Barren Rock Island
Hi and welcome to the final week of Fire Cup play before the playoffs. This game is pointless but I hope you still find this chapter fun and read it all the way through.
Again no I don't own Mario or Mario Strikers Charged Nintendo and Next Levels Games do.
Saying that people were excited for the final week of the Fire Cup was truly an understatement to say the least.
Bowser and Peach win and get in match was all the buzz. Many sports bars and casinos planned to air the week six primetime game. Bets were also being taken for the high profile game with many wagering coins hoping to turn a profit by predicting the winner of the match.
So much attention was put on the monarch derby match that a good deal of people forgot about the game preceding it.
Mario and Donkey Kong came walking in with very different trajectories.
Mario was still undefeated and without question was the most dominant team so far. It was easy to tell the Fireballs were having fun and enjoying their time.
DK was not having the same experience as Mario. Winless and nothing to play for the great ape was not in the best of moods. However he was still able to maintain high morale in his loyal sidekicks throughout the entire season.
The arena they would play their last regular season match would be Thunder Island in the Koopa Kingdom.
Arena wasn't the right word. Abandoned ocean rock was a better way to put it.
Thunder Island is a large rock in the middle of the ocean off the lands of the Koopa Kingdom. Being in such a remote area in the outskirts of Bowser's realm in the far waters tropical storms were not uncommon.
The water was rough with waves crashing at the base of the barren rock with fog surrounding the place making it hard to travel to.
Both teams' sidekicks and goalie had to get ready putting their protective gear on the shore before boarding small boats to reach the obscured island. During the trip Henry was constantly complaining about not being able to see anything through the thick fog.
Once reaching their destination the players were escorted to the top of the rocky structure.
The field was pure stone of course but it had many ridges and cracks on the surface that had weeds growing out of them. On the edges were gas lamps you would see on your street were set up letting the action be visible during the dark setting.
Talking about the forecast it didn't look pleasing. Dark storm clouds with a purple sky in the background making the area feel uneasy.
Both sides walked to their places and like always met in the middle of the island field. A thick wind then hit almost knocking everybody off their balance.
"I almost lost my head" Dean announced, sticking his head back on his shoulders.
Henry chuckled. "Woah there buddy, don't lose your head" he replied with the not so clever pun.
Kenny collected himself getting back up after the rough wind when something caught his eye.
"Guys look!" he blurted out pointing off in the distance.
There they all saw what seemed to be spectators. This normally wouldn't be out of the blue as so far all their games were packed with fans. However they were taken aback by where they were sitting from.
Near off the big rock field tall pillars stood from the sea where the onlookers were stationed. It was unfathomable how the bystanders sat on the steep slope and remained calm while up there.
"I'm a crazy dude but I would never do something like that" Henry spewed out, not believing what he was seeing.
"I guess some people are willing to sit anywhere to watch a good game of Strikers" DK's yellow Shy Guy said, throwing out an idea why fans would risk their lives to watch a soccer game.
"I heard tickets were cheaper than usual" the yellow Toad added to the discussion.
"Well they also probably had to buy a boat ticket to get to their seats. So it would most likely come out even to a normal priced ticket" Kenny countered back pointing out a hole in the fungus's theory. Kenny said, pointing out the flawed logic of the Toad.
"Alright, calm down Einstein" Henry mockingly said with a hint of snark. Henry let out a small chuckle before turning his attention to the opposing three opponents.
"You three ready for a surprise?"
"Huh? What surprise?" Birdo asked.
"Here it comes right now" Dean answered while looking up and telling his friends to take a step back.
Mario made his appearance with perfect timing. Mario fixed his iconic hat that became crooked and straightened it out.
The famous red plumber stood right in his place with a small smile. He was in a good mood and decided not to be as mean as in his previous two games.
The three yellow sidekicks were bewildered, why was Mario so serene? It was out of place seeing Mario like this.
Mario continued his nonchalant facade and slowly tapped his shoe waiting for someone's arrival. After a few seconds a loud grunt came from the sky. All looked up and saw a large figure falling from the clouds.
"Is that, IT IS! ITS DONKEY KONG!" Toad yelled glad to see his captain.
