Authors Note: Hello again everyone! It looks like yet another chapter is finally up! Now, as of late, Fanfiction has been having a lot of trouble with program degradation. So they had recently shut down a few programs, including e-mail alert. So, as a service to all of you, I will go through the paces, and let you all know via IM when the chapter goes up (if required). Here's to hoping everything goes well. Enjoy! And don't forget to R&R (and I don't mean rest and relax, but feel free)!

Well, I must say, it is sad that Travis had to leave us, but the story must continue. So, here we go.

The bells of the grand Cathedral rang with a solemn voice that could be heard throughout the entire Mushroom Kingdom. People flooded into the church as organ music began to play. Women (and even some men) could be seen standing just outside crying like they had just lost their best friends. Mario and Luigi stood outside in black topcoats. The snow drifted around them in a flurry.

"Well bro, it's finally time. Are you ready?" Luigi asked.

Mario glanced around the church. He had seen Toad and Toadette earlier, both drowning in tears. He wasn't surprised though. Today was an emotional day. Why, just two weeks earlier, they had sieged Bowsers keep. A disaster if there ever was one. Now, here they were.

"To be honest with you Luigi, no, I'm not ready." Mario said as he rubbed his nose. "I'm nervous to go in there."

All at once, Bowser stuck his head out the door of the Cathedral and beckoned them in.

"Will you two get your asses in here?! We're about to start!" He exclaimed in a loud whisper.

Mario and Luigi ran into the Church and up to the front, where they met Toad, Bowser, Wario, and Waluigi.

"Hey, you idiots take those coats off! Jeez, have some class!" Wario said while picking his nose.

"Practice what you preach, Wario." Waluigi said with a sigh.

Mario and Luigi took their coats off too reveal white tuxedos. They were identical, save for the fact that Mario had a red cumber bun and bow-tie, whilst Luigi's was green.

Then, as a hush came over the crowd, the organist began playing the wedding canon. Everyone turned around to see both Peach and Daisy being escorted up the aisle by none other than Toadsworth. Both princesses were wearing white gowns. But each was carrying a different bouquet. Peach had a bouquet of pink roses, while Daisy had orchids. (What? She liked to mix it up every now and then!)

When they reached the front, the couples joined hands. Daisy and Peach both looked back to smile at their bridesmaids Toadette, Rosalina, Mona (you know, from Wario Ware) and Minh T. (you know, the gardener from Paper Mario 64).

Toadsworth took the stand at the front of the church. He cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join the hands and lives of these wonderful people. We should all…"

Suddenly, the doors of the cathedral flew open.

"Now, hang on a sec' Toadsworth, old boy. I don't believe you're quite qualified for this job."

Everyone turned around to see a figure in a white priests' cassock with a silver crucifix, white shoes, and a cane made of lignum vitae (for those of you who don't speak Latin that means 'tree of life', quite fitting, eh?).

"My goodness, Travis! You should be in bed!" Toadsworth said as he ran down the aisle to help.

Travis took the charity and put his free hand on Toadsworths' shoulder. "Aw, I'm ok Toadsworth. Besides, I wouldn't miss this for the world."

(FLASHBACK)

Bowser finally reached Travis body after digging for what seemed like forever. He gently picked Travis up, and began walking towards the others, all the while thinking to himself.

'You know, for someone who almost killed me, you really aren't that bad a guy Travis. I just wish I could have gotten to know you better.'

It was all so sad, really. Now that Bowser had turned over a new leaf, he wished he could go back and change what he had done. But it was too late now.

… Or was it?

As Bowser was walking along, he noticed that the storage room door had been blown off the hinges. He took a peek inside the room to see boxes scattered around everywhere. Nearly everything had been ruined.

He gently laid Travis down, leaning him in a sitting position by the door frame. Bowser then proceeded to dig around a little. Might as well see if there was anything left that was useful. As he continued to dig, he saw a faint light in the corner of his eye. He turned to look and saw a faint glow coming from under some rubble. He moved over to it and started to dig.

Mario and Rosalina started to make their way back to where they had left Bowser. Along the way, Rosalina saw a small radio lying amongst some of the stone. She picked it up and took a look at it. It was a completely restored General Electric JCP-562 Tube Radio.

"Mario, take a look at this." She said as she showed it to him.

Mario walked over to look at what Rosalina had found.

"Wow, it looks brand new. I wonder if Bowser restored it. I didn't know he liked antique radios. Or music, for that matter."

Rosalina turned it on. The dial lit up and static soon followed. She turned the knob to tune it to a station. Suddenly, music started flowing from the speaker.

The song is "Guardian Angel" by Jim Breedlove. You can find it on YouTube. I like the version from Mafia II.

"I can't believe it survived. Bowser will be happy!" She said as she stood up, radio in tow.

