Toadette's Story: Book 2

Chapter 129 - The Lean, Mean, Green Machine

The Trouble Centre’s underbelly reeked of briny rot. Above the girls, floorboards groaned, sifting dust onto mildewed beams. Penelope pressed a trembling finger to her lips, sneakers squeaking on damp wood. Jasmin stood still beside her, her soles immune to the slimy grit.

“I’m tellin’ ya, the requests coming out of Glitzville are gettin’ stupid,” a voice rasped from above, filtering through the gaps in the wood. “Is that floating trash-heap finally sinking, or what?”

A fine mist of grey dust drifted down, landing on Jasmin’s face. Her nose crinkled.

“Achoo!”

Penelope slapped a hand over Jasmin’s mouth, but a second sneeze still escaped, snot oozing through her fingers.

“Ain’t the work that’s the problem. It’s the Piantas,” the same voice grunted. “Ol’ muscle-bound leeches. They’re snatching up every gig before the little guys can even get a piece. That cranky cook Zess T. puts out a call for some horsetails and paprika, and bam, a guy in a fancy suit is at her door. No one else is seeing a single coin.”

“Wait a minute,” Jasmin said through Penelope’s hand. “You said the Trouble Centre was criminals helping criminals. This just sounds like a chef.”

“Maybe she’s a crook on the side?” Penelope wiped the snot on her shorts. “I dunno; I’m just telling you what the TV told me.”

“Hold that thought,” the voice said. “Gonna grab me a drink. Be right back.”

A door creaked open, followed by the heavy thud of a Craw descending the staircase. The girls shrank back into the deepest shadows. As soon as he was out of earshot, Penelope let out a breath. She scrambled up the stairs, but upon reaching the landing, she pulled up short.

“What the…?” She stared gobsmacked at the brick wall. “Did he just walk through the wall?”

Jasmin’s eyes narrowed. She scanned the grain of the wood intensely. The way the dust motes danced in the sunlight was off.

“Mira.” She pointed to a specific seam where the light refracted at a bizarre angle. There was a bulge in the wood. When she knocked on it and felt wood, she smiled. “Classic illusion wall. Issue #26 of Fire Emblem had a puzzle just like this.”

Penelope chuckled. “Maybe I need glasses now.”

“If you like cleaning them every day.” Jasmin stepped aside. “Okay, would Her Royal Highness like to kick this door down for me?”

“Back it up.” Penelope took a deep breath and charged. She threw her entire weight into a flying kick, but the moment her sole met the door, the vibration travelled straight up her leg. It sent her stumbling backwards.

“Aaaaand our hero fails.”

“She does not!” Blushing, Penelope growled and went for another go, this time aiming lower. With a crack, the door gave way, swinging inward to reveal a cramped office.

“Ta-da!” Penelope wheezed, hopping on one foot.

“Clever security on his part,” Jasmin whistled. “But maybe don’t use a bathroom door as the secret entrance to your business.”

The office was packed with crates and lockboxes. However, the real prize sat in the corner: three massive, bulging sacks of money. They ranged from coins to elusive bills from other locations. Penelope’s eyes widened as she spotted the tags clipped to the drawstrings. “PIANTA SYNDICATE: JOB 1, JOB 2, JOB 3”.

“This is it,” Penelope whispered. “This is what Miss Amini T. needs to save her inn.”

“Most of these are blue coins,” Jasmin noted. “Worth ten gold coins each. We could get her a thousand in no time.” She started pocketing a handful of coins. “And I’ll be keeping these, thank you very much.”

“Hey, Miss Amini T. is the priority,” Penelope said, stuffing her backpack.

“Understood. But I have to eat. I won’t be living with my aunt and uncle forever, after all.”

“I’m so used to seeing money spent like nothing. Guess you wouldn’t know that. It’s a little exciting at first, but it kinda gets boring. It’s just like a thing that happens.”

Jasmin rolled her eyes. “You know I’ve lived on both sides of the spectrum, right?” She started grasping at more coins. “I wasn’t royal rich, but we were the richest in our family. Then it was just me and Sofi, and suddenly I’m living in pure poverty.”

“Oh.” Penelope tried to find words.

