Mystic Guardians

[Jjs Goodman]

96. Incident on Karmatraz Isle

Elana, Ranen, Meritel, Orion, the guardians and knights are seen at the Sky Kingdom, inside the Council’s temple which has been fully repaired. A funeral is being held for Cesare, as memorial pictures of him and candles are seen on a table. Nick comforts Luna who is upset.

“Cesare was an honorable member. He will be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten.” Deckel spoke.

“He was a great leader and member.” Briar said.

“He gave his own life to save Meritel from Beast. That is true valor.” Zero said.

"I will forever be grateful he sacrificed himself for not just me, but all of us." Meritel said. 

“Poor guy, but he’s in a better place now.” Cynthia said.

“At least we avenged him by finishing Beast, that’s karma.” Elana replied.

“Even though I didn’t get to know Cesare, it sounds like he was a great guy.” Roxy said.

“At least he’s still kind of with us, since we saw his ghost.” Trent recalled.

“I still don’t know why he wanted me to find Merrick, unless he was a key in helping us defeat Beast.” Madison wondered.

“It appears Tom and him had planned for Beast to go down the way he did the entire time. I believe Cesare was always expecting his end, and he went out in peace. It is as destiny intended.” Luna said in acceptance.

“Still kind of sad how you’ve pretty much lost two members, since who knows where Tom is...” Elana wondered.

“Alas, I am starting to accept Tom could have met his end too...but we have no way to be sure.” Briar said, worried.

“Eh, I’m sure he’s hiding just so he can appear out of nowhere and surprise us when we least expect it.” Cynthia replied.

“That is something he would do.” Audrey replied.

“The Council is destined to change. If Tom does not return, fate will give us a new member. If it does not, then he is still out there somewhere.” Luna explained.

“It’s a tad concernin’ that we’ve lost two allies though, especially important magic wielders such as those two.” Flinn said, a bit concerned.

“Do not worry, if we can survive the belly of a corrupted rock dragon, we can make it through anything.” Jake replied.

“Thank you all for attending. On the bright side, here’s some snacks and drinks to cheer you up.” Deckel said, pointing to two food tables.

“Ah, nothing like food and drinks to cheer you up after mourning the dead.” Skipper said.

The heroes dig in, enjoying the food and drinks. Elana looks at a magic punch bowl, and sees Tom’s face in the punch, shocking her.

“What’s wrong, daughter? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.” Orion inquired.

“...I saw Tom in the punch.” Elana replied, confusing everyone.

“Eww, so Tom is in this punch I’ve been drinking!?” Nick asked, spitting it out.

The heroes look at the punch bowl, but don’t see anything.

“I’m not seeing him.” Audrey said, confused.

“Yeah, are you sure you’re alright?” Tori asked.

Elana looks around, and sees Tom standing behind a pillar.

“There he is!” Elana said, pointing to behind the pillar, but none of them see him.

“Are you sure you’re not seeing things?” Jake asked.

“I’m being honest Elana, I honestly don’t see anyone.” Roxy replied, confused.

“Sweetie, I believe you’re having stress delusions. I hate to say it...but Tom is gone. You have to move on.” Meritel said firmly.

“Wait, perhaps there is truth to this. Tom could be trying to communicate with Elana from beyond.” Cameron suggested.

“But how?” Briar asked.

“And why me?” Elana wondered.

“We’ll have to wait and see.” Cameron replied.

“Spooky.” Tori said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was doing one of his weird tricks from the void.” Cynthia said.

“Sometimes even we will never understand him.” Luna said, sighing.

“Maybe you need some rest, majesty.” Ranen suggested to Elana.

“Yeah, you’re right. See you guys tomorrow.” Elana said, as they leave the Sky Kingdom through a portal.

Later at night, Elana is seen sleeping in her royal bed, wearing her night gown. She then begins to hear Tom’s voice in her dreams, waking her up. Elana looks around her room, and rests back down. She then looks around, and sees the flower vase in her room has Tom’s shape on it, startling her. 

“What do you want from me!?” Elana asked, getting up.

She goes right to the vase, but Tom’s shape is gone from it. She looks around, and then sees Tom’s face all over her room, haunting her.

“Okay dude, I don’t find this funny! Just tell me what you want!” Elana said, concerned.

All of the Tom faces disappear, as Elana rubs her eyes. 

“I’ll never understand him...” Elana said, as she sighs and goes back to sleep.

As Elana sleeps, she suddenly has an odd dream. Several images flash of the Shadow Lands, showing Beast’s former campsite where his spell book burned. Tom is shown in the spell book chained, and burning with it. Elana wakes up again confused.

“...Is that a hint of how to save him?” Elana wondered.

She goes back to sleep peacefully, and does not suffer anymore interruptions for the rest of the night. Elana wakes up, and goes outside the castle, meeting with the guardians, knights and Ranen.

“Guys, I have big news. I believe Tom is really still out there. He gave me some weird, cryptic hints on what may have happened to him. I saw images of him burning with a book in the Shadow Lands...” Elana explained to the heroes, confusing them.

“It sounds as if Tom truly is magically trying to send you a message, but I cannot decipher what it means.” Zero replied.

“The Tom situation may have to wait unfortunately, we have another major problem. We’ve received a report that an incident has happened on Karmatraz Isle, a harsh prison island in the Tropic Isles. Something attacked the island, and all of the prisoners...disappeared.” Ranen reported, surprising them.

“Hey, wait a minute...isn’t that the island where Drew was sent?” Nick pointed out, as this worries Cameron deep down.

“It is. Due to his treason, we decided Mt. Spire wasn’t enough for him, and sent him there in hopes it’d fix his act. Even though he betrayed us, we have to make sure the prisoners are okay, and stop whatever invaded the island.” Ranen replied.

“Dang, we haven’t seen Drew in ages. Will be weird to see him again...if he’s still alive.” Jake said, as this worries Cameron more.

“I know he did a horrible thing by betraying us, but I still considered him a friend deep down. I just want to make sure he’s okay.” Cameron said.

“I’ve never personally met Drew, but I heard about what he did. I’m curious to see what he’s like.” Trent said.

“Same here.” Flinn replied.

“Make that three.” Skipper replied.

“Make that four.” Elana replied.

“...Make that five.” Roxy replied awkwardly.

“Wow, we should start a “Never Met Drew” club.” Tori joked.

“Wow, to think quite a few of you never met Drew in our early days, makes me feel nostalgic.” Nick said.

"You guys didn't miss much, Drew was a slimy jerk deep down, who was actually working for Broodwing." Jake explained.

"He let himself be manipulated, much like Roxy and Elana. I'm sure he still has a rebel heart deep down." Cameron noted.

“Alright, I have an idea. How about we help Elana with her Tom problem in the Shadow Lands, and you guys go investigate whatever is happening at the island?” Cynthia suggested.

“I’m fine with that, though I’m not sure if I like the sounds of the “Shadow Lands”...” Roxy said, worried.

“Don’t worry, the kingdom is much better now. It’s not as scary as it sounds.” Elana reassured.

“Another classic team split up? Sure, fine with me.” Trent replied.

“I have yet to work with Skipper, so I’m curious to see what the lad can do now that he’s a knight.” Flinn said.

“I approve of this. Stay safe all of you.” Ranen said.

“Alright, good luck girls. Hope you find something.” Jake said.

“Good luck to you guys as well.” Madison replied.

Madison opens a portal for the knights to the Tropic Isles, as the seven head through it. Madison then opens another portal to the Shadow Lands, as the six girls head through it. The knights walk out of their portal, appearing on Treasure Isle.

“Oh hey, this place again.” Trent recalled, seeing the jungles in the distance.

“But now we have to actually figure out how to get to Karmatraz Isle...” Cameron wondered.

Suddenly, they see a familiar ship sailing by in the distance. 

“If that’s who I think it is, we don’t need to worry!” Jake said, as the knights run to the coast of the island.

They go onto the coast, and see Branton Jack’s ship nearby. They wave at it, as Porky spots them with his telescope from the deck.

“S-sir, w-w-we have some ca-ca-castaways!” Porky reported.

Branton Jack walks down the steps, as he uses his own fancy telescope to see this. Diggy adjusts his cybernetic eye to zoom in on them.

“Yup, it’s the knights, captain.” Diggy said.

“It appears my friends are in need of help! Don’t worry, Captain Jack is here to rescue you!” Branton Jack said, as he goes back to steering the ship.

The ship docks near the coast.

“Hello my friends, what convenient timing I happened to sail by when you need help! Oh dear, I presume the treasure hunt did not pan out and you lost your ride?” Branton asked.

“No, actually we need to get to Karmatraz Isle. Can you give us a ride?” Cameron asked, shocking Branton, Diggy and Porky.

“W-why would you want to go there!?” Diggy asked, concerned.

“The island got attacked by...something. It’s our job to investigate.” Skipper replied.

“Hey wait a minute, Skipper, you became a knight?” Diggy said, surprised.

“Indeed I did.” Skipper replied, showing his orange knight stone.

“Your team keeps growing and growing! Well lads, I owe you a favor for helping me nab all that treasure on this island, so sure! I’ll take you to Karmatraz Isle, even though I cannot promise you’ll survive once you set foot there, haha!” Branton said, as he lowers down a ladder for the knights.

“I think we’ll be fine, trust me, we’ve survived much worse than an island.” Trent said.

They climb up the ladder, and board the ship. The ship sets sail, going through the waters. The ship makes it closer to a sinister looking island, with many pointed rocks on its edges. There is a large stone prison with two towers on each end at the center of the island. 

“Creepy.” Porky said, upon seeing it.

“No lights are on.” Jake noticed, seeing how the towers and main prison are both dark from the distance.

Branton docks the ship near the open shore entrance. The knights get off, going down the ladder, as they walk onto the shore.

“Thanks for the ride, Branton.” Cameron said.

“No problem lads! I hope you can defeat whatever beast threatens this prison! Farewell!” Branton said, as the ship sails off.

The knights look at the prison up ahead, noticing the front doors of it are torn off. They walk up the shore, seeing both door parts on the sand. Zero examines them to see massive scratch marks on both.

“Oh dear...” Zero said, analyzing the marks further.

“Any idea what could’ve caused this, doc?” Nick asked.

“Whatever did this, it is most certainly a creature none of us have met before.” Zero said, as his matches come up with “Unidentified Specimen”.

“There’s more of them...” Skipper said, seeing the same creepy scratch marks against the prison’s outside walls, and across the rocks.

“Aye, I have a bad feeling about this...” Flinn said, carefully looking around at his surroundings.

“While we’re looking for suspicious activity, I just realized...where are the guards?” Trent asked.

“...Good question.” Cameron replied curiously, as he carefully walks around, feeling his surroundings. “We’re not alone, that’s for sure.”

“My scanners indicate there are multiple specimens outside of us still on this island, but my scanner will not give a firm answer on their locations...” Zero said, trying to adjust it.

“Uh...guys, I hate to make this creepy mood even worse, but I think we have our answer on where the guards went...” Nick said.

He points to a pair of guard helmets, spears and pieces of armor scattered into the sand off to the side.

“Looks like they were trying to fight off whatever this thing was, but failed...” Skipper said.

“Did they become lunch, or are they still alive?” Jake wondered.

“There’s only one other place that will give us that answer.” Cameron said, pointing to the open prison entrance.

They head inside of the prison itself. As they go inside, a strange creature quickly runs across the rocks, waving its green and black tail...

Meanwhile, the girls appear in a village at the Shadow Lands.

“Oh hey, this was the same village we first visited in the Shadow Lands.” Cynthia recalled, looking at the stone buildings.

The villagers are peacefully walking outside now, no longer in fear. A merchant is at his stand, sniffing the fresh air around, and selling food as several customers approach.

“Ah, life has been so much better since King Stanford took over...” the merchant said cheerfully.

“It’s so weird but great to see the dark kingdom is actually looking cheerful.” Madison said.

“So where exactly in the Shadow Lands did you see this book?” Tori asked Elana.

“I’m not entirely sure...I saw parts of a forest, but that’s all I could make out.” Elana replied

“Wait, could it have been near Dim Village? Beast had his army near there when they attacked us.” Audrey recalled.

“I think she’s right, that’d make the most sense. Good thinking!” Elana replied.

“I guess that’s our only option at this point.” Madison said, as she transforms the five girls with the heart, and they fly up.

“Whoa, the guardians...” a villager said, impressed, as several others clap for them.

Elana and the girls make their way through the Shadow Lands, without encountering any danger. They appear in a dead tree forest, when several ghosts fly around, smiling at them. They are not hostile.

“Do you know the way to Dim Village?” Elana asked one of them.

“Keep going north.” a ghost replied, pointing that way.

“Thanks, ghosts I should probably be afraid of!” Roxy replied, as the girls head north.

They keep making their way, as even some skeletons cheerfully wave at them from a graveyard.

"It's so strange seeing everyone in this kingdom, even the ghosts and undead, being friendly for a change." Cynthia said, seeing the skeletons behind her.

"Not all Dark elementals are evil, Viktor and Rickter were forcing a lot of them to act that way." Elana noted.

They make their way closer to the castle, which has been redesigned by Stanford. They see Stanford outside the castle, greeting several Shadow Lands civilians. He is about to give them a tour of his castle. He then sees Elana and the girls heading by, as he waves to them. All of the civilians turn around, impressed to see them.

"And right there is Queen Elana with the guardians who helped save this kingdom from Viktor and Rickter! Thank you girls, for everything!" Stanford said to them, waving his staff.

"You're welcome, dude!" Elana replied, waving back.

Stanford proceeds with his tour, escorting the civilians into the castle. The girls make their way closer to Dim Village, seeing it in the distance.

"There it is!" Audrey said, as they get closer to it.

They make their way into the village, as Darren greets them at the entrance.

"Oh, welcome back to Dim Village girls! Thank you for saving our village from Beast's curse, we're forever grateful! What brings you back here?" Darren greeted.

"We're looking for something in the forests that may help us find an ally of ours." Madison replied.

"Well by all means, go out and explore them! There's no scary monsters to worry about. Although, some of our villagers have reported seeing a weird guy lurking around those forests today. Might not mean anything, but be careful just in case." Darren said.

"Weird guy? Could be Tom...but why would he be here? Wasn't he in the void?" Cynthia wondered.

"All I know is he was trapped inside of a spell book when it burned in the forest." Elana said.

"Maybe we should look for any remaining pieces of this book?" Roxy suggested.

"Good idea, Rox. That might be what Tom wants." Elana pondered.

"That is, if there are any book pieces left. Not sure how long a burnt book piece can stay out here, or how easily found it can be." Tori replied.

The girls leave Dim Village, as they head toward the forests. As they leave, Lester sneakily exits a store with a bag of magical items. 

"Alright, I got the Eclipse Flowers from the nearby forest, and I got the rest of this magic junk for madame Icy. Now to..." Lester was saying.

He then sees the girls up ahead, surprising him.

"Hehehe, how convenient, so my enemies have conveniently appeared before my very eyes...conveniently-" Lester said. 

"We get it guy, you don't need to say convenient three times in the same sentence." another customer said to him, passing by.

"Don't interrupt me during my inner monologues, jerk! Now then, time to fry some naughty girls. I'm sure madame Icy won't mind if I use one of these..." Lester was saying.

He opens the bag, and holds out an invisibility potion. He drinks it, as he turns invisible. He gives out a cackle, and follows the girls. The girls pass the ruin structures around the area, and make it to the forest entrance. Lester keeps following them while invisible, as he hides behind a pillar.

"Now why would they go into that forest? Not only are those girls naughty, but they're also...stupid! I could work on that punchline, admittedly." Lester said to himself.

Before the girls enter, Lester makes another ominous cackle.

"Hehehe..." Lester laughed.

"Did anyone else hear that weird and ominous laughing?" Audrey asked, hearing it through her ears.

"Yeah, I did too. If it's Tom, I don't find it funny!" Cynthia said, as they look around through the forests.

"Well this confirms someone else is out here. Be on guard, I get the feeling it's not Tom..." Elana said, as the six carefully head through the forest.

"Note to self: make my ominous cackling a lot quieter from here on...hehehe..." Lester said to himself, laughing quietly, and he stealthily follows the girls through the forest.

Back at Karmatraz Isle, the knights walk around inside of the dark and empty prison. They shine their knight stones around, seeing more deep scratch marks across the metal walls. They look through the prison cells, seeing how they are all empty, and the doors are torn off. They also see several more soldier helmets and pieces of armor on the ground.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" Jake called out through the shadows.

"Or actually alive?" Skipper added.

They then hear footsteps from the other side.

"Huh, didn't expect that to work for once." Jake said, surprised.

They walk around a corner, seeing the doors to the outside torn off. They walk outside, seeing several dropped pickaxes near a bunch of rocks for prisoner mining. There is an obstacle course for the prisoners, along with other training equipment, that have been damaged.

"I know someone's out here..." Cameron said, on edge.

"Well Cam, isn't this a friendly reunion." Drew spoke, surprising them.

Drew comes out of hiding from behind several rocks, wearing a prisoner uniform.

"Drew, you're alive..." Cameron said, surprised.

"I presume you heard about the island being attacked by the monster. Surprised you cared enough about me to come out here of all places. I also see you've had a few changes..." Drew said, noticing his blinded eyes and that there are more knights in the group.

"I know we didn't end on good terms, but we have to work together to stop whatever this thing is. Where are all of the prisoners and guards?" Cameron asked.

"And how did you escape unharmed?" Trent asked.

"Assuming he's not the monster." Jake added, suspicious.

"Oh Jake, still so quick to judge me. I didn't attack anybody. I've been calmer since coming here. The island has helped my psyche, believe it or not. I don't know where the guards or other prisoners are. I managed to barely escape whatever that abomination was. And it's still on the island, looking for me." Drew explained, worried.

"We'll protect you dude, even though I'm not sure if you're an enemy or not." Nick said, confused.

"I'm aware I don't have a great reputation around the community, but we'll have to work together to save this island. For old time's sake, how about a truce, Cam and Jake?" Drew asked, holding out his hand.

"Truce." Cameron replied, shaking Drew's hand.

"Fine. You know what attacked the island better than us, so we'll have to work with you." Jake replied, shaking his hand.

"Drew, do you have a detailed description of this creature?" Zero inquired.

"Well...it was a huge lizard like beast, it was green and black, had green glowing eyes, had spikes all over its body, and could shoot electricity. It wasn't like any creature I've seen before. I have no idea why it would attack this place." Drew explained as best as he could, as the knights look behind him nervously.

"Maybe you could ask the thing itself..." Trent said nervously, confusing Drew.

He turns around, to see the lizard monster on the rocks. The patterns across its body glow green, along with its eyes. It lets out an alien roar, with five tongues coming out of its mouth. 

Back at the Shadow Lands, the girls make their way through the forests. Lester keeps on their trail.

"Are they looking for an Eclipse Flower too?" Lester wondered, as the girls make it to the clearing.

"This was where we fought Beast..." Madison recalled, retracing their steps.

"The image in my dreams wasn't here. It must have been further up." Elana said, as they go north.

Suddenly, fire is shot around them from Lester, as a ring of fire surrounds the ground. Tori quickly sends water blasts at the fire, dousing it. They hear Lester's laughing again, as he moves through the dead trees. They look around, ready to attack.

"Hehe, look all you stupid and naughty girls want, but I am a stealthy jester!" Lester bragged.

"That voice...it's Lester! Come out, you coward!" Roxy said, recognizing the laughter now.

Lester makes himself visible, as he laughs again.

"Yes, it is I, you sniveling little brat! Madame Icy will forever be angry you left us! You could've had it all! Oh well, you'll be incinerated with the rest!" Lester said, holding fire balls in both hands.

"I'm much better off with them, you were only using me!" Roxy said, sending a pink scallop bite attack at Lester, but he turns invisible again, avoiding it.

Lester throws the fire balls, as Cynthia hurls rocks back at them. They go landing around Lester's invisible form, missing him, as he gives out another cackle.

"Can he stop doing that annoying cackle!?" Cynthia asked, hurling another rock.

Lester avoids it again, as the rock smashes into a tree. Madison sends a lightning blast at him, but he turns invisible again, avoiding it, as it strikes the ground.

"What are you even doing out here?" Roxy asked, looking around for him.

"I was doing shopping for Icy, and then you brats conveniently showed up to make my day!" Lester explained.

He reappears, juggling a fireball, and sending it at Roxy, knocking her down to the ground.

"You'll pay for that, jerk!" Elana said, sending a light blast at Lester, but he sends more fire balls back.

The blasts collide, causing smoke, as Lester runs around through the forests. He then touches some of the dead trees, setting them on fire. A few begin to fall down, as the girls avoid them. A tree is about to collapse on Elana, but she sends a light blast at the tree, pushing it the other way. 

"I hate when our enemies turn invisible to get an advantage, so annoying and stale by this point." Tori said, sending a whirlpool blast at all of the trees, dousing their fires.

"Two can play at that game." Audrey said, as she also turns invisible.

Lester reappears, juggling five fire balls. He throws them at all at the visible girls, who avoid them.

"Hey, weren't there six of you-" Lester was saying, confused.

Audrey becomes visible in front of him, sending a gust attack, twirling Lester into the air.

"AAAAH, LET ME GO!" Lester panicked.

Audrey sends him smashing into the ground with the gust. He tries to turn invisible again, but Madison, Elana and Tori strike him with lightning, light and water blasts, knocking him down. Cynthia then sends him flying into the air by lifting up the ground.

"Roxy, you have the honors for the final strike." Madison said, bowing.

Roxy then glows, summoning several crows from nearby, making their eyes glow pink. They fly around Lester, pecking him.

"Get away, you rude birds!" Lester yelled, shooting fire blasts.

The crows then all shoot magic pink blasts at him, sending Lester flying away. 

"Nice finish, Rox!" Cynthia complimented.

"That was for calling me a mime, what a jerk." Roxy said.

"I'm starting to think there's a reason he was hated in Flameren." Elana said, as the girls laugh.

Lester lands on the hard ground faraway, annoyed.

"I hate teenagers...Oh well, I still have these." Lester sighed, as he picks up his shopping bag, and runs off.

The girls make it to where Beast's campsite was, as Elana recognizes the area.

"This is the place. Look around for any burnt book pieces." Elana said, as the girls scout the area.

"Is this it?" Roxy asked, finding a burnt corner of Beast's spell book on the ground near the old campfire spot.

"That certainly looks like a burnt book piece." Madison said.

"Now what?" Cynthia asked.

"Not sure..." Elana said, wondering.

She looks at the burnt book piece, as she sees a vision of Tom's face on it. She then sees an image of the Council temple, showing the room where Briar and Luna healed.

"I see it now. Back to the Council!" Elana said.

At Karmatraz Isle, the knights look at the lizard creature. They power up, ready to fight up. Drew focuses, breathes in, and transforms into his monster Dragnanian form, also ready to attack.

"Oh yeah, I forgot he could do that." Nick recalled.

"I won't use this form against you this time, only against that monster." Drew promised.

The lizard creature roars, shooting electricity blasts from its spikes, as it crawls around. The knights try to deflect the electric blasts with their swords. Zero absorbs one with his sword, and sends it back at the lizard, but it is too fast. It then whacks him aside with its tail. While on the ground, Zero looks up at the tower closest to them. He zooms at the top, to see green cocoons containing the paralyzed guards and prisoners.

"...I believe I know what happened to the guards and prisoners. They are at the top of the tower as captive eggs, but I do not believe our "friend" will let us up there..." Zero explained to the knights, as they keep trying to fight off the lizard, but it is too fast.

"Well at least they're not dead." Trent said, firing laser arrows at the lizard, but it eats them with its five tongues. "Dang..."

"Wait a minute...I kind of remember this thing now. Wasn't this one of the prisoners at the Crystal Citadel?" Jake noticed, as he casts his stone shield, blocking an electric attack from it.

"Now that you mention it, it does resemble one of those beasts." Zero said, analyzing it further.

"That still doesn't answer why it attacked this island." Drew said, confused.

"It has no reason. Those prisoners have become feral and dangerous, to the point where not even they know what they are doing. All we can do now is capture it." Cameron replied.

The lizard crawls toward Cameron, sending several acidic blasts from its mouth. He casts his reflection shield, as it deflects a blast back at the creature, making it growl. Drew fires blasts from his arm gun, hurting the creature more. However, the creature then sends another electric blast right for Drew. Cameron gets in the way, stopping the blast with his reflection shield.

"...You saved me." Drew said, surprised.

"You may have betrayed us, but you were still a friend of mine. I won't let you get hurt by this thing." Cameron replied, as Drew actually feels touched by this.

Skipper tries to strike the creature with his sword, but the lizard knocks the sword of his hands with one of its tongues. Skipper then throws a pineapple, as the creature eats it. It explodes inside of the lizard, annoying it, as smoke comes out of its mouth. Nick then casts a green spell blast, as it flashes before its eyes, distracting the creature. It flails around, as the knights and Drew all begin to attack it. Flinn sends gold slashes at the creature, but the lizard regains its vision, and then spits out a green substance at Flinn. He is paralyzed and trapped in the same green cocoon as the guards and prisoners.

"Oh dear, whatever we do from here on out, do not let that stuff touch you-" Skipper was saying.

Before he can send a dark electricity blast, the lizard knocks Skipper down with its tail. It shoots another green cocoon, trapping Skipper. Nick sends a fire spell at the lizard, but it counters with more electricity blasts. They get sent back at Nick, knocking him down. The lizard grabs him with its arm, and traps him in a green cocoon as well.

"Guys, be careful, we can't keep-" Jake was saying.

Jake, Trent and Zero carefully try to avoid it, but the lizard jumps in front of them, whacking them down to the ground with its tail. It then shoots green cocoons, trapping them. Drew and Cameron are the only ones left.

"Well Cam, it's up to us, or we're doomed." Drew said, carefully by his side, as the two stand in front of the prison wall.

Cameron powers up his sword and carefully concentrates. The lizard looks at the two, licking its lips, and crawling around, ready to strike.

"I have an idea. When I say go, you go left, and I go right." Cameron said.

"Are you mad? That thing is about to attack us!" Drew said.

"Trust me." Cameron replied, as Drew laughs.

"Just like old times." Drew replied.

The lizard pounces at the two.

"NOW!" Cameron yelled, as they run at the last second.

The lizard's head goes smashing against the metal wall, dazing it. Cameron then runs up and strikes it multiple times with his sword, weakening it. It tries to shoot more electric blasts from its spikes, but Drew jumps up and punches it in the face, landing down. Cameron strikes at the lizard again, as it falls over. It quickly shoots an acidic blast at Cameron, but Drew gets in the way, shooting a blue fire breath from his mouth at the acidic blast, melting it.

"Before you say anything, yes, I repaid the favor for earlier." Drew said, as Cameron smiles.

The lizard gets frustrated, as it sends another electricity strike. Cameron deflects it with his reflection shield, but this time sends it right at the lizard's mouth. The shock goes inside of the lizard's stomach, electrocuting its entire body. It collapses to the ground defeated. Cameron activates the crystal containment unit on his knight scanner. The lizard is marked as "Guilty", as the scanner freezes it in crystal. It is then teleported away to the Crystal Citadel. All of the green cocoons break, freeing the knights, guards, and prisoners. The knights power down, and Drew transforms back to normal.

"Drew...you helped save us. You have changed." Jake said impressed, who saw from the cocoon.

