Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 7

Peach stands on her balcony with Twink. She's wondering about Mario and if she's helping him. Twink says she is and she should be proud of her efforts. He knows she's been helping him and she'll talk to him before long. They go inside and Bowser walks in. He wants a friendly conversation with Peach, but she has nothing to say to him. Bowser says she's stuck with him for a long time, so she should get used to it. Peach tells him that Mario is on his way. Bowser counters by saying he's invincible. Kammy Koopa walks in, saying they have an emergency situation: Mario has saved all of the Star Spirits. He could come to the castle, so they must be ready. Bowser sets up an ambush in his castle. He offers Peach a front-row seat to watch Mario's defeat. He orders the guards to tie Peach up. Twink comes out of hiding and tells Bowser to stop. Bowser calls him confetti and swats him away.

Back outside the Crystal Palace, Kalmar thanks Mario and says he has done well. All of the Star Spirits have been rescued and are in his debt. Now he must challenge Bowser and Kalmar's power should help him. Kalmar gives him more Star Energy and a new Star Power, Up and Away, which turns all enemies into stars. Mario must go to Shooting Star Summit. The Star Spirits will prepare a route to Star Haven via the Star Way. Kalmar tells Mario to save this precious world before leaving for Star Haven.

Drop down from where the Save Block is to reach a Star Piece. Go back to Shiver City, and, on the way, you'll notice that Jr. Troopa is gone. Once in Shiver City, have at least 6 spots open in your inventory, then take a nap at the Toad House. When you wake up, you'll find four Mushrooms, one Ultra Mushroom, and an Iced Potato. The Toad says the floor was wet like snow melted on it. It's probably a present from someone, but whom?

In Koopa Village, Koopa Koot has one last favor to ask: defeat Bowser. Near the port in Toad Town is Club 64. The Pop Diva, Chantarelle hasn't sung in a while. The Toad next to her has written some Lyrics for her to sing, but they need music. There's a composer in the house next to the item shop in Dry Dry Outpost who will write a Melody for her. Return with the Melody and she'll sing the song. After her performance, you'll get the Attack FX D badge. Go to the part of town where the Dojo and the pipe to Mario's house is. There are some docks in the water. Swim across for a Star Piece. Go through the pipe on the island to reach a Super Block. I upgraded Kooper. Go into the Toad Town Tunnels and go the area with the balance platforms. Go through the upper doorway and ride the infinite platforms up to a new level. Walk to the right and drop down to an area with a Super Block. I upgraded Goombario.

When you've made your preparations, head for Shooting Star Summit. I recommend having Tayce T. make you a couple of Jelly Ultras, cooked from the combination of a Jammin' Jelly and an Ultra Shroom. These restore 50 HP and 50 FP at the same time. Adjust your badges and equip the Ice Power and Fire Shield badges. At the summit, the Star Spirits open the entrance to the Star Way. They will give Mario their remaining power so he can stand up to the power of the Star Rod. A sparkling path appears that takes you to the sky.

Star Way is a starry path high in the sky. It spirals around until you reach Star Haven. Up here, you'll find Embers, blue flame enemies. They have 10 HP and 4 attack power. They divide when they are attacked and can spit fire aimed at party members. There's only a few of them. At the top of the spiral, head east to Star Haven.

In Star Haven, the trees sparkle when you hit them. The stars here are thankful that Mario saved the Star Spirits. They call him a "Light saver" and that they should try "wishing on a Mario". There's a "Toad" House here run by a star. Up the stairs is an item shop. Go east to reach the Star Sanctuary. Eldstar says he finally made it and it's time to take the fight to Bowser. They give Mario a final power, the Star Beam. They say to use it whenever Bowser tried to power up with the Star Rod to drain its power. They give him another gift: the Star Ship, so he can reach the castle in the sky. The Star Spirits use their powers to help the Star Ship take off when Mario is ready. Below, the people of the Mushroom Kingdom see the Star Ship, think it's a shooting star, and star making wishes. Most of them are to see the Princess again, but one young Toad wants to eat tons of Shroom Cake. The Star Ship flies to Bowser's Castle and starts the final chapter.

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 5

In her castle, Peach tells Twink that she wants to sneak out again. Twink says she's become so bold, when he originally thought she was gentle and delicate. Peach emphasizes that she is delicate and is behaving just like the Ministers taught her. Hit the switch on the wall and you'll end up on the other side of the revolving door. Deposit any badges you have into the chest, then go downstairs, then to the door on the left.

A Koopatrol is on the other side of the door and immediately notices her. A Hammer Bro walks up, saying it isn't so bad if Peach wanders around because she can't escape from the castle. The Hammer Bro asks Peach to be the third member in the game they're about to play. He won't tell Bowser about her sneaking out if she participates.

The game they're about to play is the 64th Trivia Quiz-Off, brought to you by Koopa Korps. The host is Mr. Hammer. He'll ask 10 questions. Answer the most to win a fabulous prize. There is also a participation prize. If you have the answer, press (A). The questions are as follows:

1. What's the name of the boss inside the volcano on Lavalava Island? Lava Piranha
2. Where did Master Huff N. Puff imprison the Star Spirit? Flower Fields
3. What's the name of the scary round monster living in Dry Dry Ruins? Chomp
4. How would you get to Flower Fields? Pass Flower Gate
5. What's the name of the person who King Bowser really loves? Princess Peach
6. What thing is most deeply related to Flower Fields? Flower
7. What's the name of the most admirable, invincible, most downright cool guy around? Bowser (No, really, the answer is not Mario. Bowser's minions wrote the questions.)
8. What's the name for the ghosts who live in and around Forever Forest? Boo
9. What's the name of the area just to the south of the post office in Toad Town? The Flower Garden
10. Where is Peach's Castle now? On Bowser's Castle

Many of the questions are less than subtle hints about where Mario should go next. If Peach wins, she'll get a Jammin' Jelly, an item that restores 50 FP. Regardless of who wins, Peach will get the participation prize, the Sneaky Parasol. If Peach faces someone and press (B), Peach will transform into them. Mr. Hammer makes her promise not to use it to sneak out, as no one would know it's her. Bowser walks in, wanting to play the game. Peach tries to sneak out. Mr. Hammer breaks the news that the game is over. Bowser is disappointed, then surprised when he notices Peach in the room. He orders them to take her back to her room. The guards apologize when they pick her up.

Back on Lavalava Island, Misstar is thankful that they escaped the volcano safely. Kolorado is still upset about missing the treasure. Misstar chastises him, saying no treasure is more valuable than life. She also says that Lavalava Island was imperiled by Bowser's men's meddling. The eruption will subside and the island will be the same as before. She gives Mario more Star Energy and the new ability Smooch, which restores 20 HP. Misstar is thankful and wishes Mario success. She returns to Star Haven. Kolorado returns to Yoshi Village, dejected.

Go through the village to reach the jungle. Go west to reach the chest with the Volcano Vase, the treasure. Talk to the Bub-ulb and he'll tell you he gave the seed to Kolorado. Return to the village to give the Volcano Vase to Kolorado. He's joyful, calling Mario the "cat's meow". In return, he gives Mario the last Magical Seed and calls the trip a success. He now wants to return to Toad Town. Heal and save and make sure you have the Spiky Shield badge equipped. When you're ready, go and board the whale. He'll leave just as Jr. Troopa reaches Lavalava Island with a yell. He swam the whole way here. He still wants to beat Mario, but soon notices that Mario has already left. He swims after him.

When they reach Toad Town, Kolorado announces that he shall never again travel by tuna and he will be returning home. Jr. Troopa finally arrives, declaring that he will never swim again in his life. He wants to battle Mario once again. Because he is tuckered out from swimming, he loses half his HP, leaving him with 20 HP. He also has 6 attack power and 1 defense power. To make life difficult, he grows wings and has a spike on his head. Some party members can easily reach him, namely Watt, who's Electro Dash bypasses defenses. If you have the Spike Shield badge equipped, Mario can use jump attacks. Otherwise, use items or Star Powers. He'll attack with a dive kick. Once you defeat him, you'll get 22 SP. He then realizes that flying to and from the island wouldn't have reduced his HP and he might've defeated Mario.