“I never cared for the fancy life. But lemme tell you: I’d take being too rich any day over being hungry and unable to spend.”

“You know, I could just ask my mother to help you. Your family, I mean. With the money.”

“If Peach is okay with multiple parts of her kingdom living in sludge, I doubt she’ll donate just because her cute daughter asked nicely.” She snagged a red coin from the floor. “But thanks for considering.”

Penelope’s stuffing stopped. “Did you call me cute?”

Jasmin shrugged with a smile. “Yeah. You are. Annoying as hell half the time, but you’re still pretty cute.”

“Oh.” A nervous giggle bubbled up in Penelope. “I guess that makes two of us. But I think you’re even—”

The door rattled violently on its hinges.

“Oh shit!” The word slipped out of Penelope’s mouth before she could catch it. She abandoned the bag and threw her shoulder against the door just as the handle turned.

“What the hell?” The Craw on the other side shoved back, crushing Penelope against the wood. “Who’s in there? Yo, open up! You don’t want none of this!”

Penelope’s sneakers slid on the dusty floorboards. “Jazz… Help…”

Jasmin zipped up her bag. Grunting, she jammed her shoulder against the heavy oak desk on the opposite side of the room.

The furniture shrieked across the floor. Penelope dove as Jasmin slammed the desk against the doorframe. Jasmin wrestled an iron lockbox onto the desk while Penelope threw the heavy coin sacks on top.

“Wait. What if he’s smart enough to try the front?” Jasmin panted.

“It’s a long way through these docks. Even still, we gotta leave fast.”

“Open this door, you little vermin!” The Craw’s voice rose to a manic screech. He slammed his body against the door, making the coin sacks jingle.

Penelope’s gaze swept the room. Behind where the iron lockbox had sat, she spotted a hole in the plaster wall.

She dropped to her knees and kicked. “Break, break, break!”

“You’re gonna break your ankle before you break that wall.” Jasmin grabbed a rusted spear from a display rack and tossed it over. “Use this.”

Penelope caught it clumsily, nearly skewering Jasmin’s cap. She fumbled and tried a heroic twirl that only succeeded in scratching a typewriter.

“Less style, more stabbing!” Jasmin yelled.

Penelope gritted her teeth and thrust the spear tip into the wall. Jab after jab led way to the plaster exploding into a cloud of white powder. Cool air rushed in. Beyond lay the lobby of the Trouble Centre, smelling of tobacco and old newspapers.

“Go! Go!” Penelope shoved Jasmin towards the opening.

As Jasmin scrambled through, the strap of her backpack snagged on a rusty nail. “¡Mierda!” She yanked it free before tumbling onto the lobby floor. Penelope followed.

“Wait.” Penelope pulled something out of her bag. “Put this on.”

Jasmin squinted. “Shy Guy masks? Where’d you even get these?”

“When we were back on Twinsy Tropics, I asked Miss Almara for one. I wanted a memory of her,” Penelope panted, hiding herself behind the painted face. “She told me to get one for everyone else. Put it on. ¡Ándale!”

“This better fit.” Jasmin removed her glasses. The world instantly dissolved into a blur of coloured blobs and halos. She shoved the mask on, reaching out until her fingers found Penelope’s. She squeezed tight. “Okay. Lead the way.”

The transition was jarring: muffled office quiet to Rogueport’s roaring streets.

“Act natural,” Penelope muttered.

They speed-walked. Each step was more terrifying than the last. To their left, Piantas argued; to their right, a Doogan danced drunkenly. Penelope’s breath hitched as a massive Craw stomped directly towards them.

Don’t run. Don’t run. Penelope stiffened her posture.

The Craw slowed. He looked at the girls. Then with a grunt, he barged past them.

They didn’t exhale until the east side’s rotting wood gave way to the west’s pristine cobblestones. Penelope scanned for Amini’s orange spots, but the crowd held only strangers.

“Not in the clear yet,” Jasmin hissed. “If Amini catches us walking through the front door, we’re dead.”

“I thought about that.” Penelope tugged Jasmin towards a narrow alleyway running behind the inn. “Service entrance. I memorised the floor plan on the back of the lobby brochure. Connects to the laundry chute.”

