All right, fellow readers. This is the 56th chapter of this story.
Now, we're almost ready to start Chapter 6. We just have to get through this chapter, and then we can get started.
Anyway, for this chapter, Andrew and his six friends stop off at Professor Frankly's house for the next location, after telling him about the journey on Keelhaul Key and how Admiral Bobbery is gonna be traveling with Andrew and the others. Professor Frankly mentions the location of Poshley Heights being where they had to go next, and that they get to ride on the Excess Express, for which Andrew requires a ticket.
Additionally, they head to Don Pianta, who is sick and wants his daughter and associate back, Andrew and his friends head to Keelhaul Key again to get them back, and Francesca loses her wedding ring.
Andrew goes on a silly fetch quest with his friends, Don Pianta decides to retire after giving Andrew the train ticket, a certain Shadow Siren eavesdrops on them, and some other stuff will occur. How will this go for the seven travelers? Read and find out, now!
BACK AT PROFESSOR FRANKLY'S HOUSE - ON THE EAST SIDE OF ROGUEPORT:
Meanwhile, at Professor Frankly's house, the professor was just skimming through more books on the legendary treasure and the cataclysm that destroyed the town a thousand years ago. Naturally, he has not found anything new regarding the treasure that they didn't already know.
He was wondering how Andrew and his friends were doing, and if they were successful with getting to Keelhaul Key. And if they had succeeded in getting the Crystal Star that was there, along with wondering if they had stopped off at the Thousand-Year Door and got the location of the sixth Crystal Star.
Of course, after having known them for a while, Professor Frankly was more than confident that Andrew, Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Vivian were handling things well with getting the Crystal Star. And he hoped that they would be back by his house any moment now.
Then right on cue, there was a knock at the door, which got Professor Frankly's attention. Even though he had a clear idea as to who that could be, he decided to call out to them.
"Come on in!" Professor Frankly called out. "It's unlocked!"
As soon as he said that, his door was opened up, with Andrew poking into the house.
"Hello there, Professor Frankly!" Andrew greeted, while Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Vivian poked into the house as well. "We've finally returned from our little trip!"
"Ah! Andrew!" Professor Frankly greeted all six of them. "Goombella! Koops! Flurrie! Yoshiam! And Vivian! You guys have finally made it, safe and sound! Come in!"
"Certainly," Andrew entered the house, with Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, and Bobbery following right behind him.
"And we're glad to have gotten back to Rogueport after being on Keelhaul Key for so long," Andrew had to add.
"Yes. You were gone longer than I had hoped," Professor Frankly admitted. "But I suppose something must've happened on the way over there."
"That's correct," Andrew confirmed.
Before Professor Frankly could say anything else, he took notice of Admiral Bobbery being present with Andrew and his friends. He only saw him around town a couple of times since he was a recluse. So he was quite surprised to see him set foot into his house.
"Hrmmm?" Professor Frankly then felt like asking the appropriate question. "Admiral Bobbery, I presume?"
"Aye. You would presume correctly," Bobbery confirmed. "And I take it that you're the Professor Frankly fellow that I have heard talk about, eh?"
"That's right," Professor Frankly. "And I see that you were able to help these guys set sail on an expedition trip to Keelhaul Key with, hmmm... What was his name? Flavio?"
"Yes, Professor," Andrew nodded. "Flavio held an expedition trip to Keelhaul Key, and all of us and the admiral here were a part of the trip."
"I see. Very good," Professor Frankly then greeted Bobbery. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Admiral Bobbery."
"Believe me, it is quite the pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Professor Frankly," Bobbery returned the greeting. "It has been a fine honor if I do say so myself."
"Yes. Yes, it is," Professor Frankly then had to ask. "And let me ask, you have decided to travel with Andrew and his friends here to get the remaining Crystal Stars, correct?"
"Indeed. I have pledged Andrew here that I would offer him my utmost assistance for his deed on Keelhaul Key," Bobbery informed him.
"Neat," Professor Frankly decided to move on with the topic. "Ahem. Now that we got that out of the way, how did it go on Keelhaul Key? Did you get the Crystal Star that was there?"
"Yes, we did, Professor. But it wasn't easy," Andrew started to explain. "You see, the ship we were riding on got shipwrecked and we were stranded on the island. And it didn't do me much good since, well... I got sick on the trip to Keelhaul Key..."
"Oh, my. That doesn't sound very good," Professor Frankly blinked at this.
"It wasn't," Goombella commented. "But we managed to find the Crystal Star in the Pirate's Grotto, which is on the right far edge of Keelhaul Key!"
"Yeah... Turns out it was owned by the pirate king himself," Koops stated. "You might've heard of him, Professor. He's called Cortez..."
"Cortez, huh? Hrmmmm..." Professor Frankly squinted his eyes. "To tell you the truth, I have heard many treacherous tales about him and how he has shipwrecked many sailors on the course for Keelhaul Key that dare to come steal his treasure."
"Why yes, Professor," Flurrie commented. "But I daresay, after talking with him about how we just want the Crystal Star, he was somewhat of a gentleman with parting with it and giving it to us. I must say, Cortez is a bit of a sweetheart once you get to know him."
"Hrmm, I see," Frankly blinked.
"That's not all, Prof!" Yoshiam jumped up and down. "As it turns out, one of the men who joined us on the trip to Keelhaul Key called himself Four Eyes. Only he happened to be that Lord Crump chump who wanted to steal the Crystal Star! He was a part of that X-Naut gang that Presto here talked about!"
"Oh, my! That sounds rather bone-chilling," Professor Frankly shivered. "You...You didn't give him the Crystal Star, did you?"
"No, Professor Frankly. Andrew refused to give it to him," Vivian said meekly. "And in fact, we had battled Lord Crump on the X-Ship, thanks to Cortez letting us use his ship once Flavio gave him the Skull Gem that powers it! We sent Lord Crump and the X-Nauts on their way. I hope that they don't try to mess with us again."
"Well, very good," Professor Frankly then asked. "Now, I suppose that Cortez might've had a role in helping you guys get back to Rogueport, is that right?"
"Indeed. That is precisely what happened, Professor Frankly," Bobbery confirmed. "That Cortez gent was quite courteous to give us a lift back to Rogueport since we proved to be worthy of taking down those X-Naut hooligans. I must say, I approve of it too."
"Well, that's great. Glad to hear it," Professor Frankly then faced Andrew again. "So, I guess that you went to the Thousand-Year Door already?"
"That's right," Andrew took out the map and showed it to him. "And the next location of the sixth Crystal Star; the Garnet Star, has appeared on the map. And we need you to pinpoint the location for us."
"Excellent," Professor Frankly was pleased. "Well, may I see the map so I can tell where you need to go next?"
"Of course," Andrew nodded as he gave him the map.
Professor Frankly then put the map on his desk and he looked at it to see where they had to go next. Andrew knew that it would take a minute before he could tell them where they needed to go. So he decided to wait along with his six friends.
"Hey Andrew," Goombella decided to nudge him. "Where d'you think we'll be going next?"
"Who knows," Andrew shrugged. "I just hope that it's less tense and more easing for us."
"Ummm... I know what you mean, Andrew," Koops nodded in agreement. "I mean, we face a dragon that terrorized my home village, took down a mecha robot driven by Crump in the Great Tree, took down a scumbag who used a machine to drain the energy out of fighters to make himself look young, handled a bedsheet ghost who turned people into pigs and stole your name and identity and dealt with the pirate king himself. I sure hope this'll be easier for us."
"I have to agree, Koops," Andrew nodded. "We've been through a tiring journey so far. I wonder what we'll be dealing with next."
"By the stars, I do believe that our next trip ought to be something wonderful," Flurrie hoped. "I daresay, a nice cruise on a train would feel fabulous right now."
"Bah, what do we care?" Yoshiam remarked. "We deserve a break for our hard work for sure. But anyone who tries to get in our way will be met with a whooping from us!"
"Well, I think we'll be fine either way," Vivian murmured hopefully. "I mean, even if we are given time to relax, we could always do it together, right?"
"Aye. But alas, that shouldn't stop us from getting the Crystal Star," Bobbery proclaimed. "Why, I am most certain that we won't be dealing with any ruffians or hooligans like that Lord Crump cad that we dealt with earlier."
"Unless we have to deal with Beldam herself," Andrew remarked before frowning from mentioning that name. "Then I would make sure that she doesn't try to hurt Vivian."
Vivian couldn't help but smile at that. It's been nice to see that he is willing to keep her safe from her sister's wrath. She was about to say something in response.
