Earthbound: Legacies

By Giampaolo Bianchi

Part I: The Legendary Heroes

Chapter 1: A Life Less Ordinary

One of the few things Ness looked forward to was Sunday morning. Although it was like any other Sunday morning, he still looked forward to it, mainly because it gave him something to do. After just a month of defeating Giygas, Ness ran out of things to do, and eventually agreed to help Frank Fly and the Sharks organize charity bazaars and the like every Sunday morning. He’d think back to when he was just an ordinary boy living an ordinary life in an ordinary town—and shudder. Was there a time when he could stand life like this? As soon as the thought entered his head, a feminine voice called out.

"Ness? You have company!"

Of course, he had another reason to look forward to Sunday. He smiled as he straitened his hair, put on his cap, and rushed downstairs.

His other reason walked through the door.

"Hi Ness!" Paula, as always, was cheery and greeted Ness with a hug, which Ness happily returned. She looked at him with her lovely blue eyes and said "You ready?"

"Yeah, let’s go." Ness would look forward to Sundays even more when he knew Paula was coming over. "We can’t keep Frank waiting." He mused.

The two walked hand in hand through the streets of Onett, talking about how boring their lives were, of how happy they were to see each other. They finally reached a small arcade with a backyard teeming with people in black jumpsuits, handing out supplies to others. Waiting in front of the arcade was a man in a pink shirt and sunglasses.

Frank Fly leaned against the door coolly as the two youths approached the arcade. His face was twisted into a snarl, and he spoke in a sarcastic tone. "Where have you two been?" Was the first thing to come out of his mouth.

Ness spoke up "Sorry Frank, we were kinda distracted."

"By what?"

"Well…" Ness looked at Paula and proceeded to kiss her when a sudden "Awwww…" from Frank made him turn and slap him on the head instead. "Won’t happen again."

"Good," Frank’s sarcastic tone was replaced with a pained one as he rubbed his head softly. "we have enough work to do around here without having to worry about you."

Ness rolled his eyes and walked into the back yard, where the Sharks, dressed in black jumpsuits, handed a box of canned goods to a man dressed in an Escargo Express uniform. The food was obviously going to someone in a faraway city. Before he could settle into the surroundings, one of the Sharks came up to him. "Ness?" he asked.

"Yeah?"

The shark simply pointed to a woman who came into the yard , dragging an older, sickly man. The woman was crying, but the words "please help him" could be made out barely. Ness didn’t think it twice. He rushed up to the two, shoving people aside, until he could create a small circle of people. "Stand back everyone!" he warned.

Ness laid the man on his back and placed his hand on the old man’s chest. He then slowly concentrated his PSI LifeUp power and forced the healing energy into the man. The man slowly moaned and shook his head. He then grasped Ness’ right arm so hard that it hurt. However, he got up. Everything was going to be alright.

The woman cried with happiness as she led the befuddled old man out of the arcade. People then started cheering at the amazing feat of the young Ness. He slowly began to get up, but a laughing Paula shoved him down to his knees. He smiled and began to hug her when a collective "Awwwww…" from the crowd made him stop. The two slowly got up and returned to their duties.

The rest of the afternoon went on as usual, with Ness and Paula stopping temporarily to heal the people that were hurt, but couldn’t afford the trip to the hospital. At around 4:00, the two went to Ness’ house for lunch.

Ness was surprised to find that his unused garage was being inhabited by a black sedan. His mother didn’t have a driver’s license, and he couldn’t drive, so that could mean only one thing.

Ness’ dad was home.

Chapter Two: Revelations

Ness’ eyes went wide with joy. His workaholic father had come home. It didn’t really matter, he was home. The very thought of that made Ness shiver.

Ness broke off running and burst into the house, leaving Paula behind. Paula simply groaned and followed. Inside the house was a man in his mid-forties, in a black suit and slightly graying hair. Ness burst out. "Dad!!!" He ran to the man and hugged him, the man laughing and looking his 13- year old son over. They started chatting, but Ness eventually turned his attention to Paula. "Dad," he said, "this is Paula."

The man walked over to Paula and extended his hand. "Hello." Paula simply returned the handshake and walked over to Ness. "So…" she mused. "This is your father." Ness suddenly turned to find his mother coming down the stairs with a startled Tracy by the hand. As with Ness, Tracy ran up to her father, and got scooped up in his arms.

The rest of the day went on as expected. The usual catching up, with the occasional break to talk about Ness’ friends (mainly Paula, seeing as how she was his girlfriend and all) and any special happenings.

Ness’ mother reentered the living room with some drinks, which she put on the table next to Tracy. Tracy proceeded to grab a glass, but instead knocked it over. She awaited the loud crash, but nothing happened. Confused, she looked around to find that the glass was floating in mid-air, by what was apparently PSI. Annoyed, she turned to Ness. "Show off." Ness shrugged. "I’m not doing anything." Tracy then turned to Paula. "Show off." Paula looked even more confused. "Not me." Exasperated, Tracy turned to find that, low and behold, the glass was being held up by none other than Ness’ dad.

The glass levitated itself onto the tray, after which Ness’ father gave a stern look at Tracy. "You should be more careful." Tracy simply nodded, her mouth wide open, and ran upstairs. Ness’ mother ran up after her. Once the room was clear of all non- PSI users, Paula spoke up. "You can use PSI?!"

"Sure, it’s a family thing."

Paula was flabbergasted. She grabbed Ness then dragged him out the door. Outside, Paula started interrogating Ness with an onslaught of questions, causing Ness’ head to spin. He slowly quieted Paula then took a deep breath. "PSI has been in our family for over 80 years. He can use it, I can use it, and so can every male member of my family. You of all people shouldn’t be surprised." Paula calmed down a bit, but was still shocked from Ness’ father’s exhibition of PSI. She kissed Ness on the cheek. Then ran off.

Later that day, Ness was in his room. The day’s events had been a sudden (and uncomfortable) change of pace. First, the dying man at the arcade; then, Ness’ father; after that, the startling worry that Paula knew something he didn’t. After all, PSI was nothing new to her. Ness lay face down in his bed thinking. His meditation was interrupted by a frantic knocking at the door. Upon answering, a concerned father stood before him. "We have to talk." He said.

Ness found himself going down into the basement of his house, something he would not do usually. His father led him to the recesses of he basement, which was dimly lit and somewhat smelly. Ness was surprised when he stopped and turned to Ness. "It’s about time you learned something about your past, Ness." He said.

"What are you talking about?"

"Those nifty little powers of yours."

"You mean PSI, right?" Ness’ dad simply nodded then pointed to something in the basement corner. It was a chest. Ness grabbed it, puzzled. "What’s this?"

"Something we need to talk about."

The two eventually dragged the chest out of the basement and into Ness’ room, where it was opened to reveal some antique objects and a small book. Ness’ father retrieved the book and opened it. The first page read "Diary of Giygas." He closed the book, then handed it to Ness. "Read this," he said. "and call me when you finish."

"Why? Where are you going?"

"I only came because of that book. You are old enough to understand now." Ness began to feel sleepy, then realized his father was hypnotizing him. He tried to stop him, to make him stay, but the power of Hypnosis slowly swept over him and he lost consciousness.

Chapter Three: Darkened Past

It was nighttime when Ness woke up. He was lying on the floor, the book still in his hands, and the trunk still in his room. He slowly stood up and rubbed his eyes, then headed downstairs to look for his father. He was immediately confronted by Tracy, who had a concerned look on her face. " Have you seen dad?" she asked. As pained as he felt, he simply shrugged and said, "No. I… think he probably went out." Tracy looked even more worried. "His car’s gone. You think he might have…"

"No, I don’t." Ness’ consciousness poked at him like a needle. He didn’t want to have to be the one to tell her. "Don’t worry." Tracy looked in disbelief at Ness, then left. Ness sighed, and opened the book.

Diary of Giygas

Ness gasped at the word. How could a book this old have information on Giygas?

January 25, 190X

It’s been a month since Maria and I boarded the ship. Surprisingly, the Giygans have taught us much, and we have chosen to live on the mothership for a while, feeding them information. King Giygas has been kind enough to offer us an apartment, and he offered Maria a part time job as nanny for Giygas’ infant son, Giegue. In the meantime, I will act as a makeshift ambassador form Earth.

Ness’ eyes widened. Giygas was that old? Maria… wasn’t she his great-great grandmother? What about this mothership, and Giegue (whoever that was)? Ness felt confused, but kept reading.

April 10, 190X

I just found out that Maria is pregnant. The ship doctor has informed us that the baby is due in approximately 5 months, due to the "accelerated growth", or something like that. She will continue to babysit Giegue while I work as ambassador. Surprisingly, Giegue is now the human equivalent of a 5 year-old, even though he was just a baby when we arrived.

September 8, 190X

My son was born today. Apparently, we seem to be the center of attention right about now, as everyone, including King Giygas, has come to our apartment to congratulate us. We were assigned a nanny to take care of our boy, though, as Maria needs to take care of a now teenage Giegue. She loves him so much…

December 1, 190X

We have just received the tragic news: we must leave the Giygans. We have just become too attached to leave, and the news is hitting us hard. Maria is especially shocked, as she has to leave Giegue, whom she loves almost as much as our son. Fortunately though, we have been invited to about every party and gathering on the ship…which is a lot. We will be spending our last few weeks here, before we leave for Earth. I wonder what’s happened in our absence?

The Journal stopped there.

Ness contemplated the situation in disbelief. As much as he thought he knew, he only knew the first part. Gyigas was more than a century old, aliens, his ancestors… and this "Giegue". It was all too much to contemplate. Ness tossed the book on the floor and turned to his bed. However, something caught his eye, upon turning, he discovered that a note had fallen out of the book. Ness carefully read it, then set it down on his desk. He grabbed his Gutsy Bat, the Franklin badge, and jumped out the window.

He was off to find his past.

Chapter Four: Altered Realities

Paula lay on her bed, facing the ceiling. She was trying to sort out the shock she received that day.

"Sure, it’s a family thing."

Ness’ words rang in her head, loud and clear. How could Ness say something like that? He himself had told her how he was the first person in his family to use PSI… didn’t he? Paula shook her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts. Ness was so surprised when he saw his father’s car… even though his father had been there for a week. Nobody remains surprised to see something they’ve already seen for weeks…

Paula sat up. Her memories were clear, there was no way she could have remembered wrong…

Ness was busy talking with his dad. Ness’ mother, Tracy, and herself were off to the side.

"They’re so alike." said Tracy. Paula just nodded. "I guess he’s the one that gave it to him."

"Gave what?" Ness’ mother replied.

"You know. PSI."

Ness’ mother laughed. "Him?! Oh no! He doesn’t even know what PSI is"….

Paula sighed. Something was wrong, but she couldn’t tell what. If only she could…

Paula’s thoughts were interrupted by a knocking on her door. She simply rolled her eyes. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Ness’ mother. She had a worried look on her face. "May I come in?" she asked.

"Sure." Said Paula.

Paula looked at Ness’ mother in a perplexed manner. "He’s gone?" she said.

"Yes. I don’t know why, or when, or if it has something to do with his father leaving, or…" She broke into a sob. "Where could he be?" Paula laid a hand on her shoulder. "Don’t worry. I’ll help you find him."

