Toadette's Story: Book 2

Chapter 121 - The Shadow and the Sol

The Sun rose over Twinsy Tropics, painting the healing islands in gold. Rather than reeking of smoke, the atmosphere smelt of salt and blooming flowers. On the docks, Almara stood with an arm around Terror. He looked cleaner, though the mask naturally remained.

Jasmin lingered near the ramp, adjusting her glasses. She stepped to Terro and leaned close.

“If… If there’s a baby, I’ll take care of him. He won’t be abandoned.” Her hand hovered over her stomach.

Terro froze, then laid his hand over hers. “You won’t be scared alone. If you need me, send word. I’ll find you, okay?”

A weak smile touched her lips. “Thank you.”

They parted as Almara approached Toadette, holding out a small basket. Inside, red twin-stemmed fruits lay nestled on a bed of leaves.

“More Double Cherries,” Almara said, her voice low. “A final thanks for returning my darling back to me.”

“I’ll put them to good use,” Toadette promised, taking the basket. “Take care of yourself.”

With final waves, the heroes boarded the Poseidon Fin. As the island shrank on the horizon, Jasmin sat silently by the rail, her gaze fixed on the fading shore.

The journey into the pirate’s sunken ship was silent.

“Alright,” Jones grunted, leading through the corridors. He stopped before a heavy door. “Your final reward, mates.”

When he threw the door open, Toad froze. Toadsworth wasn’t chained or starving. He sat at a small, velvet-draped table in a silk robe, peering over his spectacles at two glistening shark pirates.

“Go fish,” Toadsworth declared triumphantly.

“Blast it!” One of the sharks slammed his cards down. “How does he do it?”

Toadsworth took a sip from a porcelain cup. “It’s all in the wrist, my good sir. Ah! Master Toad! You’ve arrived!”

Toad’s eye twitched. “This son of… We fought a giant squid, rats and a creepy child molester who turned herself into some little kid! And you’ve been in here playing cards?”

“Now, now, son,” Toadsworth chuckled, dusting crumbs from his robe. “One must make the best of captivity. Besides, these gentlemen make a dreadful cup of tea. Far too salty. I’ve had to instruct them on proper brewing for days now.”

Jones let out a hearty laugh, slapping Toad on the back. “Take him and go, captain, before he drives the entire crew insane.”

Toadette’s giggles exploded into laughter, the absurdity washing away the tension of their battles. Even Minh cracked a smile.

“Let’s go home,” Minh said, wiping a tear from her eye. “Before Toad’s brain explodes.”

Above the water, Jones gestured to their parked miniature ship. His eyes fell on Toadette’s pocket, which contained Stuffwell and the now-protected Ethereal Star.

“Our deal is settled,” he said. “You’re welcome in these waters, Captain Toadette. But not with that thing. I wish for no part of its bad luck, if you understand.”

Toadette smiled. “Don’t worry, captain. We’re taking the trouble with us.”

They shook one last time.

***

Wario’s slammed his garlic bear down, fist shaking. The atmosphere in his Diamond City building was tense.

“That star was special. They can’t all have random properties,” he said into the phone.

“Our boys have been doing homework.” Waluigi’s voice crackled through the speaker. “These stars have some hidden energy. While you’ve been sailing the high seas, I’ve had them gather notes on how to extract it.”

“Can we do it? I’ve got two beauties already here.”

“It’ll take time. We need rare materials—some only from Sarasaland that they’re real picky about exporting. And the chances of them selling to us…” He let out a low chuckle. “I’m already en route.”

“Ah, she’ll play ball.” Wario hung up. “Wah… Those mushrooms got more brains than I gave ‘em credit for. No wonder Peach keeps that pink-capped nuisance around. Might have to wipe ‘em all out now, just to be safe.”

9-Volt clutched a wound on his arm. “Dude, that Penelope chick is a straight-up psychopath. You sure she’s even human?”

18-Volt cracked his knuckles. “Yo, next round’s mine. I’ll snap them freaks like twigs.”

