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.

44. Preparations for Expedition by Ship

OK, readers. Here is the 44th chapter of this story!

Now, prepare for a rather long chapter, since this chapter will have a ton of stuff that fills it up, which could make it even longer than chapter 23.

In this chapter, Andrew and his five friends get back to Frankly's house and update him on what had happened in Twilight Town. Frankly will meets Vivian for the first time, and Andrew tells him about the e-mail that he got from Princess Peach.

Frankly then shares with them what he had found out about the cataclysm and the tale of the Thousand-Year Door and how this monster destroyed the town a thousand years ago, along with revealing where the next Crystal Star is.

Additionally, Andrew powers up Vivian with three Shine Sprites, he goes to the Inn to get dressed for the trip to Keelhaul Key, and then he meets Flavio at the bar, who plans an expedition to Keelhaul Key with Andrew as his captain. And Andrew meets a guy named Four Eyes who's 'obviously' someone that he had a confrontation with before.

Other stuff that'll take place include how Andrew and his five friends have to track down this admiral Bob-omb that they need as a navigator, the admiral refuses to go out to sea, Podley informs Andrew and his friends about the admiral's tragic backstory, while Andrew's backstory is further revealed on how his mother died exactly, and some other stuff will occur. How will this go for the six travelers? Read and find out, now!

---

BACK AT PROFESSOR FRANKLY'S HOUSE - ON THE EAST SIDE OF ROGUEPORT:

Meanwhile, the professor was at his house, skimming through a few books that related to the cataclysm and the legendary treasure that lies behind the Thousand-Year Door.

He had found out something horrifying about the legendary treasure, and how a dark monster had destroyed the town a thousand years ago where Rogueport stands today. And it revealed more truth to the tale of the Thousand-Year Door.

He was rather hesitant about whether he should reveal this to Andrew and his friends or not. It was rather long and terrifying to know about. Still, he'd have to wait until Andrew came back with Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, and Yoshiam before he decides on sharing it with them any further.

The next several minutes were spent reading his book before he heard a knock at his door. "Come on in! My door is unlocked!"

Then just like that, Andrew opened it and poked his head into his house. "Hello! We've returned, Professor Frankly!"

Professor Frankly turned to face the door just in time for Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, and Yoshiam to poke their heads in as well.

"Oh great! Andrew!" Professor Frankly greeted him and the others. "Goombella! Koops! Flurrie! And Yoshiam! You guys had made it back! Come on in!"

"We certainly did," Andrew opened the door for him to enter.

Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Vivian followed right behind him as they settled into his house.

"And we had quite an experience in Twilight Town, too," Andrew added.

"Yes. I can see by the expression on your face that it must've been harrowing," Professor Frankly then asked them. "Now, how did things go in Twilight Town? Did you manage to get the Ruby Star?"

"That's right. But it wasn't easy," Andrew started. "You see when we got to Twilight Town, we found out that the town was cursed."

"He's right, Professor," Goombella beamed in agreement. "Turns out that whenever the bell at Creepy Steeple rang, villagers there would turn into pigs."

"Hrmmm, Twilighters were turning into pigs, you say," Frankly felt a shiver when he was told that. "Sounds frightening. You said something about Creepy Steeple, right?"

"Yes, we did. And there's more," Koops decided to share. "Turns out the Ruby Star was in the Creepy Steeple, home of this dark creature who was using it to turn villagers into pigs. Man, it was kinda rough..."

"I see," Professor Frankly raised an eyebrow. "I've read some books on Creepy Steeple. 'Apparently', it was an abandoned building that harbored the Ruby Star. I don't suppose this monster had something to do with it."

"Why, I do believe we owe a much-needed explanation," Flurrie continued. "It would appear that this monster was just a foul boor bedsheet ghost, who was doing it for some atrocious and selfish reasons, if I may add!"

"That's right, Prof," Yoshiam jumped. "But beating him was way too easy! And we had managed to get the Crystal Star from him... Only Presto here didn't."

"Yeah," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck before he revealed in a rather shaky voice. "As it turns out...this jerk managed to swap bodies with me with the power of the Ruby Star... And... And he took my friends, and left me as a friendless lonely shadow..."

"Hmmm, you said he swapped bodies with you? What do you mean?" Professor Frankly asked before he took notice of Vivian. "Oh? And who is this shadow girl that's with you?"

"I'm getting to that, Professor," Andrew then introduced her to him. "See, this happens to be Vivian. She was a member of the Shadow Sirens who are in league with the X-Nauts."

"Hrmmm, you don't say," Professor Frankly was a little weary about this.

"Yes, but here's the thing. After I showed her kindness, she helped me with getting my name and body back," Andrew explained to him. "Heck, if it weren't for Vivian, I probably wouldn't be here right now. 'In fact', even after she found out who I was, she decided to leave her abusive sister and travel with me instead. I was just helping her with not having to put up with Beldam's abuse anymore."

"I see. Well, that is rather fascinating," Frankly no longer seemed weary about this. "So you managed to come out of this in one piece, all thanks to Vivian here."

"That's right," Andrew nodded while smiling. "And I couldn't have had it any better either."

"He's right, Mr. Frankly," Vivian then greeted him in such a shy and introverted manner. "My name's Vivian. It's nice to meet you, Professor."

"Yes. Indeed. It's a pleasure to meet you too, Vivian," Professor Frankly greeted her back before looking at Andrew. "So anyhow Andrew, I take it that you've been to the Thousand-Year Door already. And you dropped off the Ruby Star, correct?"

"Yes we did," Andrew told him confidentially. "And the fifth location of the fifth Crystal Star; the Sapphire Star, has appeared on the map."

"That is very good," Frankly nodded. "If you don't mind, I'd like to see it right now so I can find out where you folks need to go next."

"Certainly," Andrew nodded as he took out the Magical Map and gave it to Professor Frankly.

Frankly took it and opened it up while observing it from his desk. Andrew and his five friends exchanged looks nervously before they remembered what they needed to ask him.

"Hey, uh, Professor Frankly?" Andrew started to ask.

"Yes?" Frankly queried while looking at the map.

"Before you tell us where the next location is, there is something else that we need to share with you?" Andrew told him.

"What is it?" Professor Frankly then figured out what it might be. "Wait a minute. Is it about another e-mail that you got from Princess Peach?"

"That's right," Andrew nodded as his five friends also nodded at this.

"Well, don't leave out any important details, sonny," Frankly turned away from the map and looked at the six travelers. "What did she send to you, exactly?"

"OK. Well, this is what she wrote," Andrew then began to explain it to him.

The next few minutes were spent with Andrew explaining that Peaach told him that the legendary treasure is the spirit of an ancient demon, the X-Naut plan to revive it for world conquest purposes, the seven Crystal Stars are required to open the Thousand-Year Door, and that the Crystal Stars themselves are required to seal the demon back up.

---

Needless to say, Professor Frankly was horrified by what was revealed to them, judging by the expression on his face. As soon as Andrew was done explaining it to him, Professor Frankly reacted appropriately.

"Whuh-Whuh-WHAAAAAAT?!" Professor Frankly screamed in fright at this. "Th-That was written in Princess Peach's e-mail? The legendary treasure is 'actually' the spirit of an ancient demon... And those [fiends] want to use the power of the Crystal Stars to resurrect it?"

"That's right," Andrew nodded before proclaiming. "We're not too keen on the plan that they're up to either... With reviving a thousand-year-old demon spirit and whatnot."

"How bone-chilling..." Frankly shivered before he had to reveal to the six of them. "Sadly, it DOES seem to be consistent with what I've uncovered..."

"Don't leave us in suspense!" Goombella had to encourage him to speak about it. "Give us the scoop, professor!"

"Yeah," Andrew agreed with her. "What did you find out in your latest research, Professor Frankly?"

"Hrmm..." Frankly was a bit reluctant to share it at first, given the length of the details that he'd have to explain. "This is rather long, so you'd best listen well."

"Don't worry about us, Professor," Andrew proclaimed as his five friends stood next to the muscular man, waiting for Frankly's explanation. "We got time. We'll pay attention."

"All right," Professor Frankly settled on telling them. "Are all of you ready?"

"We sure are," all six of them said simultaneously.

"And you there!" Professor Frankly started speaking to the readers who were reading this chapter. "In front of the computer! You listen up, too!"

It was then Andrew and his five friends all gave Frankly confused looks at what he just said. Who was he talking to? And why did he mention something about a computer? Needless to say, all six of them had to express their thoughts at Frankly's abrupt comment that came out of nowhere.

"Computer? You don't have a computer!" Goombella had to yell in slight annoyance. "What in the world are you talking about?"

"Ummm... Who are you talking to, sir?" Koops asked, scratching his head in confusion.

"I declare, you've gone batty," Flurrie had to confess in a huff. "What computer? To whom are you speaking, Frankly?"

"Did someone pile-drive your head, or what?" Yoshiam expressed his annoyance in a retort while twirling his index finger over his head to show that he's gone crazy. "I don't see any computer here, nutjob!"

"Maybe I'm missing something..." Vivian had to twirl her pink hair behind her head as she was confused. "Are you talking to no one?"

"Yeah, Professor. I hate to say it, but we're confused by who you're talking to," Andrew had to admit. "You've never had a computer in your house the past several times I've been here. So what do you mean by that? And who are you talking to?"

"OH, NEVER YOU MIND!" Professor Frankly yelled as he wanted to drop the subject before he got back on track. "Don't worry about such trivial details. Just listen!"

"OK. We're ready," Andrew remarked as he and his friends allowed Professor Frankly to start explaining it to him.

"Ahem," Frankly cleared his throat before he got started. "The great cataclysm that I read about in that book may well refer to this demon... It says that a monster destroyed a large town that once stood in this very area. It ALSO says that the seven Crystal Stars were 'actually' CREATED by this monster... AND that this thing used the power of the Crystal Stars to try to control the world..."

