All right, fellow readers. This is the 62nd chapter of this story!
Now, we've just about reached the climax of Chapter 6. Even though it's taken me longer to write these chapters, I have enjoyed writing them, especially since Chapter 6 gave me many ideas to incorporate in each part, hence why they're above 10,000 words. Still, I hope you look forward to Chapter 6 coming to a proper close.
Anyway, for this chapter, the eight heroes finally make it to Poshley Heights and get off the Excess Express to explore it while making sure to find the Crystal Star in the Poshley Sanctum. Flurrie is in awe at the fact that she is visiting Poshley Heights again, with how it hasn't changed that much since the last movie she starred in was filmed in that city, while Ms. Mowz aids Andrew in finding a couple of badges.
Additionally, they are intrigued by the sites, including the presence of a jewelry store, which catches Andrew's attention as he purchases something for a certain someone.
Other stuff that'll occur include them finding the Poshley Sanctum, finding out who owns the place, the Shadow Sirens making off with the 'Crystal Star' that turns out to be fake, and the eight heroes finding the real one.
And some other stuff will occur. How will this go for them? Read and find out, now!
IN POSHLEY HEIGHTS:
At the train station in Poshley Heights, we see the Excess Express finally pulling up to the station. The city certainly lived up to its name. It was very posh, with fences that had rosebushes growing along the side, and at the station was a gate with a star emblem at the top of it.
There were also arrow signs and signs of a train that were coated entirely in gold. The walkway looked fancy, and there were several fancy rich houses and mansions on every corner. And on a nearby hilltop just above Poshley Heights was a sign that was made up of fourteen 50-foot-tall white uppercase letters, which appropriately spelled out POSHLEY HEIGHTS.
There was also a nearby sidewalk that had several five-pointed terrazzo-and-brass stars embedded into it. This was known as the Poshley Heights Walk of Fame, in which the names of many celebrities and famous stars were written in the center of many of those stars.
One of them happened to have the name Madame Flurrie written inside of it. There was no doubt about it. Flurrie has 'definitely' been to Poshley Heights several times before. And now she has returned to the city along with Andrew and the rest of their traveling friends.
Several moments later, the Excess Express finally came to a stop in Poshley Heights, which was right in front of that gate with a set of stairs leading downward. This was the stop that Andrew and his seven friends had to make to get the Garnet Star from Poshley Sanctum.
In Andrew's cabin on the Excess Express, the eight heroes were waiting patiently in there for the train to stop, and for them to set foot into Poshley Heights, where they can finally search and locate the Poshley Sanctum. Their call was answered when the Engineer decided to make the appropriate announcement for everyone on the Excess Express.
"BING! BONG! BING! BONG! Attention, all passengers. Now arriving at Poshley Heights," the Engineer announced on the intercom. "Please watch your step and be sure to take all of your belongings with you. And thank you for choosing the Excess Express!"
"All right, guys," Andrew pointed out. "You all know what this means, don't you? We're finally in Poshley Heights."
"Yeah! We're finally here, Andrew!" Goombella beamed.
"We finally made it, Presto!" Yoshiam agreed while wiping his forehead. "Thank goodness!"
"So you all know what we must do now, right?" Andrew walked to the door before facing them.
"Of course!" Goombella proclaimed. "Let's hurry up and find the Poshley Sanctum that the professor was talking about!"
"We'd better find that Poshley Sanctum that Professor Frankly was talking about," Koops remarked.
"Let's waste no time finding that Poshley Sanctum that Frankly spoke of," Flurrie declared before adding. "Of course, seeing that this is the lovely Poshley Heights, perhaps it isn't too much of a problem to sightsee while looking for the sanctum in question."
"Let's find that Poshley Sanctum place that the Prof was talking about, huh?" Yoshiam had beamed.
"There's no time to waste, so let's find the Poshley Sanctum as the professor said," Vivian suggested meekly.
"Let's find that Poshley Sanctum that Professor Frankly spoke of, posthaste!" Bobbery stated.
"Let's waste no time, hmmmm?" Ms. Mowz said slyly. "Let's find the Poshley Sanctum that you're seeking, that this Professor Frankly fellow recommended, whoever that shall be."
"Very good. Let's go," Andrew opened the door as the eight of them made their exit. "And don't worry. I'll clue you in on everything later, Ms. Mowz."
"That would be nice," Ms. Mowz remarked. "Wouldn't be right for me to not be clued in on something that you guys know about, no?"
"Exactly," Andrew nodded as he led his friends to the door that led outside of the Excess Express. "Now come on! We got Poshley Heights to explore!"
Ms. Mowz nodded casually as the eight of them exited the train and set foot into the fancy-looking city of Poshley Heights.
As soon as they got off the Excess Express, what they saw next left them speechless.
Poshley Heights was as posh and fancy as it had been described, as it looked 'really' lively, especially with all the movie production studios that were shown quite a distance away. Andrew had only heard about the place. So to finally set foot in Poshley Heights was like living in a dream.
"Wow. This is Poshley Heights," Andrew admitted before grinning. "I knew that it would look lively and fancy, but this place looks amazing!"
"No doubt. This is the Poshley Heights Station. The Excess Express to Rogueport is here," Goombella had to beam as she smiled. "This place is sooooo upscale. It's like, the polar opposite of Rogueport."
"No kidding," Andrew had to smirk. "The place looks clean, posh, and eco-friendly. Not to mention that the people here have fancy houses and mansions. I could've sworn that I saw a limousine nearby. The rich people certainly know how to live."
"Totally," Goombella smirked. "You can tell that movie stars and millionaires live here. It just REEKS of cash."
"I shan't argue with you there," Flurrie agreed as she then gushed joyously. "I daresay, Poshley Heights looks as marvelous and delightful as it did when I visited it last! I must say, it is a real honor and a treat to be here again! I am so awash in joy, I can hardly contain myself!"
"I know how you feel, Flurrie," Andrew agreed with a smile. "There are a lot of famous movie production studios that are located here, which are here to shoot for films that have been produced and filmed here. And a good chunk of the popular films that Flurrie starred in were shot in Poshley Heights too!"
"Wow... Ummm... Golly," Koops seemed impressed by that. "Didn't know so many movie production studios existed in a place such as Poshley Heights. Very surprising..."
"Whoa. You're telling me," Yoshiam agreed. "Of course, Presto here could be a 'famous' celebrity too if he wanted to. Isn't that right, Presto?"
"Well, I wouldn't say that," Andrew told him sheepishly. "I was known as the Prevailing Presto during my time in the Glitz Pit. But other than that, I don't think I'm famous enough to qualify."
"I must say, it does take a tad bit of hard work and dedication to become a well-known sensation, I do believe," Bobbery proclaimed.