"Yeah, great job Cameron and Drew!" Trent said, impressed.

"I know you all don't trust me, and I respect that. I regret working for Broodwing and hurting Commander Ranen that day, they are both my greatest mistakes. It is fine if you never forgive me, but I do apologize for what I did that day." Drew said to the knights.

“Well considering they allowed me into their group, everyone has room to change in their hearts.” Skipper pointed out.

"Indeed lad, perhaps someday you can rejoin the kingdom. It's improved since the Federation lost control." Flinn said.

"Considering you helped us, maybe we can convince the guards to let you out early." Cameron offered.

“No thanks. I appreciate the offer, but I'm doing staying full time to pay for what I've done. I'll continue to grow on this island. Maybe I was never meant to be a soldier. That wasn’t my destiny. But it is yours, Cam. Good luck with wherever you and your friends go from here. When I'm free, we can cross paths again.” Drew said to Cameron, proud of him.

"I understand. At least we're on good terms. Goodbye, Drew." Cameron said, waving bye to him.

Nick teleports the seven away with his spell, as Drew waves bye to them as well. The guards return to the ground, as Drew explains to them what happened. The girls teleport to the Council temple, as Elana holds the burnt book part, showing it to Luna and Briar.

"My vision showed a healing room. I think we need to go there to save Tom." Elana explained.

"This way." Luna said, escorting the girls to the healing room.

They go inside, seeing a fountain spraying golden water across the room.

"Ooh, this is nice." Audrey said, feeling the gold water.

Elana goes to the top of the fountain with the girls. They see a reflection of Tom's face in the center. Elana dips the book part into the gold water. But Tom's face remains there, still looking.

"Oh come on, did we do all of that for nothing!?" Cynthia asked annoyed.

"Another weird game of his...oh, I give up. We'll never understand any of his weird lessons or methods. But...I guess he always wanted us to figure things out on our own. That was the whole point of his cauldron lesson. I don't think we're supposed to understand him. He was a nice guy though, and without him, we wouldn't have beat Beast. Even if he was really cryptic, he still helped us a lot. Thank you, Tom. If you are really gone, I hope you find peace like Cesare did." Elana said, happy.

"That was inspirational." Roxy said, surprised.

"Yeah, I didn't intend it to be, but..." Elana was saying.

She looks in the fountain again, to see Tom's face is gone, surprising them.

"I think he found peace with what you said." Madison said happily.

"Goodbye, Tom." Elana said, feeling content.

"Aww, I'll actually miss him." Tori said, disappointed.

The girls are about to leave the room, when suddenly, the room begins to shake.

"What now!?" Cynthia asked.

The fountain bursts again, as Tom goes flying out of the gold water. Tom appears before the girls, munching on a chocolate bar, shocking them.

"Hey there. Thanks for saving me from oblivion with that lone book piece. Sorry I had to cryptically taunt you through your conscious Elana, it was the only way!" Tom thanked to them.

"...Well I'll be. So I kind of wasted my time with that inspiration goodbye, that's nice." Elana said, sighing.

"Nah, it was still nice. I appreciated it, I really did! Also, hi there Roxy, I see you finally became a part of the team!" Tom replied, shaking her hand.

"...Hi." Roxy replied awkwardly.

"You'll get used to him." Audrey replied.

The girls leave the room with him, seeing Deckel, Luna and Briar in the hallway.

"Tom, you're back!" Briar said, surprised.

"It's about time!" Luna said.

“I see I’ve got a new council buddy, nice.” Tom said, shaking Deckel’s hand.

“It’s an honor to meet you.” Deckel replied.

“Do you have anymore tricks up your sleeves?” Elana asked jokingly.

“Mmm, maybe, maybe not.” Tom replied, shrugging.

"Are you going to tell us how we can access those light forms again?" Cynthia asked, eager.

"Mmm...nah, you'll have to figure that out on your own." Tom replied, winking, as the girls are annoyed.

Notes/Trivia:

-Character Debuts: Lizard Creature

-Drew makes his first appearance since “Friend” from all the way back in Season 1. It is revealed he was sent to Karmatraz Isle which is why he wasn’t seen at Mt. Spire. He has made amends with Cameron.

-Tom returns safe and sound.

-Darren (from "Season of the Beast") and King Stanford (from "Heroes of the Shadows") reappear.

[TJ]

Another great episode, and it was nice to see Drew again. And the ending with Tom was great, I'm glad he's alright.

[Metal Snake]

Ha ha, stupid and naughty girls. I liked that fight scene with Lester and the girls all the more just for that alone. Obviously, the return of Drew and Tom was great too. Glad that Tom is back as his normal self, I couldn't imagine him spending the rest of the season yelling, "Globgor!".

[SpongeOddFan]

I thought it was nice episode. Seeing Drew & Tome was nice return to this episode. Oh and I like the gurls fight against Lester.

[Jjs Goodman]

97. Our Time to Strike

It is nighttime in Posidonia. At Pyrite Town fields, outside the recently established mountain base, a portal is seen opening in the air. Several Karmanian planes fly through it, going through the air. They land in the plains, as all of the heroes approach them. Quint is seen in his Federation ship along with his crew, who are part of the attack force. Ranen is in a commander plane, wearing a pilot helmet.

“Wow, so y’all do have an army.” Mirta said, observing the planes, as her, Charlie, Moe and Van Gordon approach.

“But where did they all come from?” Moe asked, confused.

“Uhh, internet?” Madison replied awkwardly, as the other heroes whistle and are not sure how to respond.

“Works for me.” Charlie replied, shrugging.

“That was easier than I expected.” Audrey whispered to Madison.

Ranen gets out of his plane, as he approaches the heroes.

“Here’s our plan, everyone. We’re finally going to deal a major blow to the Federation. Thanks to Gordon’s spying, Skipper’s insider information, and Zero’s research, we’ve found the location of their central factory that is developing their new jet fighter, along with their fuel depot. Both of them power every factory across Posidonia. Striking this will damage their resources, not only shutting down every factory, but also stopping their jet fighter from going into production. This is it. Now is our time to strike.” Ranen said boldly, making everyone get hyped.

“Thank you dude, and your army, for wanting to help us free our home.” Cynthia said.

“You’re welcome. It is the least I could do for everything you did to help free my home. I will return the favor to you all for everything you’ve done.” Ranen replied.

“I still cannot believe the Federation has done all these evil things...” Roxy said, in disbelief.

“It’s alright, I couldn’t believe it either, but I saw the light...pun intended.” Elana replied, as the two laugh.

“Where exactly is this fuel depot?” Trent asked.

“It's in the outskirts of Posidonia Fields, near the Federation Academy and their primary factory, where nobody will be able to see our attack. I have calculated the perimeter and coordinates surrounding their central fuel depot. We’ll take the ground and disarm their defenses, as it will most definitely be heavily guarded.” Zero explained, looking at a hologram map.

“They have several patrol towers surrounding the factory and depot. They will shoot your planes down, so you need to deactivate those first. From there, you’ll have clear passage in to strike.” Skipper suggested.

“Indeed. Our team will distract them from the skies and get the attention of their ships hopefully, while you attack them on the ground. We’ll unleash all of our fire power on the depot and factory, shutting both down.” Ranen explained.

“No offense, but are we sure this is enough of an army to take the Federation down?” Flinn asked, concerned.

“We have thirteen planes, including Quint’s ship. Unfortunately, that’s all we can afford to use right now given a few of our planes were destroyed at our previous base. I’m not worried however. All we need is to make it to the factory and depot no matter what it takes, that should be sufficient enough.” Ranen replied.

“I trust ya, partner. Let’s do this, gang! We’ll help y’all take the ground.” Mirta said.

“Aye aye, captain.” Moe saluted.

“I know these comrades can does it, they never fail!” Van Gordon encouraged, also saluting.

“Yeah, I’ll do this too I guess.” Charlie replied, also saluting.

“Let’s hope this works, I’m a bit worried this could backfire like last time...” Jake said to Cameron, a bit concerned.

“Don’t worry, this time we know where to strike them, and they have no base to intercept us at. The magic of Karmania is with us, I feel it within.” Cameron reassured him.

“Plus, we’re doing this attack at night, the time when they would least expect.” Trent added.

“I dunno, we did say last time that at night was the best time to strike, and then we got ambushed at the Hidden Kingdom at night, but at least this time they don’t know where our base is this time at night...so fair.” Nick rambled.

“Can you stop at night?” Cynthia asked.

“Sorry.” Nick replied.

“Should we really bring those three along when they don’t even know our secrets?” Roxy asked privately to the heroes, as Charlie, Mirta and Moe talk to Van Gordon.

“Eh, if we have to transform and they see it, so be it. Almost every ally of ours has understood our secrets so far, so I’m not worried.” Madison replied, shrugging.

“Yeah, a lot of people are really chill learning we can become mermaid fairies and armored magical knights.” Audrey replied.

“We have so many people who know our secrets as it is that at this point it’s barely a secret.” Tori replied.

“I wish I could give you guys more, but I can’t leave Central Karmania entirely unguarded.” Elana said regrettably.

“Don’t worry, we have a fine enough amount. Thanks for allowing your troops to help us.” Jake replied.

“No problem. I hope you all succeed, I know you guys will do it!” Elana said, wishing them luck.

She waves her hand, opening a portal back to Central Karmania, and heads through it.

“All we need to do is attack one factory to shut it all down, this can’t possibly go wrong.” Cynthia said.

“Still, we shouldn’t overestimate them. The Federation will be prepared for our attack once the planes go in the air.” Cameron said.

“Hello friends, my crew and I are pitching in too! Remember, if anything goes wrong, we can help turn the worst case scenario into the best!” Quint said, as his team exits their ship and approaches.

“Hey dude, glad you could join us.” Trent greeted.

“We’re ready to fight alongside you guys!” one of Quint’s crew members said.

“I decided to repay the favor for your aid in rescuing my team, so I met back up with ol’ Ranen here. When I learned there would be aerial action, I had to be a part of this.” Quint explained, giving a hearty laugh.

“I too am honored you’ve decided to join us again, Quint. If everyone is ready, we’ll fly the planes off at once.” Ranen said, as the soldiers get into their planes.

“We will head for the central factory now.” Zero said.

“Hopefully we meet you there with with no damage to your planes.” Jake said.

“Good luck, sir!” Nick said optimistically.

The guardians, knights, Van Gordon, Charlie, Mirta and Moe head off at once toward Posidonia Fields. Quint’s crew gets into his ship, and Ranen gets into his commander plane, which is at the center of the formation. The planes take off at once. The ground team makes their way forward through the plains.

“It’s going to take a while to get there...” Cynthia moaned.

“I wish I could teleport us there, but it would confuse my cousin and those two characters...” Nick said, referring to Mirta, Charlie and Moe.

“By the way guys, you can stop hiding your fairy and knight secret thing, this guy told us everything.” Charlie said bluntly, pointing to Van Gordon.

“...Oh.” Madison said awkwardly.

“Well...isn’t that funny. I’m sure you guys have a lot of questions, so we’ll open this to an ask me anything-” Nick was saying.

“No, not really. Makes enough sense for me if I don’t think about it further.” Moe replied.

“I really don’t care, honestly. If it helps us, who am I to complain?” Charlie replied.

“Yup, your secret is safe with us. I’m proud of ya for being a part of their magical team, cous.” Mirta said to Nick.

“Wow, people sure take these reveals easier and easier.” Audrey said.

“Well with no further objections, let me perform my magic trick!” Nick said.

He casts a spell with his knight stone, and concentrates. The spell teleports everyone nearby the Federation Academy.

“Oh, this horrible place again.” Jake said.

“Nick, you’re a wizard too? You sure have a lot of fancy shmancy powers to tell me.” Mirta said, laughing.

“Yup, but I’ll save those for after the mission!” Nick replied.

They walk past the academy, and look out at the central factory in the distance. There are four tall, steel patrol towers up ahead, acting as a defense midway barrier for the factory. There are defense weapons installed at the top of each one. There are lights flashing from the towers, and soldiers patrolling around the area, searching around for intruders.

“Alright, first goal: We need to destroy those towers. That will take one distraction out of Ranen’s way.” Madison said.

“But how will we reach the towers without getting attention?” Flinn asked

“Yeah, you guys would need the most unexpected and seemingly unsuspicious person to distract them...” Charlie was saying.

They all look at him.

“Wait a minute, no no no, not me, don’t!-” Charlie was protesting, as Moe picks up his spongy body.

“You are the most unexpected person after all, like the Federation is gonna suspect a random sponge that they don’t even know is a threat.” Moe explained.

“He has a good point, they barely know anything about this guy.” Cynthia said, smirking.

“...Fine.” Charlie replied, sighing.

Moe then throws Charlie up ahead, as he yells. Charlie lands on the ground ahead, and he gives a thumbs up. He then walks around, whistling and avoiding the spotlights. The rest of the heroes remain hidden.

Meanwhile, Ranen’s team is seen flying through the Posidonia skies. Several Federation helicopters are flying around, as they spot the planes. King Brak is seen in the castle throne room, spinning a card on his armchair, when a soldier hastily rushes into the room with Edward, Morgana and Thorn. 

“Sir, several Karmanian planes have been detected flying through Posidonia!” the soldier reported, panicking.

“Ah yes, this is likely their long planned attack. Our own strike may have unfortunately failed, but we’ll get our rightful payback. Tell Colress to deploy the fleet.” Brak ordered.

“So it begins. This will be interesting...” Edward said, smiling evilly. 

“Also, slightly off-topic, but where the heck has shark face been?” Morgana wondered.

“I’ve been wondering that too...” Thorn pondered.

“He is irrelevant now. It is of no concern to me. I hope both sides put on a good show.” Brak said.

He walks out onto a castle balcony, seeing the Federation ships flying off. There are five large ones and eight smaller ones for their fleet.

As Ranen’s planes fly over the Posidonia Fields forests, multiple Federation ships are seen lined up in the sky ahead. 

“Looks like they know, commander!” a soldier pilot said to Ranen through the communicator.

“Alright team, let’s make this count. Remember: We’re not doing this just for Karmania, but Posidonia too. They’re depending on us. Our primary target is the central factory’s fuel depot.” Ranen said through a communicator to the others.

“That is presuming we make it past this blockade, but I ain’t worried!” Quint said smugly.

“They might have the numbers, but we got the skill!” one of Quint’s crew said.

“That last part goes double for me!” another soldier pilot said.

“Get your planes into attack positions. Stay with your wingmen and punch a hole in their defenses. We have to get through.” Ranen ordered, as their fleet is geared up to attack.

Colress’s ship is at the center of the blockade. Inside, Colress walks to the control room with Mitch Terris and another soldier by his side. 

“Ah, the rebels have arrived at long last, using their Karmanian air force.” Colress said.

“Thirteen planes sir, consisting of twelve Karmanian planes and one of our old old stolen ships.” the soldier reported to him.

“Thirteen versus thirteen. Perfectly balanced, this battle shall be. Their primary target will be the fuel depot at our capital factory. Alert high command. Deploy the fighters in defensive formation and launch fighters. Terris, they must not reach the factory.” Colress ordered.

“I’ll make sure of it, sir.” Mitch Terris replied, as he puts his pilot helmet on.

Mitch gets into his jet fighter, as it is deployed with the other smaller ships. 

“Stay on my wing.” Mitch ordered to two ships.

The Karmanian air force flies around, as they fight with the smaller ships. 

Meanwhile, back on the ground, Charlie wanders around the area. Suddenly, two soldiers spot him.

“Halt civilian, what are you doing out here? The rest of the area from this point forward is off-limits to all non-authorized Federation personnel.” a soldier spoke.

“Sorry good sirs, I appear to be lost. Could you point me in the direction of...” Charlie was saying, distracting the soldiers.

As the soldiers are distracted, some of the heroes split up and sneak by. Zero hands the heroes several explosives, planting them across the bottom of each tower. Several soldiers are on the tower balconies, as they look down below. The heroes hide, as the soldiers do not spot anything and keep on moving. As Charlie keeps talking, Moe and Van Gordon then appear behind the soldiers, as Moe taps on one’s shoulder.

“Hey, who are-” the soldier was saying.

Moe and Van Gordon both punch the two soldiers, knocking them out, as they fall to the ground. 

“We work well together.” Van Gordon said to Moe, giving him a hi-five.

“Are we sure these bombs will be powerful enough to damage them? Because these towers look a lot bigger up close...” Moe realized, looking up.

“Do not worry, these bombs will be able to break through the surface of these towers.” Zero explained.

They all get away, as Zero detonates them. The bombs let out electric pulses, which disable the towers’ energy. The towers also sink lower into the ground, now unable to fire into the sky. Several soldiers jump off of the balconies angrily, and several other patrol soldiers come, pointing their guns. The heroes power up. Madison quickly strikes an electricity ball at a soldier, knocking them out. Cynthia hurls a rock at another, knocking them down. Roxy then summons several nematodes, as they attack a soldier.

“AAAH, HELP!” the soldier yelled, as she then sends a pink nematode magic blast, knocking them down.

Tori sends a water blast at another soldier, and Audrey sends one flying away in a gust. Cameron slices one’s gun in half, and knocks them out with the help of Van Gordon. Jake defeats another soldier with Moe’s help, as do Nick and Trent with Mirta and Charlie’s help. Zero teleports using his stone’s power, avoiding a laser blast. He reappears behind the soldier, and knocks them out. Flinn knocks another soldier out, as does Skipper using his dark magic.

“Ranen should be here any minute...” Audrey said, eager.

“All clear down here!” Jake reported to Ranen through a communicator.

“I’ll be there as fast as I can, we’re in an intense aerial fight right now!” Ranen replied, as he keeps firing at the ships.

He sends laser blasts at a Federation ship, and Quint rams his ship into it, damaging it. Its engines are damaged, as the ship goes falling. The crew jumps out in parachutes, as Quint gives Ranen a thumbs up while flying by, as both continue fighting with their group. Meanwhile, at the castle throne room...

“My ground defenses have been compromised!” Brak said, speaking to Colress through a hologram.

“I am aware. Impressive level of coordination, but not unexpected.” Colress replied curiously.

“The factory is vulnerable...” Brak said annoyed.

“Oh on the contrary, my king. It is quite safe. I will not allow a single rebel ship through my blockade.” Colress reassured.

Two soldier pilots fly around, firing at two Federation ships, blowing them up. The five big ships, two smaller ships and Mitch’s jet fighter only remain from the Federation side. Ranen keeps flying, as their group is doing fine. Suddenly, one wooden plane is fired upon by Mitch’s jet fighter.

“NO!” the soldier yelled, as it explodes. 

Ranen looks at this in horror, but the soldier inside flies down in their parachute. A stone ship is then fired upon by Mitch’s jet fighter and another smaller ship, making it explode. Two more wooden planes are struck down by Mitch and another ship, as he zooms around.

“Do something about him!” another soldier yelled, firing at the smaller ships.

Quint fires at both Mitch and the other ship. The other ship is destroyed, but Mitch gets away. Mitch then sees Ranen’s plane.

“Ranen.” Mitch said smugly.

Mitch fires at him from his jet fighter. It flies around extremely fast, as Ranen tries his best to avoid the shots, but takes several hits.

“It’s no good, he’s too fast!” Ranen said.

He then looks at Colress’s ship ahead.

“Hang on, I got an idea. Handle the rest.” Ranen ordered.

Ranen flies up toward Colress’s ship, as Mitch keeps following, opening fire.

“Where are you going?” Mitch asked.

“Terris, break off your pursuit.” Colress ordered, seeing Ranen’s plan.

“Negative command, I’ve got him right where I want him!” Mitch replied arrogantly, as he keeps tailing after Ranen’s plane.

“How unfortunate. Open fire.” Colress demanded to the soldiers, who are confused.

“But sir, Commander Terris...” a soldier was protesting.

“...is playing into Ranen’s hands. Now open fire.” Colress demanded annoyed.

Colress’s ship proceeds to open fire, firing laser blasts at both Ranen’s plane and the jet fighter. The blast sends an electric pulse around both, disabling their shields. Terris looks at his control screen, which states “SHIELDS OFFLINE”. The cockpit sparks, which concerns him. 

“Sir, are you alright?” Quint asked via communicator, seeing the trick as his ship destroys the last smaller ship.

“I’m fine. I have no shields, he has no shields. Get ready. Here we go.” Ranen replied, as Quint and another pilot are ready to fly with him.

Ranen flies up over Colress’ ship, as Mitch continues his pursuit. Colress walks up to the front ship windows, and looks at this annoyed. Mitch fires at Ranen again, as Ranen quickly swerves the plane around, sending it up through the air. As Mitch chases, Ranen flies it back down and swerves again. Ranen quickly fires multiple laser blasts from his plane at Mitch’s jet fighter. The jet fighter’s wings break off.

“AAAAHHH!!!” Mitch yelled, as the remains of the jet fighter go out of control.

The jet fighter’s remains go flying and exploding right into a large Federation ship, damaging it, as the top half of it breaks apart.

“He got him!” a soldier pilot said.

Colress looks curiously at the destroyed big Federation ship.

“We have our opening! This is it. Everyone, follow me and head for the target!” Ranen ordered, as their planes fly past the first wave of ships.

“The rebel forces have broke through our perimeter.” a soldier reported to Colress.

“Hmm. Regrettable, but a testament to Ranen’s skills as not just a pilot, but a leader and fighter. Contact the second wave and order them to intercept.” Colress ordered to a soldier nearby.

“Oh no...commander, I am picking up more incoming enemy fighters from the left!” a soldier pilot said.

As Ranen’s team keeps flying, suddenly, several more ships appear from out of the clouds. Ranen and his team look worried. Before they can strike back, all of the jet fighters fire automatically at the remaining forces.

Back on the ground, the heroes look up, waiting for Ranen’s fleet. They look up, hearing multiple explosions in the faraway distance. Zero looks at this with his binoculars, as they see the remains of Ranen’s fleet falling out of the sky, about to crash to the surface.

“Is that...” Jake was saying.

“...the entire attack force.” Madison added nervously, as this concerns all of the heroes.

“Oh no...was this all for nothing?” Roxy asked.

At Colress’s ship...

“Sir, the entire rebel strike force was destroyed. However, reports show that a few of the planes managed to crash in the forests nearby Midnight City, including the one flown by the commander.” the soldier reported to him.

“And the capital factory?” Colress asked.

“Completely unharmed, sir.” the soldier replied.

“Good.” Colress replies, and the presses a button, showing a hologram of Rook. 

“Rook, rebel pilots survived the attack. Capture them alive, if possible. Commander Ranen in particular.” Colress ordered.

“It will be done.” Rook replied, determined.

The heroes keep looking, as they see several helicopters flying around. 

“Helicopters incoming!” Audrey said, as the heroes power down.

“Ranen, do you read me?” Cameron asked worryingly through his communicator, but gets no response.

“His communications are lost. I am sure he is okay, but it is too dangerous to search now.” Zero said, looking at the helicopters flying around.

“We have to go before they spot us, lads.” Flinn said.

Cameron keeps looking in the distance concerned.

“Cameron, let’s go.” Trent said.

“We’ll find him Cameron, I promise.” Jake said to him, as the heroes head off.

In the distant forests, Ranen’s plane is seen crashed. He is unharmed, getting out of the debris. His communication material is fried, and has no way to talk to the heroes. He makes his way out of the forest, arriving in Midnight City, which is small. No civilians are out, as he sees several helicopters flying above, and many soldiers looking around the city for the survivors.

“Back away, fiends!” Quint yelled.

Ranen runs through the city, and sees the debris of Quint’s ship. Several soldiers are trying to capture Quint and his crew, but they fight back, firing their laser guns. Ranen then pulls out a handgun, firing it at the soldiers, knocking their guns out of their hands. Ranen jumps up and tackles a soldier. He then gets up and punches another. Quint gets in on the action, and knocks out the last one.

“Ha ha, you still got it! But where’s the others?” Quint asked.

“I do not know. It’s too dangerous to be out here alone, unfortunately we’ll have to make with what we can and escape. We can try going to my dojo.” Ranen replied.

“Doesn’t seem like we have any other options, so sure thing chief!” Quint replied.

Ranen, Quint, and Quint’s crew members carefully run through the city, avoiding soldiers. Brak and Edward approach the area, as a van drives up near them. Rook gets out of the back, escorting two captured pilot soldiers.

"Well done, hunter. Take them away for interrogation." Brak said.

Two soldiers approach, grabbing the captured pilots. They are taken away, as another soldier approaches Brak.

"King Brak, we found the leadership's plane in the forest nearby, but no sign of the pilot." the soldier reported.

"Ranen. Lock down the entire city, and rip it apart bit by bit until you find him." Brak demanded coldly.

"Yes, my king." the soldier replied, as they run off.

"Son, you make me so proud, learning from the best." Edward complimented, but Brak ignores him.

Rook then looks around, and begins smelling the area. He senses Ranen, Quint and his team nearby, ready to strike. Rook runs off through the city, hunting for them. Ranen, Quint and his team are seen behind the corner of a building, as they carefully look out from around it.

The heroes are seen heading back, away from the city. 

"Do we even know where they crashed?" Tori asked.

"My Karmanian DNA scanner is not responding, they appear to be jamming it. My apologies, I'll see what I can do. For now, we'll have to split up to find him." Zero suggested.

"Some of us can take a look at the dojo. If Ranen escaped, he might be there." Trent suggested.

"That's a start." Audrey replied.

"If nobody finds anything, we'll all regroup at the dojo." Madison said, as they agree.

The heroes split up. Cameron stops in his tracks however, which Jake notices. He looks behind at the forests and city in the distance where Ranen crashed.

"Cameron?" Jake asked.

“I have to go back. I have to do this.” Cameron reassured.

"I'll go with you-" Jake was saying.

“No, I'll go. Trust me." Cameron replied.

"Alright. I understand. If you don't find him, see you back at Ranen’s dojo.” Jake said, as he heads off.

Cameron runs off, heading for Midnight City's forests. Suddenly, a white Karmanian Deer appears in his tracks up ahead. Cameron comes to a complete stop, sensing the deer. The streetlights around begin to go out, as the deer vanishes.

"Where are you? I don't have time for this If you want to help, fine, but otherwise, don't get in my way!" Cameron said.

Before he keeps moving however, the Karmanian Deer reappears right in front of him. The Karmanian Deer keeps looking at him.

"What do you want?" Cameron asked.

“...Rhodes.” the deer spoke.

Cameron senses it, and takes off his eye mask.

“...I understand. What must I do?” Cameron asked the deer, as it keeps looking at him.

Back at Midnight City, Ranen, Quint and his team carefully run around.

"It's quiet...too quiet." Quint said, carefully looking around at the buildings.

"Be on guard. We are being watched..." Ranen warned, as they carefully walk around.

Rook is seen on a rooftop, watching them from above, as he hides in the shadows.

"How do we get out of this place? This city is like a maze..." one of Quint's crew said.

"We have rebels!" a soldier yelled.

Four soldiers appear, firing at once. The six fire their guns back, disarming them. Ranen then punches a soldier, knocking them out. Quint and his team take on the remaining three, knocking them out too. Suddenly, Rook jumps down to the ground, as he approaches them.

"Who is this guy?" one of Quint's team members asked, as Rook holds out his electro-staff.

"Someone actually competent, now watch out!" Ranen warned.

