Chapter 9 - Treats and Tricks

The first figure I saw was of course the only one I recognized immediately. Bootler, the Boo we met at the front gates of the mansion earlier that night, hovered up and down above the creaky floorboards without sounding them. He floated alongside an extraordinarily green Boo. This, I automatically assumed, was the Lady Bow every Boo and Toadsworth was talking about. I really didn't see anything distinguishing besides her color and the crystal bows on her head. Other than that, I would have mistaken her for any other ordinary Boo. I guess those are some perks with looking different: You're automatically made into some sort of an authority figure. She floated in the middle of this trio of beings at the edge of the opposite head of the table.

The last figure I did not recognize at all. I assumed he was some sort of old guy based on the fact that he was—er, is. I mean is. He is one of Toadsworth's friends from before the Dark Bowser and Fawful takeover. It's just that he was never in any books related to the unstoppable Mario quartet. Then again, neither was Toadsworth. So this new Toad was a surprise to me. His main color was blue, and his cap was spotted the usual white that we Toads have. Other than that, there was nothing more outstanding about him… he wore thick glasses, but that's it.

"Toadsworth! So clad you could make it, by boogity! You're just in time for our late night feast. What brings you out here to the heart of the forest, anyway? And who are your friends?"

"Toadbert… long time, no see. Ho ho!"

"Oh you. Always cracking jokes!" They both laughed.

"Welcome, my guests," spoke Lady Bow. The two hushed their jovial reunion and listened to what else she had to say. "Please, join us for dinner. I have had Bootler set you all places at the end of the table where you stand now. The only one I had a set place for was Toadsworth, as he's the only one whose name I knew; you will be sitting next to your old friend and my new friend. I ask you find your seats while the food is still warm."

Toadsworth walked over to his assigned spot at the table next to Toadbert and the two started chatting it up as if they were two crows gossiping about Doopliss' name. Kory and I weren't sure how to seat ourselves, but to save me the trouble of having the possibility of being scared by Bootler again he chose to sit next to the esteemed butler. That left me the seat across from the lady. Kory actually pulled my seat out for me, the chivalrous guy. I kept in a hushed giggle at his gallantry, but thanked him aloud.

"Right, now that we're all seated I believe it is time to introduce the main course." Bootler announced. "Our own head chef will be presenting."

As if on cue, some doors behind Lady Bow opened up and revealed a Boo with a toque and apron carrying six silver platters (three in each hand). It looked like they were all the same dish, as he didn't discern which platter went to whom. I didn't care; I just wanted to scarf it all down.

Once all the platters were set, the chef unveiled that of Lady Bow's and I instantly got excited. Mushrooms! Fresh Fried Shroom! Oh, I can't tell you how much my mouth was watering just by looking at that steaming dish. I hadn't had Mushrooms since grade school, and they were my all-time favorite food. Once the Mushroom shortage came about thanks to the logistics of Dark Bowser's embargoes and Fawful's bean addiction, they became a delicacy and, over time, the rarest food in the Mushroom Kingdom.

But here was an entire meal built around the fungi! I didn't question it at all for two reasons: I was already eating, and Lady Bow provided for us.

"I had these Mushrooms specially imported just for this occasion. Being a main, good leader of the Boos does give me certain connections around the worlds for certain things. I realize that both Toadsworth and Toadbert are Mushroom aficionados and have not had a well-prepared meal with the ingredient in decades, so I decided to treat you two to a marvelous dinner while we discuss… whatever it is that you've come to me for. Enjoy." She paused, looking directly at me as I had my head tilted down to stuff my face even more, and said, "It looks like I don't have to wish you enjoyment." She chuckled.

"Well this is a most splendid treat! Thank you, Lady Bow." I could see Toadsworth's face glowing with gratitude. He had every right to be that way after Kory and I had to tell him that Mushrooms were out of stock in the Mushroom Kingdom.

"Anything for such a fine defender. Now… I've a question to pose to you." She looked over at Toadsworth very curiously. "Who are your friends? Toadbert never mentioned them to me at all and even after Bootler described them I cannot place them."

"Oh, my apologies," he said, "This is Master Kory and Miss Hope. Please say—oh come now, Hope! We are guests! Let's be on our best behavior." He caught me licking the plate for excess sauce that I might have missed. Embarrassed, I pulled my napkin off the table and wiped my mouth clean.

"Please excuse my behavior, Lady Bow." I felt compelled to say.

"Oh, please! Go to town if you wish! I know it's been forever since any Toad has had a Mushroom meal. I don't mind at all." She cackled in glee; I don't know why, so please don't ask. She then sat there, pondering.

