Disclaimer: I do not own any of the material appearing in this story.

BGM: Professor Frankly (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

"An ancient monster… that's what's locked up behind that door?" Frankly wondered. "Oh dear… I thought that was just an urban legend."

"Usually urban legends are usually real…" Noire said. "Like… Legendary and Mythical Pokemon."

"You're definitely right about that." Bea nodded. "Still, I'm surprised I had it right on my theory…"

"So what kind of ancient monster is this? Some ancient dragon?" Sora asked.

"An ancestor of Bowser, perhaps?" Mario guessed.

"…King Boo's more deranged monstrous cousin?" Luigi guessed.

"A shadowy creature?" Bea wondered.

"A super powered Tonberry?" Aerith asked, which was enough to send a shiver down Noire's spine.

"Oh hell no. Please don't let it be that!"

"Whatever it may be… it's probably very dangerous." Koops said as everyone nodded.

"This reminds me of something…" Goombella said as she looked around the office. "Let's see, it's got to be around here somewhere… AHA!" She pulled out a book.

"Ah, you pulled that out!" Frankly said as Goombella set the book down.

End BGM

BGM: Dream (Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX)

"Okay, so… there's an old legend that, long ago, there used to be a large prosperous town filled with beauty, riches, and what more. It was a very populous town. However, one day… tragedy struck. Legend goes that a demon had unleashed its fury upon the town and is the one responsible for creating the Crystal Stars. Four brave heroes went out to destroy the demon while the city crumbled around them. They used the Crystal Stars to seal the demon… however, in the demon's final moments, it laid a curse on all four of them."

"What was the curse?" Sora asked.

"Legend says that if they were ever to let go of the Crystal Stars, they wull be sealed in a black chest for… all… eternity, hey, wait a moment…" Goombella narrowed her eyes. "We encountered a black chest just underneath Rogueport!"

Everyone's eyes widened. "We found another at Hooktail Castle!" Sora pointed out.

"And another at Twilight Town." Luigi said.

"How many chests have you opened up?" Bea asked.

"Three so far. There's one left." Sora said.

"Hmm…" Bea folded her arms.

"It goes on." Goombella said. "They sealed up the monster behind a great door that they created with the Crystal Stars but they knew it'd be only temporary. They wanted the stars to be available to one who might need them. Because of this, they made a magical map and put it in a box where only the purest of heart could open said box."

"So these monsters who have "cursed" you… they were actually… the heroes?" Aerith tilted her head. "But the one in Twilight Town was nothing more of an arrogant asshole…"

"There could be two reasons." Vivian spoke up. "One: The heroes weren't exactly the nicest people or two: Being sealed up in a box for a long time would do a number on your sanity, so they could have lashed out on the first people they saw when the box was open."

Aerith nodded. "Yeah, that could be a good reason…"

"So what about the prosperous town? Did they rebuild?" Mario asked.

"Nope… it sunk to the ground after the demon was sealed up. Later on, Rogueport was formed… " Goombella closed the book. "…This would be the part where I say "Or so the legend goes", but considering y'all opened a few dark chests, not to mention we found the Thousand Year Door… I'd wager a guess as to go that this "urban legend" is indeed real… and let's not forget the quiz that we all partook of."

End BGM

"So… where's the next Crystal Star located?" Nocturne asked. "We know it's on an island."

"Ah yes, of course!" Frankly nodded. "The next Crystal Star is located on Keelhaul Key. Although there's a rumor going around that the island might be haunted."

Luigi paled. "Haunted?" He whimpered.

"Oh, so you're willing to go inside a Creepy Steeple filled with Boos, yet you draw the line at a haunted island?" Noire raised an eyebrow.

"That's completely different!" Luigi exclaimed.

"You have a vacuum that can suck in ghosts! I fail to see the problem here!" Noire said.

"It's complicated!"

"Alright, so I guess we're gonna have to find a ship." Sora said.

"That does seem likely." Bea agreed.

"Welp, what the heck are we standin' around here for? Let's go get ourselves a ship!" Nocturne said.

"Yeah!" Koops agreed as they would head off for Rogueport Pier where they would come across a ship.

"Whooooa! Now that's definitely a ship!" Sora said.

"I'll say!" Mario agreed as they walked toward it.

"Ahoy there! You lookin' at a fine good ship here!" A Bob-omb, Pa-Patch said as he was joined by a few crewmates.

"Hey, we're heading off for Keelhaul Key! Think we could use your ship?" Noire asked.

"What a coincidence, we're headin' there ourselves! Climb aboard!" Pa-Patch said as they hopped on.

"We're just waiting for the captain, Kupo. He's back at the inn… probably drinking a Chuckola Cola or two." A Moogle said.

"I'll go get him." Vivian said as she sunk underground as Sora turned his head to see two very not-so-suspicious people. In fact, Bea, Aerith and Luigi saw them and had the same idea while the others were distracted by the beauty of the ship.

Sora would approach them. "So, who are you two?"

"Four Eyes."

"Storm Cloud."

"Storm Cloud" in particular had a face covering that looked like Sheik and was wearing a robe over the entire body.