The midnight sky was black as Paula and Ness’ mother returned home to Onett. They had decided that the beset place to start looking was Ness’ room. However, all they found was a book and that his equipment was missing. This is hopeless thought Paula. He left without a trace…Ness’ mother was showing signs of exhaustion, be it from lack of rest, or worry. Paula decided it best to spend the night. "I think I’d better stay, just in case." She mused.

It was with that that the night ended, with Paula taking up shack in Ness’ room, taking the chance to search for any clue of his whereabouts.

Paula awoke to the sudden sound of a truck pulling up, apparently followed by others. Annoyed, Paula groaned and headed to the window.

It was a moving truck, unloading furniture while other trucks drove to and from the road to downtown Onett. Standing by one of the trucks was a family of four, with the boy being the youngest, and the girl the oldest. Perplexed, Paula ran downstairs.

The Minch house looked nothing out of the ordinary. It was just a plain two story house, that was previously occupied by the Minch family (hence the name). The boy just stared at the door, thinking about the stories that the Minches were crazy people, their oldest son being the worst. The boy forgot all that when a girl of about his age approached him. "Hi." She said. "I’m Paula."

"Kyle Braddock. Pleased to meet you." Kyle shook her hand nonchalantly, his thoughts elsewhere. "You live around here?" he asked.

"Not really. Friend of mine does though." She answered.

The two teens hit it off perfectly. Paula helped Kyle move in while getting to know him at the same time. Kyle was doing the same thing. "So what does your father do?" she asked as she helped unload a box.

"Works for this big-shot corporation named Omnicorp. We keep getting transferred because of him being the head of… well, the head of something." Kyle never really knew what it was his father did. It was all very secret for some reason. Because of his moving around, Kyle never really got any long-term friends, and took up many hobbies. Paula learned this when she opened a box full of boomerangs. "Wow!" she said.

"What, those? They’re just a hobby of mine." Paula opened a box full of gadgets. "Along with inventing."

"Just scrapped projects from my dad’s job. I build those on my spare time… all 24 hours of it." Paula laughed at how much Kyle reminded her of Jeff. This new friend was getting her mind off of her troubles… well, almost.

Paula opened up a box with many different newsletters, mainly from Snow Wood boarding School. "Read these much?" she asked.

"Yup. They have many interesting articles." Paula opened up a random newsletter to an article called "PSI: Myth or Reality" by none other that Jeff Andonuts. "Interesting." She joked.

"What, PSI? That’s got to be a hoax. This Andonuts kid is really off his rocker. He calls it ‘Psychic Stimulation Impulse’ or something like that. Says its all unused brain area." The sudden commentary made Paula laugh, leaving a perplexed Kyle asking "What?"

"Nothing" she said. She quickly turned around and headed for the door. "Why don’t you come over later?" she asked. "First day in a new town is always hard." "Thanks." Said Kyle.

The rest of the afternoon went on very monotonously. Kyle finished moving in while Paula and Ness’ mother looked for clues. It was only until five o’clock that Kyle came over, forcing them to stop the search. "Wow, you look beat." He said upon encountering them. "What have you been doing?"

"Oh… nothing, really," answered Paula with a tone of unease. "Just cleaning, I guess." She then looked herself over and blushed, then ran to the bathroom to clean herself up. In the meantime, Kyle turned to Ness’ mother. "Just what are you looking for anyway?" he asked. Ness’ mother looked down in sorrow and ran upstairs. Kyle moaned. Does everyone have to run from me today? He thought.

Kyle found Ness’ mother in Ness’ room, crying softly. Annoyed at his lack of touch, Kyle ran to her side, and sat down beside her. "I know something’s wrong," he said. "I can leave if you want."

"No, it’s all right." She answered. "Its just that my son ran away for some reason… and we can’t find a clue as to where he is." Kyle simply sighed and looked around at the ransacked room. "Well, you certainly looked well." He laughed. "You didn’t even bother to pick the papers up." He chuckled as he picked up an old looking piece of paper, stopping to read it. The smile on his face disappeared instantly as he extended the paper to Ness’ mother. "Uhh… Ma’am?"

"Yes?"

"I think I found that clue that you were looking for."

Chapter Five: The Research Center

Kyle, Paula, and Ness’ mother all crowded around the small paper, apparently pushed aside during the frantic search. The ink was somewhat blurred, but still legible. Kyle sat down on the bed and read aloud:

To whomever:

If, by chance, you are reading this, then you are or know someone related to George. If you are, keep reading. If not, then please put this back, as it is of supreme importance.

Kyle looked at Paula, who nodded. Kyle swallowed hard and continued.

My father has told me about his involvement with the Giygans. He told me about PSI, Giegue, and, most importantly, the research center.

He set up a research center on the top of Mount Itoi. I don’t know why, but I think its for the purpose of PSI, which I possess. He never told me why, or how, but I know this is of great importance, both to him and the world. That is why I implore you to go there. All will be revealed later.

Kyle lowered the letter in disbelief, turning to both Paula and Ness’ mother at the same time. "PSI exists." Paula nodded.

"And your son… has it." Ness’ mother nodded. "Ness can use PSI." Kyle stood up suddenly, startling everyone else. "We’re going to Mount Itoi." Paula put a hand on his shoulder. "Please stay out of this. Its got nothing to do with you."

"You kidding? I found the letter, and I’m going. Besides," Kyle took on a devilish smile. "Ellay is near Mount Itoi."

"Yeah, so?" Kyle’s smile grew wider. "Omnicorp’s main headquarters is there."

Omnicorp H.Q. was huge. A 50-story tall, glass covered building, with a fountain in the center. The corporation’s name was written out in black above the door. The building made Paula and Kyle look like ants. "Well," Paula said. "now what?"

"Now I use my official Omnicorp pass to arrange us transportation to and from Mount Itoi."

"How do you plan to do that?"

"I have my ways." Kyle stuck his arm into his knapsack, which contained a few of his gadgets, as well as a wooden boomerang for protection. Paula insisted on carrying her Holy Fry Pan, as well as a few other things, such as a pendant and a ribbon.

Kyle stepped up to the door and entered the building. The inside was air conditioned and extremely clean, with people running in and out of the several doors that dotted the landscape. There was a map of the building at the reception. Kyle looked up the floor marked ‘transportation’ and proceeded to the elevator when a voice rang out. "Can I help you?"

The receptionist. Kyle forgot about her. "I’m here to visit transportation." He said smoothly. "ID number 352784-J. Braddock." He held up his pass, and the receptionist typed on her computer, which gave a satisfying beep. "Proceed." She said.

Upon reaching the floor, Kyle headed straight to a room labeled ‘scheduling and organization center’ "This way." He said. Inside (where no one was, fortunately) he booted up the computer and typed some numbers and figures into it. "Keep watch." He commanded. Paula stepped outside while Kyle typed away at the computer. After a few seconds, though, Paula saw a man head for the office. She turned to Kyle and tugged at him impatiently. Kyle, however shot back angrily "I’m not done!"

"But someone’s coming!"

"Well, stall him." Paula, still impatient, turned to face the man, but was too late as the man walked in. "Hey, what’s going on here?" Desperate, Paula closed her eyes and concentrated on Hypnotizing the man. He simply fell down unconscious, at the feet of a befuddled Kyle. Paula simply shrugged. "I’ll explain later." She said.

After a few minutes, Kyle spoke up. "There. There’s a Limo waiting to take us to and from Mount Itoi, it’ll be here in an hour." Paula looked at him demandingly. "A Limo?" Kyle smiled. "Why go when you can go in style?"

As promised, the Limo was there, and, after a bit of arguing as to whether Kyle and Paula were kidding or not, the Limo drove off to Mount Itoi. Once inside the Limo, Kyle looked at Paula. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"Its later."

Paula, realizing there was no way out of this one, took a deep breath and started explaining. "I have PSI. So does Ness. We know each other because we saved the world a while ago." Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Saved the world?" he asked. "Yes. You see, Ness received a message from ten years in the future, from a bee." Kyle raised the other eyebrow. "And I suppose that this bee can talk, is intelligent, and leads an underground resistance movement against whoever, that will not exist because Ness and yourself stopped it."

"Well…"

"Oh, come on!" Kyle snapped back, but then remembered the letter, and how it talked about PSI, the Giygans (whoever that was), and Mount Itoi. He then turned to Paula. "I’m listening."

"Good. There’s other things too. Mainly, Jeff and Poo."

"Who?"

"Jeff and Poo. Poo is a prince in the far east. Jeff is…" Paula smiled. "the kid who’s off his rocker."

"Him?! Don’t tell me any more. I can’t take that much shock."

The Limo arived at the foot of Mount Itoi shortly. It deposited Paula and Kyle at the foot of the mountain, then drove off through a dirt road, leaving the two to scale the mountain. Upon arriving, Kyle took out a strange device and laid it on the floor. Paula asked "What’s that?"

"That’s my HGD."

"Your what?"

"Hansel and Gretel Device. I got the idea for it from the story. See, Hansel left crumbs behind to be able to find his way back. This device has a direct link to a tracker. It leaves an electronic trail for us to follow if we get lost. Sort of like electronic crumbs." After the rather long winded explanation, Kyle took out a small device with a screen, probably the tracker. After tweaking some knobs, he called to Paula and the two set off to scale the mountain.

They hadn’t gone far when they found a cave. Seeing as how climbing would take all day, they decided to explore the cave. However, they hadn’t gone far when they were completely shrouded in darkness. Kyle took out a flashlight and they continued.

After what seemed like an eternity, Paula and Kyle emerged out of the cave to find themselves at the near peak of the mountain, and were faced with an odd lake. At the center of the lake was an island. Breaking the silence, Kyle asked. "Think that’s where we need to go?" Paula nodded. "Yeah. We have no way of getting across though." Once again, Kyle smiled. "Oh ye of little faith." He took out a small package and opened it to the size of a four-person raft. Paula chuckled. "Always be prepared, I guess."

Paula boarded the raft and Kyle cast off, only to find that, much to the dismay of Paula, had no way of moving. Don’t suppose he has some way of getting us to move she thought. Almost as if on cue, Kyle pulled out a small fan and fastened it to the back of the boat. Perplexed, Paula turned to Kyle. "And that is?"

"That’s the STF." Annoyed by Kyle’s habit of using abbreviations, Paula asked. "Huh?"

"Super Turbo Fan. The motor makes the propellers whirl at 50000+ RPM."

"And that means?"

"It means hold on tight." Paula was thrown back by the fan’s activation, at which the boat took off at a surprisingly fast speed. She barely had time to get up when the boat stopped abruptly, throwing her forward. Why did he have to come? She thought.

Upon getting off the boat, the pair found an odd looking, silver colored elevator. They boarded it without question and soon found themselves facing a large silver hallway with windows on either side. The windows showed an underwater landscape. Must be under the lake Paula thought.

The two proceeded to explore the entire underwater establishment, and after traveling through a maze of hallways, they entered a large room.

At the center of the room was a boy in a red cap.

"Ness!!!" Paula shouted, and took off toward him so fast that Kyle’s head spun. Paula swarmed Ness with a combination of kisses, hugs, and questions. Kyle, feeling somewhat awkward, approached the two slowly. Paula, still ecstatic, remembered Kyle, then whirled. Her words came out very quickly, almost unintelligibly. "NessthisisKyleKylethankyouforhelpingmethisisNessI’msogladIfoundyou!!!" Ness, head reeling from Paula’s outburst, extended an arm. "My pleasure."

