Semi Rounds Shenanigans
Hello once again! Thanks for stopping by and hopefully you've had a great Thanksgiving and I hope this will be a good way to round the mouth.
As always all rights belong to Nintendo and Next Level Games.
Now as the regular season came to a close, the next evolution of the game arrived. Single round elimination bracket games, the rules were simple. Win and move on to the next round, lose and your season comes to an end. Records didn't matter anymore, win out your remaining opponents and you'll be chosen to participate in a best of three championship series and a chance of etching your name in the record books.
The first leg of the journey began at The Vice. Longtime companions Mario and Yoshi strapped their cleats, winner being the first finalist of the knockouts and loser the first elimination of the playoffs.
The landmark stadium's surrounding weather consisted of gray clouds and a sliver sky. The world seemed to threaten rain however none dropped. A gloomy setting set for an undoubtable tense matchup.
A rather mediocre team of Yoshi's Eggs with a three win five loss and two sudden death loss record face an elite offensive juggernaut of a Fireballs team. Mario's team was awarded the golden boot for their unmatched scoring production with their three head monster of a trio of Mario, Kenny and Henry.
Stemming from their league leading offensive Mario was expected to win by a two and a half point spread on behalf of many bettors. But people knew an upset could happen, a prime time to shock the world. All the green steed needed was one win and the undefeated reds were out and he could advance ahead as the leader of the most improbable victory.
A sellout was achieved for the first round playoff game. Three hundred thousands from all kingdoms and walks of life packed into the venue. With the looming threat of witnessing someone be knocked out from the bracket added to the thrilling sensation from the fans' perspective.
The sidekicks and goalie ran onto the pitch from the two tunnels. Both sides entered with pride knowing they have earned the right to be playing another week. The spectators evenly applauded each team. Mario had more supporters as he had home field advantage, a right he earned for ranking number one in the standings.
"You boys better carry your own weight. I didn't endure ten grueling games to be sent home just yet." Kingston warned, attempting to put his teammates in the right mindset.
Kenny merely rolled his eyes. "Don't blow a gasket Kingston we'll be fine but I do appreciate your concern."
The crocodile walked off by then to his post but not so far to still let the Koopa miss his words. "Take it as you will, use my words as motivation if you need. We're equipped for something great." waving his back hand at the trio.
"Not the tone I would use to my friends in the playoffs?" Dean stretched his arms behind his head, tilting his head slightly.
"That's Kingston for you, never satisfied unless he can prove he's the very best." Kenny clarified for the gruff goalie.
Since the infancy of the creation of the Fireballs club only Kingston has been trusted with the mantle of goalie. Understandably the first few tournaments were a growing pains. Messy coordination, breakdowns in communication and Mario's leadership not being as inspiring yet.
Kingston became frustrated the reds' mediocrity trained his tail off. Along with himself the Fireballs tore the Super Bowser Cup with a thirteen and one record, tearing to shreds the rest of the competition in the playoffs.
Winning was at the forefront of the green reptile's mind. To him it didn't matter how they won only if they beat out their opponent. The well built crocodile never seems to enjoy the pleasure of the game being stone cold for the five minute timer. He also alienated himself from the original three Koopa setup of Mario's team.
By his cold shoulder Mario forced him to open to the rest of them. Kenny being one of the three Koopas became the closest to the unwelcoming reptile. With more time Kingston treated the team as family, all the hours they spent training and playing would force interactions.
After Henry and Dean's recruitment the crocodile returned to his unopened ways with the then rookies. The cycle repeated itself like deja vu for the left fielder, Mario requested his keeper to join in team building and he joined.
The newbie Hammer Bro and Dry Bones proved their worth in the goalkeeper's eyes and began to respect the fresh duo. After his first taste of glory being one fifth of the Fire Cup champions the goal stopper wanted more and being crowned Crystal Cup champion would suffice his hunger.
"He's just getting into the right mindset, how about we focus on ourselves instead." Kenny counteracted, calming the tense feeling in the air.
The players and viewers settled in prepared for the first round playoff. With two games on the same day Mario and Yoshi's game was pushed back for four thirty. A later time allowing the team more rest which would be used all during the contest.
Yoshi landed nicely on his game ready cleats. He presented his lightning fast punches, already setting the theme of the match. The dinosaur received a warm welcome, being associated with the Mushroom Kingdom's greatest hero gave you quite the boost in popularity.