DK landed and smashed his fist making a small hole in the ground. DK put on a stern look all the more terrifying with the ominous weather.
Mario's smile only grew and with his arms folded walked to the ape. Once about arm length from each other Mario held out his hand.
DK looked at the hand with a flat face and eyes half closed. DK's face soon turned cheery with his classic big goofy smile and shook the plumber's hand.
"There is the-a Donkey I-a know" Mario said trying his best not to sound in pain as the leader of the DK crew crushed his hand.
Donkey Kong then pulled the poor plumber into a bear hug. Mario could feel his recently healed ribs getting crushed by the ape's tree trunk sized arms. Donkey Kong let Mario out of the bone crushing embrace dropping the plumber back on his cleats.
Mario gasped for air as DK's monster hug cut him off of oxygen. Once his lightheadedness passed Mario gave the primate a shaky smile before walking away before DK could do anything else.
"Now I-a know how Pauline went through" Mario said to himself owing an apology to the beautiful brunette.
Mario soon told his team to huddle up and they did just that, Mario even called Kingston to come and join.
"What's up boss?" Henry asked his captain that he very much respected.
Mario was about to speak but another gust of wind hit and Mario held his hat preventing it from blowing away, "I was-a thinking. Since we are-a already qualified for the-a knockout rounds we-a should not try as hard"
His team looked baffled.
"What are you saying Mario?" Dean asked not knowing what the plumber was insinuating.
"I usually understand you stache but I'm with boney. What are you talking about?" Kingston said using his nicknames he gave to Mario and Dean.
"I'm-a saying don't play at our-a fullest so you don't get hurt"
Everyone again put thrown off faces. Kenny however saw what Mario was alluding to.
"You want us to preserve ourselves for the playoff because win or lose today we're still in" Mario nodded to his reliable second telling him he was correct.
Kenny was just like that. Kenny was very intelligent and could pick up on the smallest of details to figure out someone. Mario found a trustworthy number two he could depend on.
"SO WE'RE THROWING?" Henry shouted, not being overly fond of the idea.
"SHH WILL YOU!" Mario said passive aggressively to the Hammer Bro.
"We're-a still trying to win but just-a don't get yourself unnecessarily hurt ok"
"Okay" they all responded and clapped. They all walk back to their place on the rocky pitch ready to play.
Both teams were ready and lined up to start. This match meant nothing but it would still be played and fought for. Pride was on the table and that was all that was needed to encourage both teams to fight.
One last moment was given to the teams to let the clubs prepare themselves. Both captains gave a thumbs up to show they were ready.
A loud horn was blown starting the game and week six off with the DK the king of the jungle playing as the home team versus Mario the fame red plumber on the away side.
DK took the ball and swatted Mario away landing on his back. Donkey moved fast for his size on all fours tossing the ball.
Henry however stole the ball mid pass with little effort. Henry stood near the edge of the cliff and was soon met by the presence of Birdo.
Henry seemed to have the worst luck when it came to Birdos. Every inconvenience he has had it was by the snout of a Birdo pink or yellow.
Henry tried tripping the Birdo up in his way by juking her out. Birdo however was too smart and too good of a defender to be fooled and time her attack and took down the offensive powerhouse.
Henry's body headed to the sideline face first and there was no way he could stop it. Henry braced himself for his weekly meeting with the electric fence, except that didn't happen.
Henry careened off the edge of the cliff and fell down toward the water. Henry screamed while falling and closed his eyes, not wanting to see the frightening view.
Henry dropped into the frigid water making a big splash on the surface of the sea. Henry quickly swam and popped out the cold water and took a big breath letting the fresh oxygen enter his lungs.
Mario and the rest of his team Henry's cry and saw him for a brief second fall off the side of the field. Mario ran to the left sideline stopping his feet at the metal wiring that circled the entire perimeter of the pitch.
Mario was dumbfounded. Why didn't the electric fence stop Henry? Was it broken? Did it malfunction? Did the field crew even bother doing their jobs and turned on the blasted machine?
Mario precariously held his hand out and closed his eyes preparing himself to be zapped. Until that didn't happen.