"You don't say," Andrew said with a raised eyebrow as he crossed his arms.

"Yes. Anyway, according to this book, the demon was defeated in the end by four heroes," Professor Frankly continued to explain to them. "But only the beast's physical form was destroyed... Its spirit could not be eradicated. So, the heroes used the Crystal Stars, which they had stolen from the demon... And they cast the evil beast into the depths of a vast maze, and sealed the exit..."

"Gosh," Andrew blinked in shock along with his friends as they were startled to hear about this.

"From this, I gather that the Crystal Stars cannot distinguish good from evil," Frankly continued. "So, if they're all united, they could either seal away or resurrect the demon. It seems that who wields the Crystal Stars determines if they're used for evil or good."

"Yowch," Andrew gulped. "That would explain why Grubba used the Gold Star to drain the energy out of those fighters. And how Doopliss used the Ruby Star to turn the Twilighters into pigs and then stole my name and identity afterwards..."

"Ummm... Doesn't that mean that maybe gathering the Crystal Stars is dangerous?" Koops had to ask in agreement with what Andrew just said.

"What if we found them all and then got waylaid?" Flurrie had to wonder in such a dramatic manner with her left hand on her forehead. "That awful thing could live again!"

"Maybe we oughta just stomp the heck out of 'em and throw the pieces away!" Yoshiam suggested while pounding his left palm into his right hand for emphasis.

"Yeah Professor," Andrew had to admit. "Wouldn't it seem like a better idea if we just destroy the Crystal Stars once and for all so they COULDN'T be used for evil purposes any longer?"

"That was my first thought, too, but further research suggests we can't do that," Professor Frankly claimed how it was a bad idea.

"And why's that?" Andrew had to ask him.

"There's a slight possibility that the Thousand-Year Door is weakening," Professor Frankly explained. "It seems the Crystal Stars hold the power to seal the beast for a thousand years."

"You're serious," Andrew wondered.

"Yes. So, once a thousand years pass, the power to keep the door sealed shut will fail," Frankly continued. "And unfortunately, this year may be the thousandth year. Bad luck, huh?"

"Yeesh. No kidding," Andrew cringed along with his five friends. "That might be a problem for us after all."

"The fact that those goons want the stars now may be a coincidence...but maybe not," Professor Frankly finished up his explanation. "In other words, we must be ready for the demon's return, even if the X-Nauts fail."

"Oh. I guess we'd better find the rest of the Crystal Stars then, huh?" Vivian was willing to settle on that as she scratched the rim of her hat. "Where do we start?"

"Yeah Professor? Where's our next location at?" Andrew had to ask. "From the looks of it, the next location is on an island to the south of Rogueport."

"Hrmm..." Professor Frankly only looked at it for a second before he realized where it was located. "According to the map, it appears to be somewhere on Keelhaul Key."

"Keelhaul Key?" All six of them asked in confusion.

"You know how we can get to Keelhaul Key, don't you?" Andrew asked before he took the map, folded it up, and put it back into his pocket. "I mean you've heard about the place, right?"

"I'm none too familiar with the place, but I've heard countless unsavory rumors," Professor Frankly explained. "You know, the usual stuff... Vengeful spirits full of hatred, evil curses, things like that..."

"Wait, hold on a minute. Let me see if I'm right," Andrew held his hands up as he had to double-check on something. "So based on what you said, this time we're gonna be dealing with pirates, sailor superstitions, and hordes of pirate treasure that consist of gold doubloons in brown giant chests. Is that correct?"

"Why, yes. That's exactly what you're dealing with this time," Professor Frankly confirmed it to be true. "I'm sure the sea salts down by the harbor know more. You should head there first."

"All right. We'll see what the sailors at the docks know about Keelhaul Key in a bit," Andrew sighed. "After I head to the Inn to get into some fresh clothes and look ready for the trip to Keelhaul Key."

"You're always willing to change your wardrobe a bit, Andrew," Goombella had to comment. "You've got some serious style from the clothes you wore so far."

"Well it's not like I'm gonna wear the same clothes every day," Andrew exclaimed. "I mean it's not like that I only have several pairs of the same clothes that I'd wear every day at home, like most people would."

"Ummm...Right," Koops did a fake cough as he brushed the notion off. "Yeah. You're onto something there, Andrew. I could never see you wearing the same type of clothes regularly."

"Exactly! Now let's go to the Inn," Andrew declared before he remembered something about his Shine Sprites. "Oh but first, I have four Shine Sprites. Let's head to Merlon's house so we can get you powered up, Vivian."

"Oh, uh, yeah... That would be nice," Vivian said shyly with a slight blush on her face. "I'd love that, Andrew..."

"Great! It's settled!" Andrew then walked towards the door. "Let's go and handle that first!"

---

And with that, the six of them exited Professor Frankly's house and they then went to Merlon's house that was right next door. Andrew then took out three of his four Shine Sprites and presented them to Merlon, before telling him that Vivian was next for a power-up.

Merlon obliged to him as he took the three Shine Sprites Andrew gave to him and pocketed them. He then got to work right away.

Just like the previous times with Andrew's four other friends, Vivian felt the room spinning in circles as the crystal ball was floating in the air until Vivian felt that magic force enter her body. In a matter of moments, she felt like she had just gotten stronger with her fire abilities.

"Wow... Andrew... That felt...amazing..." Vivian had to utter meekly. "I never felt so excited in my whole life..."

"So I take it that you liked it, didn't you?" Andrew had to make sure.

"Yes. I loved it," Vivian nodded before thanking him. "Thank you so much for this, Andrew! I promise I'll be a big help the next time we have to fight someone!"

"I know you will, Vivian," Andrew patted her as she hugged him again. "By the way, Merlon, what move did Vivian just learn?"

"Well Andrew, Vivian had just learned a move called Fiery Jinx," Merlon had explained to him. "With Fiery Jinx, she can scorch all enemies with a magic fire, and leave behind a nasty burn on them."

"Fiery Jinx? Hey," Andrew then remembered something. "Isn't that the move that you tried using on Koops back in the Boggly Woods?"

"Don't remind me," Vivian started frowning. "I don't want to be reminded of that. I never intended on hurting any of you. I only did it because Beldam would've punished me if I did. I'm 'really' sorry about that!"

"Oh," Andrew realized that he had just struck a nerve as he decided to get her to settle down and not to fret about it. "Don't worry about it, Vivian. We won't bring it up again. That's all in the past, and we will not hold it against you. Isn't that right, guys?"

"Right," Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, and Yoshiam all nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, Andrew," Vivian thanked him. "I'll be sure to make good use of it next time you need my help. OK?"

"And I look forward to it," Andrew smiled as she stayed close to him.

"Ahem! Since you only have one Shine Sprite now, and you've powered up all of your partners so far," Merlon then motioned them towards his door. "Then you may go."

"Right," Andrew nodded as he and his five friends all left the house and headed for the Rogueport Plaza. "Let's head to the Inn, so I can get into some fresh clothes."

"Yeah, Andrew," Vivian was curious about this. "You have plenty of luggage on you, right?"

"Of course," Andrew nodded. "I knew that I'd extend my stay here, and I was right to do so. Therefore, I got plenty of clothes and stuff to keep me occupied."

"All right," Vivian smiled. "Let's go to the Inn so I can see what you'll be wearing this time."

"Right," Andrew said before he motioned his other friends to follow.

As far as Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, and Yoshiam were concerned, they were also wondering what kind of outfit Andrew would be wearing this time. Seeing that all five of them were eager to get going, he led them straight to the Inn that was right above Podley's Bar...

---

AT THE ROGUEPORT INN:

"Well, hello again, Mr. Andrew," the innkeeper had greeted him as he came up the stairs. "It's very lovely to see you again."

"It's lovely to see you too, ma'am," Andrew proclaimed as he went to get some clothes from his luggage.

"You seem to be in a good mood. I take it that you've been adventuring again, and you've gotten used to it," the innkeeper took notice of his tone. "And where are your friends? The ones who are traveling with you?"

"Well, they're downstairs in Podley's bar this time," Andrew pointed behind them. "I allowed them to chill out and do what they want to down there instead. They've been a great help to me."

"I can see that," the innkeeper then had to ask something else. "By the way, I noticed that you came back with a new friend accompanying you; some type of shadow girl. She's kinda cute, isn't she?"

"Yeah. She is cute. Her name is Vivian and she's a Shadow Siren," Andrew said. "'Actually', come to think of it, every time I come back from an adventure, a new traveling companion accompanies me back here to aid me in my quest."

"I've noticed that since you've been coming back here every so often," the innkeeper had to share. "You have that Goomba, the Koopa, that Wind Spirit woman, and the little Yoshi too. And now a Shadow Siren is accompanying you too. You sure have quite a diverse set of friends traveling with you."

"Don't I know it," Andrew smiled before telling her. "So anyway, if you wouldn't mind washing my clothes once I take them off and get into these fresh pairs of clothes, I would gladly appreciate that."

"Of course, dearie," the innkeeper promised. "I'll be happy to wash your clothes like I have been doing. Just get changed up and leave your clothes right by the side so I can get them washed up later."

"You got it, ma'am," Andrew smiled before taking his new set of clothes with him to the bathroom.

Once he got in there, he closed the door and began changing up. He made sure to take off his badges and clip them onto his next button-up t-shirt. Since he was heading to a tropical island this time, he was gonna make sure that he'd dress for the occasion.

It took no time at all for Andrew to be fully dressed up in his new clothes as he left his previous clothes to the side for the innkeeper to get them washed up and hung out to dry.

---

As soon as he stepped downstairs and set foot back into Podley's Bar, he saw all five of his friends sitting in a group nearby at one of the tables.

Goombella was reading through her Tattle Log, having written the name of that Duplighost they fought to Doopliss. Koops was drinking some Koopa Tea while nervously scratching his nose.