When you try to leave the port, you'll see Goombaria and Goomama. Bring out Goombario and they'll tell him that they're proud of him. Leave the port and go to the train station to deliver a letter to Dane T. He has a letter for his uncle Frost T. in Starborn Valley. We'll deliver it later. Go to Russ T., the Toad who translated the Shy Guy's note, and deliver the letter. He'll give you a Star Piece. Go into the Toad Town Tunnels and go to the mansion. Deliver a letter to Igor, who runs the shop in the basement. He'll give you a Star Piece. Heal and save outside the mansion, then return to the tunnels.

Use Sushie to swim across the water east of the blue pipe that leads to the mansion. When you reach the other dock, Super Blooper will appear. It has 70 HP and 5 attack power. It can produce Blooper Babies or charge up, turning red in the process. The Blooper Babies have 6 HP each. When they appear, use a Shooting Star or Star Storm to get rid of them. You'll get 25 SP when you defeat it.

A switch will appear. Hit it to make the blue pipe to Lavalava Island appear. Go east in the tunnels. There are Dark Koopas here. Go east again and you'll see an area with some invisible blocks. Go through the pipe on the right to an empty room. Have Bombette blow up the right wall to find the hideout of Rip Cheato. He'll sell you mystery items for 64 coins each. Some are worth the deal, others are not (like Dried Shrooms). Go through the pipe in this room to reach the inside of the locked house in Toad Town. The key is in the upper left corner, so unlock the door to leave.

Koopa Koot has some more favors to ask of Mario. First, he lost his glasses somewhere in Koopa Village. They're in the shrub with the flower near the Toad House. Your reward is 1 coin. Next, he asks for a Lime. They can be found in the oasis in Dry Dry Desert. The reward is 3 Star Pieces. After that, he wants a Kooky Cookie. Have Tayce T. cook with a Koopa Leaf and a Cake Mix, then bring it back to him for 1 coin.

If you're feeling confident, you can try to take on the Master of the Dojo one more time. This time he has 99 HP, 10 attack power and 1 defense power. Equip the Zap Tap badge (obtained from Merlow), have Watt as your partner, and keep a Repel Gel on you. His attacks are very strong, and he can hit multiple times in a single attack for massive damage, unless the Zap Tap badge is equip. The badge will shock him, only allowing him to hit once (and it does a little damage). Have Watt power up Mario's attack, and use Electro Dash to get past his defense. Power Bounce works well. Be sure to heal when you need to. Smooch comes in handy here. Use the Repel Gel to dodge attacks for a few turns. Keep at it and you may defeat him. He'll say you've bested the strongest of fighters and award you the Diploma. Heal and save.

Near the Toad House, you'll find Kolorado. He says he can't go home because Kent C. Koopa is blocking Pleasant Path and charging a toll of 100 coins. He's a strong Koopa. Kolorado is going to look for a secret way into the village. Instead of telling him about the Toad Town Tunnels, go east to challenge him. He's a giant Koopa wearing glasses. Tell him twice that you want to fight and he'll battle you. He has 70 HP, 3 attack power, and 6 defense power. He'll slowly attack Mario and his partner with his shell, causing the partner to sit out a few turns if you don't successfully guard. He'll also stomp Mario with 10 attack power. He's difficult to beat unless you make him fall asleep. Sleepy Sheep or Lullaby will work. Then, flip him over on his shell and stomp his tail, his weak point. Once again, have Watt power up Mario, then use Electro Dash. Keep at it until you defeat him and get 20 SP. He says Mario must be really strong and runs away crying. Return to Toad Town, heal and save.

Across the road from the Toad House is the Flower Garden, tended to my Minh T. There are some Bub-ulbs here from Flower Fields, saying Flower Fields is in a state of despair due to Bowser's minions. Minh T. says to get to Flower Field, you need four kinds of seeds only Bub-ulbs have and you need to find them. We already have them, so hand them over so she can plant them. They bloom instantly. The archway in the middle lights up and flowers flow through it. A door appears and Mario can go through it to start the next chapter.

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 3

In Peach's Castle, Twink wonders about Mario and Peach is worried. Twink suggests eavesdropping again, which would make Bowser and his followers mad. Hit the switch and go through the secret passage to the revolving wall. On the other side of the wall, Bowser is upset when Kammy Koopa tells him that Tubba Blubba was defeated even though he was invincible. The wall rotates while they're talking, but they don't notice. Bowser stamps his foot, angry that Mario figured out Tubba Blubba's secret. Kammy Koopa suggests a new tactic to use when Mario goes to Shy Guy's Toy Box next. Bowser says they'll prepare for Mario's arrival by finding his weak points and humiliating him. But first, they need to find out what Mario hates. At this point, they finally notice Peach standing around. He's initially upset, but says her timing is fortunate. He asks about Mario's weak points and to answer honestly. He presents the following options: in group 1: Goomba, Clubba, Mushroom; in group 2: Fuzzy, Hammer Bros., Thunder Rage; and in group 3: Pokey, Koopatrol, Super Soda. If you want an easy experience, choose the items. If you want the Star Points, pick the second option in the list. If you pick the items, Kammy Koopa will have her doubts. Bowser declares this to be the end of Mario and orders the guards to take Peach back to her room.

Meanwhile, Skolar tells Mario he knew Mario could do it. He's thankful and says it was the right decision to ask him. He gives Mario some power, increasing his Star Energy and giving him the Star Storm attack, which hits all enemies. Bowser's life force is getting stronger all the time due to the Star Rod and Mario must be careful. Skolar returns to Star Haven, asking Mario to keep quiet about getting lost in Forever Forest.

Go into the Forever Forest and you'll hear someone yelling about being scared in a freaky forest and that bugs are crawling on them. Walk a little farther and you'll run into Jr. Troopa, who is almost thankful to see Mario. He says he'll be Mario's worst nightmare and battles Mario. This time, he grows a pair of wings. He has 40 HP and gives 21 SP. He has one defense power, so don't use Bow to attack him. He will swoop down to kick Mario. Parakarry's Sky Shot works well. After you defeat him, he runs off.

Take an incorrect exit, then double back to reach the edge of the forest quickly. Jr. Troopa will appear, happy to be out, and runs off. Inside Toad Town, the music plays at a faster tempo. Shy Guys are making a ruckus all over town according to Fice T., the guard at the edge of the forest, but he says they're nothing compared to ghosts. Deliver the letter from the Boos, which freaks him out. He still gives you a Star Piece.

As you wander through Toad Town, you'll see Shy Guys running amok and stealing stuff. One steals Tayce T.'s frying pan, so she can't cook. Another steals a calculator from the badge shop. Russ T.'s dictionary was stolen and the storeroom key from the southwest item shop was taken. In the north item shop, hit the Shy Guy running around so you can buy items. Hit the Shy Guy in the Toad House so you can use it. Go to the train station to hit the Shy Guy blocking the train and deliver the letter to Dane T. nearby. It's an invitation to a haunted mansion. He asks his friend Mini T. to go, and they suggest sending a letter to their friend, the red Yoshi Kid in Yoshi Village.

Merlon is outside his house. Talk to him and he says an oracle told him in a dream that running around the red palm tree in Dry Dry Outpost will make something good happen. Go to the Outpost and run around the red palm tree. This makes a nearby Toad dizzy. Mario tells him about Merlon's dream and he says he got a message in a dream, but he doesn't taking them seriously. The message said to spin jump three times in a house with a whirling roof in a large town near a castle. Return to Merlon's house and spin jump three times to make the Quick Change badge appear. It allows you to change party members in battle while allowing them to attack that turn.

