Chapter 6, Letters: Parakarry sat in the oasis in Dry Dry Desert. He had delivered some letters to some of the citizens in Dry Dry Outpost. Being a mail carrier, he was used to the heat. But this day felt hotter than normal for some reasons. Sometimes he would think about the time he went into the volcano in Lavalava Island with Mario and the rest of the party to find the Start Spirit Misstar. Whenever he thought about that, the desert didn't feel hot as much, but it wasn't working today. He sucked on a lemon and then a lime as he checked his phone. He had over 64 text messages and missed calls from his sister in law, Kamala. Parakarry sighed. Kamala needed to chill out. He thought if he took Kara under his wing Kamala would stop calling him about issues she was having with her and her father not getting along. That was obviously not the case. He knew Kamala was just worried about her daughter. But he was a mailman. He was expected to deliver letters and packages to anyone regardless of which city they were in or where they came from. He didn't have time to talk to Kamala about every single thing about Kara. Why couldn't she just trust him?

After cooling down, he looked at the mail. The next letter was to Bootler. His next stop was Forever Forest. He thought about what happened last week. As tempting as it was to see Bow again, he knew there might be a chance he would stay there for the night again if he spent too much time there. Bow would worry about him being outside so late. He couldn't afford to be behind on his deliveries. Especially now that he has a giant bill to pay off. He decided to make Bootler's letter his last stop. He checked the next letter. It appeared to be a fan letter for Watt. Parakarry smiled. It wouldn't hurt to see Mario. He flew from the oasis and began making his way back to Toad Town.

Over at Mario's house the Lil Sparky and a black yoshi kid were playing with a ghost puppy.

"Watt!" Parakarry called. The little girl looked up seeing him fly toward her.

"You have a letter." Parakarry hands it to her. Watt opens it up and reads it.

"It's from the yoshi kids from Lavalava Island! They want me to come play with them!"

"Yoshi kids?" Asked Gonzalez Jr.

"Yep! When daddy went to save Ms. Misstar at Lavalava island, he had to find the yoshi kids that lived there!" Watt explained.

"That's cool! I want to go to the island too!" Said the black yoshi kid.

"I'll write them back and ask them if you can come along! Can you stay here for a bit Mr. Parakarry until I give you my letter?" Asked Watt.

"Sure thing! I need to talk to your dad anyhow."

"We'll go get him!" The kids hurried back inside. Mario came outside a few minutes later.

"Parakarry, the kids said you wanted to see me?"

"I did..." He said.

"What's going on?"

"You and Peach have been together for a while now right?" He asked.

"We have."

"How do you know it's love?" Parakarry asked.

"Well...it feels romantic when you're together, when you're away from them you can't stop thinking about them."

"I see..." Parakarry said.

"Why ask?" Mario asked him, making Parakarry blush.

"No reason! No reason at all! None!" He said quickly. Mario looked at him suspiciously. Watt came back outside with a letter in her hand.

"Here mister Parakarry! You can deliver it to the red one." She said.

"Will do." Parakarry takes the letter. He flies up into the air and heads for the direction of Lavalava Island. The island felt different from the last time he's been there. The smell of volcano smoke was strong and the heat was even higher. It made him sweat slightly. As he flies, he sees an orange glow up ahead. It seemed to be coming from a cave in the volcano. As he gets closer he recognizes what the glow is. A lava rock. He remembered many of them being sent flying when the volcano began to erupt after saving the star spirit. He wasn't sure why it was glowing. The volcano is currently dormant and there is no lava surrounding it. He quickly touched it. It did not feel warm. He pick it up. How was it glowing but didn't feel hot? It wasn't even warm. He put it in his mailbag. It'll make a nice gift for Parakara. After a couple more miles in the air he lands in the village. The yoshi kids are there. He flew to the red one.

"You must be the one who written to Watt. Here's your letter." Parakarry hands it to him. The young red yoshi reads it.

"No way! She has an adopted brother that's a yoshi too!? That is so cool! I want to meet him! Can you wait here until I write the letter mister?"

"Sure thing!" Parakarry said. The red yoshi began writing a letter. Parakarry looked through his mailbag. He was positive he had fan mail for Sushie. Why not deliver her mail to her while he waited. Luckily he didn't have to look for her since she was nearby watching the young yoshis.