Flurrie was powdering her face to make sure that she'd get to Keelhaul Key looking fine and beautiful. Yoshiam was drinking some more Fresh Juice, fantasizing about all the fruits that they'd find on Keelhaul Key, and all of the bad guys that they can whoop while they're at it.

As for Vivian, she was twirling her hair nervously with her left index finger while tapping on the table with her right index finger, waiting for Andrew to come back down and regroup with them.

Seeing them staying collectively together as a group, Andrew smirked as he decided to get their attention.

"Hey guys!" Andrew called out, getting them to look up. "Check out my new outfit!"

"I don't need to look at what you're wearing to know that it looks good on you," Goombella sighed as she put her Tattle Log down and looked up. "There isn't anything that I can't possibly imagine you not being able to wear and...omigooooooooooosh..."

All five of them saw what Andrew was wearing and their mouths were hanging open. Andrew was still wearing his blue ballcap and yellow-orange handkerchief, but now he was wearing a white undershirt underneath his new button-up t-shirt that had some tropical flower patterns all over it; something that would be normally worn in Hawaii. He was also wearing some comfortable jean shorts, and had sunglasses over the rim of his cap, in case the sun gets in his eyes where he'd have to wear them.

"Well? What do you guys think?" Andrew asked them. "You've never seen me dressed like this? Why do you all have your mouths wide open?"

"Well Andrew, it's that..." Goombella cleared her throat before admitting. "It's just that, you look snazzy in those shorts and that t-shirt. You look like you're going on a summer vacation, complete with those sunglasses!"

"I do, don't I," Andrew nodded slyly. "Well, this is because I think Keelhaul Key is going to be hot and toasty for us. So I want to make sure I'm comfortable when we find a way to get there. You know what I mean?"

"Jeepers Andrew. I meant when I said that there isn't anything that I couldn't possibly see you wearing," Goombella confessed. "And this is no exception!"

"Man, Andrew. You are looking good," Koops had to give him a thumbs up. "Sure know how to prepare yourself for wherever it is we got to next. Sometimes, I wish I could do that..."

"Well, my, my, my! Mercy me, Andrew my darling!" Flurrie had to gleam in joy. "You are most certainly quite the looker in those clothes. I do believe you are dressed just for the occasion, dearie. You look more like a handsome muscular hunky man than you were before, sweetums."

"Woo hoo! Rock on, Presto," Yoshiam had to jump up and gave him a peace sign with his fingers. "You're 'really' killing it with the shorts and T-shirt! Awesome! You sure know your way around with the choice of clothing, dude!"

"Wow. Flurrie is right. You do look handsome," Vivian admitted as he was blushing. "Really Andrew, you look nice in it. I love it."

"Well, thanks guys," Andrew said out of flattery. "I always know that I can get your approval with what I wear."

"Anytime, Andrew," Goombella winked at him.

"Anyway, how is Podley's bar treating you?" Andrew decided to move on. "Doesn't seem like there's a lot of people in here."

"Yeah. It isn't busy," Goombella put her Tattle Log away. "There is a Bob-omb sailor and a Little Mouser. But otherwise, there isn't a whole lot going on down here."

"Man. Doesn't seem so noisy here," Koops had to gaze off. "And this is supposed to be Rogueport. Think everyone is hiding out during the day?"

"It's possible, Koops," Andrew shrugged. "Still, this looks like the kind of place adults can come to for a good time and a few drinks to go."

"Why, Andrew, I do believe you're right, hon," Flurrie agreed with him. "Why, I am most certain that they would serve some Champagne here. Or maybe rum. Well regardless, I shan't be a beggar, since beggars can't be choosers. I would accept anything that they'd have in stock, and then some, darling!"

"Y-Yeah. That's nice, Flurrie," Andrew tugged on his handkerchief as he was feeling a little fuzzy again by her erotic tone of voice. "Very very nice."

"Hey, Presto!" Yoshiam got his attention as he saw someone singing at a nearby table. "Take a look at that guy over there! The one with that pink skull gem next to him on the table!"

Andrew then looked at the person he was pointing to. He was, in fact, a yellow-skinned human with a jovial grin and a pointy nose. He also had purple hair in four curls, and he wore green pants with dull blue shoes.

His red shirt and hat brought to mind the outfits that privateers used to wear back in the 1700s, complete with the white puffy feather on the top of his hat. He was singing something that was possibly a pirate song while remaining close to his precious Skull Gem.

"Hey. I never noticed that man in Rogueport before," Andrew had to admit.

"Who do you think he is, Andrew?" Vivian wondered as she floated over right next to him.

"Beats me," Andrew shrugged before looking at his Goomba friend. "What do you know about him, Goombella?"

"Uh, I'm sure that he's a super-rich entrepreneur of some kind," Goombella admitted. "And he owns a lot of ships. I can't remember what his name is though..."

"Well, there's only one way to find out," Andrew got ready to speak to him. "Let's ask him for ourselves."

Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Vivian all nodded as they followed Andrew to that yellow-skinned man as he decided to find out who he was for himself. Once he was in front of him, Andrew tapped on the table and managed to get his attention.

"Excuse me, sir?" Andrew started, which got him to stop singing and look at the muscular man in curiosity.

"And what do you want, ah?" The yellow-skinned man asked him.

"Uh, I'm just wondering," Andrew came out and asked him. "Who are you supposed to be?"

"Ah!" The yellow-skinned man realized what he meant as he then introduced himself to Andrew. "I am called Flavio. I am, how you say? A trader. The richest man in Rogueport. Monetary wealth gives me freedom, yes, and freedom gives me wealth of spirit!"

"Flavio, huh," Andrew then took a glance towards Goombella. "Looks like you were right about him being a super-rich entrepreneur, Goombella."

"Told ya!" Goombella beamed before winking at him.

"Anyway, my name is Andrew," Andrew introduced himself to Flavio. "And these five are my friends that are traveling with me. The Goomba girl is Goombella. This shy Koopa is Koops. This glamorous Wind Spirit woman is Flurrie. The little Yoshi kid is Yoshiam. And this beautiful Shadow Siren is Vivian."

"Yes. Good to meet you all, too. And yet...why is it that a man whose life is unchained must always long for yet more, ah?" Flavio had to wonder. "What is missing from my life? This tears at my very insides! I must know! What do I lack?"

"Hmmm..." Andrew then turned to face his five friends. "What do you guys think?"

"Omigosh! I think he could use some thrills in his life!" Goombella yelled in a rather preppy manner. "I 'totally' think you could use some of that from time to time!"

"Ummm... How about some emotions?" Koops guessed while shrugging. "Sure can't go wrong with emotions. Maybe he could use a little of that in his life..."

"Why, I daresay that he could go with some romance!" Flurrie boomed joyously. "I do believe that it would be marvelous for him to have some romance in his life! There is absolutely nothing wrong with finding your significant other, if I do say so myself. Like how I have my eyes on a certain muscular hotshot of a man."

"I call dibs on thrills! I think this guy should go with thrills!" Yoshiam bounced up and down in excitement. "Everyone could use some awesome thrills in their life! That would be wicked cool!"

"Hey... How about romance?" Vivian suggested meekly. "Romance sounds pretty nice right about now..."

"Why don't we go with all three of them," Andrew was mildly blushing from what Flurrie said and how she was referring to him. "I think you could use some romance, thrills, and emotions in your life."

"All three, you say, ah?" Flavio then started musing. "I suppose one does need some rrrrrromance, some thrills, and some emotion now and then..."

Andrew allowed him to talk as Flavio then continued speaking his thoughts on this.

"I mean, what other sweet, delectable fruit could make so many wonderful pasta sauces... The feeling of being alone on a mountain, shivering to death... And the gradual process that forever alters the landscape of life, like rain on dirt..." Flavio then realized his mistakes and corrected himself on all three. "AH! NOOO! FOOLISH FLAVIO! Not ROMAS, CHILLS, and EROSION, you silly man! What I need is ROMANCE, THRILLS, and EMOTIONS!"

Andrew couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at this, seeing his behavior as somewhat bizarre, but slightly amusing.

This guy is 'definitely' eccentric, for sure... Andrew thought to himself.

"Wait! Hold the horses! That is it! A great idea has struck!" Flavio had to declare proudly.

"Say wuh?" Andrew was confused as Flavio walked away and stood on the other end of his table, near where Andrew and his friends were standing.

"Now that I am thinking of it, I once heard of the treasure of Cortez, the pirate king..." Flavio proclaimed. "Yes! This is the answer! Oh, such happiness for me! A hunt for pirate treasure! Why, that just shrieks of rrrromance and thrills and emotion and even money!"

"Uhhhhh... I'm not sure I follow," Andrew tilted his head in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"Do you not know the tale?" Flavio had to ask him. "The pirate king's treasure? Hidden on Keelhaul Key?"

"No?" Andrew then did a double take upon hearing what location he was referring to. "Wait, did you say Keelhaul Key?"

"Ah!" Flavio then decided to tell the tale to Andrew and his five friends. "Well, tales say that the pirate king, Cortez, hid his hoard of pirate booty there. For years, treasure hunters and ruffians have gone there in search of the loot..."

Flavio then took a deep breath before he continued. "But not a single one of them has ever returned! Oh, the horror makes my back tingle! People here whisper that the ghost of Cortez attacks all who seek his treasure... Eek! It is because of those very rumors that people no longer go to Keelhaul Key."

"People have stopped going to Keelhaul Key?" Andrew questioned, especially because they had to go there to get the Sapphire Star that was there.

"Omigosh! Andrew!? Flavio's right about that!" Goombella remembered something important about what Flavio was referring to. "I remember doing some research on that at the University of Goom! People have stopped going to Keelhaul Key since those that have gone there never made it back to Rogueport alive!"

Goombella got a hold of her breath before she continued. "I heard pirates have gone there in search of the booty that's supposedly hidden in Cortez's horde of treasure, but they've succumbed to their 'own' greed when they perish on the island, which is supposedly cursed by the pirate king himself."