They continued to walk, when they saw Bowser in what looked to be an old storage room. Bowser turned to look at them. He had heard the music coming from his radio behind him.

"Hey! You guys found my dad's old radio! Cool! I'm glad to see it still works. I restored it, you know." He said as he continued to dig.

"Oh hey, watch were you step, I got Travis' body out of that hole. He's… he's over here by the door." Bowser said as he turned around with a small box in his hand.

A tear came to Rosalina's eye as she looked the lifeless Travis over. His skin had turned black and blue from having been crushed by those rocks. But he wasn't disfigured in any way. It didn't even look like any of his bones were broken. She kneeled beside his body and slowly ran a hand across his now cold face.

"He looks so peaceful… Almost like he's just sleeping. I keep hoping he'll wake up… But I know he won't… sniffle."

Mario put a hand on her shoulder.

"He's in a better place now, Rosy. I know it's hard. But we'll all make it through this together." He said in reassurance.

Bowser fumbled with the box, which continued to glow.

"Man, I wish I could open this box. I wanna know what's in here!" He said in frustration.

"Here, let me help." Mario said as he walked over. Bowser handed him the box. Mario started fiddling with the lock. And before Bowser knew what Mario was up to, the lock popped open.

"There you go." Mario said with a smile.

Bowser's eye's widened with amazement. "Wow, I didn't know you can pick locks."

"Well, that box has the same kinda lock on it that Peachs' jewelry box has on it. She lost the key to it a while back, so whenever she closes it, I have to open it for her again." Mario replied. "Anyway, what's in it?"

Bowser opened the little box. His jaw dropped when he saw what was in it.

"I don't believe it." He said in surprise.

"What is it?" Mario asked. Rosy had become intrigued as well.

"Look for yourself."

Rosy and Mario both looked at the contents of the box. There, sitting in the velvet lined box, was a fresh Life Shroom.

Rosy jumped with delight.

"I don't believe it! I just can't believe our luck!"

They took the shroom and put it in Travis' mouth. However, despite their excitement, they began to worry.

"What's taking so long? I thought it was supposed to be instantaneous." Bowser said as he checked Travis' neck for a pulse.

A few more minutes passed. Still, no reaction.

"Maybe it just takes a few moments to take effect." Mario said as he shifted his weight from one leg to another.

They continued to wait. After about 15 minutes, they began to lose hope.

Rosalina knelt down beside Travis and held onto him. She began to cry as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Well… I guess we better get him back to the others." Mario said as he wiped a tear from his eye.

Bowser had nothing to say. 'I was so sure that it would work. But I guess you can't cheat death twice.' He thought to himself.

Suddenly, Rosy gasped. Mario and Bowser looked her way to see that the color began to come back to Travis' face.

A huge smile came back to Rosalina's face as Travis' breathing resumed.

"He's breathing! She exclaimed. "Hurry we need to get him to the hospital!"

Bowser picked Travis up and the three ran towards the others.

(END FLASHBACK)

Toadsworth helped Travis up to the altar. Everyone smiled as Travis gave Toadsworth his cane and folded his hands.

"My dear friends, I have never in all of my entire life on this earth seen a more perfect union between man and woman. I have known these beautiful people long enough to understand that, even though there may have been previous loves, each has found the half they have so long sought after. It is with great pleasure that I stand here before God and His congregation to join these two couples in this most holy matrimony."

Everyone smiled as Travis raised his hands and begun speaking once more.

"My beloved friends let it be known throughout the land that you have chosen to become a part of one another's lives. Through sickness and health. Through the good and the bad."

Travis paused for a moment, then turned to look at Rosalina.

"Through life, and through death."

Tears began rolling from the eyes of every person present. Even the castle guards were tearing up. Toadsworth dabbed his aged eyes with a handkerchief.

"Do you, Daisy, take Luigi to be your husband in the eyes of the Lord and the law?"

Daisy smiled as she replied.

"I do."

"Do you, Luigi, take Daisy to be your wife in the eyes of the Lord and the law?"

Luigi wiped the tears from his face and smiled.

"I definitely do."

Travis smiled as he turned to face Mario and Peach.

"Do you, Mario, take Peach to be your…"

"You bet I do!" Mario accidentally interrupted. He had gotten so excited that he jumped the gun. A light wave of laughter rolled off the walls of the cathedral.

Travis chuckled quietly, then turned to Peach.

"…"

But the words didn't come.

Tears slowly rolled off of Travis' face. This was finally the end. The end of their loving relationship. Though it had come to an abrupt stop long ago, the feeling had never really left him. And, although he would never admit it to anyone, he would always be in love with her. But deep down, he knew that things were as they should be. She had a new hero now. And it was time for him to… step aside… and let her live her life to the fullest. He smiled, the tears disappearing, at least for now. This day was meant to be a happy one. And a happy one it would be.