His green trio of Koopa, Toad and Birdo gather around him in a show of intimidation. Henry laughed mockingly, the laughter startled the remaining two red sidekicks by his howling.
Wiping the tears from his eyes, he smirked with a devious glint in his stare. "Sorry but it'll take a lot more you huddling together to put us off our game!"
Yoshi's Koopa Troopa wouldn't let such disrespectful talk slip. "Just keep talking, you might think you're untouchable but we'll be more formidable than you could ever comprehend."
"Ooh 'comprehend' that's a pretty big word. We might have found you a rival for brain capacity huh Kenny?" The boastful hammer dueling turtle commented towards his friend who gave him a death stare.
The game hadn't even officially started and Henry had already given the opposing team fuel to use against them. Giving something to suggest someone had a chip on their shoulder only made them want to prove their detractor wrong. Kenny spoke firm and anger spilled from his mouth.
"Undermining our opponent is an idiotic move Henry! You're only giving them more reason to beat us. For once, forget about getting under rival teams' skin and focus on our knockout round game!"
Henry uncaringly rolled his eyes. "How about you calm down first. I didn't know a little jab could twist you in such a bad mood."
The left fielder was about to scream at Henry but he was caught by surprise. Their leader in red showed his face to the on edge crowd. The sight of his red cap made the stadium go into nonstop cheering. The high pitched screeches dwarf the sound of an airplane engine, all for one man.
"You know, I don't think I'll ever get used to Mister Mario's worldwide popularity." Dean commented, never failed by their Italian captain's overness with the common folks. Yet there he stood unfazed by it all, repeated exposure may have played a part in his calm demeanor to the admiration.
Mario adjusted his cap accordingly, the red hat felt snug on his brown locks. After worrying over his head cover his eyes wandered to the greens. Yoshi waved at the plumber immediately as their eyes connected.
He nodded back with acknowledgement with his distance in mind. Outside he would be up in arms with Yoshi but not with him now. A more ruthless striker type of game was upon them, knockouts.
No matter his bond with his loyal steed nothing would step in his way. He figured Yoshi wouldn't pull any punches so why should he? Mario felt he owed it to himself to go a hundred percent, yet more importantly he believed the green dinosaur deserved his best as well.
Mario knew the distress of losing, early in his soccer career it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Losing hurts, failing to best someone was a dagger to your pride as a person, competitor and friend. You want to avoid losing as much as you could, that is the philosophy Mario played by.
He foresees Yoshi brainstorming new tactics to surprise the plumber, breaking his groove and tempo. He could relate from countless hours of studying film and tendencies of the rival captains.
He rubbed the palms of his metal gloves preparing physically and mentally. He would not underestimate no one left in his path. Looking up from his hands he saw Yoshi already huddled around by team.
The sight reminded him to do the same, turning on his heels the mustached captain made his way over deep in his home half. He was given unwavering attention once his knee touched the grassy turf.
He thanked them before speaking his mind. "We've-a been through this-a before, don't-a let your nerves get to you. Just-a play as you-a always have and we'll-a be just fine."
Unknown to the Italian man, a certain hammer carrying snapping turtle wasn't putting his words to heart. Henry allowed the words to flow through one ear and out the other.
"Why is everyone so serious, all this commotion when we're most likely to blow out those green chumps." the red uniformed Hammer Bro thought.
Both sides formed their five men formations. The cameras, flying and grounded, had their work cut out for them this afternoon. Each side during the season hadn't learned how to take the metal of the petal. A Goomba referee blew a whistle held by his lips to begin a round deciding both admired captains' seasons.
Mario bested Yoshi to the waiting ball, the steed hadn't expected such aggression so early but realized he needed to match the ferocity. The plumber displayed the new found toughness by brutally grabbing Toad's face, grip firm and unbreakable. He swung his hand down burying the back of mushroom's head into the ground, a faint groan was muffled by his metal hand as he further pushed him down.
The plumber evaded, unpunished from a rapid overhead kick by Yoshi. The sudden attack spooked the hero so well he escaped without securing the ball. Within him realizing Yoshi dashed out of his range.
Yoshi moved on from Mario to someone almost his equal physically. Kenny slid, aiming for the dinosaur's feet. The green leader fluttered jumped over the danger, shaking his legs fast enough to maintain his air.
