I am updating this after I got back from the animation convention, there weren't really much to see. Anyway the groups are now heading their way to the sky kingdom of Nimbus kingdom. But on their way, they are about to face an unexpected ambush, we'll find out by who soon enough.

Support

Sashimi and Ojinga 2

Ojinga: "Hi, I was just a…wondering if you have any chores you have trouble doing" no way, she's been doing manual labors by herself all her life, she'll think it's weird for me helping out. How about, "I was hoping if I can help out with the kid?" no I don't think she'll trust her kid with someone else. Damn it, there has to be something she should want some help with.

Sashimi: What are you doing Ojinga?

Ojinga: Ahh! Oh it's just you Sashimi. I was…uh…making up lyrics for a song for…uh…our sea-traveling song for us to sing when we go out in sea.

Sashimi: Don't bother, I hate singing. And even if I sang along, it wouldn't be good for our image as a sailor, right?

Ojinga: Ahahahaha! You're right mate! I did not know what I was thinking! Imagine us I mean c'mon, singing? Preposterous!

Sashimi: Okay, I may not be the wisest fish out of the fish tank, but even I can tell that you aren't behaving normally.

Ojinga: You think? Well, it must be he rotten sea air I've been inhaling all the time. Well, I'll be off to clear it all out.

Sashimi: Just a minute Ojinga, I was actually looking for you.

Ojinga: Uh, you were? Why?

Sashimi: To ask you for a favor, I was hoping that you would watch over my kid while I go take my yoga lesson.

Ojinga: Yoga lesson?

Sashimi: That's right, since I've been pressurized for doing all the chores, not to mention watching my kid on the daily basis, I was beginning to lose my mind. So Rustboro recommended me to go take Yoga to relieve from the stresses.

Ojinga: I hear you mate; constant works may lead to developing menopause for any mothers, which won't be a good sign.

Sashimi: Exactly, but I can't take my kid to take the lesson, so I was hoping that you would watch her for me.

Ojinga: Are you sure you want to be asking me? Why not Rustboro?

Sashimi: He may be our captain, but he can't even feed himself properly! You on the other hand are quite handy with your tentacles, doing laundry, carpentry, even cooking.

Ojinga: You mean that?

Sashimi: Of course I mean it, that's why I think I can trust you the most for watching over my kid. Can you do it?

Ojinga: Sure! I'll be happy to help you out!

Sashimi: Oh thank you, I owe you one Ojinga. Now I want you to behave while Mr. Ojinga looks after you, alright?

Sashimi's baby: FWA!

Sashimi: That's my girl! Okay, I'm off. See you.

Sashimi leaves.

Ojinga: See you soon mate! Wow, she says she trust me! I don't know what to say.

Sashimi and Ojinga support reached flower rank

Ellie and Dawson

Ellie: Hi wolf man! Coming out from your bath?

Dawson: Shower, not bath, I want to wash myself and make it quick instead of taking it slow.

Ellie: Wow, your body, it looks great! Do you work out?

Dawson: Yes, daily.

Ellie: Wow! I wonder if I will get my body like yours if I worked out.

Dawson: The body you are looking at is the body only males can have; you are a girl so you won't have the similar body if you worked out. And from the looks of it, you won't develop much in your childish build.

Ellie: HMPH! Meanie!

Dawson: Did you wanted to see me for something?

Ellie: Oh, I was bored so I thought you would play with me.

Dawson: Can't, I have to train.

Ellie: C'mon, can't you do that later? You can train in the afternoon, right?

Dawson: It is more appropriate to train in the morning; muscles develop easily during morning training. Why don't I play with you in the afternoon instead?

Ellie: No! I want to play with you now! I'll scream until you do!

Dawson: You can try, I've been trained to tolerate even the outburst of an infant, and nothing will faze me to the point where I'll be desperate to follow your way.

Ellie: *groan* Ahh! Then how about I train with you? We can both transform so we can challenge each other.

Dawson: Do you think you'll be able to catch up? I'll warn you that it's going to be brutal.

