Okay, readers. Here is the 22nd chapter of this story!
Now, I have nothing that I'd like to say, so I'll get straight to business. For this chapter, we focus on Andrew and his three partners again.
Andrew, Goombella, Koops, and Flurrie plan on leaving the Great Tree and the Boggly Woods to get to the Thousand-Year Door, Andrew gets another email from Princess Peach, and Andrew and Flurrie go and have some fun at the latter's house in privacy while Goombella and Koops wait for them.
Additionally, Flurrie gives Andrew two gifts that she has on hand, they regroup with Andrew's first two partners, while Andrew feels like a new man from the fun he had, and the four of them bring the Emerald Star to the door where the third one appears on the map, along with a new location.
How will this go for Andrew and his three partners? Read and find out, now!
BACK AT THE GREAT TREE:
It turns out that Andrew and his three partners were in for quite the feast in the Great Tree. There was a wide selection of dinner choices for all four of them, each of which involved a Mushroom of any kind. And each of them made their own choices for what they wanted from the menu.
Andrew was quite in the mood for some Shroom Fry. That's the dish that he had, and it came with a fresh glass of Fresh Juice. Additionally, he had also settled on having some Healthy Salad that came from some of the plants that the Punies have gathered daily.
Goombella, on the other hand, was willing to have the Shroom Roast, which also came with a bowl of Shroom Broth.
She had decided that it was good enough for her since she needed her appetite to be satisfied before they hunted for the third Crystal Star. Needless to say, she enjoyed her meal as well.
And then there was Koops, who had some trouble with deciding what he wanted. Eventually, he decided to go with the Zess Special, which was made by combining the Healthy Salad with the Shroom Roast.
And just like Goombella, he was also given some Shroom Broth that went with his Zess Special. Koops was quite curious about how the Punies were such good cooks despite their size. It must've come from years of experience, as Koops decided not to question it.
Lastly, there was Flurrie, who decided to go with a more sophisticated styled dinner that was related to the Mushrooms. She settled on having a Shroom 'Steak' served with a side of Healthy Salad. Additionally, she had some Zess Tea to go with it, coming from the Golden Leaf Tea Packs that she had brought from her house.
Flurrie was also willing to share her Zess Tea with Andrew, who accepted it. He was quite fond of it himself and wondered why he hadn't tried it sooner. It was likely that it couldn't be made with anything that was found in Toad Town, similar to how Healthy Juice can't be made from anything that was found in Rogueport and surrounding areas.
As for dessert, the Punies supplied them with some Mushroom treats that they also had. Andrew had the Shroom Cake, Goombella tried out the Shroom Crepe, Koops had a Honey Shroom, and Flurrie settled with the Shroom Cake, just like with Andrew.
Needless to say, they enjoyed the Mushroom meals and were stuffed to the gills. They had spent the night at the Great Treat in the small room where the prison cells were, and tomorrow they would set off.
Outside of that, it was becoming clear that Flurrie was trying to make some sort of an advance on Andrew, seeing how much of a muscular handsome man he was. With Goombella. she would tease Andrew and let him know what she subtly thinks about him.
Flurrie, on the other hand, was a little less subtle with her flirting comments about Andrew, all of which got Andrew to blush. Koops had witnessed this and realized that it was quite similar to how things were between himself and Koopie Koo, so he decided to mind his own business.
Before they planned to turn in for the night, the Puni Elder had decided to ask Andrew why he was hunting for the Crystal Stars in the first place. His answer was about as simple as one would expect from him.
"Say, by the way, Andi-roo, I'm curious," the Puni Elder had to ask him. "What is the reason that you've been hunting for the Crystal Stars?"
"Well, ma'am, it goes like this," Andrew started to explain. "I am hunting for the Crystal Stars because I've been doing a favor for someone by finding a princess that was kidnapped by some stranger, and getting the Crystal Stars will help me find her. If you're wondering, her name happens to be Princess Peach."
"Well, that's nice, I suppose," the Puni Elder then asked. "Princess Pinch, wasn't it?"
"Uh, no it's-" Andrew had to stop himself, seeing that the Puni Elder was hard on hearing just like Mayor Kroop was back in Petalburg, so he decided to forget it. "Oh, never mind. We'll just go with that."
The next morning, Andrew and his three partners woke up to a nice breakfast. The breakfast specials either consisted of Fried Eggs or Omelette Meals, which were made from the Mystery Eggs that Petuni had possession of and the leftover Mushrooms that they still had on hand. Andrew had gone with the Omelette Meal this time while Goombella ate the Fried Egg. Koops settled on some Fried Eggs with some Honey Syrup on the side. Finally, Flurrie went with the Omelette Meal, and all four of them helped themselves to some of Flurrie's Zess Tea packs to have some Zess Tea.
After breakfast was done, Andrew had decided that it was time for him and his three partners to start heading out, which Goombella was eager to get going, along with Koops and Flurrie. All of the Punies and Jabble had assembled outside of the entrance of the Great Tree to be able to see the four of them on their way.
"Well, looks like this is it," Andrew had started saying. "Me and my three partners should get going."
"We know," Punio decided to speak first. "Uh... Thank you, Andrew, for everything you've done."
"Oh. It was my pleasure Punio," Andrew rubbed the back of his head in flattery. "Now you guys can live peacefully in the Great Tree with the X-Nauts no longer here."
"That's right," Punio nodded. "We can go back to our peaceful way of life now."
"You know, son, now that we get right down to it," the Puni Elder had to admit. "I'm kind of sad to see you go."
