The gang walked back towards Toad Town without saying a word… when suddenly, something smacked into Mario. "OOOF!"

"What was that?" Rean as they turned to Mario who was rubbing his head.

(Paper Mario ost - Twink's Theme)

"Ow…" Twink groaned. "Oh, sorry, sorry, so sorry! I'm in a huge hur- oh!" Twink then examine Mario and Class VII. "Are you Mario and Class VII? Oh! Which one of you is Rean?"

"Huh? I'm Rean. Who are you?" Rean asked while Luigi was sulking since he wasn't mentioned.

"Thank goddess I found you! My name is Twink! Princess Peach and two girls sent me to you!"

"Peach?" Mario loosened up. "You know her?"

"Yep! I'm her cute little assistant!" He said. "I was supposed to give this to ya." He gave Mario the Lucky Star as it proceeded to glow and enveloped them all in an aura.

"What was that?" Emma asked. "I felt some sort of mysterious power within me."

"That was the Lucky Star's power. It's supposed to bring you great luck!" Twink said.

"Good luck, huh?" Celine asked. "I honestly find that hard to believe."

"Celine, be nice. Um, thank you Twink." Emma smiled

"I'm not sure why, I did felt some sort of change within me." Levi replied "Almost like the potential has awaken."

"Yeah! Finally, my bad luck ends!" Luigi exclaimed with hope… unaware that he wasn't enveloped in the aura.

"Haha! It almost as like Lady Luck is on our side once again." Olivert chuckled also unaware he wasn't enveloped in the aura.

"Um.. .Should one of us tell them?" Elliot whispered.

"It's best that we leave them be." Jusis whispered back.

(BGM paused)

"Then it seems luck was on my side too! It was wise of me to follow you Star Kid!" A voice said as they saw a Magikoopa coming down.

(Paper Mario ost - Kammy Koopa)

"Well if it isn't Kamek." Jusis glared

"I'm not Kamek! I'm a Magikoopa! Big difference! We have different names, ya know!"

"But you look exactly like him. But the voice is different… sort of." Fie comment

"Do you all look alike?" Goombario asked.

"Now that you mention it. We did see many Goombas, Koopas, Toads and other species that look exactly alike." Elliot replied.

"Yeah. It's almost impossible to tell which one is the same person with met but different." Alisa nodded.

"It's almost like everyone has twins or something." Machias nodded. "But at the same time. It's like they all came from the same family line like plants, animals and such."

"Yeah, compared to us humans who has a different build, it's hard to tell which one is the person we know. It's very confusing." Rean nodded

"It's not confusing! We all know our names!"

"And yours would be?" Jusis asked.

"Michael!" He said.

"Regardless, you still deeply resemble Kamek. Perhaps it would be wise for you to have name tag so we won't confuse you with someone else."

"…You know, that's not a horrible idea." The Magikoopa said. "I mean, it'd help tell the difference between me and my friend! I'M LOOKING AT YOU, MOTHER!" He yelled at the sky. "Anyway, yeah, a name tag would he- hey! Don't change the subject! I'll take care of you all before I head back to Bowser!"

"And exactly are you going to do that if there are many of us and one of you?" Levi asked

"Errr… Huh… Maybe I should have thought this through." The Magikoopa Michael sweatdrop. "Oh wait! Magic! Take this!"

Michael then throw magic at them then they dodge.

"Dark Blades, please!" Emma use her Craft: Ethereal Edge on Michael and then she swirl and rise her Orbal Staff high and another set of Ethereal Edge strike down the Magikoopa.

"AAAAH! OOF!" He said while groan from the attack and then fell on the ground with his magic boom over his head.

"Oh! That'll hurt!" Twink winced.

"Uggh… I cannot believe I have been bested by another mage… I still have some improvement to do…" He said as he took off back to the castle, grumbling to himself.

(BGM ended)

(Resuming Paper Mario ost - Twink)

"Wow. I didn't know you can do that Emma." Fie said.

"Actually I didn't either." Emma said. "It was almost like something was guiding my hand and gaining an additional attack."

"And it happen when Mario received that necklace and you guys with that aura." Celine said.

