Paper Andrew & The Thousand-Year Door

by Parent12D

AU. What if someone else went to Rogueport instead of Mario? What if someone explored the region in his place? What if someone else collected the Crystal Stars just to find Princess Peach? This story has the answers as an original character goes on the exact same journey that Mario went on in the Rogueport region in the tale of the Thousand-Year Door.

83. Meeting Mario and Farewell Rogueport

All right, fellow readers. This is the 83rd chapter of this story!

Yeah, there 'really' isn't much left to this story. There are only two chapters left, and we're just about to get to the closing of this story overall. After this chapter and the next chapter, the story will be over. I thought it'd be best to let you all know about this.

Now, there is one thing that I'd like to bring up, in regards to a guest review wondering if Andrew should stay in Rogueport to get a new start with his friends. That hadn't crossed my mind, and I never thought of doing that. Nonetheless, it will be addressed in this chapter for sure. Just wait and see.

For now, with this chapter, Andrew and his friends make it back to Rogueport with Peach and Frankly, and this is where Mario makes another appearance in this story. In addition to Andrew and Peach talking on the way back, with the latter noticing how this journey changed him, they will be able to greet Mario at the Inn with Toadsworth.

Additionally, Andrew and his seven friends will celebrate at the bar, with several characters such as Flavio and George T talking with Andrew about what he had done, and maybe a couple of other characters.

Andrew will also be using his camera to take pictures of himself with each of his friends before doing a group photo with all eight heroes in the picture together, to commemorate their time spent together in the Rogueport region, along with Andrew considering the offer Peach gives to him with working for her, and also paying the Innkeeper the money that he owes her since he won't be staying in Rogueport any longer.

And of course, there is the big final farewell from Rogueport, with Andrew's thoughts on all seven of his friends and how much they mean to him, along with how his life had changed thanks to them. He will talk with each one of them individually when they take the time to talk with Andrew about how he changed them.

This'll be topped off by the confession Vivian makes to Andrew about her feelings towards him, and Andrew will let her know about his 'own' confession.

And several other things will occur too. How will things go for the heroes now that the Princess has been saved and brought back to Rogueport safely? Find out right now, readers!

---

ON THE WAY BACK TO ROGUEPORT:

It was apparent that Andrew and his friends were trekking through the Palace of Shadow back to the entrance of the Thousand-Year Door.

This was so that they could get through the Rogueport Sewers and get back up to where Rogueport was standing, along with Princess Peach and Professor Frankly; the latter of which was carrying that treasure chest that he found so he could analyze what was inside further when he brings it back to his house.

As they were heading through the palace, Andrew and Peach had quite a talk with each other, as Andrew's friends followed and listened in on them. Andrew had told Peach everything that he went through, along with the letter that he got from the Mario Brothers that got him to go to Rogueport in the first place.

Princess Peach was quite surprised that the once reclusive and quiet muscular man was having a conversation with her, and he was becoming a bit more sociable and cheerful. She had to wonder if the adventure he went on changed him, along with the fact that he had made several friends who decided to travel with him.

"Wow," Peach blinked as she finally said. "So that's what you've been up to all this time, isn't it?"

"That's right," Andrew nodded. "I've just been collecting the Crystal Stars with the friends that I made on this journey, and I have been getting your e-mails and taking them to heart."

"I see. That's good, I suppose," Peach then frowned slightly. "And you said that you came here because Mario and Luigi requested that you do this favor for me?"

"Yes. I had originally just come here to pick you up," Andrew confessed. "I didn't expect you to be kidnapped in this foreign region, especially from a stranger that no one has ever heard of."

"Yes. I didn't make plans of being kidnapped by Grodus and his X-Nauts," Peach told him. "I'm sorry that I had you be dragged into this. I 'really' wished that I didn't find that map in the first place..."

"Don't blame yourself for that, Princess," Andrew told her. "Even if you didn't find that map, chances are, someone else would've, and Grodus would have still put his plan into action."

"That's true," Peach admitted thoughtfully as she crossed her arms.

"And besides, this adventure has changed me, showing me how much of a recluse I am, and that it wasn't doing me any good," Andrew proclaimed. "It also allowed me to change the lives of my seven friends here, who decided to go on this adventure with me."

"That's right," all seven of his friends agreed with him wholeheartedly.

"I can see that," Peach then felt like sharing. "And Andrew? I meant what I said in one of my e-mails when I told you that f 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 are a resident of my kingdom, and as such, I will be happy to give you the same amount of respect that I give to all of my subjects and the citizens who live there."

"I know that now," Andrew smiled. "And I'm 'definitely' gonna keep that in mind now that we're all done."

"Good," Peach then frowned again. "I also can't help but feel guilty for wanting Mario to go on this treasure hunt with me, especially after what happened in the Beanbean Kingdom, where he and Luigi went through all that madness that Cackletta caused."

Peach then sighed before she said something else. "I should have realized that he needed a break, especially after what happened to us on Isle Delfino, where he had to clean a mess that he didn't cause."

"Not need to fret about that, Princess Peach. You had no idea that Mario needed a break from adventuring," Andrew assured her. "Besides, chances are that he would've gone on this adventure I've been on had he decided to come on his own. So I think it was a relief to him that I went on this adventure in his place."

Andrew then added after taking a deep breath. "Not to mention that I am bringing you back, safe and sound. So that's all that matters."

"I understand," Peach nodded. "I mean, my time at the X-Naut hideout on the moon wasn't a total loss. I got to know TEC. 'And' in return for teaching him about love, he had helped me with learning about Grodus's plans and what the treasure 'really' was. I'm still upset that Grodus had to deactivate him."

"I know you are. 'In fact', when I was getting the last Crystal Star on the moon, I got to meet TEC for myself," Andrew informed her. "'Apparently' he was running on backup power with only cached memory, trying to stay operational. He told me that Grodus took you to the Palace of Shadow which is behind the Thousand-Year Door, and he activated the teleporter on sublevel two to get back to Rogueport Sewers."

"Yeah. I think that's what TEC would've suggested to me; to use a teleporter to escape from the hideout," Peach proclaimed. "But Grodus showed up, he shut down his main power, and drugged me with that sleeping stuff..."

"Right," Andrew then frowned before confessing. "While my friends and I went through the transporter, I thought I had heard a voice, saying 'goodbye' to you. It might've been TEC, and if I'm not mistaken, he probably activated the self-destruct sequence in the X-Naut Fortress, which caused it to blow up once my friend and I were off the moon."

"What?" Peach had to frown at that. "So he...he..."

"Yes. He pretty much sacrificed himself so we could save you from Grodus's clutches," Andrew said simply.

"Oh... Poor TEC..." Peach sounded sad when she said that. "All he wanted was to learn about love, and this is what happened to him. I feel so sorry for him."

"We all do," Andrew assured. "And TEC did want me to tell you thank you, for him. I'm assuming it has to do with how much you've changed him since you've been held hostage in the X-Naut Fortress on the moon."

"Yes. I'm sure it is," Peach sighed. "I'll miss him. It was great to have known about him in the first place."

"I'm glad to hear you say that," said Andrew simply.

"But still, thank you, Andrew. For everything you've done for me," Princess Peach thanked him yet again. "I am forever in your debt, Andrew, along with your friends. Goombella. Koops. Flurrie. Yoshiam. Vivian. Bobbery. And Ms. Mowz. All eight of you deserve my gratitude for all of your hard work and efforts to save me and the world."

"Aw. It was nothing," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. "We were happy to have done so. Isn't that right, guys?"

"Totally," Goombella beamed. "We were happy to have helped out when it was needed. We are so honored to hear you say that about us, Princess Peach."

"Yeah. I am flattered about that," Koops agreed. "Sure has been quite a ride we've been on. We've seen plenty of different places and got the Crystal Stars. We were happy to have done this favor for you, Princess Peach."

"Oh my, absolutely," Flurrie proclaimed. "I was quite honored to have gone on this quest myself. It sure brought back memories of my time as a touring actress. And it was an experience that I shan't ever regret. So I was thrilled to have helped you out, Princess Peach."

"No kidding! This was an awesome journey," Yoshiam whooped. "Things might've taken quite a curve for a while, but Presto and the rest of us managed to push forward. We kick some serious butt with whoever tried to mess with us. So it was wicked cool for us to help you out of this jam, Princess Peach."

"Yeah. I...I also agree," Vivian said shyly. "I was happy to have been given the chance to do something like this and allow myself to put my horrible past life behind me, thanks to Andrew. So it was sweet to help you out when you needed it, Princess Peach."

"Aye. I speak for all of us when I say that this is one adventure that will never be left in vain," Bobbery commented. "It was quite the pleasure to provide our assistance and aid you from this pickle that you were in. And if I may add, everything had turned out for the best. So I am quite honored to have done this for your Highness, Princess Peach."

"Hmm mmm mmm, yes. I am also proud of our achievements as well," Ms. Mowz said her part. "I don't think things could have turned out any better if it weren't for Andrew here, gathering us together to make this possible. So let me just say that I am quite pleased with having helped you in this rather dire time, Princess Peach."

"Well still, thank you. All of you," Princess Peach was touched by their comments as she expressed her thanks yet again.

"It was our pleasure," Andrew smiled. "We were happy to help."

"All right, folks. Looks like we've made it back to the Thousand-Year Door," Professor Frankly got their attention as he was able to push the big door open. "So, what do you all say that we head back to Rogueport and get ourselves a breather after everything that transpired, hm?"

"Good idea, Professor Frankly," Andrew nodded. "Let's get going."

"Of course, Andrew," Peach agreed. "I have to wonder how things are going in Rogueport now that the darkness must've cleared up."

"We're all curious about that," Andrew proclaimed. "Now come on. Let's get back to Rogueport."

"Of course," all seven of Andrew's friends chimed in unison.

With that, Professor Frankly exited the Palace of Shadow through the Thousand-Year Door first. Andrew and Peach followed right behind him. And Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, Bobbery, and Ms. Mowz trailed right behind them.

They were planning on getting back to Rogueport and seeing how the people were doing now that the Shadow Queen was permanently slayed back to an eternal and permanent slumber. They could only find out for themselves...

---

IN ROGUEPORT:

After some transversing through the pipes in the Rogueport Sewers, the group would eventually make their way back into Rogueport. It was still dark, but there was a glimmer of light starting to shine in the sky, meaning that light was slowly returning to the world.

Once they got out of the pipe, Professor Frankly headed to his house with the chest in his possession, as he needed to take care of a few things for a bit. Meanwhile, the eight heroes and Peach headed straight to the Rogueport Plaza where the Rogueport Inn was located.

Once they got there, they approached the Inn, walked right through the door, and made their way upstairs, where the Inn was residing. They saw the Innkeeper taking care of a few things and cleaning up, as well as Toadsworth. Instantly, when Andrew and his friends along with the princess made it upstairs, Toadsworth was quick to take notice of them showing up.

"Oh! Ahem! Master Andrew! You have returned!" Toadsworth then sounded relieved when he saw Princess Peach accompanying him. "And you've brought Princess Peach back safe and sound, I see!"

"That's right," Andrew nodded. "I made it back, and I helped escort the Mushroom Kingdom Princess back over here safe and sound. I also did something about the dark bleak sky that had plagued the world, so we should be expecting some light back into the world sometime soon."

"Yes," Princess Peach agreed. "I made it back safely, thanks to Mr. Andrew assisting me with his friends. So all should be well now, right?"

"Indeed. Absolutely!" Toadsworth then said. "And your impeccable arrival couldn't have come at a much more desirable time!"

"What do you mean?" Andrew raised his eyebrow as did Peach.

"There's someone here waiting to see you both, Master Andrew and Princess Peach," Toadsworth exclaimed. "And just like you had said earlier, he made it to Rogueport when you alerted him of our predicament, and he had recently arrived quite some time ago."

"Who is it, Toadsworth?" Princess Peach asked him politely, as Andrew was also curious about this.