But before she could, Professor Frankly was heard jumping for joy.
"EUREKA! I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Frankly yelled in excitement. "To think that the Crystal Star is found there, of all places!"
"Wuh?" Andrew looked at him curiously. "What is it, Professor Frankly? Where's the next Crystal Star located at, exactly?"
"Great news, my friends!" Professor Frankly proclaimed in excitement. "The next Crystal Star is in Poshley Heights!"
"Poshley Heights?" Andrew murmured as something struck him. It was all coming back to him.
"Wait a sec'! You mean where all the rich and famous live?" Goombella had to ask. "Like movie stars and stuff?"
"Ah-HA! I knew that place was familiar!" Andrew snapped his finger. "That happens to be the same place that has all of those famous movie production studios where they shoot and film all of those fabulous movies and blockbuster hits!"
Andrew took a deep breath and then said. "A good chunk of the movies Flurrie starred in were filmed at those movie production studios in Poshley Heights."
"Why, I do believe you're right, Andrew," Flurrie agreed with him before gushing about the beauty of Poshley Heights. "And may I say that Poshley Heights is just absolutely MARVELOUS! Aside from those movie studios, there are many different sights, such as the fountains, the mansions, the massive hotel, and the Fresh Pasta stand that is located there. It is just a splendid place. And now we're to head there again. This shall be a magnificent experience for us."
"No kidding there, Flurrie," Andrew said ecstatically, sounding like he was beaming about it. "I've always wanted to go to Poshley Heights. But I never was able to afford it."
"Yeah," Koops agreed with him. "Don't a lot of really rich and famous people live in Poshley Heights?"
"I daresay that is very much so," Flurrie nodded. "And from what I recalled from my last visit there, there were plenty of other rich and famous denizens."
"Yes, yes, and I'm fairly sure there's also a shrine to the stars called Poshley Sanctum," Professor Frankly explained to them. "No fearsome monsters or dangerous dungeons, either! It's just a tourist attraction!"
"Omigosh! Didja say Poshley Sanctums?" Goombella blinked at that. "Jeepers! One of my professors was supposed to take me and several other students from the University of Goom on a field trip there to look into its history and famous archaeology relics."
"And you didn't?" Andrew asked as Goombella confirmed it with a nod. "How come?"
"Well, apparently my professor couldn't make it that day," Goombella explained. "It turns out that the professor had to fill in for one of the professors at the Goombsley University."
"Goombsley University?" Andrew queried.
"It's the rival university for the University of Goom," Goombella exclaimed. "Our football teams are always competitive when facing each other in a 'totally' gnarly game!"
"I see," Andrew then smirked. "Well, you're in luck since we have to go there for the Garnet Star."
"I know," Goombella smirked back. "And I am so lucky to have this happen."
"Well, I look forward to us getting to Poshley Heights," Vivian admitted before saying dreamily. "I hope they have a jewelry store with the most adorable pearl necklace."
"Yeah," Andrew tugged on his handkerchief. "That would be nice."
And I would make sure that I could get her one too. Andrew thought. She deserves it after what she's been put through with her sister Beldam.
"Get to the point, Prof!" Yoshiam declared, getting Andrew out of his thoughts. "How do we get to this Snobville, anyway?"
"What Yoshiam is trying to ask, Professor, is how do we get to Poshley Heights?" Andrew clarified for him.
"That's the best part!" Professor Frankly sounded like he was over the moon when he explained the next part. "You ride the most famous train of all! The Excess Express!"
"You mean the train that we saw at the Rogueport Station?" Andrew asked, with Frankly nodding to confirm it. "Wow. Sounds nice."
"I daresay, it shall be more than nice, darling! It will be 'absolutely' fabulous," Flurrie declared. "I've always dreamed of riding on that marvelous Excess Express. Truly!"
"Yes! After a luxurious steam engine excursion, the next Crystal Star will be yours!" Professor Frankly agreed with what Flurrie said. "Getting those Crystal Stars has been backbreaking work, but this time will be a cinch!"
"It ought to be," Andrew crossed his arms and smirked. "It would be just like a vacation away from home."
"Hey, I heard you had to be all rich or famous to get a ticket for that train!" Yoshiam had to snap his fingers.
"Yeah. Will they let us on board?" Vivian had to ask. "I heard you have to be rich or famous to get a seat."
"Pardon me for saying so, but mustn't you have wealth or fame to ride that train?" Bobbery also had to ask.
"Wait a minute," Andrew just remembered something. "One of us happens to be a former famous actress."
"OMIGOSH! Andrew! You're so 'totally' right!" Goombella agreed as she looked at Flurrie. "Flurrie!? You could use your wealth to help us get a seat on that train!"
"Afraid that won't work, hon," Flurrie shook her head. "All of the wealth that I had back in my heyday has been used to build that fabulous house in the Boggly Woods. And besides, it's not like it would do us any good, less of all, yours truly. I've never been able to get a seat on that train, as much as I would've loved that."
"I must say, as much as I'd cherish the thought and would find the benefit of such a thing to be smashing," Bobbery had to agree before clearing his throat. "I would be quite all right without it if I do say so myself."
"Yeah. Same here," Andrew placed his hand on Flurrie's shoulder. "Don't worry about it, Flurrie. We all understand."
"I knew you would, Mr. Hunky Muscles," Flurrie smiled at him.
"Yup," Andrew gulped and blushed before saying. "Any way you look at it, Professor, none of us are rich or famous enough to be given a seat on that train."
"Hrmm... That may be true," Professor Frankly realized the catch in this plan as he shook his head. "Perhaps you should ask Don Pianta for help with this, too."
It was then all seven of their faces paled on the spot. They did not feel up to dealing with Don Pianta again. Andrew, of course, was rather reluctant to do so.
"You can't be serious, Professor," Andrew had to argue. "I still remember what happened last time. My friends and I were almost greeted to a horrible fate just to get ourselves a ticket for the blimp that leads to Glitzville."
Likewise, Goombella, Koops, and Flurrie understood what Andrew was getting at. And they couldn't blame him, for they were with him when they had to negotiate with Don Pianta the first time just to get that Blimp Ticket. They 'really' weren't willing to go through all of that hassle again.
"Oh, no!" Goombella had to shake her head before yelling. "No no no no no NO! Not that psychopath again!"
"Oh, man!" Koops agreed with a gulp. "You gotta be joking with me! That guy's scary!"
"Good gracious, no!" Flurrie yelled in horror. "I'm afraid I really must protest this! That man is TOO dangerous!"
As far as Yoshiam, Vivian, and Bobbery were concerned, they had heard countless rumors about the man and just how horrible he was, with how he handled the West Side of town with an iron fist. In Yoshiam's case, he heard all that he had to know from Andrew himself.
"Are you crazy?!" Yoshiam had to yell in disbelief. "I heard stories about that guy, and he sounds like a loon!"
"Are you kidding?" Vivian frowned and shook her head. "Everyone says he's an awful man! Doesn't he extort people?"
"Ah...no. 'Terribly' sorry," Bobbery said in denial. "Mm-mm. Impossible. Can't do it. The man's reprehensible!"
"Honestly guys, after having thought it over, as much as I agree with you guys, I don't think we have a choice," Andrew told them. "Don Pianta's the only guy who can give us a train ticket to the Excess Express."
"Oh, you're right," Goombella sighed. "C'mon, Andrew, Let's go."
"Let's go, Andrew..." Koops said while groaning. "Ugh..."
"I suppose one must do what one must do, correct?" Flurrie proclaimed. "Let's get this over with."
"Let's do this, Presto." Yoshiam agreed reluctantly.
"Let's do this quickly," Vivian said while frowning.
"...Well, drat. I suppose there's nothing for it, eh, old boy?" Bobbery agreed after moaning. "If we must, we must. Let's go."
"All right," Andrew nodded. "Let's just get this done and over with..."
"Excellent. Then we're set!" Professor Frankly proclaimed. "We may not have much time left, so you must hurry."
"Yeah. There's only two Crystal Stars left that are out there, and the X-Nauts and Shadow Sirens are after them too," Andrew pointed out. "Not to mention the fate of the Thousand-Year Door and the fact that it's starting to weaken as we speak."
"Exactly!" Professor Frankly nodded. "I'll gather all the information I can. You guys just handle your end of things."
"Right. And we'll be sure to get it done," Andrew then added. "As soon as I go back to the Inn to get changed into some fresh clothes for our next adventure."