Ellie: I'm a part-dragon; I think I'll be able to handle it.

Dawson: Then you can come along while I roam around the whole mountain. Do try and keep up because I won't be coming back for you if you fall behind.

Ellie: Yay! I'll get started!

She runs off.

Dawson: Hmph! She's very energetic for someone so little. Perhaps it would be good to train with her.

Ellie and Dawson support reached mushroom rank

Chapter 15AB

It was now morning and the groups have now gotten back on their tracks to reach Nimbus kingdom. Some of them had restless night due to the battle last night. Dawson met with Jinx and told him that he wishes to travel with Mario, Jinx was not pleased with the idea but he let him go regardless. After some brief preparation, they have left the Monstro Town; they climbed the large cliff at the Land's End and made their way to the valley above. Mario and all his companions have made it up to the Fungus Valley; they were getting close to the Nimbus Kingdom. They have dealt with some enemies along the way, which seems less of a threat. When they reached the area where the beanstalk was planted, they saw something that was quite unexpected, there was a giant elevator installed on the beanstalk stem.

Peach: What on Earth? I don't remember there being an Elevator here.

Geno: After Mallow began to rule his kingdom, he must have had it installed for tourists to come. At least, we won't have to climb this time.

Peach: Yes, climbing the cliff on Land's End was tiring enough; it would have been bad if we had to climb the beanstalk as well.

Starlow: Will we all be able to fit in this though?

Geno: The Shaft seems expandable, and it appears that since it is being lifted by the plant's strength, we won't have to worry about the elevator's weight limit.

Peach: Then let us go up.

Everyone has gotten on the elevator, as soon as they all got in, the elevator door closed and began to ascent upward. The shaft was actually big enough to carry all of them, so there were some elbow rooms for them to breathe normally. As the elevator lifted, they were now above the clouds.

Peach: Wow, the sky looks peaceful as ever.

Geno: I don't believe that the ztar curse reached this part of the world yet. But when it does, the cloud will turn dark and the world won't be able to receive any more sunlight, spreading the darkness faster. The world will be facing eternal darkness.

Starlow: Not the worst case scenario I was hoping for. Let's get that cosmic orb and save this world as soon as we can.

Suddenly the elevator stopped at the middle layer of the clouds.

The intercom: The elevator is facing technical difficulties and will be stopped for a brief maintenance, we are terribly sorry for the inconvenience. Please disembark the elevator shaft until further notice, thank you.

Starlow: Great, what now?

Peach: It can't be helped, let's get off the elevator and wait outside. The cloud should be thick enough for us to stand on and after being cramped in it for so long we should use this opportunity to stretch for a bit.

Geno: I agree, let's get out until we'll be able to get on the elevator again.

They all have gotten off the elevator and saw the view from above as they waited for the elevator to work again.

Peach: This reminds me of our time at the Overthere, don't you think so Mario?

Mario nodded in agreement. Just then Sinmark came towards them.

Starlow: Sinmark? Is there something wrong?

Sinmark: I sense presence of evil nearby. Someone's watching us.

Harlink: I feel it too, and there are many of them.

Harlink said, as she took out her sword.

Geno: They are right, something are coming this way.

From the sky came groups of bean-lakitus carrying bean enemies. As they were floating above them they spawned the bean enemies all over the clouds they were all standing on.

Starlow: We are being attacked!

Peach: The bean enemies! If my memory serves right, they were Cackletta's cronies.

Starlow: Great, we just dealt with Grodus and his x-nauts, now we have to face Cackletta, too?

Geno: No doubt that these were also created by the ztar. Our only option is to take them down now, before they damage the elevator.

Starlow: Everyone, get in position!