The Koopa didn't lose faith yet, returning to his feet. Acting out of pressure Kenny reached out, snagging a handful of rival captain's green and white tail. Yoshi yelped feeling himself being pulled back, halting his momentum. The steed landed rough as Mario's left fielder retook the ball.
Ten seconds had yet to pass and pleasantries were already thrown out. From Yoshi trying to concuss his dear friend to Mario's jaw dropping assault on the green Toad. Both teams had it out for one another.
Mario took a clean power shot but was defended by the Eggs' keeper. He punted the ball indiscriminately away arriving on Mario's left side of the field. Yoshi's Koopa trumped Henry in winning the header for the fall ball, passing it on to Birdo.
She was granted protection by the same Koopa Troopa who won her the ball by decking the red Hammer Bro behind the head. The bow wearing sidekick stroll through before the Fireball's right fielder could regain consciousness.
Running together the two Egg teammates went forward, the turtle leading in the front. Yoshi's lime skinned Birdo felt a blanket of safety surrounding her as she wasn't alone in the minefield of Mario's side. Her mind warped back to reality as her ears were invaded by an annoying clicking noise.
"Birdo watchout! Mario's Dry Bones is approachin- UGH!" the green shelled Koopa warned before being cut off. Dean was that Dry Bones the Eggs' balanced midfielder alerted before being smothered by a devastating check to the windpipe.
The only girl striker was caught in the collision as her Koopa teammate fell back on to her. She was trapped under the turtle by Dean continuing pushing the injured player. In the resulting moment she lost her possession of the steel ball allowing for easy picking for the undead defender.
Dean passed the ball off to Kenny who made the effort of traveling into Yoshi's territory. The reds' Koopa Troopa bounced and weaved by Yoshi and Toad with surprisingly snappy movements considering the heavy shell he carried on his back bogging him down.
Kenny desperately kicked a desperation shot. Once again the Fireballs' were denied by the Eggs' Kritter with a stylish dive. A sigh of relief left Yoshi's mouth, two close attempts failed for Mario and the underdogs were lucky to still have a tied contest.
Henry so far was a mix of alarmed, sore and mortified. Alarmed because his thoughts of the Eggs were severely incorrect. Sore from his punch to the back of his neck he sustained from Yoshi's Koopa. Lastly mortified of how badly he and his side were struggling against a far inferior squad in his eyes.
If they could only battle at equal footing against a team lower than them in every category and statistic that matter how would they fare with Daisy? Even during a minor panic attack Henry's mind would always seem to loop back to the pretty princess. However his caution was warranted, Sarassaland's adored icon's team struck fear as a dominant force. A favorite to be crowned champion.
Henry contested Birdo, his luck with the species had been rather unfortunate. Birdos seemed to be his counter, he struggled around them. His style of play happened to be stomped out by the bow wearing dino's power and patience.
His stubby range was pitiful in direct comparison to Birdo's monstrous leading head tackle. Approaching with his hammer was a lose situation so his one and only plan was foiled. All he had now was to camp her out until some assistance.
His eyes were locked on the lime female player. He was wary of rushing her head straight fearing of her inescapable pirouette. Henry had lost count of the times he was dragged into the move being spun around as if he was trapped in a washing machine.
His hand was forced by Birdo taking the initiative of the time wasting stalling. The almost always headstrong Hammer Bro jogged backwards, out of character for the red right fielder.
Behind the green powerhouse the help Henry hoped for was arriving. Kenny was bolting along the sideline chasing after the ball carrier. The Hammer Bro had a grin plastered on his face. Birdo had an uneasy feeling by the creepy smile, he was in the disadvantaged but he didn't display fear.
She felt a danger nearing, as if eyes were staring daggers at the back of her head. She snapped her head back, finding Mario's Koopa speeding towards her. She froze by how close he already was to her, she was a sitting target, she was helpless.
Panic subsided as she remembered she wasn't defend less. Her nerves settled aside as Kenny sprinted closer into her plan. When the turtle was at arm's length she twirled, the mini vortex drew Kenny in. After a second of spinning she disposed of Henry's closest friend in the electric fence.
"Oh man, now I really have to wing it." the right fielder told himself in his head. Only he could reasonably halt Birdo's power shooter still had her attention on Kenny, maybe he could sneak by her senses and tackle her down.
