Departure from Society

## **Plot**

Everyone relishes in the fact that they have all once again been played by Dimentio and realize the only one that was actually kidnapped was Luigi. Mario demands to know how to get to the Macroverse through space and Rosalina seeing how stressed he has become, agrees to show him. Before they depart, Peach tells Mario that no matter what happens, she will always have her love for him, they share a kiss with Rosalina saying they shouldn't waste anymore time getting there.

Mario and Rosalina blast off in the Comet Observatory and head straight into space, which Mario reminds himself that he hasn't been out there since the Shadow Queen battle. Rosalina tells him that once you take away all the bad things face has to offer, it is actually quite peaceful, saying that she did enjoy roaming across the stars and coming back to visit Earth every century, just to see how much has changed over the years. She mentions that she thinks humans are the most purest forms of life there is and seeing how they have evolved over the years has been exhilarating for her, how technology has improved. But she also laments on the bad things they do, such as witnessing wars, killings, and cruelty, also pointing out that she also thinks humans are the most cruelest life forms to ever exist. Mario agrees with her statement silently, saying while he wishes for a world of no hate, such a world would be quite odd if everyone did and thought the same thing, adding he wishes arguments can be held without violence. She tells him that the opening to the Macroverse is extremely far away, located on Saturn's orbit. They fly past Mars, admiring how red and hollow it looks up close. Rosalina tells him that Mars actually contains a lot of earth activities such as volcanoes and earthquakes, instead calling them Marsquakes.

Luigi, still trapped in Dimentio's dungeon, reveals he has been trapped for a week and has only drank what is left of the backwater running down from the castle. He is extremely hungry, unable to speak clearly or even moan. Dimentio comes in and tells him that things didn't have to go the way they did if Mario just complied with him, saying it's his fault that he is even captured. Dimentio tells him that while Mario may say he loves him over and over again, he couldn't even tell that the real Luigi was never with him. Luigi is shown clearly feeling emotion from this statement from a single teardrop falling down his cheek.

Back on Earth, Peach asks how Bowser is holding up and he responds that he doesn't know how to feel, saying that so much has happened in the past few months that he doesn't know what emotion to express, saying he would rather stay in his "hollow" state of mind. Peach tells him to tell her about his favorite memories with his mother to which he goes on to tell her about the time they walked on the beach together. He admits that while he can't remember everything, he says she had this distinct smell to her, a smell that he familiarized her with and anytime his nostrils came into contact with it, he would immediately feel safe. Peach then holds onto his claw and tells him to breathe in and out slowly, much to the confusion of Bowser. He does so, and Peach tells him to just focus on that specific memory, nothing else. Bowser begins to relax and teardrops begin to form beneath his eyes. Squirt catches up with his friend group, saying that he doesn't know if things will ever be the same after today, reminding them they were still trying to cope with the trauma that came with them being trapped in the Macroverse and the moon almost crashing into Earth. Mason and Mark tell him that he has gone through so much at his age, and that no child his age should ever have to go through the things he has. Toadette tells him the same but reminds him that he doesn't have to be alone anymore, as she will always make sure to be there with him every step of the way. Squirt thanks her and they share a short kiss, with Mark showing a clear sign of longing for the same type of love. He walks upstairs to avoid third-wheeling and Mason joins him, asking if he is doing the same thing he is doing. Mark chuckles and says that he thinks he will just end up staying alone for the rest of his life but admits that things would be a little easier as he wouldn't have to worry about staying committed to a person. Mason then tells him that if he is just telling himself that to just make himself feel better or in truth he really does want to be with someone. Mark pauses for a moment, but insists he means what he said. Mason then asks him why he was always a big jerk in school to which Mark becomes surprised and tells him that it was nothing more than him just being a jerk and wanting to be a "cool kid". Mason gives him a cold glare and Mark tells him that the real reason was because of the way his parents raised him. Mason sits next to him and tells him that no matter how he is feeling, he is always welcomed to talk to him about his feelings. Mark begins to tense up but Mason puts holds his hand and he begins to relax, the two chuckling softly.

Daisy paces back and forth in her room wondering about Luigi, saying she has never had this strong feeling toward someone before, but then. iterating that she has never dated anyone before. She then remembers how strong Luigi is, and how he essentially took over protecting the kingdom the entire time Mario was powerless.

Mario and Rosalina go past Saturn, they admire the rings. Rosalina slows down the comet and opens up an exit door and Mario realizes the ring is just made-up of thousands of tiny rocks that float around the planet. He touches one, seeing it twirl wondrously. They continue on, with Rosalina saying they still need at least another hour even at their comet speed. Rosalina asks Mario what he remembers as a kid, the things he would do and say. Mario tells her that in truth, his parents took them away and Luigi at one point became obsessed with trying to find the truth but they found nothing in the end. Mario insists that there is no use dwelling on the past as they still have time to have a better future. Rosalina agrees but says that there are some things in the past that are worth following up on, and not forgetting that they ever happened. She then says that she will find the Klauxes and kill them, whatever it takes. Mario remains silent on the matter, knowing how it feels to want revenge, telling himself that Luigi is going to be fine and that they are coming for Dimentio. Mario begins to slowly drift away to sleep.

On a green hilly field occupied by the wind, Mario walks up to the edge of the cliff with Luigi in the back saying that he doesn't know if he should trust Mario anymore after the many times that he has failed him, time and time again. Mario tells him that is only Dimentio getting inside his head and that he needs to stop letting him in. Luigi tells him that he can't, he isn't strong enough, and he is "very persuasive". Mario asks him what he means but Luigi tells him that he just needs to "wake up". He repeats this over and over again until Mario wakes up in real life, revealing it was Rosalina telling him to wake up, saying something is wrong with the Observatory. She says that she is unable to control it and that they still need another 10 minutes to reach the opening. Mario tells her if this has ever happened before and she says no. She tries to take control with the helm but it breaks off, saying it must be Dementia's chaotic magic energy interfering with the ship, saying his magic is beginning to spread outside of the Macroverse. Mario asks her what she means and she tells him that he has stayed in the Macroverse for so long, he is literally emitting chaotic energy everywhere he goes and since the opening of the Macroverse is opened, the energy is leaking out, but says that Earth is too far away to be affected. Mario asks her if there is a way they can just shoot themselves out towards the opening, but Rosalina tells him it's risky enough on what they were about to do, saying his plan is a suicide mission. Mario tells her that he isn't going to give up on Luigi, and demands to be shot out, but Rosalina tells him she will not risk losing him too. Mario tells her that he will be fine and that no matter what happens, he thanks her for everything she has done and that he will always love everyone back on Earth, especially Peach. Rosalina tells him there is a chute tube right behind him, and that they will know if he made it or not with the results. Mario gives her one last nod with her doing the same, and Rosalina presses a button, launching Mario into deep space, ending the episode on a cliffhanger.