Okay, fellow readers. This is the twelfth chapter of this story!

Now, I don't have much to say about this chapter, aside from the fact that we're getting back to the interesting stuff again, back on Andrew and his two partners.

In this chapter, Andrew and Goombella are planning to leave Petalburg to head back to Rogueport, Koops is revealed to want to travel with Andrew and Goombella to get the other Crystal Stars, he tells his father, girlfriend, and the mayor about these plans, Andrew gets an e-mail from Peach, and the three of them head to the Thousand-Year Door, along with a few other things. How will this go for them? Read and find out, now!

BACK IN PETALBURG:

It didn't take long at all for Andrew and Goombella to make it back to Petalburg with Koops and Koopley, only to be greeted by the residents who lived there. They were all excited and thrilled that Andrew and his two allies finally defeated Hooktail for good.

Either word about it got out fast, or they had overheard the loud tremor that occurred at Hooktail Castle and came to the conclusion that they must've defeated Hooktail. For what he knew, it was likely the latter. Regardless, Andrew and Goombella were hailed as heroes of Petalburg, even though Andrew modestly said that they were doing the right thing, and that didn't make them heroes.

Of course, Goombella thought otherwise and had told them that they appreciated the praise and that they were honored to have defeated Hooktail themselves and had come out of it alive.

Speaking of being alive, Koopie Koo was surprised to see that Koops helped defeat Hooktail and didn't get eaten. She had apologized to Koops for her outburst earlier before he left for Hooktail Castle, and that said that she was overreacting the way she did. But Koops didn't hold it against her. He was willing to forgive her for that mishap.

However, everyone was surprised to see that Koopley made it back to Petalburg, completely alive and well after having been missing for ten long years at Hooktail Castle, especially from Mayor Kroop no less.

Koopley told them how he survived this whole time, by explaining everything that he told Koops earlier, before leaving the castle. To say that this officially made Koops a hero of Petalburg as well would've been an understatement.

Even though he said that he wouldn't accept any regards aside from the Crystal Star, Kroop decided to prepare Andrew and Goombella a nice dinner; which consisted of Koopasta, a Koopa Bun, and some Koopa Tea.

Naturally, Andrew admitted that fighting a giant dragon 'really' worked up an appetite, and Goombella felt the same way. So they both gracefully accepted the banquet that they were given.

Later that night, after having eaten dinner, Andrew and Goombella decided to check in at the Petalburg Inn for the night, using the Inn Coupon that Andrew found to stay a free night there.

They had decided to set off tomorrow to head back to Rogueport Sewers, and to the site of Thousand-Year Door to find out where they needed to go next, since today was a busy day, and they needed plenty of rest for tomorrow.

Koops, meanwhile, had decided to stay at his house for the night, as he had big plans to travel tomorrow. But he needed the rest since he had just as much of a busy day as Andrew and Goombella did.

The next morning, Andrew and Goombella woke up and helped themselves to a nice breakfast. Andrew settled on having a Fried Egg and toast covered in Honey Syrup, some Fresh Juice, and a cup of Koopa Tea, whereas Goombella helped herself to an Omelette Meal with Honey Syrup on the side. After all, an adventurous girl like her needed to pack up on an appetite with all the traveling she'd done. She also had some Koopa Tea, and some Fresh Juice to go with it.

As soon as they were finished with breakfast, one of the residents told them that Koops wanted to see them at his house since he had some important news that he wanted to tell them.

Andrew and Goombella were more than willing to oblige, seeing that Koops did travel with them to Hooktail Castle, and the three of them made a great team. So after giving the Innkeeper their thanks, Andrew and Goombella grabbed their belongings, left the Inn, and headed straight for Koops's house to see what he needed to tell them.

Needless to say, they were both surprised when they found out that Koops was planning on traveling the region, and away from Petalburg for a while. But they were even more surprised when he told them who he would travel with.

"Wait, Koops," Andrew had asked him. "You mean to tell us that you want to travel with me and Goombella to find the other Crystal Stars?"

"Of course. That is... If you are all right with it," Koops had nodded. "After beating Hooktail and finding that my father was alive, I had decided on wanting to travel some more with you guys, since, ummm...I've learned quite a bit from you two during the short time we were at Hooktail Castle. Plus, I want to become every bit of a strong Koopa just like my dad."

