Hope ya'll are liking the story so far.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the concept of Travis.

The next morning, The Mario Bros. got up to the smell of breakfast. They walked into the kitchen to see Travis putting omelets on plates that also had pancakes and golden hash browns on them. Travis looked up and greeted them.

"Well, mornin' fella's. How are ya'll today? I hope ya'll are hungry." Travis said as he put the pan in the sink and sat down at the table.

"Travis, this smells wonderful!" Luigi said as he and Mario sat down.

"Gosh, Travis… You didn't have to cook for us, you're a guest!" Mario said as he took in the aroma of the gourmet breakfast.

"Aww, it's no problem, fella's. I just wanted to do somethin' nice for ya'll in return to the hospitality I've been shown." Travis said with a smile. "Now, shall we say Grace, fella's?" He said as he made the Sign of the Cross.

Mario and Luigi bowed their heads in respect and reverence.

"Dear Lord, we humbly thank you for graciously blessing us with another fantastic day. Help us to use everything we do as a way to praise You. In Jesus' name we pray, Father. Amen." Travis prayed as he finished with the Sign of the Cross.

"Thanks again for breakfast Travis. But to be honest, I didn't take you for someone who knew how to cook." Luigi said as he took a bite. Mario gave him a swift kick to the shin. Luigi looked up and realized just exactly what he had said.

"Oh, Travis, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that in a bad way!" Luigi said as he dropped his fork on the table.

Travis merely laughed. "That's no problem, Luigi! I know I don't look like much, but I'm actually quite multitalented."

Mario nodded his head in agreement as he took another bite of the gourmet breakfast.

The Trio finished eating, cleaned the dishes, and got ready to head over to Peach's Castle.

Travis changed his outfit to a blue three-piece suit with a white shirt, black cowboy boots, a dark red bow-tie, and a matching blue fedora with a navy blue hatband. The Mario Bros. just wore their usual. They all walked out to the car, got in and headed on their way.

"So Travis, how long has it been since you last saw the Princess?" Mario asked with a questioning look.

"My Heavens, Mario. I couldn't tell ya how long it's been. It seems like forever. All I know is, I sure am excited to see her again." Travis said as he blushed a little.

"Travis, are you blushing?" Luigi said as he nudged him jokingly.

"Oh, my goodness, no. It's uh…j-just the heat, old boy." Travis said as he turned on the A.C.

After a twenty minute drive, the Trio finally reaches the front gate of Princess Peaches Castle.

"Hey Mario and Luigi… And Travis! How have you been, man?" A toad said as he came up to the automobile.

Hey there, Russ! I'm fine, and yerself?" Travis asked as he reached out to shake his hand.

"I've been good. Still working, you know." Russ said as he let go a laugh.

"Good stuff, old boy." Travis said as he smiled. "Same here. It was good to see ya again, Russ."

"You too, Travis. Say hello to the Princess for me!" Russ said as he walked back to his post.

"Will do, Russ. Take care!" Travis said as he drove on. The Mario Bros. were no less than dumbfounded.

"I didn't know you knew Russ!" Mario said as he scooted up in his seat.

"Why yes! I've known Russ since he started working here! In fact, I put in a good word fer him to the Princess. He's a good fella." Travis said as he parked the old car just inside the gates.

The Trio got out of the automobile and walked into the castle. Mario and Luigi were no less than amazed by the fact that Travis knew everybody and everybody knew him. Seems like he had a story for everyone (which made the brothers somewhat disappointed in themselves for not taking the time to get to know the castle workers.)

As they walked through the Princess's Chamber, they were greeted by Toadsworth, Peach's most trusted councilor.

"Well hello Master Mario and Master Luigi. How are you boys today, hmm?"

"We're fine Toadsworth, How are you?" Mario asked.

"Oh, I'm getting along just fine, Master Mario."

"Toadsworth, old boy, how long's it been?" Travis said from behind the Mario Bros.

"Master Travis! It's been far TO long!" Toadsworth said as he shook Travis's hand.

"How's the Princess been doin' my friend?" Travis asked.

"Oh, she has been aching to see you again, Master Travis. She has indeed missed you all these years. She will be more than delighted to see you." Toadsworth said as he cleaned his glasses.

"Well then! Onward, and let's go see the Princess!" Travis said as they all began walking.

As they walked along, Mario could not help but wonder just how well Travis knew Peach…

Well, that's the end of another chapter, give me some feedback, and you will have all things valuable! By that, I mean a 'thank you' from me. Take care, review, and God Bless.

THE PREACHERMAN.