And yet, the Sapphire Star has to be on the island somewhere... Andrew thought as Flavio turned to face his Skull Gem and started polishing it.

"But that will not stop Flavio!" Flavio declared like a proud warrior. "That treasure is there, yes! And I am going to prove it! For I am Flavio! Trader extraordinaire, millionaire, sailor of the seven seas!"

"Well, that's nice, Flavio," Andrew then decided to tell him. "But my friends and I are also looking for the legendary treasure that is resting underneath this town."

"What? Ah, is that so?" Flavio turned around and raised an eyebrow.

"That's right," Andrew nodded along with his five friends.

"Why talk such craziness?" Flavio told him while pounding his hands on the table. "There isn't anything like that in this dull armpit of a town. You cannot believe each stupid rumor about treasure some street urchin spews out. No no no no no no no no no NO!"

"As much as I can agree with Rogueport being a dull armpit town, I'm afraid there 'really' is a treasure underneath Rogueport," Andrew took out the Magical Map. "And I have a treasure map just to prove it."

"W-Well... Hand it over!" Flavio then corrected himself before requesting. "Rather, I mean, show me!"

"OK," Andrew opened up the map and held it out for Flavio to see for himself.

Needless to say, Flavio was bewildered and shocked by what he was seeing. It 'clearly' was a map, and Keelhaul Key was located on the map too.

"You are having a joke on me. This map leads straight to Keelhaul Key!" Flavio then started pinning accusations on Andrew. "You swine! You mean to steal my treasure out from under me, you awful, awful man!"

"Uh no. That's not what I'm intending. I'm not even interested in the treasure," Andrew had to explain himself. "The only thing I'm after is the Crystal Star."

"Well, now I am confused," Flavio had to scratch his forehead. "The Crystal Star is all you're looking for, yes?"

"Yes. That's correct," Andrew nodded.

"But now that I am thinking... A star-shaped stone WAS said to be in Cortez's hoard..." Flavio mused as he rubbed his chin.

Oh yeah. That 'definitely' has to be the Crystal Star. Andrew thought as he looked towards his five friends, who nodded to show that they agreed with him.

"Perhaps I could sell it for a staggering amount of cash?" Flavio had to wonder "Yes, that would be..."

"What?" Andrew asked in such a dry flat tone of voice.

"...Ah! Stop such thoughts, Flavio!" Flavio pushed his right palm onto his forehead to get him to stop thinking such a thing. "What you need is romance, thrills, and emotion. I cannot ignore what this business before me suggests... This must be fate at work!"

"That's what I thought you said," Andrew told him while crossing his arms.

"Flavio shall go with you to Keelhaul Key!" Flavio declared. "Of course, the Crystal Star is yours! Yes! But the rest of the treasure is mine!"

"Well, that's nice and all, but we still have a problem," Andrew told him. "We don't have a ship that can get us there."

"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! You unfortunate, foolish man! Do you not know who I am?" Flavio laughed in a haughty but jovial manner. "I will have a ship ready in no time! And it will be massive! And glorious!"

"That's great," Andrew had to smile. "We would love to board the ship with a fully recruited crew ready to sail off to Keelhaul Key in no time."

"Splendid, splendid, splendid! Let us begin preparations immediately, shall we?" Flavio suggested before pointing out. "I will volunteer myself as our intrepid leader! Yes! And you will be captain!"

"That sounds pretty reasonable, I guess," Andrew said in agreement.

"Ah! Danger and adventure tickle my nostrils!" Flavio went and grabbed his Skull Gem and pocketed it. "Come to the harbor right away!"

"We will," Andrew called out as he watched Flavio head out of the bar to gather up some members for his new crew on his ship. "Well, guys. Looks like we know how to get to Keelhaul Key. We better get to the harbor."

"Totally!" Goombella jumped up next to him and winked. "We now have a way to get to Keelhaul Key! Wowsers, that was like, some fortunate luck on our side, don'tcha think?! Now we can 'totally' get to Keelhaul Key!"

"Ummm... Sure," Koops put down his empty cup of Koopa Tea. "Guess we got a boat to ride to Keelhaul Key on. Man, we sure found out the solution on how to get there. That's for darn sure..."

"Why, I daresay that we were very much fortunate that fate all called down to us in this bar!" Flurrie declared quite dramatically. "We happen to be some lucky travelers to have met such a rich man as Flavio! Come now, Andrew my dearie! We mustn't wait any longer to get to Keelhaul Key! Let us get to the harbor and prepare to disembark for Keelhaul Key!"

"Aw yeah! Now we're talking! This is awesome!" Yoshiam jumped in excitement. "Presto? You sure are a lucky dude having talked to that Flavio guy and finding out that he can get us to Keelhaul Key! Now we can get there, find plenty of fruit to eat, find this Cortez, kick his butt, and get that fifth Crystal Star! LET'S ROLL!"

"Wow, Andrew. I can't believe we did it," Vivian had to comment shyly. "We sure got ourselves a ride to Keelhaul Key that quickly, hmm? Well, I'm also ready to head out to Keelhaul Key with you. And I hope we can find that Crystal Star in no time."

"Excellent guys," Andrew opened the door that led to outside in the Rogueport Plaza. "Well, come on. We better get going!"

And with that, the six of them took their leave from the building where Podley's Bar was located as they saw Flavio talking to the younger brother of Plenn T. He was known as Thriff T, and Flavio was 'obviously' inviting him to join his crew for an expedition to Keelhaul Key.

Seeing that this meant he could open up a store there, Thriff T wasted no time in accepting his invite as he followed Flavio to the Rogueport Harbor to join him and several others on a trip to Keelhaul Key to find some pirate treasure.

Upon seeing this, the six travelers made their way to the Rogueport Harbor so they could get ready to embark on a boat trip through the sea where they would head straight for Keelhaul Key and collect the Sapphire Star that was located there...

---

AT THE ROGUEPORT HARBOR:

By the time the six travelers made it to the harbor, where Andrew started his adventure, they had seen the ship Flavio was referring to, known as the S.S. Flavion. It was a simple sailing ship that had a captain's room and the underground area where the cargo was being held.

"Wow. That's the ship that we'll be sailing on?" Andrew seemed rather impressed. "Looks impressive."

"You're telling me," Goombella had to agree. "I've never sailed on a boat before. So this trip is going to be something else."

Andrew nodded as all six of them got onto the boat and saw who was going to be a part of the S.S. Flavion besides Flavio himself.

Thriff T was also on board, along with a Toad woman who looked identical to the innkeeper of Rogueport. There was a Toad sailor who was wearing orange overalls, as well as a blue Bob-omb sailor. The green overall-wearing Toad, who was 'apparently' named George T, was also joining the trip to Keelhaul Key for personal reasons.

There was also a big purple Bob-omb with a purple and yellow striped bandana on his head, wore an eyepatch over his right eye, and his windup key was made of bones, and its appearance resembled that of a steering wheel, and he had brown shoes. His name was Pa-Patch.

But the one that caught Andrew's attention was the strange man standing near the bow of the ship. He was a plump-looking creature who wore goggles over his eyes. Wait, why does this seem familiar?

He looked exactly like Lord Crump. The only differences are that he was wearing a blue and white striped bandana on his head, wore a red scarf underneath his goggles, and wore yellow overalls with vertical stripes in the center. This caused Andrew to raise an eyebrow as he approached him.

"Huh?" Andrew examined this strange person along with his five partners who joined him. "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

"Uh, not that I know of. I mean, uh, pleased to meet... Um, your acquaintance," the strange man said, sounding an awful lot like Lord Crump. "My name is Four Eyes. And um... I'm joining this crew to Keelhaul Key... Buh huh huh huh huh..."

"Really? Your name is Four Eyes. Is that what you said?" Andrew was looking at him suspiciously, as he was seeing through his disguise.

"Yes," Four Eyes nodded.

"And I assume that you're just some random stranger who wanted to join Flavio's crew," Andrew wondered wryly. "And that you've never had any 'past' experience, run-ins, or confrontations with me and my friends, right?"

"Well, when you put it that way, yes," Four Eyes nodded while lying. "That's exactly what I am."

"Riiiiiiiiiight..." Andrew glowered at him before walking away with his friends before he uttered to them so Four Eyes wouldn't hear him.

"Is this for real right now," Andrew wondered snarkily. "Just how stupid does he think we are?"

"Tell me about it," Goombella agreed in a retort. "We already know who he is through that cruddy disguise."

"Man, what's he thinking," Koops wondered. "Can't even disguise himself properly..."

"I daresay, the lout must think we're somewhat ignorant if we're to fall for such a disguise," Flurrie huffed. "Why, I can even tell who he is without even blowing away his disguise and cover, fitting as it is."

"Hey Presto," Yoshiam decided to ask him. "Isn't he that Lord Chump dweeb that you told me about earlier?"

"Lord Crump," Andrew corrected while chuckling at what Yoshiam just called him. "And yes. He is the one. He tried kidnapping Goombella and attempted to steal the Emerald Star in the Great Tree."

"And now he thinks he can sneak on this ship when no one else recognizes him," Goombella retorted, rolling his eyes.

"I can already tell that you know who Lord Crump is, right Vivian?" Andrew asked her.

"Yes. Yes, I do," Vivian nodded. "I already knew who he was just by looking at him."

"Same with the rest of us," Andrew remarked.

"Shouldn't we tell Flavio about who he is?" Goombella suggested. "After all, he wouldn't be able to join us if we rat him out."

"I'm afraid that won't do any good," Andrew shook his head. "Flavio will automatically believe that he's some innocent sailor who wants to travel with us. And he'll just play the innocent act just so no one else grows suspicious of him."

Andrew then sighed before adding. "Not to mention the story wouldn't flow out well if we rat him out right now."

"Story? What story?" Goombella raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What are you talking about, Andrew?"

"Oh never mind, Goombella," Andrew shook his head. "I was just babbling my head off is all."