"Wow. Jeepers, Koops," Goombella had blinked at that. "I didn't think you had wanted to travel with us. We were glad to have traveled with you to Hooktail Castle, but wowsers. This is something else."

"Ummm... I know it's a lot to take it," Koops had to explain. "But I really would like to travel with you two to find the rest of the Crystal Stars and go to the other places that are located in the Rogueport region. I would 'really' love that. Is it okay, with you?"

Andrew only had needed to think about that for a minute, before he made his decision. "Of 'course' you can travel with us. We would love to have you along for the ride through the region. Isn't that right, Goombella?"

"Totally," Goombella had beamed. "We'd love to have your company while the three of us find the other Crystal Stars."

"Great. Thanks, guys," Koops thanked them sincerely with a smile. "I won't let you down. I'll help out whenever you need my hope."

"The pleasure is all ours, Koops," Andrew then decided to ask him. "But, what about your father? And your girlfriend? Have you told them about your plans yet?"

"Just my girlfriend. I told her last night about how I plan on traveling with you two to get the other Crystal Stars. She said that she is all right with it," Koops explained. "She also feels that since I managed to take down Hooktail, then I should be good enough to travel the rest of the region. She'll be waiting for me here to prove myself, for the day that I finally return home to Petalburg. And she told me that she wants me to be careful, and to stay safe."

"As long as you stay with us, Koops, there's no doubt that you'll be safe," Goombella told him assuringly. "You can betcha Koopa shell on that one."

"Yeah. I agree with Goombella. You'll be safe with us," Andrew then decided to ask him. "But what about your father? Surely you plan on telling your old man about your plans to travel with us, right?"

"Of course," Koops nodded. "That's why I had assembled a meeting right outside my house for my dad, my girlfriend, and the mayor to see me off before I leave this town with you guys."

"That's great," Andrew crossed his arms. "When are you gonna tell him?"

"Right now. In fact, uh, he's waiting outside for me, along with my girlfriend and the mayor," Koops then motioned them to follow him downstairs towards the front door. "Uh, come on. They're waiting for us."

Andrew and Goombella had exchanged looks with each other before following Koops out the door, not having any objections to these plans that Koops had made ahead of time.

Currently, Andrew and Goombella were right outside of Koops' house, and standing nearby the mayor's house, as Koops had the discussion with Koopley, and Kroop, while Koopie Koo was there to give him her emotional support.

Koops had spent the next few minutes explaining to his dad about wanting to travel with Andrew and Goombella, and that he'd like to give them his support on their journey.

"Koops, my lad..." Koopley decided to ask him, just so he could confirm that it was true. "Are you telling me that you're going with Andrew and Goombella?"

"Umm... That's right, Dad..." Koops nodded to confirm it as he further explained his reasoning to him. "I'm going to continue traveling with Andrew and Goombella. And then I'm..."

Koops cleared his throat before continuing. "Well... I'm going to come back a strong Koopa like you, Dad!"

Koopley was rather impressed that his son was willing to follow in his footsteps and travel across the Rogueport region. With a smile on his face, Koopley decided to give Koops his support.

"Nicely said, young Koops! THAT'S my boy!" Koopley patted him on the shell before adding to his comment. "But always remember this: you are my son, Koops...and I am your father!"

"I know, Dad. Thanks..." Koops thanked him before giving him a brief hug, which he returned.

It was then Koops looked towards Koopie Koo, who walked over to him and held his hands.

"Koops, my sweet..." Koopie Koo told him sweetly while holding his hands. "I'll be right here waiting...for you to prove yourself."

"I know you will be, Koopie Koo..." Koops gave her two pecks on both sides of her beak before letting go to see the mayor say something to him.

"Ahem... May I just add..." Mayor Kroop got his attention. "If anything happens, you can always come home, Koops. Don't you ever forget that, OK? This village will always be your home."

Koops nodded affirmingly as he then said his last words to them.

"OK! Thank you, everyone," Koops then declared to them. "Well, I'm off!"

With that settled, Koops walked back over to Andrew as he said to him. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Andrew. You know...farewells."

"I perfectly understand, Koops," Andrew had a small smile on his face. "There's nothing wrong with saying farewell to those that you've lived with for a long time. I'm all right with it."

"Gee. That's good to know," Koops smiled before asking. "So, where are we going?"