"Oh, don't be ma'am," Andrew informed her. "I don't think this'll be the last time that you hear from me."
"Yes. Well, I do love pontificating, so come on by whenever you want to sit and chat awhile." The Puni Elder finished.
"Yes, please come back and visit! We'll watch for you!" Petuni had to beam at the muscular man.
"Yeah. I gotta admit, Mr. Muscles, you ain't half bad," Puniper had to confess. "And I guess I was also wrong about you too. I should apologize for that, and uh...good luck with getting the rest of those Crystal Stars..."
"We'll work together from now to prevent anything like that from happening again," Punio informed him proudly. "Thanks for showing us how to stick together, Andrew."
"It was my pleasure," Andrew said calmly. "Glad to see that you guys are willing to work as a team from here on out. And I'm also happy that I made it possible."
"Yes," Punio then said. "Good luck with the Crystal Stars."
Jabble didn't say anything, but he jumped up and down, which showed that he was wishing Andrew and his three partners the same kind of luck with finding the remaining Crystal Stars.
It was at that moment that Goombella, Koops, and Flurrie decided to say something about this.
"Oh, I'm sure we'll be back again at some point. Yeah, definitely!" Goombella beamed towards them. "Take care, guys!"
"We'll come back and see you again, I'm pretty sure," Koops said to them. "But... For now, we gotta go."
"Oh, this shan't be our last visit. Certainly not!" Flurrie declared before she properly waved at them. "But... Until then, ta-ta!"
"Yeah. Guess this is farewell for now," Andrew added before Punio said one last thing to him.
"See you, Mr. Andrew," Punio gave him a final farewell.
"See you Punio," Andrew turned to face his three partners. "Let's get going, guys."
Goombella, Koops, and Flurrie nodded as they left the Great Tree and were making their way back into the Boggly Woods.
"Now Flurrie, are you truly certain that you'd like to travel with me, Goombella and Koops?" Andrew had to ask her as they were heading for the woods. "I don't want to pressure you on the spot."
"Why certainly! I shan't be missing this little adventure of yours for the world," Flurrie declared. "I must admit, I've been looking forward to seeing how much the world has changed since I last toured it as an actress. It shall certainly help show me what the rest of the region is like."
"Well, that's great to know," Andrew had to smile at this.
"Yes, it is. And besides, darling," Flurrie went up into his face as she said more seductively. "I would very much love to know more about you handsome. I'm sure that we'll make a pretty great team, hmm?"
She winked at him, which got Andrew to blush again. There was no doubt that he was going to allow her to accompany them.
"Wow. We'd love having you along," Andrew then looked towards Goombella and Koops. "Right Goombella and Koops?"
"Totally! We'd love to have ya with us!" Goombella gleamed.
"Sure would be nice having you along for the ride," Koops admitted.
"Great. Now that that's settled, we're almost back in the Boggly Woods," Andrew pointed out. "Let's go."
His three partners nodded as they followed him to the pipe which led back to the woods.
As they were heading there, Andrew couldn't help but feel somewhat happy by this.
He wasn't sure if it was Flurrie's doing, or if it had to do with the fact that even adventures like this have their benefits and pros to them. And he's sure that there would be plenty more of them where that came from.
I guess this adventure does have its perks... Andrew thought as he looked at Flurrie's beautiful face. Yeah, plenty of perks for that matter...
By then, they had got to the pipe and the four of them went through it and were back in the center of the woods. They had jumped down and were starting to walk off. Before they could get far, Andrew's Mailbox SP started going off with that ringtone again, which Goombella and Koops recognized. Flurrie, however, didn't recognize it, as she gasped on the spot at it.
"Oh my, my! Mercy me! I feel that I have been swooned!" Flurrie had to admit before asking the muscular man. "Andrew, dearie? Whatever may that loud ringtone be coming from?"
"Oh, well, it's from my Mailbox SP," Andrew took out his Mailbox SP. "And I guess I got something important for an e-mail."
"That's right, Andrew!" Goombella agreed. "Someone's mailing you!"
"Ohhhh, man!" Koops commented. "Incoming mail!"
"Well, don't leave us hanging, darling," Flurrie requested. "Find out who it shall be from!"
"Right," Andrew opened the Mailbox SP which got it to stop playing that ringtone. Andrew only needed to glance at it before realizing who it was from. "Uh oh. Hey guys, I got another e-mail from Princess Peach."
"Princess Peach? Again?" Goombella and Koops asked in unison while Flurrie stayed silent.
"Yes," Andrew nodded. "And it looks like she had to send something important to me."
"Well! I never! Andrew, how could you mislead me like this when you're seeing a Mushroom Kingdom Princess?" Flurrie had to express her disappointment and somewhat jealousy over this. "You horrible, horrible man."
"WHAAAAAAT!?" Andrew's face went entirely red as he figured out that Flurrie thought he was seeing somebody. "Nonononononononooooooo Flurrie! This isn't what it looks like! I'm not in love with Princess Peach! We aren't dating. She doesn't know much about me, and I didn't talk to her much. We're not a thing!"
"Oh," Flurrie had calmed herself down before seductively asking Andrew. "So does that mean that you're single then, huh BIG boy?"
"Yes. Yes, I'm single. But that's beside the point," Andrew felt like he was blushing all over again. "Princess Peach has just been sending me an e-mail since she's been kidnapped by a stranger. And Mario doesn't know about it. And Peach happens to be Mario's girl!"
"Oh. Why in that case, why don't you read it for us," Flurrie requested. "I'm curious as to why she would be sending you an e-mail like this, darling."