"Certainly."

Once Paula finished, the three sat down on the metallic floor, awaiting an explanation from Ness. Kyle was the first to speak up. "So I’ve been hearing a lot about this PSI, or whatever. What is that?"

"PSI is a special skill only certain people possess. It has something to do with brainwaves."

"And this place?"

"This is the PSI research center. My great-great-grandfather built it a long time ago."

Paula spoke up. "And why did you come here?"

"I wanted to know the truth. Where PSI came from, why I have it… everything." Ness sighed. "I’m sorry I worried you." Kyle, jovial as always, laughed. "Are you kidding? Most people don’t do anything this interesting in their lives. This is great!" Everyone laughed.

Paula looked sternly at Ness. "We’d better go. Your mother’s worried sick about you." Ness answered immediately. "But I haven’t even been able to start this thing! All the information I need is in there!"

"Jeff can look at this later. Besides, you can always teleport back later, right?" Ness lowered his head. "Right?" Ness sighed. "I’m having trouble using my powers. I don’t know why." It was then that Paula noticed four small bruises on Ness’ right arm. Alarmed, she looked up at Ness. "You’re hurt!"

"It’s okay. Really."

"It’s just that I… well…" Paula hugged Ness, until a sudden "Awwww…" from Kyle made her turn and give Kyle a smack upside the head. Sore, Kyle rubbed his head and spoke. "We aren’t trapped here, you know. I did bring a boat." Paula grabbed Ness and followed Kyle out of the research center.

Chapter Six: Mafios Attacks

"What did they do to my boat?"

Kyle rushed to his raft, which was totally deflated to the point of it being just a small piece of rubber. He detached his fan from it and put it in his pouch. Meanwhile, Paula groaned. "So how are we supposed to leave now?" A collective shrug from Kyle and Ness made her groan again. "Are you sure you can’t teleport?" she asked Ness.

"Positive. I tried to teleport before, and it wouldn’t work. Its as if the PSI energy within me just… disappeared." Kyle broke out suddenly. "Well, we better get out of here now, before the sun sets." He indicated the setting sun over the horizon. He then turned to the remains of his raft. "Maybe I can…"

"Maybe you can shut up." Responded Paula. Surprised, Kyle turned to Paula. "I’m sorry- did you say something?" he asked calmly, yet sarcastically. Paula shook her head. "No."

"Then you can just leave me alone." Answered Kyle’s voice. Befuddled, Ness snapped at Kyle. "Hey! Don’t talk to her like that!" Kyle simply shrugged. "Not a peep." Paula hushed them both. "Listen." She said.

The three stood in silence, ready to fight or flee at the slightest signal. They stood for an eternity, until something broke the silence.

"Surprise!" said Ness’ voice. Ness just growled, and drew his Gutsy Bat. Paula drew her Holy Fry Pan and Kyle drew his Wooden Boomerang. Something broke the silence again, only this time it was a rustling sound. Everyone turned to the source, only to find the sound moving to another direction. This went on for several seconds until Ness called out. "All right, we know you’re here. Just come out and face us." Instantly a figure materialized out of nowhere. It was a man in a black suit. His black hair was parted to the side, and his blue eyes shone. His hands were in his pockets.

"Awfully elegant man, isn’t he?" Kyle mused. The man scoffed. "Please. You’re biting off more than you can chew." He looked Kyle over. "You can’t even use PSI." Kyle readied his boomerang. "I can manage." He said seriously. Paula shouted out immediately. "Just who are you?" The figure ran his hand across his hair. "Name’s Mafios, master manipulator of PSI, and intergalactic soldier."

"Ma-fee-oos?" Joked Kyle. "Must have been your mother’s name." Mafios’ face grew cold, his eyes shot out of his pockets and he gave Kyle a stern look. "DON’T CALL ME THAT." He said.

"Oh, I’m sorry, Ma-fee-oos." Kyle said. He then slapped his forehead and giggled. "Oops, my bad." Mafios clenched his fists. "I’m going to enjoy killing you, comedian." He said through clenched teeth. He extended his hand toward Kyle and concentrated as PSI energy flowed around his arm. He then clenched his fist and sent a powerful PK Beam at Kyle. Unprepared for such an attack, Kyle simply received the blow and was sent reeling back. He lay still on the ground for a few seconds, but got up like a drunken boxer, now wrought with anger. "All right, Ma-fee-oos," he said sternly. "you are mine…"

Kyle threw his arm back and threw his boomerang straight at Mafios, who just barely dodged the projectile from hitting his face. "Nice try." He said dryly. However, Ness took the opportunity and rushed up to Mafios, not bothering to use his bat but instead giving him a solid right hook. Paula also took the opportunity and sent her characteristic burst of PSI Fire at Mafios. Mafios took a severe beating but remained standing. "You children can never beat me. Ever."

"You can’t beat us either, so I guess we’re even."

"I wouldn’t be so sure." Retorted Mafios. It was then that he realized he had left down his guard. He gasped as Kyle’s boomerang cut the back of his neck. He quickly grasped his neck in pain. Meanwhile, Kyle had taken out his fan and thrown a handful of dirt at the attacker, switching on the fan simultaneously. The cyclone-like storm caused Mafios to groan in pain and confusion. Ness smiled triumphantly, and prepared to hit Mafios with a blast of PSI. It was interrupted, though, as Mafios started launching beams in every direction. Changing his priority from attacking to dodging, he hadn’t noticed Kyle taking a second beam on his arm. He rushed to help but stopped when he heard Mafios shout. "I will be back, comedian, never underestimate me!!!!"

"Maybe you’re just not as good as you think!" Retorted Paula. However, the voice was gone. Mafios had left as the dust cloud dissipated.

Paula turned to Ness, who was helping Kyle up off the ground. He was dazed, but wasn’t injured. After getting a hold on the situation, Ness turned to her. "Okay, one problem less to worry about." Paula knew what he was thinking "We still need to get out of here—but how?"

Ness looked at the setting sun worriedly. "We’d better get inside." He said. "The research center might have a way out. No telling what happens here at night." Paula nodded, thinking what was probably on Ness’ mind as well.

This is happening all over again. And this time, its not going to be as easy.

Chapter Six: Hopeless

It was nighttime on Mt. Itoi. The battle with the man known as Mafios was over, and any imminent danger was gone. However, there was something wrong. Ness, Paula, and Kyle were trapped on the island in the center of the lake atop the mountain, seeing as how Ness was unable of teleportation. The three had decided to camp out in the center until they could hatch a plan.

"So… any ideas?" asked Ness.

"None." Replied Paula.

"Zip." Added Kyle.

Bored and tired, Ness looked at Kyle. "You’d better get home once we get of the mountain." He said. "It could get dangerous."

"Are you kidding?" he snapped back. "That Mafios dude has a grudge on me. Going home would mean I’d be left vulnerable. Besides…" he smiled. "I haven’t had this much fun in a long time."

"Well, coming or not, we have to get of this mountain." Paula added. "If only Jeff were here…" Ness’ face lit up. "Jeff!" he exclaimed. "He can get us out of here!"

"Great." Kyle said, exhausted. "Mr. I-wrote-a-paper-on-some-brain-power-thing-and-saved-the-world is gonna get us out of here. Anyone know his phone number?"

"No," said Ness. "but Paula does." Paula sighed. "Got a phone?" she asked Ness.

"No, but I got PSI." Paula quickly caught on. "That’s right! We can get Jeff to go for help!"

"And how are we planning to do that?" asked Kyle.

"Paula will contact him via PSI. From there Jeff can come get us." Kyle simply shrugged, giving up on arguing. He simply rolled his eyes. "Knock yourself out." He said.

Paula closed her eyes and began concentrating. She let her mind fill with images of Jef and Winters, hoping Jeff would receive her call and get help. Her mind slowly drifted…

"Owww! Watch it!"

Tony rubbed his hand as Jeff turned off the blowtorch he was using. "Tony, you know better than to put your hand near a blow torch." He said.

"I didn’t. You should watch where you point that thing." Tony snapped back. Jeff shrugged and pulled his helmet off, contemplating his newest invention: An artificial Teleport chamber, claimed to simulate the effect of Teleport PSI for people who couldn’t use PSI. He put his tools on a nearby desk and left the basement of Snow Wood boarding school, used as his makeshift lab. Tony, Jeff’s best friend, followed him.

"When will we test it?" Tony asked hopefully.

"Now would be a good time." Jeff replied, rubbing his fore head.

Jeff and Tony both stood outside of the Snow Wood boarding school, their Teleport chamber before them. Jeff turned to Tony and gave him a small, square shaped object. "This is a communicator. Use it if you need help. If you’re in a real bind, press the panic button." Tony nodded and watched as Jeff got into the chamber and they both started spinning until they disappeared.

Jeff stepped out of the chamber to find himself at the base of Mt. Itoi. He stood before the entrance to a cave. It was night. PSI homing system needs work he thought. His thoughts were interrupted by a faint beeping coming from nearby. Upon closer inspection, he found it to be a small device. Its sending a signal Jeff thought. But to where?

Paula lay asleep on the floor as Ness worked on deciphering the controls on the computer. Whoever had built it made absolutely sure that no one could access the files. Kyle walked up to him and looked over Ness’ shoulder at the computer screen. "Any luck?" he asked.

"Nope. I guess I’m not too good with computers." He sighed and pounded his hand at the keyboard. As if on cue, the computer screen blinked and changed to reveal a message. Amazed, Ness and Kyle read:

Dear Ness;

Seeing as how you would probably come here, I left this message for you. Jeff can get into the hidden files here, but if he isn’t here, then I’ll tell you what you need to know.

This place was built by you great-great grandfather, George. It contains the most advanced PSI information on Earth. However, it is incomplete. Once Jeff finds the hidden files you will understand.

You may or may not have noticed that the Earth is under siege again. I fear it is my arch-nemesis, Giegue, returning to pay back what I did to him. As much as I want to, I can’t fight. That is why I implore you to please stop him. The destiny of Earth is in your hands.

Seek out an old friend of mine in Ellay. He runs a children’s home and is the leader of the Sharks’ old rival gang, the Bla-Bla Gang. Just mention Giegue and he will believe everything you say.

I’m counting on you.

P.S. I feel something…strange about Paula’s Aura. Look into it.

Ness stared in shock at the computer screen. The pieces were starting to fall back together. But there were still many questions to answer. What was the connection between Giegue and the Giygans? Who were the Giygans? Why is Giegue his father’s arch nemesis? "This is too much." He said. "Relax." Said Kyle. "We’ll get to the bottom of this."

Ness and Kyle were sitting beside Paula, who was blanketed with Kyle’s jacket. "Just what’s happening between you and her?"

"Well.." said Ness reluctantly. "ever since I rescued her from Carpainter we’ve been having a… special relationship."

"Carpainter… isn’t that the guy who led the Happy-Happy cult in Twoson? I read about that in the newspaper."

"Yeah. Paula was to be sacrificed to their god. But I rescued her. Together, along with Jeff and another friend, we defeated Giygas."

