Princess Pipeline
Hey party people I'm back, Happy fourth of July if you're reading this on the day I post this. If you're not from the US I hope your having a good day.
If not obvious enough I do not own Mario or Mario Strikers Charged all right go to Nintendo and Next Level Games.
What a great day it is to be an avid striker enthusiast. So many thrilling games all packed onto a Sunday.
First we head to the Vice at one sharp. Waluigi and Wario were prone to compete. The two hugged before the match in display of companionship. The game was enjoyable to watch from the excellent talent to seeing the two captains have a great time. Alas someone had to win and it was Wario by a hefty margin of eight to four.
Next was Yoshi vs Bowser Jr, the anthropomorphic derby. Yoshi hosted BJ at the Konga Coliseum at four twenty five. Halfway in Prince Bowser had a three one lead cruising. By the end the green dinosaur went on a three score run stealing Junior's in the bag win four three.
Finally for the grand finale something worth waiting for. The venue was to be Pipeline Central, the location would be where the two last undefeated teams would play. The Fireballs would host the Flower Petals on their turf.
Under the night lights gave the game more importance. Ticket sales exploded, the game was a sell out in the first twelve hours of the tickets being available. The seats were jam packed with thunderous voices for both popular captains.
Both leader's set of sidekicks and Kritter were already out under the harsh lights. Mario, the home side wore their reliable red uniforms. Daisy, the visiting team, debuted her turquoise alternate with orange, white and yellow aspects for the first time.
The strikers association worried red and orange were too similar and would lead to confusion so they asked the princess if she could design a new uniform to play in which she was more than happy to do.
The three shelled red sidekicks stood waiting for Mario. On the other side, a Birdo, Toad, and Shy Guy stood their opposite. Daisy's sidekicks were a good group meshing their styles of play in a well oiled machine, the four wins and zero losses prove it.
Kenny could always sense a good team, being part of a past and current one all signs seemed to be there. Good communication, sacrifice and putting the team forward before self. They checked all the boxes, something to admire and fear.
"Great to meet you, my name is Kenny and welcome to Pipeline Central." The red Koopa greet with no hostility to the cyan fielders.
"Oh, Hiya Kenny. I'm Tyler and these are my friends." Daisy's playmaking star addressed Kenny a bit shook by the greeting.
Kenny was happy with the Toad's response and went over to shake their hands. Dean found the scene amusing and followed along. Henry preferred to stay behind but Kenny and Dean wouldn't let him. Grabbing him by his arms and legs they physically carried him to be respectful.
After the nice getting to know you each other phase was over the two sets of three sidekicks eased back to their sides.
"Nice people," Dean commented, surprised by Daisy's teammates' good attitudes.
"You didn't need to haul me to them, I much rather fight them then befriend them." Henry said crossed.
"Relax Henry, you don't have to hate someone because they're on a different team." Kenny tried to reasoned but deep down he knew it would fall on deaf ears
"It's not because they play against us, it's who they play for." Henry explained balling his fists.
"Ok I can get not liking Wario and Waluigi but what's wrong with Daisy?" Kenny could understand where the Hammer Bro was coming from but thought he was going too far.
Henry looked gobsmacked being asked the question. "Dude, she's a princess!"
Dean gave the most blank face. "So?"
"So!? She's a princess and all princesses are snobs."
"Really? Daisy isn't what I called a snob." Dean countered back only to be scoffed off.
"She's Peach's best friend! Of course she is, all high society and royals are and act the same." Henry lashed out at Dean for his defending of the ruler of Sarasaland.
"Henry, don't shout at him!" Kenny came to the side of Dean. "Who knows you might change your mind on her."
"Pff, yea right, that's the day Goombas fly." Henry jokingly fired back.
"Um, but they can?" Dean stated, Kenny reached for his shoulder directing him to drop the subject.
Henry rolled his eyes. "If you're so sure this high society is different from the others, let her drop from the sky and show me."
All were taken back when Daisy dropped in. Her rugged stance showed confidence and determination. The three Fireballs were bewildered and mouth agape. The orange haired princess could feel their apprehension and pressed on.
"Oh yeah! Whatcha starin at? Come on, I'm ready to throw down!" She bluntly addressed throwing herself in a fighting stance.