"I beg your pardon," Bobbery was curious by this. "Whatever do you mean, dear boy? You mean to tell me that you've been changing your articles of clothing this whole time, for a different adventure, eh?"
"That's right, Bobbery," Andrew nodded. "And I have four things of luggage with plenty of clothes, supplies, materials, and other stuff that I brought from my home. I did it on the offset chance that I'd have to extend my stay in Rogueport. And as it turns out, I had to. So I came prepared."
"Ah. How remarkable. Very splendid thinking there, old boy," Bobbery was rather impressed by that. "I must say, you must be quite the adventurer for planning on bringing some of your stuff from your humble abode. A very positive outcome could come from that, eh wot?"
"Yeah. And it has been positive the longer I've done this," Andrew agreed. "I may have come from the Mushroom Kingdom, but I've seen all these wonderful sights in the Rogueport region. And Poshley Heights happens to be next."
"Yes. In any case, let's shove off," Bobbery declared.
"The Rogueport Inn awaits our arrival before we head over and take a risk in approaching Don Pianta!"
"You got it," Andrew pointed towards the door. "Let's get going."
All six of them nodded as the seven travelers left Professor Frankly's house and headed back to the Rogueport Plaza where the Inn was. Needless to say, things were 'really' starting to get interesting for the seven travelers...
AT THE ROGUEPORT INN:
"Well, it's so great to see you again, Mr. Andrew," the innkeeper greeted him as soon as he came up the stairs. "I was wondering if you'd come back after being gone for so long."
"Yeah. It's a pleasure to see you too, ma'am," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry that I was gone longer than I had hoped. I got stranded on an island and, well, you know... I had no way off of it for a while."
"That's perfectly fine by me, dear," the innkeeper didn't seem upset. "Are your friends down at Podley's Bar again?"
"Yes. Yes, they are," Andrew confirmed. "They decided to take it easy there while I get changed up into a new pair of clothes for my next adventure."
"Well, that's great to hear," it was then the innkeeper decided to bring something up. "By the way, I took notice that you had a Bob-omb friend accompanying you and the others. I am assuming that he's the Admiral Bobbery that the people in the bar have talked about, isn't he?"
"That's right," Andrew nodded. "And Bobbery is helping me and my friends collect the last of the Crystal Stars. 'In fact', I think I saw Bobbery talking with Podley downstairs about something. I'm not sure what, but it seemed rather urgent."
"I can see why. He came here occasionally after refusing to go to sea again," the innkeeper then wondered. "Did you do something to encourage him to go back out to sea again, Mr. Andrew?"
"Yes. I convinced him to come with us to Keelhaul Key, and after giving him a letter from his late wife...well, he decided to accompany us," Andrew told her while tugging on his handkerchief. "And now he's helping us with finding the last two Crystal Stars."
"Sounds like a lot of fun. I'm glad to see that you're taking your travels very well," the innkeeper smiled at him. "And with a variety of different species for friends too."
"Yeah. I don't know where I'd be without them," Andrew then decided to move on. "Anyway, I'd like to get myself a new pair of clothes for my next adventure, and I'll be changing up in the bathroom afterwards."
"Very well, dear. Please help yourself," the innkeeper encouraged. "And feel free to leave your clothes behind. I will be washing them like I did with your other clothes."
"Great," Andrew then decided to add. "Oh, by the way, my shirt that I'm wearing currently might have a slight tear in the back. If you wouldn't mind, could you thread it back up for me?"
"No worries, Andrew. I'll see what I can do," the innkeeper told him. "And I'll be sure to extend your stay here as long as you need to remain here. You just continue doing what you need to."
"Will do. Thanks, ma'am," Andrew walked over to his luggage.
"Anytime, dear," the innkeeper returned as she walked off, leaving Andrew to pick out his outfit.
As soon as Andrew went through his luggage, he realized something. His pants were still drying up. And the only thing he had left to wear was a pair of blue denim overalls. He had a long-sleeved blue shirt, and he decided to wear that and the overalls.
"Huh? That's odd. I forgot I had a pair of these overalls on hand," Andrew blinked as he stared at them. "Oh well. I think they should still fit. I'll just have to make sure to pin my badges on the pouch in front."
With that decided, Andrew grabbed what he was planning to wear and headed to the bathroom to get changed up. He made sure that the badges that were on his shirt were taken off before he took it off.
And as soon as he put on his overalls, he'd pin the badges on the front pouch of them. And he'd leave his other clothes around for the innkeeper to wash them.
Needless to say, his friends were gonna be in for a little surprise when they saw what he was wearing this time to Poshley Heights...
By the time Andrew was done changing up, he made sure to keep his previous outfit to the side for the innkeeper to wash up when she was able to. He also remembered to change into a fresh pair of boxer shorts and socks before he put on his overalls.
With that, he headed downstairs, still wearing that same blue ballcap and that yellow-orange handkerchief. But now he was wearing those overalls and was wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt.
His badges were pinned to the front of the pouch in front. And on his back was his backpack. He then looked around and saw his six friends sitting at a table together.
Goombella was looking through her Tattle Log and seeing if there were any new monsters that they'd encountered. Koops was casually enjoying a cup of Koopa Tea that he was served. Flurrie was putting on some more makeup while using that compact makeup mirror to make sure that she remained beautiful while doing so. Yoshiam was helping himself to some apples and pineapples that Andrew brought back with them from Keelhaul Key and was eating them with no trouble. Vivian was twirling her fingers and humming, having put on some strawberry perfume just recently to ease herself. And Bobbery was kicking back and drinking some Chuckola Cola that he was given by Podley himself.
He had talked with Podley that he was traveling with Andrew after he was convinced to go to Keelhaul Key with him and his friends. Podley felt that a lot of his guilt had been lifted off of his shoulders, and he was in better spirits. He figured that traveling with Andrew, wherever he was heading next, would do plenty of good for Bobbery's brokenhearted spirit and soothe his soul, along with making Scarlette proud of him.
Seeing that they were collectively sitting together, Andrew approached them and got his attention.
"Ahem! Well guys, I changed into a new outfit," Andrew got their attention with a smile. "What do you guys think?"
Goombella didn't say anything this time, as she then looked up and saw what Andrew was wearing. Upon seeing his choice of clothing, she smirked.
"Y'know Andrew? I'm not surprised. I'm 'really' not by this point," Goombella had to admit before winking at him. "Because you make anything that you wear look cool. In any case, I dig those overalls. They're so 'totally' you."
"Man, you sure have a good choice of wardrobe," Koops remarked as he put down his cup of Koopa Tea. "Ummm... I love the overalls, Andrew. They look perfect on you..."
"Why, darling. You look 'absolutely' stunning in those overalls," Flurrie admitted before speaking with a slightly flirting tone and puckering her lips. "You know, big boy? I think the overalls make you look handsome, Andrew. It'll be great for us to spend time on the Excess Express together. Hmmm, Mr. Hunky Muscles?"
"Whoa! That is wicked awesome, dude!" Yoshiam jumped up and gave him a thumbs up. "You're killing it with the overalls, Presto. Seriously. It looks good on you, man!
"W-Wow, uh...you look nice, Andrew," Vivian uttered shyly while blushing. "'In fact', I think you look handsome like Flurrie said. I...I don't think those overalls could look good on anyone else but you. I'm happy to see you wear them."
"I must say, those overalls of yours look 'absolutely' smashing, dear boy," Bobbery commented. "Those overalls are the bee's knees for certain. Very well done dressing up, Andrew, old boy. I'm sure that you will likely get by with those on, eh wot?"
"Yeah. Yeah. Thank you, guys, I'm glad you like them," Andrew smiled. "And believe me, they feel comfortable."
Now I know why Mario and Luigi love wearing overalls so much, and why it's a part of their wardrobe. Andrew thought before Bobbery got his attention.
"Ahem. A thousand pardons, dear boy. But there is one thing that I'd like to bring up with you," Bobbery started. "You see, it involves ol' Podley over there. I had gotten done talking with him as of late."
"Yeah? And?" Andrew asked curiously.
"The dear boy is truly sorry for not having given me that letter from my dear sweet Scarlette sooner," Bobbery got to the point. "And he hopes that you shan't be too mad with him either. For how he didn't give it to me ages ago, if you may."
Andrew had to think about this. Believe it or not, he had completely forgotten about that ever since he set sail to Keelhaul Key. Of course, he decided not to hold a grudge against it, since it was in the past, and he's willing to let bygones be bygones. For his efforts, he did feel guilty for not doing it, and since everything's been cleared up, it doesn't matter now.
