Punio went to stand to the side, to stay out of the way. Mario and Luigi still had their Firebrand and Thunderhand at the ready, respectfully.

Goombella looked at them and asked, "Hey! What's your deal? How do you know about the map and the Crystal Stars?"

Koops questioned, "Yeah have you been talking to the princess? And who are you anyways?"

Beldam laughed evilly, "Those who seek names are often disappointed, but if you insist, but we'll tell you. We are..."

Marilyn added, "The Three..."

Vivian finished, "Shadow Beauties!"

Luigi stammered, "T - The Three Shadow Beauties?"

Mario started to say, "Never heard of..."

Beldam turned to Vivian and yelled, "Vivian! You nincompoop! What are you babbling about? It's Shadow Sirens! I don't see three beauties! I see two, but then there's you, and you're plug-ugly!"

Vivian sniffled, "Aw, right, sis, I'm sorry... It's just, you always call us lovelies, and.."

Beldam told her harshly, "It's just a figure of speech! Ooh, you've got some fierce punishment coming your way!"

Vivian moaned, "Aw, gee whiz... I hate being punished..."

Beldam turned to the heroes, "That's for later, though. First, we have to deal with these Mario and Looigi and their friends."

Luigi insisted, "I - It's Luigi!"

Beldam ignored him, "Let's do it, my lovelies... or rather, my lovely and ugly! Marilyn! Vivian! The might of the Three Shadow Sirens will be more than enough to win the day!"

Marilyn and Vivian agreed with her, though Vivian was still upset. That's when the Shadow Sirens attacked the heroes. As the fight started, Goombella couldn't help her blushing around Vivian. The youngest Shadow Siren seemed way too cute in her opinion. She then shook her head, thinking, 'I know Luigi has my back no matter what but having a crush on our enemy is not a good idea!' Goombella did her Headbonk on Vivian, getting her up in the air. Koops was fighting Marilyn while Mario and Luigi were fighting Beldam.

Beldam nagged, "What are you doing, Vivian? I'll never forgive you if you lose!"

Vivian said, "S - sorry sis!"

That's when she casted a spell to hit Goombella back with. Goombella felt the hit but shook it off quickly. Marilyn went down in the ground, like a true shadow, and appeared right next to Koops. She then hit him. Koops shook it off. Beldam did the same thing to the brothers. Mario and Luigi quickly defended themselves from the attack. Goombella did another Headbonk on Vivian, taking her out.

Vivian said, "Sorry sis!"

She lay on the ground, down and out. Goombella went over to Koops, seeing that Marilyn was about to make him small. She pushed him out of the way quickly, saving them both.

Koops turned to her and said, "Hey, thanks."

Goombella teased, "Now we're even."

Mario and Luigi activated the Earth Tremor move - really shaking things up for the sisters.

Beldam growled, "You're tougher than I thought, Mr. Mustaches. I guess it's time to stop toying around, eh?" Mario hit her with a Firebrand punch and Luigi followed up behind with a Thunderhand punch, taking her out. She added, "Now, it's...up to you..."

That's when she lay on the ground, down and out. Marilyn was summoning thunder storms to fighting them but Luigi absorbed them with his Thunderhand. As he was doing that, Mario used Koops shell to take out Marilyn.

Marilyn said, "Guh!"

That's when she went on the ground, also down and out. Punio went over to his friends, squealing happily.

He told them, "You did it! That was so cool!"

Beldam admitted, "Oogg... maybe we were just a touch overconfident. Marilyn! Vivian! You lumps! We would've won if you two pulled your weight! Both of you, prepare for a world-class punishment when we get home!"

As Beldam and Marilyn fled, Beldam had dropped the necklace, leaving it behind. Vivian noticed, even though she was exhausted. She decided it wasn't worth it and went after her sisters.

Luigi stated, "Well, that happened..."

Koops turned to Goombella and said, "Thanks for saving my shell, Goombella."

She smiled brightly, "Anytime. But is it just me or is Vivian really..." That's when she noticed everyone was staring at her. She quickly added, her face turning redder than usual, "Uh...nothing never mind!"

Mario raised a brow but decided not to press on it. Luigi had already spoken to her about it earlier, so he could just ask him about it later. Mario picked up the necklace just then.

He told the group, "Well, either way we have the necklace."

Punio confirmed, "Yes and it definitely hers! Let's go take it to her right away!"

Mario nodded, putting the necklace in his pocket, as he lead the group back to Madame Flurrie's house.

...

Once they got back to the house, Mario brought out the necklace again.

He commented, "We have your necklace! We found it!"

The lady replied, "Oh! You delightful fellow! I'm beside myself, truly! But...you still mustn't see me. Please, leave the necklace by the door and wait a moment." Mario nodded and did as he was told. The door open briefly and the lady brought the necklace in. She was joyous, "Oh, splendid, splendid! My oh-so-ravishing necklace! I'm awash in joy!"

That's when a disco ball came out of the ceiling.

Goombella did a double take, "What the...?"

The doors opened and Madame Flurrie came out. She blew a kiss. Everyone was in awe of her.

Madame Flurrie asked, "Oh! Oh...my...word! Mario, Luigi, Goombella, and Koops correct? Are you all my heroic little necklace hunters?" She looked at Mario specifically and added, "Well! My, my, my... Aren't you a fine specimen of a man! Yes, indeed!"

Koops pointed at Mario and said, "Him?"

Luigi pointed at Mario at the same time, joking with his brother, "Mi fratello?"

Mario elbowed his brother, making Luigi chuckle.

Madame Flurrie stated, "I simply must thank you for your graciousness! But how to do it? Hmm... Perhaps if I...grabbed you and gave you a little sugar?"

Before Mario could protest, Madame Flurrie went over to Mario and gave him a very large, slobbery, kiss on his cheek. Mario didn't know whether to be disgusted or concerned.

...

Wishmaker1028: I'd say both haha! We're done with chapter 19 and we're doing awesome! Please read and review! And always think outside of the box!