[krystlotus]

The Beanish sisters had been taking in the sights of the city so far, however for where Fawful had led them, things had progressively turned still and silent, especially when the crowds become more sparse.

In fact, there was a sinister, seedy aria that lingered in the area, which caused Kagami to calm down as she would have her silence from the copious amount of noise..

..however, she can tell that Jovie was nervous as the younger's seemed to had tighten since they stepped in the sketchy part that Fawful warned about from earlier. 

Jovie practically felt like she was being watched by unfriendly individuals who each were batting an eye at the trio but most of them kept to their own business, counting coins or whatever goods they have, not even bothering with them.

Regardless, it was just those three passing by..

"Jovie is sorry for asking but how much further?" Jovie asked quietly to Kagami who answered, "Jovie, calm down. We'll get there when we get there."

"J-Jovie hopes it is soon." Jovie frowned. "Though, how is big sis?"

"I'm all right." Kagami sighed as she smirked and looked to Jovie for a bit. "However, you're going have to catch up because you're walkin' kinda slow."

"Ah! Jovie is sorry.." Jovie perked up and she sped up the pace to catch up with Kagami, who was getting somewhat annoyed with her. "Quit apologizin' so daggone much. For crying out loud, that has to be your tenth sorry of the day. What's wrong with ya?"

Jovie lowered her head as she was silent for a moment but she lifted up her head, "It's nothing, Jovie is okay."

It was a lie but she didn't want to worry Kagami or even Fawful for that matter and in a sense, she felt bad because she was lying to herself.. and in a sense, Kagami was skeptical but looked back in front to avoid running into Fawful.

This almost felt like if Jovie was hiding something from her, but in a sense, the older did have a hand on being harsh on her earlier. The fact was that while she cared for Jovie but didn't know how to deal with it correctly as the realization was smacked in her face, however, she was curious if Jovie really is her sister as she claimed to be.

[jokerjay779]

Fawful was leading the two to his shop. While he liked how Jovie was polite and kind he did find her constant asking of if they are there yet to be annoying. And of course, there is the fact that Kagami's attitude hasn't improved much either. He's starting to have second thoughts about this, but the second he figures out what is up with that amulet it will all be worth it.

Though as they are walking some Koopa Troop members begin blocking their path. A Goomba, a Hammer Bro, a Dry Bones, and a Bob-Omb.

"Fawful would appreciate if you would get out of Fawful's way. Fawful has the things he needs to be doing," asked Fawful politely.

"Not so fast don't think we didn't forget about what you did to us, mind controlling us and taking Bowser's castle," the Hammer Bro said.

"Yeah that was so not cool of you dude," the Goomba said.

"Well you got your minds back, all bridge under the water, now please scoot over so that we may pass," Fawful said.

"Oh yeah, what about those two Beanish behind you, two new minions perhaps? Did you hypnotize them too?" the Bob-Omb said.

"I think we should teach this guy a lesson, Bowser would be real happy to know we knocked a few of this guy's teeth loose." the Dry Bones said.

Fawful then pulls his raygun out of his cloak and points it at them. The Hammer Bro then readies his hammer. While the Dry Bones gets a bone to toss ready.

"You can't hit all of us with that one gun, we still outnumber you," the Hammer Bro exclaimed.

Fawful then simply shoots at the Bob-Omb, which then lights the fuse, as the other minions realize what just happened it is too late as the Bob-Omb explodes covering the area in soot and smoke. After the smoke cleared the minions were all spread out across the alleyway unconscious and covered in soot. Fawful laughs at this.

"Such finkrats, Fawful only used you minions just to tick off Bowser, you were all as useless flimsy toothpicks trying to hold together a beefy burger of badness," Fawful explained in his well Fawfully way.

Fawful then steps over the unconscious bodies and continues leading Kagami and Jovie to his shop. However, the Dry Bones begins pulling itself together. And begins stealthily approaching the three while their backs are turned.

[krystlotus]

Of course, the sisters would carefully pass by the unconscious bodies even though Jovie felt bad for the individuals that got in their way though she was silent about it.

Honestly, it would be better if they talked it out but that didn't seem to be an option especially when they resorted to threatening to hurt the group.

"Sheesh, the nerve of those punks, it's almost like they have nothin' else better to do than to slow us down." Kagami sighed before she calmed down as she continued,"They practically begged for trouble from the start."

Kagami might have her hints of sass and rudeness, but in a sense, if she fed into Fawful's ego, things would go that much more smoothly. Though seeing those idiots blown up was especially funny to her as she laughed, given at how stupid that the entire thing is from false accusations.

