(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Twilight Town)

"I can't the Rean we celebrated was actually an imposter! We were completely fooled..." The Mayor muttered. "Please forgive us, Rean."

"Please don't worry about it. I'm just glad that whole body stealing thing is over." Rean smiled. "I'm glad the village is back to normal and safe. That's all I ever want."

"You truly are the true hero and have a noble heart! You and everyone brought a shiny ray of light to our dim little town, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Please come visit at any time."

"Of course, thanks you Mayor." Rean nodded as they all headed to the Pipe and hopped on it.

(BGM ended)

(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Rogueport Sewer)

"This is so exciting! Can't wait to see where we'll be going next!" Vivian giggled as they walked out of the Warp Pipe room, and then Mario's SP Mailbox went off.

"Oh, must be from Peach." Luigi said.

"Wonder what it's about this time?" Paimon wondered as Mario opened it up.

"Dear Mario and friends: I have some bad news that I have uncovered. It turns out that there is a demon's soul inside the Thousand Year Door, and of course, Grodus wants to revive the demon's soul with the Crystal Stars to take over the world. But I have some good news to counter that. The only way to seal the demon's soul is to use the Crystal Stars. Don't let them get the Crystal Stars! You need to stop them from going through with their horrible plans! - Peach.

P.S I also found out why you're here Rean. You're on a mission to recover stolen information, right? Well turns out it's the X-Nauts who infiltrated the Railway Military Police and stole whatever information they got their hands on. I don't know what they plan to do with it, but I'll let you know if I find out."

"DEMON'S SOUL?!" Luigi and Paimon yelled.

"So that's the "treasure" behind the Thousand Year Door... It's no wonder the X-Nauts are desperately searching for the Crystal Stars! So they can use the Crystal Star and control the demon!" Levi growled

"And it seems it was the X-Nauts were the ones who infiltrate the RMP." Altina said.

"Yeah... I had my suspicions it might be them. Now it all falls into place." Rean said. "It's a good thing we join forces. Let's hope they don't get the rest of the Crystal Stars."

"Right." Levi nodded until his Rotom Phone notification went on. "Hmm?" He pulled it out and check what's up. Then he suddenly burst into laugh at his Rotom Phone.

"Levi, what's with the laughter?" Rean asked as his Rotom Phone notification went on and then he check and see. He covered his mouth and holding in his laughter while Mario and Luigi look at their Rotom Phone too. And then they burst into laughter.

"Okay why are you guys laughing?" Paimon asked as Levi show everyone the picture Crow send them about Roman.

Then they all burst into laughter as some feel on the ground and continue laughing.

"Oh, that was hilarious!" Aether laughed as he got one from Mona.

"Okay, I think we had a good laugh. Let's go everyone." Rean chuckle with them nodding in agreement.

They heading straight for the Thousand Year Door.

(BGM ended)

(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Hall of the Thousand Year Door)

"Hey, what's that corridor over there?" Vivian wondered, pointing to the entrance to the Pit.

"Oh that? That's the Pit of 100 Trials." Levi replied.

"Pit of 100 Trial? What's that?" Tartaglia asked

"It's this very dangerous dungeon filled with strong monsters."

"Oooh~ Sounds like my kinda place! Let's go there!" Tartaglia smirked.

"Not now Tartaglia, we got more important things to do. Once we got the Crystals Stars, then we can go to the 100 Pits." Paimon stated.

"All right, all right."

"Still, look at this place." Chongyun amused.

"Indeed... I can definitely sense history within this room. So this is the Thousand Year Door you all spoke off?" Xingqiu asked.

"Yep." Luigi nodded

"Fascinating... to see something like this. I have got to read this."

"Lucky, we know someone. So you can talk to him about it from there." Levi said as Mario hopped on the pedestal with the map shining brightly above them, and when the map returned, an island popped up on the map.

"Is that an island?" Altina asked.

"It is… but the question is, which island? And where?" Kazuha wondered.

"Well, let's go find out." Aether said with them nodding in agreement.

(BGM ended)

Back at Frankly's…

(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Professor Frankly's Theme)

"WH-WH-WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Frankly yelled. "YOU'RE TELLING ME THAT THE TREASURE BEHIND THE THOUSAND-YEAR DOOR IS THE SOUL OF A DEMON?!"

"Apparently so!" Luigi exclaimed.

"Hmm… so the legend IS true…" Frankly mused.

"What do you mean Professor?" Paimon asked

"Well, what I am about to tell you is very important. Make sure you're listening." Frankly said and then turned to the screen. "And you there! In front of your computer or mobile device! Make sure you're listening too!"

"Uh… What are you doing Professor?" Rean asked.

"He must be like Millium when it come to breaking the fourth wall." Altina said.

"Yeah, there are tones of people who like to break the fourth wall in this story." Tartaglia chuckled.

