[krystlotus]

It was sometime later that the group were inside the shop, returning in from the streets, and in that time, Jovie welcomed back everyone including introducing herself to Midbus to which Midbus did introduce himself albeit briefly.

"Oh, hello there! I'm Jovie, what's your name?" Jovie asked before Midbus replied, "Hello Jovie, I'm Midbus."

In comparison to Fawful, the orange haired individual was a tiny child just as the Dry Bones mentioned. In fact, she was smaller than him as much, but unlike Kagami, she did look to be friendly.

"Nice to meet you Mister Midbus. So you're Mister Fawful's friend?" Jovie asked eagerly before Kagami replied,"Fawful said minion, not friend."

"Jovie doesn't think so!" Jovie mused, though it wouldn't be long before she added,"Anyways, Jovie is so happy for Mister Fawful. We should all do something special!"

Midbus didn't expect Jovie to be this energetic and to be honest, he can't help but to wonder.

"Anyways, this is my big sis, Kagami!" Jovie spoke up cheerfully before Midbus asked,"Big sis?"

Kagami sighed, "Yeah, we're related. Somehow, even though we haven't know each other personally before..until now. It's odd."

Kagami could talk about it but the fact was that she had that look in her eye that seemed to indicate that something about this bugged her.

"It's okay big sis! What matters is that the both of us is here and with friends!" Jovie giggled with a smile. "Isn't that right Mister Fawful?"

Jovie doesn't seem to be letting go of that friend concept anytime soon.

[jokerjay779]

"Right of course, friends. After all, you two helped save Fawful from that one ruffian. Since you two are in the needing of a place to stay Fawful will allow you two to live here." Fawful said.

While he was thankful to them for saving him. There's still a lot he doesn't know about them. He finds Jovie suspicious cause no one can be that nice, especially towards him. And Jovie and Kagami not sure if they are even sisters also perplexes Fawful. These two are so strange, though probably not as strange as him.

"Now onto matters that has been bugging Fawful. Kagami how did you obtain the strange amulet. The fact it has Dark Star energy in it is something even Fawful's brilliant mind is unable to have understanding of. Please tell Fawful, Fawful is as curious as a cupcake kitten with pleading candy eyes." he pleaded.

[krystlotus]

Yeah, she still owed him, her own words.

Looking down to the amulet, Kagami nodded, "I actually had this amulet for years, well, kinda feels like it, but.. on how I got it.."

She narrowed her eyes as she crossed her arms, with raising one close to her chin.

"..that's actually the big mystery there. I'd wished I knew directly, but every time I try to remember, it's a fog.."

It wouldn't be long before she looked up to Fawful.

"..though, I have this strange feeling that I was given this by someone..or well, something else..I'm not really sure."

Jovie was wondering but regardless, silent, as she was paying attention to the situation along with Midbus who has his arms crossed.

"Oh and back to the question on earlier when you ask about me being not being shocked nor surprised about the amulet consisting the dark essence, there ya go. I mean, if essentially a dark essence has been apart of you for a time, the surprise factor is well, nonexistent, if you know what I mean."

Kagami casually shrugged afterwards before she leaned in slightly as she smirked.

"Though, at this point, I'd say make of it all you want with speculation or whatever else you could come up with. After all, you're smart, I'm sure you have something."

[jokerjay779]

Fawful listened to the explanation. It raised more questions than answers. Who gave her the amulet and why? Though he at least knows why she seemed to have been aware of the dark energy that she now controls since she's had it. She then basically challenges Fawful to make a speculation.

"Fawful has his theories. Someone must've taken the energy of the Dark Star before it was sealed away and awakened in Toad Town, or perhaps while it was wreaking the havoc before the Star Sprites came. As for who gave it to you Fawful guesses it was someone close. Another relative perhaps? Oh, this whole business is a burger of mystery layered in intrigue ketchup. Fawful feels so close to cracking it that he can almost taste it," he explained.

He then went to a bookshelf and got out a Mushroom Kingdom history book. He scrolls through the pages to anything on the Dark Star to see if he can find a hint. Something he didn't know or notice before.

[krystlotus]

Kagami shrugged even though the mention of family was a sore spot and the same could be said for Jovie.

"Who knows and besides, it's enjoyable to be on the lookout for a mystery or two." Kagami mused before Jovie added, "Jovie agrees as well."

The younger was smiling though, something bugged her, as she would look down somewhat as she would clasp her hands.

Kagami had noticed that Jovie's tone was softer than usual as she asked, "Say, uh, you okay there Jovie? You're kinda look, I dunno, bugged or something."

