The quartet stood atop a storm cloud, suspended high in the sky of World 7-2. A relentless downpour obscured the surroundings, casting a gray pallor across the heavens. Lightning intermittently illuminated the grim atmosphere as Mario, a bit ahead of the others, nonchalantly adjusted the brim of his soaked hat. On stone pillars flanking them stood three imposing Snifits, their menacing presence amplified by the stone fortress of Wart's Palace, once the Dream Factory, glistening in the distance with golden bricks.
In the expansive backdrop, hundreds of Albatrosses carried payloads of Bomb-ombs, steadily advancing toward the party. A sense of impending danger hung in the air.
"Anata o tōsu wake ni wa ikimasen," declared the first Snifit with unwavering determination.
"Dō yatte koko made kita no ka wa wakarimasen ga, anata no tabi wa ima koko de owarimasu!" cried out the second Snifit, a sense of urgency in its voice.
"Anata-tachi wa eiyūde wa arimasen," solemnly declared the third Snifit, setting the stage for the impending confrontation.
The trio of Snifits unleashed a barrage of projectiles akin to a pair of Tommy Guns. In response, Toad sprang into action, dashing forward with a lightning-quick maneuver. With a powerful punch, he struck the closest pillar, sending its Snifit counterpart flailing and ultimately plummeting into the abyss below. Meanwhile, Mario leapt onto the second Snifit before hoisting it overtop his head and flinging it into the path of the third Snifit. Both adversaries disappeared into the void.
The stormy battleground echoed with the sounds of the scuffle as the quartet moved forward, now reaching the palace drawbridge. The shadows of the Albatrosses now loomed over them. Mid-step onto the bridge, Mario's journey was briefly interrupted by a poignant flashback, a mix of both comedic and serious recollections.
Gritting his teeth, Mario found himself in a perilous moment with Bowser. He clung desperately to Bowser's right paw, using all his strength to prevent the King of the Koopas from a fiery descent into molten lava. The memory unfolded on the long bridge of Bowser's Castle in World 8-4, where the two adversaries had engaged in a fierce duel. Mario emerged victorious, pulling the lever that sent both the bridge and Bowser crashing down.
As the dust settled, Mario and Bowser found themselves eye to eye, a precarious position with Bowser inching closer to his demise. Mario, flat against the gray cinderblock floor, grunted with determination while Peach pulled tightly against his suspenders in a bid to assist him.
"Why did you have to be such an oaf?!" Mario exclaimed through gritted teeth.
"Why couldn't you stay in the real world?!" retorted Bowser, a mix of anger and panic in his voice.
"Why can't the two of you get along?!" pleaded Peach, one hand gripping Mario's suspenders and the other using the lever as an anchor.
Bowser slipped further, cinders rising from the passing magma below. Mario's eyes widened in fear as Bowser struggled to maintain his footing. The King of the Koopas glided his left paw's nails over Mario's neck, pondering his next action, before securing them against the concrete ledge beside the plumber's head.
"You're so dumb," Mario said in an exasperated yet endearing tone.
"I…I know," Bowser replied apologetically, bricks and stone chipping around him as he fought to keep his precarious foothold. In an unexpected moment of calm amidst the chaos, the beastly turtle's tail swung about as if everything was going to be alright. However, the illusion of tranquility shattered when cracks began to form in the floor around Bowser's left hand.
The memory echoed in Mario's mind, a moment of vulnerability and unexpected camaraderie amidst the chaos of their conflict.
"Wart is not Bowser," calmly stated the Dream Machine. Mario, absorbing the weight of those words, shifted his gaze toward the gaping entrance beyond the drawbridge and took a measured step forward.
"I know," he replied, a quiet acknowledgment. His party followed in tow.
In the heart of the Dream Factory's ominous interior, a lone Ninji stood as a harbinger of impending danger. The ambient darkness was punctuated only by the glow of the medallion around his neck, clearly marked with the ominous title of "Captain." A silent warning that they were about to face a formidable adversary.
