Koops asked, "Gee, is there something wrong?"

Mario added, "Yeah...we can help you in anyway we can."

The lady replied, "That's sweet of you. It's just I never go out without my favorite necklace. I just can't seem to find the blessed thing! I suspect I dropped it somewhere while I was doing my daily constitutional."

Goombella frowned, "That doesn't sound good."

The lady responded. "I know and I would be scandalized if anyone saw me without it, so I shan't be going out."

Luigi blinked, "Must be some necklace. I thought we heard that lady we saw on our way here was talking about one."

The lady perked up, "What was that? Someone else has found my necklace? You must find it and bring it back to me! If you do, I would be more than happy to help my dear squishy friend, Punio!"

Punio told her, "Don't worry, Madame Flurrie! I'm sure we can find your necklace. We'll be back soon!"

With that, the group started to head out again. But Goombella was hanging back a bit. Luigi perked up at this.

"Weegie?" Luigi turned, seeing his brother there. He asked, "Everything okay?"

Luigi answered, "Yeah, Malleo... It's just..." He pointed at Goombella, who was still lagging behind.

Mario realized, "Oh... What's wrong with her?"

Luigi replied, "Not sure but will you let me talk to her?"

Mario responded, "Sure, of course! I'll go ahead with Koops and Punio."

Luigi commented, "Thanks fratello."

Mario nodded as the brothers had a quick hug. Mario released Luigi from their hug and Luigi let their friends go ahead of them. He then turned to Goombella.

He asked, "Goombella?" She perked up as Luigi saw her blushing a bit. He perked up, sitting down with her, "Are you okay?"

Goombella looked at Luigi and then at the floor. She admitted, "Not really..."

Luigi stated, "What's wrong? You know that you can always talk to us about anything, right?"

Goombella replied, "Oh I know and I appreciate it, believe me. But..." She went quiet for a minute. Luigi eyed her but allowed her to try and figure out what she was trying to say. It took her a few minutes before she finally sighed. She commented, "Okay, this might sound weird. Now please don't laugh."

Luigi crossed his heart, "Cross my heart and hope my game ends."

Goombella shot him a bit of a look but she continued, "Alright... You know those Goombas that flirted with me during the start of our adventure?"

Luigi confirmed, "Si, you were really weirded out with them. Not that I blame you."

Goombella added, "Well, at first I thought it was because they were all flirting with me I was acting the way I was but... When we met Ms. Mowz and her winking at me... I felt...flustered."

Luigi asked, "Like you weren't expecting it flustered or that you liked her winking at you flustered?"

Goombella admitted, "...I thought it was both at first but now... I'm not so sure... You probably think it is silly."

Luigi stated, "No way, Goombella. It isn't silly. It's okay to vent."

Goombella smiled a bit, "Thanks Luigi... You are so easy to talk to."

Luigi commented, "Vi says that a lot..." That's when he got worried, "I hope she's okay..."

Goombella responded, "I'm sure she's okay..."

Luigi smiled, "And Goombella, I just want to let you know - whatever you prefer, men or women, I'm here for you. I won't think it's silly. I won't judge."

Goombella said, "I appreciate it. Though, I am a bit scared. What if the world won't accept me for who me and my future boyfriend or partner are?"

Luigi semi joked, "Being scared is something I am an expert at." Goombella giggled. He added, "But like I said, I will accept you. And if no one else will, I'll talk some sense into them."

Goombella laughed, "I needed that."

Luigi asked, semi joking, "You feel a little bit better? Cause Malleo will kill us if we're here forever."

Goombella kept laughing as she got to her feet. Luigi did the same as they went to catch up with Mario and the others. Sure, she still wasn't sure if she wanted men or women but at least she had a friend on her side.

...

Back with the Siren Sisters, Vivian was still upset.

She commented, "Beldam! I told you! Blaming me for losing the sketch...and you had it!"

Beldam stated, "Silence, you twit! Now's not the time to get hung up on stupid details! We must study this sketch!"

Marilyn said, "Guh! Guh?"

Beldam brought out the sketch, surprising them all. She replied, "Wow! These Mario and Looigi guys look so manly... How handsome! You know something, though, my lovelies? I swear I've seen these gentlemen before... AAACCCKKk! Mr. Mustaches!"

Marilyn said, "Guh! GUH!"

Beldam put away the sketch, "Ack! I don't believe this! Vivian! This is, without a doubt, all your fault! I'll be dealing out some strict punishment later, my dearie! Oh, yes! I will promise you that!"

Vivian started to say, "What?! That's not fair! You're the one who had the..."

Beldam interrupted, "Silence, you squirrel-brain! Don't you cop that insolent attitude with me!"

Vivian groaned, "Ugh! This is not fair..."

Beldam replied, "And about that necklace... I was thinking of returning it to you, but no more!"

Vivian was disappointed, "Aww..."

Beldam added, "And...since you caused this problem, you have to figure how to find these Mario and Looigi chumps!"

Marilyn said, "Uhh-guh..."

That's when Mario's group came up to them.

Beldam said, "Well, if it isn't Mario and Looigi!"

Punio was confused, looking at the ghost hunter, "Looigi?"

Luigi face faulted, "It's not Looigi! It's Luigi!"

Beldam rolled her eyes, "Tomato, tomoto. Shiny mustaches or no, you can't be too bright if you came here looking for us!" She chuckled evilly, "And you know why? 'Cause we are here waiting for you!"

Goombella started to say, "Ooh, that's them! They're the ones that had the..." That's when she realized, "Wait a minute, what? You've been waiting for Mario and Luigi? What's that supposed to mean, you weirdo?"

Beldam laughed evilly, "I have no quarrel with you... but I can't allow you to hunt for the Crystal Stars."

Koops perked up, "Wait, why not?"

Beldam ignored that question, turning to the brothers, "I'll be taking that little map of yours just soon as I deal with you!"

Mario activated his Firebrand while Luigi activated his Thunderhand, shaking in his boots.

Mario told her firmly, "Not unless we deal with you first!"

...

Wishmaker1028: Get them, Mario and Luigi! That's where we end chapter 18! I wanted to have a moment where Luigi and Goombella bonded, which I had said on Twitter/X the other day. Sure, Goombella hasn't figured out if she likes men or women yet but this just flowed better to me. With that, please read and review! And always think outside of the box!