Return to Mario's house to talk to Luigi and get his autograph. Shy Guys are running around here as well. Luigi's jump is great, but he's not fast enough to catch the Shy Guys. Hit them for Luigi. Luigi says he's going to train so he can go on an adventure, but doesn't want to anymore because he can't. Mario must save Peach for his sake. Now that you can spin jump, go inside the house and spin jump on the panel. This will lead to the basement, where Luigi keeps his diary. You can read it. At this point, he's only written two entries.

Page 1:  Once again, my brother went on an exciting journey. Once again, he went alone. It's so unfair! I remember the carefree days when we played Golf  and Tennis and had Parties. I remodeled the house and made a secret basement my brother has no idea! It's the perfect place to write in you, my secret diary.

Page 2: I heard that a ghost appeared in Toad Town today. It was big, really big. And it had red eyes, a giant, gaping mouth and a mustache. .......... Because you're my secret diary, I'll tell you the truth: Yaaaah! I hate ghosts!! What will I do if it appears at night! Come back, Mario! I'm scared! Yikes! I can feel something behind me. Ahhh! I'm sure it's there, but I can't look back! No! No! Get away! I think I'll be safe if I don't freeze with fear. I'll just shut my eyes and take five steps back, and then I'll jump and dash into bed. Here I go!

Now that you have Luigi's autograph, return it to Koopa Koot for one coin. He'll then ask you to find his lost wallet that he dropped near the item shop. Check the shrubs near the Save Block to find it. The reward is one coin. Next, he'll ask for a Tasty Tonic. You can find them in the southwest shop in Toad Town, the one whose storeroom key was stolen. The reward is one coin. After that, he'll ask for the autograph of Merluvlee. Talk to her and she'll give Mario her autograph on one condition: Mario must retrieve a crystal ball from her twin sister Merlee. Go to the Outpost to retrieve the crystal ball, get the autograph, and Koopa Koot will give you 3 Star Pieces. He next want to read the newspaper. Read both the front and back of the board in front of Merlon's house and report back. The reward is 1 coin. After that, he wants a Life Shroom. You can buy these in the mansion in Forever Forest. He'll give you the Gold Credit to the Playroom. He next wants some Nutty Cake. It can be made by cooking a Goomnut, found in a tree growing next to Goombario's house. This will have to wait as Tayce T. can't cook right now.

Heal up and challenge the Master again in the Dojo. His outfit is now a gold color and he has 75 HP. His attack power is 8 when he punches. Bow's Outta Sight can be helpful, as well as her Smack. When you win, you'll get the Fourth-Degree Card.

Heal and save, then go into the Toad Town Tunnels. Break the wooden panel, drop down, then go west. You'll be trapped in an area with some Dark Koopas. They'll attack like regular Koopas, but also have a spin attack that will make Mario dizzy and unable to attack for a couple of turns. Guarding against the attack is tricky, but it works if you hit (A) near the end of the spin. They have 8 HP and give 4 SP. They will grin before doing the spin attack. Once you defeat all of them, a switch will appear. The switch makes the blue pipe to the mansion in Forever Forest appear.

Go to the area with the southwest shop. On the far west side is an empty house. Go into the house and hide with Bow. A Shy Guy comes into the house, then flips through the wall. Check the wall to make it flip. This takes you to a room with a spring and a large wrapped box. Jump on the spring to launch into the next chapter.

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 2

Up in the castle, Bowser enters Peach's room and asks her how she's feeling. He wants to see her smile. Peach is in a bad mood, calling him "the single greatest disaster to ever befall the Mushroom Kingdom". She will smile if he makes everything as it was before he showed up. Bowser says he can't do that because Mario defeated the Koopa Bros. and Tutankoopa and he can't forgive Mario for disrespecting him. He says he'll use the Invincible Tubba Blubba to defeat Mario. He's second to Bowser in strength.

Kammy Koopa enters the room, saying they have a problem. She whispers to Bowser and he blurts out that the Star Spirit Tubba Blubba was guarding flew away from Tubba Blubba's castle. Kammy Koopa tells him to keep his voice down or Peach will hear him. They leave to discuss the matter privately.

Twink heard the news as well. Peach wants to find out about Tubba Blubba and hopefully information on a weak point. Go through the fireplace and the revolving wall. Go out the door and through the door immediately to the left. This will take you into the library. There are more Koopatrols guarding the library. Hide behind the bookshelves as they pace around the library, then move when they aren't looking. Grab the Power Rush badge from between the bookshelves. Peach can't make use of the badge, so she'll just hold onto it for now. At the other end of the library, a Koopatrol and a Hammer Bro are talking about Tubba Blubba. They says he likes eating ghosts. He lives in Forever Forest and guards a Star Spirit in his castle atop Gusty Gulch. There's a nearby mansion and village of ghosts, where he catches the Boos. They think he may be stronger than Bowser since he's invincible, although he may have a weak point. One of them mentions that Tubba Blubba has a secret that would ruin him if it got out. It's about his past and that he didn't used to be strong. No one knows what the secret is. Peach is excited to hear that Tubba Blubba may have a weak point. The guards hear her and carry her off.

Meanwhile, in front of the Dry Dry Ruins, Mamar, the Star Spirit, thanks Mario. She knows he can save Peach. She gives him a present of a new Star Power and more Star Energy. The new Star Power is Lullaby, which makes all enemies fall asleep. The Star Spirits' power is always growing. Mario must save the other Star Spirit. She returns to Star Haven. Backtrack through the desert to Mt. Rugged. On Mt. Rugged, behind the train station, there's a stone block. Break it to reach a block that will upgrade a party member. I chose Kooper. Take the train back to Toad Town.

Now that Parakarry is a member of the team, we can now deliver the letters he lost on the mountain. One is addressed to Merlon. It's from Merlee, his granddaughter, who has set up shop in Dry Dry Outpost. He thanks Mario with a Star Piece. The other two letters are for Goompapa and Mort T., a Toad House owner in Koopa Village. Instead of backtracking the long way, there is a faster way to get around. Go into the Toad Town Tunnels after healing and saving. Go west by breaking the stone block.

Here, you'll encounter the Electro Blooper. It has 50 HP and gives 22 SP. It can become electrically charged, which will hurt anyone who comes into contact with it when trying to attack. To get rid of the charge, hit Electro Blooper without taking damage. When it's not glowing, you can attack it normally. A great attack is Parakarry's Shell Shot, regardless of whether it's charged. Keep attacking and you'll eventually defeat it. A blue switch will appear. Hit it to make three blue pipes appear behind you. The left pipe leads to Dry Dry Outpost, the middle to Koopa Village, and the right to Goomba Village. You can now easily reach these destinations from Toad Town. Go farther west into the tunnels and break a stone block to reach a chest with the Power Smash badge.

Go to Goomba Village and deliver the letter to Goompapa. A friend is planning a fishing trip. He'll give you a letter for Muss T., a Toad near the castle gardens. This is the start of a long chain letter expedition. While you're in Goomba Village, pick up the Tape Koopa Koot wants from Goompa if you haven't already.

Go to Koopa Village and deliver the Tape for 1 coin. He'll ask you to get him some Koopa Tea. Tayce T. in Toad Town, in the part of Toad Town where the pipe to the Toad Town Tunnels is, can make Koopa Tea from a Koopa Leaf from Koopa Village. Check the shrubs to find one, take it to Tayce T. and ask her to cook with it. Deliver the Koopa Tea for three Star Pieces. Next, he wants Luigi's autograph. He says they should call him "Air Luigi" for his jump. Unfortunately, Luigi's hiding in the basement of his house, so we'll have to wait for now. While in Koopa Village, deliver the letter to Mort T. in the Toad House for a Star Piece.