It was then that Goombella stepped forward and decided to reveal to him and Andrew. "Let's head back to Rogueport."

"Oh, gee. The one town that I've been wanting to return to for so long," Andrew gave a sarcastic response. "Boy, I can hardly wait to get back there."

"Yeah. Yeah. I know how you feel, Andrew," Goombella playfully rolled her eyes before explaining to him. "Remember, Andrew? 'The bearer of the Magical Map shall unfurl it before the Thousand-Year Door. When this is done, the stars shall guide the bearer to the Crystal Star with pure light.'"

Goombella took a deep breath before she continued. "And it didn't stop there... 'Each Crystal Star shall point to the next...' That's what the books say."

"I know, Goombella," Andrew remarked as he crossed his arms.

"Yeah," Goombella then decided to say. "Which means...if we take the Crystal Star we found back to the Thousand-Year Door..."

"So...that means the location of the next Crystal Star will appear on that magic map?" Koops took a wild guess, based on what he understood about it.

"Exactly!" Goombella beamed.

"So when we get to Rogueport Sewers, we should head straight for the Thousand-Year Door first," Andrew had managed to figure it all out. "Then we can go back to Rogueport."

"You got it, Andrew," Goombella gleamed while smirking at him. "Now c'mon! Let's go!"

"Right," Andrew nodded.

As soon as he gave his final farewells to the people of Petalburg, Andrew took notice of a badge that was nearby.

It was a Mega Rush P badge, which was behind the fence to the right of Kroop's house. Seeing that the way to it was thin and narrow, Andrew relied on his newfound Paper mode ability to squeeze through it and grabbed the badge before squeezing back out and turning back to normal.

After putting it in his badge kit, Andrew decided that it was time to leave Petalburg, with Goombella and Koops following right beside him.

Andrew had to get a good look at the place again and was astounded. Now that Hooktail was gone and out of the picture, Andrew was convinced that the place was a very idealistic place to live. It was the perfect place for anyone to want to spend their childhood. It was so peaceful.

This also extended to the area of Petal Meadows as well. It was a really beautiful place to go to just to unwind from the stress that came from living in a rundown city such as Rogueport.

Just thinking about Rogueport again was enough to make him frown. He was still wondering where the princess ran off to. He had no clues or leads at all. It was then a thought had crossed his mind.

The sooner we find the Crystal Stars, the sooner I can find the princess, and then we can get the heck out of here... Andrew thought bitterly while frowning deeply.

He had no ill manner towards Goombella or Koops at all. It's just that, he didn't think Rogueport was a safe place to explore. 'As a matter of fact', he was convinced that it was a dangerous place, based on what he witnessed.

He just hoped that he could find the princess so they could head back to the Mushroom Kingdom the minute he had found her. But what he didn't know was that Peach was held somewhere far away and that his adventure would last far longer than he had intended originally...

IN THE PETAL MEADOWS:

They had eventually left the town of Petalburg and were on the outskirts of the town. They were planning on traveling through Petal Meadows, back to the pipe that led back to the Rogueport Sewers, as soon as they crossed the bridge.

They didn't get far, however, for once they were in the same spot where Koops pleaded to them to join them in fighting Hooktail in the first place, a ringtone started going off in Andrew's pocket as well as a vibration. The vibration was enough to make Andrew shake a little, and his two partners took notice of this.

"Andrew? Are you OK? You're 'totally' shaking..." Goombella asked in concern. "Do you need a bathroom?"

"Oh, don't be ridiculous, Goombella," Andrew rolled his eyes. "I already used the bathroom before we left Petalburg."

"I think Goombella is onto something, Andrew," Koops decided to voice his thoughts on it. "You're...um...shaking. Are you feeling alright?"

Andrew did some thinking for a moment before he realized something; that was his Mailbox SP. He had it on him this whole time.

Whoa! Drat! I forgot that I had my Mailbox SP on me! Andrew thought before wondering. Wait, who'd be sending me an e-mail? Well, only one way to find out.

With that thought in mind, Andrew reached into his pocket and dug out his Mailbox SP, which he proceeded to open up and see who he got an e-mail from. Goombella and Koops saw the Mailbox SP for themselves, and they were astounded.

"Ooh, is that a Mailbox SP? Cool! With the light?" Goombella was curious and astounded by it.

"Yes, Goombella. It has the lights," Andrew nodded to her, which pretty much satisfied her.

