The Forest Maze That Pays


*At the Gaylord Resort, Geno is in his room after his defeat, sitting on the bed with Mallow wondering what he should do next. Go back up to the stars, or stay here and see the end?*
Geno

...I still don’t seem to understand. I don’t mind losing, but why was I called here in the first place? If there was enough demand to get me here, then why did I lose by 16%? It’s a little close, but not as close as I’d imagine, especially against a team of Booster look-alikes. While I appreciate the gesture of the invitation, do I really have that many fans?

Mallow

Of COURSE people are fans of you, Geno! I really wish you understood how cool it really is for you to be here. Think of all the famous names in this tournament, it’s an honor being amongst them! You may have lost, but you should totally stay here while you can. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Geno

Well, if you say so, Mallow. I suppose it is best I stay here and get to know the other participants a bit better. In fact, maybe I should go give the “Wario Bros.” a congratulations on their victory, maybe they are better than they made themselves out to be in the competition! I am sure it’s just competitive play.

Mallow

That’s the spirit, Geno! I’m glad you're coming around!

*Suddenly, there is a rough knock on the door.*
Geno

Oh, could this be the Wario Bros.? Maybe they-

*In a sudden burst of aggression, the door gets blown off by sheer force. The Wario Bros. intrude the room.*
Wario

HEY THERE CHUMP! NAAAHH NYAH NYAH NAAAH NAAAH!!!~ WE WON! HAHAHAHAH!

Waluigi

HEHEHEHE! YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, DON’T YOU?

Mallow

H-HEY! What do you two think you’re doing?! S-s-stay back!

Geno

It’s ok Mallow, just get behind me, they are here for me. Hello, it is to my understanding that it means that I lost the tournament, I’d like to congratulate you on your vi-

Wario

Blah blah BLAH! NO! It means...

Wario Bros.

YOU ARE OURS!!!!

*Seemingly out of nowhere, a cage drops on Geno. Geno tries to use his abilities to get his way out, but it seems resistant.*
Mallow

G-GENO!

Wario

HA! You think we didn’t think you’d try that? We stole this from Bowser’s Castle!... What, you thought we’d buy it? OF COURSE NOT!

Mallow

Get him out or you both will be sorry!

Waluigi

Who do you think you are, Bruce Lee? WEHEHEHE!

*Wario and Waluigi quickly pick up the cage Geno resides in and rush out in maniacal laughter.*
Mallow

I have to go get my friend back, this is not at all how I imagined this would go! I’m sure he’s convinced to leave, now... I’m coming for you, Wario Bros.!

*Meanwhile, we see the Wario Bros. stood in front of one of the Gaylord’s other hotel rooms, seeming to be rehearsing something, before finally, loudly knocking.*
Waluigi

Knock knock!

King Dedede

Now who in the heck could that be?

Wario

Hey there big bird, wanna puppet? Name a price, any price! As long as it’s a lot! WAHAHAH!

King Dedede

Now why would I want this piece of junk?! You take me for a fool?! Why I oughta-

Waluigi

H-HEY-HEY! Hold up! This ain’t no ordinary puppet! It’s magic!

King Dedede

Magic? Like some kinda wizard? Certainly dressed like one. Real question is, can it defeat Kirby?

Wario

WAHAHA! Not even a doubt! HEY! Puppet! Show him what you can do!

Geno

I refuse to obey your orders! I only serve a higher authority!

Waluigi

Do it or we’ll sell you part by part instead!

Geno

Your threats mean nothing to me. If it’s a fight you wish, then you’d best release me and we can see who comes out on top. Unless, you’re scared?

Wario

Scared? WAHAHAH! Of a little toy? Who do you think we are, cowards?!

King Dedede

Look, I don’t got time for this nonsense! After my glorious victory against that weirdo, I am preparing to clobbah my next opponent, I am not interested in no toy!

*Dedede slams the door.*
Wario

Ugh, look what you just did! You’re scaring away our customers!

Waluigi

We should tape his mouth shut!

Geno

Unless you want your hand injured by my Geno Whirl, I recommend you don’t try.

Wario

Grrrr... WHATEVER!!! Next customer!

*Wario and Waluigi waddle themselves and the cage over to the next door.*
Waluigi

Hey! Open up!

Reggie Fils-Aimé

Hey Wario, what’s the big deal?

Wario

Oh we have a deal for you, alright! We got a magic, talking puppet for sale! You are a businessman, aren’t you? Want to do some business?

Geno

Hey, Reggie. Mind helping me out a bit?

Reggie Fils-Aimé

Geno? Well, I certainly wish we could buy the rights to him, but unfortunately my hands are tied. That’s for Nintendo of Japan and Square Enix to strike a deal on. We hear you, though. A Super Mario RPG remake would be pretty cool. Maybe one day, just like MOTHER 3.

Waluigi

Uh... what? That’s not...

Wario

No you IDIOT, we are asking you if you want to BUY the thing! Who cares about rights?!

Reggie Fils-Aimé

Excuse me? Wario, I know you tend to be rude, but if you want to make a deal, this is very unprofessional. Now I recommend you release my friend Geno, and get out of my doorway, or I’m going to kick your ass!

Mallow

Yeah, what he said!

*Mallow comes running down the hall and stops Wario Bros. in their tracks.*
Mallow

Give Geno back now or I’ll belt ya’!

Wario

Aahh! I give up! No one wants this useless puppet anyway!

Waluigi

WAH! Let’s get out of here!

Wario

Just take it, we don’t care anymore! You are worth NOTHING, Puppet!

*The Wario Bros. run off in frustration, dropping the keys to the cage behind them. Mallow picks up the keys, and releases Geno from his cage.*
Mallow

Geno, are you OK?

Geno

Thank you Mallow. I’m all right, but I think that might be a sign that this wasn’t really meant to be. Wario is probably right, here I don’t serve much of a purpose.

Mallow

I... I guess I understand Geno, but... I’m going to miss you if you go.

Reggie Fils-Aimé

Don’t listen to them, Geno. Your invitation here was very justified, your inclusion means so much to your fans.

Geno

Is that so, Reggie?

Reggie Fils-Aimé

Yes! You have no idea how many emails we at Nintendo get daily asking for you to join Smash Bros., or just for you to appear in a title again at all! It’s about time you get some recognition, even if right now there’s not much we can do about your rights issues.

Mallow

See Geno? You DO have fans! You have many that love you, and want to see you! Can’t you just stick around for a bit longer? For the audience... for me?

Geno

You know, Mallow... I see now. I understand. My general purpose may be to protect Star Road, but my purpose here is to make people happy, including you!

Mallow

Does... does that mean you’re staying?

Geno

Yes. I will complete my mission, and stay at the Gaylord until the tournament has ended.

Mallow

YAYYYY!!! Thank you Geno! Thank you!

Reggie Fils-Aimé

Now if you excuse me, I have to get back to playing Animal Crossing: New Leaf on my Nintendo 3DS.

Geno

Thank you for your kind words, Reggie. Have fun!

*Geno and Mallow go out for a walk, enjoying the presence of the other participants, guests, and the Gaylord.*