"Exactly, Bobbery," Andrew agreed with him while nodding.
"Hey, uh, Andrew," Vivian saw something that she felt like pointing out to him. "Look over there!"
Andrew looked at where she was pointing, along with the rest of his friends. They were now gazing at the Poshley Heights Walk of Fame.
"Omigosh! Is... Is that...?!" Goombella was so excited, that she couldn't finish her sentence.
"That's right, Goombella," Andrew decided to answer. "That's the Poshley Heights Walk of Fame. Where all of the 'famous' celebrities, actors and actresses, and stars have their names written in the center of all the stars that are shown on the sidewalk."
"Yes," Ms. Mowz mused while rubbing her chin. "It would appear so. I'm more than certain that there are plenty of celebrities and stars that have their names in the Poshley Heights Walk of Fame."
"That's right," Andrew walked over and looked at one of the stars. "'In fact', one of the stars says Madame Flurrie in the center. Flurrie has been famous enough to earn a spot in the Poshley Heights Walk of Fame."
"Oh, my, my, my! Dearie me, I am truly flattered by that," Flurrie said as she floated over to see it. "I am also not too surprised in the slightest. I mean, back in the day, there shan't be a single person to come to my shows and films, and not be there to see me, the glamorous Madame Flurrie, in the flesh!"
"I couldn't agree more, Flurrie," Andrew smiled as he read off the other names that were on the Walk of Fame. "Aside from Flurrie, plenty of other people have earned a spot here. There's Goldbob. Zip Toad. Herringway from Shiver City. Rawk Hawk. All of these famous people are listed here."
Andrew then decided to add. "And there are many other popular names from other cities here too. From Neon Heights to Mushroom City. They have all kinds of famous people."
"Wowsers," Goombella blinked at the names. "There are far more famous people than I thought if they're listed here, y'know?"
"No kidding," Andrew agreed before suggesting. "Anyway, let's explore the rest of this fancy rich place, shall we?"
All seven of them nodded to that, as the eight of them decided to explore Poshley Heights a bit before they could find the Poshley Sanctum.
With some help from Ms. Mowz, Andrew was directed to the location of another badge, which happened to be in the house of Goldbob's. The search led him into the backroom of his house, where he was able to get through the gap with Paper Mode.
The badge in particular was an HP Drain P badge, which got Andrew a little curious as he squeezed through the gap, got out of the house, and regrouped with the others, where he then showed them the badge that he had found.
"I had no idea that there was a badge in there," Andrew remarked.
"Jeepers," Goombella agreed. "I don't think any of us knew that was in Goldbob's house either, Andrew. Ya think Goldbob might've known about it? Or did he just forget about it altogether?"
"Beats me," Andrew shrugged. "I don't think he had a problem with parting with it. He probably didn't even remember that he had it."
"Perhaps," Bobbery exclaimed thoughtfully. "Though I'm pretty certain that he may have more of those where that came from. And he's kept them elsewhere from plain sight."
"It's possible," Andrew rubbed his chin.
"Hmm mmm mmm, well now my sweet, what's done is done," Ms. Mowz assured him. "Now that we claimed that badge, perhaps we should continue exploring elsewhere."
"Good idea," Andrew nodded before walking away. "Let's get going."
They then left the Poshley Heights Station where the Excess Express was currently, as they followed the gold-coated signs.
They then ended up in another part of Poshley Heights where there was an Inn that was several stories high.
There was also a Fresh Pasta stand nearby. And there was a jewelry store known as Poshley Wears not far from it. Needless to say, there were plenty of attractions here besides the movie production studios. And Andrew was taking a fancy to it.
"Well, this looks neat," Andrew remarked. "We are starting to enter the heart of Poshley Heights."
"Sure seems like it," Goombella smirked. "It's a relaxed town that positively reeks of money. There's a very nice hotel here, too."
"Yeah," Andrew smiled. "I've noticed that."
"Wouldn't it be nice to stay there sometime?" Goombella had to wonder.
"Probably," Andrew mused. "There are many different sights for us to check out."
"Gee... Yeah," Koops had to admit. "So many places to see... Sure, we're looking for Poshley Sanctum. But the other places look nice too..."
"I daresay, the place hasn't changed one bit," Flurrie beamed in excitement. "They still have the fabulous hotel! And the Fresh Pasta stand nearby has not budged an inch! It's a marvelous spot to get some Fresh Pasta for whenever one must be in the mood for some divine pasta. I do believe that's where I got most of my Fresh Pasta from. From that stand!"
"Yeah. From what I've heard, their Fresh Pasta is the best," Andrew uttered in a musing manner.
He then looked around and saw that most of the residents were regular Bumpties or Toads of both genders. It was then his eyes landed on the jewelry store known as Poshley Wears. It looked beautiful and they seemed to have all kinds of jewelry there. But what caught his attention was what was dangling around the neck of one of the mannequins. It was a pearl necklace, similar to the one that Flurrie was wearing.
Unlike Flurrie's Necklace, the pearls were silver in color instead of gold. Nonetheless, it looked gorgeous, and he was gazing at it in awe and admiration.
He remembered something rather crucial in the Boggly Woods, and how Vivian was admiring the necklace she found that belonged to Flurrie. It was then an idea struck him. He saw the price was reasonable enough. And he had enough coins to purchase it.
Yoshiam took notice of how Andrew was staring off into space at something, and this got him to react to it.
"Hey, Presto? What's your deal, man?" Yoshiam had to ask. "You're looking like you're zoning out on us, dude."
"Oh, sorry Yoshiam. I was just looking at something," Andrew then shook his head. "Hey, do you guys mind waiting here for a second? I've got something that I'd like to take care of."
"Uh, OK Andrew," Vivian said shyly. "We'll wait for you."
The others nodded in confusion by this as Andrew walked off for Poshley Wears, as he went inside the jewelry store.
"By Blubbery's blotches! What do you suppose is going on with the old boy?" Bobbery was confused by this before taking a guess. "Perhaps he's wanting to make sure we're ready to deal with any bloke that attempts to prevent us from getting the Crystal Star in Poshley Sanctum."
"Hmm mmm mmm," Ms. Mowz saw Andrew go into the jewelry store. "Or maybe he's doing a little souvenir shopping, with a special gift in mind for one of us."
"Well, whatever it is, he'd better hurry," Goombella exclaimed. "We 'totally' have to get that Crystal Star before the Shadow Sirens do!"
And so the seven of them waited for Andrew to return from whatever it was that he had to do. It took no time at all for Andrew to exit the jewelry store with the necklace behind his back as a surprise, as he got the attention of his group.
"Hey guys," Andrew remarked. "I'm back!"
"Omigosh! Andrew! About time!" Goombella then had to ask. "What didja have to do that was so 'totally' important that we'd have to wait a few minutes?"