Daisy wore her newly revealed emerald green with white alternatives. Her top protected her upper body extending all the way to her arms with metal gloves similar to Mario's only smaller. From there her midriff was on full display letting her flat tummy breath from the rest of her outfit. Her cleats and metal leg braces protected her leg up to the top of her thigh.
She still had her crown and flower earrings that somehow didn't interfere with her performing. Her logo was a simple flower with an orange carpals middle and white petals.
Henry felt the blood in his veins pounding, his skin felt hot and little goosebumps crawled up his arms. His mind was spinning as his throat dried seeing Daisy. She transcended his thoughts, he did not know what he was feeling but he was no longer hating the monarch of Sarasaland.
Mario fell down ecstatic for the following game. "Good to see you-a Daisy! You ready battle and-a lose!"
Daisy relaxed her stance and lightly giggled with her hand over her mouth. "Still the same old Mario I see."
Mario smiled, Daisy was always one of his favorites. Like a cool sister or cousin she was never afraid to get down and gritty with the boys and even excelled better than many of them. But she also had her elegant side, smart, thoughtful and beautiful, all traits thought of a good princess.
Of course being a monarch she had been secluded and outcast just for her title. They all thought her out to be stuck up better than everyone type just because of her background. Thankfully, her close friendship with Peach, she stayed sane.
Daisy and Peach went further than just friends, sisters in all but blood was more accurate. They also were political allies sharing an open border, free trade and a mutual defense pact were all achieved by their trust and bond helping their lands strive. Both often visit each other's realms whether it be boring meetings, shopping or a friendly game of golf or tennis it didn't matter as long as they were together it would be ok.
"Yep, It's-a me. How have you-a been doing?" Mario cheerfully asked.
"Oh you know the same old same old but that's not important, how's your brother?" Daisy ended with a flirtatious smirk.
Mario chuckled, she was clearly referring to Luigi. From Mario's best judgement the two were boyfriend and girlfriend in all but name. The plumber could recall days Luigi would pack his suitcase and leave for weeks at a time saying he was hanging out with a friend who was clearly a certain orange dress princess.
Also little things like his brother whispering how he wondered how Daisy was doing. Picking up a new hobby in gardening, raising all kinds of flowers and gifting them to her whenever they meet, his favorite were daisies. And Daisy's random appearances in his house after his return from an adventure saving the princess when Luigi stayed behind. He never minded as she was a delight to be with but she stopped once Luigi moved out, he guessed the two meet at the renowned ghost catcher's mansion now.
"He's-a been ok, you-a know him."
"Yes, yes I do." She answered with a broad smile.
Mario had fun talking about his brother but more serious matters need to be discussed. "Enough about my-a little bro, you and-a me is all-a that matters. You ready to-a throw down?"
Mario put out his fist for a bump, Daisy smirked and tapped the short hero's metal glove with her own. "You're on Mario, good luck cos you're gonna need it."
Both walk happy and set to play in the exciting derby. Mario went to examine his three sidekicks. All looked already with their heads clear and focus deadlock, besides one.
"Uh, Henry?" Mario waved his hand in front of the Hammer Bro's face. He was in his own little world unbothered. Dean took his turn snapping his fingers in the face of the out of it offensive winger, but nothing.
Kenny grew impatient with his friend's ogling and snapped. He smacked the unsuspecting Henry on the back of the head hard.
"OW! HEY, WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA!" Henry screamed then shouted so loud the people in the stands could hear him.
Kenny shifted his eyes back and forth signaling the irate hammer turtle to look. Confused but he did so and caught the view of Mario.
"Oh hey boss, when did you get here?"
Mario gave a dumbfounded look, not only had he dropped in causing a huge disturbance, he had a long conversation with Daisy in their view. What was distracting him so much.
He caught his eyes looking past him and the red captain turned his head in the direction. In the general view was the Flower Petals but Henry was focused on the cyan leader watching her give her team a fiery pre game speech. Mario put two and two together and turned facing his Hammer Bro.
"Are you-a staring at Daisy!?" Mario abruptly pressed on displaying his displeasure with his angry eyes.
"What!? No no no no, I would never." Henry bumbled out, tripping over his words looking quite tense.
"Well-a good, I-a don't need one of my-a teammates distracted." the vigorous hero began.
"I-a know she looks frail but trust me, Daisy is-a one of the toughest person I-a know. Beware of her, she can hit like-a truck."