As the four adventurers approached, the Ninji turned to meet them, his gaze piercing through the shadows. A sly grin played on his lips as he boldly challenged them, "Which one of you will duel with me today?" Toad, undeterred, stepped forward, determination gleaming in his eyes. "I'll take you on. Be ready!"
Mario instinctively moved to intervene, but Princess Peach halted him with a stern authority. "Let Toad handle this. We're running out of time," she declared, her tone chilling and almost undermining. Mario, caught off guard, looked at her in disbelief, seeking an explanation.
"Mario, she's right. We need to make some sacrifices if we're going to make it through this factory," Luigi chimed in, his voice calm and composed, concealing any emotion beneath a mask of unwavering resolve.
"Listen to your friends, Mario," the Ninji urged, its weight shifting ominously. A strange energy enveloped him as his hair stood on edge, releasing magical sparkles that ascended into the darkness above. The atmosphere crackled with an impending clash.
"Toad... we haven't much time. Come back alive," Mario spoke, the weight of his words revealing the internal struggle imposed by the compelling decision made under the counsel of his most trusted allies. "I will, Mario, but if I don't, just print me up on the other side, alright?" Toad reassured with a smile, saluting under the brim of his Mushroom Retainer hat. Mario nodded, conflicted but resigned to this choice.
"That's right, Mario. Move on," the Ninji snarled, its teeth gritted, emitting a chilling chirp and chatter that echoed like a cat mimicking its prey. The idle conveyor belt beneath them slowly came to life, groaning as it started its ominous journey.
"Damn... you," Mario muttered under his breath, directing his frustration toward the silent Dream Machine. Luigi nudged his brother forward. "Let's go!" he insisted, determination etched on his face. The Princess, equally resolute, seized Mario's other arm, pressing him to move. "Mario, Toad is resilient, we need to push ahead!" she declared, her voice cutting through the lingering tension. As a united front, the trio stepped off the conveyor belt, leaving the impending duel behind. Mario couldn't help but cast occasional glances over his shoulder, the worry for Toad evident in his eyes.
The Captain snapped his fingers with an eerie precision, and in an instant, twenty identical versions of him materialized, forming a formidable circle around the Mushroom Retainer. Toad's reaction was measured, his half-smile betraying a calm acceptance of the unfolding challenge. Meanwhile, the conveyor belt beneath them surged, accelerating its pace, forcing Toad to run in place. The Ninjis levitated ominously.
The Dream Machine, its presence felt more than seen, spoke with an unexpected touch of honor, "Toad, I want you to give him everything you've got. You're one hell of a man." Toad, looking up because he was never sure where exactly that digital voice was coming from, responded with a mixture of determination and uncertainty, "So you're going to stay with me till the end?" The response, a disembodied voice from the crimson machine, rang out, "I'll always be at your side."
The original Ninji waved his hand across his chest with solemnity. "Enough, brave soul. It's time to meet your destiny." With a synchronized motion, all twenty Ninjis extended their hands, preparing their One-Shot Kill Moves in perfect unison.
A Panser, with deliberate slowness, turned to face the trio. The room's subdued lighting barely revealed her grim face, a familiar medallion hung from her stalk denoting her rank as a Major. Behind her, a chain extended upward into the mysterious labyrinth of the Dream Factory. "You're here for me," The Princess acknowledged the Panser's stonelike expression. The Major nodded, teeth gritted, their gleam cutting through the dimly lit area. Flames briefly flickered out of her incisors, adding an ominous aura to the already tense atmosphere. A moment of silence passed as Peach and the Panser locked eyes in a silent exchange.
Suddenly, an explosion ruptured behind them in the distance, a horrifying realization dawning on Mario. "Toad..." he spoke, his voice filled with terror. Beautiful sparkles emanated from the bright yellow light, briefly illuminating the factory's interior. "Mario, we need to leave now," Luigi insisted, grabbing Mario's right arm and pushing him forward, past the Major. The Princess, with a determined wave, urged them forward, "Go ahead, me and Toad will catch up!" The Major did not attempt to obstruct the brothers, rather, it remained focused on Peach.
