I am very happy with how this story came out! The levels had great variety, I stayed very consistent with the gameplay, I loved writing the E.M.M.I. Zones and was able to stay consistent with their stealth and scariness; loved writing the interactions with the main crossover characters, and of course Star and Kid's friendship! This story was a blast!
Cover Image: Star and Kid standing out of a limo, waving to their fans.
Part 20: Cosmic Party!
Intergalactic News
"BIG GOOD NEEEEEEWWWS, FOLKS!" announced Big Albatross, president of the news studio. "The war with the Vilgaxian Empire has reached its conclusion! Thanks to the combined efforts of the Kids Next Door, bounty hunter legend Samus Aran, Quintessa Galaxy's Voltron Force, and Solana Galaxy's young heroine Rivet, our cosmos is at peace once again! As the galaxies recover from the damage, the council is debating on how best to 'make peace' with Vilgaxia. I mean, reparations still have to be paid, but we can't quite have the same things happen again, right?!" There was an awkward silence. "…Ahem, we now go live to Wangari."
"Thank ya, boss!" chirped Wangari, a tan-skinned anchorwoman with flower-shaped yellow hair. She was in a hot-air balloon overlooking Coruscant. "The city's settin' up for a BIG party for the KND and their allies! On top of that, the council's gonna reward the heroes a TON of money! That's sure gonna empty their coffers! But I guess Vilgax had a ton of supervillains working under him. Zordoom Prison's got a handful of new prisoners, so now they gotta reward the bounties."
"With one such villain being the dastardly Rick Sanchez. While it was reported that Sanchez lost his life in the battle, we've been informed 'not to get our hopes up.' Still, the council has issued a moderate fraction of his bounty to Dr. Haruka Grayson, for her efforts in curing the plague of X Parasites. Dr. Haruka is here herself to share a few words on the matter."
"I've released my H Parasites on all worlds that were reported to have been infected. They're specially programmed to whiff out X within any atmosphere. They'll consume the X from within any body while leaving the victim unharmed. However, people that have had the X for too long will suffer internal decomposition. All I can assure is that the worst of it is over. I'm still not sure why the H ganged up on Sanchez… but I'll be sure to keep them around in case he shows his ugly mug again."
"Well said, Big HARUUUUUUUUU!" Haruka glared at the albatross in disbelief. "Oh, and it seems Captain Qwark has a message for us on Planet Zebes."
"I DON'T WANNA GET GUMMIFIED!" Qwark was still bolting away from the H's.
"Did… he miss the part about them being harmless?" Haruka asked.
"I don't think he's actually watching the broadcast right now."
Galactic Kid Council
Star had never been more happy to be back upon the podium. Seeing the faces of his fellow Supreme Leaders was a relief… well, except for Perry, who was simultaneously holding an assembly with his own operatives. Kid Cosmic shared the stage with him.
"Fellow Kids Next Door… this was a heck of a way to kick off the new year, was it not?" The leaders sported chuckles. "We may have won… but we lost some people on the way. I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge them."
Star brought up images of those lost. "Two beloved teachers of Galaxia Elementary… Mrs. Makava Gilligan, master of linguistics and excellent swordswoman… and Professor Sollyx, our engineering expert who loved to talk videogames with the kids." Marty and Krillyx were sobbing in the entryway. Leila patted Krillyx's back and Nyoro rubbed Marty's hair. "They were killed by Vilgax's top lackey, Frieza, who still remains at large… and is now believed to be affiliated with the Letter People discussed in a previous meeting. Frieza was also responsible for the death of Coran Hieronymus Wimbleton Smythe, the loyal advisor, teacher, and friend of the Voltron Force."
On Altea, the Paladins and the citizens held a funeral for Coran and those lost in Frieza's invasion. Allura cried silently into Lotor's chest… and as he held her close, the emperor looked to the heavens. He could already see Coran reuniting with his own and Allura's parents… smiling down at them.
"Some of you may also be familiar with the Intergalactic Truckstop. A small island close to GKND H.Q. packed with lively, welcoming, super-powered people who love to serve us a warm meal. They lent us their aid in the war and fought valiantly against Vilgax himself. But three of them lost their lives to the emperor. Rosa Flores, wife of Carlos and mother of Rosa… Hamburg, the stern, but kind frycook of Mo's Oasis… and Carla, the motorcycling granny who blazed through the stars."
The Cosmic Heroes returned to their home in New Mexico. They made graves for Rosa, Carla, and Hamburg, paying respects. Carlos was in a wheelchair, his head bandaged from the concussion. Why couldn't his beloved have survived, too? Carl was also bandaged, as well as Jo where her left hand used to be. Even Chuck was there to honor them, still in his wagon.
