Toadsworth stated, "You know how headstrong Peach is. I just assumed that she would be back momentarily. Violet isn't but it is still odd that they are both missing. At this point, I fear we must assume the possibility that they may never return. I've been at a loss as to what to do. I've been fraught with worry, I tell you! But I'm feeling better with you both here, Master Mario and Master Luigi. Surely we'll find them. Surely! But I know my place, Masters Mario and Luigi…and this is not it. I leave this task to you two."

Mario stated, "Got it."

Luigi gulped, "I was afraid he was going to say that."

Toadsworth replied, "I believe I'll recline in the inn right over here and enjoy a spot of tea, perhaps. I must say, though, the rest of this town is a bit rough… Yes, rough indeed."

With that, he went to the inn.

Goombella commented, "Whoa. This is really intense. Well, where could they have gone then, you think? You think she got sick of waiting and went to find the treasure on her own?"

Mario thought for a moment, "Doesn't make too much sense. She usually waits."

Luigi added, "And besides that, it doesn't count for where Violet is either…"

Goombella admitted, "That's a good point! Oooh oooh! Mario! Luigi! Come with me! One of my professors is here researching that treasure. We'll show him your map! If we start looking for the treasure, then maybe we'll catch up to them!"

Mario turned to Luigi as he asked, "What do you think?"

Luigi admitted, "W - we don't have a choice if we want to find the girls… Okay."

Goombella squealed, "Great! We're all good, then! Let's go, Mario and Luigi!"

Mario asked, "So where is this exactly…?"

Goombella answered, "This is Rogueport Plaza. It's the center of town, and the main business distinct. It's a crossroads where many people meet, including more than a few shady characters."

Luigi stammered, "L - like that Lord Crump?"

Goombella nodded as another Goomba came up to them, "That's Goomther the Goomba. He's always complaining about being swindled or mugged."

Mario questioned, "So where are we going?"

Goombella explained, "We're going to try and find my professor. The thing is, uh, I just got to town myself too so I don't know my way around yet. I, uh, don't actually know where he lives."

Luigi stated, "Well, we'll figure it out as we go."

"Freeze!"

The group turned as they saw a Toad standing at an entrance.

The Toad (Greg) told them, "You three! Not another step! Don't come this way! Some complete jerk just bumped into me and made me lose a contact lens!" I'm looking for it right now, so don't you dare move! You hear me? Whatever you do, do not move an inch! Not an inch, you hear?!" He walked up a bit, hearing a squish under his foot. Greg was annoyed, "AAAHH! Idiot! You stepped on it! My poor contact lens! I told you not to move! Don't your stupid ears work?! What were you thinking?!"

Luigi stammered, "Um you were the one that moved…"

Greg was furious, "This is your fault! Now I have to buy a new contact lens! But you're gonna pay for it! Compensate me, Mr. Clumsy!"

Mario pointed out, "As my brother said, you were the one that moved. It wasn't our fault that you stepped on it. So if you would please excuse us…"

Greg walked back a bit, "Fine! If that's your plan, then here's mine, you oaf! I'm gonna block the gate to the west side until you bring me a new contest lens!"

Mario was about to protest but Goombella told him, "I don't think he's going to listen to reason. We can head east for now."

The brothers nodded in agreement as they headed that way. Someone rushed by them.

"Oops! Pardon me, sucker!"

Goombella sassed, "Hey! What's your beef, pal? Yeah, I'm talking to you!"

Mario took his wallet out of his pocket and groaned, "Whoever it was took half our coins…"

Luigi sighed, "Great…"

Goombella stated, "That is so lame! Ugh! I hate this town!"

Mario said, "Well, there's nothing we can do now, let's keep moving."

Luigi agreed, "Sounds great to me."

The group kept moving in Rogueport, walking in alleyways. They saw a man near a gate.

The man said, "Whoa! Hold up there! You're outsiders! Past this point is the turf of Ishnail, head of the Robbos… It's 10 coins to pass through! You try to pass through without paying, and I'm afraid I'll have to whip you but good."

Mario replied, "We can take you."

Gus perked up, "What? You gotta be kidding. You think you can fight your way through here?"

Luigi pulled on his brother's arm, "Are you insane?! We don't have to fight him, we can just pay the 10 coins!"

Mario responded, "We might have to come back through here and pay another 10 coins. It might be worth it if we just fight him."

Gus chuckled, "I'm gonna make you two eat your words! Let's get this party started!"

Mario used his Firebrand and Luigi used his Thunderhand to fight Gus along with their basic skills. Goombella even helped by using defense. It didn't take long for them to defeat Gus.

Gus complained, "Crud! You stupid video-game heroes always pull this stuff! It's ridiculous! You think violence solves everything, don't you? Huh? Don't you?!"

With that, he ran off. The group kept going. That's when they entered the house of Goombella's professor.

Goombella perked up, "Oh, hi! There you are! Professor Frankly!"

Professor Frankly asked, "Whuzzuh? Who's there? Who wants me?" Goombella walked over with Mario and Luigi. He added, "Oh my lands, Mario and Luigi Manfredi! What brings you both here?"

Mario explained, "Goombella brought us to you."

Luigi stated, "Yeah she said that you could help us with finding the treasure below Rogueport."

Goombella responded, "I thought that if anyone knew anything about it, you would, Professor Frankly."

...

Wishmaker1028: Alright, this is where we bring this chapter to a close. For now, please read and review! And always think outside of the box!