Mario grouped some of his fighters close to the elevator while the others remain inside just in case some of them manage to get in. The enemies were some green beanies, bean lakitus, some bean spinies, Ash Puffs, and three Bzzaps. Their goal is to last long enough and take them all out. The friendly units made the first move, since the area wasn't so wide, they could reach the enemies. Farrow spawned her own spinies and commanded them to scatter around the area and gained 30 starpoints. Mario did not engage any enemies since he needed to reach the lakitus so he can jump on them. Megwen took out a Bzzap with her gale masquerade; the move was very effective against flying enemy so the damage was massive, Megwen received 30 starpoints for taking out such weak enemy. Dedré defeated another weak enemy, the beanie, with her frenzy melody move, it got defeated from hearing her agonizing voice, and she received 20 starpoints. Koopiri used shell kick on an Ash Puff and received 30 starpoints and became level 8.

HP: 25+5 FP: 25+3 Power: 29+4 Block: 40+6 Technique: 31+4 Magic: 17+4 Immunity: 24+4 Luck: 21+3

Tober took a coffee bean from the beanie close by and got 30 starpoints; Hexica finished it off with her deadly frost move and gained 20 starpoints. Chuck dealt with another Bzzap with his javelin and got 30 starpoints. Bitwick exploded on another beanie and received 20 starpoints, and also obtained a Choco bean it was carrying. Markay used charging pike on a bean spiny, it caused big damages on it but due to its high defense, it managed to live. Viola used her tender voice skill on Markay so that he can proceed attacking the spiny, Markay charged towards the spiny once more and took it out. Markay received 35 starpoints for taking it out and Viola received 30 starpoints and leveled up to level 7.

HP: 25+5 FP: 16+7 Power: 11+1 Block: 16+2 Technique: 13+5 Magic: 21+5 Immunity: 23+7 Luck: 21+4

Illuminair, who was suited to fight against enemies with high defense, used her microshock attack on another bean spiny, defeating it and she gained 35 starpoints. Bo used his puppet to take out an Ash Puff and he received 30 starpoints. Harlink slashed on a beanie, receiving 20 starpoints for taking it out and got a peapod as a spoil. Nautica approached a bean lakitu which she could reach and used lucky slap on it, the move could not take it out. Sinmark took out the last bzzap with his silent blade attack, and received 30 starpoints, all bzzaps were now gone. Aira took out the bean lakitu which Nautica slapped, and used aerial dive on it to take it out. Aira received 50 starpoints and leveled up to level 8.

HP: 17+5 FP: 12+7 Power: 13+8 Block: 17+6 Technique: 14+5 Magic: 14+1 Immunity: 15+5 Luck: 11+3

Binx faced an Ash Puff and used his mace sledge move to take it down, and he received 30 starpoints. Dawson approached a bean spiny, and used his Massacre of the grim technique, he transformed into a werewolf and took it out with his acrobatic gimmick, and Dawson received 30 starpoints for taking it out. Ellie, Jazzlyn, and Ikki did not engage the enemies; Ellie just followed Mario to face the other bean lakitus that were farther away from them, while the healers just stayed close to their teammates. It was now the enemies' turn to move, the lakitus spawned more beanies and bean spinies. Some of the beanies attacked Farrow's spinies which also retaliated from their attacks. One of her spinies took out a beanie and Farrow received credits of 20 starpoints, also the red bean which the spiny received from the beanie was somehow transferred to Farrow. Remaining Ash puffs charged towards their target, some of them however stored burning smokes in their turn, getting ready to fire them the next. The parties were free to move once more, Mario reached one of the lakitus and jumped on it, the lakitu proved to be tough since it survived. Farrow finished off the Ash puff that was storing its smokes with her spike pain attack; she had to take it out indirectly because direct attacks on charging ash puff would damage the attacker instead. Farrow received 30 starpoints for taking it out. Ikki used wonder heal on her teammates to recover them from the enemy attacks from the last turn. Ikki received 30 starpoints for the supportive performance. Megwen dealt with another ash puff that was also charging for its next attack with her gale masquerade spell, and she received 30 starpoints. Chuck took out a beanie with his javelin and received 20 starpoints, and a peapod. Harlink approached another ash puff and slashed it with her death dice technique, she received 30 starpoints. Sinmark attacked the last ash puff with his silent blade move and received 30 starpoints; he also received candy sprinkles from it. Tober, who was carrying a hidden pass, approached a strange looking cloud and used the hidden pass to reveal a hidden shop. Nabbit was once again selling some stuff.

