much he would hoard over were used to trip him up and irony almost hurt as much as the bombs.
Kingston caught the ball from the air from a long distance from the yellow Shy Guy. He called out Kenny's name and threw the ball to the Koopa Troopa.
Kenny dribbled the ball narrowly avoiding DK's sliding arm tackle by withdrawing into his shell and quickly dashing around the ape. Now over in DK's territory Kenny maintained the ball a little before passing the ball to set up Mario.
The ball made its way to Mario beautifully rolling through the mud and the plumber got ready and kicked the ball. The yellow armored kritter dove to the right catching the ball mid dive. Mario threw his arms in frustration, the ball was decently charged but still wasn't enough to get past the kritter.
DK's kritter surveyed the field trying to find someone to throw the ball to but found no one open and panicked. Knowing he was running out of time the kritter booted the ball with a punt getting rid of the steel ball. The ball traveled far making it to Mario's half of the field no problem. DK saw the ball was coming his way and jumped in the air catching Dean off guard. The great gorilla smashed his fist into the ball that still was its orange hue using the out of desperation clearing into a prime goal scoring opportunity.
Kingston was ready this time jumping to his right blocking the metal ball. The ball rolled to the top left corner of the pitch against the electric fence. Kingston then saw the Toad who sent him a blaze running towards the ball and the red goalkeeper got up and sprinted to the ball. Both got close but Kingston got the upper hand when he grabbed the Toad by the head and hurled the mushroom man in the electric powered fence in a great play and revenge for the skillshot.
The crowd couldn't believe the sheer force of the kritter but absolutely loved it chanting play forever never wanting the madness to stop. The fans wish did in fact come true when Kingston rolled the ball off to Dean only for him to be hit by the yellow Shy Guy sending Dean to the ground hard and leaving the undead koopa wobbly and covered in mud.
Mario and team were not faring the best either. The mud hindered their high-octane offense along with the undeniable offensive presence of Donkey Kong. After the ape scored Mario knew Dean alone couldn't handle DK so he had Kenny stay back to play a more defensive role.
Still he wasn't a hundred percent because of the beating he took in last week's game from Bowser. His bruised ribs were still nagging him. He had to heavily tape up his ribs. He didn't tell his team he was still injured in fear they would worry about him more then the game but he could tell they were looking at him. He was more sluggish in his running and didn't have the same flair to his game. On more than one occasion he had the ball in a good place to take back the lead but was stopped by DK and his sidekicks or wasting the opportunities with bad shot taking.
The ball changed hands many times with teams freezing each other with blue shells, snatching the ball from one another with mushrooms increasing their speed tenfold or just good old bombs stopping them in tracks.
The people in attendance yelled off the top of their lungs. The game might have not been a high scoring one but a close defensive showcase was just as good of a game.
Henry had the ball near the right sideline doing everything in his power to not lose the ball using his power hammer deke to crush or intimidate the rival team. At last he was getting closed in by Birdo and passed the ball back to Dean.
Dean who was still in the back of Mario's side of the field received the ball and dashed off. Donkey Kong stood in the Dry Bones daring him to try and get past him. Dean did just that curling up rolling forward before disappearing and reappearing being the giant ape.
Dean hurried off now next to the left sideline while crossing to DK's side of the field. The Fireballs Dry Bones now over the midfield line stop in the top left corner on the right half of the field. Dean got ready and charged the ball up waiting for the ball to be ready for his skillshot. Now ready he launched his skillshot, the shocker paralyzing the yellow kritter from moving.
The ball then bounced off the numb kritter back to Dean in the air. Dean jumped meeting the fully charged ball with a header and sent the ball back on goal. The ball made it over the immobilized goalie hitting the mud rolling slowly towards the net. Everyone held their breath looking on if the ball would make it before the kritter got up. Just as the kritter recovered from his electrocution the steel ball broke the goal line and scored.
The crowd exploded in cheers at the goal finally breaking the deadlock with team Fireballs regaining the lead once again. Dean ran on the field curling up in a ball before leaping the air striking a pose and held his arms up to the crowd.
Back over with his captain and teammates he was showered in praise with Mario and Kenny patting his shell and Henry playfully punching him in the arm. Mario then spoke up;
"Nice-a job Dean you got us the lead again. Now we-a need to keep it. I'll try for-a Megastrike. Same-a plan Kenny you-a play more defensive and-a Henry you continue with your smash-mouth offense ok?"