Back to that chain letter. Return to Toad Town and go past the Star Door that leads to the crater where the castle once stood. The Toad there is Muss T. Deliver the letter and he'll give you one for Koover, a Koopa who hangs out at the entrance to Koopa Village. He was the one who welcomed you into town. Koover, in turn, will give you a letter for Fishmael, who is fishing in Toad Town Port. Go west twice from the part of Toad Town with the entrance to the tunnels to reach the port. Fishmael is the one on the dock fishing. He has a letter for Koover in response. Give the letter to Koover, who has one for Mr. E, a Toad wearing a blue turban near the Toad House in Dry Dry Outpost. He delivers things from the Outpost to other parts of the Mushroom Kingdom. He has a letter for Miss T., one of the amazingly beautiful sisters near the Dojo in Toad Town. She's the one with the orange cap. She has a letter for the shop owner in Dry Dry Outpost. His name is Little Mouser and he says the juice from lemons and limes is very good. He has a letter for a Boo named Franky. Franky lives in a mansion in Forever Forest. Since we haven't met any Boos yet, we can take a break from the chain letter.

In the Dojo, we can now fight the Master. He's very strong, with 50 HP and a punch with an attack power of 6. Use moves like Power Bounce and Super Rank party members. Heal when you need to and keep attacking to win. He'll give you the Third-Degree Card, calling you a masterful fighter.

In the area of Toad Town with the entrance to the tunnels, head east. There's a guard there, who freaks out when Mario shows up. He says there's a ghost nearby. The Boo appears and disappears before Mario can see it. It then goes into the forest. The Toad is too scared to see what's going on, even though it's his job. Go east to the Forever Forest. It grows dark and the Boo from before appears. He inquires if Mario is Mario. His master wishes to see him at the mansion on the far side of the forest. She has important news regarding the Star Spirits. He will come get Mario if he doesn't show up. Go east to start the chapter.

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 1

In the castle, Peach paces, wondering about Mario. Twink provides encouragement, saying Mario's probably saving some Star Spirits now. Peach wants to leave her room, but there are guards right outside her door and jumping out of the window isn't an option. She remembers the Minister telling her of a secret passage out of her room, so she starts to look for it. Check out her dresses and she'll tell Twink that they're all slightly different and very fashionable. If you check out the cosmetics, she'll powder her nose. She doesn't want Twink looking at the picture of Mario for some reason.

Check out the fireplace. For some reason, Twink finds the warm fireplace to be suspicious. Check out the picture to the right of the fireplace and Peach will find a switch behind it. Hit the switch and the fire goes out and the grate falls, revealing a passage through the fireplace. It leads to a dark hallway. Walk to the left and you'll find a wall with a switch. Hit the switch to make the wall rotate into the next room.

The door leading out of the room is locked. On a table to the left is an open book. It's a private diary. Twink asks Peach if she will read it. She starts reading it. The first entry says the owner of the diary went to Star Haven, stole the Star Rod, and captured the Star Spirits. The second entry says they used their castle to lift Peach's Castle in the sky, beat up Mario, and kidnapped Peach. They hope Peach likes them. It becomes obvious to Peach and Twink that this is Bowser's diary. Peach has a choice to either stop reading or to continue. If she continues reading, she'll find the third entry says that the Koopa Bros. were defeated by Mario and the Star Spirit they held was freed. But there is no way that Mario can save the Star Spirit in Dry Dry Ruins because he'd have to solve the mystery of the sand and find the ruins in Dry Dry Desert. Mario wouldn't know to go there to look for a Star Spirit. Twink says he'll go inform Mario.

Bowser walks in, worried about leaving his secret diary out in the open. He'd be embarrassed if anyone read it. He sees Peach, figures out that she read it, and freaks out. He has the guards take her to her room.

Outside Koopa Bros. Fortress,  Eldstar, the Star Spirit Mario saved, is talking to Mario. He's thankful for being saved and believes Mario can save the other Star Spirits. Now that he has been freed, the seal on his power has been broken and he will slowly recover it. He powers up Mario, giving him the ability to use the Star Spirits' power in battle. Mario will need Star Energy to use these powers. Star Energy appears as a gauge under HP. If there is a Star filled up at the end of the bar, he has that many units of Star Energy to use. His first Star Power is Refresh, which heals 5 HP and 5 FP. When it's Mario's turn, a bit of Star Energy is restored. Using Focus during battle restores a greater amount of Star Energy. Mario can also fully replenish Star Energy by staying at a Toad House. Eldstar tells Mario he must save the other Star Spirits quickly so they can give him the Star Beam, an attack that counters the Star Rod. Eldstar will go to Star Haven for now, but is always watching over Mario and his friends. It's time to leave the fortress.

Have Bombette blow up the cracked wall blocking access to a pipe. The pipe will take you onto the roof of a structure. There's a chest here with the FP Plus badge. Drop down and go west. Back in Koopa Village, Koopa Koot wants Mario to retrieve a tape from Goompa. Once you give the tape to him, he'll give you one coin. Head west to Toad Town, but stay healed. At the edge of Toad Town, Jr. Troopa appears, then falls into the water. He's back and asks if Mario remembers him. He's confident he'll beat Mario. He has 15 HP and will give 20 SP when defeated. He'll hide in his shell to increase his defense. Use the hammer, Shell Toss, or Body Slam to do damage. Once you defeat him, go into Toad Town.

Once in Toad Town, Twink finds Mario, saying he heard that Mario saved a Star Spirit and that Bowser's angry about it. He says there's a Star Spirit held in the Dry Dry Ruins in the Dry Dry Desert. He'll send more news once he and Peach get more information.

In Toad Town, you can reach more places. The badge shop is now open and Mario can head to the southern part of the town. Here, you'll find the train station and the port. There's a pink Bub-ulb, who'll give Mario the pink Magical Seed. You'll also find the pipe into the Toad Town Tunnels, the sewers that run under the town.

Inside the tunnels, you'll find Gloombas and Spiked Gloombas, dark Goombas with more health and more powerful attacks. They each have 7 HP and give 4 SP upon defeat. Go all the way to the east and a Blooper will appear. It has 30 HP and gives 20 SP upon defeat. It will drop down onto Mario or hit him with a blast of ink. It floats over the ground, so use jump attacks and Headbonk. Once you defeat it, you can access the chest with the Shrink Stomp.

Return to the surface and check out the Dojo. You'll initially fight Chan, a Buzzy Beetle with 15 HP. Flip him over with a jump to decrease his defense. Once you defeat Chan, you'll get the First-Degree Card from the Master. Heal and challenge Lee, the Duplighost. He'll imitate one of Mario's partners. He has 20 HP and you'll get the Second-Degree Card for defeating him.

Go east, then south to reach the train station. The train is the only way to reach Dry Dry Desert, but a boulder fell on the tracks when Peach's Castle was lifted into the air. Use Bombette to clear the path, then board the train.

When Mario enters Toad Town, Twink finds him, saying that he heard Mario saved a Star Spirit. Bowser's angry about it. He tells Mario that there's a Star Spirit in the Dry Dry Ruins in the Dry Dry Desert. Twink will send more news when he and Peach get more information.

Paper Mario: Prologue -- A Plea from the Stars -- Part 3

As you head east from the crater where Peach's Castle once was, you'll notice the sky growing darker and shooting stars falling to the ground. Take the lower path to a small house. It's home to a fortune-teller, Merluvlee, and Merlow, who will trade badges in exchange for Star Pieces. He's upstairs. Go back and go up the higher path. The path spirals around the hill to Shooting Star Summit. Go to the left for a Star Piece, then right to reach the Summit.

The seven Star Spirits are waiting for Mario. They tell Mario that they grant the wished of good people. They ignored Bowser's selfish wishes, so he invaded Star Haven, stole Star Rod, which grants any wish. He's currently content with his wishes, but may wish for more. The Star Rod must be returned and the Star Spirits need Mario's help to do so. Mario's not strong enough to deal with Bowser now. He must save the Star Spirits, who will give him their power to defeat Bowser. Their strength fading, they tell Mario that they're held by Bowser's followers in the Mushroom Kingdom. They disappear. Goombario's worried about Peach.