"In general, what has happened was rich coming from a group who got the crazy assumption to speak up for us. It's downright hilarious considering that they came from that Bowser guy which speaks volumes."

While Kagami was enjoying herself, Jovie perked up.

"Yeah! Jovie didn't like those bullies." the younger spoke up albeit more cautious tone after what just happened but regardless grateful. 

"I'd say this is both a warning and a valuable lesson, Jovie."

While Kagami did have a point, Jovie didn't like the concept of fighting though there could be a better way to handle it.

"Another thing, give an inch, they'll take a mile because the moment they find weakness, that's when you're really in trouble so you have to stand up for yourself and fight back."

Jovie silently nodded before she looked down somewhat.

"Right. Jovie understands."

She hopes that they don't end up into another situation before they get to the shop.

[jokerjay779]

Fawful was starting to warm up to the two hearing them talk down to Fawful's minions. They even seem to understand now what happens when someone crosses him.

"I have chortles! Indeed, Bowser's minions are all the braindead. If anything they were more useful when they were working for Fawful. My brainwashing gave them more smartness too. Enough about the past, it's the future we need to have the focus on! Some come girls Fawful's shop awaits." Fawful shouted.

He then turned with a dramatic robe swing and continued walking one.

"Do not worry about being the brainwashed. Fawful won't do such a thing to the small children. Even Fawful has the standards. Just be on your best behavior and Fawful shall get along with you just fine," he explained.

He then heard bones chattering behind him as he turned to see the Dry Bones from earlier grabbing Jovie and holding a bone to her face/head like a pocket knife.

"Some genius you are! Forgetting the signature ability of the Dry Bones like that. We don't go down so easily. Now lay down your weapons or this girl's gonna get bonked!" the Dry Bones said.

"I have fury! Fawful wouldn't stoop as low as to harm a child...directly at least. Fawful may have harmed some while working for Cackletta indirectly. That is beside the point that Fawful is making! You are about as cowardly as the running gingerbread cookie from the fairytale book of childness!" Fawful declared.

"I may be a coward, but I am a smart coward, lay down your weapons now!" the Dry Bones asked again.

Fawful, knowing that Kagami would probably not go with him if he let anything happen to Jovie. He removes his Vacuum Helmet and tosses his raygun. The Dry Bones then lets go of Jovie as the Dry Bones steps forward and begins bashing Fawful's head with the bone. As Fawful is knocked down to the floor holding his head. The Dry Bones begins kicking him while he's down.

[krystlotus]

Jovie was horrified by the sudden grab and let alone captured as she was held, which was scary as it was. Well, until Fawful stepped in to defend for her but dropped everything for her had her surprised as her eyes widened, before she was freed.

Only to see the Dry Bones attacking him.

"Oh no! Mister Fawful!"

Kagami saw what was going on and immediately, her hands glowed with a dark magenta aura as it highlighted the Dry Bones and pulled the attacker away from Fawful, slamming the creature against the wall, while she glared with hostility.

"You just made a horrible mistake, ya punk. NOBODY messes with my little sister as well as whoever else is around that is helping us and not get away with it without consequences on my watch."

Kagami's voice was practically growling in a silent yet stern tone.

"Besides, I've seen my fair share of boneheads and others like you before." 

However, while Kagami was busy with the Dry Bones, Jovie hurried up to Fawful and knelt down on a single knee.

"Mister Fawful, are you okay?"

While Kagami might be mad at what just happened, Jovie felt horrible as this was her fault for not being on alert and someone got injured as a result. Though, a resolution came that if Kagami decides to get mad and yell at her, Jovie was going to defend Fawful.

Despite of Kagami's rough personality, Jovie believes she does care for her deep down.

[jokerjay779]

The Dry Bones found himself crumbling again before reassembling. Realizing that the other girl was the one who flung him to the wall with some kind of power.

"What the shell?! Some kind of psychic or witch kid?! That's way above my pay grade! A promotion or raise ain't worth dealing with this I'm out of here!" the Dry Bones said.

The Dry Bones then sprinted off taking heed of Kagami's warnings. And ends up tripping on one of his friends. Before dusting himself off and continues running. Fawful then slowly got up.

"I have wellness! Fawful is bruised but fine, but I have confusion as well. You could have taken the opportunity to flee but instead, you helped Fawful. Do you really trust Fawful that much?" he asked.