Rook swings his electro-staff, as Ranen barely avoids it. Quint and his team fire their laser guns, but Rook deflects every blast by twirling his electro-staff. Rook strikes the staff at Quint, electrocuting him, as he is about to capture Quint. Ranen then fires his handgun at Rook, who jumps out of the way, and Quint is freed. Rook runs toward Ranen, trying to punch him, as Ranen blocks his punches. Ranen holds out a wooden sword, and strikes it at Rook, who blocks it with his electro-staff. They keep clashing, as Quint's crew fires their laser guns, but Rook deflects the blasts at their guns, damaging some of the team's.

"Oh no!" one panicked.

"This guy is actually good. But no worries, with Quint by your side, we can turn the worst case scenario into the best one! Time for a getaway!" Quint said.

Quint throws a smoke bomb, detonating it. Rook tries to look through the smoke, as the six escape further into Midnight City, almost at the exit. 

"We're almost there..." Ranen said.

He then stops in his tracks, looking ahead, as they hide behind a shop's corner. He sees more soldiers walking across the street. Two more pilot soldiers have been apprehended, as they are taken out of the city in handcuffs. 

"Those poor soldiers..." one of Quint's teammates said.

"We'll save our captured allies, but we must be careful. We need to make it out of here first." Ranen said.

He gives a signal as soon as the path is clear. Quint's team heads forward, as Ranen trails behind them, keeping an eye out for his surroundings. They make it to the city exit, but notice the entrance gate is sealed shut. The walls surrounding the city have electrical fences on top of them, preventing them from climbing.

"Well we're not climbing out of here..." one of Quint's teammates said.

"I might be able to get the gate open." another one of Quint's teammates said, as they get to it.

As they do that, Quint turns around, and sees Rook crawling on a rooftop.

"Ranen, behind you!" Quint warned, confusing him.

Rook quickly jumps down, and strikes Ranen with his electro-staff. Ranen counters with his sword, as the two clash once more. Rook then knocks the sword out of his hands, and points the electro-staff at Ranen. Quint's team begins to fire their guns at Rook, who jumps in the air. He lands in front, ready to strike. Ranen then runs up and punches Rook in the face, and Rook punches him in the face back. Suddenly, a few Federation vans approach, seeing the commotion. 

"Quint...get your team out of here, I'll be right behind you!" Ranen ordered, still fighting Rook.

"We can't leave you, sir!" Quint protested.

"Just go! I promise I'll catch up!" Ranen replied, as he knocks Rook to the ground.

The five regrettably understand, as the one member is able to crack the gate open. The five escape through it, as several Federation vans approach, seeing the commotion. Quint then throws another smoke bomb, covering their tracks, as they escape. Ranen is about to run out the gate, but Rook gets up. He runs and trips Ranen to the ground with his staff. He then stuns him with the electro-staff, paralyzing Ranen. Rook picks Ranen up and throws him to the ground, hurting him. Rook stands Ranen up, pointing his electro-staff against his back, as the Federation vans stop in their track. Brak and Edward then approach the scene, seeing this. Brak stands before Ranen, smiling smugly at him.

“King Brak...I’ve so wanted to meet you.” Ranen said sarcastically to him.

“Such a small victory.” Brak replied.

He holds out a stun gun, and zaps Ranen with it, as he falls to the ground out cold. 

"He's the leadership of these rebels? Pathetic." Edward taunted.

Outside the city, Quint and his team make it away. They look back, worried for Ranen, as helicopters keep flying above the city. Suddenly, Cameron approaches the five.

"Come on, let's get you to safety." Cameron said.

"Cameron?" Quint said, confused.

Cameron escorts them away, heading through Posidonia Fields. 

"Cameron, I hate to say this, but Ranen-" Quint was saying.

"I know he did. I know." Cameron replied.

"I'm so sorry." Quint replied.

“It’s okay, Quint. There’s nothing you could’ve done. But there is something I can do.” Cameron reassured, confusing his team.

As the six head off, the white Karmanian Deer watches Cameron from the distance, with an ominous look.

...

The heroes are all seen regrouped back outside the Pyrite Town mountain base, figuring out what to do, and worried for Ranen. Cameron is in the desert plains, meditating to himself. He then hears multiple voices in his head.

"He gets to be the red knight? Sir, I respect your decision, but why?" Cameron asked, from "Secrets".

"He's just a kid who grew up in a poor town, and was a thief for years. Can you trust him?" Cameron asked Ranen, from "Secrets".

"Hey Cam. I know you don't like me much, and I can't blame you. I don't entirely trust myself as leader sometimes..." Jake was saying, from "Birthday".

"Well...this toothbrush is actually Nick's, but don't tell him that," Cameron said, as they laughed, from "Friend".

"The Mystic Temple is in danger..." Jake said.

"As Mai would say, do not let your anger get the best of you. Wes would have liked it this way." Ranen replied, from "Mirror Mirror".

"All of the paths are coming together now.” Cameron replied, from "Flight of the Destroyer".

"You didn't prepare me for this, Cameron..." Jake said sadly.

"There's something I need to tell you..." Cameron said.

"I know I can always count on you." Jake said to someone.

Cameron opens his blinded eyes. In front of him, the white Karmanian Deer is directly in front of him, staring him in the face.

The deer gets up, and disappears. Cameron keeps meditating, as Jake approaches him from behind.

"I need you to do something for me." Cameron said to Jake.

"Anything." Jake replied.

"Take the lead on getting Ranen back." Cameron said.

"...Shouldn't you do that? You were closer to him longer than me." Jake asked.

"I would, but I worry my respect for him would cloud my judgment. I've essentially seen him as a father figure since I lost Wes. I might not think clearly, and I'll make a mistake. One that could cost us." Cameron replied.

“We can do this together." Jake replied.

"No. I'll be with you. But this has to be your plan. You are the red knight, after all. You and Madison lead." Cameron said.

"If that's what you want." Jake replied.

"It's what we need if we're going to save Ranen. And everyone else..." Cameron replied, looking at the heroes, and then into the plains.

Notes/Trivia:

-Area Debuts: Midnight City

-Mitch Terris (from “Flight of the Destroyer”) dies. (F)

-Quint and his team (from “Hunt for the Crystal”) return as part of the attack force.

-The Federation Academy (from “An Inside Man”) reappears.

[TJ]

Great episode! I really liked the heroes bringing the fight to the Federation. Also, really sucks about Ranen, but I'm confident the heroes will push forward and save him. And the return on the Karmanian Deer! Another aspect of this season that I have loved so much And the ending scene with Cameron's flashbacks. Cannot wait to see where this all goes.

[SpongeOddFan]

I thought this is interesting  and action at times, seeing heroes & knights putting together to actually plan this out as in right time to strike. However, some parts didn't almpst lost. I do hope Cameron's plan works for following episode to rescue Ramen...

and i really hope Cameron doesn't die...

[Jjs Goodman]

98. Cameron Rhodes: Karmanian Knight

Ranen is seen in a dark room at the Posidonia castle, strapped to a metal table. It is lifted upward, as there are two interrogation electric rods pointing at him. He’s in the same room where Madison was once held captive in. Brak activates a switch on a tablet, as it makes the rods shock Ranen, who yells in pain. Colress enters the room.

“Has he revealed the location of where their fleet gathered? I know this flight was coordinated somewhere nearby.” Colress inquired.

“Oh, I haven’t begun asking questions yet.” Brak replied sadistically, as he keeps shocking Ranen, who yells again.

“Allow me.” Colress offered.

“...I’ll die before I tell you.” Ranen said.

“I imagine you will commander, like so many of your friends in the failed attack. I find it intriguing a Karmanian like you went to all of these lengths to save a world that is not your own. That is honorable, I must admit.” Colress replied.

“You know nothing of honor and what Posidonia means to me. It’s not my original home, but it's still a home.” Ranen replied annoyed.

“Will it be a home worth fighting for?” Colress inquired.

“I’ll do whatever it takes for the guardians and knights.” Ranen replied.

“So be it. King Brak, I’ll leave you to complete his interrogation.” Colress said, as he exits the room.

Brak presses another button, continuing to shock Ranen, who keeps yelling in pain.

Meanwhile, the heroes are outside their Pyrite Town base at night. Zero looks through footage on one of his spy drones. The spy drone is flying around outside the Posidonia castle, examining it. There are many soldiers and guards patrolling the entire castle, along with several turret guns installed to protect the castle, ready to fire. Multiple helicopters continue to fly around the area as well.

“My spy drone sees where Ranen is. He is being held captive in a room on the eastern wing.” Zero explained to them.

“Alright, so it should be smooth sailing from here, right? We’ve broken into their castle like a hundred times.” Cynthia said.

“Except this time Posidonia Fields is on high patrol, we’re going to have to fight a lot of soldiers to even get to the castle...” Skipper said.

“Not unless we sneak our way in.” Jake replied.

“But how?” Roxy asked.

“Jake and I came up with a plan. Some of us will fly our way in. It’s too risky to catch their attention when Posidonia Fields is on high alert. Jake, me, Audrey, Nick and Cameron will head for the castle. After we rescue Ranen, we can fly directly to the fuel depot. Everyone else will hijack a helicopter to pick us up.” Madison explained, determined.

“Yup, we can destroy the fuel depot and save Ranen in one move. We’ll complete the mission.” Jake added.

“Wow, that’s actually a good plan. Surprised you help came up with it, Maddie.” Tori replied.

“I guess Zero’s tutoring sessions paid off.” Madison replied.

“Is it really a smart idea to head to the fuel depot?” Cynthia asked.

“Yes, they wouldn’t dare to follow us there. The Federation can be stupid, but nobody is that stupid to attack their own fuel supply.” Jake said.

“...Touché.” Cynthia replied.

“Wait, can’t we just teleport inside the castle, or out of the fuel depot, with Nick’s power?” Trent asked.

“We would, but I ran out of teleports again. I really need to get my wizard level up...” Nick said, sighing.

“That’s fine, us wizards don’t want to become too overpowered with teleporting.” Skipper replied.

“How will we fly there though?” Roxy asked.

“If the girls only flew in their guardian forms, they’d get spotted, since they’ll be looking. So we’ll build gliders with this junk around, might as well put it to good use.” Jake explained, pointing to boxes of equipment.

“Ooh, I have an idea. I could help design the gliders to look like jellyfish. That way nobody would suspect us, we’d just look like jellyfish to them.” Audrey suggested.

“That’s a great idea!” Jake said, as she blushes.

The heroes get to work on constructing the gliders. Van Gordon, Quint, Mirta, Moe and Charlie help pitch in too, as Audrey helps design the gliders to look like jellyfish. Cameron is inside the mountain cave, deep in thought. He is sitting in front of a small table. A small blade rests on it, as Cameron takes off his eye mask. He picks up the blade and begins to cut his hair, giving himself a heroic haircut. He exits the cave, as everyone sees his new haircut, which looks a bit off.

“Not a bad job for a blind guy.” Cynthia said, as she helps Audrey finish one of the gliders.

The gliders are finished, as they are shaped like multiple colors of jellyfish, with noodle strings hanging by their bottoms to give off the illusion.

“They look perfect!” Audrey said, impressed.

“Be glad you can’t see these ridiculous flying contraptions.” Moe said to Cameron.

“Hey, we worked hard on these...well, hard for a last-minute project.” Roxy said awkwardly.

“Wait a minute, there’s only ten gliders.” Skipper noticed.

“Sorry dude, we didn’t have enough materials to build ones for you and Flinn. But if you guys really do want to come-” Jake offered.

“It’s fine, I’ll wait here.” Flinn said.

“After my jet fighter adventure with Nicholas, I’m not in the mood for more flight shenanigans.” Skipper said.

“That means Zero, Trent, Roxy, Cynthia and Tori will get the helicopter for us then.” Jake said.

“Alright. Let’s go get Ranen.” Cameron said, as the knights power up and the girls are transformed by the heart.

The gliders are hooked up to the backs of three bikes. The heroes grab onto the gliders. Moe, Charlie and Mirta drive the bikes, as they pull the gliders forward, and they go into the air. The bikes release the heroes, as the ten jellyfish gliders fly off toward Posidonia Fields.

“Go get ‘em. Bring him back.” Moe said, cheering them on, watching the gliders fly off through the night sky.

Colress is inside an office in his ship, speaking to Agents Roy and Dilks through a hologram message.

“Agent Cole Reese, we need to talk. Your jet fighter program is at risk. Pierce is quite persuasive to the International Police about his own project, and they want to divert funding from your project to his.” Dilks explained.

“The Interpol high command has assured me they support my project.” Colress replied.

“His project is a waste of time. If you want your project to continue, you’ll have to make your case directly to Interpol leaders. The meeting has already been arranged.” Roy replied.

“I’ll leave immediately.” Colress replied, as the transmission ends.

“Commander, please inform Edward I am departing Posidonia immediately.” Colress said through the communicator.

Colress’s ship then leaves Posidonia’s atmosphere, heading off to somewhere else.

Back in the castle room, Brak looks at the time.

“Father, I have a mandatory meeting with the senate to attend. Watch the prisoner and get a confession out of him.” Brak ordered.

“Trust me, nobody is escaping on my watch. I’ll make him talk.” Edward said.

Brak hands him the tablet, as he leaves at once. Edward presses a button, as it shocks Ranen again, while Edward smiles sadistically. Cynthia, Tori, Zero, Trent and Roxy break off, heading away to find a helicopter.

Meanwhile, the jellyfish gliders make their way through the sky, as they see Posidonia Fields from below.

“Wow, now I know how it’s like for you girls when you fly.” Nick said to Madison and Audrey.

“Yeah, it’s quite the sight.” Audrey replied.

Jake, Cameron, Madison, Audrey and Nick continue flying toward the castle. The two stupid guards are patrolling the forests near the castle, as they look up at them.

“Ooh, those are some big jellyfish...” the first guard said, as they look at them in awe.

“At least they ain’t nematodes!” the other guard said.

Rook approaches the two, sniffing around.

“Anything to report?” Rook asked.

“Duh...nope, nothing unusual, sir! Just some big jellyfish.” the first guard replied.

Rook keeps sniffing, as he jumps on a rock, and looks up at the jellyfish suspiciously.

The five carefully land their gliders at a balcony in the back of the castle, luckily not being spotted by anyone. They see the royal garden below.

“No alarms, we’re good so far.” Jake noticed.

“People never pay enough attention to the world around them.” Cameron said.

“Good thing you taught me otherwise.” Jake replied.

“You’re a good listener Jake, it’s served you here, and it will serve you again, in the future.” Cameron reassured.

“What do you mean?” Jake asked, confused.

“Hate to break up the heartwarming moment, but we have to move.” Madison said, seeing soldiers below.

“Alright. Nick and Audrey, watch the gliders, make sure nobody tries to take them.” Jake ordered.

“Yes sir!” Nick saluted.

“Ranen is on this floor. But there are soldiers everywhere.” Cameron said, sensing him.

Inside the floor, swarms of guards are patrolling around every floor of the castle, on high alert.

“Alright, we can’t be spotted, so how about we climb the castle walls? Or at least you two.” Madison suggested.

“I’m fine with that.” Jake replied.

Madison flies around, as Jake and Cameron begin to climb.

“So hey, we don’t interact much.” Nick said awkwardly to Audrey.

Jake and Cameron see Ranen’s room, along with Edward inside. They then see an open window in a room next to it, as the two head inside. They appear in the soldier workout room, which is empty. Madison carefully observes through the window. Inside the room, Edward is getting frustrated.

“Since you are unwilling to tell me the location of where your fleet coordinated, I’ll let our probe speak for you.” Edward said.

A floating robot appears, holding a needle. It moves closer to Ranen, about to inject him with it. Madison sees this from outside. She uses her electric powers to make the robot spark, as it falls to the ground deactivated. This annoys Edward.

“Bah, lousy machinery.” Edward said angrily.

Suddenly, Rook and two soldiers enter the room, as Madison hides on the outside.

“I must speak with you, Edward.” Rook said to him sternly.

“I’ll just be a moment.” Edward said smugly to Ranen.

His table is risen upward again, leaning Ranen forward. Edward and Rook leave the room, as the two soldiers are left to watch Ranen.

“I’m going to be honest with you two, you’re in trouble.” Ranen said to the two smugly, confusing them. “I wonder how they’ll get in...”

Suddenly, Cameron powers up his sword, and slices it through the wall from the room next door. A giant hole is created, as he pushes it open. Him, Jake and Madison charge into the room. 

“Huh, I was expecting the window.” Ranen said surprised.

Madison sends an electricity ball at the first soldier, knocking them out.

“We’re under attack!-” the other soldier was about to say through their communicator.

Cameron grabs them, and throws them into the window, shattering it as the soldier falls down to the ground. Cameron then slashes the controls with his sword, freeing Ranen from the interrogation table.

“Thank you, Rhodes, the Landers siblings and everyone else who helped you rescue me.” Ranen said, proud of them.

“Let’s get you out of here, sir.” Jake said, as the four climb out the damaged window, heading back to the balcony.

Edward, Rook and two Elite Soldiers enter the room, to see Ranen is gone. Rook smells around carefully, as he looks above. He then jumps out the window, and begins to climb the castle walls. Edward looks at the empty table annoyed.

“The rebels are in the castle. Lock down the area and scramble the helicopters, blast them on sight!” Edward ordered angrily to an Elite Soldier.

Meanwhile, the other half of the team is snooping around the city. They see a helicopter land on a rooftop nearby.

“There’s our ride.” Cynthia said.

The soldiers get out of the helicopter, then several jellyfish swarm around them. Roxy is controlling them, as her and the jellyfish glow pink.

“What the!?” a soldier panicked, as the jellyfish try to sting them.

The soldiers panic, distracted. One jumps off the roof, terrified. Tori, Cynthia and Roxy then fly up. Tori sends water blasts at another soldier, knocking them off. Cynthia avoids laser blasts from a soldier, and levitates a bench, hurling it the soldier, knocking them off the roof too. Trent and Zero make their way to the top. Zero sends a stun blast at the pilot, knocking them out. Trent strikes his dagger sword at a soldier’s gun, and knocks them off the roof too.

“Thank you for the assistance. Trent and I will take the helicopter from here. You can head back to Pyrite Town.” Zero said.

Zero and Trent get into the helicopter, as Zero pilots it, and makes it fly off. Cynthia, Tori and Roxy fly off back towards Pyrite. Back at the castle, Rook is climbing below, as he looks up, seeing the heroes making it back onto the balcony. Their gliders are safe and sound.

“Hey commander, glad you’re okay.” Nick said.

“You flew in on those things? I admire your dedication to doing this for me.” Ranen said, surprised.

“Jake and Madison came up with that one. You trained us knights wisely, and you’re why we are a part of the team. We’d do anything for you.” Cameron said.

Rook jumps out from behind, ready to attack.

“Look out!” Ranen warned, as the heroes all turn around, seeing Rook.

Rook fires laser blasts from his electro-staff Cameron. He pulls out his sword, deflecting the blasts. Rook then makes make the electric blasts form out both ends of his electro-staff and charges at Cameron. Rook strikes his electro-staff, slashing it across the ground, and Cameron clashes his sword against the staff multiple times. Jake and Nick try to attack Rook, but he is too agile, quickly moving like a ninja. Audrey tries to trap him in a tornado gust, but Rook breaks out of it. Madison sends a lightning strike at Rook, but he blocks it with his electro-staff. Rook strikes at Cameron again, as Jake, Nick and Ranen try to aid him. Ranen fires his handgun, but Rook blocks the blasts. Rook quickly twirls around, knocking Cameron’s sword out of his hands with his staff, sending it falling off the castle, which concerns Cameron. With Cameron open, Rook runs to strike him, but forms the reflection shield from his stone, as Rook clashes his staff against it. Jake, Ranen and Nick then attack him, as Rook jumps back. Audrey then sends a gust, blowing him back, and Madison strikes him with an electricity strike, sending Rook falling off the balcony. 

“Whew, that was tense.” Nick said.

“Sorry about the sword.” Madison said to Cameron.

“It’s fine, now let’s-” Cameron was saying.

From above, multiple laser blasts are sent at them from Elite Soldiers. Thorn and Morgana are with them in their beast forms, sending poison blasts and spider webs respectively. Ranen fires his handgun at one, causing the Elite Soldier to fall. 

“You still got it sir!” Jake said, blocking a poison blast with his shield.

Cameron makes his knight stone form its mirror shield, reflecting blasts at the remaining two Elite Soldiers, making them fall as well. Audrey and Madison send attacks at Thorn and Morgana, knocking them back. More normal soldiers fire at them. Nick sends spell blasts back at them, as Jake deflects their laser blasts, knocking some down. 

“I think it’s time to go!” Cameron said.

“Good idea, but there’s not enough gliders for Ranen!” Nick said.

“Don’t worry, we’ll fly.” Audrey said, as they understand.

As they avoid laser blasts, Jake, Nick, Cameron and Ranen get on the four gliders. They fly off, as Madison and Audrey fly by their side. They head for the capital factory in the distance. Rook is hanging from below, as he looks at them flying away. He then climbs himself back up the castle wall. The soldiers keep firing laser blasts at the gliders. One blast hits the left wing of Ranen’s glider, as he loses altitude.

“Sir, are you okay?” Jake asked, getting near him.

“If I can manage a crashing plane, I can handle this. Where are we heading?” Ranen asked, trying to balance the damaged glider.

“The fuel depot. We’re going to finish what you started.” Cameron replied, as they get out of sight from the soldiers and head toward the capital factory ahead.

Edward walks outside the castle, wearing his battle armor and helmet, while holding his sword cane.

“Edward, the rebels are headed for the fuel depot.” Rook reported to him through a communicator.

“I’ll mobilize two ships, we’ll trap them there.” Edward replied.

The five keep flying, as they make it to the fuel depot. 

“This is going to be close!” Ranen said, as his glider crashes on top of the central fuel pod. He gets up safely.

Cameron, Jake and Nick land their gliders on it, as Madison and Audrey fly down.

“Zero, do you read me? We have Ranen.” Cameron reported through the communicator.

“Affirmative, the helicopter will be there soon. I have an idea to disable their fuel supply, but there is a new complication. It appears the Federation figured out your plan, as they are planning to head there too.” Zero said, after overhearing it on the helicopter’s radio.

“Well let’s hope you get here first.” Audrey said.

“We’ll be on the central fuel pod.” Ranen told Zero.

“It’s not like they’ll attack their own fuel, so I think we’re good up here. Nice view, too.” Nick said, looking at the whole depot from atop the pod.

Cameron is worried deep down, but tries to retain his cool. The helicopter then spots them, as it flies down. Trent greets them from the inside, as the heroes board the helicopter.

Suddenly...

Two armored Federation ships pull up from the distance. Edward looks through his binoculars from inside one, seeing them on the fuel pod. 

“TARGET THE FUEL POD, NOW!” Edward ordered.

“...But sir, the fuel-” a soldier protested.

“I gave you a direct order.” Edward replied angrily.

Both ships fire laser blasts at the fuel pod. The heroes turn around in shock, but it’s too late, as the laser blasts damage the pod. It begins to explode, as Cameron jumps back onto the exploding pod. He holds out both his arms, as his blue knight stone creates a barrier around the underwater flames. The heroes look at him terrified.

“CAMERON!” the heroes yelled, as they run forward to rescue him.

However, Cameron’s knight stone sends a blue blast, pausing Jake, Ranen, Nick, Madison, Audrey and Trent, while Cameron keeps holding the flames back. Cameron’s stone then pushes them back onto the helicopter. Cameron looks upon the heroes through his helmet, as his eyesight returns to normal, surprising them. He then lets go of the fire, pushing the helicopter away with his stone’s power. The heroes wipe their tears, as Zero regrettably flies the helicopter away. All of the fuel pods around explode, as Edward and his soldiers look away due to the flash. Cameron is consumed in the blasts while the helicopter gets away.

...

The fuel pod site is in ruins. Edward and several soldiers investigate the remains of the area.

“Well...what have you found?” Edward asked a soldier.

“Scans indicate one stolen helicopter escaped the blast...however, security recordings clearly show that the knight, Cameron Rhodes, has perished.” the soldier reported, making Edward gasp.

“...The knight is dead? Are you sure?” Edward asked.

“...Yes sir, but the fuel depot-” the soldier was saying awkwardly.

“...is not my concern at the moment.” Edward replied calmly, walking forward.

“But sir, with the loss of fuel, the production lines for the jet fighter and all of our weapons will halt, and every single factory across Posidonia will shut down...” the soldier explained concerned.

“And who knows this, besides you and me?” Edward asked.

“At the moment, nobody, but it won’t be long before Federation high command learns what happened here, what are we to do?” the soldier asked.

“....We throw a parade! To celebrate this victory.” Edward replied calmly, as he walks away. 

The soldier isn’t sure how to respond, as he keeps looking at the burning fuel pods and debris around.

The helicopter lands outside the Pyrite Town base, as the remaining heroes are happy. Jake, Madison, Ranen, Trent, Zero, Nick and Audrey get out angrily, confusing them. Audrey and Madison wipe tears from their faces and keep moving angrily.

“Girls, what’s wrongs?” Van Gordon asked, confused.

“Audrey, Madison, what’s up?” Roxy asked, as her, Cynthia and Tori are concerned.

“Hey...where’s Cameron? Guys?” Cynthia asked, concerned.

Ranen, Nick, Trent and Zero are off to the side, unsure what to say. Skipper, Flinn, Quint, Moe, Charlie and Mirta are confused.

“Alright Jake, what’s going ons?” Van Gordon asked, confused.

“...Cameron’s gone.” Jake replied sadly.

“What do you mean, gone? Capture gone or mysterious vanish gone?” Van Gordon asked.

“No! He’s gone!” Jake replied sadly.

Van Gordon has a sad look on his face and gives Jake a hug. Everyone else is heartbroken by this.

“Oh no...” Skipper said sadly.

“...Are you sure he’s gone?” Tori asked, concerned.

“I...don’t think he could’ve survived that explosion, I’m sorry. I didn’t know him for that long, but I feel horrible...” Trent said sadly.

Roxy, Tori and Cynthia are hurt, not sure what to say.

“It’s all my fault, I shouldn’t have wasted my teleport spells. If only I had a turn back time spell, poor dude...” Nick said sadly.

“No, it’s not your fault. We needed to destroy their fuel depot before escaping, but...it’s my fault for the plan, I'm a bad leader...” Madison said, about to cry.

“It's my fault. I should have worked faster to disable their fuel supply, I'm sorry everyone...” Zero said regrettably.

“It’s none of your faults. Blame the moron who decided to destroy their own fuel.” Moe said.

Everyone continues to grieve Cameron's loss. They then gather around a radio, as Charlie adjusts the frequency.

“The insurgency against Posidonia is over! We know civilians have had concerns about our frequent patrols and loud noises as of late, but after a recent attack on capital city, we’ve driven off the threat for good! To honor the Federation heroes who fought to save you from these extremists, all citizens are required to attend a celebration and parade in the capital city. A new era for Posidonia has begun!” the announcer spoke. 

“...Turn it off.” Audrey said annoyed.

“Contact Elana, we need reinforcements.” Flinn suggested.

“...I don’t think she’ll want to hear this right now.” Cynthia replied, worried.

“I don’t think she’ll commit more forces to us after this.” Jake accepted.

“Ranen, what do you think?” Flinn asked.