Jovie perked up. "Oh, Jovie's okay!"

"You sure?" Kagami asked with a knitted brow.

"Yeah, Jovie's okay, it's just.." Jovie didn't know what to say next, she's practically nervous to speak any more about what is bugging her. "Let's focus on helping Mister Fawful."

The younger would attempt to smile even though this time, it wasn't without tears streaming down her face. Kagami could tell that her younger sibling wasn't exactly in her best behavior as for as long as she had encountered Jovie, she has been pretty moody.

[jokerjay779]

As he was studying the history book. Fawful then notices that something is bothering Jovie. After all, he was a genius he could tell she was just smiling through some sort of pain, just that he had no idea how to handle kids or why she could be sad. And he doesn't want to see a small girl cry in his home. He looks up from his book and sees Midbus.

"Midbus, the one girl Jovie is clearly going through the something. Sadness perhaps. Cheer her up in some way, give her the candy, or make the silly faces." Fawful ordered.

Fawful then studies the page and sees a figure in the background of a sketch where the Dark Star is rampaging through Toad Town made by someone who witnessed the event 100 years ago, on closer inspection their shape doesn't resemble a Toad. He then gets out a pair of goggles with telescopic lenses that begin zooming towards the figure and realizes that the figure's silhouette more resembles a Beanish though he can't make out their face and they appear to be wearing a cloak.

"I have findings! On this page recording the events Fawful sees what appears to be a Beanish during the attacking of the Dark Star on Toad Town a hundred years ago! This means whoever managed to collect the dark power for your amulet must be an ancestor of you two maybe. A family heirloom passed down? Fawful can't help but wonder why you don't talk about your family much besides you two? Unless you two are also the orphans?" Fawful asked.

He then closes the book and looks out the window.

"Fawful was also an orphan, managed to scrape by and even went to Hoohoo University. Cackletta was the one who took in Fawful. Yet still Fawful did so much work for her and Fawful wanted more, but even with her gone and Fawful now his own villain I have...sadness." Fawful mused.

He then turned towards the three. His glasses scrunched in a sad expression despite the fact his large teeth make it look like he's still smiling.

"Fawful admits he had the thoughts and the attempt of the rebelling but Fawful can't help but wonder if he had gone through it with he would have the guilt and sadness. Like a sad onion crying for its lost layers." Fawful admitted.

[krystlotus]

Kagami was absolutely silent just listening to Fawful's words as she seemed to had zoned out as she lowered her head, only to show her glasses while they hide her eyes under the shine.

It felt as something had shook her very being that she was subtly trembling while Midbus was comforting Jovie, as ordered, even though he wasn't someone that good with children.

However, Jovie was quick to hug Midbus without saying a word, causing him to be surprised somewhat but regardless, they were paying attention to the situation from the background.

"Heh, well.."

It wasn't long before Kagami would lift her head as she would eventually looked directly at Fawful in silence before smirking, hands casually down to her sides before she crossed them.

"This is an unexpected turn of events, just like what happened to us when we arrived." she spoke before she continued, "Though to be honest, it all connects because Jovie hasn't spoke of what happened from before, us two wanderin' around without any other adults or whatever and with an amulet that has the dark essence involved."

She added before she would turn away, calming down, "At this point, you got your answers figured out..and..sorry for your loss."

Kagami would take notice of things better if only she didn't feel numb after the pain had stricken her from the inside. The fact was that she felt bad for Fawful but wasn't the best expressing herself directly like Jovie was.

"Oh no, Mister Fawful!" Jovie spoke up, before she would rush over to Fawful and hugging him trying to comfort him. "It'll be okay, we're here for you."

Kagami eventually turned around and looked to Fawful,"Jovie's right and to add, despite of being called a villain, that's in the perspective of others, so it's their problem, not ours. You helped us and that's already an impact regardless of how small or big it is." 

[jokerjay779]

Fawful felt proud that he seemed to have everything figured out. Though didn't know how to feel about the hug. Cause he's not used to physical affection. Though he couldn't tell why it felt nice. And was surprised to hear Kagami apologize about his loss of Cackletta.

As far as he knew everyone was happy that she was gone. Since she menaced the Beanbean Kingdom for so long. Yet here was this Beanish girl sending his condolences for the loss of his former mistress. Though Fawful didn't seem to appreciate the idea of not being thought of as a villain.