"All right. I'll read it to all three of you," Andrew made sure Goombella and Koops would pay attention just like Flurrie was, and they did. "Good. OK! Here's what the e-mail says."
It was then Andrew read the e-mail to all three of them. This is what the e-mail said in its entirety:
'Dear Andrew,
I'm sure you're very concerned about me... But please know I'm fine! I'm 'actually' more worried about you.
Aside from the fact that I barely know anything about you, the fiends who kidnapped me are searching desperately for the Crystal Stars. I'll try to learn what I can about them. I'll e-mail again if I uncover anything, OK?
And Andrew, there's one more thing that I'd like for you to know. Even though you're nothing like Mario, I want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, just know that I am here to listen. And if there's anything wrong that's bothering you, you are more than welcome to share it with me.
You happen to live in the Mushroom Kingdom like the rest of my people, so I want you to know that I'll treat you with the utmost respect that I give to everyone else. I hope that you understand that, and I'll e-mail you again when I can, Mr. Andrew. Take care.'
-Princess Peach-
Andrew was absolutely surprised that she'd tell him something like this, especially the last part of the e-mail. It was true that he lived in the Mushroom Kingdom, but he always thought that he'd just be another resident that Peach had to tend to.
That didn't turn out to be the case here, as she was willing to give him the utmost respect as she did with the rest of her people, including the Mario Brothers. Andrew couldn't help but feel touched by that, and his partners seemed to agree with him on it.
"Aw, isn't that sweet, Andrew?" Goombella asked with a gush.
"Pretty nice, huh, Andrew?" Koops agreed with her.
"Isn't that precious, Andrew?" Flurrie admitted.
"Yeah. I guess so," Andrew nodded as he had somewhat of a sad smile on his face about this.
I guess this is why Princess Peach is very well respected by all of her people in the Mushroom Kingdom. She is very kind and courteous to everyone here. And I'm no exception, I suppose. Andrew thought to himself. I 'really' think Mario should be lucky to have someone like her around...
"I must say, Andrew. You are quite the lucky man to know that I am not mad at you at all. I shan't be!" Flurrie informed him. "It's hard for me to stay mad at someone who is a sweet, kind, generous, and dashingly handsome man such as yourself. You certainly are good looking around the chest, and a sight for sore eyes."
Flurrie then winked at him in a flirty manner once again. This got Andrew to blush again. Why was he feeling like this? Why did he seem so fascinated by Flurrie? He had no idea for sure, but he felt good.
It was then it happened. His manly urges were kicking in again. He has never been put into this spot before, given the fact that he's been a loner.
Still, this is also tied to the fact that he has had a massive crush on Flurrie for years. And now that he met Flurrie in the Boggly Woods, and was overjoyed to know that she'd be traveling with him and his two partners, he needed to get it out with Flurrie alone. He then started getting an idea as to how he'd let Flurrie know how he felt about her.
Yes. That's something we can do together. And it could be done at her house, with just the two of us. Andrew thought. I just hope Flurrie can agree to it with me.
"Hey uhhhh...F-Flurrie?" Andrew started to get her attention. "I just had some kind of idea that we could do together?"
"Oh? Pardon?" Flurrie then had to ask him. "Well, pray tell. What shall it be?"
"Listen. You and I should go to your house and then we can..." Andrew went over and whispered the rest of it into Flurrie's ear, which got her to feel hot steam forming around her as she blushed.
"Oh! Oh my, my! Mercy me! Andrew you big man! You are most certainly a daring fellow to want to do that with me," Flurrie waved her hand in front of her face. "Are you sure that you'd be quite all right with doing that together? Just the two of us?"
"Absolutely," Andrew nodded. "I...I think it would be fun and exciting if I got that out with you."
"Well, in that case, I'm more than willing to oblige to it," Flurrie smiled dreamily. "Shan't we be heading to my house first? For some privacy?"
"Oh yes," Andrew then had to face Goombella and Koops. "Goombella? Koops? Would you two be all right with waiting for us near the pipe while Flurrie and I take care of stuff at her house?"
"What?" Goombella thought she was hearing things when Andrew said that, as it left her feeling confused. "What d'you mean? What kind of things?"
"Well...Flurrie and I plan to have some fun at her house," Andrew glanced at Flurrie. "And we'd like to be given privacy while we do it."
"Oh..." Goombella's face went slightly red as she figured out what she meant. "Omigosh. Well, okay. You two 'totally' have fun. Koops and I will wait patiently while you two enjoy yourselves for a while. Right Koops?"
"Ummm...yeah," Koops said slowly as it dawned on him. "I guess we can wait for you two to get back."
"Just be sure to hurry it up," Goombella advised the two of them. "We'd like to get to the Thousand-Year Door sooner than later."
"We will. Don't worry. We'll be back soon Goombella and Koops," Andrew promised them before facing his Wind Spirit partner. "Shall we get going to your house, Flurrie?"
"Oh yes. We shall, dearie," Flurrie smirked as she allowed Andrew to ride on her back again to get to her house faster. "Why don't we make the most of it together when it's just the two of us, hmm?"
"OK," Andrew nodded as he was carried straight to Flurrie's house by Flurrie herself. "This should be fun for us."
Flurrie could only laugh at how he said that as they went for her house to have some fun together as Goombella and Koops headed for the pipe that led to the Rogueport Sewers. Needless to say, both of them were going to have the time of their lives together once they engaged in it together...
AT FLURRIE'S HOUSE:
It didn't take long for Andrew and Flurrie to make it to the latter's house as they both entered through the front door and locked it right behind them. They had then gone straight for Flurrie's bedroom together, locking that door as well after they entered.
