VI
Around three quarters of the boat's trudge through the waters to Toad Town, King K felt his seasickness slowly ebbing away. Deciding he could socialize again, he stomped on over to the other side of the ship, where Bandy Andy, Jimbrey, and Cleftor were all standing silently. When Andy saw him, he blurted out, "Whoa! Are you feeling better now?"
King K nodded.
Cleftor grumbled, "K big sissy. Cleftor can handle sea."
"Chill, Cleftor, some people have some differences, dog," King K said, slumping against the railing coolly beside Andy. "Besides, I'm not sick anymore, so let's drop it."
"How long d'you think he'll last?" Andy whispered over to Jimbrey. King K heard him.
"Now wait just one minute, homes!" he protested. "Can't we drop this?"
"I have no problem 'dropping it'," Jimbrey responded. "I'm gonna see how long this is gonna take. I'm incredibly bored."
He stepped into the cabin.
The city of Toad Town was much better than the crime-filled Rogueport. It had beautiful, two-story buildings and many residents living in peace. The main attraction was of course Princess Peach's Castle.
There were many other places for sightseeing, such as Club 64, the Post Office, and a badge shop. There was also a pipe that lead to Mario's house, but that was usually blocked up for obvious reasons.
At the docks, the two piantas that were seen by Goombella were standing beside a pile of crates. With them was Ivan Bomberfield, the Fahr Outpost bob-omb.
One of the piantas, a red-skinned female, held out a paper to read with the pianta with the Hawaiian shirt. Ivan stood by awkwardly, trying to eavesdrop.
"So, the first clue?" asked the female. "Are you sure about that? How are we gonna leave it in Peach's castle?"
"We'll find a way, Orin," the male seemed unnervingly calm. "Besides, I'm sure we have a pass of some sort."
Orin jumped. "Pass! That's right! Isn't it nowadays that we can buy passes for a tour of Peach's castle, Greg?"
The male scratched his chin. "I think so. Do you know, Ivan?"
Ivan jumped, then eyed them. "I not know. I not even been here before."
Greg sighed. "Well, there's no pain in asking."
He stopped a passing Toad. "Excuse me, is there a way to buy a pass for a tour of Peach's castle?"
The Toad looked uncertain. "Um… I'm not sure where, really. And besides, you look like out-of-towners. They don't usually get to have a tour anyway."
Orin snorted.
"That's dumb! Why not? It's not really an attraction, then, is it?"
The Toad scratched the top of his head. "Yeah, that sorta confuses me. Unless you've got an appointment or something, there's no hope. Sorry, pal."
The Toad walked off. But then, Greg got an idea.
"Appointment… hold the phone."
Orin looked puzzled. "What's up?"
"Come on, something just occurred to me!"
As he dashed off, Orin quickly hustled Ivan.
"Come on, Ivan!"
And then they were off.
"Are we almost there?!" moaned Goombo.
"No!" Frankly answered for the fourth time. "Stop asking that!"
"Oh, he's just grumpy 'cause I'm whoppin' his sorry butt!" Goombamme rolled his large eyes.
Goombo nudged him with his head. "Shut up! Am not!"
Goombamme nudged him back.
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
They carried on like little children, until Frankly yelled, "SHUT UP!"
Taking a deep breath, Frankly then said, "Sorry, but you guys moan way too much! Take a break or something! It's just a game. And we aren't losing any money!"
Goombo suddenly looked calm.
"Ya know, you're right. I don't even have any pianta coins anyway, and they don't cost that much anyway. I'm gonna find something to… do."
He got up and trotted off to the other side of the boat. Goombamme sneered.
"Bah! What a loser. Anyway, are you still up for a game, Professor?"
Frankly shook his head. "No, I'm done for now. Maybe next time."
Goombamme frowned. "Man! Now I don't have anything to do?"
He got up.
"Nuts to this, I'm bored stiff! When are we getting there?"
"How should I know?" was Frankly's response.
Goombella had been eavesdropping when it seemed like she was reading one of her study books. Looking up, she could see Toad Town on the horizon.
"I can see it over there," she pointed out.
Upon her remark, Frankly turned, and practically jumped with joy.
"Yes! Finally, this torture is over!"
Goombamme watched him with extreme amusement.
"Whoa, Prof, calm down. You know we're gonna go for the treasure instantly after we land, right?"
Frankly showed no sign of caring.
"Who cares? I'm off this lousy boat!"
Goombo came over, having heard Frankly's yells.
"What's going on?"
"Prof's all happy we get to land soon," Goombamme explained in a faltering tone. "I think gramps has some kind of sea madness or something."
Frankly stopped jumping. "'Gramps?' There's no need to imply that I'm old. Everyone knows how old I am."
Goombamme rolled his eyes yet again. "Whatever, Prof."
The three boats slowly drifted towards Toad Town, just as the sun ended it's shift to the afternoon position.
Author's Note: I know it's not Thanksgiving anymore, but happy Thanksgiving anyway (To those who celebrate it, of course)!