"Oh no Fawful is definitely a villain and Fawful enjoys being one. The fury, the conquering, the planning, the executing of the planning, and all that comes with the job. Fawful had Bowser's Castle and the princesses all wrapped in Fawful's finger like golden onion rings of royalty. Until that beef brained king of koopas pummeled Fawful's face and those finkrat Mario Bros finished the job. The last thing Fawful remembered was exploding to try to disappear with them...and Fawful failed and game covered for nothing." Fawful said.

After recalling how he died again he then realizes that he has figured out where the amulet came from but due to how the amulet works he can't seem to get a hold of its power, but Kagami can use it. And even if he doesn't figure out how to undo the seal, she could be a worthy ally. And Jovie has taken a liking to him and Midbus and surely Kagami wouldn't want to leave Fawful alone with them.

"No use crying over Fawful's spilled milk. You two have no place of staying. Fawful can try to find a way to accommodate you and Midbus here if there is nowhere else you can be staying." Fawful said.

[krystlotus]

Kagami sighed. She looked tired as today has been sort of long and she wanted to rest up, though when Fawful say he is a villain, she said,"Oh yeah, you're a villain, but the thing is..well, that I just have a habit of overthinking things sometimes. I mean, I get tied up with wanting to see the real ordeal behind the scenes because I don't exactly trust what has been told right off."

She continued. "Next to those Koopas and their boneheaded leader, I don't even trust those two brothers from the kingdom next door. I practically get weird looks from people asking me why don't I like the brothers or some stupid nonsense like that and I tell my reasons, only to be silently judged and labelled as ungrateful or something else. NOTHING NEW, Y'KNOW."

Long after, she paused for a moment after her rant was over, sighing while lowering her head before closing her eyes a bit while regaining her composure, "Anyways, besides that, as far as staying here, if Jovie's happy about it, I am too. I am the older sibling and I have to take to that responsibility even if I'm not exactly used to it."

She reopened her eyes and looked to Jovie tiredly,"By the way, you good with that Jovie?"

"Yay!" Jovie mused happy before she was practically just almost about to grab Fawful's hand and run around in a circle but was able to contain the excitement. "Thank you big sis! Thank you Mister Fawful! You're the best!"

Of course, the fact that in all of this, Midbus wonders how he and Fawful are going to pull this off. This is new to him but with time, Fawful would prove some plan of action, though, the mention of the Brothers and Bowser, he has unfinished business with them, he will be focusing on that in the meanwhile.

[jokerjay779]

Fawful couldn't help but laugh at Kagami's response. From the fact admitting that he is a villain. And her calling Bowser a bonehead and saying she doesn't trust the Mario Bros.

"I have chortles! Fawful agrees that those finkrat brothers are no good. Me and my mistress games were over because of them yet the King of Koopas still lives. What fairness is that? Who made them the judge, the jury, and the executioner? Either Bowser is as hardy as the teeth-shattering toffee or the universe is just unfair to people like Fawful." Fawful lamented.

Fawful couldn't help but blush at Jovie's compliment.

"Yes yes, Fawful knows that he is the best. Midbus! Please be helping with the moving of Fawful's things to make room for yourself and the girls for you all to rest. Fawful has a storage room in the back." Fawful ordered.

[krystlotus]

"Yes Lord Fawful." Midbus replied before he would make his way to take care of the physical work as instructed by Fawful, bypassing even Kagami and Jovie to get to work with moving objects, lifting heavy loads with no issue, to the storage room in the back.

Kagami had noted that Midbus was a strong silent type given that he seemed to only respond when Fawful ask of him, though she had noted that he acted as awkward around Jovie.

In fact, this all seem new..

Eventually, Jovie would let go of Fawful as Kagami added as she crossed her arms,"Well, glad you had a laugh to lift the mood. You've had it rough with the nonsense already but hey, things are different now and there's no hold back."

Jovie had noticed how Midbus was easily moving objects in the background as she giggled, "Yeah, what big sis says! Oh and Jovie was happy to help Mister Fawful find Mister Midbus and big sis helped out as well."

A pause. "Um, excuse Jovie for mentioning this but..Jovie is hungry."

"Now?" Kagami asked as Jovie looked down but the younger did nod in silence. "Of course.."

[jokerjay779]

"Hmm Midbus is a lot less talkative than he usually is. Perhaps he is still trying to process Fawful's return. Or maybe Midbus has no idea how to act around the kids. Oh well, cross that bridge when we get to it." Fawful thought.