Rosa felt two comforting hands on her shoulders: the hands of her elder cousins, Pochi and Tattsun. It wasn't often they visited their Hispanic cousins; especially since Rosa could recently turn giant and squish hordes of aliens. They didn't want to be them. Thankfully, she couldn't anymore… so, they were glad to be here.
"We try to have fun on our missions… but we have to remember the Kids Next Door is serious business. Villains are always after our lives… and the lives of our loved ones. Remember that going forward."
It was clear by their firm expressions they had taken the words to heart. "So, with that in mind… let's switch to more positive things! I think it's time…"
Moonbase
"-to formally introduce the GRADUATES!"
The Earthlings cheered as their new sectormates took the stage. Even though they'd already been working under them since last year, it was nice to finally make it official. "Insert your boogers into the Code Module and be instated as operatives!"
"Oh, my!" Pai Colins blushed. "You really still do that, huh?"
"No problem here!" Katie Mitchell stuck a pinky up her nose and withdrew a booger. She inserted it into the Module. "I choose… Sector RT!"
"WHO ELSE?!" Mika cheered.
"Alright…" Pai picked out a booger and placed it. "I choose Sector GT!"
"YEEEAAAH!" Mowchan and his fellow giants leapt and quaked the base.
"Uh, Perry?" Lulu whimpered. "I don't have a nose!"
"That's okay! Your saliva works, too!"
"Okay!" Lulu molded up a wad of thick slime and spat it into the Module. "I pick Sector L!"
"Hey, I wanna stick my noogie in there, too!" Massimo picked a booger from his round, reddish nose and struggled to squeeze the whole thing in. "Gotta make my transfer official!"
"Uh…whatever suits you best, Massimo." Perry cringed.
"Can you wipe this down before I go?" Hana Asakura asked.
"Haha, sure." Perry did so… with disgust.
The 7-year-old offered his booger. "I choose Sector JP."
"Alright!" Ichigo Diego raised Hana in his giant palm. "Welcome to the team, junior operative!"
"Don't worry!" Joto climbed on the hand, grinning as she scratched Hana's hair. "Your senpais will help ya as much as you need!"
"I'm joining as your Spirit Expert, you jerks, I have seniority over you!"
"Oi, I want some new members, too!" Shimmy yelled.
"We don't got anyone lined up, Shimmy." Ralph replied.
"Then let's go get Tita!"
"I think Tita has her own plans…"
"But these graduates ain't the only ones!" Perry said. "You might be seeing some new faces on GKND soon…"
Kid Council
"Starting… with Rivet!" A platform rose with the light-purple Lombax. "The daughter of Ratchet, the hero of Solana Galaxy. She has now succeeded Numbuh 20x40 as Solana's representative."
"YEEEEEES!" Clive and Valdi cheered.
"I'll lend my strength to the KND however I can." Rivet tightened her mechanical fist. "And if anyone needs it… I crank a mean wrench."
"SO COOL!" The two mechanics fainted.
"Finally… I'd like to introduce Kid Cosmic." The young hero raised his head and smiled proudly. "I never would've completed this mission without him. He was loyal, brave, a true hero… and a true friend. I couldn't be happier… to announce him as Earth's third representative. After Nigel Uno, Numbuh One… after Monty Uno, Numbuh Zero… Kid Cosmic is Numbuh…"
"Wait! I have to pick now?!" Kid panicked. "I-I haven't thought of one! Uh, uh, 10,000?"
"Already taken."
"N-Numbuh 2, then!"
"Nope."
"Crud! Uhhhhhh, N-Numbuuuuuuuhhh…" Kid darted around in search of inspiration. Then, his eyes fell to his Infi-Cube, where the Omnitrix rested. "Uh! N-NUMBUH OMNITRILLION!"
Dropped jaws echoed the auditorium. "…Th-THAT'S… a big number!" Star said. "Yeah… no one's taken that. Numbuh Omnitrillion, everyone!"
"YAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
"And with that… everyone take one more day to rest up. Because, tomorrow… we party at Coruscant!"
"WAAAAAIT!" Firaga burst into the chamber, Birddaughter flying with her. "My new bestie's joining GKND, too!"
"What?!"
"Stupid Dad wants me to make more friends." Birddaughter huffed. "I'm only here 'cause I have to be."
"Then it's settled! She's Schwifty Galaxy's first operative!"
"Wait! You can't just decide that now! FIRAAAA!"