"Toad's okay?" Mario asked, a desperate hint of denial in his voice. The Panser, grinning wider, waited patiently to activate the muscles in its voice box. Peach smiled at the plant candidly, but answered Mario, "Of course he is! Now go, I can handle this one. We need to work together to free this place!" Luigi guided Mario's hands to the chain. "Come on, buddy, we have work to do." Mario slowly ascended the chain, Luigi closely behind. "Keep going, buddy. They will catch up. We must move forward," the green plumber urged, his determination evident as he pressed his brother upward and onward. Mario hesitated, torn between the urgency to progress and the lingering concern for Peach. With one last glance back, his gaze hidden under the brim of his hat, Mario found himself forcibly propelled upward through the hole in the ceiling by his brother.
After a short pause, the Dream Machine spoke, "Princess, there are times in life when you can lose, but still win." Peach, with fists raised and holding back tears, responded, "No fancy firefighter suit this time around?" Flames raced from the Panser's mouth as its voice box came to life. The Panser's pupils and irises disappeared and only the white scleras remained. A One-Shot Kill Move was coming. "No, it wouldn't help, but may I suggest placing your hands over your ears?" the Dream Machine calmly proposed. "Yes, thank you," Princess Peach replied. She took a deep breath, placed her hands over her ears, and charged towards the Panser, attempting a headbutt with her sharp crown. The Panser began to sing, and the crown gleamed, while Peach's tears streamed through the air, marking the beginning and end of yet another fateful confrontation in the Dream Factory.
Mario and Luigi burst through the door, only to confront Birdo on the other side. A conveyor belt beneath the trio sprang to life, moving at a brisk pace, with a key hanging prominently from Birdo's chest. A Phanto, resting quietly on the wall beside her, added an ominous touch to the scene.
"Give up the key; I haven't the time nor the patience to play with you!" Mario bellowed, his impatience evident. "We're done here, step aside," added Luigi, rolling up a sleeve in preparation.
Birdo, however, remained steadfast, refusing to yield. In response, she unleashed a barrage of eggs and fireballs in their direction. The brothers, now seasoned veterans of Subcon, effortlessly sidestepped her attacks. With a coordinated effort, Mario and Luigi flanked Birdo. Mario struck first, delivering a swift jab to the snout, followed by Luigi's uppercut to the chin. Birdo crumpled, and the key clattered against the rickety conveyor belt. Mario swiftly retrieved and Phanto's eyes illuminated with a menacing crimson glow.
The two brothers made a hasty exit from the room, emerging into the vast expanse of Wart's palace, a locked door beckoning in the distance. Mario and Luigi sprinted toward it, their gloved hands punching through the air in determined strides. However, their triumph was short-lived as Phanto descended upon them from behind, his eyes ablaze with rage.
Mario's brisk sprint gradually transformed into a jog and then a contemplative walk. Luigi, several meters away and visibly horrified, skidded to a halt, turning back to question, "What are you doing!?"
"I'm not running anymore," Mario declared, turning to face the descending Phanto and holding out the key.
"Mario, we don't have time for this!" Luigi hurried back towards him, desperation evident in his voice.
"I haven't forgotten you, friend. I know my mission," Mario said, addressing the approaching Phanto as it descended with an ominous intent.
"STOP IT!" Luigi violently grabbed Mario from behind, trying to shake him out of what seemed like a misguided decision.
"I'm setting you free," Mario announced, revealing a glimmering Starman from beneath the front of his suspenders. His clothing began to emit brilliant, flashing colors, signaling the onset of invincibility.
"Mario… no, you could have used that for…" Luigi's words trailed off as he watched the scene unfold.
