The bearded man strode into the tavern, with loud footsteps and a grim look. I eyed him as he looked around. He caught sight of me. Walked up to me, in that stiff manner they all have.

"Beer," he said.

Oh damn. This was the first time this had ever happened. Script, script... what was I supposed to say again? We were all supposed to say the same thing.

Dammit. I can't remember. Guess I'm gonna have to bluff it.

"Of course. Have a seat, I'll be with you shortly," I said brightly.

He stood stock still and stared straight ahead.

And stared. 

And stared, while I fetched his beer. 

It was really awkward.

"Here you go," I said.

Like magic, the tankard was empty, and gold was in my hand. Huh.

"...16 beer," he said.

I blinked. "Of... course?" That's a lot of beer, though.

Eventually, when he left, I checked the stores, sure he'd drunk us dry. 

"Huh. Still full," I muttered.

The bartender leaned over my shoulder. "Mhm. Them's our best customers. Weird as hell, but good business."

No kidding.

Even though its happy hour 2 days before the celestial carnivals kick off, there are only two patrons in the bar. Gorman’s asleep at the counter still clutching his drink and Toto is off in a corner booth scribbling musical notes on napkins to add to his crumpled collection growing on the floor. I wipe down the empty counter for the 10th time that night wondering if maybe there was something to the whole moon falling rumor everyone has been debating lately. I snapped to attention when the door chimed open. We get a large number of strange customers at the Latté but I was still thrown off by the boy who walked in accompanied by his fairy. The kid couldn’t have been more than 12 but he was equipped with a sword and a shield. This wasn’t practice equipment though, I’m no expert or anything but they looked to be pretty high quality. The sign on the door clearly said no minors but the kid strolled right up to the bar unapologetically his glowing white fairy bobbing beside him level to his head. Who did he think he was with that weird get up and dumb hat? “Hey kid you can’t be in here.” I said. He doesn’t respond. “Are you in charge here?” The fairy asked with authority. I can barely make out her features inside her personal light aura. Not that I was ever good at gauging a fairy’s age. Even if she was the kids chaperon minors inside the bar after dark was prohibited. “I am.” I answered her. “Good we need some information.” The fairy says all businesslike “Look,” I start. “That kid isn’t supposed to—“

“Worry less about the kid and more about me if I don’t get what I want!” The fairy was flashing a bright angry red. Great, a lady with a temper. That’s something I never could deal with.

Small as she was, that threatening red hue was pretty intimidating. While this exchange was going on the kid clambered onto one of the stools, his short legs swinging freely. I scowled at him, thinking if I couldn’t get to the fairy I’d at least show the kid who was boss. But the kid just… stared back. I’ve never seen eyes so intense let alone from a child. He didn’t smile, or pout, or glare. He just … stared. I could feel beads of sweat forming as our staring contested progressed. At last I reached my limit as an involuntary shudder rattled up and down my spine. I turned my back on the pair quickly hoping the kid hadn’t noticed but knowing he did. Who were these guys? I pretended to be looking through the vast shelf stock however, since it was clear how absolutely dead it was tonight, the ploy was beyond pitiful.

Hem hem. The Fairy cleared her throat impatiently. I turned back slowly attempting to regain my composure. “Yes ma’am?” “We need information.” The fairy repeated. “Sorry but Latté services are for patrons only.” I said stubbornly. “Fine, give the kid a milk.” The fairy responded. I shot an annoyed glace at the kid thought better of it then quickly resumed my professional demeanor. “25 rupees.” I declare blankly. True I hiked up the price. But I had every right this pair weren’t exactly making my job easy. I figured they would probably hear the outrageous price and leave in disgust, which was fine by me. That’s not at all what happened. I watch the kid pull out this huge wallet. To call it a giant wallet would be no exaggeration. The thing could probably hold like 500 rupees! He just fishes the money out, lays it on the counter like a boss, and looks at me expectantly for his drink. I’m frozen momentarily never ceasing to be shocked by this pair but once I come to, I hurriedly grab a large mug from the back counter and fill it to the brim with our famous frothy milk. “Here you are sir.” I say gently setting the mug down in front of the kid. Then carefully collect the Rupees.