Azure Hall
A child opened his eyes in a glass tube of blue liquid. The tube drained and the child was allowed to step out. He looked up at an upside-down man with a green gown and flowing white hair, who seemed to have opened the capsule. "Executive VI."
"Thanks, AA." Young Rick said.
"It's a pity that our cohorts don't understand the benefits of cloning."
"These clones were first incubated in actual female hosts. Otherwise, they'd fall apart too fast. And unfortunately, I don't think the others have the charm for it. Also, some of them are f***in' kids. Anyway, start developing the cybernetics based on the blueprints I showed you."
The youth walked out onto his podium, looking around at his fellow Executives. Though it seemed Oathbreaker was absent. He was in time to witness Frieza dragging himself into the main entrance, escorted by Enforcer S. The injured and panting Overlord glared at his subordinate before he left.
"My word, Overlord." The Anti-Heroine gasped in a posh lady tone. "I've never seen you in such a tattered state."
"What a shame." The Cosplayer, who looked and talked like Samus, said. "Perhaps you should've made time for 'failure' Enforcers."
"It seems your dreams of being a conqueror… were not meant to be, yet." The King said. "The Omnitrix was lost… along with the minions you had gathered. And they looked so fun to play with…spankety…"
"This never would've happened if not for The Genius! He got carried away with his tomfoolery and let that brat get the Omnitrix!"
"You've been with Vilgax for over a year." Rick argued. "You had a million chances to kill that kid and his friends and get those Hearts back. But nooooo, they weren't IMPORTANT enough! Oh, if only you realized that that boy had the ONE Heart you absolutely needed!"
"Well, what's stopping me from going to get that Omnitrix back right now?!"
"Because there will be too many people around him now." The Bad Fairy said. "And besides, look at yourself. You let your feelings blind you."
"After you recover your strength, Overlord… you will return to your homeworld. The Mamon Project is underway. Enforcer Z… has been most eager to work with us. However, this failure has left me… quite starved… I must collect compensation from both of you."
Frieza sneered. "…How much… Your Highness?"
"Fifty years."
"…If I may, Your Majesty… such a penalty would hinder my role in the Mamon Project. So, I'd like to make a suggestion."
"Would you?"
"I give you 10 years now… but should the project fall apart, I will give you 100 years."
"Hmmmm…so be it. Will you make such a proposal, Genius?"
"Nah, I'm good. Fifty years will set me to how old I'm supposed to be." Rick shrugged. "I guess I should see if Morty's alright. Also, where the hell is Oathbreaker?"
Underworld Auction
"SOLD!" the masked host declared. "The Cursed Circus Game goes to Zombozo of the Circus Troupe Pirates, for 900 million!"
The dark-clothed clown rolled by stage on his unicycle, picked up the square game case, and pedaled off. "Up next, visiting from the Schwifty Galaxy, Morty Smith!"
Morty's expression was cool and collected as he took the stage. "Yo, that's the grandson of Rick Sanchez!" a criminal whispered.
"Ain't he die in Vil Galaxy?"
"Nah, didn't you hear what happened up there? A million Ricks died, there's prob'ly more of him."
"Today, I present to you…" Morty set a capsule down and flicked a size ray to grow it back to normal. "The corpse of Raven Beak, chief of the Mawkin Chozo Tribe."
"Oh! A Chozo?!" a Rito crow in a trench coat gasped. "That is, the most important, of ALL bird-type sapient species!"
"Yes!" replied his fellow trench coat crow. "Luckily, I, too, am of a sapient bird species, so that I may partake, in the Chozo's greatness!"
"Killed by Samus Aran herself," Morty began, "Raven Beak's body is still in prime condition. Furthermore, he possesses the Metroid-Metroid Fruit in his veins. So like, you can cook him and eat him if you want the power of a Metroid." The crowd murmured in excitement. "We'll start the bidding at, I dunno, two billion."
"I BID 12 BILLION!"
"32 billion!"
"64 BILLION!"
An armored man with a green strip of light down his helmet slapped his hand on his table. "105 billion."
"Going once… going twice… SOLD to bounty hunter Sylux!"
"Ahhhh." Morty happily counted his earnings. "Nice to flex the underworld influence once in a while. Helloooooo, jetpacks and VR playrooms."
Oathbreaker released a breath of smoke. Seeing the goings-on of the underworld was entertaining.
New Mexico
Star drove Kid back home in his rebuilt W.A.R.P.S.T.A.R.. His grandpa and neighbors approached them with anticipation. "…TA-DAAAAAA!" Kid presented his GKND card.