Jasmin raised an eyebrow behind her mask. “For a royal who’s never been to school, you’re surprisingly good at reading.”

“Thank the stars for video games.”

They slipped through the unlocked service door, basking in the air conditioning. Up the rear stairwell, they tumbled into their room.

“We did it,” Penelope breathed, ripping the mask off. “We actually survived the east side, Jazz.”

“Barely.” Jasmin’s backpack finally slid off her shoulders. “Count it all.”

Penelope dumped the contents onto the floor. “Over a thousand.”

“Good,” Jasmin groaned. “Because if we almost got stabbed for nothing, I was gonna kill you myself.”

They both started laughing. Penelope dropped to her knees and threw her arms around Jasmin’s neck.

Jasmin stiffened. Her hands hovered in the air, unsure of what to do. This physical touch was so sudden. But the adrenaline was still coursing through her veins, and Penelope was a bundle of warmth. Slowly Jasmin relaxed, and she let the hug happen.

“So how do I repay you?” Penelope asked.

“For what?”

“For helping me with this. Considering you didn’t really want to.”

“I don’t need anything. We got the lady her money. Hopefully things go back to being—” Jasmin gasped as Penelope’s lips crashed into hers. “Penelope!”

“Sorry!” Penelope giggled, though she didn’t move away. “I just… I wanna do something for you. I wouldn’t have made it in there, after all, without you.”

Jasmin scanned the room. They were truly alone. Her mind flickered to Minh—the crush she had dreamt of for years. A twinge of guilt pricked at her. Minh-Minh wouldn’t do this with me openly. Not yet…

She buried the thought. Then she reached up, cupped Penelope’s cheeks and closed the distance.

“You wanna do this properly?” she panted. “I don’t like light pecks on my lips, Penelope.”

Penelope nodded.

Without waiting, Jasmin pushed Penelope down, kissing her with a hunger that made Penelope whimper. It wasn’t the polite, royal type of kissing Penelope expected. This was noisy, with teeth clacking.

“My bad.” Jasmin shifted the angle, holding the back of Penelope’s head. Her other hand found Penelope’s waist.

Penelope’s heart hammered. Her hands settled on Jasmin’s shoulder before sliding down her back. The awkwardness only fuelled the magic. Saliva pooled in Penelope’s mouth, and she swallowed it while rubbing Jasmin’s ass. Jasmin’s moan startled her.

“Do that again,” Jasmin purred.

“Like this?” Penelope pressed harder. “Am I doing it right?”

“Oh… Fuck… Yeah, you’re doing just the way I—”

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

“Girls?” Amini’s voice came through the wall.

They scrambled. Jasmin scooped the coins into the bags while Penelope smoothed her hair.

“We’re here, Miss Amini T.!” she called out, wiping her mouth. “Just playing.”

The lock clicked, and Amini pushed the door open. She froze.

The girls looked like a disaster. They were covered in dust, sweat and grime, panting like they’d just outrun a Chain Chomp. Amini’s expression shifted from motherly concern to mild bewilderment.

“Goodness. You two look like you’ve been through a construction lot.”

Jasmin hugged her backpack to her chest, hiding the jingle of coins. Her voice went flat. “We were exploring. The basement’s pretty dusty.”

“I was like her tour guide,” Penelope said, pointing to the brochure on the bed. “She thinks I did a pretty good job.”

“Must’ve been a very extensive tour.” Amini’s eyes lingered on Jasmin before focusing on Penelope’s dishevelled hair. “You didn’t happen to step outside, right? Like through the laundry chute door?”

Penelope shook her head. “We never even left.”

“I considered it.” Jasmin shrugged. “But eh… I’m not trying to give Minh-Minh a heart attack. There’s no point.”

“Please, don’t.” Amini took a deep breath, a soft smile returning to her face. “Why don’t you two wash up? We’ll watch a movie tonight after I cook us something.”

“Sounds awesome,” Penelope laughed. “Thank you so much, miss.”

The second the door clicked shut, Jasmin wiped sweat from her brow. But she wasn’t done. She crossed the room, grabbed Penelope by the waist and backed her into the wall with a thud.

Penelope didn’t completely submit this time. She challenged Jasmin, tangling her fingers in her dark hair as her tongue took the first dive. Jasmin shuddered.