High in the sky, Peach is worried and wishes for help. Bowser and Kammy Koopa appear, telling her that Mario can't reach them and that no wishes will be granted. Bowser says it serves them right for mistreating the Koopas. They tell her she shouldn't cause trouble, then leave. Soon after, there's a tapping on Peach's balcony window. A small Star Kid flies in. His name is Twink and he came from Star Haven to grant her wish. Peach asks him to take back the Star Rod or carry her out of the castle, but these wishes are too much for a novice Star Kid. He needs an easier wish. She asks him to find Mario and give him the Lucky Star. This he can do. She also wants Mario to know she's fine and he shouldn't worry. Twink flies off.

Mario leaves Shooting Star Summit and heads west to Toad Town when Twink bonks him on the head. He's happy to have found Mario and gives him the Lucky Star. This allows Mario to use Action Commands, timed button presses that allow Mario and his partners do extra damage in battle. Each attack has its own Action Command, which appears at the bottom of the screen when you select the attack. For the jump and Headbonk attacks, press (A) just before landing. For the hammer, hold the Control Stick left until the red star button lights up, then release it. If executed correctly, you'll see the word "NICE" appear. To reduce damage from enemy attacks, press (A) before the enemy lands the attack. Practice the Action Commands as much as you need.

A Magikoopa appears, saying he followed Twink here. He wants to defeat Mario for fame and to impress Kammy Koopa. It has 8 HP and gives you 15 SP. It will shoot magic at you, so guard with (A). After the battle, Twink says he'll stay by Peach's side, giving Mario her message. She's fine, but lonely. Go into Toad Town.

In Toad Town, a Toad tells Mario that Merlon has been looking for him. He lives in the house with the spinning roof. Go over to the house and knock twice. Merlon knocks Mario over when he opens the door. He lets Mario into his house and tells him that he, Merlon, is a wizard. He tells Mario a long story that relates to what is currently happening, but Mario falls asleep and most of the story is cut off. He can help Mario in his adventure by telling him where to go for a small fee. Right now, Mario must go to the Koopa Bros. Fortress to the east. Leave Merlon's house and try to go east. There are four Toads with black caps blocking the road. They discourage him from leaving and said it would be bad for them, or him if he asked Merlon. Go back to Merlon's house and talk to him directly, instead of across the table. Merlon is perplexed that strange Toads would block his path, so he goes outside to investigate. Follow Merlon to the Toads and stand between them. Merlon uses magic to reveal that the Toads are really the Koopa Bros. They run off to their fortress. Merlon tells Mario that to get to the fortress, he will need the help of a Koopa with a blue shell. With that cryptic clue, head east to start a new chapter.

Paper Mario: Prologue -- A Plea from the Stars -- Part 2

After breaking the block on the path leading out of Goomba Village, head east. There is a Goomba on a nearby sign. Reading it make a Goomba come off the sign and it can attack you. The red item block in the area contains the Close Call Badge. This badge may make enemy attacks miss when Mario's HP is low. All red item blocks contain badges. There is a sign with a Mushroom on it. The Mushroom will peel off, so you can pick it up. It heals 5 HP. Go east and use the Heal Block, then go east again when you're ready.

Two large Goombas appear, one red, one blue. They say that the Goomba King says Mario can't go through here. The Goombas are the Goomba Bros., Red Goomba and Blue Goomba. They battle Mario. Blue Goomba has 6 HP and Red Goomba has 7 HP. Each give you 10 Star Points when they are defeated. Just keep hitting them and heal when you need to. After you defeat them, they run away. Heal and save, then follow them using the spring. Go east, where you'll find another Mushroom sign that's a Goomba in disguise, then go east again to King Goomba's Fortress.

The Goomba Bros. ask King Goomba for help. They enter the fortress and King Goomba appears. He respects Mario for making it this far, then all three battle Mario. The Goomba Bros. are much weaker now, but King Goomba has 10 HP. To deal with them, first hit the Goomnut tree, where it is bandaged (you can select it as a target). It will make a Goomnut fall onto King Goomba and the Goomba Bros., dealing 3 HP of damage to each of them. This should get rid of the Goomba Bros. and make King Goomba easier to deal with. King Goomba can also hit the Goomnut tree to hurt Mario. Defeating them will give you 30 Star Points. They retreat into the fortress.

Hit the tree in front of the fortress for a Star Piece. Goombario says that there used to be a bridge behind the fortress, but it's gone now. Check the shrub on the side of the fortress for a blue switch. Hit it and you'll hear the Goomba Bros. tell King Goomba they hid the switch that opens the fortress outside. King Goomba tells Mario not to hit the switch, but it's too late. The ground starts shaking and the fortress's tower collapses and reveals itself to be the bridge. Go through the fortress and cross the bridge. On the other side, you'll find a brick block on the ground. Hit it with your hammer to make an item block appear. This contains a Super Mushroom, which restores 10 HP. Go east, and you'll see that Kammy Koopa is watching. You can now save.

Kammy Koopa flies to the castle and reports to Bowser that Mario defeated King Goomba. Bowser used his Star Rod on King Goomba to make him a king, but that didn't work out. The Star Spirits are being held separately by Bowser's subjects, so they can't give Mario their power. The closest Star Spirit is held by the Koopa Bros. at Koopa Bros. Fortress. The Koopa Bros. appear, saying they're the coolest of cool. Bowser isn't sure about entrusting them with the task of guarding the Star Spirit, but they convince him with their power of teamwork and their special attack. Bowser asks who's currently guarding the Star Spirit and the answer is nobody. The Koopa Bros. run off.

Mario's getting closer to Toad Town. Drop down the hill to find an item block with a Sleepy Sheep, which may put some enemies to sleep. Hit a nearby tree for a spring. This will allow you to reach the roof of the gate. There's a chest on the roof with the Hammer Throw Badge. Drop off the roof and go east into Toad Town.

In Toad Town, near the gate, is a pipe. This leads to Mario's house. Luigi is sitting on the porch, singing. He wonders what Mario's been up to when Mario appears through the pipe. He was worried about him. He was near the door when the castle started shaking and escaped. He's upset that Goombario's on an adventure with Mario and he isn't. He has to look after the house. Return to Toad Town to start exploring.

There's a post office, Toad House, a shop, and a Dojo in Toad Town, but the Dojo is closed. Heal at the Toad House to the east, then hit the tree for a Star Piece. When you're ready, go through the Star Door to the north. This will take you to where Peach's Castle was. Go east from here to go to Shooting Star Summit.

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Part 17: Extra Star Power

Mario and Luigi have all three Star Cures and have landed in Toad Town. If you want to go shopping at the Star Rank shop, level the bros up to level 25. Shopping there is quite an experience. The bros' HP and SP are fully restored. They are also offered complimentary foot massages and whisker shaving, the latter of which is refused. Some particularly good (and expensive) items are the Gumption Socks, which revive the wearer after one turn, and the Tight Belt, which reduces the SP costs of all Special Attacks by 50%. When you're ready, go to the clinic.

Dr. Toadley's gotten things under control since we've last seen him. He takes the three Star Cures and combines them into the Miracle (Toadley) Cure. He sends it out to cure the Blorbs. The bros get it back so they can break the blockade. Dr. Toadley doesn't know if it will defeat the Dark Star, however. Talk to the intern to get the Attack Pieces for the Special Attack Mighty Meteors. It's like Smash Eggs. The bros will volley a meteor back and forth with their hammers, but first they have to move back to line up with the meteor, then hold back the hammer. If the meteor is volleyed enough times, or all enemies are defeated, it will explode, possibly releasing an item.

Now that the blorbs are cured, you can explore more houses in Toad Town's residential area. When you're done, go north to the bridge to the castle. The Miracle Cure blasts through all of the barriers. There's an ominous feeling at the gate of the castle. Past the gate, the bros see the three blue Paratroopas fly east. There are new enemies to deal with, like Mechawfuls and Metal Mawful Moles. Follow the Paratroopas east and you'll find an Attack Piece. You can't reach it just yet, but you can walk on the railings. Use that to go into the turrets and reach new areas without dealing with enemies. Walk on the east railing to reach a shell, which you can use for the Attack Pieces. You get seven from that one block. The Paratroopas fly in, saying the bros look well. The Attack Pieces belonged to them and two of them want them back. The other one wants coins in compensation, thirty to be exact. What they don't realize is that 30 coins is chump change, making them think the bros are high rollers. They ask for 300 coins. Pay them and they are amazed. They'll tell the bros where the last 3 Attack Pieces are. They mark the map, but the pieces are in invisible blocks.