Kenny and Dean nodded and ran to their post. Henry gave a skeptical face, was Daisy as strong as she was made out to be?
"Henry?"
"Huh…? What?"
"You-a were staring at space again." Mario told in a not amused tone.
"Oh I was? My bad, heh heh." Henry answered in an embarrassed voice, blushing in the moment before walking away.
Mario shook his head at Henry's head in the cloud mindset before walking off. Both sides arranged their formations. Mario flashed a thumbs up at the tomboyish monarch, she sent one back signaling they were both ready. The horn was set off starting the thoroughly waited main event.
As soon as they could the two leaders sprinted for the ball. Daisy's pace far exceeded the short man's and arrived at the ball first. She slowed down, Mario saw wondering in head what she was planning, still running at full speed. As he grew nearer she attacked.
Daisy jumped with her knee ahead. Mario went into a blind panic and purely out of fear he dodge out of the way.
The false sense of hope was one of Daisy's favorite tactics, she lured her opponent by purposely letting them get close then checking them. And nine times out of ten she would win in a battle of speed and strength.
After scarcely avoiding a bone breaking tackle the Fireball captain made it to the still waiting ball. Not in clear yet Shy Guy came from the far right sideline, running awkwardly after the plumber.
Kenny came to the hero's side and slipped his foot, tripping the Shy Guy. Out of sight Toad slid in taking down both the plumber and Koopa. Toad in a blur crossed over into the home side.
Daisy eagerly joined in followed by her Birdo. The turquoise three march being impeded by the duo of Henry and Dean. The right fielder hammer dueling specialist was ineffective struggling to brush the quick footed Daisy or Toad. Dean did not fare better, impossible to guard three people by yourself.
In the process of chasing after Daisy, Dean was decked from behind by Toad with the top of his head. The princess proud of her fungus sidekick passed the ball to him. In a short time the ball ignited and kicked into a fiery blaze.
Kingston caught the ball firmly without hesitation. Upon further thinking he saw the smoke from his hands, the flames from the went all the way down his arms to his elbows.
The keeper let out a shrill screech flailing his arms, running in unclear patterns. He dropped the metal ball with no care letting the piece fall in the Toad's favor. Sprinting, Toad tapped the ball in the net.
Dean didn't need to spin his head, the horns and replays were proof enough of what occurred. He was about to get up before a small hand was put in his face, it was the Toad who not only just scored but hit him leaving him in the poor mood he was in.
"Here to gloat?"
Toad had a guilty look. "Sorry about that but I just wanted to offer you a hand up."
Dean was dumbfounded, he gotten so used to being berated and ridiculed by rival sidekicks he just assumed the worst.
"Oh, thanks!" The friendly Dry Bones said, grabbing the Toad's hand.
"Don't mention, just let me know after we're done beating you."
Dean's brow raised in astonishment thinking he had the Toad wrong but second guess it. "Hey!"
"Easy, easy, I was just messing with you. I don't want to already be messing up, getting my new buddy angry."
"Buddy?"
Now it was the small fungus to be baffled. "Yeah, we are aren't we?"
Dean thought about it and came to a fast answer. " Yeah, buddies."
Both shook hands cementing their new friendship. They walked to their respective sides rejoining their teams. The Flowers cinch an easy goal drawing first blood. Mario was disappointed but not scared, a game wasn't decided after the first forty seconds but after there was no time.
The red home team put the pressure to eleven pushing all out. Daisy having no fear orchestrated a masterful defense, leading her team she pointed and directed where they needed to be and what to do and see. Of course she played her part in the brick wall the Flower Petals formed the Fireballs could not pass.
Kenny had the ball dribbling around struggling to find an opening. All were being shadowed by someone, Mario by Daisy, Henry by Shy Guy and Dean by Toad. Smart, they were faster or at the same speed as their defensive assignment.
For him Birdo had the role of keeping tabs on him. Luckily, she couldn't approach him quick enough before he ran the opposite, keeping his distance, he felt safe, until it wasn't.
Birdo leaped forward punishing the Koopa with a bruising strike, even with his chestplate the hit made him howl in pain. Mario twisted his head hearing the tortuous screams to see Kenny on the ground and Daisy's blue Birdo with the ball.
The plumber was horrified, the shelled left winger was rolling on the rock turf in agony but it was Birdo who worried him. She had a well charged ball in her grasp with nothing but open field between and Kingston.