"If that's the case then… that means all of us who were glowing with that aura just now gain some new insights on our attacks and crafts. Maybe even arts." Levi said.

"I did sense some mysterious power within that necklace. It must have been some sort of boon. It will no doubt be helpful to us."

"Amazing! Thank you so much Twink!" Elliot cheered

"No need to thank me. And I think Princess Peach deserve the credit. Oh! That reminds me. Rean. I actually have a message from your sister." Twink said

Rean gasped "You mean Elise!? Do you know where she is?!"

"And what of my sister, Alfin? She's with his sister as well?" Olivert asked

"Oh that's their name. Ooh! So you're Olivert? This is my lucky day!" Twink giggled. "I have a message for you from them. Both of you. Both Alfin and Elise said they're both all right and they're staying with Princess Peach. Nothing bad happens to them."

"I see… That's a huge relief." Rean sigh with relief when he place his hand on his chest.

"It brings me great joy to know Alfin is safe as well." Olivert smiled.

"Then can you give them a message for us? Tell them we're okay and we'll find a way to save you all." Rean said.

"Sure can! I'll be off." Twink said as he flew off. "Take care!" He waved.

"Aww, he's super cute." Alisa giggled

"And he making his way back to Bowser's Castle. A brave little guy. I like him." Fie smiled hey walked back into Toad Town.

(BGM ended)

(Paper Mario ost - Toad Town)

"Okay. According to the Star Spirits, each are being held in different parts of the Mushroom Kingdom. We need to ask around town is they notice any chance." Rean said.

"I agree. Perhaps we should split up from here." Olivert nodded. "Me and Muller will scout all over Toad Town and see if there any chances within the areas. While we do that. You can also look for any information. And if you manage to get the Star Spirits location, feel free to head there without us. I'm sure you will do fine. After all, I'm concerned about the situation with Toad Town."

"Sounds like a plan then. We wish you luck Prince Olivert, Muller." Sara nodded

"You as well. If you need our help, let us know, we'll come running." Muller nodded and then he and Olivert left.

"Mario! Class VII!" A Toad walk up to them. "I was wondering where did you go."

"Sorry about that. What's up?" Rean asked.

"Merlon was looking for you guys. He lives in that house with the spinning roof on it." The Toad pointed and they see the spinning roof house.

"Did anyone notice that when we were making it here?" Elliot blinked.

"I… don't think so." Machias answered.

"How curious. But how is the roof spinning?" Laura asked.

"Maybe it's a mechanism. Which is impressive." Alisa said. "But what could this Merlon want with us?"

"Don't know. But it is rare for him to call somebody over to his house. He's a bit eccentric. Even when he has visitors, it's rare for him to come out of the house at all." The Toad answered

"So we're dealing with a shut-in then." Celine said.

"Hey, I was a shut-in before meeting you guys." Levi pouted and glare at Celine.

"Yeah, and you turn out fine."

"In any event. Let's meet this Merlon and see what he wants." Sara said.

And so they went over to Merlon's house and knock on his door.

"Merlon is out!" Said Merlon from the inside.

"But you're the one who call for us!" Levi exclaimed

"I did?" Then he open the door and see who we are. "Oh yes! I did. Come in." Then they follow him into his house

(BGM paused)

(Paper Mario ost - Merlon's Hut)

"Now where to begin? Oh, right. My name is Merlon, and I am a wizard. I have foreseen your arrival." He said.

"Wait, you're a fortunate teller?" Emma asked.

"Indeed. I know very well that you are looking for the Star Spirits". He said

"Did you use Divination?"

"That's right. I was reading the stars the other day when an oracle came to me."

"I see. And you are here to help us right?" Machias asked.

"Yes. In case if you get lost, come back to me and I'll be able to help you to guide you back on your journey back. For a small price." Merlon said.

"I'm out." Levi said as Class VII begin to walk out.

"Wait! Let me finish!" He exclaimed as they returned. "Right now, your main goal must be to save Princess Peach, Princess Alfin of Erebonia, and Rean Schwarzer's sister: Elise Schwarzer. As well as other guests who came to Peach's party as quickly as possible. But according to my second sight, your path must first take you to the great fortress of the Koopa Bros."

