Chapter 2

"I wish I could come with you," Toadsworth said to the Brothers as they were preparing. "The Yoshis' Annual Fruit Festival always sounds quite attractive and delicious. But it is my duty as the Head Mushroom Retainer to watch the castle when both the Princess and the King are away. You can always bring me back some of your favorite fruits, though. I believe Toadette will also be joining you guys later. She has always wanted to attend the Festival, probably because she has a deep affection for the Yoshis. She has always loved animals, and I guess the Yoshis have affected her in a similar way. But over the past few years, she had been caught in other affairs. I believe once it was because she and Captain Toad had been abducted by Wingo. This year, she's just running a little late as she wants to go over everything to make sure that she's all set for her recital after the eclipse. Toadette should be there in time to fully experience the festival. Have fun!"

As the Brothers were about to leave, Starlow arrived.

"HELLO YELLO!" she said gaily. "It looks like I arrived just in time."

"Hi Starlow!" Cappy addressed. He assumed his true form. "Mario told me about you, but I don't think I've met you personally yet. I'm Cappy. I helped Mario crash that wedding between Bowser and Peach not long ago, as Bowser had kidnapped my little sister Tiara. She should be coming to watch the eclipse, too."

"It's nice to meet you, Cappy," Starlow acknowledged. And as Starlow had no hand to shake with, the two bumped shoulders (or the closest thing) similar to a fist punch. Polterpup was there, too, having seen Luigi pack his Poltergust 3000 and insisted to come along. Upon seeing the Star Sprite arrive, he jumped up in the air to greet her.

"Luigi . . . you have a ghost dog for a pet?" she couldn't help but ask. "I thought you were afraid of ghosts." Luigi then went into detail about the events surrounding the Dark Moon.

"Did the Star Sprites send you as a representative again?" Toadsworth asked.

"Kind of," Starlow answered. "I actually came out of my own desire to attend, too. If only to hang out with Mario and Luigi again; I've come to enjoy their company. There's never a dull moment with the Mario Brothers!"

"True. Very true," Toadsworth responded. "Well, I must be off to manage the castle. Enjoy the festival."

So Mario and Luigi headed out while Polterpup relaxed in the Poltergust 3000. After travelling through Toad Town and chatting briefly with several Toads, they approached the entrance to the Toadwood Forest in the southwest.

"Hey guys, I feel like it would be a good idea to do some battle practice before entering," Cappy spoke up. "I'm sure that we'll encounter plenty of creeps as we travel through the Toadwood Forest; I don't want you guys to be ill-prepared; it has been a while since your last adventure." He assumed his main form. "Here. You guys can use me for jumping practice. Mario, I take it that by now you know to use (A) to jump, and Luigi is the same way with (B). But I think you two should practice it together." So Mario and Luigi complied and practiced their jumping commands by jumping on Cappy. They even earned EXP afterwards.

"You guys still got it!" Cappy proclaimed excitedly.

The Brothers could handle all of the enemies that they encountered during their trek through the Forest. They looked at the trees on either side of the path and remembered the terrible feelings they had when there had once been dozens of Toads trapped in them having their vim drained. It put them at ease seeing that there were no longer any such victims on the trees now.

"So this was the forest where that big Vim Factory was?" Cappy inquired. The Brothers nodded. "That must have been horrible to see. The Toads are such an innocent and peaceful race. I can't imagine what it was like to have all the life sucked out of them."

They eventually traversed the Forest and reached the western seashore. Right as they passed the last few trees, several Lakitus approached them. As the Bros went into battle, Starlow looked at them for a few moments and said, "I just recalled that those things can throw Spinies. You guys won't be able to jump on them. Did you bring your hammers with you?"

The Brothers produced them.

"Great!" she beamed. "It looks like you guys came prepared. You can use the same commands to control your hammers as well. All you need to do is select the hammer icon from your battle options. Let's do this!" And the two brothers swiftly made short work of the bispectacled Koopas.

They saw Yoshi's Island about a mile out to sea and the Peak jutting far out above the horizon. Just ahead of them were several scenic binoculars.

"I'll bet we could get an even better view of the Island by capturing one of those pairs of binoculars over there, huh?" Cappy said, taking notice of them. "I think we can spare a few minutes." Mario threw Cappy at a pair of binoculars, and the incredible process suddenly took place! But this time, Cappy focused on bringing Luigi and Starlow along with Mario as well.

"WAIT, WAIT! I don't know if I'm ready for this!" Starlow protested in terror. "AIIEEEEE!"

"Don't worry, Starlow! It's perfectly safe!" Cappy called back. "Enjoy the ride!"

Over the next few minutes, the three of them surveyed the horizon from their lentil eyes. Upon closer examination, they could get a glimpse of Yoshi Village. The details of the mountain were much clearer, too. And, turning slightly south, they also could catch, far off in the distance, the tall icy mountains of Joke's End in the Beanbean Kingdom.

