Chapter 10:
In The Streets Of Peril...
Author's Notes: Thanks for all the reviews and compliments! The last chapter was very fun to write, especially the poems! I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween (for those who celebrate it) and a BIG thanks for reading. This chapter is just for you, reviewers!
Disclaimer: I don't own any Mario characters.
After about one coffee, one contest, and one big yawn, Princess Daisy was back at the peak of her problems. Standing on the sidewalk on the less-known badder part of town, she glanced around, with a bit of regret. Maybe having a body guard wouldn't of been such a bad thing...
Nonsense. She WAS independent right? No normal AVERAGE citizen would have such special treatment. She heaved a sigh. The buses only came to this part of town once or twice a day. Actually, she was surprised they even KNEW of this part of town. The bus stop wasn't for another mile or too...
She wasn't in walking shoes. No, high-heels were defiantly not suitable for walking a mile, anyone would know that; brain or not! She glanced at the doors of the café, watching various contestants and customers walk out as well.
She soon spotted the familiar girl that had been on the elevator with her back at the Mushroom City V.I.P. hotel and in the recent poetry contest. Surely she'd know what to do!
She went up to the little Toadette and tapped her shoulder. The little thing nearly jumped up in fright, glancing at her. "Do I-I-I know you?" she said, her high voice shaking quite a bit.
Daisy fought on a smile. "We met on the elevator at the Mushroom City V.I.P. hotel..."
"..." she blinked twice. "Oh...umm...well, hi, Princess Daisy..." She seemed a lot less confident in real life then she did on the stage. Maybe it was because she was facing royalty. There was times Daisy herself was nervous to talk to her own family...they were all so important and dignified. But on the brighter side, at least her name was known. The contest had made it public.
"I was wondering, since you seem native to these parts of town, if you could perhaps help me find my way back to-"
"I'm really not, Princess." She replied, glancing at her watch. "Actually, I'm late for an audition."
"Audition?"
"Yes," she replied. "Only my audition is on the east part town. The Mushroom City V.I.P. hotel was in the center..." she shrugged. "Besides, I think this time I REALLY have a chance at the big time!"
The big time? Daisy stared at her a bit befuddled.
"You know," she started, using her little hands in the process. "The interviews, movies...I want to be a star!"
"A star?" Daisy's eyes widen. "An actress?"
"Well, everyone says I'm pretty." She giggled, knowing the fact was true. She was extremely pretty for a Toadette; especially with her hair worn up...it made her look very mature, along with sophisticated. "And I have a passion for the arts...my drama coach says I have major talent and that there's a spot for me on the big screen!" she smiled.
"But..." Daisy frowned a bit. Yesterday that little Toad looked more like a little girl then she did an actress. "Yesterday, you seemed rather..."
"Rather what?" she shrugged. "Kootroopia is my favorite band. I really wanted to get their autograph..." she sighed. "But the hotel manger kicked me out...they didn't even believe me when I said I was the next big star..."
A frown appeared on Daisy's face. Maybe she could help the girl in return for some help for herself? She shrugged. "Well, maybe I could help. I'm staying at the hotel...I just need a way to get back there..."
"Oh..." she replied. "Well, I'd lend you some money for a taxi, but I only have enough to pay for my trip. And trust me," she said, softly in a whisper. "This side of town is not friendly. No one really comes down here; it's so hard to find a taxi in the first place..."
Daisy nodded. "I'm not too fond of the taxi service anyway. Don't you think that the drivers are a bit...suspicious...I mean, they're only in it for the money right?"
"I would think," replied Toadette. "You could always take the bus, but the stop isn't for a long way from here." She thought for a minute. "Wait! I have a friend that lives down here!"
"You do?"
"Yeah, that's where I heard about the poetry contest from. He lives about a block from here...maybe he could drive you back to the V.I.P. hotel!"
"..." Daisy frowned. None of the people down there seemed pretty trustworthy.
"Don't worry!" the future actress cheerfully replied, a master of emotion from both the giver and receiver. "He's REALLY nice. He wouldn't hurt a fly...literally..." she muttered at the end, raising her little hand, alerting for a taxi to come. Taking out a piece of paper from her purse while waiting, she quickly jotted down a number and address.
"I hope you get back safely, Princess Daisy. If you need anything, feel free to call me..." she smiled, a taxi finally arriving. "And if you happen to get Kootroopia's autograph for me, I'll be your best friend for life..." she giggled and got in the taxi.
"Good luck on your audition! Thank you!" called out Daisy, watching the taxi door close and the car drive away.
She sighed and glanced back at the piece of paper. The card read:
Edward Koopa (Eddy ♥)
Limerick Hotel
Apartment Condo #286
Cell: 555-286-7423
Toadette ♥
Future Star/Actress
On the back of the paper were several signatures. It looked like during the poetry readings Toadette had gotten bored and decided that her autograph needed a bit of work itself. Each signature was fancier then the previous; until it became so fancy it was nearly impossible to read. And for some odd reason, Toadette seem to have a heart at the end of every one.
What could you expect though? She was pretty girly herself. She had a few doodles drawn on the paper here and there, but it served its purpose as an information source.
Continuing to walk down the street, Daisy heaved a sigh. None of the faces in this town were TOO trustworthy. Soon spotting the run-down Limerick Hotel, she quickly headed towards the lime green door, trying her best to pull it open.
It was locked.
The broken-glass windows and the glass from them surrounded the hotel entrance. It looked like an earthquake had struck the little green place and that they never had the funds to repair the damages. There was a small bell next to the door, with an unraveled string. Daisy's left gloved hand reached to pull it, as a quick yet alerting bell struck on the inside and out.
Immediately, an old Goomba opened the door, fighting to keep his eyes open. He quickly fought on a business smile. "Yes?" he asked. "We offer rooms for-"
She sighed. "Actually, I'm here to see a...very close friend. Could you tell me where Mr. Edward...Koopa lives?"
"Ah yes," the Goomba said, fighting his way back to the recipient's desk.
The whole hotel looked a bit pre-ancient as the princess slowly followed. The walls looked beaten, much like the windows, and there were spider-webs in every possible corner. The worn-out purple walls stood no purpose but to add effect to a haunted house...
And deep down, Daisy was starting to think it was one. She stood patiently, seeing as most of the chairs in the room were broken.
"Ah yes, Edward Koopa...I...I can't read the handwriting..." he placed his body a bit closer. "Darn it...my cousin must have wrote that...stupid apprentice...I err..."
"Umm..." she hesitated. At least Toadette knew which room he stayed in. But by now, she wouldn't be surprised if he had moved out.
"Your services are appreciated," she forced a smile. "Oh, by the way, do you know where Condo #286 is?"
"Twelfth floor...I think...," he hesitated. His eyes immediately shut. "Please excuse me..." and his head, if not his whole brown body, fell flat on the desk.
Was he dead? Daisy backed up a bit. This place was too freaky...
She sighed and headed towards the stairs. Knowing the quality of the first two rooms, she was sure the elevator was broken.
Final Notes: I ended it a bit short of what happened next, but that will all be cleared up next chapter. Please review! The more reviews I get, the more motivated I am to add another chapter. But thanks for reading anyway...until next time!!!