"The Koopa Bros?" Gaius asked. "I'm guessing they must be one of Bowser's minions."

"And they must have one of the Star Spirits in their hands." Jusis nodded.

"How can we get to the Koopa Bros's Fortress?" Machias asked

"You must head east on the road in front of the Toad House. But be careful. You will be entering their home turf, and they will use every bit of trickery to trap you, or worse."

"We've been through worse." Mario said.

"Agreed. I doubt these Koopa bros know a thing we hit them." Sara nodded

"Very well then. Good luck on your travels." Merlon said as the party walk out.

(BGM ended)

(Resuming Paper Mario ost - Toad Town)

"Well that was certainly interesting. But lucky us we managed to find what we're looking for." Goombario said.

"I'll say. He said we should head east right?" Luigi asked.

"Yep. We best be off to the Koopa bros's Fortress." Sara nodded as they walk to the entrance pass the post office and Inn. But then four shady toads are blocking the path.

"Hey, what's doing on?" Machias asked.

"You don't wanna get out there. It's way too dangerous." Said the Red Shady Toad.

"Why not? We can take care of ourselves." Rean said.

"Trust me, you don't want to go there or the Koopa Bros' Fortress." Said the Shady Black Toad.

"Yeah you defintely should not." Said the Shady Yellow Toad.

"But there isn't a report of something going on." Laura said.

"Wait a moment." Elliot said. "How did you know we were heading to the Koopa Bros. Fortress to begin with?"

The four of them pale up with sweat.

"Well it's because it's not more dangerous because they had traps set up!" Exclaimed the Green Shady Toads.

"Wait a minute!" Levi said as he use his magic and shot lightning at the quartet, revealing the Koopa Bros. "Aha! I knew it. You aren't Toads at all!"

(BGM paused)

(Paper Mario ost - Koopa Bros - Keep Cool!)

"Ack!" Red exclaimed.

"I told you this wouldn't work!" Green said.

"Who are you four?" Jusis asked.

"They must be the Koopa Bros. One of Bowser's minions." Fie said as she got her weapon out.

"Heh. Luck really is on our side. How kind of you to show your faces." Sara smirked as she and the rest got their weapons out.

"Yipe!" Red paled. "NINJA DISAPPEARANCE!" He yelled, throwing a smoke bomb down. But Red was the only one by the time the smoke cleared out. "WHAT?! WHY DIDN'T IT WORK!"

"You did it wrong! Like this!" Black came back and threw another smoke bomb down, and this time they were all gone.

(BGM ended)

(Resuming Paper Mario ost - Toad Town)

"Uh damn it! They escape!" Machias muttered.

"So those were the Koopa Bros. I thought something was amiss with them." Laura said.

"They have literally done a poor job." Celine sighed. "Bleublanc was more professional than they are."

"Seriously, at least he knows how to block the road doing something." Sara nodded

"Yeah, Phantom Thief B was more clever than they are." Alisa nodded

Unknown to them, Bleublanc was watching from a distance.

"Oh my, do my ears deceive me, or did Class VII and the Purple Lighting praise my crafts work? Haha! How joyous! Though they are not wrong with the Koopa Bros were nothing more than amateurs."

"Oh right. I forgot to mention something before you go." Merlon said as he approach them. "To get to the Koopa Bros. Fortress, you'll need help with a blue-shelled Koopa."

"A blue-shell Koopa?" Levi asked.

"A strange portent indeed. But I bet you'll find them in the Koopa Village."

"Well, if you say so." Rean said. "Okay, guess we'll find this Koopa and see if he's willing to help us." Rean then took up with his Party. But as they did. A certain someone was walking by.

"*Sigh* This is certainly unexpected. First Peach's castle lifted into the sky, and now the students are missing. Lady Rhea will not like this. Nor Seteth. I hope everyone is okay." Then he notice Mario and Class VII walking to the east path. "Wait… is that?" Then he follow them.

(BGM ended)


With the heroes...

(Paper Mario ost - March Ahead)

The group marched along, taking in the scenery and admiring it.

