Mario and Luigi: The Star Spirit Children

Meeting Moustafa

After what felt like an hour of crossing the desert, Mario and Co. made it to Dry Dry Outpost. At the entrance, they were greeted by a Nomadimouse.

"Travelers!" he greeted, "Welcome to Dry Dry Outpost. You must have had a long, hot journey getting here."

"We sure did," Mario replied, "We came from Toad Town."

Even though the hexad has been at the oasis recently, they were still thirsty. So they went to a nearby pitstop for some refreshments. Luckily they could use the stuff they got at the oasis, so they used one of the lemons and the two limes to make some lemonade and limeades. As the drinks were being made, Mario and Co. brainstormed on how to get to Dry Dry Ruins.

"Wonder if anyone knows how to find Dry Dry Ruins?" Kooper wondered.

"Maybe we can ask around," suggested Luigi.

"Good idea," said Mario, "After we have our drinks, we'll split up and ask around."

"Alright, but let's be careful," said Goombario, "I read that this place was founded by thieves."

Mario, Luigi, and Co. got their lemonade and limeades, Goombario and Bombette chugged theirs down fast. After that, they went around the outpost to ask around for Dry Dry Ruins. Some Dryites mentioned a person named Moustafa to Mario and Goombario. Luigi and Bombette asked a fortune teller by the name, Merlee. But she didn't know where to begin, though she did offer their fortune, which they declined. And Kooper and Parakarry were finishing asking one of Kolorado's colleagues, he ended up short.

"Where else should we check?" Kooper asked Parakarry.

"Don't know," he answered, "By the way, what's with you and Bombette anyway?"

"Wha-What're you talking about?" Kooper stammered while blushing.

"Come on, it's obvious you have feelings for her." the Paratroopa smirked.

"I-I... you got me. But two things. One I don't know how to tell her."

"And two?"

"We're both different species. I'm not sure if you know this, but there aren't many interspecies couples."

"True, But back when I delivered letters, I would sometimes see one. Like one time I saw a male Toad and a female Koopa sitting together, they looked happy with each other."

"That does make me feel better. But we've only known each other for a few days. I'm not sure if she's ready yet."

"I think you should let her decide."

Kooper thanked Parakarry and the two met up with the others. The one person they didn't ask yet was a green Little Mouser in a cloak and turban further down the outpost.

"Is there something I can help you with?" he asked.

"Yes, We've been wondering how to get to Dry Dry Ruins," said Mario.

"A lot of people said to find a guy named, Moustafa. Do you know where to find him?" Bombette asked.

"Why yes!" he replied, "If you bring me something nice, I'll tell you."

"How about a lemon?" Luigi asked, pulling it out.

"Oh, heavenly! A Lemon! The nicest of things! You have proven that you're nice by giving me my  favorite thing."

"So..." Goombario chimed in, "How do we find Moustafa, Mr...."

"Oh, you can call me Sheek. I'm an information trader with some gossip," he said, "Now, to find Moustafa, he hardly comes out. But, go to the shop here and buy a Dried Shroom and a Dusty Hammer. It must be in that order, it's a secret sign to those who are loyal to Moustafa. Buy them in the right order, and the shop owner will let you see him."

"Will do, thanks Sheek," said Mario.

The hexad went to the shop and they first ought a Dried Shroom and then a Dusty Hammer.

"Looks like someone rushed this one," said Parakarry, inspecting the hammer.

As they bought the items, the shop owner's eyes widened a bit.

"What ho! Buying a Dusty Hammer after a Dried Shroom... That's a secret sign that only friends of Mr. Moustafa know!" he exclaimed, "That means you six are in with Moustafa!"

"Well... we haven't met him yet," said Mario, "But we do want to see him."

"And I shall tell you, brothers and sister! He's up on the highest part of Dry Dry Outpost. The westmost building's roof."

"Gotcha, thanks."

Mario paid for the items, while Luigi sold some items he didn't need like a Fright Jar and Thunderbolt. They then went back to where they saw Sheek but found the door opened a smidge. Crossing the rooftops, they found a small house on top of another building. When they opened the door, they saw Sheek.

"Hello, nice guys. We meet again," he said, "I'm glad you found me."

"Wait, have you-" Luigi said before Sheek took off his cloak revealing his true identity.

"I am Moustafa. I've been expecting you all," he said. "Outside, I go by Sheek. I met many people in and out of Dry Dry Outpost, but you are the nicest people I've met. You're Mario and Luigi, right?"

"That's us," said Mario, "We need to find out how to get to Dry Dry Ruins."

"I knew you would ask that," Moustafa said, "If you are on an important journey, I will tell you the secret. Dry Dry Ruins is a very important place. My ancestors have watched over the place for many generations. If I do not keep evil folk out of the place, who will? You must promise me that none of you will tell this secret!"

"Don't worry, we promise," Mario said.

"Then you'll need this," Moustafa went to his cabinet and took out a pink gem, and gave it to Mario.

"What's that?" Kooper asked.

"That there is a Pulse Stone," he explained, "It's the key to finding Dry Dry Ruins. Take it to the desert, and it will flash and vibrate as you draw closer. Find the place where it flashes and vibrates the fastest and use it to open the way."

Mario thanked Moustafa and the hexad went back into the desert, where they met up with Kolorado. They showed him the Pulse Stone and the professor inspected it.

"What do you make of this gem, Kooper?" he asked.

"I think it's supposed to be a special compass," Kooper said, "The closer we are, the faster it'll flash and vibrate."

"Brilliant! I'm counting on you to find the ruins, my boy!"

Mario and Co. traversed in the desert looking for a place for the Pulse Stone. it took some time because the desert was huge, but they eventually found a pedestal for the stone. Mario placed the stone in and waited for something to happen. But before the heroes could move, the pedestal sank, and in its place was the Dry Dry Ruins.

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End of chapter!