"You guys sure we couldn't have taken the Sunny?" Tails asked.
"Don't worry. Once we're done at the Air Temple, we'll go back and sail the Sunny back to Republic City." Jexi said. "Besides, the temple's in the Earth Kingdom, a landlocked area."
"I see." Hope said.
"Hope, can i ask you something?" Korra asked.
"Yeah?" Hope said.
"These last few weeks, i felt as if Tenzin, my dad...even you were holding be back, keeping me locked up. Why did you come back?" Korra asked.
"Look...I'm gonna say this. I'm an idiot. I treat my friends like collectables and I jump head first into danger and drag everyone with me. But...I want to be able to protect my friends no matter what." Hope said.
"Hope, you are an idiot, that much is true. But...it's in a good place." Korra said. "You don't listen to your head...you listen to your heart."
"His heart? I thought Hope only used his head." Luffy said.
"Wake up, Luffy. All those times he's jumped head first into danger, he wanted to protect us. At first I thought he was a complete idiot, but he's actually following an instinct. One from his desire to protect. From his heart." Pit said.
"Yeah, Angela told me the same thing. Azure, my color.. It represents peace. But it also signifies the will to protect others, no matter what. I don't see my friends like collectables, i see myself as their power, or shield. A good friend once said: "My Friends are my power, and I'm theirs." Hope said.
"Exactly what Ven would say. And Sora if you count Ven's heart inside of him." Jexi said.
"Ven?" David asked.
"He was...a good friend who travelled with us. He's not with us anymore...but...we hope he'll come back someday." Jexi said.
"Oh yeah… I heard Aqua mention him a lot." David said.
"She's a fellow Keyblader alongside him. She probably longs for his return more than anyone else." Takeshi said.
"I can tell you who else she wants back. Terra." Korra said. "She keeps looking at this picture of her, Terra and Ven together." she said as the others looked at her. "What? We share a cabin in the Beacon."
"Do uh… you and Aqua, talk about your different paths?" Hope asked.
"Only on a couple occasions." Korra said. "But...I don't know the full story on Terra."
"Terra was another good friend. But he was misled into using darkness. He ended up getting taken over by Master Xehanort. We lost his heart and body. Eventually...we'll have to fight Xehanort again to get him back." Jexi said.
"Wow." Korra said. "Alright, lets keep going. We're almost there."
Meanwhile in Republic City as a familiar blader and his minotaur companion approached the University, he opened the door and approached a figure with their back turned.
"Alright Clint. Game's over!" Theo said drawing his blade. But before he struck, he heard a clash and looked in shock to see the figure was Genis, Lloyd and Chopper standing on each other.
"Sorry...but he's off today." Lloyd said knocking him back.
"Great…" Theo said summoning his keyblade only to be quickly defeated by Lloyd.
"Theo!" Minona said before Chopper went into Monster Point.
"Cloven Rose….Palme!" Chopper said palming Minona into the ground, knocking her unconscious before he reverted.
"Looks like we caught our crooks." Genis said. "So, what should we do with them?"
"Well, we obviously can't leave them here." Lloyd said.
"Maybe we should tie them up and leave them with the police...at least until this spirit mess is over." Chopper said.
"I guess that's for the best." Genis said.
"Agreed. Though Hope made way too big a deal about this guy." Lloyd said as they tied the two up and went to drop them off with the police.
"Yeah. He has a keyblade but that's not much to geek out about." Genis said as they dragged the two off. "Especially since it's not all that special if he doesn't know how to use it. They were still hired by Diablo. We're just glad we stopped them when we did."
Theo was dragged along the road and the two were dropped in front of a prison where the two were arrested and locked in different cells.
"Agh! This sucks!" Theo said slamming the cell with fists.
"Tough toenails. You were trying to kill the professor at the university. Enjoy the next 4 to 5 years." a cop said leaving.
"I tried to warn you it was a bad idea, Theo." Minona said.
"Sorry, Minona… I guess I should've listened to you." Theo said. "Maybe they're right… How can I be a hero like those guys if I don't even know how to use the keyblade...which I can't even summon cause of this cell!"
"That Diablo... he saw us as mere pawns he could use. We were never going to be heroes. We were playing the villains in this story." Minona said.
"Damn it!" Theo said slamming the walls. "Maybe I'm just not ready to be a guild leader."
"Maybe not. Look. Just let go of it for now." Minona said.
"I do know one thing. If I ever get out of this cell...I'm gonna go after that Diablo guy and put an end to him!" Theo said.
"That's...kind of a stretch…" Minona said.