He dusted himself off and turned away to clean his glasses, not showing them his eyes, before putting them back on and picking up his Vacuum Helmet and Raygun.

Whatever their response he then leads them to his shop as he introduces it. From the outside, it doesn't look much. Just a basic building with a fancy hanging sign with Fawful's face on it. However, as Fawful opens the door the inside is more extravagant like his Badge Shop back under Peach's Castle the Bean 'n' Badge. In fact, since Peach's Castle is here on Li too he just basically took his old stuff and brought it back here in secret.

Including the fancy red and gold carpet with his face on it, the desk, seats, and other fixtures. On the shelf were various scraps and parts he collected from missions. Like the robotic arms of the upgraded Reploid Skull Man. Still, not enough parts to make a Mechawful from but maybe someday he'll collect enough parts. Without Midbus he is without muscle and has to rely on his gadgets/weapons and others to compensate for his severe lack of strength.

Various junk was sold that he could scavenge like clean filtered water jugs, high-calorie recipe books, and Beans.

"Fawful's lab is in the back, make sure not to touch Fawful's wares," Fawful said.

[krystlotus]

"Yes, Mister Fawful." Jovie mused as Kagami nodded, "Yeah, gotcha."

Even if after Kagami had warned Jovie about earlier, it just happened too quickly and now, she felt the need to make sure the both of them be protected, though Fawful's shop was interesting to say the most.

"Anyways, we can't just leave ya behind like that. Not when it was made personal after they harmed Jovie but also you as well, so, you're welcome on the save." Kagami nodded as Jovie smiled, "See, big sis! You do care about Mister Fawful."

Kagami sighed. "Yeah, yeah, and well, since he protected us, it's only fair to return the favor, especially when those punks from that dumb Koopa army has issues."

She continued, "Besides, just because they still have a personal beef with Fawful doesn't excuse the fact they get to harm us as well! They brought it on themselves."

Even if Jovie was grateful that everything is alright, something still bugged her, while Kagami was not only mad at what happened but focused on the amulet ordeal while she continue to follow Fawful and Jovie.

It was silent between the two sisters.

[jokerjay779]

"Fawful agrees with Kagami that Bowser's minions are too quick with the accusations. Though Fawful still does not know how you were the able to thrash that Dry Bones. Perhaps there is more to you than Fawful first thought." Fawful said.

While he was down on the ground he did feel a hint of dark energy emanate from her direction but he was not sure if it was from the amulet or her. Perhaps she absorbed some of the energy while wearing it. She might be more useful to him than he first thought. Not sure how useful Jovie would be but it seems that wherever she goes Kagami follows. Something to take note of.

As they arrived in his lab it looked a lot like Fawful's vanity project. While there's the usual mad scientist lab equipment, blueprints, and desks. There were also various motivational portraits, self-portraits, and paintings all themed around Fawful. He then grabs a small dual-screen portable computer like device from his desk as he then taps on it with a stylus. The eyes of his Vacuum Helmet turn into telescopes that begin focusing on Kagami's amulet. It looked similar to the Dark Star's energy signature alright but there are some differences and fluctuations.

"Hmm, focus we have but still not enough. Kagami, place the amulet on the table over there so Fawful can get a better read on it," he asked.

Meanwhile, the Dry Bones was still running for his life.

"Curse that Fawful, curse that Beanish psychic child, maybe I can gather the Koopalings to take care of him. No, they wouldn't listen to a grunt like me. I'll just gather as many other Koopa Troopers as I can and storm the place yeah. That'll show him," the Dry Bones chattered.

[krystlotus]

Without a word, Kagami took off her amulet and placed it on the table as Fawful asked of her. She was hesitant but there was some extent of trust involved, all while Jovie would eventually come to a conclusion on what to do next.

"Jovie is going out to the shop."

Kagami knitted a brow but given the circumstances, this could be an exception. "Alright, but don't leave outside the shop, understand? You know as well as I do that it's dangerous."

She added, "Oh and there's the No Touch Stuff rule, got it?"

Jovie crossed her arms behind her back as she smiled, "Jovie knows because Mister Fawful says. Don't worry big sis." 

Eventually, Jovie would leave to the front where the shop area is and for now, Kagami could relax knowing that they are within Fawful's shop. This was much better of a place to be in given that it's not outside where she would freely roam around.

---

Outside in the alleyways, the Dry Bones messed up badly with his plans because not long from earshot, a voice answered.

"You will not harm Lord Fawful." 

Even if it's from the shadows, the voice was gruff but that's because what the Dry Bones had encountered was the pig-like creature that assisted Fawful in the past: Midbus.