"Great job, Kid!" Jo said.
"We're so proud of you!" Flo followed.
"I wanna join the KND, too!" Rosa cheered.
"I think you are too little, niña." Carlos said.
"No she's not!" Kid argued. "I know at least one tiny operative in the KND. And I've seen lots of tiny aliens!"
"If she still had her power, she could've joined Sector GT, too." Pochi reasoned.
"Nah. She'd be too big even for them." Tattsun shirked at the idea.
"Yeah, well I may not be big anymore," Rosa flexed her muscles, "but I'm still strong! I'll show them!" She sported a big grin, highlighting the gap in her teeth.
"I bet you'll do great, Rosa." George smiled. "I bet ol' Kid can get you recommended."
"Totally! …Oh?" There was a ship coming in for landing. Tetrax and Myaxx stepped off. "Hey! It's Diamondhead and Myass!"
"What?!" Myaxx shouted.
"Kid!" Jo yelled.
"What? What'd I say?"
"Ahem, sorry for dropping in." Tetrax said. "I felt it necessary to offer my respects to your comrades. And to apologize… for trying to abduct you under Vilgax's orders."
"Water under the bridge." George replied.
"We're also here on business." Myaxx said straightforwardly. "The Omnitrix."
"Huh?" Kid flinched.
"Plenty of Vilgax's underlings witnessed you using it. It'll become common knowledge that you hold that powerful weapon, even if you can't use it now. I recommend giving it to us. We'll hide it somewhere they'll never look."
"…I…I'm not sure I want to. Azmuth said he wanted me to have it. I'm not exactly sure why…"
"It's because you got to see the universe with your own eyes." Star said. "Many of the aliens in that watch… you got to meet them and know where they come from."
"…Only 'cause you kept dumping knowledge on me." Kid lightly blushed. "If anything, you should have it."
"My knowledge is something that had to be given. Pushed upon me. But you got to see most of these aliens with fresh eyes and an open mind. You deserve to carry them with you."
"…" Kid folded up sheepishly. Even for him, this was too much flattery.
"I think he's right, Myaxx." Tetrax said. "We'll just have to do our part to protect them. We and the other rebels will work to reform our galaxy's government. For starters, we're going to change its name back to Andromeda. And we hope to establish trade and tourism with neighboring galaxies. Chuck… perhaps you would like to be the spokesperson for the Klaxians?"
The crustacean glanced down. "Maybeh… I bring dem… pancaeks."
"Just send them right to the oasis!" Flo cheered. "I'll win their hearts in a heartbeat!"
"Incidentally," Tetrax smiled, "some of the aliens are aware that you were harboring the Hearts of their people. And they express their gratitude." He looked to the graves. "You know, when we bury our dead beneath the earth, we're giving back to the planet. Our chi disperses into the soil, flows into the Heart of the World, and gives it more life. Some even wonder if the Hearts amassed their types of chi because of the buried who possessed it. Especially for the aliens and Hearts with unique types of chi. But this incident with Vilgax and his power taught us new things about the Hearts. The fact that they can choose mortal vessels to inhabit, if ever they were removed from their worlds. It's fascinating. It's even possible there's still a latent form of their chi still inside you."
"YIKES!" Pochi and Tattsun leapt away from Rosa.
"To be blunt," Star said, "if they inhaled some Bang Gas, it might amplify that latent chi and bring their powers back."
"Really?" Kid asked. "…Well, I'm not sure I want that right now, anyway. I wanna try to get better at those gadgets. And dodging."
"Not in a hurry to become a booger again?"
"No!"
"To be honest," Myaxx began, "I would've liked to study the Omnitrix myself. I wanna go back to Xenon… and ask if I could look at Azmuth's hideaway. Look for old research notes or design drafts. Maybe he even has some idea where other Galvan have gone. Galvan was my home… and if there's any semblance of it still left, I want to find it. So, for now… you better keep that Omnitrix safe."
"I will."
"I suppose we'll get out of your hair now." Tetrax said. "Hope to see you at the party. Ah, but first…" He grabbed something from his pocket, "I brought a new translator for Chuck." He handed it to him.
Chuck stared at the device for a moment… then looked to his fluffy cat steed. "I gev et ta hem instead." He put the translator on Tuna's collar.
"Meow… Hot damn." the cat said with a deep, country voice. "This thing ain't half bad. Ah could sure go for a spot of milk now."
"Yay, you can talk!" Kid hugged his pet. "That was so nice of you, Chuck!"
"Et's the lest Ey can do…"
Tetrax smiled. "I think they'll do just fine."