“Will you now?” Wario’s attention snagged on the persistent slurping beneath the table. He yanked something hard. There came a yelp. “Oi! Quit slurping and gimme something, Mona! What’s that radar saying?”

“It’s been dry for about thirty minutes!” Mona emerged, a thick, yellowish-white substance dripping from her lips. She slurped it in, sucked her fingers clean and pulled up the radar. “Some place called Twilight Town. Sounds lame, like where emo kids hang out.”

“East of Rogueport.” 13-Amp scratched at her cast. “Poor as hell. They say it’s got trees that give off dark energy. Only way in is through a hidden pipe in Rogueport’s underground. No clue where, though.”

“Oh, I already called someone about that,” Mona said, wiping her mouth.

“Why not just fly over the stupid gas?” Wario huffed.

“If only it were so simple.”

Wario raised a brow. That hadn’t come from 13-Amp or Mona. The voice was echoed as if filtered. He looked around, then grinned over his shoulder.

“Well, well. The little devil herself.”

“Hey, crack a window! It smells like a zombie in here!” 9-Volt yelped as crimson electricity coursed through his body.

“Childish.” She drifted inside, her boots leaving dark, damp prints on the tiles. “The rapper is mostly correct. The barrier isn’t magic but centuries of sorrow and regret. From the few times I’ve been, I can tell you it’s beautiful. Sheltered, even.”

“Her version of paradise,” said Red, a little imp hovering beside her.

“Excellent.” Wario leaned forward. “I have a little job for you. That dump’s got an Ethereal Star, and you’re gonna fetch it for me.”

Ashley stared at him silently.

“Look, pipsqueak, don’t you realise what we’re—”

“You still owe me for the last shoot. The boots that cost five thousand coins. The ones you made purposefully hard for people to find.” She turned her back. “I have better things to do.”

“Those magic studies, yeah?” Wario dropped his voice. “Tough break, being so petite. Must make studying hard sometimes, huh?”

Her eyes cut towards him. “What did you just say?”

“C’mon, shortstack. You’re barely taller than a Toad. Pretty pathetic for a powerful witch.” He adjusted his collar. “Lucky for you, I’m a saint. These stars can rewrite reality. Could stretch you out a few inches… Maybe more.”

That sparked the faintest flicker of curiosity in her flat expression. Wario snickered.

“And that’s just the appetiser, smelly. That place sounds miserable, full of folks desperate for someone to follow. You snag that star, bring it to me, and maybe I’ll hand you the whole town. You’d be their queen—their best buddy. Your own cult kissing those grimy…” His gaze dipped to her scuffed boots. “That good enough pay?”

“C’mon, Ashley!” Red nudged her cheek. “Someone other than me will rub your feet for once. They might even wash them first! Please!”

Ashley didn’t smile, but her lips twitched. “That Toadette girl will be there.”

“Oh, bet on it,” Wario cackled. “But you’ve got your spooky magic. Beat ‘em down or splatter ‘em—whatever floats your boat.”

Ashley exhaled sharply through her nose. “I’ll need assistance. But not from them.” She gestured at the Volts. “Too annoying.”

Both boys sighed in relief. 13-Amp merely stuck her nose up.

Ashley’s eyes slid towards the corner. “Cricket. You’re coming with me.”

The karate boy snapped upright and bowed. “I’m ready to serve, Ashley! How I’ve missed our training lunches! You have such incredible skill, the way you wiggle your tongue into even the tightest of holes!”

The room froze.

9-Volt’s jaw dropped. 13-Amp facepalmed. Mona snorted before collapsing into laughter.

Ashley’s face flushed red. “Cricket.”

“Hmm?” He tilted his head. “I’m only saying that I enjoy when you lick my—”

“Just. Go. Pack.” Each word came out flat, yet the building shook as her volume increased. Windows exploded in a shower of glass. Red yelped, morphing into a broomstick mid-air. Ashley vaulted onto it, still flushed and twitching.

