Hello, everyone! This week, we will start the next arc, and it's been one I've been looking forward to the most so far. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Paper Mario belongs to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.

Chapter 13: The Island of Endless Races

Plumpbelly Village

"Good morning!" A soft, soothing voice entered Jerry's ears as he groaned and turned in his bed. "Good morning, Jerry!" The Bob-omb turned and opened his eyes. He screamed as Sherri peered over him with a smile. He fell out of the bed and onto the floor face first. "Good morning, son," she said.

He stood up, his head in pain. "Mom, really?! That's how you wake me? How long were you standing there?! All night?!"

"Oh, you're overreacting. I've been there for a couple minutes. Luigi and Blooey are waiting for you."

"They're ready already?! Why didn't they wake me sooner?! Now we're gonna be late!" He grabbed his stuff and ran outside. Sherri chuckled.

Jerry sighed with relief as the two were still there. "Finally," Blooey said to Luigi, "Sleeping Beauty wakes."

"Well, you could've woken me up," the Bob-omb growled. "I overslept!"

"Well, that sounds like a you problem. Not my fault you didn't set an alarm." He rolled his eyes.

"Let's-a go," Luigi said. "The next piece awaits!" Before he could walk, he fell to the ground.

"Dumbo!"

"Oh, my leg stings," he grunted. He pulled his pants to reveal a small rash forming on the side of his leg. He sighed. "Must've gotten a rash by the dress. Turns out chiffon really does chafe. I think I'll be OK."

"You sure?" He nodded. Blooey shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat." The two walked off.

"Wait!" Jerry turned to see Barry in a wheelchair as the Waffler doctor pushed him. "Son, leaving without a goodbye hug?"

"Of course not."

"I didn't think so." They hugged each other. "So," Barry said. "You ready? Have everything packed to see the world?"

"Totally, Dad! I'm so ready! I wanna see all the excitement and action!"

"Of course you do." He paused. "I know I haven't been the best with you." He coughed. "If you ever want to become mayor, the option is always open, OK?" He nodded. "Good. Don't keep your friends waiting for much longer. Have fun!"

"I will, Dad!" He ran with his bag in tow.

Barry smirked. He made the right choice in letting his son explore the world. As Jerry left, a couple of new figures entered the village. He gave a confused look as they approached him. They were Waffler soldiers.

"Good morning," one of them said. "Have you seen Princess Éclair around here?"

Jerry caught with the two and the trio landed on the boat thanks to Blooey's White Torpedo move. The Bob-omb glanced around. "Whoa! An actual boat! Cool!"

Blooey shrugged. "Yeah, you'll get used to it."

"Do I'd be hearin' voices?" Hershel walked to them and smiled. "Woo wee! Sonny, you'd be back! And with a new face, I see! At this rate, me ship is going to be crowded soon. Anywho, welcome aboard me ship, lubber! My name's Hershel Keeses, the finest sailor in the land! Who'd you be?"

"Pipsqueak, meet Old Fry. Old Fry, meet pipsqueak."

"'Old Fry'? Who'd be-"

"You."

"That really isn't necessary, Blooey," Jerry said. "Just call us by our real names!"

He bent to the Bob-omb. "Take it or leave it." He went below decks. Jerry rolled his eyes.

"My name's Jerry."

"Welcome aboard, Mr. Jerry. Luigi, where'd we be going?" He glanced at the Marvelous Compass and the next island was revealed.

"Circuit Break Island."

He chuckled. "Woo wee! My childhood island, it is!" He glanced at Jerry. "You're gonna be excited to see that place! It's full of-" Luigi glared at him. "Still won't let me spoil it. Well, how about you two get settled right in? And you tell me your story tonight!"

"Sounds good!" Jerry said. They went below decks. Hershel sailed the ship to Circuit Break Island.

As Luigi was about to join them, a voice rang out. "Please! Sir, help me!"

"Princess Éclair?"

"I can hear you clearly! Mister, where are you? I must know!"

"I'm at Plumpbelly Village. I have two of the Marvelous Compass pieces. I am making progress. By the way, where are you?"

The princess sounded desperate. "I don't know! I've been stuck at this place for about a week now! Sir, you have to save me!"

