Mario commented, "Good work everyone."

Luigi stated, "O - oh man, that was nuts."

Goombella replied, "Yeah no kidding but it looks like nothing else is down here. We better get back up through the pipe."

The brothers agreed with her and they headed back up the pipe. They headed back through the forest again. They had gotten back to Petalburg to get more supplies and were starting to head out of the gate.

"Um… excuse me?" The group looked and saw Koops there. He asked, "It's…it's Mario, right? Mario and Luigi?"

Mario confirmed, "Yeah, that's us."

Luigi asked, "How can we help?"

Koops answered, "Look, I, um… See, the thing is, I've been waiting here in the hope of getting to speak with you."

Goombella raised a brow, "Yes but why?"

Koops stated, "I have to ask you something, and you both can say no, but I'm going to throw it out there. Um…see… I was wondering… Would you… Oh for Pete's sake, can you please take me with you to fight Hooktail? Pretty please?"

Mario, Luigi, and Goombella were all surprised by this question.

Goombella asked, "But wait, why do you want to come with us?"

Koops explained, "You see, my dad went off to battle Hooktail long ago…but he never came back…"

Mario breathed, "Wait, is that what you wanted to tell us before we went in?"

To that, Koops nodded. "I miss him of course. I miss him badly…"

Mario and Luigi eyed each other, the sadness in their eyes.

Luigi told Koops, "We understand."

Koops sniffled, "So I've heard. But this isn't about avenging my dad. Well, no… That's not true. Revenge is a part of it, I guess. A big part. But the truth is, I want to finish what my dad started. For his sake. For everyone's sake."

Mario placed a hand on Koops' shoulder. He reassured, "Hey, if anyone understands, it is us."

Koops nodded, "See, the thing is… Man this is embarrassing… Everyone says that I'm a crybaby… A weakling… But if I can defeat Hooktail… Well, I won't be any of those things. I'll be strong, like my dad. I know it'll be dangerous but I still want to go!"

Luigi admitted, "You are a lot like me, kid. Everyone has always said that about me. That I'll be nothing like my brother. It's been hard since both of our parents are gone now. I wonder if I'll ever make them proud…"

Mario hugged his brother from behind as Goombella and Koops joined in on the hug.

Goombella stated, "I don't why we couldn't have him come along."

Mario replied, "I totally agree."

Luigi responded, "You are with us, kid."

Koops was grateful, "Thank you all so much! You won't regret this! Let's get going!"

Mario commented, "Let's a-go!"

Luigi stated, "Okay dokey!"

The boys started to lead, with Goombella falling behind just a little.

She pleaded, "Wait for me!"

"Koops!"

That's when they saw Koopie Koo.

Koops stammered, "Um…hi Koopie Koo… Did you overhear…?"

Koopie admitted, "Just part of it. I thought I heard you say you are off to fight Hooktail. But…you are kidding, right? I mean, you aren't exactly a powerhouse. He'll eat you up!"

Goombella told her fiercely, "He'll be fine!"

Koopie was startled, "Oh um sure he will be."

Koops pointed out, "Besides, I want to get stronger for you."

Koopie blushed at that moment. Mario turned to her and said, "Don't worry, we'll keep him safe."

Luigi gulped a bit, "I had a feeling that you were going to say that."

Koopie stated, "But you know I don't care about all of that… I just want you to be you.

Koops replied, "Sorry Koopie Koo… I've made up my mind. Just be safe here, okay?"

Koopie nodded but she was a bit upset. Luigi placed his hand on Koops shoulder. This situation reminded the man in green of his missing girlfriend. He could only hope that she and the princess were doing okay.

…

Once they got back to some stones, Mario put the Sun and Moon stones in. The center stone started to glow a blue light. The words were starting to glow.

Goombella read, "Here beginneth the path to dread Hooktail's Castle. Weaklings, retreateth! Ye who seeketh to proceed: a power of two must hitteth both switches simultaneously."

Mario stated, "Sounds easy enough. Ready for this Koops?"

Koops admitted, shaking, "A - as I'll ever be…"

Luigi reassured, "D - don't worry, you got this."

To that, Koops nodded. He got into his shell and Mario used his shell to hit the switches at the same time. The stone withered away, revealing a transport pipe.

Mario was amazed, "A transport pipe?"

Goombella slightly teased, "I had a feeling that's what it was."

Luigi asked, "D - does that mean we go down there?"

Koops answered, "Y - yep… let's go."

The group nodded as they all went into the transport pipe. They were transported right in front of Hooktail's Castle. Mario took the lead into the castle, Goombella was behind him. Luigi and Koops went in right after them, after gulping down their fear.

…

After getting into the castle, the group got to a bridge right before the castle.

Koops commented, "Oh man, Hooktail's Castle. The stories were all true… The place is terrifying… "

Luigi stammered, "N - no kidding."

Goombella frowned, "The bridge is damaged. We can't go that way."

Mario turned to his brother, "We're going have to get across with your curse, Luigi."

Luigi shuddered but knew that he was right. He turned into a paper airplane, allowing his friends and his brother to ride across. They opened the door and went inside.

…

Wishmaker1028: I know that this is a short chapter 8 but we get it done! Please read and review! And always think outside of the box!