Chapter 12: The Delusions of a Tyrannical King
After the night of the lengthy discussion in the Royal Lounge, Mario and his friends had since enjoyed an entire week of peace and quiet. Considering everything that had happened since the night of the Star Festival, it was without a doubt a well deserved respite from the ordeals of their adventures.
Link had actually been up before dawn every morning to spar with Katan T. The Toad Brigade executive had developed great admiration and respect for Link after his impressive demonstration during Kammy's assault on Peach Castle. Lana T., who had been on night shift for a majority of the nights during that week, enjoyed watching them spar in the courtyard as her shift came to an end.
After Link would train with Katan T., he would take a shower (usually under a waterfall near the castle) and then he would help the castle chefs prepare breakfast for everyone. His afternoons would then be spent mingling with the others, asking what they were up too, and often joining in on the fun. And, if everyone was busy, he would nap under a shady tree, or practice his archery. He would keep this up until it was time to help the chefs with supper. At night, Link was more of a reclusive fellow. He was rarely seen, as he would be holed up in his room drinking sake (usually Chateau Romani, or more recently, Indigo Moon) and reading something about just about anything under the sun.
Rosalina had spent an embarrassingly large amount of time playing video games that week. She had slept about half as much as everyone else had over the course of the week. She instead opted to play games in the darkness of the Royal Lounge, with nothing but the light of the TV screen flickering over her illuminated face in the late hours of the night. Eventually, usually around 4 AM, she would fall asleep right there on the coach of the Royal Lounge with the game console still operating. However, since Peach enjoyed watching the morning news with her cup of tea in the morning, after the third day she had to tell Rosalina that she needed to migrate upstairs to her bed before going to sleep. Sometimes people would even join Rosalina to play video games. Daisy and Peach each had perhaps once or twice, but most often Mario would. The odd occasion Link would join in, but he would mostly watch. She really enjoyed when he would watch her, even if he didn't understand a thing about what was going on.
You wouldn't even see Luigi's face until supper time, and even then he would be in bed before everyone else. Luigi had been training every day at the crack of dawn with The Master at his dojo, as well as hitting the city gym in the afternoons. Luigi was already making some decent progress in his strength, even after a single week of training. In the evenings, he would often hang out and converse mostly with Mario, Daisy, or the Toads.
Mario took it easy for the most part. Finally provided with a bit of a break, he slept in almost every day and was not conservative with his food portions during any of the delicious meals that were provided each day. He would spend his afternoons playing video games with Rosalina, or sometimes when Peach was really busy, he would help her out by running into town to get something that she needed. He wasn't completely unproductive however, as he underwent rigorous training with Geno almost every night.
Geno had been holed up in the Library for nearly the entire week, learning about anything and everything that might be useful in combat and strategy. Navi would often join him, and the two of them would eagerly share knowledge back and forth with great excitement. Geno was fascinated with how knowledgable Navi was, especially with respect to Hyrule. At nightfall, Geno would train or spar with Mario while using the things he had learned that day, which would often -but not always- provide him with enough leverage to gain the upper hand. Navi would always be spectating with great interest.
After the night of the news interview, Daisy was reclusive at first, but quickly started to warm up to everyone again. She would often head into the city for the day on her own (usually to shop), chat with the others, or watch sports. During her lone journeys into town, one of the Toad Brigade executives or Captain Toad himself would serve as an escort. Back at the Castle, Daisy would play tennis with Luigi, Mario, or Link, mostly. Once she had actually managed to get Rosalina on the court, who lasted a whole 90 seconds before declaring what a pain the entire sport was. At night, she would frequently gossip with Peach in her room about the others, or she would listen to Peach vent over something spicy that had happened that day at work.
Princess Peach had the least amount of relaxation that week, without a doubt. Since the contentious news interview between Pauline and Jolene about the terrible attack on Mushroom City by Wario and Waluigi, she found herself wrapped up in all sorts of political affairs. When she did have some free time, she would spend it tending to the damaged Castle Gardens (usually with Mario helping), chatting with the others, or hanging out with Daisy. During the last week, Peach even had the chance to speak with Pauline about the interview.
Pauline was all smiles. Since her interview with Jolene on MK News, the common census among the public was that Pauline had saved them all from a terrible attack from a couple of crooks who were trying to start a war between the X-Nauts and the Mushroom Kingdom, and that the media was idiotic and fear mongering. As false as it was, they had bought into her story, and commended her for keeping her cool against such a "hot headed" interviewer. Paulines already decent approval ratings of about 65% were now greater than 90%. With her recent success with the public, combined with her new Goddess Star abilities, it all made Pauline feel as though she was on top of the world.
Peach and Pauline worked very close together with certain matters and therefore had to maintain a good relationship. However, for Daisy's sake, Peach did eventually summon up the courage to confront Pauline about what she had said about Daisy during the interview with Jolene. To Paulines credit, she was very heartfelt, apologetic, and reasonable with Peach. She apologized for the fact that it seemed like she was diverting the blame for Daisy's continued exiled state on the fact that Peach wasn't taking any action. Her defense was that Jolene was losing the argument and had started bombarding her with other arguments in order to try and make her say something stupid, and that she doesn't actually blame Peach for Daisy's continued predicament and realizes that it's a very complicated issue. In terms of how she feels about Daisy, Pauline told Peach that she was trying to seem impartial on television with her political relationships, and that she really does feel bad for Daisy and care for her. Peach told this to Daisy afterwards.
As for Daisy's stance on the matter, she did not admit that what Pauline had said to Peach made her feel better, but her mood did start to improve substantially afterwards. Even so, she did not approve of Pauline lying on behalf of the X-Nauts, or her rather cold disposition towards the current issues that she and Sarasaland were currently facing.
Mushroom City was fully operational again, and there have been no signs of the X-Nauts or the Koopa Troop anywhere since the day of the Bombastic Carnival. Pauline, as already mentioned, was still working in Mushroom City while Grodus has returned to Sarasaland. As for Bowser and Kammy Koopa, who could say what they were up to? Probably something devious.
The story continues precisely one week since the attack on Mushroom City.
/
Despite how different everyones activities had been throughout the week, tonight everyones schedules would intersect for a common event. Princess Peach was throwing a party at the Castle. Peach would almost always throw formal parties, where the castle would be adorned with expensive decor, and fancy catering would be served as a proper welcome to various visitors from all over the Mushroom Kingdom. Tonight however, was different. Princess Peach decided she would be keeping it casual, and strictly between close friends. She figured that this was the best way to celebrate all of the new friendships that had been made recently, as well as a great way to kick off the beginning of their long and exciting adventure together.
Much to Daisy's dismay, Peach had planned on inviting Pauline. As a result, Daisy's mood was much lower for a few hours during the afternoon, but in the end, Pauline had politely declined the offer anyway. However, Toadette, the pink female Toad advisor for Mayor Pauline, had shown up upon being invited. She was a pleasant girl, as well as a close friend of Peach, Captain Toad, and many members of the Toad Brigade.
