I

The sun shone brightly upon the University of Goom, also known as U Goom. It was one of the few places in which only Goombas inhabited. It was a very wondrous place; with long, green gardens and beautiful fountains.

One of the top leading professors, Frankly, was hard at work studying. Rumors are that there are some legendary items somewhere around the Mushroom Kingdom, spread by a wizard long ago. He was used to these kind of tales – normally it turned out as some kind of fraud.

His pupils were, of course, young goomba students, who were either waiting eagerly for the Professor's conclusions, or doing the elder's requests.

Frankly gave another small task in a wheeze, as he had been working hard and was very tired at the time.

"Goombella... hand me that book over there."

Goombella was a young, top-notch student at U Goom. On her head she wore a miner's helmet with a light on the front. At the back, long, blonde hair came out in a ponytail. She wore a red tie on her short body. Like most female goombas, the skin of her head was pink instead of brown.

"Okay, Professor!"

She was eager to help Frankly out; he seemed to be studying hard, in a train of thought. Not many have seen him study for so long. Fetching the requested book, she skipped back to the professor and placed the book upon the table. Frankly thanked her and continued by opening it.

"Any use?" a pudgy colleague, Goombamme, quizzically said after several rather quiet minutes. Frankly did not respond.

A younger goomba, probably younger than Goombella, nudged his large form. "Lay off, man... just let him work, and he'll let us know."

"I'm getting tired of waiting, Goombo! I need answers now... I'm bored stiff!"

Frankly said gruffly, "Then leave."

Goombamme was taken aback, for he wasn't expecting the old professor to respond. He snorted after regaining himself.

"Huh... well, why don't I?"

Goombo tried to stop him. "Dude, don't..."

Goombamme didn't listen. He turned around and waddled through the door. Goombella eyed him as he left.

"Feh!" she raised an eyebrow. "What's his beef? Frankly's really busy, this could be a big hit for us when he finishes!"

Goombo responded, "He's always a grouch. It's best to ignore him..."

Goombella nodded in agreement.

"Yeah... you're probably right."

Frankly closed the book. Looking down on the floor, he sighed. This didn't come as a good sign to the Goomba students around him. One of them mustered the courage to ask.

"Uh... so, what's the news?"

Frankly turned around.

"I can't find any suitable books on the Mushroom Kingdom. It seems I didn't stock up on any during the old days while I was collecting... and all that work on my last experiment... argh. It looks like we'll have to go there. But I can't take all of you..."

Goombella stepped forward immediately with pride.

"I'll go with you, Professor!"

Frankly let out a small cackle. "Please, Goombella. You're too young."

"I can do it, trust me! Besides, I'm good enough! Don't you remember the quest for the Crystal Stars at all?!"

"Huh? Oh... OH! Yes! Dear me, I'm beginning to lose my memory. Of course you may come along, I may need you."

Goombella hopped around the classroom. "Yes! I won't let you down, Professor!"

Frankly jumped on his chair, giving a pause to her actions. "Now now, that's enough. Who else wants to come with me?"

Goombo stepped forward, pulling a courageous face. "I will, professor!"

Frankly eyed him.

"Goombo, was it? Well, count yourself in. Tell your friend, Goombamme, the fat one, that he has to come along, too."

Goombo gave the professor a puzzled look.

"Uh... Goombamme? Are you sure about that, prof? He's... well... cheeky."

"A goomba like him needs to train on lightening up," Frankly explained. "If he comes with us, it'll help him. Count on it."

Goombella was grinning from ear to ear, still not able to believe she was coming along on Frankly's trip. "Um... yeah, that makes sense!"

Goombo still looked uncertain. "Well... you're the boss, professor."

Frankly hopped down to the floor from his chair.

"Come along, you two. Off to get Goombamme. And the rest of you, thanks for the help. You may return to your dorms now... are you two ready? Off we go, then!"


Frankly, Goombella, Goombo, and Goombamme were all frolicking down one of the elegant lawns of U Goom. They were heading for the exit to begin their travels.

"So, where are we off to first?"

"The Mushroom Kingdom, of course!"

"No, I mean where are we going to get transportation?"

Frankly blinked confusedly. "What? Oh, yes, that. I know, we'll go to Rogueport."

"Rogueport?" Goombo pulled off one of his usual uncertain faces. "I've heard of that place... it certainly isn't fun."

"It is pretty bad there," Goombella mentioned crossly. "But, it's the only place we can get a boat for the mushroom kingdom we can reach in a hurry..."

"Let's just get a boat once we're there and get it all over with," Goombamme muttered darkly. "I'm freakin' hungry."

Goombo chuckled. "Your apatite never ceases to amaze me."

"Shut up, I'm actually really hungry here."

"Yikes... hey Professor, think we can stop and get ol' chubby here a hot dog or something?"

Frankly shook his ancient head. "I'm afraid there's little time for that, Goombo. We must leave immediately!"

"Well, I hope you're ready for the worst whining you'll ever get in your lifetime," Goombamme threatened harshly. Frankly didn't take his warning under too much consideration. After all, it was nothing he hadn't seen before.

As they left U Goom's main gate and headed out onto the trail to Rogueport, Goombo rummaged his pack for the map.

"Bah! I had it in here somewhere..."

Goombella turned around. "What's up, Goombo?"

"I can't find the map..."

Goombamme rolled his big eyes. "Goombo, you lose everything. Including your pride. I took the map..."

Goombo glared fiercely. "Why? I had it tucked right in with my stuff, there's no way I could have lost it!"

"Safety measures, you never know."

"Nobody trusts me..."

"Oh, come now," Frankly disagreed. "I trust you sometimes."

"Yeah, but only sometimes," Goombo pointed out. "All those other times? Right down the drain."

Frankly sighed. "Oh, just take the compliment. You're acting like Goombamme."

Goombamme pulled a stern face. "And it's shaming me."

"Shut up..." Goombo rolled his eyes irritably. "Can't I do anything without you lot breathing down my neck?"

Goombella sighed to herself.

"It's gonna be a long day."