The Phanto, slowing as it reached Mario, now hovered in front of him. Mario reached out and tenderly caressed the Phanto's face. Instantly, cracks spread across the mask, and a tear slowly spilled from the Phanto's right eye before it de-materialized in a brilliant flash of light. The encounter left an ethereal, transformative aura lingering in the air, as the brothers stood together. As the radiant light from the Phanto's departure faded, the locked door in the distance began to creak open, revealing a pathway forward, perhaps a cordial gesture in exchange for freedom.
Mario and Luigi found themselves in a vast rectangular room adorned with seven imposing pillars. A Hawkmouth was fixed to the farthest wall with a steadfast and ominous stare. A medallion hung from its neck, proudly proclaiming "Lieutenant Colonel." Luigi's gaze fell upon the medal, his anxiety momentarily peaking as he took a deep and contemplative breath. The Hawkmouth's beak slowly opened, revealing shiny globular pieces within. Several mushroom blocks, seemingly strategically placed, stood defiantly mid-way between the two opposing forces. Their presence suggested a deliberate choice, as if the malevolent entity on the wall sought not just an easy confrontation but a challenge that would test the resolve of those who dared to traverse this perilous realm.
"I understand," Luigi responded to the Hawkmouth, as if an unspoken conversation had transpired between them. Mario, however, was caught off guard. He turned to Luigi, desperation evident as he shook his left arm, shouting, "Understand what?! You can't leave me too!" The bricks surrounding the Hawkmouth began to crumble, the room trembling with an impending revelation. An outline of a doorway materialized beside Mario, as if drawn by an otherworldly force, radiating with a brilliant rainbow hue. The Hawkmouth emitted a dreadful shriek, breaking free from the wall, bricks falling in its wake. The Karura's face surged forward, a blinding light emanating from within its mouth. Luigi calmly stated, "Mario, Wart's chamber is beyond that doorway," positioning himself into a Four-point sprint start.
"So let's go!" Mario demanded, out of character, desperate.
"He isn't going to let me pass. Mario, you're going to have to move on for now," Luigi responded, determination in his voice. Mario turned to face the oncoming Karura, a mix of terror and guilt crossing his face. "You're going to have to decide, Mario. You can waste precious time here, or me and the others can catch up with you," Luigi spoke confidently before darting towards the Hawkmouth. Tools flew out of his suspenders, striking the ground as he accelerated. The Hawkmouth unleashed a destructive laser beam, tearing through bricks and pillars.
In the distance, Mario watched the convergence of Luigi and the Hawkmouth, their clash blurred by the intense heat of the blast. Shaking uncontrollably, he stepped through the radiant doorway. For a brief moment, he thought he heard the Dream Machine's calm voice in the distance, a whisper in the tumultuous symphony of the Dream Factory.
Mario sprinted down the narrow corridor, his every step echoing amidst the haunting presence of Phantos that adorned the walls like ominous sentinels. He surged into a colossal chamber where the Dream Machine loomed, its dials oscillating hypnotically, and vibrant buttons pulsating with an otherworldly glow. At the heart of the room, King Wart, perched on a throne, observed Mario with a sinister amusement.
"Help me, Mario," the Dream Machine's voice cut through the tense air, emanating with fear. Across the expanse, King Wart's laughter reverberated, resonating from the depths of his large, malevolent green form. Rising from his regal seat, the frog-like tyrant's velvet robe cascaded, accentuating the menace that emanated from him. Mario's countenance became a kaleidoscope of emotions — a turbulent mixture of madness, fury, and sorrow.
In response, King Wart, adorned in a gleaming crown, stood with an air of malevolence. His clawed finger pointed at the crimson-clad plumber, claiming, "All you have to do is kill me, and you can have whatever your heart desires." The words hung in the air, a sinister proposition that weighed heavily on Mario's conflicted soul.
Mario's fists tightened, a surge of determination coursing through him as he descended from the corridor, landing resolutely beside the ominous Dream Machine. King Wart, in response, gestured towards the Phantos, as if commanding them to action, yet they remained still and indifferent. Mario, with a sly and defiant grin, taunted, "Try again. He's not your plaything anymore."