Ranen isn’t sure how to respond.

“I need time. I’m sorry.” Ranen replied sadly, as he heads inside the cave.

“We don’t have time, lad. We need a plan.” Flinn said, concerned.

“Well I have a plan. If they want to throw a parade, fine. I’ll add some fireworks to their celebration!” Audrey said vengefully.

“I’ll joins!” Van Gordon said.

“Me too.” Cynthia said coldly, clenching her fists.

“I’m not one for revenge but...yeah.” Nick replied, joining them.

“Count me in as well.” Skipper replied, as the five head off.

“Well, what should we do?” Mirta asked to the rest, as Jake and Madison aren’t sure.

“There’s nothing we can do. It’s over.” Flinn said grimly.

Jake walks forward into the Pyrite plains, feeling lost. He sits down on a rock, covering his head with his arms.

“You didn’t prepare me for this, Cameron...What do I do now?” Jake said sadly.

Suddenly, Jake hears growling. The white Karmanian Deer walks up to him, looking angrily, as Jake gets up startled.

“...I guess you know about Cameron too?” Jake asked.

“...Rhodes...” the deer spoke, still growling.

“What’s wrong? There was nothing I could do!” Jake said nervously.

The deer growls again, as Jake falls backward onto the sandy ground. 

“I don’t know what you want!” Jake yelled.

Suddenly, the black and grey Karmanian Deer appear. They growl, as all three approach Jake. Jake runs through the plains, as the three deer give chase. He comes to a stop, as the three deer keep running past him. Jake looks at the field around him worried, trying to be aware of his surroundings. The deer turn around, as they approach him again. Jake then runs, as the black and grey deer knock him down to the ground, and keep running. The white deer looks at Jake.

At the Posidonia castle, Edward and Rook are in a dark room. A hologram transmission of Colress is on, as Edward looks out the window at Posidonia Fields.

“So, you lost Ranen. Yet you hold a parade. Explain yourself Edward.” Colress demanded, as Edward turns around, smiling.

“A celebration of our victory over the rebels, Colress. As for Commander Ranen, I have something better...” Edward said, holding out Cameron’s blue knight sword.

“Ah. It’s true then. But...the knight’s death came at a cost, did it not?” Colress was asking, as Edward’s face becomes nervous.

“Did you truly believe that holding a parade would hide the fact that you destroyed the entire fuel supply, and every factory in Posidonia?” Colress noted, as Rook walks forward, getting closer to Edward.

“In defeating Cameron Rhodes, you have accomplished what the rebels failed to, and given them a victory. The operation on Posidonia, my jet fighter project, has been compromised.” Colress spoke angrily, actually furious for the first time.

“Colress, I...” Edward was saying.

“I...will deal with you when I return...Ed.” Colress said ominously, worrying Edward.

“With the knight gone, the remaining rebels will flounder, the red knight especially. Use that against them, Rook. Expect them to strike out carelessly, and when they do...eliminate them.” Colress ordered to Rook, ending the hologram transmission.

Rook leaves the room, as Edward is worried, showing actual fear. Brak then contacts him through a transmission, looking furious.

“Father...what have you done. Do you have any idea what a frenzy the senate is in?” Brak asked sternly.

“Son, I can expl-” Edward was saying, but Brak cuts off the transmission.

Audrey, Cynthia, Van Gordon, Nick and Skipper are spying on capital city in the distance. Van Gordon passes his binoculars to them. They see how the fuel depot is still in ruins, and that the parade is beginning on the outside, with the civilians oblivious to what happened.

“Wait...you guys don’t see anything strange about the city?” Nick asked, looking at it closer.

“Besides the refinery being on fire?” Cynthia asked.

“The factory isn’t spewing smoke. When was the last time that ever happened?” Nick asked, as Skipper realizes.

“Never, but that could just be because of the parade.” Audrey replied.

“...The Federation doesn’t give days off.” Skipper replied.

“...Now that is interesting.” Cynthia replied, as the five head off.

Jake wakes up in the plains, confused.

“What happened!?” Jake asked, panicking, as he looks around. “Where are you?”

He gets no response. 

“Whatever, I should head back to base...” Jake said, tired, as he walks through the plains.

Jake is still feeling upset over Cameron however, as he heads to a large rock. He rests against it, unsure what to do.

Audrey’s group is outside the entrance of Midnight City, where they see a Federation van parked nearby in the empty highway. The highway is blocked off due to the parade. Three soldiers are outside of the van chattering.

“What are they saying?” Skipper asked.

Audrey listens in, using her supersonic hearing.

“So...every factory is shut down?” the first soldier asked.

“Yeah...I don’t know what we’re gonna do, man.” the other soldier replied.

“...It’s true. Every factory across Posidonia has been shut down, including the central one producing the jet fighters. Cameron didn’t just save us. He completed the mission.” Audrey explained to them.

“...So this was his plan the whole time. Wow, that guy...” Cynthia realized.

“He truly became a Karmanian Knight, sacrificing himself for others.” Skipper noted.

“But wait, why are they holding a parade then?” Nick asked.

“I presume either Ed or Brak doesn’t want anyone to know, instead of admitting we hurt them.” Skipper said.

“Dang...” Nick said.

The heroes make their way closer to the highway. Cynthia lifts up a rock, hurling it at both soldiers from the distance, knocking both to the ground.

“I needed that.” Cynthia said, smiling.

The remaining soldier looks around, as Van Gordon taps on their shoulder. He then punches them in the face, knocking them out.

“That felt goods.” Van Gordon said, stretching.

“The Federation and us...we’re not even yet.” Audrey said, smiling, as she looks at the van.

"Wow Audrey, I wish I saw this side of you sooner." Cynthia said.

They plant a bomb underneath the van, and they quickly run off.

One of the knocked out soldiers gets up, and is startled upon seeing Rook through their helmet. They move across the ground, as Rook keeps sniffing him.

“Sorry...uh, sir...I was attacked! It was so...fast, like I got hit by a rock-” the soldier was saying.

“Be silent!” Rook yelled, scaring the soldier.

“Yes sir...” the soldier replied.

“Hey, what’s that beeping noise?” another soldier asked.

Rook panics, as they hear the bomb. The van explodes, sending flashy fireworks into the air, as the soldiers are sent flying. 

The heroes see the exploding van in the distance.

“That was fast.” Audrey said.

“You wanteds to send the message.” Van Gordon replied.

“I can send a message better than...wait, it’s that ugly green ninja again!” Cynthia said, seeing Rook through the binoculars, who is sniffing around at the exploded van.

“Who is that?” Van Gordon asked, using the binoculars to see Rook.

“He’s some weird ninja hunter we fought some time ago.” Nick recalled.

As Van Gordon keeps looking, Rook then quickly turns around, seeing him through the binoculars. Van Gordon panics.

“Aah, he looks right at me!” Van Gordon said.

“Did it see you?” Audrey asked.

“I don’t knows...” Van Gordon replied.

“Well look and see!” Cynthia replied.

“No, that is creepy fish!” Van Gordon replied.

Audrey takes the binoculars, seeing Rook approaching them.

“The closer it gets, the uglier it gets. But...at least it’s alone.” Cynthia noted.

“What do you mean?” Audrey asked.

“We’ll even the score. They took Cameron from us, we take something from them.” Cynthia suggested vengefully.

“I agree, but only because we can’t let that...thing, track us back to the Pyrite base.” Audrey said.

“Since we outnumber it by five, we can use that to our advantage.” Skipper said, as the five head off.

As Jake keeps resting against the large rock, he begins to have a vision. He appears in an odd, blue astral plane, on a barren hill. A large deer nose sniffs him from behind, making Jake wake up.

“...Cameron?” Jake asked.

Jake turns around, to see a giant blue deer before him. Jake panics, as he slides back down the hill. The white, grey and black deer appear, surrounding him.

“...Who are you?” Jake asked nervously.

“I...AM...RHODES...” the large deer spoke, confusing Jake.

“Rhodes...that was my friend’s name. What do you want?” Jake asked.

“YOU...RAN...” the large deer spoke.

“Yeah, the deer were chasing me!” Jake replied.

“WHY?” the large deer asked.

“I didn’t mean to run, I-I just feel lost without him...he was wise, brave, and skilled. He was a great teacher too, he was there for me when nobody else was, even if we started off with an odd rivalry over a color...” Jake said sadly.

“FEAR...” the large deer spoke.

“I’m afraid, okay! Everything seems so hopeless now now...” Jake said sadly.

“FIGHT...” the large deer spoke.

“How?” Jake asked.

“TOGETHER...” the large deer spoke.

The white deer approaches, as Jake remains calm. It places something on the ground next to him. It placed an odd stone tablet on the ground, showing five glowing hands.

“This stone...where’s it from?” Jake asked.

“MYSTIC...TEMPLE...” the large deer replied.

“We accidentally led Brak to that temple once, but he was driven away. I assumed nobody else from the Federation knew about it.” Jake explained.

“DANGER...” the large deer spoke.

“Then the Federation captured it?” Jake realized.

“SECRETS...WITHIN...” the large deer spoke.

“Secrets? What secrets? What else is inside the temple?” Jake asked.

“KNOWLEDGE...DESTRUCTION....RHODES....” the large deer spoke.

“We were told there was knowledge there before, but it was a simple fact. Wait... is Cameron there?” Jake asked.

“THE GUARDIAN...REDEEM...FUTURE...” the large deer spoke.

“How do I do this? Tell me!” Jake demanded.

The large deer starts to growl.

“No...” Jake was saying afraid, as its head moves.

The large deer sends its face at Jake, ending the vision.

“CAMERON!” Jake yelled, waking up where he went to sleep.

He looks in front of him, to see the stone tablet from the vision.

“I see now... Cameron’s still out there somewhere, alive. And I know where we have to go.” Jake said, grabbing the tablet.

Meanwhile, Rook is seen riding a bike speeder throughout the Pyrite plains. He sees Van Gordon waiting feet away from him. Rook makes the bike come to a stop, as he hops off. He pulls out the electro-staff from behind his back, as he approaches Van Gordon while smiling evilly. He spins the staff, and sticks it into the ground. 

“You are hunter too.” Van Gordon said.

Rook charges at Van Gordon, clashing his staff against Van Gordon’s gun. The two continue to fight, as Gordon sends laser blasts, but Rook deflects them with the staff. Suddenly, Audrey and Cynthia fly down, cornering him, along with Nick and Skipper who are powered up.

“We’re not in the mood for a fair fight today.” Audrey said.

“Nor am I.” Rook replied.

He presses a button on his armor’s arm, as he turns invisible.

“Oh come on, not another bad guy who does that!” Cynthia said, hurling a rock, but Rook avoids it, running like a ninja.

Audrey sends tornado gusts around, but Rook avoids every single one. Nick sends several spell blasts, as Rook jumps up, avoiding them. He tackles Nick, about to zap him.

“Get him off!” Nick panicked.

Audrey sends a gust blast, knocking Rook off. Cynthia makes the ground under him rumble, but he runs around. Van Gordon tries to shoot his gun at him, but he keeps missing. Rook then punches him a few times, and zaps him, as Van Gordon swings back.

“I can’t sees him!” Van Gordon said.

“I have an idea.” Skipper said.

Skipper uses his dark magic to throw a coconut. It explodes, releasing a paint bomb, which covers Rook’s invisible body.

“See him now?” Audrey asked.

“Oh yes.” Van Gordon replied.

Van Gordon charges at Rook, tackling him. He knocks him down to the ground, and punches him multiple times. However, the rest show concern with how brutal Gordon is.

“THIS...IS...FOR...CAMERON!” Van Gordon yelled, continuing to punch Rook in the face multiple times.

Van Gordon then holds up the rock, about to smash it on Rook.

“Gordon, stop!” Audrey said, as her, Cynthia, Skipper and Nick make him stop.

‘But I thoughts wanted to get even?” Van Gordon asked, confused.

“I do, but...not like this. This isn’t the way.” Audrey said, seeing Rook’s beat up face.

“Yeah, I’m not really one for violence.” Nick admitted.

“Alright, but what should we do with him?” Cynthia asked.

“I have an idea.” Audrey said happily.

Rook’s body is tossed onto his bike speeder, with paint all over his invisible body. They send the bike speeder strolling back to Posidonia Fields.

Back at base, Madison, Trent, Roxy, Tori and Zero still try to come to terms with Cameron’s presumed death. Audrey’s group approaches them, telling them what they discovered. Ranen is focusing inside the cave, and comes to peace with what has happened.

“I feel as if this is my fault, but yet...also as if Cameron was content with this. He risked his life to save me. I’ll miss you, Rhodes. You were a great knight. Your father would be proud.” Ranen said proudly, as he exits the cave.

“Ranen?” Audrey called, as the heroes approach him.

“Was your mission a success?” Ranen asked.

“No, but yours was. The Federation factories have shut down. We didn’t fail. Cameron made sure of it. In their attempt to destroy us, the Federation destroyed their own refinery.” Audrey said, as this surprises them.

“They’ve got no fuel. Their entire production lines have stopped.” Skipper said.

“Then we still have a chance at beating them.” Ranen said, encouraged, as Jake approaches while holding the tablet.

“We always had a chance. Cameron's still alive everyone, somewhere out there.” Jake said, shocking the heroes.

“He is? How do you know?” Madison asked, surprised.

“No offense, but I don’t know how he could’ve survived multiple explosions...” Cynthia said, confused.

“Trust me, he’s alive. And I know what our first mission is. The Mystic Temple is in danger. We’re the only ones who can do anything about it.” Jake said, showing the magical stone tablet to them all.

Notes/Trivia:

-The room Ranen was held prisoner in was the same castle room from “Resistant”, all the way back in Season 1.

-The soldier workout room from “Princess” reappears.

-Fourth time Zero’s spy drone appears.

-Agents Roy & Dilks reappear.

-Every single factory in Posidonia has shut down thanks to Edward, effectively cancelling the production of the jet fighter along with other weapons.

-

 

Colress’ real name is “Cole Reese”. It appears “Colress” is an alternate identity to hide his status as an International Police member.

 

-

 

Cameron seemingly dies, but Jake believes he is still alive. Cameron also gains his eyesight back before the presumed death.

 

[SpongeOddFan]

I almost about to cry that Cameron died, but he's alive? but how he couldn't surive through muitple explosion, and the entire factories has shut down which we can finally have won.

Interesting reveal from Cole Reese...wonder what more secrets on what's he been up to

I'm guessing a follow up episode to find Cameron somewhere in Mystic Temple.

[TJ]

Cam....  

[Jjs Goodman]

99. Deer and a Door

The heroes are inside the base cave in the Pyrite plains, looking at the tablet stone Jake found.

“Alright Jake, what is this?” Madison asked.

“This stone came from the Mystic Temple in Western Karmania.” Jake explained.

“But that’s in another dimension, how did it get here?” Trent asked.

“The deer gave it to me. They think the Federation is doing something horrible there. And we can find out where Cameron is...” Jake replied, determined.

“I wish those deer told you what these symbols mean, because I can’t understand this thing at all. I’ll need to see the temple up close...” Audrey said, trying to examine the tablet’s artistic values regarding the five glowing hands.

“Alright, we know our next destination then. Let’s do this...for Cameron.” Madison said, as the heroes agree.

The guardians and knights are seen entering Western Karmania, traversing through the sandy plains. The heroes are powered up.

“Uh, I forget which way the temple was, it’s been so long now...” Nick said, looking around confused.

“Yeah...kind of hard to remember with all the samey looking sand and extremely similar mountains.” Tori said, looking around confused.

“I don’t like sand. It’s coarse, rough and irritating and it gets everywhere...” Skipper said, annoyed.

“I recall the trip to the temple took a bit of time, and we don’t have much time...” Cynthia said.

“Well it won’t be a long trip for us girls, but the guys...yeah, sorry.” Tori said.

“Not to worry. They’re here to help.” Jake said, confusing them.

Suddenly, five Karmanian Deer approach the heroes, as they walk across the sand ground. The same white deer is leading the pack.

“So these are the magical deer. They look cool. Hi there!” Roxy greeted to them, as they ignore her. “Thanks...”

The deer position themselves, ready to let the knights ride them.

“Uh...good deer!” Trent said nervously, as the deer gives him an odd look, making Trent jump back.

“They won’t hurt you, relax guys.” Jake said to Skipper, Trent, Nick and Zero.

The five knights hop onto the deer.

“This is quite the form of transportation...” Zero said curiously.

“Wow, you guys really have become knights...although, I don’t think knights rode deer, but close enough.” Audrey said.

“Girls, follow along with us, or as close as you possibly can.” Jake said.

The deer ride off, as the knights hold onto their antlers to keep their balance. The girls fly by their side, as they try to keep up with the deer’s speed.

“These are some fast deer...” Madison said, impressed.

“Hang on!” Jake said to everyone, as the deer keep going faster and faster through the deserts, with the girls flying by to keep up.

“Keeping up with your furry friends is going to be a bit hard!” Cynthia said.

The deer then glow, as they begin to teleport everyone around them through their blue teleportation tunnel.

...

As they keep going through the tunnel, several voices and images from the past appear...

“Today marks the day the new guardians and knights of Karmania will be chosen. Jake, Nick, Cameron and Zero, all four of you are chosen," Ranen said, as he held out a briefcase, from “Secrets”.

"Yes, you get the red stone, making you the leader. Congratulations, cadet Landers," Ranen said, as Jake got his bracelet, from “Secrets”.

“These guardians are each given a certain element. From what I can see, it appears Audrey controls Wind, Tori controls Water, and Cynthia controls Earth." Mai explained, from “Secrets”.

"What about me?" Madison asked, from “Secrets”.

"I guess we'll let this old artifact answer that," Mai said, as she pulled out the chest from earlier, and out of came a glowing pink orb held by a golden chain, also from “Secrets”.

"Am I done yet?" Jake asked to Cameron, from “Rivalries”.

"Nope, two more runs, and you can get rest after that," Cameron said, from “Rivalries”.

"SIR YES SIR!" Jake yelled, running again, as Cameron smiled, from “Rivalries”.

“Wow, I finally did something!” Madison said, from “Smasher Returns”.

“...we’re all important to the team in our own ways.” Madison said, from “Smasher Returns”.

"It's just you and me, blue knight. You know, you remind me of someone that I fought a long time ago..." Rorrim said, laughing, from “Mirror Mirror”.

"You thought always using the same strategy could save you for long, but an unexpected one will find its way." Cameron said, from “Mirror Mirror”.

“But you guys did. I learned so much.” Jake replied, from “Operation: Darkest Hour”.

“So have I. We all have. Sometimes I worry we’ve run out of things to teach you about being a knight.” Cameron replied, from “Operation: Darkest Hour”.

“You’re a good listener Jake, it’s served you here, and it will serve you again, in the future.” Cameron reassured, from "Cameron Rhodes: Karmanian Knight".

...

The heroes wake up on a cliffside, with the deer around them.

“...I have no idea what just happened.” Cynthia said.

“Did you guys hear those voices?” Trent asked, confused.

“Yeah...that was quite a trip.” Tori replied.

“Thanks for the rides, dudes.” Nick said to the deer.

The deer give content looks to the knights, as they start to walk off. Before the white one leaves, it looks at Jake, and allows him to pet its face.

“Quite magnificent creatures, these deer are.” Zero said.

“Cameron told me thy have a deep connection to Karmania’s magic.” Jake replied, letting go of the white deer, as the five head off.

“Happy trails!” Roxy said, waving farewell to the deer, as they walk off through Western Karmania.

“We’ve made it.” Jake said.

The heroes then look ahead, seeing the Mystic Temple nearby.

“There it is!” Audrey said, as she flies up.

“But it looks different...” Madison said, also checking it out.

The heroes approach closer, seeing a large dig site has been made outside the temple, with lots of mining equipment around. A few Federation soldiers and Mining Guild employees are walking around the area. They see tons of large crates around, with many white sheets covering them.

"Strange, the Mining Guild is involved in this as well..." Zero said.

The heroes see that some burnt algae is being crushed into a drilling machine, giving it power.

"So that's what they were burning the algae for in Pyrite Town..." Nick realized.

“Skipper, how long have they been here?” Madison asked him.

“I had no idea the Federation captured this area. This must have been after I defected, likely a top secret operation for a while...” Skipper said curiously, observing the area closer.

“Brak followed us into the temple when we first visited it. I guess he wanted to find out more on what this place is.” Jake guessed.

“But what are they searching for?” Audrey wondered.

Zero uses his binoculars, noticing something off about the temple.

“Peculiar, the front temple entrance is completely gone...” Zero noticed, zooming in on the temple.

“You’re right. It wasn’t like that last time...” Jake said curiously.

“Are you sure we’re in the right place? That temple just looks like solid rock.” Roxy asked.

“Positive, this was the exact location last time, but without all the creepy people and equipment around it.” Madison replied.

"We are in the right place. The temple sealed itself off for some reason." Jake said.

“I’m actually glad we might not have to go inside, that place was a freaky mind maze last time.” Cynthia recalled.

“Any idea what the Federation wants with this place?” Roxy asked.

"No." Jake replied, unsure.

"Well we know this artwork relates to something. Maybe we need to get a closer look at the temple." Audrey suggested.

"Agreed. Jake and I can take the lead on infiltrating their site. Audrey, Trent and Tori can join us for backup, and Audrey's painting knowledge could help us figure out the mystery of this tablet. We don't want too many down there though or they'll get suspicious." Madison suggested.

"Good idea, sis. Look at us in perfect harmony." Jake replied.

"I guess I needed to take initiative after failing Cameron. We'll make it up to him." Madison said determined.

"I'll gladly join your spying, I haven't done any classic spying since we infiltrated the academy." Trent replied.

"The rest of us can keep watch from up  here." Zero added, as Cynthia, Roxy, Skipper, and Nick also agree.

"But before you guys get down there, you'll need a disguise, and I've found the perfect one..." Cynthia said smugly.

They see five bike speeders leaving the central dig site, and patrolling around the rest of the area. The speeders make their way around, when they see a blue hologram of Colress up ahead. The bikers stop, as the soldiers cautiously approach the hologram.

"Identify yourself." a soldier ordered, pointing their laser gun.

The hologram of Colress turns around.

"You misunderstand, Mrs. Landers. I’m not accepting surrenders at this time. Now, we shall proceed." the hologram spoke, confusing the soldiers.

"What?" one of them asked.

Skipper sends a pie at one soldier's helmet, confusing them. He then punches them, knocking them to the ground. Cynthia hurls a boulder at another, knocking them out. Nick and Zero both knock out the third and fourth soldiers, while Roxy takes care of the last one. Zero turns off his hologram of Colress, which he had broadcasted through a device. Cynthia holds one of the soldier's helmets smugly, as Madison, Jake, Trent, Tori and Audrey approach.

"Nice work, guys." Madison said.

The five then put the black outfits on, and hop onto the speeder bikes. They ride off back to the dig site. The rest hide behind the rocks on the cliff, and keep watch over the team. At the dig site, several Mining Guild employees are at tables analyzing minerals and other materials, while others are examining the crates. Jake, Madison, Trent, Tori and Audrey park their speeders, and get off, as they walk through the area carefully.

"They're definitely onto something..." Audrey said, looking around.

The five then came across a mysterious rock structure, with several gold symbols on it, as they examine it.

"There's a language on here, not in words, but in pictures. I'm not an expert on Karmanian art, but maybe there's a clue here..." Audrey said, trying to analyze it.

"I remember seeing structures and paintings like these inside the temple." Jake recalled.

"SOLDIERS! Get away from there at once!" a voice yelled from behind, startling them.

The five stop looking at the rock structure, and turn around. A strange old fish wearing a black and gold outfit, and odd goggles, approaches them, who is accompanied by two Elite Soldiers.

"I've said it before, don't touch the artifacts! The most minuscule blemish could taint the evidence, which is crucial into understanding the gateway..." the old fish said ominously.

"Gatewa...uh yes sir, sorry sir!" Jake said, saluting.

"It won't happen again, sir!" Trent added, saluting.

"Minister, the king is contacting you." an Elite Soldier said.

"This conduct reflects poorly on you, commander..." the minister fish said to an Elite Soldier, as he walks off with the other Elite Soldier.

"Alright you five, IDs and clearance codes. Now." the first Elite Soldier demanded angrily to them.

"You don't need them. Forget all about this, okay?" Tori repeated multiple times to the soldier, using her mind control.

"I...don't need your IDs and clearance codes." the Elite Soldier replied, as he walks off.

"Jeez, who was that old man?" Audrey wondered.

"No clue." Madison replied, as the five keep walking around the site.

From above, the rest of the team are watching the events. Zero sees the minister fish with the Elite Soldier.

“That was a close one. But who’s the old guy?” Roxy asked.

“I...actually don’t know. I've never seen a Federation employee like him before.” Skipper replied, confused.

The minister fish and Elite Soldier head inside a small command room.

"Zero, can you reroute that incoming transmission?" Jake asked through the communicator.

"On it." Zero replied, holding out a device.

“We’ve made remarkable progress, my king!" the minister said, as the heroes overhear their conversation.

"We must discover the secrets of the temple, for even at this moment, our enemies move against us." Brak replied, concerning the heroes as they keep listening.

The minister is seen in the command room, speaking to a hologram of Brak.

"We have reached the roots of the temple, and uncovered fascinating works. The symbols and iconography are reminiscent of another report regarding the alleged story behind Karmania's existence." the minister replied.

He shows an image in the room with the eighteen elemental spirits from the story of the Emperor and his daughter.

"...The Elemental Gods." Brak replied, seeing them.

"Oh hey, that was the story Mai told us." Audrey recalled, still listening with everyone else.

"I remember that now, some help it did with our play though..." Cynthia recalled, cringing. 

"Yes, they are key to unlocking the temple, I'm sure of it." the minister replied to Brak.

"There has been a great disturbance in the magic of Karmania. The death of Cameron Rhodes has altered the fate of both Posidonia and Karmania, but how, I cannot yet say..." Brak said ominously.

"Perhaps access to the temple would provide clarity, my king." the minister replied.

"The more I look into my great grandfather's notes, the more I am certain this is one of the temples mentioned in them. Inside contains a channel between the living and the dead, the past and the future, and so much more. We must control the power within so the Federation can rule all of Karmania. Continue, Minister Warren." Brak ordered to Warren, ending the transmission.

The heroes are shocked by what they've heard.

"Well with Brak himself involved, we have to stop them at all costs." Jake said determined.

"Agreed, keep up your spy act. We can't go back now. Whatever is inside that temple is something you cannot let Brak control." Skipper replied on the communicator.

"I'm just a bit worried, who knows what could happen down there..." Roxy said, concerned.

"Don't worry, they'll be fine." Nick replied.

"I used to believe that too Nick, but after recent events, I cannot be fully sure anymore. Yet, Jake seems sure Cameron is still alive. We can never give up hope. Thankfully, it does not appear anybody will uncover our hiding spot anytime soon." Zero said encouraged, as he keeps spying on the area with the others.

Meanwhile, Warren exits the command room with the Elite Soldier. Two Federation Hunters then approach him. One of them is a large lobster, and the other is an eel.

"4th Hunter and 2nd Hunter, keep a close eye on the outskirts..." Warren ordered to the lobster and eel respectively.

"Yes, Minister Warren." 2 replied, hissing.

2 and 4 exit the dig site, and head through the outskirts.

