[center][h3]Tora and Poppi[/h3]
[b]Level 4 Tora[/b] - (12/40) EXP and [b]Level 3 Poppi[/b] - (2/30) EXP
[b]Location:[/b] Peach's Castle
[b]Word Count:[/b] 1233[/center]

Tora watched with bated breath as the prismatic dancing light surrounding his ally turned to a dazzling inferno. After a few moments of wide-eyed staring he was forced to look away and squeeze his peepers shut, so brilliant was the glow. Before long, however, the deed was done. When Tora looked at Agoston again, he found the man large, stronger, and much, much scarier than before. For a moment panic gripped the Nopon; did the spirit of Megadragonbowser corrupt him after all? But the Centurion's actions in the next few moments displayed acute self-awareness, and suggested not even the faintest hint of violent intent. For the first time, those assembled got the chance to see their stalwart comrade's face. His features, rugged and weary but strong, inspired a different sort of awe. And when he winked at Tora, any doubts the young inventor had were washed away. Sure, the Centurion boasted some new hardware, but the software was the same.

Behind him, Poppi glanced at her masterpon. With the excitement of battle gone, she couldn't distract herself from the realization of what happened before, and that feeling of guilt welled up once again. She said nothing, staring away into a corner, until Henry asked a question that Tora happened not to hear. “Poppi has been here about as long as you, but yes, seems so.”

Just when it seemed like everyone could let out their pent-up stress and relax, someone new barged onto the seen. An ordinary-looking fellow except for the telltale signs of Galeem's influence, he wasted no time in zeroing in on Bowser to pick a fight. He attacked before Tora could really process what was going on, smacking the Koopa but not really hurting him. In response, two of the party members -Franklin and Henry- struck back. The damage, somehow, seemed to knock the Galeem right out of him—or was it because of that dark wave, finally taking hold? Either way, somehow, Gene regained his senses and with it lost his desire to keep fighting. It was weird, but Tora didn't object; the more the merrier, after all. He decided to greet the new arrival, and in the process also unwittingly give Franklin a few of the answers he was looking for.

“Hello, friend!” He called, waddling over to clap a wing on Gene's shoulder while Spyro said his piece. “Take easy, meh. Will explain, but doesn't make most sense, so listen close. Basically, crazy light monster called Galeem destroy everything everywhere and make new world under his control. But friend pinkypon free us with heart, and now on adventure to set everything right by beating up big baddies, meh. If friend fight good, can tag along!”

Nearby, the Master of Masters watched the situation unfold. That Nopon seemed to be content doing his job for him, which helped solidify in his mind his plan to leave the group. “Couldn't have said it better myself,” he agreed. Kirby came down off his head, and bounced toward the party to celebrate with them. Since nothing else seemed to need the Master of Masters' attention, he decided to have a look around. The garden out back might be nice.

Though Tora might have liked to stick around and talk with Gene some more, the pit in his stomach compelled him to follow in Peach and Ratchets' footsteps. Poppi, noticing his departure, followed alongside wordlessly. They passed the Centurion on their way in, who'd just downed a drink and chucked the cup at the intruder, and entered through the open door into an altogether cozy room. With stone walls, light streaming in through a long metal-latticed window, and all the cooking space and equipment one could need, it was comfortable and homely, but also a bustle of activity. The toads, though hard at work, paused their activities cooking, kneading, chopping, and measuring to say hello. All sorts of smells bombarded the pair as they slowly made their way to the other end of the long chamber, where two women were busy cooking. One was Peach, having already discarded her dainty gloves and washed her hands to contribute directly, and the [url=https://sickr.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/cooking-mama.png]other[/url] was a stranger. Both, however, accomplished their tasks with both grace and precision, making it seem easy. For a moment Tora merely watched, overwhelmed, until Peach noticed his face and giggled. “You look like you're seeing a magic show. Do you like cooking?”

The Nopon scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed. “...Mehmeh. Like eating cooking, but not cooking so much. Tora usually get ingredients that can be eaten without cooking.”

Poppi cracked a smile, though she still looked downcast overall. “That kind of sad.”

Blustering, Tora waved his wings. “Nonono, meh! When live alone and too busy engineering to cook, not have time for fancy dishes!”

Peach laughed again, and tossed him a slice of orange. The Nopon caught it, thanked her, and started eating immediately. Just after, Mario and Geno arrived to meet with the Princess. She smiled warmly, and stopped cutting fruit for a moment to put her hands together. “How wonderful to see you both. It hurt so terribly to know that you were held captive in the dungeon, Mario, and not do anything about it. And Geno.” She gave the polite doll a curtsy. “It's been a very long time. I'm glad you're well.” Another, somewhat helpless laugh escaped her. “My apologies for a less-than-proper introduction. I figured I'd do what I...hm, you know, do best. To thank you all. In the mean time, the castle's yours. Feel free to go anywhere you want. Or, you could stay here. With this much help, things should be ready in a half hour or so, but we can always use more.”

Hearing, her, Tora nodded his body in determination. “Then Tora will help! May not be good cook, but can follow instructions of one.” He span around to face his artificial blade, too full of spirit to notice her demeanor. “What about Poppi? Want to help? Tora knows Poppi cannot eat, but can enjoy smells, right?”

For a moment Poppi remained silent. In that pause, Tora realized that his partner seemed somewhat conflicted. Something was wrong. “...Poppi? What wrong?”

She closed her eyes, smiling. “Nothing! Just want to get some air. Masterpon go ahead and help in kitchen.” With that, she went back the way she came, headed out the kitchen and through the throne room toward the door leading outside.

Tora's brows furrowed. He thought back to advice given to him from Gramps, Nia, Pyra, and Dromarch. What should he do? “Hmm...strange. Poppi seem sad, but Tora not want to seem overbearing. Should give space for now.” To avoid interrupting Peach and her friends, he went past a few giant barrels filled with various drinks toward the other woman. “Hello! What should Tora do to help?”

Cooking Mama's eyes gleamed. She passed the Nopon a spatula and pointed him toward a nearby stove. “Keep an eye on that meat. Season it every so often, and check the bottoms. When they're brown, turn them over so that the other side can fry!”

Taking the spatula, Tora waddled over. While Mama was short and had a huge head, she could at least see and reach over the counter and appliances. His eyes barely crested the sides. Still, he burned with resolve—the desire to make and eat delicious food. “Okay, leave it to Tora!”