(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Keelhaul Key)
"Those who want to get off this island, now is the time, amigos!" Cortez declared after they were done celebrating Crump's defeat.
"Yeah, we should get back to Rogueport and learn the next location of the Crystal Star." Rean said as the rest nodded while a bunch of Toads hopped on the ship.
"Right. The X-Nauts are desperate now." Levi nodded.
"And speaking off on your journey, since sadly my ship is gone. I'm gonna find a new one. So this time, I'll definitely come along on the journey." Beidou chuckled. "Don't worry. Juza will watch over. Speaking off. Juza, when I'm done, I also need you to look into potential boat sellers or inform me if we should bet ourselves a stronger and better boat."
"Yes, Captain!" Juza salute.
"Wait up! I'm coming with you!" Flavio hopped aboard. "And like that, we are heading off!"
"Mario, everyone, We'll be staying here." Francesca said. "If you see daddy, tell him I'm having a wonderful time."
"Give da boss my regards, K?" Frankie nodded
"Got it." Levi nodded
"I'll say as well. With no ghost around to scare, this place will be peaceful to live." Pa-Patch chuckled.
"Everyone here? Alright, let's get going, amigos!" Cortez said and then the Black Skull turned around and shoved off back to Rogueport.
(BGM ended)
Later…
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Rogueport)
"Alas, we are back!" Flavio exclaimed. "Sweet Rogueport!"
"HOME SWEET HOOOOME!" A Toad yelled as the whole mob of Toads ran off.
"I guess the old saying never gets old. There's no place like home." Levi chuckled.
"I'll say." Rean nodded.
"Now that we are back, I'll be on my way back to the inn. See ya later!" Flavio said and then took off.
"Okay, let's make our way back to the door." Rean said as everyone nodded, only for Mario's SP Mailbox to go off where Mario opened it up to read Peach's letter.
"Dear Mario and friends. I have some great news! While I don't know where I'm being held, but I have befriended this really strange computer called TEC. By cooperating with him, I've managed to sneak around and gather some intel on them. It certainly feels like i'm in the spy novel or movie, hehe, I remember Alfin wanted to see something like that. Anyway, I've obtained some data from TEC. He's currently analyzing it and I've grown to trust this strange computer. Once it's done, I'll email all of you when I learn their real intentions of their plan. 'Till then! Love y'all! - Peach."
"Haha, despite being somewhere in the unknown, she's still handling the situation well." Rean smiled.
"It's a good thing. I'm curious about this TEC she mention. Glad she has a helping hand at least." Levi nodded. "Wait a second, Vivian, you know where Peach is right?"
"Yeaaah... About that. I honestly don't know where Peach is exactly. I do know been through the X-Naut's base before, but the problem is I don't know how to get there. Beldam was the one who guided us." Vivian sighed.
"That's sucks." Aether sighed. "Still, we can't give up yet. To the Thousand Year Door!"
"Right!" Everyone nodded and they made their way to the Thousand Year Door.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Hall of the Thousand Year Door)
"Well this is one hell of a place." Beidou said as she look around. "The room is larger than I thought. Not to mention that door. Red color aside, is this where giants live?"
"Nope." Aether answered.
"Then why make it so grand?"
"It has something to do with dealing 1000 year old demon." Levi said as they walked to the pedestal, and then after the usual theatrics happened, they all looked at the map to see a posh town appearing on the map.
"Huh, wonder where that is." Luigi said.
"Hmm... looks like it's in a town... but judging from appearance, it look fancy." Tartaglia rub his chin.
"Come on, let's go tell the professor." Mario said with them nodding in agreement.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Professor Frankly)
"Great news, everyone!" Professor Frankly exclaimed. "The next Crystal Star is in Poshley Height!"
"Poshley Heights?" Altina asked
"What's Poshley Height?" Chongyun asked.
"Why it's the most rich and famously luxurious towns in existence!" Frankly said.
"You're also forgetting to add it's where the rich, posh and famous live." Bobbery added
"So it's basically a place of nobles like the noble district." Levi sighed.
"Precisely!" Frankly nodded. "Except about the part of the nobles. Just a place with famous and wealthy people live in."
"Actually, I have business with Poshley Height. That was the name of the place for an important business place." Xingqiu said.
"So how come the Crystal Star is in a place like that?" Paimon asked
"There is a Shrine there called the Poshley Sanctum. That's where the Crystal Star must be." Frankly said. "Lucky for all of you. No monsters or dangerous dungeons you can go. Just a tourist sight."
"Aww, that's boring." Tartaglia frown.
