Three Weeks Later...
Mario was busy poring over the letter he received from the far eastern port town of Aurorua for what seemed like the twentieth time to his brother, Luigi. Delivered in a fine rainbow envelope and stamped with the seal of some sort of prism, it seemed to be awfully important, as Parakarry had delivered it devoid of breath.
"To The Most Esteemed Mario," it began...
"I write to you in a time of great danger for myself and the many other inhabitants on our fair continent. For years, I have held the sacred duty of protecting an artifact, called the Rainbow Prism. It has preserved the peace we have enjoyed since ancient times.
"Today, I have failed in that duty. I was forced to destroy the Rainbow Prism in a last-ditch effort to protect it. It has split into pieces and scattered itself across the land. I have no means to recover them by my lonesome, and I fear the worst if they were to be gathered together by an individual I greatly fear.
"Forgive me for my selfishness, Mario. I have nowhere else to turn. I have heard of your previous exploits, both in the Mushroom Kingdom and elsewhere, and I feel that you are the most qualified individual I can ask to assist me. I must implore you to journey to Aurorua, and I must beseech you to help me. My home, and yours in turn, are in grave danger if I cannot return the Rainbow Prism to its rightful home. I would be eternally grateful for any help I can receive from you.
"I shall await your response with as much patience as I can muster in these difficult times.
"Signed, Merlumen."
Mario, of course, sent out a prompt reply, saying he would be there in short order. He only required some time to reach out to his old partners who had helped him before. For him, having at least one of his former companions by his side would provide great comfort in a land so foreign to him.
His reading was interrupted by a sharp rapping on the door. "Hey, Mario! It's me, Parakarry! I, ah... well, I've got some rotten news."
"I'll get it, Bro. I'm sure he got someone to help you!" Luigi jumped out of his seat and headed to the front. Mario and he already agreed that he should stay behind to guard the Mushroom Kingdom, just in case. Bowser had been unusually quiet for the past few weeks, so they didn't want to leave Princess Peach and the castle totally unguarded.
The front door creaked open, revealing the postal Paratroopa clutching his cap. "Howdy, Luigi. Is Mario in here?"
"Sure is! Come on in." Luigi gestured to the table that Mario was sitting at. "What's the news with everyone else?"
Parakarry let out a sigh. "It ain't good, that's for sure. I just got back from Flower Fields with Lakilester, and... I'm afraid he isn't coming. Lakilulu's got him all roped up over there, and I couldn't convince her to let him tag along with you."
Mario looked confused. That didn't mean much- there were still all of his other partners to ask. Why did he look so defeated on the only one he's asked so far?
"Because he was the last one I saw, Mario. Not the first one. I don't think anyone from here can come with you."
Mario looked shocked. None of them? Goombario?
"His mom got worried sick about him travelling that far out east, even if it was with you."
Kooper?
"Poor guy hurt his leg on an exhibition with Kolorado. He's bedridden for another 4 weeks or so."
Bombette?
"Too busy working with the Dry Dry Railroad Transportation Department. They need her for another line."
Bow?
"Apparently she didn't want to see me. That's what Bootler told me, anyway... when he scared me out of the place."
Watt?
"Same deal with her mom. After she went missing the first time, she's not too keen on letting her go so far away now."
Sushie?
"They need her more than ever at Lavalava Island! Those Yoshi kids get rowdier by the day."
Mario looked at the ground in defeat, before his head snapped back up in a glimmer of hope. What about you?
"Oh, gee, uh... Mario, you know me- and the rest of 'em, too! We'd follow you anywhere if we could. It's just, well, in my case... I tried talking to the Postmaster," Parakarry mumbled. "And he said that when I was as bad a mail carrier as I was back then, they could afford to have me 'mess around' with you. But now that I'm one of their better workers, they can't afford to have me leave. I'm real sorry. If there was any way I could come with you, I'd take it in a heartbeat, but..."
The postal carrier drooped his head in sync with the plumber. Luigi grimaced too, before another knock on the door rang through the house. Once again, he strode to the doorway and opened it up. "Hey, Mario, you've got another visitor here. And she doesn't look too happy!"
"I'm not mad, Luigi, but I am a little peeved that I'm being left at home this time around," a familiarly sweet voice called out. Mario craned his neck to see Princess Peach at the door, sporting a playfully angry smirk. Toadsworth, ever the faithful retainer, followed close behind her. "I know you're preparing to go out to Aurorua tomorrow, Mario. Do you think everything will be OK? Who's going to come with you?"
Mario looked away, rubbing the back of his head, as Parakarry piped up for him. "Um... Well, no one from around here."
"No one? Not one of your old partners can spare the time? That's utterly ridiculous! I cannot allow you to go out there alone, Mario! I have to go with you," the princess protested, mostly to the exasperated Toad behind her.
"Princess, please, do not try to pull this with me again!" the elder statesman rebuffed. "You remember the last time you tried heading out east with Mario in search of some ancient artifact. You ended up on the Moon, of all places! Besides, he still has to lay over in Rogueport for a night, and we've kept up communication with that old chap Professor Frankly. He personally assured me he would get in touch with Mario's former companions there."
