I hope you enjoyed last chapter even if it was slow. But this chapter gets better. And yes The epilogue did confirm that the Zombieland Saga idols are still alive. They might return in a future chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 6: Popple and Rookie

Flashback: Petey wanted to get home, but he didn't know where to start.

Way later when he had traveled all the way back to the Savanna area, he laid beside a bolder to rest.

After sleeping for about two days. Petey finally got up. But what he didn't realize was two friends were asleep and snuggled up to him. When he sat up. They woke up as well.

"Hm? Oh, sorry. We got sleepy from traveling and thought you were a bolder. ~noda." A Raccoon named Arai-San said apologetic.

"You don't need to apologize Arai-San~." A Fennec Fox shortened to Fennec told Arai-San. "He didn't know either~."

They started off again. When they were walking ahead. Petey started following them.

"Guess he wants to come with? ~Nanoda?" Arai-San said.

"He can come. We need the protection~." Fennel replied.

As they were walking ahead. They didn't know that a tiny man was running up ahead Running towards them.

"Bah! Where is all the treasure?!" He scoffed. "I thought this old park had all sorts of riches. Ugh. No matter, I'll find it anyway. See?"

Present: Arai-San and Fennec were chitchatting with Petey, unfortunately Arai-San didn't know where she was going and slammed right into the tiny man.

"Owie!" Arai-San mumbled while rubbing her head.

The man stood up and groaned, then he angrily turned towards the trio. "Bah! Where'd you think you're going?!" He shouted. "I, Popple the Shadow Thief..." Popple paused. Looking at Arai-San, Fennec and Petey. Then he turned around and smiled a sinister smile.

"If I could use these Palookas as my Rookies. Then I'd be unstoppable!" He cackled. "Nothing will penetrate me, See?! NOTHING!"

"Sorry mister noda~" Arai-San apologized. "We'll be going now. Nanoda!"

Popple suddenly turned to the trio who was just starting to leave. "Hold it! See?" He called out to them. "We should form an alliance. Hear?"

"Alliance? Noda~?" Arai-San asked.

"It's where people group together and form a team~" Fennec replied

"Yeah- Alliances! See?" Popple said impatiently. "Listen, See? I lost my best fighter. Rookie. Hear? I don't know where he went. If you help me out, and become MY Rookies. Then I'd be somewhat grateful. See? Also if you help me, we could become stronger in fights."

"Yeah! That sounds like fun! Nanoda!" Arai-San exclaimed with sparkling eyes. "What do you think Petey?"

Petey grunted. Fennec agreed.

"Okay! Then it's decided. See?" Popple replied. "Do any of you know where a place, also known as a 'Amusement Park' is?"

Fennec and Arai-San pondered a bit before nodding.

"Yeah! It's Park Central!" Arai-San shouted. "We'll escort you there! Nanoda!"

Then the group took off towards Park Central. Petey wobbled begins them.

Popple followed close behind. Laughing menacingly, he was thinking about all the money he would get after exchanging the riches for cash.

Arai-San was humming happily and enjoying herself. Fennec was having a good time too. Just because Arai-San was enjoying herself.

Petey waddled along. We couldn't tell what his reaction was. Well that's because he's. Well. Petey!

BGM: Resting in Toad Town. (Mario & Luigi Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr's Journey)

"And then Red and Green started jumping on each other's shoulders, and slammed right into me!" Popple was telling them a story to pass the time. It was about a certain adventure. "Rookie was a good fighter, but he kinda sucked at his aim."

"And then what happened?! Noda~" Arai-San said intrigued. Fennec was also listening.

"Then they somehow squashed us! See?" Popple replied. "After that. Red and Green wouldn't stop beating us! I captured Green, but of course Red squashed me and my latest Rookie Birdo."

"I kind of feel sorry for you~" Fennec replied.

"Then at another island. Called P'illo Island. I tried to rob the Pilloper's house. And failed. Then later I met a guard, it was patrolling a flower patch. Red, Green and me tried to stop it. See? They ended up winning. Of course I wasn't going to let Red and Green steal the treasure. And they defeated me again. See?" Popple continued.

"Woah! Those Red and Green guys seem really tough! ~Nanoda!" Arai-San exclaimed.

"Yeah, I heard they defeated the evil mistress of the Beanbean kingdom. Cackletta. See?"

Just then they could hear a crowd cheering. Arai-San looked at a sign and pointed at it.