"Well Bobbery, if it helps, I don't hold it against him," Andrew told him. "And I'm willing to let bygones be bygones, especially since it's been settled already."
"Very splendid to hear from you, dear boy," Bobbery was impressed, having finished his Chuckola Cola. "And I must say that I am feeling more like a brand new sea Bob-omb again, thanks to you, old boy. I'm more than certain that Podley's in better spirits too, eh?"
"Yeah. I was glad to have helped out," Andrew said modestly while rubbing the back of his neck. "Really."
"Capital to hear, dear boy," Bobbery gave him the Bob-omb equivalent of a smile, which Andrew greatly appreciated.
"Now that we got that out of the way," Andrew pointed towards the door. "What do you guys say we head to the West Side of Rogueport and go see Don Pianta again."
"Totally," Goombella put away her Tattle Log. "Let's just get this done and over with, so we can get on the train."
"Good idea," Koops finished off his Koopa Tea. "I just want to get this done with already. Since I still find the guy to be scary..."
"What a marvelous plan," Flurrie put away her makeup and her compact mirror. "I daresay, I shan't be too keen on seeing him again. But if we must, then we must."
"Rock on," Yoshiam jumped off of his stool. "Let's just deal with this dude already so we don't have to worry about him again. Come on, Presto!"
"Uh, OK," Vivian nodded. "I'll make sure that he doesn't hurt you, Andrew. Let's just work on getting that ticket."
"Alas, I am also most certainly prepared to get this out of the way," Bobbery said. "Let's just hope that he has no rather illegal errands that he needs us to do in return for that ticket, eh?"
"Very good," Andrew walked over to the door and opened it up. "Let's get going."
Andrew then walked out of the door, with his Goomba, Koopa, Wind Spirit, Yoshi, Shadow Siren, and Bob-omb friends following right behind him. They were gonna be in for a big surprise when they got to see Don Pianta for themselves, and the condition that he was in currently. No doubt about that...
IN THE WEST SIDE OF ROGUEPORT:
Shortly after making it to the west side of town, Andrew ended up entering one of the houses since he noticed something was nearby. Using his tube mode to go through the slot upstairs, he ended up out back with a bunch of trashcans and stuff.
Right there in the backyard, was a Shine Sprite in that typical block. So naturally, Andrew went over and jumped and punched it before claiming the Shine Sprite from it.
After claiming it, he went into Tube Mode again with his friends as they went through another slot, which led them into the other house, where they came out through a dresser drawer on the first floor. Once they got out of it, they returned to normal and left the house, with Andrew looking at the Shine Sprite that was in his hand.
"Omigosh. I had no idea that one of those was in the backyard of that one house," Goombella had to admit.
"I didn't either," Andrew shrugged. "But I noticed something shiny, and that caught my attention."
"Why, how bold. Seeing that we were able to claim another precious Shine Sprite," Flurrie had to admit as Andrew put the Shine Sprite away with the others that he had. "I do believe that those people who lived in those houses must've been surprised to see us like that."
"Gee whiz, I sure hope we didn't make them upset," Vivian had to admit shyly. "I don't want us to get in trouble with them for entering their houses like that..."
"I don't want us getting in trouble either, Vivian," Andrew assured her. "But thankfully, they didn't seem to have a problem with it."
"Yeah. Man, we sure are lucky about that," Koops remarked.
"Hey, Presto!" Yoshiam noticed something. "Look over there! The wall that has a crack in it!"
Andrew walked closer to it, grabbing a Star Piece that was behind a trash can that was in front of the wall. He then realized what this meant.
"Hey! This wall looks like it could be blasted away if we blow it up where the crack is," Andrew proclaimed before he looked toward Bobbery. "Bobbery, if you would do the honor?"
"I would be willing to oblige with this request," Bobbery approached the cracked wall and lit his fuse. "After all, I believe there must be a secret behind it, eh?"
"Yup," Andrew nodded as Bobbery started flashing red.
In a matter of seconds, he used his Bomb ability on the cracked wall, causing a hole to appear right where the crack was. Andrew then saw that there was something behind the wall after all. It was another Shine Sprite. This time, it was on the ground, so Andrew approached it and he took out his Super Bat.
In a matter of seconds, he smashed the block with his bat, causing the Shine Sprite to be shot out, which landed into his right hand. Putting his bat away, he walked away from the spot before approaching the Westside Goods store.
"Well, looks like I have 11 Shine Sprites currently," Andrew put the Shine Sprite away with the others. "Now, let's go and see Don Pianta and get this done and over with."
All six of them nodded collectively as the seven travelers walked through the Westside Goods store and went out the door leading to the back.
After going up the stairs, they approached the door that led to Don Pianta's office. Rather reluctantly, Andrew slowly opened the door and gingerly stepped into his office. His six friends followed close behind they saw next leaving them speechless.
At the end of the office was Don Pianta. Except, he was lying down on a bed that was placed there. And he looked completely blue in the face as if he was sick.
Andrew had to admit, he felt a little pity for seeing him like this. After all, he 'himself' had gotten sick not too long ago during the voyage to Keelhaul Key on the S.S. Flavion. Still, he was confused by this since they weren't at sea, as he saw Don's associates; Vinny and Tony looking over towards him in concern for his well-being.
"Jeepers," Goombella had to blink at the sight of the sick Don Pianta. "What d'you suppose is wrong with him?"
"Well, only one way to find out," Andrew sighed as he approached the bed. "We'll have to check him for ourselves."
The seven travelers approached the bedridden Don Pianta, who was currently trying to sleep off his mysterious sickness, to no avail. As soon as he was in front of him, Andrew tried to get his attention.
"Uh, hello? Don Pianta?" Andrew asked, hoping that he'd get his attention.
"Zzznnnrgh... Francesca..." Don Pianta uttered miserably in his sleep, the presence of his sickness was quite clear in his tone of voice.
"What the...?" Andrew was confused by this, as were his six friends before Vinny and Tony caught their attention.
"Aww... Poor Boss..." Vinny uttered, shaking his head in shame at the sight of their boss. "Da big man's been sick wit' loneliness ever since his daughter skedaddled."
"Our underboss, Frankie, is gone, da boss is in shambles... What's a syndicate ta do?" Tony admitted sadly. "That scruffy gang of punk thieves is stealin' jobs from us right 'an left..."
"Yeah," Andrew tugged on his handkerchief awkwardly. "That does sound like a problem."
"Hey, but enough about us [an'] our stupid problems, huh?" Tony then decided to ask him. "What can we do for youse?"
"I'll get to the point," Andrew exclaimed. "We need to be given a ticket to ride the Excess Express since we need to get to Poshley Heights. And the Excess Express is the only train in Rogueport that can get us there."
"Whah? Tickets for 'da' ritziest train around?" Vinny had to ask. "For da Excess Express?"
"Whoa," Tony blinked at that. "You want tickets for dat rolling wingding?"
"That's right," Andrew nodded to confirm it.
"Oooooh..." Vinny shook his head, seeming apprehensive about this. "Ain't nothin' we can do about dat."
"Yeah, us givin' out tickets? Dat's rich!" Tony couldn't help but scoff that notion off. "You got to talk to da boss for dat."
"...Francesca..." Don Pianta uttered in a frail voice again, sounding like he was in agonizing pain.
"Honestly, I don't think Don Pianta's in any shape to do anything," Andrew had to admit.
"I just can't stand seein' da boss like dis..." Vinny shook his head again.
"If we just knew where 'dose' newlyweds was, we could take da boss to see 'em..." Tony uttered.
"Hold on a minute," Andrew then realized something. "Francesca and Frankie?"
His partners were also quick to catch this as they made their comments on it.
"You mean Francesca and Frankie?" Goombella asked them.
"Wait... Francesca and Frankie?" Koops gave them a confused look while scratching his head.
"You mean those delightful kids, Frankie and Francesca?" Flurrie queried rather curiously with her arms crossed.
"You mean those Piantas, Frankie and Francesca?" Yoshiam questioned while snapping his fingers.
"You mean that cute couple, Frankie and Francesca?" Vivian asked them with a slight smile.
"Hang on. Those two frondy folks, Frankie and Francesca?" Bobbery had to wonder.
"Yeah! We already did a favor for Don Pianta before that involved getting them back to his office," Andrew recalled. "They're on Keelhaul Key currently!"