"That was the scariest experience I've ever had in my life!" Starlow said shivering as the three of them returned from the binoculars.

"Hey, you've gotta admit," Cappy responded. "Looking out over Yoshi's Island from 100 feet in the air in a pair of binoculars must have felt incredible. Mario was a little shaken when I had him capture that frog back in Bonneton for the first time."

"I thought your capturing ability only applied to Mario," Starlow told him, still shaking.

"Not necessarily," The Bonneton replied. "When Mario captured Bowser and was escaping from the lunar caverns with Peach, I had the three of them all capture a Spark Pylon, and we escaped as a bolt of lightning. Compared to that, getting all three of you into binoculars was much easier to pull off. Anyway, let's head over to the festival. I saw a sign a way's back saying there's a Warp Pipe not far away that leads straight to the island. Let's go!"

And on exiting the Pipe, they found themselves right at Yoshi's Island not far from the village. Stepping off of the pipe and walking into town, they found the Princess and the King waiting for them. As they approached the monarchs, they saw that Peach had brought Perry with her.

"Welcome back to Yoshi's Island!" she greeted them. "Did you guys have any trouble getting here?"

"Aside from the usual enemies, not really," Starlow answered. "I did experience what it's like to capture something though." Both Peach and Perry chuckled.

"Oh Cappy! Did you really?" she asked him.

"Yeah," the Bonneton replied with a laugh. "I had Mario capture one of those scenic binoculars bringing Luigi and Starlow with him, and we all took a look at the surrounding ocean. We had time."

"It looks like you guys have started the excitement even before you got here," the King said. "Ready to try out some fruit?" The Bros jumped zealously.

The Yoshi's Island Annual Fruit Festival had tons and tons of varieties of fruit and fruit recipes on display. Isle Delfino was an obvious contender, with the Piantas and Nokis bringing many of their savory, fruity umami such as bananas, durians, papayas, and pineapples. They also brought one or two of their best watermelon specimens from the Watermelon Festival on Gelato Beach that had happened shortly before and offered watermelon smoothies. The Beanish had brought some of their Chuckola Fruit and Beanfruit and brewed Chuckola Cola on the spot. And yet, though quite refreshing, it was nothing like the Legendary Chuckola Reserve. Rosalina brought over Blimp Fruit and Bulb Berries from the stars. She had also tried Star Bits, the fruit of the cosmos; but the Yoshis decided that it wasn't enough to classify as a "fruit," though they thanked her anyway, telling her that she could at least use her Star Bits in some of the fruity recipes. Princess Peach presented the varieties of berries throughout the Mushroom Kingdom and there were Sprixies that brought some of the best of the Double Cherries. Finally, the Yoshis, who had founded the festival, would always present their best fruit varieties such as melons, one of their all-time favorites, and the Heart Fruit that always made them super happy. Many times, different types of local fruit were combined in an experiment to see how they tasted together. The Fruit Festival was perhaps one of the biggest and most popular festivals of the year and had extended its fame all around the world. The high traffic and tourism never seriously bothered the Yoshis during the event, as it was all to share to everyone the unique types of fruit and fruit recipes and bring them all together to one place, and fruit always made them happy.

The Brothers went from station to station trying out the different fruit. Mario was surprised to see that one of the Isle Delfino officers that had arrested him from his visit was there with his wife's fruit salad recipe. The Bros had forgotten how refreshing Chuckola Cola was, and they had never bothered to try the Heart Fruit before. It was very sweet, whose flavor was extremely unique, and they couldn't compare it to anything else. Starlow and Cappy also gave the fruits and recipes a taste.

"I have always loved watermelons," Starlow said. "But to taste the Piantas' watermelon smoothies has opened my eyes to how much better they can taste!"

"I don't think I had ever tried a durian before," Cappy said.

"Yeah, durians taste okay, but the smell is totally vile! It looks like they needed a ton of air fresheners around that table to contain the stench!" Starlow added. "The Yoshis must really love their fruit to have such a bustling festival such as this." A few moments later, a Pianta approached them.

"Hey Mario, do you know where Princess Peach is?" he asked them. "Yoshi wants her and her father to come up and commemorate the festival."

"We can look for them," Cappy answered. They decided to first look back towards the warp pipe where they had arrived . . . and found her staring out at the ocean with her father at her side. The Brothers were a little surprised at themselves for having found her so quickly.

"Hey Princess," Cappy said to her. "Yoshi was looking for you. Are you okay?"

"Yes," she answered. "I'm just feeling a little preoccupied right now. I'm getting this really strange feeling that something bad is about to happen."

"But what could possibly go wrong in a place like Yoshi's Island?" the Bonneter asked.

"My thoughts exactly," the King said. "Come on, my dear Princess, the Yoshis look like they want us to address them. I can't imagine anything going wrong; I haven't observed anything suspicious from anyone there."

"Neither have I, father," Peach replied. "But I just can't get that thought out of my head."

