"Okay, there's an extent to my ability to travel around the world." I said looking at the new location on the map. We had offered the fourth star to the door and had another location show up on the treasure map. Although the new location had me a bit stumped on HOW we would get there, given it was on an island in the middle of the ocean.
"Never mind that right now!" Frankly yelled. "Was that really in the e-mail you received!? The treasure is actually the spirit of an ancient demon…and those fiends want to use the power of the crystal star to resurrect it!?"
"I think they were more a seal the door kind of thing but basically, yeah." I replied turning back to the map.
"Well, it's consistent with what I've uncovered."
"You found something Professor?" Goombella asked.
"Um…yes, but it's a bit lengthy. So, everyone pay attention, I'm only saying it once." I was suddenly walloped by a cane, "That means you too! Listen up! The great cataclysm that I read about in that book may well refer to this demon…it said that a monster destroyed a large town that once stood on this very area."
"That's right." Goombella chimed in. "Long ago, Rogueport use to be a massive city before most of it was buried."
"Correct. It ALSO said that the seven crystal stars were actually CREATED by this monster…AND that this thing used the power of the crystal stars to try and control the world…" That would explain the almost infinite power these things possess, "According to this book, the demon was defeated in the end by four heroes. But only the beast's physical form was destroyed…its spirit could not be eradicated. So the heroes used the crystal stars, which they stole from the demon and they cast the evil beast into the depths of a vast maze, and sealed the exit."
"Seems like the stars aren't that loyal." Flurrie mused.
"They are picky though." Peach added looking at me.
"They can't seem to distinguish between good and evil." Frankly explained. "So, if they are untied, 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."
"So…we don't have to worry as long as Soren has them, right?" Koops asked.
"The only thing to worry about is if they get stolen." Mowz brought up.
"Then maybe we shouldn't be collecting them." Eggi brought up. "I doubt it could happen to Black, but if someone jumps him and snatches the stars then they could just revive that demon."
"I don't know how they would." I said motioning to my lack of giant stars that we've collected four of. "I don't even know where they are right now."
"That's a bit worrying." Goombella said.
"Regardless, we need them. There's a possibility that the Thousand-Year Door is weakening. It seems the power of the crystal stars hold the seal for a thousand years. Once that seal runs out, the door will open regardless. As an unfortunate coincidence, this year might be the thousandth year." That's bad timing!
"Is that why the X-Nauts are trying to get the stars?" I asked.
"Could be…could also just be a coincidence. Either way, we have to be ready for the demons return, even if the X-Nauts fail."
"Then we need to double time it!" Eggi announced.
"Unless you can turn into a boat, that might be a bit difficult." I said, motioning back to the map. Frankly pulled another book off of his shelves and flipped through it.
"Hrmm…according to the map, it appears to be somewhere on Keelhaul Key."
"Sounds like pirate fortress." Koops commented. As though feeling it, I looked over to see Goombella with a treasure hungry look in her eye…and Mowz with a sinister smirk on her face.
"I'm none too familiar with the place, but I've heard countless unsavory rumors. You know, the usual stuff…vengeful spirits full of hatred, evil curses, things like that…but if you want to find out more, you'll need to head down to the harbor where all the sailors hang out. They'll know more than I will."
"A haunted island…how exciting." Peach said with a giggle. Looking back over, I was a bit unnerved to see Goombella vibrating while Mowz just giggled to herself.
"I think you're the third most excited in this group." I commented.
Before I could even head down to the docks, Mowz had grabbed me by the arm and dragged me to the center square of Rogueport. I was stumbling as she dragged me up to the Badge shop.
"Alright, head inside, I'll follow in a minute." Before I could even reply, she pushed me through the door and into the shop.
"Welcome!" The mouse boy behind the counter greeted me with a wave, "How can I help you today?" That was a good question. I didn't even know why I was here.
"Um…any interesting badges to recommend?" Before he could respond, the door behind me opened up and Mincy walked through.
"I've got just what you need!" She answered moving behind the counter and rummaging under it before pulling out a belt. "Since you've been one of our best customers, we've invested in some badge related products." Picking it up, I looked over the belt. It was made of standard leather, the only interesting parts were the small casings that could hold three to four different badges in them, and four of them ran the length of the belt, "Wow, this is very specifically made."