The first floor of Peach Castle was a sea of Toads. Many of the Toad Brigade members were conversing with great cheer over lots of ale. They would smash their beer steins together merrily, which caused bits of foam and liquid to splash onto the checkered tile around their feet.
(The floors are going to be so sticky...) Peach thought with a sigh, standing near the sun emblem at the Castles entrance with Toadsworth, Toadette, and Captain Toad.
"I say, cheer up, Princess!" Toadsworth urged, having already had a glass of brandy himself. "You look quite glum. Yes, quite glum indeed."
"Yeah!" Toadette cheered, with a hand. "It's a party!"
"Don't sweat it, Princess!" Captain Toad encouraged gleefully, with his fists on his hips. "This is supposed to be fun, after all!"
Peach faced them with a smile. "Of course. You are absolutely right."
"Indeed! Now! I am going to get myself another glass, I think." Toadsworth declared with a raised finger. He marched away proudly afterwards. "Yes, another glass indeed."
"We should keep an eye on him, huh?" Toadette giggled.
"Oh, let him have his fun tonight." Captain Toad suggested, almost as though he personally was granting it. "What could possibly go wrong?"
The three of them couldn't help but giggle together as their imaginations carried them away.
/
Lana T., Katan T., and Ax T. were conversing at a nearby wall. The large Ax T. was drinking hearty portions of ale from a massive beer stein. Lana T. had the most radiant sunshine yellow beverage you could imagine, equipped with a little purple bendy straw. Katan T. had nothing but folded arms.
"Look, my drink is yellow!" Lana T. laughed, presenting the frosty beverage to the other executives. "Y'know, just like our executive colours? Isn't that like, totally cute?"
"Cute? It looks like you are drinking snow that a dog got to first." Katan T. calmly countered, leaning against the wall.
"You know what? I can totally handle you tonight. I'm just like, SO happy that Princess Peach let me be excused from night duty." Lana T. smiled, sipping some of her beverage happily. "I haven't had a night off in like, forever! So bring it on!"
"Yes, well..." Katan T. continued. "With me awake, there's no need for night duty."
"Riiiight." Lana T. sang, nodding so enthusiastically that it could only be interpreted as mocking. She gave a baby face and spoke with a pout, reaching for his bicep. "Because you're so big and stwong now that you've been twaining with Wink!"
"Stop that." Katan T. snapped, pulling his arm away as Lana T. and Ax T. laughed. He leaned towards her with a tiny space between his thumb and index finger. "I am this close to awakening the Triforce of Wisdom, you know."
"The what?" Lana T. barked, unable to comprehend.
"Nevermind." Katan T. concluded, turning his cheek dismissively.
"Geez, can't you lighten up for just one night?" Lana T. sighed. She smiled afterwards. "Come on. Let's go get you a drink."
"Absolutely not." Katan T. declined, flatly. "I will not drink that poison and hinder my senses."
"Come on~..." Lana T. sang, claiming one of his arms. Ax T. claimed the other, and they proceeded to walk off with him. "Let's go and have some fun."
"What? Hey! Desist!" Katan T. cried, aghast. "Release me! Ax T., you have betrayed me! What about the oath?!"
/
While the Princess and the Toads were out partying in the castles 1F main area, the others were inside of the Royal Lounge having some of their own fun. Mario, Luigi, Daisy, and Link were seated at a round high table, about to have a poker match. Geno and Navi were also at the table, but they were planning on spectating. Rosalina was nearby on the red couch with her knees on the cushion, pouting with her arms hanging over the back while holding a GameCube controller in her slumped hand.
"Doesn't anyone want to play with me?" Rosalina groaned.
"No Rosalina, we're playing poker." Daisy flatly declined, while shuffling the cards. She was drinking a bottle of the same ale that the Toad Brigade were out making a mess of the floors with. "Join us or miss out."
"But I don't wanna play poker..." Rosalina sulked, with a pouting lower lip.
"But you've never even tried it before!" Geno shrieked, raising his hands in defeat.
"You don't know that." Rosalina declined, harshly staring down Geno with narrowed eyes.
"You've only been awake for about a week." Geno persisted. "There's just no way you've played poker in the last week!"
"Well I have, and I don't like it." Rosalina dismissed, turning her cheek.
"Come give it a try, Rosalina." Luigi encouraged.
"No." Rosalina flatly declined, seated forward with folded arms now.
"Come on Rosalina, it'll be fun." Mario added, with a hand. He was seated between Daisy and Luigi.
"No." Rosalina persisted, as stubborn as ever.
"Mario is just about to go over the rules." Link added. He already had a cup of Indigo Moon sake poured for himself. "If you want to join, now is the best time. Maybe we could all play a video game afterwards?"
Rosalina was silent for a short moment. "Well, as long as we play a game together afterwards, I guess I'll try..."
Daisy was trying not to laugh as she took a drink. She set her bottle down with a big smile.
"Wow, Link! Your words are like magic!" Daisy praised. She was seated between Mario and Geno. "We should have you tell Rosalina what to do all the time!"
"Heeey, what's that supposed to mean?" Rosalina whined, taking a seat between Link and Luigi.
"Oh, nothing." Daisy sang, smiling toothlessly at Rosalina.
With that, Mario proceeded to teach everyone (save for Luigi and Daisy) how to play a game that he used to play back home called Texas hold'em. They had a few practice rounds just so people could get used to it, and then they started to play for real. Geno picked up on the game rather quickly, and so he decided to join in as well. Navi eventually left to mingle with Peach and the Toads. Much to everyones surprise, Rosalina was actually finding it fun. Perhaps a little too fun.
"Alright, hit me!" Rosalina demanded, slapping her hand onto the table. Mario was dealing the cards.
Rosalina had already surmounted a huge pot. The current totals were as follows:
(This order also describes the order of seating, starting from Mario at six o'clock, and moving clockwise around the table.)
Mario (dealer): $25,232
Daisy (small blind): $28,007
Geno (big blind): $3,901
Link: $25,101
Rosalina: $35,500
Luigi: $11,990
"How much was big blind again?" Geno questioned, scratching his head.
"Thousand' coins." Mario answered flatly, wearing sunglasses.
"Oh boy." Geno sighed, tossing some chips into the pot reluctantly. "I don't have much left."
"You're a dead man." Daisy snickered, tossing in the mandatory small blind of $500.
Everyone then examined their cards. (H,D,S,C = hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs, o = of)
Mario: AoC, KoD
Daisy: 9oC, 4oH
Geno: 2oC, 7oD
Link: QoC, QoS
Rosalina: ?
Luigi: 5oC, JoD
"What are you gonna do?" Mario asked Link.
