Chapter 16
Friday.
Probably everyone's favorite day of the week, next to Saturday of course.
Unless, you have a big assignment that's assigned the same day, and is
due on Monday...
"...and I expect neat and quality work from all of you." Mr. Shroomston ranted.
"Weekends should be about reflecting on all of the hard work that has been
done throughout the week. Luckily, I've prepared an assignment for all of you, so you'll
be preoccupied throughout the weekend."
As usual, the entire class moaned and groaned about the assignment.
But then, a tiny smile crept Mr. Shroomston's face.
"It's quite interesting seeing all of you groan like that, especially since I haven't
revealed what exactly the assignment is..."
That sentence caught most of the students' attention.
"Since this week has been mostly about mini-group projects, this
assignment is about getting to know someone who you might now know so much about."
"Now I know what some of you are thinking... "What's the best way to cheat, so I can spend time
with my actual friends?" Well I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that there isn't."
He chuckled to himself. "I've known you all for so long, to the point where I can determine everyone's
"Friends and Foes". In other words, if you pay attention to the board, your partners here aren't for the project today.
But, rather... for this weekend."
Some of the students gaped at the board.
"For the people who's mouths are wide open in disbelief, you'd be surprised at how much you
and your partner could bond over." he simply stated.
The bell started to ring, signaling the end of the day.
"Remember to spend time with your partner, as you'll be talking about them in a presentation on Monday!" Shroomston finished.
Many students glanced at their new buddy uneasily, but none of those stares compared to the ones that Toadette and Peach
were giving each other.
"I can't believe that she's my partner..." Toadette thought.
"Ugh, why did I have to be paired up with HER?" Peach thought.
They stared each other down for awhile, until they reached their respective vehicles.
"C'mon Mario let's go, I'm seeing something that I don't like." Peach stated as she stepped into his Wild Wing.
Mario sighed and simply turned on the ignition, obviously knowing who she was talking about.
Peach took one more quick glance at Toadette, and slightly wrinkled her face in disgust.
Toadette responded by sticking her tongue at her as they drove away.
The drive was silent as Mario focused more on the road, rather than Peach.
Peach pretended to not really care, but that was kind of irritating considering that
he's usually talkative most of the time.
"Something on your mind?" she asked, finally breaking the silence.
"No." Mario plainly responded while not making eye contact.
Peach sighed, knowing that would be his response.
"So, I'm guessing that Mr. Shroomston decided to make your weekend a living nightmare?"
Christine asked Toadette over the phone.
"If he planned to, then he should give himself a pat on the back!" Toadette pouted.
"If anything, you got off easy. I got paired up with one of the Koopalings." Christine shuddered.
"Can we please trade?" Toadette begged.
"Not a chance. You couldn't even pay me to spend time with that snob. Besides, Shroomston
will obviously figure it out one way or the other." Christine replied.
"If anything, you better hope that Shroomston is right about the whole "bonding" thing."
"Well if he's not, then I'll be experiencing the worst day of my life this weekend!" Toadette whined.
Meanwhile...
Mario was shifting through some of his best clothes that were lying out on his bed.
He sighed as he held up one of his favorite shirts, scanning it for any loose wrinkles
or tears.
"I really don't see the point of this..." he mumbled.
"The assignment, or the fancy clothes?"
Mario grinned while he turned to see Luigi leaning against the bedroom door.
"You tell me." he replied back.
"Hey, I may not be a fashion expert or something, but I don't think such clothing would be necessary." Luigi chuckled.
Mario glanced back at his shirts and pants scattered about his bed and nodded in agreement.
"I never asked but, who are you with this weekend?" he asked.
"Daisy" Luigi simply shrugged.
"I guess Mr. Shroomston isn't very accurate regarding current events." he chuckled once more.
"How bout' you, Mario?"
"Uh..."
"What? Does he/she look hideous?"
"No."
"Does he/she crack lame jokes?"
"No."
"Then... who are you with?"
"I don't know."
Luigi laughed heartily, "C'mon Mario! Just tell me already!"
"I'm serious Luigi, I don't know...well...not yet at least..." Mario started.
Luigi laughter stopped abruptly.
"Apparently, this person preferred to stay in secret until I actually met... whoever he/she is..." Mario continued.
"Sounds suspicious..." Luigi pondered.
"Well, whoever he/she is either knows Mr. Shroomston, or decided to secretly intervene with the assignment."
"Maybe those fancy clothes will be useful after all, considering how special this encounter may be..." Mario thought.
"But...why?" Luigi started pacing around the room.
"Don't worry about it bro, I'll figure it out... and maybe I'll text you the story while we're having dinner!" Mario joked.
"Anyway, I should be leaving..."
"But Mario, isn't the project supposed to officially start tomorrow?" Luigi questioned.
"Yeah... but this "mysterious person" wanted to see me tonight." Mario answered.
"Once again... suspicious..." Luigi thought.
Mario then quickly slipped on a fancy jacket and dress pants while fumbling with his bowtie.
"Mario, I think you should-"
Luigi didn't finish as Mario was already half-way out the door in a hurry.
"Bye Luigi, and save some Pizza for when I get back!" Mario called out.
All Luigi could do is wave, as Mario's Wild Wing disappeared over the horizon.
Toad's Garden, a quiet area off the outskirts of Mushroom City where a beautiful view
can be observed. Whether it's the sunset, the calm waters, the bright and flashy lights of the City, or the greenery, this
location is truly a sight to behold...
Mario strolled into the garden with a puzzling look on his face.
"Strange... this place is usually more lighten up..." he thought while looking around.
However, a few lights shone above a bench where someone sat, their legs crossed.
It was clearly obviously that it was a she, given the purple and black dress that she wore.
Mario straightened up his bowtie and walked over to his "partner".
"Excuse me... Miss?" he greeted.
"Ah, Mario... how nice of you to come..." she said with a slightly sultry tone of voice.
"I knew you wouldn't disappoint a lady... especially one as fine as me."
"Well..." Mario slightly blushed. "How could I?"
Her face was mostly concealed by the hat she wore, but you could clearly see the smirk
that suddenly formed upon her lips.
"Unfortunately, that may soon change..." she stood up as some sort of dark aura surrounded her.
"Wait...what?" Mario took a few steps back as she began to step closer to him.
"After all these years... I've finally arisen once again..." she began.
"After all these years... I'll finally get what I deserve..."
Mario tried to speak, but no words came out... but a flurry of uneasiness flowed within him.
"YOU!" she bellowed as a strong gust started to form around them.
She then took her hat and tossed into onto the river, fully revealing herself...
The Shadow Queen.