"Hope and Kory… two teens from Toad Town… but what would you be doing in the middle of this Grambiforsaken forest? Unless…" she gasped. "NO. Are you two the teens who are fleeing from Dark Bowser?"

I didn't say anything and neither did Kory.

"That says it all. Your fear of me turning you in just gave it away. Don't worry, loves, I'd never dream of doing such a thing! I'm just shocked since you've been all over the news today. That was very brave of you to do, and I think you three are the first successful ones since… well, that's getting ahead of myself. HAHAHAAAA~!"

"Wait," Kory started, putting down his fork with a piece of Mushroom stabbed on it. "How do you know about us?"

"My dear human, just because we live out here in the middle of nowhere doesn't mean we're deprived of the basic necessities such as cable or radio! Don't make me laugh again!" She took a bite of her own dish before continuing on. "No, you two have been all the news has talked about today. No thanks to that egotistical maniac that's running the entire world into the ground… not that I blame him, as that's his goal anyway. But he made me miss my favorite soap opera today with his constant running of hate propaganda for you two dear children."

"We're not children!" I interrupted, stunning everybody. "We're going to be seniors in high school after the summer is over."

"Well that's meaningless as of right now," she retorted. "Anyway, you two have become of great interest to the entire Dark Bowser initiative. Did you know he mentioned you three at his rally in front of the library earlier today?"

In all honesty, no we didn't. Of course we didn't stay for long, either.

"He's very eager to reclaim you three." Bootler said. "He's announced that he will stop at nothing to imprison you."

"Which is why if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask. It's yours."

I took a sip of the water provided with the meal before saying anything. I didn't have to, as Toadsworth spoke.

"You're willing to risk everything to protect us? My lady, are you sure you are able to do such a heroic act?"

"DON'T YOU QUESTION ME!" She screeched. Just like with Bootler, she grew to at least three times her original size and bore a gruesome grin with her fangs protruding. I had to hide under the table and did not come back up until she was normal again. She continued once I had reseated myself. "I'm sorry that I lost control of myself, but those kinds of questions irritate me to no end. Especially when they come from such an esteemed member of Peach's council. You should know better than to question my alliances. Of course I'm willing to help out those opposed to that damned tyrant and his lackey. I'd do anything to give the shitface a piece of my mind. He hasn't just affected the major cities you know. My Boo and Bumpty friends in Poshley Heights are suffering just as much as anyone here in Toad Town. I hate to see undue suffering. Sure this may surprise you because of what I am by nature, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm a mean-hearted person. What's mine is yours, and if you take out that wretch then all will be right for me again."

"Such a noble and generous offer, milady." Toadbert said. "In my short time here, I don't remember anything about this being brought up."

"That's because we finally have a chance. Hope has given us hope again; please ignore the pun, it's just coincidence. Because of this, I'm willing to step in and risk everything for a shot at getting our land back on the right path."

Only the sound of clinking silverware on expensive china filled the hall for the rest of the dinner. I had to awkwardly sit there or take small sips of my water and wait for everyone else to finish since I finished first. I couldn't help myself, I'm sorry! I must say that it was a delicious meal, but that's not what you're interested in hearing commentary about right now. I was just as shocked as Toadsworth was when she made that proposal. I know in retrospect it should have been completely obvious since she wanted to meet with us in the first place and all the Boos were in support of us during that dumb game downstairs, but you really couldn't blame us for not knowing who to trust since Dark Bowser had been making a big deal about us being some sort of evil clan or whatever Lady Bow said she heard on the radio.

It was about at this time where I started to think about my mother and Broque Monsieur, if only to keep my mind from going completely berserk from boredom. I started wondering how they were doing now that everything had changed thanks to me. Where were they keeping my mom? Did Broque Monsieur make it out of the town alive or unharmed? So many painful uncertainties started flooding in on me and my heart started racing. Was what we were doing the right thing? Was it worth risking the lives of others now that it seemed like Lady Bow was willing to risk lending us some of her own kind? The Boos are a tightly knit group and don't often do things on their own. Would I be able to handle the guilt if anything happened to any of them? I guess you can tell everything worked out fine, but no spoilers! It's way too early for anything related to the ending.

After what felt like a good half hour, finally everyone finished their meal. Dessert was next and that was moderately quiet. We did however talk about how she came to be known as a natural leader of the Boos and what sorts of adventures she went on with Mario all those years ago. That was entertaining to hear about. Until finally, at the last few bites of our Frozen Bunnies, she worked her way back to the situation at hand.