He dashed, pedaling his legs across the turf. His running was subpar, compared to speedster like Dean he was molasses in comparison. But in time he was quickly approaching, readying his mallet in a tight grip.
He hadn't expected to frighten the girl but sure enough she yelped seeing holding up his hammer. Not knowing what to do she shot the ball out her snout. The ball beamed Henry square in between the eyes. He fell down gripping his head rolling in pain.
AHH! What the hell!" Mario's right fielder screeched clearly, not anticipating such a response.
"Oh, um, I meant to do that..," Yoshi's Birdo claimed sheepishly, sweat dropping at her obvious lie.
"Hey! Don't forget you're in the middle of a game you dunce!" a heckler yelled from the stands, unclear his alliance towards either team.
Birdo escaped her trance and stared in the area the voice sounded from. "Oh would you quit it. I was only admiring my brilliant work."
After speaking her case she brought the ball back in her mouth. Two of the reds' players handled all left was the always stubborn Kingston. Birdo could expect no favors from the opposing goalie, he was cunning so she would need something to score against him.
She found an undisturbed area, close to the net however far from Kingston and his teammates. The female player swallowed the ball, her chest puffed as her head tilted back.
Kingston's brow raised, he had no clue exactly she was planning. His fingers wiggled in anxiousness.
Soon his worst fears were called. Birdo spat out an enormous egg. The hard boiled Birdo egg was flying fast towards Mario's goal. The Kritter was helpless, there was nothing he could do!
The giant egg flattened Kingston, breaking on impact on him and the post holding the net. Inside the white shell the ball busted out, it fell into the goal uncontested. The buzzer sounded off confirming the score.
Birdo skipped about happily, waving to an adoring crowd. She shattered the stalemate with her shot allowing the green underdogs to lead. It had taken over half the game to see their first goal, two minutes and fifty six seconds to be exact.
Two minutes and four seconds were paused on the scoreboard. Mario saw the one zero deficit while returning to the ball kickoff. He was miffed by being down of course however he kept a cool head not allowing overwhelming emotions to faze his mind.
During the plumber's run he stumbled into an unaware body. The person unfortunate enough to block Mario's path fell down by the bump.
Mario wasn't affected by the collision, his eyes fell upon some he didn't expect, Henry. But sure enough there his right fielder was laying. He made the move to grab his arm and forcibly lift him to his feet.
Once sure Henry could stand by himself Mario aired his thoughts. "I-a didn't see you Henry, I-a didn't mean to- '' the plumber halted his speaking, noticing Henry not listening. His eyes were fixed on the ground and half closed devoid of spunk the Hammer Bro displayed at every moment.
"Oi Henry are you-a listening to me?"
Hearing his name being said Henry's gaze raised to the plumber. "Oh um, were you talking to me boss?"
Mario's jaw hung dumbfounded. "Henry! I-a ran into you and knocked you-a over."
Henry gave a puzzled face, clueless to the red plumber's words. "Oh you ran into me? I didn't notice."
Him questioning the bump confirmed Mario's suppositions. His offensive minded sidekick was distracted, by what he did not know however he was certain someone or something was bothering Henry.
"Is-a something bothering you?"
"W-what nothing is bothering me, in fact I'm as calm as a blender!" Henry stuttered out, he attempted to sound undeterred but utterly failed.
"That-a simile did not even make sense, tell me what's-a bothering you!" Mario said in a stern tone not allowing the Hammer Bro to tiptoe around the issue.
Henry lifted his hands in front of him, panicking inside. He was caught and knew he would be forced to speak. He explained how they were losing to someone they shouldn't statistically be down versus.
To the right fielder's shock Mario lightly chuckled at his worrying statement. "Henry, do-a you ever-a listen to me?"
Confusion from Henry was clear to the plumber, his sideway looking eyes were a dead ringer. "Of course I do…, sometimes." he added the last with a shameful whisper praying Mario would miss it.
The mustached captain chuckled once more. "Never underestimate your-a opponent. Yes we-a technically 'better' then Yoshi but-a that doesn't-a matter," he used air quotation to drive his point before resuming his speech.
"In the postseason nothing-a matters, except-a winning. Don't-a overlook anyone, in-a this setting we are all equals. So-a don't-a be ashamed." Mario placed his hand on the snapping turtle's shoulder staring into his eyes, forcing him to listen to his words.
"Let's-a go and turn this game around!"