"A lot of people do in the show! Or in this case, story." Frankly exclaimed. "Anyway, from what I've read in the legend, the ancient demon created the Crystal Stars to hold the essence of the heavens, and were placed in several locations to expand her power. However, four heroes collected these Crystal Stars and used their power against the demon, but they were cursed before the fight ended. In short, they were forced to hold on to the Crystal Stars, lest they were turned into demons. These heroes decided to give these Crystal Stars to others to protect anyway."

"So, the Crystal Stars are the only way to hurt the demon?" Mario asked.

"Correct! In the right hands, the Crystal Stars can hurt the demon, but in the wrong hands, it'll spell disaster. So, we are doing the right thing by collecting the Crystal Stars before the X-Nauts do."

"Right. At least we know the truth behind the Thousand Year Door. Still... something about this bothers me..." Levi said.

"And that would be?" Altina asked

"In several books and tales... each story mentions treasures. We found the real truth behind this... but the question is... who was the one who mention treasure behind the Thousand Year Door."

"Yeah. I have to agree." Rean nodded. "We have the real story behind the Thousand Year Door and what happened 1000 years ago. Normally people would learn of this already. However, someone mention the treasure behind the Thousand Year Door, and alter the truth behind the Thousand Year Door. And rumors about it still continue through this very day and age. But who and why someone mentions treasure behind the Thousand-year door?"

"Ahh. I sense a conspiracy in motion going on." Tartaglia crossed his arm.

"So in order words, either someone purposely alters the history about the Thousand Year Door, or someone spread rumors while the history about 1000 ago was forgotten." Aether rub his chin.

"Hmm... If that's the case, how did the X-Nauts know the real truth behind the Thousand Year Door?" Altina asked

"Yes, these are all good questions." Frankly nodded. "Unfortunately no one knows how the rumors were started or who spreading them now. But right now, we must focus on collecting the Crystal Stars before the X-Naut."

"So, where's the next Crystal Star?" Vivan asked

"Ah yes, according to the map, the next Crystal Star is at an island called Keelhaul Key."

"That's an interesting name." Alf mused.

"Indeed. There are rumors going about that this island is cursed, full of vengeful spirits, and a lot of ships go there and never return."

"Cursed?! Oh dear…" Luigi groaned.

"Paimon is all interested in treasure but..." Paimon muttered. "Paimon doesn't want to go to a place that is cursed... But... we really do need those Crystal Stars before the X-Nauts..."

"Of course, I'm not sure if these rumors are true or not, but in any case, you would need a ship to get there. I think there's one at the docks, but you definitely need a captain for that." Frankly said. "So good luck!" He said where the group walked out of the building.

(BGM ended)

(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Rogueport)

"Let's go to the pier. We might find a ship over there." Mario suggested.

"Good idea." Chongyun said as they took off to find a ship at the pier, which wasn't hard considering there were two ships. One was a large ship while the other... well it pales in comparison, sitting there in the water, and there are several of its crew loading supplies in it.

"Oh, look, there's a two ships. Maybe we can aboard one of them." Luigi said.

"Wait. That larger ship looks familiar." Aether said as they go forward for a closer expectation.

"Well, I'll be. If it ain't Aether, Paimon and Kazuha." Said one of the crewmembers.

"Oh hey! So it is the Crux!" Paimon cheered

"You know them?" Rean asked.

"The Crux is a renowned Crew in Calvard and Inazuma. It's known for its armed fleet and naval warfare. And the captain of the Flux is Captain Beidou. She's known for her immense strength, nerve of steel, and tactics." Xingqiu explained.

"Wow Aether, you have a looooot of friends and connections." Levi chuckled.

"What are you guys doing here?" Paimon asked

"We came here this place to restock on supplies. Quite the interesting place we stumble upon." Furong chuckled. "We heard this place is called Rogueport. Sounds like a perfect for scoundrels like us eh?" He asked and the crew laughed.

"So if you're here, where's Beidou?" Aether asked.

"She's taking a walk around Rogueport. Though if I had to guess, I'll probably go for the Inn."

"Got it. Let's go talk to Beidou in the Inn." Paimon suggest as they nodded in agreement. They took off to the Inn, where they saw Flavio talking everyone's ears off, all of them looking a bit annoyed.

"Beidou!" Paimon called out as Beidoi turned her head.

"Well, I'll be a sea monkey's uncle! Aether, Paimon, Kazuha! I never thought I would be seeing familiar faces here in this fancy looking town." Beidou said as she walk over to them as she wanted to get away from Flavio.

"It's wonderful to see you again Beidou. I heard from your crew you came here to restock on supplies." Kazuha said.