"Ummm... Right," Koops proclaimed, not debating over that. "Should we ask Flavio if we're ready to sail yet?"

"Good idea, Koops," Andrew nodded. "Let's check with him."

Andrew then approached Flavio and got his attention. "Hey Flavio? How are things coming along?"

"Ah, yes. So it is you, ah?" Flavio then told him. "Well, sadly, a slight problem seems to have popped up."

Suddenly, Flavio got sidetracked by his 'own' boat as he went ahead and described it to Andrew. "But feast your eyes on this outrageously fantastic ship! She is a fine vessel, no? She is the S.S. Flavion. The queen of the countless ships in my 'personal' fleet! The raw majesty of her hull! The pomp and circumstance! None can compare to her."

Flavio pointed to all of the parts of the S.S. Flavion as he continued. "Ah! Behold the elegant curve of her prow! She cuts to the very SOUL! Don't you agree? But she is not just a beauty... She is a savage beast on the water, tops among sailboats! But above all, I tell you, this proud ship can..."

"Uhhhh, Flavio?" Andrew got his attention. "The problem? The whole reason why we can't shove off to Keelhaul Key just yet. What is it?"

"...I had completely forgotten about it," Flavio shook his head at the fact that he was distracted by his ship. "The S.S. Flavion, she bewitches me..."

"I can see that," Andrew tugged on his handkerchief.

"Yes, well... Here is the issue," Flavio got to the point. "We...have no navigator."

"Wait, didn't you recruit a navigator before coming down here to the Rogueport Harbor?" Andrew raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. Well, he ran off, the dog," Flavio told him. "The navigator, of course, is the highest-ranked helmsman. They steer ships, you know."

"I see," Andrew crossed his arms as he waited for him to continue.

"Now, here is the real problem," Flavio then explained to him. "The waters around Keelhaul Key are deathly dangerous. We need an absurdly skilled helmsman for our navigator."

"Well, I'm sorry. But I don't know anything about being a navigator," Andrew then looked at his five friends. "What about you guys?"

"What do I look like? I'm an aspiring archaeologist. NOT a navigator," Goombella snorted. "I've never driven a boat before!"

"Gee ummm... Sorry to say that I haven't," Koops apologized. "I don't know anything about being a navigator... Wish that I could help, though..."

"I do believe I've starred in plays that focus entirely on setting off on an ocean voyage across the sea," Flurrie confessed. "But I daresay that I never learned anything about being a navigator! That much I can say!"

"I know an awful lot about fighting," Yoshiam exclaimed. "But I don't know squat about being a navigator."

"Sorry... I don't know how to be a navigator either," Vivian shrugged shamefully. "I'm afraid I can't be of much help either, Andrew..."

"It's fine," Andrew sighed. "Well, you see, neither myself nor my friends can be a navigator."

"Yes," Flavio moaned. "It is a, how you say? A pickle."

"Oy, Flavio!" Pa-Patch overheard them and knew of the perfect person who'd be suitable for the position. "Heard you talkin' there, sir! If you don't mind me sayin'... I might 'ave a solution..."

"Do not tease me, Pa-Patch! You can solve our problem?" Flavio then pointed impatiently towards Pa-Patch. "Then spit it out, already!"

"Well, sir, I've 'eard talk of a famed..." Pa-Patch then had to correct himself. "No! A LEGENDARY sailor livin' in Rogueport."

"You know of someone who could do it?" Andrew raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yeah, I think he's called Admiral Bobbery..." Pa-Patch revealed to him. "A salty sea dog, by all accounts... But...he's said to 'ave the Helmsman's Touch, sir: he can make any ship bow to his will."

"Admiral Bobbery?" Andrew was curious about this. "Must've been a great sailor and navigator who loved sailing the seven seas."

"Aye! But the thing is," Pa-Patch then had to add. "There ain't a soul wot's seen him on the seas of late..."

"Bassa-boom! Problem solved!" Flavio pounded his right fist into the palm of his left hand. "Let us scout out this Bobbery fellow and get him on board!"

"OK," Andrew shrugged. "How are we gonna find him? Do you have a plan?"

"As is customary, my captain will handle all negotiations," Flavio then pointed out. "That...would be you, Andrew."

It was then Flavio then asked the rest of his crew about this. "That DOES sound fair to everyone, does it not?"

It was then everyone on the ship, except for Four Eyes, agreed with Flavio and thought that it was a good idea for Andrew and his five friends to find and recruit Bobbery to join their expedition to Keelhaul Key.

"...Then it is decided," Flavio then gave Andrew his command. "You must find this Bobbery and bring him here. Our fortune sails with you!"

"Very well then. I'll find Admiral Bobbery and bring him back here," Andrew promised before asking. "Now does anyone know WHERE in Rogueport Bobbery live?"

"Y'know Andrew? I think I remember hearing people around town say that he lives in the East Side of Rogueport," Goombella decided to share with him. "Might be a good idea to search the East Side of Rogueport to find Bobbery, don'tcha think?"

"Good idea," Andrew jumped off the ship and headed for the stairs. "Let's get going, guys."

Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Vivian all nodded collectively as they followed Andrew off of the ship and they walked away from the S.S. Flavion for now. They went up the stairs and headed straight for the East Side of Rogueport to find Admiral Bobbery. Wherever he might be in that part of the town...

---

ON THE EAST SIDE OF ROGUEPORT:

The six travelers wasted no time in getting to the East Side of Rogueport. After dealing with Gus the Craw of the Robbos Gang, the six travelers were able to explore the part beyond Professor Frankly's house. The house that was right next to Frankly's was locked on the inside, which Andrew seemed kinda disappointed by.

With Yoshiam's help, the six of them manage to get to the rooftops of the surrounding houses. He collected several Star Pieces while exploring the rooftops, and he managed to find two more Shine Sprites that he had obtained. One was on top of the red roof, and the other was behind the rightmost house, across the river from Ishnail's house which was his turf.

After the six of them got back onto the rooftops, Andrew was glancing at the two Shine Sprites that he had collected in admiration.

"Wow," Andrew blinked as he stared at them. "I had no idea that these were hidden past Frankly's house."

"You and me both," Goombella told him. "None of us DARED to go past Frankly's place until now, since we're looking for Bobbery. So you're not the only one who 'totally' didn't know that these were here."

"Yeah. Man, those were lucky finds," Koops admitted. "Ummm... If only finding Admiral Bobbery was this easy..."

"I daresay that the gentleman has to be around here somewhere," Flurrie proclaimed. "Rumors about him being in this part of Rogueport were supposedly rampant. I do believe we must be close by now."

"Yeah. Well, let's find him soon," Yoshiam yawned. "I 'really' want to get to Keelhaul Key soon!"

"We will, Yoshiam. We will," Andrew had to pat Yoshiam on the head before scratching his chin. "If only we had some kind of lead just so we can get to him..."

"Hey, Andrew. Look," Vivian took notice of a chimney that they could go down through via Tube Mode. "Maybe we can get into that locked-up house by going through this chimney."

"Hey, good idea," Andrew smiled. "We just need to go into Tube Mode first. You guys ready?"

All five of them nodded as they went into Tube Mode and the six of them were rolled up paper tubes. Using this to their advantage, they slipped right through the hole of the chimney.

In a matter of seconds, they landed through the fireplace of the house and rolled onto the ground. They then returned to normal, when it appeared that someone else was in the house that they had just entered through the chimney. The voice of that somebody got their attention.

"What do you blokes want?" This voice caused Andrew to look up and see who it was that asked that question.

It was an old crusty Bob-omb of some kind. He was a brown Bob-omb who wore blue shoes, and an admiral's cap on his head, with part of the rim covering his right yellow eye, with his left yellow eye being exposed.

He also had a brown ship rope for a fuse, a brown helmsman steering wheel for a windup key, and he had quite the fuzzy-looking grey mustache that would put Mario's mustache to shame.

Andrew couldn't help but closely examine this old Bob-omb suspiciously. It's as if this was the guy that they were looking for.

Why do I get the feeling that this guy is the Admiral that we're looking for...? Andrew thought before shaking his head. He didn't want to jump to conclusions yet, so he decided to get to the point with him.

"Uhhhh, sorry for barging through your chimney like this, sir," Andrew dusted himself off and exclaimed. "But we're seeking this fellow called Admiral Bobbery. Do you know of him?"

"...Never heard of the gent," the old Bob-omb said rather hastily. "Take your search elsewhere."

"...Oh. Well, I guess we were mistaken," Andrew shrugged. "Uh, but we can't leave your house. The door is locked on the inside."

The old Bob-omb said nothing as he went over to the door with a key in his hand, and he unlocked it for the six travelers to be on their way from his house.

"Now, away with you!" The old Bob-omb had to bark in a crabby manner.

"OK. Thanks for that," Andrew opened the door rather awkwardly. "Well...we'll be seeing you..."

Without looking at him again, Andrew and his five friends left the house, closed the door behind them, and were now thinking about where they should look next.

"All right guys. Now where should we look?" Andrew crossed his arms. "I could've sworn that he was the admiral for sure. He 'definitely' looked the part."

"Yeah," Koops nodded in agreement. "Sure seemed salty and had the admiral complexion, if that makes sense."

"Yes. It does make sense, Koops," Andrew nodded.

"Y'know, maybe we oughta check with the Professor and see if he knows where Admiral Bobbery lives," Goombella suggested. "He might know a little something about him, considering that the admiral lives in this part of town."

"Good idea, Goombella," Andrew gave her a thumbs up. "Let's go see the Professor."

And with that, the six travelers made their way back into Frankly's house. He was just reading some more books on the legendary treasure when he saw that Andrew and his friends had just entered.

"Oh. You're back so soon?" Frankly raised an eyebrow as he knew that they needed something. "Do you guys need some help with something?"

"Yes. We do, Professor," Andrew got to the point. "We're wondering if you know where Admiral Bobbery lives. See, we're going on an expedition trip to Keelhaul Key, and we need to recruit Bobbery as the navigator for Flavio's ship; the S.S. Flavion. Do you know where he lives?"