This got Vinny and Tony's attention. 'Clearly', Andrew knew something about the whereabouts of Francesca and Frankie. Perhaps he could give them a hand and help Don Pianta for the second time in a row.
"Who's on da what, now? What did you just say?" Vinny had to make sure he wasn't hearing things. "Repeat dat."
"You know where da young Miss Pianta is at?!" Tony asked him.
"That's right," Andrew nodded. "They're on Keelhaul Key."
"Really?! No lie?!" Vinny queried again.
"I swear to you, if you're lyin', I will turn you into confetti, so help me." Tony had to make sure that Andrew was telling the truth with a threat.
"Yes. This is no lie," Andrew remarked. "That's where they 'really' are."
"Well, if dat's where she is, why don'tcha bring her back here, huh?" Vinny requested. "Be a pal! We'd go ourselves, but we can't leave da boss unprotected, you get me?"
"Yeah!" Tony agreed with him. "You bring us young Miss Francesca... And we'll do what we can to get you your train tickets. We get a deal or whah?"
Andrew crossed his arms as he had to think about this for a moment. Truth be told, he had hoped that he wouldn't have to get involved with this personal family matter by getting Francesca and Frankie back over here. Unfortunately, he 'really' needs that ticket, and Don can't give it to him when he's sick as a dog. So there was 'really' only one way through this.
"All right," Andrew nodded after clearing his throat. "You got yourself a deal."
"See!" Vinny exclaimed. "Now dat's better."
"I knew once you understood our predicament, you couldn't refuse," Tony agreed. "Don't screw 'dis' up!"
"We won't. We'll be back," Andrew then looked towards his six friends. "Come on, guys. Looks like we're going back to Keelhaul Key..."
All of them nodded as they left Don Pianta's office for the moment, as they were heading straight for the harbor again.
Andrew had hoped that he wouldn't have had to go back there so soon. But this was important. Besides, it's not like it would take that long to find Francesca and Frankie and convince them to come back to Don Pianta, right?
ON KEELHAUL KEY:
After getting to the harbor, Andrew was successful in convincing Cortez to take him and his friends back to Keelhaul Key. It took no time at all for the Black Skull to make it back to the docks on Keelhaul Key.
Wasting no time, Andrew and his friends raced past the shantytown, where Pa-Patch was residing along with a blue Bob-omb sailor, and a couple of stranded Toads that decided to reside on the island as well. He passed by the Keelhaul Galleria and the Inn as well.
After picking up and pocketing two Star Pieces that were in the left corner of the water and behind the rocks near the right exit, they made their way into the thick jungle with that pond.
To his relief, Andrew saw that Francesca and Frankie were hanging around in this area. It looked like they were looking for something, but Andrew needed to tell them something urgent that they had to know about.
"There they are," Andrew pointed. "Let's go talk with them."
With that, the seven travelers walked over to the Pianta couple and caught their attention.
"Excuse me, Francesca and Frankie," Andrew started as he was successful in catching their attention.
"Oh, hi there...Andrew." Francesca was surprised to see Andrew back so soon. "What brings you back here? Can we do something for you?"
"Yes. I'm just gonna come out with it," Andrew then told them straight. "Don Pianta is bedridden, sick as a dog. And he's worried sick about both of you, and he wants you to come back to Rogueport to see him."
"What?!" Frankie was not expecting to hear that. "Da boss is sick?!"
"That's right," Andrew confirmed.
"Oh, poor Daddy! Oh, no..." Francesca shook her head sadly. "And at a time like this..."
"What's the matter?" Andrew asked, noticing that she was upset about something else.
You see, I... I just dropped the wedding ring Frankie gave me around here..." Francesca told him. "I can't possibly leave until I find that ring! Otherwise, something might eat it!"
"Omigosh! That is 'totally' terrible!" Goombella yelped. "Sorry to hear that, y'know!"
"Mercy me! That is rather unfortunate!" Flurrie agreed with a dramatic yell. "It truly feels like a tragedy to know that your wedding ring might be eaten. Or worse, STOLEN right from under your nose! If it were me and a certain muscular man, I shan't ever let it leave my sight! EVER!"
"Yeah. Sorry to hear that," Vivian frowned at this. "That's rather sad to hear."
"Do you know where it might be?" Andrew had to ask.
"It must be somewhere between here and that skull rock!" Francesca answered.
"Hold on a minute," Andrew had to ask. "Don't you have some type of insurance that can cover your lost wedding ring and replace it with another one?"
"You don't understand, Andrew. Yes, I did have insurance," Francesca then revealed. "But you see, my Daddy was the one who owned that insurance company."
"Oh. That's rather a tad bit unexpected," Bobbery blinked at this. "I wonder if that Don Pianta fellow might have gotten the insurance through illegal means..."
"Considering that he runs a mafia, I wouldn't be surprised," Andrew sighed. "Anyway, are you still covered by it?"
"No. You see, right before I ran off with Frankie here, I canceled my association with that insurance," Francesca told him. "They won't be able to cover it since I'm not with them anymore."
"Whoa," Yoshiam was surprised by that. "That sounds rather harsh when I think about it."
"Ummm...wow," Koops said. "Didn't expect to hear any of that."
"Me either," Andrew frowned at this.
"Listen for a second, my fuzzy little coconut..." Frankie decided to ask in a rather reasonable tone. "Shouldn't we forget about dat ring for now [an'] check on da boss?"
"How could you say that, Frankie?" Francesca 'clearly' didn't appreciate hearing those words come out of his mouth. "That ring was the symbol of our love! We HAVE to find it! We HAVE to! Or...maybe you just don't love me anymore, is that it?"
Andrew couldn't help but twitch his left eye upon hearing that. He couldn't believe it. Was Francesca 'really' more concerned about her wedding ring than she was about her 'own' father's well-being?
Granted, Don Pianta was no saint in the slightest. But to hear Francesca talk like this almost made her come off as a little callous in that category.
"Of course, I love you..." Frankie declared. "My little bacon burger!"
"None of your sweet talk now!" Francesca held her hand up and acted a little possessive of him. "You're going to have to say you love me 100 times!"
"100 TIMES!?" Frankie yelled, not being able to believe his ears.
"Oh for Pete's sake," Andrew grumbled, taking out two pairs of headphones just in case he'll need them.
"If you love me, you have to say it, Frankie!" Francesca turned away as she crossed her arms like a little child.
"Oh... C'mon now, babe..." Frankie tried pleading with her. "Of course I love you, my little short stack... Now please, let's go."
"NO!" Francesca yelled, sounding like she was throwing a hissy fit. "You have to say it 99 more times, Frankie!"
"Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" Frankie sighed and relented. There was only one way for him to get out of this. "Fine, you crazy dame!"
"Oh great," Andrew groaned before warning his friends. "Cover your ears, guys. This might take a while."
He then handed the two headphones to Goombella and Bobbery. "Goombella? Bobbery? You're gonna need to wear these since he's seriously gonna say it 100 times." Andrew warned them.
Neither of them argued with it as they put them on while the rest of them, including Andrew, covered their ears so they wouldn't hear any soap operas taking place.
At that moment, Frankie took a deep breath and got started by saying 'I love you' 100 times in a row...
10 MINUTES LATER...
"Huff...heeeeef...hoooooooof..." Frankie panting, sounding like he was out of breath upon saying that 100 times. "There, I said it..."
"Is it over yet?" Andrew had to ask with his ears covered.
"Oh, Frankie, baby..." Francesca couldn't help but giggle at this. "You're such a silly billy! Hee hee hee!"
"It is," Andrew sighed in relief as he uncovered his ears. "Thank goodness."
Andrew then took off the headphones that Goombella and Bobbery were wearing so they wouldn't have to listen to him say 'I love you' a hundred times.
"OK, guys," Andrew instructed them. "You can uncover your ears. He's all done!"
They did exactly that as all seven of them heard what Frankie said next while Andrew put the headphones away.
"Now, my little cream puff..." Frankie sighed. "Let's find dat ring right away, whaddaya say?"
Andrew had to frown at this as they started looking for the ring, with no success. He knew that there was only one way that they could get done with this faster. And his partners knew it too.
"I wonder if these two are gonna be OK..." Goombella then had to give her suggestion to Andrew. "Look, Andrew... I think maybe we should help them..."
"We ought to help them..." Koops agreed.
"Perhaps we should help them..." Flurrie also suggested.
"Listen, Presto... We'd better play it safe and help them, don'tcha think?" Yoshiam proclaimed.
"Uh, Andrew... I think it might be a good idea to help them..." Vivian commented.