"Well Goombella, if you must know," Andrew started to explain and pointed to the jewelry store. "I went into that store over there."
"A jewelry store?" Koops seemed confused, as Flurrie gasped at the sight of it. "Wow. Wonder why you had to go in there for..."
"Well, I decided to purchase something," Andrew proclaimed. "Not for myself. But for someone special."
"Oh... Ummm... Golly, wow," Koops was in awe at this. "Gosh. Koopie Koo always wanted some jewelry on our dates together. Sadly, I never had the kind of money for it... So we had to settle on picnics..."
"I see," Andrew said rather sheepishly.
"Hey, darling," Flurrie then decided to ask. "'Pray' tell, whatever may it be that's behind your back?"
"I'm glad that you asked," Andrew told her calmly. "It happens to be this."
As soon as he said that, Andrew pulled out the necklace that he had purchased with a good amount of his coins. Needless to say, all seven of them were pretty shocked by this, and except Ms. Mowz, were also surprised that Andrew would purchase something like that.
"Whoa, is that a necklace, Presto?" Yoshiam asked as Andrew nodded. "Dude! Those things look expensive!"
"Yeah," Koops agreed. "Must've cost you quite a bit of money to get that."
"Eh, it was the typical price for a necklace such as this one," Andrew shrugged casually as he said that.
"Jeepers, Andrew," Goombella blinked in amazement. "I have to wonder who ya got it for. Looks like a pretty expensive piece of jewelry."
"Mercy me! That is a fine piece of jewelry!" Flurrie then had to ask him. "If I may ask, dearie, wherever did you purchase that necklace from in the first place?"
"I bought it from that jewelry store over there," Andrew pointed towards Poshley Wears. "It was a lucky find, so I bought it."
"Oh, my! You bought it from Poshley Wears?!" Flurrie was shocked by this. "From that lovely wonderful jewelry store!?"
"Yeah," Andrew nodded. "Why do you ask? Have you ever heard of that store?"
"Have I?" Flurrie boomed. "Darling, that's WHERE I GOT THIS NECKLACE FROM! MY PRECIOUS MARVELOUS NECKLACE! The one that you found for me!"
"Omigosh! No way!" Goombella was shocked by that. "You got that gold pearl necklace from that jewelry store!?"
"Why, of course, Goombella," Flurrie answered. "I do believe it's been eons since I've last been here and have been in Poshley Wears. I daresay, it's one of a kind! The most fascinating jewelry store I've ever been to. It's how I got my precious adoring necklace that I've worn in all of the films and plays that I've starred in! It's truly remarkable!"
"I must say, this is a rather unexpected turn of events if I do say so myself," Bobbery commented.
"Yeah," Vivian was busy admiring the necklace that Andrew was holding. "It is such a beautiful necklace."
"Anyway, it's nice to know that you got it from that jewelry store, Flurrie," Andrew then decided to compliment. "It makes a lot of sense, 'actually'. It would explain why that necklace is as charming and beautiful as you are, Madame Flurrie."
"My, you're too kind, Andrew my darling," Flurrie sounded flattered as she blushed. "In any case, I'm flattered that you had me in mind when you purchased that fine and adoring necklace. And it is a very thoughtful and generous gift. But alas, I shan't be accepting it, sad to say. I'm already quite content with keeping the necklace I'm already wearing. I do hope you'll understand that, dearie."
"I understand," Andrew nodded. "I already know that you have a necklace. So that's why I have bought it for someone else."
"Oh. Well. In that case, it's different," Flurrie sighed. "If I may ask, whoever did you buy that necklace for?"
"Yes. I'm quite curious about that," Ms. Mowz had to ask. "Who's the necklace going to?"
"I'm also wondering myself," Goombella stepped up and raised an eyebrow. "Who didja get the necklace for?"
"I'll tell you," Andrew then started speaking. "It's for someone that I know who deserves to be given the best treatment. And it's for someone who once showed an admiration for Flurrie's Necklace when I first came into the Boggly Woods."
"Ummm... Wow," Koops uttered. "I think I know who it is..."
"And her older sister unfairly took it from her as a harsh punishment for something she didn't do," Andrew added.
"Omigosh!" Goombella was quick to figure it out. "Andrew? Are... Are you saying it's for...?"
"That's right," Andrew nodded, answering her question in an instant. "I got this necklace specifically for Vivian."
"M-Me," Vivian stuttered as she was shocked to hear him say that. "You got that necklace for...me?"
"Yes. Of course," Andrew nodded with a heartfelt smile as he approached her. "I remember how sad you looked when you had it taken away from you. And that you couldn't take Flurrie's Necklace, so I got you one that looks just like it. Only the pearls are silver."
Vivian was just speechless beyond words. She couldn't believe it. She has been blessed with such a beautiful and fine piece of jewelry, given to her by the likes of Andrew, the man who's stopped at nothing to show how much he has made her feel like she's wanted, and that she belongs with him and his friends. This little act of kindness he pulled for her was proof of that.
"Uh... Uh... Andrew?" Vivian started to ask him.
"Yes," Andrew was curious. "Do you like it?"
"Yes. I love it," Vivian then hugged him. "Thank you for this. I promise to take good care of it!"
"I know you will," Andrew then offered. "Would you like me to put it on for you?"
"Oh. Of course," Vivian nodded as she allowed Andrew to put it on for her.
As soon as he was done, Andrew backed away and saw that she was wearing it around her neck. He had to admit, that silver looked great on her. It wasn't gold, but it still looks gorgeous.
"So, Andrew?" Vivian had to ask him innocent. "Does it look good on me?"
"Yes. You look gorgeous in it," Andrew nodded, getting Vivian to blush. "I think it looks perfect on you."
Vivian then smiled and hugged him some more. "Thank you so much for this, Andrew. I swear, I'll keep this with me all the time."
"I know," Andrew smiled. "And anytime, Vivian."
"Omigosh! Andrew, that was so 'totally' sweet of you," Goombella confessed before adding in slight envy. "I sure wish that I could get something that awesome, don'tcha think?"
"Yeah," Koops said in awe. "Gosh... Koopie Koo would've been happy if I gave her one of those... Sadly, I can't even afford a simple watch... Let alone a necklace. Golly, that is amazing..."
"Why, I daresay, the necklace looks 'absolutely' divine on the dear anyway," Flurrie had to admit. "Andrew is the kind of darling man who'd do anything for those he's close to. I do believe I must be getting something next, knowing how much he adores me!"
"Yeah. I'm not a big fan of jewelry or any of that stuff, but it looks pretty rad on her," Yoshiam gave his compliment. "Way to go, Presto!"
"I must say, that was a rather munificent gift you gave her, dear boy," Bobbery admitted. "Why, I would've done the same for my dear sweet Scarlette, if you may."