"You mean, like, saved the world?" Kyle had already accustomed himself to this kind of surprise. He lay down on his back, his head resting on his arms. "Your father seems interesting too." He added. Ness lay down as well. "Not even I know what secrets he’s keeping." Ness almost fell asleep when the distant sound of footsteps was heard. Like a spring he jumped up. Kyle followed suit and they stood, weapons drawn, to face the threat. Ness squinted to see who it was, and almost dropped his bat when he did.

"Jeff!!!"

Indeed, Jeff was walking towards them, dazed to see Ness and another person with weapon drawn. He didn’t bother to ponder the subject, though, and instead turned to Ness. "I got the message."

"I’m glad you did." He turned to Kyle, who was in the process of waking Paula. "We were running out of hope." Jeff turned to Kyle and took Kyle’s HGD out of his pocket. "This yours?" he asked. "Yeah… thanks." Replied Kyle as he took the device. "Thank you. Without it I couldn’t have been able to home in on the signal it sent. It was lucky you came along, Mr…"

"Kyle. Kyle Braddock." He looked at Paula, who was still regaining consciousness. "I’ve heard a lot about you, Jeff. They say you helped save the world." Jeff simply adjusted his glasses. "We’d better get going."

"I’m with you." Said Ness. "But there’s something you’ve gotta do for me first."

Jeff typed at the computer quickly, searching for any files. The programming on this thing was extremely advanced for what Ness told him about it. Still, he managed to find something. "Aha!" he exclaimed triumphantly. "What?" asked Paula, now fully awake.

"There’s a file here… it’s hidden. I’ll see if I can get to it." After a moment of silence Jeff let out another triumphant "Aha!" as he pulled out the file. Ness, Paula, and Kyle crowded around the tiny screen, curious of what to expect. What they saw shocked them.

The screen was filled with a strange type of writing, unknown to any of the four. It quickly disappeared from the screen though. "Hey! It’s gone!" Said Paula. "Relax." Said Jef coolly. "I saved it on a disk so we can examine it later." He retrieved a small disk from the computer and turned to face the others. "Our business here is done. Where to? I can fix that raft outside and make it operational."

"Ellay," said Ness. "there’s someone I need to see."

Mafios appeared out of thin air into a small room. It had a small bed on the wall and a shadowy figure stood with his face to a window. The window showed empty space. Bowing, Mafios spoke with a respectful tone. "They are still alive," he said humbly. "but they are hurt. We can triumph eventually."

"I see…" said the figure. "launch another attack. Take a small army and divide them in two flanks."

"Yes, my liege. Immediately." Mafios blinked out of the room. In the darkness, the figure smiled.

Chapter Seven: Jack

The Omnicorp limousine pulled up to a small, aging building in a street corner. Apparently deserted, no signs of life could be seen inside or outside. Ness stepped out of the limousine, followed by Jeff, then Paula, and finally Kyle. "You sure this is the place?" Ness asked. "Yeah." Replied Kyle. "Omnicorp city maps say this is the headquarters of Bla-Bla Gang. But it looks deserted." Ness sighed, but proceeded to the buildings front wooden door. He picked up the brass knocker on the door and knocked twice. When no answer came, Ness sighed again Must not be home he thought.

It was then that the door opened and a small girl stepped out. Her brown hair was tied in pigtails and a teddy bear hung at her arm. "Welcome to Bla-Bla foster home." She said, sounding as if she was reciting the words from memory. "How may I help you?"

"We’re looking for the man that runs this place." Said Jeff. "Oh. He’s in back. I’ll get him." Answered the girl. She turned around and screamed as loud as possible "JACK!!! THERE’S PEOPLE HERE THAT WANNA TALK TO YOU NOW!!!" she then turned to Ness. "One minute please." She said sweetly.

After about a minute of waiting, a man stepped through the door. A tall man in his late twenties, he wore sunglasses and a leather jacket. His hair was combed back neatly. "Yes?" he asked in a deep voice.

This must be Jack thought Paula. "Are you the leader of the Bla-Bla Gang?" she asked. "What of it?" he replied calmly.

"Well, my father sent me here to ask of your help." Replied Ness. "I aint leaving just to help some kid. I have children to take care of." Snapped Jack.

"But.."

"But nothing. If you will just leave now I’d appreciate it." Said Jack. Jack started to turn, but then Kyle spoke up. "He said to mention someone named Giegue." Jack froze. He slowly turned and faced Ness. "How do you know that name?" he asked sternly. "I… don’t know." Replied Ness. After a bit of hesitation, Jack stepped in the building and snapped at the group. "If you’ll excuse me." Ness stepped back and looked at the others. "Nice fella, isn’t he?" he said. "Yeah. A regular Ghandi." Replied Kyle. He sat down on the sidewalk but sprang up immediately when he saw a bunch of bricks coming at him from the roof of the building. "Look out!" he yelled. Paula looked up, then reflexively put up her hand and shot forth a beam attack. The bricks exploded into pieces and fell harmlessly to the floor. Wiping his brow, Kyle sat down again. "Whew…" he said. "Glad that’s over." "It isn’t," commented Jeff, pointing up. "look over there."

The same girl that had opened the door for them earlier was now hanging from the place where the bricks were. She was crying and her hands were slipping. "Help me! Jack!" she cried. Jack ran out of the building and looked up in horror at the girl. "Erica!" he cried. Instinctively, Ness began to concentrate, as he magically lifted of the ground. "What are you doing?!" cried Jack, but Ness didn’t pay attention. He was trying to lift himself even though the pain in his arm grew. Finally, he grabbed the girl, and lowered himself onto the ground. Then he lost consciousness and fell to the floor. The girl got up groggily then ran to Jack, who picked her up and hugged her. "You shouldn’t play up there." He said. "But you did good." He added in a whisper.

"Thanks…" replied Erica. "can I have my candy bar now?"

Jack reluctantly took out a candy bar and gave it to her.

Chapter Eight: Omnipresence

Ness awoke to the sound of Jeff conversing with Kyle and Jack. He tried to speak but was too dizzy, and opted for just laying there. This was enough to get the group’s attention, though, and they soon rushed to his side. "Where… am I?" he asked.

"Jack’s place. You’ve been out for almost three hours." Replied Jeff. Ness was getting better now, and managed to sit up. "Where’s Paula?" he said weakly. He got his reply when Paula walked in the room. Upon seeing him, she rushed to his side and hugged him, but an "Awwwww…" from the others caused her to give them a sharp sneer. Ness got up slowly and walked up to Jack. "Are you coming?" he asked him.

"Those powers of yours are nothing ordinary, I’ll give you that," Said Jack. "and Giegue is not to be taken lightly." The others sighed with relief. "But I have children to look after."

"We could send them to Polestar Preschool in the meantime!" suggested Paula. "My parents can take care of them easily."

"And besides, we need someone who actually knows something about the situation." Added Kyle. Jack, acknowledging defeat, shrugged. "Awright, I’m in, but just because this is big business."

"Good." Said Paula. She then turned to Ness. "Ready to go?"

"Go where?"

"You just said so." Said Paula, bewildered.

"No, he didn’t." remarked Jack.

"Didn’t what?" said Paula, even more confused.

"You feeling okay?" asked Jeff. "Yeah… you don’t look so good." Said Kyle. Paula clutched her head protectively. "I… don’t know…what’s…happening…" Paula held her head close to her hands. Then she lost consciousness.

Where am I? Thought Paula. She was floating in a void of darkness, surrounded by nothing.

Here. A faint voice echoed in her head to respond.

Who are you? Paula asked, surprised. But the voice was gone. She was alone. Hey! She thought. What’s going on? Her answer was a small voice, apparently growing louder. Paula it said. Paula. Paula. Paula. Paula. PAULA. PAULA. PAULA! PAULA!!!!!

"Ahhhh!!!" Paula awoke sweating, and breathing hard. She was in a bed somewhere, but she couldn’t tell where that somewhere was. The voice, however, could be heard. "Paula." It said. Alarmed Paula looked around. "Who are you?!" she demanded. She whirled to her left and a look of relief immediately washed over her face. She giggled happily and relaxed.

Prince Poo was standing in the doorway of the room.

"Poo!!" she said. "What are you doing here?"

"Ness called and asked if I could take care of you until you got better. He said he had something to do." Poo replied calmly. "He told me everything. Even introduced me to Kyle and Jack." The two names jump-started her memory. "That’s right!" she exclaimed. "We have to go help them!"

"Sorry." Said Poo. "you’re staying here in the palace."

"PALACE?! You mean I’m in Dalaam?"

Poo nodded. "Yes. I must go now, but please don’t hesitate to ask if you need something. I called Starmaster and he should arrive shortly." Poo then walked out the door and closed it. "Drat." Paula swore.

Ness, Jeff, Kyle, and Jack were all walking through the streets of Ellay, heading straight for the Omnicorp building. Kyle led the group and was walking quickly. "Why are we going there again?" asked Ness in an effort to slow Kyle down. "So we can decipher what’s on that disk Jeff has. Omnicorp computing must have somewhere where we can do that." Answered Kyle, walking even quicker than before. He arrived at the giant door, then walked in and flashed his pass at the secretary. "352784-J. Braddock." He kept on going but was stopped by a man in a black suit. "Braddock?" he asked menacingly.

"Yes?"

"The president wishes to speak with you."

The 50^th floor of Omnicorp H.Q. was really just one big office. The floor was black and the walls were adorned with paintings. A World Map was hung on the left wall. At the end was a giant oak desk. The plush leather chair behind it was releasing smoke, indicating the presence of someone smoking. The man in the suit delivered the group, then stepped in the elevator and left.

"You wanted to see us?" asked Kyle nervously. He received silence. "Sir?" he added.

"You have been to Mt. Itoi." Answered a voice. It was deep, but not threatening. "Yes, we have." Answered Jeff.

"And you know of Giegue?"

"We know of him, but that’s all." Said Ness. To this, the figure stood and turned to Ness. He was a short man in his mid-forties, balding. He wore a black suit, like much of the people working for the conglomerate. The man stepped up to Ness and offered to shake his hand. "Maximillian Hart. Please call me Hart." Ness shook his hand. "My name’s Ness. These are Jeff, Jack, and Kyle."

"I know." Hart said warmly. "We’ve been watching you ever since you beat up that gang in Onett. You’re quite the hero." Ness smiled at the comment, but did not let up on the subject at hand. "Why did you bring us here?" he asked calmly.

"Well…" said Hart. "we have to ask you a favor."

"We?" intervened Jack. "Yes. We. Omnicorp."

"And that favor is?" Asked Jeff.

Hart smiled. "To save the universe, of course."

Paula lay face up on her bed in the Palace, her thoughts wandering. Why would she be left behind? What was wrong with her? She decided not to think about it and instead decided to go outside and check things out.

She was greeted by a woman in a red tunic, apparently a maid. "Good afternoon." She said. "I see you’ve finally awakened."

"Uhh… yeah." Paula responded wearily. She was very hungry and hadn’t eaten since she left for Mt. Itoi with Kyle. "Hey listen, do you have anything to eat around here?"

"Why sure. Follow me."

It was around noon when Paula had finished her meal. She had got to talking with the woman that she met in the palace. They had become friends, and in the process Paula found out her name was Umi. Umi stood across from Paula in a small table in the royal kitchen. She was drinking tea while Paula ate a cup of noodles. After a moment of silence, Umi tried making conversation. "You know, Poo has told me much about you." Her accent was strong, but she managed to make herself understood.