Don’t feel bad, Minh-Minh… You’re still my number one… This is just different…

As the pressure built, Jasmin’s hands travelled to her own crotch. “You wanna do this with me, Penelope? Come on…”

“You’re asking me to…”

“You know it feels good. Let’s just try it together.” Jasmin slapped her groin with her palm, moaning. “It’s the only way I’m losing this energy…”

Penelope’s eyes went wide. She hesitated for only a second before her own hand slid down to mirror Jasmin.

The room filled with the sound of ragged breathing and friction. Every rub against their pussies sent a fresh moan into the air. Penelope’s composure shattered almost instantly. Her head fell back against the plaster, and her mouth fell open.

“Oh, Jazz… Jazz…” She let out a loud moan as Jasmin let some spit dribble into her mouth. She quivered from head to toe. “Oh my gosh…”

“Don’t fight it, Penelope.” Jasmin licked her lips. “Just enjoy it…”

She lasted longer, resisting the urge to finish so soon. But she felt Penelope’s free hand wander down to her ass again, squeezing tighter than before. Then came a huge smack. Jasmin’s butt jiggled for two seconds before Penelope followed it up with another clap.

The shock forced a broken moan out of Jasmin. Her hips bucked against Penelope as they sagged against the wall, collapsing.

“Penelope…” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Dios mío…”

Penelope let out a soft giggle. “Imagine if Miss Toadette walked in right now. Or Miss Minh T.”

Jasmin froze for a second. She forced a chuckle and planted a wet kiss on Penelope’s lips. “Don’t even joke like that. I’d get the max sentence for doing this to our kingdom’s heir.”

Later the room was silent save for the rhythmic clicking of Penelope’s DSi stylus.

Jasmin lay on her stomach, scanning the brochure, her bare feet swinging lazily. She felt a warmth behind her; Penelope’s face hovered centimetres from her soles. While Penelope smelt of fresh soap, Jasmin reeked of Rogueport. She’d only splashed her face and armpits at the sink, leaving her feet firmly planted on the dirty floor.

As a result, her soles were caked in the day’s filth. The calluses on her heels were hard as dried biscuits, and sweat glazed her arches, making the grit shine like oil. Between her toes, a forest of old sandal material and grime had fermented over several hot days.

Yet Penelope’s nostrils flared, inhaling the musk like a perfume.

“You’re such a weirdo,” Jasmin muttered, not looking up. “I don’t know anyone else who loves how my feet smell. They’re gross.”

“I’m not a stinky feet fan just for anyone,” Penelope murmured. She pressed her nose directly against the ball of Jasmin’s foot, inhaling deeply. “But your stinkiness is… It’s addicting, Jazz. I really like it.”

Jasmin felt a strange warmth. She remembered the annoying girl from the train in Neon Heights—the one who kept touching her and staring at her feet. That same pest was now someone she’d hung with for a month, comfortably at that. She forced a grin, wiggling her toes against Penelope’s chin.

“Fine. Huff the funk as long as you want, loca.” She spread her toes, cringing from the squelching. “Just don’t come crying to me when my nasty toe jam makes you sick.”

Penelope looked ready to cry from happiness. She nuzzled deeper into the sole. “Thanks, Jazz.”

And so Jasmin continued reading, feeling the constant breeze on her damp skin. It was strange. It was disgusting. Yet she didn’t want it to stop. After flipping a page, she reached to her side, lightly stroking Penelope’s soft feet.

“Here,” she whispered. “Have a little foot rub while you’re at it.”

***

The wind howled, whipping Ashley’s dress and Cricket’s gi. Neither side moved.

Cricket chuckled. “So we’re not even dealing with the real Mario. Just the backup.” He cracked his knuckles. “This’ll be easier than I thought.”

Luigi’s expression didn’t change. “Yeah. For me.”

“Confident.” Ashley fanned herself. “But delusions don’t win battles. You’re standing before Twilight Town’s future queen. If you had any sense, you’d already be on your knees.”

“Queen?” Luigi shifted his hammer to one shoulder. “I know exactly who you are. The shut-in witch who can’t brew a potion worth a damn.”

Ashley’s eyes widened.