"So how do we get into Poshley Height?" Aether asked
"That's the best part! You get to ride the most famous and luxurious train known to ever exist: The Excess Express."
"Well it's no different than any airship or train we been to." Levi said.
"But you'll need a ticket to board it. I only have one with me, but not sure where you can purchase the other tickets." Xingqiu said. "Do you know how to get one Professor?"
"That's… the bad part. You get tickets from Don Pianta."
"HIM again?!" Luigi exclaimed.
"Wow, it's ironic because Frankies did tell us to give Francesca's father his regards." Paimon remark.
"True that." Aether nodded. "Still, we don't have a choice in the matter."
"Indeed. Off you go!" Frankly said as they walked out.
(BGM ended)
(Resume Rogueport)
"Well, now what do we do?" Luigi asked.
"We have no other choice." Mario said grimly. "Let's go talk to Don Pianta."
"So who's Don Pianta?" Beidou asked as they explain to everyone.
"Hahaha! It reminds me of the Fatui." Tartaglia chuckled.
"The last time we visit him was at the west side of Rogueport. We should head off." Kazuha said and they walked to the West Side of Rogueport, but when they got there… There was a bed in the office.
(BGM paused)
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Don Pinata)
"What the heck!?" Paimon exclaimed
"Don Pianta!" Aether exclaimed.
"Ooooh..." The Don groaned as he look completely blue.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Levi asked
"The boss has been sick ever since the loneness since Francesca skedaddled." Vinny explained.
"And since our Underboss Frankie is also gone, da boss is in shambles. What are we gonna do? The syndicate can't go on if da boss is out like a flashbulbs!" Tony added
"Ah, so that's what going on... poor guy." Levi sadden.
"So what do ya guys want?"
"We were hoping to ask the Don for tickets to the Excess Express but... But with how your boss is feeling. I'm afraid we can't do anything about it." Chrongyun trailed off.
"Oooh... Francesca..." The Don groaned and sniffed.
"Hmm... Maybe he'll feel better if he see Francesca?" Luigi asked
"Yeah, maybe seeing da boss's daughter, he might raise his spirit. But we don't know where she or Frankie is." Vinny said.
"Levi." Rean turn to him.
"On it." Levi open a portal to Keelhaul Key and walk right in.
"Whoa! The Shipe!" Tony exclaimed.
"It's okay, that's Levi's magic. We know where Francesca and Frankie are. We found them during our journey." Rean explained.
"Where did you find them? Vinny asked.
"They're-" "DAAAAADDY!" Francesca's voice yelled as she barged in the portal, interrupting Aether as she and Frankie rushed to the Don.
"Boss!" Frankie exclaimed.
"Francesca! Frankie!" Vinny exclaimed.
"Daddy! Daddy wake up! Open your eyes!" Francesca pleaded, standing by her father's side as Levi came out of the portal.
"So where were they?" Rean asked.
"Eating lunch." Levi answered.
"Daddy! It's me! I'm home!" Francesca exclaimed.
"Oooogh... Francesca?" The Don groaned as he open his eyes and see his daughter as he rose up from bed.
"DADDY!"
"BOSS!" Frankie exclaimed
"Oh, my little Francesca! You came back to me! An' You too Frankie!" The Don said
"Of COURSE we did, Daddy! As soon as we heard you were ill, we dropped everything and rushed our way here!" Francesca explained.
"Oh Francesca, Frankie, I was wrong, forgive me for being a stubborn old man. I know I may regret sayin' dis, but, I want da two of youse to stay here with me. I can't bear to be away from you two crazy kids. I'm an old man now. I need peace."
"Of course, Daddy. But what do you mean by peace?"
"I believe it's time for me to retire."
"WHAT?!" Vinny yelled
"Daddy, are you sure?" Francesca asked.
"Yup! I'm passin' the torch over to Frankie! You'll do amazing, kid!"
"Oh Boss!" Frankie said
"As for the rest of you… what do you guys want?" The Don asked
"Oh, we were looking to board the Excess Express, but we needed tickets." Levi said.
"The Surplexing Express? Why didn't you say so!" He said, handing out tickets. "Take one. No, two! Oh, what the heck, take all of them! Hahahahaha!" Don laughed as they each took a ticket. "Alright, off ya go then! MY DAUGHTER HAS RETURNED! WOOOOO!" He yelled, and then he collapsed on the bed. "Zzzz…."
"Aaaaaand he's out like a light." Tartaglia said as they walked away from the mess.
