You followed Toad through various pipes, paths, under various tables, into various vents, and so on.
As the two of you waited for a floating platform, Toad said, "Y'know, Y/N, Aside from that one plan that could have backfired badly, you're not bad."
"Thanks?" You replied. You didn't like the backhanded complement, but the princess was in trouble and the Mario Bros were nowhere near.
"I mean, When I'm with the Mario Brothers and the Princess gets kidnapped like that, I try to take them down this shortcut, but they... and that, I mean mostly Mario, get impatient and run off. Sometimes, it's because of food. Sometimes they think they know a shortcut for my shortcut, Sometimes it's because they misheard me, and so on," Toad added. "You actually listened and followed."
"From what I hear, you're all friends. But I don't think they'd like you talking about them like that behind their back to some new guy like me," you said before you looked at him.
He smirked at you before he said, "And you pass that test. Sure, they're my friends and a couple of meatheads, but had you agreed with the insults, I woulda talked the princess into sending you back home and sealed it off. Ain't no one... other than me and a few others, are allowed to insult The Mario Brothers like that."
You nodded. "So... I take it your shortcut is through the backdoor of Koopa Castle?"
"There's a key under the unwelcome mat. I learned about it when I was selling encyclopedias before I got a job under Princess Toadstool," Toad replied. "We'll use it and place the key back. No one will ever find out."
=-=
And so, after using some rocks, paint, and branches, you were disguised as a Koopa Troopa. Toad hid in the makeshift shell on your back, staying in place by gripping your shirt. After using the Key to unlock the door and putting it back, you headed inside.
"We in?" Toad whispered, sounding a little scared.
"Yes," you whispered back.
"The kitchen should be nearby. Offer to deliver any food to the prison cells," Toad whispered.
You soon found the Kitchen and asked, "Hey, can I deliver the food to the castle prison?"
"Oh, just as smooth as Mario," Toad muttered, resisting the urge to facepalm.
"Never seen you around," A female Latiku Chef said as she stirred what looked and smelled an awful soup that not even flies wanted to go near.
"I just joined," you replied.
The Latiku Chef looked at you for a few seconds before shrugging. As she looked back at the stirring pot, she pointed at a cart with various bowls of decent-looking food. You asked, "If that's the food, then what are you making?"
"Something to poison the Mushroom Kingdom's private water Fountains forever. King's orders," The Latiku Chef answered.
As you pushed the cart off, Toad whispered, "We'll need to destroy that before it's too late! Those fountains are one of the personal treasures of the Mushroom Royalty, said to be able to cure any curse, no matter how nasty!"
Having a feeling that they'd be used soon in the future, you said, "Right, but we might need some help. So if we free any prisoners who are really mad at King Koopa..."
"They'll be glad to destroy anything that belongs to King Koopa, including his plans!" Toad whispered. "Not only that, but they'll be a great distraction, so we can save the Princess!"
After some time, you found the Prison Cell section. You entered and found the cell keys. You muttered, "Now to find some help..."
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