"I mean it." Theo said as his energy was growing as his keyblade appeared. "He's evil incarnate! I'll drill right through him!" he shouted as the keyblade suddenly morphed and changed into a drill that fit onto his hand with the symbol for Virgo on it.
"It transformed!" Minona said.
"What the…?" Theo said looking at the new form. "I think I'm liking this thing more now." he said as it started spinning as he jabbed it into the ground. "Give me a couple hours Minona. We'll be outside on a boat heading for the South."
"The south? Don't you think Diablo has relocated by now?" Minona asked.
"True, but we can still stop Unalaq, his partner. Maybe it will attract him somehow." Theo said. "I dunno...but it's the best shot I got!"
Meanwhile in the Eastern Air Temple as Korra was learning to enter the Spirit World with Tenzin, the group was off in another part.
"Jude, you sure this idea of yours will work? Asking the champions to get us into the spirit world?" Tails asked.
"Not 100%, but without Muzet here, we don't have a lot of other options." Jude said.
"So… How is this spyrite process supposed to work exactly?" Nami asked.
"From when we fought the Elemental Golem, the spirit fossils are attached to the Boosters, and we sync our spiritual wavelengths with the spirits in question." David said.
"So power equal to Daruk, Mipha, Urbosa and Revali." Jexi said.
"In a sense, but there's a message in it when we did it with Maxwell. 'Muster thy will and prove thyself, for it shall serve as the contract that binds.'" David said.
"Okay. I think we get it. Then after the message, their spirits will come out?" Sunset asked.
"Actually, the message was a hint. It should work by syncing our spiritual wavelengths." David said.
"There are four Boosters, so four of us will be undergoing this process." Jude said.
"When Maxwell was summoned, he was seeking after a certain proof of the summoner's worthiness." David said. "That proof...is the hearts of men."
"Strength of heart, got it." Asta said grabbing Daruk's fossil and a booster. "Come on. I Muster thy will and prove thyself, for it shall serve as the contract that binds!" Asta chanted.
"Not sure if it works like that, but at least he's enthusiastic about it." David said as he took Mipha's fossil and a booster and closing his eyes, focusing on syncing his wavelength with Mipha's.
"He's got the right idea. We need to be in sync, to be able to communicate." Takeshi said as he took Urbosa's fossil and booster, leaving Jude with Revali's.
"I hope this works…" Nami said.
Lights started to glow from the spirit fossils as the four Champions emerged.
"Huh? Well this is quite a surprise." Daruk said.
"Yes. It appears we have returned to the living world, albeit it through some means." Mipha said.
"Indeed. I think it has something to do with these heroes." Urbosa said.
"Ah yes. Link's little sidekicks and helpers." Revali said. "I'm sure we could have returned without them."
"Wow, Jude. It looks like it worked!" David said.
"So...given you all have called upon us...the world must be in crisis again." Urbosa said. "Though not our own it would seem."
"Seems like it. We need to get to the Spirit World and fast." David said.
"The Spirit World huh? Well, there are a lot of ways to get into there. One of them is to kick the bucket while being a great hero for one." Daruk said.
"Uh...maybe go to the other ones." Dan said.
"Your assumption is correct, we can get you into the Spirit World." Mipha said.
"There is a ritual from Gerudo scriptures that can open a gate into the spirit world, but you have to follow every direction." Urbosa said.
"Alright. What do we have to do?" David asked.
"First, you all must gather in a circle and meditate. Then join hands as I chant a sacred ritual." Urbosa said.
The group then did as Urbosa said as she started the chant.
"Great spirits of this land. I ask of ye, lend us thy power so we may journey into thy world." Urbosa said as the sky darkened above them as in the center of their circle was forming a small rift.
"Whoa, it's working!" Hope said.
"Do not break the concentration, blue one. We aren't done yet." Urbosa said as the rift continued to grow. "Now...we make sure the rift is cemented. Urbosa's Fury!" she shouted snapping her fingers as lightning struck the rift as it grew to a large size. "There. Now before you leave, I should explain the portal. You each can only use it twice. Once all of you have entered in and out of the world of spirits, the portal will close permanently." Urbosa said.
"Got it. We'll make sure not to waste this." David said.
"Cool! A world of ghosty stuff! Awesome!" Luffy said jumping in before them.
"Right behind ya!" Natsu said following.
"Coming!" Asta said going after.
"Well, as they say...do as the romans do." Jexi said as the group was going in one by one.
"Whoo!" Hope said jumping in.
"Some things never change…" Korra said.
"Indeed. Now, you should get to finding your own way in as a real avatar." Mipha said.