“Oh my gosh, Ashley!” Mona giggled, wiping tears. “If I knew you were into that stuff, I would’ve totally brought you a hot Mona Pizza! Y’know, through the back door!”

Ashley gritted her teeth, breathing harder. 9-Volt and 18-Volt dove for cover, while 13-Amp sat unintimidated. Three deep breaths echoed through the room.

“Twilight Town. We leave in ten minutes.”

“Ah! It’s been over one year since our last mission together,” Cricket mused, looking up. “Do you still prefer peanut butter, Ashley? Or have your tastes changed to jelly?”

Ashley shut her eyes and shot through the broken window, obliterating what little glass remained. Cricket followed, waving cheerfully.

“We shall return victorious!” He leapt out after her. “Of course! We can just mix the peanut butter and jelly, Ashley!”

Wario wheezed with laughter. “Yes! Let’s see that pink pest squirm her way outta this one!” He turned, his grin fading into a sneer. “Alright, you worms. While the witch does her job, I want this glass cleaned up. Get it together and move it!”

“Yes, sir!”

***

Hidden away in the kitchen corner of the Excess Express, Sofia was busy with her own private ritual.

She bit her lip, stifling a moan as liquid escaped her body. She held the glass of beer up to the light. She watched her special ingredient mix seamlessly with the alcohol.

To the happy couple at my current table, she thought, may you choke on your joy.

She smoothed her uniform, fixed her expression into bubbly joy and pushed through the swinging door.

“Here you go. Chilled to perfection.” She placed the glass before the young couple. Then she watched the man take a long swig. A thrill ran down her spine. “Is everything perfect for you two?”

“Indeed. Thank you.”

She turned away, her expression curling into a sneer. Actually disgusting. It’s so hard for a high-value woman like me to find a boyfriend who isn’t trash, yet these idiots stumble into love? Just like that hobo Toadette, dating my bloated cousin and that incompetent excuse for a—

Her knuckles went white around the serving plate. Can’t wait until I’m in a good enough position to grind that fungus into the…

“Sofia?” Alice nudged her. “Don’t zone out. Look.”

Sofia followed her gaze. Her breath hitched. Seated alone at a booth, reviewing a menu, was Princess Peach.

“According to Casey, she’s keeping low profile,” Alice whispered. “Rogueport to Poshley Heights. No entourage, no protection.”

“Really?” Sofia’s shock dissolved into calculation. “I shall go and work my magic.”

“I don’t think that’s a good—”

“Chill. I’m, like, a total professional.” She approached the table with a dramatic bow. “It is, like, such an honour to have you on the Excess Express, Your Highness. My name is Sofia, and I will be taking fantastic care of you tonight. May I get you something to drink?”

Peach looked up. “I’d appreciate a lemon tea, thank you.”

“Entendido.” Sofia winked. “I’ll be back before you even notice I’m gone.”

Back in the kitchen, she prepared the tea.

The urge to piss in the drink was strong. But a princess sick on a luxury train meant an investigation, and prison bars didn’t suit her caramel complexion.

Gotta whip out Option B. She kicked off a shoe, revealing a white ped sock. She looked at the stained bottom, snickering. After plucking it off her foot, she leaned over the cup. The sweat dropped into the tea, drip by drip, each splash accelerating her heartbeat.

The second she heard someone approaching, she jammed her foot in her shoe and pocketed the sock. She grabbed the tea just as they entered.

“I’m telling ya, I could, like, totally use a foot rub after this shift,” she giggled. With a graceful twirl, she delivered Peach’s sweat-filled tea.

“Thank you.” Peach took a long sip. She paused, smacking her lips slightly as she tasted something salty. Minerals, perhaps? She swallowed it down, unaware she was consuming the very essence of the woman standing over her. “Now then, could I trouble you for the spicy soup?”