King Wart's hand dropped in frustration, a heavy sigh escaping his amphibious form as he fixed his gaze on Mario. The Dream Machine, now in disarray, began spewing vegetables from its three brass tubes, a bizarre manifestation of its malfunctioning state. "Then I guess it's time to send you to purgatory with him, isn't it?" King Wart's voice was full of sadistic pleasure as he shed his robes, allowing them to fall onto the floor behind him. With both arms raised, he assumed a menacing fighting stance, muscles rippling and flexing across his formidable and bulky frame. The air crackled with tension as Mario prepared for a showdown that would determine the fate of both the Dream Machine and the universe itself.
The clash unfolded with lightning speed as Mario surged forward, narrowing the distance between him and King Wart in the blink of an eye. A powerful punch aimed at the frog's colossal belly was met with an uncanny agility, King Wart sidestepping effortlessly. King Wart countered by slamming his elbow into the plumber's back, sending Mario crashing to the ground with a resonant thud. Undeterred, Mario rolled to the right, displaying a resilience born from his battle with Bowser.
King Wart, reveling in his dominance, chuckled as he leisurely approached Mario. With a predatory hop, he seemed poised to crush the plumber in a single, decisive sweep. Yet, Mario, pushed off the floor, narrowly evading the impending threat. The massive frog's bulk struck the ground with a thunderous impact, leaving fractures in its once pristine and carpeted surface.
Seizing the opportunity, Mario swiftly rose to his feet, launching a punch towards King Wart's face. However, the frog's reflexes proved equal to the challenge, deftly blocking the blow and seizing Mario's fist in a vice-like grip. "Come and take it, Mario," King Wart taunted sadistically. In a brutal display of strength, the frog lifted Mario off the ground, only to hurl him back against the unforgiving floor. If the Dream Machine could convey emotion, it would have winced at the brutal spectacle unfolding before it.
Mario clenched his eyes shut, teeth gritted, as he collided with the unyielding floor. Glitter and sparkles erupted, tears forming on his suspenders. Weakened, he struggled to rise but succumbed to one knee. Yellow circulatory fluid spilled from his mouth, staining the carpet beneath him. The toll of the battle etched across his battered form.
"I'm going to print that Princess up again, Mario," King Wart sneered, reveling in his sadistic plan. " I can probably use the Dream Machine to make her my girlfriend given her fractured willpower. A good and painful death will do that to anyone, wouldn't you think?" The frog-like tyrant chuckled, inching closer to Mario, but an unseen force abruptly halted his advance.
A wind, subtle at first, evolved into a fierce resistance, a tumultuous struggle between King Wart and an invisible power. "What do you want...? Oh, I'm not done with him yet," King Wart addressed the mysterious force, now identified as Subcon's silent harbinger of death that Mario and his friends had become well accustomed to by now. The wind intensified, growing fiercer as if fueled by rage and indignation. King Wart shielded his face with a claw, trying to deflect the swirling dust and debris caught in the powerful gust. As the air settled, the chamber revealed an eerie congregation of semi-transparent and deceased Shyguys, Snifits, Ninjis, and Cobrats, each staring at the king with an unsettling aura. "They're tired of you..." Mario, though weakened, rose defiantly, seizing a random Turnip expelled by the Dream Machine.
"Give it another few minutes. I'll break your will over my knee and use the Dream Machine to conscript you into my Shyguy army," King Wart responded with unwavering confidence, hiding his now seeded fear over the departed beings. Mario, fueled by a surge of determination, retorted, "You're nothing but a bully!" In a daring leap, he propelled the Turnip toward the king with the force of a cannonball. The King, unfazed, briefly opened his mouth to expose his meticulous teeth, grinning as the Turnip struck the side of his cheek and ricocheted off. "I know, I like it," he stated calmly. With a swift and powerful motion, King Wart pulled back his right arm, forming a fist before delivering a haymaker punch directly into the center of Mario's chest. The blow carried significant power, a testament to the king's strength that surpassed even his most formidable Generals and mid-bosses. The crimson plumber recoiled, the impact reverberating through his entire being.