My attitude did a 180. I wasn’t sure who these two were but I was starting to figure it out. What I did know is they were tough, mysterious, and apparently rich too! So being on there good side was good for business, and probably my health. “So miss what did you want to know?” I ask the fairy wringing my hands both humbly and apologetically. “This place is pretty empty” the fairy said bluntly. “is it always like this?” “No.” I replied a bit stunned by her bluntness in spite of myself. “It’s usually pretty lively at night and even more so around carnival time it’s only this year because of… “

“The moon?” She completed my sentence. “Yeah because of the moon.” I confirmed. “A lot of people are taking refuge.” “And what about you?” “What about me?” “Do you think it will fall?” I turned the question over in my head. Honestly I wasn’t sure. The idea of the moon falling out of the sky and crushing all of Termina just seemed kind of ridicules. But there was no denying if you really pay attention it does seem to be getting bigger all the time. When people started raving about the imp and the end times a little while ago I did entertain the idea of leaving Clock town but, honestly what’s there for me out there? If Termina really does get destroyed well.. That’s it for me. My thoughts drifted to Cremia who was supposed to make a delivery to the bar tomorrow night. Her visits were always the highlight of my week. Maybe now that Kafe and Anjun were finally getting married we could…

The kid pushed back from the bar and hopped of the stool. I watch him, while stalling for time, stroll right over to Toto’s booth. My false fascination turned into actual puzzlement as I watched him gently remove Toto’s writing utensil from his hand and proceed to write on an unused napkin. “What’s he doing?” I asked the fairy. Hoping she had a clue of why her friend is harassing one of my most faithful customers. “Didn’t I tell you not to worry about the kid?” She reminded me. “Um yeah I guess you did. Sorry what were you asking me?” “The moon” she repeated. “Do you think it will fall?” “Well”, I started slowly. “It’s hard to say. A lot of weird things have been going on; really I’m not sure what to believe. There’s no guarantee that the moon will really fall and even if it does no one knows if there’s any place that will be safe. But Clock town is my home and the Latté is my life. I figure if the world really is ending I’d rather it end while I was living life the only way I know how.” The fairy didn’t respond. I watched the rhythmic beating of her large delicate wings as she bobbed up and down. I suddenly started worrying if my explanation sounded dumb to her. “If you look around clock town you’ll see a lot of people who feel the same.” I added defensively. “Just look at the carpenters, or the stock pot inn owners or even—“

I was cut off as a beautiful melody came drifting across the room to serenade my ear drums. I looked to the source and saw the kid was playing an odd looking instrument. It almost looked like a large lopsided shell, but it was alluring all the same. I listed captivated by the soothing melody played by this mysterious boy. Toto was gleefully nodding, and occasionally clapping while the kid performed. He seemed almost beside himself. Even Gorman, who I thought was down for the count raised his head up and propped it up on his arm to better hear the music. Only the fairy seemed to be unfazed by this musical marvel. I assumed she’s grown accustom to her prodigy of a companion. When I did manage to tear my eyes away from the kid I notice the fairy was mumbling to herself. “Well that would make our jobs easier.” She muttered. “What kind of work do you two do? Are you performers? “I asked curiously. They wouldn’t be the only performing troop who traveled to clock town for the carnival. “So what your saying is you plan on keeping the place open no matter what?” She asks resuming our prior conversation as if there hadn’t been a hiatus. “Well yeah that’s the plan… “I wasn’t sure where she was going with this conversation. “Word on the street is the mayor’s wife is a frequent customer here is that true?” That came from nowhere. “Madame Aroma?” I asked thrown by another sudden turn in the conversation. “Yeah she’s here more nights than not.” “We need to speak to her It’s very important.” “Olaaaaay.” My curiosity was boundless. Interacting with these two, I could easily believe they would have important business with the town’s officials. I was increasingly glad I decided to oblige them. “We can’t afford to waste any time.” The fairy explained. “Do you know if she will be here tomorrow night?” I thought about Cremia’s delivery tomorrow and I brief wave anger washed over me as I thought about the rumors going around about Cremia playing a role in Anju and Kafe’s wedding complications. “No I don’t think she would be here tomorrow night but definitely the day after that.” “Are you sure about that?” The fairy questioned. “Absolutely!” I said confidently. It was kind of a long story and I hoped she wouldn’t ask for more details. “So I guess we should come back on the night of the 3rd day. This might be tricky.” She said more to herself than anyone else.

I noticed then that the music had stopped and I glanced over to Toto’s corner to see what the kid was up to. Toto was shaking hands vigorously with the kid’s hand clasped in both of his shacking and bowing in succession. I turned back to the fairy watching her bobbing up and down absently for a minute.” Is there anything else you need to know?” I asked. “Hmm? No. Thank you”. She said absently as if surprised I was still there. I watched slightly disappointed as she floated over to the kid who had returned to his stool and was flipping through a little notebook. It was filled with colorful stickers and I smiled to myself thinking he really is a kid after all. I did take a moment to ponder if the kid was carrying the book when he walked in. “We’ll have to try on the night of the 3rd day.” I heard the fairy say to the kid. That’s the 2nd time she said that. I thought puzzled. 2 days from now is the end of the week why does she keep referring to it as the 3rd day.