“Ah, le Soupe Épicée. Bold choice.” Sofia left and returned in a flash, steam wafting from the bowl. “Didn’t peg our fabulous leader as a heat enthusiast.”

Peach handed her the menu. “Sometimes heat wakes up the senses.”

“If I can be totally honest, Your Highness, it is such an honour to serve the woman my little cousin speaks so highly of.”

Peach paused, the cup halfway to her lips. “Your cousin?”

“Minh T. You know, the flower girl over in Toad Town. The one with the big…personality.”

“Oh.” Peach set her cup down. “So she’s your cousin?”

“Mmm-hmm. Both born in Mushroom City.” Sofia let out a dramatic sigh and slid into the opposite seat uninvited. “I worry about her, though. She’s always trying to sound brave when we talk, but I can literally hear the stress in her voice. It’s so depressing.”

Peach studied Sofia’s face. “Minh T. is a valued, hardworking citizen. I assure you, she’s in good hands.”

“Duh. Especially with Toadette around,” Sofia laughed. “Who would’ve thought? Toadette always seemed so fragile, yet here she is, frontline defence against Wario.”

At the mention of the name, the mood shifted.

“I beg your pardon?” Peach straightened her posture.

“The attacks in January.” Sofia waved her hand dismissively. “The bombs? How Wario’s teams somehow snuck in and nobody caught them. Takes a ruthless mind to pull of chaos like that. I’m just so glad my cousin is surviving it.”

Peach gave a soft laugh. “Well, dear, regardless of your conspiracy theories, the High Court has declared—”

“He’s totally guilty. I pay attention, Your Highness. I mean, just based on the plans’ setups, I could tell you which airports his soldiers came out of.”

“Can you now?” Peach crossed her arms, smirking. “I must say, I admire your interest in current affairs. Most citizens don’t follow these matters so closely.”

Sofia leaned in, dropping her voice. “When you work on a train, you hear lots of whispers.”

“Whispers can be dangerous, Sofia.” Peach’s eyes narrowed. “They can lead people into situations they’re not prepared for.”

“True! Like that Star Festival last year?” Sofia locked eyes with Peach. “Such an awful tragedy. Though I’ve heard whispers it wasn’t just Wario’s idea.”

Peach froze. Her hand tightened around her cup.

“Yeah, some people say it made no sense how nobody caught them. Like, a Banzai Bill’s pretty easy to spot compared to nearly a dozen nobodies across the map, right?” Sofia cocked her head. “It almost felt like…an inside job. Like someone in our kingdom’s government wanted it to happen.”

She leaned closer, invading the princess’ personal space.

“But surely a leader who loves her reputation wouldn’t make a deal with a monster and let her people die just to prove a point. Because if that got out, suddenly there’s no Princess Peach. Right?”

Peach glared, her face draining of colour. “That’s nothing but a ridiculous rumour.”

“Oh, totally! Good thing I don’t just believe random rumours. I hunt facts and serve the tea.” Sofia hopped to her feet, dusting off her apron. “But it’s, like, a crazy world, Your Highness. Secrets are heavy, so why add more stress?”

She gestured to the passing evening landscape out the window.

“I can tell you that Wario is obsessed with those stars. And when he wants something, he’ll stop at nothing to get it. Honestly might be safer to just let him have his little treasure hunt. Like, why fight a war you’re gonna lose, especially when you have so much to hide?”

Peach remained silent.

“Maybe convince Toadette and Minh-Minh to stop before they get themselves killed? Pretty please?” Sofia’s lips curled. “It’s an awful outcome if Wario wins, but it might be…safer.”

“I… I will take that under advisement,” Peach whispered stiffly. “Thank you.”

“Awesome! I’ll leave you to your dinner. Let me know if you need anything else, ‘kay?”

As she walked away, sneakers clacking against the floor, Sofia didn’t look back. She didn’t need to. She could feel the princess’ eyes boring into her back, filled with suspicion and dread.

And she loved every moment of it.