"Wow, neat!" Koops was just as ecstatic as Goombella before he felt like asking. "Did you get some mail?"

"Yeah. Who's the mail from?" Goombella queried.

"All right, you two. Hold on," Andrew then promised them. "I'm gonna read it aloud for all three of us, OK?"

Goombella and Koops nodded with curious smiles on their faces, which was good enough for the muscular man.

"Great. OK, let's see here..." Andrew then proceeded to read the e-mail and was in for a shocking surprise when he saw who it was from. Reading it aloud, this is what the e-mail said.

'To Mr. Andrew,

I am sending this letter in the hope that it reaches you safely. I am being held against my will in some strange place.'

Wait, this is from Princess Peach? Andrew thought in shock before groaning in his mind. Well, so much for a quick rescue...

Andrew kept that to himself as he continued to read the e-mail.

'Though I do not know where I am, I remain unharmed and in relative comfort.'

Well, at least she's safe and unharmed. That's a good thing. Andrew thought before he resumed reading it.

'I do not know how you got possession of the map that I sent to Mario, Mr. Andrew. But that is hardly important right now. I want to warn you that those who have captured me seem to be after the map that you have currently. They may be hoping to use it to find objects they call the Crystal Stars.'

The Princess' captors are after the Crystal Stars too? Andrew had to gulp. That is 'definitely' something to be concerned about...

He then decided to wrap up reading the e-mail to his two partners.

'I do not know what they are planning, but I have a feeling it isn't anything positive. Andrew, I might not know enough about you, but I must ask that you please collect these Crystal Stars before they do. You must! They are already aware that you have the map, so please be very careful. And please... Don't worry about me, Mr. Andrew.'

-Princess Peach-

As soon as he was finished reading it, Andrew was surprised by several things. How was Peach able to e-mail him that message? And how did she get his e-mail?

It was then he remembered something a while back. He had given his email address to the princess in her castle. He had assumed that it would be something that she wouldn't have the time to remember and that she had forgotten about it. He thought that it would've been pushed to the side and never be brought up with him again.

This didn't turn out to be the case, as the e-mail he got 'really' was from Princess Peach, seeing that her email address was consistent with what he remembered.

He was brought out of his thoughts when his partners decided to comment on the matter.

"Wow... You got mail from a princess." Koops had to utter in amazement.

"Wait a second..." Goombella then decided to comment. "Isn't that from Princess Peach? THE princess? The one you were looking for?"

"The very same princess, Goombella," Andrew nodded to confirm it.

"So that means she's OK!" Goombella beamed. "At least she's not hurt..."

"Yeah. That's good, at least..." Koops added.

"Uh-huh. It's a good thing that she is safe and unharmed by her captors," Andrew said before sighing.

"But I didn't like the sound of those kidnappers looking for the Crystal Stars as well..." Koops had to admit his rather understandable fear of the matter.

"I don't like it either, Koops," Andrew told him honestly.

"Me either," Goombella gulped. "It sure sounds like whoever kidnapped Princess Peach is also after the Crystal Stars... That's enough to get us concerned..."

"I know Goombella," Andrew then took a deep breath before telling Goombella what was on his mind. "But I guess this means I'll be extending my stay here in Rogueport until we collect the seven Crystal Stars and find Princess Peach, wherever she is being held at."

"Yup," Goombella shook her head. "Guess you won't be leaving Rogueport with the Mushroom Kingdom Princess sooner than you expected, right?"

"That's the best way to put it," Andrew nodded.

"Ummm...what?" Koops was a little clueless about this. "Maybe I'm missing something here. What are you talking about, Andrew?"

"Oh yeah, Koops. I didn't fill you in on it," Andrew decided to explain to him. "See, I originally came to Rogueport to find the princess and escort her back to the Mushroom Kingdom, as a favor given to me by the Mario Brothers. I couldn't find her at all in Rogueport, and after running into Goombella at the harbor, we had assumed that she'd be here in Petal Meadows."

Andrew turned away before sighing in defeat. "But I guess that didn't turn out to be the case. I had a feeling that she'd be kidnapped if she tried finding the treasure and the Crystal Stars on her own, but I didn't think I'd be correct."

"Wow..." Koops gasped. "That's 'definitely' something, Andrew... I had no idea about that..."