And now it seems that Jovie was hungry. It's a good thing resources haven't been as low as they have been before when the famine was still a thing. Otherwise having three more mouths to feed would prove difficult, especially regarding Midbus. Though Fawful has no idea what they like.

"Fawful shall cook something that shall make your mouths water and eyes weep. Fawful is many things, a scientist, a lord, a shopkeep, but he is also the skilled chef. Though Fawful will need to know your preferences. Fawful doesn't want to waste food cooking blindly only to find you don't like what Fawful serves. Then Fawful can see if Fawful can make it with what he has." Fawful said.

He waits for their answers. Thankfully he knows low-calorie recipes and not just the high calorie ones. That sort of punishment is only reserved for Fawful's enemies. And he especially doesn't want to fatten up two little girls. He's not an evil witch living in a gingerbread house.

[krystlotus]

"Well just our luck then because ahh, yeah, we would had been in a bit of a situation." Kagami mused before Jovie added, "See! It's a good thing we came with Mister Fawful."

Kagami didn't know what to say but after the excitement from Jovie, she sighed as the younger kept going even after Fawful asked, "Well, Jovie does like fruits, vegetables, seafood and other things. Oh and sweet things!"

"Huh, practically close to me except the seafood part, though I do like sour, bitter and some tangy and savory taste. I'm pretty simple especially considering that I enjoy something like a soup, stew or something like that." Kagami mused before she asked Jovie, "However, I gotta ask, why seafood?"

"Where Jovie is from, there is seafood." Jovie explained as she smiled, "Though, Jovie understands if there isn't any of that around and besides, trying new things is always fun, hehe!"

"Hey, I'm not picky either." Kagami added as she crossed her arms with a smirk. "I may have my tastes but still the point stands."

It would seem that the sisters agree on something however, both were curious on Fawful's cooking in general, especially Jovie.

Maybe..just maybe she could possibly ask Fawful?

[jokerjay779]

"Hmm, Fawful sees you like a variety of things. Fawful just knows what to make. Fawful shall make a zesty tomato soup with the grilled cheese sandwiches, and then the fruit salad for dessert. A fine meal everyone should enjoy." Fawful said.

He then heads into the kitchen and puts on an apron with his face on it. And gets out the tomatoes and various spices. First before making the soup, he seasons and bakes/roasts the tomatoes in an oven. Then he gets to grill the cheese, unfortunately, he has plain cheddar cheese and nothing better like gouda. He gets the slices of cheese and puts them between toast and puts them between two pieces of bread but doesn't put mayonnaise on them because he's not a fan. Then while the items are cooking his Vacuum Helmet sucks up a bunch of fruits and then spits them out perfectly cut into a bowl.

After the tomatoes are done in the oven he puts them in a pot and mashes them up as he boils them in a pot. Until the pot is filled with a savory red paste. After letting it simmer enough he then pours the contents into a few bowls. And then brings the food to the table.

"I have dinner! Fawful hopes you enjoy it because if you don't Fawful will have to waste more food to cook something else," Fawful said.

He hopes they do because he doesn't want to lose his patience with them and keep asking them to cook something different. Like some kind of annoying brat asking for more macaroni and cheese repeatedly. Of course, this dinner is just for them. Midbus will get something much more meatier.

[krystlotus]

Jovie was the one that was watching Fawful the most on his cooking and overtime, the aroma became pleasant. The girls both were curious to how the food were and upon delivery to them, Jovie was the first to get some with her spoon, but was careful as she blew on her soup before she ate some, only to stop.

The taste was really good and it reminded her of the more pleasant times. It felt as if something had gave her solace while it calmed her.

It wouldn't be long before she would take a bite of the grilled cheese and the results haven't changed as she was practically in happy tears.

"Ya have no words to say Jovie?" Kagami asked teasingly before Jovie replied with a nervous blush,"Y-You should really try it big sis!"

Kagami could tell that Jovie already admires Fawful's cooking but now, it's her turn to try and so she did with her meal.

The result was not different than Jovie as she also became a fan of Fawful's cooking.

"Okay, that was the undoubtedly, I dunno how to describe it but, the most beyond outta there delicious meal I had!" Kagami admitted as Jovie added,"Jovie agrees! Thank you Mister Fawful!"

Kagami added,"Yeah, thanks Fawful and don't worry because both me and Jovie are looking forward to dessert."

Jovie nodded in agreement to Kagami's statement, especially when both sisters were enjoying themselves with their meals though..

Something has Jovie's curiosity and it wouldn't be long before she asked, "Mister Fawful, if you don't mind Jovie asking, when did you learn how to cook?"