***

Far east of the Mushroom Kingdom, Sarasaland stretched across four united kingdoms. Birabuto’s endless dunes concealed the pyramids. Muda’s waters teemed with life. Easton’s statues stood guard. But above the others lay the prosperous Chai Kingdom, where Princess Daisy ruled from her palace in Rizu.

Afternoon light filtered through the windows of her throne room, casting patterns across marble floors. Fresh flowers scented the air.

Yet the peace was interrupted by a light splash, followed by a gasp.

“Is this water cold?” the princess asked. The words left her mouth in her Chai dialect.

Her servants tensed. “No, Your Highness. It should be…”

“It feels cold. My left foot is freezing.” Daisy’s voice sharpened. “Are you telling me my feet are lying?”

“Absolutely not, Your Highness! We’ll change it immediately!” One servant scrambled to grab the basin while the other continued massaging, looking as if he might faint from stress. Fresh warm water was poured, and steam rose.

Daisy squinted and dipped her big toe in.

“Perfect. That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Daisy finally relaxed completely into the silk divan. “Alright, chancellor, I’m listening now. What’s this about you hating my proposed mandate?”

Across from her hovered Biokinton, the Chai Kingdom’s chancellor. His form was concealed within a white cloud that never touched the ground.

“Your Highness, if I may—”

“Improving student wellness isn’t a bad thing. And this country can afford it across all four kingdoms.”

“Registered therapists in every school… We fear it may prove an imprudent allocation of resources.”

“Our massage industry’s the strongest in the world.” Daisy swung her legs down, forcing the servants to scramble and maintain their grip. “We create jobs, help students manage stress. It’s a win on every level.” She wiggled her toes at him.

“Your Highness speaks with great wisdom, yet the matter of implementation—”

“With all the training we put them through, kids are practically dead by lunch. Fifteen to thirty minutes of care will boost their focus for afternoon classes.” She leaned back with satisfaction. “Dirt, sweat, sand—doesn’t matter what’s sticking to their feet. If a student wants pampering, they’re getting it. And if a year-round implementation is too ambitious, well I’m open to seasonal programs during—”

The doors nearly flew off the hinges.

An attendant burst in. “Your Highness, forgive the interruption. A representative from WarioWare, Inc. demands an immediate audience.”

“Demands?” Daisy’s eyes flew open. “This guy have a name?”

“Waluigi, Your Highness.”

Her toes curled tightly, and the servant attending them gasped in pain.

“Let him in.” She glanced at Biokinton. “We’ll continue this tomorrow. Nine in the morning, please.”

“As Your Highness commands. May the remainder of your day bring you peace.” Biokinton dipped and drifted towards the side exit.

The moment he left, the throne room’s atmosphere shifted. The scent of expensive tobacco invaded the space, mingling with Daisy’s perfumed foot bath. A thick trail of smoke announced the visitor's arrival.

Waluigi strutted in wearing a loose desert robe that covered his slender frame. Tucked under one arm was a binder, and a long cigar dangled from his mouth.

“Woo, Birabuto is charming at this time of year!” he announced, taking a long drag. “I see why your people wear these robes in the dunes. They keep Waluigi’s fantastic physique cool and comfy.” He exhaled a plume of smoke towards the ceiling.

Daisy waved her fan aggressively. “Get to the point,” she said in plain English.

“Straight to business!” Waluigi dropped onto the divan beside her, crossing his legs. He opened the binder dramatically. “Since we’re all casual now, look, I’m here to expand the historic friendship between your lovely empire and Diamond City.” He flipped through charts. “Diamond City is going through some changes, you see. Brand new energy system, completely solar-powered. But here’s the thing: the Sun alone ain’t gonna cut it. We need Sol Minerals to keep our systems stable.”

“And?”

“And…” Waluigi turned to a map of the Birabuto Kingdom, some regions circled. “Wario’s offering a generous payout for exclusive mining rights. Fifty-year contract, quarterly payments—all the good stuff you’d want.”