Before Toadsworth could even bother to answer that question, a flushing sound was heard in the bathroom, which got Toadsworth to immediately say. "And I say, that must be him right now."

Andrew and Peach were curious as they looked at the bathroom door that slowly opened up. Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, Bobbery, and Ms. Mowz were also curious about who it could be, so they looked toward the bathroom door as well.

As soon as the door opened all the way, stepping out of the bathroom was none other, than Mario himself. Just the sight of him got Peach surprised, as did Andrew while the others were taking this in. As soon as he saw Peach and Andrew, he looked surprised as he approached them.

"Oh! Mario!" Peach exclaimed. "You...You came to Rogueport after all!?"

Mario only nodded his head to confirm this, showing that he was still the silent well-meaning plumber and hero of the Mushroom Kingdom. Andrew then had to step up and say something about this.

"Hey, it is Mario," Andrew exclaimed before he asked him. "So you finally made it to Rogueport, huh?"

Mario nodded in his direction again before raising his right hand over his ear, as if he was trying to tell Andrew something about it. Fortunately, like everyone else, Andrew was able to understand what he just told him.

"Oh. I see," Andrew figured it out. "So you did get the e-mail that I sent to you earlier that convinced you to come to Rogueport, huh?"

Mario then nodded to confirm that that was the truth, which got Peach a little confused by what they were talking about, as she found her voice moments later.

"Uh, what? An e-mail?" Peach had to ask. "Andrew, what do you mean by that?"

"Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you this earlier," Andrew said sheepishly. "Right before TEC decided to self-destruct the X-Naut Fortress, I had requested to send an e-mail to Mario, letting him know the situation and how things were getting out of hand since I can't do it from my Mailbox SP. Even though I had the situation under control, I thought it was best for him to know about this and that I was working on solving the problem and bringing you back safely."

"Oh," Peach said simply as she blinked at this. "I see."

"Ahem! Yes. I can certainly vouch for him, your Highness," Toadsworth spoke up. "'As a matter of fact', Master Mario here had just shown up recently, not long after our skies turned dark on us. I had informed him that Master Andrew was settling things out by bringing you back safely, so he decided to remain here, waiting for the moment you'd arrive, Princess Peach."

"OK. I understand now," Peach then smiled. "Well, I'm so happy to see that you came here to make sure that I came back safely, Mario."

Mario said nothing as he nodded and gave her an assuring smile under his mustache, showing that he was happy to come after having taken a break from adventuring. And it was clear that Andrew was the one who made it possible.

"Yeah," Andrew tugged on his handkerchief. "Glad to see that you showed up after I brought the princess back to Rogueport."

Mario only nodded at that and nothing else. Goombella had looked at him and realized exactly who he was.

"Jeepers," Goombella blinked. "So I guess that this is the real Super Mario that's in front of us."

"That's right, Goombella," Andrew informed her. "This is Super Mario, in the flesh. And to think that he resides in the Mushroom Kingdom with his brother, while my house is not far from their house."

"Can't argue with you there, Andrew," Goombella proclaimed.

"Yeah," Yoshiam had to admit. "It seems pretty rad to meet him here in person, Presto."

"To think that he could've gone on this adventure instead," Andrew then theorized. "And if he did explore the Rogueport region, chances are he would've been called the Great Gonzales if he was a registered athlete in the Glitz Pit."

"I guess so," Yoshiam scratched his head. "'Actually', that would seem pretty sick if you ask me, Presto."

"No doubt," Andrew said while sighing.

"Hey, Mario? Listen, I'd like to apologize for thinking it was a good idea for you to go on this adventure," Princess Peach apologized, grabbing the red-clad plumber's gloved hands. "I was so caught up in the moment of going on a potential treasure hunt, that I didn't consider the fact that you might've been exhausted by what had happened in the Beanbean Kingdom. Didn't help that I got kidnapped again. And by a 'complete' stranger, no less, who wasn't Bowser."

Peach then took a deep breath and then continued. "I should've considered the fact that you might want to have a break from adventuring for once, especially after what happened in Isle Delfino, when we were SUPPOSED to be on vacation from adventuring, where you had to clean up the island and fix a mess that wasn't your fault."

Peach had to clear her throat before she finished up her apology. "I feel like I've taken you for granted, especially after how you've done so much for me. And I should've kept that mind all along, instead of having you go on this treasure hunt with me. None of this would've happened if I hadn't found that treasure map in the first place..."

Right before she was about to cover her eyes in shame, Mario placed his right hand on her shoulder, gave her a reassuring smile, and told her how everything would be OK, and that she had nothing to apologize for. Just seeing the expression on Mario's face got Peach to gasp in surprise, especially since she understood what he just told her.

"Yeah, Princess. Mario is right," Andrew spoke up. "Things happen. And sometimes you just can't have control over any of it. Besides, you were brought back to Rogueport safe and sound, and that's all that matters, right?"

"Oh. You're right, Andrew," Peach sighed before looking at Mario again. "And you too, Mario. I appreciate the gesture that you gave to me. Thank you."

Mario only nodded in understanding, which was his way of showing her his support, and it felt great. It was then Andrew stepped up and decided to say something to the red-clad plumber himself.

"Yeah, Mario," Andrew succeeded in getting his attention. "I'm truly sorry for taking your place on this adventure that I went on. I was just doing you a favor is all."

Mario then gave him a look that said that it was no issue at all and that he didn't hold it against him. It was then Mario lifted his right hand over his ear, with a sorrowful expression on his face that looked like he was giving Andrew an apology of his own for being dragged into this mess.

"Oh, you don't have to apologize for anything Mario," Andrew assured him as a result. "It's true that I wasn't interested in going on this adventure at first. But as time passed, I started getting comfortable with this journey, it got me to become less cynical and not reclusive, and I made seven friends who decided to travel with me. I have to admit, this adventure has changed me."

"You betcha, Andrew," Goombella proclaimed. "And we were 'totally' happy to have allowed this adventure to change you."

The others all nodded in agreement, showing that they were also proud to have helped him by allowing this adventure to change him for the better. Mario, for his part, just smiled and gave him a thumbs up; a sign that he's glad that there was no harm done with having him get involved in going on this quest.

'And' honestly, I think it was better if he didn't go on this quest to rescue the princess... Andrew thought. I don't know what would've gone through his brain if he was forced to fight the Shadow Queen who had Princess Peach's body...

"Ahem! Yes. Well," Toadsworth cleared his throat, getting Andrew out of his thoughts as he said something else. "In any case, our Highness is back with us, where she belongs. So I say, all is well, yes?"

"That's right, Mr. Toadsworth," Andrew confirmed as he nodded.

At that moment, the innkeeper chose the right time to show up after doing what she had been doing previously. She had taken notice of Andrew's presence and decided to greet him.

"Oh. It's you again, Andrew. I'm glad to see that you came back safe and-" the innkeeper cut herself off when she saw that the front of Andrew's shirt was torn up. "Oh my. Andrew? You're shirt! It's all torn up in the front."

"Yeah. I know," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. "This was a result of dealing with a massive problem that needed resolving. And it involved me rescuing the Mushroom Kingdom Princess, as well as bringing light back into the world."

"Oh. I see," the innkeeper sighed. "Well, in any case, it's great to know that you came back safely, dearie. And with Her Highness too. I suppose that you're staying here is coming to an end, isn't it?"

"Yeah. I'm afraid so," Andrew said sadly.

"That's too bad. I was 'really' enjoying your stops at my Inn," the innkeeper confessed. "It sure will be different with you gone from this rundown burg, dear."

"I know," Andrew then remembered something. "That reminds me of the payment that I owe you for staying in Rogueport this whole time. How much do I owe you in cash?"

"Well now, seeing that you've been here for almost two weeks, I would say that you would owe me 70 coins," the innkeeper told him. "However, seeing that it was a pleasure having you stay in Rogueport and coming back every time you finished one of your journeys, I have decided to slash it down to about...45 coins instead."

"All right," Andrew nodded. "That'll do."

"Great dear. You can give it to me right before you head to the harbor with your luggage," the innkeeper then insisted. "In the meantime, if you wouldn't mind handing me your shirt, I can knit it back up for you. My treat."

"Sure," Andrew then took out his badge kit. "Just let me take off my badges first before you handle one of my clothes one last time."

"Of course, dearie," the innkeeper nodded with that smile as Andrew took off his badges and put them into his badge kit. "And you can consider this my parting gift to you before you leave Rogueport and go back where you came from."

"Right," Andrew said as he put the badge kit back into his backpack. "I would gladly appreciate this. Really."

"I know you will, Andrew," the innkeeper proclaimed as Andrew took off the torn shirt and handed it to her. "I'll be sure to knit this back up before you have to leave here."

"All right. Thanks again," Andrew thanked her. "Well, I better put on another shirt to wear for now."

With that, Andrew walked over to his luggage and grabbed a spare shirt to wear for the time being. He settled on wearing a regular white t-shirt for now, which fit right over his handkerchief.

"Well guys, while I'm waiting for that, why don't we head down to Podley's place downstairs," Andrew suggested. "We need to do some unwinding after the adventure we've been on."

"Totally," Goombella winked at him. "We deserve a little rest after all that we've been through, y'know? It oughta be good to relax again after so long."

"You said it," Koops agreed as they headed downstairs while Peach remained with Mario and Toadsworth for the moment. "Man... We've been through quite a bit on this adventure... Might 'definitely' be a good idea to wind down a bit with all we've done here..."

"Yes. I must agree," Ms. Mowz mused. "I'll say that we deserve to reward ourselves for all our troubles that we've taken care of, no? I would think so."

"I must say, I would think that it would be obligatory for us to propose a toast," Bobbery suggested. "For all of our most glorious achievements that we've accomplished during this trying quest, hm?"

"My, my! I must concur with that," Flurrie agreed. "Why, I do believe it would be fitting to do just that, after all that we've been through."

"Andrew? We've been through quite a bit, haven't we?" Vivian asked him. "I think it would be nice for us to take it easy after what we've been through."

"No doubt about that," Andrew agreed. "It'll be nice to enjoy ourselves for a bit."

"You said it!" Yoshiam said as they were halfway down the stairs. "And what better way to celebrate than to have some delicious cake!?"

"Yes. Cake would be fitting at a time like this," Ms. Mowz then said slyly. "After all, at least five of you have already had some cake before, yes?"

"Whatcha talking about, Ms. Mowz?" Goombella raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, just seeing if I could refresh your memories," Ms. Mowz then was less subtle. "Who do you think gave you that fabulous cake back in the Glitz Pit, hm? Surely it couldn't have been from someone you didn't know. Or is it possible that yours truly might have been courteous to provide one for you folks, especially for the fabulous muscular superstar?"

"Omigosh!" Goombella was quick to figure it out. "You were the one who gave us that cake?!"

"Well Goombella, you say it as if it's a bad thing," Ms. Mowz told her. "That should be enough to answer your question."

Goombella felt herself feeling conflicted. She never knew that Ms. Mowz was the one who provided that cake during Andrew's Glitz Pit stint, as she had assumed that it was from an anonymous fan. Flurrie felt something similar as she decided to voice her thoughts on this.

"My, my! What a dramatic twist of events this turns out to be!" Flurrie yelled. "I don't know whether I should be perplexed, or flattered by your little token of support."

"Well, I had forgotten until you brought it up," Andrew dug through his pockets for the card that he got from it. "'In fact', I still have the card that you gave us when it was dropped off."

His friends all decided to look at the card too and saw what it said on the front of it.

"To the handsome muscular wrestler. From the mysterious badge hunter. Enjoy, my sweet."

"Wow. That's somewhat impressive," Koops then had to ask her. "Ms. Mowz? Where did you get that cake from anyway?"

"Hmm mmm mmm mmm," Ms. Mowz snickered before saying. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Ummm... You're right," Koops sighed. "I think it's best if we didn't know how you got it."

