Chapter 33: King of Sling

Gateway Cavern, the cavern that serves as a gateway to the untapped and unexplored Outland Reach. But all was not well in this cavern. Locke and Load had seized control of the cavern and were celebrating with their troops and ghouls in a local restaurant. And the place was a total madhouse! The waiter brought them their food and they started eating like animals. "Put it on our tab." Locke said, sucking up a piece of food. "About that tab, sir. You and your gang have been here over a week and-" The waiter started to say, until Locke shot a ghoul into the ceiling. The goons laughed. "That should settle the bill, my good man." Locke said, loading a Grimmstone. "Load, what's the customary percentage for a tip?" He asked as Load gulped down the rest of his meal. "You know I can't math." Load said. "I don't know about you, but I feel generous. Should we say…hmm…20%?" Locke suggested, aiming his blaster at the waiter.

Meanwhile, the Shane Gang had just arrived at the cavern, with Pronto sniffing out Locke and Load's scent. "My unsurpassed tracking abilities can guarantee that Locke and Load are extraordinarily near." Pronto said. "You sure, Pronto?" Kord asked. "You have exaggerated about your skills before." Lash said. As Pronto took a deep sniff, the gang looked up as the waiter was shot through the roof, out of the restaurant and crashing into the middle of the streets. "Reasonably certain." Pronto said. "I can actually live with that." Harley said.

The gang drew their blasters, but Pronto drew a plunger by accident. He quickly corrected that mistake and switched for his blaster. "Let's go!" Eli called. They rode towards the restaurant, where a crowd had gathered to help the waiter. The crowd turned and saw the gang coming. "Hold on, sons. We don't need your help today." The town leader said, stopping the gang in their tracks. That made Eli and Harley confused. An explosion came from the restaurant as a Hop Jack hopped back inside. "Are you serious?" Trixie asked. "Yeah, cause it looks like you really need help." Vance said. "We have our own hometown hero you know. Been out adventuring in Outland Reach for the past few weeks. But the second he gets back, he'll run these thugs out of town quick! You'll see." The leader said. "He's the greatest slug slinger there ever was! EVER!" A young boy said. 'Even greater than a Shane? Impossible. Isn't it?' Harley thought. "Really? Can't wait to meet him. Who is he?" Eli asked.

Just then, a guitar was heard strumming. Everyone turned to see a familiar crowned man riding a solid gold horse mecha coming into town. The King of Sling. "Here he comes now!" The boy said. The gang was surprised. 2 women were starstruck. One of them even fainted. Burpy surprised and weirded out. "Am I a sight for sore eyes or what?" The King asked as a Phosphoro wearing hip shades hopped up to his shoulder. "More like sore ears." Kord groaned, covering his ears. "Tell me about it." Lash said, digging his pinkie in his ear.

The boy bowed as the crowd cheered. "Hey everybody! Did you miss me?" The King greeted. "The King of Sling?" Trixie asked. "They're gonna send him against Locke and Load?!" Kord asked. "This guy?" Dana asked. As the King blew kisses to the crowd, another explosion came from inside the restaurant. "This is not gonna end well." Eli said. "You said it." Harley said.

(Intro)

As more explosions went off inside the restaurant, the King prepared to enter. "You sure you don't need a hand with this, King?" Eli asked. "What kind of a King of Sling would I be if I couldn't dismiss a couple of ruffians?" The King asked, walking towards the restaurant. Trixie stepped in front of him and stopped him. "You and I have dueled before you know, and you lost to me like 3 times in a row." She said, remembering their duel in Scorch Sparks Cavern during the tournament.

[Flashback from Chapter 2]

Trixie slung Spider's web at the King's face. "That's for your yapping." Then she slung Bluster, spinning him with Slyphoon. "That's for your flapping." Finally, she slung Pounder, knocking him off his feet. "And that one wins me the duel."

[Flashback End]

The King chuckled nervously. "Yes, Trixie. All part of a strategy to build overconfidence in my opponents. Just like the time I defeated the Twisted Man and his Little Twin in a duel that lives in legend!" He said. The young boy mouthed the exact same sentence. "But you've heard the story." The crowd cheered, praising his tall tale. "You may hear tales of my losing tactic from other slingers." Eli and Harley saw what was going on. "I get it." Eli muttered. "It all makes sense now." Harley added. Eli walked up to the King. "Can we speak to you in private- uh- your Majesty?" He asked, leading the King away, much to Trixie's chagrin.

