25m Distance Between Us

The Closing Curtains

The Odyssey landed in New Donk City, in front of the City Hall. A large crowd of people gathered to see what the spectacle was about, and some police officers had their guns drawn, ready to fire in case it would be more Koopa shenanigans.

When the door opened, Mario, Peach, Pauline, Cappy, and Tiara were met with a sea of applause and a crowd filled with happy and relieved citizens. Soon enough, the media also arrived and swarmed around the group, taking pictures and a few people asking the Mayor what she had gone through. Pauline refused to comment, and made it back inside with her friends.

Deskworkers immediately stood up and her personal assistant offered to bring her a new change of clothes from the Crazy Cap clothes store, and she gave her the go-ahead.

It was a long day, and it all came to a halt when Pauline stood on the podium before the people.

"Good evening, New Donk City." She began. Her words were met with whistles and cheers. "As I'm sure you are all well aware, I was kidnapped by the Koopa King. I owe my life and much gratitude to Mario, who, if it were not for, I would not be alive to speak to you about this right now. The rumors you have heard about the Koopa clan from many a Mushroom are correct-they are ruthless, and they will stop at nothing to achieve what they desire; as I am living proof. Their leader, King Bowser, held me hostage and attempted my life due to me disagreeing with hosting his wedding here. I felt that our city and the Princess deserve to have our dignity kept."

A few people nodded in agreement and a few whispers and murmurs could be heard among them.

"Now, we no longer have to worry about the Koopas." Pauline reassured. "Their foul King threw himself into space in an act of foolish desperation. Surely he is dead. Now, New Donk will resume in its girder repairs, Infrastructural Operations and Recreational Activities as of Monday."

The audience applauded, and Mario was joined with Peach in the back, sitting down and resting their legs. They had been through very much. Mario applauded, and Peach followed suit.

Mario was hypnotized, watching Pauline at the podium explaining her next plans for the city, and eventually, his wide smile began to drop. His heart began to sank when he realized that he and the Princess would have to be leaving soon to return to the Mushroom Kingdom. Loud cheers filled the room around the plumber, and the Princess also paid decent attention to the Mayor. Mario felt lost in a sea of voices and sadness. He was going to miss Pauline.

After the speech came to a conclusion and everyone left the City Hall, Pauline approached Mario and Peach. "So... what are you guys going to do now?" She asked, genuinely curious.

"We're going back to the Mushroom Kingdom." Peach stated honestly. "We have many things to fix over there too, and as you know, it can be very hectc; especially after the one in charge is kidnapped."

"But of course." Pauline stated.

Mario looked down at the floor, and Cappy flew over beside him. "Mario," he whispered in his ear. "it's now or never." The plumber picked up his face and nodded. He was about to say something, but Peach beat him to it.

"Pauline," Peach began. "I'd like to apologize for my... callousness back in the Odyssey. We've been through so much together, and it wasn't right of me to snap at you the way that I did. Especially over a harmless joke."

"It's totally fine." Pauline stated. "I totally understand. The stress of everything that happened, almost losing Mario, it can bring a person to that. I'm sure he felt the pressure heated on, too."

"Actually..." Mario began. "I was-a more afraid of losing you than-a losing my life."

Princess Peach looked down at Mario in shock. Was he talking about Pauline or her? She wasn't sure, and she began to feel afraid. Afraid of losing Mario to the Mayor.