“Clean energy.” Daisy let out a dry laugh. “Last I heard, Wario’s specialty was environmental disasters. Ask what’s left of Mushroom City about those jet fuel fires that torched Poshley Heights.”

Waluigi’s grin widened. “Sharper than the last time we met.” He leaned closer, forcing Daisy to shift away. “Look, it’s simple. We take the minerals; you take the money. No need for unpleasantness, princess. Wario’s not trying to harm your country currently.”

“Currently?” Daisy’s eyes narrowed. “Is that a threat?”

“A threat? What threat?” Waluigi glanced around. “I see no threats around here. It’s a projection, princess. A vision of the future where we both end up better off than the Mushroom Kingdom.”

“You must think I’m that pink-dressed pushover in Toad Town!” Daisy shot to her feet, kicking over the basin. Water splashed across the floor. “We trade with Diamond City, but we have zero interest in working with Wario specifically. Especially involving our rarest minerals.”

She leaned down until they were nose-to-nose, her voice dropping.

“Set one foot in my deserts without authorisation, and my army’ll bury you so deep, archaeologists won’t find your lanky bones for a thousand years.”

Waluigi didn’t flinch. He took a slow, deliberate drag from his cigar, puckered his lips and blew a thick cloud directly in her face. She coughed violently.

“Touched a nerve, did we?” Waluigi stood, brushing ash off his robe. “Shame. Wario hates when his ventures get stalled by stubbornness. And Waluigi hates it even more.”

“Take your search for the Ethereal Stars elsewhere. Immediately.”

“Hmm?” Waluigi raised a brow. His cigar nearly fell from his mouth. “Ooh… Well, well, Princess Daisy. You’ve got better intel than Peach, I’ll give you that.”

He reached out and flicked ash from his cigar. It landed directly on her toes. Then he flicked her on the nose before cackling his way towards the exit.

“Give my regards to your four little kingdoms,” he called over his shoulder. “Hope they’re still standing tall and beautiful next time I visit.”

Daisy growled.

“Oh, and the kids!” Waluigi turned around theatrically. “Can’t forget about the kids! If something were to happen to them, I’d be in tears! Boo-hoo… Boo-hoo!” He wiggled a finger. “Keep them safe, okay?”

The door slammed behind him.

Daisy stood trembling, her fists clenched so tight that her nails dug into her palms. The throne room was silent except for the dripping of spilt water.

“Princess,” one servant whispered. “The floor has become quite slippery…”

“I don’t give a damn about the floor!” Daisy dropped back onto the divan, her chest heaving. She closed her eyes and planted her feet. “If you’re so worried about me slipping, shut up and lick it up! Now!”

“At once, Your Highness!” Both servants got on their knees and stuck out their tongues, lapping at the salty water around Daisy’s twitching toes.

She let out a long, shuddering breath as the tension left her shoulders. But her mind was already racing ahead. She pointed at a guard by the door.

“Get intelligence on the line. I need Mario’s location within the next twelve hours. The Mario.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Daisy grabbed her fan and worked it furiously. Forget the Mushroom Kingdom. If those Wario clowns get powerful enough, not even Sarasaland’s gonna be able to hold them off. They’re not touching my people!

She forced herself to focus.

Hang on, Toadette. It’s a shame you’re a part of this, but you won’t be alone.

***

A full day passed. The basement room in of Peach’s castle was cramped. The faint hum of E. Gadd’s radar filled the silence between arguments.

“What do you mean she’s not here?” Toadette slammed her palms on the table.

“You love to talk and never listen,” Bank muttered. “The princess left to inspect Poshley Heights two days ago.”

“I need answers from her directly! Her daughter’s literally turning into a demon!”

“How my cousin handled you for years is beyond me,” Hints sighed, “Russ T. had the patience of a saint.”

“Want me to make you lose your voice again?” she growled.

“Enough.” Toad stepped between them, dropping the radar onto the table. “Penelope’s demons can wait. Right now, the signal’s pointing to Twilight Town. E. Gadd didn’t build this piece of crap for precision, but it’s definitely in that area.”