"Wow. This is a nice scenery." Rean smiled

"Indeed. The air around here is light and fresh." Gaius smiled. "And the wind has a nice breeze."

"This is also a fine scenery to ride horses. I'm sure the horses would be delighted." Jusis nodded.

"Yeah. It's quite serene." Elliot smiled.

"Freee~" Butterflies and several other pokemon are flying and on the wild.

"Look, even the pokemon love it!" Elliot giggled.

"Aha! I wanna play with them!" Millium cheered.

"Maybe after the journey is finished?" Goombario title his head.

Mario and Luigi proceeded to hit the blocks and ? Blocks that appeared before them. A Koopa Troopa spotted them and tried to ram them with his shell to start a fight, but Mario was ready for this and hammered him away and into a Spiked Goomba, and then he fell into a stream.

"Do those fools realize attacking us without a proper plan would be suicidal?" Jusis asked

"Well if you think about it. They're not so different from the monsters of our continent." Machias replied.

"It's a pity that none of them have any brains." Levi added.

"But at least there are some who are not hostile to us and intelligence." Laura said.

They walked ahead as Alisa shoot the took down a Paragoomba easily before they kept going as Mario. Millium then hit a ? Block and out popped a POW Block, which she quickly grabbed.

"Woohoo! Finder Keepers!" Millium cheered said as the party kept going until they saw a river they needed to cross.

"Huh. There's a river here. But shouldn't there be a bridge?" Rean asked

"There should be. I bet the Koopa Bros must have remove it so we won't get a across." Levi said.

"Yeah. That's what normally bad guys do." Goombario. "Maybe there's a switch here like back with Goomba King's castle."

"Coming from experience. Switches are either hid by bushes or tree." Mario said.

Then they turn to the tree nearby. Mario hammered it and then a ! Switch popped out as she punched it, and then a bridge unfolded before them.

"Guess that's problem solved. Seriously. How do these things work?" Alisa wondered.

"Normally it would take a group of construct to forge a bridge. But a switch… The logic of this world is beyond our understanding." Jusis said.

"That much is certain." Laura nodded. "Perhaps it might be magic?"

"It's possible but… I'm not honestly sure." Emma replied.

"Hang on." Levi said as he noticed a Spiked Goomba ready to ambush them on a Brick Block. So he throw his Glaive at the Brick Block and destroy it and the Spike Goomba crash into the ground as Levi approach it.

"Ow…" The Spike Goomba muttered before notice Levi was behind him using his Glaive as a golf club.

"Wanna play Golf?" Levi asked with a smirked.

"Um… No?"

"Suit yourself!" Levi then ready to golf the Goomba.

"Wait I mean-" Too late and Levi golf him " YEEEEEEEEEEEES!" Levi send him straight to a tree.

"Bye!" Levi waved while the rest sweatdrop as they continue the path.

As soon as they found the sign with the directions to the Koopa Village and the Koopa Bros Village. Machias notice an object is staring at him.

"Um… is that thing staring at me?" Machias said, pointing to an object.

"That's a candy cane, don't mind them." Mario said

"Candy cane?! I'm gonna eat it!" Millium said with a drool as she charge but stop. "Wait… this doesn't look like a candy cane! Or is it?" The she begin to lick it.

"Millium! Don't actually lick it!" Machias exclaimed.

"Blah! It doesn't taste like one!"

"Come on." Jusis sighed and drag Millium.

"Wait! I wanna know why it's called Candy Cane!" Millium wags her hands while the party sweatdrop as they continue the adventure. But stop once they reach a sound.

"Did anyone else here that?" Sara asked. "It sounds like someone's in distress."

"I hear it too. Let's go take a look at it!" Mario said as the party went towards the source of the sound. And they found it was the Koopa Village. However…

(BGM ended)

(Paper Mario ost - Fuzzys Stole my Shell)

The entire Village was being harassed by Fuzzies

"Meeeyork! Meeeyork!"

"HEY! GET BACK HERE!" A Koopa yelled.

"What the heck is going on here?" Sara asked.

"Oh!" Another Koopa walked up to them. "Hello Mario Bros and Class VII! Normally I would say 'Welcome to Koopa Village but we're kind of in a situation here."