"Well still, I'm surprised by this," Goombella admitted. "I guess I should thank you."

"Likewise," Flurrie then proclaimed. "Even though the last person I expected to part with that gift would've been a mysterious brazen such as yourself."

"Who cares who it's from? A Cake is a cake!" Yoshiam declared. "Just as long as it's not that poisonous cake that the Rawk Hawk tried to give to us!"

"No kidding there," Andrew laughed while putting away the card. "Though given the fact that he changed his ways, it's likely that he won't be doing something like that again."

"I daresay, you are 'absolutely' right," Flurrie agreed with him. "In any case, why don't we head down to Podley's place for all of our troubles? Hmm, Mr. Hunky Muscles?"

"Yes. Of course, Flurrie," Andrew nodded with a blush. "Let's get going."

And with that, the eight of them went down the stairs and went straight to Podley's place which was on the first floor of the building.

---

Once they got down there, they were greeted by a bunch of faces that recognized him on the spot.

"Huh?" Andrew blinked at this. "Well, this is a surprise."

"Hey," one of the Toads in the bar greeted. "You're Andrew, right? Were you the one who saved the world and did something about this dark sky?"

"Yes. That would be me," Andrew said while sounding flattered. "I guess word got out fairly quickly."

"You got that right," a Bob-omb sailor proclaimed. "Once we heard word that you did something about this sky, we figured that you saved the world. Combined with the reputation you made for us sailors with that trip to Keelhaul Key, you can understand why we're honored to have found out about this."

"I see," Andrew proclaimed. "But it wasn't just me. My friends helped out too."

"Ah, yes. Of course. Your friends have a role in it too," the Bob-omb sailor added. "Including the legendary Admiral Bobbery, who you befriended."

"Ah, I am a tad bit charmed by that compliment. Thank you very much," Bobbery said out of flattery.

"Yeah," Andrew then said shyly. "We were all honored to have helped out by defeating the Shadow Queen and bringing light back into the world."

The next thing Andrew knew, he felt like he was brought into the center near the counter where Podley was standing. His seven friends were right behind him, as they were all surrounded by people who were expressing their gratitude for their heroic actions.

Some of the people that were there were ones that Andrew recognized from his journey, and some that he never met before. These included George T, Francesca, Frankie, Flavio, and a few others.

"Wow," Andrew blinked at this. "I didn't expect so many people to be thankful for what we did."

"Can you blame us though?! You saved the world, Andrew!" George T had exclaimed. "My brother could learn a thing or two about hard work from you, that's for sure!"

"Oh, well, it was nothing," Andrew tugged on his handkerchief. "I'm glad that I left some kind of an impact on you, George T."

And it wasn't just Toads or Bob-ombs that were expressing themselves to him. The two Piantas; Francesca and Frankie, were there to take a break to express themselves to Andrew, especially since the latter is now in charge of the Pianta Syndicate.

'And' with the way he has been running things, the syndicate had mellowed out greatly, and there were fewer crimes taking place because of it. Having heard that Andrew saved the world for them was pretty much the cherry on top.

"Hey, Francesca. Frankie," Andrew greeted them. "I take it things with the Pianta Syndicate have been going well, haven't they?"

"Yeah," Frankie said before he got right to the point. "Hey, listen, Andrew... You're incredible! Truly incredible!"

"Oh, come on now," Andrew said rather sheepishly.

"No, seriously," Frankie told him. "You didn't just do da syndicate a favor, you did da whole WORLD a favor!"

"Well, I was happy to help is all," Andrew told him. "And my friends were willing to help out too."

"Good!" Francesca chimed in. "Peace returned to the world! And it's all because of you, Andrew. Thank you!"

"Anytime," Andrew said simply.

"Oh! I know!" Francesca came up with a nice idea. "We'll name the baby that we're going to have...Andrew!"

"Oh, come on. You don't have to do that," Andrew told her modestly. "Although, that is a rather nice tribute that I appreciate..."

"Well, I'll say that that would be a charming nice name for an adorable baby," Flurrie couldn't help but gush. "Just like how you were given it when you were born Andrew, my darling."

"Oh, F-Flurrie..." Andrew was blushing profusely at what Flurrie was saying.

"Well, we're still grateful!" Francesca added. "And we're happy to be able to have a future, thanks to you, Andrew!"

"It was my pleasure," Andrew said lightly.

It was then Flavio stepped up and he was able to get Andrew's attention as he had wanted to say something to him.

"Hello there, you Andrew!" Flavio greeted in his usual jovial manner. "You are doing well, I must assume, yes?"

"Yeah. I'm doing well now that I just finished my adventure," Andrew said. "I take it that you know how it was me that cleared the dark skies and brought peace back into the world, right?"

"Ah, now that you speak it, I have heard all the gossip going around town that you've courageously disposed of this awful riff-raff responsible for darkening these skies over Flavio's head," Flavio told him. "And Captain Andrew, let me assure you that you did a noble thing of clearing up these dank skies hovering over everyone's heads, most of all Flavio's. You have my earnest thanks and appreciation. Thusly, making you the former captain of my crew all the more wiser, thanks to yours truly."

"Well, I'm glad that I could help with that," Andrew rubbed his arm before asking. "But anyway, how have you been doing since our expedition to Keelhaul Key came to a close?"

"Well, I am now the SECOND-richest man in Rogueport," Flavio informed him.

"Wait, you're now the second-richest man in Rogueport?" Andrew had to raise an eyebrow at that. "Then who is the current richest man?"

"Uh, the name of the current richest man isn't important," Flavio uttered before clearing his throat. "My point is having my beautiful S.S. Flavion smashed to bits was not a financial boon, hm?"

"Yeah, especially if you have the right boat insurance to cover the damages that were done to the S.S. Flavion," Andrew remarked.

"Yes! That is precisely what Flavio was referring to!" Flavio snapped his fingers. "But do not think I regret our fabulous adventure!"

"Neither do I," Andrew admitted, feeling that he was impressed with how Flavio negotiated with Cortez when the island was being bombed by cannonballs, courtesy of Lord Crump and the X-Nauts.

"Perhaps you and I will sail again someday!" Flavio had to say to him.

"Maybe. It might happen," Andrew rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And if and when it DOES happen, I think Bobbery would be honored to be a navigator again."

Indeed. It would bring me great pleasure to be the navigator," Bobbery had to admit. "'As a matter of fact', I am feeling the strong urge to sail the seas once again now that our adventure has come to a proper close, eh old boy?"

"I know, Bobbery," Andrew smiled. "And I'm glad to hear you say that."

"Yes. And I am glad to hear my old chum Bobbery speak like that," Podley decided to get his voice out. "And I'm grateful that you saved our world as well. And I hope we can start over and not have any more conflicting restraints over what happened, Andrew."

"Podley, that's all behind us now," Andrew told him calmly. "I am willing to start over and offer an olive branch. That's perfectly fine by me."

"Ahem," that voice came from a purple Little Mouser who was nearby and managed to get his attention.

"Oh, hello," Andrew looked at him curiously. "And what can I do for you, sir?"

The Little Mouser was unable to say anything at first, as he was rather reluctant to say what he needed to. Eventually, he managed to get it out in the open and said what he needed to.

"I don't think I'll ever love again..." The Little Mouser exclaimed to him.

"I see?" Andrew raised an eyebrow as he felt the awkwardness of this conversation.

"Yes... Seeing these dark skies made me think back to my ex-girlfriend..." The Little Mouser exclaimed. "She was quite a doll, and from what I remember, she works on the Excess Express."

"You don't say," Andrew remarked, having a feeling as to where he was going with this.

"I still remember the gift that I gave to her," the Little Mouser exclaimed. "They're Shell Earrings. All that I hope for is that she still has them... They bring back fond memories..."

Andrew was now in thought, as he was figuring out who he was talking about.

Oh. This Little Mouser is talking about the Waitress on the Excess Express... Andrew thought. So he was the ex who gave her those Shell Earrings...

Andrew shook his head and kept that thought to himself before he decided to assure the Little Mouser without giving too much away.

"You know something?" Andrew started. "I'm pretty sure she still does have them in her possession."

"Well whether she has them or not doesn't matter to me anymore..." The Little Mouser insisted. "As long as the world is at peace, I'll be happy... I think... Uh..."

"All right," Andrew tugged on his handkerchief as the Little Mouser scampered to the corner he was standing at previously. "That's good to know, I guess."

"Oh, don't mind him, Andrew," Ms. Mowz assured him. "He's always hanging around Podley's place, upset about breaking up with his ex over a couple of drinks."

"I see," Andrew said, seeming perplexed by this.

"And besides," Ms. Mowz decided to add while whispering to Andrew. "I know that he's talking about the waitress we saw on the Excess Express. The Shell Earrings he's talking about were the ones that we brought back to her when they were stolen."

"Yeah. All of us were able to figure that one out," Andrew uttered back to her, speaking on behalf of himself and the rest of their friends.

It was then the door upstairs was heard slamming shut as someone else was seen coming downstairs into Podley's Place. It was Antoine; Ms. Mowz's business partner, and the first thing he saw was Ms. Mowz herself in the flesh. And she was alive and well. Just seeing her was enough to get him to react.

"Ms. Mowz! You're alive!" Antoine yelled as he approached her. "You made it back safe and sound!"

"Hmm mmm mmm, of 'course' I did dear," Ms. Mowz assured him. "Did you ever have any doubt in me, Antoine?"

"No! But after the skies darkened up, and the Crystal Stars you spoke of came out of nowhere in the center of the plaza, I had thought the worst had happened!" Antoine told her. "And I had thought that you may have perished by whatever caused our skies to become dank!"

"Antoine, you mustn't worry. I always come back, do I not?" Ms. Mowz queried, getting him to nod. "And besides, I've always kept my word when I say that I'll return to the badge shop. I have complete confidence in you, Antoine. And you can have the same confidence in me."

"Oh! You're right! I should have confidence in you!" Antoine admitted. "You are a globe-trotting badge thief who scavenges for badges anywhere! I'm just glad you're OK, and that these dark skies will clear up soon!"

"Believe me, Antoine, the feeling is mutual," Ms. Mowz agreed casually. "And everything should be going back to the way they should be."

"That's right," Andrew agreed with her along with his friends.

It was then another voice was heard from outside, and this got their attention in an instant. "Ah-HA! There you are, Andrew! So this is where you went!"

Everyone looked towards the door and saw it open, revealing who it was who called out to Andrew from outside. It was revealed to be Professor Frankly, who looked like he had just looked through some books in his home, in regards to the phenomenon that the Crystal Stars had done with Andrew's Ultra Bat.

"Oh. Hey, Professor Frankly," Andrew greeted, as the others all backed away from him and his friends. "Yes. This is where we went after we came back to Rogueport."

"Ah, yes, well, I was wondering where you kids wandered off to once we got out of that pipe," Professor Frankly told him as he stepped inside.

"So, what's up?" Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Did you find out what was inside the chest yet?"

"Oh, not yet. It's gonna take some time to look into what's in that chest," Professor Frankly exclaimed. "But for now, I have something else to share with you. While I was at my house, I looked through some books. And one of them 'apparently' goes into detail in regards to what had happened with Andrew's Ultra Bat, thanks to the power of the Crystal Stars that he had."

"Well, don'tcha leave us hanging in suspense, Professor," Goombella had to encourage her archaeology professor. "What didja find out?"

"Well, hrmmmm... This'll require you kids to sit down and listen," Professor Frankly instructed. "What I found out in the books I've read is a real doozy of a discovery."

At that moment, the eight heroes obliged and sat down at one of the tables nearby. Seeing that this wasn't any of their business, everyone that had been crowding Andrew and his crew previously backed away and decided to do their own thing in Podley's place, while minding their 'own' business.

"Well, Professor. We're 'totally' ready," Goombella declared as she was smiling along with the others. "So, whatcha got for us?"