"Hey, on the bright side, we can at least go to Posh-Mmph!" Rean covered Luigi's mouth
"What's the matter Rean?" Mario asked.
"Hey, we know you're hiding, come out!" Rean turn the direction
"Mwehehehehe! You're quite sharp. aren't you?" A voice asked, and then they saw Beldam appear in front of them.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Theme of the Shadow Sirens)
"You!" Levi glared and got his Glaive out. "I was hoping to see you again. I heard you treated Vivian badly again. I guess you still have not learned your lesson you old hag!"
"You think you can beat me boy? You may have bested me back in Boggly Woods, but not this time. This is the perfect opportunity to dispose of you and that treacherous, horribly ugly Vivian."
"Oh, this is the opposite, you will be disposed of!"
"Yeah! And you won't be getting the Crystal Star at Poshley Height either!" Paimon added.
"PAIMON!" Everyone yelled.
"Ooh~ Poshley Heights, hmm? Now, this is very nice piece of information!" Beldam smirked "You'll live for now as I'll just beat you to Poshley Height instead!"
"Oh, but we'll get a head start."
"Hmm?" Beldam turned around, only to get smacked on the head by a frying pan by Vivian. "OOOOF!"
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Rogueport)
Vivian smirked, before disappearing and then reappearing a few seconds later. "There, Zess T. won't know that her pan was missing for a few seconds." She giggled. "Oh, how I've wanted to do something to Beldam for a while." She giggled while Beldam groaned, stars circling around her head.
Levi burst into laughter. "Oh Vivian! That was hilarious! Good going, She definitely deserves that. And with that, and just to be sure." He then cast a magic spell on Beldam and then trap her in a dome with chains. "There, let's see if she can get out of that."
"Sorry everyone... Paimon didn't mean to reveal that info..." Paimon frown
"Just be careful what you say next time." Tartgalia advised. "Well, we all got tickets." He said as they took off to the Excess Express and boarded it, where the train departed from the station.
(BGM ended)
A few minutes later…
(Trails of Cold Steel ost III - Endless Possibilities)
Car 1 - Room 001 - Rean and Levi
Room 002 - Mario and Luigi
Room 003 - Aether, Paimon, and Kazuha
Car 2 - Room 004 - Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Alf, Vivian and Bobbery
Room 005 - Tartaglia, Altina
Room 006 - Empty
Car 3 - Room 007 - Beidou, ?
Room 008 - Xingqiu, Chongyou
Room 009 - ?
Car 4 - The Dining Car - Chef Shimi, Toad, and the Waitress.
Car 5 - Room 010 - Zip Toad
Room 011 - Heff T.
Room 012 - Businessman
Car 6 - Room 013 - Pennington
Room 014 - Toodles
Room 015 - Goldbob and his family
Car 7 - The Luggage Car
"Okay, I take it back. This train is very different from the train we usually stay in!" Levi grinned.
"Yeah, we got ourselves a room together and everyone else has as well." Rean nodded. "Though I'm kinda worried about Altina, sharing a room with Tartaglia."
"If Tartaglia tries anything funny, we can-
It was at this point where both Rean and Levi's Rotom Phone's went off as they pulled them out and read the message, seeing it was a group chat the bros have made.
"Come to our room. We have a situation, bring the others as well - Mario."
"And now we have this." Levi said
"For some reason I'm not surprised. Something is bout to happen at time point." Rean said.
"True. Altina has a Smartphone so she let Tartaglia and the others know." He nodded as they walked to the Bros room, waited for a few seconds and then the whole team walked in.
"What's the situation?" Altina asked
"We found this note on the ground." Mario replied, handing them the note.
"If you do not get off this train, a sticky, yummy doom awaits you." Rean read.
"Of course, someone has the guts to threaten us. It's meaningless if you ask me." Levi rolled his eye.
"Plus I was hoping we can get some relaxation since we're in this damn train." Beidou sighed
"We can still do that, we just have something to do while we wait." Vivian said.
"Agreed. Still, something about this note seems clarified that someone already knows where we're going. And the only one who does know is Beldam." Tartaglia remark.
"True, but she is still imprisoned within that sphere prison. Unless she somehow escape. Though it's also possible that the other sister of her or the X-Nauts just slip this." Levi added
"Not to mention if this just found recently. It's possible they're still on this very train." Xingqiu said.
"Then we'll just have to find that someone and have Levi imprison them with his magic." Paimon suggest.
"For now, we can tell the conductor what's going on, then we can relax for a bit." Kazuha suggested as they walked to the end of the train, where the conductor was humming to himself.
"Oh! Hello everyone! Lovely day on the train, no?"