"Peach…"

Peach smiled as the tears disappeared from Travis' face. She knew exactly why he was sad. She was sad, too. She had hoped that, all those years ago, things would have worked between them. But she knew that Mario was the man she was meant to be with. And she knew that Travis would find happiness with Rosalina.

"Do you take Mario to be your husband in the eyes of the Lord and the law?

"I do, Travis. I do."

"Then by the power vested in be by our Lord and Father, I pronounce you husband and wife." Travis said speaking to both of the couples.

"Gentlemen, you may now kiss your brides."

Everyone clapped as the two plumbers grabbed their respective brides and pulled them into passionate kisses.

After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed the reception. There was cake, the castle orchestra playing great music, food, dancing; the works.

Travis had since changed into his white three piece suit (you know, the one from the beginning, except this time with brown cowboy boots and a brown leather belt) and was resting at a table near the dance floor. However, Peach noticed that Travis seemed, a little detached from the crowd. Usually a social butterfly, tonight he was sitting quietly looking at the floor, seemingly deep in thought. She slowly made her way over to him. But before she could reach him, he got up, grabbed his cane, and walked outside. Peach gave chase. As she walked outside, she saw Travis walking down the moonlit path to Shooting Star Summit.

Travis walked down the path that had been made so familiar to him over the years. He had made this sojourn before. Many times. However, never alone.

No. Never alone.

He thought about everything that had happened. All of the events that had taken place over the last couple of days. As he made his way up the summit, his mind drifted away into thoughts of the past.

Finally, he made it to the top. His thoughts turned to his location.

"The place nearest to the sky." He said to himself. "Reaching out as if to touch the heavens."

He carefully sat down near a patch of flowers. As he looked around him, he caught sight of a star, falling off into the distance.

"Maybe if I wish hard enough, Peach will appear next to me." Travis chuckled half-heartedly as he shook his head.

"You don't have to wish, Travis."

Travis jumped a little and began to go for the pistol under his coat, but calmed when he realized who the voice belonged to. He whirled around to find Peach approaching him.

"No, I suppose I don't. You were here all along." He said through a half smile as he sat back down.

Peach walked over and sat beside him. She brought her knees up enough to rest her arms on, and gazed at the night sky along with Travis.

"So… It's finally happened. Marriage." She said as she took a glance at her ring. "You know, I never thought in a million years that I would ever make it to this milestone."

Travis nodded, never taking his gaze off the night sky.

"And… I never thought you would be the priest who oversaw it."

Travis turned his gaze to her.

"Neither did I, Peach." He said as he got up. "Neither did I."

She stood up as well, brushing some grass off of her gown. She marveled, however, at the fact that Travis could sit where he pleased and never so much as get a speck of dust on his clothing.

"So… what are you going to do now, Travis?" She asked.

Travis was silent for a while, raising worry in Peaches mind. Travis finally broke the silence after what seemed like an eternity.

"Maybe… I'll become a detective again… I think it's time that I brushed the dust off my badge and started doing what I do best. Law enforcement." He said with a half-way smile.

"That's great! The Mushroom Kingdom needs…"

Travis raised a hand to stop Peach.

"No Peach… not here." He said quietly.

Peach stuttered for a second.

"What… what do you mean?" She asked.

Travis took a deep breath, and began to speak once more.

"I mean… I mean that I'm going away." He said.

Those words hit Peach like a hammer hits an anvil.

"But… why, Travis?" She said through tears.

Travis saw her pain and wiped the tears away. He pulled her into a hug, only to hear the floodgates open once more. She cried and cried and cried, as if she had never cried before.

"Is it… is it because of me?" She asked through tearful hiccups.

Travis held her tighter.

"No Peach. It's because of me. I just… I need to go someplace so that I can clear my head. So that I can get back into the right frame of mind. And who knows," he said as he raised her head to look into her gorgeous blue eyes. "I may be back sooner than you think. Because believe you me, Peach. I'll be back. This is my home, after all."

Peach brightened up at this. "You promise? Because everyone is going to miss you."

Travis hugged her once more.

"I promise Peach."

Their moment were interrupted by the sound of a car horn.

"Oh… It would seem that my vehicle has arrived." Travis said as he released Peach.

They turned to see a midnight black 1980 Cadillac Fleetwood d'Elegance, driven by none other than Russ T. He pulled up and hopped out of the car.

"Hey there, Princess Peach! Yo, Travis! Here's your car man. Nice, by the way. She drives like a dream." He said as he walked off.

"Thanks, Russ. I'll see ya 'round." Travis said as he waved goodbye.

"Nice car, Travis. Where'd you get it?" Peach inquired.

"Oh, this? It was my grandmothers. She left it to me when she passed, God rest her soul." Travis said as he sat in the drivers' seat.