Mario opened his eyes seeing and realizing his hand along with the rest of him were not electrocuted. Still flabbergasted by the realization he rapidly shook his hand and he still didn't get shocked.
Mario learned something important, that this place had no electric fence!
Thunder Island being in the middle of a turbulent part of the ocean. With no fans sitting next to the island but instead viewing in the distance. The league decided it would be a nice change of pace for the feared electric barrier to be replaced with the equally frightening stormy ocean.
Mario was still standing by the edge lookover trying to spot Henry in the vast ocean. Mario was unaware and unknowing he was leaving his back turned and open.
Donkey Kong saw Mario near wear his Hammer Bro was dumped off and an idea popped on the gorilla's head.
DK hurried his way towards the red plumber gaining speed as the great ape charged along. Mario still with his back turned didn't notice the seven foot tall gorilla dashing towards him.
DK lunged with his built up momentum aiming for the open back of the plumber. Donkey Kong was only a few feet away from knocking off Mario but something hit his chest right before that could happen.
Dean saw what DK was going to do and right before the ape could Dean intercepted Donkey Kong mid tackle.
Donkey Kong momentum turned against him as he took a tumble and rolled off the left side edge falling down making a huge splash making an equally loud noise.
Mario heard the disturbance in the sea and tried to find what caused it. DK's head re-emerged from the rough sea managing to float on the surface of the water.
Mario was confused to see DK down in the ice cold water. Did he fall off by accident?
Mario turned around and saw Dean standing only a few feet behind him. Mario was about to ask the undead Koopa he was doing. It hit him like a truck when he put everything together figuring out why he was behind him and why DK fell off the stage.
"DK tried to-a attack me and you-a-"
"Save you? Yes" Dean interrupted finishing Mario's sentence. "Are they going to be ok?" Dean continued.
"I-a don't know Dean, I-a don't kn-"
"HEY! CAN YOU TWO STOP YOUR CHAT AND FOCUS!"
Mario and Dean turned around as soon as the fright left their bodies from the unexpected yell.
Kingston was being overwhelmed and bombarded with what seemed to be unlimited shots his way. He saw Mario and Dean standing by the edge who seemed to be enjoying their sweet time sightseeing. The irate Kritter was angered by the scene and yelled at his captain and teammate.
Mario and Dean quickly aided help and subdued DK's sidekicks stopping their offensive onslaught.
The game was now three on three, four if you counted the Kritters. Mario and sidekicks minus Henry turned the tables on DK's leaderless sidekicks taking the ball over to their side.
Mario ran ahead dribbling the metal ball but Donkey Kong's team was able to hold up a good defense. The Fireballs passed the ball around but to no avail trying to get past the sturdy defense.
Birdo stole the ball after a foolish pass by Dean who didn't think before doing. Birdo ran around with the ball in her mouth.
She was then suddenly knocked down by a cow flailing through the air. The wind picked up once again and everyone stopped moving holding the ground for dear life.
Dean had a particular hard time. The hurricane-like winds almost ripped off some of his loosely linked joints.
Birdo fell with the farm animal off the stage in the murky watery abyss. After the hard winds stopped a more calm southerly one replaced it. In its current, the wind carried two people back to the stone isle.
Henry and DK made their way back onto the field from some help from the wind. Both were soaked and cold shivering with goosebumps on Henry and DK's body hair stuck to his skin like glue. Ignoring their doused condition the two eagerly returned to the action as if nothing happened.
Both teams were pleased by the return of their captain and loud mouth sidekick. Team Fireballs had a one man advantage over the Thunder as though they regained DK they lost Birdo for the meanwhile.
DK, Shy Guy and Dry Bones spread out in a zone defense trying to negate Mario's one man trump card. The Thunder's defense proved to be beefy but not impenetrable.
Henry passed a picture perfect through ball pierced in between the open gap of DK and Dry Bones to Kenny.
Kenny kicked the ball only feet away sending the metal sphere to DK's goal with a low kick using the inside of his foot.
DK's Kritter dove low for the bottom left post, gloved hands fully stretched out. The goalie had little time to move and the ball whooshed past him.