Mario turned back and left to his starting position. Henry stayed motionless, flabbergasted Mario was correct once again. If he didn't idolize the man he would loathe him for being right all the time. But his words did return some of his spunk and he was prepared to do whatever it took to win.
The reds started steady, Mario allowing his sidekicks to ease back into their groove. It would have been foolish acting as everything was fine. The home side needed some time to relax and figure their next move.
Their chance blew open when Kenny tossed a bob-omb tearing up the grass. The middle was obliterated, green grass was replaced with uneven dirt and ash. Yoshi and his green Koopa were caught in the blast effectively making it a five vs three.
Kenny, who also had the ball, traveled through the battle area. He had a tricky time, where once he could run without second thought the red Koopa Troopa now had to process in his head if each step he took would be stable.
The giant smoke cloud surrounding the blast zone also hindered Kenny, his vision shortened and his breathing made difficult. He would need to rely heavily on his hearing to weed out incoming opponents,
His ears heard the sound of footsteps growing loud, Kenny came to the conclusion someone was approaching him. It could rather be friend or foe, caution was of the utmost importance.
The turtle traced the footsteps to the area he heard them. A silhouette emerge in the gray smoke, he squinted his eyes to see if he could make out any features. Kenny could only the person running happen to be wearing a large bow.
The left fielder's eyes popped, out of the hiding dust cloud Birdo launched head forward. Kenny narrowly stepped aside mere centimeters from being on the end of a devastating headbutt. After the girl striker struck the ground Kenny used the time to bolt.
This reckless action was the opposite choice the clever Koopa would take but desperation led to rash decisions. Out in the distance he saw another figure, the most oblivious trait was a sharp beak mouth. His eyelids raised once again, not in fear rather in jubilation.
"Henry!" Kenny shouted, his voice having traces of relief.
"Don't give my location out like that! Pass me the ball Kenny, I'm open!"
Mario's Koopa passed the ball, aiming for Henry's outline. The ball showed itself from the smoke rolling ahead to the Hammer Bro. Unlike Kenny running into the open middle, Henry swung around the slower route avoiding the unseeable centerfield. His plan worked like a charm avoiding the green Eggs.
The rejuvenated Hammer Bro captured the ball, securing the metal ball he approached as close as he could to the greens' net. He reached for one of his mallets prepared to tie the score.
All of a sudden something slimy wrapped around his waist. Henry's face dropped in horror, turning his head behind him when he saw Yoshi. From all reasonable accounts the green leader should've still been out cold. Somehow he recovered and aimed to make Mario's Hammer Bro his early bird special.
Henry churned his legs into the ground, dirt flying as he ran in place. Yoshi reeled the red right fielder ignoring his resistance. The dinosaur swallowed his tongue, fishing Henry off his feet pulling him faster towards him.
"No! How does this always happen? Think Henry, Think!" the desperate Hammer Bro shouted at himself. All he had was his right handed mallet he pulled before being licked by Yoshi.
Then the lightbulb went off and an idea formed in the hammer tossing turtle's head. While he was being pulled in the air Henry twisted his body, facing the dinosaur eye to eye. He waited before swinging, he would only have one opportunity at escape making the dilemma tense.
Thankfully Yoshi hadn't noticed the black head hammer, hidden from his eyesight. Just before Yoshi could suck him in, Henry swung down his hammer smashing against nose. After a second to process the counter the green and white steed fell to the turf gripping his nose while releasing Mario's power shooter from his pink slimy chain.
Henry ran back towards the ball resuming where he left off. After his close encounter he wouldn't take any chances, he jumped high and littered tens of hammers at the green goalie. Burying him under so much weight the Kritter couldn't stand up allowing Henry to score on a wide open net.
Tying the playoff game not long after being behind Henry swung the momentum back over to Mario. Demonstrating their ability to play while behind the Fireballs were far from out of it. Both sides returned to their sides while Yoshi moved to the middle, his round snout was visibly bruised but not enough to sideline the lovable animal as he kicked off the ball.
Barely under a minute elapsed from Birdo to Henry's score. A minute and thirty seven seconds stood, the game would be decided on a nail biter of a finish. Mario trying to prove he was the best. For Yoshi winning would undoubtedly silence his doubters and add prestige to his team.
The greens carefully held onto the ball deep in their territory. The Eggs played a sort of keep away game against the Fireballs. Allowing the clock to wither away with each second passing on the scoreboard.