"Hmm mmm mmm, yes. Andrew is a man full of surprises," Ms. Mowz hummed in amusement. "Just like yours truly, of course. It would be as if he had found a badge that I was looking for and had gifted it to me afterwards. That's what this reminds me of."
"OK, guys. OK. I get it," Andrew remarked. "It's a nice necklace. And I appreciate it. Really."
"Well Andrew, they're just being nice," Vivian proclaimed, to which Andrew nodded. "And really. Whenever I look at this necklace, I'll be thinking of you."
"Awwwww, well, that's really...thoughtful of you, Vivian," Andrew felt a blush coming up. "Now that that's all set, why don't we go and find the Poshley Sanctum?"
All of them had to nod at that as the muscular man walked off in the direction where the Poshley Sanctum was located. His Goomba, Koopa, Wind Spirit, Yoshi, Shadow Siren, Bob-omb, and Little Mouser friends trailed right behind him, as they were also wondering if they'll ever find the sanctum at this rate...
It didn't take long for them to reach the area of Poshley Heights where the Poshley Sanctum was located. There was also another beautiful fountain near the front of the sanctum. There were Shy Guy statues that were holding up pipes that were aimed for the fountain pond below making up the ring underneath the smaller fountain above. At the top of the fountain was a Cheep Cheep statue that was squirting water from two sides.
They also passed by a fancy golden gate with rose bushes lined up on both sides in a cube-shaped fashion. Needless to say, Andrew was impressed by what he was seeing. And so were his friends.
"Wow," Andrew was amazed by what he was seeing. "So that building over there is the Poshley Sanctum."
"Yup. That's Poshley Sanctum," Goombella confirmed. "I guess the sanctum grounds are used as a public square."
"There's no doubt about that," Andrew admitted.
"That fountain out front is unique, huh?" Goombella motioned to the fountain nearby.
"Yeah," Andrew rubbed his chin at that. "I bet someone paid good money for that to be built out front."
"Yeah, but that water..." Goombella then felt like advising him. "I bet Nibbles would still chomp your tush if you fell in..."
"Of course," Andrew sighed. "And that's why we're not going to be swimming in there."
"Hey ummm... Andrew?" Koops then saw something to the right of the sanctum building. "Look over there! It's something that you might be interested in!"
"Hmmm?" Andrew then saw it for himself; it was a Shine Sprite that was in that clear yellow block. "Well, it's another Shine Sprite."
"By the stars, you're right! I do believe it's another Shine Sprite!" Flurrie remarked. "But uhh... I must say, it might be too high of a reach for you to get just from jumping. That's unfortunate."
"Yeah, but I also have the Ultra Boots," Andrew motioned them to his boots. "With the Spring Jump, I can obtain that Shine Sprite from the block."
"Yeah! Go for it, Presto!" Yoshiam encouraged as Andrew walked over until he was underneath the block.
From there, he jumped before crouching onto his knees, which activated the Spring Jump. As soon as he jumped, he sprang upward into the block, smashing through it, where he obtained the Shine Sprite moments later.
"Good job, Andrew," Vivian smiled as Andrew put the Shine Sprite into his backpack. "That's 16 Shine Sprites, right?"
"Yup. That's how many I have so far," Andrew nodded. "And it was such a lucky find, too."
"Indeed," Bobbery then suggested. "Now, perhaps it would be a good time for us to check in on that Sanctum and see if the Crystal Star is inside, eh?"
"Good idea, Bobbery," Andrew nodded as he approached the front door of the sanctum. "Let's go."
All eight of them approached the door. The only problem was, the door was locked. And there was a padlock on the front to forbid anyone from entering.
"Well, that's no good, dearie," Ms. Mowz shook his head. "This door is locked. We can't get in."
"That's not all," Andrew then saw a note attached to the door. "There's a note over here that someone wrote on."
"Well? What's it say?" Goombella was curious. "Read it for us, will ya!?"
"OK, Goombella. I'll read it. This is what it says," Andrew then looked at the note and read exactly what was written on it. This is what was written in its entirety.
"Gone traveling..." - Sanctum Manager
This got all eight of them to sport an unhappy expression. Who was the Sanctum Manager? And where did he travel to? This didn't sit well, since it meant the Shadow Sirens could get the Crystal Star, and there was no one standing in their way.
"Well, this doesn't look good," Andrew frowned while shaking his head.
"No way!" Goombella yelled in irritation. "This is super weak!"
"Ummm... That's not good," Koops twirled his fingers.
"Oh, how unfortunate!" Flurrie declared in a rather dramatic manner.
"No way!" Yoshiam griped while shaking his fist into the air. "This stinks!"
"Oh..." Vivian frowned and twirled her pink hair a bit. "Talk about bad luck!"
"Confound it all!" Bobbery grumbled. "Now what?"
"Hmm..." Ms. Mowz decided to rub her chin thoughtfully before coming up with a plan. "Should I just jimmy the lock, dearie?"
"I don't think that's a good idea, Ms. Mowz," Andrew shook his head. "I want us to get the Crystal Star. But I also don't want us to get in trouble for breaking the law. It wouldn't be right."
"Well now what should we do, Presto!?" Yoshiam had to ask. "Don't tell me that we're gonna have to camp out front of the sanctum until the owner returns!"
"I'm afraid we'll have to, Yoshiam. We have no choice. The owner isn't anywhere in sight, and we can't break in," Andrew declared. "No matter how long it takes, we shall wait for the sanctum manager to return so we can go on it! Even if it takes days, weeks, months, years, eons even! We will NEVER leave until the Sanctum Manager comes home and allows us to get the Crystal Star! As painful as it is, all eight of us will be camping out front, sitting together until we can-"
Andrew was cut off from his rather dramatic but determined rant that he was giving when a familiar voice called out to him.
"Ah, it is my dear Mario!" That familiar voice caught their attention. "What are you doing at my doorstep, young fellow?"
This got them to look and see that the Sanctum Manager was none other, than Pennington. The same Pennington that rode on the Excess Express with them. And the same Pennington who claimed to be a detective. Truly they were in shock when they witnessed that Pennington was the Sanctum Manager instead of being a detective like he claims he is.
As soon as Pennington was in front of the eight traveling heroes, they had to express themselves about this sudden plot twist.
"Wait," Andrew shook his head. "YOU'RE the Sanctum Manager?"
"What?" Goombella was equally confused as she shook her head.
"You live here?" Koops queried while scratching his head.
"So YOU'RE the Sanctum Manager?" Flurrie gasped as she floated right next to Andrew.
"Dude, I thought you were a detective!" Yoshiam felt like gawking at what he learned.
"Yeah," Vivian agreed. "I thought you were a detective!"