"That's right. We were nearly out since we decided to explore the outside world more. The Mushroom Kingdom, this place called Remnant, and other places. I gotta say, things got a lot more interesting about these places I never heard off." She nodded as she turn to the others. "By the way, who are these guys with ya?" She asked as she introduce themselves. "Ah, the famous Ashen Chevalier and the Mario Bros hmm? Nice to meetcha."

"Hey Beidou, do you think we can ask you for a favor?" Paimon asked

"A favor?"

"There's this island called Keelhaul Key. According to someone we know, there are scary rumors about that place is curse. But it's just a rumor."

"A cursed island, hmm? That annoying one who keep talking ask me to take him to that island as well." Beidou said. "So why do you want to go to that island?" She asked where they explain the whole thing. "Wow. World domination? That's literally one of the most cliche things for bad guys to do. Don't they know stuff like that never works?"

"Unfortunately, some people never learn." Levi said.

"Still, it does sound like trouble. They want to get their hands on relics called Crystal Stars right? And one is in that island?"

"Yeah, we're looking for a ship and ask the captain. So when we saw your ship, Aether, Paimon recommended we ask you." Rean nodded

"Sure, sounds like an adventure if you ask me." Beidou smirked. "Besides, I wanna give that scumbag a run for his money. So count me aboard. But if we're going to this Keelhaul Key place, we're gonna need a navigator. Since this is literally new uncharted territory for us."

"Never fear!" Flavio exclaimed as he walked over to them. "We will get to Keelhaul Key with a navigator! He will know the way!"

"I take it you have something in mind Flavio?"

"I am, indeed!" Flavio said. "We were just discussing about going to Keelhaul Key together, in fact-"

One very long ramble later…

"I'm amazed he can still talk without taking a few minutes to catch his breath." Altina pinches her nose as is annoyed like everyone else.

"Seriously." Everyone agreed

"Oh, why am I still rambling on, let us go to Keelhaul Key!" Flavio declared as they took off to the pier where they already noticed a crew on top of one of the ships. "Behold! The S.S. Flavion!" He exclaimed, which consisted of a few Bob-ombs, a few Toads, and one not-so-suspicious character.

Rean and others look at that not-so-suspicious character.

"You guys notice it too." Rean whisper.

"Yep. It's gonna be him, ain't it?" Levi whisper

"Oh yeah, it's him alright." Vivian nodded. "Let's just play along for now."

"Got it." Mario nodded.

"Alright, now let's set sail for Keelhaul-"

"Hold up, Flavio!" A Toad said. "We're missing our navigator. The one we had bailed on us!"

"WHAT! That is inexcusable!" Flavio exclaimed. "That coward! Ooooh, what are we going to do now?"

"I have an idea!" A bigger Bob-omb said. "I've 'eard of this legendary old sailor that lives here in Rogueport. Goes by the name of Admiral Bobbery. He has the Helsman's Touch, he can make any ship bow to his will."

"Then problem solve!" Flavio turned to the party. "Mario! I put you in charge of finding Admiral Bobbery! You are also our captain! So, in the meantime, you guys go ahead and find this Bobbery while I go into my quarters and eat a delicious cak- I mean boss everyone around! Yes. That is what I will do!" He said as they all sweatdropped.

"What kind of cake?" Levi smirked as they walked away.

"It's an ice cream cake mixed in with chocolate fud- HEY!"

"And I'll command my own ship. Feel free to come aboard mine if you feel this guy give you headache." Beidou told them.

"Got it!" Mario said as they walked back into the square where they started to ask around for Bobbery, but no one said anything, until they went into Frankly's.

"Bobbery? Yeah, he's right next door next to the Trouble Center." Frankly said.

"Thank you!" Rean said as they see a Craw blocking the path to the other side.

"That reminds me. How come we didn't go to the other side before?" Levi asked

"Probably slip our minds." Mario said as they approach Gus. "Excuse, we like to go through."

"You wanna go through? You will have to pay ten coins in order for you to pass here. EACH." Gus told them.

"What?! That's highway robbery!" Paimon exclaimed.

"That's life."

"Yeah, no, just let us through or we'll move you out." Levi said.

"Oh? Is that so? You're going to regret that." Gus chuckled.

"Haha, He got guts. I'll handle him." Tartaglia said as he got his Swords out.

"Heh, think you can take me?" He smirked.

"Oh, I think I can." Tartaglia said as he reappeared behind him.

"Wha-" Gus turn in shocked, and then he got hit with a powerful slash. "GAH!" He yelled as he fell on the floor. "Urgh! You anime and video game heroes ALWAYS do this stuff! It's RIDICULOUS! Why do you always choose VIOLENCE to solve your problem?! You do this, don't you? Well? DON'T YOU?!" He yelled and then ran off.

"…What's an anime?" Rean asked.

"Animated cartoon from Japan." Mario said.

"Okay, first. it's his own fault for being unreasonable. What choice did we have? Second, what's Japan?" Levi asked

"A country." Mario answered as they walked to the other side and knocked on the door.