Not without a moment, Midbus would grab the Dry Bones with his hand grasping on the bony shell as he brought the other to his eye level, glaring at the other's eyes.



"You of Bowser's minions, start talking."

Midbus wasn't going to tolerate anyone who would lay a finger on Fawful and the new information that the Dry Bones had spoken of has his attention. 

"If you know what is good, do not waste time."

A demand, nonetheless. Midbus was in a hurry to find Fawful but as it seems, he may have some new company with him and if this Dry Bones refuses, he does have his qualms of using his massive strength against them.

The Dry Bones would be in an impasse of a situation.

[jokerjay779]

Upon further studying the amulet, there was no doubt about it. This amulet holds some energy from the Dark Star. That shouldn't be possible the Dark Star was sealed under Toad Town for 50 years. At what point could this have been made? And how did this girl obtain it?

"Yes, Fawful has seen this energy before. It comes from the Dark Star a very evil and dark entity that ravaged the Mushroom Kingdom years ago. Luckily Fawful can suck the essence out with his Vacuum Helmet to get rid of it," Fawful said.

Of course that last part was a lie. As he puts his Vacuum Helmet on he wonders if Kagami will still be of use to him or if he should keep her around once he has the energy. She'll probably stay around just to make sure he doesn't try anything funny. As the Vacuum Helmet suction power activates not a single bit of energy is leaking from the amulet. It continues to be contained within it.

"I have confusion! This worked before, why isn't it sucking out the dark energy like a fat man guzzling a shadowy milkshake of badness?" Fawful asked.

He tried to turn up the suction power but instead, the amulet went into the Vacuum Helmet. Though the Vacuum Helmet then begins to choke on it as it gets stuck before it is spat back out. This upset Fawful immensely. As he then knelt to the ground looking forlorn and disappointed.

"I have...sadness." Fawful lamented.

---

The Dry Bones recognized Midbus, in fact, he was the Dry Bones who thought Midbus called him when he was talking about breaking Bowser's bones. So he knew that Midbus was not to be messed with. Especially since he's someone who could go toe to toe with Bowser. He saw how he fought in the Fawful Theater. He stands no chance.

"Fawful had two Beanish kids with him that he kidnapped or hypnotized or something and that ticked me and my friends off so we tried to beat him up but he kicked our shells. One of those kids has some weird powers that she used to slam me against the wall. That's all I know please let me go!" the Dry Bones said.

[krystlotus]

Midbus snorted at the Dry Bones.

"You say that but I smell lie." 

The fact was while Midbus wasn't the brightest, he was loyal to Fawful regardless and he's close to chucking this Dry Bones to the nearest wall.

---

Kagami was quick to catch the amulet in her hands to prevent it from hitting the ground. "Aw sheesh, be more careful with it Fawful!"

Before long, Kagami looked to the amulet and looked to it for a bit, before she continued, "To be honest, I don't think this amulet is gonna let go its essence because it may have something behind it to prevent the removal."

This was good news for Kagami especially that she had a hunch that Fawful would try to pull something since they made that agreement. Though, she had a feeling that this pendant has some sort of spell or something preventing the essence loss.

"Guess whoever made this, it looks they just don't want anyone taking the energy. Basically a failsafe and it turns out that only I can use it so that means.."

A moment of silence and Kagami continued.

"Well, regardless of what this means, I still owe you."

---

Meanwhile, outside in the shop area, Jovie was looking around in the different wares but as she did, she can't help to hear some talking from nearby and remained silent.

"Tell me where Lord Fawful is!" the voice demanded from outside the building as Jovie fell back whispering, "..Lord Fawful?"

She was thinking for a bit and she wondered as she would go back to where Kagami and Fawful was at.

"Umm, excuse me big sis, Mister Faw-" Jovie spoke as she noticed Fawful sad and on the ground before clasping her hands. "Oh no, what happened?"

"He's just having a moment." Kagami immediately turned around before looking to Jovie. "Anyways, what's the situation?"

"Oh! Right! Jovie heard people from outside and one of them was talking about Mister Fawful." Jovie wondered for a bit. "I heard one of them say Lord Fawful or something.."

[jokerjay779]

"I am not lying I swear, there was this one with glasses and very purple, and another with reddish orange hair. Small to, smaller than Fawful even. In fact, they probably weren't even hypnotized I bet he was trying to scam them selling them junk from his shop. You got to believe me!" the Dry Bones pleaded.