"Really? I never knew Poo was so friendly with others."

"Others?"

"You know…" Paula said sheepishly. "Maids and the like." Umi let out a laugh. "Maid? I’m not his maid!" she said.

"Well, then what are you supposed to be?" Paula asked curiously.

"I shall be Poo’s bride." Umi said simply.

Chapter Nine: STROBE

Ness stared at Hart in disbelief. "Do what?!" he asked.

"Is it really that hard to understand?" said Hart.

"Heck, yeah," Retorted Kyle. "it’s kind of difficult for three teenagers and a man who runs a foster home to save the universe!" Hart laughed out loud. "I guess its high time we gave you an explanation."

Hart led the four into the elevator on the 50^th floor. However, he remained still until the door slid closed, then he took out a small key and placed it in a small keyhole on the wall. In response, a small control panel revealed itself below the regular panel. There, he pressed a button labeled BASEMENT S.

The elevator hummed as the five rode in silence. In less than a week, they had met an interstellar hit man, watched a dear friend almost go insane, and met a man who was asking them to save the universe. Save the universe. The mere sound of it was mind-boggling.

The elevator door opened and Hart stepped out, followed by the others. They stepped out into a room covered completely in stainless steel, with fluorescent lamps lighting the way. There were four doors, one in each side of the rectangular room, besides the elevator, and there was a small blue circle in the center. In the circle was a strange symbol, and surrounding the circle was one word: STROBE.

"What’s STROBE?" asked Jack as he examined the circle. Hart turned to them, arms folded behind his back. "STROBE is my special task force, created in case of emergencies."

"Such as?" asked Jeff. "Such as now." Said Hart. He turned to one of the doors, labeled ‘Personnel’. "Meet the team." He said. As if on cue, five people marched out of the room and lined up in front of Hart. They saluted him then turned their attention to Ness and Jack, who were standing near each other.

The first in line was a man. His red hair was combed neatly to the side, and his hands were in his pockets. His suit resembled the one worn by Mafios.

The second was a woman. Her blond hair was very short, and her eyes were bright blue. She wore a short sleeved shirt with a short black tie, and black tights. Her boots were polished to the point of shining, and her smooth skin was white.

The third was a big man. He wore a black, sleeve-less vest, which was not buttoned and therefore revealed a great deal of his hair-less chest. He was bald and wore loose black pants.

Following the big man was another woman. Her long, raven black hair fell to her waist and was tied at the end. She wore an oxford shirt with no tie. She wore the same tights and boots as the blond.

Finally was a man with brown skin. His black hair was in a crew cut, and he wore sunglasses. His uniform was composed of a black turtleneck sweater and black pants.

After eyeing them all over, Ness walked up to them and extended his hand. "I’m Ness." He stated boldly. The red haired man accepted the greeting. "I’m Gash." He responded. The blond walked up to Ness and smiled. "I’m Catalina." Ness turned to greet her but was interrupted by the large man. "Greetings." He said in a soothing, yet deep voice. "I am known as Claus." It wasn’t long before Ness was ambushed by the other woman. "Call me Jill." She said. Lastly, the black man stepped up to Ness. "You can call me James." Ness greeted all of them, and soon Kyle, Jack, and Jeff introduced themselves.

"How can you be his wife?" Paula asked in disbelief. Umi simply smiled. "Whenever the young prince comes of age in Dalaam, one of the young women of Dalaam must be chosen to wed him on his birthday."

"You mean, you were just chosen?" Paula answered.

"Oh, no! Poo chose me himself. You see, we have been friends since childhood, and we always knew we were meant for each other."

Paula reclined in her chair and nibbled thoughtfully at the piece of bread she was eating. Poo married? There was no way he could be old enough. At least, that’s what she liked to think… She snapped out of it and addressed Umi cheerfully. "Is Starmaster really coming here?"

"Oh, yes!" answered Umi. "He has offered to come take care of you while everyone is away." "Great." Said Paula. She then got up and headed out of the room. "Bye!" she said.

Hart cleared his throat and dispersed the conversation going on between the teens and STROBE. "Now," he said firmly. "Down to business." He went up to the second door, labeled ‘Intelligence’, he opened it and motioned to Jeff. "You’ll go with James in here." He said. Jeff filed into the door, followed by James. After shutting the door, he addressed the others. "I must go and tend important business." He commented. "You know what to do." The members of STROBE nodded, and watched as Hart stepped into the elevator. Gash headed for one of the doors, and yelled out for Ness to follow him. Jill also followed. That left only Jack and Kyle to deal with Catalina and Claus. Without saying a word, the two members of STROBE went through the last door, marked ‘Training’. Having nothing else to do, Jack and Kyle filed in through the door.

Paula wandered the Palace in need of something to do. After the meal, she felt very energetic, although she had gotten little sleep and mentally exhausted. Finally, for lack of anything better to do, she went outside. What she saw shocked her.

Every building was on fire. People were running around, and children could be heard crying. Smoke clouded the sky and everything was in utter chaos. Surprised, she screamed. Umi, startled, came to Paula’s aid. "What is wrong?" she asked in a panic.

"LOOK!!" shouted Paula, pointing at the chaos that surrounded her. All Umi could say was, "Look at what?" Paula’s eyes widened. "At…" she turned to find that the town was peaceful as always, the sky blue. "But—but it was here! I saw it…" she stammered as shock overcame her and she began to lose consciousness "I saw it…." Were the last words she said before falling into unconsciousness.

Jeff walked in to a large room. It was covered in steel like the main room, only the steel in this room seemed to sparkle a slight blue color. In the center was an odd looking computer. Jeff let out a whistle once he saw it. He walked over to it and started inspecting it, but James cut him off, sitting down on the chair inside the terminal.

"This is the intelligence branch of STROBE," he began. "we can tap into every computer on Earth, or monitor satellites, just like any other spy network. However, we also have the added benefit of alien technology." Those last two words caught Jeff’s ear. "Alien technology?" he asked.

"Well, yeah. The Giygans give us any technology they’ve developed. It’s very handy."

"Giygans? Those are the people Ness’ dad told us about!" Jeff remembered the disk. He pulled it out triumphantly and handed it to James. "Can you translate this into English for me?" he pleaded. James just shrugged and placed the disk into a slot on the computer. After booting it up, the screen with the strange letters was shown. James typed in some commands, and after a few seconds the letters were replaced by a message. It read:

>Giygan technology confirmed

>Please enter passcode:

>

James began typing and after a few seconds, the message disappeared, replaced by a new one:

>Warning

>Beacon is unoperational

>Must activate Savior

>Satellite link cannot be activated

>

Jeff and James looked at the disk in confusion. They stared at the computer screen for a while, when suddenly the screen went blank, and the disk popped out of the computer and started smoking. "Ahhh! It’s on fire!" screamed Jeff. James took out a fire extinguisher and doused the disk.

"Great." He said. "I’ll have to run a systems check." James switched on the computer and typed in some commands, then he turned to Jeff. "This could take a while." He said.

"Then you can tell me everything I need to know." Replied Jeff sternly. He pulled up a chair and sat beside James. "I’m all ears."

"Well…okay." James took a deep breath. "See, there’s this alien race called the Giygans. They have an extensive power in using PSI and they are very intelligent. However, they’re planet was destroyed, and they have to roam around on a ship. We’re the Giygan contacts on Earth. The Giygans send the technology through Omnicorp to the Earth, preparing them."

"For what?"

"For the day when contact can be made. The problem is, there are still some loose ends to tie up before that can happen."

"Such as?"

"Such as a certain fanatic who tried to destroy the Earth. See, some thirty years ago the king’s advisor, Jonas, went berserk when he was dismissed. He fled to the future and enslaved the human race, then fled to the past. But someone stopped him."

"…us." Jeff said in realization.

"Exactly. What happened was that Jonas underwent a PSI augmentation treatment after he was fooled by someone into thinking they were going to assassinate him. Problem is, he became so powerful that he cracked and entered a state of PSILock."

"PSILock?"

"It’s when a Giygan’s PSI powers become so powerful that they’re mind can’t control it. So in order to be able to survive, Giygans become pure energy. Think of it as a form of insanity." Jeff thought about fighting Giygas. He was a fog, almost as if he was pure energy. Pokey was able to contain him within the Devil’s Machine and siphon his power. "Go on." He urged.

"Well, everyone thought the incident was over with, but now there’s something else to consider."

"What?"

"The disturbances in Earth these past couple of weeks. Something is attacking and we don’t know who it is, and we can’t trace it at all. To even further the problem, we can’t reestablish communication with Giygas."

"Giygas? I thought Giygas was who we destroyed." Said Jeff.

"Yes. Insanity caused him to take up the name of his home planet, or in this case, his home mothership. Giygas is the collective name for the Giygans."

"What do they look like?" asked Jeff.

"Well, I should have a picture somewhere…" James began searching on the shelves lining the walls of the room. After a few seconds, he produced a small color picture. Jeff noticed how the alien race was human in appearance, but the hair on their heads ranged from a fiery red to a light green to blue. "They’re not that different from us." Added James. "Their hair is the result of the PSI energy they produce." Jeff studied the picture and then turned to James. "That red headed fellow… Gash, was it?"

"Yes, he’s Giygan." Finished James. "He’s been in STROBE ever since the last meeting between STROBE and Giygas, thirty years ago."

"But that would mean that he’s over fifty years old!"

"They have a longer life span. It lasts around 150 years total." Jeff walked to the door and opened it, revealing the main hall. He put his hands in his pockets and looked at the entrances to the other two rooms. "What about the rest of STROBE? Where’d they come from?" he asked.

"Well, Catalina and Claus are both world champion martial arts experts."

"And Jill?"

"Well, she used to be a homeless orphan, until Hart found her and took her in. There he found out that she had an impressive ability with PSI and Telepathy, so he recruited her for STROBE about a year ago."

"Why only a year?"

"Well, she’s young. Only about 15 or 14." Commented James.

"What? Then she’s barely older than I am!" blurted Jeff. He almost lost hold of the topic until he remembered something. "And you?" he said, getting a new grasp on the subject.

"Who, me? I was recruited by accident. See, a friend made a bet with me that I couldn’t hack into Omnicorp’s main computer. Never forget the guy. His name was Everdred."

You can tell he gets around Thought Jeff jokingly. "Well, anyway," continued James. "I was able to hack in the computer. Problem is, I hacked into the wrong one. I was able to see STROBE’s entire history for the last 15 years. Confused as I was, I didn’t know what Hart meant when he came up to my house and offered me a deal."

"A deal?"

"Yup. I go to work for him, and he doesn’t sue the stuffing out of me. ‘Course, you can guess what happened next." James seemed tempted to continue, but was interrupted by a beep from the computer, indicating that the check was completed. He sighed with content, then rushed up to the computer. "Time to see what that disk means." He said.

The training center in STROBE headquarters was huge. Just about every single piece of gymnastics and weight lifting equipment ever devised was there, not to mention an obstacle course, and some strange devices. Jack and Kyle had barely walked in when Claus approached them. "Well?" he asked.

"Well what?" answered Kyle.

"When are you going to change into your training clothes so we can begin?" Claus sounded like he was trying to get down to business. To add the confusion, Catalina showed up a few seconds later and threw them both some gym clothes. Before either could say anything she pointed in the direction of the changing rooms. "Be ready in five minutes with your weapons drawn." She commanded. Jack shrugged and headed in that direction, followed by Kyle.