"I was told you were a detective, old boy!" Bobbery had to exclaim.
"Oh, my..." Ms. Mowz was also surprised by this sudden twist of events. "I thought you were a detective!"
"We all thought that you were a detective, Pennington," Andrew told him. "We never expected you to be the Sanctum Manager. That's why we're all confused."
Pennington wasn't surprised by this in the slightest. Truth be told, he never expected anyone who rode on the Excess Express to know that he was the Sanctum Manager. Then again, they never asked him if he was, but how were they to know? This was a rather unexpected plot twist from their point of view. So he then responded to their comments.
"Well, yes..." Pennington shuffled his right fin. "That is more like a hobby of mine if the truth must be told."
"I see," Andrew rubbed his chin. "What a fine hobby, on top of being the Sanctum Manager."
"Mhmm," Pennington nodded before proclaiming. "But enough chatter, hm? Shall we go inside?"
"Very well, then," Andrew nodded as he unlocked the door and allowed the eight of them to enter his Sanctum. "Well, guys? Let's go inside."
All seven of them nodded in relief, thankful that they no longer had to camp out front of the Poshley Sanctum since the manager was riding with them the whole time. It was 'definitely' the most intriguing plot twist that they were given.
With that, they went inside, intending to get the Garnet Star before the Shadow Sirens claimed it for themselves. They could only hope that they weren't too late...
INSIDE THE POSHLEY SANCTUM:
Unfortunately for them, as soon as they entered the Sanctum with Pennington, they WERE too late. For at the end of the Sanctum, in front of a painting was a pedestal.
And resting on the pedestal was what supposedly looked like the Crystal Star. Of which the Shadow Sirens were hovering right over it, as Beldam had gone over and swiped the supposed Crystal Star in a flash.
Marilyn and Doopliss were accompanying her as Beldam took notice of the shocked look she was getting from the others. She was so successful in claiming a Crystal Star that she couldn't help but taunt the heroes about how she got it first.
"Mwee hee hee hee hee!" Beldam cackled before gloating while showing the 'Garnet Star' that she claimed first to their faces. "You're one step too late! We have the Crystal Star!"
While his seven friends were shocked and furious that she got to it first, Andrew had a more suspicious look on his face. Why would the Crystal Star be out in the open like this? Especially in such a public place as the Poshley Sanctum?
True, he saw the sparkles that accompanied the 'Garnet Star' that Beldam grabbed. But was it some kind of red herring? Could the real Garnet Star be hidden deep in the sanctum that he didn't know of? Surely there had to be a reason for this, right?
He was only ever able to think these things over when Beldam departed into the shadows with the so-called Crystal Star in her possession. Marilyn followed after her through the shadows, leaving Doopliss all alone again to walk on foot.
"Hey! Don't leave without me!" Doopliss cried out as he rushed towards the window that he broke into.
It would appear that Doopliss broke into the sanctum by the window when he threw a brick through the window. With the shattered glass on the floor in front of it, he was able to barge into the sanctum, while Beldam and Marilyn entered without using it since they were able to teleport through the shadows.
With that, Doopliss jumped out the window and stormed off to wherever it was that Beldam and Marilyn were heading. All seven of Andrew's friends had to react to what they had witnessed.
"Oh, NOOO! We're too late!" Goombella screamed. "We gotta go after them!"
"Oh, golly! We're too late!" Koops yelled. "We have to go after them!"
"Oh, my, NO! We're too late!" Flurrie boomed dramatically. "We must go after them!"
"Oh, crud! We're too late!" Yoshiam howled, shaking his fist into the air. "We gotta go after them!"
"Oh, no! We're too late!" Vivian shouted fearfully. "We have to go after them!"
"Blast it all! We're too late!" Bobbery bellowed. "Quick! After them!"
"Oh, dear! We're too late!" Ms. Mowz screeched. "We'd better go after them!"
Andrew was still certain that there was nothing to worry about. Just like the case with the Gold Star having a fake copy on the Champ's Belt, the Garnet Star must be elsewhere in the Sanctum, since leaving it out in the open like this gave thieves such as the Shadow Sirens the easy opportunity to just swipe it and be on their way. There was no doubt about it. It was like taking candy from a baby.
Yeah. I can't deny it. Andrew thought. That can't be the real Crystal Star. It just CAN'T be...
After thinking it over, Andrew shook his head before declaring. "Well, we better do something about this."
Before he could even move, Pennington noticed their reactions and wanted to get to the bottom of this.
"Just a second there, Mario!" Pennington then demanded answers. "Exactly WHAT is going on here? Speak quickly!"
"Well, we'll tell you, Mr. Pennington," Andrew then explained it to him. "The reason we came 'all the way' to Poshley Sanctum was because there's a Crystal Star here. The one that the Shadow Sirens just took. Beldam, Marilyn and Doopliss. They made off with it!"
"Though I get the feeling that we have nothing to worry about..." Andrew uttered that under his breath.
"Hm, yes, quite rudimentary..." Pennington seemed quite intrigued by this. "So that's what you're looking for in this very sanctum, correct?"
"That's right," Andrew nodded.
"Ohohohohohohohohohohoho! Yes, very interesting..." Pennington chuckled before adding. "Well, no cause for worry!"
"Wait, what?!" Goombella gave him a confused look. "Whatcha mean by that, Pennington?"
"Yeah," Koops agreed. "You saw them take the Crystal Star that was in front of us."
"The Crystal Star is safe!" Pennington proclaimed. "Yes, quite safe, indeed!"
"By the stars! You are a mysterious one, Mr. Pennington," Flurrie then had to ask. "Whatever does that mean?"
"The stone that our rude friends stole was fortunately a red herring!" Pennington declared with his right fin up. "A fake!"
"A FAKE!?" All seven of Andrew's friends yelled simultaneously.
"Uh huh," Andrew nodded as he crossed his arms. "Just as I thought."
"Where is the real Crystal Star then, huh?" Yoshiam demanded.
"The real one is hidden somewhere in this sanctum to prevent such a theft!" Pennington answered rather vaguely.
"I see," Andrew rubbed his chin.
"Yeah," Vivian nodded. "That means the real one must be nearby. We still might have a chance to claim the real one without my sisters knowing that they claimed the fake one!"
"However... As to the location of the real Crystal Star..." Pennington cleared his throat before correcting himself. "Well, as Sanctum Manager, I am, of course, prohibited from telling anyone..."
"You're serious," Andrew raised an eyebrow. "But you know where it is, right?"
"However...I do know where it is!" Pennington proclaimed. "Of that you can be most certain! Yes, indeed!"
"I beg your pardon," Bobbery gave him a confused look. "Dear boy? Whatever does that mean, if I may ask?"
