I know what you all are probably thinking….OMGOSH a NEW chapter in LESS than a WEEK, THAT HASN'T HAPPENED SINCE like….EVER! XD Yes, I know it's been a while…But I had to do something special for you all on this EXTREMELY momentous occasion and what's better than a new chapter in less than a month? A new chapter in less than a WEEK! ^.^ I hope you all enjoy this….:') Chapter 52 COMMENCE!
I couldn't explain the happiness I felt as that terrible castle disappeared from sight, the horrible nightmare finally over. The Star Spirits transported us to the edge of Bowser's old territory, they had used up the majority of their power and so we would have to make the rest of the journey back home ourselves. I don't remember much of the journey back to the Mushroom Kingdom. As soon as the Star Spirits left us, both Father and Mother insisted that I didn't walk the long trip home. So I found myself falling fast asleep on Father's back as we made the long anticipated trip home. I wasn't the only one either, the Royalty weren't so keen to have my friends walk all the way home either. King Mario carried Angela, King Luigi carried Ilario, while Queen Daisy carried Azalea, I still say that woman is strong!
At long last we arrived at the Mushroom Kingdom Castle, Mother nudged me awake as we came to the Castle gates. We were all greeted by Toadsworth, Toad, Toadette, many Toad Guards and even Professor E Gadd. Toadsworth was quick to express how happy he was to see all of us safe, he looked close to tears. Afterwards Ilario, Angela, Azalea and I were taken to the Castle infirmary, where the doctor thoroughly looked us over. After a fantastic meal, all 4 of us were fast asleep, our parents staying with us the entire time.
The next morning the doctor had all of us awake, so that he could do another thorough checkup on us. What happened afterward was possibly one of the happiest moments of my life. As the doctor was finishing his final words with our parents, the doors suddenly opened. Shouts of glee erupted in the room as Ilario, Angela, Azalea and I were suddenly tackled to the ground by Dash, Koop and Parry. I swear I've never had anyone squeeze me that hard before, I swear Dash didn't let go of me for at least 2 minutes before finally allowing Koop and Parry to hug me as well. The 7 of us laughing and crying, so happy to be together again. All of our parents watched, obviously happy to see us together again as well.
A week went by before I was finally released from the infirmary, despite my eagerness to finally go home, some part of me really wanted to stay at the Mushroom Kingdom, not wanting to leave my friends. Dash, Koop and Parry had visited Ilario, Angela, Azalea and I every single day while we were in the infirmary, Dash and his parents were the first at the harbor to say goodbye to me. Koop, Parry and their parents showed up soon afterward. My friends and I had one last group hug before Father, Mother and I boarded the ship. I stayed on the deck the whole time waving even as the Mushroom Kingdom faded into the distance.
When the ship finally docked on my home Island, I felt my heart race, impatience plaguing every inch of me. The walk home was fairly quick, Mother and Father smiled warmly at me as Father opened the front door. I felt my eyes tear up as I stared inside the house. Father and I sat in the dining room as Mother made dinner. Finally it came time for bed, as I walked up the stairs, Mother and Father following me, I felt my heart flutter a bit. As I came to my room, Mother and Father told me they'd be in shortly to tell me goodnight. Walking into my room and laying on my bed, I felt something I hadn't felt in a very long time, complete contentment…
Finally….I was home…
Several Months Later….
"CHAMPIONSHIP POINT!"
I felt sweat stream down my head, as I was overcome with a familiar fatigue and panic. I glanced over at Dash, his face was just as panicked as mine. I looked over at my parents, an obvious smirk shown on both their faces, PARTICULARLY Father's face. I gulped as déjà vu plagued me again…..
"Are we in trouble….?" I whispered to my partner. Dash glanced over at me.
"We're not gonna make it easy for them ARE we Partner?" He whispered to me, a look of optimism on his face. I gave a gulp as I turned to my parents, however I smiled a bit. "We're NOT gonna go down without a fight." The smile on my face grew, as I turned back towards my partner. Father nodded at me as he clenched the tennis ball in his hand. I smirked a bit uneasy.
"You've got it right Partner" I whispered just loud enough for Dash to hear. I watched as the tennis ball flew into the air. It seemed to fall as if in slow motion. With a loud smack the ball flew as Father's racket connected with it, flying towards Dash. Dash gave me one last glance of encouragement as he smacked the ball with all his might.
"Good one Dash!" Mother called out, as she sprinted to return Dash's shot.
"Thanks!" Dash called back as he quickly returned the shot Mother had sent his way. I suddenly saw Father turn to Mother, I didn't get what he was doing but Mother certainly did as she stopped running for Dash's shot and allowed it to pass her.
"You paying attention Shelly?" Father suddenly called out to me as he rose his racket at an angle and sent the ball my way.