"We get that you're the hero of this cavern and that all these people look up to you." Eli said. "They do indeed. There's not a lot of excitement this far off the beaten track. For so many people, I represent hopes and dreams, adventure and a life of wonder." The King said. Just then, another explosion came from the restaurant. "Yeah, we get that and I respect that, but those guys in that café aren't just any slingers. They're some of Dr. Blakk's top henchmen." Harley said. Burpy looked at the King's Phosphoro, named Elvis, who gave him a hip greeting, but Burpy was disgusted. "Listen, Eli and Harley, I know my slinging skills aren't what they used to be." The King started. "Or ever were." Pronto whispered. "But if you go in there and save the town like you always do, where does that leave me?" The King finished. "King of Sling!" The crowd chanted. "These people expect me to save them. It's my job. It's all I have." The King said with sorrow. Kord pulled the brothers to the side. "Eli, Harley, you can't just let him walk in there and face those guys alone. They'll eat him alive and use his knuckle bones for toothpicks!" He advised. "Maybe there's another way. And if this works out, we'll get Locke and Load out of the town without firing a single shot." Eli said.

Later, the entire gang was thrown out of the restaurant. "This town is ours! Not even the Shane Gang can change that!" Locke said as he and Load exited. "You're right. We're doomed." Eli said. "You got us pinned down." Harley said. Just then, a Phosphoro was slung into the sky, getting Locke and Load's attention with Arcalyte. "Eli, Harley, I told you 2 that I had this handled!" The King said, making his appearance. "Stand back and let me take care of these hooligans!" "And you would be?" Locke asked. "Tell em, folks." The King said. "The King of Sling!" The crowd cheered. "The King of Sling?" Load asked in confusion. "Seriously, you've never heard of him?!" Kord asked. "Hero of the Outland Reach. So fearsome, that even Thaddeus Blakk is afraid to speak his name." Pronto said. "I never heard Dr. Blakk talk about this guy." Load said. "Exactly!" Pronto said. "He beat me 6 times in a row with a busted blaster and a pair of sick Floppers." Trixie said. The King glared at Locke and Load. "You guys are so doomed now! Sorry, King. We know you have this covered. We'll just get out of your way." Eli said, leaving. Now, Locke and Load were getting worried. "You think this guy's as good as they say he is? I mean, we were lucky to get the drop on the Shane Gang just now. If this King's a better slinger than them." Load said. "Perhaps we should regroup elsewhere before that claim can be proven." Locke suggested.

The Shane Gang watched from the rooftops as the King approached and Locke and Load backed away. "That's it. Just back away." Eli said. "Perhaps you'd like a little parting gift." The King suddenly said. That surprised the gang. "The Shake, Rattle & Run! You will run if you know what's good for you!" The King said, loading a slug into his blaster. "What's he doing?!" Eli asked. "Not following the plan, apparently." Harley grumbled. The King fired a Slyren, giving Locke and Load an earful with Whistleer. The crowd cheered. "The Bump 'n' Blast!" The King said, firing 3 Floppers at the ground beneath Locke and Load, creating gas clouds. "And for the finale, the Star-Spangled Screamer!" The King said. He held up a barrel for Elvis and loaded him into his blaster. Locke and Load braced themselves. The King slung Elvis into the air, performing Arcalyte. The crowd cheered. Locke and Load were confused. "This might have been a mistake." Eli said. "Yeah, I thought so too." Harley said. "Thank you, babies. Thank you very much." The King said to his fans before turning back to Locke and Load. "Had enough, boys?" "Here it comes." Eli muttered.

Locke and Load examined themselves. "We're not dead!" Locke said. "We're barely even scratched!" Load said. The King smiled nervously. "He's nothing but a flashy charlatan!" Locke said. "And a big faker too!" Load said. "You put on a purty show. But let's see how you do against raw ghoul power." Locke said, aiming his blaster at the King. The Shane Gang gasped as Locke and Load fired a couple of Hop Jacks. The King dodged with panicked style and grace. "Eli!" Trixie said. "No, Trixie. If we help him now, he'll totally lose face." Eli said. "Are you kidding me?!" Harley asked. "Your turn, brother!" Load said. Locke took aim. "At least he'll have a face to lose. Those 2 are gonna annihilate him!" Kord said.

