Hope ya'll are liking the story so far.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the concept of Travis.

"So what town did you come from Travis?" Luigi asked as he fastened his seatbelt.

Travis smiled as he remembered his hometown. "Oh, just a little tiny place called Fire Flower Village. Just barely a dot on the map."

Mario laughed a little. "I've been there. You aren't kidding when you say the place is small. They have one home, a Toad House, and a shop. I didn't know your family was the one that lived there."

Travis just smiled a little more. "That's just an oversight on both parties, cousin. I wasn't aware that it was you who was passin' by that day. But now we know don't we?" Travis said through a chuckle.

"Mario chuckled a little as well. "Yea, I guess so."

"So why did you need to see the Princess, Travis?" Luigi popped in.

"Marriage proposal." Travis replied quickly.

"WHAT!" Mario exclaimed as he nearly jumped out of his overalls.

"Hahahahahaha. Jus' kiddin' you, Mario. The Princess… She and I… We've been friends for the longest time… I'm just here to pay her a visit… Although…"

"ALTHOUGH?" Mario said sharply.

"Well… Princess Peach… She is very beautiful…and such a gracious and kind person. She is indeed, a blessing to the one she loves. You are, without question, very blessed to have her, Mario." Travis said with a calm smile.

Luigi nudged his brother at Travis' reply, and the seething plumber calmed down. Mario knew he shouldn't act like that to his own family member.

"Sorry for snapping at you, Travis. I can just be… a little jealous sometimes." Mario said as he looked down.

Travis patted Mario on the back and laughed. "No offense taken, cousin! I'd be jealous to if some fella was talkin' 'bout my gal like that!"

"Take a left up here Travis." Luigi said as he pointed at another branch from the road.

Travis took the turn and was amazed as it opened up from thick forest to verdant meadows.

"Wow… The countryside's so lovely out this way" Travis said in awe. It was, indeed, a lovely afternoon. About five minutes passed until they came up to Mario's Homestead.

"Fantastic setup ya got here, Mario. I sure wouldn't mind one like this." Travis said as he stepped out of the car.

"Yea, it's definitely a family heirloom. We've lived here for as long as I can remember." Luigi said as he walked up and stood beside Travis and his brother.

They walked up the steps and went inside and Travis was overcome by the smell of tomatoes and spices. "Mmmm. Apparently someone knows how to cook!" He said as he took in the aroma.

Mario laughed a little. "Yea. Luigi does most of the cooking. Today we're having Linguini. Would you like some?"

"Why, indeed I would!" Travis said as he took off his coat and hat, hung them on a hook, and sat down. Mario also hung up his hat and sat down. Luigi brought the food to the table and served them, then fixed a helping for himself. Then he took his hat off and sat down.

"Well, fella's, shall we say our Grace?" Travis said as Mario went to take a bite. He had almost forgotten. They all joined hands as Travis said Grace.

"Dear Father, we thank you for this meal, and for all the other Graces you have given us through your Son Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen." They did the Sign of the Cross and began to eat.

"That was nice Travis, thanks." Luigi said. Mario nodded in agreement.

They continued to eat while they talked.

"So how's that ol' cad Bowser? Still up to his ol' tricks, is he?"

Mario laughed. "Yep, I'm afraid so. He's always trying to kidnap the Princess.

"Well, it's a good thing that you're here to rescue her." Luigi said in reply.

"Now, now, Luigi. It takes more than one person to save the world. The stories tell of the Great Super Mario AND Luigi. Don't be so humble!" Travis said as he let out a laugh and patted Luigi on the back. Luigi beamed, for he never really thought that he was much help, so Travis' comment really meant a lot.

They finished eating, then went into the den to sit and talk. They told several stories of adventures they had gone on over the years. The Mario Bothers were surprised to here of Travis' many adventures. Travis even told of one that involved both Princess Peach, AND Princess Daisy.

"And I'll tell ya, I ain't never seen two women run so fast from a Goomba!" Travis said as he and the Mario Brothers laughed their socks off.

"Travis, that was rich!" Luigi said as he slapped his knee.

"Man, I can't wait to ask Peach about THAT one." Mario stated through a laugh.

"Boys, that ain't nothin'. I should tell ya about the time Peach and I went into Forever Forest. Boy howdy, you ain't never seen someone so terrified as her. I'll be honest though, I was shiverin' just as bad as she was! My oh my, cousins. If only ya'll knew how much time Peach and I had spent together over the years. Good times, them were. Good times." Travis said as he leaned back in the rocking chair he was in. Mario shook his head as he tried to contain his laughter. Luigi went to grab a drink to sooth his dry throat, which was most likely a result of his constant laughing.

The three talked for a little while longer before it was time for them to turn in. They all brushed their teeth, put on there pajama's, and gathered once more to say goodnight in the Living Room.

"Well, fella's, shall we close in a prayer?" Travis asked as he held out his hands.

"Sure, why not?" Luigi said as he took Travis's hand and looked at Mario. Mario looked at both of them and bowed his head as Travis began to pray.

"Dear Lord, Jesus… We thank you for this day, and in humble prayer we come to you to ask you to Bless us through your power. Lead us where you want us to go, and help us to remember you in every step we take. In your name we pray, Lord Jesus. Amen.

"Amen." Replied Luigi.

"Amen." Finished Mario.

Well, Fella's… I'll see ya'll in the mornin'," Travis said as he laid down on the couch. "Good Night."

The Mario Bros. said goodnight and headed off to bed. Before they went to sleep, Mario spoke to Luigi.

"Hey Luigi?"

"Yea Mario?" Luigi replied.

"That Travis is a nice guy, huh?" Mario said as he hopped into the top bunk.

"He sure is." Luigi said as he crawled into the bottom.

"I wonder why Peach never mentioned him before…" Mario asked as he nodded off. Luigi had already fallen asleep, and did not reply.

And there we go. Another fine chapter. I hope ya'll will like the next one. Take care and God Bless!

The Preacherman.