"Why do you suppose they want us to train?" Kyle asked as they were changing.

"I could see why. I can fight, but I’m older than I used to be, so I need to refresh my talents. You, on the other hand, are young, but have little experience fighting." Jack also sounded like he knew what was going on. That made Kyle feel insecure. "Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"What’s going to happen to us?"

"I have no idea."

Five minutes later, Kyle and Jack had left the changing room, and were led by Claus into a large room with three walls. On the back wall were holes the size of basketballs. "Your first exercise today is speed." Catalina’s voice came booming out of a speaker on the wall. She was watching from a control room in the ceiling. "Dodge all the balls and you never have to take this test again." Jack smiled, his sunglasses still on even in his gym outfit. "Is that all?" he taunted, but Catalina didn’t answer. Instead she counted off. "GO!!"

Dodgeballs came flying out of the holes in the wall. The two automatically started jumping and rolling to avoid the balls. After a few minutes the balls subsided, neither taking a blow, yet panting heavily. "Good. Now that you’re all warmed up…" The two retorted automatically. "Warmed up?!" but again they’re words were answered by Catalina’s voice. "GO!!!"

This time the balls swarmed out of the holes like locusts, flying at full speed towards the two. Acting on instinct, Jack leaned forward to avoid a ball headed for his face, but another ball hit him in his leg, making him fall. He had barely gotten up again when he was pelted by at least ten more balls. Bruised and exhausted, he fell to the floor, face up. He looked over to find Kyle in the same condition. "Ow…" he said as Catalina and Claus walked over to them. Too tired to talk, Kyle just watched as Catalina fed him a bottle full of a green liquid. Instantly, he was completely refreshed and his bruises disappeared. "How did you do that?" were the only words to come out of his mouth.

"Alien sports drink." Was Claus’ only reply. "We must hurry. You’re next exercise is next." Jack got up and dusted himself off. "Ay, carumba…" he muttered.

Claus led the two to another room, this one circular. It had a large circle in the center, were Claus stood beside a control panel. "Your second exercise is endurance." He said. "Run this treadmill until you can no more." He pressed a button and the floor around the circle began to move at a fast pace. Jack and Kyle stood still for a moment, then began jogging. "At least this is it." Commented Kyle. Claus laughed. "No…" after pressing another button, a spiked wall popped out of the wall and the floor started spinning faster. "That is it." Jack and Kyle screamed and ran as fast as they could, but after a few minutes the adrenaline left their bodies and they had to slow down, mere feet away from the wall. Claus laughed. He was enjoying this. "Tired yet?" he giggled. The two nodded. Claus pressed some buttons and the wall disappeared and the floor stopped.

Jack stood there panting. "Don’t we get some more of that Alien wonder juice you got?" he asked. Claus shook his head. "No, we don’t want you getting lazy, do we? Besides you’re training for today is over." perplexed, Kyle walked up to the giant man. "That’s it? What are you going to accomplish in less that half and hour of training?"

"Plenty. Go change." With that, Claus left. Jack and Kyle, exhausted, went to change.

Ness struggled to lift the small paperweight in front of him on the table as Gash and Jill watched. He started concentrating, and as the paperweight began to move, a sharp pain entered his arm. He stopped and let the paperweight drop to the floor, while he clutched his arm in pain. "It’s no use," he whined. "I can’t do it." Gash went over to Ness and placed his hand on Ness’ head, but after a few seconds he removed it. "There’s nothing wrong." He mused. "We’d better run tests just to make sure, though."

Ness was quickly placed on a small table, and several probes were placed on his head by Jill, who gave Gash a thumbs up sign. Gash switched on a machine connected the probes. Jill then sat on a chair beside Ness, and started talking soothingly. "Ness, try to concentrate your PSI on anything. We want some readings as to what’s going on with you." Ness nodded and started to concentrate. The machine buzzed to life and began printing out readings on a piece of paper. Everything was going smoothly until the pain in Ness’ arms began. He started to groan as he clutched his arm, yet his readings remained normal. Finally, in an effort to gain control, he zapped the machine full of PSI, shorting it out. He then let out a huge sigh and fainted.

Jill removed the paper and started examining it. "Gash." She called. Gash also came over and started looking at the paper. "Seems his characteristic PSI is shot, but his assist PSI is okay… I wonder why?" Jill was about to speak when Ness came to. She quickly walked over to him and helped him sit up. He was groggy, but managed to recognize his surroundings. "What happened?" he asked.

"Your PSI’s being blocked by something." Began Gash. "Your Hypnosis and Paralysis powers are okay, but all healing and characteristic PSI is gone for now." Ness jumped at the new term. "My what?"

"Characteristic PSI. It’s a special PSI attack that can only be used by one person of their own race. Yours is apparently shot." Gash concluded. But Ness was still confused about the explanation, and continued asking questions. "Do you think a friend of mine who’s been having problems with her mind could have the same thing as I do?" he asked. He was obviously talking about Paula.

"Well, it depends. For now, just don’t use anything to powerful." Jill answered. Ness settled for that answer and left the room. The others were waiting for him. Before he could say anything, Gash spoke up. "I believe it wiser to stay here and get more acquainted." He stated. "James and Jeff can fill you in."

The rest of the day was spent with Jeff and James narrating the important facts they had missed. While Ness openly accepted the facts, Kyle and Jack remained confused, and they had to be helped through the hard to understand parts. All in all, at the end of the day, the four were escorted to some bunks in STROBE headquarters, somewhere in the massive training center. They quickly went to sleep.

The day, however, was not over, as Mafios teleported into the same room where the figure he met was. Light now flooded the room and the figure of the man could be seen. He had short black hair, and he wore black armor with a long gray cape. Iron knuckles decorated his hands, and he toyed them playfully. "Everything is ready, my liege." Said Mafios humbly. "We can commence the attack tomorrow."

"Good." The figure smiled. "Have you a plan?"

"Yes. We will attack at Dalaam and a small city near Winters, named Perth." He bowed.

"Excellent work, Mafios; I am proud." Mafios smiled at the comment. "Be sure to alert both Lennon and Jagger."

"Yes, my liege."

Mafios teleported out of the room, and the remaining figure turned to a monitor on the wall, where there was another figure, also draped in shadow. "Everything is ready, sire." He said to the figure. "There is little chance of activating Savior now."

The figure simply nodded, then the monitor went blank.

Chapter Ten: The Attack

Paula awoke very suddenly, to the sound of (apparently) screaming voices. She stirred, then tried to go back to sleep. Must be my imagination acting up again she thought. This theory was quickly dissipated, however, by Umi’s bursting into the room. "Paula!!" she shouted. "You must wake up! Dalaam is under attack!" This was enough to get Paula up. She panicked for a slight second, then hurried out the door, leaving Umi behind. "Call the others!!" she managed to get out. Umi realized she didn’t know where to call right now, but that was unimportant. Instead, she hurried over to the back door of the palace.

And teleported out of sight.

High atop a mountain, a small hut was located on the peak. It was small, and its chimney smoked. Outside were a few martial arts training devices made of wood, and a small pond was located outside. This was the home of Starmaster.

Umi suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and, without even stopping, she knocked on the door. "Hello?" she cried, but no answer, she opened the door and stepped inside the small house. She called out again, but there was still no response. She almost gave up hope when Starmaster appeared in the doorway. "What is it, child?" he asked. His voice was old, yet soothing and wise at the same time.

"Why haven’t you come?" asked Umi angrily. "You are needed."

"Why? Why am I needed?"

"They are attacking Dalaam."

"Yes, I know."

"Well, then why can’t you do anything?"

"Because they will."

"Who?"

"The friends of your future husband." Starmaster sounded extremely calm, despite the situation. "Where is the Prince?" he asked curiously. "He set out a few days ago to look for them." Umi replied.

"Very well. Contact him and tell him to head back as soon as possible." With that, Starmaster walked out the door. Before Umi could reach him, he had vanished.

An alarm sounded that suddenly woke Kyle up. Groggily he headed out of the bunks. He was yawning and his half conscious state made him crash into Jill, who was headed to the bunks. His mind snapped awake as he helped himself and Jill up. "You okay?" he asked, not paying attention to the alarm. "Yes." She replied. "But you must wake the others! The attack started a few hours ago!"

Kyle soon woke the others and in ten minutes they were all dressed and ready in the intelligence section of STROBE. Gash pulled out an electronic map of the world and projected it on the wall via a projector. "They attacked in two units. One headed for Dalaam, the other went here." He pointed to a small region north of Winters. "That’s Perth." Said Jeff. "But why they would go there is beyond me."

"Who are ‘they’?" asked Jack.

"We’re going to find out, now won’t we?" replied James.

"Very well." Began Gash. "We must divide in two. Jill, James, Jack and Kyle go to Perth via our jet planes. Ness can teleport the rest of us to Dalaam. Move out." With that, he headed out the door.

Surprisingly, the town of Perth was empty when James and the others arrived. They landed the Jet in an open field and headed straight into town, which was completely barren. "Did Jeff mention anything about this being a ghost town?" asked James.

"Not that I recall," answered Jill. "supposedly this place should be in ruins by now." She looked around at the deserted town and shot James a look of worry. "The place is deserted, though. We’d better split up and see what we can find." James nodded and motioned top Jack. "You come with me. Jill can go with Kyle."

Kyle stared at the windows in the shops adorning one of the streets in the town, carelessly walking along as Jill looked out for signs of anything suspicious or threatening. Threatening Kyle thought. Just this Monday I was complaining about what a problem it would be to get settled in to a new house. Now getting killed by this thing that’s trying to destroy Earth is the least of my problems. Sheesh.

Kyle’s thoughts wandered but before they could get far, Jill approached him. "Kyle?"

"Yes?" he replied smoothly.

"Do you see anything suspicious?" Typical he thought. I should have known that she would rather do this than keep a conversation. Oh well… "…not really."

"Oh." She was about to walk away when she stopped and looked at him. Look at him. He’s so careless and worry-free. She thought. I guess that’s what happens when you grow up to be normal. "What’s it like?" she asked suddenly.

"What’s what like?"

"To be normal." Kyle was stunned by the question. Even though he was extremely normal, no one had told him so, and the realization shocked him. "Well, normal, I guess. No one’s really asked me that before." Jill shot him a smile, forgetting about the problems around her. "I guess it must be nice to have grown up with other kids." Kyle giggled. "Moving around doesn’t really help your social life." He commented sadly. "You’re always ‘the new kid’ or ‘the weird guy from some-place-or-other’." Kyle was awaiting an answer, but a new thought hit him. Bet she hasn’t experienced normality as much as I have he thought. "What was your childhood like?"

"Well, Hart’s always been like a father to me, so I guess I don’t lack anything there." She answered. "But I was raised to form a part of a team that would eventually save the Earth from something I can’t understand." Her face looked somewhat melancholy, so Kyle decided to leave her alone for the moment and keep on walking. He looked around, distracted, when his eyes rested on a sewer cover. Then the idea hit him like a ton of bricks. "Jill?" he asked.

"Yes?"

"Did James say anything about the attack being on the surface of the city?"