Andrew had taken in the impressive interior decoration of her bedroom and was astounded. He had helped himself to the comfy sofa that was in her bedroom as Flurrie went to her cabinet with drinks.
She grabbed some small cups and a bottle of Champagne that she had that came from the year 1985, which she had felt was a good year as she poured herself and Andrew a drink.
"You know something, dearie? I must say," Flurrie had to admit as she poured their drinks. "You are certainly quite the catch for this glamourous lady here. I shall be honest, you are quite frankly, the most handsome man that I've ever laid my eyes on. And I've seen plenty of them in my time as a touring actress."
"Oh? Is that so?" Andrew gave her an amused look. "Well, I'm flattered to hear that. Because you know, I was just surprised to have found out that you've been living in these woods. I had forgotten about you for the past few years or so, and it was thanks to encountering you here did I remember how much of a big fan I am of yours."
"That is certainly interesting, darling," Flurrie put the bottle down and placed the drinks on the table. "Care to have this drink from yours truly, Andrew?"
"Oh. Sure. Thank you," Andrew grabbed his glass. "But I'm only having a little bit of this stuff. Can't be too drunk since we got a Crystal Star to bring to the Thousand-Year Door, you know?"
"I certainly understand, my sweetums," Flurrie told him. "I can assure you, we shan't be smashed in the head by the time we're done with this. Just setting the mood for the two of us, first things first."
"I perfectly understand," Andrew took a sip of his champagne as did Flurrie. "Mmmm. Is this Champagne?"
"Absolutely," Flurrie nodded. "From 1985."
"Yeah. Good year," Andrew took another sip along with Flurrie as he put his glass down. "So Flurrie? There's something that I'd like to tell you."
"What is it? Do tell," Flurrie encouraged him.
"Well Flurrie, I've always been a fan of yours," Andrew told her honestly. "I've always admired you and your performances on the stages and in the movies that I have that you've starred in. It's always been a dream of mine to have finally met you in person and hoped that you were as polite and proper as you are in the theater. Sure was a wild dream come true for me to meet you out here, in the Boggly Woods."
"Aw, well, I'm flattered. Truly, I am," Flurrie had to admit. "And I am glad to have made this encounter we had a dream come true not just for you, but for me as well."
"Yeah," Andrew blushed. "I was honored to have found your necklace for you. But there's something else that I'd like to say. And I'd rather tell you in private, without anyone else knowing. Not even Goombella or Koops."
"Well pray tell, I'd love to hear it, dearie," Flurrie had a curious look on her face.
"Well, uh...you see, the truth is," Andrew had to stutter before gulping before coming out with it. "I've always had a massive crush on you for the longest time."
"Oh. My, my, my. I see," Flurrie gasped quietly as she blushed.
"It's true. I always thought that you are a very beautiful woman, who has a great fashion sense. And I admire that about you," Andrew then gulped before continuing. "But more importantly, I've always hoped that you were as kind, courteous, and polite as you were to your other adoring fans. And, well...after having saved the Great Tree and the Punies with you willing to help me out, I was overjoyed to have known that you were willing to stick by me. I-I don't think things would've gone better for us if it weren't for you. So yeah. That's what I wanted to tell you."
Flurrie had to think for a minute. Andrew has had a massive crush on her for the longest time, and he always admired her for her sheer beauty and politeness. This slowly didn't come as a surprise, since she has also displayed not-so-subtle hints that she likes the man too, especially after how he found her necklace and saved those adorable little Punies from the X-Nauts.
Oh yes. My, my, yes. This handsome muscular man named Andrew is 'definitely' a catch for the likes of me. Flurrie thought in amusement before she said to him.
"Well dearie, I'm most certainly glad that you brought this to my attention," Flurrie then smirked suggestively. "Because now I do believe it's time for us to have that fun that you had suggested earlier."
"Oh...Oh y-yes," Andrew blushed as he felt that warm and fuzzy feeling again. "I better take this off."
"My, my, I shall take this off, too," Flurrie agreed.
After they had taken something valuable and important off, they placed it on the doorknob on the other side of the door before locking it again. From there, Andrew got onto Flurrie's canopy bed as she seductively floated over to him.
"Wow Flurrie. This canopy bed is comfy and warm," Andrew had to admit with a peaceful sigh.
"I'm glad you think so, darling," Flurrie cooed softly. "So, ready to get started? Hmmm, Andrew?"
"Of course," Andrew had nodded as he got this fun underway.
On the other side of the door, a zipper was heard being unzipped as Flurrie was heard gasping in shock and awe.
"Oh! My, my, my! Mercy me! Andrew you marvelous man, you!" Flurrie had yelled from the other side in awe. "You are most certainly quite the player around these parts for you to have those on you."
"Y-Yeah. I've been wondering that too," Andrew told her from the other side of the door. "It flatters me that you like it."
"Mhmmm..." Flurrie hummed from beyond the door in quite a seductive manner. "Say, by the way, hon? Remember what you did earlier when I gave you that thank-you kiss for finding that necklace?"
"Ulp...yes?" Andrew croaked, having a feeling as to where this was going.
"You wouldn't mind having me be given a proper display, would you?" Flurrie told him softly.
"Oh... I have one better," Andrew felt his voice turn manly and deep. "You can just blow me away with your charms."
"Oh Andrew, you dashingly hunky man! You have a way with words," Flurrie told him sweetly. "I would be honored. Truly. In your presence only, that is."