"We know Koops. I was just as surprised to have learned it from Andrew the first time we met in Rogueport," Goombella informed him before telling Andrew. "Don'tcha worry Andrew. We'll find her. I'm sure of it. And we can collect the other six Crystal Stars while we wait to learn more about her location."

"I know Goombella. I hope so too. I'll be staying in this region for a while, with you two accompanying me 'all the way'," Andrew informed them before suggesting. "But for now, let's head back to Rogueport Sewers and make our way to the Thousand-Year Door?"

"You betcha, Andrew," Goombella beamed before facing Koops. "Let's get going, Koops."

"Right. I'm with you too, Andrew," Koops nodded as they walked across the bridge and traveled through the Petal Meadows.

It didn't take long for them to make it back to the pipe that led to Hooktail Castle. And up on the ledge was the brown-colored brick pattern pipe that led back to Rogueport Sewers. Andrew had to sigh. Guess this was the time for them to leave the peaceful Petal Meadows and head back for the gritty-looking Rogueport, after a stop at the Thousand-Year Door.

After jumping back up onto the ledge, the three travelers walked over to the pipe and jumped on top of it. After giving one final look at the Petal Meadows, Andrew proceeded to go down the pipe along with Goombella and Koops. He was wondering where their next adventure will take them since it's unlikely that it'll be as beautiful as Petal Meadows...

IN THE ROGUEPORT SEWERS:

Upon emerging from the pipe in the Rogueport Sewers, Andrew, Goombella, and Koops jumped down from it as they used the two moving platforms to get across the water again. Once they made it to the other side, the threesome left the room and headed back towards the direction they came from.

Once they got back, they jumped off the ledge, dealing with a Spiny Goomba in seconds. They had then walked over to the pipe that led to the Thousand-Year Door. Using the Paper mode to their advantage, Andrew and his two partners turned paper thin to get through the bars and got on top of the pipe, which they went down through.

Koops had to admit, he was rather impressed by what he was seeing. Truth be told, he had never been through the Rogueport Sewers before. He had only been to Rogueport once or twice to go to the store there. He had stopped going there because of the violent crime that had been going on there. And Koops didn't want any part of that.

He can understand why Andrew hoped that he'd find the princess so he and Her Highness could leave Rogueport and not go back.

Still, the sight that was in front of him was amazing. He wasn't an archaeologist like Goombella was, but he was still amazed and intrigued by the ruins that made up the ancient town that once stood where Rogueport was standing a thousand years ago.

Gee... All these sites that are the Rogueport Sewers are pretty neat... Koops thought. I hope that the site of the Thousand-Year Door is just as great as Andrew and Goombella say it is...

Andrew and Goombella knew exactly where they were going, as they headed for the pipe leading to the Thousand-Year Door, with Koops trailing right behind them. Andrew decided to take a shortcut with his Paper mode as he turned paper-thin to slide through the bar fencing, with Goombella and Koops following suit afterwards.

This was the quickest way by, as they reached the pipe sooner. They jumped on the pipe and went down through it, before reaching another room. Andrew knew what he had to do, as he went up the flight of stairs to the far right end of the room, with Goombella and Koops following him.

Once they were at the top of the stairs, Andrew walked right over to the Paper Airplane Panel and stood on it, when it started glowing. As soon as he saw that, he grabbed Goombella and Koops before focusing hard enough to transform into a paper airplane. With the focus he needed, he managed to fly over to the other side with the doorway leading to the Thousand-Year Door.

As soon as he reached the platform, he transformed back to normal and let go of Goombella and Koops afterwards. Seeming satisfied by how they were close to where they needed to be, Andrew motioned towards his two partners.

"Let's go," he instructed them as he walked through the doorway. Goombella and Koops followed after him. Koops was going to be in for a huge treat once the threesome settled themselves into the next room...

AT THE SITE OF THE THOUSAND-YEAR DOOR:

It didn't take long for Andrew and Goombella to see the Thousand-Year Door right in front of them, as they weren't surprised by it, since they had already seen it previously.

Koops, on the other hand, was taken aback by what he was seeing. He couldn't believe it. He was staring at the one and only Thousand-Year Door; the very one told in tales long passed. He couldn't help but gawk at the sight of it.

"W-Wow..." Koops was barely able to talk as he admired its beauty. "That's the Thousand-Year Door?"