Star Haven
Kid then joined Star back to his home island. There was a certain pirate ship docked here, along with a few other space crafts. Captain Sheila Dimalanta, Rivet's family, Dr. Haruka, and Samus were visiting Nebula and her husband outside. "Ahoooooyy!" Sheila cheered, raising a bottle of Flurp. "There's the mates of the month!"
"Wait, I've seen her!" Kid pointed. "She's like a big time criminal, isn't she?!"
"Yep. The Pirate King. And Jason's mom. She's a family friend."
"ZUUUUUUUH?!"
"Well, Oi 'ad to be here to see if me runner-up King was orright!" Sheila put an arm around Nebula.
"I asked Sheila to give me a lift to Vilgaxia." Haruka said.
"Explains what Frieza's accomplice meant about powerful players." Star figured. "Kid… this is my dad." The dark-clothed man with white-striped hair nodded in greeting. "Lord Death."
"Huh…WAIT, YOUR DAD IS THE GRIM REAPER?!" Kid was too caught up in the emotions to ask that before.
"I could've sworn I mentioned it… or maybe I assumed you knew…"
"I know you're upset with me, Star." Death said. "I'm sure you wanted me to be here earlier. And the fact is… I was watching the entire time your mother was in trouble. And I… wanted to…"
"The King of the Underworld shouldn't overstep his boundaries." Nebula stated. "I really wouldn't feel comfortable with biased treatments. Just having this extra life at the cost of a few years… is enough."
"No… I understand." Star said.
"But… I'm just as worried about you, Star." Death said. "No… more than that. Tell me… if I could grant you… or even your friends extra lives… would you want them?"
"…" That wasn't a question Star could so readily answer. "…And how many times have you done that already for us?"
"…Not once."
"So, we came this far on our power alone. I feel like we can go a bit farther. I know Kid can, too."
"Yeah… that wouldn't feel right." Kid replied. "…So, do you know my parents? What's the afterlife like?"
"I can't answer those questions."
"Were they watching me the whole time? Are they… proud?"
Death huffed, "This is exactly why I can't make public appearances like this. Besides… you knew your parents better than I do. You must know how they feel now."
"Yeah… you're right." Kid smiled.
"I can just see them sharin' drinks with my folks." Ratchet said in a weak voice, the Lombax confined to a wheelchair.
"Hahaha!" Rivet laughed. "You think Sanchez and Vilgax are sharing sad stories with Dr. Nefarious, too?"
"I'm not sure I like the sound of that." Clank said.
"Well, so long as they don't bother us, anymore," Kit said, "let them sulk."
"I must say," Samus turned to Haruka, "your work is quite impressive. Strong people can resist the X, but I've never seen anyone turn them against each other."
"Awe, thank you! I wouldn't mind having a look at that Metroid blood of yours either!"
"Denied. This blood is why I went into hiding. I should be hiding right now… but in truth, it's been a while since I attended a nice party. And it helps to have a bunch of reliable allies around me."
"Yay, you finally accept us as heroes!" Star beamed.
"Don't push it."
"But Star… where did you get the Galaxia Sword, anyway?" Vendra asked.
"Well, it just showed up in 20x40's shop after I found those Seven Stars. I kind of thought… they would point us to Jirachi."
"I'm sure that sword can point you toward Jirachi. I think it was around the time you got it… I could strongly feel his presence. He's close. I'm sure you'll meet him soon."
"Then we'll keep an eye out for him. But first… you ready to party, Kid?"
"YOU BET!"
Coruscant
Balloons drifted lost around the skyscrapers! The sun was vibrant and the clouds were fluffy and happy! Kid had never seen a more lovely party! And, as many parties as Star'd been to, he doesn't think he has either! There were parade floats of Samus' ship, the Lions, and Ratchet, Clank, Rivet, and Kit! And of course one resembling the truckstop!
"There're the heroes!" Tiffi announced. Star parked the W.A.R.P.S.T.A.R. on a landing pad surrounded by the GKND. He and Kid stepped out to the cheers of their city of fans.
"Wow, Star, everyone loves us!"
"You destroyed the big bad, after all!" Jennu said. "Hurry up and give them a show!"
"Can we expect another rendition of your song, Jennu?"
"I mean, my pals helped, too!"
"No doubt! …Hey, Kid, it's your favorite song!" Star recognized the theme ringing on the airship speakers. (Play "The Kid" from Kid Cosmic!)
"Listen up all you kids with nothin' to do, Here's a brand new dance that I wanna tell you! All about if you're out and wanna get down, Hold your arms horizontal, now shake your elbows around!"
