If Goombario had to guess, it was five or six in the afternoon. The sun was starting to lower in the sky, but there was more than enough light to see. The entrance to Toad Town was just up ahead. After that... well, actually, he didn't know. "Um, so, Mario... when we get to Toad Town, what's the first thing on the list?"
"...We'll be going to Star Hill. It's just behind... the castle." Mario answered after thinking for a second.
"Sounds cool," Goombario remarked, trying to remain calm. The castle! He was gonna see the castle! He didn't seem to notice the slight pause in Mario's answer. With fanboyish feelings abuzz, he looked ahead. He's been here several times, but never as an adventurer! They were heading down a final hill, and Toad Town's gates were right there.
Glancing to the side, Goombario noted a yellow block. "Oh! Look, Mario! Can I!?" the Goomba asked. Mario saw what he was talking about and chuckled. "Go ahead."
Goombario all but ran over to the block and jumped up, hitting it with his head. Out came... a Sleepy Sheep! His first received item on an adventure. Goombario picked it up with a grin and tried handing it to Mario.
"Why don't you hold onto it? Use it when you think the time is right." Mario said.
So cool! "Okay!" the Goomba agreed, star-eyed. Mario beckoned to him, and they again started heading towards Toad Town again.
The walk down the path was no big deal. As they entered the town, Goombario blinked and looked up, and there was a handful of Toads who crowded them. Well, Mario, really.
"Mario! I'm so glad, that you're okay!" One said. He continued, but it was hard to understand him, because every Toad talked over each other.
"I, Felissa T., am so scared!"
"It's bedlam! Thank the stars you're back! "
"Everyone's been worried for days! We've taken count of who fled the party, but there are still a lot missing!"
Mario heard all their remarks of their fear and hope, and nodded along. It was a few minutes before they began to calm down. He said only a few words here and there to calm them down, but it seemed to be enough.
The Toads quieted down, and walked off. They seemed to be collectively be relieved, and continued a few miscellaneous tasks, like sweeping and carrying a few things.
Goombario was impressed by how Mario kept his tone calm. He was very reassuring. It wasn't a surprise, he's obviously strong and capable. The Toads would definitely be aware of that.
Mario gestured to Goombario and walked through the streets of Toad Town. The fanboy trailed behind, a bit off guard of the atmosphere now.
As they turned the corner, an estatic voice rung out.
"Mario! It's you!" Luigi called. He dropped the tied stack of wood he was carrying and ran over. "Bro!"
Mario waved, with a smile on his face and Luigi caught him in a tight hug. "It's so good to see you! I'm so glad you're alright!"
He pulled away, holding him at arm's length. "I... ran out right when the earthquake started..." he explained, "But then I saw that you never made it out. And I didn't even know where to start looking, so the residents and I just started to pick up the debris. I was so worried for you, but this wizard claimed that you would be back. I had faith in that.. because I didn't want to leave the residents on their own, you know." He rambled on a little, as Mario nodded along. He then seemed to notice the Goomba standing behind Mario.
"Oh. Hello...!" He greeted a bit bashfully. "I..
didn't see you there! Who are you?"
"I'm Goombario! It's so cool to meet you too, Luigi!"
"Uh, um... really?" Luigi asked, and Mario rolled his eyes with a smile. "I m-mean... thank you! It's nice to meet you too, Goombario, was it?"
"Yeah! I'm joining Mario to save the Princess! It's my first adventure!" Goombario said proudly.
"I see," Luigi smiled, noting the bruise near the center of the young Goomba's face. He shot a look at Mario, who just looked confused at why Luigi gave him a look. Luigi shook his head. He guessed if Mario agreed to it, he'd commit to taking care of the boy. "Well you be careful. Take care of Mario."
Goombario laughed a bit, and nodded.
Luigi turned back to Mario. "I'll.. stay around Toad Town and help out here, Mario. If you need anything, just tell me and I'll be at your side in a jiffy."
Mario nodded. Every single task was important. Helping the residents, cleaning up... Oh! Right. "I'm heading to Star Hill right now. I was told to go there." He explained briefly.
Luigi nodded. "Okay. Don't get lost again, Bro." he joked, earning a light shove in return.
The Mario Brothers went their separate ways; Luigi picked up the bundle of wood he dropped earlier, and Goombario trailed after Mario's beeline to the Blue Gates down the road.
Goombario marveled at the luster of the gates. He's always passed by, but now he was able to come through here...!
Two Toad Guards who sat atop the walls were surprised to see Mario when he waved, but responded in kind. They nodded and began to open the grand, star-gilded doors.