"My brother is a wiz with his craftsmanship." Mincy replied, hugging her little brother tightly.
"Come on sis…I only did what you asked me to." He replied, his face turning red as she continued to hug him. I couldn't help but chuckle…it was good to see a nice sibling relationship.
"Anyway, because they were special order-" That I didn't order, "-it will be a bit pricier…but for a regular like yourself, I'll charge half price."
"…You know I need two, don't you?" She giggled in response, producing another belt as I took out my coin satchel that was about to be considerably emptier.
As Mincy stepped into the back storeroom, I fastened my badges onto my new belt and walked out the front door. As I did, Mowz suddenly jumped down from the roof and dusted her jumpsuit off.
"Was that necessary?" I asked and she gave me a quizzical look.
"What? I was just waiting for you on the roof." Okay, she wants to drag this out.
"Alright…so Mincy and her brother run this badge shop…and since you hunt badges, is it safe to assume they take the product off your hands?" She gave a giggle.
"Very astute. I believe in getting badges to those who can use them. It just so happens that Mincy and Mic have the same belief."
"Yeah, what a coincidence."
"Hey!" The annoyed voice of Peach stopped our conversation as she rushed over and started panting. "Don't…just drag Soren off…like that."
"Sorry Peachy. Just had to show him something in…private." Peach's face turned beat red and I quickly swatted Mowz's arm.
"Stop that." She just returned a sly wink and poked out her tongue playfully.
"Soren!" We all turned to see Koops rushing toward us, "We found a ship!"
"That was easy."
"W-Well, there might be a slight problem."
Following Koops to Podley's Bar, I immediately found the problem Koops had mentioned. Goombella was sitting across from a very fancy looking man, dressed up like an old English gentleman, who spoke with an exaggerated tone to his voice that I'm sure he thought made him sound sophisticated. Stepping up next to her I saw she had a slightly haggard look on her face.
"You okay?" I asked.
"Conversation with this man…might be more than I can handle all at once."
"Who is he?"
"Ahem!" The man said, directing my attention to him. "My name is Flavio! World renown trader and philanthropist. I'm sure you've seen my prized vessel on the docks, the S.S. Flavion!" Oh, I can already feel his voice chipping at my stamina.
"Well, me and my friends were hoping to use your ship to sail to Keelhaul Key."
"Ah, yes! Your hardhat wearing friend here was telling me just that. Her inquiry had spurred the wanderlust that burns at the depths of my soul, lighting it ablaze with the possibility of adventure and mystery! Despite my booming business and vast coffers, I find myself inexplicably drawn to the unknown and mysterious that populate our cast world!" Lily has an extensive vocabulary I've heard her pull up when she's excited…but something about the way this guy talks with his flowery language leaves me wanting to slump to the ground in defeat and exhaustion, "My heart yearns for romance, the romance of adventure!" Looking at his hands, I could see him rubbing a red jewel skull as he talked, "I have heard of the treasure of the pirate Cortez on Keelhaul Island. I hunt for pirate treasure is just the beginning of a tale of romance, adventure, and even more money!"
"Pirate treasure?" Peach asked before I even had a chance to stop her from whipping him up into another soliloquy.
"Do you not know of the tale of the pirate king's treasure hidden on Keelhaul Key? It tells of the pirate king Cortez, and his hoard of pirate booty on the island. For years, treasure hunters and ruffians have gone there in search of the loot…" Why didn't Flurrie handle this? She loves dramatic dialogue like his, "…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." I mean, I know I usually have her do the shopping, but had I known we'd be sitting through a one man play, I probably would have included her in this exchange. "But that will not stop Flavio! 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, we're looking for something on that island too." I finally cut in. Partly to show I was still a part of this conversation and to keep myself from collapsing onto the ground.
"Really? And why would I, Flavio, renown trader extraordinaire, allow you to accompany one such as myself?" I reached into my jackets inner pocket and slapped the treasure map down on the table.