"Then go ahead and help yourself," Andrew said slyly from beyond the door. "Blow, Flurrie! Blow! Blow!"
"Certainly," Flurrie was then heard puckering her lips.
"Oh yes... Blow! Blow! Blow for me! Blow!" It was then Andrew yelped weakly before he let out a rather excited bellow. "BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW HO HO HO HO HO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
That bellow was slowly turned into a hearty laugh that Andrew let out all of a sudden as the fun between him and Flurrie was just getting started.
As that was going on, we saw the two belongings that Andrew and Flurrie hung up on the door on the other side. They were revealed to be Andrew's handkerchief and Flurrie's necklace, as they were shown close together in a way that looked like they were cuddling together.
Andrew and Flurrie were having a great heck of a time as they were heard kissing, laughing heartily, and making squeaking noises from the other side. By the sounds of it, it was clear that Andrew was going to remember this for a long time...
LATER - IN FLURRIE'S ROOM:
"Hey Flurrie? Thanks for helping me clean up back there," Andrew thanked her as he had his handkerchief back on, while he was helping Flurrie fold up some towels and blankets for her.
"Anytime, dearie," Flurrie was in front of her mirror as he had just gotten herself cleaned up as well, as she was putting on some fresh make-up while she was also wearing her necklace again. "It was such a divine privilege that I got to take part in with you."
"You and me both," Andrew had to sigh as he put the towels and blankets back onto her dresser. "Anyway Flurrie, is it all right if I ask you a question?"
"Why certainly, Andrew," Flurrie said as she listened while putting on her makeup. "What may it be, if I may ask?"
"Well, about what happened earlier, when I creamed myself by accident in front of Goombella and Koops," Andrew had to gulp before finishing the question. "Are you truly certain that you weren't disturbed when you saw me do that?"
"Oh darling, I'm not disturbed at all. 'In fact', I'll be willing to let you in on something," Flurrie told him before sharing. "I've seen that happen all the time when I was a touring actress. Many men from all over would come to my shows specifically just to see me. A couple of them who I've met backstage even experienced a similar mishap to what you had."
Flurrie cleared her throat before she continued. "Besides, there have been movies that I've starred in that involve me having to convince a young man to accept that the feeling he's having is natural, right on stage several times during rehearsal. I can assure you, I am quite all right with it, Andrew."
"Well, that's good, I suppose. Because I had learned something about myself," Andrew decided to get into details. "I've been a loner for years. I've always been single. Heck, I didn't even have friends before setting out on this trip to Rogueport. But after meeting you out here, and feeling that sensation that I felt, I was reminded of one important thing, despite my loner behavior."
"That you happen to be a dashingly good necklace hunter," Flurrie guessed playfully.
"I am a man," Andrew had to tell her. "I never had a girlfriend who had made me feel that way like you did. And that experience was a good reminder that I am still a man, no matter how much of a loner I may have been."
Flurrie seemed quite amused as Andrew continued. "And it was thanks to you that I started feeling like a new man, and that the feeling is great. Having done that before felt so good, but after what we did, I am glad to say that it has made me into a new man. And I have you to thank for that, Flurrie."
"Oh. My, my, my. I'm speechless beyond words," Flurrie had to gasp as she caught herself by waving her hand in her face. "That is very flattering. Truly. And I was honored to have helped you feel like a whole new man with yourself. Believe me, darling. You deserve the best from someone like yours truly."
"Yeah," Andrew had to smile at her. "And I'm grateful for that."
"Mhmm. Oh! Before I forget," Flurrie then remembered something. "There are two things that I have on hand. I think it would be best if I gave them to you."
"Oh?" Andrew raised an eyebrow. "What are they?"
"Well, dearie. The first thing I'm giving you is because I've heard that you're looking for badges out there," Flurrie took out a small brown treasure chest and opened it up. "And this is something that I've had with me for a long time."
Flurrie took out the badge and showed it to Andrew, who got a look at it.
It was a Super Appeal P badge. And it got him interested.
"Wow, Flurrie," Andrew had to ask her. "Where did you get that?"
"This is a badge that I've had for a long time. It was a gift from one of my adoring fans back in the day when I was an actress," Flurrie then revealed to her. "I've used this badge for years when I toured the world as a touring actress. It certainly did help with boosting the ratings of the shows that I've starred in, and I've cherished it ever since."
"Gosh. That's so wonderful," Andrew blinked and stared in awe.
"Isn't it?" Flurrie then floated over to Andrew and placed the badge in her hand. "As a proper gift from me to you, for finding my necklace, and for helping those adorable little Punies, I'd love for you to have it. Surely, that badge will prove to be helpful to your partners, such as me."
"Gee. Thanks for this, Flurrie," Andrew smiled as he got out his badge kit and put the Super Appeal P badge in there. "I will make sure this will be taken good care of."
"I'm sure you will take care of it, darling," Flurrie cooed sweetly.
"Yeah," Andrew sighed before asking. "What's the other thing?"
"Oh yes. Of course," Flurrie went over to the drawer in her makeup desk and opened the top drawer. She then took the item out and it was revealed to be a Star Piece.
"A Star Piece?" Andrew tilted his head curiously. "How did you get something like that?"
"I found that in my traveling days as a touring actress. It was probably the most beautiful charming gem that I have ever set my sight on," Flurrie smiled upon recalling seeing it. "I'd also like for you to keep that since we'll be traveling together. And you seem to have quite the knack for collecting stuff. Am I right in presuming so, darling?"
"Yes. That's true. Thanks, Flurrie," Andrew smiled as he pocketed the Star Piece with the other ones that he had possession of. "This was thoughtful of you."