"I swear I will."

"Wait! Tell me your name!"

"It's Luigi."

She sighed. "OK. Mr. Luigi, please get here soon. I miss home."

"I will. I swear."

"Sonny?" Hershel glanced at him. "You done bein' in a trance? You gonna join us?"

"Yeah," he said. "Coming."

Jerry shared a room with Blooey. He glanced outside. It was still night time. He sighed. After he shared his story, things were more quiet as they went to bed, but Jerry couldn't sleep. He wanted to see the island, but he found the ship boring as heck, so he decided to come up with an idea to help pass the time. "Pst. Blooey." The blooper moaned. "Blooey. Wanna pull a prank with me?"

"Do you want tentacle shoved up your butt?" he growled. "Go away, pipsqueak. It's still night time. Let me sleep, or do you want me to give you a wedgie?" Jerry scoffed and went outside. He walked to Luigi's room and knocked on the door.

"Luigi. Pst. Luigi."

The door opened as a groggy plumber rubbed his eyes. "Why did you have to interrupt my penne dream? What do you want, Jerry?"

"I wanna pull a prank."

"At like three in the morning?"

"I'm bored! I wanna do something!"

"How about ye lubbers go to sleep?!" Hershel walked to them, dressed in pajamas.

Luigi shrugged. "Fine by me." He closed the door.

Hershel glared at Jerry. "Mind telling me why you're up early in the morning, lubber?"

"I was bored! I can't sleep!"

"So, ye decide to wake everyone up. Ye too excited? Come on. Let's talk." They walked up to the upper level where the trophies were. "Sit." Jerry nodded and sat on a chair. "Now why you'd be up at this time of night?"

He sighed. "Well, I've never experienced something like this before. For all of my life, I never left the village. I guess I'm just impatient. I wanna experience excitement! Danger! Action! I want all of it."

"Well, you'd be in for quite the surprise," Hershel said. "But you know what? Sometimes, the wait at the end is worth it if yer patient enough. That's how all things in life be. Just learn to be patient, and you'd be lickin' the rewards by mornin'!"

"Really?" Jerry was so excited that he had a hard time controlling it. It was hard for him to find patience, but it was a skill Hershel was willing to teach him.

"Sí, matey. Just you wait. Wanna sleep with me tonight?" He nodded. The two went downstairs.

The next morning

"Good mornin'!" Jerry yawned as he stretched his legs. "How'd ye sleep last night?" Hershel asked.

"Much better. Thanks for the talk yesterday."

"Ya mean this mornin'?"

"You know what I meant."

"'Course I do. We should be at the island now. Come. Let's have breakfast." As they went upstairs, Luigi was already munching on food. "Mornin', sonny."

"Hey," he said. He glanced at Jerry. "Hopefully you didn't bother anyone else."

"I'd hope not." Blooey ate a banana. "Otherwise he would've gotten tentacle shoved up his butt." Jerry scowled. "I'm gonna head upstairs. Don't take too long." He went to the bridge. As the three finished, they went upstairs. They gazed at the island. Jerry was in shock at what he was gazing at.

"No way!" The island was huge. Race tracks of different shapes and sizes covered the entire island. Luigi smiled. It reminded him of the kart races he would have with Mario. It reminded him of home. Jerry ran around. "This island looks ssssssssooooooooo cool! Are those race tracks?! I wanna race on them! Can I? Please?!"

"Sonny, calm down!" Hershel hissed. "As fun as they look, they'd be quite dangerous. Let me show ye something." He lowered the rope ladder and glanced at Luigi. "Can I come on this trip?" He nodded. The four climbed down and walked on the island. The island was crowded with racers on the tracks, mechanics either building or fixing cars in shops, and hundreds of tourists here to see the races. It was a very popular tourist attraction. "Now," the sailor said as the four walked, "Let me give y'all some history. Way back when, me ancestors opened this island as a get-together place. Circuit Break Island was a place where people would get together and have fun. The competition races I competed in wouldn't be established till years later, but sailing was recognized as the national sport for the Waffle Kingdom. The king and queen themselves would come and watch. Such good times they were."

"What changed?" Luigi asked. He didn't see a single boat in sight.

