81WARNING
This fanfiction contains instances of strong profanity and occasional violence. It is NOT recommended for anybody who's 12 years old or younger. Thank you.
HEADS-UP
Hey there. I'm nintendoscript15 back with another adaptation. This is the direct sequel to "Mario & Luigi: The Seven Star Spirits", which was based off the first Paper Mario game. However, instead of a simple plotline of Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach, this involves a mysterious treasure on the other side of the world. So, it's my pleasure to introduce you all to "Mario & Luigi: The Thousand-Year Door".
Chapter 1
1A - I'll Make You a Deal
An awfully long time ago, in a strange and far-off land, a big, bustling town thrived. It was a town where all people lived very happy lives. And it was said that the town was very prosperous. However, tragedy would soon befall that blessed place. One day, a great cataclysm struck the town and its people.
Darkness filled the skies, and the Earth roared and shook. It seemed as if the very world was coming to a violent end. And in but a single night, the town sank into the depths of the Earth.
Many moons rose and set, stories of the town passed into the pages of fairy tales, and when the town's site no held relics of its past, people gathered at that spot and constructed a new town from the ground up.
But word soon spread among the people who moved in that an ancient city laid deep underground with a magnificent treasure resting within. Indeed, this is the tale of the quest for the fabled treasure of Rogueport. This sea-based town is stationed thousands of miles east of the Mushroom Kingdom and due southwest of Cascade Kingdom.
It's July 22, 2004 at 9:05 AM. Peach and her steward Lloyd Toadsworth had just exited their cruise ship, called the SS Royalty, to briefly walk around Rogueport. During that timeframe, the SS Royalty would be refueled to continue its journey across the world; a personal trip that Peach had planned out months in advance.
"Toadsworth, can you do me a favor and let me walk around by myself?" Peach asked.
"Why? I've always accompanied you everywhere you go," Toadsworth answered.
"That's true. You opted to go on the cruise with me, but that doesn't mean you have to watch over me like my dad used to."
"I'm sorry, princess. You know I care so much about you," Toadsworth said.
"I know. I appreciate your concern." Peach let out a sigh and started up the stairs to the center of Rogueport. "Call me when the captain says it's time to board the ship."
"Sure."
The center of Rogueport resembled a large alleyway with dilapidated buildings and a wooden structure with a noose hanging off it. Peach cringed at the sight of the noose.
"Why did we even stop here?" Peach asked herself. "I mean, look at this place! Rogueport doesn't seem fitting for regular tourists!"
Peach gazed at her surroundings, seeing Goomba residents, Little Mousers, and Bandits walking up and down.
"They better hurry up with the refueling or I'll weigh anchor myself."
"Oh, Missy… Missy…" a female elderly voice called from out of nowhere. Peach got startled and looked around to find where the voice came from.
"Wha- Who said that?"
"I'm right here." Peach turned around to see an unknown figure with a brown cloak standing in front of various jewelry and artifacts on a green carpet.
"What's all those things for?" Peach pointed out.
"This assortment of knickknacks and doodads are up for sale, missy," the figure stated. "Won't you buy something?"
"Umm… Well…" Peach hesitated. She wasn't sure whether to trust the figure or not. "I really shouldn't be buying stuff from people like you. My steward told me this place is dangerous."
"Oh, come off it. There's nothing to worry about."
"I don't believe you for a second. Goodbye." Peach turned her back to walk away.
"Wait!" Peach turned around again. "I have something you might find pretty."
"Fine. But it better be good."
The figure took out a mini brown chest with yellow edges.
"This chest is said to hold a map that shows where a legendary treasure sleeps…" the figure said. "But the chest has a magic lock on it that will only open for a pure and noble heart."
The figure showcased the lock and jiggled it a bit.
"As you can see, it won't so much as budge if one such as myself touches it…"
Peach was getting confused at the figure's explanation of the chest.
"Okay… I don't know what the hell you're talking about."
"What I mean is…" The figure stopped to think for a moment. "Oh! I think if the chest opens for you, missy, then you may have whatever is inside. I am sure that whatever is in there would be of no use to someone like me. I insist you take this chest in your hands and see what happens."
Peach shook her head 'no'.
"I don't know if I can trust you. You're trying to set me up, are you?"
"No, I'm not. Please trust me, missy. I mean no harm at all."
"Fine," Peach sighed. "How much do I owe you?"
"That'll be 35 Coins, please."
"What?! For a small chest like that?!" Peach asked with disbelief. "You're ripping me off! I only have 50 with me!"
"Calm down, please," the figure coaxed Peach. "It's a suitable buy. It's something you can't refuse."
"If I'm buying this chest, I demand a lower price. I've seen other chests that cost, like, four Coins in a resale shop."
"All right. I'll lower the price a small bit. I'll make it 25."
"You promise?"
"Yes."
Peach took out her purse containing 50 Coins and gave half to the figure.
"Thank you so much. Here's the chest for you." The figure gave the chest to Peach after she stowed her purse.
"So, do I just open it?" Peach asked.
"It's all you need to do."
Peach managed to unlock the chest and opened it. Inside was a brown treasure map depicting various locations near Rogueport.
"That actually looks pretty cool," Peach remarked while looking at the map. "I guess I should have a little fun."
"I thought so."
"Can you wait here for a second? I need to talk to my steward about this." Again, Peach started to go back the way she came.
"Oh, no, you don't. I'm sure he'll understand," the figure lied.
"All right. Whatever you say." Peach approached the figure once more. "I want you to do me a favor, though."
"What's that?"