The portly hero pushed past Daisy knocking her off balance. Using his decent speed the plumber was making good ground compared to Birdo who could only trot sluggishly. However Birdo was still a good margin away from Mario, out of option he had one last resort.
He pulled his set of three bob-ombs given to his side for one of the illegal tackles they suffered from the Flower Petals. He snapped his fingers sparking a small flame lighting all three fuses at once. He hurled the explosives with all his might.
Birdo in all this was completely absent minded jogging alone. The bombs fell beeping and flashing red, the aquamarine painted dinosaur stopped but it was too late. The bob-ombs blew up with Daisy's power defender caught in the middle of the fiery inferno sent her up in the after blast.
Mario ran and collected the ball.
"Good going meatball, thanks!" Kingston shouted, hands cupping his mouth from under his net.
"Don't-a thank me," Mario snapped his fingers once more creating another flame. "Thank the fire!"
The plumber stormed back, Kenny rejoined the offensive. The home team's push was rejuvenated in a way unlike the last. Birdo out of action, Daisy was down her best defender besides her.
Mario made a break for the right sideline, at the end of the rope he crossed the ball in the crowded box. Kenny and Henry were smothered by the Flowers as Daisy easily batted the ball away.
The ball rolled to center circle, Dean who was further back in case of a surprise counterattack took the ball. Running a few yards forward he unleashed his shocker shot. The ball traveled through the crowded field of people before reaching the cyan armored Kritter.
Up to now it was smooth sailing for the Flower Petals' keeper. The aquamarines were either keeping the ball in the Fireballs' side or playing great defense keeping the reds at bay, but not now.
The ball crashed on his noggin where the high volts started. They soon flowed through his body freely taking his ability to move away. He struggled but fell to the floor in writhing torment.
Henry was still bundled up in the packed goal box as Dean used his skillshot. The ball bounced off the Kritter over his head he pounced, stiff arming Shy Guy and jumping up. He hit the ball back, shooting it into the unprotected net.
The Hammer Bro became ecstatic jumping up and down in joy. He made it to Dean who made it all possible and they hugged briefly then hopped together back to their side. All supported by their sea of red fans who stomped their feet shaking the rooftop of the building in the heart of Mushroom City.
The game was already living to expectations, some higher than others. Many guessed this would be the best game so far in the still young season. Daisy's quick paced smash mouth play meshed well with Mario's go with the flow punishing counterattack style.
The princess wasted no time and restarted the game. The contest finally slowed into a phase of feeling the other half out. Using the time the competitors and crowd caught their breath ready to see some classic soccer.
Kenny enjoyed when games reached this phase. He took delight in using smart tactics and throughout passes compared to pushing past opponents with brute strength. The Koopa was also having fun with his rival left winger, Shy Guy. Him and his timid opposite were similar in size and performing potential making them equals.
Shy Guy had the ball by the left sideline so close you could sense the high electric fence waiting to grab you. Kenny closed in holding his wrist behind his back, his eyes glued to the ball for any sudden movement. Shy Guy was careful with his movement inching closer patiently waiting for the right time to blow by him.
He kicked the ball away out of the blue. Kenny's eyes sparkled and his smile broadened.
"Bad move Shy Guy!" he exclaimed, sticking his foot intercepting the ball, making a break.
"Hey! Get back here!" Shy Guy angrily shouted, determined to fix his mistake and pursued the Koopa.
The two streaked down the middle, Shy Guy cinch his hand on Kenny's shell backplate digging his heel in the ground. The turtle shot the ball off kilter as he was pulled down. The ball wildly spiraled, colliding with the top crossbar and rebounding back on the field.
Mario, already close to Daisy's goal, found his way to the ball and kicked it back. Alas the Kritter was well prepared and yanked the ball out of the air.
The fans held their gasps, the popular home team almost snuck one by. Anyone with keen eyes knew this was typical Fireball play. Fast and hit'em when they're vulnerable, thankfully for the cyan team they fumbled the chance.
The ball was lobbed over landing in Fireball territory. Daisy's Toad controlled the flying ball orchestrating the new offense.
Due to Daisy's lack of scoring or passing Toad took the reins early on in the season. Being shifty and great with the ball Tyler as he was known became a key contributor to the Flowers' success. His best partner was Birdo often being the finisher to his incredible on the move passes.