Nabbit: What's this? You found my shop? Oh well, let's talk business, look what I got.

Tober bought a golden bean, a golden leaf, a master seal, and a ghostly medallion. The products were all expensive, but he was able to buy them all.

Nabbit: Oh dear, I'm out if stocks again. It doesn't matter since not many customers ever find my store. I'm considering to open shops in a more open area, but that won't help me deal with sneaky business. I will have to move now, please drop by again.

The Nabbit, along with his shop vanished. Dawson approached one of the lakitu and finished it off by using his primary move. Dawson received 50 starpoints for taking it out. Bitwick blasted on another bean and got 20 starpoints. Illuminair approached one of the newly spawned spiny and defeated it with her microshock attack and gained 35 starpoints. Aira approached the lakitu Mario jumped on and used her lock-on glide to finish it off, and Aira received 50 starpoints. Ellie engaged the last bean lakitu; it was her first time attacking an enemy. Ellie activated her talon swipe move; she turned to a shiny cream-gold dragon and she swung her claws on the lakitu, causing big damage on it. The enemy was defeated and Ellie turned back to a girl, and she received 50 starpoints. The only enemies left were now the remaining beanies and couple of bean spinies. Dedré used frenzy song on a bean spiny, and managed to take it out thanks to the lucky critical hit, she received 35 starpoints. Nautica slapped a beanie and got 20 starpoints for taking it out and became level 10.

HP: 43+2 FP: 29+3 Power: 32+4 Block: 23+3 Technique: 27+3 Magic: 29+3 Immunity: 26+4 Luck: 29+3

Koopiri took out another beanie and received 20 starpoints. Bo used bullet fun move on the bean spiny and deal a bit of damage on it. Viola singed to Bitwick so that she can move again, viola received 30 starpoints for the deed. Bitwick used her extra turn to explode on the last bean spiny. Bitwick gained 35 starpoints; she was so close to leveling up. Hexica took out a beanie with her ice magic and received 20 starpoints. Markay dealt with the last bean with his charging pike attack and received 20 starpoints, defeating ended the battle and they were all safe and sound.

Peach: I did not expect for us to be attacked all of the sudden.

Geno: This incident shows that we must be always prepared for any kinds of attack from the enemies.

Starlow: Great, so let's leave before more come back here.

Geno: The elevator is still under maintenance, we won't be going anywhere until it's finished.

Intercom: Your attention please, the maintenance is finished and therefore will be allowed to be used again. We thank you for your patience and hope to be at your service once more. Have a nice trip above.

Geno: Looks like we can go up now. Let us be on our way then. The second orb is so close to our reach now.

The group got back on the elevator, hoping to avoid another possible battle. Few minutes later, they have finally reached their destination. As they got off the elevator they were now standing at the elevator station. The station was wide and also had areas where they could ride the sky bus across another kingdom. They made it out of there and were now standing on the Nimbus kingdom plaza.

Peach: Oh wow! I don't remember Nimbus kingdom being this big.

Geno: Time could change place. The castle right in front of us might be the castle, surrounded by markets and all other tourists' attractions. We could visit these areas after we meet with the ruler here.

Peach: I'll come along as well; I need to give regards to them as a ruler from another kingdom. Plus, I wish to see how Mallow is doing as a prince.

Mario could not agree more, he was also looking forward to meeting one of his old companions which he has not met in a long time. On their way, they overheard some nimbus kingdom citizens talking.

Nimbus citizen 1: Did you hear? There some folks who moved to the hospital here because their hospital back home was damaged from the comet incident.

Nimbus citizen 2: Oh my, I hope they get the best treatment our hospitals can offer.

After hearing that, the kids realized something.

Bitwick: Guys, did you hear that?

Tarlo: Yes, the hospital here is taking care of the casualties from our home town.

Kooven: Do you think our foster parents are there, too?

Goombrey: They might be, c'mon let's go see them.

Bitwick: Miss Starlow, can we?