"But Toadsworth-"
"No buts. I cannot jeopradize your safety in such a way. At least allow him to confirm the place isn't overrun with unsightly characters intending to ruling the world before you go gallivanting off, please? We were unable to do that last time around."
Peach huffed and crossed her arms, but relented. "...Fine. But I'm not happy about this decision."
"It is for your safety, Princess," Toadsworth replied. "It is my sworn duty to see that you are kept out of harm's way."
"It feels more like Mario's duty, since he's the one who's always rescuing me. Wouldn't I be better off with him over there instead of here?" she inquired.
"Nonsense! Master Luigi will be here to protect you from any threats to the kingdom while Mario is away," he beamed, pointing towards the younger Mario brother. Peach, for her part, did not seem pleased with the arrangement.
"...Just be careful out there, Mario. I'll do everything I can to help you from here. And if you need us, we'll come to you as quick as we can," Peach assured him, planting a kiss on his nose. "Won't we, Toadsworth?"
"Ahh! Um, yes! Of course, Master Mario," Toadsworth bumbled, looking a little frightened at the threat. "Just say the word, and we'll be there as soon as we can."
"That goes for us partners, too," Parakarry said. "We're really sorry we can't join you right now, but if things start getting tough, we'll be there for you. The least I can do right now is promise you that much."
Mario smiled at Peach sadly before the three of them waved good-bye and headed out the door. Only Luigi was left with him as he went off to pack. "...Don't worry, Bro. You'll figure something out. I'm sure you will."
Mario sighed. For his sake, he sure hoped he would in Rogueport.
The little rickety boat trundled its way toward the seedy port town of Rogueport, which was now in sight. Mario was out on the front deck, watching the waves break against the bow. He had been seen off by a decent crowd back at the Mushroom Kingdom, at least- Goombario came in from Goomba Village, and Lakilester managed to tear himself away from Lakilulu for the morning. Both of them, much like Parakarry, were apologetic, and wished him well on his journey.
He couldn't deny that he'd feel far better if they were on the boat with him, however. That's how he felt back on his first journey to Rogueport. The town certainly wasn't inviting at first glance, and having his old partners by his side would've helped a ton. Then again, if they were with him, maybe he wouldn't have sprung into action to save a certain Goomba girl, who introduced him to a certain bumbling professor. That same professor ignited a grand adventure here, one that swirled fond memories through Mario's mind.
This time around, Mario was hoping that the embers of that adventure were available to kindle a new one.
"Here we are, sir. Rogueport, on the dot. Per your request, we'll be bunking here for the night," the boat's driver said as the ship slid into an empty pier. "Don't worry about me. I'll be lodged up in the boat. Heard you've got some business in town, so go ahead and get to it. I'll be here tomorrow morning."
Mario thanked the driver and jumped off the ship, heading across the docks and up the crumbling stone staircase. The old noose swaying in the wind, normally an imposing sight, was a source of familiarity for him as he made his way through the main square to the eastern side of town. He arrived at the shabby brick building housing Professor Frankly, and knocked sharply on the door.
"Whuh? Hmm? Who's there?! I swear, Larson, if that's you again about those bogus credit cards, I told you I want no part of-" The door swung open, revealing the good Goomba professor. His eyes lit up at the sight of the stalwart plumber. "Mario! Gracious me, good to see you, lad! Come in, come in."
Mario walked through the door, laying his eyes on the copious amounts of books stuffed between the bookshelves in Frankly's makeshift office. "I truly forgot you were coming today, of all days! Thought you weren't due for another week! But that's more than all right." The professor paused before taking a look behind him. "...Hrm. I, uh, thought you mentioned something about having guests. Or partners, or something to that effect."
Mario explained his predicament with his previous friends.
"Ah, that's the case. Well, I'm afraid you won't like my news, either. I've done my best to get in touch with your old comrades, but... It appears they all seem quite busy themselves. Goombella's off on an internship out east with an old student of mine, Koops is busy working under the mayor at Petalburg, erm... Flurrie is with her acting troupe, that little Yoshi fellow is still rising up the ranks at Glitzville..."
Mario's head drooped as Frankly prattled on about his friends' current commitments. The professor could see he seemed down. "Oh, but cheer up, lad! It's not for lack of want to get back out there, you see. Time just has a nasty way of ensnaring us all when we least expect it. Besides, they all told me you'll more than make do. It's what you always do!"
He understood that, but Mario still wished it could be a little easier this time around with some friends he could count on.
"There, there, lad," Frankly mused, procuring a book from a high-up shelf. "Your friends, both here and back home, are always cheering for you. Besides, who's to say you won't make a few new ones out in Aurorua? You'll do just fine." He grinned as he cracked open the book to a specific page as Mario drew near. "Speaking of that old place, I did some digging on that ancient artifact you mentioned..."
