Reginald's March Madness Buzzer Beater
(A/N: This is to honor March Madness in the United States starting tomorrow)
The crowd at Mario Stadium roars with excitement, a mix of Toads, Goombas, and Koopas all on the edge of their seats. The scoreboard blares 99-99, the clock ticking down mercilessly: 5… 4… Sweat beads on your forehead as you, Reginald the human, dart across the court, weaving through the chaos of the Mushroom Kingdom Basketball Association (MKBA) game. Mario, in his red-and-white jersey, locks eyes with you, giving a determined nod. This is it—your moment.
Kamek, the captain of the Magikoopa Masters, hovers menacingly on his broomstick, his wand glowing with a faint purple aura. His team's defense is tight: a pair of Shy Guys scramble to block your path, while a towering Chain Chomp rattles its cage at mid-court, snarling. But you've trained for this. You've watched Mario sink game-winners, Luigi drain clutch threes, and Peach finesse impossible layups. Now, it's your turn to etch your name into Mushroom Kingdom legend.
"Reginald! Go for it!" Peach shouts from the sidelines, her crown gleaming under the stadium lights. Daisy's right beside her, pumping her fist. "You've got this!"
The clock hits 3… 2… Mario fakes out a Boo, then whips the ball toward you with a spin only a plumber-turned-point-guard could muster. The ball lands in your hands, firm and heavy with possibility. Kamek swoops down, his cape billowing, aiming to swat the shot away. The Shy Guys close in, but you plant your feet just beyond the three-point line.
Time slows. You can hear your own heartbeat over the crowd's deafening cheers. Jump shot or three-pointer? It's March Madness—go big or go home. You leap, the ball rolling off your fingertips in a perfect arc. Kamek's wand flashes, sending a gust of magic wind your way, but it's too late. The ball sails over his outstretched claws, over the Chain Chomp's snapping jaws, and—
BZZZZZT!
The buzzer blares as the ball swishes through the net. 102-99. The Mario All-Stars win!
The stadium erupts. Mario and Luigi rush over, hoisting you onto their shoulders as Toadsworth blows his whistle in celebration. Peach and Daisy join the pile-on, laughing and cheering. Even Bowser, sulking in the stands with the Magikoopa Masters' fans, gives a grudging nod of respect.
"Way to go, Reginald!" Mario grins, slapping you on the back. "That's-a one for the history books!"
As confetti rains down and the crowd chants your name, you can't help but smile. March Madness in the Mushroom Kingdom just got a new hero—and it's you.