"Unfortunately, that isn't the case at the moment. Our friend Mario found this in his room." Chongyun said and then Mario handed him the note.
"O-oh my! This is a very serious matter, but… uh, let's not frighten the other passengers. For now, we should keep this on the down low for now."
"Good idea." Mario nodded.
"Hopefully, this is just a prank. Anyway, feel free to relax on this pleasant voyage." The conductor said as they walked back to their rooms, but were cut short when there was a commotion going on in the dining car.
(BGM paused)
"What's going on?" Rean asked.
"Let's find out." Luigi suggested as they walked over to the kitchen.
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Pennington's Theme)
"Hmm, yes I can say without the slightest hesitation that this smells like a case to me." Said the Penguin with the magnifying glass amused."But what shall we shall it, that is the question before us. Yes, what to call it?" He rub his chin until he slap his fingers... er... flippers. "Aha! "The Case of the Pot of Supper Stew That Vanished Suddenly and Mysteriously! Indeed. That will do nicely." He said as the group sweatdrop.
"That title is too dull and too long, as well as a mouthful. If we are taking this seriously, I suggest you call it the Stew incident. No, that one consider someone spills the stew. Pot Thief Incident perhaps." Said a tall woman as she swirl her smoking pipe.
The woman is a fair skin, red eyes and an overall elegant appearance. She has long straight hair, where half of it is tied up into a wide bun resembling a bow, and the rest falls into two divided parts. Her hair is white, reaches her knees and fades into an ashy color. Her bun is accessorized with a black hairpin, and she wears a red tassel decoration atop her head which lays between her eyes.
Her outfit is a white, high-necked sleeveless qipao dress with side slits that reach up to the thigh, unveiling black shorts with diamond-cut patterns, below her left. Ginkgo and phoenix motifs are embellished throughout her dress, accessories, and detached ruffled sleeves. Her gloves are decorated with copper patterns and claw attachments on the thumb, ring, and pinky fingers that act as fingernail guards.
"Hmm... yes, that has a better ring to it I suppose." The Penguin said. "Now then my fellow passengers. This is a full-fledged mystery, one that impacts you all!
"A mystery you just said? And, uh, um, er, exactly... What kind of dish is that?" The chief asked and some people sweatdrop.
"That isn't a dish Mr. Chief. A Mystery is a word that means something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain." Explained a young woman.
She keeps her long, pale white-blue hair tied in a high ponytail by a black armored headdress accented with gold. Her hair is styled in a hime cut, with evenly chopped locks framing her face tied off with white accessories bordered with gold, fastened with bright pink cords tied in cloverleaf knots. Her light blue-gray eyes are accompanied by thick lashes and a mole underneath her left eye.
Her outfit is a kimono that displays nobility and resilience. It consists of a royal blue pleated knee-length skirt embroidered with an assortment of patterns, bearing gold accents and small white flower print with a pair of white shorts with a lace trim at the base underneath, and black geta sandals with ankle-length white socks decorated by pink cloverleaf knots at the back. She has a black breastplate with a golden emblem in the center and matching armor platings on the sides of her skirt. Underneath her breastplate is a loose elbow-length shirt with gradients of blue to white. Her cuffs and collar on her top are navy with a variety of gold stripes. She wears black sleeves underneath the loose shirt, sling over her middle fingers, and covering both of her thumbs. On top of her black sleeves are white armored platings lined by gold metal, tied together by red knots. At the back of her outfit is a large royal blue bow, and another bright pink cloverleaf knot. The lower half of the ribbons darken in color with gold markings seemingly native to her homeland. As an accessory, she carries around a gold-navy fan that matches her skirt.
"Oh, I see! My apologies, thank you for the explanation miss."
"That reminds me, who are you exactly?" The woman asked the Penguin.
"Ah, forgive me. I am known as Pennington, the detective. At the risk of immodesty, you might say I have a certain nose for these things." The Penguin answered.
"I see."
"Now where was I? Ah yes. The central clue of this case, and also the most vital one, as it happens, our perpetrator took the whole pot, stew and all! And this... esteemed friends, leads me to believe that the one responsible..." Then he pointed at the waitress. "Is YOU, you gluttonous woman!"
"WHAAAAAAAT?! ME!? Have you lost your mind!? I'm just an adorable waitress! I wasn't even near the stew!" She exclaimed
"Ah yes, my apologies. I felt like I needed to practice my accusation skills." He said which cause the people to anime fell
"Okay, let me see if I got this right." The Businessman said as he got up. "So far we don't know who the culprit is."