A harrowing cry escaped Mario's lips as yellow circulatory fluid sprayed from his mouth. The force of King Wart's punch created a rift in space and time behind him. Mario, propelled backward by the sheer strength of the blow, hurtled into the portal, the haunting laughter of the King echoing in his wake. Through the portal, he soared into the abyss of darkness, surrounded by streaking stars. The impact had catapulted him into a surreal journey through different Nintendo games — Bionic Commando, Mega Man 2, Tecmo Bowl, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Metroid, and Kid Icarus.
Each game world flashed before his eyes, but the dreamless fatigue of each realm went unnoticed, overshadowed by the overwhelming force of the blow he had sustained. Mario, like a cosmic traveler, witnessed the pixelated landscapes and challenges of these diverse universes, his presence a fleeting anomaly in their established realities. Then, with a jarring collision, Mario slammed into a wall within Wart's chamber, reminiscent of his encounter with Clawgrip in World Five. However, this time was different. Despite the impact, Mario remained present, but battered and bruised.
The wind howled with an unrelenting fury, now a tempest that resisted King Wart's every step towards Mario. The malevolent frog, despite his bravado, found himself challenged by the unseen force that had claimed so many of his underlings for a journey into purgatory. "Don't think I can't use this machine to put you in your place too," King Wart defiantly responded to the invisible adversary. Meanwhile, Mario, ragged and battered, exhaled deeply. His suspenders were torn, tears marred his sleeves, and the world around him blurred and doubled as he teetered on the brink of consciousness.
As if summoned by the echoes of the past, Mouser, Tryclyde, Fryguy, and Clawgrip materialized behind Mario, their forms semi-transparent. King Wart, sensing the spectral presence, stepped back, visibly intimidated by the gathering of deceased beings in his chamber. The eyes within the Phanto masks lining the walls flickered to life, one by one, their ominous glow adding an eerie aura to the unfolding confrontation.
"He's on the verge of defeat," declared Mouser, deftly polishing a bomb with practiced precision.
"We owe him our assistance," chimed in Tryclyde, his three heads ascending in unison.
"He's done more for us than anyone could imagine," Fryguy spoke solemnly, his words resonating with the weight of the collective gratitude.
"Let's give him everything we've got," Clawgrip affirmed, brandishing his formidable pincers in a gesture of solidarity.
The quartet of once-formidable foes, now united by a shared acknowledgment of Mario's sacrifices and heroism, prepared to lend their spectral might to the crimson plumber's cause. The air in the chamber crackled with an amalgamation of dark forces and the spirits of allies long gone, converging to tip the scales in this cosmic struggle. A radiant transformation unfolded as each of the four generals metamorphosed into ethereal lights, hovering briefly behind Mario before converging and disappearing into his chest. In an instant, Mario's countenance shifted from the brink of unconsciousness to the epitome of vitality. He sat up on one knee initially, a sight that sent a shiver of fear down King Wart's spine. To the frog's astonishment, the plumber rose, his suspenders miraculously reknitting themselves, wounds healing, and the yellow circulatory fluid retracting.
Clenching his fists, Mario spoke with a resonance that echoed through the chamber, four distinct voices harmonizing, "I am Hamza, Mohammed, Karyme, Aziz, and this is our friend. You are done hurting him. We are the people of Subcon. You are done hurting our world." Mario assumed a determined boxing stance, his eyes reflecting a newfound resolve. In response, the chamber became a manifestation of Subcon's collective spirit as more deceased minions materialized—the Corporal, Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Lieutenant among them. The chamber buzzed with a spectral energy, a unified front against King Wart. The stage was set for a final confrontation, and the forces of Subcon were ready to reclaim their world from his clutches.
The chamber resonated with a convergence of spirits and heroes alive. Ladd, Megaman, Bo Jackson, Link, Samus Aran, and Pit stood alongside the deceased beings, a united force against the looming darkness. Princess Peach, Luigi, and Toad materialized too, joining the assembly in a combined front. One by one, they began to cheer Mario on, raising their fists in a glorious display of solidarity.
