Chapter 20 Isle Delfino

The sun was setting in the western part of the sky as the cruise ship arrived at Isle Delfino. Toadette took in a long breath and closed her eyes. The air here was so fresh, so...lemony. It was hard to describe what exactly made the air so pristine, but Toadette felt like she was right in the middle of the Mushroom World's paradise.

"Attention, cruisers," Toadette heard captain Toadelle say on the intercom. "We are arriving at our final destination; Isle Delfino."

"Oh, yes we are," Bank said. Toadette was surprised to see that her green capped friend was grinning. But, in all honesty, she didn't blame him at all. The island looked absolutely gorgeous. Toadette could see so many beautiful attractions just from looking over the side of the ship, from Pinna Park to Gelato Beach. It was absolutely amazing.

However, there was one person who Toadette noticed was not looking so good. Sunny seemed to be looking at the beach with terror in his eyes. Toadette was just about to go and ask him what was wrong when the boat pulled up into Ricco Harbor.

"We have arrived!" Toadelle announced on the intercom. "All passengers make your way off the ship and enjoy Isle Delfino's luxurious attractions!"

With that, the ramp on the side of the ship was lowered. People stormed off of it onto the dock. Honestly, these people had to be the most calm and collected crowd Toadette had ever seen. They proceeded in an orderly fashion, and they did not even try to push or shove each other out of the way. Honestly, Toadette was mightily impressed.

"Attention," Toadelle called out on the intercom. "Would Toadette, Sunny, and Bank please report to the captain's cabin?"

"I suppose that's our cue," said Bank. Toadette nodded and started to make her way forward. She noticed that Sunny started to look a little relieved. Although, the nervousness was still there, eatingup the features of his face like they were a delicious meal. Toadette walked over to Sunny.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Oh, yes, I'm fine," Sunny replied. He sounded confident, happy. Although, Toadette heard the gulp that escaped from his throat right before he answered. Toadette started to feel even more worried for him, but did not question him any further.

Finally, the party got to the captain's chambers. Toadelle smiled when she saw them.

"Ah, there you three are! I was worried that you weren't coming!" Toadelle then gestured for everyone to gather around her. She pulled out her phone and displayed some information on it. "The boat that takes you back to World 2 departs tomorrow at dawn. As I've already mentioned, I am willing to pay for your tickets. Until then, I am going to get you guys some rooms to sleep in Hotel Delfino."

Toadette's eyes grew wide.

"Hotel Delfino? Toadelle, this is too much!"

Toadelle just laughed.

"It's the least I can do for the Toad Brigade." She then gestured toward the Dragon Koopa by her side. "And Sunny."

Sunny smirked.

"Wow. Glad to know that I am your first priority."

Toadelle laughed. Toadette laughed right along with her, for the sound of her giggles were very infectious.

"So," Bank said. "I think we might want to start heading toward the hotel now. After all, it is starting to get dark."

Toadette nodded. She heard Sunny let out a whimper, which only made her more concerned.

"Okay, seriously Sunny, are you alright?"

Sunny's breathing was starting to become faster, more pronounced. Toadelle looked at him in concern as well.

"What's the matter? Are you worried about walking on your patched up leg?"

Sunny hesitated.

"Yeah, I suppose that's it," he said.

Toadette raised an eyebrow. Sunny didn't sound so sure. As a matter of fact, his voice was shaking mightily.

"Sunny..."

"Oh, for the love of Pete, can we just hurry this up?" asked Bank. "Those comfy beds in Hotel Delfino aren't going to sleep in themselves."

Slowly, Toadette nodded.

"You're right. Let's go."