"Hahaha!" Link laughed, tossing $1,000 into the middle. "I might as well call."
"Raise." Rosalina immediately sang, tossing in $3,900.
"Grrr, would you stop raising on the pre-flop?!" Daisy growled. "That's like the fifth time!"
"Girl you know me." Rosalina snapped. It was almost as if she was a different person when she was playing poker.
"Fold." Luigi groaned, tossing his cards.
"No damage done, right?" Mario laughed, matching $3,900.
"I'm not letting you bluff your way out of this one." Daisy growled, matching $3,900.
"Wait, so if I want to play, I have to match that, right?" Geno clarified, scratching his head with a wooden finger.
"Yup." Luigi nodded. "Total $3,900, so you need to add another $2,900 if you want in."
"$2,900?!" Geno squeaked, raising his hands in shock. "But that would only leave me with... a single coin!"
Geno then pointed at the giggling Rosalina with a scolding wooden finger, an unimpressed expression on his face. "Heeey, you did that on purpose, didn't you!"
"Hahaha!" Link guffawed. "Rosalina is quite ruthless when it comes to poker!"
"Aww, man... I fold." Geno sighed, forfeiting his hand. "I would have anyway, just so you know."
"I'm sure you would have." Rosalina taunted. Geno nodded proudly in agreement, unable to sense her sarcasm.
Link added another $2,900 in order to be in for the first hand. The current positions and totals were as follows.
Mario (dealer, in): $21,332 / AoC, KoD
Daisy (in): $24,107 / 9oC, 4oH
Geno (folded): $2,901
Link (in): $21,201 / QoC, QoS
Rosalina (in): $31,600 / ?
Luigi (folded): $11,990
Pot: $16,600
Mario then revealed the flop: 9oS / 4oC / 7oD
The second round of betting was in play, with Daisy required first to bet.
(Hey, I have a two pair!) Daisy thought to herself, doing her best to keep a straight face. She thought for a moment. "Check."
"I'll bet $6,000." Link announced, placing the money in the pot.
"I'll raise it to eight." Rosalina immediately announced, tossing the money in the middle.
"Matching eight." Mario announced after a short pause, sliding a stack of chips into the center.
"Oh yeah? Two can play at that game, you know!" Daisy eagerly announced. "Raising it to $10,000!"
"Wow, really?!" Geno gawked, his maroon eyes rolling up and around once in thought. He shrugged. "You guys sure are crazy!"
"Hahaha! This is turning out to be a hot round!" Link laughed, adding another $4,000 to the pot.
"Nooo problem." Rosalina slyly sang, sliding another $2,000 into the pot.
Mario thought for a moment, and then silently tossed another $2,000 into the pot.
Mario (dealer, in): $11,332 / AoC, KoD
Daisy (in): $14,107 / 9oC, 4oH
Link (in): $11,201 / QoC, QoS
Rosalina (in): $21,600 / ?
Pot: $56,600
Mario then revealed the turn: 9oS / 4oC / 7oD / 2oH
Another betting round commenced. Daisy was required to bet. She paused for a moment.
"Watcha gonna do? Watcha gonna do?" Rosalina teased, holding her cards close to her chest.
Daisy said nothing, calling $1,000. The turn was quite dull, so everyone matched it plainly.
Mario (dealer, in): $10,332 / AoC, KoD
Daisy (in): $13,107 / 9oC, 4oH
Link (in): $10,201 / QoC, QoS
Rosalina (in): $20,600 / ?
Pot: $60,600
Mario then revealed the river: 9oS / 4oC / 7oD / 2oH / 4oD
Daisy's eyes lit up. She tried her best to not look happy. (I can make a hand from two 9's and three 4's... that's a full house!)
"It's your bet." Mario reminded, with a hand.
Daisy cleared her throat. "$5,000."
Link said nothing. He was examining his cards, trying his best to not look pleased as well. (I can make a two pair with queens high from this... that's without a doubt the strongest two pair... no opportunity for a flush or straight, either...)
"Raise to $8,000." Link announced.
"Wow, it's getting hot in here!" Geno laughed, tugging on his blue collar jokingly.
Rosalina was silent for a moment. She looked up at Daisy with a devious smirk. She slowly pushed her entire pile of chips towards the pot, then said two words rather succinctly.
"All. In."
"Seriously!" Geno cried, hands on his head in horror. "Boy, I'm sure glad I folded!"
"LIKE IT WOULD HAVE MADE ANY DIFFERENCE!" Daisy scolded, her teeth sharp for comedic effect.
"What, so everyone has something, huh?" Mario laughed, scratching his head. He tossed his cards. "I fold."
Daisy was silent. She glanced at her cards, then at the table.
"What are you gonna do, Daisy?" Rosalina teased, talking like a baby. "Chicken out? Mooooo!"
"Erm, that's actually how a cow sounds, Rosalina." Luigi corrected.
Daisy continued to think deeply, her blue eyes trembling in concentration. (I have a full house... There's no better hand here, right? She's totally bluffing again!)
"All in!" Daisy declared, pushing her entire chip pile into the middle.
"Oh my gosh, she's doing it!" Geno squeaked, fists clenched at his chin with excitement.
Peach and Navi had then entered the room.
"Guys, guys!" Geno cried, waving them over immediately. "You gotta come see this! It's about to go DOWN!"
"Alright, alright." Peach softly eased, walking over to watch. However, she seemed as though she had something else on her mind.
"Link?" Mario grinned, hands behind his head as he leaned back in his seat.
"Hahaha!" Link laughed, quite confident in his hand. "Why not! Let's make this a true showdown! All in!"
"Hoooo boy!" Geno cheered, rather riled up. He jumped onto the poker table and pretended to speak into a microphone. Daisy, Rosalina, and Link each stared at each other with eyes of upmost determination.
Mario (folded): $10,332 / AoC, KoD
Daisy (ALL IN): / 9oC, 4oH (Full House) / (Odds = ?)
Link (ALL IN) / QoC, QoS (Two Pair) / (Odds = 0%)
Rosalina (ALL IN) / ? / (Odds = ?)
Pot: $114,508
"Alriiiiight folks we've got three players going all in! The pot is sitting at a grand total of 114,508 coins!" Geno announced, with great cheer.
"Oh dear..." Peach sighed, resting her hand against her face thoughtfully. "I do hope that this is not real money you are playing with..."
"Who's going to win?" Navi cheered, her fists clenched with excitement.
"It's tiiime for the SHOWDOWN!" Geno exclaimed, with a raised wooden finger. He pointed forward with one maroon eye closed. "Now! Let's see what you've got!"
Daisy revealed her hand. Among the five cards on the table and the two in her hand, she was able to create:
9oS / 9oC / 4oC / 4oH / 4oD
"Full house!" Daisy cheered, with a raised fist. "Booyah! Read it and weep!"
"Wooo, go Daisy!" Peach cheered, clapping happily.
