A/N: Man, has it really been seven years since I last updated this story? Next to RDR, this has been my most viewed story I've ever written so to those that take a peek, thank you for reading something that probably has a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes. Has any of that changed since the last time I was here. Nope, still the same mediocre writer I am today as I was seven years ago! So, why not post here and there, at least to say thank you. Really, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for at least giving this silly little story a chance. I'm still a bad writer but I just have these ideas that I wanted to get out of my head and this was my first story on this site. Who knows, it won't be my last either (doesn't really know).

Anyways, on with the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is related to Nintendo at all.

Chapter 9

Back on the Ship

After getting the Grand Star from Bowser, I flew my way back to the ship and landed with a large thud. The star disappeared right into the ship as Lubba floated over, excited.

"YOU DID IT!" He exclaimed with glee. "I knew you could do it Mario! With the Grand Star now within the ship, we can go over to the next galaxy and continue to explore for more Power Stars! It's going to take us a while to get to the next galaxy so why not explore your face for a bit! HA!"

I laughed and nodded my head and proceeded to explore the ship as it was flying towards the next galaxy. I decided to to head towards my room via the left ear. I crawled inside to find my bed and a few other items in it as I sat down and looked around.

In my adventures over the years, resting is often a luxury. With any baddie that appears and threatens me or my friends, I'm always on the go, never stopping to rest unless I really needed it. I picked up a photo next to my bed and smiled at the picture. It was a picture of me, Luigi, Daisy and Peach after a kart racing tournament we had a while back. I was holding a second place trophy while Luigi was holding the 1st place trophy for winning the tournament. It reminded me of the times where things were simple between adventures. From the tennis matches to even some of the wacky parties we had, all those moments I always remember so fondly.

I place the picture back and laid in bed, staring at the ceiling as my mind began to wonder. I remember being a simple plumber, not knowing what kind of adventure I was going to have every day. That was before me and Luigi came to the Mushroom Kingdom and Bowser decided to cause trouble. My heart told me right from the get go that Bowser needed to be stopped and I did. Time and time again, we kept clashing, hoping to end this battle once and for all. I even remember the time he stole the star rod to make all his wishes come true!

I turned over and looked at the wall, noticing all the pictures of my past adventures. From the Bean Bean Kingdom to even on the moon, all the memories continued to flood back to me like it was yesterday. Never would I imagined that I would be going far, far away from the kingdom into the depths of space to have this adventure. But then again, anything was possible. I knew that saving the universe was the goal in everything.

I sighed as I looked up at the ceiling again. I began to wonder what was going to happen when this was all over. What other evil will show up next to take over the world. Not even when I was in the fighting tournament, I knew evil was always right around the corner, ready to attack the innocent. I knew that with me and my brother, we could conquer anything that tried to ruin the world. It's not that I had any doubt but rather, I wish that I could take a vacation from everything, to relax and just be able to enjoy being with my friends.

But if I learned anything on Delfino Island, its that anything was possible.

I slowly got up and took my hat off and looked at it. To many, it was a symbol of a hero, always ready to lose a life to make sure evil doesn't have a chance to take over the world. A symbol that has defined my legacy so far and I knew that it was only a matter of time when I will clash again with Bowser, in hopes of restoring the universe and ending his power game. A smile appeared on my face as I stared at it, knowing that even with evil always lurking, I always make new friends that I will treasure forever. But sometimes, forever can disappear just like that (much like my identity that one time).

I remember going toe to toe with Bowser within the walls of Peach's Castle. How could I forget a battle when the arena was literally just a star as I threw him at floating bombs (Bowser was never too bright about placing those around the arena). The feeling of power he gives off just using the stars is something I hate to picture but always have to battle in the end. Time and time again, he always brought something new to the table in hopes of finally getting rid of me. But my strong sense of justice has prevailed again and again. I knew that Bowser will continue this forever if he had the choice. I needed to be ready for anything that happens.

I stood up and looked in the small mirror and stared at myself. I smiled as I brushed a bit of my hair back and placed my hat back on. I saw the pictures on the wall and smiled even more. Not bad for just a simple plumber.

"Mario! We arrived at the next galaxy!" Lubba shouted from the intercom as I placed my hat back on and crawled back outside, looking at the surrounding galaxies. It felt almost peaceful to be out here, so far away from home. I knew adventure was here and somewhere, power stars needed to be found. I gaave a quick nod to Lubba and spun inside a sling star and launched off the ship, headed towards another planet. Bowser better be ready:

Time to really step up my game!