"Besides, I am sure a junior detective like yourself could find it on your own!" Pennington then turned his attention towards Andrew again. "Now, Mario! Put to use all of the razor-sharp sleuthing skills I have taught you! Make me proud!"
You don't even know where the Crystal Star is, do you? Andrew thought to himself as he sighed and shook his head.
"Well, whatever you say, dearie," Ms. Mowz sighed.
With that, they walked deeper into the Sanctum, with Yoshiam getting Andrew's attention by commenting with him.
"Hey, Presto," Yoshiam told him. "I get the feeling that ol' Pennington over there doesn't even know where the real Crystal Star is."
"I don't think he does either," Andrew agreed. "But that means we'll have to find it in the sanctum for ourselves. I'm just surprised that the Sanctum is this enormous."
"No kidding! It sure is spacious inside!" Goombella then decided to have some fun with this. "ECHO! ...Echo...Echo..."
"Yeah," Andrew smirked. "It's that large."
"Does Pennington 'really' live here alone?" Goombella wondered. "I bet it's really hard to clean this place."
"Which is why there is no furniture in here," Andrew exclaimed.
"Hey, and those star marks on the floor must mean something, right?" Goombella queried.
"It's possible," Andrew then saw the poles with flags dangling from them, along with a blue switch that needed to be activated. "And those poles look important too."
"Ummm... So does the painting," Koops pointed out. "Gosh. Looks like there's a secret to it, I guess..."
"Yeah," Andrew rubbed his chin. "Toodles did mention something about that painting. And I guess we're gonna have to solve it with a little Spring Jumping from those star marks up to those poles to solve this puzzle."
"Gotcha Andrew," Goombella winked. "This is a perfect time to put our thinking caps on! Let's get cracking!"
"I must say, that is quite a fabulous idea you have there, darling," Flurrie agreed. "Therefore, we shall look into this puzzle deeper! Come along now!"
"Right," Andrew nodded as he walked for the star mark.
It was then something got his attention. Ms. Mowz had just jumped onto his left shoulder, with the anticipation of helping Andrew solve this puzzle from that high up.
"Whoa!" Andrew flinched at this. "Ms. Mowz? What are you doing on my shoulder?"
"Oh, I hope you don't mind, sweetie," Ms. Mowz told him slyly with a flirty tone. "I thought it'd be easier to search for something from this height up. I think it would benefit all of us, hmm?"
"Well, all right. If you say so," Andrew sighed. "You can ride on my left shoulder all you like."
"I'm glad you think so, dearie," Ms. Mowz kissed him on the left cheek.
Goombella didn't seem so keen on this. She couldn't believe it. This flirt was riding on Andrew's left shoulder when she usually would ride on his right shoulder. She wasn't going to stand for this. She was going to take action.
"Oh no you didn't! I'm 'totally' not going to let you ride on Andrew without my approval!" Goombella yelled. "Move aside, sister!"
"Goombella, what are you...?" Andrew didn't get to finish as Goombella managed to jump onto his right shoulder.
"There. Now I'm 'totally' in on this too! Oh, wait a moment," Goombella then went and kissed Andrew's right cheek for good measure before smirking. "All right. Now I'm satisfied."
"OK, Goombella. Ms. Mowz. You can both ride on my shoulders if you like," Andrew shook off his growing blush. "The rest of you stick with me. You're gonna have to grab hold of me as I use the Spring Jump to navigate from these poles that are above us."
"Good call there, Andrew," Koops nodded. "We'll need to do this thing right so we can get the real Crystal Star."
"Oh, my! What a marvelous idea, Andrew!" Flurrie gasped in joy. "I most certainly approve of this!"
"Aw yeah! Rock ON, Presto!" Yoshiam beamed. "We'll find the real Crystal Star in no time flat!"
"Good idea, Andrew," Vivian smiled. "We'd best get moving to find it while my sisters haven't found out that they stole a fake Crystal Star yet."
"Absolute capital thinking there, Andrew," Bobbery proclaimed. "We'd best be shoving off to find the real Crystal Star somewhere in the Sanctum, old boy."
"All right!" Andrew gave them all a thumbs up. "Good to see that we're on the same page! Let's roll!"
And so the eight heroes started navigating through the Poshley Sanctum, with the use of Andrew's Spring Jump to get by the poles above.
They used them to get to the highest point of the sanctum, and after Andrew went into Paper Airplane Mode with his friends grabbing onto him, they made it to the other side of the sanctum, where Andrew took notice of that blue switch that had to be pressed.
After using the Spring Jump one last time, he reached the highest platform where the switch was. Walking up to it, Andrew took out his bat and slammed it onto the switch, activating it almost instantly.
As soon as the switch disappeared, the left side curtain rose, revealing a pipe of some sort, which led into the pipe that was in the painting. This got Andrew a little amused as he jumped down onto the ground with his friends and examined it.
"Wow. I didn't know this was here," Andrew mused. "Then again, I doubt Pennington knew about it either."
"Omigosh Andrew! I 'totally' think that pipe will lead us into the painting!" Goombella gasped. "And yet this is yet another archaeology mystery that's been solved!"
"I guess," Andrew jumped onto the pipe with his friends. "Let's check it out."
And with that, the eight of them went down the pipe. In a matter of seconds, they emerged from the pipe that was in the painting. It was official. They were inside the painting, as they approached the opened door to the Sanctum that was in the painting.
"Hey, wait a minute," Andrew then had to ask. "If we had to get inside the painting, how come we didn't just jump into it?"
"Beats me," Goombella proclaimed. "Besides, I'm 'totally' sure that that's so Super Mario 64."
"Fair point," Andrew understood what she was saying. "Well, let's go check out the Sanctum in the painting."
And so the eight of them walked through the opened door into the Sanctum that was inside the painting. They were about to be in for a complete surprise once they saw what was in there...
DEEP INSIDE THE POSHLEY SANCTUM:
It didn't take long for the heroes to make it into the secret room of the Poshley Sanctum. There were a ton of Dark Boos infesting it. Dark Boos were purple-colored Boos with blue tongues. Nonetheless, the eight of them had no trouble with dispatching them quickly.
"Whoa!" Andrew blinked in amazement. "I had no idea that there was a room like there in the sanctum!"
"I had to wonder, is this part of Poshley Sanctum, too?" Goombella raised an eyebrow. "Exactly how does all of this work?"
"I don't think there's an answer to that at all," Andrew shrugged. "It's all a part of the mystery, you know."
"Well, whatever..." Goombella decided not to question it. "This must be the secret resting place of the Crystal Star."
"No kidding," Andrew smiled. "I bet nobody knew about this aside from those who heard the rumors."
"Yeah," Goombella snorted a chuckle. "And based on his reactions, I'd say that Pennington didn't even know about this."
"I didn't think so either," Andrew chuckled and smirked.