Kenny ran to Henry and high fived on their good one two punch of a play.
"Maybe you aren't just for scoring goals" Kenny said taking a friendly jab at Henry.
Henry chuckled. "I'm not the meathead you think I am"
"Yeah, sure" Kenny jokingly shot back. The two walked back laughing to regroup with Mario and Dean.
"Nice-a job you two" Mario complemented.
"Yeah nicely done out ther-, Henry are you fine?" Dean asked perturb by the Hammer Bro.
Henry was uncontrollably shivering from how cold he was. Covered in salty water Henry's body couldn't absorb heat making him feel like he was freezing.
"M-me? I'm-I'm fine d-don't worry" Henry forced out weakly made all the more difficult trying to talk with his chattery teeth.
A breeze then came by the field. Henry instantly wrapped his arms around himself rubbing his arms fiercely trying to not succumb to hypothermia.
"I'm f-ff-fine" Henry weakly managed to get out.
Mario, Kenny and Dean looked at each other but decided to take Henry's clearly false word. Henry's stubbornness was a tough wall to get past.
During the interlude DK's Birdo was saved from the dark sea and escorted back on the top of the rock pitch.
Mario didn't say much to his team beside repeating to them not to get themselves unnecessarily hurt.
Donkey Kong was given the ball and continued the games with four minutes and thirty three seconds.
DK and friends passed the ball around building energy in the small sphere. They took some shots but were not able to get a shot on target.
Kenny came by and snatched the ball off Toad taking him down with a slide tackle from the side. Kenny hurried along the open left sideline and soon was caught up by Donkey Kong's Birdo.
Birdo rushed in trying to take back the steel ball. Kenny turned his back to face the Birdo boxing her out away from the ball.
DK's lone female sidekick tried pushing the calm Koopa off his balance. When that didn't work she tried getting around the stationary Koopa but Kenny moved along with her keeping his shell in front of the Thunder player blocking her out.
Frustration grew in Birdo from Kenny's persistency. Birdo wrapped his arms around Kenny to forcefully move him out of the way. Kenny still relaxed but also growing angry stiff armed the yellow Birdo's face with quick force.
The tussled got more and more chippy and hostile with both openly cheat shotting each other with elbows and kicks to the shins.
Birdo finally over the scuffle turned around Kenny to face him and pushed him hard. Kenny balancing on one foot turned and saw the cold waters that awaited him. Kenny faced back to eye the yellow armored Birdo waiting for him to fall.
Kenny at the last second grabbed the grinning Birdo's chestplate pulling her down with him. The Thunder defender's face changed from smug to panic. Both fell down and hit the freezing water head first.
Back on the field Dean took the ball running around in the back of Mario half of the field. Mario devised plans in his words that would 'burn time'. One of them is for Dean to hold the ball away from DK's team camping out deep in Mario's territory.
Dean's speed came handy as Donkey Kong's team threw everything they had at him. Bananas, green shells and more but the speedster weave through.
After twenty seconds of stalling Dean passed the ball up. Mario ran to meet the ball with Shy Guy close behind.
Winds started picking up again disturbing the chase for the metal ball. Everyone braced for the high speed gusts of air.
Mario who was standing next to the rival Shy Guy, held his ground. With one hand holding his cap and the other arm in front protecting his face the plumber could feel himself slipping.
Mario moved down his arm to see something.
"Oh no" he muttered
A giant rusted tractor was rolling on the field rolling picking up momentum with the wind getting stronger
'RUN" screamed Shy Guy not needing to announce his clear to see plans.
Mario and Shy Guy tried to escape but were caught in the Tractor's path. Both were sent in the air easily passing thirty feet in the air. The two flew in the air making it half way across the width of the field.
Mario and Shy Guy unluckily flew far beyond the sideline continuing their descent. They soon were greeted with the unforgiving salty sea water completely soaking them.
Henry, Dean, Donkey Kong and Toad were the only left playing along with the Kritters in net.
"It's only you and me Dean, you ready?" Henry said, sounding almost excited.
"Yeah, let's make this quick" Dean replied.