"I can see Fuzzies." Rean said.

"Ugh! Not those things!" Alisa sighed.

And then Fuzzy appeared out of nowhere over the Koopa and proceeded to pounce on him before taking his shell.

"Hey! Give me back my shell!" The Koopa cried and chase after him.

"Come on kids. We need to help the village and take care of these fuzzies!" Sara said.

"Yes, Instructor/Let's a go!" They said as they ran forward to take care of the Fuzzies, but unfortunately, they were hopping around to avoid them easily.

"Ugh, I know these things are good for target practice but they move too fast!" Alisa growled

"Meow! You fuzz-creature!" Celine hissed because the Fuzzy harassed her and she tried to claw one. "Grrrr!"

"Okay! How are these things so good at dodging!?" Sara growled as she tried to strike one.

"They certainly are the essence of annoying." Fie muttered as she tried to attack one.

After a few struggles, they eventually got some of the shells back and handed them to the Koopas.

"Phew, thanks!"

"Man, you guys are life savers!"

"We could use all the help we can get here! There were two people who came by to help, but those Fuzzies are tricky!"

"Really? Who?" Elliot asked.

"Ugh! Stop jumping around already!" A voice growled as they turn to the direction of the voice. It was a girl wielding a lance.

"These things certainly are persistent. I can see why they're the most annoying creatures." Said the other one who is a boy wielding a sword.

"Those guys." The Koopa said.

"Wait... Is that you Felix?" Laura asked in surprised.

"And Leonie too!" Millium added as the duo look at them.

"Huh? Oh, Class VII!" Leonie waved.

"We're in the middle of a situation, mind giving us a hand?" Felix asked as he swing his sword at a fuzzie, but they're really good at dodging. "Oh for the-"

"That was the plan. Let's go everyone!" Rean announced

"Right!" They nodded.

As soon as they were going to engage a fuzzy who carrying a Koopa shell. Suddenly, a whip smith the Fuzzie and drop the shell before ran off.

"What was that?" Rean asked

And then the odd shape whip return into a sword and the wielder of that sword reveals to be Byleth.

"Are you all alright?" Byleth asked

"Oh! Professor Byleth!" Emma said.

"Ah, so you're here." Felix said

"Ah, Byleth! It's so good to see you!" Mario praised

"It's about time you show up. Come on. Let's kick some of these fuzzies butt." Leonie smirked

"Fuzzies? So that's what they're called. Understood. We'll talk more. Let us help this village." Byleth said.

"HEY! HEY! GET OUT OF HERE! HEY STOP! THAT'S MY SHELL!" A voice yelled from a house as they turned to see a Koopa get knocked out of the house. "Ooof!"

"You okay?" Elliot asked.

"I will be…" The Koopa groaned before realizing he was talking to. "Oh my goodness! You're Mario! You're Class VII! You're… uh… Green Mario!" He said, causing Luigi to anime fall as the party sweatdrop. "I'm a huge fan of you all! My name's Kooper! I'm so psyched to meet you guys! But… nevermind the fanboying part, I need help your help. My shell's been taken!"

"We're on it!" Mario said as they took off while Rean dragged the fallen Luigi.

"We should join them as well." Byleth said to Felix and Leonie.

"If you say so." Leonie said

"Whatever." Felix said as they followed them in as the Fuzzy took off with the blue shell as they followed him until he hopped into a tree.

"Aww no fair! How do we know which tree did they jump into?!" Millium exclaimed.

"Meeeyork! Meeeyork!" The Fuzzy said as he hopped down. "Guess where I'm hiding!" He said as he hopped up.

"Wait, those things can actually talk?" Leonie blicked

"Oh good, I'm not going crazy!" Luigi sighed with relief.

"Oh for crying- we don't have time for this farce! Give us back that blue-shell or I'll cut you down!" Felix called out to him.

"Make me!"

"Let me handle it. Lammy!" Millium said as she raise her arm and Airgetlam appeared. "Go Lammy!" Millium smirked as she use her Craft: Megaton Press as Airgetlam change into a sphere and launch into the air, and then slam into the ground, and the whole place rumbled and knocked them off the ground… and the four trees fell and the Fuzzies looked on in shock.