Starlow: Why are you asking me for? It's pretty obvious that I'll let you go see your foster parents after not seeing them for so long. So go!

Goombrey: Thank you, c'mon you guys!

The four kids quickly head towards the Nimbus kingdom hospital to see if their foster parents are there.

Peach: What was that all about?

Starlow: Those kids were orphans from Toad town, raised by their foster parents. But ever since the comet incident, their foster home was lost and their parents were hospitalized, but since the hospital in Mushroom kingdom was wrecked they were possibly moved here.

Peach: Oh my! That's terrible! I hope their insurance covers for their loss. If not, then I'll be willing to help them at all costs.

Starlow: You won't have to worry Peach, those kids already proved themselves to be strong enough to handle anything. But enough about them, let's head to the castle so that we can get the Sigma orb.

While the kids went to the hospital, the rest of the group went to the Nimbus kingdom castle. The guards let them in since they were prince Mallow's old friends. Eventually they made it to the castle throne room, where the prince was sitting on his throne.

Mallow: Hi guys! Long time no see!

Peach: Mallow? Where are your parents?

Mallow: They are in Sambrodia, doing some kind of business with the governments there, I wasn't told much of the details but they put me in charge while they were gone.

Geno: How is the life of responsibility going for you?

Mallow: No way…is that you Geno? I thought we weren't going to see you again!

Geno: So have I, but the circumstances on this world allowed me to come back. Still, without a body I will have to remain in my spiritual form.

Mallow: Well, it's still great to see you. And about your earlier question, things were quite difficult so far. Because I wasn't raised here as a baby, there was so many things I had to go through in order for me to catch up, and let me tell you, it has been brutal. Yeah, I'm starting to think my life back on tadpole pond was a lot better and easier.

Peach: Oh believe me Mallow, once you get used to it, you'll get the hang of your duty here. Trust me, I've been neglecting my duty as a ruler most of the time but I'm still fulfilling my job as my kingdom's ruler still. It's too bad that it's been taken now; I feel like I let them down, at least your kingdom is still here.

Mallow: Hold on, what about your kingdom being taken?

Mario explained to him what has happened around the world below so far. He explained about the ztar, their recent encounter with their old foes, and that they were collecting the seven cosmic orbs and are looking for the one here.

Mallow: Wow, that's quite some news I haven't heard in a long time. I knew the world beneath us was in peril thanks to the comet incident, but I didn't think it would be that bad. And from what I'm hearing, does that mean we might meet Smithy again?

Geno: That's right, so if possible will you allow us to take the cosmic orb that's in this kingdom? The faith of the world depends on it.

Mallow: Dad did explain to me that there was a orb being watched by this kingdom, and I was told to keep it safe.

Starlow: Great, so can you give it to us?

Mallow: I would, but the problem is, it's not here in this kingdom.

Starlow: WHAT?! Why not? The Dawn kingdom king also said that their orb was not in their castle too. If you guys are responsible for watching over it, then why don't you leave it in your castle?

Mallow: It's true that we are supposed to watch over it, but that also meant to protect it from evil, and our castle could be the first place any bad guys will look for.

Geno: Where did you put the orb then?

Mallow: It's in Barrel volcano, which is right beneath our kingdom. Do you remember Mario? We fought the Czar Dragon there, along with the Axem Rangers.

Mario remembered, he did not like to imagine going back down there again.

Peach: Why did you put the orb there of all places?

Mallow: Mother and Father said I should, and I only found out why very recently. The orb carries a force which enables calmness, which can be used to calm down the aggressive volcano beneath us. But it also had effects on gravity; therefore if the orb was left up here, the force of it would be so great that the sky kingdom would sink to the bottom.

Geno: I can understand, but what's to guarantee that it is still there?

Mallow: The fact that the volcano hasn't been active so far. I promise you that it's still there. If you want the orb, you will have to get to the volcano once again. I would come and help you guys but I need to watch over this kingdom.

Peach: We understand, we'll be careful once we get there.

Geno: Uh, Peach? Perhaps you should stay here as well, you wouldn't want to be in the volcano once again, do you?