Dean recovered the ball and passed it to Henry. Henry ran unopposed following the right sideline. DK came away catching up to him from an angle when Henry crossed in the ape's side of the pitch.
DK led with his fist trying to knock Henry off the stage into the nightmare ocean. Henry jumped before DK could touch him and brought down his giant hammer crushing Donkey into the rock floor.
Hearing a smashing sound Toad saw Henry all alone taking care of DK. Toad ran trying to catch the snail like Hammer Bro.
Henry heard the panting of the Toad and turned his head conforming his suspicions. Henry called out alerting Dean;
"OK, IT'S ALL YOU BUD"
Henry lobbed the uncharged ball across to the other sideline. Dean took the ball in the top right corner of DK's side of the pitch and charged the ball.
It took a while but when ready Dean launched his shocker special. Like always it hit perfectly immobilizing the Kritter with electricity.
The fully charged metal sphere came back to Dean and the undead member of Mario's team finished the two step play with a header scoring.
Dean and Henry met at midfield and did a little dance then finished it off with a complicated looking handshake.
Everyone who had fallen were rescued and back on the field. Back on stable ground Mario and Kenny started making their way back until Mario started coughing violently.
"Ugh, of all the-a places. Why-a here?" Mario grumbled despite winning with two goals.
"So much for not getting hurt" Kenny added with no conviction.
Now smelling like sea salt Mario and Kenny walked over to Henry and Dean. Henry stifled his laughs seeing the unamused deadpan looks on Mario and Kenny.
Not much was said of note and everyone went back to play. DK kicked it off and there were two minutes and fifty one seconds of Strikers left to go.
The match slowed down after the second kickoff. No one dared to get near the sidelines knowing what waited for them if they fell off. The ball primarily stayed in the middle horizontal section of the outdoor field.
Both teams lingered not being able to get past one another. Everything remained clean so no items were given to break the stalemate. But it did help Mario in his plan of wasting time so he welcomed the deadlock with open arms.
A long shot by Mario was caught by DK's Kritter. The goalie threw the halfway power up ball to Toad who was standing to his left in the top left corner of the field.
Toad took the ball running along the left sideline. Kenny ran to stop the Toad from any closer as the fungus crossed over into Fireballs territory.
Toad quickly dumped the ball off to DK before Kenny could make a move. Donkey Kong took the ball at midfield chugging forward to Mario's goal. Mario and Henry ran at DK from both sides to trap him in between the both of them.
DK waited for the two to get close and struck. The big ape stopped and pounded his chest creating small sound waves. Mario and Henry were knocked back by the sheer force of the gorilla's beating chest.
Donkey passed the ball back forward to his Toad sidekicks who made it further along the left sideline. Dean followed the ball and made his way to stop the mushroom from going any further and dove for a check.
Toad saw Dean and did a nimble somersault making the Fireball superstar defender whiff. Dean missed horrendously and he couldn't stop himself. He fell off the side of the pitch. Dean hit the water making him the fourth player on the Fireballs to meet the icy cold sea.
Back on the soccer field Toad chipped the ball lobbing it in the middle near Kingston's goal. DK jumped unopposed and punched the ball changing the ball to its white glow.
Kingston followed the fast ball with his eyes and dove. The small metal sphere however just got by him letting DK score.
DK ran away and stood up on his feet raising his fist while three flying cameras spun around him capturing his every angle.
Kingston meanwhile was on his back and brought his metal gloved hands to his Kritter let out a long groan before pushing himself up. The annoyed croc grabbed the ball throwing back to midfield. Though irritated letting the ball get past him he got over it and let it go promising he wouldn't let another one get past him.
Dean was brought back up after his dive into the ocean. Dean saw the celebrating Thunder players and knew what happened during his little swim.
"Nice defense Dean, maybe by next year you could hit the guy" Henry mockingly ridiculed the wet dead Koopa walking his way.
"Hardy har har" Dean shot back clearly miffed.
"Quit it-a Henry" Mario warned the Hammer Bro before continuing again;
"Don't-a be too hard on yourself Dean. It was just-a good play"
Everyone agreed with Mario and let the misfortunate goal go. Mario knew the game had to be almost over so one last time he told his team not to be stupid and not get hurt. They lined up and Mario made his way to midfield only for the second time this season to kickoff. Everyone was ready and forty four seconds left they recommence.