"Ha ha! We better do what he says, Star! LET'S GO!" The boys happily raced into the festivities!
Final stage: Cosmic Party
Mission: HAVE SOME FUN!
Star and Kid grinded down a zipline of party banners, landing on a float resembling Star Haven. A bunch of Star Kids on poles came popping in and out. Kid shot the H.O.M.E.R., ricocheting between each one and breaking the cardboard stars. His shots were in rhythm with the song's, "PA-PA-PA, PA PA PA PA PA PA, PA!" By shooting all the stars, a series of spinning star platforms lined the way to the next area. As they Warp Dashed across the platforms, they saw their friends on the rooftops. Flo and her employees set up a dining area, and it seemed Hunk, Mazu, and Mowchan volunteered to help! Whipping up meals left and right, they served hungry Four-Arms, Wildmutts, XLR8's, Galra, Snivelakians, and so many more!
"A cup of compassion." Flo said to a Snivelakian as she prepared a cup of cocoa. "A teaspoon of tenderness. An ounce of understanding. Mix with care and kindness."
The taste melted the old thug's heart. "It's wonderful… This is just what I needed after slaughtering 10 Na'vi."
Star and Kid rode a zipline down to a dinosaur zoo. Katie's brother, Aaron was having a ball of a time riding the head of brachiosaur! There was a corner where people could do cave paint on rocks. It seemed Star's cousin, Gabriel was dabbling in it, as well as Adeleine and Griseo. Star used the G.R.A.P.P.L.U.H. to swing the brachiosaurs' collars. They landed on the back of a pterodactyl and rode it across town. They jumped off on a rooftop with large Metroid balloons. Kids were rushing into an indoor attraction called Parasite Hunters. Star and Kid joined them!
"Samus is under fire! She's sent an emergency directive: JOIN THE FIGHT!" The Brinstar theme was resounding through the artificial cave. As kids navigated the labyrinth, Metroid and X balloons would pop out of random hatches, equipped with motion-tracking devices to home them in on the kids. They had to use their fake laser cannons to make them pop.
"AAAAAH!" Lex, the Harnitan GKND op, screamed as a bunch of X balloons crowded her. "Heeeelp! I'm being infected!"
"I got ya!" Nalo, the Chiz operative, swiped her metal arms over the X and popped them.
"Kunira! I'm being eaten alive!" Carlos was pinned beneath a Metroid.
"And I'm having the time of my life!" The monochrome koala was delightedly riding the balloon.
Star and Kid navigated the maze as the latter spread Z.A.P.B.L.E.R. bubbles to pop hordes of X balloons. They discovered a small tunnel and Space Balled into it. As they turned a corner, they bumped into Ynda. "Oh! Hey, Star! Kid! I'll just go this way!" She backed up and down a separate tunnel. The boys proceeded on and rolled up a vertical shaft, which took them through a grated tunnel above the play area. From there, it led outside, afterwards becoming a ramp that the ball zoomed down and launched off. They flew a few yards across town and splashed in a large swimming pool rooftop.
The kids resized and enjoyed a nice swim! Nora was bending waves for Sigrid and her friend, Asta to surf. Asta used her purple surfboard while Sigrid relied on her shadow. "Didn't I tell you Ziggy-Zag is the best?!" Asta exclaimed.
"Never doubted it!" Massimo cheered.
"Since you're starting your own sector, I hope we get to work with each other more!" Erin said.
"Only if we have a reason to come to Aquaria again." Mack inputted.
"But hers would be the only sector on Aquaria." Lulu said. "Which means she would be a Supreme Leader, so we should see her at council!"
"I'm pretty sure she needs to build up her numbers first."
Star and Kid allowed the wave to carry them up as they entered a slide tunnel; a tunnel that would launch them out underwater in an interior tunnel of the pool. Going with the flow, they swam through inner-tube rings, but they missed the third one. Because of this, the gate wouldn't open at the end, so they were forced to take the tunnel that would suck them back to the beginning. On their second attempt, they were successful.
The gate opened as they flowed into a private pool, where world leaders and businessmen were lounging. Numbuh 20x40 was here, President Otto was coercing with his Symphogears. They saw Presidents Carol York and Lola Phantomhive talking to Weiss Schnee and King Raleigh. "My niece is thinking of reforming Sector $ once she gets better at Pokémon!" Raleigh said with a smile.
"I wonder if Gris wouldn't mind transferring then?" Weiss said.
"I think Silica and Lucina are just fine where they're at." Carol replied.