"No, not really. Why?" the thought also came to her, but before she could stop him, Kyle had gone over and attempted to pry open the cover. Instead of shouting, though, Jill started concentrating. Kyle approached the cover and tried to pry it open. However, it was extremely heavy, and Kyle couldn’t get it to budge. He had only taken a few steps back when the ground started shaking and the sewer cover burst open, white light pouring out of the manhole. Kyle shielded his eyes from the light as figures started pouring out of the manhole at an alarming rate. This only lasted a few seconds, though, before the light receded. Thinking himself dead, Kyle looked around in shock to find himself in a protective dome of light. Kyle looked at Jill and let out an enthusiastic "Thanks!"

"You’re welcome." Replied Jill.

Soon both were turning to the source of the problem, which appeared in the form of Starmen. Hundreds of them, standing ready to attack the two.

Meanwhile, Jack and James were exploring the other part of town, unaware of the danger the others faced.

Wonder what those kids are up to thought Jack. He was looking around in the same manner Kyle did earlier. James had a small device out and was inspecting the area. "Nothing unusual here." He concluded.

Jill let loose with spell after spell while Kyle threw his boomerang against the Starmen, but both were to no avail. The Starmen were closing in. "They’re too many!!" cried Kyle. "We’ve got to run away!" he was about to grab Jill when he noticed that she was in deep concentration, glowing a bright blue. She was levitated off the floor. Upon reaching a height of four feet of the ground she thrust up her hands and cupped them. In response, a ball of pure white energy formed in her hands.

Kyle, awestruck, watched as Jill continued with her ritual, and was almost knocked out by a Super Starman in the process. He took his boomerang and used it as a knife to cut through the Starman’s visor, rendering it useless. I hope she finishes whatever she’s doing soon Kyle thought. Or we’re all done for. The ball of energy started crackling loudly, and as the ball grew, so did the noise. Kyle tried desperately to call out to her, but the noise drowned out his call.

"What the heck is that?!"

Jack watched in awe at the light emanating from elsewhere in the deserted town. It was extremely bright. "Hey, James, what is that?!" he asked. James remained motionless, he stared at the ball of light floating in the sky. "Oh no…" he whispered. The light refelcted in his sunglasses. "Get down!!" he called to Jack, then ducked. Jack followed suit.

Kyle was now standing in the center of what seemed like a Supernova. He pleaded to Jill, but she was entranced. The Starman army closed in on the two, but the immense wind created by Jill’s power blew them away. Kyle anchored himself to a nearby pole and watched in horror.

Then, it stopped.

The silence permeated the area, like the calm after a storm. Jill’s sphere of energy floating in the middle of the air, and Jill floating over ten feet off the ground. She looked down at the ground, a wicked smile on her face. Kyle heard her mutter a "Get down." He did, his hands over his head.

"All right…" Jill began. "you’re existence ends here…" she prepared to throw the sphere, and everything went in slow motion. The Starmen’s artificial intelligence kicked in, and they started to charge toward Kyle. Kyle was still bracing for impact, full of fear. Then the world was snapped into focus by Jill, who thrust her cupped hands down.

"PSI Spark Bomb!!"

The Spark Bomb made contact with the incoming army, and it was vaporized in an instant. After hitting, the orb exploded in an immense shock wave of light that blanketed the entire town, heavily damaging everything it touched. Jack and James watched from the ground in horror as the raw power of Jill wreaked havoc on the small town. After that, all went still, and Jill floated back down. She fainted.

"Whoa…that was incredible." Was all Jack could say.

"Yeah. Jill’s powers are incredibly powerful." Responded James. He started off towards the jet, with Jack trailing behind.

"You all right?" asked Kyle. Jill just nodded weakly. "Good." He said. "We’d best be getting back to the jet and go home." He finished.

At least if its not totaled after what just happened.

Chapter Eleven: Cry Havoc

The First thing Ness saw when he teleported into Dalaam was fire. Everywhere. Entire buildings were set on fire, and many Starmen were running around, flanked by men with colored hair. Ness looked in shock. "We’ve got to stop them!" he cried to Gash. But Gash wasn’t listening. His attention was focused on one sole person in the midst of the chaos.

"Mafios."

Mafios was busy shouting orders to the different troops. He seemed not to notice.

"That’s Mafios!" cried Ness. "What’s he doing here?"

Gash turned to Ness. "You know him?" he asked. "Yes." Replied Ness. "He attacked us in Mt. Itoi not long ago. Do you know him?"

"He’s STROBE. Or, was, actually. He left to become a mercenary." Gash ran forward and extended his hand out and started concentrating, then let loose with his characteristic PSI power. "Graviball!" he called out. Instantly a small black sphere materialized in the middle of the fray. It started spinning rapidly until every last Starman was drawn in. The multi-colorful haired men and Mafios remained.

Mafios turned slowly, a look of utter disgust on his face. "I know that power…" his eyes focused on Gash. "heh…so it is you."

"Cut the sarcastic crap, Mafios." Said Gash. "Don’t make me hurt you."

"Why? So you can just delay the inevitable, until He strikes again?"

"You idiot…He will be defeated." Ness interjected between the two men. "Hey!" he cried. "Save some for me." Mafios smiled evilly. "Well, well…if it isn’t Earth’s greatest champion!" he mocked. Ness was about to attack but Gash drew him back. He approached Mafios slowly, taking off his jacket and laying it on the floor. "Let’s dance." He taunted.

Mafios and Gash fought ferociously, dashing towards each other then drawing away to counter-attack, throwing PSI spells at each other, one of which Ness recognized as the shockwave he used on Kyle earlier. Ness then noticed the burning houses and turned to Jeff, Claus, and Catalina. "Well, what are you waiting for?! Help me put these fires out!!"

Ness and the others rushed from house to house in an attempt to put out the flames, while Mafios and Gash battled ferociously. Ness was so busy putting out the fires that he almost didn’t notice the five men who had remained after Gash’s Graviball. They were assembled in a star formation. "I don’t believe…" began one, with blue hair.

"…that we’ve been…" started another, this one with green hair.

"…properly introduced." Finished the third, with red hair.

"We’re known as…" stated the fourth, purple haired one.

"the champions of Giygas…" finished the fifth one, with jet-black hair.

"THE WARRIORS OF SHADOW!" they all exclaimed in unison. By now, everyone was focused on them, even Mafios and Gash. "You idiots!" screamed Mafios. "Just kill them, already!" he then turned to Gash and they continued fighting. Catalina and Claus took up martial arts poses, while Jeff took his Beam Gun out of his pocket.

The Warriors wasted no time. They assembled into a line formation and charged the group, who was hit head on and sent reeling. Ness hit his head on a rock and blacked out.

Paula finished sending a PSI Freeze attack at a burning house, but she saw many more houses catch fire. Where are they? Don’t they know I need help? She asked herself.

Jeff slowly got up and rubbed his head painfully. He glanced around to find that Ness was unconscious, and Catalina and Claus fought the Warriors of Shadow, who were arranged in several formations. It was then that he noticed Paula, who was thrusting out her hands with a determined look on her face. What is she doing? Thought Jeff. Doesn’t she notice us here? He ran up to her, but she didn’t notice, locked in a trance like state where she thought she was extinguishing the flames with her powers. He waved his hand in her face, but she was distant.

Paula was desperately trying to put out the fires, but to no result. She started groaning as her powers were harder and harder to use, until she collapsed to the floor. Suddenly the fires stopped. Surprised, she looked around. The ashes were smoking and it was very hard to see. Then she heard the voice. The same voice that had haunted her before awakening in the palace. Hello again Paula it stated sweetly.

What? You again?

Yes me. Did you miss me?

Go away

Why

Because you’re literally driving me crazy!!

That’s the point. You cannot defeat me. Even your darling Ness is beginning to fall under me

What? Ness? Her words echoed loudly, and she started to hyperventilate. You! You! You fiend!!!

The world snapped into focus as Jeff jolted Paula awake. "Paula!" he cried. "Snap out of it! You’re hyperventilating!" Paula had no sooner regained consciousness when she rushed to the battlefield. "Ness! Be careful!" she screamed.

Catalina and Claus took another blow as they were sent sprawling to the ground. Panting, Claus got up. "It’s no use." He said. "They have a formation for every trick we pull!"

"Maybe we can use that to our advantage. Try splitting them up." Retorted Catalina. Ness was still out cold.

"What are you planning?" asked Claus.

"Well, if we can get them to separate, then join back together quickly…" Claus smiled. "You mean, crashing them into each other?" Catalina nodded. Claus went a good distance away from Catalina and called out menacingly to the Warriors. "You will fall at my hands, cowards!"

"You couldn’t…" started the green haired man.

"…defeat us," said the purple haired one.

"if you’re lives…" said the red head.

"…depended on it!" said the last two in unison. The first two charged Claus, and the remaining three ran to Catalina. Taking that as a cue, Catalina and Claus joined with their backs to each other. As soon as they were near enough, they jumped to the side. Although two of the Warriors crashed into each other, the purple, green, and blue haired men remained.

"Now…" said Green.

"You’ve made us…" added Blue.

"VERY ANGRY!" finished Purple. The three hit Catalina and Claus, then surrounded them and started circling them. They launched a fierce offensive hitting the two at such a fast rate that all Claus could do was take the blows. Then he was struck by an idea. "Catalina!" he cried out. "Grab my hands!" Catalina did as ordered, and Claus heaved her up and started spinning her around. The three Warriors were taken by surprise as Catalina’s feet collided with their Jaws. They were sent reeling.

The two wasted no time. Catalina rushed Blue, while Claus body-slammed Green. They then charged Purple.

"Dang…the warriors have been defeated." Mused Mafios. He was severely injured, and he was panting heavily. Gash was in the same condition. "It seems we can’t finish this just yet." He taunted at Gash, then laughed wearily. He teleported away.

Meanwhile, Paula had reached Ness, but instead of trying to wake him up, she shook him violently. "Look out, Ness!" she called. "He’s going to get you!" Ness had barely woken up when she fainted again. Jeff caught up with them soon after. "Everything under control?" he panted.

"Yeah…even though we got two injuries." Said Claus. Ness fully regained consciousness and looked around, confused. "Wha…Where…huh?" he said groggily.

"Relax. You’re fine now." Said Jeff. "But Dalaam is not. We’d better get back and get some rest."

"Some very well deserved rest." Said Ness. He turned to Gash, "And some explanations."

Chapter Twelve: Pride and Honor

Poo woke groggily to the sound of beeping and electronic buzzing. He shook his head wearily and tried to move, but found that he was tied to an examination table. What’s more, he was upright.

"Ahh…I see our little visitor has arrived." Shot out a man’s voice. Poo tried to respond, but before he could do so he received a sharp electric shock, which made him wince and scream in pain. "There—you should be wide awake now." Said the voice.

"Where…What…Who are you?" said Poo groggily.

"I believe the one asking questions should be myself, not you." Retorted the voice.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Ha…guess I should bring you up to speed, shouldn’t I?" taunted the voice. "Very well. My name is Jagger, of Alpha," He snickered. "but I am more commonly known as Jagger. You, my friend, have been my captive for over three days."

By now Poo’s eyes had adjusted, and he saw that he was standing in a dark room, with probes attached to his head. Also attached to him was a metal rod connected to an electrode. "Where am I?" he got out.

"Well, that’s just my little secret." Retorted Jagger wickedly. He wore green armor, as if made of Emerald. His green hair was combed back neatly and tied in a ponytail at the end. "Just shut up and I’ll make this as painless as possible."