"Nice going, Daisy!" Navi cheered, with clenched fists with excitement.
"And Daisy hits first with the full house!" Geno exclaimed, spinning on a wooden boot and twirling like a tornado. He stopped abruptly with a wooden finger pointed at Link. "Now! Let's all see what Link is bringing to the table!"
"Hahaha!" Link laughed, setting forward his two queens to make a two pair with the 4's on the table. "Looks like I've been defeated! Well done!"
"Wow, that's really rough." Mario laughed, apologetically. "I would have bet on that, too."
"Oooooh, and unfortunately Link is defeated since the full house trumps the two pair." Geno frowned, shaking his head. "A valiant effort, Link. Give it up for Link, everybody!"
"Would you just hurry it up already?" Daisy growled, eager to see Rosalina's hand.
"Alright, alright, geez..." Geno sighed. He stood tall again, resuming his announcer persona. "Well then! We now come to Rosalina, who basically started this whole mess! She was betting high all the way from the pre-flop onwards, but can she back it up? Or was it all just one big bluff? The time has come, folks!"
Rosalina looked rather nervous. She was sweating with an uneasy frown on her face.
"She's bluffing!" Daisy grinned, with folded arms. "I got the full house, there's just no way she's gonna top that!"
"Sure looks that way." Luigi laughed, noticing how nervous Rosalina was getting.
"W-Well..." Rosalina started, nervous sweats raining down her forehead. She was trembling up and down in her seat like a jackhammer. "W-What if I told you..."
Rosalina then revealed her two cards: 9oH / 9oD
"THAT I ALSO GOT THE FULL HOUSE, BITCH!" Rosalina screamed triumphantly, her arms raised high.
Among the five cards on the table and the two in her hand, Rosalina was able to create:
9oS / 9oH / 9oD / 4oC / 4oD
Which is also a full house. However, since Rosalina has 3 9's and Daisy has 3 4's, and 9 is higher than 4, Rosalina had the stronger hand.
Daisy had an aghast expression upon her face as she gripped the table. She looked like she was going down the first big drop of a roller coaster.
"W-W-… WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!" She cried.
"Oh dear. Is that bad?" Peach quietly asked, with a hand delicately curled near her chin.
Navi winced, speaking with one eye closed and clenched teeth. "Err, judging by her reaction, I think that it's safe to assume so..."
Link nearly spit out his sake laughing upon seeing that Rosalina had the opposite and stronger full house.
"Wow, that's unbelievable!" Mario gawked.
"Talk about rotten luck for Daisy." Luigi sighed, snapping his fingers.
"I don't believe it!" Geno cried, announcing once again. "Just when we thought Daisy had it in the bag, Rosalina reveals a hand that gives her just the slightest edge! The entire pot goes to Rosalina! What a round, folks!"
"Awww, yeah! How do you like them apples?" Rosalina smiled gleefully, fists against her hips confidently as she was radiating beams of joy and confidence. "I'm the poker champion!"
"...Nobody ever say "full house" to me." Daisy growled, her fists clenched at her sides.
While Daisy emit steam and the giggling Rosalina claimed the massive pot with a double armed scoop, the others continued to talk about how unbelievable of a round that was. Finally, Peach felt that she now had the liberty to speak what had been on her mind.
"You all have been holed up in here for the entire night so far." Peach stated, with conviction. "It is time for you all to come out and see the others now, would you not agree?"
"Alright, fair enough. I guess this is better time than any to cash in, huh?" Mario suggested.
The others agreed. The final results were as follows.
Mario: $10,332
Daisy: $0
Geno: $2,901
Link: $0
Rosalina: $114,508
Luigi: $11,990
The cash conversion worked such that $1,000 was equal to one coin. Numbers were rounded to the nearest 1000. The final cash winnings were as follows. (The total coins were 140, with 35 coins as an entering fee for everyone but Geno and Rosalina, since they had no money.)
Mario: 10 coins
Daisy: 0 coins
Geno: 3 coins
Link: 0 coins
Rosalina: 115 coins
Luigi: 12 coins
"Hehehe!" Rosalina chortled, utterly beside herself as she examined the glowing gold coins with dollar signs for eyes. "I'm rich! I'm rich, I tell you! Rich!"
"Good game guys." Mario nodded, accepting his very modest winnings of 10 coins.
"I've had better." Luigi groaned, accepting his 12 coins.
"I've got nothing to my name but some good memories!" Link laughed, raising his glass. "Cheers, everyone!"
Daisy was facing downwards with comedic tears streaming down her eyes. "I was so close… so close…"
"Hey, I won three coins! That means I didn't come in last!" Geno cheered, holding up the three coins proudly. He looked and saw that Daisy was depressed. He thought sincerely with a hand on his chin. "Hey, it's okay, Daisy. Would you like one of my coins?"
"SHOVE IT!" Daisy scolded, her teeth sharp with raised fist clenched.
"Let's go, everyone." Peach encouraged with a hand, exiting the Royal Lounge.
"Awwww, but I wanted to play video games now." Rosalina whined. "You guys said we could after this!"
"Later, Rosalina." Luigi declined, stepping away from the table and heading for the exit with the others. "Let's go mingle with the crowd now. It would be rude to stay in here the whole time."
Rosalina folded her arms with a pout. However, she didn't put up any fight. Everyone proceeded to exit the Royal Lounge, entering the main 1F area.
/
The main area was absolutely packed, with lots of conversations going on. Rosalina was last to exit, and she stood behind Daisy with a devious expression.
"Hey Daisy. Looks like a full house, wouldn't you say?" Rosalina snickered.
"Shove it." Daisy silenced, stomping her toes with a hard heel.
"Y-Yeowch!" Rosalina squeaked.
Over the next hour, Mario and his friends had mingled with various people at the party. Since Toadette had to work early the next morning and things were starting to get rowdy, she said her hello/goodbyes to everyone before leaving. Luigi, Link, Geno, Navi, Ax T., and Captain Toad were having a great conversation by the railings near the 2F entrance. For the most part, they listened to Link and Navi talk about Hyrule, as Luigi and the Toads were highly curious about it and had many questions. They also asked Link and Navi what they think about the Mushroom Kingdom. Link couldn't help but mention how colourful and unique it was, and how it was so different from the more "natural" and "earthy" landscapes he was more familiar with back home.
The topic of conversation eventually made its way to Geno. He lectured to them all a little bit about Star Road, as well as the powerful warriors there who serve the Goddess. Luigi was astounded to learn that the Goddess also had the name Zelda, even after Link had explained to him that Princess Zelda of Hyrule was in fact named after the Goddess.
Mario, Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina had a much more interesting situation on their hands. Gathered at the lower level of the 1F near the kitchen, it appeared that Toadsworth may have had too much brandy this evening. He was somewhat uneasy on his feet, and was much more talkative than usual, a feat which Daisy would have doubtlessly wagered impossible.