The ball was soon poked out by Mario after Yoshi misstepping his boundaries. A mosh pit ensued for the loose ball, luckily for the Eggs, Toad somehow left with the ball back in the grasp of greens.
Once out of the fight the mushroom attempted sprinting away from all the strikers. He ran fast but forcibly stopped. Mario collided with the speedy runner punching him with his shoulder. The lime Toad had a rough day, being Mario's personal punching bag with the plumber landing his second nasty check on Toad.
Mario soon afterwards was struck down by a free flying green shell. Birdo was the culprit responsible for the attack, forcing the plumber to fall to his hands. The female passed Mario and Toad, inhaling the ball in her mouth as she ran ahead.
Barely within her field of vision she could see Henry dashing towards her. If history repeated itself, the Hammer Bro would rush in attacking with no plan. All she needed to do is time her vortex twirl and she would be rid of Henry.
As she predicted Henry jumped at her and as the bottom of his cleats left the ground she began to spin. The leaping snapping turtle grabbed the pirouetting dinosaur holding onto her with a tight grip.
"Impossible! He's managing to hold on without flying off me?!" Birdo thought, astonished at the Hammer Bro's sheer will to hold in. "If I want to throw him off I need to throw it into high gear!"
Birdo sped her twirling to the fullest, Henry started yelling but refused to budge. The red right winger swore his face was ripping off from the intense wind pressure, his head began to become dizzy however he was still holding on.
Birdo began suffering the side effects of her continuous spinning. Dizziness and her energy reserves were almost empty. Without noticing herself she started to slow down her spinning unable to maintain the speed.
She wobbled uncontrollable, swaying side to side with the added weight belonging to Henry clinging to her back. Her eyesight became a mess of moving and shaking objects and colors.
Henry, a victim of similar headaches, somehow survived Birdo's twirling blowing him off. His vision was skewed but not too messed up to be able to see somewhat. He revealed a hammer, weakly raising the whacker over his shoulder.
"Aim and trust your gut." Henry thought to himself before striking down on the crown of Bidro's head.
She fell down, her face crashing into the dirt turf. Henry rolled off as well breathing heavily. Standing was out of the question all Henry could hope for was for his team to capitalize and take the lead before closing his tired eyes.
Kingston sprinted out of his goal box collecting the ball. Grabbing the metal ball in one hand the crocodile returned to the goal he guarded, he looked out for someone wearing red. Dean soon appeared in the Kritter's vision.
The defensive Dry Bones received the ball and started moving. After he passed the ball away he was on the end of a bone chilling tackle by Yoshi's Koopa, breaking his skeleton body.
Kenny took the sphere dashing along the left sideline trespassing into Yoshi's half. The Eggs' captain harassed the red Koopa attempting to trip and push him off balance. The turtle pivoted on a stop cutting around the green steed, throwing him off his trail.
"This isn't optimal, I need to figure a way to get the ball out of Yoshi's reach, whether the ball stays with me or with someone else." the turtle left fielder thought in head, the Fireballs were on the cusp of a chance taking their first lead.
"Yahoo! I'm open!" The message was shouted far from the bottom sideline. Mario waved his hand wildly capturing Kenny's eyes instantly, all by his lonesome. The Koopa sent the ball soaring, reaching the plumber.
The red daredevil smirked knowing the ocean of free space. Using the circumstances to his advantage Mario kicked the ball up in the sky. Yoshi's Koopa ran and tried halting the plumber but he was pushed back by the wind blast caused as Mario launched in the air.
Mario's skin soon turned to iron withstanding the immense heat of the sun. His superpowered steel foot broke the ball six ways, sending at a stunning speed towards Yoshi's goalie.
The Eggs' goalkeeper focused and spotted each metal ball and sprung into action. The crocodile stopped the first four shots with swift and athletic diving. At first glance it seemed Yoshi's goalie would have himself a megastrike shutout, until cracks in the armor began to show. He miscalculated the fifth and sixth ball allowing two goals in the six shot attempt.
The score was now three to one, Mario's advantage. For the first time the Fireballs led, not behind or tied but ahead. With nineteen seconds left to play the number one seed in the playoffs the Fireballs couldn't have selected a better time to pull ahead.