"We should help them..." Bobbery remarked.
"I guess we 'REALLY' don't have much of a choice," Andrew had to sigh in defeat. "We're not gonna get anywhere unless we do. So we might as well..."
Andrew then let out a rather aggravated groan as he looked towards the jungle. "I have to say though, I 'really' didn't want to explore this jungle again..."
With that, Andrew stormed off into the jungle to find that missing wedding ring. Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, and Bobbery were able to catch up with him. They noticed the ire tone in his voice, but they didn't bother questioning about it. It did seem a little melodramatic when they thought about it.
But they still had to find it regardless. It was the only way to get them to come back to Rogueport with them. Besides, it's not like trying to find a wedding ring would take a lot of time to do, right?
Eventually, the search for that Wedding Ring took the seven travelers through the jungle, up that rocky mountain, and across the bridge straight to the area where the entrance to Pirate's Grotto was located.
In addition to finding a Spite Pouch in the last bush before the water, which happened to be an orange sack tied up with a green string, he was successful in finding the Wedding Ring. It was cyan with a diamond attached to it. Andrew picked it up and looked at it while heading back.
"All this trouble just for a simple wedding ring," Andrew had to utter at this. "How could they have lost it 'all the way' over here? Surely they didn't come to this area, did they?"
"I know how you feel," Goombella sighed. "But this was the only way to get them to come back with us to Rogueport."
"Gee whiz... Ummm... I'm shellshocked," Koops blinked at it. "Man, I hope the wedding ring I give to Koopie Koo doesn't get lost in the sink or the river pond... Otherwise, she wouldn't be too happy about it... She'd have me searching for days just to find it... That's for sure..."
"Dearie, I truly do feel for how upset you must be," Flurrie had to tell Andrew. "But I do believe that this wedding ring means a lot to her. You'd understand too if you were married, darling."
"That's the problem. I'm not married. I've never been married," Andrew admitted while frowning. "I've been single most of my life. 'In fact', I didn't even have any friends until I came to Rogueport..."
"Whoa. That doesn't sound cool, dude," Yoshiam frowned. "That does seem like a downer..."
"Aw. Sorry to hear that, Andrew," Vivian seemed saddened to have heard that as she placed her hand on his shoulder affectionately. "I 'really' wish that I could help comfort you. Seriously."
"Dear boy, I still remember the wedding gift that my dear sweet Scarlette gave to me when we were first married," Bobbery had to share. "But of course, it wasn't a ring, since we Bob-ombs do not have hands or fingers. At least, not most of us, if I may add. So I settled with a fine ship in a bottle with a heart carved into the hull. But, ahem, that's beside the point, old boy."
Bobbery then cleared his throat before he told him. "I am more than certain that you shall know what it feels like once you do end up finding your significant other, if you may."
"Yeah. I guess your right," Andrew sighed as he held his hands up. "Don't worry about it, guys. Let's just give this ring to Francesca."
"I'm 'totally' with you on that," Goombella beamed while winking at him. "Let's go for it!"
With that, the seven of them headed back to the area where Francesca and Frankie were still looking for the wedding ring. By the time they got there, they were still in search of it until Andrew cleared his throat and got their attention.
"Ahem, excuse me? Francesca? Frankie?" Andrew then showed them the ring. "We found the Wedding Ring for you."
"AAAAAAH! THAT'S IT!" Francesca squealed in delight as she accepted the wedding ring and put it back on. "THAT'S MY RING! YOU FOUND IT!"
"Yeah," Andrew rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "It was nothing. We were glad to have found it. Really."
"Frankie! Now we can go home to Daddy!" Francesca declared willingly.
"We sure can, my little cheese 'n' cracker! Let's go!" Frankie agreed with her.
"...Well, so, anyway..." Francesca caught herself before she told Andrew. "We'll be down at the dock. Hurry back, please!"
With that, Francesca and Frankie hurried back to the dock, as they were planning on boarding the Black Skull so they could sail back to Rogueport along with Andrew and his six friends.
"Well, looks like we can head back to Rogueport," Andrew pointed out. "Let's get going."
They all nodded as they headed back to the dock. Before they went there, Andrew bought a couple of things at the Keelhaul Galleria, as he felt ashamed for not having bought anything when he was on that expedition.
He had purchased a 'Fire-Flower', two Ice Storms, a Sleepy Sheep, and four Super Shrooms. Once he was done with that, he put the goods into his backpack as he made his way to the docks where the Black Skull was currently.
Once they had gotten there, they saw Francesca and Frankie on board the Black Skull along with Cortez. They were 'clearly' ready to head back to Rogueport, where they would go see Don Pianta, effective immediately.
"OK, Andrew... I think we're ready, pal," Frankie told him. "Yeah, we are. Let's go back to Rogueport!"
"Ohhhhhh, Daddy!" Francesca said, sounding distraught. "Please hang on until we get there!"
Andrew nodded as he boarded the Black Skull along with his six friends. Once he had noticed them get on board, Cortez decided to ask him.
"Return to Rogueport, amigo?" Cortez queried.
"Yes. We're ready to get back to Rogueport," Andrew nodded.
"Bueno! We are off!" Cortez declared. "Cast off, mi amigos! To Rogueport!"
With that, the Black Skull turned around and headed straight for the Rogueport Harbor with Andrew, his six friends, Francesca, and Frankie on board.
Andrew, Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, and Bobbery could only hope that by doing this, they could get that ticket to ride on the Excess Express. As for Francesca and Frankie, they hope that they can make it before something awful happens to Don Pianta. They could only wait to see it for themselves...
IN ROGUEPORT:
It took no time at all for the Black Skull to reach the Rogueport Harbor, as Andrew and his friends were glad to be back again. Francesca and Frankie were too, as their first goal was to head straight to Don Pianta to see how he was doing.
Once the Black Skull came to a stop, they all got off the ship as Francesca and Frankie knew what they had to do next.
"We have to go see Daddy immediately!" Francesca cried a declaration.
"You got it, Francesca!" Frankie agreed wholeheartedly with that.
Both Piantas stormed off to Don Pianta's office as they hoped that they could make it in time, leaving Andrew alone with his six friends.
"Well, that's our cue," Andrew pointed forward. "Let's go back to Don Pianta's office again."
All six of them nodded as they made a beeline for Don Pianta's office on the West Side of Rogueport. They could only hope that they would get the Train Ticket for the Excess Express just for doing this for him.
It didn't take long for Andrew to make it back to Don Pianta's office, along with his Goomba, Koopa, Wind Spirit, Yoshi, Shadow Siren, and Bob-omb friends accompanying him.
Once they entered the office, they saw that Francesca and Frankie were already there, looking over Don Pianta who was still in bed, sick as a dog.
"Daddy! Daddy! DADDY!" Francesca begged and cried. "Wake up! Open your eyes!"
"Boss!" Frankie was also worried that they were too late.
Andrew then approached Don Pianta again as he then cleared his throat and then spoke up. "Uh, Don Pianta?"
It was at that moment that Don Pianta was coming to his senses as he saw Francesca right in front of him.
"...Francesca?" He had to make sure this wasn't another fever dream.
"DADDY!" Francesca cheered in a squeal.
"BOSS!" Frankie yelled in agreement.
"Oh, my little Francesca!" Don Pianta no longer sounded sick. "You came back for me! An' you, too, Frankie!"
"Of COURSE we did, Daddy!" Francesca told him. "As soon as we heard you were ill, we dropped everything and rushed back!"
Don Pianta had to think everything over. All these years of being a crime boss for a mafia have certainly taken a toll on him. And it had gotten to the point where he had been driving everyone away from him. This included his 'own' daughter and one of his associates.
It was becoming 'clear' that he was seeing the error of his nasty ways. And judging by how exhausted he's been getting lately, there was 'really' only one solution to this dilemma.
"Francesca... Frankie... I was wrong," Don Pianta confessed to them. "I was a stubborn old man. Forgive me. I know I may regret sayin' dis, but...I want da two of youse to stay here. [Wit'] me. I can't bear to be away from you two crazy kids. I'm an old man now. I need peace..."
"Hmm?" Andrew was confused by this as Don Pianta managed to hop out of his bed and walk away from it.
"I guess da time has come for me to stop bein' so selfish, causin' everyone trouble... Looks like even Don Pianta, da Don of Untimely Death, can't escape da old age..." Don Pianta then made the big reveal of what he plans to do next to everyone. "Da time has come, everyone. I'm gonna retire."