Locke fired another ghoul, but the King rolled to the side. Locke loaded another ghoul and slung it. The King ducked as the ghoul hit the wall, creating a dust cloud. The crowd gasped as the King disappeared. Locke and Load looked around and saw that the King was making a run towards his castle. The King slowly lost his breath as he dodged 3 more ghouls and got knocked through the gates by a Grimmstone. The King slowly recovered as Locke and Load entered. "Well, this was amusing, but all good things come to an end. Including you, King." Locke said, loading one last ghoul. "You can't just let him get blasted!" Trixie protested. The King shakingly raised his blaster. Eli drew his blaster. Locke fired his Hop Jack towards the King. Just then, Buzzsaw came in and sliced the King's stone head off the castle with Throttlebite. The head landed on top of the King, shielding him from the Hop Jack. Locke and Load got confused. The crowd gathered in shock as the head cracked. Luckily the head was hollow. "I'm fine! Nothing to worry about!" The King assured.

"Come on. You didn't think I'd let Locke blast him, did you? Like the King said. Nothing to worry about." Eli said. "Then that's where you're both wrong. Look." Harley said, pointing at the gates. 4 Blakk guards had entered through the gates. "Winner takes the spoils, King! Your castle will make a fine headquarters for the newest outpost of Blakk Industries." Locke said, chuckling as he and Load entered the castle with 2 guards guarding the door. "Are you worried now? Cause I am." Kord said. Eli looked on at what he and the King had caused.

At Blakk's citadel, Dr. Blakk was marking out his newest landmarks in Slugterra while receiving a call from Locke and Load. "Hmm. By taking control of this cavern, you've also secured the only known entrance to the Outland Reach. Those unexplored caverns hold a great many mysteries I intend to unlock. You 2 may have proven useful after all." Blakk said. "And we even ran off the Shane Gang!" Load blurted out. "What?! You said you had this covered! Do you play me for a fool?!" Blakk asked with anger. "No sir, Dr. Blakk. We got lucky. They left the defense of the cavern to a local fella. He won't be a problem anymore. This place is sewn up tight." Locke assured. "Good. And should things…unravel, you'll answer to me. Personally." Blakk said, ending the call.

The crowd all gathered around the head. "I don't understand. Nobody beats the King of Sling. That's what you've always told us." The leader said. "This must be part of that 'losing tactic' you were talking about, right?" The boy asked. "Indeed, child. I've tested their resolve and they've proven to be worthy adversaries." The King said as the gang looked on from behind the gate. "I will now retreat- uh, tactically withdraw to consider my next move. Now could someone get me out of this thing? Anyone? You still there, kid?"

After getting the King out, he scolded the gang in an alley. "How could you interfere, Eli, after I asked you not to?!" He asked with anger. "Is that a snobbish King language for gratitude? If so, it needs work." Harley said. "You wouldn't be here right now if I didn't!" Eli scolded. "At least I would've gone out in a blaze of glory instead of being an embarrassment to my people!" The King said. "When you gonna run those deadbeats out of your castle, King?" "Can't wait for the rematch!" The people called as they passed. "Sounds to me like they're eager to give you another shot. And this time, you're gonna hit the bullseye." Eli said. "I am?" The King asked. "He is?" Kord, Vance and Dana asked. "Yes, you are. But when you do, you're gonna stick to the plan." Eli said. The King smiled nervously. "And what is the plan?" Trixie asked. "Yeah, Eli, fill us in." Mario said. "The King's gonna march into his castle, take out the guards and send Locke and Load packing for good! At least that's what it's gonna look like." Eli said. The King smiled with confidence.

Later, the gang was putting on a set of disguises. "Why all the sneaking around?" Kord asked. "We can't get recognized. Locke and Load and the rest of the cavern think we've left. This won't work unless it looks like it's the King who's saving the day." Eli explained. "Will he be saving it?" Trixie asked. "Well, kind of." Eli answer. "Uh, problem." Pronto said. Everyone looked at him. He was dressed up like a girl. "Do these shoes go with my outfit or are they too matchy-matchy?" Pronto asked. Burpy laughed at this display. "Oh brother. And I thought he couldn't look any more like a fool." Harley snickered. "You're gonna look beautiful, Pronto." Eli assured. "What's important is that we blend in so that nobody can see that the King's getting a little boost from the Shane Gang."