"Look! It's The Live Stage!" She shouted. "I heard PPP's performing today! Noda~"

"I bought tickets~" Fennec said. Holding out a few tickets. "Would you like to see the show?"

"Sure! Nanoda!" Arai-San exclaimed.

"What in tarnation is PPP. See?" Popple scowled.

"They're the most famous idols of the park!" Arai-San exclaimed. "Penguins Performance Project!"

"The What now?" Popple asked.

"You'll see! Noda~" Arai-San responded. "Let's go!"

They passed the gate and took their seats. Just as PPP walked out onto the stage. The audience cheered and Popple and Petey were utterly confused.

"I'm Southern Rockhopper Penguin. Rocker!" She announced.

"I'm Gentoo Penguin. Gean!" She called.

"I-I'm Hululu." She said. "Oh, uh. Humboldt Penguin."

"I am Emperor the Emperor Penguin." She said softly.

"And I'm Princess the Royal Penguin! We are PPP!"

The audience cheered again. Petey and Popple remained with their confused faces. Then the lights dimmed and the show started.

All

Let our voices cross the land, sea, and sky to reach you

No matter where we are, this is our place to come back to

Now it's your turn to take flight

Princess

Your turn!

All

We'll dive in like never before and take off

Wether or not you change the present is up to you

Hululu

Pippypoo? No! PPP!

All

Go, Go!

Gean

I'll take care of things from here, leave it to me

You just leave it to me

Reach out your hand to the skies

That belong to no one

Hululu/Gean

We were all born and raised in different places

Rocker/Emperor

But now we fight back-to-back

Princess

Because we have a place to go home to

We can be strong

All

So let's move forward!

At a speed that no one can reach. Past, present, future

We'll take hold of our dream and laugh together

This is the place where our dream will come true

All/Rocker

Someday (let's fly!)

We'll fly (to the sky!)

Into the sky (you and I!) that I showed you!

All

I'll make it so awesome, you won't believe it

Now you can point the way there with your wings

Around and around!

Hululu

PPP, Yes! PPP, go, go!

All

Never give up!

We are PPP, PPP!

Song Ends

The audience went wild. Cheering and clapping. Popple and the others disappeared.

"Thank you!" Princess shouted.

"We love you!"

"Encore!"

"When's your next concert?"

All PPP members smiled when they heard the praise they were given. It warmed their hearts to see such love and affection they had received.

"Good show girls!" A woman named Margay walked up to them. "Let's get prepped up for the next song-"

Suddenly all their praises went silent when, for the first time. Heard a negative response.

"Bah! You call that music? That was bad. But I heard worse. See?" When they turned, and the audience fell silent. It was Popple and his Rookies.

Margay was shocked to hear this. But she remained calm. "Umm, sir, guests aren't allowed on stage."

Rocker, displeased. Pushed Margay out of the way and angrily stared at Popple, Princess did the same.

"Oh? And I suppose you can do better?" Princess said huffily.

Popple smirked and waved his hand. "Bah! We'll show you! See?" He scowled.

"Alright, Rookie, play the song, See?" Popple instructed Arai-San.

"Sure thing, Boss! Uhh, which track was it again?" She asked.

"Ugh, this is why we have the set BEFOREHAND, See?" Said an annoyed Popple. "It's number seventeen."

"Um, Okay, number seventeen." Arai-San said while rummaging through the playlist.

"GAH! Gimme that!" Popple yelled.

"Um, oh, Okay." Arai-San whispered.

"I'll show you how it's done, See?" Popple said putting the track in.

"And-a five, six, seven, eight!"

BGM: Popple the Shadow Thief (Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions)

Popple

Look at these Chump-kins

These sexy-lookin' bumpkins

Arai-San

They're penguins y'know

Popple

Bah! You know what I mean!

Raccoon and Beanpole are in for some pain

When we steal the Sandstar, we'll make it rain!

Think your Bazookas?

Well your just, Palookas!

You are just a odd squad

And, well, so are we

The difference between us is quite clear to me

You're looking at masters of burglary, See?

You mugs better fear

'Cause the Shadow Thief's here

I'll bamboozle you finks

And make-off with the drinks!

Yeah, the whole Beanish fuzz

Couldn't put ME in cuffs!

See, the cola is mine!

Arai-San

Uhh, Boss, you're outta space for rhymes!

Popple

Popple and Rookies

Arai-San

Masters of thievery

Popple

Pulling the heist of

Fennec (slow and dreamily)

The century

All

Dynamic Duo

Comin' at you-oh!

Send you to Pluto

Quite Criminally!