"Yes, those were some grand times. I miss having adventures like that, but you do get to keep the fond memories and a few mementos here and there. Like my Crystal Bows, for example. They were gifted to me by a very sweet dear of mine."

"Oh? I don't recall you engaging in any relationship during my time under the princess."

"Yes, well we started a few years before you came on to replace the Minister, Grambi rest his pixels. The old man was a kind-hearted keeper of the castle. Anyway, I was indeed involved with someone. An inter-dimensional pink puff ball of cute. He came around a few times when the Mario Bros were still alive. He was sweet and endearing, though surprisingly jealous which added some spice to the relationship, hahaha~! I remember once I was in a play and his apparent rival was forced to kiss me on stage! Boy did he turn noticeably red! Sadly this all came to pass… once Mario and Luigi were destroyed by that vicious Fawful-slash-Dark-Star bug hybrid thing that is only spoken of in the myths of what really happened, the inter-dimensional friends never came back to visit us. My own boyfriend has not visited me in over twenty years. My heart weeps every once in a while when it crosses my mind.

"This is simply only one of the many reasons I have for my enormous desire to help you out on your daunting quest. Dark Bowser is no-one to sneeze at, so you will need all the help you can get if you want any chance of defeating him. You eventually will have to battle him and his army, so your best option is to start stocking up on troops and supplies now before it's too late. I implore you to go along with this. I miss my precious moments with him."

I was stunned silent. I had no idea that there was an underlying story to anyone else about the whole event twenty years ago. I was always under the impression that it happened and that was it. To learn that it tore apart someone's deep relationship, among imagining other possibilities, was eating away at my already bleeding heart. I wanted to get up and give her the biggest hug she had ever received and comfort her with ice cream and chick flicks. This also dispelled any doubts I was having before dessert.

"My lady," I said, "it would be an honor to have your assistance."

"Hear, hear!" followed Toadsworth.

"Thank you, both. You won't regret this. Now it's just a matter of you all figuring out what to do after this. When the time comes, you can count on me to lend my Boos to you, but we're far from that at the moment. Have you put any thought into where to go next?"

No we hadn't.

"Might I make a suggestion?" Toadbert announced. We all looked toward him, eager to hear what he wanted to say. "Since you three are still on the run, would it not be smart to stay hidden, or under the radar as it were? I've learned from a few of the Boos here that Dark Bowser does not even bother looking through Old Bowser's Castle for anything that might pose a threat to him and his seemingly eternal reign. From those same Boos, I've learned that there is a train that passes it on the way across the country for commuters."

"Oh my gosh, the Fawful Express!" I gasped. "It stops there for refueling! If we could somehow make it on board without getting caught, we just sneak off when it makes that stop and we'd be home free! Toadbert, that's a great idea!"

I was surprised Kory went silent for this portion of the dinner conversation. He's usually one to spurt out ideas, make witty jokes, or even sometimes just agree with everything anyone says. None of that happened this time, and it actually bugged me a little. Why was he silent? Nevertheless, the plan was extended for us and we now had a new destination. The only problem was how do we get back to Toad Town first? That'd have to wait a few minutes as there was a surprise question from Kory… and just after I explained that he was so quiet tonight, too. Oh well, ha ha ha!

"So you were around for that whole thing twenty years ago, right?" he addressed to Lady Bow. "Do you know anything else that happened?"

"No, I can't say that I do know much more than what any of you know. However, the rumor mill has produced something of a gem and a personal headcanon for me: It seems that there was an escapee. Whoever it was, though, didn't get far before they were caught. I hear that Dark Bowser didn't have the heart to kill them though as he didn't want the blood on his hands or something. The specifics die out there, but it's rumored that they're still alive in the castle dungeons. That, sadly, is as far as my knowledge goes."

"I see… well thanks, I guess."

"Not at all! I was going to tell you earlier, but as I said before I spoiled it I was getting ahead of myself. Hee hee hee~."

"But…" I started thinking aloud, "that doesn't make any sense. There were only four Heroes according to all the texts in the library, and it can't be Toadsworth or Toadbert since they're here with us now. Lady Bow, do you know who else could have been with the Mario Bros at the time of that last battle? Maybe they could be an ally to us!"

"My dear, sweet, naïve girl," I felt insulted somehow, "if I knew such a thing I would have already said. As that's not the case, no I don't know. And furthermore, I just said that they might be in the castle dungeons. Who knows if they're rotting to their core right now? Dark Bowser has never checked those dungeons except to put new prisoners in. If you ask me, it would be a lost cause."

Well I admit that shut me down with an airtight alibi for them. So this mystery figure was not an option anymore, but I still wasn't convinced that what she said about it being a lost cause was entirely true.