Tyler dashed from an upward angle to Kingston's goal box. The serious goalie gritted his teeth visible from his facemask, the little pipsqueak was the bearer of his burn marks and first goal. He would be insane of he let another one in so he wouldn't
The short mushroom without warning passed the ball through the goal box. On the other side was his best power shooter, Birdo. She scooped the ball and spat it forward from point blank range just before Henry could tackle her.
Being from such close the ball bounced off the unprepared Kritter's chest in the sky. The round metal could only be tracked by its bright white glow. Shy Guy scooted to the area the ball would drop hoping to land the ball in the back of the net with a header.
He was snuffed out by Kenny, still on top of his responsibility of neutralizing his balanced challenger. Kicking him with the bottom of his cleat causing Shy Guy to crash on his back. The exuberant Koopa lobbed the ball right back close to midfield.
Dean cruises taking the ball down the left sideline passing by a row of fans cheering him on. The lightning quick Dry Bones meet his equal. Daisy put the pressure running step for step with Dean, the undead defender had little room having one shoulder to the fence and the other towards the rambunctious royal.
In distress he saw red and chipped the ball in the general direction. Daisy just after kneed him in the skull flying him onto the electric barrier. The ball made its way to Mario in a sea of space.
The mighty plumber launched the ball in the air and flew up with it. Even without the sun's help Mario harnessed his pyrokinesis pulling all his power into the kick. The steel ball split five ways falling at fast speeds.
In the batch two made it in despite the turquoise goalie best effort. Up three to one the reds looked to expand their close lead with a majority of the onlookers backing their claim. To Mario his first thoughts of not getting thrown off by the Flowers' early goal were certified.
He glanced over to see how his brother's crush was taking the score. To his surprise he saw her undisturbed and serene almost as she was still in control. Now this worried the mustached man, he was hoping to make the princess emotional whether that be crossness or misery it was all the same. Letting your feelings fill your head could lead to rash or improper decisions.
Shortly after Mario was at it again leading his team in the fray. This time it was Dean who shocked everyone by chipping the ball over the Kritter's head scoring his second in back to back games.
Now Daisy was discontented, letting out a frustrated sigh while walking away from the rest of her team. Mario was disheartened seeing his close friend in the mindset she was in by his action but it was a competition, anything for an edge he would take.
The Italian hero felt more at ease, four goals to the cyans' lonely one. The leader was hesitant but was he loony to believe he had a harder time with Wario then her? Surely not, would he come to regret the thought?
His team seemed sure enough they would walk mostly unscaved, a few bruises some ice could tend. But Mario knew better than to count someone out so early, especially Daisy. He peered at one of the many scoreboard and read the time, two minutes and two seconds. More than enough time for it to all come crashing down.
"Now!" Daisy shouted, now what the plumber raced through his head before being attacked. Shy Guy dove using his head as a ram laying out the Fireballs' leader.
His team were shell shocked including Kingston only seeing a glimpse of unprovoked blindside. Next could only be described as a calculated hit piece. Kenny was kneed by the athletic ruler of Sarasaland on the nose blasting in the electric fence. Henry was dealt with with freeze shells and a giant green shell burying him in the stone pitch.
Dean stood alone shaking bones clattering. He was subdued in a rush leaving the field open. Birdo collected the ball and planted herself far in the distance. A humongous hard boiled egg catapulted pushing by Kingston scoring a quick one.
"Mama mia, what-a happened." the disoriented hero of many said in a hazy voice.
"We got pummeled," Kenny explained, humiliated, helping Mario up to his feet.
In all the while the duo could hear the Flowers cheering their quick mouth punch of a goal. Mario couldn't even be upset, with her back against the wall Daisy came back and brought life back to her side. He feared she would use the pretext and take the momentum and run wild, swiping the game at the very end. He ruffled his hair unknotting its knots.
Henry and Dean hobbled over, Mario was glad to see them walking and not being carried off by a stretcher. He kept his talk belief, advising them to keep their heads, the finish was in sight and they just needed to end strong.
Starting off again Mario knew what to foresee and lobbed the ball back. The Flowers' attack was faltered by the denial of surprise but they progressed.
Dean tamed the ball down peeking at the horizon. His teammates and Daisy's were a mess, the turquoise side going back to man on man coverage.
