Let's Try This Again, Shall we? (A SPM Swap AU)

Don't Go

The heroes all stood in front of the doorway to Castle Tippi, waiting to finally embark on the end of their journey. The last section was near. All their hard work had led up to this very moment.

"This is it," Bleck breathed while the three ancients stood behind all of them. "After this, nothing will ever be the same."

Nolrem and Merlon beamed, as if this was a ceremony, sending the heroes off as they end this great journey. As if all the hardships leading up to this had been worth it. Their eyes showed joy and excitement. An expression oftentimes seen in Pierre's eyes. "This is the final door. Eight Pure Hearts versus the Dark Prognosticus... Castle Tippi awaits." Nolrem stated, bowing his head to the heroes. "You have fought all this way because you believed the future could be bright... I can't go through this door with you, but I send you with all the hope in my heart."

The ancient then stepped back, allowing Merlon to step forward and offer his own words of wisdom. "Only those who have not abandoned hope can turn back the prophecy of doom. They walk forward into the future, no matter how dark and uncertain it may be." Merlon quoted from the Light Prognosticus, bowing his head as well. "I know that you can do it. I, too, believe it in my heart."

Merlon then looked back at Pierre, who was silently watching with wide eyes, as if it was his turn to talk.

He didn't move.

Merlon cleared his throat and gently nudged the red-cloaked man, waiting for him to speak as well. However, Pierre just paused for what seemed like an eternity, then shook his head, as if he had nothing to say. So, Merlon continued for him, looking down at Bleck. 

"Bleck... what Pierre was planning on saying was... that you've changed much. You've grown so strong... So, be sure to return safely to us." Merlon explained.

Bleck's good eye seemed to soften as he looked over at Pierre, who was looking down at his own feet as if he was afraid to even make eye contact.

"I will," Bleck promised, slowly turning to Peach. "Now, let's go save all these worlds from destruction!"

"And do hurry," Nolrem added, raising a hand. "For the worlds may not have much time!"

"Yes, yes," Merlon added. "Peach... Prince Mario... King Boo... Daisy... Be strong." He urged, sounding confident and determined for them to succeed..

He then turned his attention to the little Pixl, smiling through his yellow eyes. "And you too, Ble-"

"Don't go!" Pierre suddenly interuppted.

All four heroes turned to look at him, Daisy raising an eyebrow while everyone else looked confused.

Merlon froze and looked back at his friend, confused as well.

"....Huh?" Bleck questioned, wondering as to what the heck Pierre was doing.

"Please," Pierre begged, turning his attention specifically down to Bleck as if he was talking to him and only him. "Please, don't go."

"What?! Pierre, we have to-" Bleck started.

"DON'T!" Pierre interrupted, trembling more and more by the minute. "Please. Bleck, please stay here."

"This is nonsense," Merlon nervously chuckled, gently pulling Pierre back by the arm. "The heroes must go-"

"THEN SEND THEM IN WITHOUT HIM!" Pierre cried, tears threatening to spill as he began to tremble more and more. He almost looked sick. His eyes were fragile like they would shatter any moment. "Please! Blu- Bleck, please stay! I-I'll do anything!"

"My friend, he has to go!" Merlon urged, grabbing his arm tighter when Pierre suddenly ripped it away. 

"NO!" Pierre cried. "PLEASE, Y-YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!"

Merlon and Nolrelm both ran up and grabbed ahold of him, whispering calming things and beginning to drag the desperate man away as he squirmed and struggled, doing their very best to be gentle. "Go ahead, my friends," Merlon urged. "D-don't mind him."

"NO! BLECK! PLEASE DON'T GO!" Pierre cried. "PLEASE! YOU WON'T RETURN! PLEASE! I'M BEGGING YOU! I'LL- I'LL DO ANYTHING!"

The heroes all watched, slightly fearful as Merlon and Nolrem dragged Pierre away. "Please, my friend. The heroes need him," Nolrem assured.

"I NEED HIM!" Pierre cried, voice desperate. "He won't come back! Get off me! BLECK!"

His mind pulled up the memories of when the Tribe of Darkness did this very thing. He remembered when the tribe told him what had to be done, dragging him away so he couldn't stop it. This felt almost EXACTLY like that. It made his heart burn. It terrified him. It was almost like history was repeating.

"He'll be alright," Merlon assured, though Pierre could tell it was an obvious lie.

"Please..." Pierre begged, voice breaking. He couldn't take this anymore. "I... he... you promised you could save him. Please, you promised he wouldn't die."

"This is his fate," Merlon whispered. "He must go. To save all worlds."

"But he's worth more to me than all worlds..." Pierre hopelessly whispered, thrashing less, knowing it was clear he wouldn't win this battle. He was helpless to change anything, once again. "Please. H-He... I can't... I..."

Pierre lowered his head and sobbed, shaking his head so the hood would fall off, as at this moment he didn't wish to cover his face. He didn't wish to hide who he was anymore. "You never even let me tell him. He never even knew. I... wanted to tell him someday. I wanted to apologize."

"I know. I know..." Merlon quietly assured, now far from the heroes so they couldn't hear a word any of them were saying. "But you know that you cannot tell him. Come along, my friend."

______

".... What was THAT about?!" King Boo exclaimed, holding his arms out.

"Isn't it obvious?" Mario shrugged. "Pierre went a little crazy." 

The prince then whistled and swirled his finger around, pointing to his head to signify Pierre going mad. However, no one seemed all that humored by it, so he quickly stopped.

Bleck just floated there, seeming to zone out.

"Hey, you okay?" Peach asked. "Do you know what that was all about?"

Bleck paused as if he was trying to figure it out, continuing to space out while Daisy nervously fidgeted, looking down.

She couldn't help but feel just horrible for Pierre. Knowing your child may be in danger. Not being able to do anything about it. Plus, knowing what she knew now, being dragged away like that must have brought back some horrible, horrible memories. Memories of being completely helpless to save him. A part of her wanted to not let Bleck go for him... but she knew she couldn't do that. She knew Bleck was the glue that held this group together.

"I..." Bleck started, looking down. "Have no idea... I have no idea why he was freaking out." 

He then let out a light laugh, dismissing the entire situation. "Pierre's just a weirdo. You can never truly tell what he's thinking. Heh heh..."

He seemed to pause, almost looking guilty, then he turned to the large door. "Let's... let's just go..."