“What are you—twenty-four? Still failing basic magic lessons?” He paused. “You’re just a brat desperately hoping nobody notices how small you really are. Inside and out.”

Her whole body went rigid. Then her fingers began to twitch, and her face settled into a childish pout.

“I know Toadette’s on her way right now.” He smiled. “But I’m gonna finish you off before they even get a glimpse of you, shorty.”

The air around Ashley began to shimmer. Her ebony hair started to bleed white from the roots, strand by strand, until her entire head was pale. The temperature dropped.

Cricket took a step back. “Ashley?”

“I’m done listening to this moron.” Her voice was strained. “Kill him.”

“Kill him? But—”

“We have no orders to keep this trash breathing. I want to see his blood paint the dirt.”

“You know, it wasn’t that nice when Mona killed—”

“Cricket.” Ashley finally turned to look at him.

“What if we break his legs instead?” He nodded frantically. “Cut him down to size. Literally. He can’t brag about height when he’s crawling at your feet, right?”

Her hair slowly began to fade back to black. When the last white strand darkened, she was breathing hard.

“Just handle it,” she exhaled. “Please.”

“Right!” Cricket turned to face Luigi, dropping into his fighting stance. “Sorry about this. But we’ve got a mission to accomplish.”

Luigi’s grip tightened on his hammer. “You’d better give me everything you’ve got. Because after I’m done with you, I’m putting your little girlfriend in the ground.”’

Cricket walked forward.

Luigi’s hammer swung before Cricket could process the movement. The metal smashed against his ribs. Cricket gasped.

“Too slow,” Luigi grunted.

Cricket spun low, his leg sweeping for Luigi’s ankles. Luigi jumped, but Cricket was already rising with a palm strike aimed at his chest. Luigi twisted, let his hammer drop, caught Cricket’s wrist mid-strike and redirected it. His elbow drove into Cricket’s back.

Cricket grunted but didn’t retreat. He unleashed a flurry of strikes. Luigi blocked them all, closing the distance. Cricket caught his kick and tried to throw him off balance.

Luigi’s fist slammed into his jaw.

In the second that Cricket staggered, Luigi grabbed his hammer with his free hand and swung upward. Cricket’s head snapped back.

“Nice moves,” Luigi chuckled. “Shame I can’t even feel them.”

Cricket growled and dove right, sweeping Luigi’s legs. This time it worked; Luigi hit the ground. But he rolled immediately, coming up with the hammer already swinging. Cricket ducked and threw a punch at Luigi’s chest.

Luigi absorbed the hit, grabbed Cricket and slammed him into the nearest tree. Cricket’s spine stung.

“Enough!” He jumped back, aiming his hands at Luigi. A small ball of energy began to form. Then he realised Luigi was glowing. “What the—?”

Luigi launched himself like a rocket. His head drove into Cricket’s skull with the force of a Bullet Bill. The impact lifted Cricket off his feet and sent him crashing through the tree trunk. Bark exploded outward, and Cricket’s body slammed into the dirt metres away.

He lay there wheezing before pushing himself upright. His lip quivered. “That… That hurt!”

“Just as it was meant to, kid.” Luigi brushed dirt off his shoulders. “The Green Missile isn’t just named that way for show.”

Cricket’s hands slowly curled into fists. The pout on his face deepened. “I was being nice by only trying to break your legs! And you… You exploded a tree with my head!”

Ashley watched meticulously. He’s losing already. If he can’t handle Mario’s reject brother, then I’ll have to step in. Come on, Cricket, don’t make me work harder than I need to.

***

Refreshed, Toadette found herself jogging. Toad kept pace beside her, both racing ahead of Vivian and Minh. The path north became jagged with steep elevation shifts. Toad nearly tumbled down a hill before Toadette caught him.

“We getting closer?” she asked.

“He said to look for a creepy mansion.” Toad kept his posture upright. “Hard to miss. Just keep your eyes peeled, Toadette.”

Behind them, Vivian hefted Minh up and carried her.

“Nice taxi service,” Toadette remarked.

“Running’s your speciality,” Minh sighed. “It ain’t mine.”

“Your arms gonna be okay?” Toad called to Vivian.