Peach: I'm used to danger, so I'm not worried about the volcano, besides being constantly kidnapped by Bowser allowed me to get used to the magma.

Starlow: Well, I suppose she'll be safer with us.

Mallow: There isn't much I can do for you, but if you intend to use the shops here then I can have the store clerks give you discounts.

Peach: That would be great, thank you Mallow.

The groups headed back out, in order to make preparations for their journey towards the volcano.

Meanwhile, on the Nimbus kingdom hospital, the four kids went to the counter and asked the receptionist about their foster parent's whereabouts. They have received the information and they headed to their parents' room right away.

Goombrey: There they are!

The room contained two grown-up toads lying in their beds resting. The kids went towards their parent's hospital bed and approached them carefully.

Tarlo: Tom? Becky? Are you guys alright?

Becky: Uhh, am I dreaming or do I see four lovely children? Or did we all die and come to heaven?

Tom: Don't think so hon, it's the kids in the flesh!

Becky: Oh my goodness, kids we thought we won't ever see you all again! I'm glad to see that you are alright!

The kids gave each of them gentle hugs, as a greeting.

Tom: How did you get here?

Kooven: You know; we went up the elevator.

Becky: but it's 500 miles from home, how did you find us?

Bitwick: We are on an adventure with Mr. Mario Becky, he saved us and so we are helping him.

Becky: Ah, to think our hero would be looking after our children in our stead. We feel like we failed you kids as a parent.

Tarlo: That's not true; you saved us from getting hurt right?

Tom: That's true, you've grown wiser Tarlo, I'm proud that you grew so much. And thank you for keeping the group together.

Becky: You know; we won't be leaving this hospital anytime soon, so we ask you kids to continue your journey with Mario you hear? Always listen to what he tells you to.

Goombrey: We've been doing that the whole time. We fought bad guys, went to a concert, we even got hurt along the way but Tarlo helped us with his healing technique.

Tom: I see that you have all matured while we weren't looking after you. Seeing you kids all grown up, I think the time has come to tell you something.

Bitwick: What is it?

Becky: The reason we decided to watch over you, the reason we started our foster home business.

Tarlo: Wasn't it because you guys loved watching over little kids like us?

Tom: *chuckle* that's partially the reason, but no that's not the main reason.

Becky: You see, ten years ago, we had a young daughter which we've lost when Bowser was invading our old home. We were grieved from losing her, that I cried for nearly a year.

Tom: But we decided to put it all behind us and start adopting new kids. It wasn't easy trying to forget our daughter but then you all came into our lives. We were grateful we have another chance to raise more children.

Bitwick: Do you know what happened to her?

Becky: I don't know, and I don't wish to think about it. All that matter is that you kids are fine and we get to see you again. If I learned that we lost our kids again, I was planning to cry for two years. You have no idea how relieved I am to know that you are alright.

Tom: But now that you have all grown stronger and know what we just told you, we have a favor to ask of you. If there is a small chance that our daughter is still alive out there, could you please find her for us? If you do, tell us how sorry we were for not being able to raise her properly.

Tarlo: We will pops.

Tom: Thank you.

Becky: It's been a while since this family got together like this. Of course back then we weren't lying on the hospital beds. To think we have to let you kids go again.

Bitwick: Then let us stay as long as we want, can we?

Tom: Of course, we love you all.

The kids and their parents enjoyed their times together. It was the touching moment they have fought so hard for, but can they let it last so long? Will they be able to save the world from utter destruction? And will they meet the long lost daughter? Perhaps we can already figure out who she is. Now that the location of the next cosmic orb is confirmed, Mario and his companion must go to the Barrel Volcano to retrieve it. And perhaps facing the volcano itself would not be the only consequences for finding it.

How was the chapter everyone? You might have noticed that I have started to put titles for each chapter, in order to make finding chapters easier from now on. Oh, and can you guess who Tom and Becky's real daughter could be? She was actually already introduced few chapters back. Please comment on your guess and look forward to the next chapter where it will take place in the Barrel Volcano. Until then, see you guys later!