"Anytime Andrew," Flurrie then showed him those big lips of hers. "I mean, I couldn't possibly dream of not doing something thoughtful for one of my favorite adoring fans. Now could I? Hmmm?"
Andrew felt beads of sweat dripping from his forehead as he blushed. He just couldn't have been happier with having Flurrie join him and his two other partners on this quest. He was way beyond over the moon right about now.
"Oh, Flurrie," Andrew then begged from her. "Give me another kiss, will ya?!"
"With pleasure, Andrew," Flurrie charged for him as she started kissing him again, on the lips and the face.
This time, Andrew was more than eager to return the kiss as she got a good taste of his rather manly lips. There were no signs of facial hair on his lips, but they were just as erotic nonetheless.
From the loud smooching Flurrie was making, and the moaning that the Wind Spirit was doing while Andrew was kissing her, they were 'clearly' enjoying the kissing session that they were doing. This showed just how close they could get in their travels across the Rogueport Region...
BACK IN THE BOGGLY WOODS:
By this point, Goombella and Koops had reached the pipe that led back to Rogueport Sewers. They were just waiting for Andrew and Flurrie to show back up. Goombella was looking through her Tattle Log while Koops just sat down and took it easy, waiting for the muscular man and the Wind Spirit actress to show up.
Their call was answered as they heard someone heading for them. It was Flurrie, who was soaring through the air with Andrew in her arms. Goombella was psyched to see Andrew and Flurrie having made it back, as was Koops. A little too psyched to have missed the new expression on Andrew's face.
He had a goofy grin on his face as his eyes were half-lidded. He had kiss marks all over him, courtesy of Flurrie. And he couldn't have been in a more dreamy state than he was already.
"Andrew! Flurrie! Omigosh, you've made it!" Goombella put her Tattle Log away and got up along with Koops. "We were wondering what happened to you two."
"Well fret not, Goombella. Andrew and I had some stuff taken care of," Flurrie told her as she approached the Goomba girl and the shy Koopa. "And I gave Andrew here two special gifts that I had. A Super Appeal P badge, and a Star Piece."
"Really?! That's 'totally' awesome!" Goombella beamed as she looked up and stared at Andrew. "Andrew!? It's great to know that Flurrie gave you a new badge and Star Piece, and..."
Goombella then stopped herself when she noticed the expression on Andrew's face. He's never shown that to her before, and it left her concerned. "Uhhh... You all right, Andrew?"
"Guuuuuh!" Andrew uttered before he spoke in complete gibberish, sounding like he was in a happy daze and never got out.
"Andrew? What's with the babbling?" Goombella then glanced up at Flurrie. "Jeepers Flurrie? What did you do to him?"
"Oh, I've only shown him a good time is all," Flurrie admitted before looking at Andrew state for herself. "Although, it would appear that I've shown him too much of a good time."
"Gee Flurrie, ya think," Goombella told her dryly. "You've 'basically' turned Andrew into a lovestruck fool."
"Gosh... Ummm... Golly, Andrew," Koops had to comment on this. "Didn't think you had it in you..."
Andrew kept babbling some lovestruck nonsense which they had a hard time understanding.
"Look, let's just go," Goombella jumped onto the pipe. "We better head back to the Rogueport Sewers. C'mon!"
Koops accompanied her and joined her on top of the pipe. Andrew staggered towards them but was having a hard time getting onto the pipe. Eventually, Flurrie had to help him up and get him onto the pipe along with herself.
It didn't take long for all four of them to get through the pipe, as they had the ambition of putting the Boggly Woods behind them for now, and they needed to make the trip to the Thousand-Year Door...
IN THE ROGUEPORT SEWERS:
In a matter of seconds, the four of them managed to get through the pipe and were now back in the Rogueport Sewers. Unfortunately, Andrew was still speaking gibberish like a lovestruck fool.
Goombella had to shake her head at this. She couldn't have him acting like this when they had work to do, such as getting the Emerald Star to the Thousand-Year Door. She had to snap him out of it.
"Andrew? Wouldn't it be a good idea to get to the door? Andrew?" Goombella tried encouraging her.
It didn't work, as Andrew was now making barking sounds before he started howling like a wolf. He panted shortly afterwards. He was too into the fun that he had with Flurrie.
"Andrew? Helloooooooo? Can you hear me?" Goombella tried her best just to get his attention. "Andreeeeeeeeeew?"
"Blah, blagg! Blah blah blah blap!" Andrew babbled as he was no closer to focusing on her.
"Andrew? Crystal Star. Remember?" Goombella felt her patience being tested. "Crystal. Staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar."
"Crystal," Andrew mumbled as he tilted his head in confusion. "Star?"
"UGH!" Goombella yelled in frustration as she had to take matters into her own hands.
Jumping up onto Andrew's backpack, she dug her head into it until she pulled herself out with the Emerald Star right next to her. She then placed the Emerald Star in front of Andrew as it floated right in front of his face as the muscular man stared at it in amazement.
It was then Andrew finally came to his senses and remembered what they had to do.
"Oh. Oh yeah! That's right!" Andrew proclaimed before putting the Emerald Star back into his backpack. "We have a Crystal Star to bring to the Thousand-Year Door! Don't we?"
"Bingo. We have a winner, folks," Goombella retorted rather playfully.
"Yeah," Andrew rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Sorry about that Goombella. I guess I was a little too into the fun that I had with Flurrie..."
"Yeah. Yeah. Don'tcha worry about that," Goombella smirked while rolling her eyes. "I've got you covered, loverboy."