"Mario! I do say, I must say, we are quite safe with you around." Toadsworth nodded, offering his hand. "It's always a pleasure."
"Well thanks Toadsworth, I appreciate that." Mario nodded, shaking his hand.
"Good lad!" Toadsworth praised, with a hearty fist. "Yes, good lad. That Bowser never stands a *a-hic* a chance, does he? Not with you around, no no."
"Really, it's no big deal." Mario laughed, rubbing the back of his head with uncertainty.
"I say, bring it on, Bowser! You know something? You know something? He could attack this Castle, right now, and I wouldn't be the least bit concerned." Toadsworth declared, with a shrug. He raised a finger, turning his head to survey everyone. "In fact, I bet you I could handle him myself! Yes, quite a smashing battle that would be, indeed! Wouldn't you say, hm?"
"Err, Toadsworth?" Peach summoned, with concern.
Toadsworth turned to find that Peach and Daisy were looking at him. Daisy did not look impressed, her arms folded.
"Oh! Princess!" Toadsworth exclaimed, genuinely surprised. "How nice to see you! When did you show, hm?"
"Umm, we've been here the whole time?" Daisy reminded, with a shrug.
"Really? Is that so, Daisy?" Toadsworth genuinely inquired, as if he had just stumbled upon an incredibly interesting fact. "I say, you do look quite charming tonight."
"Okay. Let's head upstairs now, okay?" Peach gently ordered, claiming one of his hands gently. Daisy had claimed the other, and they proceeded to escort the elder Toad up to his room on the 2F.
"Tally ho, and off we go!" Toadsworth laughed, as the Princesses carefully guided him up the red carpeted stairs. "And what fun this has been, oh yes!"
With Daisy and Peach escorting Toadsworth away, Mario and Rosalina were left alone. There was an awkward pause.
"Well, that was something." Mario awkwardly laughed, breaking the silence.
"Yeah... something weird." Rosalina oddly smirked.
Mario looked around while rubbing the back of his head. "Erm, hey, are you thirsty? I can get you something from the kitchen, if you want."
"Chocolate milk, please." Rosalina requested, somewhat bashfully.
"You sure love that stuff, huh?" Mario grinned. "Alright. I'll be back in just a sec."
With that, Mario left for the kitchen. Rosalina was left all on her own. She started to suddenly feel some negative emotion. Although she did not realize it herself, she was feeling social anxiety.
"Umm, this is weird..." Rosalina frowned, looking around nervously. "I'm just gonna go to my room now."
And with that, Rosalina climbed up the red carpeted stairs, and proceeded to make her way to the 2F level.
/
Mario was inside of the kitchen, whistling a familiar tune while using his foot to keep the fridge door open as he poured some chocolate milk into a clear glass. The counter was a mess from all of the various drinks that had been prepared there throughout the evening. He put the chocolate milk back, and then proceeded to exit the kitchen with the glass. Then, he heard something strange. It was the springing sound of a diving board, followed by a partially muted splash. Someone was in the pool.
/
Beyond one of the main doors of Peach Castles 1F level was a swimming room containing an olympic sized pool. Currently, it was only occupied by Lana T. and Katan T., who were dressed in bathing suits and laughing loudly as they gripped the edge of the pool while in the water.
"Like, I can't believe you didn't think I was gonna push you!" Lana T. laughed, giggling into her hand. "I totally got you!"
"And I can't believe that you didn't think I was going to splash you for it!" Katan T. laughed. There was much more life in his voice as he spoke just now. He was much less serious and tense.
"Hehe, well how about I tell you a little secret." Lana T. cooed, moving closer. She spoke with a low, harsh whisper. "I was planning on going in anyways!"
"Oh yeah?" Katan T. challenged. "Well then, how about a race? I bet I can get to the other side faster than you can!"
"Bring it!" Lana T. challenged, with conviction. But Katan T. was already off. Her eyes widened. "H-Hey! No fair!"
/
Mario was back in the main area of the 1F, but he didn't see Rosalina anywhere. He surveyed the room with a glass of chocolate milk in his hand.
"Hmm... I wonder where she went?" He thought out loud, tapping a brown booted foot.
Everyone was too preoccupied with their conversations to notice that Mario was alone. Mario's eyes widened as he recalled that he heard someone in the pool room when he was inside of the kitchen.
"She wouldn't have jumped into the pool, would she?" Mario hypothesized, shaking his head afterwards. "Nah... well, then again, it is Rosalina."
Curious, he approached the door and proceeded to open it slowly. To his surprise, he saw that Lana T. and Katan T. were alone and swimming together.
/
Katan. T was laughing as he held onto the opposite side of the pool. Lana T. did not look impressed as she finally had caught up to him.
"You lose again." Katan T. grinned. "But it's no surprise, for I am as quick as the wind of a hurricane."
Mario was watching the scene unfold silently and secretively from the doorway.
"Again with the wind..." Lana T. dismissed, catching her breath. "I'm too tired to splash you."
"I must admit, I am quite tired, too." Katan T. agreed. "It's that damn crap that you made me drink."
"Aww, but you're having so much fun!" Lana T. cooed, swimming closer. She was suddenly very close to him. "I can see it in your face..."
"T... That's-" Katan T. stammered. He was blushing brightly.
She placed a finger on his chin and lifted his head up a bit. She looked into his eyes with a hot stare. "Let's have some more fun..."
With that, she closed her eyes and proceeded to lean in for a kiss. Katan T. closed his eyes, and suddenly found that he was kissing her.
Mario's eyes widened, and he proceeded to try and exit from the doorway quietly. However, before he could escape, a large group of Toad Brigade members started stampeding towards the door like a horde of Yoshis.
"Heeeey, Mario's got the right idea!" One of them yelled. "Let's go for a swim!"
"Party in the pool!" Another cried.
"A-wa-wa-wa! A-wa-wa-wa!" Mario cried, his hands flailing in the air until he got trampled by the passing horde. The ground was shaking, with dust flying up high.
Lana T. gasped, immediately ending the kiss and creating some distance between them. Katan T. was slow on the uptake, taking much longer to process what was happening. His eyes widened with horror once he saw a horde of booze-fuelled Toad Brigade members charging towards the pool.
"RUN! I MEAN -SWIM!" He cried.
With that, Lana T. and Katan T. proceeded to swim for their lives, narrowly avoiding the barrage of Toad cannonballs and meter high splashes that majorly perturbed the poolside.
Mario was flattened face down against the castle tile at the doorway to the pool, with black footprints all over his body. He popped back into shape, standing up with stars dancing around his head. "Mamma mia..."
/
Rosalina was walking timidly towards her bedroom door, when suddenly she heard the laughter of Peach and Daisy coming from a nearby room. It was Peach's room, and the door was just slightly ajar. Light was radiating out through the thin opening.