"Yes, that is the situation we're standing." The young woman sighed.
"Ugh, this scene we're doing is wack. I'm heading back to my room. This is such a snoozefest." Zip Toad grumbled.
"Oh? Heading off so soon, are you? Highly suspicious! I deduce that the suspect who took the entire pot was none other than… Zip Toad, the actor!"
"WHAT?! THE Zip Toad?! Nuh-uh, no way! Celebrities don't get into trouble! If you think they do, you've got another thing coming, pal!" The waitress yelled.
"This is a total farce. What kind of detective would go draw up a random conclusion without gaining any evidence?" The woman cross her arm.
"Ooooh, is that right? I have solved the mystery! It is none other than that beautiful woman right here."
She anime tickmark "I can't tell if you're that bold, or rather so foolish. Praytell, if I have stolen the pot, how did I snatch it from the chef while I was sitting at my table at the same time when it was stolen? In addition, the young lady over there, along with the waitress are my witnesses who can confirm I was sitting in the dining room when it happened." She said as she turn to the young woman.
"It's true. It's impossible for her to take the whole pot when I was literally serving her crystal-clear water!" The waitress nodded
"I don't think he's a real detective..." The young woman whispered as the others agreed in a nod.
"Hmm… then what about THOSE people!" Pennington pointed to Mario and the gang. "They look highly suspicious."
"Hey what's the big idea? We were just passing through when we heard the commotion!" Paimon defended.
"It's true! I saw them go by earlier." The Waitress said.
"Hmm, then who could it be then?" Pennington wondered.
"Oh! It's Ningguang and Ayaka!" Paimon waved.
"Oh, Aether, Kazuka!" Ayaka the young woman with the eastern style outfit smiled.
"My, this is a surprise. Never imagine you would also be on this train with Beidou." Ningguang, the elegant woman amused
"Friends of yours?" Levi asked as Aether and Paimon nodded.
"Well, I wouldn't say I'm friends with Ningguang of all people. Just someone with odds with." Beidou explained.
"Okay can someone explain to us what's going on?" Rean asked.
"A few moments ago, the chef was making stew for today's lunch. However, while he was preparing to make dessert, he turn to check on the pot, and it suddenly vanished, causing the chef to screamed." Ayaka explained.
"And this "detective." here has been throwing baseless accusations with no proof." Ningguang added, glaring at Pennington.
"I see..." Rean sweatdrop.
"WHAT?! SOMEONE STOLEN THE ENTIRE POT OF STEW?!" Paimon yelled.
"So we have another amateur penguin detective. Oh Aidios, it's that time back in Shiver City again." Levi pinch his nose. "Since clearly we can't trust this poser-"
"P-Poser!?" Pennington exclaimed.
"-We'll just to have someone who can actually do some detective work. For Instinct, you didn't even bother to notice the trail of spilled stew on the carpet?" Levi pointed at the trail of spilled stew.
"Oh! Levi's right! Those look like trails belong to the stew!" Paimon exclaimed.
"And it's leading all the way to the 5 car. Someone clearly left in a hurry." Aether said.
"I think it's obvious at this point why the pot was taken in the first place." Altina said.
"Yep. Time to catch our culprit." Rean said as he and the others head to Car 5 and followed the trail which lead up to Room 011. "And it leads to here." He said as he knock on the door.
"Yes?" A voice on the other side.
"Sorry to bother you, but do you mind if we come in?"
"Uh-uh-um. Sure, go right ahead!" He said as everyone came in a large Toad. "What do you guys want?" He asked in a panic until he let out a large burp.
"That's the loudest burp I ever heard." Levi said as he wave his hand to blow away the sell which smell like stew.
"Yeah, sorry about that. So what do you want?"
"Don't play dumb with us pay! You stole the entire pot of stew didn't you!?" Paimon yelled until Tartaglia karate chop Paimon's head. "Ow! What was that for?!"
"Paimon, calm down." Tartaglia sighed.
"Sorry about her. We're looking for the pot that was recently been stolen. You wouldn't happen to know anything about it?" Rean asked
"Oh sure, blame the guy who's fat. Seriously, what is with you people blaming people who are fat? That's an insult!" Heff T. complained
"It does sound offensive I'll admit. But explain to us why was there spilled stew leading all the way to your room?"
"Found it." Altina said as she open the drawer which revealed the pot, and it was licked clean.
"Aha! So it was you!" Paimon pointed.
"Paimon, pointing is rude." Aether scolded.