"Because we have a map to the island." He looked over the map, his eyes becoming bigger along with his smile.
"A map directly to Keelhaul Key!" He looked up at me with a mean glare, "So you mean to snatch the treasure out from under me!" Oh god…
"No, we want one thing out of whatever you find. A crystal star."
"…A star shaped stone was said to be in Cortez's treasure. I suppose I could sell it for a high price." Are you kidding me!
"What about the adventure!?" Peach spoke up passionately. "The very thrill of finding a new place no one else has been to and having the adventure of a lifetime! The unsurpassed chills of discovery that only those who go on adventures can feel!" Flavio's eyes lit up.
"Ah! You are right pink mademoiselle! I cannot ignore this opportunity for adventure in front of me! Fate is at work! I shall accompany you and your friends to Keelhaul Key. Of course, the star is yours! Yes! But the rest of the treasure is mine!"
"…That's fine."
"But-" I clasped my hand over Goombella's mouth.
"No problem whatsoever!"
"Although-" My other hand was quick to cover Mowz's mouth.
"ALL YOURS!"
"Then we shall travel to the island on Flavios' ship! The S.S. Flavion! I shall, naturally, be our intrepid leader! Yes! And you will be captain, with the passionate mademoiselle in pink as your first mate!" Peach gave an appreciative giggle, "Ah! Danger and adventure tickle my nostrils! To the harbor!" Flavio took off without us, rushing out the door and down the square to the harbor. The wet sensation on my hands made me pull them away from Mowz and Goombella's mouths who had their tongues stuck out with an annoyed expression.
After gathering everyone back together, we all made our way to the docks where Flavio's boat was. To call it fancy would be an understatement. The polish and shine on the wood was worthy of both a quality carpenter and high-end varnish with water proofing.
"A beauty is she not? The raw majesty of her hull! The pomp and circumstance! None can compare to her." Flavio praised.
"It reminds me of a ship that was raided by pirates at the begging of one of my famous plays." Flurrie mentioned. She brought up a good point; this thing might as well announce that someone worth a lot of money is on board.
"The elegant curve of her prow! She cuts to the very SOUL! Don't you agree?" He didn't even hear what Flurrie had said, did he?
"Well-"
"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…"
"Where's the crew?" Eggi asked, making Flavio stop talking.
"Ah…well, procuring men to assist us in our venture is no issue…our biggest problem at the moment is locating a navigator. Tales tell of the dangerously deadly waters that surround Keelhaul Key. We require only the best navigator for a trip such as this."
"What are you lot doing?" A burly looking burple skinned man approached us. On his back sat some kind of wheel, but I could tell he was one of the bob-omb men who worked around the docks…in fact I think he was one of the more well known guys.
"Planning a trip to a spooky island." Mowz replied simply.
"Heh, I had heard of some blokes looking to travel to Keelhaul key. That's you lot?"
"Yep." I replied without a hint of fear. "And just short of a crew, we need a top-notch navigator to keep us from dying on the way there."
"You want the old sea dog Admiral Bobbery then. A legend on the open waters, now a salty old sea dogs by all accounts. He's said to 'ave the Helmsman's touch: making any ship bow to his will."
"Sounds perfect!" Vivian said chipperly.
"Problem is. He 'asn't been seen on the open seas in a long time. Rogueport is his 'ome though, so he has to be kickin somewhere in this old town."
"Then it is decided!" Flavio announced. "My dear captain will go find the good admiral while I assemble the rest of our crew, starting with this fine informative gentleman here."
"Names Pa-Patch."
"Yes, this fine gentleman will be the first of our grisly, dirty, rough crew!"
"….What was that?" Okay, time to find Bobbery!
I was quick to drag Peach and Vivian away from the docks as Flavio talked down to the dock workers in an attempt to get them to team-up with us. I figured Vivian might be able to get us into spots where he might have taken up hiding; most legends stay out of sight so we'd need someone who's good at getting into those places. Although it didn't take too long to find a few older bob-ombs who recognized the name, and directed us back to Podley's Bar.
"Admiral Bobbery? Yeah, I know him." Podley replied as he wiped down glasses. "He lives in the lower district of town, next to that professor goomba's house." Huh, next door neighbors.