"OK!" they all shouted confidently ready to nail the final nail in the coffin and end this game and walked back to get ready for the game to resume.
Donkey Kong stood a midfield ready to resume but he didn't seem worried. The ape was positive he or his sidekicks could tie the game back up or even take the lead. DK had the Megastike in his back pocket as well and a good one could turn the tables on his side for the better.
In all only a minute and two seconds remained on the clock. A minute was probably all both teams could handle. They were tired and breathing hard seemingly at any point they would just collapse and give in to the pain. The horn was set off beginning the last stretch of the game.
DK ran forward with the ball along with all his sidekicks pushing into Mario's territory for one great offensive push. Mario yelled telling his team to stay back while running backwards. DK passed the ball down to his Shy Guy then checking Mario illegally awarding him his special captain item. The crowd started chanting Mario's name jumping up and down wanting the Italian plumber to use his trump card but he chose to wait.
Shy guy now had the ball and avoided Henry's hammer attack leaping forward quickly letting Birdo tackle the Hammer bro from behind into the electric fence continuing Henry's back luck with Birdos.
The short Shy Guy now with space got ready and planned his next move. After charging the ball the masked minion jumped and strapped on a bullet bill heading straight at Kingston knocking Dean out of his way.
Kingston looked calm but on the inside he was anything but. He didn't know what to do. A bullet bill was coming his way and fast. He then thought about what Dean has said to him after letting that stupid ape score on him and decided he wasn't going to let the missile get past him and stood his ground. Kingston and the Shy Guy collided head on and both met in an epic collision.
Kingston was flipped over landing on cold mud turf while the yellow Shy Guy was sent high in the air landing hard on his back. Dean now back on his feet saw the ball after the dust from the bullet bill explosion cleared and got the ball out of there, clearing the ball. Dean got the ball to Kenny who in turn passed the ball to Mario.
Mario was standing in the middle of his side of the pitch running straight crossing into DK's half. Mario saw DK and his Toad and Birdo from behind him and with the chants of the crowd who were still yelling his name even during the Shy Guy's skillshot fueling him he activated his captain ability.
Mario turned giant towering over anyone on the pitch or in the stands. Super Mario was his captain item where the plumber uses a mega mushroom to grow in ways we have never seen the mushroom kingdom hero grow before. The fans cheered that the Fireballs captain finally used his item wanting him to wreak havoc and that was exactly what Mario did.
Mario turned around and first crushed Donkey Kong under his right foot then stomping his Toad partner with his next step. The stadium shaked with his every step chasing after the yellow Birdo finally catching and flattening her into the ground. The Shy Guy scuttled over to Mario trying to catch him off guard but the giant plumber saw him and quickly snuffed him out stepping on him. Now with DK and his team flatted Mario kicked the ball up in the air reverting back to his normal height ready to put the game out of reach for DK.
Mario flew straight up in the air leaving the stadium with fire following the plumber's ascend through the sky. The gray clouds parted away revealing the blazing sun torching Mario's metal coated skin. Mario kicked the ball fiercely with a spine-chilling face putting a lot of force behind the kick. Mario had managed to split the ball into six coming in fast. The yellow armored kritter clapped his hands loudly getting himself ready as he was the last line of defense for the DK lighting.
The first ball got past him as he dove over the ball and scored from under him. The second shot flew right past way too fast for him to react in time but was able to stop the third shot diving to the left shattering the ball out of existence. The forth he panicked and tripped over his leg letting the ball go right over him. The fifth shot he made the same mistake diving over the ball once again letting the ball escape him. The sixth and final ball we jumped up and caught it saving the last shot but he had conceded four goals in total.
The kritter was livid and saw his Birdo team getting back pushing herself onto her feet. In an act of anger the yellow goalkeeper chucked the steel object at the back of Bidro's head sending the poor girl back into the cool mud ground.
Mario did a triple spiral jump then flashed a thumbs up with a big smile to the camera before running out of the shot with the raining in cheers. A four goal Megastrike had given Mario a stranglehold on the game with under twenty seconds left.
Mario made his way back to his side of the field to only be circled by his sidekicks.
"Not bad boss, a four goal Megastrike and you delivered.". Henry spoke first and gave Mario a fist bump.
"I think it's safe to say we just won this game.". Dean said proudly as he did score a goal himself.
Kenny told Mario good job on the Megastrike quietly giving him a high five. Mario thanked them all before getting serious telling his team to come in close.