Goombario's smile grew as the doors opened... but them fell as he beheld the torn up cobblestone and piled up rubble all around. What an awful sight.
Mario walked forward, giving a final wave to the Toads keeping watch. Goombario stumbled ahead as they began to close the doors again. He looked up at them. There was nothing to guard, but maybe it was just the need for normalcy...? He turned back to continue after Mario. There were a few stray Toads here and there. Some were too focused on cleaning up to notice the duo. Maybe for the better, Goombario assumed. Mario seemed intent on heading to Star Hill for whatever reason, and he didn't seem to want to be slowed down anymore.
They passed the courtyard, and Goombario looked at the gaping crater as they passed by. The bridge was ripped apart and there were large muddy patches. No doubt the moat was buried under all the mess. He looked back ahead of him. The extent of the damage was far beyond what he thought.
He and Mario passed over another bridge. They followed a pathway that stretched far from where the castle used to be. The grass and sky seemed to darken the more they pressed on. It seemed to circle around and behind the castle... but Goombario couldn't be too sure.
It felt like nighttime, it was strange. Stars began to fall around them. Goombario flinched back but they only.. bounced off the ground...? Mario noted Goombario's wariness. They're only Wishes... and if I'm not mistaken, they're just not sticking to the Summit." He explained curtly.
"Oh..." Goombario said, not quite sure how to respond to that. Why...weren't they? He wanted to ask. Mario trekked on, and he felt that the opportunity was gone.
The place was mysterious for sure. Goombario looked around as they moved upward. He had heard of this place- he's read about it and heard local stories- but had never experienced it himself. Shooting Stars fell around them, and Goombario felt... odd being here. It was such a spiritual place.
The hatted duo begun to reach the peak of Star Summit. Mario stepped onto the top surface and looked around. There was nothing here... but he could have sworn that...
He stepped forward to the center of the hilltop, on the stone surface. Suddenly, with a gleam, an old Star appeared over a starry mark on the ground.
"Welcome. We've been awaiting you, Mario." The Star Spirit spoke, his figure flickering briefly. The other 6 Star Spirits phased into view not long after he did. Goombario looked around at the coveted Star Spirits. Whoa... The Star continued. "We are the 7 Star Spirits. Our job is to pass judgement upon Wishes from people down below. The information we have pertains to the Mushroom Kingdom being under Bowser's reign right now. Please listen carefully."
Mario nodded. Goombario was completely taken aback.
Eldstar continued. "The other day, Bowser somehow managed to break into our peaceful Star Haven. He stole our prized treasure. The Star Rod... It's the relic we Stars have sworn to guard since the beginning of time."
"It's, to put it simply, the tool that allows us to grant wishes. It's powerful beyond belief." Another Star Spirit spoke up. Her voice sounded sweet, though she was so solemn now. "The Wishes we grant are always considered carefully, but ill-intentioned or selfish wishes never meet the standards for being approved. Of course, Bowser had a high number of declined wishes."
A purple Star talked next. "Bowser, the fiend... He was far from happy when he somehow heard of it, so he took the Star Rod into order to grant his own Wishes. He seems content now, but terrible things may happen if the Star Rod is in his possession for too long... He could throw the world into unimaginable chaos."
"We know it is our responsibility to safekeep the Star Rod, Mario..." Came the blue star's strong voice, but Stars, he felt so helpless. "But we reach out to you for help. Your reputation speaks legions for you. We know you can defeat Bowser and return the Star Rod to its rightful place."
"...But not the way you are now." The Star Spirit with a Ribbon interjected bluntly. She looked absolutely miserable. "With the Star Rod's aid, he's made himself stronger, but he doesn't know how much of a toll it will take on him. Raw energy such as that was never meant for one sole being to have."
"It won't be easy, Mario... but rescuing us will have its reward." The sixth Star Spirit said, "Once we are all reunited in Star Haven, we can aid you in the battle against Bowser. He locked us away because he knew we could counteract him, even with all his new found power." He felt pretty optimistic with this plan being laid out.
'We hope to..." the final Star Spirit started, but his words became garbled as his figure became fuzzy for a few seconds. "...Alas, my strength is fading fast. We've been trapped in seals and are being held by Bowser's followers. Unfortunately, this kind of seal is foreign to us, and most of our capabilities are restricted. Please, Mario. Rescue us...!" He said, before his bodily illusion gave out.
"...Indeed, Mario..." The eldest Star started up again. "We struggle to even pass this message along to you... So, please rescue us all," Two more Star Spirits faded out. "It'll be the key to restoring Star Haven and the Mushroom Kingdom...To save your Princess." Another. "We can achieve victory together. You're our last hope. We will also..." He likely meant to offer something, but the last three Star Sprits lost their connection.