"…Uh-huh." Sora folded his arms.

"Riiiiight… and you're going to go with us to Keelhaul Key?" Luigi asked suspiciously.

"Aheheh, what's with the suspicions? It's like you think we look like people you know!" "Four Eyes" said. "But I can assure you, we are nothing like these people you're thinking of." He said, glancing at Bea who is giving them a "Don't you dare be Tauros shitting me" look. "Promise!"

"Uh-huh…" Bea said, still giving the look as she turned around as did Aerith, who gave them both a "I'm watching you" gesture as they walked off while Sora still gave them a suspicious look before walking off.

Meanwhile, with Vivian…

"Let's see, where could this captain be…" Vivian wondered, as she would pick up on the sound of singing as she turned to the sound of a pirate singing by himself.

"Pound on the head four times~ Ground pound on the other head two times~ Throw a bomb into the wall and the Pirate's Grotto shall be fooound~"

BGM: Laughter and Merriment (Kingdom Hearts II)

"…No way, it can't be that easy." Vivian said as she moved over to the pirate. "Ahem, excuse me."

"Hmm? And what can I do for you, missy?"

"Uh, yeah, hi… I was just looking for a captain for this ship on the docks. Could you be him?"

"Aye, that would be me, missy! Name's Captain Flavio, at your service!"

Wow… it was easy. Vivian thought.

"What do you want with Flavio?"

"Ah, me and a few friends wanted to go to Keelhaul Key for some, shall we say… treasure?"

"Aha! You want some of that treasure too, eh? Well, I suppose we can split it when we find it… how's about 90-10?"

"Oh no, that won't be neces-… 90-10?!"

"Yeah, you're right… that's too generous. 99-1!"

"Uuuuuh…"

"There is a special kind of treasure there… I can feel it me bones! It's decided then. I'll split the treasure 99-1. You and the crew get 1% and I get it all. Fair's fair!" Flavio said and he turned to his red jewel. "This right here… I can feel that it can lead me to that treasure." He said, picking it up. "Let's go, missy. To the SS Flavio!" He said and took off running.

Vivian sweatdropped. "…Good heavens, what have I done?"

End BGM

"He won't be going anywhere without a navigator…"

"Hmm?" Vivian turned around to see the bartender cleaning a glass.

"It will be nearly impossible for him to navigate the ocean… unless he has someone who has sailed the seas throughout his life."

"You know this person?"

"Yes, he's a good buddy of mine… he retired from the seas though. His name is Admiral Bobbery."

"Oh, and where can I find him?"

"It's… complicated. Sit down… I'll tell you his story." He said as Vivian nodded, sitting on the stool as he handed her a Chuckola Cola. "Here, it's on the house."

"Oh… thank you."

"Long ago-"

Back on the SS Flavio…

"Hello everyone, sorry I'm late. I got myself distracted at the inn. Hahaha!" Flavio chuckled. "Now then, welcome aboard to the SS Flavio, I am none other than Flavio!"

"…He named the ship after himself?" Koops sweatdropped.

"Why do I have the feeling he's gonna be infuriating?" Nocturne rubbed his head with Noire nodding in agreement.

"Now then, I propose that we get out of here asap!" Flavio said.

"Ah, but Flavio… I can't help but think we need a navigator to help us navigate the seas." Pa-Patch spoke up. "Would do us some good."

"Bah, and let the navigator steal my thunder? Hmph! The nerve." Flavio said.

"Haven't you ever been out into the great ocean before?" Sora asked.

"Of course I have! I'm not stupid!" Flavio said before he faked a cough. "Just the coastal areas." He faked another cough.

"…We're doomed." Noire said.

"We also need a captain." Flavio said as Sora perked up.

"Well, I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I have had my fair share of exploring the sea… so, I think I should be-"

"You, in the red! You are captain!" He said, pointing to Mario.

"Me?!" Mario said in surprise.

"HUH?!" Sora yelled in surprise.

"Ouch… ignored…" Aerith winced.'

"Yes, as of today, you are Captain… ah… who are you?"

"Mario."

"Captain Mario!"

"Um, excuse me, I'm right here!" Sora said as Flavio turned to him.

"You can swab the deck." He said, causing Sora to anime fall.

"Double ouch." Noire grimaced.

"But I helped sail the seas with Captain Jack Sparrow! I also helped fight against Davy Jones! I think that should qualify me as being the captain here!" Sora said.

"Ha! That's just a bunch of fairy tales. Keep that up and you might as well be swabbing the lower deck too." He said, causing Sora to slump in disbelief.

"Knockout…" Bea shook her head. "Good Arceus, this guy's infuriating me already."

"Mama mia…" Luigi rubbed his head while Mario gave Sora a sympathetic look and then had an idea.

"As captain, I should give the orders here." Mario said.

"Ah yes, that's a good idea." Flavio nodded.

"And as of today, I announce my retirement of captain and pass the torch over to Sora." Mario said.

"Really?!"

"HUH?!" Flavio yelled in surprise. "No no no, that can't happen! I'm the owner of the ship!"

"But you passed the torch to me." Mario said. "Therefore, I outrank you… or at least I did until I gave it to Sora."