Everyone in the room was shocked. Vinny, Tony, Francesca, and Frankie couldn't believe what they just heard. And neither did Andrew or his friends.
Was Don Pianta being serious right now? Was he seriously going to retire from his position at the Pianta Syndicate? Judging by the expression on his face, he was completely serious about it.
"No. It's time. I mean it," Don Pianta shook his head before pointing towards Frankie. "[An'] I want you to be my successor, Frankie. Whaddaya say, Frankie? As of today, you are da new head of 'da' Pianta syndicate!"
"Whaaaaat?" Frankie could not believe this. He was rather nervous about these new abrupt changes, and that he was now the new boss of the syndicate. He 'clearly' didn't seem ready for it.
"B-But...Boss! You still got it in ya!" Frankie shook his head as he insisted. "You're a spring chicken! You don't gotta do 'dis'! And, I mean... Me? Boss?"
"No, you're da one, Frankie," Don Pianta held his hand up as he insisted that these new changes were to be set in stone. "I've been thinkin' dat for a long time now. You'll do just fine, kid. I got a feelin' 'bout you. A good one. I want you to take care of Francesca an' da rest of the syndicate...da way I did."
"BOSS!" Frankie yelled. He still wasn't so sure about this. He wasn't confident about his new position as boss in charge of the syndicate.
Don Pianta turned away from him for a moment as he then turned to look at Andrew.
"You. Andrew," Don Pianta got to the point with him. "It looks like you've done yet another favor for me, kid."
"Uhhh, not really," Andrew shook his head rather sheepishly.
"Yeah..." Vinny started nervously. "Uh, about dat, Boss..."
Don Pianta couldn't help but roll his eyes under his shades. He had a feeling that his two associates must've done something to displease him.
"...Oh, dis is gonna be just bee-yoo-tiful, I know it," Don Pianta then demanded from Vinny and Tony. "What did you guys do?!"
"Well, uh, we kinda promised him somethin', Boss," Tony got down to the point. "We told him we'd get him a ticket for da Excess Express if he brought your daughter..."
Don Pianta had a blank look on his face for a second before he brushed it off. Turns out it wasn't as serious as he thought it was. Having Andrew be given a ticket for the Excess Express didn't seem like a big deal at all.
"Whoa ho ho ho ho ho ho ho! Is dat all? You had me worried for a second!" Don Pianta then motioned Andrew over to get his Train Ticket. "Come on over here, Andrew. How many do you want? One? Two? Ten? Help yourself!"
Andrew was then given the Train Ticket which was pink. Both Vinny and Tony let out a low whistle at that. They seemed impressed by how easy Andrew made it look when it came to needing a Train Ticket.
"You come back anytime you like, how 'bout dat?" Don Pianta told him.
"Yeah. All right," Andrew told him sheepishly. "Thanks for this. We 'really' appreciate it."
"Yup," Don Pianta then sighed. "Well, now dat I've retired... I'm gonna get out of here."
"Daddy!" Francesca begged.
"Boss!" Frankie yelled, hoping that it wasn't going to come to this.
"You're 'da' boss now, Frankie! You got dat?" Don Pianta insisted before he told him one more thing. "You. Da boss. You do good, now, Frankie!"
Before anyone else could say anything, Don Pianta walked away and left his office. He was 'clearly' serious about retiring. Despite this, he would remain at the Pianta Parlor that was right below his office.
Once he was gone, Francesca approached Frankie and started to dust off his outfit, seeing that he was going to run the syndicate and everyone that's a part of it.
"Frankie! We've got lots of work to do!" Francesca declared like a secretary. "And don't worry: 'I'LL' keep you in line!"
"Sweet bean, c'mon!" Frankie pleaded, hoping that she wasn't going to go along with this.
"Knock it off with the pet name nonsense, will you?" Francesca then proceeded to scold him. "Call me Francesca!"
"Huh?" Frankie was pretty shaken by this. "F-F-F-F-Fuh... Francesca?"
"Yes! Or 'Miss Boss'!" Francesca declared before giggling. "Tee hee hee!"
Frankie could only sigh in defeat. There was no way around this. He was now the official new boss of the Pianta Syndicate, whether he liked it or not. It was then Vinny and Tony approached Frankie and decided to accept the fact that he was running things from now on.
"Underboss..." Vinny then corrected himself before declaring. "Uh, errrr, I mean...Boss! You got our loyalty!"
"We'll be by your side whenever you need us, Boss!" Tony saluted him.
It was then Francesca and Frankie turned to face Andrew, as they appreciated everything that he had done for them.
"Thank you so much, Andrew," Francesca said sincerely. "For everything!"
"You're welcome here anytime," Frankie informed him. "You're like a bruddah to me."
"Ah, well, it was nothing," Andrew told them modestly. "We were glad to have helped out. And we 'really' appreciate that. Thank you."
It was then Vinny and Tony got a turn by looking towards the muscular man. The looks on their faces have shown that they have at least developed some sort of respect for him.
"You ain't bad, kiddo," Vinny informed him sincerely.
"Yeah! You ever think about joinin' up wit' da syndicate?" Tony told him. "It's 'da' life, kid!"
"Well, we appreciate the praise. Thanks for all of this," Andrew told them before facing his friends. "Come on, guys. We better get going."
And with that, Andrew walked out of the office. Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, and Bobbery followed right behind him as they were all impressed and surprised by how everything turned out for the Pianta Syndicate.
"I must say, that Don Pianta fellow seemed to be a wee bit more pleasant of a gent back there," Bobbery had to admit. "But of course, I was expecting him to be a tad bit more uptight and stingy, eh?"
"Yeah. He was, wasn't he Bobbery?" Andrew had to admit. "I'm still surprised that Don Pianta decided to retire from the syndicate. And he left Frankie in charge of the syndicate too. Could this mean big changes for the mafia?"
"Maybe," Vivian shrugged. "I'm sure glad things worked out. Don Pianta doesn't seem like a total meanie anymore, and maybe who knows? Things might look better for Rogueport, right Andrew?"
"It's possible, Vivian," Andrew nodded. "First I've gotten the respect of the sailors at the docks. Now I've been getting respect from the Piantas of the Pianta Syndicate. This all comes as a surprise to me."
"I think it's pretty cool," Yoshiam remarked with a grin. "You're awesome, Presto. So it'd make sense that people should show you respect for all the hard work that you do for them!"
"I can't deny that, Yoshiam," Andrew sighed. "I hope that things will be better with the Pianta Syndicate mafia from now on."
"I must agree with you, darling! Especially since that Frankie fellow and his wife shall be running things," Flurrie agreed. "We mustn't have any doubts about how things might change in Rogueport. We shall expect them to take place soon."
"Yeah, Flurrie," Andrew rubbed his chin. "Rogueport still has a long way to go before it becomes a better place to live. But this is a start, at least."
"Man... Don't I agree," Koops remarked. "Things will become better here. And maybe Koopie Koo and I will come visit more... Once it stops being so dangerous, you know..."
"I understand, Koops," Andrew then held the Train Ticket in his right hand. "But more importantly, we got the Train Ticket. That counts as something else, doesn't it?"
"You betcha, Andrew!" Goombella beamed as they walked through the Westside Goods store. "It's 'totally' awesome!"
"It sure is, Goombella," Andrew then led them to the door leading them to the outside of the Westside Goods store.
As soon as he closed the door behind him, Andrew and his friends walked away from the store and they felt accomplished by what they did.
"Well, guys," Andrew started to ask with a smile on his face. "You know what this means, don't you?"
"Now we can go to Poshley Heights!" Goombella beamed. "Awesome!"
"...We did it!" Koops admitted. We can go to Poshley Heights now!"
"And in extreme luxury to boot!" Flurrie admitted in a joyous tone. "Getting this sixth Crystal Star will be a PLEASURE!"
"YES!" Yoshiam cheered while bouncing up and down and throwing the goat with his hands up. "That sixth Crystal Star is as good as ours!"
"We'd better hurry up and find that sixth Crystal Star," Vivian smiled in pleasure as she was going to enjoy some comfort with Andrew by her side.
"Finding that sixth Crystal Star shouldn't be more taxing than a vacation, eh wot?" Bobbery exclaimed, looking forward to a train ride for once instead of a boat ride.
"Exactly," Andrew nodded.
Unfortunately, terrible luck was bestowed upon them as they then heard a rather cold, creaky, and familiar voice speaking from nearby, having overheard everything they said.
