Chapter 2: A Midnight Walk to Remember

"…In other news, the President of Isle Delfino is making a surprise visit to the Mushroom Kingdom to discuss what appear to be top secret matters with Fawful and Dark Bowser. His plane should touchdown minutes before the local school's field trip arrives at the gates if weather permits. Let's hope our smog problem doesn't interfere. And speaking of weather…"

We could hear the loudness of the news from my mother's television as we left it behind for the library. Before climbing out of my bedroom window, I had to talk to my mother and make her believe that I was going to bed.

"See you in the morning," she had said callously.

I then lied that Kory already left. She didn't acknowledge it, which meant she did.

But now we were running as fast as we could to the library in hope we would get back before my mom knew I was out. We really had to book it since it was a good five blocks away uphill. At least it was a cool night instead of the humid ones we were having lately.

Three blocks away, through the Shopping District, we stopped near the Clinic to take a breather.

"Whew… I didn't know going to the library would be this much work."

"Yeah." I started walking away from him to get away from the Clinic. It gave me more spooks and chills at night. "But who knew sneaking out would be so—"

In that train wreck of thought, I found something that would freak anyone else but us out at night. Well okay, I didn't find it… I tripped over it.

"WAAAH!"

Kory turned right around to me in horror. "Hope! Are you all right?"

I guess he wasn't expecting an answer after I fell on my face. I knew immediately that I wasn't unconscious cause I could see him running over to me, showing concern with every footfall.

Then he stopped. Maybe he discovered what I discovered?

"Hope… there's a pipe back here." I heard him cautiously stepping over the rubble I fell over and reached a hand out to me. Slowly reaching for him, I turned over onto my side to get a better look at it. I couldn't make out the colour in the dark, but I perceived it wasn't an ordinary green pipe.

Kory grunted as he hoisted me back on my feet.

"What should we do?" I asked him. Surely we could go down the pipe and go exploring, but we also had to remember that we were already on a mission. Sidetracking would lead to backtracking…

"I think we should come back later, Kory," was what I voiced.

"How often do you find a pipe you don't know where it goes? This- I mean- You- …oh, alright."

He loosened his grip on my hand. I would have smiled up at him if my legs didn't let out on me.

"OW!" I winced as I fell on my made-bad-by-my-fall wrists. Kory dove down to scoop me up off the ground. "Argh," I grunted, "Weak ankles…"

"Looks like you won't be walking for a bit," he teased. "Thank Grambi we're right next to the Clinic."

I froze. My face locked up. I couldn't even think. The Clinic?!

Unfortunately I was helpless at the time or else I would've gone straight back to my mother, regardless the consequences! All I could do was sigh.

Literally. That's all I could do as he carried me inside and propped me on one of the leftover Blorb cots.

Finally, I mustered enough strength to at least start some sort of small talk.

"So where do you think that pipe goes?"

"Overthere only knows, ya know? Maybe it leads somewhere far away from here. Ooo, here's a guess: 'the sun-drenched, tropical paradise of Isle Delfino!'?"

I giggled. "Don't get my hopes up, mister."

"Or what if it's the luxurious city of Poshley Heights?"

"Kory—"

"No no no, how about…uh… Oh, I got it! It's our personal portal to the moon so we don't have to go all the way to Fahr Outpost to use their cannon!"

"Kory! Just stop."

If there are a few things about Kory, it's that he's got an over-active imagination and that he's persistent on guessing the right thing until he's right.

"Sorry. Guess I went there again?" He started blushing under the fluorescent lights, accentuating a kind of… cuteness I hadn't seen since we were, like, eight or something.

I giggled again. "If it makes you feel better, we can go explorating after we get your bag back. How does that sound?"

"That'd be great. Only one thing bothers me."

"Hmm? What's that?"

"You can't walk."

"Kory Koopa! I so can too walk! Here, I'll prove it to you." It only happened with a great deal of effort and pain, but hey! What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

"Wow, you sure put me in my place." He flashed a smile again. I swear I almost melted.

"Yep, now let's go get that bag of yours."