"Fan mail fae toad town? Eh? can't wait to read it. I will read it later. Take yin yak off the village weans 'n' they go full running." She said. Despite traveling with Sushie for a long time, Parakarry still had trouble understanding her accent from time to time.

"Sushie?"

"Aye?"

"How do you know if you're in love?" Parakarry asked, Sushie smiled brightly. She loved romance novels or anything to do with love.

"You're in love!? who's th' lucky lassie? C'moan! tell me!" The fish like woman said to the reptilian man. Parakarry blushed bright red.

"Oh no! Just asking!" He said.

"you wouldn't be asking if ye wur in love, right?"

"I..." Fortunately for Parakarry, the yoshi kid handed him a letter.

"Can you tell her to have him write to me too sometime?" He asked.

"I will. See you later." Parakarry flew away.

"Parakarry! wait! you didn't tell me who the lass is yet!" Sushie called out. But Parakarry was too high in the air to hear. He looked through the mail. A letter to Lakilester and another to Frost T. He'll deliver the letter to Lakilester, then to Frost T, and then spend the night in a Toad inn. But wait, there was Bootler's letter. He'll deliver it in the morning. Bow won't be so worried if he comes by early in the morning. Sometimes he wished he could be with Bow all the time. But the thought of living in that mansion is so terrifying. He makes his way to the Flower Fields. Lakilester was talking to his girlfriend Lakilulu.

"Lester!" Parakarry called.

"Hey Karry? What's happening?" He asked.

"Fan letter." He gives it to him.

"I'll read it later. Thanks buddy!" He said.

"My boyfriend is a hero!" Lakilulu kisses his cheek. The green haired lakitu blushed.

"Lulu!"

"You two have been together for a long time correct?" Asked Parakarry.

"Of course we have."

"How did you know it was love?"

"Well when I first saw him, I knew he was the one for me. He's so sweet, even though he tries to act tough." Lakilulu said.

"I am tough! Come on now! I help defeat Bowser and save the princess!" Lakilester said embarrassed. "But anyway, I knew she was the one with her pretty smile, her gorgeous hair, and her firey personality. It just makes her so cute when she's angry." He said, Lakilulu giggles.

"Who do you ask?" She gasped. "Is there someone you like!? Tell us!"

"There is...but..."

"What is it?"

"It's just things."

"What kind of things?"

"I don't know what she would like about me, I'm just a mail carrier...and she's a princess."

"Wait! Hold up! Is this Bow!? I knew you liked her man! I always saw you look at her! Just go up and tell her how you feel my man."

"I did..." He said.

"And what happened?" Lakilulu asked.

"Well...I didn't exactly tell her how I felt...It was hard to put it into words...but we did dance together, and we kissed." Parakarry explained.

"You know what would be perfect!? A gift! A gift and a letter!" Lakilulu suggested. A letter? Parakarry could not believe he did not come up with that.

"Yeah! A letter would be perfect! You can write down how you feel about her." Lakilester added. Parakarry gave himself a little push."Alright...I think that would be a good idea..."He said. He didn't know what gift he should give her though.

"Great! When do you plan to give it to her?" Lakilester asks him.

"I'm not sure I should say yet...Just give me some time." Parakarry says nervously.

"Alright. Well we need to get going. Whenever you come by with the letter I'll give you flowers for you to give to her."Lakilulu says. Parakarry thought about how Bow reacted to the flowers her fans gave her the last time. But he didn't want to hurt Lakilulu's feelings.

"Okay. Sounds good." Parakarry smiled. The two lakitus flew away. Next stop was Starborn Valley. It was going to be a flight. A long cold flight. But the place wasn't going to get any warmer. He got in his shell and came back out wearing his winter uniform. The paratroopa then made his way towards Shiver City. He was glad he stopped at Shiver City first instead of flying though it. He didn't realize there were some letters to give to the penguins living there. There was also quite a bit for the mystery author Herringway. After delivering the mail he made his way through the shiver snowfield. The cold made his wings feel a bit numb, and the snow had fogged his goggles from time to time. He wiped them with his gloves whenever the frost made it too hard to see. He quickly got in his shell when he saw a rock flying toward him. Gulpits. Frost piranhas he could avoid. They were not able to attack flying species. But Gulpits. All they needed was rocks and they will send them hurling. He quickly flew away from another rock heading his direction. This time a boulder headed his way. I quickly flew up. He knew that would crush his shell had that hit him. Not even his shell, his wings would have been broken too. Gulpits were relentless. He later found himself avoiding fewer and fewer rocks. They were probably running out of rocks to throw. After he had finally gotten away from them, he was flying along. Something very bright hit his goggles making him stop. He landed and looked around for what it was. It was a crystal it was roughly shaped like a heart and was sparkling all over. The paratroopa couldn't resist looking at it longer than normal because it had beautiful patterns around it. Then an idea popped into his head, he placed it in his bag.