I inched closer hoping to hear snatches of their conversation but beyond the 1st statement it was all whispers and mumbles. When I was positioned at a better angle I saw the kid mark a time slot on a page titled third day with a sticker. Could it be? Is it possible that the myriad of colorful stickers littering this kid’s note book could be different engagements? That’s insane! I thought to myself as I watched the kid flip back a few pages. Not even the most time efficient, strategic planner could manage that many appointments. I dismissed the idea entirely when I saw some areas marked where the kid would need to be in two or even three places at once. Before I could devise a new theory about the stickers I heard the familiar BONG! BONG! of the grand Clock Tower.

12 O.clock already!? I said aloud. Wow! It’s like times just flying by! “Common, “the Fairy said. “Or we’ll be too late to stop the mugging.” The boy hopped of the stool once more and grabbed the till then untouched mug from the counter. With his free hand on his hip he tossed the mug back and drained the mug in a few large gulps. Beh! He exclaimed in what I assume was pleasure. Then he wiped the hint of a frothy milk mustache from his upper lip. “Its good right?” I asked I couldn’t hold back a huge grin that spread over my face. The boy gave a quick but deep nod and as he turned to leave he reached into his wallet, pulled out a Rupee and flipped it expertly in my direction. I attempted to grab it and missed, which was fine because it landed right into my empty tip jar. What a marksmen! The kid knew exactly what he was doing. The pair left the bar as casually as they entered. Did the fairy say they were going to stop a mugging? I shook my head. Nah I probably miss heard, though with a pair like that, who knows what kind of antics they get up to? 

I reach into my tip jar only to find the night had one more surprise for me. The rupee the kid tossed into my jar was orange. I had mistaken it for red while it flipped and glinted as it sailed through the air. That itself was a pretty nice tip. But an orange rupee!? Not even the mayor himself had ever left me such a tip! I stared into the beautiful gem and thought to myself I have quite a story to tell Cremia tomorrow night. No doubt she’s never seen anything like the boy and his fairy. And maybe it’s time I let her know exactly how I feel. Yeah, I’ll use this rupee to get her something nice and I’ll tell her at the fireworks show. I mean if it really is the end of the world what do I have to loose right? Or maybe it something about that kid. I don’t know. It makes me think... courage.

Ugh there he is again, Mario. He sits in his kart, proudly accepting the first place medal for the fifth time this week. And then there's me, a nerd that nobody knows watching all eight racers from the sidelines. He steps out of his red kart and fixes his shiny, dark hair. Princess peach swoons and Luigi gives him a glare. At that moment, I wonder what's it like to be Mario. He has a complicated life- some people love him but some hate him too. On the inside he must be a decent human being, right? He does seem like the passive aggressive and cocky type, but that doesn't necessarily make him a bad person. After there wandering thoughts, I look up and I don't see him any where. Then an urge to use the restroom comes over me. As I'm about to enter the restroom, I see Mario facing the other way with some sort of paper in his hand. I lean to get a better view. 

"What the he-," I begin before I realize I'm speaking my mind. Is that the Super Mario Brother, Mario Mario, smoking after a race?! What do I do? I rush inside the bathroom and revaluate everything that just happened. I am a nobody. No one knows me, heck I don't even know myself. But this is bad... Do I help Mario or report him?

He walked into every house in the town like he owned. It wasn't like anybody even had any locks, it was considered uncivilized to keep people out. However, it was considered even less civilized to just walk into places, rifle through others' belongings and take any money or object that they found.

She had always been told by everybody. "don't be rude," so when he approached her she was determined to not be rude. That didn't mean that she had to be nice or even honest with him. She smiled and asked, "Do you believe in ghosts?"

The guy stared at her as though she had gone insane. "Haha, I guess not," he responded.

At least he wasn't that stupid, but she knew about all the stories that surrounded her home town  an thought she might as well play with them. So, she decided to take it just a bit further to mess with his head and make him uncertain. Staring unblinking at him she said with one of her creepiest smiles, "That white hand on your shoulder, it's not real." 

He whipped around looking at his shoulders, first his right then his left. He obviously saw nothing, there was't ever anything to see. He stared at her for a moment, she still had't blinked and maintained the small smile, and visibly shuddered before quickly walking away.

It was good that he didn't look back because  she was covering her mouth to smother her laughter. When he disappeared around a corner she uncovered her mouth and allowed herself to let out the laughter. She ended up on the ground tears steaming from her face as she recovered from her laughing fit. His face was just too good. trying to hide the fact that he was freaking out internally and doing an awful job at it. "Oh," she giggled, wiping the tears from her face, "I should do that again. That was the most fun I've had in this boring town for a while." She simply had to tell her friends and try to get them in on it. If she was lucky she might be able to get the whole town to play along and really freak out the next rude guy who came through the town acting like he owned the place. This was going to be so good.

I thought that taking this job would fulfill everything that I've ever thought I needed in my life. My father was a foot soldier just like his father before him. It seemed like an easy enough job: walk in a straight line and turn back. I didn't care what the boss did. He had a couple of young girls in his castle every now and then, but it wasn't my place to question him. I was to walk in a straight line and turn back. Life should've been easy.