"Man, it's been rather dull here, there's been nobody for us to hunt in this barren wasteland of a kingdom..." 4 said, snapping his claws.

"Indeed...wait. I smell something..." 2 said, as he sniffs around carefully, feeling the atmosphere. "There are outsiders here."

"Heh, about time." 4 said, holding out his double-laser blade handle.

2 and 4 search around the perimeter, as the five notice them.

"Were those the hunter goons?" Tori asked.

"Yup. Guys, be careful. Two hunters are searching around, they might spot you." Madison warned to the other team through the communicator.

"Don't worry, the hunters we've faced so far have been such chumps that I'm sure these two will be pieces of cake too." Cynthia replied, not worried.

"Still, we can't really let them spot us or our stealth mission will have to have a lot of last minute winging, which we've pulled off before, so eh yeah, not worried, you know what, just ignore everything I said." Nick rambled.

"...What kind of sentence was that?" Roxy asked, confused by Nick.

"You'll get used to it." Cynthia replied, as the five carefully move around through the cliff area, not being spotted.

"Attention: There is a safety hazard zone standing twenty-five meters from the temple. Special teams are exempt and be on the lookout for static charges. All operational departments, signal my feed twice." a Mining Guild employee announced through a loudspeaker, echoing across the area.

Warren stands in the center, as all the soldiers and Mining Guild employees approach him, along with the team.

"We are close to our goal. Move the drill into the first position. Everyone double shifts through the night, mind your priorities assignments, and stay within your designated areas. Turn the lights on!" Warren ordered.

Several turn on, showing on the left side of the temple: a large painting of the eighteen elemental spirits, along with the Emperor and his daughter.

"Whoa..." Audrey said, as the five look at it in awe.

"Now we finally have a visual of the story Mai told us." Madison said.

"Never thought her story would be important again, honestly." Tori replied, surprised.

"Have you guys seen anything like this before?" Trent asked, seeing the painting.

"Nope. But this temple was always full of surprises." Jake replied.

"Lord Warren, we have discovered more symbols..." an eel Mining Guild worker said to him.

"Show me." Warren replied, as the eel escorts him and the Elite Soldier away.

"Can you make anything out of it?" Jake asked to Audrey.

"Hmm, I think I can." Audrey replied, as the five get closer to the painting, seeing it up close. "It's very old, and very detailed. Does this mean anything to you?"

"Jake will have to crack this, because I have no clue what I'm looking at." Tori replied.

"Same here..." Trent replied.

Jake looks at it further.

"Not really...wait, Karmanian Deer." Jake said, as he sees seven gold Karmanian Deer at the bottom right corner of the painting.

Audrey then holds out the stone tablet, as the heroes refer to it. Audrey then realizes what the five hands mean.

"I see it now! Look, the five hands. They're the same as some of these figures on the stone!" Audrey realized.

"Then that means something?" Jake asked.

"Jake, it's art, everything means something." Audrey replied, fascinated.

"Yeah, having Audrey here was a good idea." Madison said, smiling.

Audrey looks at the form of the hands for the Emperor, his daughter, the water elemental spirit, the aether elemental spirit, and the wind elemental spirit, who are close to each other. She also pays attention to several mysterious gold lines branching off, connecting to gold circles.

"I believe this is it." Audrey realized.

"What?" Jake asked.

"The painting is like a map, but not any I'm familiar with. Those gold lines are like paths, and the rings connected to them are either other worlds, kingdoms, or even doorways." Audrey explained.

"Okay, but which one leads into the temple?" Jake asked.

"We're about to find out." Audrey replied.

"So...how do we open this door?" Trent asked, as Audrey looks at the tablet again.

"Look at this. The hands represent different configurations. Right now, the painting is lined up with the central figure, the Emperor. I think we want this one, where all of the lines are together." Audrey replied.

"I dunno. It's your turn, you do your thing." Audrey replied.

"...Right. Wait, what thing?"  Jake asked.

"...Uh, do something, I guess? The deer clearly wanted you to find this place, so maybe you're the one that can unlock it." Audrey replied.

"I mean...I can try, but I don't know if it'll work..." Jake replied, confused.

"Well you'll have to think of something, and fast." Audrey replied, as they overhear the soldiers and guild employees nearby.

Jake walks up to the painting, standing on a rock. He looks at it determined, and rubs his hands together

"Hurry!" Audrey said, seeing several soldiers walking.

"You can't rush these things!" Jake replied, concentrating.

"Man, you two really make a perfect couple." Tori said, as the two blush, and Jake goes back to focusing.

"I'll help you out, brother. We're both leaders, we'll figure this out together." Madison replied, as she approaches him.

"Thanks." Jake replied.

Jake then looks at the daughter's hand curiously.

"Uh, you might want to get down!" Tori warned, seeing some soldiers.

Jake and Madison quickly hide, but a soldier approaches Audrey, Trent and Tori.

"You three, why aren't you on patrol?" the soldier asked.

"We thought we saw something moving over here, but it was just uh, the shadows." Audrey replied.

"This is a restricted area." the soldier replied suspiciously.

"We were just following protocol." Audrey replied.

"What protocol?" the soldier asked.

"Um...Protocol 24?" Trent guessed.

"...That's not related to this operation at all. You should've been informed of our new directive." the soldier replied.

"Nice going, dude." Tori whispered to Trent.

"Hey, I didn't see any better guesses!" Trent whispered back.

As Jake and Madison keep hiding, Jake looks at the painting and thinks of the stone tablet.

"...The stone. Listen to the stone and its story." Jake realized.

"This is very irregular. Gonna have to call it in." the soldier replied, on edge.

"If you do that, we'll be late for our assignment." Audrey replied.

"Like you said, I'm just following protocol." the soldier replied, using his communicator to report this. "565. Yup, affirmative. Over."

"We don't have time for this!" Audrey said.

"Operation says that your group deviated from your patrol route and never finished the perimeter sweep." the soldier said.

"Let's go over to operations and straighten this out." Audrey replied.

"Great, now we're both going to have to file reports!" another soldier said, as the three follow the two.

"At this point can we just reveal ourselves and attack? Because you keep digging our holes." Tori said to Audrey, sighing.

"We can't ruin their progress, we'll have to hold them off as long as it takes for Jake and Maddie to open the temple." Trent replied, as they keep following regrettably.

Jake closes his eye, and concentrates, looking at both the daughter and aether elemental's hands.

"Listen. Cameron said to listen. Madison, match your hand with the aether elemental spirit's, and I'll go for the daughter's." Jake said.

"I'll trust you understand this more than me, so sure." Madison replied.

Jake places his hand against the daughter's, matching her hand's form. Madison stands up, and does the same to the aether elemental spirit's hand. Suddenly, the gold rings around both their hands light up, as they begin to move the outer parts of the painting around like a wheel. The entire painting lights up, including the pathways, and stops. 

"Whoa..." Madison said.

The daughters figure then mysteriously moves, turning to the right, looking at the Emperor. The Emperor's hand then falls downward, pointing to the right as well. The aether elemental spirit moves, and points its hand to the right as well.

"...I have no clue what is happening, but I kind of like it?" Madison said, confused.

"I think...this is the answer." Jake said.

Jake then hears multiple whispers and voices coming from the painting. He then sees the six Karmanian Deer paintings, who move as well, lifting their heads up and looking directly at Jake. The seven Karmanian Deer on the painting begin to walk to the right, going across the temple wall.

"Follow the deer?" Madison asked.

"Follow the deer." Jake replied, as the two follow the six deer paintings.

The other team sees Audrey, Trent and Tori going with the two soldiers.

"Have they been found out?" Roxy asked concerned.

"It doesn't appear they have, but they need to tread carefully." Skipper replied, looking closer.

"What about Madison and Jake?" Cynthia asked, looking for them.

"I cannot tell precisely, but the two appear to have went into the shadows. And...I believe the paintings moved?" Zero asked, looking through his binoculars, confusing them.

"Alright, hand those over doc, you've clearly been looking at them too long." Cynthia replied, looking through them, trying to find the two.

"Indeed, you foolish spies have been here way too long..." 2 said, startling them.

2 and 4 approach them, smiling, as the two spin their double-bladed red laser blades. 

"Oh boy." Nick said.

Cynthia quickly hurls boulders at the two, but they avoid them. Roxy sends pink magic blasts at both, as they deflect them with their spinning blades. Skipper sends a boomerang at 2, but he slices it to pieces with his laser-blade. Nick then casts a muffin spell, trying to turn 4's laser handle into muffins, but it has no effect.

"Wha..." Nick said, surprised.

"Good try wizard, but we came prepared with anti-magic weapons." 4 replied, shooting laser blasts from his handle, as Nick deflects them with his sword.

Zero, Skipper and Nick strike their swords against 2 and 4's laser blades, as Cynthia and Roxy send attacks as well. The five knock both back, annoying them.

"Impressive skill warriors, but will it be enough to save you all?" 4 asked, charging up to the knights, and dueling them.

Zero then disables 4's handle with his electric sword, and it explodes. 4 is not deterred though.

"Not to worry, I only need these." 4 said, snapping his lobster claws.

4 charges at them again, and begins to attack with his big claws. Skipper strikes his sword against the claws, as Cynthia hurls another boulder at 4, who breaks it apart with his brute strength.

"...Wow." Roxy said

Roxy summons several small sand scorpions, making them attack 2, as he tries to whack them away. Their battle continues on.

Meanwhile, Madison and Jake keep following the seven painting deer, who keep moving across the wall.

"I think this is the weirdest thing we've ever seen, and we were inside a painting once. Too bad Audrey is missing this..." Madison said.

The seven deer then begin to circle around the wall. They keep running in place, forming the circle door for them. Jake and Madison take off their helmets, looking at it in awe.

"This is it!" Jake said.

Warren is speaking to a Mining Guild fish, with the two Elite Soldiers near him. The two normal soldiers bring Audrey, Tori and Trent over to him.

"Now what have we here?" Warren asked curiously.

"Minister, we're bringing these three soldiers in for processing. There appears to be a discrepancy." the one soldier said.

Warren strangely walks around, looking at the three heroes, creeping them out.

"...Indeed there is." Warren said.

Warren gets closer to the three, lifting their helmets up. 

"Who are you three? And where are your friends?" Warren asked, as the three refuse to answer.

"Restrain them! Lock down the perimeter! Order all units to report in! We have impostors loose on the site!" Warren demanded, as the three are grabbed by some soldiers.

An alarm goes off throughout the dig site, as while the other team keeps battling 2 and 4, they see this.

"We have to move!" Cynthia said, hurling another rock at 2, knocking him down.

The five move across the cliff, but 2 and 4 follow them, still wanting to fight.

"Not until we get rid of these two pests!" Roxy said, summoning more sand scorpions, as they attack 2 and 4.

As several Mining Guild fish and Federation soldiers run around the area, Jake and Madison keep looking at the deer circle. Jake reaches his hand into the circle, as it goes right through the wall. He pulls it out, feeling a magic shock from it, which surprises him and Madison.

"This is the door into the temple." Madison said.

"Intruder, sector 3." the Mining Guild employee announced.

"There they are!" a soldier yelled.

Several soldiers and an Elite Soldier approach Jake and Madison, who keep standing in front of the deer portal. Warren approaches, as Audrey, Tori and Trent are still being held by the soldiers.

"The gateway!" Warren said, pleased.

"Go!" Audrey said to Jake and Madison, as Trent and Tori nod in agreement.

Jake and Madison understand, as they head for the portal.

“STOP THEM!” Warren yelled.

Jake and Madison jump right through the deer circle together, disappearing. The deer stop circling around, closing the portal. Two soldiers try to follow, but look in confusion. They try to get into the portal anyways, running, but run right into the wall, making them collapse to the ground. Warren is confused, looking at the deer that have stopped moving. Audrey, Tori and Trent look concerned. Jake and Madison's helmets are seen on the ground.

Notes/Trivia:

-Character Debuts: Warren, 2 and 4

-The eighteen elemental spirits, along with the Emperor and his daughter, from “Warrior” are referenced again, as a painting on the temple (and are connected to the tablet).

-A few Mining Guild employees (from “Through Fire and Flames”) reappear. It is revealed the Mining Guild was burning the algae from Pyrite Towns to help fuel the Neo Federation’s drilling machines.

-The hologram message from Colress is his same one from “Operation: Darkest Hour”.

-Brak and the heroes previously visiting the Mystic Temple from “Ancient Ghosts” is referenced.

[TJ]

Wonderful episode! The beginning sequences with the Knights riding the deer and the memories the gang heard were very fun. Also, the story from "Warrior" coming back up all this time later was pretty cool. I'm not entirely sure where Jake and Madison ended up at the end, but I can tell this was the lead in to an awesome 100th episode. Can't wait for next week.

[SpongeOddFan]

a bit late but w/e

I have to say this is most interesting & major plotline episode i've seen, and I loved more details about this story behind Elemental Gods. Jake & Audrey really do have good couple which I liked. Can't wait to see more secrets in 100th episode

[Jjs Goodman]

Welp, here's the 100th chapter. This is a very special one, not just for MG, but for also the 10 years of spin-offs. Get ready for a wild trip...

100. The World Between Worlds

...

Several strange voices are heard in a black void, as the area zooms out. 

"My name's Nathan Deeler," Nathan said to himself.

"It is your destinies to stop him..." Shin Fu said.

"Well that took long enough.." Katherine stated.

“This land connects to a magical world called Karmania, containing magical fish and creatures. Karmania and this land used to be connected, until they were separated into their own realms when evil spread.” Mai said, from “Secrets”.

“The magic of Karmania is with us, I feel it within.” Cameron reassured Jake, from “Our Time to Strike”.

The other side of the deer portal is shown. It is a white arch with the seven deer running around it. Jake and Madison then go flying out of it, landing on the black, void ground. Warren's silhouette looks through the portal from the other side, as it closes. Jake and Madison get up, looking at where they are. The entire area is a mysterious spacial black void, with many white chalk lines forming pathways in the dimension. These pathways lead to a multitude of portals with similar archways. The two look around in confusion.

“Where...are we?” Jake asked.

The two suddenly hear more multiple voices throughout the dimension, echoing around from nowhere.

"Stargazing, a perfect way to look at the beautiful stars..." SpongeBob said.

“Ex, you are breaking the fourth wall in my fanfic, stop it!” Clappy said.

"PETER! PETEEEER!" a voice was heard.

“JCM: (annoyingly high-pitched voice) Well, here I am! I better catch up with my friends before school starts!”

"...Anyway, IT'S JUST POSTS!" OMJ announced.

"That's right Squendell, it was over, but now the Action is back! This season, we are touring around the world Amazing Race style!" Pech announced.

"...Power Rangers?" Usagi asked, tilting her head slightly. 

"My stone guided me to you, I don't know why." Cameron said, from "Nick: The Wizard".

"You must want something...perhaps help?" Grador asked, also from "Nick: The Wizard".

Madison and Jake continue looking at the spacial, void dimension in awe.

Back at the dig site, Warren is in the command room, making some tea. The two Elite Soldiers escort Audrey, Tori and Trent into the room. Tori and Trent are held off to the side by the first soldier, while the second pushes Audrey forward into a table, pointing their gun at her back.

"Please sit." Warren said, holding out the tea.

Audrey is forced into the chair by the Elite Soldier, as she looks annoyed. 

"What, no seats for us?" Trent asked, annoyed.

"Be silent." the other Elite Soldier said, keeping Tori and Trent in handcuffs.

The other soldier hands Warren a file, containing Audrey's portfolio.

"Ah, of course. Audrey Song. It's no wonder you took such an interest in the painting from the temple. You know, Mr. Colress has spoken highly of your talents." Warren explained.

"Psh, I'm flattered." Audrey replied uncaringly.

"Now, I would never consider myself an artist. More of a critic, perhaps." Warren replied, as he moves the tea cup forward across the table for her.

"Explains a lot." Audrey replied snarky.

"I will admit...you and your friends swiftly solved something that I could not. Tell me, how did you open the portal?" Warren asked, as he pours more tea for himself.

"We're smarter than you." Audrey replied smugly.

"Burn." Tori said from the side, still being watched by the other Elite Soldier.

Warren finishes sipping his tea, and lets out a small laugh.

"I have informed the king that your friends have entered the temple. He was rather impressed with young Jake and Madison. It especially must be difficult for Mr. Landers now without...the blue knight." Warren said.

Audrey, Tori and Trent have sad looks.

"...Yes. Cameron Rhodes...such a pity he took the path he did, and fell to such a meaningless end." Warren continued coldly.

"You think you're powerful, but you're just a pawn." Audrey replied.

"Oh indeed, it's true. My power is only a reflection of the might of King Brak." Warren replied admiringly. 

"And yet for all his "might", he couldn't even open the door, but Jake and Madison could." Audrey replied.

"Your friends are not safe beyond the veil. The door is open. King Brak will find them. It's only a matter of time now. But there is hope. You have an opportunity to help them...if you help me." Warren offered, concerning the three.

He presses a button on a remote, which makes multiple hologram images appear. They show pictures of the Mystic Temple, along with the painting of the Emperor, his daughter and the Elemental Gods.

"As an artist, I would think that you would relish the opportunity to study the temple. You even realize what it is." Warren said, showing Audrey a hologram picture of the door Jake and Madison opened.

"That portal...it's not just a way into the temple, it's..." Audrey was saying.

"A pathway between all of time and space. Whoever controls it, controls not just Karmania, but the entire universe." Warren revealed, shocking all three.

Above the dig site, the remaining heroes continue to fight off 2 and 4. Cynthia hurls two more boulders at 2, who slices through them with his laser blades. Roxy summons more sand scorpions, but he slashes at them, whacking them away. The two girls see Skipper, Zero and Nick struggling against 4, who keeps smashing his lobster claws against their swords. He then fires his laser gun back, as the knights deflect the blast. Roxy then gets an idea.

"Hey guys, how about we switch? We'll take the lobster, and you can take the eel!" Roxy suggested.

"Works for me, since fighting this oaf is getting us nowhere!" Skipper replied, shooting more dark electricity at 4, but he avoids it.

Nick and Zero both strike at 4 again, but he blocks their attacks, holding onto each sword with his claws. Skipper throws a cinnamon bun in 4's face, and it explodes. He is blinded, as the three knights run off to fight 2, while Cynthia and Roxy fly to 4. Nick, Zero and Skipper clash their swords against 2's blades, as he struggles. Roxy then summons more sand scorpions from out of the ground. Their bodies glow pink, and charge for 4. He tries to crush them with his claws, but their tails glow pink, as they strike at the claws. 4 flinches in pain, as Cynthia hurls a boulder at him, knocking him aside. 4 gets up angrily, firing his laser gun. Roxy then sends a pink scorpion blast at him, knocking the gun out of his hands. The scorpions jump at him and keep stinging him.

"GET THEM OFF!" 4 yelled.

"With pleasure!" Cynthia said.

She make the sandy ground under him shake. He is then flung into the air by the tile underneath, as the scorpions all fall off. 4 is sent flying away, landing in the distance. Skipper sends another dark electricity blast at 2's laser blades, as he blocks them. Skipper then sees an opening and strikes his sword right through 2's laser blades, cutting the handle in half. Zero, Nick and Skipper all attack him at once, knocking him to the ground. Nick then levitates 2 and sends him flying away just like 4.

"So how long will it take until they inevitably get back up?" Nick asked.

"Probably not long, so let's check to see where our friends went." Cynthia replied.

The five head back to the cliff.

"Get down!" Skipper said, as they see some lights shining around the area.

The five duck, as they avoid being spotted. Zero gets back up and looks through his binoculars at the dig site, seeing a drill moving nearby the command building.

"Last I saw, they took Audrey, Tori and Trent into a building on the far side of the site." Zero noted, reading his scanners, and looking at the command building.

"What about Madison and Jake? Did they get inside the temple?" Cynthia asked.

"Honestly...I have no clue where they went, and I doubt they do either." Zero replied, as the five carefully move across the cliff.

Jake and Madison keep walking through the dimension, and go down a pathway.

"Hello? Anyone here?" Jake asked, his voice echoing throughout the void, with no response.

"So you REALLY got a medal for bravery in the face of bear danger?!" SpongeBob said.

"I have to say, you are the quickest learning new recruit that F.I.N has ever had..." Payne was saying.

"Cerebus would also like a bowl of rabbit stew." 

"Fred: Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?"

“In fact, I’d say we’re in the middle of a dark era for spin-offs.” Shinya said.

"Those voices...where are they coming from?" Madison wondered, as the voices keep echoing throughout the void.

"Well, I gotta get going for karate, you know. See ya later," Jake said, from "Secrets".

Squilliam: No, I mean your drink! *nasally laughs* Oh Squiddy, I knew I would have a good time here, but insulting you too is a bonus.

Squidward: Fantastic...

"SpongeOddFan: Uh Clappy, can you explain to us again why we are here in Las Vegas?"

"My name is ClassicNickelodeonFan1...or CNF if you are too lazy to say my full name, which you probably are! That girl that looks like she's about to puke is my sister, UnlimitedCha, or Cha for short..."

"Joe: I just....I just want to.....have more power over the world. Don't you?"

"But Ex...just about all of us were in the chat room. We would've seen one of them by now," said SG doubtfully.

"Uhhh... why are we putting stuff in your toaster again?" Patrick inquired. 

"Hey guys!" Madison yelled, approaching her group of friends, also from "Secrets".

"That's...me." Madison said, recognizing her voice, confusing her further.

"Brak said whatever was inside the temple connected the past and future. This place must allow us to hear all of time unfold, even from events not related to us." Jake realized.

"That's crazy. It's like we're taking a trip through an ancient time machine." Madison said, still almost not believing what's transpiring.

As Jake keeps walking, he creates several puddles as he steps across the void ground, while Madison flies by his side. The two see several white portals off to the side, similar to the one made by the deer. Suddenly, one of them catches Jake's attention. Jake stops and goes down the path toward the portal, confusing Madison, but she follows. Jake sees a black portal, but a blue knight stone is at the center of the arch, which surprises Jake.

"What is this?" Madison asked, as something starts to appear in the portal.

Suddenly...a familiar scene plays out for them from "Cameron Rhodes: Karmanian Knight":

Both ships fire laser blasts at the fuel pod. The heroes turn around in shock, but it’s too late, as the laser blasts damage the pod. It begins to explode, as Cameron jumps back onto the exploding pod. He holds out both his arms, as his blue knight stone creates a barrier around the underwater flames. The heroes look at him terrified.

"No...not again..." Jake said sadly.

"I don't want to be reminded of this..." Madison also said sadly.

“CAMERON!” the heroes yelled, as they run forward to rescue him.

However, Cameron’s knight stone sends a blue blast, pausing Jake, Ranen, Nick, Madison, Audrey and Trent, while Cameron keeps holding the flames back. Cameron’s stone then pushes them back onto the helicopter. 

"Wait, Madison, do you think...we can save him?" Jake wondered.

"I...don't know if that's a good idea, we could mess up the space-time continuum or something really overcomplicated..." Madison replied.

"But...I can't let go of him again. This could be our only chance to bring him back. This must be why the deer sent us here, so we could save Cameron!" Jake was saying.

"But what if this was destined to happen? He sacrificed himself so we could live, Jake..." Madison replied.

"You don't understand what you're asking me to do! The deer sent us here for a reason, and this might be that reason! I'm sorry..." Jake snapped, but regretted it.

"We don't know that for certain. I know how hard this is, and I want it to be true too, but sometimes we may need to let go." Madison replied, trying to comfort him.

"Wait...we might not have to do anything..." Jake realized, as he lets the events play out, confusing Madison.

Cameron looks upon the heroes through his helmet, as his eyesight returns to normal, surprising them. He then lets go of the fire, pushing the helicopter away with his stone’s power.

While the flames continue to consume Cameron, suddenly...

A Karmanian Deer jumps through the flames, and pushes Cameron out of the exploding fire. Cameron is then sent flying toward Madison and Jake from the portal's view.

"CAMERON!" Jake yelled.

Jake pulls Cameron into the portal, surprising him, Cameron and Madison. Cameron falls to the void ground along with Jake, as Madison is shocked.

Back at the command room...

Warren displays a hologram image of a gold stone tablet depicting the Emperor, his daughter and the Elemental Gods, similar to the one on the temple.

"I discovered this image while going through the Mt. Draglor expedition archives." Warren explained.

"Still not interested." Audrey replied.

"Dang, she's snarkier than me today." Tori noted from the side.

"I doubt that. Now, these figures appear throughout Karmania's recorded history..." Warren continued.

"They're archetypes." Audrey replied.

"Precisely! They're referred to as the Emperor, the daughter, and the Elemental Gods. Did you notice anything about their depiction on the Mystic Temple?" Warren asked.

"Uh...I don't know, they look the same to me." Audrey replied, confused.

"I am no fool, lady Audrey. So do not mistake my pleasant demeanor for weakness. The painting has changed." Warren replied.

"You noticed that, huh?" Audrey asked smugly.

"Yes. The Karmanian Deer have moved. In fact, they now form the portal. I also find it interesting that the positions of the daughter's head, the hand of the Emperor's and the hand of the aether elemental have all changed. Do you care to share what their significance is?" Warren asked.

The two Elite Soldiers approach Audrey from behind, worrying Tori and Trent. Audrey nervously gets up and approaches the image.

"The hands are a language." Audrey said.

"I could find no similarity between it and any known language. How is it that you can read it?" Warren asked.

"Remember, we're smarter than you." Audrey replied smugly.

"Lady Audrey, I had hoped we could have had a civil conversation about art, but I see the family blood in you understands only one form of discourse..." Warren said, disappointed.

One of the Elite Soldiers approaches Audrey and hits her in the head with their laser gun, knocking her to the ground. The two Elite Soldiers point their laser guns at her. Tori and Trent try to move, but are still in handcuffs. 

"If your two friends over there attempt anything, they will fire. Now then, where were we?" Warren asked, as Audrey looks up at him annoyed.

Back in the void...

Madison is still looking in shock, as Jake and Cameron are on the ground. Jake gets up, feeling his head. He then looks at Cameron, who gets up.

"...Cameron?" Jake asked, confused and happy at the same time.

"It's really him..." Madison said.

"Jake, Madison...what happened? Where am I?" Cameron asked, looking around at the void.

"We...saw you sacrificing yourself, but then the deer saved you from the fire. I pulled you in. I think the deer wanted you to come here. We thought you were a goner, I can't believe it..." Jake said.

"Whoa...you got your eyesight is back." Madison realized.

"Oh, whoa...never knew surviving explosions could do that. I'm happy for you, especially after everything you went through." Jake replied.

Cameron then smirks and laughs.

"...You're both right. Jake, the deer have always wanted me to come here. This is my destiny." Cameron revealed, confusing the two further.

Back at the dig site, the five heroes go into the area, sneaking around. Several soldiers patrol around the outside of the command building. The five hide behind a spot closest to the command building.

"Alright...doc, as they call you, what are you thinking?" Roxy asked Zero.

"Well...it appears this command module is a mobile one." Zero said, getting an idea.

"Translation in non-geek language?" Cynthia asked.

"Oh, I get it. It means...we're going to like where this is going." Nick said, smiling.

"Alright then, let's move." Skipper said.

The five keep sneaking around the dig site. Back at the void, Jake, Cameron and Madison walk along the paths.

"So...we were destined to rescue you and this dimension? Wow." Madison replied.

