Anniversary Showdown at the Glitz Pit
(A/N: Happy 20th anniversary to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door)
The Glitz Pit was more alive than ever, buzzing with anticipation. Banners lined the walls, shining under the glow of neon lights, each one celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. It had been two decades since Mario and his friends had uncovered the secrets of the Thousand-Year Door, and fans from every corner of the Mushroom Kingdom had gathered for a special event: a match between the one and only Mario and his eternal rival, Bowser!
The arena was packed with toads, koopas, bob-ombs, and even a few boos floating in the rafters, each cheering, chanting, and ready for the action. The air was electric.
A loud voice boomed across the arena: "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO THE GLITZ PIT!"
The crowd roared in excitement.
"And now, to commemorate the anniversary of the legendary Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, we present to you a special match! On one side, you know him, you love him—the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom—MARIO!"
Mario strutted onto the stage, his red hat tilted just right, and gave a quick wave to the fans. Confetti burst from the ceiling as his name echoed throughout the stadium.
"And his challenger… the King of the Koopas, the tyrant with the toughest shell in all the land—BOWSER!"
With a ferocious roar, Bowser stomped his way into the ring, shaking the ground beneath him. Flames flickered from his nostrils as he eyed Mario with his usual cocky grin.
But this wasn't just any match—it had to be officiated by someone who knew the Glitz Pit better than anyone.
Out of the shadows stepped Jolene, the sharp-eyed, no-nonsense Toad assistant of the arena. Her serious demeanor was unchanged even after all these years, as she adjusted her glasses and strode to the center of the ring. The audience erupted in cheers for her. Jolene raised one hand, calling for silence. The pit fell quiet in an instant.
"The rules are simple," she announced. "No items, no partners. Pure, one-on-one combat." Her eyes flicked between Mario and Bowser. "And of course, no dirty tricks."
The fighters nodded in agreement, though Bowser's grin hinted at some mischief lurking under his tough exterior.
"And now, for what you've all been waiting for…" Jolene motioned to the side, where a massive brass gong gleamed under the spotlights. "Let the match begin."
She raised her hand high, letting the tension in the arena build. Mario and Bowser crouched, ready to spring into action.
Then, in her crisp, clear voice, Jolene shouted the famous word that signaled the start of every Glitz Pit battle:
"FIGHT!"
The gong rang out with a powerful CLANG, echoing through the arena as Mario dashed forward with his signature jump attack. Bowser met him head-on, unleashing a burst of flame in his direction. The crowd went wild, and the anniversary battle was officially underway.
The Glitz Pit hadn't seen a battle this exciting in years, and for the fans, it was the perfect tribute to the game that had brought them all together..