Luigi cupped his hands around his mouth and called out to Mario, "Take him down, Mario! I know you can do it!" Princess Peach held out both her fists and yelled, "Mario, finish our quest!" Toad leaped into the air, shouting, "We are gone now, but our hopes and dreams live on in your heart! Stop Wart!"
But it wasn't just the heroes from other games and Mario's friends taking their stand. The deceased Subcon beings, now endowed with their forgotten names and identities, stepped forward.
"My name is Fatima!" cried out the Corporal, taking a martial arts stance.
"I am Naeem!" yelled the Sergeant, planting his forked-shaped weapon into the floor.
"I have a name. It is Imran," stated the First Sergeant, his massive Shyguy face partially eclipsed by the crumbling brick wall.
"My name was... it is... Inaya," shrieked the Lieutenant, her voice gradually transitioning from Albatross shrieks into English as she spoke, remembering her identity. The chamber pulsated with newfound strength as these once-anonymous minions of Subcon embraced their disregarded names and rallied together to defend their world. The King recoiled in fear, surrounded by both the living and the departed. Slowly opening his wide mouth, he unleashed a volley of hundreds of acidic bubbles in the plumber's direction. Mario, fueled by the collective strength and encouragement of his allies, moved forward with blinding speed.
With unparalleled agility, Mario sidestepped each caustic and floating sphere. In mere seconds, he closed the distance, launching a barrage of strikes at the King's belly — a jab, a hook, a cross, an uppercut, an elbow strike, a knee strike. Each movement was a blur, a symphony of blows directed at the malevolent frog. The King, overwhelmed, staggered backward towards his throne, coughing up fluids like an overflowing bowl of soup. The chamber reverberated with the onslaught, a testament to the indomitable spirit and skill that Mario now wielded against the tyrant who had threatened Subcon.
The Dream Machine coughed up a Turnip in front of Mario, who promptly whip-kicked it into the King's mouth. The plumber landed with a thud, standing over the now-restrained King, who fell backward into his throne, momentarily choking on the vegetable. The overgrown frog, hands raised in fear, cowered before Mario. The crown fell with a clunking sound, rolling behind the plumber's shoes. The crowd, once filled with cheers, had fallen into a hushed silence. "Mario, now is the time. Come to my control panel. Please, hurry," the Dream Machine urged, its dials and lights flashing. Mario turned to face the crimson machine. His eyes, once filled with determination, now reflected a profound sense of melancholy.
The plumber walked quietly over to the control panel, hesitating before placing his hands on the device. As Mario did so, one by one, everyone in the room began to fade from view. Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach, along with the assembled heroes and the once-deceased beings, all vanished into the ethereal void, leaving Mario alone with the Dream Machine. The room, once pulsating with energy, became an empty space, a quiet canvas awaiting the resolution of this tumultuous journey through Subcon.
"Mario, pull the lever and make your wish," the Dream Machine implored calmly, its voice resonating with empathy and wisdom.
"You did this all! How could you let this happen?!" Mario's voice quivered with a mix of sorrow and frustration. His eyes welled up, and he sank to his knees in front of the control panel, hands sliding down its cold metal surface. The plumber turned away, propping his back against the hulking Machine, his gaze fixed on the distressed and injured Wart. The chamber's surroundings gradually vanished, leaving only Mario, the Dream Machine, and a floor now resembling moving water. Wart then faded away too. Everything was shrouded in darkness, a calm ambience settling around them.
"Mario, I'm sorry for what I've done. Please find it in your heart to trust me one last time. Your friends have woken up and are waiting for you in the Mushroom Kingdom," the Dream Machine spoke, its words carrying a genuine plea. Mario, now trembling, took off his hat and began to wring it. He needed time, and the machine waited patiently, the weight of the moment stretching into what felt like an eternity. In the quiet darkness, a decision hung in the air, one that would shape the destiny not only of Subcon but of Mario himself.