"Yes. This place...it's ancient. It's a world between worlds." Cameron replied, looking around at it with his own eyes. "It feels a bit odd to finally see again, but I'm not complaining."

"This place reminds me of where I met Rhodes." Jake replied, recalling his dream, which confuses Cameron and Madison.

"Who?" both of them asked.

"It was the name of a big, blue deer I met. It gave me the tablet leading us to the temple." Jake replied.

"A deer that had Cameron's name, showing up after his presumed demise? That has to be more than a coincidence..." Madison replied.

"It certainly wasn't me, because I would have a memory of that, trust me. But it may have my will at work through the magic of Karmania and the deer, without either of us knowing. It is not impossible for my spiritual subconscious to have helped guide you through this "Rhodes" deer." Cameron explained.

"I wish I understood that." Madison replied, as the three laugh.

"I think I get it. The deer wanted us to rescue both Cameron and the temple at once. It all makes sense. I'm so happy to see you again, Cameron. When you were gone, I was scared and felt defeated. But I managed to make my way through it, and help lead the team right to this temple. Everyone will be so happy to see you when we get back. I just hope the portal still works..." Jake said.

"Yeah dude, we were so heartbroken when you were gone, but now the team can be reunited! Let's save the temple and defeat the Federation together!" Madison added.

Cameron tries to be happy, but is still upset over something.

“...There’s something I need to tell you. I...can't go back." Cameron said, surprising the two.

"...Why not?" Jake asked, upset.

"...Yeah, why?" Madison asked.

"Jake...for too long I've ignored my surroundings. People got hurt while I wasn't there to rescue them, and being a knight allowed me to do that. However, the Karmanian deer made me realize I have a greater purpose in not just life, but the grand universe. I don't know how to say this, but...I am destined to stay here. You have opened the world between worlds, and more people will be eager to try to break into it. If anyone else got access to this world, they would gain control over the entire universe, time and space. That cannot happen. Someone needs to stay here and protect it. And that someone has to be me. I have been chosen, and I am accepting my fate." Cameron explained regrettably to the two.

"But...we just reunited. I can't let you go again..." Jake said sadly.

"You have to. For the entire universe. If anyone else broke into here, you would be in danger too. I still want to protect all of you from here, even if I am giving up my old life. I'm asking you to let go. Please." Cameron replied sadly.

"...I understand. It was fun having you by my side." Jake replied, accepting it.

"I'm sorry, Jake. But you have to understand...I'm sacrificing myself for when you need me most, just like I did at the depot. I will watch over this world, for all of you. I will still be by your sides from beyond here." Cameron explained.

"I get it now. Thank you Cameron. For everything." Jake said to him, as the two shake hands.

"Thank you too. I respect your decision, as upsetting as this is to lose a team member. It was great having you on the team for as long as it lasted." Madison replied.

"I'm proud of how much you two have grown since we first met. Trust me, you've both proven you are fit to lead, even without my guidance." Cameron replied, smiling.

Suddenly, they hear a rumbling sound in the void.

"Cameron might be able to stay here, but we can't." Madison said, as Jake and Cameron agree.

"Jake, do you know how to close the door to this world?" Cameron asked.

"Audrey will know. We'll all do it together, for you." Jake replied.

Suddenly, the portal behind them lights up, which has the Federation's symbol on it...

"Perhaps...I can help." a voice said, startling the three.

Brak appears in the portal, shown in a dark room with only a blue light inside of it. He is crafting a spell in a cauldron, which has blue fire in it, and reads from one of Skipper's old spell books. The three turn around, seeing Brak, who looks at them from the other side.

"Jake Landers, Madison Landers, and Cameron Rhodes...mine at last. Thank you for opening the portal to my victory." Brak spoke, as he laughs.

Meanwhile, at the dig site, soldiers keep patrolling around. Zero and Nick rig several jet devices underneath the command building. They get out from under it, meeting with Roxy, Cynthia and Skipper.

"Good to go?" Cynthia asked.

"Yup, we'll just give the three a signal when it happens." Nick replied.

Warren keeps explaining the painting to Audrey inside.

"The Emperor is clearly showing the way to the portal. The deer are the portal guardians." Warren explained.

"So if the daughter and aether elemental open the gateway..." Audrey was saying.

"The closest elementals would close it...the wind and water elementals." Warren explained.

"Huh. Well there's something I didn't know..." Audrey replied curiously.

"Yes, see. We can help each other!" Warren replied.

A soldier then urgently barges in the room.

"Minister, something's happening to the portal!" the soldier reported.

Suddenly, Audrey, Tori and Trent get signals on their communicators. They then hear knocking noises.

"Huh, I know that language too. Sorry about the mess." Audrey said smugly.

"Oh yeah." Tori said.

Warren is confused, when suddenly, the entire command building shakes. The building begins to tilt upward, thanks to the jets Zero rigged.

Meanwhile, back at the world between worlds, Brak begins chanting an ominous spell. He shoots out the blue fire into the portal, coming for the three. Cameron then stands in front, and activates his blue knight stone, which shields the three from the blue fire. 

"I can't hold it alone!" Cameron said.

Jake steps in and activates his shield as well. Madison flies down as well, sending electric blasts back into the fire. The blue fire stops, as Jake and Cameron stand safely. However, Brak keeps laughing at them from the other side.

"RUN!" Cameron yelled.

The three run across the path, as Brak shoots another blue fire blast from his hand through the portal. It chases the three down the path, as they go as fast as they possibly can. 

Back at the dig site, the command building keeps tilting, as everything falls downward. Materials hit Warren and the two Elite Soldiers. Audrey breaks Tori and Trent out of their handcuffs, as they ditch the disguise suits.

"I couldn't stand this thing anymore anyways." Trent said, throwing the helmet at an Elite Soldier.

Audrey and Tori send wind and water attacks at Warren and the two Elite Soldiers, knocking them around. Audrey, Trent and Tori quickly escape out of the bottom entrance, as the building keeps tilting. Several soldiers try to attack, but Cynthia, Roxy, Zero, Nick and Skipper come, attacking back. Cynthia punches a soldier, knocking them to the ground. Skipper sends dark electricity blasts at several guns, making them explode. Audrey, Trent and Tori reunite with the group.

"You good?" Roxy asked Audrey, as they look at the tilting building about to fall on them.

"Yeah, but we have to get to the temple painting." Audrey replied, as the eight head off.

More soldiers keep firing their laser guns at them, as the eight all send attacks back, knocking them down.

"What about Jake and Madison?" Skipper asked.

"They're on their way!" Audrey replied, as she sends a tornado gust at a soldier, knocking them out of their way.

The command building then falls over, as the eight are able to make it out of its fall range in time.

"Whew, that was a close one. Would've sucked if we were under that thing's range..." Nick said, as he sends a magic spell blast at a soldier, knocking them to the ground, and keeps running.

Back at the world between worlds, the three keep running from the blue fire. Suddenly, the blue fire forms a rope and grabs Jake by the leg, pulling him across the pathway.

"HELP!" Jake yelled.

Cameron and Madison see this, and stop in their tracks.

"Nobody touches my brother!" Madison said bravely.

Cameron and Madison both chase after him, as Jake keeps getting dragged across the path.

Brak then reaches his hand through the portal, getting Jake closer to him.

"Uggh, he's got me through!" Jake yelled, struggling to break free.

"Show me the way Jake, help me!" Brak said creepily from the other side, holding onto him with the blue fire rope.

Cameron then jumps up and slices at the blue fire rope, and Madison sends an electric blast. Both their attacks break off the fire rope.

"Gah, no!" Brak yelled, as he loses the blue rope, and his hand is hurt.

Brak then angrily resumes the blue fire attack, as the three keep running across the path, getting closer to the original deer portal.

"Keep going, you can make it!" Cameron said to the two.

"Cameron, if this is the last time we ever meet each other, then let me just say...I had fun with you by my side. You were a great friend and mentor. Farewell." Jake said slightly sadly to him.

"Yeah, we're going to miss you, but hey, at least you have a cool gig protecting this place from creeps like him!" Madison said, as she keeps flying, sending electricity blasts back at the fire, trying to stop it.

"Thank you both. I'll miss everyone, please tell them that. This doesn't have to be our final encounter though, nothing is ever final. I'll be fine here. Just make sure you close that portal. That is my last request." Cameron ordered, as the two understand.

Cameron then runs down a separate path, as the blue fire keeps following. Jake and Madison accept this, as they head back to the original portal. The blue fire continues to chase them down the pathway. Jake and Madison then quickly jump into the portal, as the fire strikes it, doing no harm to it or them.

"NOOO!" Brak yelled, disappointed.

Cameron keeps running from Brak's other blue fire blast, but it suddenly stops. He looks around at the rest of the void contently.

"...May the magic of Karmania be with you, Jake and Madison. And all of you." Cameron said calmly.

He keeps walking down the pathway, all to himself. He is now alone in the world between worlds, and serves as its sole guardian. 

The eight heroes keep attacking soldiers, as they make it to the deer portal. Jake and Madison come flying out of the portal, surprising them. The deers keep running around, forming the portal.

"Jake, Madison! Come on, get up! Let's get out of here!" Audrey said.

"No! We have to seal the portal! Come on!" Jake said.

Audrey understands, as she heads off with Madison and Jake, while the rest guide them, helping them protect the painting. More soldiers keep firing lasers at the rest of the team, who keep sending attacks back, knocking soldiers down. 2 and 4 also reappear with the soldiers, ready for more action.

"These guys just never get enough..." Roxy said, sending a pink scorpion attack at 4. 

The girls all send elemental attacks at 2 and one set of soldiers, knocking them back. The knights handle 4 and the other set of soldiers, knocking them back too. Madison then uses her electric powers to take control of a mining vehicle, as it gets in the way of the soldiers' laser blasts, scaring them off.

"Ha, nice work Maddie! Let's move!" Cynthia said, as she hurls another boulder at 2, knocking him down.

"Audrey, which ones do we activate?" Jake asked, looking at the painting.

"The wind and water elementals!" Audrey replied, as she sends a wind gust at a soldier, knocking them away.

Madison flies up and matches her hand against the water elemental's hand. Jake does the same with the wind elemental's. Warren walks forward, seeing this.

"STOP THEM!" Warren yelled, as the soldiers keep firing their lasers.

The vehicle Madison is controlling gets in the way, blocking the blasts. Jake and Madison close their eyes and focus, as they make the circles around the water and wind elemental's hands glow. The painting glows once more, as the Emperor's hand moves. The water and wind elemental both glow, making whispering noises. Suddenly, the daughter and elemental figures begin to sink into the ground, along with the rest of the temple. Rocks fall down, as the temple begins to collapse. Jake and Madison then pass out, and the Heart of Karmania has also gone blank. Audrey grabs Jake, and Trent grabs Madison, taking them to safety. The heroes make it out of there, as they keep avoiding laser blasts and attacking back.

"So much for teleporting out of here..." Tori said, seeing the blank heart on Madison.

"Good thing we got a ride!" Roxy said, as the heroes all hop onto the moving mining vehicle. 

Nick takes control of the vehicle, as he begins to drive it out of the dig site. 2 and 4 try to stop them, but the remaining heroes all send combined attacks at the two from atop the vehicle. They are sent flying against the painting wall, landing on the ground knocked out, as the temple keeps shaking.

“THE TEMPLE, IT’S COLLAPSING!” Warren panicked.

He rushes forward hastily, seeing the painting. The seven deer run back towards it, as the Emperor moves his hands apart. He then claps them together, letting out a flash of light. Warren tries to look through the blinding light, seeing how the temple continues to sink.

"What have they done with the knowledge...EVERYTHING WILL BE LOST!" Warren yelled, panicking. 

The mining drill keeps making its way out of there, with many soldiers and Mining Guild employees fleeing in a panic.

"NOOOOOO!!!" Warren yelled.

Warren jumps forward, but is consumed into the light, and falls into the sinking hole, along with 2 and 4.

On the mining vehicle, Audrey holds Jake close and Trent holds Madison close as well.

"It'll be okay..." Audrey whispered to Jake, as he is still passed out along with Madison.

"It's gonna be close!" Cynthia panicked, as the light begins to consume the whole area.

"Driving as fast I can when it comes to one of these things...whatever it's called!" Nick said, desperately trying to get the mining vehicle out of the site.

Jake is on the ground, and the area turns white.

"Remember: I'll be with you, along with the magic of Karmania...always." Cameron's voice reassured to Jake.

...

Jake wakes up, as does Madison. The heart lights up again. The mining vehicle has stopped. 

"If this was what happened last time you visited this place, then that temple can stay gone!" Skipper said.

"...What do you mean?" Madison asked, confused.

"Jake and Madison, you have to see this." Audrey replied.

They escort the two outside. The area is a complete barren wasteland now. The temple and dig site are both completely gone.

"Where are we?" Jake asked.

"Where we were before...as hard as it is to believe." Roxy replied.

"...What, but the temple...it's gone. How?" Jake asked.

"You tell us." Cynthia replied.

"Okay, so if I may be the first to ask questions...where the heck were you guys!?" Trent asked.

"Thank you, someone finally asked!" Roxy replied.

"It's...a long, complicated story. But...Cameron is still alive." Madison said, shocking them.

"That is a relief...wait, where is he?" Skipper asked, looking around, as Jake and Madison aren't sure how to respond.

"He's...not coming back. It was his destiny to stay behind and make sure nobody like the Federation ever attempts to gain access to the world we were just in. He did it for all of us." Jake explained.

"What a brave knight. I will miss him. My only regret is that I wish I had been a knight longer when he was around..." Skipper said sadly.

"But with the temple gone, we have no way back into this mysterious world you speak of..." Zero realized.

"It's for the best. Nobody else can get inside there, or they would gain insane power. Cameron and the deer saved all of us. They helped us stop the Federation from controlling the entire universe." Madison replied, shocking them.

“So...he's really gone now, isn’t he?” Nick asked sadly to Jake and Madison.

"...Yes. But not entirely. He'll still be watching over us. Trust me. I know what we have to do now. In the way Cameron showed me. One last lesson." Jake said.

"You really have matured a lot, dude. I'm sure Cameron is proud of you two, wherever he is." Nick said.

"He is. And we won't let his sacrifice be in vain. We're going to finally defeat the Federation once and for all." Madison said, determined.

The heroes walk away, but Jake keeps standing there. He sees the white Karmanian deer in the distance, looking at him. The deer nods, and walks away into the morning sun.

"...Goodbye, Cameron." Jake replied, content.

He calmly walks through the desert, similar to how Cameron did in the world between worlds. He heads back to meet with the heroes.

Notes/Trivia:

-Deaths: Warren, 2 and 4

-Area Debuts: World Between Worlds

-There are many lines of dialogue from spin-offs and literatures from SBC across the past ten years. See if you can identify them all!  

-

 

Cameron is revealed to have been teleported to the world between worlds by the Karmanian Deer after the fuel pod explosion. He has decided to stay there, protecting the world so nobody else tries to take its power. Farewell, Cameron.

 

[TJ]

THAT WAS AWESOME! Seriously, the fans couldn't of asked for a better 100th episode. So we have both Jake and Madison in this cool "World Between World" which reflects back to how we first started the show kinda through their eyes. Speaking of this world between world, I thought it was a seriously cool thing to have lines from several different SBC spin-offs from the past and present. From what I saw there was: Team SpongeBob, JCMovies (?), PR:MV, Miss Appear, Cerbus the Aardvark, KOTM, and a lot more I think I'm missing. Way to tie in the 100th episode to the 10 year anniversary of spin-offs. 

Continuing on, it's interesting that in the very first episode, Cameron was very much against Jake as knight leader and kind of wanted that power and importance for himself. But 100 episodes later, we have Cameron entrusting Jake with the duty to keep leading the knights, while Cameron becomes the permanent protector of the world between worlds.... which, I'M NOT OKAY!!!! I mean, I'm happy that he survived (and even has his eyesight back), but I was so torn up about him having to stay  . I know it's in the best interest, but maaaan. 

I just.... need a minute to process it all. Hats off to you, Jjs. Over these 100 episodes, you created another gem of a series. It's only up from here  .

[SpongeOddFan]

what @TJ said above, it was nice to see the lines from past SO/Lits for past 10 years, and it made smile on my face I seriously enjoyed this 100th episode of MG. I will definitely miss the blue kinight who saved them from the Federation (and creepy Brak) for what they tried to kill them...damn

but yeah that was one of saddest & heartmarming episode I've read...thank you, jjs.

[Jjs Goodman]

101. The Hills Have Five

A group of Karmanians are seen walking through the Western Karmania deserts. A village is up ahead near the hills.

“Man, I hate walking through the desert...” one of the male villagers said.

“At least I have my man to protect me!” a female villager said, staying close to her boyfriend.

Suddenly, the group hears several sounds from the distance. Motorbike noises are heard.

“What in tarnation!?” one of the other males asked, looking around in a panic.

Dust clouds form across the area. Suddenly, five motorbikes jump out of nowhere, and begin to swarm around the group of Karmanians. The males hold their girlfriends close by. The bikes stop circling around.

“W-what do you want!?” another male asked.

The biker gang leader gets off their large, rusty bike. They are wearing metal armor and a furry cape. Their old metal helmet has strange writing all over it, and they have an odd, golden triangular artifact hanging from their neck. They hold out a staff, and slam it into the sandy ground.

“We are the Wild Five. I am their awesome and amazing leader, Maximus Tong. We ravage these harsh deserts in search of a beautiful treasure. And we’ve found not one, not two, not even three, but four of those beautiful treasures...” Maximus Tong explained, pointing his staff at the female Karmanian villagers.

“Hey, you’re not taking my girl!” one of the male villagers said, ready to fight.

“Yeah, we’re not going with you creeps! Go away!” one of the female villagers protested.

“Heh, you misunderstand ma’am, this ain’t a declinable offer...” one of the other bikers said.

The other four bikers hop off, and approach the females. Two of the gang members are revealed to be Tusk and Iguitor, wearing biker gear and armor.

“THESE BOYFRIENDS OF YOURS LOOK LIKE WIMPS!” Tusk yelled, irritating the villagers.

“We’ll show you, nobody tries to take my girl!” one of the male villagers said.

They charge up to Tusk, ready to fight, but Tusk punches them, sending the male villager flying down into the sand. Another male villager charges at Iguitor, but he punches him and then whacks him aside with his tail.

"Nice try chump." Iguitor taunted, seeing him on the ground, as he laughs.

One of the female villagers tries to fight back, but she is grabbed by one of the other two bikers, who is a mole.

“Help!" she cried.

Her boyfriend tries to save her, but Maximus Tong quickly knocks him out with his staff, and sends him to the sandy ground. The last biker, who is a skunk, grabs the other female villager, knocking her boyfriend to the ground. The five bikers carry the female villagers onto their bikes, restraining them onto the backs with handcuffs. The five rev up their bikes, ready to race off.

“So long, losers!” Maximus Tong taunted to the male villagers who are on the ground.

The five race off through the Western Karmania desert. The males get up, trying to chase after, but it’s too late. Sand blows into their faces, making them cough.

“No, my lovely Shelia is gone! WHY!?” one of the male villagers yelled, falling to the sandy ground crying.

“Don’t worry guys, we’ll get our women back! ...Somehow!” another male villager said, determined and also unsure.

The villagers keep looking out into the desert plains, as sand keeps blowing around from the bikes.

The guardians and knights are seen outside the Central Karmania castle, speaking to Ranen and Elana.

"We've had reports of a dangerous biker gang calling themselves the "Wild Five" riding around Western Karmania and kidnapping people. Since they have no monarchy or authority there to keep control, I want you all to investigate the area." Ranen explained to them.

"Roger that, sir." Trent replied.

"Oh right...I'm sorry to hear about Cameron, everyone. I'm glad he's still okay wherever he is, but I'll miss him. He helped me a lot with using this sword, and I'll never forget his training with me." Elana said, looking at the sword.

"We'll all miss him. But he's in a better place now, and he wants us to move on without him. We'll defeat the Federation...for him. He'll still be by our side from beyond." Jake said, as the heroes all agree.

"First though, let's investigate what the deal is with these biker dorks." Cynthia said.

"I don't really want to go back to Western Karmania. I hate being in the scorching desert, but alas, duty calls." Tori said.

"At least we won't be trapped there with no way of teleporting out this time." Skipper said playfully, referencing his crash with Nick from "Flight of the Destroyer".

"Yeahh, I'm still sorry about that, dude. But hey, at least we're here in the now, and that's what matters!" Nick replied.

"Do you know anything else about this "Wild Five"?" Madison asked Ranen.

"No, not really. They had been a secret, underground group for a while, and only recently started to make themselves more well known. They also apparently like to kidnap female Karmanians specifically." Ranen explained, confusing them.

"Are they desperate for girlfriends or something? Creeps." Roxy said.

"Nobody will be kidnapping and harassing innocent women on our watch! What a bunch of jerks, they're going to pay for this." Madison said.

"If it turns out these guys only want girlfriends, then they're our most pathetic villains yet." Cynthia said.

"Where specifically in Western Karmania should we investigate? They could be roaming anywhere within the kingdom." Zero asked Ranen.

"Reports say these attacks are happening closest to Sandy Sun Village. You can find that village a few miles west of the old Battlestar base." Ranen replied.

"Something tells me these bikers wouldn't stand a chance against Tori's motorbike skills." Audrey said, thinking about it gleefully.

"If they want to do a cliche race challenge, then trust me, I'm game for it." Tori replied, as the girls laugh.

A portal opens, as the heroes arrive back in Western Karmania in their powered up forms. There is a major sandstorm blowing.

"Yup, I still hate this kingdom." Tori said, trying to keep the sand out of her face.

"Good thing we have these helmets on." Nick said, tapping his green helmet.

Audrey clears the air with her wind powers, blowing the sandstorm out of their ways.

"Thanks Audrey." Roxy said, flying through the clear air.

The heroes make their way through the desert plains. They then see Sandy Sun Village up ahead, near a mountain range. The heroes enter the village, seeing a few buildings made of hard sand and rock around. There is also a market and hotel. However, the heroes look around to see many male villagers looking depressed, while others are crying, putting their hands over their faces. There are no females in the village whatsoever.

"Wow, did they kidnap all of the girls from this village?" Cynthia asked, looking around.

"Greetings. We're here to investigate the mysterious rapscallions known as the "Wild Five". Can you reveal to us anything you know further about this heinous group? Uh... I hope my greeting was not too out there for you, because I am a normal being, just like you. I hope I'm not creeping you out now, perhaps I should stop speaking..." Skipper was greeting to a villager outside a house, confusing the villager.

"Heh, you sound a lot like I do with my ramblings. We make perfect wizard buddies!" Nick said.

"You guys have probably scared him, let me do the talking." Tori said, approaching the villager.

"No, it's fine. I've met stranger people than that orange knight. Anyways, I don't know much else on this jerk biker gang, but they stole my beautiful Shelia! And I have no idea where she is now! Please get her back!" the villager said, sobbing.

"I promise we will, sir. Do you have any descriptions on the Wild Five members?" Madison asked.

"Uhh...their leader was some weirdo with a metal outfit and actually kind of cool fuzzy cape. One member was a skunk, another was a mole, then there was a really loud and annoying walrus, and also some lizard guy." the villager explained. 

"Wait...a loud walrus..." Trent was saying, recalling Tusk.

The other heroes realize what he is saying.

"Based on this witness' description, it sounds as if two of the Wild Five members are Tusk and Iguitor, Beast's former henchmen." Zero concluded.

"Well that gives us more of a reason to take down these punks." Tori said.

"I always wondered where those two knuckleheads ran off to after Beast's defeat. Didn't expect them to become part of a biker gang of all things, but since they followed Beast, I guess those two will follow anyone, which is kind of sad." Nick said.

"Beast knew how to tap into the anger of monsters. Maybe those two, along with the other members, are just following another false idol. Not all monsters are inherently evil as Whiger showed me. We can show them there's another path to take." Jake said.

"Wow, you sure are sounding like Cameron right now." Audrey said, impressed.

"I guess all our time together paid off." Jake replied contently.

"Wait, did their leader have a name?" Trent asked the villager.

"Wait...yeah, he did. He went by..."Maximus Tong", whatever the heck that means." the villager replied.

The heroes all laugh upon hearing that name.

"REALLY? THAT'S the big bad leader's name? That is hilariously bad!" Cynthia said, laughing very hard.

"That is seriously one of the best villain names ever, wow, I can't even take it seriously." Madison said.

"Anyone who names themselves "Maximus Tong" probably isn't much of a threat, like at all. I'm not worried now." Tori replied, still chuckling.

"Do you know where the Wild Five is now?" Skipper asked the villager, impressed he asked that without messing it up.

"No clue. They wander around the deserts at random. You're on your own from there, sorry." the villager replied.

"Don't be sorry, you gave us a lot to work with. Now we know who we're exactly dealing with." Jake replied.

"Good luck, guardians and knights. Thank you for wanting to aid us." the villager replied, getting up and feeling happier.

"We never deny a person in need, even the most ridiculous request!" Nick replied.

"Oh sweet, can you guys help me open this jar of pickles then?" another villager asked, approaching them, trying to get the lid off the jar.

"...Maybe there are some requests we can deny." Madison replied awkwardly.

"Eh, let's be nice." Trent said, as he pops the lid off for the villager.

"Woohoo, thank you!" the villager said, as they eat their pickles and walk away.

The remaining male villagers gather in the center of the village, cheering for the heroes.

"Alright everyone, we promise we'll get your ladies back. Stay calm." Cynthia said to the villagers, who cheer.

"Thank you guardians and knights! Get them back, and give a good beating to those rude bikers!" a villager said, rooting for them.

"Whoa Cynthia, when did you get so much initiative and become an eloquent speaker?" Tori asked.

"I guess losing a team member can make me step my game up, also because in this scenario I don't approve of women being kidnapped by creeps either, so there's that too." Cynthia said, feeling confident.

The heroes venture off into the deserts again, looking back at Sandy Sun Village from behind.

"Alright, now we need to lure the bikers out in the open somehow. But how?" Audrey asked.

"Well...these guys are after girls, right? We have five girls right here." Skipper said.

The girls are not thrilled by this idea however.

"Oh come on, I don't want to be bait..." Roxy said, sighing.

"Yeah, but we're the only ones who can get their attention, as much as I hate it too." Madison replied.

"Actually, I'm fine with being bait. I want to see these guys and give them a piece of mind as quickly as possible." Tori said smugly.

"Make that two of us, let them come to us all they want." Cynthia agreed, clenching her fists.

"We'll be by your side if something goes wrong, though something tells me these guys aren't going to be as threatening as they're hyped up to be." Trent said.

The five girls are seen in the middle of the desert, flying around close to the ground, out in the open. The Wild Five are on a mountain cliff nearby, as Maximus Tong sees them through his binoculars.

"Those are...the guardians. I see they have come to stop my operation, but ha! That will not happen. Those beautiful ladies will soon learn to appreciate the Wild Five!" Maximus Tong said.

"UGH, NOT THOSE GIRLS! BE CAREFUL BOSS, THEY ARE POWERFUL!" Tusk warned, yelling.

"Would you keep it down!?" the mole biker asked, annoyed.

"He is right though, don't underestimate those ladies or their knights, who are probably 'round somewhere..." Iguitor said, looking through his goggles for the knights.