"We will remain to look after the portal." Revali said.
"Tenzin couldnt get me in. But maybe there's someone who can." Korra said.
"Oh ho ho ho. You're definitely right about that." Daruk said. "There is someone in the temple that can help you."
"Now go. I'm sure the others will be seeing you soon enough." Urbosa said.
"Thank you...Champions." Korra said running off.
With the others in the Spirit World, they slid down the portal tunnel before they landed on a grassy hillside.
"Whoo! Let's do it again!" Luffy shouted.
"So this is the Spirit world, huh?" Hope asked.
"It would look that way." Jude said. "This could be perfect for my Spyrite research."
"Yeah...I mean, how often do you end up in a place where the spirits live?" Sunset said.
"Speaking of which, do you think we might run into...them?" David asked.
"Maybe." Jude said.
"Who are you guys talking about?" Asta asked.
"Our old companions, Milla and Muzet." Jude said.
"I wanted to take Milla along with us, but there were complications. For one, she uses an excessive amount of mana just to maintain a physical form." David said.
"And the other?" Hope asked.
"Probably that Muzet girl they were talking about earlier." Nami said.
"Yes. They're sisters. Muzet can be quite lonely without her." David said. "Plus, since she took up the mantle as Maxwell, she has to live up to her new role and protect the Spirit Realm."
"Well, then let's not waste time. Let's go and find them then." Natsu said.
"Slow down, Natsu. This is the first time we're all here. We don't exactly know where we can find them." David said.
"Plus, we came here for a reason." Hope said. "We need to figure out a way to keep Vaatu from getting out, and Unalaq already tricked Korra to open the South Portal. He only needs to get the north open, and Vaatu will be let loose."
"True, but you know about as much as we do down here. But if what David said is true, Milla knows more of this world than we do. Maybe she could help us." Jexi said.
"If we only knew where she was." Nami said.
"Maybe we do…" Jude said taking out a vial with a blond hair. "This is one of Milla's hairs. If Natsu's sense of smell is so powerful, he can find her with this scent."
"Well then, lemme at it." Natsu said. "But first, why do you have a sample of her hair? Are you uh… into her that much?"
"No. I just wanted something to remember her by before she left to go back." Jude said.
"No need to be modest, Jude. We all know how close you were with her." David said.
"I guess that's true. Quite frankly, I wouldn't be researching spyrites if it weren't for her." Jude said. "Humans and spirits would be able to co-exist."
"I see." Hope said.
"Huh! Yeah! I got a scent!" Natsu said. "It's not far from here!"
"Then let's get to it." Hope said.
Meanwhile…
Unalaq was at the North Pole gate, trying to unseal it before being blasted back.
"Forget it, Unalaq." said Yagyou approaching. "You cannot get it open. The avatar was the only one that could and she is dead."
"No! There has to…." Unalaq said.
"She is gone! We both missed things. You missed the chance to begin a new spiritual age...and I missed my chance to finally kill my enemy." Yagyou said. "Me and the other Classic Yo-kai only agreed to side with you because we thought it was a chance to eliminate Enma, but we haven't seen even a hair from him."
"Why do you want to kill Enma, your own king?" Desna asked.
"He is no king. The only real ruler was King Enma. Oh those were good days. Until his death allowing that grandson of his to take over. The Yo-kai and Spirit Worlds will fall into ruin with him ruling over both. Therefore, I plan to kill him and take over, then I will set things right." Yagyou said.
"The Spirit World? So, you're also set to fight Maxwell." Unalaq said.
"Yes. The new Maxwell will lead things to ruin, so she must go too. Only we Classic Yo-kai can set our worlds back in order." Yagyou said.
"Too bad neither of us shall accomplish our goals." Unalaq said before a paper lantern like Yo-kai appeared.
Chochin-Obake
Classic Yo-kai
Eerie Tribe
"Yagyou! Yagyou! I have news from the spirit world!" it said.
"Don't chatter like an idiot! Speak!" Yagyou ordered.
"It's the Avatar's companions, they're in the Spirit World. But not just them! The Avatar and a little girl. The Avatar is alive!" Chochin-Obake said.
Yagyou grinned. "Looks as though we both can still get what we want." he said.
Back with our heroes…
"So you sure Milla is this way?" Nami asked.
"Positive!" Natsu said as he was leading them into a large flower field.
"Wait, I see someone up ahead!" Takeshi said as they saw in the distance, a young woman with long blond hair with a green hair curl.
"No way… Is that…?" David asked.
"No doubt. That's Milla!" Jude said.