There was only silence. It only broke with the next wave of lost Wishes. It was so much to take in.
Goombario looked over at the plumber. Deities were pleading to him for help. "..Mario..." he started. He felt... like he was just an extremely small part in all of this. "Things are a lot more serious than I thought..."
The hero looked at him thoughtfully. Giving him an offer to go back home wouldn't sit well, no doubt, but at the same time, he would probably take the offer if Mario suggested it. He was a young and impressionable kid. He wanted to be comforted. Mario nodded at him to agree with his observation. "Are you ready to give it your all?" he asked him.
Goombario's eyes flared with determination. "I am.
As the duo approached the castle again, their thoughts were still flooded with the Star Spirits pleading to them for help. They've both been silent among this trail.
Mario began to cross the bridge and was about halfway through when a speedy projectile crashed past his head. He stumbled forward, clutching his head.
"Ouch!" The projectile exclaimed. "Sorry! Sorry! So sorry! I'm in a huge hurry!" The Star Kid turned, and saw the man he had bumped into. "Oh, it's...! You're Mario, aren't you?" he asked excitedly.
Mario looked up in confusion, and nodded.
"Yippee!" the Star Kid cheered, making figure 8's in the air around Mario and Goombario. He finished up, and smiled at them. "I'm so glad I found you! My name is Twink! How are you? Princess Peach asked me to bring this to you... Give me a second...Where did I...?" Twink hardly spent a second not talking.
Mario blinked. The Princess was always capable of finding ways to sneak behind Bowser's back. This time around was no exception. He smiled.
"Here you go!" The Star Kid exclaimed, pulling a necklace seemingly out of nowhere. "Take it!" he all but threw the pendant necklace at Mario, who did manage to catch it.
"It's a Lucky Star," Twink explained as Mario looked down at it, "It's a piece of jewelry said to be blessed by the Stars themselves. I'm sure the Princess knew that you would need it."
"Oh, terrific!" Goombario said, "You might have a bit more luck with it in battle... I wonder if it works even without the Star Rod."
Twink faltered. "I.. believe so. I hadn't thought about it. But it will help you!"
Mario put the necklace on fondly, and gave Twink a thumbs up.
He smiled. "Well.. I'll going to return to her side now. I'm... not strong enough to really help her, but I can at least support her and tell her you're okay... Well, see you later, Mario!" he waved.
Both parties watched the Star Kid soar up, pause, and come back down to them. "Oh, I almost forgot!" he said, a bit red. He cleared his throat. "'I'm alright so don't worry about me.' ...Those were her exact words." he nodded. He recalled the lament he sensed before he left. "I get the feeling though... that she's very lonely. I'll help you both out the best I can," he promised. "Do you want me to tell her anything for you?"
Mario drew a blank, what could he tell her? Stay safe? She was kidnapped. She sent reassurance and a unique tool for his quest. He shook his head, a bit embarrassed. "It's... okay." he replied.
"Alright, maybe next time! Be brave, Mario!" Twink giggled. "We know you can do it!"
And he flew off once more, for real this time.
"...There he goes. Back to Bowser's domain. What a brave little Star." Goombario remarked.
Mario nodded in agreement, and they both walked on to reach Toad Town again. They passed the castle base, and the Toads let them through the gates again.
The Mushroom Kingdom Hero... didn't know where to start. None of the Star Spirits said where they were bring held, come to think of it. Frustration arose in him. They probably didn't know... but he could use some sort of nudge in the right direction. It was as if Peach's Lucky Pendant was taking effect now.
"Oh, hey Mario," a Toad greeted him on the streets. It seems word had gotten around now that he returned. "A couple of days ago, Merlon asked me to tell you to go to his house. You know, the guy with the spinning roof? I told him that you were missing, but he kind of snapped at me and slammed the door after telling me again, so I assume it's important."
Mario tilted his head, a bit confused, but nodded. He knew of Merlon, but he hardly knew him.
"Okay... Please let him know that I did tell you. He scares me," the Toad confessed.
Mario chuckled, and nodded.
The Toad walked off, and so did Mario and Goombario. They headed down the street. It wasn't long when they got there.
"Huh," Goombario said as he looked up. "It really is a spinning roof. How eccentric. I wonder what it's used for."
Mario cracked a smile and shrugged as he knocked on the door. He was about to answer when a shout came from inside. "Merlon is OUT!"
He and Goombario exchanged a glance. Mario tapped his foot and knocked again. There was no answer this time, just silence. He rolled his eyes. If he wanted to play some unfunny trick, fine, but he had some princess rescuing to do.