“Please, this is nothing.” Vivian dared to balance Minh on one finger before quickly returning to two hands. “See?”

Toad nodded. He and Toadette charged forward again, sprinting uphill against wind that threatened to knock them back down. When they reached the peak, they could oversee the fields below. There was nothing but occasional trees, a small river and dirt. Then Toadette gasped, looking east. Toad followed her stare.

“There’s that mansion.” He squinted. “Looks active.”

A dust cloud formed below. Toadette squinted, trying to follow the movements. Two figures dashed around the area, constantly kicking up dirt.

“Definitely got company.” She looked back at Vivian. “I think we found your Twilighters.”

“They’re fighting?”

“Looks like a one-on-one.” Toadette began the descent.

Upon reaching the bottom, she ducked. Wood exploded around her, leaving only a tree stump. Filling the air were thunderous blows and violent winds. She turned to see Cricket and Luigi burst from the skirmish, landing on their feet. As blood trickled down his face, Cricket’s panting grew more frantic.

Luigi straightened his back. “You telegraph your moves too much, kid.”

“You…” Cricket’s fists clenched.

Luigi’s fist buried itself in Cricket’s gut. A hammer uppercut followed, sending Cricket tumbling back at Ashley’s feet with a groan.

“Luigi?” Toad’s exasperation was clear.

Luigi merely raised a brow. “Well, well, how are you doing?” He squinted at Minh. “Oh, I remember you… The plane…”

“Still mad at that?” Minh looked down. “I just thought it was funny.”

“What are you doing here?” Toadette asked.

“Taking out the trash.” Luigi gestured to Cricket and Ashley. “Almost done, too.”

Vivian kicked the dirt. “Twilight Town is so isolated. How’d you even know to come here?”

Luigi sighed, leaning the hammer on his shoulder. “I retired. I was done with the fighting and danger. I just wanted the parties, the golfing, the peaceful flying… Then Wario attacked the Star Festival.”

Toadette’s nerves tightened.

“Oh, he did it. But they called him innocent. What could I do?” His grip tightened. “But this recent attack… He and that purple twig aren’t walking away. Last time I let it slide. Not today.”

Toad narrowed his eyes. “How do you know about the stars? Most don’t even know these ones exist.”

“Told myself I didn’t care to be tied down to that crazy princess,” Luigi chuckled. “Yet she can still have an influence over me.”

“Princess Peach?” Minh tilted her head.

“Think crazier. Mario was unreachable, and Waluigi had threatened Daisy’s country. Did you know that?”

“Excuse me?” Toadette let out a low growl. “That damn…”

“Now, after Wario’s second attack, I went back into training. Professor E. Gadd built me the perfect environment. I’ve got ways to go, but my old spring is back.” He swung his hammer stylishly. “Now Luigi will be the one to bring Wario to his knees.”

A slow clap echoed.

“Impressively boring and delusional speech,” Ashley yawned. “You’re making me sleepy.”

“I can fix that, brat.”

“I can turn your friends into corpses in less than ten minutes.” She snapped her fingers. A red mist enveloped Cricket then faded as he rose. “Feeling better? Go break the plumber.”

“My honour will be restored!” Cricket flung off his shoes. He bounced on his bare feet, stretching with his eyes locked on Luigi. “You wanted to see the techniques of my master? Then witness the true Young Cricket!”

“Oh yeah!” Luigi grinned. “Let’s-a go!”

With a shout, Cricket vanished. Luigi instinctively raised his guard, but a blur sent him flying. He dug his heels into the orange dirt, sliding before receiving a chop to the back of his head.

Cricket flipped over him with a smile.

Luigi charged a Green Missile, but Cricket seized the delay and kicked him mid-windup. He unleashed a barrage of kicks and punches; Luigi blocked only half. Unlike before, these strikes stung like icy needles. He screamed, dashing away, but Cricket met him with a roundhouse kick before lifting him by his overalls with his toes.

“Found you,” he said, giggling. “Too slow!”

“But I’m not.”

Cricket’s breath hitched. The voice came from behind him.

Toad delivered a brutal punch, forcing Cricket to drop Luigi. Cricket countered with a foot to Toad’s face, letting it linger. Struggling, Toad slowly lowered Cricket’s leg until he could push him away. But it took an extra effort from Luigi before Cricket finally backflipped away.