The King gathered his people near the gate. "I know that some of you are confused, but don't worry. I'm gonna take back my castle and give those villains a beating that will become as legendary as the time I defeated the Twisted Man and his Little Twin." The King assured. "Have I told you that one?" The crowd cheered.

The gang watched from beside a building. "Looks like the King's got the town onboard. We just need to be inside the castle before he gets there." Eli said. "What about Locke and Load and all their guards?" Trixie asked. "She's right. They probably locked the place down tight." Eliza said. "I doubt even I could sneak in there without getting caught." Dana said. "Seriously? We've busted into tougher places before breakfast." Eli assured. With that, the gang quickly snuck their way towards the castle. Though Pronto had some trouble due to wearing heels.

"Make sure you have a front row seat. This will be a duel for the ages!" The King said, winking at the gang. Eli gave a thumbs up as the gang headed for the castle.

Locke and Load looked over the town. "What. A. Dump." Load said. "Agreed brother. It will be a pleasure to shake its dust from my boots. This cavern is too small for the likes of Locke and Load." Locke said.

Meanwhile, the gang silently subdued the patrolling guards and snuck their way into the castle. They slunk into a dark hallway and ditched their disguises. They then equipped their blasters with silencers. "The silencer mod should help cover our tracks. And try to pick slugs that blend in with the King's." Eli said. "Shouldn't be too hard under all that flash." Trixie assured. "Okay guys. Quick, slick and sly." Eli said. "3 of my many middle names." Pronto boasted. "And how many middle names do you have?" Harley asked slyly. "Uh…not important!" Pronto quickly said.

Outside, the King soaked himself with the cheers from the people as he walked towards his castle. "Look who's back for more." One of the guards said. Eli peaked out from behind the bush. "It appears my doorstep needs sweeping." The King said as he opened the gates. The guard slung a Hop Jack, but the King dodged with grace like a ballerina. "Yes. Just the slug with which to clean my house." The King said, slinging a Bubbaleone as Eli slung Joules. Both slugs hit the guards. The Bubbaleone soaked the guards as Joules' Tazerbolt did its job. The King proudly marched passed them as they passed out. "Go get 'em, King!" The corwd cheered. The King gave a bow as he prepared to enter. Eli bowed from the bush.

The King entered his castle. Harley appeared from the hallway and gave a thumbs up. The King drew his blaster and made his way up the stairs. "What're you doing here?" The guard at the top asked. Trixie hid by the wall. "Cleaning house." The King said, slinging a Jellyish and covering the guard with Loogi. Trixie slung Pounder, knocking the guard out of the castle. "How am I doing, folks?" The King asked. The crowd cheered. "His slugs seem a whole lot more powerful." The leader said. The King charged back in. 2 more guards were shot out of the castle. The 2 girls gasped as the King saluted from the top before heading back in. "Thanks for the save." The King said. "No prob. Keep your eyes open." Kord said. "No doubt that got Locke and Load's attention." Mario said.

It did. Locke and Load looked around. "Something's up." Load said. "Your hands! That's what should be up." The King said, aiming his blaster at the 2. "You know, you really need to work on your banter." Locke said. "Pity you'll never have the chance!" Pronto peaked around the wall behind the King. "Eat my stank!" He whispered, slinging Stinky.

Stinky caused a huge Blorfball cloud, sending Locke and Load scattering out of the castle. The gang snuck out behind the stone head as the King exited, coughing from the stink. "And that, my-[cough]-my friends, is-[cough]-is how you do it!" The King said. But then, one of the girls noticed something behind the crowd and quickly pointed towards it. "What? You want an encore?" The King asked, not getting the message. Then, on his personal mecha, appeared Dr. Blakk. The gang gasped as Burpy growled. "You dispatched my associates quite handily. Let's see how you do against me!" Blakk said. The King fainted out of fear.

The King recovered as Blakk dismounted his mecha. "You seemed surprised I'm here. After my associates informed me they had control of this cavern, I was naturally bound to show up sooner or later. It's fortunate I arrived when I did. Fortunate for me, I mean." Blakk said.