"Meeyowch! Alright! I give up! Take the stupid shell back! We'll be good!"

"You better." Millium said as she took the Blue Shell. "Way to go Lammy!" Airgetlam respond before it disappeared.

(BGM ended)

(Paper Mario ost - Koopa Village)

"Okay, wow. What is that thing again? It literally took out four three for Pete sake!" Leonie asked.

"Oh, that's a sec-" ""HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, FUZZIES!" Kooper yelled as he just came in from the entrance. "I'm gonna tear ya from limb… from… what the heck just happened here?!"

"Sorry about that. I ask Lammy to force the fuzzies to stop being bad. Gueeeeeess we over did it." Millium giggled

"I'm certainly scared of this Lammy person…" Kooper said.

"Oh yeah! Here's your shell back." Millum handed back Kooper's shell.

"My shell! Thank you thank you thank you!" Kooper cheerfully said as he put his shell back on. "Thank you everyone! You're all the best!"

"Glad we can help." Rean smiled

"So what brings you guys here in the Mushroom Kingdom? Another tourist?" Alisa asked

"Not really. We received an invitation from Princess Peach about her party. Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude accepted the invite and bring along their classmates as well. I also remember they also agree to sign with the alliance with the Mushroom Kingdom."

"You were at the party as well Professor Byleth? I can't believe we miss you there!" Elliot said.

"I did remember Princess Peach mentioning those very nations back at the party." Laura said.

"But if you were at the party at the castle when Bowser invaded. How did you managed to escape?" Machias asked.

"It was Professor Byleth who save us." Leonie answered. "He use his magic and teleported us out of the castle. Although he couldn't rescue everyone else at the party."

"The only ones who escape were the rest of the Black Eagles, Blue Lions and Golden Deer Students. Oh right, that includes Professor Manuela and Professor Hanneman. Although I don't remember seeing Seteth and Flayn there." Felix said.

"Seteth said he was going to explore Toad Town with Flayn since she was very curious." Byleth recalled as he rub his chin.

"Anyway, we're getting side track. What brings you here to this village?" Felix asked

"Oh! That's right! I'll explain." Rean said.


One explanation later...

"Wow… I have no words to say to that." Leonie said. "But it does make sense after what happened."

"Bowser and Ouroboros…" Byleth hummed. "I know Bowser but from what you told me of Ouroboros… sounds like they're troubled."

"They sound strong and worthy foes. Byleth, how about we join them?" Felix asked.

"I was also thinking that. How about we also join you on this adventure? I'm also looking for my students who got separated. As well as finding Manuela and Hanneman."

"Oh! Mind if I join you on your adventures as well? I'll be of good use!" Kooper asked

"Sure, the more the merrier." Mario said.

"Sweet!" Kooper said… and then suddenly, Goombario jumped into Mario's pocket.

"Aaah! What are you doing?" Mario asked.

"Switching Party members. Every RPG does this!" He said within his overalls.

"RP… What?" Felix look confused. "Oh never mind. I'll find out eventually."

"Yeah, we can do that as well if needed." Sara said. "All right everyone. Let's move out!"

"Right!" Everyone said.

"Meeeeyork!" The Fuzzy quickly came back with friends. "I changed my mind suckers! How about a battle? En garde!" He said as they all looked at each other with no amusement, and they proceeded to destroy them easily. "Ow ow ow! Meeeyowch! Let's get out of here!" He said as they took off.

"And good riddance." Mario said.

"Seriously. What a bunch of annoying… whatever they are." Felix sighed as they walked off back into the Koopa Village.

"Oh, before we head off. Why don't we restock on some things before we head to that fortress?" Leonie suggest.

"Good idea. Let's go shall we?" Elliot nodded

And then they went into the Toad Shop and then begin to buy some Mushrooms and Pow Block and then be off to the Koopa Bro. Fortress.


Ahh, what a blast. Next up will be the battle of the Koopa Bros! We know how annoying they are. And guess they'll find out there's another will appear before them.