Over at Starborn Valley a toad with green spots wearing winter clothes was watching the star kids. His kids were outside playing with them. While his mother was inside helping the Ninjis prepare food for the star kids. He looked up when he heard flapping wings. Parakarry was coming towards him.

"Parakarry!" He said excitedly. He knew there was a letter from his family whenever he came by. Parakarry smiled at him and landed.

"A letter from Mini T." He said handing it to him.

"Let's see what the lad's been up to." He took it and opened it. "They thought they saw a little girl that looked like Peach but with horns, shell, and koopa tail? She was playing with the Lil'Oinks? That really is something."

"People around Toad Town have been talking about this alleged young princess, but I've never seen her. Not even when I come to deliver Peach's mail." Parakarry said. He could see a small smile creep onto the toad's face. "Do you think she's real?"

"Possibly. Though if she looks how she's described, I really wonder how that came to be." He said. He thought about asking Mario, but he wasn't sure if he should. Maybe he could ask Peach herself if whenever he gets mail for her. But he didn't want to feel like he was prying. A female toad outside a house wearing winter clothes.

"Time to eat little starkids!"

"Yay!" The small yellow stars flew inside.

"Parakarry, would you like to come with us for dinner?" Frost T. asked. Normally Parakarry would say "no" but he had something to ask him.

"I don't mind." He said, Frost T. smiled.

"Then come. Follow us." He took the toad kids as him and his wife went inside. "You can hang your stuff here." He said to Parakarry. Parakarry took off his helmet, scarf, gloves, and hung his jacket. The house felt warm and toasty. Dinner smelled wonderful. The house was decorated beautifully. There was an armchair facing the window, a sofa against one wall, and tables and cabinets near the kitchen. The kids went off to play in their rooms.

"The guest room is yours to use while you're visiting us." Said Frost T.

"No, it's fine. I'm planning to stay in the inn for the night."

"Don't you have to pay for the inn? The room is free." Frost T. He wasn't wrong there. There was also Parakara's room. A few coins could go towards the bill.

"I'll stay here fir the night." He said, Frost T nodded.

"Thank you." He said. "Would you like tea?" He asked.

"Yes please." He said. The female toad then poured three cups on tea on the dining table.

"Oh, I'm Ice T. by the way. My husband tells us a lot about you. We're grateful for you delivering our mail." She sits down next to her husband.

"I'm just doing my job ma'am." Parakarry said, he sits across from them.

"So tell me what your adventures have been up to." Frost T. said. Parakarry started speaking about all that had happened to him these last weeks.

"You have a niece? That's wonderful." Ice T. said Parakarry nodded.

"She's in high school. She's very sweet." He said.

"That's nice. What kind of music does she listen to?" Ice T. asked.

"Not sure, I have been delivering mail, so I haven't had much time to get to know her that well." Parakarry answered, though Parakara did dress like someone who would listen to rock. When she first arrived she was wearing a blue shirt with black roses, a black skirt with a chain, brown combat boots, blue fishnet gloves, and a black choker that topaz spider charm on it. Her makeup consisted of heavy blue eye shadow, mascara, and black lipstick. He hoped he was off this weekend so he could spend time with her.

"Do you know what kind of books she likes?" Asked Ice. T

"I don't know that either." He said.

"Well, hopefully you will get time to get to know her. I would love to meet her one day." Frost T. said. Parakarry nodded. Ice T. got up and poured bowls of mushroom and rice soup. She called the kids over to come eat. Parakarry ate, it was creamy and tasted like garlic and butter. He sees the family eating thinking about Parakara. He looked forward to sharing a meal with her. Not just chips with dip. He wondered if he should make something, or take her out to eat somewhere. Soon they finished eating. Ice T. put the dishes in the sink. "If you wouldn't mind, it would be great if you would help me clean up and fold everything."Ice T. asked Parakarry. He nodded smiling agreeing to help. Frost T. goes to put the kids to bed.

"I'm really happy for you." Ice T. said. "Being a parent isn't easy. But it's rewarding."