"Eli, we have to step in!" Trixie said. "The King's gotten this far on his own-" "Kinda." Kord corrected. "Kinda. But that's Dr. Blakk!" Trixie finished.

"So, you are the one responsible for all this?" Blakk asked. Locke and Load looked at the King with confusion. "Er, more or less." The King said. "Well, I'm sure it was exhilarating while it lasted. But now it's over." Blakk said.

"If we reveal ourselves now when everything's at stake, the King will never live it down! There's nothing more scared than a slinger's honor. Especially in their home cavern." Eli said. "But Eli, honor needs to be earned by dueling. We can't keep prompting this guy up!" Trixie advised.

"As a courtesy, you may draw first." Blakk offered. "Consider it a parting gift. Or perhaps a last wish."

"One way or another, his people love him. I don't wanna watch his life's calling crash and burn." Eli said. "And of we don't step in, his whole life will crash and burn. Not to mention the town." Kord said as Eli held up a barrel for Burpy to hop in. "I know you guys are right. But let me try this one more time." Eli said, loading Burpy into his blaster.

"Alright then. The Shake, Rattle & Run!" The King said, firing Elvis. Eli fired Burpy right behind him. Blakk slung a Grimmstone. Burpy flew in front of Elvis and took the hit, creating a flaming burst. As Burpy landed, Blakk suddenly chuckled. "I'm not nearly as naïve as my associates over there. You're not dueling alone!" Blakk said. "Uh, I don't see anybody else." The King lied. "I'd recognize that Infurnus anywhere." Blakk said as Burpy and Elvis hopped on back. "You're getting help from Eli and Harley Shane!" He revealed, making the gang gasp with shock. The King sighed. "You caught me red-handed, Dr. Blakk. I'm afraid I am receiving assistance." He admitted sadly. The crowd gasped at this.

"Okay. Time to face the music." Eli said, loading Burpy back into his barrel. "Had to happen eventually, bro." Harley said. "Ah, here they are, the Puppet Masters." Blakk said as the gang walked into view. "Thanks for trying, boys, but it appears as though the game is over." The King said. "Sorry, King. I wanted to save your cavern and your honor." Eli said. "Now you'll save neither!" Locke said as he, Load and the guards slung 6 Attacknet ghouls, trapping the gang in webs 2 at a time. Eli with Trixie, Kord with Pronto, Vance with Mario, Harley with Eliza, Lash with Shimei and Watts with Dana.

"My final offer. Surrender this town and I'll leave it in tact. Force me to duel…" Blakk said, not needing to finish his threat. "We love you, King! Don't let the bad man scare you!" The boy called. "Surrender? Sorry, Dr. Blakk. I don't know the meaning of the word." The King said. The crowd cheered. "Then allow me to teach you!" Blakk said, slinging a Photomo, paralyzing the King with Helioflare. Then Blakk fired a Hop Jack, sending the King flying to the top of the castle where the head used to be. "Let me show you how I defeated the Twisted Man and his Little Twin in a duel that lives in legend!" The King said with confidence. "Never heard of it." Blakk said, firing another ghoul. The King fired his own slug, intercepting the ghoul. Blakk quickly reloaded and fired a Thrasher. The King struggled to load another slug, but panicked as he got knocked off back to the ground, losing his crown in the process. Blakk walked up to the scared slinger, loading one last ghoul to finish the job. "Goodbye, your Majesty." He said, taking aim.

Suddenly, the leader stepped in his way. "If you want the King, you'll have to go through us!" He said as the crowd ran up to help. "You defend a man who's a cheat and a coward? A man who's lied to you about his prowess and exploits?" Blakk asked. The King looked down with shame. But the crowd just started laughing. "You think we don't know all that? It's why we love him." The leader said. That shocked both the King and the gang. "Why without his tall tales, we'd go nuts in this middle of nowhere town." A man holding a pan said. "Even I know they're just stories. But they're good stories." The boy said, handing the King back his crown as the leader helped him up. "Thank you. Everyone. And I'm sorry my little subterfuge brought us to this moment." The King said, putting his crown back on.