"I.. I think that's the end of it." Arai-San said confused but happily.

"Boo! Boo, I say!" Popple replied and turned to Arai-San. "Make a loop, Rookie, we're doin' this right, See?"

Popple

Hiding your loot?

Well, that point's kinda moot!

'Cause we'll find it regardless

Quite easily

There is no hiding treasure from me

We're gonna to cash it in for money, See?

Slink in the shadows

Popple sunk that low

My morals a shallow

I have no regrets

So many valuables for me to collect

Take the Japari Buns; you mugs just got wrecked!

Popple (sneakily)

Here's a little lesson in thievery

The Shadow Thief is going down in history

If you want to be a burglar, number one

You gotta grab the Sandstar and run!

Rookie and Popple

Arai-San

You cannot stop-ple

Popple

Even the cop-ples

Fennec (upbeat and beautiful)

Let us scot-free

All

Dynamic Duo

Comin' at you-oh!

Send you to Pluto

Quite Criminally!

Hey, what're you doin', standing on each other's shoulders like that, like a couple of palookas, spinnin' around, eh? See- Hey, Hey, hey! What're you doin'?! Don't come over this way! Hey let's talk about this, See— AHHHH!" Popple didn't have time to react before Emperor (Who was red from rage and embarrassment) punched him hard.

BGM Ends.

"Boo. Boo, I say." Popple groaned. Then he turned to the crowed who was speechless.

"What're you people looking at?" He shouted. "Show's Over! Get a move on, See?"

The audience started cheering. Even Popple didn't know he could sing that good. The audience thought it was one of the surprises Margay had planned.

"It was funny, I didn't know anyone who could make fun of PPP like that!" Red Panda laughed.

The PPP girls waved nervously, before pushing Popple and the Rookies off the stage. Popple angrily cursed (no swear words were said) at them, then he saw a door that said: Backstage.

"C'mon Palookas!" He shouted. "Something might be in here. Let's go!"

Popple didn't resist opening the door. Arai-San and Fennec nervously followed behind. Petey wobbled right behind them.

"So this is where they get ready and stuff, See?" He looked around. "Ohh! Some jewelry, See?" He shouted, pointing at some of Gean's jewelry. "And a pair of wireless headphones? Don't mind if I outta take it."

"Umm, I don't think we should be in here, PPP might get mad. Noda~" Arai-San said nervously.

"Bah! Quit worrying about it." Popple shrugged her off. "The Shadow Thief knows how to fight."

Fennec and Petey quietly watched Popple take nicknacks and other things and stuffing it into his sack. Arai-San kept trying to persuade him to leave. He kept shooing her off.

"Oh?" Fennec whispered as she quietly picked up a map. It was of Park Central, it was pointing to a room. Apparently it said something about where the leftover Sandstar bits were.

Fennec was a Fennec Fox. Her nor Petey knew how to read.

"Hey~ 'Boss' I found something." She called out to him.

"Yeah? What is it, See?" He came up to her.

"I found a map." She replied. Popple snatched it out of her hands.

"Let's see." He murmured. He quietly read the instructions before a large grin appeared on his face.

"Ah-ha! This is where they keep their treasures! I might finally be the richest-" He was cut off to PPP chitchatting with each other about how good their performance was. When they spotted him, they remained frozen with their smiles still on their faces. Popple reminded with his giant grin.

"Oops. They found us." Fennec said calmly, which seemed to break them from their ice.

Arai-San nervously cowered into a corner and Petey just stared.

Popple and PPP screamed at the same time.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!" Princess screamed at the top of her lungs.

"IM ROBBIN' YOU, SEE?!" Popple shouted,

Hululu had noticed that his sack was filled with their stuff. And the map they had.

"Hululu requests to give back our items." She said almost too calmly about the current situation.

Emperor and PPP angrily tried to take his sack from him. He swatted at Rocker.

"You ain't takin' my stuff!" Popple yelled. "Rookies! It's time to get serious! It's time to scrap!"

Petey Piranha knew that meant battle. Arai-San and Fennec awkwardly prepared for battle.

"GET OUT!" Princess shouted again.

BGM: Popple the Shadow Thief (Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions)

"Time to scrap, See?" Popple told everyone. PPP angrily raised their fists.

Popple charged forwards. Emperor punched him and he fell back.

"Ugh, these idols are more stronger than I thought." He grunted.

"You don't hurt Boss! Nanoda!" Arai-San shouted. Before quickly ramming into Gean knocking her backwards.