Yoshi and his three sidekicks attempted a quick megastrike but were snuffed out with shells and bombs. The clock ended and so did the game, Mario won three one over Yoshi advancing to the finals and eliminating the green dinosaurs' from the knockouts, the first of two to be decided that day.
Mario and Yoshi embraced afterwards, their bond too tough to be broken over the outcome of a sports game. The crowd cheered for the fantastic display of soccer both teams showcased. Bettors were the only disappointed, ones who betted on the Fireballs lost because the reds didn't cover the two and a half spread
Later
Mario returned to his modest home off the beaten path. By the time he arrived it became dark outside, sooner since the cold weather months. He was changed out of his striker uniform and armor back into his casual red turtleneck and faded overalls after a necessary shower.
The plumber walked into his living room encountering his teammates where he expected them to be. He invited the four over to watch the upcoming match which would determine their next opponent in the finals. Either Daisy or Waluigi would go on to the next round of competition and Mario was anxious to see who would.
"Flower princess is playing on her own turf huh, it's her game to lose with her overwhelming odds." Kingston pondered out loud, explaining Daisy's advantages in her fast approaching match.
"I agree wholeheartedly Kingston." Kenny spoke, causing all to look at him. "The sensible choice would be Daisy, however Waluigi could somehow win. If Yoshi could almost best us, Waluigi certainly can as well."
A snicker escaped the mouth of Henry finding something amusing. He was sitting on the floor against the armrest of Mario's old sofa.
"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say you're joking Kenny. If not, you're clearly insane or something." Henry's laughing grew louder, tears were leaving his eyes and down his face barely breathing.
"What's-a so funny?" the plumber asked the explosive guffawing Hammer Bro. He didn't notice anything particularly amusing. No one among the five said anything close to a joke nor the TV was happening to show something comical.
Henry wiped the waterworks with the back of hand. "It's hilarious to believe we'll be facing anybody but Daisy next week!"
"You never know Henry, remember, 'any given Sunday' anything can happen." Dean the Dry Bones countered, not wanting to doubt the lanky purple perpetrator.
"Shh Shh Shh it's about to start!" Kingston silenced his talkative competitions, sinking deeper into the green recliner in Mario's living room to watch the upcoming contest of striker soccer.
All postponed their talking and showed their full attention to the TV. The broadcast was at the Palace, filled to the brim with fans in every seat available. It was an orange sea of Flower supporters, no spec of a Waluigi fan. The crowd and field overwhelmingly sat in Daisy's corner to win.
Four minutes and thirty six seconds later
Shocking most everyone the purple pest was managing his own against the preferred princess. The defensive slug match was at a tied, two goals for each team. All the members of the Fireballs were on the edge watching in pure anxiety.
Waluigi stole the ball from Daisy's Toad sneaking in with a blazing slide tackle. The mustached defensive leader streaked past all the orange side approaching the royal's net.
Boo signaled for the ball going invisible instantly as he was given the metal sphere. Before the ghost was found the horns throughout the stadium blared, the sound used to alert a score. Most everyone believed the sound to be a technical mistake, it was impossible for Daisy's team to score where the four purple all stood without the ball, Boo was still missing and were unable to find him.
Suddenly an evil cackle was heard, the laugh exposed the aspersion's location. He was floating well within the Flower's goal with the ball below him. Winning the crucial game for Waluigi and knocking out the orange princess from the playoffs.
The world seemed to halt spinning, the color from everyone's face drained in terror witnessing Waluigi's gloating. Mario's mouth slightly hung as his bottom lip quivered. Henry was on the verge of tears indicated by his periodic sniffing.
While his eyes were still watching the screen the plumber noticed something that caught his eye. The cameras all focused on the purple pest soaking in the negative reaction, mocking the crowd with obscene hand gestures. He strutted over to Daisy, she was sitting down hugging her knees to hide her face from view.
Waluigi laughed jeeringly pointing down at her. What happened next mortified and boiled an anger deep inside the red hero. Wario's partner in mischief began to crouch chop at the once peppy princess.
The rude gesture was clearly a jab at Luigi, disrespecting his love. Mario without thought tighten his fist. The indirect shot at his brother and Daisy's innocence in the conflict anger the plumber deeply. The finals weren't now much more than a game, it was now personal.
Author's Notes
Sorry for the delay but here's to me being able to put this out. I hope the next update doesn't take as long but I can't promise fully. I have nothing else to say of importance so I won't hold any of you any longer then necessary, have a good one!