It had been some time since Peach and Perry entered Hoo's Wood, and they were still in the woods, trying to get out of the forest before sundown. Peach's problem involving the brambles was behind her because of being closer to some clearings. However, it was getting dark in Hoo's Wood, and time was not on their side.

Peach, with Perry in hand, had been venturing for a few hours, and all that plus running from Petey in the last chapter, has made both her and Perry feel tired.

"Whew, I'm tired. Aren't you, Perry?" Peach asked Perry.

"Yep. It is getting dark, too. So we should find a safe place to camp."

Peach found a nearby pine tree and sat underneath it's cooling shade for a break.

"Yeah, except where could we camp where Hoo can't see us? If he is a guardian as you say, he would likely look in every nook and cranny to find intruders." Peach pondered, her feet burning from hiking in heels.

"Maybe that cave over there to your left?"

Peach looked to her left to find a huge waterfall, with a medium sized cave right behind it! The perfect spot to hide from a huge owl.

"Perfect! Now we just need to get some fire wood."

Then Peach looked down to find a bunch of twigs on the ground by her left foot.

"That will do nicely!"

Peach put the firewood in her backpack and proceeded to stretch herself through the gap between the rushing waterfall and the cave entrance and managed to get in without having any water damaging the firewood.

But little did they know, that Kamek was watching from his flying broomstick, hiding behind another pine tree. Knowing that our heroes unknowingly gave away their hiding spot, Kamek smiled wickedly as he flew off to find Hoo's nest.

"Ha ha! That silly princess just gave away her location and she didn't even know it! Now I just need to brainwash Hoo, kidnap her, and I'm done!" Kamek declared as he was in contact with Bowser via his magic wand.

"Excellent job, Kamek. And-WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE, YOU IDIOT!"

Kamek was so busy patting himself on the back, that he didn't see where he was going and crashed onto an huge oak tree.

But not just any oak tree.

"Ow, my head…"

Kamek looked up to find a humongous horned owl with white and sky blue feathers, bright red ear tufts, and bright yellow eyes surrounded by black rings around them, looking right at him with an angry glare.

It was Hoo himself.

"Oh my…"

Hoo roared at Kamek, angry that he trespassed into his property. Just then, Kamek whipped out his wand and pointed at Hoo.

"Now listen here you feathered oaf! You will do exactly as I say!"

His wand lit up, and Hoo turned his head in confusion.

"You are under my control now. Your mind belongs to me!"

Hoo's eyes glowed red as he was now under Kamek's spell.

"Perfect."

A/N: I apologize that I haven't updated in a while. Gotta love procrastination plus writer's block. Anyway, I hope this chapter was worth the wait!