"Hmm," Ms. Mowz then smelled something above. "Hey, dearie? There's something way up there!"
Shen then pointed upward To the far side of the middle platform on the left. It was another Shine Sprite in that clear yellow block, which caught Andrew's attention.
"Hey!" Andrew blinked. "It's another Shine Sprite! I think we should claim it!"
The others didn't object to this as they knew why he was collecting them by this point. With some more use of the Spring Jump, scaling the poles, and using his Paper Airplane Mode to get through, Andrew made it to the far side of the middle platform on the left. Once he was below it, he jumped up and punched the block, before catching the Shine Sprite and claiming it for himself.
"All right," Andrew smiled as he put the Shine Sprite in his backpack. "I have 17 Shine Sprites now!"
"That's not all there is, dearie," Ms. Mowz pointed up. "Look what's up there!"
She then pointed to a badge that was on the far side of the highest platform on the left. Andrew couldn't make out what it looked like in the distance. His best bet was to go up there and get a closer look.
"Whoa!" Yoshiam could only blink at it. "Presto? What do you think that badge could be?"
"Well, there's only one way to find out," Andrew declared. "Let's go investigate it!"
And so Andrew and his friends got up there with some more Spring Jumping on Andrew's part. It didn't take them long to reach the highest platform on the left where the badge was resting. Seeing that he could investigate it closer, Andrew walked up to it and picked it up.
'Apparently', it was called an M Emblem badge. The badge took the shape of a hexagon that was red, and it had a white colored 'M' right in the center of it.
"That's strange," Andrew blinked. "I've never seen this kind of badge before."
"Gosh... Ummm... Me either," Koops scratched his temple. "Golly, sure looks strange, doesn't it?"
"My, my, how invigorating this badge must be," Flurrie seemed curious by it too. "I do believe that you must try it on to see what it does."
"Good idea, Flurrie," Andrew then took the badge. "Well, here I go."
With that, Andrew pinned the badge to his overalls with the rest of his badges. In a matter of seconds, he was engulfed in a bright and flashing white light. As soon as the light died down, Andrew was no longer wearing his regular clothes.
To put it simply, he was now dressed up like Mario. Same blue overalls. Same red shirt. And the same red cap. Down to having the same red colored 'M' in the center of a white circle that was on the front of his cap.
"What the...? What happened?" Andrew yelped. "Does anyone have a mirror that I can use?"
"I shall provide for you, my darling," Flurrie took out her compact mirror, opened it, and allowed Andrew to see his reflection for himself.
"Wuh? WHOA!" Andrew jumped at what he saw. "I... I look exactly like Mario! It appears that this badge makes me wear the same clothes that Mario does."
"Omigosh! How mysterious!" Goombella blinked as Andrew returned the compact to Flurrie. "You think Pennington knew about this badge?"
"If he didn't know about this secret room, then I'm pretty sure that he never knew about this badge either," Andrew shrugged. "Well, I might as well take this badge off. I don't want to walk around and impersonate Mario. That wouldn't be good."
From there, Andrew took off the badge, causing him to be engulfed in that same white light. Once it vanished, he was back to wearing his current regular clothes. He then took out his badge kit and put the M Emblem badge in there, before putting it back into his backpack.
"All right. That takes care of that," Andrew dusted his hands. "Now I got a new badge and another Shine Sprite in my possession."
"Hey, uh, Andrew," Vivian then noticed something that was on the pedestal down below, right in front of a painting. "Look over there! On the pedestal!"
Andrew looked towards where Vivian was pointing, as he saw it for himself. It was the Garnet Star. The REAL Garnet Star, on the pedestal. And with all of its sparkly glory.
"By Blubbery's blotches, old boy!" Bobbery then declared. "I believe that must be the Crystal Star, is it not?"
"It sure is," Andrew smiled as he jumped back down with his seven friends. "Let's take a closer look."
As soon as they were back onto the ground, they approached the pedestal that the real Garnet Star was resting on, as Goombella and Ms. Mowz jumped down from Andrew's shoulders.
Andrew looked at it and admired its sheer beauty up close. Just like the other five Crystal Stars, it looked more beautiful up close than it did on the map. There was no doubt about it. This had to be the real deal that they were after. Ms. Mowz could sense it too, as she sniffed and jumped up in excitement.
"There's something right near us, sweetie!" Ms. Mowz declared happily.
"Yes, "Andrew smiled back. "And we're about to claim it!"
"Don't hold back, Presto my man!" Yoshiam encouraged. "Nab it, dude!"
"You got it!" Andrew nodded as he then touched and grabbed the real Garnet Star and held it over his head. "You know what this means, right Goombella?"
"Yeah!" Goombella beamed in a preppy manner. "You got a Crystal Star!"
"The REAL one!" Andrew added cheerfully.
"And now you've learned a new special move thanks to the Garnet Star!" Goombella declared. "It's called Showstopper!"
"Showstopper, huh?" Andrew seemed amused by that. "Cool. I can hardly wait to try it out."
And with that, Andrew held the Garnet Star over his head. Goombella was smiling and beaming preppily about how Andrew got the real Crystal Star. Koops was giving him a thumbs-up for another job well done. Flurrie was shown gushing about how Andrew was successful with claiming another Crystal Star that was the real deal.
Yoshiam was shown jumping up and down while throwing the goat with both hands. Vivian was watching Andrew in admiration at how he outsmarted her sisters in claiming the real Garnet Star, feeling that he deserved to obtain it.
Bobbery held his face up high as if he was saluting Andrew for a successful job, something that he would've done if he had hands. And Ms. Mowz was smiling coyly at how Andrew claimed the real Crystal Star, and that they had nothing to worry about.
As for Andrew, he was ecstatic that he got the sixth Crystal Star, which happens to be the real deal. From what he knows, he had just accomplished the sixth chapter of his journey.
"Andrew found the sixth Crystal Star, hidden craftily in the Poshley Heights Sanctum. Now only one Crystal Star remains... But our newly formed hero still does not know where Princess Peach is being held. Where could the last Crystal Star be? And where is Peach being held? Hoping this Crystal Star might yield answers, Andrew and his friends, including the mysterious Ms. Mowz, return to Pennington."
As soon as that was said, Andrew put the Garnet Star into his backpack before turning to face his friends. Seeing that their job was done here, perhaps now was the best time for them to take their leave from the sanctum.
"All right guys, now that that's done, we should probably return to Pennington," Andrew suggested. "What do you guys say?"
None of them said anything as they nodded, still eager to know that they got the real Crystal Star. With that, they all walked back to the door and exited from the secret room that was in the painting inside the Poshley Sanctum...