"Come. I'll show ye what changed." They walked into a plaza at the center where there was a large crowd cheering as Hershel led them towards the front. There was a podium on the stage as racers walked up.

"Hello, Circuit Breakers!" A loud and eccentric voice rang out. A middle-aged Waffler with a yellow leather jacket with spiked-up blonde hair, sleek red jeans, and black sunglasses walked on the stage. The crowd cheered as he gave them a huge grin. "Welcome to the awards ceremony! Was yesterday's race raving hot or what?!" The crowd cheered. Luigi and Blooey exchanged weird glances. "Well, for anyone who doesn't know, my name is Tom Momentom, as I am momentous here at keeping the momentum rolling!" He howled. "Anyways, you all know the deal. It's time to award the racers of yesterday's race. In third place, you all know him as a crazy youngster, sponsored by Digger, we have Rubberburn!" A Waffler wearing a blue outfit walked on the podium as Tom gave him the trophy. "Next, she's a hot gal who knows how to knock anyone's socks off, sponsoring herself, we have Prestige!" A Koopa Troopa with a pink outfit and huge eyebrows walked on the stage with her trophy as she winked to the crowd. "And now, for the fifth day in-a-row, he's the hottest middle man there is to exist, sponsored by Torque, we have Mr. Menace, your new king of the day!" A Waffler with huge arms and a brown outfit grabbed his trophy and held it in the air as a crown was placed on his head. Luigi gasped as light reflected a small part of the trophy. He glanced at the Marvelous Compass as it glowed brightly.

"I found the Marvelous Compass piece!" he yelled. He received many strange looks. He cowered in his arms.

"Where, sonny?" Hershel asked.

"On the trophy! I have to enter the next race!"

The cheer died down. "Thank you, everyone," Mr. Menace said. "Also, thanks to Torque for being the best mechanic there is! Give him a round of applause!" A small green buzzy beetle with a wrench on his back stood up and nodded. "Now, as my first act as king, we're gonna have a party tonight!"

"Remember!" Tom said. "Sign-ups for tomorrow's race end tonight! Don't wait! You wanna become the next king or queen of the day? Then sign up!" The crowd dispersed.

"So, that was interesting," Jerry said. "Whoever wins gets to become the next king for a day? That sounds a bit lame. Why not like a week? A day sounds too short."

Hershel was silent. Luigi glanced at him. "Hershel, you OK?"

He sighed. "Sonny, you saw what became of this island. During my younger years, this was always a place with competition and friendly get-togethers. This used to be a place where you could come and relax or compete or do whatever. Now, this place has become nothing but centered around the self. It's always I, I, I! I wanna become king! I wanna make all the rules! This place used to be more open, but nowadays, it has to be about itself!" He sat down, shedding a couple tears. "When the technology evolved, so did the sport. People now don't even acknowledge the impact sailing had on the country. When technology evolves, it turns out it also erases history." He sniffled. When the cars started to become a thing, Hershel always protested against it. He tried his best to garner support to keep sailing around, but after many years of fighting, the island committee voted against him, crushing his dreams and childhood forever. This was the first time in over a decade since he visited the island and he often wished he could've done more to prevent the sealed fate of the once-famous sport.

"You did all you could back then," Luigi said. "But you know what? You can plant your foot down and say 'No!'"

"I did once. I failed. I just wish the people would remember what came before."

"Who says you can't do it again? You just need to tell them!"

"I tried, sonny! I tried and I failed! I can't do it! They will always be against it! Always!"

Before he could walk away, Blooey slammed him against the ground. "Don't say you can't," he growled. "Don't you dare! Learn to stand your ground! Remind them what this place used to be! Don't back down! Not now, not ever! Do I make myself clear?!" He nodded. The blooper let go of him.

"I'm sorry. I haven't visited this place in over a decade. It brings back memories of me grandson. I miss him."

Luigi touched him. "We'll back you up. When this is all done, we'll help you out. We can-a bring this place to its former glory. Now, come. I have to sign up." As the three walked away, Hershel smiled. He had such good friends. Back then, he thought his beloved sport was gone for good. He clenched his hand. When Luigi's quest is over, he was gonna show all of them the passion of sailing. He joined the others as Luigi was signing up, which he was confused about something.