"All right. All right. Here's how it goes," Professor Frankly started. "Now first things first, if you recall, I already told you about how the Crystal Stars were created by the Shadow Queen, and how the four heroes defeated the queen and sealed her up behind the Thousand-Year Door with the power of the Crystal Stars. And how the Crystal Stars can be determined if they're used for good or evil, depending on who wields them, right?"

"Yes. Of 'course' we remember that," Andrew nodded.

"Ummm... Yeah," Koops then had to ask. "Why do you ask, Professor?"

"That's just it," Frankly exclaimed. "From the books that I've read, the four heroes were able to harness the true power of the Crystal Stars to eradicate the Shadow Queen's physical form and seal it up behind the door. And the Crystal Stars provided them the tool to do so."

"Oh, my! I feel like I might swoon!" Flurrie declared. "How utterly marvelous!"

"Yeah," Andrew then had to ask. "What did the Crystal Stars provide them with."

"Well Andrew, one of the four heroes had possession of a sword," Frankly exclaimed. "So when the four heroes were in trouble, they harness the true power of the Crystal Stars to be used for good, which in turn caused them to bestow their powers into this particular sword. Kinda like what happened with your Ultra Bat. And if I can remember correctly, it was called the Crystal Sword."

"Woah! Awesome!" Yoshiam felt his eyes lit upon hearing that. "That sounds wicked cool, Prof! And they used it to slay that evil demon, right?"

"I would think so," Andrew agreed with a smirk. "But they were only able to slay the Shadow Queen's physical being with the Crystal Sword, with the spirit still alive. Right, Professor Frankly?"

"Correct," Frankly confirmed. "It seems that whoever is fortunate enough to tap into the full potential of all seven Crystal Stars would be bestowed the same gift that was given to aid the four heroes a thousand years ago."

"That must be why the Crystal Stars aided us when Andrew was in trouble," Vivian gasped. "And they helped us with putting the Shadow Queen to her eternal rest, permanently. Andrew made use of their true powers."

"It would appear so," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. "It's flattering, to know that I was able to harness the full power of the seven Crystal Stars."

"Of course," Professor Frankly nodded. "Even though the queen herself was sealed up, she had placed a terrible curse on them, which took effect once they parted with a Crystal Star that they had possession of. From my calculations, those four Crystal Stars were the Diamond Star, the Emerald Star, the Ruby Star, and the Sapphire Star. Once they parted with them, the curse took effect and they were imprisoned because of it."

"Harumph! You don't say, Professor," Bobbery gave him a quizzical look. "I must say, that certainly sounds quite coincidental, I do believe. We were perhaps fortunate to have found these poor tortured souls and freed them from their imprisonment, eh?"

"Yeah. I had a feeling about that," Andrew tugged on his handkerchief. "They were the spirits in those black chests that I encountered. I freed them from their imprisonment, and in return, they each bestowed me a special power in the form of a curse."

"Of course. I had figured that out myself since we encountered that black chest underneath Rogueport," Frankly exclaimed. "But that's beside the point. It would appear that Andrew made full use of their power, thus resulting in them bestowing their powers into his Ultra Bat, which temporarily turned it into the Crystal Bat."

"Hmmm mmmm mmmm, well, this is some rather nice imperative information that we were given, was it not?" Ms. Mowz asked rhetorically before she continued. "In any case, it would seem that our handsome hero Andrew here is a muscular superstar after all, given that he was able to harness the Crystal Stars' true powers. I am quite delighted to know about this, Professor."

"Yeah. Same with the rest of us," Andrew smiled. "And I'm glad that the Crystal Stars were able to help me and my friends take down the Shadow Queen and finally put her back to an eternal rest, where she'll never be able to destroy the world again."

"Yes. Of course," Professor Frankly nodded. "In any case, it's good to see everything turn out all right in the end, thanks to all eight of you. Hrmmm... By the way, where's Her Highness currently?"

"She's currently upstairs in the Inn with Toadsworth," Andrew pointed out. "Also with her is Mario, who came here from the Mushroom Kingdom to see if she was all right, in case you're wondering."

"I see," Professor Frankly said simply. "Well, I believe that I'll get to see him before Her Highness goes back to the Mushroom Kingdom where she belongs. I've got plenty of research to do with that treasure chest, as well as more secrets and mysteries behind the Palace of Shadow, and perhaps the unknown species that the Shadow Queen consists of."

"That's good to know," Andrew smiled. "Either way, the eight of us are all finished with this journey. So it would be fitting that all eight of us can enjoy ourselves and have some fun while we're still together."

"Totally! You are right on that one, Andrew!" Goombella beamed. "We so deserve to enjoy ourselves while we can! We did our part and saved the world and Princess Peach! So that's what we're gonna do together, y'know?"

"Good call there, Andrew. Nice going," Koops agreed. "Man. After 'all' we've been through, with this journey and whatnot, we deserve some rest. So glad that we've finally done it... If that makes sense..."

"Oh, my! Mercy me! I do believe you're right, Andrew!" Flurrie boomed excitedly. "We shall bestow ourselves with plenty of nourishments to our heart's content, and make the most out of our splendid time together, dearie! It shall be marvelous, and we can indulge in some fabulous activities together, Mr. Hunky Muscles!"

"Aw yeah! Rock ON, Presto! That is an awesome idea!" Yoshiam had to jump for joy upon hearing that. "We're the real champs of the world! And because of that, we deserve all the radical stuff that most champs are given! Especially all the delicious fruit that I can eat for sure! Bring it on, dude!"

"Good idea, Andrew. I would love for us to spend time together with you after everything that we've been through," Vivian agreed shyly. "I...I 'really' did enjoy our time together. And we've gotten quite a bit of stuff done from doing so. So yeah! I think we should do that together! That would be sweet."

"Aye. I must say, it is fitting for the likes of us to be given such luxurious treatments after all we've been through on this perilous journey, Andrew," Bobbery proclaimed. "I say, this calls for a toast, to commemorate our fine achievements with bringing peace back into the world, old boy. I believe that that's the most appropriate course of action with our quest having come to a close, eh wot?"

"Hmm mmm mmm mmm... Yes. It would be a pleasure to bask in our 'own' rewards for all our hard efforts, Andrew," Ms. Mowz proclaimed slyly. "It's the least we can do since our journey has come to an end, no? Therefore, I think it would be excellent for us to take it easy after what had happened."

"That's exactly what I'd like to hear, guys," Andrew gave them a thumbs up. "So let's make the most of the time we have left to spend it together and enjoy ourselves!"

"Yeah!" All seven of them cheered in unison as they were thrilled to be given the possibility.

"Ah, yes. Of course," Professor Frankly had to admit. "A little bit of some relaxation sounds nice after everything that had transpired. Perhaps it is beneficial that we can all enjoy some downtime before I can resume my research regarding the treasure chest that I found in the Palace of Shadow."

"Exactly! And besides," Andrew then took out the camera that he got from Poshley Heights and decided to use it. "I still have this camera that I can use to take several pictures of each one of us. So let's take advantage of this moment that we're spending between us and use this camera. What do you guys say?"

All seven of his friends gave him a unanimous cheer, showing that they were all for going along with that. As such, the eight of them spent as much time as they could together before they went their separate ways since their adventure had come to an end...

---

Quite some time had passed since then. 'And' the eight heroes were able to indulge in their favorite nourishments and food, or 24 things of Melons and Apples in Yoshiam's case, with a glass of Fresh Juice served with it.

Additionally, Andrew was successful with taking several pictures with the camera; each one capturing a picture of him with one of his friends at a time. A few photos were taken with Goombella, looking preppy as always. Some with Koops.

Plenty with Flurrie doing her fabulous poses. Several with Yoshiam throwing the goat and doing an air guitar solo. Quite a bit with Vivian with her looking cute as always. A couple with Bobbery. And numerous ones were taken with Ms. Mowz.

But of course, they had one or two photos of all eight of them together, smiling and showing how happy they were to have gone on this adventure together in the first place. And based on its quality, it was certainly a given.

Aside from that, Andrew decided to fork over the Magical Map to Professor Frankly, along with the seven Crystal Stars. The muscular man no longer needed it, since his journey was completed.

And besides, he figured that Frankly could make full use of it to further his research on the thousand-year disaster, as well as the origins of the Shadow Queen's supposed species, and its ties to the Shadow Sirens. Needless to say, Professor Frankly was ecstatic about what Andrew did for him.

As far as Princess Peach was concerned, she was just spending time with Mario, taking a look around Rogueport with him as if they were spending their vacation there. And then there was Toadsworth doing a little sightseeing himself while having to sit down every so often due to how exhausting it is for his old age.

As he was having fun with his friends, Andrew was reevaluating his relationship with each one of them. They had come a long way since they each joined Andrew to go on this adventure, and all seven of them have had quite the impact on him, to the point where he values them and how close he's gotten to them.

Goombella was the one who traveled with Andrew the longest and has been through all the treacherous puzzles and mishaps that he's been through. With the sole exception of having his name and body stolen from him by Doopliss.

Andrew always liked the advice that she gave to him and appreciated the help that she provided for him during this whole adventure. Aside from that, Andrew was always amused by Goombella's comments on certain stuff, saw her interests in archaeology since she was a little girl to be very intriguing, and found her sarcastic retorts on annoyances to be hilarious.

Not to mention the fact that while Goombella would often tease Andrew about certain things, it was all in good fun, and he knew that. So he was perfectly all right and willing to tolerate it. Even though she tried to find out about his past early on, Andrew would eventually buckle down and reveal to her the truth about his past, since he likes her well enough to trust her, along with the rest of his friends.

Koops was someone that Andrew could heavily relate to, since when he first met him, he wanted to do something to avenge his supposedly dead father and make him proud; something that mirrored Andrew's attempts at making his late mother proud of him. Not to mention he felt sympathetic about how Koops lost his mother to Hooktail.

Aside from that, Koops's awkward and meek way of talking was something that Andrew could tolerate, seeing that he was in his place at one point in his life. Not to mention he admires his breakdancing hobby, and it always provided some entertainment during the battles they've been on.

But of course, Koops had gotten braver through this adventure, and it eventually began to reach its peak by the time they vanquished Gloomtail, and how he was courageous enough to handle the Shadow Queen. That was something that Andrew couldn't have been more proud of, and he was certain his father would be proud once he found out about it.

Flurrie has always been Andrew's favorite actress, ever since his mother introduced her to him. So one could understand his glee and excitement upon encountering Madame Flurrie in the Boggly Woods, of all places, and the fact that she wanted to travel with him to get the Crystal Stars.

And he had always had a crush on her too since he was younger, and it was noticeable when he reached puberty. Furthermore, while the thank-you kiss Flurrie gave him made him embarrassingly cream himself, he doesn't hold it against her since she didn't know of his crush on her, and the fact that it felt so good.

Not to mention the fun that he and Flurrie had at her house was so utterly delightful, that Flurrie had helped him grow and learn to enjoy the perks of being a man, and his reaction was natural. They had been friends with benefits because of that, and Flurrie was someone that Andrew could always count on when he needed her help with something.

Yoshiam was someone that Andrew was happy to be a surrogate father to, which was impressive since he wasn't a father to anyone before Yohsiam's birth in the Glitz Pit, and Andrew wanted to provide a better example of proper fatherhood in contrast to his father, who left before he was born.

Yoshiam's eagerness to fight any bad guys that mess with them showed Andrew that he was willing to fight by his side, and could depend on him when the situation calls for it. And to think it all started when Andrew liberated him when he was just an egg to keep him from being a Hot Dog condiment.

Not to mention Yoshiam's habit of eating a ton of fruit has always been somewhat amusing to him, as it shows that he's living a healthy lifestyle as a Yoshi. And given his record of watching Yoshi documentaries, he was pretty aware of the habits that Yoshiam demonstrated, such as his massive appetite.