"Yes, it is," Andrew nodded, slightly amused by Koops' reaction and that he got to see the Thousand-Year Door for himself. He felt the same way when he first came here.

"It's 'actually' real," Koops had to admit. "The Thousand-Year Door that I've heard so much talk about in tales that I've been told...is there. I can't believe I'm seeing it...Amazing."

"Isn't it, Koops," Goombella couldn't help but smirk at his reaction. "Believe me, we felt the same way when we first saw it."

"I see..." Koops continued watching the door in awe for a few moments.

As the shy Koopa watched it, Andrew had to look up, as he saw something that he hadn't noticed before. Standing on top of a stand accessible by a jump pad, next to a Paper Airplane Panel, was a clear yellow box. And inside the box, was a Shine Sprite.

"Holy cow guys. Look up there. It's a Shine Sprite," Andrew uttered as he pointed upward towards it. "How come I never noticed it before?"

"Probably because you were more interested in the Thousand-Year Door at the time," Goombella teased him playfully before nudging his left leg in slight affection. "So, whatcha gonna do? You're gonna get it, right?"

"Oh yes, I am," Andrew then saw that to the right of him was a barred fence with a jump pad that led to another Paper Airplane panel above. It looked like it could lead him to that Shine Sprite in a matter of seconds. "And I know how I'm gonna get it. Wait here for me."

Goombella nodded at this as she watched Andrew turn paper-thin with his Paper Mode as he squeezed by the barred fence, while Koops nodded absentmindedly. Jumping on the jump pad, Andrew reached the top platform, where he then walked onto the Paper Airplane Panel.

Upon focusing hard enough, Andrew turned into a paper airplane, where he then flew right over to the other side where the other jump pad was. Soon afterwards, he returned to normal. From there, he jumped onto the jump pad and was flung up to the top platform where the Shrine Sprite was.

As soon as he was near the box with the Shine Sprite in it, Andrew jumped up, plowed his fist into the box, and caught the Shine Sprite that fell out of it.

"All right! I got another Shine Sprite," Andrew held it up for Goombella and Koops to see before he put it into his backpack with the other three Shine Sprites. "Now I've got four of them."

"Awesome Andrew! That's 'totally' awesome," Goombella beamed.

"Wow. Already gotten four of them?" Koops mused as he saw Andrew up above. "That's amazing."

"Isn't it," Andrew then walked onto the Paper Airplane Panel, which started glowing. "I'll be down there in a second!"

Goombella and Koops nodded as they saw Andrew turn into a paper airplane, where he then flew down until he landed right near the pedestal. Once he touched the ground, he returned to normal.

"Jeepers Andrew," Goombella said in admiration, rushing over to him along with Koops. "You are certainly on a ball with finding those babies."

"Yeah. I guess I have," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"And I thought your badge collecting was good," Koops had to admit. "You're good at finding stuff."

"Yeah. I have it in me, don't I?" Andrew remarked.

"You betcha do, Andrew," Goombella smirked before directing his attention to the pedestal behind him. "So Andrew? You should step on that pedestal behind you, don'tcha think?"

"Yeah. That's a good idea," Andrew then turned to face his Koopa partner. "Brace yourself, Koops. This is going to be something else. And it should be amazing."

"Gee whiz, I'm pretty sure it is," Koops was already preparing himself for it.

Andrew just nodded as he jumped onto the pedestal, with Goombella and Koops by his side.

"OK, Andrew! You ready?" Goombella asked.

"I'm ready as I'll ever be," Andrew nodded.

"Umm... All right, Andrew," Koops then suggested. "Hold up that Crystal Star!"

"Yeah! Hold that Crystal Star up!" Goombella encouraged in a rather preppy manner.

"Right," Andrew took the Diamond Star out of his backpack and held it up over his head.

It was then that the same light from before surrounded the center of the platform, as the Diamond Star Andrew held over his head had vanished in several sparkles.

Then the same diagram-like thing appeared surrounding the pedestal, as the Diamond Star appeared in the northernmost circle at the top, right in front of Andrew. It was shown rotating as the Magical Map floated out of Andrew's pocket again. And just like before, the map unfolded itself. Andrew and Goombella had just smiled, having witnessed this before, while Koops just watched in amazement at the light show that was taking place before him.