"Yeah." Lola agreed. "They're gonna have to get some new members, in that case."
"There's Allura and Lotor!" Kid pointed. The two monarchs were signing a paper with Chancellor Sasha and Councilman Jerome.
"Yeah, they're joining Galactic Council! Maybe someday, we'll see Tetrax there, too!"
"There we are." Sasha said as she handed the completed papers to Jerome. "Look forward to seeing you. Say, Allura, has anyone told you you look almost like-"
"Oh, Princess Allura, I'm so sorry you lost your uncle or whatever." Roger, dressed as Curtis, interrupted them, strolling up to Allura and reaching up to pat her hair. Allura's face creased uncomfortably. "You know what makes a girl feel better? A fresh new set of hair. Just shave it all off and start anew. Sit on down and I'll make ya feel born again."
"CURTIS!"
Roger gasped: Shiro stomped up to him in a fury. "Shiro! I-I-I can explain!"
"You…You were about to give Allura the Chrome Dome Experience! You promised me that I would be your first!"
"N-No! You still can, Shiry! We can do it right on that lounge chair!"
"It's too late. You didn't even turn up the tea kettle when we did the Prisoner Routine. You and I… are THROUGH!"
Shiro shoved Roger down with weight in his heart. He then reached into Roger's pocket and pulled out Queen Latifa's white wig. "No!" Roger gasped. But Shiro no longer cared: he ripped the wig into a million strands. "NNNNOOOOOOOOOOO…!"
"Uh…okay." was all Star could say. The boys climbed out of the pool, seeing the Green Lion float passing by the rooftop. They swung a grapple point and hitched a ride right on it. There were speakers in the Lions' mouths playing Voltron's theme. There was a patch of soil on the Green's head, which Star could water with the Sprinkle S.P.O.R.E.. It grew a long vine toward the Yellow Lion, so they grinded across. The Yellow was in a sitting position, so Star had to make Space Blocks for them to climb the Lion. There was a cubby where Pidge, Lance, and Radical Ed were hanging out, engaged in a computer game.
Star and Kid reached the Yellow's mouth, a cannon that would spit them onto another rooftop. There were several tables where many tiny aliens were coercing; Shrimpkins, Kateenians, Minish, and Technomites! Gilbert Dickson was meeting the Shrimpkins and Peni the Technomites. Rosa was acting as a taxi service for the tinies; she felt so big and strong! Mali was crouched down to their eye level, allowing her Lilliputian "friend," Shinmy to see them from her finger ring. "Look, Shinmy! They're even teenier than you are!"
"Oh, if I could just get out of here, I'd smoosh them all!"
Star and Kid were careful not to bump any of the tables as they passed by. The Shrimpkins cheered at the heroes, to which Star and Kid waved back. The boys followed a stairwell down to the balcony of a casino and bar. The stereos were playing the "Wild Green Yonder" song they heard on Mars.
"You and I will be reborn, In a future place and time, If everything our Hindu brethren say is truuuuue. In an age of things that hover, You and I will still be lovers, And we'll say to ourselves, 'That was then. And this is, toooooo.'"
Spike was having a drinking contest with Samus… and it looked like the female hunter was winning. "See, I told 'em, I told 'em," she was nonetheless delirious, "those X Gummies were gonna be bad for business. Ya don't, ya don't just make candy outta that, ya corporate idjits!"
"Spike, at this rate, we're gonna lose all the money we got from this job!" Jet shouted.
"Nyeah, nyeah… we'll do a job in… Night City la'er…"
"'Cause we'll still find the happenin' hot spots, We'll still cruise the cool casinos, You'll still fly me to the moon, Although the moon to which you'll fly me could be Phobos or Deimos!"
There were Piantas and Gazorpians having chucking contests with each other, sending fruit balls flying across the city into a line of food trucks. Ichigo Diego partook in the contest, kicking giant watermelons. One of the Gazorpians was lined up with a Gold Bolt, so the boys Space Balled and rolled up to him. The arch of his throw let them seize the bolt—but they wound up right in a truck carrying female robot dolls. To escape this humiliating position, they began to Warp Dash across the food trucks… and take whatever food they liked! (At the cost of some bolts.)
Sausages, pizzas, ice creams, fruit parfaits, fish, flavored beverages, these trucks served out all manner of alien foods from across the universe… and Star and Kid tried all of them! They didn't care about making a mess of their clothes and weapons; their bellies never felt happier! The only downside is they had to Warp Dash through holo-ad boards while jumping the trucks.
