I kind of wanted Popple to see (a certain character) so that they know of him later in the story. That, and to highlight the contrast between kingdoms. This one's called "Have you Readiness for This?" I LOVE FAWFUL.
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Dawn rose over the Kingdom, and the shopkeepers started to bustle into their humble stores. The houses, shops, and public buildings seemed to wear polychromatic caps and adorable accessories to make them livable. Everything was peaceful, lovable, and above all, BORING. Sure it was cute and dolled up for heaven, but life was far below adventure. Popple considered adventure here was no more than looking out the town gate into Dimble Wood for more than three seconds. Wait- scratch that; that would be enough for at least a week of adventure.
Popple also figured that since there was almost no experience in the "real world", his market would be easier than walking. No one was around, so the guards must be switching places. He took his chance to move in. He had enough of "stealthy" mode, and the landing seemed to have discombobulated his whole way of tip toeing. Instead, he just walked right in and wandered. Just then, his stomach moaned unhappily, and brought Popple's own hygiene up to speed.
Soon, he found a store that sold half decent mushrooms and 1-Ups. They weren't that bad, but the fact that everything seemed to be too healthful for his taste revolted against seconds. The store owner was puzzled by the newcomer, but did not question the good amount of money he was paying. Bean coins were high in worth for currency as Popple experimented. After his snack, he decided it was time to kick off. He filled a suitcase with some more supplies, but did not steal (since the Toads appear to be a little more orderly and keep track of stock).
The castle grew nearer as he trekked along, in search of a good tour. He soon came to the castle bridge entrance, and there stood an Information Center. Behind the stand, stood a strange little toad, that appeared to be blue-headed and had thick glasses. He walked up to the counter.
"Good Day to you, sir, By Boogity! My name is Toadbert, one of the right hand men (toads) of the castle. I can give you free information, or a cheap tour of the castle for 25 coins," chirped Toadbert.
"Actually, I was wonderin' if ya could give me a tour o' the town," replied Popple.
"Ah, new to the Mushroom Kingdom, are we? Well! That's great! Welcome, and I would be glad to give you a tour of the Town, a tour of the Castle, AND a map of the entire Kingdom, which includes a high detailed map of Bowser's territory drawn by the Mario Bros themselves (this being a reproduction, of course) - all of this for 40 coins. Can't beat that, guaranteed!" insisted Toadbert.
Popple could tell this guy wasn't going to give up, and would annoy him to death with his odd exclamations. "Well, I s'pose that would be wonderful," said Popple, forcing a smile, "I'll… gladly pay ya for this. But one more thing, see? Are the… Fuzzy Lip Brothers in today?"
"Sad to report, the famous all-stars are gone for now, preparing for a ceremony by a Professor E. Gadd. In fact, I am to accompany the Princess Peach on a ride with one of his inventions! One that goes back in time, By Boogity!" announced Toadbert proudly.
Popple painfully gave away his money to the outrageously out-priced deal. The tour of the village was quite short, and completely unworthy his money. Most of it was a cleared out area where a mall was to be built. During this, Popple marked specific places where a hideaway would be secretive enough. Then there was the castle tour.
Just crossing the bridge seemed to be abnormally long. But as the doors opened, the elegant design of the entire structure was revealed to be much more marvelous than he anticipated. The enormous walls painted a perfect shade resembling cake, with borders along the columns and chairs and paintings as if the peach-pink icing lining. The gardens were also truly a sight for sore lost count of the exotic plants and close trimmed bushes (there must have been hundreds) clipped to all sorts of shapes and people. Over all, there were so many countless lush greens with the painted splatters of flora and fauna, dotted as if glitter poured on a card.
He shook his head. Why was he even taking this tour? What did he want to prove by seeing this place? It must have been that "By Boogerdy" Toad- he had to of talked him into it. Oh, what a waste. They entered the plush carpeted grand hall when he saw the most beautiful sight he could ever have imagined-Princess Peach. Evidently, neither of the brothers must have told her about him, for she had a puzzling look on her face. Toadbert jumped, alarmed and flipped through his schedule rapidly as if he were making a cartoon.
"Wh- why Princess Peach! Please forgive me, I must have been running a little early on the tour. Sorry for interrupting you."
A sweet, angel like voice floated from her mouth, "Toadbert, you haven't interrupted me at all. I was just surprised there's a new visitor in the Mushroom Kingdom," she answered, almost laughing. "I am Princess Peach, or more royally, Princess Toadstool." She smiled at Popple. He lost all thought and started gaping, blabbing whatever came to mind.
"Uh, uh, hello, see? I- I am just new here, and, and… Golly, Queen Bean isn't nearly as pretty as you!" Just then, Popple snapped out of it and clamped his mouth shut. DARN, why did he give away his homeland? Bad move.
Princess Peach giggled, "Oh, thank you! You must be from the Beanbean Kingdom. Well, you have come a long way; I hope you find your stay welcoming. I am sorry, I must be off, the Professor is seriously getting worried, and goodbye Mr. … I'm sorry, what was your name?"
Popple panicked, he didn't want to give away his real name, so using quick wit, Popple replied, "Poppleton, the name's Poppleton, see?"
Peach smiled, and turned, "Yes, I do see, and Toadbert," Peach turned her head," Are you getting ready for the trip?" Toadbert made some sort of a reply and Toadbert and Peach turned back to Popple for a final goodbye, but he wasn't there. Instead, they simply found a bag of 40 coins for the tour package, and a beautiful flower from Peach's garden left for her. There was nothing more.