Yellow spun his wheelchair around to face them. “Twilight Town? Rumour has it the whole area is cursed. Constant night, poverty… Sounds boring as hell.”

Toadette rubbed her cap. “Great. Just fantastic…”

“We can’t waste time,” Toad said. “Even if we got it in the end, Wario still beat us to the last star. We need an edge.”

Toadette knew he was right, which only irritated her more. But the mission wasn’t the only thing eating at her. She left the basement, cleaned herself up and headed straight for Penelope’s bedroom. She didn’t bother knocking; she just cracked the door open.

Penelope was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at her hands.

“Hey,” Toadette said softly, sitting beside her. “Can we talk?”

Penelope flinched. “I’m not in trouble, right?”

“No, not at all. I want to talk about Syrup’s ship.” Toadette carefully watched Penelope’s face. “I saw what Jasmin went through. I need to know if you’re okay. Did they put you through anything like that?

“No.”

“Penelope.” Toadette gently took her hand. “Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not. I’m just glad we saved the kids, and I don’t wanna think about this anymore. Okay?”

Toadette waited patiently. Soon Penelope started shaking. Tears welled in her eyes, and she broke down. The words came tumbling out—the manual labour, the violence, the degrading acts she was forced to perform with Terro. She clung to Toadette, refusing to let go.

Toadette didn’t offer her empty platitudes. She just held her.

“Is it bad that I’m glad she’s dead?” Penelope sniffled. “Does that make me a murderer?”

“After what that woman did? I wouldn’t blame you if you’d killed her yourself.” Toadette stroked the girl’s hair. “Sometimes we have to do bad things to survive. You defended yourself, and I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you…” Penelope pulled back, wiping her nose. “I love… I love you…”

“There’s only one tiny thing I’m mad about.” Toadette lightly slapped Penelope’s cheek. “Thanks for reminding me how you watched me with that creep in Mushroom City when I told you not to.”

Penelope shrugged, a hint of her mischief returning. “Helped me out, didn’t it?”

“That and Jasmin’s comic, I guess.” Toadette shuddered. “Sticky pages… Ew.”

“Probably just spilt syrup on them.” Penelope looked down. “I feel so bad for her. We aren’t leaving her here, right?”

“That’s Minh’s call. Come on. Why don’t we see what she thinks.”

***

Minh sat cross-legged on her bed, barefoot, wearing but denim shorts and a loose T-shirt. Jasmin sat beside her, picking at a loose thread on her own shorts. She kept glancing down at Minh’s feet.

“I just bought it; that’s all,” Jasmin said. “Doesn’t matter where.”

Minh tucked one foot under her thigh. “That was a pretty explicit comic, Jazz. I didn’t know you were into that kind of stuff yet.”

“Don’t tell anyone,” Jasmin whimpered. “Please, Minh-Minh.”

“I’m not taking it away from you. I get it—you’re growing up. Maybe a little earlier than I expected, but it’s only weird because you’re still my baby cousin.”

Jasmin sighed. “And no, I’m not having sex. I just…touch myself sometimes, okay?” She groaned into her hands. “If you ever saw my pills, I take them to stop having periods. I hate getting them. They hurt.”

“Does Sofi know? Anyone else?”

“They don’t need to. I like being private, okay?”

“It’d be easier if you weren’t.” Minh ran a finger through her hair. “About the other thing… I can’t tell if you’re pregnant yet. I’d ask Merlon, but he’s out. Again. We might have to wait a few weeks.”

“A few weeks?” Jasmin screamed into a pillow, nearly breaking her glasses. “I can’t do weeks of not knowing! I’ve sat through year-long plot cliffhangers less stressful than this, Minh-Minh!”

“Okay, okay! I’ll try to figure it out sooner.” Minh sighed. “And if it’s a yes, I promise I’ll take care of the baby for you. You won’t be alone.”

