Inside SMG4 Castle, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement and laughter. The sound of controllers clicking and characters shouting fills the game room as the whole crew is gathered, playing Super Smash Bros. Mario is jumping around the screen, frantically pressing buttons, while Bob is in the corner, trying to figure out how to use his character effectively.
SMG4: (shouting) Mario, stop spamming that move! You're not going to win by just throwing fireballs!
Mario: (defensively) Fireballs are my best move! You all just can't handle it!
As the playful banter continues, the door creaks open, and Tari steps in, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over her. The moment feels heavy, the laughter momentarily pausing as all eyes turn to her.
Tari: (nervously) Hey, everyone...
Meggy, who has been in the middle of a fierce match, instantly breaks into a smile and leaps from her spot, rushing over to Tari.
Meggy: (happily) Tari! You came!
Without hesitation, Meggy wraps her arms around Tari in a warm embrace. Tari stands there for a moment, surprised, before returning the hug, her tension slowly melting away.
Tari: (softly) I'm really sorry about everything, Meggy...
Meggy: (pulling back) You don't have to be sorry anymore! I'm just glad you're here!
SMG3 watches this exchange, a mix of surprise and relief crossing his face. He hadn't expected Meggy to forgive Tari so easily after everything that happened.
SMG3: (muttering to himself) Wow, she really bounced back fast...
Luigi, overhearing him, chimes in with a grin.
Luigi: Well, we all forgave you, SMG3, remember?
Bob: (chiming in) Yeah! Plus, who else would give us free coffee and bombs?
SMG3: (rolling his eyes) Thanks for the reminder, guys.
Tari feels her heart lighten as the crew starts joking around again, the previous tension fading into the background. She glances around the room at her friends, feeling a renewed sense of belonging.
Tari: (smiling) I missed this.
Meggy nudges Tari playfully, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Meggy: You're just in time for the next match! We need all the players we can get!
Tari nods, her previous nervousness melting away. She grabs a controller and joins the fray, feeling the familiar thrill of the game wash over her. As the match begins, she finds herself laughing and shouting along with everyone, the weight of her guilt slowly lifting.
Mario: (yelling as he falls off the stage) Nooooo! My fireball strategy! It was supposed to work!
Tari laughs, the sound ringing through the room, and for a moment, everything feels right again. The awkwardness that had hung between her and Meggy has dissipated, replaced by the joy of friendship.
As the match continues, SMG4 watches them play, a warm smile on his face. He feels grateful to see everyone back together, even after the chaos that had unfolded recently. This is what it means to be a team-to forgive, to move on, and to find laughter in the simplest of moments.
---
An hour later, the laughter and competitive spirit in the game room have settled into a more relaxed atmosphere. Controllers are put down as everyone takes a break, munching on snacks and chatting about their matches. Meggy, feeling a sense of responsibility toward Tari, gets an idea.
YOU ARE READING
SMG4: War of the Backstabbing Betrayers
FanfictionSMG4 is starting to miss having a fun arch-nemesis. Meanwhile, Tari is given a magical tablet that she hopes will help her become brave... what could go wrong?