Then there were the brothers. They smelled of floor polish and bathroom soap, but they were merciless. My first day on the job was when I witness them. They were nothing more than whispers in my head from when they scared the new recruits. Now, I knew better. Now, I knew that those weren't ghosts stories but warnings. It was a normal day, a little too hot for my taste. I was in charge of guarding Section 616 with my buddy, Dan. Dan had just gotten married a month ago. His wife was pregnant with their son. They were going to name him Dan Junior, DJ for short. DJ never met his father. DJ's mom never saw her husband again. They jumped him without hesitation. He was mashed beyond recognition. It was a twist of fate that the game glitch, tossing the brothers two feet in front of me. 

Something saved me that day. I wish it hadn't. I wish that it was me that was killed instead of fighting to survive level after level, losing partner after partner. Somedays I wish I could end it all, for a Goombas life has to be more than this, but there's a button just restarts, and so it begins again.

(Not sure if this is good but here we go!)

Here comes my boy again, tired and hungry from his quest, which is still far from over, I presume. He walks up to me and gives me a tight hug. "You're back!" I say, for what seems like the hundredth time, but I'm not upset. "You look tired. Mothers understand these things. Now, I'll make you some steak, and then you should scoot up to bed!" My boy, Ness, nods and lets go of me as I begin cooking his favorite food. It's been a few days since he set out on an adventure to save the world, from an alien I think? It all seems strange, but I and his father are supporting Ness the best we can. After the food is done, I call my son over and serve him the steak. He says thanks and goes to eat as I wash the utensils I used. I return to my thoughts, interrupted only by Ness coming into the kitchen to wash his plate a bit later. I smile as he runs upstairs, tossing a quick "Good night" my way.

---

Ness has returned again, with a friend. She seems nice, and Ness explains she's saving the world with him. Her name is Paula. I tell them I'd make them food and let them rest, and the two of them gratefully accepted. I happily got to work, excited that my son had made a new friend, and a girl at that! Normally, before he had went on his quest, he'd play with the other boys in town or go to the arcade, except if he had school. Calling them over and giving them their food, I heard conversation in the air as they ate moments later. Talking about their quest, their day, and.. Their powers? Confused, I head out of the kitchen where I was cleaning my utensils and asked Ness what they were talking about. Turns out, my son and his friend both have weird psychic powers. But, of course, I still love my son all the same. He went into the kitchen and washed Paula's plate and his plate a few minutes later, then went to his room. Paula volunteered to sleep on the couch. I smile again as they both say "good night".

---

The next few weeks were silent. My daughter Tracy was constantly at her job at Escargot Express, (Though I have no clue how she got the job at her age) Ness was on his journey, and my husband was at work. I did get 2 calls a day from Ness, until he finally came back.. With 2 more people, both boys. Jeff and Poo. Everyone but Poo accepted the food I made, and Ness quickly explained he can't handle food from here in Eagleland. He just had water and some rice gruel Ness somehow had in his backpack. He seemed to enjoy it. The four of them chatted about their journey for an unusually long time as I once again washed their utensils. I was a tad worried about sleeping arrangements before I saw Ness come in and clean the dishes, shouting back to his crew that he'd sleep on the floor of his room with them. That's Ness, my kind, generous boy. I smile again as the 4 of them go upstairs, earning a surprised yelp from Tracy, who was exiting her room, not expecting to see all the people. I chuckle as they all say "Good night" just as they reach Ness's room.

---

It was late at night a week later when I woke up. Tracy ran downstairs to meet me. "Mom? I'm really worried for Ness.." I decide to reassure her before hearing something in my head, a voice.. It sounded like Paula. "Please.. If anyone can hear me, please lend us your strength! Please help us!" I felt uneasy, and instructed Tracy to pray with me. And we did. I don't know what happened next or where Ness and his friends were, but I hoped they were okay.

---

The next day, Ness arrived home. Alone but happy. Asking where his friends went, he replied with a quick "Poo went home, Jeff went with his dad, and I brought Paula home". He then hugged me. "I missed you, mom." I hug back. "I'm happy you're home." Tracy walked downstairs just then and joined the hug. Just then, our doorbell rang. I went to answer it, and it was a man wearing a black coat, pants and top hat. He held with him a camera. Ness seemed annoyed. "Oh no.." I ask the man what he needed, and he simply handed me a photo album. "Hold up," Ness said, grabbing said album and paging through. He gasped happily. "Mom, I think I should tell you about my journey." As I listen to Ness tell me an elaborate, odd, yet true tale of his quest, I can't help but smile. I'm happy he's back. And I'm happy he went on an adventure. It's been an odd summer for sure.