"Oh, that's too funny." Daisy snickered, laughing a half-suppressed laugh into her hand again. She was sitting with her back against Peach's bed, with her elbows pushed into a fluffy white pillow that was placed upon her lap. "*snort* And now it's so obvious, too."
"I am so awful for telling you, truly." Peach giggled, sitting criss cross on a round pink floor mat that was beneath the two of them.
"Hey. What are you guys doing in here?" Rosalina questioned, standing at the door somewhat stiffly.
"Oh, Rosalina!" Daisy smiled, her blue eyes lighting up brightly. "Come in, and close the door. We were just having some girl talk."
"Girl talk?" Rosalina inquired, closing the door behind her slowly. It shut with a gentle click. "What's girl talk?"
"It's when girls talk about girl stuff." Daisy explained. "You know, like gossip, or secrets."
"Have a seat." Peach implored, waving a hand to an empty space on the mat.
Rosalina sat down with them, rubbing her head somewhat nervously.
"Umm, I don't really know how to do this." Rosalina shyly admitted. "And I also don't know any secrets."
"Well, you're about to learn some." Daisy grinned, with bright eyes. "Like, did you know, that Mario and Pauline used to date?"
"Wait... who's Pauline again?" Rosalina slowly asked, with her finger on her chin in thought.
"The one on the news broadcast the other day, remember?" Peach reminded, with a hand.
"Hmmm..." Rosalina thought deeply. Her eyes lit up very slightly upon remembering. "Oh yeah... the pretty one... wait, doesn't she have a Shadow Realm?"
"Well, we don't really know the full story on that yet." Peach defended.
"Hey, is that why Mario was defending her when you guys were accusing her?" Rosalina asked. She smirked deviously. "Ooh, does he still like her?"
Peach suddenly blushed slightly, not seeming very impressed with the direction this conversation was going. "H-Hey, now wait just a minute-"
"I'm not sure, but do you want to know a big big secret?" Daisy smiled, her face beaming. She spoke quietly. "Apparently, a long time ago, Mario asked Pauline to marry him! Apparently she said no!"
"Whoa, Daisy!" Peach scolded, very flustered now. "You weren't supposed to tell her that! You are not even supposed to know that!"
"I won't tell anybody." Rosalina assured, shaking her head no.
"Relax Peach, it's cool." Daisy eased, although she did speak with regret in her tone. Peach was facing away with closed eyes and folded arms. "Rosalina is cool, she won't say anything."
"If this gets around, Mario is going to be very upset." Peach warned, with a pointed finger. She was speaking with a much more serious tone than usual. "And it will be my fault. Do you understand?"
"L-Look, I'm sorry, okay?" Daisy sighed, with a frown. "I shouldn't have said anything."
"Umm... this isn't very fun..." Rosalina frowned.
"Ohh, it's plenty fun." Daisy dismissed with a hand, livening up again. "Let's just change the subject."
"Well, okay..." Rosalina accepted, albeit reluctantly.
There was a short pause.
"Sooo, Peach and I have noticed something about you lately." Daisy giggled, with a teasing expression.
"Huh? What's that?" Rosalina barked, shifting her attention between the two of them. "Heey, if this is about me playing more video games than usual, I'm not about to slow down! I'm right in the middle of-"
"Oh hush, it's not that." Daisy assured, hushing her with the wave of her hand. "It's about Link."
"H-Huh?" Rosalina barked, suddenly blushing crimson. "L-Link? What about Link?"
"We suspect that you might have a bit of a crush on him, Rosalina." Peach informed. "That's all."
"Ohhh, so that's what having a crush on someone means! That makes so much more sense now." Rosalina thought to herself, with a hand on her head in relief. She suddenly waved her hands in protest with widened eyes. "I-I mean, I don't have a crush on anybody!"
"Oh come on, Rosalina." Daisy laughed, with a dismissive eye roll. "You can tell us. We won't say a word."
"I'm not telling you." Rosalina declined, shaking her head. "I-I mean, there's nothing to tell."
"Really?" Peach inquired, her eyes widened with great interest. "But you sounded so interested the other day when Link started talking about Princess Zelda."
"S-So!" Rosalina retorted, anxiously.
Rosalina was blushing crimson, gritting her teeth as Daisy continued to carry on with Peach.
"Oh-ho, yeah! You even asked him if she was his girlfriend!" Daisy recalled, gently snapping her fingers.
"Now why would you want to know that?" Peach teased, acting puzzled. "Tee hee!"
"I was just wondering, that's all!" Rosalina insisted, her fists clenched.
"Well if you were only just wondering, why are you getting so worked up now?" Daisy challenged.
Peach and Daisy continued giggling as Rosalina growled with anger.
"Sorry, Rosalina." Peach apologized, giving her mercy. "We're only teasing you. We are truly happy for you, no matter what."
"You can tell us anything whenever you feel like, okay?" Daisy assured, with kindness. "No sweat!"
Rosalina was facing slightly downward and to the right with folded arms. She had a soft blush on her face, but she wouldn't admit to them that it was because of their heartfelt words.
/
Mario had joined Geno, Link, Navi, and Luigi in their conversation with Captain Toad and Ax T. out near the entrance of the castles 2F level. Luigi had only just realized that they were now the only ones around.
"Hey, where did everybody go?" Luigi questioned, surveying the deserted party floor while scratching his head with a gloved finger.
"The Toad Brigade have stormed the pool." Mario informed. "Peach and Daisy went upstairs awhile ago. Not sure where Rosalina went, but she's probably playing video games in the lounge by now."
"Is it just me, or do you guys feel a... powerful tremor?" Geno questioned, with an unmistakable uneasiness about him.
"Must be the others carrying on in the pool just below." Mario dismissed, with a shrug.
"Hmm..." Geno pondered.
"I'm going to go get myself some more to drink. I'll be right back." Link informed, excusing himself from the group.
Link was heading towards the kitchen all by himself. He had made it just before the kitchen doors when suddenly, something happened that stopped him dead in his tracks.
"U-Urk!" Link harshly grunted. His eyes had suddenly widened, as if he was focusing intensely on something. The Triforce of Wisdom was glowing brightly on the back of his hand. He heard the sound of a familiar female voice.
Link... Come back... to Hyrule...
Link gasped. He knew that was Princess Zelda, without a doubt. Princess Zelda had used her spectacular Triforce of Wisdom powers to communicate with Link from this far. And what a huge energy cost that must have been, Link thought. His eyes were widened, trembling as he stared forward blankly.
(...What do I do?) Link thought.
Link looked up at the railing where his new friends were conversing. They appeared to be in the middle of an engaging conversation, save for Geno, who was still in deep thought. Link looked at the main doors of Peach Castle.
(I need to think alone for a minute...) Link decided, making his way towards the double brown doors.
Only Navi and Geno noticed that Link had gone out through the castle entrance.