The first one is to the far west. The Attack Piece is over the hedge, south of the part of the wall with the picture of a mushroom. Go north, then east to the castle's front door, lined with Fawfulized Peach statues. It's locked, so Mario suggests going through the rear entrance in the garden. Go back west, then north on the left side. Use the air vent to reach the northern-most pillar for the second Attack Piece. Go south, then go into the tower on the east side, then exit. Go east, up the side of the wall and send Mini Mario into part of the castle. The third Attack Piece is on the wall, on the third tile to the right from the gap. The Attack Pieces give you the Special Attack Falling Star. A large star flies through the sky, changing colors. Starlow turns into a cursor you can control and the bros will throw as many smaller stars at the flying star that's flying around. The smaller stars will clusters and trail the large star. The large star will land on the enemy, with the clusters and individual stars following. Go back west, then north twice and go into the turret. Heal and save.

To the north is a trash pit. There's running water, so have Mario drink some and have Luigi use his hammer to extinguish the fire. This creates a tornado for Spin Jumping. To the east is more trash. Midbus appears, saying the Mario bros are famous. Peach's Castle now belongs to Fawful and they are not going any further. Starlow wants to challenge him, but he says the Dark Star will awaken soon. He makes a robot out of the trash in the pit. He orders the robot to fight, but it shuts down. It then starts dancing. Midbus breaks the controller and the robot goes berserk.

It's time to fight Junker. Use Special Attacks, as always. He'll make Junker Cans appear, which will attack the bros. Junker will put a cover over a bro's eyes, so he'll wander aimlessly. Junker will throw Thwomps at the bro, so jump to stop the bro from walking under the Thwomp when it's about to fall. Junker will pick up a Junker Can and shake it to release enemies. Jump for all enemies except the Cheep-Cheep, which will jump over you. He'll also vacuum up Luigi and throw him into a Junker Can. Destroy the Junker Can to free Luigi. The Junker Cans contain enemies that break free when you defeat them, so be ready to defend yourself. A few good rounds of Falling Star will finish him off fairly quickly (three in my case, so he didn't have much time to attack).

After you defeat Junker, he is still going berserk. He runs through the trash, clearing it out. He then brings in a safe and drops it, revealing Bowser. Mario says they should return to Bowser's body soon, as he might be able to storm the castle better than they can. Junker runs to the south and crashes somewhere. Go south and you'll see a Save Block, a pipe into Bowser, and a trashed Junker. Exit to the west to hit a ! Block that opens a grate, making it easier to return here. Return to Bowser.

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Part 10: Hospital Showdown

After being blocked by the Dark Star, the bros return to Toad Town, where the shopping mall is open. The construction gates to the west have been cleared away. The bros are shocked to see Toad Town filled with blorbed Toads, the handiwork of Fawful. To the south is the shopping district. A Yellow Toad with a mustache presents the bros with a PR stunt. There are Mushroom Balls hidden around and the bros should find them and bring them back. They get to keep whatever's inside. Some of them are in invisible blocks, in the ground, or behind walls. There are 16 total. Mario gets a question mark over his head when one's nearby. One's underground by the south stairs. One is to the left of the green Mushroom Rank Gear shop and another is behind it. Go east and you'll find a badge shop. The young Blue Toad wants to play hide and seek. Find him a few times and he'll give you a Small Shell you can equip. In front of the south stairs is another Mushroom Ball and there's one behind the item shop, as well as one to the right of it. There's one behind the Badge Shop and another to the left. Another is behind the Toad at the top of the stairs on the east side. One is by the trees next to the PR Toad. Another is to the left of the clinic on the east side and another is west of the Star Rank shop. Behind the Shine Rank shop is another and there's one by its east wall. One is just north of the yellow pipe on the west side. Finally, one is on the west side on the middle level to the right of a Toad. They hold things like coins and items. The gear shops are organized by rank. You must achieve Shine and Star Rank to shop at their respective shops, which have better and more expensive gear.

The pipe leads back into the Toad Town Caves. Use Mini Mario to get a couple of items, one of which lowers the cost of Special Attacks.

When you're done shopping, save and heal, then go to the clinic on the top level of the east side, near the construction gates. Dr. Toadley's intern is dealing with a patient that's leaving. The bros talk to her, saying they both need to speak to Dr. Toadley. She says he can only see one of them at a time, unless they have an appointment. That could take a while with the number of blorbed Toads in town. She asks what health problem they're experiencing, as they both seem quite healthy. Mario acts out that he has a sore throat, which is a symptom of the blorbs. Luigi hams it up, acting out having chest pains that are more like a heart attack. She declares this to be an emergency, as the kingdom would be doomed if the bros get blorbed. She takes them to see Dr. Toadley, who looks more like a magician or fortune teller. Dr. Toadley asks questions, then immediately answers them. He says the bros have a grave illness caused a virus. Dr. Toadley diagnoses patients using a crystal ball imaging system. Inside the crystal ball, the identity of the virus is revealed: Bowseritis. Bowser appears, after regaining consciousness. Bowseritis takes a while to cure and will take ten days' worth of antibiotics. Bowser knocks the doctor away, saying that he will take the Dark Star and Peach's Castle.

The bros have to battle Bowser. He can use all of the Special Attacks he's acquired, punch, and breathe fire. Use Special Attacks. To dodge the flame attack, Starlow will circle the bros. Press and hold each bro's button to get him to safety. Let go when the attack is over. Don't do anything if Bowser snorts before he tries to punch, as he will safely fall over the bros. When he uses Goomba Storm, jump over all the Goombas that appear but do not jump. The flaming Goombas that have their heads pointed to the right are aimed at Mario. For Shy Guy Squad, volley Bowser back into the Shy Guys. Keep attacking until he's defeated.

Bowser says that wasn't his A game, either. After he leaves, the bros explain the situation to Dr. Toadley. He says the barriers in front of the castle cannot be knocked down. The crystal contains a message of Star Cures, three in all. They are held by three sages in the Mushroom Kingdom and can cure all the world's ills, including the blorbs. They should also give the bros the power to break the blockade. One sage is in a forest, which gives Bowser enough of a clue to get going, after calling Starlow just as annoying as Chippy. An image of the sage emerges and it's Durmite, also called Wisdurm. The bros leave and spot Bowser clearing out some barricades. This gives the bros access to the crack in the wall, which conceals a pipe back into Bowser. Go east twice for a couple of items. If you want to explore the kingdom some more before returning to Bowser, go south.

Once you return to Bowser, you wind up in the Pipe Yard. The small sage appears from the red, broken pipe. Mario and Luigi try to sneak up on her, but she gets away. She takes off for the Energy Hold. The bros cross all but the last mucus pool and she escapes under some blocks that have Boo faces. Starlow suggests staying put, as Bowser can't possibly get the first Star Cure anyway. Bowser goes south of Toad Town to Blubble Lake, looking for a way to Dimble Wood.

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Part 9: Am I not Turtle-y Enough for the Turtle Club?

The bros are finally free! They're back to normal size and enjoying wandering around outside. Go west. The yellow pipe leads to Toad Town, but you can't go into town. Go up the stairs to the left. Go to the far left, then drop down, then go east. There's an item block with a Thrift Charm, a piece of gear that decreases the SP cost of a random Special Attack by 40%. Go back up and spin directly above the air vent. This leads to an air current, which will take you to a pipe in the clouds. The pipe takes you higher in the clouds. Use the air vents to reach higher clouds. Go through the pipe at the top.