"I have to what?" he said.

"You have to have a sponsor," the lady of the desk said. Luigi scratched his head. She sighed. "Clearly you aren't from this neck of the woods. Let me explain a couple things. Many people around here can't provide their own vehicles. Because of that, if they want to race, they need to find a mechanic that'll sponsor them. There's hundreds of mechanics on the island, so if you're over 18 and you wanna race, then go find a sponsor. It's that simple."

"How can I get one?"

"Why are you looking at me? You wanna enter the race? Start asking! Don't dawdle. Now move aside! I have a line!" People behind him yelled at him. Luigi huffed and walked out of the line.

"It's OK, Luigi," Jerry said. "We'll find you a sponsor. Let's start looking!" He ran.

"Don't run!" Hershel yelled. He shook his head. "I swear if that kid ain't careful, he could be the death of us all. Come on. Let's look for a dumb sponsor." As they walked away from the plaza, the streets bustled with activity. Many people were either having their car looked at or looking at the cars. Mechanics were busy doing their thing. The streets were packed and filled with chatter. "Well, see any one that catches yer eye?" Luigi glanced at a small and green buzzy beetle with a wrench as he was at work on a car. Luigi gasped. "That be the guy who's racer won king for the fifth time. Pretty impressive."

"Yeah. I'm-a gonna talk to him!" He marched over to the beetle. He stood up, covered in oil and sweat as he emerged from under the car. He lowered the jacks.

"Well, there you go. One oil change should have your car cleaned up and ready for the next race. That'll be 50 coins."

"Thank you so much, Torque!" The racer gave him the money and drove the car away. The buzzy beetle smirked. He walked into his shop. Luigi entered as Torque put his money away.

"Hello," he said. "Welcome to Torque's Automotive Repair Shop! How can I help you? Do you need a tune up? Tire rotation? You name it and I can provide it!"

"Can you be my sponsor?" Torque glanced at him in confusion.

"What did you say?"

"Can you be his sponsor?" Hershel walked to him. "Surely it ain't a crime to ask."

The buzzy beetle gasped. "You're Hershel Keeses! The famous sailor!"

"Wow. Didn't take you too long."

"Of course not," Torque said. "You're the last sailor there ever was. How could I not know who you are? Anywho, what can I do for you?"

"I want you to be his sponsor." He patted Luigi on the back.

"Excuse me?"

"You ain't deaf. You can be his sponsor, yes?"

He glanced at Luigi. "So, you're in it for the crown, too, aren't you?"

"No! There's something on the trophy that I need for my quest. I'm not gonna steal it, and I need a sponsor, so-"

"You need my help," the buzzy beetle finished. He shrugged. "Sorry. No can do."

"I have to rescue Princess Éclair!" Torque sighed. "Look, if you hear what I have to say, will you listen to me?"

"Depends on if it doesn't waste my time, then sure, I'll humor you."

The plumber pulled out the Marvelous Compass. "I have to find Éclair. She was kidnapped by the Chestnut King. The only way to find her is to find the Marvelous Compass pieces, one of which is on the trophy, so-"

"I get the rest of the picture. You can stop now." Luigi blinked. "Sorry, but my answer's still no." Before he could leave, Blooey slammed him against the wall. "Dude, take a chill pill! No need to be aggressive!"

"You really wanna push my buttons any further?" he growled. "Clearly, you're the best when it comes to sponsors based on the wins, which means you're our best shot at ensuring success. You've heard his story, and yet you still refuse to be his sponsor?"

"Calm down. Look, I'm not judging the book by the cover now. Let me show you something. Look in the corner." They glanced. Many awards were hung along the wall. "See all those? Those are awards for being the best mechanic of the year. As you can see, I have a reputation to keep. I care a lot about it and my cars. Sorry, but to me, you are nothing but a stranger, and I can't allow anyone to ruin them. Not gonna happen. I already have a sponsored racer, so tough luck. You want that trophy? Go find a different sponsor. I don't trust strangers."

"Please!" Luigi went on his knees. "I need that compass piece! You have to help me!"