"Hey, what's up with Link?" Navi questioned, her hands behind her back as she flew next to Geno's head.
"No, something definitely isn't right..." Geno thought out loud, his eyes narrowing at the double brown doors. "Wait here!"
"Huh?" Navi barked, watching as Geno ran down the red carpeted stairs and towards the double brown doors Link had just gone through. "Geno? Geno!"
"What's up with Geno?" Mario asked, everyone now paying attention to his exit and Navi's distress.
"I don't know, he and Link just suddenly went outside." Navi explained, clearly stressed.
"Hey hey, it's alright." Captain Toad eased. "I'm sure it's nothing."
"You guys wait here." Mario ordered, proceeding down towards the main entrance. "I'll go check it out."
/
The moon was full and bright tonight. And although Link had stepped outside into the late night in order to clear his mind, he would be granted no such luxury. The Hylian Hero was standing at the end of the stone bridge near the dirt path, looking up at the sky in dumbstruck awe.
Geno was walking up to him from behind, also looking up at the sky with an awestruck expression. He stopped at Link's right side, and the two of them continued to stare up at the sky, speechless.
The double brown doors leading to Peach Castle had opened for a third time that minute.
"Guys?" Mario called, closing the door. He started jogging towards them. "Guys, what are you do-..."
But his speech was cut short by what he saw up there in the sky. He was standing just a bit behind them and on their left, the expression on his face just as awestricken as theirs.
Flying above them was a massive structure which sat upon another massive structure. The upper structure was a familiar dark and creepy castle, which rested on smooth stone cliffs that served as the flat top for the lower and more massive structure. This "carrier" structure was a giant hemisphere painted like a clown copter. It was made of stone and had two massive, spiky iron balls swinging from its left and right sides. A massive rotating spiked iron ring below somehow kept the entire structure floating. It was unmistakable that this was Bowser's Castle, and it was unmistakable that it was flying.
Bowser's Castle was flying.
Mario, Link, and Geno looked like ants as Bowser's Castle smothered Peach Castle and the entire castle grounds in shadow.
"It's... Bowser's Castle!" Mario informed, gawking at the floating structure above.
"It's massive!" Geno exclaimed.
They each gasped as they suddenly saw two giant mechanical arms with Bowser claws for the hands extending from the left and right sides of the lower structure. The left arm proceeded to extend further, with an open hand that was reaching for something in the upper level of Peach Castle. Mario turned and saw that a single room on the bedroom level had lights on.
"He's going for Peach!" Mario cried, his fists and teeth clenched with anger.
"What? Really?" Geno cried, getting into a fighting stance.
Link reflexively closed his eyes, and the Triforce of Wisdom proceeded to glow on the back of his hand.
/
"Well, this has been fun." Peach smiled complacently, her palms pressed flat together with fingers skyward. They were each standing now. "We should all hang out like this more often."
"Yeah!" Daisy agreed, with a clenched fist and hand on her hip. "I think so, too!"
But before Rosalina could respond, the Triforce of Wisdom suddenly started to shine aggressively on the back of her hand.
"Ahh!" Rosalina cried, her head bursting with pain. She held her head with weakly clenched teeth. "L-Link?"
"Rosalina!" Peach gasped, her eyes widened. Daisy was alarmed as well. "Oh my, are you alright?"
"A warning?" Rosalina stated, not entirely understanding. Finally, the information came to her senses and her eyes widened. "G-Get down!"
"What?" Peach gasped, as the mechanical Bowser fist suddenly smashed through her bedroom wall.
Rosalina had already dived onto the ground, and was laying flat with her hands protecting her head. Peach and Daisy, however, were standing helplessly with their hands weakly raised in protest. Their eyes were widened, their legs frozen stiff. Before they could react, the mechanical Bowser claw had grabbed the two of them with one quick swoop. Sensing the two squirming bodies in its grasp, the mechanical arm proceeded to retract.
Rosalina remained safe on the floor of Peach's destroyed bedroom, trembling with fear. Part of the wall separating Peach's bedroom from Toadsworth's had been destroyed. The old steward was snoring soundly, as if nothing was happening at all.
"Oh yes, succulent seafood indeed..." He muttered.
Rosalina then brought herself to a stand, and proceeded to run as fast as she could towards the main entrance.
/
Mario, Link, and Geno gasped as they heard the helpless cries of Peach and Daisy coming from the massive mechanical Bowser claw that was retracting back into Bowser's Castle.
"EYAAAAAAAAAAH!" Daisy cried.
"MAAAAAAAARIIIIOOOOO!" Peach cried, waving to him desperately with the one arm she managed to wiggle free.
"PEACH!" Mario cried, running forward onto the dirt path. He eventually halted, kicking up dirt as he aggressively slid to an abrupt stop.
"BWAHAHAHA!" Bowser laughed from way up above, standing upon the highest balcony of his castle. He was dressed in a white tuxedo and was wearing a white top hat. "Booyah! Got the Bride, and I even got the Maid of Honour! That was way easier than I thought!"
"Bowser!" Mario cursed, clenching his fists with anger.
/
Luigi, Navi, Ax T., and Captain Toad were startled by the loud sound of Rosalina barging through the 2F doors. Exclamation marks appeared over their heads as they saw the distressed Rosalina running past them.
"Rosalina?" Luigi summoned, scratching his head in confusion. "Hey, what's going on?"
But Rosalina did not answer. She continued to run towards the main entrance.
"We should go!" Navi suggested. "Something definitely isn't right."
There were no objections. The four of them immediately went after Rosalina to see what all the commotion was about.
/
Rosalina, Luigi, Navi, Ax T., and Captain Toad all ran out of the castle. They arrived behind the others with mixed expressions of horror, awe, and despair.
"It's Bowser!" Captain Toad cried, with great dismay. "And he's got Princess Peach and Princess Daisy!"
"So you really do plan on marrying Peach, huh?" Mario realized, now in a fighting stance. "Tch! Not on my watch!"
"That's right, Mario." Bowser nodded. He stood in a victorious stance as the two princesses continued to be carried up into the castle by the left arm. "And this time, there's nothing you can do about it!"
"Help us!" Daisy cried, her hair blowing in the high winds.
"I've got this!" Geno assured, sprinting forward with his hands behind his back. He was remarkably fast. He eventually jumped high in the air, with his left elbow pointed forward and left hand by the right side of his head. With the swipe of his arm, multiple magical disks of light flew forward from his hand. "GENO WHIRL!"
Everyone watched as the magical disks of light twirled towards the large mechanical arm that was retracting back into the Castle. It struck the arm with great force. It actually caused the arm to stop and shake for a brief moment.
"W-Whoa!" Peach cried, as she was jolted around roughly for a brief moment.
"H-H-Hey!" Daisy whined, a queasy expression on her face. "I said help us, not make us sick!"