Along the way, they saw into the window of a building: a dark dance house lit by the glows of the Na'vi. And they had barely noticed Tiffi's tiny frame dancing among them, even dressed in their tribal garb. "Yay! She gets to be with her fellow blue people!" Kid said.
"We oughta take her to Pandora later! Kind of owe her."
They disembarked the line of trucks to rest on a rooftop with a combat ring. Rivet was in a match with Birddaughter. The Lombax was only using her hammer, but even she was having a hard time with the bird's feistiness. "Show her what you're made of, Birdsister!" Firaga cheered.
"No!" Valdi yelled. "You can do it, Rivet!"
"Man, I wouldn't mind squarin' off with that bird-chick!" Christina said. "Need a good workout after bein' stuck in Laruta's snotty body."
"I would've hoped that experience would help you understand me a little bit more!" Laruta shouted.
"Yeah, I understand you have a shitty colon!"
"URGH!"
Ratchet was sharing a table with two special acquaintances of his: Jak, Daxter, and Sly Cooper. Their wives seemed to be at another table. "Your kid's a mechanic, isn't she?" Jak asked.
"She dabbles in it, definitely."
"Ah, you mean she's an amateur." Daxter remarked. "Don't worry, Jak, I think Mar's got her beat. In brains, at least. 'Far as whackin' people with a hammer goes, I don't think Mar's got it in him."
"If you want, I could teach her a bit of Haki." Sly said slyly. "Maybe a few other tricks if I feel like it."
"Hey now, don't go roping her into your craft." Ratchet laughed.
"Star. Kid." The two saw another familiar and bandaged face approaching.
"Birdperson!"
"I apologize for not doing more in the desperate hour. The Chozo was too powerful. And worse… Rick…"
"He's your friend… right?"
"Rick has always been a loyal friend to me… but there are times when he really pisses me off. I did not want to fight him… but I did not want to let him harm you. So, if he ever antagonizes you again…" Birdperson held out a paper. "I've written down a list of his fears."
Star took the paper and skimmed it. "Squirrels? Pirates? Should've brought Jason after all, huh, Kid?"
"Is Jason a squirrel?"
"No, but if you squint hard enough, he kinda looks like one. But thanks, Birdperson. We won't tell Rick about this."
"Good. I would never hear the end of his bitching."
"Oi, mates!" The robo-pirate, Pierre came carting a cage with Matthew the Metroid. "Have a gander at this never-before-seen beastie we caught flutterin' about Cordelion!"
"Oh, yeah?" asked an Unilu salesman. "Well, let's see how it compares to the rare, wild beast me and my boys found!" His men were carting a cage where a naked Ginyu was crouched, wearing a muzzle. The Ginyu Force captain looked confused beyond belief.
"It's a bet then!"
Both bands of pirates linked the cages. "MMMMMMMM!" Ginyu panicked and ran in circles… but the Metroid would have his dinner.
Star and Kid ventured past the crowd, gazing up at a great statue of Nigel Uno, in-between those of Monty, Nebula, and Dimentia. As a sea of large balloons ascended, the friends shared a grin. Kid held Star's hand as the latter shifted their gravity between each balloon. They moved quickly before they would ascend too high. Finally, Nigel Uno's chrome dome became its own planetoid to support them. There, they posed epically for the crowd! The fans went wild!
Tetrax and a group of Polymorphs floated up to the statue, the Petrosapien using a hover pad. "Boys! The Polymorphs wanted to offer this special reward." They were carrying a wad of rock-jello with a needle stuck into it. It had a golden slug-like hilt.
"W…What is it?" Star cocked a brow.
"This is a strange relic that has been near Viscosia's Heart for eons. No one could ever draw it, even out of its malleable rock pedestal. The very least they could do was pull out the hilt itself. They wanted to get rid of it, so… here we are."
"Hmm…well, why don't you try to pull it, Kid?"
"Okay. It's like King Arthur!" Kid walked up and grabbed the hilt. With minimal effort, and a gasp from those around, he pulled it free. "…Huh. Does that mean I'm the king now?" The needle seemed to rescind into the sluggy hilt. The slug came to life and crawled around and down Kid's arm. It then went into his heart in a burst of soft particles.
The Slug Knight has awakened. Four more have yet to awaken.
"…uhhhh…" Kid pinched his hand. "Well, I'm not gooey. What just happened?"
Tetrax exchanged glances with the Polymorphs, who shrugged. "We don't know."
"We'll just keep note of it." Star figured. "But anyway…" He withdrew the Galaxia Sword. "After this… I think I wanna search for Jirachi. Whaddya say, Kid? You up for another adventure?"
"Absotively posilutely!"