They've made some excellent teamwork together, in and out of the Glitz Pit, and it was on full display throughout this entire journey. And allowing Yoshiam to travel with him and his friends was one thing that Andrew would never regret in the slightest.

Vivian was someone that Andrew had grown extra close to, to the point where he felt a special bond form between them, for 'personal' reasons. When he met her and her sisters in the Boggly Woods, he was a little discomforted by how she and her sisters were possibly (and eventually confirmed to be) aligned with the X-Nauts.

But after seeing her suffer abuse at the hands of Beldam, he felt sorry for her and how she reminded him of himself when he dealt with his bullying brother. So to say that running into her in Twilight Town while he was a nameless shadow was nothing short of a miracle would've been an understatement, for both sides.

He felt close to Vivian because she was the only one who didn't disregard his existence and, after showing her kindness, was willing to help him regain his name and identity, even though he was the one her sisters were hunting down for the Magical Map.

Nonetheless, once Vivian found out his true identity, she remained with him since he deserved her more, and was willing to travel with him in hopes of protecting him from anyone, especially her sisters.

And because of that, Andrew had grown closer to her ever since, and he eventually started to feel some warm happy fuzzy feelings in his stomach and his heart, which would rapidly beat on occasions when he was near her.

Flurrie might be his friend with benefits, but Vivian was someone he felt something special for because SHE was the one who encouraged Andrew to keep pressing forward and not commit suicide in such an awful manner. So it would make sense that Andrew had plenty of bonding moments with Vivian, and having her travel with him was one of the best decisions he ever made in his life.

When Andrew first met Bobbery, he had thought that he was a grouchy crabby Bob-omb sailor who refused to go out to sea again, and it left him confused.

But then Podley told him of his backstory, and felt nothing but sympathy for Bobbery afterwards, seeing that losing Scarlette was similar to how he lost his mother. When he gave the admiral the letter Scarlette wrote, he was convinced to join him and his friends on the expedition to Keelhaul Key.

After saving Bobbery from the Embers and getting him his Chuckola Cola, Andrew had thought that he had died along with his friends until he heard him snoring. Despite being justifiably angry with him, Andrew was still willing to let him know that he knew what it was like to be a recluse, and that he was happy to see that he saw the light.

He was also impressed that he accepted the fact that he had no control over her death in the past and he regained his love for the sea because of it, and it's what Scarlette would've wanted all along. Bobbery showed Andrew his gratitude by pledging to accompany him and his friends on the adventure to find the Crystal Stars, and he has been a viable friend ever since.

Despite his old age, Bobbery shows that he still has it in him, and Andrew seemed amused by his background in the Navy, not to mention the Fahr Outpost Big Bomb Cannon Crisis that Bobbery lived through. And Andrew never regretted his decision to have Bobbery travel with them either.

When Andrew first encountered Ms. Mowz at Hooktail Castle, he had been suspicious of her, feeling that her demeanor meant that she was after the Crystal Stars, and knew of Peach's whereabouts.

But once Ms. Mowz expressed how she wasn't interested in the Crystal Star and was more into hunting for badges, Andrew dropped all of his suspicions of her, despite her cunning and sultry personality. He had met her again in the Great Tree and the Glitz Pit, and was more comfortable around her, even though Goombella and Flurrie harbored some distaste towards her.

And he was grateful that she was the one who gave him and his friends that cake while he was in the major leagues. Not to mention her advice was 'really' helpful in getting the first three Crystal Stars, and he thought fondly of her.

But after that, he hadn't encountered her again in Twilight Town, or on Keelhaul Key. She had no way of reaching Keelhaul Key without a boat, especially since people were unwilling to head there until Andrew convinced Flavio to hold an expedition there. As for Twilight Town, she needed her name written on her posterior, which she didn't have until Andrew wrote it down for her, so it was unlikely for him to meet her there.

The next time he ran into her was when he was on the Excess Express with his friends, and he had claimed to be responsible for her while on the train, which he convinced the conductor to let him watch her. 'And' after showing her his badges and gaining her respect, she decided to help him and his friends get the last two Crystal Stars.

Afterwards, he found out that Ms. Mowz grew up in a poor family, how her parents gave her her first badge; the Money Money badge when she was seven, and how her thieving habits ran in her family since her dad would have to steal for them to be able to have food and have a living. Not to mention how Ms. Mowz's mom was a part-time spy, which is how she's so good at it herself.

Once Ms. Mowz was taught to use her stealing for a good cause to benefit others, she proved to be a viable companion and friend. 'And' eventually, Goombella and Flurrie came to their senses and started over with the sultry Little Mouser, becoming friends with her in the process while dealing with the Shadow Sirens a second time. Just like his other friends, Andrew doesn't regret having Ms. Mowz travel with him one bit.

All seven of them were pretty close to Andrew, and he couldn't have asked for anything better. Because of that, he was upset that he'd have to part ways with his friends, and all eight of them were going to go their separate ways in life. It left him feeling pretty sad to leave them like this.

But he had to go. Now that he had rescued the princess and got her back to Rogueport safely, his job here was done. He had to go back to his home in Toad Town and go back to his regular life there.

His friends had left an impact on his life and changed him for the better. And that's why it was going to be sad when he departed from Rogueport with Peach, Toadsworth, and Mario on the boat that he came to Rogueport on in the first place.

By the time the innkeeper had finished knitting up Andrew's shirt, he had graciously accepted it and decided to pay her the 45 coins that he owed her for her services to him while he stayed in Rogueport.

She was overjoyed and had graciously taken the coins as Andrew made sure to pack up all of his belongings and stuff into his luggage, which included his boots and bats that he had in his possession before he could book out of the Rogueport Inn, and head back home to the Mushroom Kingdom.

These guys mean the world to me. They changed my life for the better... Andrew thought sadly about his seven friends. But unfortunately, since I rescued the princess, I no longer have a reason to stay in Rogueport. That means it's time for me to move on...

---

After having one last meal with his seven friends, and making sure Yoshiam was able to eat plenty of Melons and Apples, Andrew headed to the Rogueport Harbor, bringing his luggage with him while getting some help from his friends.

Professor Frankly was instructed to accompany them, as Andrew had informed him that he needed him to join the others at the Rogueport Harbor since he had important news that he needed to tell him about what his next course of action was going to be.

Currently, at the Rogueport Harbor, the sky was purple, indicating that the sun should fully come back shortly, and everyone was eagerly waiting for that. At the harbor were Andrew, Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, Bobbery, Ms. Mowz, and Professor Frankly.

Also accompanying the muscular man were Princess Peach, Toadsworth, and Mario, as the four of them were waiting for their boat to arrive. Toadsworth had already made the arrangements for the boat to come by and pick the four of them up, and bring them back to Toad Town in the Mushroom Kingdom.

So while they were waiting, Andrew had told Professor Frankly and his friends that he was planning on leaving Rogueport since he was no longer needed here as the princess had returned, and he needed to head back home. Needless to say, Professor Frankly looked rather disappointed that Andrew had to leave so soon.

"So... You're leaving, then," Professor Frankly concluded after Andrew had finished his explanation.

"I'm afraid so, Professor," Andrew nodded with a sad smile, as he was wearing his regular black combat boots again. "I was successful with getting Princess Peach back to Rogueport like Toadsworth had wanted. And so my work here is done. So I'll have to go back home to Toad Town, in the Mushroom Kingdom."

Professor Frankly couldn't help but frown at his departure. Ever since he came here and started his adventure with Goombella, he has made several breakthroughs with his research.

And he had unraveled several discoveries about the Thousand-Year Door the more Crystal Stars that he got. So now to see him leaving Rogueport made him feel a little sad and disappointed that he couldn't stay anymore.

"Well, that's too bad..." Professor Frankly shook his head as he had to admit. "Having you around really did wonders for my research..."

"Aw, well..." Andrew rubbed the back of his neck out of flattery. "I'm flattered that I was of big assistance to you, Frankly..."

"Yeah, Professor! We'd never let you monopolize Andrew for your research, anyway!" Goombella walked up and nudged her Professor before she had to remind him of something he told her earlier. "Besides, you said I could be your research assistant for next term!"

Andrew had to smile at that as he was impressed. Seeing how far Goombella had come since she arrived here was fascinating. When she came to Rogueport, she hated how run-down it was.

But now, she was eager to become Frankly's research assistant in Rogueport for the next term of his archaeology class. Frankly, for his part, remembered all too well how he told her that. He turned to face Goombella before he made his comment about it.

"Hrmm... Yes, that's right," Professor Frankly proclaimed. "And I thank you, Goombella."

"Even then, I was happy to help you move further through your research, especially with the Magical Map that I gave you," Andrew told him gracefully. "And I appreciate the fact that was even aiding you with your research in the first place. It was my pleasure."

"Anyhow Andrew, Professor Frankly does have a point! We're 'totally' gonna miss ya once you leave Rogueport!" Goombella had to inform the muscular man. "I mean c'mon! Don'tcha want to settle with living in Rogueport so that we can visit you more often, Andrew?"

Andrew had to cross his arms and had a thoughtful expression. He never gave that any thought, and it would be nice to see his friends more often. Unfortunately, Andrew couldn't ignore the flaws that would come with making that decision so soon.

The people of Rogueport were just starting to change their ways, but they still had a long way to go. If he ever wants to consider moving to Rogueport, he'd have to make sure that the town 'really' was gonna change for the better and prove to them that they are 100% trustworthy.

Even ignoring that, he had used up all the money that he had with him while traveling through the Rogueport region, plus he gave the innkeeper the 45 coins that she requested. He would also need more money before he could consider moving to Rogueport, which would take a while before it happens.

However, moving to Rogueport for him wasn't completely out of the question. It was just going to take quite a bit of time before such a thing could 'actually' happen. After thinking about it for a few moments, Andrew finally decided to voice his thoughts on this.

"...I'll consider moving to Rogueport when the time is right. But it can't happen right now," Andrew told her. "I would like to see these people prove to me that they can change their lives for the better, and live in healthier environments. Besides, I happen to be short on money now, since I used a good chunk of it for traveling through this region, so I'm gonna need more. And it'll take a while before that happens."

Andrew then took a deep breath before he finished. "But I will consider moving to Rogueport someday. For now, I have to go back to my home in the Mushroom Kingdom and live my life there until I can plan the changes. I hope you all can understand that."

"Gotcha, Andrew," Goombella nodded before looking towards the others. "We 'totally' understand and support ya for it. Right, guys?"

The others all nodded in unison, showing that they agreed with her and with Andrew.

"Good," Andrew sighed and gave them a sad smile. "I'm glad that you guys can understand that."

"Regardless of what your plans may be, Andrew..." Professor Frankly turned around and spoke to Andrew once again. "Even after you leave here, please don't forget about us, all right?"

"I won't," Andrew assured him. "Believe me, this is one adventure that I will never forget about."

"I see," Frankly then told him. "And we, in return, will wish that you find all the best in the future."

"Thanks for that, Professor Frankly," Andrew gave him a grateful smile. "I appreciate that. And I was happy to have met you like this in the first place. So thanks for everything."

"Anytime," Professor Frankly nodded as he stepped back.

With that, Goombella stepped up in front of Andrew and decided to say something to him.

"Never 'ever' give up, Andrew!" Goombella proclaimed. "That's the most important thing I learned from you..."

"Good. I'm glad to hear it," Andrew gave her a coy smirk. "Trust me. If you hope to be an aspiring archaeologist and unravel some discoveries amongst several ancient civilizations out there, you're gonna have to learn to never quit until you find the answers behind all artifacts that you come across."

"Don't I know it," Goombella gave him a smirk in return. "Thanks, Andrew. Just promise me you'll think of me now and again, OK?"

"Don't worry about that," it was then Andrew remembered to do something as he had something to give to her. "Oh, right. Before I leave here, there's one thing that I'd like to do."

Goombella was a little confused as Andrew dug through his pocket until he pulled out a piece of paper that had some written information on it.