"Says here it's based on an ages-old fairy tale. 'A beautiful shard of glass, or somesuch material, produced a shimmering rainbow of light, bathing a bloodied battlefield in its multicolored rays. It brought peace to a ravaged continent, and has served as a beacon of hope amidst despair ever since,'" Frankly concluded. "Sounds a bit ridiculous to drop a war after looking at a rainbow, but I've heard stranger tales!"
"In any case, don't hesitate to drop by before tomorrow morning if you need anything else, all right? I'll be here if you need me, Mario." The professor escorted him to the door, and gave him one last reassuring look. "I and the rest of us will always be here for you. Don't you forget that! Now, off you go, out to the inn. You'll need a good night's sleep for your trip tomorrow! And since you're going out east, if you do run into Goombella out there, tell her she forgot a book of hers here!"
Mario thanked him as he trudged back to the center of town. The door to Podley's Place swung open as the Beanish proprietor beckoned him inside. "Mario! Long time no see. Come on in, grab a Chuckola and stay a while. We've got your room all ready for you." Mario plodded in behind him, still upset that no one could come with him.
He then noticed that the place was rather dark, until the lights were suddenly switched on.
"SURPRISE!" Joyous voices exclaimed from every corner of the room, causing Mario to jump up in astonishment. Koops, Bobbery, and Vivian all sat at the bar, surrounded by the beaming faces of Rogueport's citizens. The red-capped hero couldn't help but smile as he took a seat next to them.
"Mario, old boy, great to see you again!" Bobbery bellowed as he pushed a Chuckola Cola into his hand. "'Fraid we couldn't get the whole crew down here for you, but we did our best to see you off!"
"We heard about how you're off to Aurorua from the Professor, and while we won't be able to travel with you, we still wanted to see you before you go," Vivian chipped in. "So we thought a little surprise party for you would be grand!"
"And the turnout's pretty good, don't you think?" Koops asked, patting Mario on the shoulder. "Hope this cheers you up a little bit, y'know?"
Mario nodded enthusiastically in approval. He was grateful for the gesture, and soon the night ticked away with old memories and plenty of laughter.
The three partners did their best to buck up Mario's spirits. They could see that he still shrunk a bit whenever the topic of his new adventure cropped up. "Y'know, laddie," Bobbery began, "When I was a wee Bob-omb serving on my first ships, we would make landfall in all sorts of strange places that scared the bejeezers out of me. But, eventually, those ports became little homes I could return to. Homes I could laugh in and enjoy, and homes that I could feel vulnerable in without fear, as if I was sitting in my own living room. You learn to accept and embrace your new surroundings, so go do that with this Aurorua place, all right?"
"And places that scare you might result in your greatest triumphs," Koops added. "Before I met you, Hooktail's Castle was just a massive Koopa boneyard. I used to get spooked just thinking about that run down fortress. But when I went to go fight that dragon with you... well, suddenly that building wasn't something haunted and horrific. It was where I finally reunited with my dad after so many years. And that was thanks to you."
"Koops is right," Vivian chimed in. "We owe you so much in our lives, Mario. You've changed us for the better in ways we could never, ever dream of. And now, we're better people because of our journey with you. You're so kind, and so generous. You're gonna meet others that you change in the same way over there, and you'll have new companions that you'll have to introduce us to."
Mario was touched by their sentiments, and felt a lot better about going alone by now. As dusk drew thin, Koops made sure to keep the party short, and the bar started to clear out aside from the regulars as the cool evening air began to waft through the town.
"Sorry for nipping the party in the bud, but we just want to make sure you can get some shut-eye for tomorrow," Koops explained. "Don't sweat it out there, OK? We know you'll be great out there."
"Aye, the boy's right," Bobbery nodded. "You're the definition of hearty, after all. And I'm sure you'll meet some fine folk out there, too, just like you met us here!"
"But don't be afraid to call for help, either," Vivian added. "We can't go with you right now... but if you need us, we'll come to you as fast as we can. OK?"
Mario gave them his word that he would call if he needed them, and the four embraced in a group hug before going their separate ways. He made his way back into the bar and creaked up the stairs into the inn. The smiling innkeeper was just fluffing his pillow as he arrived.
"Oh, Mario, heading in for the night? Don't worry about payment- this night will be on us. Sweet dreams, and good luck out in Aurorua." He thanked her kindly, and then settled into bed.
Mario lay awake for a little while, staring up at the ceiling. In his eyes, this journey seemed to get off to a pretty rotten start, at first. All of his old friends, off on their own adventures, initially made him a little bitter when he learned they couldn't come with him. But their caring personalities shone through in the end, and they were right. He would certainly find a way to get by.
He did when he fell out of the castle in the sky.
He did when he arrived in this sketchy port.
And as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, he promised himself he would when made landfall in Aurorua.
Thanks for reading! A quick note down here: Can't say for sure when the chapters will go up, but you can probably expect one every Friday. School will keep me busy for a while once it starts, but I'll be sure to keep you updated when I can!