Flavio stood there in disbelief. "No no no no, this is treason! Anarchy!"

"Aren't pirates always anarchistic?" Sora pointed out. "So really, this is just a regular Tuesday for the pirates. Always declaring mutiny and stuff."

"BUT IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN ON MY SHIP!"

"Anyway, first order of business, we find ourselves a navigator… and find Vivian because I have no idea where she is."

Back with Vivian…

Vivian wandered out of the inn, looking pretty sad as she wandered over to the western side of Rogueport.

"Long ago, Bobbery was a master of the seas and loved the ocean. You couldn't keep him away from it for long, because once he came back, it wouldn't be long until he set sail again. It was his first love… but, on one such trip, he came back and met a lady. Her name was Scarlette, and she was the most beautiful woman that Bobbery ever laid his eyes on. The two fell madly in love… and got married soon after he came back from another voyage. She was not one for the ocean, so she would alwasy faithfully wait for him to return.

However, one day, Scarlette became ill. Bobbery was out at the sea and was unaware of what was going on. Time had passed and she had become worse with the illness. I was in charge of taking care of her… but unfortunately, there was nothing I could do. She gave me this letter and asked if I could give it to Bobbery.

…I… I still haven't done it. Bobbery came home and discovered that his wife had passed. Grief stricken, he blamed the ocean for taking his wife away from him and he hasn't been the same for years. He refused to go on another voyage and he would drown his sorrows here in this inn. I wanted to give it to him, but my cowardice prevented me from doing so… please, give this to him. He lives right next door to Professor Frankly, just on the other side of the wall."

"Poor guy…" Vivian said as she would come to the door. "…I just hope he's not too gruff…" She said and then knocked on the door.

"Go away!"

"Mail call!" Vivian said.

"I don't get mail!"

"Um, I'm a Mushroom Scout and I'm here to deliver cookies!"

"Yeah right… I didn't hear a wagon!"

"We did away from that due to noise complaints! I got… uh… Peanut Butter cookies, fat mints, coconut chocolate cookies… we even have lemon bars!"

"You had me… until you said lemon bars. Good day!"

"Crap." Vivian mumbled under her breath. "Um… oh look, here's a magazine of Pirate's Illustrated! Look at these nice looking doubloons on this woman!"

"Stop embarrassing yourself!"

Vivian sighed under her breath. "Alright, I guess I'm going for the hard way." She said as she slipped the letter underneath the door.

"Hmm? What's this?"

"It's a letter from the bartender. He asked me to give it to you."

"Podley? Why on earth…"

Inside…

An old Bob-omb opened up the letter. "…Scarlette's handwriting?!" He said in surprise as he started to read it.

BGM: Jolene (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

"My dearest Bobbery, if you are reading this letter, I am no longer with you. I have become ill with scarlet fever. Unfortunately, the doctors diagnosed it as terminal… so with the last of my strength, I must ask you this one thing:

Please… don't blame yourself or the ocean. You shared your love with me. It was your first love before you had met me. So please, I ask you… don't blame yourself. Life happens… and I would want you to be happy, my love. You love the ocean more than anything, aside from me. So please… don't fall into depressio and be a shell of a man you once were.

I love you more than anything, my love. So… please, do not blame yourself. It won't do you any good. The ocean makes you happy… I make you happy. The ocean beckons you… just how I beckoned to you as well. Please take care of yourself…

Love, Scarlette."

"I… I need a moment…" Bobbery said as he wandered into his room, seeing a picture of his late wife. "Oh Scarlette… you brought back this old flame in my body. I love you, my dear…" He whispered as he slowly walked toward the door, hesitantly opening it up and seeing Vivian at the other side of the door.

Whoa… I wasn't expecting him to be a Bob-omb… She thought.

"…You need a navigator?"

"Huh? How did you-"

"I can see it through your bangs. You need someone who knows these waters well more than anyone… I am the right Bob-omb for the job." He said. "Take me to your vessel."

Vivian nodded. "Right this way." She said, smiling as she guided him to the docks.

End BGM

"Whoa! Is that Admiral Bobbery?" Pa-Patch wondered as Bobbery hopped into the ship as Vivian climbed aboard.

"Hup! I heard you need a navigator!" Bobbery said. "Allow me to guide you to your destination!" He said. "…Where are we going?"

"To Keelhaul Key." Flavio said.

"Set sail! We are heading out." Bobbery said as Sora spun the wheel, the sails falling as they took off.

"Alright, this is more like it!" Sora said as they sailed out of the pier, unaware of an X-Naut coming out of hiding.

"Eagle one to Dachsund two, come in, over!"

"Why do I have to be the dachsund?"

"Because… reasons!"

"That doesn't make sense! …Over."

"Whatever. Anyway, the packages are en route to Keelhaul Key. I repeat, the packages are en route."

Huzzah, the internet came back on! Turns out, one of the tech guys had cut a line where he had thought he cut someone else's line, but it turns out he cut our line by accident. Poor guy felt so bad...

Anyway, the internet came back on yesterday, but I went to go to hang out with some friends... but anyway, i'm baaaack!