"Oh, touching. Heartfelt. Nauseating! One obstacle or 100, I'm going to have this cavern!" Blakk said, slinging a Hop Jack. The King grabbed the boy as he dodged the ghoul and slung a Bubbaleone. One of the guards jumped in the way, taking the hit for Blakk. "Let's get them!" The crowd yelled, charging into the fight. The one man hit one of the guards with his pan. "Looks like the King and his people have Blakk on the ropes." Eli said as the 2 girls dogpiled another guard and pounded on him hard. The King slung another Bubbaleone into another guard as the people chased the rest of the guards out through the gates. Burpy hopped out of his barrel and burned the webs, setting the gang free.

Blakk was about to attack again, but then, a slug zipped past his head. He turned to see the Shane Gang free and aiming their blasters at him. "Give it up, Blakk! You're not taking this cavern!" Eli said. "Get my gatling blaster! Now!" Blakk ordered. Load took off to get the gattler. "Stop Locke and Load from getting the gattler! Harley and I'll take care of Blakk!" Eli called. Locke fired a ghoul at the gang. They ducked as Eli and Harley flipped to the right. Blakk fired his 3 loaded ghouls at the brothers as they ducked behind the head with the King. Load came in with the gattler, firing another ghoul at Trixie and Dana. The 2 girls dodged and slung 2 of their slugs, knocking Load back and the gattler out of his hands. Locke caught it and rushed over to Blakk. Kord, Pronto and Watts fired 3 of their slugs, knocking Locke backwards too.

The gattler landed near Blakk's feet. Blakk picked it up and prepped it for firing. "With or without you rabble, this place is still my gateway to the Outland Reach!" He shouted. Eli, Harley and the King got ready. Eli and Harley ran out first, slinging Rammer and Frostbite. Blakk ducked to dodge the 2 slugs. The King then slung one more Bubbaleone, swallowing Blakk as he fired 4 ghouls from the gattler. The ghouls bounced off the bubble slug's insides, causing an explosion and sending Blakk into the iron bars. "Did everybody see that shot? I believe that just won the day!" The King said. The crowd cheered as Locke and Load saw to Blakk. "Best we retreat, Dr." Locke suggested. Blakk growled, knowing that it was their only option. Blakk, Locke and Load ran out the gates as the crowd continued to cheer.

Afterwards, everybody was seeing to the repairs of the King's castle. "Pretty impressive how well you stood up to Blakk on your own." Eli said. "Yeah, most loners would've turned tail." Harley said. "But I wasn't alone. That's the secret of this cavern. Its strength is in the collective spirit of its people. I'm just a humble vessel for their greatness." The King said. "Not entirely humble. But great nonetheless." Trixie said as she filmed the King. "Amen to that, Trix." Dana said. "Things ended well this time." Eli said, looking out towards the Outland Reach. "Blakk wants something out there beyond the known caverns." "What do you think it is, kid?" Mario asked. "I don't know. But I'm pretty sure he'll be back to get it." Eli said. "And next time, I won't hesitate to ask for help!" The King said as his people held him high. "I may not be the best slinger in Slugterra, but I am the luckiest!" "No one's ever gonna dispute that story, your Majesty." Eli said.

Wasn't that amazing? The Shane Gang enlist the help of the King of Sling when Locke and Load were sent to take control of Gateway Cavern. But who knows what's next for the Shane Gang? And what is Dr. Blakk after in the Outland Reach? Leave a review if you want.

Slug Arsenal:

Eli Shane: Burpy (Infurnus), Joules (Tazerling), Noodle (Flopper), Banger (Armashelt), Bolo (Polero), Rammer (Rammstone), Rocky (Hop Rock), Chiller (Frostcrawler), Burner (Lavalynx), Suds (Bubbaleone), Goober (Jellyish), Sparky (Grenuke), Larry (Lariat), Gust (Tormato), Buzzsaw (Thresher), Digger (Crystalyd), Spinner (Arachnet), Mucky (Dirt Urchin), Tangles (Vinedrill), Spooker (Frightgeist), Charger (Fandango), Stunts (Speedstinger), Glimmer (Phosphoro), Mo (Enigmo), Dazer (Hypnogrif), Urchin (Sand Angler), Dozer (Slyren), Jinxer (Hexlet), Torch (Forgesmeltor), Yang (Negashade), Beeker (AquaBeek), Mimkey (Mimikreas), Jaws (MakoBreaker), Gasser (Flatulorhinkus), Crystal (Geoshard), Foggy (Neotox), Jammer (Xmitter)