Peach walked up to the car and rested a hand on the top of the open door.

"You… you will come back soon, right?" She asked again.

Travis looked into her eyes once more.

"I promise Peach." He said as he reached for the door. She moved her hand as he shut it. She heard the whine of the windows' electric motor as it rolled down.

"I'll be seein' ya." Travis said as he put the car in drive and slowly pulled off.

"Same here, my dearest friend." She said as she waved goodbye. "Same here."

She stood there watching the red taillights of the luxury automobile as they disappeared over the horizon. As she turned to go, she heard footsteps coming closer. She turned to see Mario standing behind her. He broke the silence with a question.

"So… Travis left, huh?"

Peach simply nodded.

Mario frowned as he realized just how much he would miss Travis.

"Will he ever come back?" He asked.

Peach looked up at the stars as if she were looking for an answer. Then spoke.

"Someday, Mario." She said softly.

"Someday."

Travis turned onto a dark and lonely old highway. After a while, it began raining. Almost torrentially so. He had sat in silence for a while now, thinking about the decision he was making, and how it would affect the people around him. His head was filled with thoughts that swirled about hither and thither, making him almost nauseous. So he put them aside for now and turned on the radio. Letting the music take him away, once again, to greener pastures.

(The song playing is "Is it Rainin' at Your House" By Vern Gosdin. You can find it on Youtube. Highly suggest you listen to it. Really sets the mood for this part.)

Travis let the music flow through his soul and take all the pains away. He had gotten a little distracted by his euphoria, and did not even notice the flash of light coming from the passenger seat of his luxury automobile. After the light faded, a familiar female figure sat quietly, waiting for the distracted driver to notice her. At the same time, she also heard the music flowing from the speakers, realizing how this event must be fate.

Travis went on driving for an admittedly long while, still not noticing the lovely woman beside him. So she non-chalantly cleared her throat, causing him to return to reality. He turned and saw his lover siting in the supple leather seats, obviously waiting for an explanation.

"So… you thought you would run off without saying anything again, hmm?" Rosalina said matter of factly.

Travis just sat silently, continuing to focus on the road. Trying to think of what he could possibly say. Eventually, something just came stuttering out.

"I….I'm going away for a while…"

The words cut Rosy like a knife.

"What?" She asked in disbelief… "But… But why? Don't you love me anymore?" Tears began falling down her face. Almost as heavily as the rain was falling outside.

Travis continued staring at the road, making sure not to endanger himself or his love.

"Sweetheart, I'm… I'm not happy about leaving. I'm really not. But, I need to go. So that I can get back in the right frame of mind. So that… I can be a better man. For our friends… For the Mushroom Kingdom…"

He reached over and caressed her cheek with his free hand.

"For you."

Her eye's sparkled, even in the dim light of the car. She knew Travis had a few personal issues, but she had hoped she could be there to help him get through them.

"Can't I at least come with you?" Rosy asked as she wiped her tears away.

Travis shook his head.

"No darlin'. This is something I need to do myself. But I promise I will keep in touch. And I'll come to visit sometimes."

Rosy smiled. She knew that Travis was a man of his word. And the promise of visitation made her feel much better.

"Well, I can't say that I'm happy about you leaving. But I will say this, as long as you PROMISE to write every day, and to visit as often as you can, I think I'll be ok."

Travis smiled. A weight had just been lifted off his shoulders and his heart. All in all, both he and she were in a much better mood. Suddenly, he got an idea.

"Hey, why don't you ride with me a little longer? You can teleport back to your home, when you're ready."

Rosy smiled and answered immediately.

"Nothing would make me happier."

So Rosalina scooted over closer to Travis. He turned up the radio, put his arm around her, and continued driving. All the while wondering what would be in store for him in the future.

Well, there ain't no place that I'd rather be

Than next to you, sittin' next to me.

Author's Note: Well kids, that's it! I guess it was a happy ending after all! Albeit a bit anti-climactic. But that's ok. I'm sure I'll revisit this story and make a few changes and a few corrections. But first, There is thanks to be given!

I would like to thank all the folks who helped me with this story like YesNoMaybeIdk, RazCoozle, and ThatNintendoFanGirl. But the most thanks goes to the one who stuck by me from the beginning all the way to the end. A person who supported me and helped me. A person who, in my ignorance, gave me idea's that I sometimes ignored, and who I never even once mentioned.

That person is my Fiance', Heather. AKA Skit-Skat. I love you sweetness. And thank you for loving me back. You are the single best thing that ever happened to me. And so, I want to dedicate this story to you. Because without you, I would have given up on life a long time ago. Thank you my baby.

Stay tuned for more from my Channel, folks. And as always, Take care, and God Bless!

THE PREACHERMAN.