-Chapter 5: The Key to Pirates-

-Part 2: Secrets Setting Sail-

Month X, Day O, Hour YY

We've been sailing for a full day and a half, and when I climb to the crow's nest to get a view, I can barely make out Keelhaul Key in the distance! Whenever I see it, I get a strange, mixed feeling of excitement and terror the closer we get! I wonder what awaits us?

The rumors about Cortez's spirit flew around the ship today. I hope they aren't true…

Signed, Flavio

Month X, Day O, Hour YY

Not much to write but I can definitely say I'm excited for multiple reasons. We're getting very close to the island and that also means we're getting closer to the fifth Crystal Star. I can't wait to get it; it means we're one step closer to finding Mabel! And opening the Thousand-Year Door, of course…

I miss my sister.

Signed, Dipper Pines

Month X, Day O, Hour YY

Wow, I'm finally aboard this ship! It was easier than expected, I didn't think they'd just let me on if I just asked. Maybe, just maybe, I can uncover the secrets of the island when I arrive.

Greatness awaits; I know it. Dare I explore alone? Everyone would know I'd be gone and think of it suspicious. Once I arrive, I'll figure it out. Never have I thought something through so thoroughly.

Signed, Diego N.

Evening had set in aboard the SS Flavion. Everyone had gathered in the dining hall for their second dinner of the trip. Dipper and Vivian arrived last, and were very quiet as they ate.

'This is so weird...' Dipper thought. 'Is what Vivian told me true? The Crystal Stars are more than what they seem, and we have a Second Level on board?'

(EARLIER)

A knock sounded on the door to Dipper's dorm. He looked up from his research book and muttered, "Come in."

The door slid open and Vivian came inside, closing the door behind her. "I have something important to tell you."

"What about? Is it about the Crystal Stars?" Dipper asked.

"Actually...yes. But that's not all." Vivian said. "You can't tell this to anyone else just yet, but I need to tell you now so you'll be better off later on. The dangers of that island will be easily dealt with if I tell you this."

"Okay…?" Dipper slowly folded the corner of his page and shut the book, setting it down beside him on his bedside table. Vivian sat on a chair across from him.

"First, you may know about the Crystal Stars' normal powers that are granted to whomever uses them." Vivian said. Dipper nodded. "But the stars contain a secondary, secret power that can only be awakened by a select few; mainly those who are foreigners to this world."

"Huh? Secondary powers? Foreigners to this world?" Dipper asked. "What do you mean? What kind of powers?"

"The Crystal Stars' secondary powers can only be activated by the holder of said star." Vivian explained. "You, however, can use them all at your disposal whether you have the star or not. The power, abilities, weight, materials, and other attributes of the weapon depend on the user."

"So I can use the secret power of the next Crystal Star right now? Or do we have to get the star first?" Dipper asked.

"No, you must acquire the star first before you can use the power." Vivian responded.

"...what powers are there?" Dipper raised an eyebrow.

"The secret power of the first Crystal Star, the Diamond Star, is called the Hood." Vivian explained. "It is a mostly defensive move that creates a large gauntlet in front of the user, mainly to defend against attacks. It's offensive capabilities are almost nonexistent, so don't think you can punch someone from below with this move. You and Wendy are the only ones able to use this move."

"The Hood, huh?" Dipper stared at his hand. "I want to try these powers out some time...what does my Hood look like? How strong is it in defending me?"

"I can't tell what it looks like or how strong it will be until you use it." Vivian explained. "Now, the secret weapon of the second Crystal Star, the Emerald Star, is called the Kurogane."

"Kurogane?" Dipper asked. "What's that?"

"I'm not entirely sure what it translates to, but this move is exceedingly powerful, depending on the user." Vivian explained. "It creates a large cannon from your arm and fires powerful balls made of whatever material the cannon is made of. You and Candy can use this technique."

"So an offensive star grants a defensive move…" Dipper began. "...and a defensive star grants an offensive move...huh."

"The secret weapon of the third Crystal Star, the Gold Star, is called the Pick, and it can only be used by you and Daniel." Vivian explained. "Or as you call him, Manly Dan."

"What's the Pick do?" Dipper asked.

"The Pick is a technique that covers your outstretched hand in a, well, box, and then fires out a stream of connected boxes in one direction towards an opponent. It's powerful, fast, but also can be either stationary or mobile." Vivian explained. "When I say that, I mean that your Pick could be connected to the ground while Manly Dan's could be able to be moved around, allowing the direction to be altered even after the move has been used."

"Sounds like a benefit combined with a fault." Dipper said. "What's the power of the Ruby Star?"

"The fourth power is called the Raika." Vivian explained. "We've seen Robbie do this; it creates boots or rollerblades that encompass the users shoes. Said boots or blades allow the user to speed around very quickly, or use very powerful kicks."

"That explains the power kicks and Robbie's incredible speed…" Dipper muttered.

"I knew about these powers for a while, but I forgot about them until I witnessed Robbie use the Speed in the battle against Doopliss." Vivian said. "The flaming kick must be his second level power."

"Huh? Second level power?" Dipper asked, his interest piquing even more.

"The second level is a term that refers to someone who has exceeded their normal power level, per se." Vivian explained. "The second level can be achieved in a multitude of ways, but the requirements are different for everybody.

"I assumed from the moment we saw Robbie fight that he was a Second Level. Somehow, he must have done something that automatically leveled him up; he might just be the strongest member of our group.

"His flaming kicks must be a result of his second level power combining with his Raika. As for his transportation technique, I don't exactly know where he got that from, though I assume it's from Doopliss' training."

"So Robbie's a Second Level, huh?" Dipper wondered aloud. "How do I become a Second Level?"

"I don't know." Vivian answered. "Normally, we shadow sirens can tell how one can become a Second Level, but for you...I just don't know. It's coming up as a blank for me."

"Oh…" Dipper stayed silent for a moment before he heard a bell ringing. "That means it's dinner time." He stood up to leave but Vivian grabbed his wrist, stopping him.

"Tell nobody about this until I say it's okay." Vivian said sternly. "Promise?"

Dipper was silent again until he smiled slightly. "Promise."

-(End Of Chapter)-