"Thanks for sharing that, Lady Bow," Toadbert thanked. "I'm sure that's not in any of the history books printed during this era of darkness. The more you know empowers you all the more."

"Yes, indeed. Now, about how to get you three back to Toad Town undetected—"

"Four. I'm going with them." Toadbert blurted out. Kory, taking a sip of his leftover water, spat it out; all of our attention shifted over from Toadbert to Kory. We all eyed him curiously, even Lady Bow and Bootler.

"Uh… sorry. I thought I… tasted a bug." None of us were fully convinced, but that was good enough for the moment.

"I'm going along with them. If anything, they'll need to talk to different groups in different and foreign regions. I've those kinds of skills, being a former diplomat to foreign affairs and stuff. If anything, I'd be a huge asset to them!"

"He brings up an interesting point," Toadsworth added. "My talents are somewhat limited in that area. Remember I was constantly at the princess' side advising her. I only encountered those foreign to us when we traveled. Toadbert here has much more experience than I. To have him along with us would truly be, as he said, a great asset to us."

"I don't see why not," I said.

"It only makes sense to me," Lady Bow agreed. "You would not have much to do around here, anyway. I expected your visit would be temporary anyway."

"Your word is best, milady," complimented Bootler. "I'm relieved that you have not decided to venture with them. That would have only given me grave stress again."

Kory hadn't commented on the idea of Toadbert joining us. Call it a woman's intuition, but at the time I thought he was jealous or even suspicious of him. He simply sat there, staring blankly ahead with a glassy look coming from his already reflective eyes. I can only imagine what he was thinking, but I'm not him so I can't say. He simply didn't say anything at all.

"Well, I'm interpreting Kory's—that's his name, right?—well, I'm interpreting his silence as agreement for me to come along. Oh, you guys are not going to regret this!"

"So now that the number of your group is settled, we still have the matter of getting you back to Toad Town undetected." Lady Bow said. "I can only think of one option, and it coincides perfectly with Toadbert's Fawful Express idea earlier. Underneath this mansion is an entrance way to a tunnel that connects to the sewers of the town. I ordered it specially constructed in case of emergencies. You should be there in no time at all, as it's basically a straight shot to the ticketing offices for the train."

"If that's the best option, then sure. Anything but going through the forest again… I'm still having nightmares about that."

"Then you'll need this." Bootler reached into his pocket and produced a very heavy looking weight. "This attaches to the chandelier in the main hall and reveals a secret passageway down to the cellars where the tunnel's entrance lies."

"That explains the bookcase moving to the chandelier and the strange door." I said.

"Yes. Well, if that is everything that needs to be discussed, I wish you all good health and safe travels. May the… you-know-which-spirits watch over you all on your journey." Lady Bow got up from her seat, cueing us that we should do the same.

"Thank you for that meal; I feel refreshed like I never have been before, ho what!" Toadsworth complimented.

"It was no trouble at all. Oh, by the way," she started as she made an 'ah-ha!' face, "if you ever end up in Poshley Heights, look for the Poshley Sanctum. There you'll find my contacts on that side of the world. They did give me trouble in the past, but it's all been settled and it's all in the past. I assure you that if you mention me and what your cause is for they will surely lend you a hand. They're the best Boos I know, besides Bootler."

"You're too kind, milady."

"Thanks for the advice, by boogity! We'll give them a holler as it were."

We said our good-byes and thank yous. Since we already knew where the chandelier was, it was expected of us to see ourselves out. After that meal, I wasn't sleepy anymore and was energetic enough to keep on moving. We all jumped through the painting and wandered back downstairs. Kory decided that since he was the one to test out the couch he should be the one to attach the weight. No one objected, so we let him go for it. He sat on that out of place brown cushion and sprang up onto the bottom of the chandelier, holding on for dear life again. It lowered and revealed the hidden doorway, just like before. Once fully lowered, I handed him the weight and he attached it. He let go, and lo and behold the bookcase stayed in place this time.

"Wahooo!" I cheered. "Now let's get out of here before we get spooked one last time."

We walked through the door and down the stairs towards the cellars. To the right of us, coming down those steps, was a large hole waiting for us at the foot. I led us through, and it didn't take us long to figure out that we might need a torch of some kind.

Special after-chapter shout out to Child at Heart Forever for her KirBow pairing conceived in her most well-known work: Paper Mario X. Love ya, Child! =D

Also a huge thank you for everyone who has kept up with the story so far. I'm happy to have this much traffic! However, I'd appreciate some feedback on the story. A comment or so. Thank you again for reading!