The rest of our walk uphill didn't result in any excitement at all. We chatted, laughed, woke up the neighbors with our laughing fit, ran away before they could spot us, the usual. By the time we got to the library, we were so glad to take a break after all that running.

But something was off about the library… I couldn't put my finger on it.

I didn't think about it too long; Kory dragged me to our usual entrance. There was something weird about that too, though. I remember covering it back up after we left. But now it was totally exposed as if someone discovered our- my secret.

Even so, I crawled in. After all, the odds were astronomical of something like that happening. Except inside, we were greeted by something we hadn't expected. Something I hadn't seen since the plans for the Shopping District were approved.

The power was on.

"Hope—"

"I know, Kory. The power is back on."

I dunno who, when, or HOW the power turned back on as I tried countless times to reset the breakers and other stuff. Underwhere, I even took electrician classes and even that didn't help! And now some new Brainiac decides to show me up in my own terrain. I was so flabbergasted and angry that only Kory's humor brought me back.

"At least we can see where we go now." He had that right seeing as we didn't bother taking flashlights.

"And thank goodness I know where we were."

I led us upstairs back to the cart where I left Fungicide: The Epic Battle for the Mushroom Kingdom. We got there okay, but when we did get there…

"Dude, where's my bag?! I left it right here!" He angrily gestured to the spot where we last saw it. I felt really bad about this now, but I couldn't do anything about it. I watched helplessly as he desperately tore the area apart.

It felt like a good ten minutes had passed when he decided to quit. It hurt to see him like this and I tried to console him.

"I'm really sorry I forgot it."

"No, Hope, it's not your fault. I'm the one that shouldn't have taken it off in the first place."

"Kory, it is my fault because you thought you could trust me with the simple task of reminding you not to forget your backpack and you can't even do that anymore."

"Stop punishing yourself over this. I should have realized that you might not remember after getting lost in that book."

Don't you love when you don't wanna share blame? Yeah, me neither. So after noticing that our voices only grew as we argued, and that the mystery intruder could possibly hear every word we were saying, I just let him have the guilt to not scare our mole away.

"You win," I sighed as I sat myself on the cold, marble flooring. I stared awkwardly up at him as he gazed off into the distance.

Then our mope turned into hope. Hidden in some aisle in the library, Kory's phone started ringing.

"Oh, Grambi! It's my parents!" he exclaimed as he recognized the ring tone he set for them. Oh, by the way, it's the Caramelldansen to remind him of how annoying his parents are, in case you were wondering.

Just as quickly as it came on, the supposed ninja turned it off and started running away. Kory turned to me in the hope that I could hear which corridor the assailant ran off into. And thankfully, his footsteps echoed throughout the library.

"He's down that way. C'mon!" We rushed down the side of the open-faced floor that looked down on the first floor. I guess he caught on to us because I heard him change direction for the stairs… but that was a mistake since Kory and I were sprinting right to them. When we could see his faint silhouetted outline from far away, all of us froze.

"We know you're there!" I yelled to him. Of course we did! We could see him right there… Smart one, I thought as I mentally facepalmed. "We know you're the one who found our secret entrance and that you turned the power back on!"

"You stole my backpack, you sonova—"

I elbowed him hard before he could yell out anything he regretted.

"My friend and I won't do any harm if you just come out of the shadows and return what isn't yours. Can we make a truce?"

Obviously not, for he dashed into one of the aisles.

"Man, why do they always run?" Kory groaned before we pursued after him again. As we reached the end of the aisle we ran through, I spotted him darting away from us into the apocalypse-fiction section. Yes, there are that many doomsday books to fill an entire section.

As if chasing him weren't enough, he started throwing books off the shelves to hamper our progress. So not only did we have to run, but we had to dodge falling books, too. Splendid.

When we finally reached the end of the hallway, a dead end, I was pretty confident that we had him cornered. He seemed to realize this, too, and hung his head in what looked like shame.

"Alright! I concede." His voice gave the impression that he was too old to be in that fit condition. Yet, though he sounded elderly, it also boasted a somewhat authoritative tone… and a not too foreign accent. As he came closer to us, emerging under the light, I was shocked at what I saw.