“Gross…” Toad wiped his mouth. Then he nodded to Luigi.

Luigi returned the gesture. “I know that look. You think I’m washed up, captain?”

“The thought had crossed my mind.”

“I hear you’re quite handy for a little fellow.” Luigi flexed his muscles. “You aim low; I aim high. We’ll wrap this up in seconds.”

“Copy that.”

Cricket fluffed his hair. “Two against one? A warrior accepts all odds! Don’t cry when I break you both!”

***

A distance away, Toadette took a deep breath. The guys had their own fight, leaving the girls to deal with Ashley. Ashley let out another yawn before finally taking a light step forward.

“You’ll be a challenge,” she said, looking over to Vivian. She then smiled at Toadette and Minh. “But you two will make for a fine appetiser. Surrender now. It’ll make the friendship part so much easier.”

“Friends?” Toadette spat. “You guys murdered our people.”

“So some eggs got cracked to make an omelette. Don’t blame me. Peach’s neglect of Diamond City practically begged for Wario’s intervention.”

“Neglect?” Minh scratched her head. “Diamond City’s economy is strong for a territory.”

“A veneer,” Ashley scoffed. “All that gold trickles down to the mainland rather than the people who deserve it. I fortunately bloom in the poverty.” She gestured at the gloomy sky. “It’s why this place already feels like home. I’m fit to be the queen here.”

Vivian’s jaw dropped. “Queen?”

Ashley extended a boot caked in filth. “You could start by kissing these. If you’re very good, I might even let you scrub the grime from my toes with your tongues. The alternative is messy.”

Catch her by surprise, Toadette!

Toadette sprinted. Ashley didn’t flinch; she simply lifted her hand. A barrier shimmered into existence, catching Toadette’s fist with a dull thud. Before Toadette could recover, Ashley’s hair flashed white.

Invisible hands wrenched Toadette off her feet and slammed her into the floorboards. She then flew backwards like a rag doll, colliding into Vivian.

Vivian grunted, dissolving into the dirt.

Immediately Ashley shut her eyes, sensing the shifting beneath her feet. When Vivian erupted from the ground behind her, Ashley was already spinning, her hand raised to grab Vivian’s fiery fist.

She chuckled dryly and pushed. But Vivian stood like a stone.

With her free hand, Vivian reached up and yanked on Ashley’s hair. Ashley yelped, her smile vanishing into a scowl as a louse flew into the air. She dug her sharp nails into Vivian’s gloved hand, digging deep until Vivian finally let go.

Blood oozed from Vivian’s hand, pooling slowly as Ashley lifted her now-bloodied nails to her lips. Her eyes gleamed, and she lapped at the violet-crimson droplets.

Minh felt bile rise in her throat.

“A bit of extra tang in you.” Ashley finished licking her fingers. “How delicious.”

She pulled out a wand and lifted it into the air, channelling power into it. The air around it turned frigid. Toadette and Minh dropped to the dirt, bracing for impact. Vivian stood her ground.

“Bitterfrost Brew!”

A burst of bright light sputtered from the wand tip. The sound of ice cubes hitting the dirt with soft pats made Vivian smirk.

Ashley gritted her teeth. “Come on… Bitterfrost Brew!”

This time, bigger ice needles came out, firing at Vivian rapidly. Vivian let out a stream of flame at them, melting them instantly. Her smile only widened.

“A wand? How long have you been learning magic for?”

“Silence…”

“Any half-decent mage, even among you humans, learns to wield their power with more than just a wand.” She leaned forward. “Why don’t you try those hands for something besides a glorified barrier?”

“I will pluck your tongue out and braid it into a necklace…”

“She’s all talk, Toadette!” Vivian shouted, raising a hand. “Watch a pro!”

She pointed a finger. There was a beat of silence.

Suddenly a loud blast of fire erupted from her fingertip, hitting Ashley square in the chest. The force propelled her through the mansion’s front doors, and she tumbled across the foyer. Splinters and shattered glass came dangerously close to slicing her skin. She gasped as her shoulder collided with a piece of marble.

Worse than the injury was the audience. Her new family stared at her, eyes wide with fear.