"This is for you," Andrew told her softly as he handed it to her.

Goombella gladly took it and glanced at it. She was shocked when she saw what was written on it, as she gave Andrew a wide-eyed glance.

"Andrew... Is... Is this...?" Goombella was unable to finish her sentence.

"Yes. That's right. That's my address," Andrew nodded to confirm it. "I remember how you asked me for it when we were starting our journey and heading to Shhwonk Fortress. I told you we'd cross that bridge later on and we did. And as promised, I'm giving you my address so you know where I live currently. So there you go."

"A-Andrew... I...I dunno what to say..." Goombella then saw something else. "Omigosh! Ya also gave me your email address too!?"

"That's right. So you can e-mail me any time and let me know if you find anymore archaeological discoveries out there," Andrew told her softly. "Goombella, you are a great person and a wonderful Goomba. I hope you have the best of luck. And if you need anyone to join you on an archaeological expedition, you know where to find me. And I will be more than happy to help you out."

"Awwwwwww... Andrew! I'm 'totally' tearing up right now, ya hear?!" Goombella felt tears forming in her eyes. "C'mon over here and hug me, ya big lug!"

Andrew didn't need to say anything as he scooped her up and embraced her in a hug. She was shown snuggling in the muscular man's chest. 'And' she even kissed him on the mouth to show how thankful she was for what Andrew told her and what he gave to her.

"Andrew? Ya promise me that you'll come back to Rogueport someday," Goombella told him. "Otherwise, I'm gonna 'totally' lose it since you are my best friend! I will never forget our traveling together! And I will e-mail you on whatever amazing discoveries I find in regards to the thousand-year-old treasure!"

"I know. And I will someday," Andrew told her softly. "And I know you're gonna do great. I will miss you Goombella. And I will look forward to seeing you again someday. Even with this adventure over, we're still a team, and we do have each other's backs. And you know why that's so?"

"Cause we're the best team that could've formed together!" Goombella beamed, wiping her eyes. "Don'tcha ever forget that! We'll be here for ya if anything happens! Make sure you remember that, OK?"

"I will," Andrew smiled as he gave her a small peck on her cheek. "And that will never change."

"You better believe it, Andrew," Goombella smirked as Andrew let her go while she remained close to him. "You were the reason we all came together, and that'll never falter, no matter what."

"You got it," Andrew rubbed her head and brushed his fingers across her ponytail.

"Ummm..." Koops got Andrew's attention, as it was his turn to say something to Andrew, as Goombella got out of the way.

"What's up, Koops?" Andrew asked him as he gave him his full undivided attention. "What do you want to tell me?"

"Ummm... Andrew..." Koops cleared his throat before coming out with it. "Thanks to you, I've found courage and inner strength."

"That's good to know," Andrew grinned. "You certainly showed it after we defeated Gloomtail, and you never backed down when we were fighting the Shadow Queen. And because of that, I'm proud of how far you've come since you left Petalburg with me, Koops."

"Right," Koops nodded before he told him. "I don't know how to say this, but...I think I like myself more since I've known you..."

"I'm glad to hear that," Andrew said. "And I'm glad that I left quite an impact on your life since we left Petalburg. I am flattered to know about that."

"And I feel like I've grown closer to my dad," Koops had to admit.

"Don't forget that you've also become a strong Koopa for your girlfriend, Koopie Koo," Andrew reminded him. "She still is planning to make that Heartful Cake for you when you return to Petalburg."

"Of course. Haven't forgotten about her..." Koops nodded while slightly blushing. "It's all so hard to put into words... Ummmmm..."

"Koops? Don't worry about it. I understand," Andrew patted him on the back of his shell before he assured him. "I won't ever forget the traveling that we've done together, bud. And I'll be sure to come back and visit Petalburg someday too. Whatever you plan to do for your future, you're gonna do great. I have complete confidence in you, Koops. I know you can do it."

"Yeah... You're gonna do great too, Andrew..." Koops then went and gave Andrew a brotherly hug, which he returned. "I'll be sure to think of you 'every' now and then, Andrew. And I'll take your advice to heart too. And ummm...I'll be sure to visit Toad Town with Koopie Koo when we have the chance, and we can see you too if you like..."

"That would be great," Andrew smiled. "And I'll look forward to that too."

"Good..." Koops said as he then broke out of the brotherly hug, which Andrew was quick to follow himself. "Like Goombella said, we're a team no matter what. And I'll be sure to support you if you need it, Andrew..."

"I'm glad to hear that," Andrew said as Koops stepped away and the former looked at the Wind Spirit. "Now Flurrie, it's your turn."

"Absolutely," Flurrie nodded as she floated over and was now in front of Andrew.

"Well Flurrie," Andrew smiled as he lightly blushed. "Would you like to start us off?"

Flurrie simply nodded as she cleared her throat and then revealed to Andrew what she planned to do next with her life now that their adventure was over.

"My dear, dear Andrew..." Flurrie swooned sweetly. "I am ready to make my comeback in the theater now."

"That's great!" Andrew beamed as he looked eager to hear that. "Whatever convinced you to revive your acting career Flurrie?"

"Why you, of course, sweetums," Flurrie told him, placing her right hand on his shoulder. "I've found so many things on this journey that I can only express on stage... And with these new themes...I am so ready for that wonderful spotlight again!"

"Awwwwww... Flurrie," Andrew blushed as he sounded flattered by this. "I'm glad that I helped you with reviving your acting career in the theater."

"Believe me, I know," Flurrie said softly. "Please do come see me once we've finished rehearsing!"

"Oh, that would be great!" Andrew gleamed. "I would love to see one of your plays!"

"And just to show how much gratitude I have for your graciousness, darling, I shall be honored to send you a VIP ticket," Flurrie told him. "Security may not know of you, but I do. And I shall make it a pleasure to allow you to see one of my shows!"

"I look forward to that," Andrew smiled dreamily. "Especially if you ever have one of your shows in Toad Town."

"Worry not, my Andrew. I shall be willing to hold one of my shows in Toad Town," Flurrie declared. "And bring Peach too, dear!"

"Sure, if she is interested," Andrew glanced at Princess Peach, who had a rather grateful smile as a result. That gave him his answer.

"Flurrie? I want you to know that you'll ALWAYS be my favorite actress," Andrew confessed as he stepped up closer to her. "And no one could be any better than you."

"I am flattered. Truly," Flurrie got up close to him too. "And I shall forever remember you as my number one fan, Andrew. And provided that we shall be able to have fun again, I shall provide us with a room, so we can...you know..."

"I'd love that," Andrew whispered into his ear. "And I will make my mom happy by watching one of your shows, just like she used to do with me when I was younger."

"My, I do believe you shall make her proud," Flurrie gushed at that. "Just like you've done with me, dearie."

"I know," Andrew grinned. "Now, what do you say we exchange our parting gift, mouth to mouth if you catch my drift."

"Mercy me! Absolutely!" Flurrie beamed joyously before adding seductively. "I would be delighted! Pucker up, hon!"

Andrew didn't say anything as his lips were puckered, and before he knew it, his lips were pressed against Flurrie's big lips. He felt himself melting into Flurrie's massive buxom as they were sharing a passionate kissing fest while the others could only watch.

It was tender, and they enjoyed every moment of it. It was moments like this that made Andrew glad to embrace his manly urges, and that he and Flurrie are friends with benefits.

Once they were done kissing, Andrew and Flurrie looked into each others' emerald green eyes with a look of passion and joy.

"Flurrie? That was wonderful, as always," Andrew admitted. "You will always be my friend with benefits."

"Hmm mmm mmm, likewise, my darling," Flurrie told him proudly as she pecked him on the cheek. "Be sure to come to one of my shows once I'm able to reach Toad Town, darling. And I do believe you shall be in for a marvelous future too. You can trust me. I know, Mr. Hunky Muscles."

"I do," Andrew said with a rather manly voice as he gave her one last hug and peck on her cheek in return. "And thank you for everything."

"I daresay, it was my pleasure, hon," Flurrie then broke from the hug and floated in front of him. "Farewell for now, my darling Andrew."

"You too," Andrew winked at her, which she returned the gesture afterwards.

As soon as Flurrie floated out of the way, it was Yoshiam's turn to say something as he stepped up and stood right in front of the muscular man, and he got his attention.

"Presto..." Yoshiam then realized his mistake and he was quick to correct himself afterwards. "Oh, yeah, wait. I've gotta stop doing that. It's ANDREW, right?"

"That's right, Yoshiam," Andrew confirmed it to be true. "Andrew has always been my name outside of the Glitz Pit."

It was then that Yoshiam felt his feet shuffle a bit as he had to admit to the muscular man what he thought about him. "Well... You'll always be Presto to me, man!"

"Yeah?" Andrew raised an eyebrow, as he figured that he had more to say about it.

"Because I was born in the Glitz Pit, and Presto is, and always will 'be', the champ!" Yoshiam came out with it.

"Aw," Andrew said modestly as he tugged on his handkerchief. "I appreciate that. Really. That's 'really' thoughtful of you, Yoshiam."

"Cool! So let's meet again, Presto!" Yoshiam told him with a thumbs up. "I mean it, man!"

It was then that Yoshiam looked downward and slightly closed his eyes as he was heard sniffing to himself. Andrew looked a little concerned for him as he had to ask him the all-important question.

"Yoshiam? Are you crying?" Andrew queried.

"Are you nuts?! I'm NOT crying!" Yoshiam lied to him. "I just got something in my eye! That's all!"

Andrew, of course, wasn't buying it, as he shook his head and motioned Yoshiam over to him. "Yoshiam? Come over here."

Yoshiam obliged as he walked over to him when Andrew scooped him up and held him in his muscular arms in a tender manner.

"Yoshiam? I want you to listen to me," Andrew told him in an assuring manner. "As I told the others, I will come back to Rogueport one day. And when I do, I'll see to it that I make time to head to Glitzville. I can reenter the Glitz Pit and make a comeback as the Prevailing Presto. Once that happens, you and I can fight side by side together, just like [old] times. Got it?"

"Whoa. That would be awesome," Yoshiam wiped his eyes. "I am already looking forward to that, dude! And I'll be waiting."

"I know you will," Andrew then promised him. "And when I return, I will be sure to give you all the Yoshi Cookies and Healthy Juices that you can enjoy."

"Yeah! That would be rad, Presto," Yoshiam smiled excitedly.

"It sure will be," Andrew rubbed his hand across his tiny red mohawk. "So until it happens, I want you to stay strong and keep fighting for me. Can you do that for me, Yoshiam?"

"You got it, man," Yoshiam nodded as he gave him a thumbs up.

"Great," Andrew then went and gave Yoshiam a fist bump, which he eagerly returned.

Once that was done, Andrew let Yoshiam go, and Yoshiam was back on his feet and got out of the way since he was done. It was now Vivian's turn to speak to Andrew, and Andrew was feeling that fuzzy happy feeling in his heart again.

Deciding to be as patient and understanding as he always has been to her, Andrew had allowed Vivian to speak to him first before he could say something. After clearing her throat, Vivian managed to speak to the muscular man.

"Uhhhh... Andrew..." Vivian was stuttering like crazy. "I... I feel... I feel like I've grown to lo-"

As she cut herself off, Andrew felt a massive blush overcome his face. It didn't take long for him to realize what she was trying to tell him.

"Say no more, Vivian. I think I understand," Andrew assured her. "And I understand what it is that you're feeling for me."

"Y-You do?" Vivian asked meekly as Andrew nodded. "Listen, Andrew, I hope this doesn't creep you out. It's just that I...well... You were the first person to have been kind to me. And for a while, I've been feeling like this towards you. So I..."

"Vivian? It's all right. Really," Andrew told her softly. "And well, if I have to be perfectly honest right now, I...I...I've grown to love you too."

"You have?" Vivian croaked, almost unable to believe what she just heard.