An eighty-year-old Toad – who looked like he wasn't a day past forty – stood poised, being held up by his own two feet and a wooden cane. The crown at the top of his cane matched his mushroom cap: light brown mixed with a darker brown. His violet vest and smart bowtie added to the majesty that his handsome, white 'stache already exuded. And being an elderly Toad, I wasn't at all surprised to see him wearing glasses on the bridge of his nose.

"Huff, I say. Now what is this all about?" Our prisoner looked puzzled.

"Uh," I started, "we believe that you have a, uh, backpack that belongs to us."

"You mean this thing?" he asked, holding out Kory's King Koopa backpack.

"Yes, that's mine, you ungrateful—"

"Kory!" I spat. "Yes, that's his backpack."

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I was under the impression that I perused the library alone. When I saw this backpack, I thought it was ancient trash. It was only when I heard you two entering and heard that cell phone go off that I had stolen it. I tried returning it to you, but your tall friend here," he looked up to Kory, "became hostile."

"Well excuuuuuse me—" Kory almost blurted out.

"If you say 'Princess' I swear to Grambi… harrumph! Pardon me for not introducing myself, but I'd rather do it in a less empty environment."

"Well," I suggested, "There's Club Wii over by the docks… It's open 24/7."

"What happened to the glory that was Club 64? Has that much changed in twenty years?"

Twenty years? That's how long ago our last chance at freedom failed. I started wondering about our new 'friend' and how trustworthy he could be. I thought that we'd learn more about him if we let him have his words.

"They only renamed the club; it's the same I suppose. My mom works there, so I get to go in the back and look at all the pictures and stuff."

"Then it's settled," Kory declared. "We'll meet you at Club Wii or 64 or whatever it is now."

"I'd rather you two accompany me. Twenty years is a long time for the entire town to change."

So that's how we got back Kory's backpack. A chase through the library in search of a dumbfounded, elderly Toad who we now escorted to my mom's work. Our walk was so awkward that Kory and I didn't even whisper back and forth about the matter.

The docks were a few blocks down from the library, downhill of course. The only thing that ever went on down there was the annual town-wide party celebrating the anniversary of Dark Bowser's overthrowing of the four Heroes. Those were rarely enjoyable, but the past few ones I have to admit were okay (only because they finally hired entertainment). Anyway, that being said, it was actually the smartest place to talk in private. Because…I assumed he wanted that.

After minutes of walking, I could hear the soothing sound of waves crashing under the boardwalks. The refreshing breezes the harbor brought in from the sea replenished any energy I lost from the past hour or two.

This was a sacred place. Not in the sense that Dark Bowser and Fawful couldn't touch it – we've got an embargo hanging over our heads and no ships are daring enough to ferry anyone out – but in the sense that I could come here whenever I wanted and they couldn't touch ME. This harbor means so much to me and no one has any idea how much.

I read somewhere that some secrets should remain secret so the value of, say, a sacred place stays that way. It said that when you tell someone, that place loses the special feeling you felt for it. I haven't even talked about this with myself out loud. I embrace it, silently.

Oh, gosh! Sorry for rambling on and on. I've got a tendency to reminisce and ponder at the most inappropriate times. So back to Club Wii, we walked in and found ourselves a private booth towards the back of the club. A waiter came up to us and offered us a menu to share, which we declined politely. After he left, we slowly resumed our conversation from the library.

"Ah," sighed our third wheel, "just like old times. Did you know that this is the very booth that—"

"Save it, Gramps," interrupted Kory. To me, this was a little out of character for him but I did nothing. "You wanted to come here to talk. We're here, so… uh, talk I guess."

"Alas, you're right. I didn't mean to avoid the subject. As I was saying back in the library, my name is Toadsworth. I am- er, more like I was Princess Toadstool Peach's loyal steward twenty years ago. As you can see, I fear I've become unemployed and… princess-less for lack of a more sufficient word. And who would you youngsters be?"

"My name is Kory and this is my friend, Hope." I waved at him with a bright, cheery grin.