"Wait, Mario..! That Toad said that he somehow knew that you'd be okay, That should be important, right? Plus you said that you would tell Merlon."
Mario shuffled impatiently but gave in. He knocked once more and waited.
"Why do you keep on knocking!? It's too early for this...! I told you already..." grumbling came from the other side. The door swung harshly open and caught Mario and he fell back.
"What the...? Why are you sleeping on my yard?" Merlon asked, peering down at him oddly.
Between falling from a balcony, being attacked by a Star, and seeing stars because of a door, Mario wondered if it wouldn't be Bowser who would end his game this time around. What kind of door swung outwards anyway!? Of course, while odd, it wasn't out of place on a house with s spinning roof.
Mario sat up grumpily, and Merlon stared. "Wait a minute... Your face seems veeery familiar..."
"Umm..." Goombario spoke up, feeling a little bad since he had advised Mario to knock again. "That's Mario, Sir. We got your message..."
"No! ...Or yes! It is, indeed. I've been waiting for you," Merlon said. His purple cloak hooded his face, but his yellow eyes showed a smile. "You should have come earlier!" he berated.
Mario stood. Seriously?
"Well, you're here now," Merlon mused. Time was of the essence. He walked into his house. "Come in," he called behind him.
Mario brushed himself off, and entered. Goombario followed suit.
It wasn't at all what Goombario was expecting. He expected bookshelves and a mess of paper and books everywhere. Maybe a chair or two that was also cluttered, and nowhere to sit, really.
Instead, the room was all bare except for a small table with a crystal ball. Was this a one room house, or was there more? Goombario looked around. Was there a door somewhere around here? Where did he sleep?
His wonder was interrupted when Merlon began to speak. "Where should I begin...?" he muttered before putting his full attention to Mario. "When I was reading the Stars, I discovered something very important and it concerns you." His tone was very serious. He seemed like a different person from before.
Mario stared at him from across the table and nodded.
"I foresee that Bowser will steal a grand power and elevate the castle far into the Heavens." Merlon stated solemnly.
Mario and Goombario blinked.
"I know this sounds outlandish, but I assure you it is the true path you will follow, Mario. The way the stars align doesn't lie." Merlon said. "But there is hope. There was a recent shift... One that I am currently working to decipher. Everything is unclear, but I can sense some sort of pattern... There will be people you meet on your travels who will be key to successfully taking down Bowser's reign."
The fanboy felt pride swell up. He was key to Mario's success!
"Yes..." Merlon nodded sagely. "I cannot tell you everything yet, as deciphering takes time... but if you visit me every so often, I can keep you up to date with what I read for you."
'Reading the stars...' Goombario thought. 'What a wise career. And so noble to guide heroes on important quests.'
Merlon cleared his throat. "...For a small price."
Goombario was surprised. This was his kingdom too! He wanted to complain, but Mario nodded and asked. "How much?"
"All I ask is five coins for every fortune... But this offer is only for you," he emphasized. "I don't want people getting wind of my accurate and time consuming work for practically nothing."
Mario nodded again. "That's agreeable. I understand."
"A word of warning, however. Pay the upmost attention to me." he said sternly, and waited a few seconds to make sure both eyes' were on him. "The course of action set by the Stars is no 'prophecy.' It's a Fortune. This means you are not guaranteed to beat this tyrant, understand? Events were shifted in your favor, but it's entirely up to you and what you do with the information I give you."
Goombario glanced at Mario, who nodded. His eyes were narrowed as he nodded once more.
"Okay." Merlon said. "...Ah, yes. I do recall. The first one who will aid you is..."
Goombario smiled. The old wizard was a bit behind on the times, no doubt because he spent countless hours on the Stars. Of course, he and Mario both knew that he, Goombario, was the first adventurer to join. So maybe they would just have to wait a few days to get updated information.
"..a blue shelled type from Koopa Village." Merlon said. "The village lies east of Toad Town."
What. Goombario blinked. But, he was here. He was the first one. He looked to Mario, but the Hero just looked deep in thought. Did he skip a portion, or what!?
"Alas, that is all I know for now. So beware of Bowser's upcoming attack." Merlon reminded and glanced aside. "You may take your leave now."
Mario thanked him, and headed to the door. Goombario looked back and forth frantically. He wanted to press Merlon for questions, but also wanted to follow Mario... He gave up upon seeing Merlon already gazing into the crystal ball. No doubt he'd be agitated if his focus were pulled away.
So he stepped out the door to catch up with Mario. As soon as the Goomba shut the door behind him, Mario yawned. He's been trying not to for some time now, in front of Merlon. It was dark. It felt like they were in there forever.