"Dean! Pass it over!" Kenny yelled.
Beforehand Kenny and Henry were struggling to pry from their magnetized cyan opponents. Kenny had the displeasure of having the speedster Toad and Henry Birdo, both matched or exceeded the red fielders' pace. They need to shake them off, in a subtle chance the Koopa and Hammer Bro's exchange glances.
The other knew what the other was thinking and executed their plan.
Kenny and Henry ran at diagonal angles with their defenders matching their movements. The two intercepted, stepping by each other, the same could not be said for Toad and Birdo who crashed into one another, discombobulated, the two frankly fumbled to their feet. Seeing their defensive assignment getting away the two followed whoever was closer.
Toad locked Henry heading north while Birdo chased Kenny running southward or more like tried. The plan worked to perfection drawing the sluggish Birdo to the moderately mobile Kenny allowing him to break away.
Dean lobbed the ball with a small arch landing by the Koopa's feet. Kenny sprinted down the right sideline, an unknown experience for him so accustomed to settling in his left side for years.
Mario pushed into the Daisy's Kritter goal box, Kenny crossed the ball up with a well stopped pass. The master of the fire hand jumped for a header but in the middle of the motion Daisy dashed in and boxed him out, clearing the ball with a bicycle kick.
The ball bounced, reaching Henry, found in Flower territory. He discovered his position quite advantageous giving his abundance room and closeness to the electric fence. The space was invaded by Toad regaining his footing and went for a haphazard headbutt.
Henry anticipated the little fungus and evaded stepping back pulling his chest out of range. Tyler had his eyes closed waiting for a grunt, cough or someone indication of pain, he heard nothing and opened his eyes.
The sight was not pretty, a hammer going upward smashing into his jaw. Henry knew the time was prime and counterattacked forcing him up vertically. The daring snapping turtle wasn't finished, when gravity brought down the blue capped Toad he sucker punched him.
Henry buried his fist in the mushroom man's face lodged deep in his right check. Toad flew into the nearby voltage fence at such soaring speeds he almost broke through the impenetrable wall. The full crowd hissed an ouch imagining how the nimble Toad felt.
Henry dribbled the ball on his way closer to the rival net. Daisy ran up to him, now a dilemma popped in his head. It was guaranteed he would get pummeled by the stunning monarch and it would sting but was the aching worth it to be touched by her?
The negatives outweigh the positives, the outrage from Mario made him tremble the most. He chipped the ball to the right side using his other mallet, passed Daisy's head. Kenny ran up the end line cutting up, he drove smacking his right temple propelling the ball. The header successfully punched in the top right corner.
"Atta boy Kenny!" Henry hyped up slinging his arm around Kenny's shoulders. "You really showed them."
"Thanks, say how did you know my plan to make Toad and Birdo bump into each other?"
Henry put a finger on his chin looking at the sky. "I don't know, I just knew what you were thinking I guess."
Kenny chuckled heartily, that was Henry for you. Always knowing while being utterly clueless.
"Hey? What's going on with the crowd?" Henry said stupefied, eyes glossed in pure perplexment. Kenny paid attention listening to the abundant hollers of fans in attendance.
"Daisy! Let's go Daisy! Daisy Rules!" a small but noticeable chunk of the attendance adamantly cheered.
Kenny's face dropped as a dark thought floated in his mind. "Henry?"
"What's up and why does it sound like you soiled yourself."
Kenny let the sly remark slide pressing on. "Did you happen to illegally hit someone?"
The Hammer Bro reflected once more pressing his finger on his chin. "Now that you bring it up yeah, I kinda bashed Toad but it was in self defense."
"Oh no, I think you gave Daisy her special ability item!"
Henry's face drained of its color and started to worry. "It's fine, she's obsessed with flowers, she's probably going to throw rose petals at us."
Kenny snarled, appalled at Henry's lack of seriousness. "Henry, have you learned nothing!? *sigh* lets just head back already,"
Both sides lined up for the umpteenth time it felt like that night. All players were physically void, the same could not be said about the crowd. Still cranking the noise to eleven even more so with a tide wave of support for Daisy and her side.
The aquamarine princess started off by firing some green shells as a warning. The ball went down to Toad where he was pestered by Henry, he slammed his hammer. Toad flipped over him totally dodging the brazen attack. The offensive right fielder tried once more but was hit sticked by Birdo ending his spree.