"Toadsworth? I think I read about you before." I suddenly added, "You were, like, besties with the Mario Bros. Right?"

I saw Kory cringe at the mention of the famous brothers, probably thinking, Hope, you know better than to mention those guys in public! And then he'd think about all of the 'What if…'s and get all worried. He did this even when we were talking in the privacy of my room! Oh, sometimes I wish he wouldn't worry as much.

"Oh, yes. I had the pleasure of accompanying them on more than one occasion."

"Then where have you been for the past twenty years? Why did you come out of hiding only now? Are—"

I had a million questions for an outsider of his class (and I bet Kory had a million and one!) but he stopped me mid-sentence with the raise of his hand.

"I bet you'd like to hear the story of how Toad Town lost against those two evils whom I presume run this once fair land now? The real story?" We could only nod, thirsty for his unknown tale.

"It all began when Dark Bowser engaged in combat with the ruthless Koopa King, Bowser… the original that the Dark version copied. All went well at the start and it seemed an early victory for him as he punched the Dark Star right out of the evil cur. Well, that proved little effect as the villain started vacuuming it back up."

"Hold up." It was Kory who needed some clarification. "How did Dark Bowser get the power to vacuum up some Star?"

"Lad, I don't question logic anymore; especially after what I've been through in all my years at the princess' side. Now where was I?"

"Vacuuming the Dark Star back up," I said without missing a beat.

"Right right right. So as Dark Bowser was attempting to vacuum his power up, Bowser started fighting back by using his vacuuming power – don't ask – and beating his dark counterpart to the punch. Then it was time for the Masters Mario and Luigi to fight off the evil Star. I watched on the sidelines—"

"Sorry to interrupt Mr. Toadsworth, but I was just thinking… how did Mario and Luigi get to battle the Dark Star if Bowser vacuumed it up? And how were you able to watch?"

"An excellent point I forgot to mention. Thank you dear. Now when this whole affair began, a horrible disease started spreading called the Blorbs. I'm sure your parents mentioned it to you before?"

"Yeah, they did," I managed to get out before slightly cringing.

"Good, I don't have to explain that then. Well, the princess called an emergency meeting at her castle to address the matter. All the important Mushroom Kingdom officials met in earnest. Even… that burly brute, Bowser." He started trailing off topic, saying that he "ruined everything from the beginning" and stuff.

"I'm sorry, do forgive me. Long story short, Master Mario trounced Bowser so we could get back to our meeting, and while he was away I assume Bowser found a strange mushroom giving him the ability to vacuum everything up because he later returned to the meeting and sucked everyone up."

"Whoa!" Kory gaped. "That is so cool!"

"Son, the idea of it sounds cool," lectured Toadsworth. "You try staying in Bowser's insides for twenty years and tell me if it's 'cool' or not."

"Guys, focus. We were in the middle of the true story of how the kingdom fell, remember?"

"Pardon me again, it's been so long since I had anyone new to talk to. The Dark Star had some tricky moves up its sleeves. Thankfully the Masters dodged most of them. But the one that did them in was this strange move that turned the background greyscale; it involved a gigantic arrow that swung around high in the air, then suddenly dropping down on the ground."

"It caught them by surprise, dealing damage of course—"

"My dear, you catch on quick!" Toadsworth chuckled. "But the thing that caught them most off guard was that the Dark Star launched the arrow at an unsuspecting Luigi. That's when I knew that Mario was not going to be able to save the kingdom this time." I saw him start to tear up when he got to this part of the story. I even felt the entire club fall in a hush as they eavesdropped on our conversation.

"Well, what happened?" Kory finally mustered up. I could tell even he was holding back tears.

"Well… they found themselves in another castle after Master Mario fell too." At that point, everyone in the club turned to face us now. "It was only a matter of time before Dark Bowser took Master Bowser and Princess Peach's lives too. Of course, I don't know if he killed Peach or not but I'm positive of Master Bowser's death."

Now even I was on the verge of crying alongside of everyone else. Luvbi Nimbi, I didn't know our nation's past was so bittersweet! That story convinced me that they needed to be overthrown after all the grief they put us, the common-people they're supposed to be protecting as monarch figureheads, in. I would do anything to help take them out.