Mario slowly stood up, turning to face the panel. Cathode-ray tube screens adorned the Dream Machine, glowing in the surrounding darkness. Some screens depicted Nintendo games, others displayed events from the real world, and a few presented Mario with images of places he had never envisioned. Yet, a common thread ran through all the screens—everyone was tired, and no one was sleeping.
"Why me?" Mario questioned, occasional tears falling and causing gentle splashes against the device.
"Because, Mario, any hero could have done the job, but I knew that you and your friends would do the best job," the crimson machine responded with a voice of assurance.
Mario took a deep breath, wrapping his gloved hand around the lever. Closing his eyes, he pulled it down, stating simply and plainly like the plumber he was, "Restore Subcon to what it was before Wart took over, Dream Machine."
One by one, each of Wart's former generals materialized at various sides of the Dream Machine. Hamza (Mouser) appeared first, pulling levers and typing away at a keyboard. Following closely was Mohammed (Tryclyde), who monitored various dials with meticulous focus. Karyme (Fryguy) operated a joystick with a steady hand, and Aziz (Clawgrip) appeared last, watching the screens intently. Though they had reverted to their Subcon forms, Mario somehow knew the identity of each one. The plumber gulped, still lost in thought, and breathing heavily from the weight of his experiences.
"Hey, Mario, how about a vacation?" Karyme (Fryguy) smiled at him, pulling another lever.
"Yeah, what do you say, buddy? How about you and your friends put on a nice play?" Hamza (Mouser) added, looking at him positively as he tapped a dial on the crimson machine.
"I don't want to do any of that right now," Mario responded, his tone dejected.
"But maybe you will..." Mohammed (Tryclyde) smiled at Mario as well.
"Let us take all your pain and sadness away. You don't need to remember any of this," Aziz (Clawgrip) said, knowingly, looking up from the CRT screens.
"Maybe I'm just so out of it right now... is this some kind of hint? If it is, I don't understand," Mario answered in a serious voice.
"Mario, we want you to be happy. Let us help you now, please?" added the Dream Machine, joining in the plea. The room seemed to hold its breath, the atmosphere heavy with the unspoken weight of Mario's decision.
"What do I need to do?" asked Mario.
"Just relax, buddy," Hamza (Mouser) replied.
As Mario heeded the advice, a calming sensation enveloped him.
"You could put that play on for the entire Mushroom Kingdom. I bet Bowser would love a major role in that production, don't you?" suggested Aziz (Clawgrip).
"I don't... think Bowser likes me very much," Mario answered plainly.
"I think he would do it. After all, you both have one big thing in common—you both like Peach," The Dream Machine spoke knowingly.
Mario's tears vanished. His pain and suffering dissipated. A sense of tranquility washed over him, as if the burdens that weighed on his heart had been lifted.
"I think she'd like it if you switched things up. Maybe if you sported a raccoon tail, dressed like a bear, or even a Hammer Brother?" Karyme (Fryguy) laughed and smiled.
Mario opened and closed his hands. He felt a lot better now, but his memories of Subcon were rapidly fleeting. He was aware of this.
"Wait... I feel like you are my friends now too," Mario said, a subtle sense of urgency in his voice.
"Honey, you don't want to remember this place," Karyme (Fryguy) cautioned.
"You're a good and honorable man, Mario," Mohammed (Tryclyde) stated.
"You believe in truth and doing what's right," Hamza (Mouser) responded.
"We will always be with you," Aziz (Clawgrip) stated, the others nodding in agreement.
A faint melody played in the distance, and a door suddenly materialized several yards away from Mario. The plumber stepped towards it, and with each step, hundreds of Subcon beings appeared around the room, smiling, watching in awe. They had left a path towards the door for Mario. The darkness fled, and light poured in through cathedral windows. All of them quietly and individually began to chant—"Super Mario."
The plumber turned the knob and opened the door, where his friends were waiting.
The End.