"Well I definitely hear Tusk..." Audrey said from below, hearing his obnoxious yelling.

"Good, then they're close." Cynthia said.

"Let's go boys!" Maximus Tong yelled.

"You do realize this is most likely a trap, right?" the skunk biker asked.

"Oh yes, but I'd love to show these beautiful ladies our power. Besides, all I need is one girl to finish our goal." Maximus Tong replied, holding onto the artifact around his neck.

The Wild Five rev up their bikes, as they go zooming off the mountain cliff. They land onto the sandy ground, racing through the desert. The five knights are behind a rock, as they see them zoom by, with sand flying everywhere due to their bikes.

"Here they come..." Skipper said, observing.

The five make it closer to the girls.

"Do we attack now?" Roxy asked, as they keep getting closer.

"Not yet..." Cynthia said, as she concentrates.

The five get very close. Cynthia quickly makes the sandy ground ahead of them rise up. The five quickly swerve around it however, but she then rises up more of the ground, as the skunk and mole bikers crash into the wall, falling to the ground. Tori then sends several water blasts at Maximus Tong, who moves his bike around fast, avoiding every blast.

"For a hunk of junk bike, he sure can move it pretty fast!" Madison said, sending a lightning blast at Iguitor, who avoids the blast.

Iguitor pulls out a machine gun, and begins firing laser blasts from it at the girls, who fly around avoiding it. The knights then charge forward. The skunk and mole bikers get up, but the knights attack them. The mole biker holds out a battle ax, clashing it against Skipper's sword. The skunk biker holds out a club, clashing it against Zero's sword. Jake, Trent and Nick go off to fight the other three bikers. Audrey sends a gust attack at Maximus Tong, but he quickly avoids it as well, and holds out his staff. Roxy sends several pink scorpion attacks at Tusk, knocking him off his bike.

"DANGIT, NO! AND WHY DO THESE ATTACKS FEEL LIKE SCORPION BITES?!" Tusk asked angrily, getting up and pulling out his ice daggers.

"Because they are scorpion bites, dummy." Roxy said, sending a pink magic blast at him, but he avoids it.

"I'LL SHOW YOU GIRL!" Tusk yelled, charging at Roxy.

Cynthia makes the ground under Iguitor rise up, as he keeps riding across the shifting plates. He fires his machine gun at her, but she avoids the blasts. She then quickly hurls a boulder at Iguitor, knocking him off the bike, and his machine gun falling to the side. Madison sends a lightning blast at the machine gun, turning it to ash.

"No, I worked so hard to make that! Thanks a lot!" Iguitor said irritated, getting up and holding out his spike club.

Zero sends out a stun blast at the skunk, dazing them. He quickly strikes the club out of their hands, and knocks the skunk down to the ground. Skipper sends dark lightning at the mole's ax, throwing it out of their hands.

"What the-" the mole was saying, as Skipper punches them in the face, knocking him to the ground as well.

Trent fires laser arrows at Iguitor, who blocks them with his club. Nick and Jake help Roxy take on Tusk, who swiftly avoids their attacks, and sends ice blasts from his ice daggers.

"JOINING MAXIMUS TONG HAS MADE ME STRONGER, FOOLS!" Tusk yelled, sending more ice blasts, as Roxy barely avoids them, while Jake and Nick deflect them.

"WOULD YOU STOP YELLING!?" Roxy yelled, summoning several sand scorpions hidden in the ground.

The scorpions leap at Tusk, but he freezes them all with his ice daggers, knocking them aside. Maximus Tong keeps riding around the desert, avoiding attacks from Madison, Cynthia, Tori and Audrey.

"Dang, this guy is fast..." Madison said, as he avoids another lightning strike from her.

"It's like he anticipates our every move..." Audrey said.

Maximus Tong keeps holding onto his artifact, as he laughs. He then presses a button on his bike, which fires several laser blasts at the girls, who fly around, trying to avoid.

"Let's see how he does against another biker..." Tori said.

"What are you doing?" Cynthia asked, as Tori concentrates.

Tori sends out a water blast, and forms an aquatic motorbike with it, made entirely out of water, as bubbles flow through it. It stands stable on the ground, as Tori floats down onto it.

"Wow, I never knew you could do that." Audrey said, impressed.

"Neither did I until now." Tori said, as she revs up the bike with her water powers.

"That looks cool, actually. Please show that pompous show-off jerk of a creep how you really ride a bike!" Cynthia said.

"Not sure if this will be very safe without a helmet, but oh well, rules don't matter when we're stopping bad guys!" Tori said.

Tori zooms off on the aquatic bike, as she gets closer to Maximus. Zero and Skipper send attacks at Maximus, but he deflects their attacks with his staff, as he keeps on riding with Tori trailing behind him.

"...What kind of ridiculous contraption is Tori on!?" Skipper asked.

"It appears to be a motorcycle made out of water, which is apparently something she can do now. Intriguing." Zero said, impressed.

Trent keeps fighting off Iguitor, avoiding his club. Madison comes to his aid, as she sends a lightning blast at him, and he barely avoids it. Trent then sends a burn blast from his stone at Iguitor's club, melting it.

"Aw come on, not another weapon! I'm all out now!" Iguitor said, sighing, as he holds up his hands in defeat, causing Madison and Trent to stop attacking.

"Huh, an enemy surrendering. That rarely, if ever, happens." Trent said, surprised, as is Madison.

Tusk keeps firing ice blasts at Roxy, Nick and Jake. Nick sends a fire spell from his green stone, which melts one of the daggers.

"HA, I STILL HAVE THE OTHER FOOL!" Tusk yelled.

Tusk shoots an ice blast at Roxy, hitting her wing. She then sends another pink magic blast at him, hitting him in the face. Jake runs up and quickly strikes the other ice dagger out of Tusk's hand.

"OKAY FINE, I SURRENDER!" Tusk yelled nervously, throwing up both his hands.

"Huh, we rarely get enemies surrendering, that's a surprise." Nick said, as they stop attacking.

"Tusk, why do you and your friend keep joining horrible people? Why don't you two go on your own paths? You don't have to be evil. I know you two weren't bad before you met Beast, I see it in your aura." Jake said to him.

"HEY, MAXIMUS TONG IS A NICE GUY! HE ACTUALLY CARES ABOUT US, TRUST ME!" Tusk yelled back.

"Okay seriously dude, can you stop yelling everything you say, it's really not funny." Nick said, annoyed.

"Sorry, force of habit. But yes, I am not leaving this gang, it's...the only home Iguitor and I have now!" Tusk said, slightly sad, but still confident.

Tori gets closer to Maximus Tong, riding near him.

“Hey dirtbag, I challenge you to a motorbike race!” Tori said, as Maximus Tong turns to the side.

"What an interesting form of motorbike you have there, pretty lady." Maximus Tong complimented

"Eww, please don't hit on me, I'm seriously about to hurl." Tori replied, sickened.

"I do not love anyone, I am only offering you a kind compliment, madame. Now then, I'd love to race you, but now is not the time for that." Maximus Tong replied, swerving, as Tori follows.

"And why is that? Scared you'll lose to a girl?" Tori asked, shooting a water ball at him, but Maximus Tong blocks it with his staff.

"No, because you are the one I've been seeking. The last key. And also because you need to watch your surroundings, madame!" Maximus Tong replied, confusing her.

"What-" Tori was saying.

Maximus Tong makes his bike slow down, and slams his staff against Tori, knocking her off the bike. The water bike disappears, due to her losing focus. Maximus Tong then zaps her with his staff, knocking Tori out. Zero and Skipper see this, as they run to her rescue.

"Let her go, you fiend!" Skipper said, as he runs forward and clashes his orange sword against Maximus Tong's staff.

Zero tries to grab Tori, but Maximus Tong fires a laser blast at him from a handgun, which Zero deflects with his sword. Skipper looks at the artifact around Maximus Tong's neck, analyzing it in curiosity.

"Where did you get that artifact, if I may ask?" Skipper asked.

"That is none of your business, and it is mine. It will forever be mine!" Maximus Tong replied.

Skipper throws a pineapple at him, but Maximus Tong grabs it. He crushes it, surprising Skipper.

"Nobody has ever outmaneuvered my dark magic before, how did you-" Skipper was saying, as Maximus Tong punches him, knocking him aside.

Zero strikes his sword at Maximus Tong's staff, but he jumps out of the way. He quickly grabs Tori, and hops onto his bike, throwing the unconscious Tori on the back. He revs it up, as he rides off.

"Stop him!" Skipper yelled to the heroes, as he gets up.

Suddenly, Tusk, Iguitor, the skunk biker, and the mole biker all get onto their bikes as well, riding off with Maximus Tong. The heroes try to give chase, but sand blows everywhere thanks to the bikes, covering their tracks. Audrey blows the sand away, but it's too late. The Wild Five have vanished.

"No, Tori! Trying to use a bike she winged on the fly probably wasn't the greatest idea, but oh well, we have to get her back!" Cynthia yelled out, upset.

"Not to worry. I planted a tracking device on Maximus Tong's bike, which will lead us to where they will go next, most likely wherever their base is. They have to rest somewhere." Zero said, as a small flashback shows him shooting one at the bike while Skipper was fighting Maximus Tong.

"Why is it Tori is always the one that gets kidnapped out of all the team members?" Nick asked.

"Don't know, but I imagine she's tired of being a damsel in distress. She was able to escape from Motordrone on her own that one time though, so I think she'll be fine...I hope." Madison said, worried.

"Tread carefully. I sense some dark arts are at work here..." Skipper said ominously.

"What do you mean?" Roxy asked.

"There is something eerie about that artifact the one called "Maximus Tong" possesses. I sense a dark power from it..." Skipper said, unsure what to make of it.

"That would explain how he kept avoiding our every moves like some psychic..." Cynthia said, as the heroes head off.

The Wild Five's hideout is seen. They have taken over the old Battlestar base, rebuilding it from scratch into their own base. Tori is seen waking up in a jail cell.

"What...ugh...what a cheating jerk. Maybe I should've tested that bike first..." Tori said, rubbing her head.

She looks around, seeing nine female Western Karmanian villagers in the room with her, who are in handcuffs.

"You are a guardian! Yes, you're here to save us!" another one said.

"Yeah, I was, but then I got captured. Unfortunately, I'm not a lock picker..." Tori said, seeing the closed jail door.

"Don't worry, I know you tried your best!" another one said.

Iguitor, Tusk, the skunk biker, and the mole biker enter the room, whistling.

"Hey ladies, which one of you likely girls wants to have the great Iguitor himself as your man?" Iguitor asked, looking through the jail bars at the girls.

"Eww, no. Go away, creep." one of them said.

"I already have a boyfriend who I'd rather be with!" another one said.

"Come on ladies, give me a chance! Once you get past the smell, I am not so bad, yes?" the skunk biker asked to the girls, talking in a French accent like Pepe Le Pew.

"I may be dirty, but I'm a nice guy who deserves happiness! ...Please?" the mole biker said, begging to the girls.

"I'm not sure if you're a "nice guy" if you're a part of this weird biker cult." Tori said, as the girls cheer for her snide remark.

"You go girl!" one of them said.

"PSH, I DON'T NEED A GIRL, I'M ONLY IN THIS GANG FOR THE MONEY!" Tusk yelled, irritating the girls.

"Can someone shut him up!? I can't stand him the most of those five weirdos!" another girl said, covering her ears in pain.

Tori concentrates, focusing her attention on the mole biker.

"Open the jail door, open the jail door..." Tori repeated in her mind multiple times to the mole.

"Open the jail door..." the mole said, as he approaches it.

He unlocks the door, letting Tori and several others go.

"You idiot, why did ya do that!?" Iguitor asked annoyed.

"Duh..." the mole said, as Iguitor whacks him in the head, as he falls to the ground knocked out.

Tori sends a powerful water blast at the four bikers, washing them away down the hall. Tori frees the other girls, as they cheer for her.

"Thank you so much, I finally want to get out of this horrible place and go back to my boyfriend!" a villager said.

Tori, along with the other nine, make it out of the jail room and into a cavern hall. The four bikers get up and are about to attack, but Tori sends more water blasts at the four. Tusk and Iguitor avoid them, while the mole and skunk are knocked aside. Tusk and Iguitor attack back at Tori, who flies around, and also protecting the female villagers. Some of the female villagers help Tori fight the two off, as one punches Tusk in the face.

"OWW!" Tusk yelled.

"That's for being loud and annoying!" the villager said smugly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that's enough." Maximus Tong said calmly, as he walks forward, clapping.

Tori is about to send a water blast at him, when suddenly, she can't move. A dark aura glows around her body, along with the other nine female villagers, who are unable to move.

"Oh come on, what kind of hack is this?" Tori asked, trying to summon a water blast, but cannot.

"Hehe, that's some of the boss's magic..." the skunk said, taunting her.

Maximus Tong holds out his staff, which is emitting the dark aura that is freezing the girls.

"I knew you were cheating somehow, there's no way any skilled biker could've avoided all of our attacks like that. Speaking of, interesting...gold thing you have there." Tori said, seeing the triangular artifact around his neck.

"Quite observant of you, girl. This is a good luck charm of mine. I found it on a desert hunt a long time ago. It called to me. It is my life. It is what protects me. Nobody will ever take it away from me." Maximus Tong said creepily, as he looks at the artifact in odd joy.

"Weirdo." one of the girls said.

"Okay, so I can safely check "psycho" off the checklist for you, nice." Tori replied, but Maximus Tong ignores her.

"Now what are you gonna do with them, boss? Split two each for the five of us?" Iguitor suggested.

"Sounds like a sweet deal to me!" the mole replied.

"No. These girls are for none of us." Maximus Tong replied, confusing everyone.

"BUT I THOUGHT THE WHOLE POINT OF YOUR OPERATION WAS TO GET US GIRLFRIENDS!?" Tusk asked.

Maximus Tong then begins laughing, which echoes through his helmet.

"Fools, I never cared about your petty plights! I'm only doing this for me! I just needed extra muscle to make myself seem more threatening. You see, one day while I was exploring Western Karmania, I came across some abandoned ruins, which were pretty cool, but also kinda creepy. I saw scriptures about an ancient dark elemental demon, named Fred. I studied his arts...with mixed results, and made a deal with him to grant me his powers! However, that came at the cost of sacrificing the souls of ten females...one of which includes a guardian of Karmania! And it's time I repay my debt to him! WOO!" Maximus Tong explained happily, shocking everyone.

"Wait, so what the heck is that artifact you have then? I thought that was giving you the dark magic." Tori said, confused.

"Oh nah, I really don't know what this thing is, to be honest with you. But it's made me a lucky man all these years so I see it as my luck charm! Now then, get ready to be sacrificed-" Maximus Tong was saying.

Suddenly, the skunk biker pulls out a handgun, aiming it at Maximus Tong.

"I had a feeling you were gonna betray us. I had spied on ya and overheard some of the things you said to that Fred demon. I ain't letting you take those women, they're mine!" the skunk said.

"...I don't exactly want to be yours either, although I can't deny this plot twist is...something, as crazy as it is." Tori said, confused.

Suddenly, the mole biker pulls out a handgun too, aiming it at the skunk biker.

"Heh, well I had a feeling you were going to double cross the boss, so behind your back Maximus told me about his plan, and said I'd become powerful too if I helped him. I never really cared about these stupid, rude and ugly women! I mean look at me, I was never getting any of them anyways!" the mole explained.

"Psh, you're one to call us ugly!" one of the villagers said.

Tusk and Iguitor look at these events confused.

"Are you two gonna double cross me, huh? ARE YA!?" the mole asked, about to aim his gun at them too.

"Uh...no, I'm actually really confused and kind of disappointed we ended up being used...again." Iguitor said, as the two walk off to the side.

"Yeah...I can't even yell about this...wow." Tusk replied, unsure how to feel.

Maximus Tong then quickly swings his staff, and zaps the skunk biker with it, knocking him out. 

"Good work boss, now let's-" the mole was saying.

Maximus Tong also zaps him with the staff, letting him fall to the ground knocked out too.

"I am only loyal to one person: myself. Come my beautiful sacrifices, it is time I repay Fred!" Maximus Tong said.

He walks down the cavern hall, as the girls are forcibly dragged along, while Maximus Tong whistles.

"Wow...maybe that red knight was right. Perhaps we've been wasting our lives by working for con artists like him, Iguitor." Tusk said, disappointed.

"It's not too late, dude. Maybe there's still a chance to redeem ourselves..." Iguitor pondered.

Outside the hideout, the rest of the heroes approach, as Zero is looking at his scanner.

"Isn't this the old Battlestar base?" Audrey realized.

"Yup, it's this terrible place again, and it looks even worse than before." Cynthia said, seeing the Wild Five's graffiti everywhere across the hideout. "Let's get Tori and end this already."

The heroes enter the hideout. Meanwhile, Maximus Tong approaches the ritual room. There is a large, creepily drawn cult circle in the center.

"Fred, I have your payment!" Maximus Tong said.

He throws some magic sand onto the center, and lights it on fire. The circle lights up, as from a fiery vortex, Fred the Demon appears. He is a small, mischievous, orange demon.

"About time! Ah yes, the souls of these females will be delicious, especially that Water guardian's..." Fred said, hungry.

"Yeah, too bad, buddy. My friends will be coming any minute now, you know." Tori said, still struggling to move.

"Impossible, our base is top secret and will never be found-" Maximus Tong was saying.

Several attacks from the heroes are sent, as Maximus Tong and Fred avoids them. They enter the ritual room, ready to fight.

"WHAT!? How did you find us!?" Maximus Tong asked.

"Tracking device, smart one." Roxy said, pointing to his motorbike.

"Oh, hey Fred." Skipper greeted to Fred, who apparently know each other.

"Whoa, haha, if it isn't Skipper! When did you become orange?" Fred asked.

"I'm a knight of Karmania now, man. Though it's a bit unfortunate we appear to be on opposite sides now..." Skipper said.

"...You know him?" Cynthia asked, weirded out.

"It's a very long story." Skipper replied.

"Meh, I'm not gonna fight. I'm just gonna sit back and watch." Fred said, as he sits back on a chair and reads a magazine.

Maximus blocks their attacks with his staff, sending dark blasts back from it.

"Enough games! Fred, here are your souls!" Maximus Tong said, approaching the circle, as he drags the ten closer to it, worrying them.

Fred opens his mouth, ready to eat. 

"CHARGE!" Tusk yelled, confusing everyone.

Tusk and Iguitor go charging into the room, as Maximus Tong turns around surprised. Tusk smashes his fists against Maximus Tong's helmet, cracking it in half, and knocking him to the ground. The artifact around Maximus Tong's neck falls off, sliding across the ground. Iguitor then breaks his staff in half. The girls are freed from the dark aura.

"You guys...saved us?" Tori asked, surprised.

"We're tired of being pawns for bad people! Thank you red knight for helping us see the light." Iguitor said to Jake, giving a thumbs up.

"It was no problem. I saw there was still good aura in you two, hidden away. You just kept getting mixed in with the wrong groups of people." Jake said.

"Indeed, and we'll no longer be a problem. We're going down our own path now, together, like the best friends we are!" Tusk said happily.

"Aww, well that was disappointing. No souls for me. Oh well, I can get my dark magic back from this fool!" Fred said.

He absorbs the dark magic he gave to Maximus Tong, taking it back, and now leaving him powerless. 

"See ya Skipper!" Fred said, waving bye to him, as he disappears in the fiery vortex.

"...Okay, seriously, who was that? What just happened?" Trent asked, confused.

"It's a long story." Tori replied, as her and the villagers laugh.

"Well I'm glad you girls are safe." Madison said

Skipper sees Maximus Tong's artifact on the ground, as he picks it up.

"Something tells me this will be important." Skipper said, holding onto it.

Maximus Tong gets up, as his face is shown. He is revealed to just be a normal, ordinary Karmanian, with nothing else special to him. They all look at this and laugh at him.

"Haha, wow, what a loser!" one of the female villagers said.

"Beware, I still have my dark magic..." Maximus Tong was saying, as he realizes his staff is broken. "Oh..."

"By the way, I'm taking your bike too." Tori said smugly, as she blows him a kiss.

Cynthia levitates his bike, taking it away with them.

"No, my bike! Wait, hey, wait a minute, where is my artifact!? WHICH ONE OF YOU TOOK IT!?" Maximus Tong asked, looking around for it, while Skipper whistles.

Tori sends a water blast at him, knocking him against the wall.

"Okay, in hindsight maybe this whole plan was stupid..." Maximus Tong accepted, sighing.

The heroes, along with Tusk, Iguitor and the female villagers, are seen outside of the hideout. Tusk and Iguitor get on their bikes.

"Will we see you two again?" Tori asked them.

"Who knows, but if ya do, we won't be working for any shady jerks, promise. Also Tori, keep up those motorbikin' skills, I could tell you had it in ya. Maximus was just a cheater." Iguitor said.

"Will do." Tori said.

"Take care...friends! Also, yes, I am no longer yelling everything I say! You've changed us for the better!" Tusk said happily.

"Ready for wherever we go next, partner?" Iguitor asked.

"As always!" Tusk replied.

The two's bikes ride off through the Western Karmania desert. The heroes wave farewell to them. 

"It's impressive how many enemies you guys have turned good." Roxy said.

"Sometimes empathizing with your enemy can be better than needless violence, depending on who it is." Jake said.

"That's mature of you, dude." Trent said, impressed.

"Yeah, Cameron taught you well." Madison said.

The heroes safely deliver the female villagers back to Sandy Sun Village. The males reunite with their girlfriends happily.

"Yay Shelia, you're alive! Thank you, guardians and knights!" one of the male villagers said, cheering for them.

"Give special thanks to Tori!" Roxy said, as the female villagers applaud Tori, making her happy.

The heroes are seen back in Central Karmania.

"Good thing that's all over, that was wild." Audrey said.

"Seriously, a group of biking dweebs that were trying to get girlfriends, but then it turned out their leader was only doing this to repay a demon. Wow, this may be one of our most nutty adventures ever." Cynthia said.

"I think he was our most pathetic villain yet, which is saying a lot. But I'll keep his bike for the laughs." Tori said, sitting on it. "Hopefully I can get better at using the water bike someday."

"Skipper, do you know what that thing is?" Jake asked him curiously, as Skipper holds the artifact he took.

"I don't know, but I can't wait to find out..." Skipper said ominously, as the heroes look at the artifact in wonder.

Notes/Trivia:

-Character Debuts: Maximus Tong, Fred the Demon

-Area Debuts: Sandy Sun Village

-It is revealed Tusk and Iguitor became a part of the Wild Five after “Belly of The Beast”. The two have now reformed.

-The Wild Five converted the old Battlestar base into their hideout.

-Tori can make her own motorbike now out of water. This is also the first time since "Motorized" that we see Tori doing her motorbike hobby again.

-The gold triangular artifact the heroes find is a part of the mysterious golden disc object from Beast’s treasure map. This means whatever they found is a part of the key to the haunted treasure.

[TJ]

I thought that was a nice breather following that huge 100th special. I liked the small moments of reference to Cameron as we got Jake adopting his wisdom and ways. The whole plot with the incels Bikers was quite wild to say the least - I very much agree with what the team was saying about these being their nuttiest villains yet. I also loved the showing for Tori in this episode - and the water motorbike scene was badass. Overall, the episode left a nice tie in to the larger mythology with the team now having a part of the key for whatever this treasure is.

[SpongeOddFan]

I find this is one of strangest and weird breather episode I ever have, and this has some interesting stuff with Tori getting good skills on her. I glad those two guys were reformed .

Overall, it was wild ride, and we'll learn more about this mystery of this disc thingy whatever that is.

[Jjs Goodman]

102. The Tale of Vexacus

One night, Vexacus is seen in an abandoned Posidonia warehouse at night. He is working on the remains of the TV Bot, repairing its damaged parts using a blowtorch. Half of his face is still burned off due to Grador's stomach. He looks at a window reflection angrily.

“Accursed scars...I will forever hate that wretched dragon for inflicting these hideous wounds. But not to worry, I am working on my big comeback. It’s only a matter of time until I rule Posidonia, and without the help of those Federation fools. I've accepted they are doomed to fail, and I want no part of their destruction...” Vexacus said to himself as he keeps working on TV Bot.

He then takes another look at the window, seeing his golden left eye.

"And someday, I shall finally get revenge on the pompous fool that took my eye..." Vexacus said bitterly, as it starts to rain outside, while he keeps working on fixing TV Bot.

As it keeps raining, the Posidonia Fields Museum is shown. A mysterious, shady figure in a ninja costume is seen on a rooftop nearby the museum. They look at it with their binoculars. The inside of the museum is shown, as a security guard walks around the exhibits. They shine their flashlight, walking through the shadowy rooms. The mysterious figure watches the security guard from the shadows, looking at him. The figure moves through the shadows, startling the guard, who hears the noise. He shines his flashlight around the room.

"I know someone's in here. Come out, you're not tricking me." the security guard said annoyed, grabbing their baton. 

The figure then quickly moves out of the shadows, striking the security guard. They fall to the floor, dropping their baton and flashlight. Before the security guard can get up, the figure quickly strikes their finger against the security guard's neck. He is paralyzed, and collapses to the floor out cold.

"Heh, sucker." the figure said, as they walk around the room.

They go down a hall, and see a display case. There are two old, green, ghostly blades inside of it. The figure carefully sneaks around the room, jumping from tile to tile with ease like a stealthy ninja. He then looks carefully into the glass display case, looking at the two green blades.

"The Dutchman's Cursed Blades...finally, they are mine." the figure said.

They place a grey device against the glass case. It cuts through the glass, opening a hole. The figure takes The Dutchman's Cursed Blades, and holds them happily. He then hears footsteps. The figure jumps away. Two more security guards run into the room, shining their flashlights around the room. However, the figure has disappeared from the area, as his laugh echoes throughout the museum.

"We've got a problem." one of the guards said, seeing the missing blades.

He pulls out his walkie talkie, speaking to the museum staff, as an alarm goes off. The mysterious figure is seen escaping through the streets of Posidonia Fields, still holding the Dutchman blades in his hands.

"Soon, Posidonia will bow before my power..." the figure said, laughing, as he keeps running super fast, disappearing into the night.

The next day, the heroes are inside of the Golden Seahorse, relaxing.

"I forgot how great this place was without the Federation being here. In fact, it's great to not even see the Federation after everything recently..." Cynthia said, sighing.

"Tell me about it, but alas, those jerks will be back here when night falls. We've been managing however. It still saddens me that you've lost Cameron from your team, but at least he will be with you from beyond." Mai said.

"Yeah, he's not gone." Jake said happily.

"We promise grandma, soon enough we'll finally defeat the Federation once and for all, for you, Cameron, and everyone." Audrey said determined.

"Something tells me that day will arrive much sooner than you believe." Mai said cryptically and happily, as she drinks some tea.

Suddenly, a report appears on the restaurant television. The television shows Paul Dunkley outside of the Posidonia Fields Museum, where several police boats are.

“BREAKING NEWS: Paul Dunkley here, coming to you live. Late last night, the Posidonia Fields Museum was mysteriously broken into! It is unknown who the culprit was, but they stole one artifact: The Dutchman's Cursed Blades, an ancient treasure once belonging to the legendary Flying Dutchman himself. It is rumored this artifact is said to curse whoever touches its blades...forever. Or so legend says, you can never know with these things. The security guards say the culprit moved super fast like a ninja. We'll bring you more updates. This is Paul, signing out." Paul Dunkley reported, gathering the interest of the heroes and startling many customers, who are also interested by this news.