"Do I?" Professor Frankly then revealed to them. "That old sea dog lives in the eastside house right next door. They say he was a great and important sailor long ago..."

"We know. We've heard the rumors," Andrew said as realization kicked in as if he just noticed something about the house he just came out of. "You said that he lives in the house next door, to the right, correct?"

"Yes. That's right," Frankly confirmed. "Well, if you plan on getting him as a navigator, here's to hope that you are successful and that you are successful with getting to Keelhaul Key and getting the fifth Crystal Star."

"We will. Thanks for the help, Professor," Andrew thanked him before looking at his five friends. "Come on, guys. Let's go see Bobbery."

The five of them nodded as they walked out of Frankly's place as a group. Once the door was closed, Andrew had to look at his friends to see if they figured out that they were fooled.

"So guys? You know what this means, right?" Andrew asked them.

"Why, 'absolutely'. I do believe that admiral fellow had tricked us into thinking that he wasn't the admiral," Flurrie had figured out. "I daresay that we should march back into his house and look into the reason for sending us on our way like that."

"Yeah. What's his deal," Yoshiam wondered. "Let's go find out for ourselves."

"Good idea," Andrew walked back over to the house that they had come out of previously, with his friends following.

As soon as they entered the house, they saw that the old Bob-omb was standing to the side, as they were convinced that he was the admiral.

"You know, Andrew. I think you're right," Vivian whispered to him. "We better make sure of it for ourselves."

"Good idea, Vivian," Andrew uttered back before he walked over to the old Bob-omb. "Excuse me again sir? But we have to ask you something. Are you sure that you wouldn't happen to know who Bobbery is, and if maybe you are him?"

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about," the old Bob-omb denied, even though he was confirmed to be the real admiral. "Now, if you please..."

"Don't play dumb with us!" Goombella couldn't help but yell at him for not admitting the truth. "We were already told that YOU are Admiral Bobbery!"

"That's right," Andrew sighed. "We have figured out that you are the Admiral Bobbery. So don't bother hiding it from us anymore!"

"Harumph! What poppycock..." Bobbery scoffed in annoyance before he then asked them. "Tell me, what would you want with me if I were this chump?"

"I'll explain it to you," Andrew then explained. "You see, we are going on a boat ride to Keelhaul Key on the S.S. Flavion. And the ship needs a navigator. And we were told that YOU were the man who was perfect for the job!"

For a minute there, Bobbery had a thoughtful expression on his face. Unfortunately, the expression soon faded as he shook his head and moaned.

"...So sorry, but you'll have to look elsewhere," Bobbery refused the invite rather sharply. "I shall set sail upon the sea...nevermore!"

Andrew and his five friends all had their mouths agape at what he just said. Was he being serious right now? Was he refusing to go on a sea trip to Keelhaul Key? Surely, he must be jossing with them right now, was he?

"But... But... But... But..." Koops couldn't help but stutter before he shook his head and yelled. "Please, Admiral, sir! We NEED you!"

"Don't make us beg! We simply must have you!" Flurrie had begged dramatically. "You are our sole hope for reaching Keelhaul Key!"

"Don't you get it, sir? You are the only person who can help us get to Keelhaul Key," Andrew had to insist. "Can you at least give it a chance?"

"'Awfully' sorry, dear boy, but when I say 'no', what I mean is...NO!" Bobbery was being stubborn about going as he bellowed.

"So you're 'really' serious about not wanting to go out to sea, huh?" Andrew said in a low tone of voice. "Is this your final decision?"

"I shall set sail upon the sea nevermore," Bobbery told him sharply. "Away with you!"

"Very well, then," Andrew sighed in defeat. "Let's go guys. It's a waste of time to try to change his mind."

And with that, the six of them exited Bobbery's house, wondering what they should do now. They all sported puzzled and lost expressions on their faces from being unsuccessful with this.

"What's the next move, chief?" Yoshiam had to ask him. "This salty dude is going nowhere fast."

"I honestly don't know," Andrew tried thinking. "We can't give up though. We have to figure out how to get him to reconsider... But how?"

"But... Don't you find it odd?" Vivian decided to ask. "Why would a sailor have such hatred for the sea?"

"That's the confusing part, Vivian," Andrew admitted. "We've heard that Bobbery was such a legendary sailor back in the day. And suddenly, he shows such disdain for the very hobby that he used to love and cherish more than anything..."

"We need answers..." Vivian proclaimed. "Maybe we should ask around town about this man's story..."

"But who could we ask?" Andrew asked. "Is there anyone in this town who knows Admiral Bobbery better than anyone else?"

"Omigosh! Andrew, something occurred to me!" Goombella felt like sharing. "People have said that Bobbery always went to Podley's place on occasions for drinks. If anyone knows about the admiral, it should be Podley. Might be a good idea to check with him about Bobbery's backstory, don'tcha think?"

"Good idea, Goombella," Andrew smiled. "Well guys, let's go talk to Podley about Bobbery's story."

All five of them nodded as they followed Andrew back to the Rogueport Plaza, specifically to Podley's Bar, so they could find out more about the admiral and why he grew such a hatred for the sea. They were going to be in for one rather tragic backstory that is about the admiral himself...

---

AT PODLEY'S BAR - IN THE ROGUEPORT PLAZA:

"You say Bobbery won't go to sea, huh?" Podley had to ask Andrew after he explained the situation to him.

"That's right," Andrew nodded. "And he refuses to go out to sea again for some reason."

"Well, can't say that surprises me," Podley didn't sound surprised by this at all. "The real question is, are you folks 'REALLY' sure you want Bobbery back on the water?"

"Of course," Andrew nodded before explaining. "You see, my friends and I are mounting an expedition to Keelhaul Key with Flavio and his crew. And we were told that we needed a particularly skilled navigator to get there safely."

"I see," Podley adjusted his glasses. "Rough seas out there. Most sailors would meet their ends. Not old Bobbery, though..."

"Ummm... That's something I don't get," Koops had to scratch his head in confusion. "If Bobbery was such a great sailor, why did he grow such a strong hatred of the sea that he loved sailing on in the first place?"

"The fact of the matter is... Admiral Bobbery's tale is sad," Podley had to warn them. "'Horribly' sad, 'actually'. You'll probably end up crying...but I'll tell it to you if you 'really' want me to."

"Yeah. You might as well. We've been through worse already," Andrew encouraged. "We'd like to hear the whole story for ourselves. We can take it."

"I do believe he's right, Mr. Podley, sir," Flurrie agreed. "Why, I daresay that some tears will help with soothing the soul, and we'd know why he's being an ornery old mule."

"In that case, get ready..." Podley was prepared to start retelling it. "Bobbery's tale of woe goes something like this..."

"We're ready," Andrew told him as he and his five friends were willing to listen to it.

"Ahem," Podley cleared his throat before he started explaining. "Bobbery was once married. He had a wife of enduring beauty named Scarlette. The two of them were madly in love, the sort of love reserved for fairy tales."

"Woah. That's pretty cool, I guess," Yoshiam had to admit.

"Yeah," Andrew nodded as he allowed Podley to continue.

"Now, Bobbery was a renowned sailor, so he was away from home for long periods. Scarlette never complained, though, and always waited faithfully for Bobbery's return," Podley exclaimed. "And Bobbery... His eye never drifted. He loved only Scarlette, truly and deeply."

"Wow. Sounds like they had made great compromising with each other," Andrew had to admit with a smile. "That must've been sweet."

"Yes. So they lived, and found happiness where they could," Podley told them. "And all was good, for a time..."

"I have to wonder what happened to Scarlette," Vivian whispered with a frown. "Did something terrible happen to her?"

"We're about to find out, Vivian," Andrew whispered back as they continued to listen while Podley turned his back on them before continuing.

"...But not all good things can last," Podley's voice grew dark as he explained the more tragic part of Bobbery's backstory. "It was a particularly icy winter when it happened... Scarlette fell ill. A virus? A passing cold? No one knew, but it soon turned serious. Bobbery, at sea on a long, lonely voyage, knew nothing of his bride's suffering. By the time he returned, Scarlette had succumbed. She was gone."

Podley had to clear his throat and wipe his eyes since it looked like he was on the verge of crying. Making sure that he wasn't, Podley then decided to wrap up the tragedy that happened to Bobbery.

"Bobbery, of course, blamed himself," Podley spoke in a more forlorn voice before he finished up his story. "'My loving wife perished because of me... If I were not at sea, I could have nursed her to health. I could have saved her.' ...He was overcome with such thoughts. They tormented him always, haunting his sleep. He has never gone out to sea since."

By the time Podley turned around to face the six of them, he noticed that Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Vivian were pretty sad by what they heard, with the three women on the verge of tears while Andrew had to cover his eyes with the rim of his cap, since he seemed to be on the verge of tears himself.

"That's... sniff..." Goombella sniffed sadly as she wiped her eyes with a tissue. "The saddest tale I've ever heard in my life. No wonder..."

"Oh, man... Now I'm depressed," Koops said in a tone that sounded like he was suffering from depression. "So that's his reason..."

"Oh, that poor dear! How indescribably awful for him!" Flurrie couldn't help but cry at what she heard, without any hints of drama to her voice as she wiped her eyes to keep her eyeliner from getting messed up. "Now I understand..."

"Gee... What a downer," Yoshiam sighed sadly, nearly kicking the stool that he was sitting next to him. "I guess that's a pretty good reason for hating the ocean..."

"I can't imagine what that poor man went through..." Vivian whimpered, wiping the tears that were dripping down from her hidden eyes. "No wonder he won't set sail."

And then there was Andrew. He was so distraught with sadness from what he heard that he had to turn away from the others so they wouldn't see what he was doing.

Believe it or not, he knew what it felt like to lose a loved one, for he had lost his 'own' mother to a terrible illness.