“You’d… You’d do that for me?” Jasmin whispered.

“Of course.” Minh grinned. “I love you, Jazz.”

Jasmin shifted closer. “Thank you, Minh-Minh. I… I…”

She cupped Minh’s face with both hands and kissed her.

It started gentle, but within seconds Jasmin deepened it, pressing her body against Minh’s. Her hands slid into Minh’s hair, gripping tightly. She forced her tongue past Minh’s lips and explored hungrily, as if she was trying to consume her. Minh made a muffled sound of protest. Her hands came up to Jasmin’s shoulders.

But Jasmin didn’t stop. She tilted her head, kissing harder, her breathing growing ragged. One hand moved down to Minh’s waist, pulling her closer.

“Jazz—” Minh managed to pull back for a second.

Jasmin dove back in immediately, a small whimper escaping her. The wet sounds grew louder and more desperate. She was practically climbing on top of Minh.

Finally Minh shoved her back. The separation made a wet pop.

“Jazz, please!” Minh gasped, wiping her mouth. “We need to talk about boundaries, okay? Especially now that I know you’re…maturing.”

“Boundaries?” Jasmin looked down. “It was just a kiss. I love you, Minh-Minh. I really, really love you.”

“I love you too. But save the tongue for your future partner. Please?” Minh rolled off the bed and headed for the door, needing air.

She jumped back with a yelp, finding Toadette standing with her hands behind her back.

“How long have you been standing there?”

“Lock your door next time.”

“I wish I understood Spanish,” Penelope said innocently. “They talk so fast.”

“You could’ve still knocked, Toadette.” Minh wiped her mouth and smoothed her shorts. “Jazz, your best friend’s here.”

Jasmin stiffened up, but she let Penelope hug her.

“Here’s the deal,” Toadette said. “We need to go to Twilight Town, which means going through Rogueport. We’re bringing the girls with us and leaving them there while we hunt for the star.”

“What?” Minh’s eyes widened. “Have you lost your mind? Rogueport’s a crime haven. After everything Jazz just went through, no way I’m bringing her there.”

“I don’t mind going…” Jasmin said quietly. “At least I’m travelling, unlike with Sofi…”

“The answer is no, Jazz,” Minh snapped.

“Listen.” Toadette kept her voice calm. “We’d leave them on the west side—the safe district. Toadsworth’s covering expenses.”

Minh shook her head violently.

“You’ve been to Rogueport. You make friends wherever you go. There’s someone in that dirty town who’ll watch the girls while we go for the star.”

“Only one sane person on that west side,” Minh muttered. “Amini T. She runs the inn there.”

“Perfect! A secure inn in the secure part of town. Room service, spa treatments, zero danger. They need a break, and we need to move fast without worrying.”

Minh looked at the two girls, who were already whispering to each other. She sighed. “Fine. But only if Amini agrees.”

“She doesn’t have a choice.” Toadette played with her fingers. “I already booked us a flight for tonight.”

Minh’s jaw dropped. “You did what? It’s like six o’clock!”

Toadette silenced her with a quick kiss on the cheek. “Don’t complain. I’m efficient.”

“I’m gonna be mad at you for at least a full minute. Girls, can you head downstairs for a sec?”

The girls shuffled out. Minh took a deep breath. She grabbed Toadette’s face and kissed her again, this time properly pressing their lips together. She flicked her tongue against Toadette’s lips before slipping inside without permission, stealing a taste.

“There. Now I feel just a little better,” she said.

“Not sure if I do.” Toadette hesitated to gulp. “Pretty sure I just swallowed Jasmin’s spit.”

“She’ll grow out of it.” Minh finally headed downstairs. “Alright, pack up, girls.”

“Flight leaves in less than an hour!” Toadette called out.

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Author’s Note:
Quite a packed interlude. My favourite of the scenes is the one between Jasmin and Minh. Seeing Jasmin kiss her cousin so aggressively this time is really hot. Let’s hope she takes it farther.