---

"Fawful didn't even had consideration of that. How can someone as smart as Fawful not consider that? I have inadequacy." Fawful lamented.

He was surprised to know that Kagami's still owes him even after his failure. Perhaps him telling her about it containing the Dark Star's essence is enough. Yet there was something bugging Fawful.

"Fawful doesn't understand though. Why are you not having the shock and surprise of your amulet containing such darkness?" Fawful asked.

That was when Jovie came in. Saying something about someone calling for "Lord" Fawful. This was able to get him out of his stupor.

"One of Fawful's loyal minions made it to this place of all places? Could it be?" Fawful wondered.

Fawful then runs out the door to where the screaming is coming from. He recognizes that voice anywhere! It was his most loyal and strongest henchman Midbus. His eyes lit up as he gasped in awe.

"Midbus! Fawful is as happy to see you as fat cops are happy to see the crispy cream and or jamming jelly filled donuts! I have joy!" Fawful said.

[krystlotus]

Midbus chucked Dry Bones a distance away from the area that would be enough to send the skeletal Koopa into a distant dumpster and it wouldn't be long before he noticed the small voice of his boss.

Eventually, he stopped to turn around and faced Fawful who was practically smiling in excitement and joy.

"Lord Fawful!" Midbus smiled back to the Beanish but at the same time, something bothered him. "But how?"

Midbus was curious to how Fawful was apparently alive and standing right in front of him.

It wouldn't be long before Jovie would be in the background from within the building window as she whispered, "Hehe, I'm glad for Mister Fawful."

Some time after, Kagami would join Jovie from leaving the lab to the front where the shop area is as she added, "Sheesh, that piggy looks like a brute."

Of course, while Jovie looked to be wanting to rush outside again, Kagami gave her the look.

"Easy there. You'll meet'em soon, remember what I said." Kagami reminded before Jovie mused,"Sorry but Jovie got too excited."

Kagami was glad for Fawful as well but a part of her wonders about the new guy while remembering about what Fawful said to her about the amulet in silence.

"Despite of what happened, today has been a good day." Jovie smiled though Kagami was wondering: What next? She did say that she still owes Fawful but something else bugged her.

It wouldn't be long before Kagami looked to Jovie as she suggested, "Stay in the shop, I'll be back."

Jovie didn't know what Kagami was up to but she did nod as the older sister would leave the shop to catch up with Midbus and Fawful outside.

[jokerjay779]

The Dry Bones was thus yeeted like a ragdoll and tossed into a dumpster. As if his day couldn't get any worse. As soon as he got out there were some dogs growling at him. As his bones were then stolen reduce to nothing but a head. His head then hopped after the dogs to try to get his bones back.

"Fawful could ask the same of you of how you are the alive as well. Last I remember Bowser had the beatings of you and you were frozen solid like a beefy pork popsicle. As for how Fawful is alive, sadly Fawful did die, but here on this planet, I was summoned alive and well again. Though sadly Fawful has lost most of the Dark Star's power, but Fawful seems to have found a new source," Fawful said.

He then peeks around the corner to ensure no one is listening to them and if Kagami/Jovie is listening in on them. Before floating up to near Midbus' head with the jets of his Vacuum Helmet.

"Fawful has found two little girls with one holding an amulet containing Dark Star power. Fawful has no idea how she obtained such an artifact but Fawful plans to get the energy for himself. However, Fawful's Vacuum Helmet has proven useless to get it. Some kind of magical barrier prevents Fawful from obtaining the dark power that the little one holds. Fawful needs to keep them around until he can find a way to do so." Fawful explained in a whisper

[krystlotus]

While Midbus was hearing Fawful speaking, he was thinking about what the Dry Bones spoke of earlier. Apparently, what they said was true and by hearing Fawful explain it more, this confirmed it, however it would already seem like his boss was already ahead of things.

"Right, but what of-" Midbus spoke before Kagami would eventually come into see Midbus for herself. "So, this is the big guy, huh?"

Midbus looked down to Kagami and then to Fawful. "Is this the girl?"

Fortunately for Fawful, Kagami didn't hear about the whispers of his devious plans but her hunch is that since she exposed the fact that only she has the capability to use the amulet's power, she's going have to watch herself, while Jovie was inside the shop, unable to hear what was going on from a distance.

"Girl? Excuse you, but this girl has a name and it's Kagami." Kagami smirked at Midbus, almost grinning. "Now what about you? I'm sure you have a lovely name."

Midbus grew silent as he didn't like Kagami being snarky towards him.