"Bwaaahahaha!" Heff. T burst into tears. "I'm sorry! I ate it all! It was MEEEEEEEE! I'm so so so so SOOOO sorry!"
"Whoa there! No need for crying!" Levi exclaimed. "It's okay, it's okay, Shhhh." he comfort Heff. T. "Let me guess, you took the pot because it was super delicious that you wanna lick the whole thing?" He asked as he sniffed and nodded. "It's perfectly natural. In fact, we have one guinea pig among us." Levi smirked as everyone turn to Paimon.
"HEY!" Paimon yelled as everyone laughed.
"You're not in trouble. I think the chef would take this as a compliment." Rean smiled.
"It's true!" Chef Shimi laughed as he came in. " Sorry, I couldn't help but be curious. Don't worry about such a thing! My food can make anyone hungry! I'm glad that my food had met your expectations!"
"And that's how you solved a case." Levi said, then they heard clapping from everyone else who were outside.
(Resuming Endless Possibilities)
"I… I…. I could've come up with that in my sleep! Anyone could figure that out!" Pennington exclaimed, but everyone walked away, seeming to ignore the Bumpty and Chief Shimi took the pot back with him to the kitchen. "…Insult me will you." He said and walked off in a huff.
"It's great to see you three again." Ayaka said as she and Ningguang appaoch the group.
"Indeed. I've notice some familiar faces. But, how about we can discuss this in the dining room."
"Great idea! Paimon's hungry!" Paimon nodded and they all relocated to the dining room.
"Ah, there you are Ayaka." A voice aid and a tall young man with long pale blue asymmetrical shoulder-length hair, pale skin and light purple eyes. He has a small mole on his face but underneath his mouth.
His attire consists of a white collared coat with long flowing sleeves, dark blue lapels and gold trimmings decorated with a number of embellishments worn over a light purple kimono, black and golden armour on his right shoulder, black gloves and white pants. He also has a large golden rope around his neck, and white and purple gauntlets on both arms.
"Oh, Ayato!" Paimon waved.
"Oh, why if it isn't Paimon, Aether and Kazuha. I didn't expect to see you aboard this very train." Ayato smiled.
"He sounds like Dimitri." Levi whisper to Rean who nodded
"Seriously." Rean nodded
"Hello Brother. Are you wishing to join us on today's meal?" Ayaka asked
"Indeed. I take it everyone else here wish to join? This large group?" Ayato asked as he rub his chin. "Excuse me, waitress." He turn to the waitress. "Is there a large table for us?"
"Oh of course! Please follow me!" She wait as she guide everyone to a larger table and everyone sit down. "I'll go get the menus." She said.
"Thank you." Ayato said. "It's an honor to see familiar faces. But I did not expect the famous Mario Brothers of the Mushroom Kingdom, nor the Ashen Chevalier aboard this train."
"I see you heard of me." Rean sighed.
"There are countless rumors and reports about you, but that's far from the truth. I can sense you're a man of burden. So be at ease, Rean Schwarzer."
"Thank you."
"Now then, allow me to introduce myself. To those who I haven't met, my name is Ayato Kamisato. And this is my little sister, Ayaka Kamisato." Ayato greeted.
"A pleasure to meet you all." Ayaka smiled.
"And to those who don't know me. I am Ninnguang. I'm a businesswoman. A pleasure." Ninnguang greeted.
"Ah, it's an honor to meet you, Lady Ningguang. And the rest of you?" Ayato asked as everyone introduce themselves. "A pleasure, though I'm rather curious about the formal Fatui sitting at the table."
"Hey now, the Fatui is behind me. So no need to get so stay on your guard." Tartaglia said
"I would be a fool if I do. I take it you all have business with Poshley Height?"
"We do actually. We're on a journey to collect power relics called Crystal Stars. But we're in a hurry at the moment." Paimon said.
"Who, why's that?" Ayato asked as the Waitress gave them the menus. And after some orders, the Waitress take the menus and off she goes.
"It's a long story but I'll explain." Aether said as he explain to the new trio.
"Oh my." Ayaka gasped.
"Hmm, so some organization called X-Nauts plan to use these powerful relics to undo the seal and resurrect the 1000-year-old demon for world domination." Ningguang amused. "To cliche is you ask me."
"Indeed. Still, it does not bode well for the world if that were to happen." Ayato said.
"Plus, our enemy is on to us, and attempt to beat us there." Aether said as his party look at him and nodded. He pulled out a paper. "The Mario Bros received this just awhile ago." He said as Ayato took it as he, Ayaka and Ninggung look at it.