Cancer. It was a type of cancer that took his mother's life. He had no idea what form of cancer it was, and neither did the doctors and nurses who tried to cure her of it. Despite this, Andrew tried his very best to help his mom get through it every step of the way.

Even though he failed to save her, he at least made the last weeks of her life meaningful. There was the point where her unknown form of cancer had gotten worse, and it got to the point where there was NO HOPE of curing her and saving her life.

She ended up perishing three weeks after it had gotten worse, and Andrew gave it everything he had to make her final moments the best that she had ever had. His mother was proud of how much he was giving just to help her, and that she couldn't have been more proud of him.

Nonetheless, knowing how she died and that she even died at all still left him in tears, even after the funeral. He had moved from his old home and settled on living in the Mushroom Kingdom since it was too painful for him to remember. Even then, he was still depressed by what had happened. And he became a recluse because of it, before heading to Rogueport.

Andrew knew what Bobbery was going through. He felt nothing but sympathy for the old Bob-omb. On top of that, it was clear that Bobbery had become a recluse after his wife's death. He knew what it was like to want to be a recluse for the rest of his life just because he lost a loved one that he was close to.

Needless to say, this story struck close to home for the muscular man. This was rather personal to him as he tried fighting off some tears.

"I guess that explains it..." Andrew uttered in a sad tone. "That's why he hates the ocean so much..."

"What's wrong, Andrew?" Goombella had to ask in concern. "You OK?"

"Oh I'm...I'm fine," Andrew tried to deny his sadness. "It's just that...Bobbery's story is so sad that I feel sorry for him."

"It's OK to cry over the tragedy, Andrew," Koops assured him. "It 'really' is depressing..."

"I know," Andrew wiped his eyes and turned around to face Podley again.

"You all know his tale now..." Podley then had to ask them. "So, tell me: do you still want him to return to sea?"

"Well, we 'really' don't have a choice. We need him so we can get to Keelhaul Key," Andrew tried his hardest to not sound so sad. "He needs to know that we give him his condolences and that he shouldn't remain a recluse from the sea because of what happened to Scarlette. We need him to see the light."

"Very well. I understand," Podley nodded in understanding to this. "If you're that determined, then I'll give you this..."

"Give us what?" Andrew had to tilt his head in confusion as Podley went underneath his counter to take out what appeared to be a rather old-aged letter that he then handed over to Andrew.

"What is this?" Andrew asked while raising an eyebrow.

"On her deathbed, Scarlette wrote Bobbery a final letter. You hold it in your hands," Podley explained to him. "I don't know what's written inside...but I can tell you what she told me as she lay dying: 'If I should succumb to this plague, and if my love should blame himself for my death... Then give this letter to him, so he may hear my voice.' It was her last request."

Podley then took a shaky breath before he revealed. "But when I saw Bobbery in misery, trying to forget the pain as he mourned his wife... I just couldn't bring myself to present this letter to him. I've regretted it ever since."

Podley then sighed before making his plea. "Please... Take this letter, and do the deed I was too cowardly to do: take it to Bobbery."

"Don't worry, Podley. We'll deliver this to him no prob-wait a minute! What? Did I just hear you correctly?" Andrew had to give him a shocked expression as he asked him to confirm something. "You just said that Scarlette wanted you to deliver this to Bobbery, but you were too cowardly to do so just because he was mourning the loss of his wife. Is that true?"

"Yes," Podley told him shamefully.

It was then Andrew furrowed his eyebrows and let out a rather low growl before he said to him.

"So from what I got from you, you could've prevented this whole thing by giving it to him in the first place, instead of having him become a broken old Bob-omb who had never forgiven himself," Andrew said quietly but in a cold icy tone. "And if you had just given it to him when he was mourning his loss, he wouldn't have been in this mess, and he would have seen the light sooner."

"Just give him the letter," Podley told him flatly.

"Oh don't worry. I'll give it to him," Andrew coldly said to him while flapping the letter in front of his face. "I'll be sure to do the deed that you were too cowardly to do years ago."

With that, Andrew jumped off of his stool and marched for the door before calling out to his five friends. "Come on, guys. We better get going."

Despite the shock that they were feeling from Andrew's sudden change in mood, the five of them obliged as Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Vivian left the bar and caught up with him.

"Y'know Andrew," Goombella had to admit to him. "Weren't you a little too harsh with Podley back there?"

"On the contrary, Goombella, I wasn't harsh enough," Andrew told her as he stopped walking, back facing the Goomba girl. "He could've avoided this whole mess if he had just given it to him in the first place. And now Bobbery is suffering because of Podley's cowardice."

"Oh c'mon, Andrew! Don't be so moody about this!" Goombella had to yell. "OK. So he messed up by not giving him the letter in the first place. But he regrets not doing it! He's even sorry that he wasn't willing to do it years ago!"

"I'm sorry to disagree with you, but as much as I'd like to sympathize with Podley, he brought the guilt upon himself," Andrew turned around and told her sharply. "If Podley didn't want to feel horrible about not giving the letter to Bobbery, then he should've done so in the first place."

"All right. I guess you're onto something there," Goombella admitted before asking. "But why are you making such a big deal out of this Andrew!? Did something similar happen to you in your past?"

"THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW!" Andrew suddenly yelled, getting his five friends to jump at how he had just done that. "Uh, what I mean is that it's not important. And it's something that I do NOT wish to discuss with anyone..."

"OK, Andrew. OK. We get the point," Goombella decided not to pry it from him. "Jeepers! You didn't have to yell and nearly give us a heart attack!"

"Look, let's just go to Bobbery's house," Andrew said dully. "We might as well get this done and over with..."

"Ummm... OK, Andrew," Koops shrugged sheepishly. "You know what you're doing."

"Yes, dearie. We understand," Flurrie had to pant at how Andrew suddenly yelled like that. "I do believe we shall drop the letter off to that poor Bobbery fellow."

"If you say so, Presto," Yoshiam frowned. "You're the man, after all."

"All right, Andrew," Vivian uttered softly. "We didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable..."

"It's fine, guys," Andrew sighed. "Let's go see Bobbery again."

With that, the six of them headed back to Bobbery's house to give him the letter that Podley should've given to him years ago...

---

They wasted no time in getting back to the East Side of Rogueport as the six travelers made their way back to Admiral Bobbery's house. Once they arrived, they opened the door and stepped in to see Bobbery facing the wall, away from them. Once he saw him, Andrew decided to get his attention.

"Excuse me? Admiral Bobbery?" Andrew asked softly.

"What?!" Bobbery then turned around and became grumpy all over again to see that it was Andrew and his friends again. "Oh, by Blabberton's beard! Not you again!"

"Yes. It's us again," Andrew said in a more forlorn and sympathetic tone. "Listen, there's something we need to tell you..."

"Well, you folks have wasted your time! So you'd best forget about it!" Bobbery yelled at him again. "No matter how many times you entreat me, my stance is firm! Now away with you!"

"Wait!" Andrew yelped before saying softly. "Before we leave, Admiral, there's something that we need to give you..."

Andrew then took out the Old Letter and held it out to him. "We would like to give this letter to you..."

Bobbery was now confused by this. What kind of letter were they giving him? And for what purpose?"

"Pardon? A letter, you say?" Bobbery had to make sure he wasn't hearing anything. "F-For me?"

"That's right," Andrew nodded as he gave Bobbery the letter and he then started sharing his sympathy for him. "Listen Admiral Bobbery, sir. I know this might not convince you otherwise, but it's a start at least. Just know that you have our deepest sympathies and support, and we'd like you to know that we're..."

Andrew was unable to finish his sentence as he heard Bobbery gasp in shock to see who the letter was from.

"What?!" Bobbery yelled as if his breath had hitched a bit, sounding like the sadness was coming back in his voice. "Scarlette! This is Scarlette's handwriting!"

Andrew couldn't think of anything else to say, as it seemed that he had figured it out. He watched as Bobbery opened the letter and started reading what was written out for him.

"Scarlette, my love..." Bobbery said as he cleared his throat and read the letter. This is what it said in its entirety.

"My love: if you're reading this letter, then I am no longer by your side.

Because fate has stepped between us, I have decided to write you this letter. If you're reading this, I must have passed away while you were out to sea...

I can only assume that you will blame yourself for it, my sweet Bobbery. Although my life was short, you gave me more than a lifetime's worth of joy.

Though you will mourn, I beg that you remember that time, like love, is a tide. You are one with the sea, as you were one with me.

Do not lose both your life's loves."

"'Time, like love, is a tide. You are one with the sea...as you were one with me...'" Bobbery had to reread that part of the letter as he felt tears coming up in his yellow eyes, something that Andrew took notice of. "A... A thousand pardons... But may I have a moment alone, if you please?"

"Go ahead," Andrew encouraged. "Take as much time as you need to."

With that, Bobbery went into the room in the back, leaving Andrew alone with Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Vivian. It was very faint, but they could hear Bobbery crying and mourning the loss of his wife all over again.

All six of them were frowning as they showed sympathetic looks on their faces. They could only hope that this would finally get Bobbery to see the light and resume his favorite hobby of sailing the sea like he used to. After several minutes of silence, they heard Bobbery speaking from the other room.

"Yes, love... I WAS happy..." Bobbery said to himself. "My sweet, sweet Scarlette... I love you still."

As soon as he said that, the door to the other room opened as Bobbery came back. Andrew saw that he must've gotten the cry out of his system and it looked like a determined sailor had resurfaced again in Bobbery after having been lost for many years.

"Now then! You were looking for a navigator, I believe?" Bobbery had to check with them. "Bound for Keelhaul Key?"

"Yes. That's right," Andrew said while nodding.

"Harumph!" Bobbery looked like he was bound to resume his sailing hobby. "If you think an old sea bomb like me is what you need, then let's shove off!"

"Really? You mean it?" Andrew had to double-check. "You mean you'll help us set sail for Keelhaul Key?!"