The woman then turned to see the group. "Well, this is a surprise. I didn't expect you to come here so soon and still so young, Jude." Milla said.
"So you're Milla? The one known as the master of elemental magic?" Natsu said.
"Even bigger, she's the Lord of Spirits." David said.
"Lord of Spirits? Getting a bit egotistical in old age?" Enma said.
"Lord Enma. I wasn't expecting you here." Milla said.
"Well, there are circumstances and other stuff getting in the way right now so I had no choice." Enma said.
"Ah, that's right. We came to ask you something." David said.
"I know. Vaatu is about to be released from his prison." Milla said. "The Classic Yo-kai as well as the human known as Unalaq have entered the Spirit world and are searching for the being known as the Avatar."
"Yes. But...how did you know?" David asked.
"I told her." a voice said as standing nearby was a frog like creature in japanese clothing and a straw hat as well as holding a lantern.
"Toadal Dude? Is that really you?" Hope asked.
Senpoku-Kanpoku
Classic Yo-kai
Slippery Tribe
"Afraid not. I'm surprised you would make such a mistake considering we look very different. I am Senpoku-Kanpoku...he who guides new spirits into the spirit world." he said.
"Sorry, it's just that you are both amphibians." Hope said. "No offense."
"You realize I could say the same about you humans correct?" Senpoku joked.
"Didn't know you were a jokester." Hope said. "But listen, we need your help, Milla."
"Yes. I can take you to the spirit portals. I was headed there myself to end the mess." Milla said drawing a sword.
"Then let's go. Korra can meet us there, but i just hope we aren't too late." Hope said before he saw his own hands choking himself. "What?"
"I found you." a voice said as they turned to see Aaron and Diablo there.
"Aaron, Diablo!" Nami said.
"How did you guys get here?!" Natsu asked.
"The avatar opened the portal in the south. We can physically enter through it, just like how all of you entered through that one portal. Now, we ask you leave right now." Diablo said.
"You know we can't do that. Y'know, you say you're a trusted business man of talent corp, but Hope is right. You make deals only the Devil could devise. You're the real bad guy here, Diablo." Jude said.
"Do you honestly think I care about such petty insults?" Diablo said. "I've gotten where I am today using deals day after day, gaining power and influence. It doesn't matter what you call me because I reject all of what you say about me."
"That just proves that you can't handle criticism." David said.
"Hmm. You forget...I hold all the cards." Diablo said holding Daisy's contract.
"There you go with that leverage again. Do you honestly believe it can protect you forever?" David asked.
"Of course I do. Because if anyone other than me destroys this, Miss Daisy will suffer the same fate as that poor secretary I showed you." Diablo said.
"Talking evil plans, monologuing, using some kind of immunity to protect himself… Yep. That's a straight-up Bond villain." David said.
"Yeah. Seriously." Hope strained under his own breath.
"You can release the blue one in about 3 minutes." Diablo said.
"Three minutes? Wait….he's not trying to fight us. They're stalling for time!" Jexi said.
"Very observant." Diablo said. "In all honesty, I'm quite curious how things will play out on this world. I'm in the middle of a special plan right now. And I need a lot of people to support me in all I do."
"Let me guess, you don't intend on revealing that plan just yet? You Bond villains are all alike." David said before he was hit with a gun shot in the arm.
"Does a bond villain do that?" Diablo asked holding one of Daisy's guns.
"Wait...that's…" Hope started.
"Daisy's gun? Yes. Through deals, I can gain the abilities of those I contract. However if I just get rid of them, I lose the ability too." Diablo said.
"What are you planning?" Hope demanded before he was released.
"Let's just say a big change will be coming to the universes. Well, this is where we part." Diablo said leaving with Aaron.
"Bastard…." Hope said. "David, you okay?"
"Yeah. I think so." David said.
"You think so? He shot you in the arm!" Nami said.
"Hey, I've had worse." David said before they felt a burst of spirit energy radiate through the world. "What in the?"
"No...the northern portal was just opened. I could feel it." Milla said.
"Damn that Diablo! That slippery snake really did stall us." David said. "We have to go back down there now. I don't want to know what would happen if Vaatu got out during Harmonic Convergence."
"We're too small a force right now. I think the best action is to regroup in Republic City with the rest of our groups." Jexi said.
"Yeah." Hope said. "You uh… coming, Milla? We have boosters and we can find a way to balance your mana consumption."
"There is no need for that. My solemn duty is to protect the Spirit Realm. I will assist you in any way I can." Milla said.
"Then come with us. We're gonna take back the Spirit World." Jexi said.