Harley Shane: Matchstick (Flaringo), Squirm (Flopper), Frostbite (Frostcrawler), Webs (Arachnet), Gels (Jellyish), Zipper (Hoverbug), Ivy (Vinedrill), Masher (Rammstone), Frights (Frightgeist), Shredder (Thresher), Smelly (Flatulorhinkus), Claws (Armashelt), Splatz (Lariat), Twister (Tormato), Lucky (Hexlet), Sizzle (Grenuke), Quill (Dirt Urchin), Ping (White Boon Doc), Bubbles (Bubbaleone), Polo (Polero), Skitter (Speedstinger), Flasher (Phosphoro)

Trixie Sting: Bluster (Tormato), Blizzard (Frostcrawler), Spider (Arachnet), Twirl (Polero), Balloon (Bubbaleone), Haunter (Frightgeist), Pounder (Rammstone), Slicer (Thresher), Rocks (Hop Rock), Jelly (Jellyish), Blossom (Vinedrill), Spotty (Flopper), Dunes (Sand Angler), Zaps (Tazerling), Roller (Armashelt), Scorcher (Lavalynx), Nighty (Slyren)

Kord Zane: Bludgeon (Rammstone), Sploder (Hop Rock), Jolt (Tazerling), Trip (Polero), Flycatcher (Arachnet), Floatie (Bubbaleone), Iceberg (Frostcrawler), Scorch (Flaringo), Jetstream (AquaBeek), Spitz (Lariat), Chuckles (Gazzer), Floppy (Flopper), Pincer (Armashelt), Glint (Phosphoro), Throttle (Thresher), Quicksand (Sand Angler), Silv (Slicksilver), Pollen (Vinedrill)

Pronto Geronimo: Stinky (Flatulorhinkus), Slimey, Soapy (Bubbaleone), Bruiser, Flame, Loogie, Windy (Tormato), Squeaky, Blocky (Hop Rock), Freezie (Frostcrawler), Doozey (Slyren), Zappy (Tazerling), Stripey, Planty (Vinedrill), Shelly (Armashelt)

Vance Volt: Blast (Hop Rock), Bloom (Vinedrill), Crust (Lavalynx), Legs (Arachnet), Swimy (AquaBeek), Hardcase (Armashelt), Squish (Jellyish), Blow (Tormato), Cheep (Flopper), Punch (Rammstone), Chill (Frostcrawler)

Mario Bravado: Ricochet (Speedstinger), Slide (Frostcrawler), Crawler (Arachnet), Echo (AquaBeek), Mess (Jellyish), Breeze (Tormato), Kate (Flopper), Porky (Dirt Urchin), Dunk (Rammstone), Crush (Armashelt)

Lash: Zing (Tazerling), Speedy (Speedstinger), Hopper (Hop Rock), Bubba (Bubbaleone), Stinx (Flatulorhinkus), String (Polero), Goat (Rammstone), Sleepy (Slyren), Webber (Arachnet), Ice (Frostcrawler), Spark (Flaringo), Winger (Tormato), Witch (Hexlet), Phlegm (Lariat), Peep (Flopper), Melt (Lavalynx), Clash (Armashelt), Oxide (Gazzer)

Shimei: Mong (Hop Rock), Jin (Rammstone), Zeng (Vinedrill), Leng (Polero), Kaz (Grenuke), Hindo (Flaringo), Huong (Phosphoro), Hei-Hei (Hoverbug), Yung (Armashelt)

Eliza Shane: Ellie (Flaringo), Min (Jellyish), Tink (Phosphoro), Pimpy (Bubbaleone), Jimbo (Hop Rock), Jason (Frightgeist), Fitz (Tazerling), Flick (Grenuke), Griff (Hypnogrif)

Watts: Scourge (MakoBreaker), Polly (Hoverbug), Rush (Rammstone), Sinker (Hop Rock), Maelstrom (Tormato)

Dana Por: Webby (Arachnet), Willy (Frostcrawler), Tailwind (Tormato), Rosie (Vinedrill)

The Universal Slug

And as a little extra just for this chapter:

King of Sling: Elvis (Phosphoro)