"Precisely, dear boy!" Bobbery confirmed. "If you think that an old Bob-omb such as myself can't handle the treacherous journey of a boat sailing across the ocean, then you must be mistaken! Let's set sail!"

"All right!" Andrew couldn't help but cheer. "That's great to know, Admiral Bobbery!"

"Awesome!" Goombella beamed.

"Cool!" Koops had to give a thumbs up.

"Marvelous!" Flurrie expressed her joy.

"Yessss!" Yoshiam bounced up and down while throwing the goat with both hands.

"Wonderful!" Vivian had to express her excitement for this.

"Ah, but before we depart, may I have a moment, if you will," Bobbery then had to admit. "I don't believe we've been formally introduced. You already know that I'm Admiral Bobbery, but I insist that I know who you folks are, if you please?"

"Of course. We haven't introduced ourselves. See, my name is Andrew. And these are my five friends who are traveling with me," Andrew introduced himself and then introduced his five friends to the admiral. "This Goomba girl is Goombella. The shy looking Koopa is Koops. This glamourous Wind Spirit of a woman is Flurrie. This little Yoshi here is called Yoshiam. And this adorable-looking Shadow Siren is Vivian."

"I see. Well, very good. Very good indeed. And a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well," Bobbery told them. "If we're to sail on the same ship together, I thought it'd be best that we get to know what each other's names are if I do say so myself."

"We understand, Admiral," Andrew told him. "Shall we get going?"

"Oh, a thousand pardons again. But I just remembered something from so long ago," Bobbery remembered something. "I have something in my possession that might be of some use to you, Andrew."

"What is it?" Andrew asked while raising an eyebrow as Bobbery went into the other room for a second.

He heard what sounded like someone jumping into a block, and something shiny falling, which Bobbery managed to catch. Moments later, Bobbery stepped out with a Shine Sprite in his possession, which caught Andrew's attention in a matter of seconds.

"Whoa! Where did you get that?" Andrew had to ask.

"If you are merely curious, dear boy, I found this on one of my many sea voyages from so long ago," Bobbery shared. "I take it that you know of these things, eh?"

"Yes, I do. This is a Shine Sprite," Andrew was given it when it fell into his hand. "Thank you so much for this Admiral Bobbery."

"Think nothing of it, old boy. It's the least I could do as thanks for getting me back into the spirit of going on a sea voyage again," Bobbery told him. "I do hope that you will use it wisely when you may need it."

"Oh, I will," Andrew put the Shine Sprite with the other three Shine Sprites that he had previously in his backpack. "No need to worry about that."

"Now, harumph," Bobbery cleared his throat as he was ready to head off. "I do recall that we're to head out to sea. So let's make haste while the ocean is still calling."

"Of course," Andrew opened the door as he walked out of the house.

Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, and Bobbery followed him out of the house, as Bobbery cut through and stood right in front of the muscular man.

"The ship's in the harbor, hm?" Bobbery wondered.

"Yes," Andrew nodded.

"Well, I must inspect her before we leave," Bobbery declared. "I shall meet you there."

"We'll be there shortly!" Andrew called out as they saw Bobbery move ahead of them to the S.S. Flavion to inspect the ship.

Andrew then turned to his five friends and said to them. "Well, guys. Looks like we're ready to head to Keelhaul Key. Let's get going."

"Totally," Goombella smiled. "I'm ready for our next adventure, Andrew."

"Okay doke, Andrew," Koops told him. "Let's get ready to sail to Keelhaul Key."

"Absolutely," Flurrie beamed in joy. "I must say, there was never any doubt that we could be able to sail there! I do believe we're ready, Andrew my darling."

"Rock on, Presto," Yoshiam cheered. "I'm more than ready to head to Keelhaul Key! This is gonna be so cool!"

"I'm ready too, Andrew," Vivian told him meekly. "Let's get to the Rogueport Harbor."

"Great to hear, guys!" Andrew then pointed. "Let's shove off!"

And so the six of them headed to the Rogueport Harbor so they could make sure that they could shove off for Keelhaul Key. Now that Bobbery was convinced to sail with them, there should be nothing stopping them from getting to the island and the fifth Crystal Star...

---

AT THE ROGUEPORT HARBOR:

Andrew and his five friends wasted no time in getting back to the harbor where the S.S. Flavion was still docked. The six travelers made their way to the boat and were ecstatic that Bobbery had already boarded it and was ready to set sail like the rest of them. Andrew and his five friends went up onto the boat, and Andrew then got Bobbery's attention.

"So what do you think, Bobbery?" Andrew had to ask. "Does this boat look good enough to set sail to Keelhaul Key?"

"Aye. That it is, dear boy. If I may add, this does bring back pleasant memories," Bobbery nodded as he looked out at the sea ahead of him and took a good sniff at it. "Ah, the smell of the sea... I'd forgotten how sweet a scent it can be..."

"That's great to hear," Andrew smiled before he approached Flavio. "Well, Flavio? Isn't this great or what?"

"Yes! I knew you would get Bobbery on board, you wonderful muscular man, you!" Flavio told him ecstatically. "To you, I must say AHOY! I was wise to choose you as my captain! Ahoy to me, as well."

"Well, I was just doing what I could to help us all," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "So anyway, we've loaded up everything we're gonna need for the trip to Keelhaul Key, right?"

"Ah, my men have already loaded our cargo and supplies. Yes!" Flavio felt excited that this was finally happening. "Preparations are complete! If you have no errands, we can depart at once! What do you say? Shall we set sail?"

"I'm more than ready," Andrew had put his sunglasses into his backpack. "What about you guys?"

"I'd say let's get going," Goombella beamed. "I'm 'totally' ready to get to Keelhaul Key!"

"Yeah. I'm ready too," Koops commented. "Man, I can't believe we're finally doing this. This is pretty cool."

"My, my, my, I do believe I am ready to sail the ocean blue as well," Flurrie declared in a delighted manner. "Mercy me! We can finally get to Keelhaul Key! How delightful!"

"Aw yeah! Now that's more like it! Bring it on!" Yoshiam declared eagerly. "I'm ready to fight whatever monster comes our way this time!"

"I'm ready too," Vivian nodded shyly. "We're ready to head to Keelhaul Key."

"Well, that settles it," Andrew then turned to say to Flavio. "We're ready to shove off and head to Keelhaul Key."

"Very well! To the sea!" Flavio pointed towards the ocean in the distance. "Raise anchor and set sails for thrills and emotion! And romance! And money! Our destination is dread Keelhaul Key!"

It was then one of the blue Bob-omb sailors that were standing on the dock right next to the S.S. Flavion had to yell out to them.

"Wait up!" That blue Bob-omb sailor yelled as he jumped onto the boat, and pulled the anchors up from underneath the dock.

From there, the boat started setting sail, bound for Keelhaul Key as everyone on board was looking forward to this trip, hoping that they'd make it to Keelhaul Key safe and sound, and make it back alive.

This included Four Eyes, as he was eager to get his plan underway once Andrew had gotten the Sapphire Star from Cortez's horde of treasure. It was rather obvious who Four Eyes was supposed to be, considering the laugh that he let out earlier.

He wasn't the only one informed of this plan, as back at the harbor, a regular X-Naut was shown right behind the wall where the stairs were. He then took out a talkie and started reporting back to the base.

"This is X-Naut One here, come back, dude? I repeat, X-Naut One here, over," the X-Naut gave his update. "Roger, reading you five-by. Infiltration is successful. X-Naut Black aboard the vessel. Repeat: X-Naut Black is on board the vessel..."

"Excellent," a cold voice was heard on the other end of it. "Let's hope that Lord Crump doesn't blow it this time. He will get those Crystal Stars from Andrew once he gets the fifth Crystal Star. But for now, just stand by until you get your further instructions."

"Roger. I'll prepare the X-Ship when the time comes," the X-Naut said as he put away the talkie and stood by until further notice. No one on the S.S. Flavion took notice of this X-Naut. Not even Andrew or his five friends.

Regardless of this, Andrew and his friends were more than ready to head to their next destination at Keelhaul Key.

They were also determined to get the fifth Crystal Star; the Sapphire Star. There was no doubt about it. The six travelers were about to start the fifth part of their adventure...

---

END OF CHAPTER 44...

Whew. I knew this chapter would've been wicked long, but this was something else. This chapter surpassed chapter 23 as the longest chapter written. Still, despite the length, I do hope that you all enjoyed it.

I think I enjoyed how I depicted Admiral Bobbery's backstory here, and how the others reacted to it. And yes, I expanded on Andrew's backstory further by revealing what it was that killed his mother. I don't suppose cancer has ever been mentioned in any stories taking place in the Super Mario universe. So this would be a first.

Andrew was able to relate to Bobbery when he found out about what happened to him, and he sympathized with him. Andrew's backstories have been done in a way as I said before, so he can build a connection with his partners/friends and he can relate to them. Considering who Andrew's sixth partner is gonna be, this was inevitable.

Lastly, Andrew is still not willing to share his past with his friends, even though he's becoming less cynical and a little more cheerful, while his sarcasm will remain. This will be addressed much later in the story, like around Chapter 8. But there's still a way to go. So be patient.

Anyway, we're about to start Chapter 5, and I'm gonna enjoy writing parts of it. And yes, I do have plans on how Chapter 5 will start in this story.

With that said, the next chapter 'basically' shows the crew sailing the sea to Keelhaul Key, and well, Andrew succumbs to some illness where he is then bedridden since he's sick.

Additionally, the ship stops and gets ambushed by Embers who wreck the ship, causing everyone to abandon the ship, and Andrew and his friends make it out safely. And it'll also show just how protective Vivian has gotten of Andrew.

And some other stuff will happen too. How will this go? Read and find out next time, readers!

In the meantime, only if you like, you can leave a review for this chapter.

Otherwise, that's all that I have. So until next time, I do hope you guys take care of yourselves. And on that note, thanks again for reading, everyone!