At that moment, the group saw the warp pipe appear. And from it emerged the unmistakable form of Toadette. She strode over to them, almost skipping; a gay and excited look on her face.

"Hi guys! I'm sorry I'm late!" she addressed. "I'm not gonna miss the festival this year, though! Princess, Your Majesty." And she gave the royal figures a curtsey.

"Welcome Toadette!" the Mushroom King responded. "Are you all set for your recital?"

"Yep! I can't wait! I've been looking forward to this concert for years!" she said with zeal. "Well . . . technically the piano needs tuning, but that's too heavy to lug all the way to the concert site anyway. I'll look for a tuner after all the excitement."

"I've arranged to have a piano there, Toadette," Peach told her. "Don't you worry about that."

"Thanks, Princess," Toadette cheered. "Can we go to the festival now?"

"Absolutely," the King replied. "Come on, Peach. There's nothing to worry about. Everything's gonna be okay." The group then headed back toward the festival.

"Hi Starlow! You're looking as adorable as ever today!" Toadette addressed as they were walking.

"Why thank you, Toadette," Starlow responded, grinning. "So are you!" The two of them giggled.

The seven individuals made their way into the displays. Toadette went through several stations herself, trying the fruity concoctions. She tried a durian, but decided that it wasn't to her taste; she took a sip of Chuckola Cola and found it quite refreshing, so she took a full glass with her; after going through many tables, she decided that she liked the pineapples best. They finally made their way to the center where Yoshi was there to greet them.

"Princess, Your Majesty, where have you been? We were hoping you could commemorate the festival." Yoshi said to them as they approached.

"Oh, I was just feeling a little strange," Peach responded. "We'll be up in a moment."

Toadette then walked up to Yoshi.

"Hi Yoshi!" she said gleefully. "I'm so excited to be here! You guys really love your fruit, don't you?" On seeing Toadette, Yoshi's expression suddenly turned somewhat blank. He looked down at her, almost staring.

"Yoshi? . . . Yoshi, are you alright?" She received no response. This unusual behavior began to attract the attention of other Yoshis and guests around them.

"Yoshi please, what's wrong? Staring at me like that is starting to freak me o—*urk*" And Toadette wasn't able to finish . . . as Yoshi suddenly ate her!

Everyone around looked at Yoshi in horror at what they had just witnessed, including the other Yoshis!

"TOADETTE!" Starlow shrieked.

"S . . . so . . . delicious!" Yoshi was heard to mumble. His whole body was shaking violently. Something was very clearly wrong. ". . . b . . . best . . . mushroom . . . ever!"

"What would make Yoshi do something like that?!" Peach cried. "We can't let him go out into the kingdom like that." She looked at the Brothers. "It breaks my heart to say this, guys, but . . . you've gotta take him out! No more Toads are getting eaten today!"

It didn't take the Brothers long to do so.

As Yoshi lay defeated on the ground. The group gasped when they saw him transform before their eyes. In the next moment, they beheld the form of a pudgy toad-like creature. They heard its stomach growl loudly, and it suddenly regurgitated Toadette — the stress of battle having been too much for his stomach. Toadette gasped for breath; their friend was still alive, though covered in gastric juice. Her clothing having already begun to be digested. She passed out in the next moment from utter exhaustion. But before the party could go check on her, two more Yoshis pushed through the crowd and shocked everyone all the more when they also transformed into two more toad men. The pair went up to their comrade.

"Glip! What on earth were you thinking?!" they shouted angrily at him.

"Ugghhh . . . mu . . . mushroom . . . so . . . good . . ." the creature known as Glip muttered, still looking at Toadette.

"Are you saying your love of mushrooms blew our cover?" they snapped. "How could you let that happen? We're gonna have to report this to our Master, you know." With an eye roll, they turned their attention to the Brothers' group. "Now we're gonna have to settle for a direct method. Quick get him!" And they ran towards the group. Mario and Luigi quickly stepped in front of Peach, ready to fight.

"You're not taking Peach without a — wait, 'him'?" Starlow began.

And before any of them could retaliate, another toad creature sprayed the King from behind which caused him to pass out. And with surprising speed and efficiency, the four intruders took the King, and ran off, violently pushing aside anyone in their way and threatened to spray them as well if they retaliated.

"Father!" Peach cried. "Come back here, imposters!" She looked at the Brothers. "Mario, Luigi, follow them! I don't know what they plan to do, but I'm sure it's nothing good. And this time, I'm coming with you, too. I get the feeling that you're gonna need me this time."

"Wait, you want to go with them?" Starlow repeated.

"Starlow, I can take care of myself," Peach responded, holding Perry out in front of them as a reminder. "I've adventured with Mario several times, and once I even rescued him! This shouldn't be any different. Let's go!"

"In the meantime," the Yoshis added, "we'll care for Toadette. It seems that creature bit off more than he could chew . . . literally! Good luck, Princess!"