"Yes. It's true," Andrew then explained himself. "During the stolen identity crisis, you were the only person who was willing to help me get back my name and identity from Doopliss, especially after how scarred I was from it. Until I regained my identity, you were the only source of comfort that I had while I was struggling through the toughest chapter of my life."

"Of 'course' you deserved my comfort, Andrew," Vivian exclaimed. "You were willing to help me even though I didn't want to burden you."

"Exactly," Andrew nodded as he gave her that reassuring smile that she was all too familiar with by now. "And because of that, I only felt myself growing closer to you since then. And I guess that I was beginning to feel something more for you, Vivian."

"I see," Vivian said meekly. "So...you aren't bothered that a lonely Shadow Siren has feelings for you?"

"Not if you aren't bothered by a human having feelings for you," Andrew told her softly.

"I'm not," Vivian gulped and smiled. "So...uh...Andrew? If it's true, then should...should we...?"

"Yes," Andrew nodded as he leaned his face closer to her face. "I would be honored to do it with you."

"OK," Vivian uttered. "I'm ready."

"Me too," was Andrew's response.

Without wasting a single breath, their lips met as they were engaging in a rather tender kiss. Needless to say, they enjoyed every second of it, as the others were watching in awe. It seemed as if Andrew and Vivian didn't want to stop.

Nonetheless, they did as Andrew was now covered in Vivian's yellow-orange lip marks as it looked like they were cradling each other with how they were embracing.

"Andrew? I...I don't know if I deserve someone like you," Vivian told him meekly. "Especially since you have someone like Flurrie there for you."

"Who says I can't love two women?" Andrew asked her in a rather charming manner. "And you do deserve me. No matter what happens, I will always be here for you."

"Hmm hmm hmm... I know, Andrew..." Vivian giggled before admitting to him. "I... I'll never forget my time traveling with you."

"Neither will I," Andrew told her. "With how much you've done for me, forgetting you will be impossible. You helped change my life, Vivian. I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you."

"Of course... So..." Vivian felt some tears trickle down her face. "Don't forget me either..."

"Aw, Vivian. Don't cry, sweetheart," Andrew said assuring as he wiped her tears away for her, to which she graciously looked at him. "Feeling better?"

"A little," Vivian nodded. "It just amazes me, to know that we both had endured a past where we were bullied and abused by our siblings. To think that fate could've brought us together."

"Yeah," Andrew blinked at that. "I guess we 'really' have plenty in common, don't we?"

Vivian nodded as she couldn't help but giggle, which resulted in Andrew sharing a chuckle with her. Once they were done, Andrew decided to tell Vivian something crucial.

"Vivan? I don't know what your plans are now since our adventure is done. But if you ever do need anything, you are more than welcome to see me in Toad Town," Andrew told her. "I'm sure that Goombella will be happy to share my address with you, right Goombella?"

"Totally," Goombella winked at him.

"Uh...OK. That's very thoughtful of you, Andrew," Vivian said. "And I will continue to show love for you when we do meet again."

"Believe me, the feeling is mutual," Andrew smiled as he pecked Vivian on the cheek. "I will continue to love you as well. I promise."

"OK. I trust you, Andrew," Vivian then went ahead and kissed Andrew on both cheeks, leaving her yellow-orange kiss marks on both of them as she was done with confessing to him.

With that, Vivian floated out of the way and allowed Bobbery to march up to Andrew, seeing that it was his turn to say something to the muscular man.

"Well, old boy..." Bobbery started. "It was most agreeable that I had the chance to meet you..."

"You know what?" Andrew had to smile. "I was glad to have met you too."

"Indeed. If not for you, then my dear Scarlette would still gaze down on a broken Bob-omb..." Bobbery had to confess. "But now, I'm off to sea again!"

"That's great to know, Bobbery," Andrew grinned as he gave him a thumbs up. "I'm glad to see that you were willing to see the light and resume doing what you love doing best! Even though Scarlette is no longer here, you accepted the fact that you had no control over what had happened to her in the past..."

"Of course. That's precisely what I was referring to," Bobbery nodded. "I know Scarlette would have wanted it that way..."

"There's no doubt about that," Andrew said. "She couldn't have wanted it any other way."

"Aye! Therefore, let's see each other again, Andrew!" Bobbery declared. "And this time, let it be on the high seas, old boy!"

"You got it," Andrew nodded. "And it could happen with Flavio traveling with us too."

"Certainly. Even that cash-grubber is more than welcome to sail the seven seas with the likes of us," Bobbery admitted. "In any case, our adventure might be over, but worry not dear boy. Our future has just begun. And we certainly have quite a tad bit of a bright one in store for us, eh?"

"Can't argue with you there," Andrew agreed as he then said something. "Listen, I know you didn't want me to be formal with you when you first joined us on Keelhaul Key. But there is something that I want to give to you, to show you just how much respect I have for you, Admiral Bobbery."

Bobbery looked a little confused as to what Andrew was referring to. Fortunately, he got his answer when Andrew stood firm, raised his hand, and gave Bobbery a proper salute, just like they did in the military.

Needless to say, Bobbery was rather pleased by this sign of respect, not to mention flattered. Truly this meant that there was no other man who was as brave, bold, and honorable as Andrew is.

"Why, I am rather surprised, old boy. Very pleased by your actions of respect," Bobbery told him. "I must say, I don't think I have ever met such a gent who is as dedicated, brave, and solicitous as you are, Andrew. Many thanks to you for making this possible."

"You too," Andrew lowered his hand. "And I will make sure that we meet again soon, for sure."

"Precisely," Bobbery nodded proudly. "Now, I believe that there is only one more of us who wishes to speak to you before your sudden departure."

"Of course," Andrew nodded as he saw Ms. Mowz approach him while Bobbery moved to the side so she could have her turn.

Ms. Mowz had given Andrew that same sultry but cunning look she always gave him. But there was also one of respect, as well as partnership. Andrew had allowed her to speak up, and she went and did so.

"Well, it is time for us to part, my little cheese-hunk," Ms. Mowz told him slyly.

"I'm afraid so, Ms. Mowz," Andrew said sadly. "It is what it is. And I have to go home."

"I am aware of that, dearie," Ms. Mowz then told him. "But I will not say farewell."

"Eh?" Andrew gave her a confused look.

"Because..." Ms. Mowz cleared her throat before she told him. "You're welcome here anytime."

"I know," Andrew nodded with a smile. "And you guys will be happy to welcome me back with open arms."

"Exactly," Ms. Mowz agreed with him. "And since you're welcome, you should come anytime you please, sweetie!"

"I'm happy to hear that," Andrew proclaimed. "And I'm happy to have allowed you to travel with me all along, Ms. Mowz."

"Yes. It was quite an enjoyable surprise for all of us, was it not?" Ms. Mowz said before adding. "Now, be careful...and until we meet again...adieu."

"You too," Andrew then took out his badge kit and asked her. "And Ms. Mowz? What about these badges? Do you want to take any of them?"

"Keep them, sweetie. You've earned them fair and square," Ms. Mowz insisted sweetly. "You've also earned my respect for having collected all of them, as well as my partnership. Therefore, you may keep them as much as you please. And that includes the Money Money badge; the first badge I was ever given. Therefore, you can consider them a memento to remind you of how you were associated with yours truly"

"Wow," Andrew blinked as he put the badge kit away. "Thanks for this, Ms. Mowz."

"Anytime, dearie," Ms. Mowz said. "We'll be waiting for the day you return to Rogueport. And we'll be happy to welcome you back once you do decide to make plans to live in this worn-out burg. Hmmm mmmm mmmm, believe me. It'll be our pleasure."

"I know," Andrew said as he had a sly smirk on his face. "But of course, there is something we should do before we part."

"I think I'm gonna adore this," Ms. Mowz said with intrigue. "Whatever may it be, dearie?"

"I'll show you," Andrew then went over and scooped her up, getting her to squeak slightly.

He then went and gave her a kiss, which she happily returned full force. She was happy to see that this muscular superstar would give her such a gift before he had to leave. After a few moments, they broke from the kiss, but their faces remained close as they blinked at each other.

"Ms. Mowz? You always will be my favorite globe-trotting badge-hunting thief," Andrew confessed.

"Believe me, I'm aware of that. There's no one else that comes close to being as skilled as yours truly," Ms. Mowz flaunted slightly before clearing her throat. "And you will be my favorite muscular handsome superstar of a human, Andrew."

"I'm glad to hear that," Andrew said before referring to the others, feeling the tears start to form. "'In fact', I'm glad that I met all seven of you. You've changed my life, and I wouldn't have gotten this far if it weren't for you. I'm gonna miss each one of you. Oh geez. I promised that I wouldn't cry... And yet I am..."

"Aw, c'mon Andrew!" Goombella declared and brought up his spirits with a suggestion of her 'own'. "GROUP HUG!"

The others wasted no time in joining Andrew and Ms. Mowz for a group hug along with Goombella. In a matter of seconds, all eight of them were engaging in a group hug, and it looked like they had grown wicked close since they started. Professor Frankly was just watching proudly at this while Princess Peach had to admit something about this to Mario.

"Isn't it lovely Mario?" Peach asked him. "Seeing how close they are to each other?"

Mario nodded in agreement, as he understood what Peach was talking about. Andrew had wiped the tears that were forming in his eyes as he had to say something to the red-clad plumber.

"Forgive me, Mario," he said. "These guys have grown close to me since I've explored the Rogueport region. We make a wonderful team, and we couldn't have had it any other way."

Mario didn't seem bothered by it. He nodded and showed that he understood what he was getting at, and why he felt this way about them.

"It's kinda like the friends you made during the whole stolen Star Rod fiasco, Mario," Andrew proclaimed.

Mario was a little surprised that he brought that up. Nonetheless, he let an 'oh yeah' escape his lips as he nodded in understanding. Andrew's friendship with the seven people in front of him reminded him of his friendships with the eight people he traveled with to get the Star Rod back from Bowser.

"Well, the boat's almost here..." Toadsworth felt like reminding them.

"We know. Which reminds me," Andrew then turned his attention to Mario again. "Mario? You told me your brother Luigi was in Rogueport while traveling through the Waffle Kingdom, correct? Does he need to be given a lift by us?"

Mario shook his head and then placed his hand under his ear. It's as if he was explaining the whole deal to Andrew, who understood everything he said.

"I see," Andrew blinked. "He's taking care of business with the people he traveled with. And he is going to be coming back to Toad Town on a different boat. Is that right?"

Mario nodded, as an 'oh yeah' came out of his lips. Andrew was willing to accept that as an answer.

"OK. Just wanted to make sure," Andrew said to him. He looked like he wanted to say something else.

But before he could, a voice was heard yelling out in the distance.

"ANDREEEEW!" That came from a rather small and familiar person that Andrew hadn't heard in a while. And it was clear that Flurrie recognized it as well.

In no time at all, two familiar Punies had made their way into the Rogueport Harbors, with two regular Mushrooms in their possession. They were revealed to be Punio and Petuni, as they each were holding a Mushroom on their backs.

"My, my, my! My little adorable Punio and Petuni!" Flurrie couldn't help but gush at their presence. "It is 'absolutely' marvelous to see you two adorably precious cuties out here in a place like this!"

"Yeah. Punio and Petuni," Andrew agreed before asking. "Hey, how did you two know that we'd be at the Rogueport Harbor?"

"Word got out fast, Andrew," Punio caught his breath. "And it seems we've made it just in time! We got something for you and the princess!"

"Yeah!" Petuni added. "Take these with you!"

"We brought them so you'd have something to eat on the boat!" Punio exclaimed. "Yummy!"

"These are VERY fresh Mushrooms!" Petuni exclaimed.

"Hey! They are fresh Mushrooms," Andrew pointed out. "And they aren't Dried Shrooms. Which means they're safe to consume. Isn't that right, Punio?"