"Mwee hee hee hee hee hee! I heard that, my uglies!" That voice cackled as if it sounded like it came from a crone.
All seven of them jumped at that and reacted differently. Vivian couldn't help but frown as she knew exactly who that was. Without a second to spare, she started shaking in fear, scared as to what would happen next.
By contrast, Andrew felt his eyebrows furrow, a frown forming on his face, with his teeth clenching underneath, as he curled his hands into fists. He knew exactly who that voice belonged to, and it made him furious.
Oh no. That can't be... Andrew thought bitterly. Please tell me that isn't WHO I think it is...
Likewise, Goombella and Koops couldn't help but scowl at that voice, for they had been with Andrew when they saw her for the first time.
The rest of them were a little confused by that voice. At that moment, the cold and creaky voice started speaking again from a shadow spot near the front of the Pianta Parlor.
"So, the sixth Crystal Star is in Poshley Heights, is it?" That cold voice also sounded rather snide by what was heard. "That's a rather nice piece of information. Thanks ever so!"
Andrew's frown deepened as he knew who that was. There was no more doubt about who that voice belonged to. Then right on cue, appearing from the shadows in that one spot was Beldam. And she had overheard everything about where the sixth Crystal Star is located.
At that moment, not only were Andrew, Goombella, and Koops glaring at her, but so were Flurrie, Yoshiam, and Bobbery, since they realized that she must be Beldam. Vivian, however, had to jump and yelp in fright as she was worried about what could happen to her.
"Eep! Beldam!" Vivian squealed in fright.
"Harumph!" Bobbery huffed at this. "Andrew, old boy? I take it that this is the Beldam crone that you have spoken of earlier, is it not?"
"Oh yes. This is Beldam," Andrew nodded before giving Beldam a rather nasty and venomous glare, a low growl escaping from his throat. "What do you want, Beldam? Did you come to pick a fight with us?"
"Yesss. Normally, this would be where I finally deal with you and that homely traitor, Vivian..." Beldam admitted with a hiss.
"Well TOUGH BREAK!" Andrew snarled, getting in front of Vivian to protect her. "If you think you can come here to hurt Vivian, you are sadly mistaken! You'll have to get through ME first!"
"And if you mess with Presto, YOU mess with the REST OF US, LADY!" Yoshiam bellowed, shaking his right fist towards Beldam to show that he was serious.
"YEAH!" Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, and Bobbery all yelled simultaneously as they stood right next to Andrew along with Yoshiam, more than ready to back him up if Beldam tried to do anything to him and Vivian.
Beldam, for her part, knew that they would've pulled something like this. And especially since she was alone, the cards were mostly in their favor. So she had no choice but to spare them for the moment. Not to mention that she had a much better plan to deal with them anyway.
"Bah. But something tells me that trying that alone might be unwise," Beldam scoffed this off. "So you live, for now."
"Smart thinking," Andrew told her sharply with gritted teeth.
"Instead, I'll just beat you to Poshley Heights and get that Crystal Star before you do!" Beldam wasted no time in saying that.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Andrew 'actually' erupted when he shouted that, steam blowing out of his ears as he felt a blood vessel pop on his forehead.
"Mwee hee hee hee hee hee!" Beldam cackled like some kind of troll as she departed into the shadows, leaving the others to frantically need to get onto the Excess Express.
Except for Andrew. He was growling 'angrily' at this. It would appear that Vivian was telling him the truth when she told him that Beldam once used her hiding shadow powers to eavesdrop on people instead of birds.
UGH! I hate Beldam! Andrew thought angrily through gritted teeth. I hate her so much!
"I 'totally' know how you feel, Andrew," Goombella assured him before yelling. "What a total hag! I mean, jeepers! I hate that woman!"
"Oh, Andrew! She's serious!" Vivian yelled, getting Andrew's attention. "We need to get to Poshley Heights before her! We have to go to Rogueport Station, NOW!"
"Good idea," Andrew nodded in agreement. "Let's hurry to Rogueport Station!"
"Yes!" Goombella nodded. "Quick! To Rogueport Station!"
"Let's make for Rogueport Station!" Koops yelled. "C'mon!"
"Time is of the essence!" Flurrie declared dramatically. "To Rogueport Station!"
"Let's make tracks for Rogueport Station!" Yoshiam pointed towards the station.
"Look alive, man! We are off to Rogueport Station!" Bobbery proclaimed.
"Got it!" Andrew nodded as he made a dash for the Rogueport Station that was to the north.
Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, and Bobbery managed to keep up with him as they were all in a hurry to board the Excess Express and make sure that they could get the Crystal Star before Beldam did...
AT THE ROGUEPORT STATION:
It took them no time at all to make it to the station. They saw the Excess Express to the left, which is where they needed to be. Going up the stairs, Andrew and his six friends all made their way to the door, which was being guarded by the train owner.
The train owner was a Toad who was wearing a black cap instead of a white cap, which had blue spots on it. He was also wearing a black vest with a blue t-shirt underneath, and his white gloves had blue rims on the end of them.
Andrew had a feeling that this was the guy who would allow them to board the Excess Express with that ticket. With that said, he approached him and got his attention.
"Excuse me, sir?" Andrew started. "But would this be where we can get on board the Excess Express?"
"Yes. This is where you can get on board the Excess Express," the train owner answered. "And this train is bound for luxurious Poshley Heights. Will you be boarding today?"
"Yes. Yes, we are," Andrew nodded. "All seven of us will be boarding today."
"Wonderful," the train owner then had to request from him. "If you don't mind, please allow me to check your ticket..."
"This would be it," Andrew showed him the Train Ticket before asking. "And will this be able to cover all seven of us on this train?"
"Yes. Yes, it will. Very good," the train owner answered as he allowed them to board. "Watch your step, please. ALL ABOARD!"
He then walked out of the way and opened the door for all seven of them to walk on in. Andrew gladly entered the Excess Express. And so did Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshiam, Vivian, and Bobbery. They would be given their cabin room very shortly as the train owner then bellowed for the train to get a move on.
"ALL ABOARD!" The train owner yelled once again.
And with that, the Excess Express then slowly started moving and was shoving off from the Rogueport Station, intending to head to Poshley Heights as its final stop before heading back.
There was no doubt about it. Andrew and his friends were going to head to Poshley Heights on a first-class train. Even with the threat of Beldam looming over them, they were going to make the most of this luxurious train ride.
Regardless of that, Andrew and his six friends are determined to get to the next Crystal Star before Beldam does. Regardless, they were going to claim the sixth Crystal Star; the Garnet Star. Whether Beldam will realize it or not.
And one thing was for certain. The seven travelers were about to start the sixth part of their adventure...
END OF CHAPTER 56...
Yeah. That's it for this chapter. I do hope that you all enjoyed it, and I hope you are all hype about Chapter 6 starting.
I have to be completely honest with you all, I've been looking forward to writing Chapter 6 for a while. Aside from Chapter 4, I've been eager to write out Chapter 6 since I started. It's a fan favorite for a reason, what with the mysteries needing to be solved on the train, and whatnot.
Also, you can notice that Andrew has a strong hatred for Beldam, for a good reason. Normally, Andrew doesn't hate anyone. At most, he'll be annoyed or irritated by someone, but will at least tolerate them as long as they don't do anything life-threatening to him and his friends. But Andrew genuinely hates Beldam, for obvious reasons.
And as for Ms. Mowz and why she hasn't appeared yet, you may ask? Fret not, readers. I DO have plans on having Ms. Mowz appear, and she WILL be joining Andrew during the events of Chapter 6.
As I had said earlier, her role will be integrated into Chapter 6 which makes it flow perfectly, a sharp contrast to a silly trouble center fetch quest that most players have overlooked and never discovered that she can be a partner of Mario's. This is a promise. I swear it.
Anyway, the next chapter will officially start Chapter 6. For that chapter, Andrew and his friends will get a threatening note in their cabin, they'll have several mysteries to solve on the train, including the one about finding the culprit who wrote that threat, and they meet a couple of new people, including a Bumpty who claims to be a detective.
Additionally, they'll meet a couple of familiar faces, including that Bob-omb family from Chapter 3, that aristocratic Toad woman named Toodles, and a certain white Little Mouser that Andrew hasn't seen in a while.
And many other stuff will occur too. How will this go for the seven travelers? Find out next time, readers!
For now, only if you like, you can leave a review and let me know what you thought about this chapter.
Otherwise, I have nothing else to say here. So until next time, I do hope you look forward to Chapter 6. And on that note, thanks again for reading, everyone!