But before that, I still had some unanswered questions to ask him as the club went back to their conversations.

"So Bowser died twenty years ago. That much is certain." I said. "But how did you escape, and why twenty years later when all was said and done?"

"To answer your first question, I was wandering around the upper half of Bowser's decaying innards when I stumbled upon a pipe room. So many pipes in so many colours, you wouldn't have believed even if you saw for yourselves!" Toadsworth realized he started digressing yet again.

"Anyway, I tried one of the pipes, but quickly noticed that it took two to activate. I found a long-time friend, Toadbert, and we escaped this afternoon. I guess we kind of made a little mess in the new- er, rather the old Shopping District. We parted soon after that; he was saying something about visiting old friends in Lady Bow's Mansion in the Forever Forest or something."

"What's in the Forever Forest, other than that, that would interest anyone?" I asked genuinely.

"My dear, you need to brush up on your history. And not just involving the Masters Mario, Luigi, and Bowser, I mean other familiar characters too. Take, er… oh, never mind. I can tell you later."

"Okay, Gramps, you answered Hope's first question, but what about why now?"

"No reason. Now, can I interest you in some refreshments?"

~*-Beyond-*~

Toadsworth really enjoyed being free of the jail he seemed trapped in. Our casual banter made him laugh at everything we said. And he even got to tell stories that made us laugh. I think the laughter actually healed him more than anything in the world.

Eventually, the club cleared out and we were the only four (if you include the bartender) left in the building. Maybe even the last four awake in all of Toad Town, who knows? But it was getting pretty late, and I definitely had to get home. Toadsworth recognized that it was getting late as well.

"Four thirty-eight in the morning already?" he exclaimed, glancing up at the clock. "My goodness, I think it's high time you two got home."

"Where will you go?" I asked. "You just got back after twenty years of being gone. You don't know where anything is anymore."

"Hey Hope," Kory started, "why don't you take him home with you? Then he can stay at your house until he finds someplace to go."

"Kory—"

"My dear boy, that's a wonderful idea! I'm certainly glad I finally warmed up to you. With your permission Miss Hope, may I stay with you?"

I didn't want to promise him anything I couldn't. I mean, I don't exactly run a rest home at my house; only Monsieur Broque has that luxury. But on the other hand, I didn't want to deny an 80-year-old Toad.

"I can't promise anything," I finally said, "but I'll see what I can do."

We all cheered at my decision and began the however many block trek back to my house clear on the other side of town.

It was a chilly night for me. I don't know about the others, but I started shivering by the time we passed the library. I've always had this thing in cold weather. No, this goes beyond just complaining that it's under 72 degrees and sunny; I can't tolerate anything under 80. I think my internal heating system is out of whack. I think it's because the Blorbs left some weird side effects that defected me or something. I dunno, just a theory.

Kory saw me shivering and lent me his coat from his backpack. That was really sweet of him… even though it's, like, the five hundredth time he's done that for me. Whatevs, doesn't matter.

As we passed through the ruined Shopping District, Toadsworth finally started up our previous conversation again.

"I know I passed through here earlier, but I was in so much of a hurry that I didn't even see how ruined this place was…" I heard his voice get a little louder and started to worry. "Who would do something like this? And why?"

"Toadsworth, shhh!" I hushed. "We don't want anyone waking up."

"Miss Hope, please at least tell me what wrath ravished this project. I implore you!"

"Later… right now, we need to get back to my house pronto."

"I can tell him on the way, Hope. You've got enough to worry about."

Kory, thank you so much for saving me the trouble of wasting time by blabbing on.

A few minutes later and we were already back on my block. Kory felt guilty for passing up his house, not even to let his paranoid parents know that he was all right. But he understood that Toadsworth's safety came first right now. I turned to him to smile.

As I walked up the steps to my front door, the sun started to rise. I could see it trying to break through all the purple smog that the Dark Star emanated, and you know, for the first time I thought it looked picturesque. It felt symbolic in some way. Odd how that figures out to be.

Today was a new day.