"Make what as painless as possible?" Jagger let loose with a wicked laugh. "Well, you see…although I am extremely powerful—if I do say so myself—our armies can’t do anything. So my superiors told me to drain the PSI out of the closest—and most powerful—target. You."

"And who exactly are your superiors?"

"Well, I might as well tell you, since you’ll probably die anyway." He snickered again. "There are three of us: Lennon of Beta, Morrison of Gamma, and myself. There is our leader, of Omega, but only Morrison knows his true identity, and I don’t think he’ll tell you…" he turned to the controls beside the devices attached to Poo. "now—shall we begin?" He turned to the control panel and began fiddling with the knobs. Just as he looked away Poo tried to reach into his sleeve to pull out the small pocketknife.

"Oh, and, just so you know: its not there." Said Jagger blankly.

Poo felt a slight tingle as the devices plugged to him beeped to life and began running tests. Jagger was muttering incoherently as he ran from panel to panel checking the readings. Poo took the opportunity to look around. How can I get out of here? Was his only thought. Then he saw. Although he was strapped to the lab table, he noticed that he was only banded in his upper body, leaving his legs free. Jagger had not noticed that he would have to bind Poo completely, and that would be his downfall.

Quickly, Poo kicked up with his legs and hit the lab table. In response, the table leaned over backwards, leaving Poo upside down. Jagger had noticed this and was quick to respond. He tried to reach Poo, but the prince had already heaved upward, placed his feet on the ground, and ripped the table from the floor.

The next few moments were of confusion. Poo had turned his back to Jagger and had lunged, hitting Jagger with the table and slamming him against a nearby wall. The table broke into pieces and Poo was able to free himself. Jagger had grabbed one of the nearby devices and plopped it onto Poo’s head, stunning him. But before Jagger was able to react, Poo had already snapped out of it and began running.

"Grrr…you’ll pay for that, you insect! You won’t leave here alive!"

"We’ll see…you are underestimating me too much!"

Poo ran towards the nearest exit, then stopped cold. Jagger, who was quick to pursue flew past him and collided with the nearby wall. Idiot thought Poo, then closed the door to the lab. "Hey!! Let me in, you twerp! I’m not done with you!" screamed Jagger, who was pounding on the door. "Not by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin!" replied Poo playfully. Now to get out he thought. He spotted his Sword of Kings sitting in the corner. After hoisting it, he blasted a hole in the wall with his PSI powers, and exited into a large yard. Not bothering to check his surroundings, he teleported out.

Chapter Thirteen: Calm Before the Storm

Ness was surprised to see a brilliant streak of light as he entered the Omnicorp jet. He was standing on the entrance stairs along with Gash and Kyle, who received STROBE’s help message from Dalaam and arrived shortly. As soon as he saw the light, he recognized it: someone was teleporting in. He quickly ran to the spot of the streak, where a figure took shape.

"Poo!" exclaimed Ness happily.

"Indeed, my friend. I am here." Replied Poo. Ness was quickly followed by the others, and after a few moments they had all boarded the jet headed to Ellay.

"He ESCAPED?!"

Jagger was facing the wrath of Morrison. The two were inside Morrison’s chamber, with Jagger practically groveling at Morrison’s feet. "I’m sorry, Morrison, but we…"

"But we what?!" snapped Morrison.

"WE UNDERESTIMATED THEM!!" cried Jagger. "They aren’t the weak pathetic fools you think they are!!! They saved the stupid planet, for crying out loud!!! Twice, even!!! And even if we defeat them, their successors will hunt us down!!!"

"IF we defeat them? We are far superior! My skills alone could destroy the planet!" stated Morrison.

"You underestimate them, Morrison." Replied Jagger. "and that will lead to your downfall."

"Silence!" shouted Morrison. "They will die, and you will see to it!"

"Very well. Your father would be proud of you." Muttered Jagger, then teleported out of the room. Enraged, Morrison slammed his fist against the wall, leaving a large dent. Jagger, Ness, all of you…he thought angrily. You will pay!

Eleven people sat at a table in Basement S of Omnicorp H.Q. in Ellay. It was very late and all of them had a very serious look on their faces. "Ver well," began the boy with the red baseball cap. "let’s get everything out in the open. I want no secrets." He directed his attention to the red-haired man, Gash. "First, tell us about Mafios."

"Mafios worked for STROBE until recently, then he abandoned us for unknown reasons." Ness called Poo. "And where were you?"

"I was captured by Jagger."

"Jagger?"

"I’m not completely certain, but he is one of the three responsible for the attacks on Earth. The other two go by the names of Morrison and Lennon. Morrison seems to be the leader." Ness turned to the teenager in the red jacket. "Kyle?"

"Perth was some sort of bait to separate us. All we found were some weird robots with black visors." Jack cut in. "Starmen. I’d recognize them anywhere."

"Okay. And Jill?"

"She used some freaky power and destroyed them." Ness turned to Jill. "Feeling better?" Jill nodded. "Good. Paula?"

"They’re doing something with my head." Said Paula glumly. "But I’m okay now." Ness turned to James. "And you?"

"A major key to this involves something by the name of ‘Savior’" said James. "But apparently ‘Savior’ can’t carry out its purpose without some sort of beacon, which is apparently shot."

"Good." Replied Ness. "And just so you know, my PSI seems to be blocked off by something, but I really don’t know what." He looked at the others. "We’d better get some rest, it’s been a long day."

Kyle woke in the middle of the night to the sound of the building’s elevator humming. Drowsily, he peered out of his room to find Jill walking into the elevator. What the? Thought Kyle. Taking care not to wake Jack, Jeff, or Ness, he threw on his red jacket and blue jeans, then followed Jill.

He found her on the balcony, in nothing more than a slip, shivering with the cold as she sat on the railing and peered out at the night sky. "Jill?" he asked. Startled, Jill turned to him. "Kyle! What are you doing here?"

"The elevator woke me…are you okay."

Jill shivered again. "I’m fine. Just cold." In response, Kyle took off his jacket and wrapped Jill in it. "Here." He whispered. "That should help."

"Kyle?" said Jill helplessly.

"Yeah?"

"What’s going to happen?"

"I keep asking myself the same thing. One second I move to Onett, and before I even get settle in, I’m forced to save the planet. I’m not even sure I want to do this." Kyle laughed. "The very reason I got dragged into this was because I wanted to help Paula find Ness, and the only reason I did that was because I found out that he had PSI. I don’t know, this whole situation sucked me in like a vacuum." He noticed the weary look in Jill’s eyes and gently escorted here to the balcony. "Come on. We’d better go to sleep." Jill nodded, and together they left for the basement.

Chapter Fourteen: Climax; Part I

The alarm blared loudly as Ness got up from bed, he got dressed and met the others in STROBE’s meeting room. "What happened?" he asked.

"Another attack, it’s concentrated in Grapefruit falls, near Threed." Said James

"Dang. Any idea who it is?"

"The satellite photos indicate a Green-haired Giygan with Green armor." Said Claus

"Jagger!" cried Poo.

"We’d better go." Added Gash.

"All right…" said Ness. "It’s time to show those cretins whose boss!!!"

Jagger set another tree on fire as the STROBE jet landed nearby. I knew that would get their attention thought Jagger as he prepared to fight.

The eleven heroes swarmed out of the jet and faced their opponent. Without even speaking, they charged to attack. Completely ready for them, Jagger set off a burst of PSI attacks, catching them all by surprise. Before they even had a chance to retaliate, Jagger began an aggressive assault, until all eleven were on the ground.

Jagger was hardly scratched.

"Oh well…" mused Jagger. "at least it distracted me for a while.

"Its not over yet!" intervened a voice. Jagger found it to be James, who was standing weakly with his gun drawn. Beside him were Paula and Jack, and on the far side was Poo. "You still don’t get it, do you?" said Poo. "We will defeat you, no matter what."

"Ha! We’ll see…" he tried firing a blast of PSI, but Poo dodged and hit Jagger with a flying kick. Stunned, Paula accosted him with PSI Fire while James blasted him with a Bottle Rocket. Jagger reeled, then fell to the ground kneeling. "Very good—I knew I was underestimating you…No matter. Prepare for the next life!!" Jagger then began a torturous onslaught of PSI attacks, almost obliterating the group. Only Jack was left standing.

"Oh, I see…YOU are going to defeat me! How amusing!" Jack simply stood there, his katana shining in the afternoon sun. His sunglasses shone as he smiled wickedly. "Yes…I’m going to defeat you!" he scooped up a handful of dirt and threw it into Jagger’s eyes, then rushed him with his sword and chopped off a piece of his armor.

Meanwhile, Ness was slowly regaining consciousness, and he saw the battle take place. Weakly, he crawled over to Jeff and concentrated on PSI LifeUp. Jeff was instantly revived, but before he could get up, Ness spoke. "Jeff…Jeff, do you have any Bottle Rockets left?" he whispered.

"Yes. One." Replied Jeff.

"Good. Wait for the signal, then fire it at Jagger’s back. Got it?" Jeff simply nodded and stayed down, taking out his bottle rocket at the same time. Ness then crawled over to Jill, an healed her, but before she could get up, he intervened. "Jill, as soon as he fires the Bottle Rocket, blast Jagger." Jill nodded and prepared herself. Lastly, Ness sent a telepathic message to Jack. <Jack> he thought

Jack was fighting a hopeless battle, he panted as his sword hung from his hand and Jagger stood before him. He was about to strike, but heard a voice in his head <Jack> it said.

Ness? That You?

<Yes. Listen, Jeff needs a clear shot at Jagger’s back. Could you arrange that for me?>

Yes. Give me a minute. Jack once again focused on Jagger, then started to circle him. Jagger also began circling. The tow were like fighting lions. "Its over." said Jagger. "Your planet is lost!" Jack remained stern, and once Jagger’s back faced Jeff, he stopped moving. Ness immediately shouted. "Jeff, now!!"

Jeff fired off his rocket, and before Jagger could react, it hit him in the back. Jill also noticed and fired off a blast of PSI Freeze. Jack then supplemented the attack with a punch to the face.

Jagger fell limp to the ground, his energies spent. A smile of satisfaction was on his face. "So…you did it. You really did it." He motioned for Jack to come over, which he did. "Let me tell you something." He began "In order to defeat the evil attacking the planet, you must find Savior. He is near, in a mountain near Saturn Valley." He coughed. "Go quickly. There is little time."

"Why are you telling us now?" asked Jack. Jagger laughed. "Any planet that has people who would fight for it so fervently has got to be worth saving." Jagger responded. "Hurry. Time is…<cough>…of the…<wheeze>…essence…"

With that, Jagger perished, and he exploded in a green light. The light rained over the eleven fighters and was absorbed by them. Instantly, they were revitalized.

Remember…you are strong. Earth still has a chance.

Morrison left another dent in the wall as Mafios teleported into the room. "You called, my liege?" said Mafios.

"Yes." Said Morrison. "You will now take orders from Lennon, as Jagger is no more. Understand?"

"Yes. I’m on it." With that, Mafios teleported out.

Jagger, may you rest in peace thought Morrison. He presses a button on the wall, and it opened to reveal a background of space. But this is far from over…

End of Part I: The Legendary Heroes

To be continued in Part II: The Legendary Quest