"Thanks for the help." I replied before stepping back from the bar.
"I wouldn't recommend going to see him if I were you. It's better for both of you if you just let him be…" …In any other case I might have let that be the end of it…but I can't in this case, not if it means getting that Crystal Star.
Finding the house was easy enough with Podley's directions. But as knocked on the door to get his attention, it was clear he wasn't interested in answering. Putting my ear to the door, I could hear the soft snores of a man asleep; he was home at least…and I couldn't leave until I got his help. Looking around the house, I could see a chimney sticking out of the roof.
"Hey Vivian? You think you'd be able to get me up there." Vivian looked around with uncertainty.
"M-Maybe about halfway up." Halfway gave me about…three feet from the roofs edge…
"Okay, that should work."
"Are you sure that's smart?" Peach asked.
"…No, I know it's not. But we don't have much of a choice with the deep sleep admiral inside." Nodding to Vivian, she grabbed me by the arm and dragged me into her void. I felt the shifting of the area around us and watched as Vivian struggled to maintain her hold. When her face started turning red, I tapped her on the shoulder, and she shoved me out of her void. A she did, I connected my foot with the side of the building and blasted a burst of kinetic energy stored in my boot to boost me the extra few feet for me to grab the edge of the roofing and pull myself up. "Made it!"
"…The structure seems a bit weak." Peach said running her hand over the stone.
"Is that bad?" I asked.
"Well, it could mean that it hasn't been worked on in a long time. Which could mean the roofing is wea-" The sound of wood snapping and rooftiles falling filled my ears as I plunged through the fresh hole in the roof and onto the floor of the dilapidated and aged house.
It was a fit of coughing and getting myself back on my feet before I could look around the room. Although with the sunlight pouring in from the roof, the only thing I noticed was a thick layer of dust that traveled through the illuminated room. That, and the old bob-omb man passed out on the floor near the chimney…a few inches from where the rubble landed.
"Lucky old-sailor." I said brushing the dust off my jacket and making my way over to him. I stopped as soon as my foot collided with an empty bottle of Chuckola Ale…guess the old sailor adage is true for our navigator. Brushing past it, I moved over to the collapsed man and took a closer look. His face was an aged and charred brown, wrinkles and scars across most open places. He wore a patched admiral's hat and a tattered coat to match. His hair was a matted and scruffy grey color with a large mustache to match.
"…" He snored away in a deep sleep. Shaking him seemed to do nothing and even a harsh shove didn't have much effect. I was so absorbed in trying to wake the navigator I jumped at the banging on the door, which also made the captain sit up, prompting me to double back and fall onto the rubble covered floor.
"Soren! Are you okay in there!?" The captain turned around and gave a wide-eyed look at the remains of his roof scattered over his living room. With a low grumble, he passed by me and over to his door before unlatching the lock and letting Peach and Vivian rush in.
"Oh thank goodness." Vivian said with a relieved sigh.
"Not a scratch on you?" Peach said in surprise as she poked at my face.
"It was just a short drop." I replied getting back up. The old sailor had moved to a nearby table, grabbing another bottle of ale on it.
"What do you blokes want?" He replied in a gruff deep voice before taking a sip.
"Are you Admiral Bobbery?" I asked and he sighed.
"Don't know who you're talking about."
"If you're going to try and lie, the hat might not be a good idea." Peach brought up, making him grumble.
"We need a navigator to head to Keehaul Key and we heard you're the best one around."
"You came to the wrong bob-omb then. I don't sail anymore."
"B-But…we NEED to get to Keelhaul Key!" Vivian begged. With a finishing glug, Bobbery slammed his bottle onto the table, making Vivian jump and Peach flinch.
"When I say no, I mean NO." He stumbled over to the door and opened it, "Now, get lost. I have a lot of work to do now." Despite wanting to continue, the look in his eye told me he wasn't willing to listen.
"…Okay. Come on girls." Peach looked at me hesitantly before nodding and following me out with Vivian behind us. As soon as she crossed the threshold, Bobbery slammed the door shut, relocking it once he did.