Just like the first time, the map rose in the air towards the door, right above Andrew as a bright flashing light occurred, where it had engulfed the map 'entirely' as something was happening to the map. A new location was just about to appear on the map.

And it was popping up from what was seen on the map above. Specifically, it was a location located in purple-floored woods that was located to the North of Rogueport. It was revealed to be a giant tree with a grey trunk and branches, and the leaves surrounding it were completely white.

It was clear that this location was not some typical location like they'd seen in Petal Meadows.

As soon as this giant tree appeared on the map, something else appeared in front of the tree. It was revealed to be the second Crystal Star; the Emerald Star.

Andrew then felt a special force overcome the map as he held his hands up. The location had officially appeared on the map. The lights died down as the Diamond Star vanished into thin air, and the map itself floated back down, with Andrew catching it in his right hand. By using the Magical Map, Andrew can summon the Diamond Star whenever he needs to.

As soon as he grabbed it, he brought it down and unfolded it to look at the new location on the map.

"Hey guys," Andrew got the attention of his allies. "The new location is on the map, along with the second Crystal Star."

Goombella and Koops jumped up behind him upon hearing that as they wanted to see it for themselves.

"Omigosh Andrew! There's the second Crystal Star," Goombella gasped at it.

"Yup." Andrew then squinted at the Emerald Star. "It's green too. Does that mean it's the..."

"Uh-huh. It's the Emerald Star," Goombella confirmed this to be true.

Koops, meanwhile, was looking at the location that they had to go to, as it was a giant tree in 'a' purple-floored woods.

"Hey, uh, Andrew, look there. The next Crystal Star showed up on the map, just like you said," Koops pointed towards the location afterwards. "But... I'm sorry, but I don't have a clue where that is."

"I don't know where it is, either," Andrew shrugged his shoulders.

"Same here. I have 'NO' idea where that is!" Goombella had to admit.

"You know what we have to do now, right Goombella?" Andrew asked his Goomba partner.

"OK... I guess we oughta let Professor Frankly tell us where that place is." Goombella settled on that as she smiled.

"Ummm... Professor Frankly?" Koops was confused by this.

"Yeah. We didn't tell you about him yet, Koops," Andrew explained to him. "Professor Frankly happens to Goombella professor at the University of Goom. He happens to be the head of the archaeology department of her college too. And she was in his archaeology class last year."

"You're darn right about that, Andrew," Goombella beamed. "But yeah, Koops. Professor Frankly can look at the map, and he can tell us where it is located, and how we need to get there."

"Ummm...OK. I can't wait to meet him," Koops had to comment.

"Yeah. We'll be sure to introduce you to him," Andrew promised. "Now come on, you two. We better get back to Professor Frankly's place back in the East Side of Rogueport."

"Gotcha Andrew," Goombella smiled. "Ready, Koops?"

"Ummm... Ready, guys," Koops nodded.

They then walked away from the pedestal and made their way back up to Rogueport's Eastside, and straight for the Professor's place. Needless to say, things were starting to get interesting for the three travelers...

END OF CHAPTER 12...

Yeah. That's it for this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it, and are looking forward to Chapter 2, which will be starting soon.

Yeah, the visit to the Thousand-Year Door borrows some elements from the first time the lights and diagram were shown, only this time, the first Crystal Star was held up and was shown in the top circle in front of Andrew.

This is going to be frequent for every trip that Andrew and his crew take to the Thousand-Year Door, with a new location popping up on the map every time. I still think I handled it well here, and I liked how I depicted Koops' reaction to the Thousand-Year Door itself.

Anyway, for the next chapter, Andrew, Goombella, and Koops get to Professor Frankly's house, the latter is introduced to Frankly by Andrew and how he and Goombella met him, Frankly reveals the second location on the map, Andrew remembers something he saw on the trip down during the first time he saw the door, he meets with Merlon which involves the 4 Shine Sprites he collected, he goes to the Inn to change clothes, shares a drink he brought from home with his two partners to prevent it from going to waste, and the threesome interact with the creature Andrew saw earlier, which helps them get to their next location. How will things go for the three of them? Find out next time, readers.

In the meantime, only if you like, you can leave a review and let me know what you thought of this overall. I'm looking forward to starting the second chapter already.

Otherwise, there's nothing else for me to say. So until next time, I hope you all take care of yourselves. And on that note, thanks again for reading, everyone!