Floating high above the clouds is a large block that looks like a square blue Koopa shell. Hit it and lots of smaller blocks fly off over the kingdom. Three blue Paratroopas with personal space issues fly up and are upset about what the bros just did. There were a lot of shells stuffed in that block until the bros knocked them out. The Paratroopas won't ask the bros to retrieve them. One of them is impressed with Mario's mustache. He asks if the bros have ever worn a shell. They're heavy and dense. The Paratroopas say the bros have to play a game. Two Paratroopas bring in a shell block and hitting it gives Mario a shell to wear. Mario will have to hit the flying Paratroopas to win, but the shell's too heavy. After a quick discussion, Luigi hits Mario with his hammer, sending him away from the clouds and back. The closest Paratroopa dares Mario to hit him as he floats vertically. Do that, then hit two of them (you don't have to hit them in one go) and the Paratroopas acknowledge them. The bros should use the shell when they see a shell block. Two Paratroopas bring in a block with 10 Attack Pieces. The new Special Attack is Yoo Who Cannon, where the bros multiply and hide in eight cannons. Memorize which bro is in which cannon (or just one bro in which cannon), then hit the bro's button when the cannon fires at the enemy. The Paratroopas tell Mario that jumping will get rid of the shell.

Return to the Toad Town Caves. Ahead is a new enemy called Nooz. They look like chickens with either a Mario or Luigi mustache. To the west is where Bowser came in and you can see him to the north. The alarm sounds again and he'll get zapped. They'll need a different route to go to wherever the pipe ahead leads. Return to the room with the yellow pipes, then go north. Fawflants are here. If there are two of them, they'll attack the bros at the same time. You may have to have the bros jump separately to counter. Go north and you'll see a shell block and a Toad. He says to move the bridges, hit the lever, but he doesn't have anything to hit it with. Grab a shell and hit Mario at the lever. Hit the levers to cross the bridges and hit three ! Blocks. One of the ! Blocks is to the west, so go get it second. Hit the block with a shell. Go to the northeast and hit the switch to move the bridge into place. Move the three bridges to the south into place so you can reach the third ! Block. This opens the door. Heal and save.

There are two Toads guarding the path ahead. Something really important is kept there and not even the Mario Bros are allowed to pass. Starlow thinks it's odd that a couple of Toads are down here. They reveal themselves to be a pair of Fawflants. Defeat them and the room rumbles. "I HAVE CHORTLES!" Up ahead, the security system guarding the Dark Star is blasted and destroyed. Fawful picks up the Dark Star. "I HAVE CHORTLES! The beauty hurts my teeth! Such power of darkness!My spine has the tingle!" He blasts the bros off the bridge. "Time for the crying! Too badness for you! For the Dark Star is snuggled with Fawful! Are you wanting to see it? Fawful's new Dark Star? You look! Such badness! Such pitch-black power!" He starts singing, "Fawful sings a song of bad! Mushroom Kingdom is so sad! All of it is for Fawful! And the...rhyme with...that." He continues, "It is Fawful day! Joys! Be trembling before me! All who resist will be beat like naughty little eggs! I HAVE CHORTLES!"

A Toad at the base of the pedestal apologizes and tells the bros to get the Dark Star back quickly. He also said the Fawful said he would take control of Peach's Castle next. The door to the left leads to Toad Town. To the west are some items, as well as pipes you can't reach. Return and go north. Go north again. You'll need to Spin Jump to reach all the items. Go east and take the pipe above ground.

The pipe takes them into Toad Town. A Toad wonders where the bros have been all this time. Entry to Peach's Castle is prohibited, but they should try. The paths into other parts of Toad Town are blocked off due to some renovations. Only thing they can do now is go north towards the castle. Several Dark Star barriers appear on the bridge to the castle.

Inside the castle, Peach is held in suspended animation, connected to the Dark Star. "Such excitement, like a pie made of wow! The Dark Star's dark power is building!" Midbus says that once the Dark Star awakens, the world will be theirs. "I HAVE ANGST! Do not tell Fawful that. That gives Fawful stress! We are just at the starting. The power of the Dark Star is still sleepy like a dull baby. It is taking time for the Dark Star to draw out the power of Princess Peach!" An alarm goes off. "Bad noise!" The bros set off the alarm trying to breach the castle. "I have many chortles at such stupidity! We are snug as bugs snuggling in a comfy rug. The Dark Star's blockade laughs at intruders!"

Starlow says the Dark Star's power is starting to awaken and they should return to Toad Town to  strategize. "I HAVE CHORTLES!" A Fawfulcopter appears, saying, "Again the tears are flowing! But not on the face of Fawful! Fawful is on the cozy couch, sipping tea that laughs at you! And he is watching the seal on the Dark Star as it breaks... When it does, all the kingdom will be dark as darkness! But until then...maybe Fawful will have some shopping." Fawful's got the right idea, for now...

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Part 8: GIGGAGIGGAGOW! Freedom!

Fawful plans to rule the world, Peach has been kidnapped, and Bowser's wandering in the Tunnel underneath Cavi Cape. Go east, but not through the pipe. Light the fuse of the time bob to clear a path. Drop down and go west, clearing a path with time bombs. You'll come across new enemies called Choombas, a cross between Goombas and train engines. Watch the smoke that comes out of their stacks on the top screen, which will tell you how to defend against its attacks. Inhale the Coalbits that may appear, so the Choomba can't use them to power up. One Choomba has a Blitty. Don't use Fire Flowers on the Coalbits. Jump attacks work. Go west, south to the lower part of the room, east, south, then east on the top level. To the left of the pipe is a Chakroad. The pipe will take you back to the shop monitor. From the pipe with the Chakroad, go back west, then go to the lower level, then go east. You'll find a machine here. Punch the button to make a time bomb appear. Punch it to the left in front of a crack and light the fuse to make a tunnel appear. To get the other tunnels open, light the fuse first, then time your punch so it explodes in front of a crack. Punch at 3 seconds for the middle tunnel and at 2 for the right tunnel. The middle tunnel has a time bomb and a lot of rocks to destroy. The time bomb clears the path to another pipe that leads to the Save Block and shop monitor. Destroy the rocks on the raised areas to reach the exit on the north side of the room.

This leads to a room with a few Monty Moles. They're trying to drill through the rock, but the drill doesn't have enough power. Bowser announces his presence and they tell him that his plan to drill a secret tunnel is going smoothly. It's an escape tunnel under Peach's Castle for kidnapping. The drill is lined up to go through Toad Town, but the drill can't break through the dirt. Bowser says he'll drill through the dirt himself. He start pushing the drill, making three new areas appear: the Energy Hold, the Lumbar Nook, and the Leg Outpost, which is reacting. The bros have to stimulate Bowser's leg muscles to give the strength to push the drill. The bros start jumping on the muscles. Press the button of the bro landing on the muscle to stomp on the muscle with increased power. Time your button presses well and hold the buttons for even more power. At some points, the bros will split up and hit each muscle simultaneously, so press both buttons. The first set will get Bowser moving and activates the drill battery, meaning they have 1 minute 30 seconds to drill through or the drill stops. If Bowser doesn't reach the end in that amount of time, he'll need a new battery, which costs 50 coins. I made it with 30 seconds to spare.

Bowser winds up under Toad Town. He can't go back the way he came, so go north. Up ahead are four giant electrical orbs. Bowser stands in the center and sets off the alarm. It tells him to leave immediately, but he stays put. The orbs zap him and he falls to the floor, unconscious.

Inside, the Pipe Yard is reacting. A pipe fell over, so the bros can go further into the area. Toadbert meets them there. He says the shock opens up deeper areas in Bowser's body. Bowser inhaled a lot of pipes, which ended up in this area. They still lead to places around the Mushroom Kingdom. This means the bros can get out of Bowser. Warp Pipes are amazing things.  The only one you can reach now is the purple one. It leads to an area similar to where Bowser ended up. Mario says these are the Toad Town Caves. Starlow is reminded of Peach's story about the Dark Star being beneath Toad Town. "I have chortles!" says a voice from far away. Starlow says they must find the Dark Star before Fawful does. Starlow draws the bros' attention to the map on the touch screen, showing their relative positions and areas that they've explored. If you'd like to return to Bowser at any point, just go through the purple pipe again.