By the time they got out of the secret room, they approached the pipe in the painting that led them back outside of the painting. Near the other pipe was Pennington, who noticed that the eight of them went into the building in the painting with the pipe that was revealed to them. He was quite curious about this phenomenon. It was one mystery that he hoped had been resolved.
He wasn't given anymore time to think when Andrew came out of the pipe that he was standing near. Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, Bobbery, and Ms. Mowz were accompanying him as they all overheard Pennington say something out loud.
"Hm... So that is where it was..." Pennington mused as if he was clueless as to its whereabouts.
"What's that, Pennington?" Andrew asked him curiously.
"Oh, er, nothing!" Pennington jumped and corrected himself. "NOTHING! Just talking to my brain. All geniuses do it."
"Suuuuuure they do," Andrew said rather sarcastically as he rolled his eyes along with Goombella.
"Congratulations, Mario!" Pennington changed the subject and congratulated him. "You have found the real Crystal Star!"
"Yeah," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. "I was surprised that we were able to stumble upon that secret room where the real Crystal Star was located."
"Yes. Quite understandable," Pennington then insisted. "So please, feel free to take it..."
"We appreciate that, Mr. Pennington," Andrew smiled at him gracefully. "Thanks for this."
"Anytime, my dear Mario," Pennington then stated. "I will just put another fake one over here..."
"If you insist," Andrew shrugged at this.
"Well, traveling with you has been rather hectic, but I do admit, rather fun, as well!" Pennington had to admit.
"Yeah," Andrew agreed. "It was quite a three-day journey on the Excess Express. It's been quite a journey for us so far."
"I am sure you still have a long road ahead, Mario, but do not give up!" Pennington told him.
"We won't," Andrew gave him a thumbs up. "We'll be seeing you, Pennington."
And so the eight heroes walked away from Pennington and headed to the front door that led outside of the Poshley Sanctum.
"Now that we have the Garnet Star in our possession, we should probably go explore Poshley Heights some more," Andrew pointed out. "It's gonna be a bit before the Excess Express will be ready to head back to Rogueport. So we'll have to be patient."
"That's true," Goombella sighed. "The train's not gonna leave for a good four hours or so. So we should 'totally' chill out and enjoy the scenery."
"Exactly," Andrew nodded as he went ahead and opened the door. "Shall we go sightseeing some more?"
"Totally," Goombella beamed. "I can't wait to see what other awesome stuff they have in Poshley Heights! Let's go, Andrew!"
"Good idea, Andrew," Koops nodded with a smile. "Let's see what other fancy places they have here... Ummm... Might as well find out about the Heartful Cake recipe that I could use for Koopie Koo..."
"What a marvelous idea, Andrew!" Flurrie bellowed joyously. "I daresay, I look forward to more sightseeing of the glorious place that I've been to countless times in the past! Come along now, darling!"
"All right! Rock on, Presto!" Yoshiam cheered excitedly. "I would love to get to Rogueport sooner, but whatcha gonna do? Let's check out some of the wicked radical things that they have here, dude!"
"Sure, Andrew. I'd love that," Vivian smiled shyly while fingering her new necklace. "There must be some fascinating places to see, especially since you got this necklace for me. We don't have anything to worry about since my sisters and the X-Nauts don't know that they stole a fake Crystal Star yet. Let's have some fun."
"What a very smashing idea, Andrew," Bobbery was all for it. "I think it would be a charming treat to take in the scenery of this fancy place. Surely this would do this old sea Bob-omb some good with taking in this posh-like air that is very unfamiliar with my sea voyages in the past, eh wot?"
"Hmm mmm mmm, sure thing, Andrew," Ms. Mowz also smiled. "I don't sense any other badges to find. But I'm sure there are plenty of other things to claim, such as items and Star Pieces. Shall we get started with exploring Poshley Heights, sweetie?"
"Great to know, guys. Let's go," Andrew then exited the sanctum along with his friends. "And you know what? I think we can all have a good laugh, knowing that Beldam and the X-Nauts have possession of the fake Crystal Star that they fell for. While we got possession of the real one. I can already imagine how upset they'll get when they find out they stole the fake one. Am I right about that?"
Upon finishing, Andrew started laughing at the thought. Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, Bobbery, and Ms. Mowz eventually joined in with the laughing, as they could already imagine how furious Sir Grodus was going to get when he found out the Shadow Sirens stole a fake Crystal Star.
Suddenly, Andrew had to stop laughing as a thought occurred to him. And it involved Princess Peach. He still didn't know where she was being held. Where could Princess Peach be? And would the location of the last Crystal Star possibly point them to her?
He knew that she was held captive by the X-Nauts and that she was probably being contained in the X-Naut's hideout. But where was their hideout?
For all he knew, it could be anywhere. He hoped that Princess Peach would find out where she's located soon, and forward it over to him. But for now, he was going to enjoy some sightseeing in Poshley Heights with his seven friends.
They had no idea what kind of unexpected and shocking surprise would be in store for them when they got back to Rogueport. They would find that out for themselves. No doubt about that at all...
END OF CHAPTER 62...
Yeah, that's it for this chapter. Phew. Finally done with Chapter 6. I had no idea that it would take this long to close it up. Still, I had fun writing it and coming up with the ideas that I wanted to use for the chapter, especially with the way Ms. Mowz joins Andrew here, as opposed to how she joins in the game. And with that said, I hope you enjoyed it too.
Now, I added some extra aspects and features to Poshley Heights to make it more authentic, something similar to Hollywood, hence the sign and the presence of a Walk of Fame. It's extra details to make it live up to its name further. I hope this is all right with you guys as well.
As for the necklace, I had wanted to make a callback to that point in the Boggly Woods where Vivian was fawning over Flurrie's Necklace; something Andrew recalls witnessing. So I had him purchase a necklace like Flurrie's, only its pearls are silver instead of gold. And I wanted Vivian to have something like that in her possession, to make her happy. So that's why I added that too.
Lastly, the L Emblem badge is replaced by a similar badge I came up with; the M Emblem badge, which has the same effects, only Andrew dresses up like Mario instead of Luigi. I hope this concept was all right with you guys as well.
Anyway, the next chapter will start the interlude chapters again, starting with Princess Peach. Oh, yeah. It's also gonna be Peach's final interlude chapter since, well, long story short; Grodus finds out about TEC's betrayal and shuts him down permanently.
That's basically what happens, along with Grodus making some modifications to his original plan, since he has the only Crystal Star that Andrew doesn't have, and will expect Andrew to make it to his hideout with his friends to claim it.
And some other stuff will occur too. How will things go for Peach once Grodus gets the word about what TEC's been doing? Find out next time, everyone!
For now, only if you like, you can leave a review and let me know what you think of it overall.
Otherwise, that's all that I have for now! So until next time, I do hope that you all take care of yourselves. And on that note, thanks again for reading, everyone!