“How intriguing, I've never heard of this artifact, but if that legend is true, this may be worth investigating...” Mai said curiously.

"Well if someone broke into the museum to steal it, it's clearly something they shouldn't have...right? Right?" Nick pointed out, thinking.

"That is right. I know of this artifact. The Dutchman's Blades hold great power to whoever wields them, but they are deadly. They were locked away for a reason. The blades will place a terrible curse on whoever is scratched by them, amongst other dark powers. We must destroy these blades at all costs." Skipper said.

"Look at you, showing off your encyclopedia knowledge on creepy dark magic items." Tori said, impressed.

"Alright, to the museum it is!" Madison said, as the heroes rush out of the Golden Seahorse.

"Hey, no tip?" Chen asked annoyed, looking at their table, as Mai laughs.

Vexacus is seen in the warehouse, and sees Paul Dunkley's report on an old, broken television.

"The security guards say the culprit moved super fast like a ninja..." Paul was saying, which Vexacus paid special attention to.

"...There is only one man who would want The Dutchman's blades and be capable enough of stealing them. Yes...after hiding like a coward for years, my old rival, Tobias Beckett, is back in Posidonia..." Vexacus realized, as he laughs. "I still recall the infernal day we met..."

Vexacus then has a flashback to many years ago...

A younger Vexacus is seen approaching the Posidonia castle, holding an ad which says "BOUNTY HUNTERS WANTED!". He still has both of his eyes, as he approaches the castle entrance. The guards prevent him from moving forward, putting their spears in his way.

"State your business." one of them said.

"I am one of the bounty hunters responding to your king's request." Vexacus said, showing the ad.

"You may proceed." one of the guards said, as they allow him through.

Vexacus walks through the castle, as soldiers walk around. He sees Ramos' fancy artwork, statues of himself, and the fancy castle decorations.

"What a pompous show-off. But if this job makes me money, I'll have to put up with him." Vexacus said.

He then makes his way to the throne room, seeing the doors are open. He walks into the room, seeing Ramos on his throne, with Skipper by his side. Vastacoar and another fish are also in the room, who are holding the same ads Vexacus has. Vastacoar looks over at Vexacus annoyed, confusing Vexacus.

"These fools must be bounty hunters as well. Hopefully I don't have to work with that fellow..." Vexacus said to himself, seeing Vastacoar, and giving a nasty look  back to him.

"You there! Are you the last bounty hunter? About time you got here!" Ramos called out annoyed to Vexacus.

"Yes, I saw your mediocre ad." Vexacus replied, holding it up.

"Mediocre? Hey, I'll have you know I put a LOT of time and effort into that poster, you inconsiderate jerk!" Ramos ranted, as Skipper approaches with his tea.

"I'm sure he didn't mean to speak in a hostile peak, my king." Skipper assured, as Ramos takes the tea and drinks it.

"Ehh...if you say so, but I still don't like the looks of that guy..." Ramos replied, sipping his tea and looking at Vexacus suspiciously.

Suddenly, Barron von John barges into the throne room on his seahorse, riding it around carelessly, annoying everyone in the room.

"Bonjour my friends, my apologies for being late! I'm ready for the wild hunt!" Barron said, getting his bow and arrow ready.

"Who is this IDIOT!?" Ramos boomed, looking at Barron like he's a fool, while Vexacus, Vastacoar and the other fish laugh at him.

"Hey, I am no idiot! I am Barron von John, one of the best hunters in all of the ocean! I saw your beautiful request and would like to help you, ohoh!" Barron said, holding the ad.

"Are you a bounty hunter or some dork roleplaying?" the mysterious fish asked smugly.

"Ohoho, I do not bounty hunt, my fine friend! That sounds scary! I am a hunter of animals though, which I'm sure you'll need my skills for!" Barron said, winking.

"NO! I already have three perfectly good bounty hunters who hunt actual people, I don't need dead weight like you! Also, your ugly seahorse is getting mud all over my floor! Guards, get them out of here!" Ramos demanded, seeing the mud on the floor, as the seahorse gives an irritated neigh at him.

Two guards approach Barron and his seahorse, escorting them out of the throne room by force.

"No no no, mark my words, you will miss having my amazing skills! You'll regret this! Seriously though, call me if you need me! Anyways, au revoir!" Barron said, waving farewell as he is thrown out of the castle, along with his seahorse.

Vexacus, Vastacoar and the mysterious fish keep laughing, as Ramos looks at them.

"Alright, that's enough. You three claim to be bounty hunters, right? You better leave a good impression on me..." Ramos said, eyeing them suspiciously.

"Please my king, allow me to introduce myself first. I am Tobias Beckett, the best, skilled and smartest bounty hunter in the ocean, for I have mastered the art of speed. Yes, I am one of the fastest fish alive. Whoever you want hunted down will never be able to outrun me." Tobias introduced, speaking pompously and arrogantly, which annoys Vexacus.

"Hmm, very promising. I see some of me in you, and that's GREAT! Anyways, as for you?" Ramos asked, looking at Vastacoar.

"I am Vastacoar. I like using my chainsaw to cut my prey to pieces. But I can also keep them in as many pieces alive as you need. I know this is an awkward introduction, but I'm not...good at speaking publicly." Vastacoar said awkwardly, holding out his chainsaw.

"Meh, passable. And lastly, how about you, shark number two?" Ramos asked, looking at Vexacus suspicious.

"I am Vexacus, a great and powerful warrior. I will not let you down, King Ramos. I will serve this country however I can." Vexacus promised.

"Eh, sure. You three seem capable enough, though that Beckett guy might just be the best of you three, we'll see! I sure like his potential!" Ramos said, as this annoys Vexacus.

"Thank you, honorable King Ramos. I promise I'll be the best hunter of this lot, and you won't even have to pay me, that's how generous I am to accept." Tobias said smugly.

"No payment? Works for me! As for you two sharks, eh, we'll figure something out with payment! Now then! You may be wondering who I want you to hunt? I want you to hunt down some enemies of ours in Central Karmania..." Ramos was saying, confusing the three.

"...Karmania, you say?" Tobias asked curiously.

"Isn't that place, uh, a legend?" Vastacoar asked, confused.

'That's what I thought as well..." Vexacus replied, curious.

"No, it's real! The Federation has gained a foothold there, and we're trying to drive off the scum that oppose us there! Skipper, prepare your magic slideshow thing, so these normies know what they're dealing with..." Ramos said to Skipper, as Vexacus looks at them interested in the story behind Karmania, ending the flashback.

"But why come back now?" Vexacus pondered.

He then looks at TV Bot, which he has finished reconstructing.

"No matter. I know just the way to lure Tobias out in the open, along with my other enemies..." Vexacus said, laughing, as he holds out his sword.

The heroes arrive outside the Posidonia Fields Museum. They see the police boats outside, along with Hank investigating the scene.

"I tell you what, whoever stole those fancy blades must be a ninja. The security footage could barely see this guy..." Hank said confused, speaking to some officers.

"A ninja?" Audrey wondered, overhearing Hank.

"Well I don't know ninjas very well, but I don't know why one would want these spooky blades..." Trent said confused.

The heroes try to enter the museum, but the entrance is blocked off by tape. An officer then approaches them.

"Sorry gang, but the museum is closed today. We need to gather as much evidence as possible on who this thief is." the officer said, as the heroes walk off.

"Well how are we supposed to get evidence?" Roxy asked.

"Yeah, Detective Nick won't be able to figure this case out anytime soon if I can't get inside the place where the crime happened..." Nick said, disappointed.

"Not to worry, I have it handled." Zero replied, as he pulls out a spy drone.

"Doc, you know how to deliver." Jake replied.

The spy drone goes flying, as it sneaks into the museum while the officers aren't looking. Zero carefully flies it around, as some other officers patrol around inside the museum. The spy drone makes it way to the room where the blades were stolen. Several officers and detectives are investigating the crime scene. The spy drone zooms in on the glass case, seeing the hole Tobias made in it. The spy drone takes a picture, and then flies away. It goes back outside, reporting to Zero. 

"I see...it appears the thief avoided every security measure. They were able to plant a device onto the display case, cutting through the glass, and allowing them to take the Dutchman's blades." Zero said, examining the footage the spy drone is showing him.

"But who is skilled enough to make their way through all of that museum security?" Madison wondered, as the heroes are all curious.

A black camera is on a wall nearby, listening in on the heroes' conversation. Tobias is then seen in an abandoned apartment room, looking at them through his monitor. He then turns it off.

"Yes, who is the brilliant thief that oh so swiftly stole the Dutchman's prized but accursed treasures? It's me, Tobias Beckett, back in action, baby!" Tobias said, who takes off his ninja mask, and gives out a smug smile. "Ready yourselves Posidonia, I'm coming for ya."

He holds The Dutchman's Cursed Blades in both hands, as he scratches them against each other, and smiles. He then walks out of the room.

Meanwhile, Vexacus is on a rooftop with TV Bot. He is holding a device that will control TV Bot. Suddenly, Morgana and Thorn are seen on another rooftop nearby, looking around at Posidonia Fields.

"Eww, her shirt is ugly..." Thorn said, seeing a female fish walking on the sidewalk, wearing a red shirt.

Morgana then looks to the side, seeing Vexacus nearby.

"...Is that who I think it is?" Morgana asked, getting Thorn's attention.

The two jump to the rooftop, approaching Vexacus.

"...Shark face?" Morgana said, confused.

This startles Vexacus, who turns around, showing the two his half burnt face.

"Eww!" Morgan and Thorn both yell, grossed out.

"What the heck happened to you?" Morgana asked.

"Yeah, we've so been...looking for you for weeks, that's right!" Thorn said awkwardly.

"I'm sure "you" were, but not anyone else. Not like anyone else with your group cares about me. Anyways, I got swallowed by that dragon, that's what happened to me. But I lived...depending if you call what I've become "living". However, do not fret children, for am I still the same Vexacus who will rule over all of Posidonia." Vexacus said determined.

"With us by your side, right shark face?" Morgana asked, still disgusted by his burnt face.

"Yeah, I'm so getting bored with them now, we could use you back there!" Thorn said insincerely.

"No. I've cut all ties with the Federation, Neo Federation, whatever you call them. They are weak and destined to fail. I want no part with them anymore. And I especially cannot work with any organization that has hidden International Police members, even if I care little what becomes of Colress now or whatever "brilliant" scheme he has in store. All of them are doomed to fail, but I am not. I am working on other ways to ensure I rule over Posidonia, do not worry." Vexacus explained, confusing the two.

"But wait shark face, did you hear the blue knight died? Maybe they aren't so incompetent after all?" Morgana asked.

"I've heard, and it's impossible. Edward is not competent enough to pull it off. The knight is still out there somewhere, likely with a magic trick, but I do not care. I will finish the guardians and knights on my own." Vexacus replied.

"Well, we can help you, for old time's sake, partner." Morgana offered.

"Yeah, what she said!" Thorn replied.

"No. You misunderstand, girls. When I said I was cutting all ties with the Federation...that includes you two as well. I must remove as many ties to my past as possible. Also, I know you were planning to betray me sooner or later before I left." Vexacus revealed, startling the two.

TV Bot then walks forward, pointing its arm cannons at the two.

"TARGETS LOCKED." TV Bot spoke.

Morgana and Thorn both transform into their beast forms, as TV Bot fires purple laser blasts at them. Thorn and Morgana try to run, but are quickly blasted by both shots, sending them off the roof. Morgana creates a spider web, saving Thorn and her.

"I think it's safe to say, like, he's so lost it..." Thorn said to Morgana.

"I'm just surprised it took him until now to figure out we planned to double-cross him. Ah well, let's get out of here." Morgana said, as the two flee.

Vexacus then thinks about his past again, and has another flashback...

Ramos and Skipper have finished explaining everything to the three bounty hunters.

"Alright, to prove your worth, you three can go to Karmania right now and help catch some jerks! Tobias can take the area closest to the castle, Vastacoar can take the north, and Vexacus...you can help my inferior brother Brak in Western Karmania. I'm sure the Battlestar would love the assistance. Got it? Good, now GET OUT!" Ramos demanded at once to the three, as Vexacus walks out annoyed with Tobias and Vastacoar.

"Put a smile on that face, Vex. I'm sure you'll do fine..." Tobias said condescendingly to him, as the three head for the Ancient Seal.

Vexacus is seen in Western Karmania, approaching a Battlestar campsite. Brak and some beasts walk out of the tent, wearing battle gear. Brak is wearing his red battle armor from before.

"Greetings, I am Vexacus, a bounty hunter your brother Ramos sent to help." Vexacus said, shaking Brak's hand.

"Welcome. I did not exactly want help, but so be it, you came this far. There are some irritating pests hiding in the mountains up ahead. You may help me snuff them out." Brak explained to Vexacus.

"With pleasure." Vexacus replied.

Several rebels Karmanians are seen running through the mountains in panic. Vexacus and Brak run around the area, chasing them down. Brak strikes one down, capturing them. The remaining two try to run up a hill, but Vexacus jumps down, startling the two. The rebels hold out their wooden swords, which Vexacus breaks with his own. He then captures the two, bringing them to Brak.

"Job well done. You know, I could use your help at a few other areas, if you're willing..." Brak said.

"Indeed, this was fun. You did well yourself, you certainly seem better than your foolish brother." Vexacus replied, as the two laugh.

"How I wish I could be king, but duty calls. Now then, let the hunt begin." Brak said, smiling.

Vexacus and Brak continue to hunt down more rebels throughout Western Karmania. Meanwhile, Tobias and Vastacoar hunt down several rebels throughout Central Karmania. Tobias runs very fast throughout the forests. The rebels try to hide, but Tobias strikes them all down with his daggers, and captures them. One last rebel tries to run, but Tobias is already leaning against a tree, whistling.

"Oh dear, did I forget one? That won't do." Tobias said, as he quickly runs up to the rebel and knocks them out, sending them to the ground.

By the end of the day, Tobias has captured the most rebels, while Vexacus takes second place, and Vastacoar takes third place. The three regroup at Central Karmania.

"You two did adequate, but I came victorious in the end. No hard feelings however, as I'm sure King Ramos will still have a place for you two." Tobias said smugly to them.

"I do not care for your petty competition, I am only in this for the thrill and payment, like any normal bounty hunter." Vexacus replied.

"Relax, we all have our own views. I do not require payment, just results and glory." Tobias replied smugly.

Later at night, the three return to the castle.

"Tobias, you're a great hunter. In fact, you are now my #1 general! Congratulations! As for you two sharks, eh, you're just extra muscle, don't expect much payment." Ramos announced, annoying the two.

"Thank you, thank you, it's an honor..." Tobias replied, bowing before Ramos.

Vexacus is walking down a castle hall, when he overhears Tobias from a room. Vexacus leans against the door. Tobias is inside, looking at a map of the castle.

"Ah, so that spot is where that moron Ramos keeps all of his precious gold. I'll rob him when he least expects it, but first I need to get those two nuisance sharks out of the way, so nobody suspects anything. During our next hunt, I'll finish those two...forever." Tobias said to himself smugly, as this startles Vexacus.

"That sneaky devil...so that is why he took the job, just to get rich. I care little for Ramos, but he will not end me. I will show him..." Vexacus said.

Later at night, Tobias is walking home to his mansion, as Vexacus carefully follows behind. Tobias looks around carefully, and heads inside his mansion. Vexacus then pours some gasoline outside of the mansion, and plants a few explosives. Vexacus detonates them, as the mansion starts to burn. 

"WHAT, MY BEAUTIFUL MANSION!?" Tobias yelled.

Tobias sends a chair right through a window, as he escapes the burning house. Vexacus then charges up to him, swinging his sword, but Tobias counters back with his own daggers. The two get into a fight while the mansion keeps burning behind them.

"YOU! Why have you set ablaze on my beautiful home!? I thought we had no hard feelings!?" Tobias asked, acting.

"I know your plan. You wanted to rob Ramos, and kill me!" Vexacus replied, swinging his sword.

"Heh, you're smarter than I expected, but not smart enough!" Tobias replied.

He catches Vexacus off ground, and quickly strikes one of his daggers at Vexacus' left eye.

"GAAHHHH!!!" Vexacus yelled in pain.

Tobias then quickly runs off, heading back toward the castle. Vexacus struggles to see, but he gives chase. Tobias barges into the throne room, startling Ramos and Skipper. Vexacus follows in not too long after, breathing heavily.

"HELP! My king, that shark burned down my entire mansion!" Tobias said to Ramos, ratting Vexacus out.

"You WHAT!?" Ramos asked, looking at Vexacus angrily.

Skipper walks away, trying to stay out of this.

"Wait, no, don't listen to this fool! You don't underst-" Vexacus was protesting.

"He was clearly jealous you made me #1 instead of him, and he wanted petty payback. Plus, I heard he was planning to steal your treasures!" Tobias lied, angering Ramos.

"You idiot, you're FIRED! And not just fired, but you're BANNED from Posidonia too! I never want to see you in my country EVER again! Guards, get this jerk out of here!" Ramos demanded.

The guards grab Vexacus, as they forcibly drag him out of the throne room. Vexacus knocks both out, sending them to the ground. More guards surround him though, pointing their spears.

"So be it then. This was a terrible country anyways, but mark my words, Ramos and Tobias, I will be back..." Vexacus said, as he throws a smoke bomb, and disappears.

"Good riddance, jerk! Now then Tobias, let's...hey, where did he go?" Ramos asked, noticing Tobias isn't in the room.

Suddenly, a soldier runs into the room in a panic.

"My king, Tobias Beckett has just robbed much gold from your treasure room, and he's made a very speedy getaway!" the soldier reported.

"...MY GOLD!? WHAT!? I've been speckledorfed and double-crossed! Bah, so both of those bounty hunters were complete lying jerks! Guards, if you ever see that traitor Beckett again, arrest him on sight! He is BANNED too! That's the last time I'm hiring bounty hunters for a while..." Ramos said angrily, as Skipper approaches and hands him some tea.

Vastacoar then walks into the room.

"Hey, uh so-" Vastacoar was saying.

"Oh, you're fired too." Ramos said to him, confusing Vastacoar, ending the flashback.

Later at night, the heroes are seen at the park, which is empty. Skipper is guiding them around, using his dark magic senses.

"I sense the blades are around here...somewhere." Skipper said, concentrating.

"You sure? Not sure why a thief would come here..." Cynthia replied, looking around.

"Maybe not in this park, but they are in the range. Let's just hope we don't get any distractions..." Skipper said, still focusing.

Suddenly, TV Bot flies down to the ground, startling the heroes.

"Oh come on, this thing again?" Tori asked, annoyed.

"I thought this thing was eaten by Beast's dragon? How is it still standing?" Trent asked.

"Don't care, let's just wreck it again!" Madison replied.

She transforms the girls with the heart, and the guys press their knight stones, powering up. The TV Bot fires an onslaught of missiles at once, as the girls fly around, avoiding them. The guys also run around on the ground, avoiding them, as some explode into a tree, which falls over.

"Oops." Nick said, embarrassed. 

"How is this thing even here though?" Audrey asked confused, as she sends a tornado gust at TV Bot, but it flies out of the way, avoiding it.

Trent fires laser arrows back at TV Bot, when suddenly, Tobias runs up and strikes Trent with one of the Dutchman's blades.

"Ouch!" Trent yelled, as the blades cut through some of his arm. 

"Wait...is that the thief?" Skipper asked, as everyone sees him.

"And does that mean...Trent just got cursed?" Jake asked, worried.

"Oh no, I really did not need this..." Trent said, feeling the scar, and this makes him worried.

"Do not worry, there is a way to reverse the curse. We need to destroy the blade that inflicted it upon him." Skipper explained, as the heroes look at Tobias, who looks at them in fascination.

"...What are you lot? Mermaid fairy things and armored knights? Fascinating, those mermaids especially would go for a big bargain..." Tobias spoke.

"We're not for sale, creep." Roxy replied.

"How about answering this speedy, who are you?" Cynthia asked.

"Ah, have you not heard? I am Tobias Beckett, a famed bounty hunter and thief, also one of the fastest fish alive. Watch this." Tobias replied.

He speeds around the park, as he strikes his daggers at the knights, knocking them down. However, none of the slashes cut through their armor, so Jake, Skipper, Nick and Zero are not cursed.

"Well, at least we didn't get cursed, although Trent isn't so lucky still..." Nick said.

TV Bot then fires multiple blasts. Everyone tries to avoid them, although all of the blasts hit Trent, knocking him down to the ground thanks to his curse.

"Oh come on!" Trent whined, getting up.

Tobias then jumps up and strikes one of the Dutchman's blades at TV Bot, but it has no effect. It then fires a purple laser blast at him, but Tobias outruns it. Vexacus is watching them from a bridge in the distance, as he controls TV Bot with his device, still attacking both parties.

"Can we get this thing out of the way first before dealing with the thief?" Roxy asked, as she sends several pink animal attacks at TV Bot, but it flies out of the way, avoiding them.

"Agreed, this thing is annoying!" Cynthia said, hurtling rocks at TV Bot, but it vaporizes them with its purple laser blasts. 

Madison then concentrates, transforming into her pure aether form. She sends a powerful electricity blast at TV Bot, disabling it, and sending it smashing against a wall. Madison then transforms back to normal.

"There you girls go, happy?" Madison asked.

"Very." Tori replied.

"I still hope I can access that form someday." Roxy said.

The five girls then send elemental attacks at Tobias, who outruns all of them. He walks out of the smoke, and smugly whistles, swinging the Dutchman's blades. 

"Elemental powers? You girls sure are special, whatever you are..." Tobias said.

Trent fires laser arrows at Tobias, but they all miss him without him moving, thanks to Trent's curse.

"Dangit..." Trent said, sighing.

Roxy summons several clams, who fly at Tobias, but he avoids them, as he runs throughout the park. Nick then uses his stone's power to run fast, trying to catch up with Tobias. 

"Fool, you cannot outrun me-" Tobias was saying.

"I'm not trying to." Nick replied, smiling.

This confuses Tobias, when Cynthia quickly makes a wall rise up in front of Tobias, as he slams against it. Nick then sends a spell blast at the blade that cursed Trent, sending it flying into the air. Tobias is dazed and cannot recover in time. Audrey blows the blade right at Tori, who coats it in water, freezing the blade solid. Tori throws it to Trent, who catches it. He then smashes the blade to the ground, as the shards scatter everywhere.

"Woohoo, I did it, I beat the curse!" Trent said happily.

Trent quickly fires some laser arrows at Tobias, knocking him down, but he gets up.

"NO! But no matter, I still have the other blade!" Tobias bragged.

Before he can attack, Vexacus jumps down and strikes his sword at Tobias, startling him and the heroes.

"And now Vexacus returns...okay, what is going on here!?" Cynthia asked.

"My sentiments exactly..." Skipper replied.

"Tobias is an old rival of mine, fools. We're bitter rivals to the very end, and I will be the one to finish him, not you! I wanted you all to lure him out in the open, and it worked. Now this is a grudge I must settle myself..." Vexacus said, as he looks at Tobias angrily, who looks back annoyed. "But I will finish you another time."

"...Honestly, I surprisingly don't have any objections to that. Maybe they can kill each other?" Tori said, hopeful.

"I wouldn't mind that." Trent replied.

"That would be one way to get rid of two villains, so hey, go for it shark dude." Roxy said.

The heroes decide not to interfere, as Vexacus and Tobias keep fighting.

"Where have you even been all these years!?" Vexacus asked, avoiding the Dutchman's blade.

"I've been hiding in Ruppia, training and doing what I do best. Like my new blades? I've prepared myself for the day where I can finally finish you!" Tobias said.

Vexacus then turns invisible. Before he can strike Tobias, he quickly runs around the park again. Vexacus then swings his sword forward, hitting Tobias, but Tobias quickly jumps and strikes the dagger against Vexacus's sword.

"Not going to lie, this is somewhat entertaining." Skipper said, in fascination.

"Who am I even supposed to root for though?" Cynthia asked.

"I think this Tobias guy could have an advantage with his speed." Madison said.

"I'll root for Vexacus to be nice." Nick replied, watching closely.

Vexacus throws a smoke bomb at Tobias, blinding him. He then punches him, and sends him flying to the ground. Vexacus moves in to finish Tobias.

"Finally, I win!" Vexacus said, about to deliver the finishing strike.

"Oh Vex, even after all these years, you still never learned what your blind spot is!" Tobias said smugly, confusing Vexacus.

Tobias quickly moves up and is about to strike his dagger right at Vexacus' gold eye, but Vexacus blocks him in time. He then punches Tobias in the face, who punches him back multiple times. As the two keep punching each other, Tobias grabs Vexacus' arm right on time, and punches him back again. He knocks Vexacus' sword out of his hand, and sends him flying right against the park fountain, as the sword lands next to him. Tobias approaches him, and holds the Dutchman's blade against his neck. Vexacus looks up irritated and nervous, and all the heroes are surprised. However, Tobias puts the blade away, confusing everyone.

"I could end you here, but that would be no fun when we just reunited. Out of some rivalry passion, I will spare you...for now. But if we ever cross paths again, I will not be so hesitant next time." Tobias warned.

Tobias begins to slowly walk away. Vexacus then is about to grab his sword nearby. Before Vexacus can grab the sword, Tobias quickly turns around and slashes right at Vexacus with the Dutchman's Blade, cutting off Vexacus' right arm. 

"GAAHHHH!!!" Vexacus yelled in pain.

The heroes gasp in horror, seeing his severed right arm on the ground. Vexacus gets up in pain, grabbing his sword with his other arm.

"...Well, he won't be clapping again anytime soon, that's for sure." Nick said awkwardly.

"Should we attack him?" Roxy asked.

"Let him go. He already lost." Jake said.

Vexacus then activates his device for controlling TV Bot. TV Bot flies to Vexacus, grabbing him, and flying away with him. Tobias looks at him form the distance.

"Pathetic." Tobias said, as he runs off before the heroes can attack him.

"I'm not sure if we even needed to be there for that fight, but...yikes. Oh well, at least that's over for now, but I'm sure we'll see those two again." Madison said.

"I might have gotten rid of the curse, but it looks like Vexacus will carry it on now..." Trent said.

"Eh, let him carry the curse, hopefully we won't be seeing him for a while." Cynthia replied, as the heroes leave the park.

...

Tobias is seen back in his apartment, looking at pictures of the guardians.

"These mermaid girls...who are you? I must have them..." Tobias said ominously.

Notes/Trivia:

-Character Debuts: Tobias Beckett

-We are given a full backstory on Vexacus, including: why Ramos hates Vexacus, why Brak worked with Vexacus, how Vexacus got banned from Posidonia, and how he lost his eye.

-Barron von John (from “Shadow Over Posidonia”) makes a cameo appearance in Vexacus’ flashback, along with Vastacoar.

-The warehouse Vexacus resides in at the beginning is the same one Icy used from “Fire and Ice”.

-The country Ruppia (from "Zero Divided By One") is mentioned again.

-The Flying Dutchman from SpongeBob is mentioned.

-

 

Vexacus loses his left arm, and is now forever cursed. He has officially cut all ties with the Federation and goes on his own path.