Donkey Kong played more aggressively than usual when the whistle blew. The leader of the kongs didn't even bother following the rules checking and punching down team Fireballs illegally.
His rough play backfired, giving Mario items to counter back with freezing DK mid attack with a giant freeze shell. With Donkey out of the picture Mario and sidekicks used their one man edge to pass the ball around storing power in the steel sphere and creating space for Mario.
Mario had the ball near the right sideline and took a chance on a Megastrike. Mario kicked the ball and jumped following the ball with a fire trail following him. The plumber turned metal and with the sun powering the master of the fire hand up he kicked the ball splitting the metal ball into six.
DK's Kritter clapped his hands and focused on the impending danger. He stopped the first two shots. The third shot tricked him out and the yellow goalie dove the wrong way and the ball went in on the left side of the net. Fourth shot he swatted down but on the next one he whiffed and the steel ball went over his head. The final ball he jumped and caught.
The Thunder goalkeeper stomped his foot in anger and threw the ball down with rage not able to stop all the attempts on his goal.
Mario ran around the field with his arms up. Mario noticed a flying camera taping him and pointed at the screen with a smile before running off shot.
With a two goal Megastrike Mario and his team had their sixth straight win in the bag. Four to one and with eight seconds left it was looking guaranteed.
DK unfrozen kicked the ball off but nothing changed as the clock hit zero and the game was over.
Mario achieved the perfect season winning all his regular season games with a unbeaten record of six to zero.
Donkey Kong also achieved a perfect season but not the one you want. A winless record of zero and six DK did what no team ever wanted.
Both teams however shock hands show that their respect for one another was still there since their last game.
8:15 pm
At Mario's house team Fireballs were ready to watch the primetime game on for tonight. In their everyday civilian clothes they were just waiting for the game to begin.
"MARIO! The game is about to start" Henry shouted.
Mario walks into his living room with the rest of his team already sitting and comfortable to watch. Mario laughed quietly at his crew and sat on his red couch in the middle of Kenny and Dean.
Kingston sat on the green reclining chair with the leg rest up. Henry sat on the ground rest up against the armrest of Mario's couch.
"This is so unfair. How come you get the recliner?" Henry protested.
"Sorry you shouldn't have picked scissors against my rock" Kingston boastfully bragged. Henry mumbled under his breath how Kingston cheated to win. The rest chuckled at the little spat but were interrupted by the TV.
"Hello and welcome back to Sunday Night Strikers in the final game of week six, Bowser vs Peach at The Underground" the red Toad commentator said welcoming the viewers watching from home.
"Both teams here are fighting for the final spot in the knockout round to face Mario. But one team definitely has an easier path doesn't he Toadette?" Toad asked.
"Why yes he has Toad" Toadette said, sliding into the shot. She continued speaking;
"Bowser just needs to win here and he's in. Princess Peach however has a much harder path. Peach needs to win by a margin of eight goals to jump over Bowser in the standing and get into the playoffs"
"Ouch Toadette that week one loss versus Mario must be really rearing its ugly head"
"Yes it is Toad, yes it is"
Henry laughed lowly hearing the almost insurmountable odds Peach had to face.
"Bet she's not overly too fond of you no more boss heh heh" Henry joked with Mario.
Mario didn't respond to the quip but he did think about it. Hearing Peach not only had to win but win by such a large score made him almost feel bad… almost.
His thoughts were interrupted by the duo of Toad and Toadette on his flat screen TV.
"Enough of us talk Toadette and were only a few minutes away from the start of Bowser vs Peach in the rematch of the monarch derby when we return" Toad said while the visual changed to the Sunday Night Strikers logo in the bottom left corner as still images of Peach and Bowser in cool poses during Strikers games were displayed before changing to commercials.
During the ads everyone beside Henry chatted trying to pass the time. Henry still on the ground decide to make his move.
"I got twenty coins on Bowser" He betted putting his money where his mouth was putting his gold coins on the small table in front of him.