"I don't have to do anything!" The buzzy beetle sighed. "Would a metaphor help? Cause you seem dumb. See, you're like oil to a car. If I blindly choose which oil I'm gonna use for my car, I could choose wrong, and then what happens? I ruin my car." He marched closer to him. "I don't know who you are. You are a stranger who is distracting me. I gave you my answer, now get out!" He shoved him out the door and slammed it behind him. "That goes for the rest of you," he growled. "I have people to take care of. Leave me." Hershel sighed as the three walked out of his shop.

"Jerk!" Jerry hissed.

Blooey glared at him. "You aren't helping." He walked to Luigi. "It's OK. Let's go find another sponsor." Luigi shook his head. He tried his best to secure a spot with the best sponsor the island had, but things didn't go as planned. He stood up. He was about to walk away when he stopped and glared at Torque's door. He always hated self-centered people like him who thought it was OK to trample on others, and all because of his stupid reputation. He snorted. He needed to earn his trust, even if it meant doing things the hard way. He needed to show him that people like him don't get to step above everyone else. He stomped his foot. "Dumbo," Blooey said. "Come on."

"No."

"Sonny. You heard him. We don't need to beat a dead horse. Let's go and-"

"I said no, Hershel! I'm gonna teach him a lesson. I will get his sponsorship, even if it takes the hard way."

"But, Luigi-" He ignored Jerry and marched through the door.

The buzzy beetle sighed. "What did I say?"

"I don't care about your stupid reputation! I'm gonna earn your trust the hard way! I challenge you to a race!" Torque chuckled. It was a long time since someone directly challenged him.

"So, you won't give up. You're gonna try and earn my trust. Is that right?"

"Did I stutter?" the plumber growled. A couple people who entered his store gasped. "You think you're so much better than everyone else with those awards of yours. You only think of yourself!"

"You dare bring personal feelings in this fight?"

"Yes! I'm gonna prove you wrong to underestimate me! I have experience from back home! I will prove you wrong!"

"So, you're going all in." He scratched his chin. "How interesting. Very well. You think you have what it takes to trample me?"

"Oh, I know I do." There were more gasps.

"Then we shall see who's words are correct. You want my sponsorship so bad? Then I accept your challenge. If you win, then I'll become your sponsor, but if you lose, then you'll just become an embarrassment."

"I'll-a choose the track!"

"Then I choose what car you drive. Make your choice in one hour. Let's hope you haven't just made the worst choice of your life. See you on the race track."

"Wait!" The others ran inside. "He doesn't really mean it," Hershel said. "Luigi, I talked to another sponsor. They'll take you! Let's not beat around the bush. Let's go and-"

"No! I want his sponsorship!"

"We don't have the time, dumbo," Blooey hissed. "Sign-ups end tonight. We have someone who will take you. Now, let's go." He grabbed his hand, but Luigi whacked him away.

"No. Torque's the best. I'm gonna earn his trust and show he was wrong to judge me. I need that piece. I need the best man possible. I need him. Nobody else."

"I already said yes," Torque said. "We shall see who reigns supreme. Have fun losing!" He walked out.

"You just made a grave mistake," Blooey hissed.

"Oh, have I? If we would've gone with someone else, there's no way that we'll win the trophy! I'm willing to bet that Torque's racer is competing tomorrow without a doubt and if I don't get his sponsorship, I'm gonna lose no matter how good the other sponsors are! I can prove it! Take me to a person!" The others sighed and brought him to a Waffler as he was working on a car.

He sat up. "Back, I see? And this is the person I'm sponsoring?"

"I have a question for you," Luigi said. "Out of all the mechanics on this island, who do you think is the best objectively?"

"That's easy. It's Torque. He's the best one there is! We other mechanics struggle against him to get our racers to become the next king or queen. He's so good."

"And that proves my point."

"But, sonny," Hershel said, "He's had many years of experience, probably more than you! You're outmatched! He's gonna crush you!"

"We'll see about that." He clenched his fist. "I will beat him. I have to!" The others wondered if he made the right choice.

Thanks for reading! Next week, we will examine Torque's character a little deeper as you might be surprised for his motivation to keep his cars and reputation safe. Also, Luigi will compete in a race against said mechanic to get his sponsorship. Will he win or will he lose? Find out next week on Luigi and the Marvelous Compass!