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. Team up with Bowser.

Toad Town, to the south of Peach's Castle, is as peaceful as ever. One young Toad walks home, after leaving school early. His mother chides him. Dinner is ready, so she tells him to tell his father. He does and freaks out. The house starts shaking. In rolls a giant, round Green Toad. A headline tells us it's the Blorbs. It's sweeping the Mushroom Kingdom. Toads balloon to blimp size and roll away. No one knows the cause nor cure. Peach calls an emergency meeting at her castle.

With a projecting screen showing an image of the Blorbed Toads, Peach begins the meeting. Toadsworth says this has never happened before. The Toads don't know what to do, so one suggests they panic. Peach says they contacted the Star Sprites for help, but they haven't responded yet. A representative of the Star Sprites enters, with a "Hello Yello!" Her name is Starlow. The Star Sprites don't know what to do either. A cause would be a good place to start, but they don't know that either. Dr. Toadley's intern says they tried to reduce the swelling, but can't reverse it. When everyone is on the verge of giving up, Peach tries to calm them down. Toadbert mentions that there is someone they can count on: the bros.

The castle doors open and Mario jumps in, followed by Luigi, who's still getting dressed. A Toad tells them to go to the conference room in the back. Go into the gardens and grab some coins. To the north is the throne room, with a Save Block. To the northeast is the conference hall. The meeting continues with Toadbert mentioning that a mushroom sold by a local merchant may be the cause. All the Blorbed Toads say they bought Blorb Mushrooms. Well, there's your problem. Luigi falls asleep during the meeting. Toadsworth says that Blorb Mushrooms aren't from around the Mushroom Kingdom. A Toad reports that the merchant wore a cape and isn't from the kingdom. Starlow wants to find him. Toadsworth says the bros should find him and stomp him as if he were Bowser.

"Did someone just page the king of awesome?" Bowser appears, upset that Peach didn't invite him to the meeting. He lives in the Mushroom Kingdom, too, so he thinks he has a right to be at the meeting. Starlow disagrees and tells him to leave. Bowser is angered and breathes fire. Mario gets Peach out of the way and the fire burns the podium and projection screen. Bowser's not pleased to see Mario. He was going to act nice and try to help, but that went away when he saw Mario. His new objective is to beat Mario and kidnap Peach.

It's battle time! Toadsworth gives instruction on attacking and dodging. Mario can do a solo double jump. Bowser breathes fire for his attacks. Luigi sleeps through the whole thing. After he takes enough damage, Bowser is defeated. That was not his "A" game. Starlow says that her star power and Peach's wish power weakened him. Peach uses a new magical power to levitate Bowser and throw him out of the castle. She thanks Mario for saving her. Why she didn't use this power sooner is a good question. Mario doesn't mind, as it gets him a kiss on the cheek.

Out in the forest, Kamek wakes up Bowser. He wants to return and kidnap Peach, but he doesn't know where he is. You can now control Bowser, so head south. Kamek says Bowser can break boulders by punching with (X) and burn stuff with his fire breath with (Y). If breathes fire for too long, he'll get tired. Go east and a figure in a cape will scurry off. Approach the pipes and someone says, "A WINNER IS YOU!" Bowser approaches the voice, which belongs to the caped figure. Bowser asks what he won, and the figure replies "JACKPOTTING!" The figure says, "The customer has luck! And with luckiness comes a tasty Lucky Shroom!" Bowser wants to know what's going on because he didn't buy anything. "Do not have worries for details! No, do not have the worries! Have the wonderful Lucky Shroom of tastiness instead! Scoff this down and your luck will power up to super luck! Luck enough to beat Mario!" Bowser asks if this is true. "I say to you YES!  With every attack, lucky hits will shower in a happy waterfall! You will have such fury! Your strongest enemies will fold like napkins who are crying!" Kamek tries to be the voice of reason and tells him not to eat the Lucky Shroom. Bowser, however, isn't as skeptical and asks for the Lucky Shroom. "Oh, yes, of course! ENJOY THE EATING!"

Bowser eats the Lucky Shroom, but it doesn't agree with him. Kamek asks what that mushroom was and the cape figure reveals himself to be- you guessed it- Fawful. "Such easiness! So easy it gives me the gleeful chortles. I have such strategy! And now for the leaving. You are having a date with Peach's Castle!" Fawful flies off and Bowser inhales everything around him, including pipes.

Back at the castle, the meeting is still going on, thanks to Peach. Toadsworth suggests relocating when Bowser appears. Bowser inhales everyone, last of which Luigi, who wakes up due to the disturbance. Bowser laughs, then collapses. Fawful appears, saying "I HAVE VICTORY! Easy as bread sandwiches! And now for the proceeding with the plan I have planned! Midbus! Come! Fawful calls you!" Midbus, whoever he is, replies, "Of course... Lord Fawful..."

Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time -- Part 10: A Fungus Among Us

The bros get to explore the Shroob mother ship. Oddly enough, it has quite a few bean spots. The room to the south is split by a wall. Go east to a narrow hallway. You'll encounter Guardian Shroobs. They're faster than normal Shroobs and like to team up for attacks. Ice Flowers do critical damage. In the background, you'll see Shroobs soaking in green liquid. Keep going to the right. You'll see a large purple ! Block. Hit it and it flies away. Send the babies up on the spring. There will be switches to hit,  illuminating the area ahead. You can only hit the ! Block when the area around it is lit up. Go to the right and hit the ! Block to form a bridge between the split rooms. When you're ready, go up the elevator.

Go north and you'll see the princess. Rather, it's a hologram. An army of Shroobs appears and the princess walks in with them. She rips off the fungus covering her face and reveals herself to be Princess Shroob. This time, her speech is translated. The bros are to be consumed. One Shroob doesn't seem to be celebrating and breaks out a camera. After snapping a few pictures and taking out the army with a ray gun, the Shroob reveals herself to be Kylie. The five escape into the elevator ahead. She's calling it even for saving her from Petey Piranha. Kylie thinks it may have been Princess Shroob's plan for the bros to take her to the present Mushroom Kingdom to take it over, as well. For once, Bowser's useful for something, as he foiled her plans. Get off the elevator and save.

Ahead, Kylie's found the keyhole for the key she found. It opens a trapdoor out of the mother ship. Baby Bowser, who's still on the roof, hears the noise and breaks through the roof. He hides on the ship.

In Yoshi Village, Toadbert's helping repair the village. The image he drew keeps bothering him, but he won't think about it anymore. Kylie lands on his head. This jogs his memory.

The bros land in a devastated area. Stuffwell says it's Toad Town. Explore the houses. Check out the glow gaps and send the Baby Cakes in for extra items. There are Shroids in this town, robotic Shroobs. If you counter their spike ball attack, they'll malfunction. Another attack is their flag attack. If the flag of the same color as the bro is raised, the bro should jump. This changes if the Shroid malfunctions. On your way, you'll pick up Red Shells. They're like Green Shells, but will hit other enemies after your target has been defeated. There's a house to the east that has a bridge connecting it to a house on the other side of the wall. Send the babies over and have the bros go south. The babies should go south to hit the blocks to open the gates ahead. They'll run into Skellokeys, skeleton Pokeys. They'll also encounter Love Bubbles, which attack from the air.

Throughout Toad Town, the bros will be separated from the babies. Stuffwell reports that the Cobalt Star is reacting strangely. Stuffwell says the activity is related to a place called Star Hill. There is a path there in Toad Town. The bros should go west, then east twice to the next set of blocks. The babies should go southeast, then south to reach their next set of blocks. Have all four bros go south to be reunited. Hit the ! Block to open the gate to the Time Hole. The pipe will take you to Star Hill.