Super Mario Bros. 3 - The Subspace Emissary

Chapter 18: The Assassin

Yoshi Island, Universe-1001 - Two years ago

Rohan and Mario walked down back to the campsite, talking about numerous things including Mario's crush on Peach. Rohan chuckled and asked, "REALLY?!"

"Yeah..." Mario blushed. "I...You also can't tell Peach about my feelings, 'kay?"

"Okay, but you DO know that she's gonna find out eventually."

"Yep...And I bet she's gonna hate me and things would be awkward between us."

"Oh, Peach would never hate you. She's not that kind of person unless you do something VERY bad like what Bowser has been doing for years, but I bet you're also not that kinda person." Rohan smiled.

"Oh, good." Toad had finished setting up the fire, and Mario and Rohan arrived at the campsite. They started cooking food while engaging in a pleasant conversation, which Toad found enjoyable to hear. Mario smiled and spoke with his companion, "Y'know, other than losing my brother, being with you, Peach, and Toad, I've never felt so happy in my life."

"Awe, thanks, Mario." Toad smiled. "That's a lot coming from my best friend."

"Yep, you ARE my best friend." Mario rubbed Toad's head. He then looked at Rohan and continued his speech to Rohan. "Rohan, being around you and especially Peach makes me...I don't feel so alone..."

Rohan's smile dropped. "Sometimes it's better to be alone."

Mario's smile dropped as well. "What do you mean?"

Sitting on a log by the campfire, the prince took a seat. "Nobody can hurt you."

"You've...been abused, right?" Mario sat down while Toad gave a forlorn look. "Was it your parents?"

"No, my parents were good people. It's...I've been in really, really bad relationships in the past like my cousin Daisy. I've been in...around five relationships in the past. All of them, the girls abused me, put me down, made me feel bad, and also maybe cheated on me."

"I'm sorry, Rohan. You know that I would never, ever, ever hurt you or Peach. You two are really special people compared to me." Mario chuckled. "But...I know that being with Peach is impossible. Besides, a princess would never love a plumber."

"There are many real stories about love that come in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, when you and Peach are alone after defeating Bowser, you should tell her how you feel. Trust me, she'll listen."

Mario smiled and Peach walked toward the campsite. Toad announced that dinner was served and Mario considered Rohan's advice.

A hidden room in Hyrule Castle, Universe-308

Mario and Link were glaring at a guard, determined to question every guard in Hyrule Castle to find out who may have given information to the villains. The guard in front of them was nervous and unsettled as Kirby held a mallet in front of him while Sonic tried to appear intimidating.

"Tom...This would only be easier if you'd stop fidgeting." Link said.

"Please, what do you need to do with me?!" Tom asked.

"You just need to answer one straightforward question."

"W-What is it?"

Link suddenly drew his bow and pointed an arrow at Tom. Mario slammed his hands on the table and asked, "WERE YOU THE ONE WHO TIPPED OFF BOWSER, MEDUSA, AND GANONDORF AND CAUSED THEM TO TRY AND KIDNAP ZELDA AND PEACH?!?!?!"

"WHAT?!?!" Tom attempted to show his strength but couldn't. "I WOULD NEVER!! I SWEAR!!"

Link withdrew his bow and sighed. "Okay..." he then cracked his knuckles. "...BUT HOW DO WE KNOW YOU'RE NOT WEARING A MASK??!?!" he then jumped and started to pull on Tom's face.