"So…we need another navigator?" Vivian asked. Odds are we weren't going to find many willing navigators, and if people called this guy a legend, I was inclined to agree which meant we NEEDED him.
"No. But we may need to take a different approach…I'll be right back."
I made my way back to Podley's Bar and quickly took a seat directly in front of the man himself. He continued to clean his mugs, taking a glance at me before chuckling.
"Didn't want to cooperate, did he?"
"Based on that comment, I'm willing to bet you expected that." I replied.
"…Bobbery hasn't been on the open sea in years. Now tell me, why do you want him so bad?"
"I've got someone I have to save. The only way to save them is by making my way to Keelhaul Key. If that means I have to get him back out on the water, then I will."
"…He was out at sea when he lost his wife." This took me aback for a moment. "As a renown sailor, Bobbery spent a lot of time at sea…but that didn't bother Scarlett much. Those two were so madly in love that she could handle the long stretches between meeting, and Bobbery was just as loyal…but it was the stretches that ultimately spelled their doom. Scarlett came down with an illness one winter while Bobbery was out at sea. He knew nothing of the illness claiming his bride…until it was too late. It was what made him stop sailing, he blamed himself for what happened and vowed to never sail again." Podley leaned in, looking me dead in the eye, "Now tell me, are you sure you want to send him back out, knowing why he left it behind?" …The man I met in that house wasn't a man. He reminded me of the hundreds of curmudgeon old mentors in thousands of stories…who just needed a push in the right direction.
"Positive. For me and for him." He gave a slight smile before setting his mug down and reaching under the counter and producing an aged envelope.
"Give this to Bobbery. It should convince him to get back onto the sea. Scarlet always had a way with words when it came to convincing that man…even on her deathbed. If you can convince him to read it, then you'll have your navigator."
"…Thank you."
It was…slightly surreal to find that Peach and Vivian had convinced Bobbery to let them back in…and they were cleaning the place top to bottom with an effectiveness I believe only Peach could accomplish. She and Vivian had dusted the place down and swept away the roof debris, even setting up the fireplace with fresh wood and a pot of something ready to be cooked.
"…I was gone five minutes." I said in shock at what they had been able to do.
"Yes, and I was wondering if this skylight works or if we should just put the roof back as it was." Peach mused holding up a rough sketch of her skylight plan. "We'll still reinforce it of course."
"…I'm gonna…come back to this." Pushing aside the numerous questions I had, I walked over to the admiral sitting in the corner with a bottle in his hand. Seemed he had been sidelined in his own house.
"Your girlfriends are…pushy."
"Yeah, Peach is uh…skilled in diplomatic affairs."
"…I'm still not navigating for you or your crew."
"Oh I wouldn't expect you to because of this. If anything, I need to apologize for a lot of what happened…but I have something for you…from Scarlett." He looked up at me in surprise. I held out the aged envelope to him.
"…I don't want it."
"Maybe you don't…but I think you need it. From what I found out; Scarlett knew you were a man of the sea. That's why she never stopped you from going out, and I know she wouldn't be happy to hear that she was the reason you stopped going out. I'm sure she knew how you would react…and wrote this accordingly to help…and if that's the case, then you owe it to her and yourself to read her final words." A full minute of silence passed before he slowly took the letter from my hands. His hand shook as he moved to break the wax seal, and even more as he pulled the sheet of paper out. His eyes scanned over the letter, absorbing what it had to say to him. When he was done, he slowly lowered the sheet and his head.
"…Love is a tide…you are one with the sea as you were one with me…" I watched as a single tear ran down his cheek, before he rubbed his arm over it and stood up, dropping the half empty bottle as he did. He looked down at me…but this time without a look of annoyance or sadness, "Soren…thank you. If you need a navigator for Keelhaul Key, then I'd be willing to help.
"Thank you."
"I'll meet you and your crew at the docks…but please, give me a moment to myself."
"Of course." Grabbing Peach and Vivian, I had us leave his house, closing the door softly behind me. Before we made our way back to the docks, I could faintly hear the sounds of a man sniffling beyond the door…take the time you need Bobbery, for you and her.