Toad finessed his way past the Fireballs' defenses most impressively tripping up Dean with some tricky footwork. The run ended with a quick dump of the ball to Shy Guy who kick, Kingston jumped up with a firm punch sending the ball flying.
Kenny was first to bring down the ball, his control was taken away by a knee in the back of the skull. Daisy put sicken force behind out of nowhere attack and took the ball while at it.
"Oh no! Get her!" Dean hollered, bringing to notice Daisy had the ball and ran towards her. Henry heard and assisted, approaching the royal from another direction.
Mario was about to join but hesitated, he caught her smirking standing in place not making an effort to move. He attempted to call his men back but they were too deep in.
The princess dropped to one knee and punched the asphalt, a ring of razor sharp orange crystal sprouted around her. The eruption caused the building of the rooftop they were playing on to shake immensely.
"Not as defenseless as I seem huh? She mocked feeling vindicated showing she could fight along with the best. Her crystal smash attack decimated Mario's trio of sidekicks, Dean broke down abruptly from the citywide earthquake, Kenny laid on an exact area where one of the six shards poked out striking him.
Henry walked to his pain, one of the massive crystals poked from under him. He soared in the air. Once the rising halted he peeked his eyes open, he was many meters from the ground, muted by fear he awaited the plummet.
Except the fall didn't happen, he still dangled as if gravity had taken the day off. Out of curiosity he took a glancing look behind him, beads of sweat slid down his face. Facing his back was the pointy tip of the shard, gulping the lump in his throat he trailed the rigid mineral downward to see himself caught in the middle.
He let out a girly screech so ear piercing people working overtime in cubicles could hear him from the other side of the metropolis. After screaming his lungs out he looked again and saw something. The crystal hooked under his armor shoulder strap that held his front and back body plate. He sighed in relief figuring he was not impaled.
But tranquility returned to fright as the crystal retracted. Henry hung in the air a little while longer before falling down. He crashed hard leaving a Henry sized crater in the field.
Back down Daisy queued up and flew in the air. She used the time to charge a megastrike in hopes of bringing her back from their three goal deficit. At the peak of her flight she raised her fist, crystals encased her arm. Once ready she smacked the ball with a strong fist breaking it into four.
Kingston clapped his hands applying all his focus on the four blazing balls. He punched the first one to oblivion setting the tone well, but the second and third tripped him up, slipping by him. The final one caused him no trouble pulling it from the air, finishing the quick time reflexes.
The Kritter was infuriated, slamming his foot down, that was four goals he let in today. He should have been better, his team, his friend and himself deserved better than he was giving them. He chucked the ball back shaking his head.
Daisy hopped and skipped for joy, her sidekicks surrounded her celebrating her two goal megastrike. Mario's sidekicks groan and moan, still feeling the aftermath of the Sarasaland ruler's crystal attack.
The Mushroom Kingdom hero went to each one assisting them up, Dean took the most time having to put him together but he did. Both teams realigned, one having more momentum but the red still held a one score lead five to four, all they had to do was squeeze the clock out to walk away home free with the win.
Thirty three seconds, a half minute in regular time of the five minute they were allotted remain. The game felt like an hour not one twelfth of one, Daisy definitely made him work tirelessly to keep up. But he would be lying to say he hadn't been enjoying himself.
Daisy was such a fun person to compete with whether seriously or recreationally. The relatable high class princess put so much forward leaving all she had on the field and he respected her immensely. The plumber jogged to center circle and passed the ball hopefully for the last time.
Kenny received the ball and passed the ball back to Dean. The reds' defender held the steel ball, Daisy approached at full speed. Their speeds were equal so Dean could stay safe knowing he couldn't be caught.
Daisy suddenly jumped in his path, he was caught by surprise and acted by digging his heels and doing a one eighty turn. The undead center back ran without thought, one wasn't needed all he needed to distance himself from Daisy.
His panic sprinting proved to be a miscalculation. Dean pinned himself in the top left corner of the pitch. He contemplated his compromised position thinking of a way out, until he sensed soft footsteps sending a chill down his spine.
"Why thank you, you trapped yourself all for me. You're too kind." Dean heard behind his shell already knowing she was mere feet away.
Dean turned looking for any escape. It was fruitless Daisy had him in her clutches getting ever closer. Seeing no other measure Dean drilled the ball down away from the both of them.