"I wouldn't say I'm a parent...she is my niece after all."

"You're watching her aren't you?"

"For the time being." He said.

"Then you're a parent. You're taking care of her." Ice T. explained. Parakarry never thought of it that way. Maybe he is now. He didn't really feel like a parent though. Ice T. seemed to know what he was thinking.

"Give it time." She said. "You'll bond with her like she's your daughter." That's what Parakarry was a little afraid of. He didn't know how long his niece was staying with him. Eventually Kamala would have found a place for her and her daughter; and Parakara would go back to living with her. The house would feel empty. At least there was Bow, if things ever get serious. But he would still miss his niece. Then he remembered something. The crystal. Parakarry placed the washed dishes on the rack. When the dishes were done, Ice T. took him to the living room to fold the clothes and towels. "You can sleep with this." The toad gave the paratroopa a folded blanket.

"Thank you." He said. Ice T. nodded.

"So what are you thinking about?" She asked.

"Nothing." Parakarry said.

"You seem deep in thought." The toad lady says, giving a smile as she folded with the paratroopa "Are you worried about something? Don't worry, I won't tell anybody what's bothering you."

"I'm worried about getting too attached to Kara. I know she's going to have to move back with her mom at some point." He said.

"Why do you think she has to move back?" She asked. Parakarry explained everything.

"That...sounds like someone who is not going to leave...it's sad. But true." She said. Parakarry sighed, maybe she was right. Lately Kamala has been sounding like she wanted to make her marriage work. But there was a point Kamala was going to divorce; instead she stayed to help one of her sisters who was also going through one, and then ended up being too broke to divorce Parakarter. He knew Kamala was a caring person. But that was unbelievable when she decided to take care of other people's troubles when it didn't involve her own, especially when her own life was in peril. Ice T. continued; "You're trying to protect her and you're worried because you care about her. But you don't want to hurt your sister in law's feelings at the same time. But...believe me. You don't want to risk losing a precious thing. Your niece needs you Parakarry."

Ice T. finishes folding and places the folded laundry away neatly. Parakarry smiles. "Thanks for believing in me, Ice T. It means a lot." He hugs her, the two of them hug longer than they needed to before she lets go. Ice T. smiles.

"It's nothing big." She said;

"Can I talk to your husband about something?" He asked.

"Sure thing." The toad lady went to get Frost T. He came into the living room.

"My wife said you needed to talk to me?"

"Yes." Parakarry went to his mailbag and took out the crystal and gave it to him.

"Oh, you found a crystal." He said.

"I want to make it into something beautiful...it's for someone." He said. The toad stared at the crystal. It was a clear white.

"It would make a lovely ring." He said. Parakarry blushed.

"I mean we haven't been serious. I've known and loved her for a long time. But have never really told her how I felt." He said. He had never talked to anyone about Bow. This was the first time he actually admitted it to himself. The feeling he had when he held her close to him was different than the ones he usually felt with girls. He felt like he wanted to keep Bow happy. Make her feel safe. Make her feel special. He wanted her to be the most happy and loved woman in the world.

"I can hold on to it for you until you're ready. You look like you really care about her." Frost T. smiled warmly at Parakarry.

"I would like that. Thank you."

"No problem." He looked down at the crystal. "I guess I better put this away. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"There is...if your nephew had an abusive parent, but the other parent was loving...would you take him in?"

"Of course. Even if one parent is toxic. It's still an unsafe environment."

"What if the loving parent ends up leaving the other? Would you let him go back?"

"It all depends."

"On?"

"Well the stability of the housing situation, the likeliness of the parent going back to their abusive relationship, the ability of the parent to care for the child, the possibilities are endless." Frost T. explained. Parakarry was quiet thinking about what he said. Frost T. noticing his silence, smiled sympathetically. "Is there anything I can do?" He asked.

"Not at the moment." said Parakarry answered him, Frost T. nodded.

"Okay then, goodnight." He walked away. Parakarry remained silent thinking about the conversation. Should he really give Kamala a chance? Or would it be best if he gained custody? He looked at the clock on the wall. It read 8:00. It was getting late. He had to think about this later. The paratroopa picked up the blanket Ice T. gave him and made his way to the guest bedroom. Parakarry went inside his shell and came out wearing pajamas and laid down the pillow felt so soft and fluffy. He was glad to be staying overnight here. He went to sleep thinking about everything and everyone he had encountered while coming to this place.