"Hello! Is anyone home?" Rean asked.

"Go away!"

"Is someone named Bobbery in this house?"

"What do you want with this Bobbery?"

"Oh, don't give us that! We know it's you." Vivian said.

"Hmph! What poppycock!"

"Come on, we just need you to come with us!" Luigi said. "Back to the ocean!"

"Hmph! And why do you need to go to the ocean?"

"We need someone to help us get to Keelhaul Key and you are our best bet!" Levi said. "We need you!"

"Yeah! We can't go to see without you!" Paimon said.

"HMPH! I refuse to set foot on another ship! I will not go out to sea any longer!"

"Well, this is a problem. I wonder what cause him to behave this way?" Xingqiu wondered.

"Perhaps we should ask someone. I suggest we go to the Inn." Kazuha suggest they nodded in agreement and walked to the inn.

At the inn, the bartender, Podley, noticed the party coming in. "You all have that look on your face."

"We do? What's the look?" Altina asked.

"You have that "We have several questions and we need answers" look." He said.

"How can you tell?" Paimon asked.

"People come to the bar with many different looks on their faces of the many years I've worked at this bar. I've been able to read each one." He said. "Now, tell me, what ails you?"

"Well, the thing is, we were trying to get Bobbery out to the sea, but he refused." Aether said. "It's frustrating."

"Ah, I can't say I blame him."

"Oh? Why's that?" Chongyun asked.

(BGM paused)

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sorrow Flower)

"You see, Bobbery was once married. He had a wife of enduring beauty named Scarlette. Bobbery's love for her was matched by his love for the sea. Since he was a sailor back in his day, he spent most of his time traveling the ocean while Scarlette waited for him to return. She never complained, she always waited faithfully for Bobbery's return. However, during a particularly icy cold winter, Scarlette fell ill while Bobbery was at sea, and her condition grew worse. By the time he came back… she was gone. He was so heartbroken that he blamed himself for her death, for had he known she'd fall ill, he would have nursed her back to health. He was tormented by her death and had nightmares to the point where he'd stop sailing altogether out of guilt."

"I see..." Rean said as he and the others look sadden of his woe.

"That explains it..."Levi saddened.

Podley then reached down and pulled out an old letter to the saddened heroes. "However, prior to her death, Scarlette gave me this letter and told me to give it to her beloved. I agreed, but… I found myself unable to do it when I saw how depressed he was. Could you do me a favor and give this to Bobbery?" He asked, handing it to Mario. "Please, give it to him because this old coward couldn't…"

(BGM ended)

"Sure." Mario said with a sad nod as they walked out of the bar and to Bobbery's door.

What? Who is it?"

"It's us Bobbery." Levi said.

"Oh for goodness sake! What do you want NOW?" Bobbery grumbled.

"We have a letter for you." Rean said

"Hmph, a letter from who?"

"It's from Scarlette." Levi told him.

Bobbery let out a gasp inside his house as he unlock the door and open to face the others.

"How do you know that name?" He asked

"Podley." Luigi told him as Mario handed him the latter, Bobbery took the letter and began to read it.

(Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep ost - Ventus theme)

"My love, if you are reading this letter, then I am no longer by your side. Because fate has stepped between us, I have decided to write you this letter. If you're reading this, I must have passed away while you were out at sea… I can only assume that you will blame yourself for it, my sweet Bobbery. Although my life was short, you gave me more than a lifetime's worth of joy. Though you will mourn, I beg that you remember that time, like love, is a tide. You are one with the sea, as you were one with me. Do not lose both your life's loves."

"…Excuse me for a moment." Bobbery solemnly said as he silently walked to his room after reading the letter. "Oh, my dear sweet Scarlette…" He quietly said, sniffing. "Thank you for this letter, I love you dearly…" He quietly said and after a few silent moments, he wiped his tears away and walked out, looking determined.

(BGM ended)

(Resuming Rogueport)

"So! You are looking for a navigator to Keelhaul Key, correct? Let us set sail!" Bobbery declared.

"All right!" Paimon grinned.

"Glad to have you on board!" Aether smiled.

"Right! Let us go!" Bobbery exclaimed as they took off to the docks.

By the time they arrived at the docks, Mario was done chatting with Flavio.

"Alright! We have our navigator!" Flavio said and called out to the Crux. "You ready over there!"

"We are!" Beidou called out.

"Then let's set sail!" Flavio declared as the two ships took off to Keelhaul Key, all of them unaware of an X-Naut peeking from behind the stairwell.

"X-Naut One, reporting in. X-Naut Black is on his way to the Crystal Star. I repeat, X-Naut Black is on his way to the Crystal Star."

And set for the seas they go! Bobbery was the strongest party member back then and I always use him for few things besides battling.