"Well thanks, Goombella, I knew you'd under-wait," Andrew then realized what she said as he gave her a shocked expression. "What did you just call me?!"
"C'mon! Let's go, Andrew," Goombella told him playfully. "That Thousand-Year Door isn't gonna find itself, y'know?"
"Right," Andrew sighed as he then looked at Koops and Flurrie. "You two ready?"
"Ready when you are, Andrew," Koops exclaimed.
"I'm most certainly ready for this, darling," Flurrie told him.
Andrew then nodded as the three of them followed Goombella as the four of them got through the barred wall by going into Paper Mode...
Flurrie was amazed by the Rogueport Sewers, based on what she was seeing. She never expected them to extend down here. She had been through the sewers only a few times. But those times were only meant for her to get to locations that can't be reached by anything except by a pipe. She never took the time to admire the Rogueportn Sewers, as there was something about them that left her fascinated.
Mercy me! By the stars, I've never expected the Rogueport Sewers to be this fascinating. Flurrie thought. My, my, I am simply amazed by this scenery. It's not quite as adorning as the Boggly Woods, but it's still a far better cry than what I've recalled seeing in Rogueport.
As soon as they had gotten through the barred fence in the walkway, Andrew headed back over to the stairs again, along with his three partners. He then stopped when he noticed something that he passed by several times before. There was a flappy paper thing placed over some kind of secret. And if he was correct, there must've been something important behind there.
"Hmmm..." Andrew was staring at it.
"Gee Andrew. What is it?" Koops had to ask.
"It's this paper thingy. I bet it's hiding something important behind it," Andrew had to admit before he faced his Wind Spirit partner. "Flurrie? Would you blow this paper out of the way for us?"
"Why, certainly. I'd be honored," Flurrie stepped up and unleashed her Gale Force move on it, causing the paper to be blown away.
In its wake was an unopened treasure chest, and this caught their attention.
"Omigosh Andrew! What's in that treasure chest?" Goombella had to ask.
"Only one way to find out," Andrew walked over to it and opened it up.
He then pulled out what appeared to be a Happy Heart P badge, which was yet another great catch for him.
"All right! Two badges in a row, right Andrew!?" Goombella cheered like a preppy cheerleader.
"Sure seems like it," Andrew smiled while nodding. "All right. Time for us to go up these stairs and get into Paper Airplane Mode on the panel."
Goombella, Koops, and Flurrie nodded as they followed Andrew up the stairs until he walked over and stood on the Paper Airplane Panel.
"OK, guys, be sure to hang onto me while I do this," Andrew advised them.
That's what they did, as Goombella went into Andrew's right arm while Koops grabbed his left arm, and Flurrie decided to grab Andrew around his waist.
They did this just in time for Andrew to put enough focus into it when he transformed into a paper airplane, and he flew himself and his three partners over to the ledge where the Thousand-Year Door was.
Once he turned back to normal, and when his three partners let go of him, he motioned them to follow. "Let's go. The door is just up ahead."
All three of them obliged as they followed Andrew straight to the site of the Thousand-Year Door. It was clear that Flurrie was more than anticipated with seeing the ancient door for herself, judging by the expression on her face...
AT THE SITE OF THE THOUSAND-YEAR DOOR:
In no time at all, Andrew, Goombella, and Koops were able to see the Thousand-Year Door right in front of them. And it looked as massive and impressive as ever.
Flurrie, though, was taken in the sight for herself, and she was simply overly impressed by what she was seeing in front of her.
"Oh my! My, my, my! Mercy me! So this is the Thousand-Year Door that has been spoken of, hmm?" Flurrie wondered in amazement.
"That's right, Flurrie," Andrew nodded.
"The very same Thousand-Year Door that has been passed down through tales spoken of by all the merchants and lowlives that live in Rogueport," Flurrie mused. "The one that has that legendary treasure behind it, from what I was told during my days as a touring actress?"
"Exactly, Flurrie," Goombella beamed before smiling at her.
"Yeah... It's pretty, ain't it?" Koops had to ask.
"By the stars, yes! It's more than pretty!" Flurrie had to comment dramatically. "It has to be the most simply divine and fascinating thing that I have had the privilege to be able to view up close! I daresay that this has to be the most exciting encounter that I've had since I realized my dream was to be a famous actress and diva on the stage!"
"Yeah. That was beautiful, Flurrie," Andrew admitted before sharing. "Believe me. Goombella, Koops, and I were amazed by it too when we first saw it."
"You got it, Andrew! It was an amazing discovery for us!" Goombella told him proudly.
"Anyway, uh, Andrew?" Koops decided to remind him. "Think it's time to go up onto that pedestal and ummm...you know?"
"Right. Of course," Andrew smiled as he jumped up. "I couldn't forget about that, Koops."
Goombella, Koops, and Flurrie followed after him as he went on and jumped onto the pedestal.
"OK, you guys. You ready for this?" Andrew asked once he was on the pedestal.
"You betcha," Goombella cheered. "Let's see that Crystal Star!"
"Um... Go for it, Andrew," Koops encouraged. "Break out the Crystal Star!"
"Now, my little Andrew!" Flurrie added. "It's Crystal Star time!"
"Right," Andrew nodded at that as he took the Emerald 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 Emerald Star Andrew held over his head had vanished in several sparkles.
Then the same diagram-like thing appeared surrounding the pedestal, as the Emerald Star appeared in the circle next to the right side of where the Diamond Star was. Just like the Diamond Star, it was shown rotating in place as the Magical Map floated out of Andrew's pocket again.