"Ok just-a play defense and make sure we-a don't let-a Donkey Kong get any space he could try for-a Megastrike ok?" the plumber silently told his team the game plan. They nodded and walked back into formation.
DK was now on the ropes. The once close game is now seemingly out of reach and over. The Megastrike was his only hope now and the giant gorilla got ready walking on all fours to the midfield with the ball in front of him.
"Mario scores four goal with an impressive Megastrike taking a six one lead and only eighteen seconds are left. Donkey Kong must act quickly so let's get back to the game." the stadium announcer said before honking the horn letting the last few seconds wind down.
DK ran down with the ball trying to get to the right sideline. Henry saw him coming his direction and made his way to try and impede the great ape. Donkey Kong saw the Hammer bro running to him and pounded his chest creating powerful sound waves knock down Henry. DK now at the right sideline electric fence walked over to the bottom right corner of Mario's half charging for a Megastrike.
Mario saw what he feared the most and sprinted over to Donkey Kong. Mario checked the big ape in his chest leading with his right shoulder knocking DK in the nearly electric fence. Mario then saw running his way Shy Guy to recover the ball but the plumber from Brooklyn tackled the mask wearing henchman knocking the sidekick back. Mario kicked the steel ball back to Dean telling the defensive superstar to hold on the ball for as long as he could.
Dean stopped the ball with the bottom of his right cleat and did what he was told. The defensive Dry Bones ran to the top left corner of the pitch guarding the ball from anyone wearing yellow who came close.
Toad saw what team Fireballs were trying to do and made his way to Dean running straight along the left sideline. Dean was the Toad approaching fast and kicked the ball high in the air to Kenny.
Kenny received the ball and crossed into DK's side of the field with no one around him and took a weak shot on goal as the last seconds of the game expired and the game was over. Mario had won six to one and by just looking at the score it seems Mario crushed Donkey Kong. In reality the game was hard fought and was close almost the entire game.
Mario saluted the crowd thanking them. Kenny and Henry walked over to each other and both apologized for the earlier squabble and hugged reconciling. Dean was with Kingston waving to the crowd and did a little jig.
Mario saw DK sitting in the middle of the field with his legs spread out looking down at the ground quite sad. Mario walked his way over to the sad ape and held out a hand to the gorilla who just looked at him with a straight face.
"You-a pushed me to my limits-a Donkey. Put it there friend." the plumber said with a small smile.
The ape looked at the hand before then grabbing it. Getting back on all fours and shook the plumber's metal gloved hand not crushing Mario's hand with his grip like before. After the handshake both captains called for their teams to meet in the middle show respect to each other and shake hands.
The sidekicks and kritters did just that taking turns to shake each other's hands leading to some interesting interactions.
Henry met with the DK lightning right midfielder Shy guy leading to a tense encounter after Henry guaranteed a victory today at the Shy Guy. Nevertheless they both shock hands respecting one another's skill and passion for the game.
Kingston after shaking the hand of the Toad he threw in the wall was greeted by Donkey Kong. The stupid ape in the goalie's own words and his team of kongs have been fighting and slaughtering his kind for years so his hatred to the gorilla immeasurable. Reluctantly he shocked the kong's hand wanting to get the action over with.
The crowd started clapping at the good sportsmanship being displayed as the electric fence was shut off letting both teams leave the arena. Both sides left through opposite exits waving off to the crowd and thanking them for being there and cheering them on.
In the locker room Mario and his took a well needed and deserve shower washing the dirt and grime off themselves before changing into their clothes and leaving the Sarasaland stadium.
On their way back to the Mushroom Kingdom on their personal bus not much talking was done. Everyone was fatigued and exhausted all of them just wanted to rest. Henry even dozed off in his seat. Three and zero never felt so good Mario thought he and his team had beat everyone else and were first place in the standings.
But this was only the beginning. They still had three games to go versus everyone one more time before the season was over but what he has seen of his team so far he was confident they could win the next three straight again as he closed his eyes drifting off to sleep for the rest of the ride.
Author's Notes
And that concludes another game in Mario's journey through the Fire cup and with a 3-0 record Mario stands alone atop the standing for another week. But the season is only halfway done and Mario and his team can't let up the gas just yet as they meet Peach once again for hopefully a more competitive showcase of the pink playmaker but to see that you must read the next chapter of Strikers Road Climb.
Until then see you next time