"You BET I am!" I laughed back at him, as I returned his shot with ease. Father gave me a mischievous smile.
"You sure?" Without warning Father suddenly pulled his arm back, quickly sending the ball in the opposite direction. I let out a gasp as the ball sped past Dash, pushing myself I sped towards the other end of the court, just barely returning the shot. I heard numerous people in the crowd gasp as I hit the ball back.
"YOU CAN DO IT SHELLY! DASH!"
I felt a smile spread across my face, I quickly looked up towards the stands. Koop, Parry and their parents were staring directly at me. Parry was jumping up and down in her seat, Koop giving me a familiar nod. Turning my head again feeling the familiar presence of 3 more people, I looked towards the Royal's stands, Ilario, Angela and Azalea all smiling at me. They all shared the same encouraging look, I smiled back at them and nodded. Quickly turning my attention back to the court, I saw that Father had returned my shot, his shot heading towards me at great speed. I clenched my racket as I prepared my shot this was my LAST shot to save and prove myself. I twisted my wrist and I smacked the ball with all my might. Father charged for the ball as it hit the ground, readying his racket as he prepared to swing. I shut my eyes only to open them quickly. Father's face was appalled as the ball unexpectedly flew over his head. I held my breath…
…...
"GAME SET AND MATCH! THE MATCH GOES TO SHELLY AND DASH!"
I felt my heart stop as screams filled the stadium. My mouth hung open in shock…I couldn't believe it. A familiar presence suddenly ran into me.
"WE did it Shelly!….WE DID IT!" I glanced down as Dash cheered in happiness. I gave a heaved breath as I turned toward my parents. I was shocked to see that Mother was crying….However she seemed happy not upset. I slowly glanced over at Father, he looked as if he too were about to cry, he smiled broadly at me. Suddenly Dash and I were rushed over to the stage. Excitement and shock running through my body. While waiting for Toadworth, Dash and I were quickly met with our friends.
"Way to go Shelly, Dash!" Parry squealed as she fluttered excitedly. Koop and Parry's parents laughed at Parry's overexcited reactions.
"Way to show them whose court it was!" Koop laughed, nodding at the both of us. All 4 of us laughed. Suddenly I felt a hand hit my shoulder.
"Don't be starting the celebration without us!" Azalea laughed as Angela and Ilario walked towards us.
"You both were wonderful!" Angela said with a smile, Ilario nodded in agreement.
"Thanks a lot you guys!" I replied, smiling at all my friends.
"Princess Angela, Prince Ilario and Princess Azalea, your parents wish to see you."
Turning around we saw Toadsworth standing behind us, in his hand he held a golden trophy.
"Alright, thank you Toadsworth." Angela responded, as she, Ilario and Azalea walked out of sight.
"It's time we moved to the appropriate spot too, come on Koop, Parry." Phoenix, Koop and Parry's father's voice sounded.
"Yes Dad…" Koop responded, giving Dash and I a nod.
"Coming Daddy!" Parry giggled, rushing after Koop. Toadsworth sighed as he turned back to Dash and I.
"This way, you two." He spoke with a smile, as he walked towards the main stage.
"You ready Partner?" Dash asked, smiling at me. Despite the fact that my heart was racing a million miles a minute I nodded at him.
"Yep." I simply responded, Dash laughed as he and I followed after Toadsworth. As we walked I felt a strange feeling, as if someone were watching me. Slowly turning my head I was met with a familiar face. Within the crowd of people, I recognized the boy who had insulted me when Dash and I had lost to my parents. For a moment uneasiness plagued me as he simply stared at me, however to my complete surprise he suddenly smiled in respect and gave me a single nod. Blinking in surprise I felt a small smile creep onto my face. Without another gesture the boy disappeared into the crowd. I smiled, turning to look back towards the stage. Upon stepping onto the stage I saw just how many people were in the crowd. I felt my heart stop for a moment as I stared at all the eyes. Toadsworth smiled at the both of us as he turned to address the crowd.
"HERE ARE OUR MUSHROOM CUP DOUBLES CHAMPIONS, SHELLY AND DASH!"
The crowd roared in applause as Toadsworth turned to Dash and I. To mine and Dash's confusion Toadsworth no longer held the golden trophy he had not even 10 minutes ago.
"HERE TO PRESENT THE TROPHY TO OUR NEWEST CHAMPIONS WE HAVE YOSHI'S ISLAND OWN AND OUR OWN YOSHI AND BIRDO!"
I felt my stomach drop as from behind the curtains both my parents stepped onto the stage. In Father's hand was the golden trophy, I immediately felt my face turn red, Dash let out a chuckle, amused by my reaction. The crowd was silent as Father and Mother approached us.
"Congratulations Dash…Shelly honey…" Mother spoke, she smiled at Dash before looking at me.