"If you do not get off this train, a sticky, yummy doom awaits you." Ayato read. "Hmm, someone needs to work on their threats. Still, the one who send you this is still within this very train. But the question is who?"
"We don't know yet. That's the problem. It could be anyone." Paimon said. "Levi, you're good at detecting presence. Do you find someone with dark intentions?"
"Now that you mention it. There was something off with actor, Zip Toad, I think." Levi rub his chin. "And no, it's not because he wants to go back into his room. But rather, his aura is... familiar to me."
"Familiar?" Tartaglia raise an eyebrow.
"Levi has good presence senses as I do. But his is more special compared to mine." Rean explained.
"Considering our battle back in Glitzs Pit, it doesn't surprise me."
"Still, sounds like we should keep an eye on him. But we should also keep this between us. Otherwise, that fan of his would bare a grudge." Beidou said.
"Right, So what about you guys? You also have business to go in Poshley Height?" Levi asked.
"Yes. I have an official business with the Mushroom Kingdom's officials. Ayaka decided to accompany me. Though perhaps the real reason was to visit what the land has to suffer, considering it's a land of wonders."
"Oh brother." Ayaka sighed. "But I cannot deny I wish to visit the Mushroom Kingdom. I was planning on inviting Thomas with us. But unfortunately, he has duties to attend."
"I take it it's the same for you Ningguang?" Paimon asked
"Correct. I also have business with the Mushroom Kingdom Officials in Poshley Heights. They were kind enough to send us tickets to the Excess Express as well as information."
"I also have business at Poshley Height as a representative. I believe our business official is the same person." Xingqiu said.
"Indeed, Though it does surprises me that the business official might be the same person altogether." Ayato said.
"That would be rather impressive is they have someone in the Mushroom Kingdom has someone who has a talent for multitasking." Ninggung chuckled.
"Indeed. Back the issue with the treat. It would be wise to keep your guard up. Who knows what might happen. And if you suspect that actor might be the one who send it. It would be best if you wait for the perfect opportunity to catch him in the act."
"Right." Mario nodded, then the waitress came with a table cart.
"Okay, you're meals are ready!" She smiled as she handed down everyone's order food.
"Well, let's eat everyone." Ayaka smiled and begin to eat.
After lunch...
"Aaahh.. Paimon is so full~" Paimon cooed.
"That's because you order a large set of meal." Aether sighed.
"Hahaha. I see you two haven't change." Ayaka giggled. "Not to worry. The meals is already been paid. Anyone aboard this train has access to the unlimited Buffet."
"Paimon wish come true!" Paimon cheered.
"Just try not to overdo it Paimon." Ningguang advised. "In any case, why don't you all have a good relaxation as you plan too.
"Sound's good. See ya!" Luigi waved as everyone got up and decided to explore the train, while others decided to go back to their rooms.
Altina, Levi and Rean decided to look into Zip Toad and go to Car 5. As they got there, they heard an argument coming from Car 6
"What the?" Levi eyebrow
"What's going on?" Rean wondered as they decided to head to Car 6 walked and then approach Room 015. Rean walked to the Bob-omb room, but Levi and Altina stayed because they were supposed to knock, but Goldbob and Sylvia were arguing about what Bub wants.
"Um, is something going on here? We can hear the argument from the other Car." Rean asked as Levi and Altina entered.
"Oh, they're just arguing about what I want for my birthday. Mom wanted to buy a book for my education while Dad wanted to buy me a car or a house." Bub explained
"I see." Levi sweatdrop. "One wanted to spoil while the other education. Ahh, you're lucky kid."
"Thank you, I think? Anyway, I don't want any of those. What I really want is something cool, like an autograph from the train engineer. I've always loved trains!"
"Aww, you wanted to become a train engineer?" Levi smiled
"Sure do! I hope I can become one someday." Bub smiled if he had a mouth.
"I'm sure you will. We'll go get you that autograph. Maybe you can discuss this with your parent while you're at it." Rean smiled as the trio took off, where they asked the train conductor for the autograph.
"Wow, this is so cool! I've never done this!" He said and signed the autograph. "Here ya go!"
"Thank you!" Levi smiled as they took off again, where they met up with Bub.
"Oh! Thank you!" Bub smiled. "I'll treasure it always!"
"Glad to hear it. Hope your dream come true." Levi smiled as they left.
(BGM ended)
Later that night…
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Stillness of Night)
"Man, that was some good dinner." Levi said as he and the others are gather at the dining cart after eating dinner. "And it's getting late as well."
"We should head off to bed. I got some things to take care off." Rean said.