He looked to the east exit of Toad Town... but shook his head. They would head out tomorrow. It was too late tonight... It was a non stop day, and everything had caught up to him. He was exhausted. Mario looked at Goombario. Hmm, he hadn't thought about sleeping arrangements... His and Luigi's home wasn't...really built for guests staying over. It was on the smaller side.
Goombario looked back at him, waiting for him to speak. Mario considered his options, and looked to a certain building across the street. Aha! That would work. He patted Goombario on the head and gestured him to follow. They approached the door to the Toad House and he entered.
"Hello... Welcome." A Toad greeted. "I'm sorry. I didn't expect any new guests... Oh, Mario?" The Toad sounded glum, but perked up when he saw Mario.
The plumber waved in greeting.
"I'm glad you're okay." he smiled a bit more, though it seemed faint. "It gives me that much more hope... If you're okay, then that might mean Morel is okay up in the castle too." He smiled, but then snapped back to reality. "Oh! But I'm sorry. You're here for a reason aren't you? My name is Enoki, I'm happy to serve. Are you...looking for a room?"
Mario nodded. "It's for him." he said, pointing at Goombario.
Enoki smiled at the Goomba, "Just the room for one?" His little script sounded robotic almost.
"Yes, just for the one night."
"Right... Um, well. I do usually charge, but I think I can uh, let it pass by really." Enoki said. "It wouldn't feel right charging you, Mario," he laughed a bit nervously. "Especially since you know... the situation right now?"
Goombario agreed with him, but Mario tried shrugging it off.
"No, really, I insist! All I ask... is that you bring Peach's castle down as fast as you can! I want to see him again." Enoki said. "I know you can do it, and if what little I can offer helps in any way, I'll gladly do it!"
Mario nodded gratefully, and promised him that he'd try his best.
Enoki calmed down a bit, feeling a bit embarrassed at his sudden declaration. "Thank you," he said, and then turned to Goombario. "I'll show you to your room now."
Goombario turned to Mario. "'Uh, goodbye. Good night!" he called as he followed Enoki out of the lobby.
"Good night," Mario waved back, "We'll meet up tomorrow morning."
The fanboy turned back and heard the door shut as Mario's exit. Enoki didn't lead him far into the hallway. "There isn't anyone staying currently. Several people checked out the day the party was ruined, and of course, the roads aren't fit for traveling right now."
Goombario nodded a little bit awkwardly. "Yeah, uh... Mario and I just came from out of town. Had to fight just to get here."
"It's hard times indeed." Enoki mused. "Oh, yeah. Sorry. I'm just a bit distracted. Since there's nobody else here, you can take your pick of the rooms."
Cool! I'm made to share my room with Goombaria!
Goombario smiled widely, but remained professional. "Thank you." he said, choosing at random. The third door...on the left!
"Sleep well," Enoki said, before he wandered back to the main lobby.
Goombario shut the door excitedly. His own room!
He looked around. It was a pretty little setup. The bed looked extremely comfy, with white sheets and a plush blanket with a star on it. Goombario set his things down and prepped for bed in a whirl. He whizzed through putting his stuff down, brushing his teeth, winding down and everything. He bounded to the bed. It was as comfy as it looked. He bounced on it for a little bit as he laughed.
Settling down after a few minutes, he laid back and stared at the ceiling with a smile on his face. He reflected on everything that happened giddily. The road here was... eventful! Despite the low points, he wouldn't have had it any other way. The fights and bruises were just marks of the first leg of his adventure! No matter how confusing, painful, or upsetting things could get, he was going to stick through it all. That's what heroes do!
Goombario's eyes drooped... He was also very tired. Endless walking, and fighting... and listening to that old wizard talk...
He drifted off to sweet dreams in a few minutes, comforted by the enveloping blanket. His last vague thought that he would forget come morning was the reminder of Merlon not mentioning him in the Fortune... but it was okay, right? He is the first one... Not that blue shelled guy, whoever he is...
I think the energy of those last two chapters were... a bit haphazard. But I was eager to get back into continuing this fic. I hope this chapter feels a bit more normal. I... May edit a couple of things regarding the first few chapters... but it isn't high on my priority list.
I like the fun, little house segments with Luigi in Paper Mario, but I always did think that it was odd for Luigi to be a...housewife chilling on the porch rather than helping out with the town. Also, the reason for him not tagging along was.. weak.
I'm really liking how Goombario is coming along, if I can say that. Oh yeah, and I had planned on Mario being subtly silent throughout this fic.. but I didn't want to make him bland, so I'm trying out a different characterization with him. Let me know if you guys like it, including the minor characters I'll be adding here and there. Just to give the story a little more flavor.