Kingston tapped his foot using it to keep the ball from moving any further. A good way of preventing goals to keep the ball as far as possible from the goal. Surveying the field he plucked out Mario. With a heavy kick the metal sphere spiraling through the night sky.
Mario waited near the halfway line for the ball to drop down. Birdo put the pressure pressing her shoulder against his. When the ball came down both jumped, the plumber got his head higher up by his superior jumping winning the header.
The ball rolled down to the right sideline, Henry slid in recovering the ball first. He bounced back to his feet keeping the ball securely with his feet.
Toad ran up on the Hammer Bro but he pulled his mallet out thwarting the mushroom away. To his blind side he was smack, Birdo traveled from Mario to Henry aiding her Toad teammate.
Tyler picked up the piece taking the ball they so desperately needed. The steel ball returned to Mario's side of the field. Neither side had items to dispose of, leaving them to use their wits and own devices.
Toad gave the ball off to Shy Guy who was set on the opposite sideline. Kenny attempted to steal the ball but the masked player hopped over his slide tackle past the red Koopa. Daisy's left fielder seek to conjure up his bullet bill special but was grabbed from behind by Mario leaving both to roll on the ground.
Dean came around to take the ball once again, he took the ball further out but was intercepted by the cyan Birdo. Picking the glowing yellow ball in her snout she pelted the ball ahead. Kingston knocked the ball away blocking the equalizer shot.
Unluckily for the reds the found its way to Daisy. She made her way closer and kicked her own shot. Kingston dove, he stretched out his arm as far as he could. Amazingly he shunned the ball out with the ends of his fingers.
The fully charged ball skidded to the top corner resting next to the high power fence. Mario lifted himself up and darted for the ball, Daisy caught up to him and passed him in the foot race. The princess of Sarasaland in the middle of the run held her foot out, tripping the plumber.
She played the ball in the middle crossing in the goal box. Tyler Toad pushed past Dean, leaping in the air he performed a diving header. This was it one last shot, a try that could fail or force the game to sudden death, it was all in the gloved hands of Mario's Kritter.
The moment felt like it was going in slow motion. Kingston noticed the ball aiming for the top left side, the ball was going too fast for him to run and block, he had to dive. He jumped using all the power his legs would muster and threw his arms out.
All eyes were glued to the red armored crocodile, all the pressure was set on him. He landed on his front, chest pressed against the rock rooftop. Raising his head, his eyes widened, he caught the ball!
Little time to process he stood up and figured out his next move. He heard a heartbreaking groan from the little mushroom in contrast with an awe gasp from the thousands in attendance. Kingston held the ball as long as he could before being warned, he punted the ball out. Before it could land the clock hit zero ending the contest.
The Fireballs earned the win over the Flower Petals five to four. It could not be understated how both teams played out there, full of drive and nailing every chance they were afforded.
In the triumph Mario tried to reach Daisy in all the commotion, he finally flagged her and walked to her.
"Hey Daisy, good game. You-a really are amazing!" the portly plumber complemented truly in awe of her skill.
"Not good enough to be you apparently," The usually peppy princess in a sour tone with a hint of dejection.
Mario never liked to see people he cared about feeling down, especially at the indirect actions of himself.
"Come on, that's-a not the-a Daisy I-a know. You-a had me and my team on the ropes, the-a game could have gone either way." the red captain said with a toothy grin.
The orange haired monarch couldn't stop from giggling, Mario was just too good natured to be upset with.
"I guess that's true, It's fine I'll just get you next time."
"What-a makes you think you'll-a win next time," Mario said in a friendly albeit competitive tone.
The two exchange an amiable hug. Their team followed the two's example and showed nice overtures. The fans cheered and applauded both evenly, grateful for their great performance and wholesome ending.
Halfway through already, the season only had Mario atop the standings with his five wins and zero losses. Daisy didn't fall too far, only dropping to second. The last five weeks would be rematches having to go against Waluigi next who the short plumber hadn't seen since the opening week.
Mario hoped to keep the good times going but could he do it for five more weeks?
Authors notes
Compared to the last update I pumped this one a lot faster, that's what happens when you're out of school heh heh. I look forward to write more of these and let's see where it takes us. You can expect the next chapters to come out a better pace not sluggishly anymore.
Besides that just stay safe till next time see you till then.