Punio gave him a sheepish expression before he gave the Mushroom he was carrying to Andrew, while Petuni gave her Mushroom over to Peach, who graciously accepted it into her arms.

"Oh, how lovely! Thank you!" Princess Peach thanked them.

"Yeah," Andrew agreed, holding the Mushroom that Punio gave to him. "This was 'really' thoughtful of you two to do this for us."

"Punio suggested we give them to you," Petuni admitted. "And I encouraged it! Isn't that right Punio, my big brother?"

"Aw, well," Punio looked like he was blushing in modesty. "It was nothing. Really."

"Regardless of that, everyone..." Princess Peach then had to say to all of them. "If not for all of you, the world would have fallen into a horrible darkness. But your brave hearts strove for peace..."

Princess Peach cleared her throat before she continued. "...and saved this world! I don't know how to thank you...but know that the entire world is in your debt!"

"What? Nonsense! We're the ones who should be thanking you, Princess!" Professor Frankly insisted. "If you hadn't come to our little town... We'd all be puppets for the Shadow Queen and Grodus!"

"Don't forget Beldam," Andrew had to add boldly. "She was the one who started all of this and was the one responsible for everything we went through. On top of how horrible she was to Vivian."

"Yes. Of course. Beldam too," Professor Frankly admitted. "Either way, being puppets for the Shadow Queen, Grodus, and Beldam doesn't bode well in the slightest. Just the thought gives me hives!"

"I think it gives all of us hives," Andrew agreed. "Still, I'm thankful that I even came to Rogueport. If it weren't for doing this favor for Mario when he needed a well-deserved break, well...I would've remained a cynical loner forever."

Andrew then wiped his eyes before turning towards the princess. "But I was happy to have helped the princess out, and it gave me a new life experience, and that I've taken a lot of people for granted. And that I'm gonna work to becoming a better person for everyone's sake."

"That reminds me, Andrew. Are you truly certain that you're all right with working for me at my castle," Peach had to ask him. "I don't want to pressure you with something that makes you feel uncomfortable, you know..."

"Nonsense. I would be honored to be associated with you, Princess Peach," Andrew told her with a smile. "This adventure taught me so many things, so it would be fitting if I accepted this offer from you."

"OK. If you're comfortable with it," Peach then sounded gracious. "Thank you for this, Andrew. And thank you for everything."

"It was my pleasure," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck modestly. "And my friends were willing to help me as well. Right, guys?"

"Yeah," Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, Bobbery, and Ms. Mowz all chimed simultaneously as if they were still closely associated with Andrew, even though the journey was over.

It was amazing how close they were, even though they had to go their separate ways. Despite the adventure being over, they would always remain a closely knitted team, no matter what happens.

It was then that Toadsworth saw something coming to the harbor from the distance. It was the boat that brought Andrew to Rogueport in the first place, and Toadsworth recognized it.

"Ah! Look! Your Highness! I see the boat!" Toadsworth pointed out.

"Yeah!" Andrew was quick to recognize the boat. "It looks like the same boat that brought me here, to begin with!"

Mario simply nodded at that, as Princess Peach was the first to give her farewells to the others.

"Take care, everyone! Farewell!" Peach told all of them.

"Yeah!" Andrew grabbed his four suitcases. "So long guys! I hope to meet you again someday! Take care of yourselves!"

"Gotcha! Take care, Andrew!" Goombella hollered.

"Goodbye, Andrew!" Koops yelled.

"So long Andrew, my darling!" Flurrie boomed.

"Stay amazing, Presto!" Yoshiam howled.

"I'll never forget you, Andrew!" Vivain called out.

"Farewell Andrew, old boy!" Bobbery shouted.

"Have a safe and happy trip, Andrew!" Ms. Mowz squeaked.

"Thanks, guys," Andrew said as the boat pulled up to the dock.

It was right in front of Andrew, Peach, Toadsworth, and Mario. Andrew looked and saw that it was the same captain who brought him to Rogueport in the first place, as the captain seemed to have recognized Andrew upon docking near the harbor.

"Oh, forgive my lateness, sir!" The Captain apologized. "I must have dozed off a bit!"

"It's no trouble. I managed to get the Mushroom Kingdom Princess, like I said," Andrew assured. "So we're ready to head back home."

"Err, of course! Please, come on board!" The Captain stated. "I'll get you folks back at full steam!"

Andrew nodded as he boarded the boat with his luggage in his hands, and he was followed by Princess Peach, Mario, and Toadsworth. Once all four of them were on the boat, the Captain felt that it was best for him to make his way back to the Mushroom Kingdom again.

"Set a course for the Mushroom Kingdom!" The Captain declared as he turned the boat around, towards the direction that the Toad Town's dock was located.

As soon as that was set, the boat then took off and headed back in the direction it came from, with Andrew, Peach, Mario, and Toadsworth in tow, as the others who remained on the docks in Rogueport Harbor waved farewell to them.

Frankly, Petuni and Punio all gave their farewells while all seven of Andrew's friends had sad looks in their eyes, as they watched the boat head off into the distance. They were already missing the muscular man that they traveled with.

It was unclear if Andrew would be able to see them again, but they hoped that it would happen again someday. Still, it didn't push away the sadness they felt from seeing Andrew head back home, and now they all had to go their separate ways...

---

MEANWHILE - ON THE BOAT OUT AT SEA:

While Toadsworth was getting some rest inside the boat, Andrew was seen staring off in the direction that Rogueport was in, along with Princess Peach and Mario. Andrew never thought he'd believe it, but now he was missing the place that he wanted to get away from in the first place. What an impact seven people left on him that made him change his thoughts on it.

Princess Peach, for her part, thought that Andrew's friends were nice, as were Professor Frankly, and several others who were residing in Rogueport that she interacted with. As such, she had to comment on them.

"They are all such lovely people, don't you think?" Princess Peach had to ask him.

"Yeah," Andrew let out a sad sigh as he frowned. "They sure are..."

Princess Peach noticed just how melancholic Andrew was feeling right now, and to think that this was even made possible at all. She realized why he seemed upset about having left Rogueport.

"You miss them already, don't you?" She asked him softly.

"They left quite an impact on my life, so it's impossible not to miss them," Andrew confessed to her. "Heck if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be the man that I am currently, riding on the same boat as you guys."

"I understand, Andrew," Peach decided to share with him. "I don't have too many good memories of Rogueport, what with the kidnapping and all... But it 'really' is a vibrant town full of love for life, isn't it?"

"No doubt," Andrew said. "And all it took was to go on this adventure I went on just for me to see it for myself. People have been changing in Rogueport. And I'm the one responsible for it."

Peach only nodded in understanding, as she had to let out a sigh of her own before sharing with Andrew and Mario.

"Andrew... Mario..." Peach started. "I was very frightened when they took me."

"We know," Andrew told her. "The X-Nauts weren't hospitable people in the slightest. And it must've been terrifying, given what Sir Grodus had planned for you."

"I know... But... Well... TEC was 'really' there for me and helped me get through it all," Peach confessed. "And seeing how strong you are and how you were able to get the Crystal Stars with no trouble, Andrew, I had a feeling that you'd be strong enough to help me, as well..."

"Awwww, don't say that," Andrew said quite modestly.

"No seriously... I always believe in that..." Peach insisted. "Thank you, Andrew."

"Oh, well, it was my pleasure," Andrew said while tugging on his handkerchief. "I was just willing to help out is all..."

"I..." Princess Peach cleared her throat before coming out with it. "Maybe I should listen to Toadsworth and behave more like a princess from now on... And not have you or Mario stress yourselves with trying to find me when I get kidnapped..."

"That's a very mature thing to say, Princess. Very noble," Andrew had to admit. "And I'm glad to hear you say that, Princess Peach. Isn't that right, Mario?"

Mario nodded in agreement, as another 'oh yeah' came out of his mouth, showing that he also thought that it was a good idea for Peach to follow up. Princess Peach was grateful to hear them say that, as she then had something else to say to them.

"'In fact', the next trip I make, I'll make sure it's a peaceful vacation, where we can enjoy ourselves and not have to deal with everyday stress like we usually do," Peach proclaimed.

"Good idea," Andrew had to smirk. "Just as long as there are no messes that Mario has to be forced to clean up, which he never did in the first place."

Mario had to rub the back of his neck upon recalling that memory, and Peach had to giggle lightly as a result of knowing what he was talking about.

"Yes. Of course," Peach agreed. "We'll make sure that that never happens again either."

"Good," Andrew said as Mario wiped his forehead in relief.

At that moment, the sky started to brighten up, which caught the princess's attention, and that of Andrew and Mario thereafter. After a few minutes, the sun came back out as a bright sunny light was now shining over them, and they could see how beautiful Rogueport looked in the distance.

Andrew had to admit, that he was able to allow everyone to have a bright future ahead of them after all, as he crossed his arms and admired the beautiful sight before him.

"Andrew! Mario! Look out there!" Peach pointed towards where Rogueport was standing in the distance. "Rogueport's positively shining! It's so beautiful!"

"It sure is," Andrew said in admiration as Mario nodded in agreement to that.

They could only look off towards Rogueport as they were moving further away from the port town. They would be back at the Toad Town's dock soon, which is where their homes were located.

Despite this, Andrew was feeling confident about his achievement, and the outcome that came from it as a result. Even though it would be a while before he could see his seven friends again, he was certain that he would be able to visit them once more.

And with how the sun was shining over their heads, Andrew was sure that brighter days would be in store for him. There was no doubt about it. A bright and fabulous future was going to be in store for Andrew and everyone else. That's for sure...

---

END OF CHAPTER 83...

All right, that's it for this chapter! Whew! It took me a while to finish this chapter, that's for sure. And besides, this one happens to be the longest chapter I've written for this story. Still, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I hope it was worth the wait.

Now, one thing I'd like to point out is the fact that Andrew is considering moving to Rogueport when the time is right, which won't be anytime soon, due to the circumstances shown in the chapter. So I was able to address that properly here.

Also, Mario's depiction in this chapter isn't any different than he was in the game, seeing that he was a silent protagonist who did that posture with his hand and others understood him. It wasn't the most noteworthy appearance, but I was still able to make it possible.

Something else that I'd like to bring up is how Andrew's friends gave their farewells to him. They were consistent with how they were in the game, except for Vivian's. The reason why part of her dialogue here is different is for a couple of reasons: 1.) Princess Peach is with Mario and not with Andrew, and 2.) Andrew is single as revealed in an earlier chapter, and despite being friends with benefits with Flurrie, as well as the fun he had with Toodles, Andrew isn't dating anyone.

Not to mention Andrew's feelings for Vivian stem from the fact that she was the only one who provided him with comfort when he was a lonely purple shadow as a result of Doopliss stealing his identity, and how he could relate to her with having a sibling who bullied him too.

Lastly, I'd like to point out that I do have plans for Vivian for the end of the story, seeing that having her go back to her sisters brings up some unfortunate implications due to how abusive Beldam was.

And considering how in the games, Beldam never suffered any comeuppance for her actions, her promising never to be mean to her again falls flat when you realize abusers use that same technique to lure in their victims again.

So who's to say that Beldam couldn't relapse and go back to her mean ways? Even though Vivian can stand up to her, and Andrew and the others would be there to back her up, that's one change that I'm making here. I just want you guys to know about this ahead of time, so none of you are surprised by it.

Anyway, the next chapter is going to be the last chapter, which is the epilogue, which shows Andrew back at home, and how much his life has changed.

Additionally, he gets an e-mail from Goombella, finds out how she and the others are doing with their lives, gets a letter from Goombella showing what the treasure 'really' was, sends an e-mail to her via computer, and several other surprises will occur for the muscular man. How will things go for him now that his life has changed? Find out next time, everyone!

In the meantime, only if you like, you can leave a review and let me know what you think of this overall.

Otherwise, I have nothing else to say. So until next time, I hope you all look forward to the final chapter of this story. And on that note, thank you once again for reading, everyone!