"I got any takers?" Henry curiously inquired.
Mario, Kenny and Dean wanted no part of the gambling especially if they had to bet on Peach to win.
"You're on hammerhead I got Peach winning" Kingston challenged counting out twenty coins and placing them on the table.
"My luck will carry over from the rock paper scissor and you'll be twenty gold coin poorer" shaking Henry's hand making the gamble official.
"It wouldn't be me losing this time Kingston" Henry confidently replied thinking he just robbed his green friend of twenty coins.
Three fifths of the game in everyone was on the edge of their seats. Peach was winning with a score of seven to two leading almost there to the magical number of eight.
Peach passed the ball to her Toad sidekick and he passed the ball to Birdo for her to shoot and she scored an impressive long shot.
"WOOOOOO! You go girl" Kingston cheered taking a sip of his fizzy soft drink.
Henry was on the verge of giving up. His hands covered his face as the game was taking a toll on him.
Bowser however a bit later scored a two goal Megastrike bring the score up to eight to four with a minute and ten seconds left. Peach remained calm and chip away with the help of her Shy Guy to bring the score to ten to four.
The last forty seconds felt like the longest forty seconds in history. Peach and sidekicks continued to work for their last two goals.
Peach attempted Megastrikes but was always tackled or items were thrown at her. But with four seconds left Peach finally got a successful Meagstrike off and sent four shots on goal.
This was it. If half of the shots got past Bowser's Kritter who was having a horrendous game mind you Peach was in. Henry and Kingston held their breath watching the Megastrike unfold.
Bowser's goalie came up when it mattered the most and blocked all the shots for a Megastrike Shutout. With that the game ended in Peach winning but failing to overcome the eight goal margin of victory,
"YESSSSS! Bowser somehow held on" Henry got up from his seated position on the ground elated. Kingston however chuckled quietly. Henry was confused by the crocodile cool demeanor.
"Why are you laughing Peach didn't win by eight goals?"
"I never said she would win by eight goals. I said she would just win so that means you lost HA HA" the Kritter happily explained taking all forty coins off the table.
Henry's face dropped as the color from his face visible fell. He dropped back down sitting against the armrest of the sofa hanging his head down with a hand on the back of his head. A small rain cloud raining over Henry would have completed the mood perfectly.
"Well at least we-a know who we are-a facing in the-a knockouts" Mario said getting standing up from the couch stretching.
"This game really matters. If we lose our perfect season would be for nothing" Kenny warned knowing the stakes.
"Chill Kenny, we beat them fools twice what makes you think we can't do it again?" Kingston retorted back counting his gold coins.
"I'm with Kenny. We can't overlook this game" Dean added backing up Kenny's opinion. Henry said nothing still curled up rocking himself.
"Look I-a agree we should be careful and not-a overlook-a Bowser I should know." Mario said, offering his two sense. Mario then looked out his window and noticed it was dark outside.
"Woah we-a let the-a time get by us" Mario said while scratching the top of his head through his hat.
"Can we crash here then Mario?" Kingston asked, not feeling like walking home late at night. Mario thought about it and allowed them to stay the night.
"Well I-a only have three rooms. Mine, Luigi's and the-a guest so two of you have to help here and I-a don't think Henry is-a moving" Mario explained the sleeping situation and the still inconsolable Hammer Bro.
"Where is greenie anyways?" Kingston asked surprised that the green thunder was nowhere to be found. Mario quickly explained that Luigi had since got a mansion from his ghost adventure a while back.
"Well since I'm already in this chair I guess I'll bunk with Henry" Kingston offered only leaving Kenny and Dean to figure out what to do with them.
"I take Luigi's room, you take the guest?" Kenny put on the table. Dean agreed and with that figured out the team continued talking minus Henry about what was sure to be a barnburner next week as the knockout elimination versus Bowser was looming in the near future.
Author's Notes
Hi again and that the end of the regular season and only two teams are left and onw will be named the number one contender to face the Fire Cup Champion and challenge for the cup.
But before that Mario must overcome Bowser one last time so be on the lookout and I hope I see you here back soon.
Stay safe and see you later!