198After a long two week vacation, it was back to the Mushroom Kingdom for everyone. They were sad to leave, but every good vacation had to come to an end. Everyone spent some time in Peach's Castle for a bit before Daisy and Aqua has to go back to their own kingdoms.
Daisy: Well, I guess it's back to reality.
Luigi: Yeah. It sucks, I know. Leisure is an important part of life, but so is work. You can't have one without the other.
Daisy: True, true. It's such a shame I have to go back to Sarasaland. Because I loved spending time with you.
Luigi: Yeah. I wish we didn't live so far away from each other.
Daisy: Well, so what? We can make a long distance relationship work. Special sporting events are hosted all the time, so we can meet then.
Luigi: And maybe I can visit Sarasaland some time!
Daisy: That too! Until then, to you and your brother, keep beating some koopa butt!
Luigi: Will do!
Daisy gives Luigi a kiss on the cheek before walking towards the plane. Aqua had to go home too, but wished her time here wouldn't end.
Aqua: So… that's it?
Mario: I believe so. I had fun with you, Aqua. I told you we would have a great time together! I knew deep down that I'd fulfill my promise. Did you have fun?
Aqua: Yes, I did! Lot's of fun! I'm just sad it's over.
Mario: Hey, who said the fun was over? This is only the beginning, my friend. We're gonna have lots of fun and adventures together in the future. I promise you!
Aqua: If you say so…
Mario: Goodbye, Aqua.
Mario gave Aqua a hug before she walked with Daisy towards the plane. However, Aqua didn't feel satisfied and was rather unsure about herself.
Daisy: It's okay, sweetie. We're gonna see them again one day.
Aqua: I know…
Aqua looked back to Mario, Luigi and Peach, who waved to her. But deep down, she couldn't take it, and ran back to Mario desperately, surprising him and everyone else.
Aqua: NO! I DON'T WANNA GO! I DON'T WANNA LEAVE YOU, PAPA!
If running back to a Mario didn't surprise everyone, what she just called him certainly did. Peach even started to cry herself.
Peach: Did… s-she?
Mario: Aqua… did you just…?
Aqua: *sniff* Sorry… I… I… You just… remind me of my father. And after what happened to him… I… I just… don't want to leave you!
Mario frowned and leaned down to his friend's level.
Mario: I know it's hard, sweetie. Believe me. I know how it feels to lose someone important in life.
He cries a little bit, thinking about his own father.
Mario: But you know what always gives me the encouragement to carry on from the past and live life?
Aqua: No. What?
Mario: Thinking about what's to come in the future. There's plenty of great things to look forward to. New friends, new adventures, new experiences. All of that fun stuff. And you'll get to experience all that with us. Cause like I said, the fun is FAR from over!
Aqua's tears dry up a bit. But she was still sad.
Aqua: You mean it?
Mario: I do. Not to mention, you're always welcome to visit me and Luigi anytime you'd like. Plus, the Mushroom Kingdom holds lots of fun tournaments named after me where we all get together for fun activities such as sports, parties, and kart racing! If you participate you'll be able to see us there as well!
Aqua: They… they sound like fun.
Luigi: Say, Mario. Aren't we doing that Mario Kart: Double Dash tournament soon? We're going as partners, right?
Mario: Oh, yeah!
Daisy: Totally up for that! I already picked Peach as my partner!
Aqua: "Mario Kart: Double Dash"?
Peach: Mario Kart is a racing tornament series where we race in go-karts to get first place using items. We had three tournaments before, but this time we're having two racers in one kart for double the fun!
Aqua: Wow! Can I participate?
Mario: Of course you can! But you'll need a partner.
Aqua: Okay, umm… Toadette! You wanna be my partner.
Toadette: Sorry, Aqua. I already agreed to be Toad's partner.
Aqua: Oh, okay. Hmm… I know! I could ask Melon to be my partner next time I see her!
Mario: Good choice! Now, give me a nice smile!
Aqua felt better and gave Mario a sweet smile before whispering in his ear.
Aqua: *whispering* Thanks for being my sprite of light.
Mario: *whispering* You're welcome, piccolo amico.
They let go. FLUDD also turned his head to Mario, now being on Aqua's back.
FLUDD: So long, Mario.
Mario: You too, FLUDD. Take good care of her.
FLUDD: Will do.
Aqua: See you next time!
Mario: Until then, buddy!
Aqua felt comfortable enough to walk with Daisy to the plane, giving one last wave before the door shut. The plane took off as Mario, Luigi, Peach and the toads waved goodbye.
Peach: Mario, I couldn't thank you enough for making my sister happy again. You really are a hero in more ways than one!
Peach kissed Mario on the forehead, making him blush.
Mario: It was nothing, Princess. My heart told me to do the right thing. And you know Luigi, I suppose we should be heading home too.
Luigi: Right you are, bro. I'm starving! You got some spaghetti in the pantry?
All of them laughed before the two bros left the castle. As they walked home, they noticed that the snow was melting, and the sun was shining down on them.
Luigi: Wow. Looks like spring is coming earlier than we thought.
Mario: I think the sun is smiling down on us for our heroic deeds.
Luigi: You know. I think you're right, bro.
The two walked off into the sunlight, having a wonderful end to a wonderful adventure.
Meanwhile…
The plane landed in a kingdom full of greece buildings, drape-shaped rocks, colorful cliffs, and plants with glitter that made them flicker in the water. Aqua stepped out and walked over to a mermaid-like creature with a red dress that resembled fish scales, a kelp headdress, and a pair of golden bracelets. She was Lady Nimue the Lochlady, Aqua's steward in a similar fashion to Toadsworth.
Nimue: Aqua, you're back! And oh! You seem to be in a happy mood. I assume you're vacation was a good one?
Aqua: The best vacation ever, Nimue! I can't wait to tell you all about it!
Nimue: Well, I can't wait to hear it!
She looked over Aqua's shoulder to see FLUDD.
Nimue: What's that on you back?
Aqua: Oh, I'll get to him in a bit. It all started when I met someone who changed my life.
She held out a picture showing all of the friendly characters having a photo taken together.
Have a relaxing vacation!