However, it was not powerful enough to destroy it. The mechanical arm continued to retract. Link revealed a large bow with a complex metal frame work. He revealed three bomb arrows, prepared the shot, and then triple fired right at the mechanical arm. Three explosions successfully struck the midway point of the left arm, but it had no effect. Bowser laughed victoriously.
"Shoot, no effect..." Geno sighed, swiping his arm. "Alright Mario, it's all up to you. Let's do it, just like we practiced!"
"I'm ready." Mario nodded.
"You've got one shot at this!" Geno warned, leaning forward and swiping his arm such that his palm was facing forward. "GENO BOOST!"
Mario was suddenly surrounded by a red veil. Red up-arrows danced all around him, which was accompanied by a bulking-up sound effect. A red aura was now surrounding Mario. His friends around him, Peach and Daisy up above, and Bowser all watched as he ran forward with great speed. He then performed an enhanced super jump, and proceeded to soar extremely high into the air.
"Whoa, he's going really high!" Navi exclaimed, fists clenched near her chest.
"That's incredible!" Luigi cheered, with an excited jump. "Go get em', bro!"
"Oh, just give it up already, will you?" Bowser groaned, shaking his head. "You're always a thorn in my side... But not today!"
Mario was soaring closer towards the mechanical arm that had Peach and Daisy. However, the second mechanical arm, the right arm, was now coming for him.
"I'm not about to let you take away my friends!" Mario cried, heroically.
Then suddenly, something miraculous happened. The upper piece of the Triforce, the Triforce of Power, proceeded to glow on the back of his right hand with a heavenly hum. Mario gasped as a gold aura was now surrounding him, also.
(What's going on?) Mario gawked, his blue eyes trembling. He examined the back of his fist as he continued to soar higher. (This is... the Triforce of Power? But why do I have it!)
"What's going on with Mario? He's glowing gold all of a sudden..." Rosalina noted, pointing up at the sky. Everyone was watching with awestruck expressions.
Link examined Mario with narrowed eyes.
"Hey, you better pay attention, idiot!" Bowser taunted, as the second mechanical arm proceeded to make a fist. "You're about to get knocked out of the sky!"
Mario had not yet made it to the mechanical arm that was pulling Peach and Daisy into the castle. Mario seemed somewhat dazed, but Peach and Daisy noticed that he was about to get struck by a giant fist.
"MARIO!" Peach cried.
Mario softly barked, turning and looking to see the giant fist soaring towards him. "Right... I know what to do."
Mario then clenched his right fist, bringing it to his hip. His left arm was stretched before him with his palm facing forward. He was surrounded by gold and red auras, racing lines surrounding his body to illustrate his rapid movement upwards.
"Din's Power..." Mario summoned, his eyes narrowing with deep concentration. "Armament... augmentation!"
A high energy pulse could be heard by everyone around. Starting from the tip of Mario's clenched right fist and coating his arm while climbing all the way to his right elbow was an otherworldly black sheen that glowed like moonstone. Once it reached his elbow, Mario's entire arm pulsed with a powerful pop to conclude the augmentation. Steam rose from the black augment like volcanic magma.
"No way!" Link gawked, stepping forward with complete disbelief.
"What's going on?!" Captain Toad cried.
"Is that the Triforce of Power?!" Navi gawked, chiming three times with excitement.
"The Triforce of Power?!" Luigi questioned, with a gobsmacked expression. "So Mario has that Triforce Power?!"
"It would appear so!" Geno exclaimed, clapping happily. "Yeah! Nice going, Mario!"
Mario looked determined as he continued to soar straight for the giant fist that was soaring towards him.
"BWAHAHAHA!" Bowser laughed, with a victorious pose. "Oh yeah! Time to finish you off for good!"
"Don't you think for a second that I'm gonna let you marry her." Mario warned, soaring forward with a harsh glare of determination.
"Mario..." Peach softly called, with deep admiration in her tone.
The giant Bowser fist had racing lines accompanying it as it went towards Mario. Everyone anticipated the encounter with the utmost suspense.
"HRAAAAAH!" Mario cried, charging back his augmented fist and punching forward with a powerful grunt. "HA!"
As Mario punched against the mechanical fist, a large and golden ring of power launched outward from the impact point. It spread far across the sky in all directions before eventually fading away. The mechanical fist immediately started to malfunction. Little bolts of lightning danced all around the giant arm. Mario started to fall way back down towards the castle grounds, the armament fading from his right arm. The mechanical arm then exploded with one big fiery blast, which generated enough gale to accelerate Mario's descent.
"WHAT!" Bowser cried, stomping forward and clenching a fist in anger. "Impossible! He destroyed the arm?"
"MARIO!" Peach cried, her and Daisy utterly aghast as they watched him fall down from such a great height.
Everyone gathered on the bridge gasped as they watched Mario continue to fall. Fortunately, he landed in the castle moat. The splash was so great, that even stone bridge got sprayed.
"Big bro!" Luigi cried, diving into the water after him. Captain Toad, Navi, and Ax T. went to the edge to peer over and check that they were alright.
Rosalina, Link, and Geno did their best to not show any loss of resolve as they watched Peach and Daisy go inside of the lower clown copter structure of Bowser's Castle along with the mechanical arm.
"BWAHAHA!" Bowser laughed, victoriously. He adjusted his white top hat, then spoke with raised hands. "Oh yeah! The Princess is all mine! I rule!"
Mario was being supported by Luigi in the water, the two of them looking up at Bowser. They were soaking wet with angry faces brimming with determination.
"Stop me if you can, Mario!" Bowser challenged. "I don't care how strong you are. Without Peach to help you fight, you don't stand a chance against me with my new power. So how about you just stay away and let us enjoy our wedding!"
Mario grit his teeth as Bowser continued to laugh victoriously. The Koopa King marched back inside while still laughing, everyone watching with mixed expressions of anger, dismay, and determination. Luigi helped Mario out of the moat, and they made their way back up to everyone.
There was a silence. Geno turned his head, facing downward slightly.
"That's our guy, isn't it?" Geno questioned. "He's Bowser."
"Yeah. That's right." Mario answered, soaking wet and fatigued.
"So. Are you guys ready?" Geno questioned, his tone very serious.
"Damn right." Mario assured, with a determined nod. "We gotta change his heart, and fast."
"Exactly." Link assured, his blue eyes brimming with determination. "Soon enough, he won't be causing us any trouble."
Geno faced Rosalina. "And you, Rosalina? Are you ready as well?"
"Yes." Rosalina assured, with a nod. "I don't care how hard it is. I want to save Peach and Daisy."
"That's the spirit!" Geno cheered. He revealed the Magical Map, then turned away from everyone. The viewpoint slowly panned up to the ominous Bowser's Castle floating up above them.
"Let's give it everything we've got! Because it's time for us to get our first Crystal Heart!"