"You both have come such a long way." Father said, smiling at the both of us, however his attention seemed to linger on me a little longer than Dash. "You both earned this." Without another word Father handed the trophy over to Dash and I.
"WE DID IT PARTNER!" Dash shouted, as he held his hand up. Without hesitation I immediately high fived him.
"YEAH!" I laughed, I heard both Father and Mother laugh as they watched mine and Dash's victory celebration. Both Dash and I held the trophy up between us, the crowd burst in applause. We heard our names shouted from within the crowd, Dash and I both knowing who those amazing people were. Dash looked up at me, a smile spread across his face, he made a movement with his eyes which seemed to signal behind me. Turning my head I felt a smile spread across my face as well, both my parents smiling proudly at me. Toadsworth turned towards the 4 of us and smiled, before holding the microphone up to his mouth.
"CONGRATULATIONS SHELLY AND DASH!"
Father and Mother each put their arms around me. Father nuzzled my cheek with his nose while Mother kissed me affectionately on my other cheek. My face bright red, I felt a familiar childish sensation flow through my heart, I couldn't help but let out a childish giggle.
"THAT'S OUR GIRL!"
"That's our girl" indeed. ^.^ Yep Shelly and Dash got their 2nd chance to prove themselves and got their rematch with Yoshi and Birdo, this coming out victorious….Not only that but it seems a certain someone has had a change of heart, yep that boy from Shelly and Dash's first tournament, having come to congratulate Shelly and right his previous wrongs against her. ^.^ Then of course we get a little "mention" to a certain someone from a recent chapter…And finally we get to see Shelly have a heartwarming moment with her parents, her and their nightmare finally over… :')
…And with that I am proud and a bit sad to announce….That we have come to the conclusion of A Complicated Destiny….It has been a long 2 (almost 3, since I actually started writing this story back in December 2012) years…But finally Shelly's story is over…I can't believe we've finally hit the end…I CANNOT thank you all enough for your support, I give a special THANK YOU to those of you who have been around since the very beginning (September 21 2013), truly THANK YOU SO MUCH! You all gave me the motivation to continue this long project, I wouldn't have been able to finish such a large project without your support! *hug* ^.^ We made it here TOGETHER! :'D
I would like to give a special mention to my friend Happy Yoshi, she may not have been around exactly the time I first started this, but she has helped me SO much with this story, with her constant feedback and reviews (and even Fangirling on Parry while on DeviantArt :P ) There were times when I wanted to give up and stop…(Because I'm impatient and have NEVER stayed committed to a project longer than a month before) but she always got me back on my feet and motivated me to continue, whether it be through her consistent (picky grammar person XD )reviews or chatting with me elsewhere. : ) Thank you SO MUCH my AWESOME BUDDY! *tight hug* A Complicated Destiny has FINALLY reached it's completion! XD
I can't put into words how HAPPY and PROUD completing this project makes me feel…When I first started this story I contemplated for a long time if I would have the guts to post it and the patience and commitment to finish it…My main motivator to complete this story was my determination NOT to leave people with an unfinished story….I remember before I even posted this story, reading SO many great fanfics here, seeing GREAT writers….Only to come across some that never got finished…I remember the disappointment I felt seeing such great stories come to a close…(Whether it be from the author's lack of interest….Or more serious reasons, to which we cannot blame the author…) There are STILL stories even to this day that I still think about, hoping that someday the author may come back and continue it, even if years have gone by since they stopped….I dedicate the completion of A Complicated Destiny to all of those who write, I hope this story will give them the inspiration to continue and finish their stories as well…I know the road is long and sometimes hard, but I can say from experience now…That there's NO greater feeling of accomplishment than leaving a story KNOWING that you completed it. WRITE ON EVERYONE, if this Gold Yoshi can do it…YOU CAN TOO! ^.^ And with that thought I leave you all with this pic… /0233zip4uiox ^.^ To commemorate A Complicated Destiny's completion! (Just note that I actually drew this pic in 2013.…Back when I was naïve and thought that stories didn't take longer than a year to complete ^^; lol )
You all may not know….But when I'm in the process of a project whether it be long or short…And things get rough, I always think (or listen to) of a certain song…. The Princess and the Frog's "Almost There" I remember those words every day to push me to continue, it has helped me throughout this journey….Only now I instead can say….
"I'm THERE!" :'D
Thank You! ^.^
-MCGoldYoshi
A Complicated Destiny: December 29th 2012-August 30th 2015
Mario related material Property of Nintendo
Princess and the Frog (Song: Almost There, mention) Property of Disney
Story and FC characters (meaning Shelly, Dash, Ilario, Angela, Azalea, Koop, Parry, Surge, Lilli, Phoenix and Karrie) Property of MCGoldYoshi