And just like before, the map unfolded itself. Andrew, Goombella, and Koops were smiling at this, while Flurrie simply stared in awe at the sheer beauty of the lights that were appearing before her.
Just like the first two times, 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 that was floating in the middle of the sky, not far from where Hooktail Castle was located. It was revealed to be a floating city in the sky with some attraction buildings on both sides and a big building in the center that was most likely where a wrestling arena was located.
And on the top front of the building that had the arena inside of it was a Chain Chain head, looking straight at the person looking, with that typical grin on its face.
This place seemed like it was going to be a more public attraction compared to the remote area of Petal Meadows and the secluded area of Boggly Woods. The four travelers were gonna be in for a treat when they got there.
As soon as this floating city appeared on the map, something else appeared in front of it. It was revealed to be the third Crystal Star; the Gold 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 Emerald Star vanished into thin air, and the map itself floated back down, with Andrew catching it in his right hand.
Just like with the Diamond Star, Andrew can now summon the Emerald Star whenever he may need it, just by using the Magical Map.
As soon as he grabbed it, he brought it down and unfolded it to look at the new location on the map.
"Hey, guys. Come take a look at this," Andrew informed his three partners. "The new location is on the map, along with the third Crystal Star."
It was then that Goombella, Koops, and Flurrie jumped up onto the pedestal and looked at the map too. They wanted to see the new location for themselves.
"There it is! The resting spot of the next Crystal Star!" Goombella had to beam at this.
"Right," Andrew then squinted at the Gold Star. "It's dark yellow-orange too. But which one is that?"
"It's the Gold Star," Goombella pointed out.
"Gold? Did you say Gold?" Andrew gave her a confused look.
"Yes I did," Goombella confirmed.
"But from what I know," Andrew decided to tell her. "Gold is not a jewel. It's a mineral."
"I know that Andrew," Goombella told him. "But that Crystal Star is called the Gold Star."
"All right! That's fine," Andrew decided to accept that.
"Cool! The next Crystal Star showed up on the map!" Koops remarked as he saw it for himself.
"Oh, mercy me! The next Crystal Star has made an entrance!" Flurrie remarked excitedly. "My, my, my!"
"Yeah! 'Totally' awesome!" Goombella beamed.
"It sure is," Andrew then decided to bring up with them. "But don't you guys notice anything funny about the third location?"
"You mean like how it's pointing somewhere up in the sky?" Goombella guessed as she examined it closely.
"That's pretty much it," Andrew nodded.
"Gosh," Koops uttered as he looked at it. "So it isn't just me. It 'really' is up in the sky..."
"I must say, I am a bit puzzled by the sudden placement of this location myself," Flurrie had to admit. "What does THAT mean?"
"I dunno," Andrew shrugged. "What do you think Goombella?"
"I have no idea about it either," Goombella had to be honest.
"Koops?" Andrew asked his Koopa partner.
"Ummm... I don't know the meaning of that either," Koops told him.
"I guess this means we need to go up and have him see this map again, don't we Goombella?" Andrew proclaimed as he looked at his Goomba partner.
"Oh! My, my, my!" Flurrie had to ask Goombella. "By the stars, we're now going to see this Frankly fellow that you told me about earlier, correct Goombella?"
"That's right," Goombella confirmed. "We can have him see the map and the third location, and you get to meet him for the first time!"
"And we can introduce you to him too," Andrew promised. "Because he may not have heard of the glamorous Madame Flurrie before."
"Why, that would be 'absolutely' splendid," Flurrie gleamed with joy. "I can't wait to meet him."
"I know, Flurrie. I know," Andrew smiled at her anticipation of getting to meet Professor Frankly for the first time.
"Ummm... Guess we should go up and see Professor Frankly again, right?" Koops suggested.
"You betcha!" Goombella beamed as she looked at Andrew. "C'mon Andrew! To Professor Frankly's place!"
"Got it," Andrew smiled as he glanced towards his Wind Spirit partner. "Ready for this, Flurrie?"
"As I'll ever be, darling," Flurrie assured him. "We shall go up and see him!"
With that being said, Andrew, Goombella, Koops, and Flurrie walked away from the pedestal, with the former putting the map away for the moment, as they left the site of the Thousand-Year Door, and they made their way back to Frankly's place.
The four travelers were going to be in for a huge treat when they got back to Professor Frankly's house...
END OF CHAPTER 22...
Yeah. That's it for this chapter! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too, even with the moment that Andrew was having.
Now, I had wanted Andrew to be put through this situation intentionally for the sake of him getting only part of his character development, on the ground that he learned that he's a man.
And a man like him would react properly to seeing such a beautiful woman like Flurrie. So he is 'definitely' gonna be comfortable and not feel awkward around girls the deeper we get into this story. That I can promise you.
One last thing, I'm not going to say exactly what kind of fun Andrew and Flurrie were having. I will just say that the joke is fairly subtle here. If you're an adult and get it, good on you. Otherwise, I'm not gonna explain it.
Anyway, now with that out of the way, the next chapter will be preparation for their third location. For that chapter, Andrew and his three partners will have to negotiate with a mafia syndicate in the West Side of Rogueport to get a blimp ticket for the third location held in the sky. And plenty of other stuff will occur too before Chapter 3 can get started. How will this go? Find out next time, readers!
For now, only if you like, you can leave a review and let me know what you thought about this chapter. Nothing more to say there.
Otherwise, that's all that I have. So until next time, I hope you look forward to Chapter 3 starting in this story. And on that note, thanks again for reading, everyone!