"Agreed. So this is how it feels to relax?" Altina asked.
"It sure does Altina. Do you like it?" Paimon
"I'm not sure what you mean by like it."
"You don't?"
"I take it you all had a good meal?" The waitress asked as she came and take the finish plates. "Wow, looks like someone is another heavy eater. Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to sound rude or anything."
"Ah, don't worry about it. Paimon just love food~" Paimon cheered
The waitress giggled. "Just like Heff T."
Rean notice something from the waitress. "Oh, excuse me miss. I couldn't help but noticed that you're not wearing your earrings."
"Oh, you noticed? I guess it is pretty noticeable. For some reason, my earrings disappeared. I could have sworn I put them away or something. They're from my ex-boyfriend. Ahh, so full of memories."
"Someone stole your earrings. Sounds like we have a thief among our midst." Kazuha said. "Should we help her?"
"I don't see why not. What do you say guys?" Rean asked as many nodded.
"Ooh you guys are the best!" The waitresses giggled.
"Pardon me, I didn't mean to intrude, but I couldn't help but overhear your offering to search. Might I also take up on that offer?" Toodles asked as she approached.
"Are you missing something as well?" Xingqiu asked.
"Why yes, my fine specimens of men and women. I heard about the mystery you've done and was hoping you could find something for me. You see, I lost my Gold Ring somewhere in this very train. I don't know when it happen, but I believe it was in the evening."
"A gold ring? Sounds like we have a jewel thief." Tartaglia said.
"All right, we'll investigate and see what we can find." Rean said.
"How absolutely lovely. Please hasten the search along for me." Toodles smiled as she and the Waitress left them alone.
"So Gold Ring, and earrings, huh?" Aether asked. "As much as I like to continue now, We should head off to bed now."
Luigi yawned, stretching a bit. "Agreed. Welp, time for some sleep." He said as everyone nodded and they begin to head off to their rooms.
(BGM paused)
As some of them enter their rooms, Rean and Levi, Aether and Kazuha stop for a moment.
"Hmm? What's wrong?" Mario asked
"I can't help but feel like we're being followed." Rean said as he look around. "Hey, you can come out.
"Wow, you do got some sharp senses." A voice said and a ghost in front of Mario and Luigi.
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Ghostly Encounter)
"Whoa!" Mario exclaimed
"YAAAAAAAAAH!" Luigi screamed
"AAH! A GHOST!" Paimon screamed.
"Who are you?" Aether asked
"You can call me Ghost. T" He answered
"Okay, why were you following us, Mr. Ghost?" Kazuha asked.
"I passed away in this train many years ago. But my luggage is still here in this very train. Inside my bag contains a diary of my earliest childhood days. I would like you all to go get it for me."
"Why us?" Luigi asked
"'Cause some of you are the only ones awake."
"…Typical."
"Plus, I did hear you guys are offering to help those two with their things, so why not help me too. I can't leave this world without my diary. So, please go get it for me. Oh, and if you even THINK about peeking into my diary, you will REGRET IT!"
"Sheesh, like we'll do something like that!" Paimon exclaimed.
Luigi sighed. "Why do I always get wrapped up in these sort of things?" He groaned
"Well, you are not alone in this." Kazuha said as they walked off to where the conductor is.
"Oh, hello everyone! What seems to be the trouble?" The Conductor asked and then Rean explained it. "O-Oh my! That's… that's terrifying! I… well, you can't argue with ghosts. So, help yourself."
"Thank you." Luigi said as they went inside and started looking all over the baggage car for about five minutes, until they found a book in a small crevice that read "Diary" on the front. "Here we are!" He said and then walked out.
"You found it? Good! Now hopefully, everyone will sleep at night!"
"Us too." Aether said and then returned the diary to Ghost T.
"My precious diary! Thank you." He said. "You were all very wise not to read it, otherwise you would've ended up like me. Now I can leave this plain of existence." He said, as he ascended up into the light… before coming back down. "Nah, I've grown attached to this train. I think I'll stick around for a while longer."
Luigi paled. "Oh… great…" He said.
"See ya later!" Ghost T. went into the car next door. "Pleasant dreams!" He waved.
(BGM ended)
(Resuming Stillness of Night)
"…He's in the next car, of COURSE he is!" Luigi complained.
"Well, time to go to bed." Levi said as he yawned and they all headed into their rooms.
Unfortunately for Luigi, since he and the others had met the ghost and the fact that he's nearby, Luigi would not be getting any sleep for the rest of the night.
I always like this chapter back when I played it. The nice train ride, the shops... ...As well as... problems.