The Twilighters’ focus shifted as Vivian stepped through the ruined doorway. Cheers erupted, followed by cries of her name. Ashley’s eye twitched.

“Why…are…you…celebrating?” Her voice cracked as she jumped to her feet. “You’re my family now! I fed you, I let you clean me, I loved you… What more do you want?”

“Vivian, please get us out,” Darkly begged, his voice flat despite the chaos. His lips were wet with Ashley’s foot sweat. “I chose the worst time to return to Twilight Town.”

“There should be more of you,” Vivian said, scanning the room. “Darkly, where are the others?”

“The little imp put them in the basement,” Darkly continued. “Said he didn’t want vomit in the foyer. So many felt sick after eating this girl’s disgusting—”

Darkly’s eyes popped out. His neck compressed inward, the skin folding like wet clay until it was no thicker than a drinking straw. Struggling, his hands clawed at the grip around his neck. The air trapped in his lungs whistled. Toadette and Vivian gasped.

Ashley held him there for three agonising seconds before abruptly letting go.

His neck reinflated slowly, the stuffing popping back into place with soft groans.

“So disrespectful,” Ashley snarled. “If my toenail clippings are so unappreciated, then perhaps you’d prefer the delightful tang of aged foot cheese?”

“By the stars,” Vivian stuttered. “You’re sick…”

“Oh, is that what you call it?” Ashley thrust her wand forward, unleashing raw electricity. “Rich, coming from someone trying to steal my family. My friends!”

Vivian hissed and propelled herself backwards. The current continued to chase her. Even diving into the shadows didn’t stop the magic from delivering shock after shock.

Ashley strutted forward, kicking Darkly in the head to clear her path.

“Hey, creep!” Toadette launched herself at Ashley from the side.

She feinted a punch, expecting the barrier. Ashley didn’t raise it. Instead, she let the blow glance off her shoulder, snatching Toadette’s wrist in a tight grip. She twisted.

Toadette gritted her teeth. A whine escaped her as Ashley’s breath grew ragged.

“Dying doesn’t have to be painful,” she whispered. “Your resistance is what makes it hurt.”

She then leaned closer.

“Last chance to submit. Please. I’m so tired of breaking my new toys.”

Toadette’s resistance softened. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Then with a scream, Toadette clawed at Ashley’s face. Ashley shrieked. Toadette then drove a heel into Ashley’s jaw, sending her crashing into the wall.

Before Ashley could fully slide down, Toadette pressed her foot over her nose and mouth. She pinned Ashley’s head against the cold tile, grinding the ball of her foot against her lips. The stench was as potent as ever—cheese ripe from the factory.

“If your idea of friendship is a foot fungus smoothie, you can keep it,” she snarled.

“Don’t let your guard down, Toadette,” Vivian warned.

“Trust me, I know.” Toadette gave one final, suffocating press of her foot, twisting it to maximise the pressure. After a long moment, she sprang back, cradling her throbbing wrist. “Get ready, Vivian.”

Ashley slid down the wall. She didn’t cough. She didn’t gag.

Instead, she slowly lifted her head. A long tongue darted out, dragging across her lips to catch the dirt crumbs Toadette had left on her face.

Toadette cocked her head.

“Your feet are deliciously bitter.”

“What?” Toadette’s eyes bulged.

“Did you think the sweat would scare me?” Ashley rose, dusting herself off. “Mmm… They smell rich. Something about Toad sweat is more flavourful than that of a human’s foot sweat. By the devil…”

“She’s experienced this before?” Vivian asked.

“If I don’t obliterate you, Toadette, I might just line you all up. A sweaty little buffet—the perfect way for me to unwind.” Ashley licked her lips again. “Especially if your mushroom buddies are as grimy and soggy as you.”

Toadette stared in horror. My feet have always been an asset. Stinky and sweaty… Yet they didn’t even faze her. She likes them.

Ashley raised her wand. “Shall we continue? You’ve made me even hungrier.”

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Author’s Note:
Some think I made Ashley intentionally gross to piss off fans of hers, as I’ve been vocal about her not being my favourite in WarioWare. I honestly just did it because it seemed natural; the games allude to her not caring about making herself look that great, at least early on.