HEADS-UP
2021 is about to finish up pretty soon, and there have been a lot of great moments each of us had. Well, despite the bad times the world went through (not going to list what they are). Anyway, let's get into my New Year's special, Looking to the Future.
...
It's December 31, 2001 at 11:55 PM, five minutes before the year 2002 would begin. The Mushroom City Star Rise was planned to commence at 11:59, a one-minute period where a Jumbo Star time structure would rise up a pole toward the sky. All but Mario were gathered in the central plaza called Great Square for the annual ceremony.
Why wasn't Mario at Great Square, though? Because he wanted to take it easy for the last several minutes of the year, and not have to deal with tens of thousands of rowdy people below. So, he chose to observe the Star Rise from a faraway six-story balcony alongside Peach.
"Well, 2001's been one heck of a year for me," Mario said.
"Same," Peach agreed. "I'm sure there's been a lot of stuff that happened for both of us."
"You think I can list all my favorite moments off within four and a half minutes?"
"Maybe. Maybe not," Peach answered. "Can't say how fast you can name them."
...
Meanwhile, at Great Square, the Ladiberds rock-and-roll band were playing their famous hits amidst the energetic atmosphere. All of Mario's friends (i.e. Luigi, the Wario Bros, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong) were also partying the night away, yet it was a bit hard to converse with each other due to the loud music.
"I feel pretty good about the New Year," Luigi said. "You guys have any resolutions?"
"Yes. I plan on ensuring the Mushroom Kingdom's safety more," Toad stated. "Like, all the Toads out there? They just stand by and do nothing if Bowser invades the kingdom, letting you and Mario do all the work. Someone else has gotta do something."
"I know you can do the job too," Luigi assured Toad. "My advice is to look back at all of me and my brother's adventures, and bring new ideas to the table. You know, figure out how to stall Bowser to make it easier for us."
"I'll come up with some ideas."
...
"By far, my best moment was when Luigi faced his fear of ghosts like a Ghostbuster last September," Mario said. "But he had a vacuum instead of a Proton Pack."
"Who would've thought?" Peach giggled. "But I'm glad you made it out in one piece."
"Me too. And I learned not to fall for a fake mansion contest win. It wasn't Luigi's fault."
...
A few minutes later, Toadsworth stepped onto a small stage in front of One Great Square with two Toads at either side.
"Hello, everybody!" Toadsworth announced. The crowd started cheering, ready for the big moment. "I can see you all are ready for the New Year! Tonight, we're celebrating one of the greatest shows here at Mushroom City!"
Toadsworth checked his watch, which indicated it was 15 seconds before 11:59. He beckoned the Toad on his left to approach a yellow podium with a white button.
"Oh boy! It's actually happening!" Yoshi exclaimed.
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong vocalized (because they can't speak human), agreeing that they're just as excited as everyone else.
Just then, a boom sounded from above. The Jumbo Star started rising up the pole with pyrotechnics firing at every second of the one-minute countdown. The crowd cheered even louder.
...
Mario and Peach stood up from their lounge chairs upon seeing the Star Rise.
"What's your resolution, darling?" Peach asked.
"To not be as cocky as I was before," Mario replied. "Don't be stupid to get myself in danger."
...
"45 seconds!" Toadsworth called out.
Initially, the pyrotechnics were colored red, but turned a different color as the seconds ticked away. Now, they turned bright orange.
...
"My resolution is to stay positive all the time," Peach said. "I don't want to worry about it being the end of the world every time something bad happens."
"Good for you."
...
A TV screen near the roof of One Great Square read the number 30 and continued to count down. The pyrotechnics turned yellow and the Jumbo Star was at the halfway point.
"Am I shaking?" Luigi asked, feeling his hands trembling.
"You are. Are you good?" Red Yoshi wondered.
"Um... Yeah. I'm fine."
Deep down inside, Luigi wasn't sure if 2002 would be totally positive. What if Bowser has a brand-new plan up his skin? When will he enact it?
...
Mario turned to Peach and held her hands, looking her in the eye. "I love you, Princess Peach. Can't stop saying it, but I do."
"I love you too, Mario," Peach said with a smile.
...
"15!" Toadsworth shouted.
"14!"
"13!"
"12!"
"11!"
...
Here it goes, Mario thought, glancing at the Jumbo Star.
...
The pyrotechnics turned white and the Jumbo Star let out bright yellow flashes.
The crowd at ground level counted down as loud as they could.
"10!"
"9!"
"8!"
"7!"
"6!"
"5!"
"4!"
"3!"
"2!"
"1!"
An arena horn sounded just as the Jumbo Star reached the top, keeping its bright yellow glow. On the top of the pole, a neon sign reading "2002" turned on simultaneously.
With everyone shouting, "Happy New Year!", four confetti cannons fired, letting loose about 1,000 pounds of tinsel.
Usually, the Mushroom Kingdom national anthem would be played right as the New Year began. But at Mario and Luigi's request, the song "Auld Lang Syne" was played instead.
...
Upon hearing "Auld Lang Syne", Mario locked lips with Peach. Both kissed each other for several seconds before they ended the kiss.
"Happy New Year," Mario said.
"Thank you," Peach replied. "I can't wait for what's to come."
"Such as?"
Peach thought it over, but couldn't come up with any predictions. "I don't know. We'll just wait and see."
Mario looked at the Jumbo Star atop its pole as well as the confetti raining down on Great Square. He then gazed at the night sky, which was illuminated by a full moon.
Thank you for making 2001 better by wintertime, God. Please let 2002 be a good one.
...
AUTHOR'S NOTE
And that completes my last fanfic of the year 2021. Hope you enjoyed this oneshot. I have confidence that 2022 will be another major improvement of the last two years. Until then, have a Happy New Year, everyone.