Princess pushed Arai-San into a desk. "Owie." She said rubbing her head.

Petey Piranha didn't care about the fight until now. He roared and immediately charged towards Princess,

"Eep!" She cried. It was too late, he had already head butted her so hard, she was sent flying into a table.

Petey didn't show mercy. He hurled up a goopy brown ball at Emperor. She reacted by punching it, but it split into two. Hitting Hululu and Rocker in the head.

"Sorry! Eek!" Petey had grabbed and sallowed her. Then chucked her at the rest of the PPP group.

Popple laughed triumphantly. "Hahah! Ya see? you don't wanna mess with us!"

Princess scowled and glared at Popple. Then she hit a button on her chest. It was labeled "Security"

Margay had walked in, and immediately gasped at the idols hurt on the ground.

"Princess?! Are you alright?" Margay asked almost immediately.

"I-I'm fine. Is security here?" She groaned.

Soon Brown Bear. A friend carrying a large bear claw on a stick, charged in.

"Where's the trouble?" She asked.

Emperor, trembling. Pointed at Popple and Co.. Popple saw where this was going, he slung his sack on his back. And broke the window.

"C'mon! Rookies MOVE! We gotta move! That guard is on us, See?" He yelled.

They all jumped out and Petey broke the wall entirely. Black Bear chased after them.

"Come back here! Before I call the Japari Police!" She shouted.

Popple and the gang kept running. Popple kept saying stuff like. "Keep moving." Or "Blast you! See?" He would shout at Black Bear.

Then Black Bear started catching up to them. Surprisingly Petey wrapped himself around them, as if he was trying to protect them. Popple grabbed onto his legs, Fennec did the same. Arai-San hugged onto Popple.

Petey started flapping his wings until he descended into the air.

"COME BACK HERE!" Black Bear shouted. But they were already gone.

BGM Ends.

When Petey landed. The others gasped heavily. Trying to get their minds to catch up.

"T-Thanks Rookie!" Popple gasped. "We'd be bacon if you'd haven't done that, See?"

The group had landed on top of the Japari Hotel.

"Hahaha! We've struck it rich, See?" He shouted. "Ya landed in a loot stop! Good thinking, See?"

Popple, Arai-San and Fennec entered the rooftop entrance. Somehow, Petey fit in.

Popple started ringing the desk bell impatiently. Bat Eared Fox immediately ran up.

"Welcome to the Japari Hotel! I'm so happy to have you as our guests!" She said happily. "Oh, Raccoon and Fennec! I'm surprised your here!" Bat Eared Fox exclaimed.

"Hey~ Bat Eared Fox." Fennec replied. Petey grunted.

"And I guess you found your way in from the roof? Without Serval's help?" She asked Petey. He flapped his leaves in response.

"Yeah, we'd like one of your rooms. ASAP." Popple scowled.

"Please! Allow us to carry your bags!" Pig said, walking up to Popple.

"NO! I mean, Nah, I'll carry it myself, See?" Popple replied.

"I guess ya palookas want somethin'?" Popple asked reaching into his pocket. "Take em'" he tossed some money at Bat Eared Fox.

"Oh no, you don't have to pay us! The stay is absolutely free!" She called out to him.

"Take it! I got more loot in my sack- I mean at home." He replied. Walking away.

They lounged at the Living Room. Watching a cackling fireplace, and watch Pig clean a window.

"How in the heck is this thing underwater?" He scoffed. "Bah, never mind, See?"

Arai-San and Fennec watched the fireplace and Petey sat on the rug.

"I guess he'd wanna sleep on the floor, See?" Popple planned. "You guys can sleep in that room, I got work to do."

"What kinda work? Noda~" Arai-San asked.

"Very important, See?" Popple remarked. And he zoomed out of there.

The next morning, while Arai-San and Fennec were eating breakfast. Pig walked up to them.

"Do you know where you're friend went?" She asked them.

"Who? Petey? Nanoda~" Arai-San replied.

"Sorry, I meant the other one. That green looking man." Pig answered back.

"I thought he said he had 'important' work to do." Fennec said.

"I also think I saw him in the lobby." Arai-San thought.

Popple was indeed in the lobby. What everyone didn't know was that Popple was stealing some of the furniture and other expensive items.

Arai-San, Fennec and Petey we're heading out the door and was on the rooftop. Waiting for Popple.

"Hehe, I'll just take this last one, See?" He said to himself. Just then, Bat Eared Fox, Who was looking for him came around the corner. And she saw him stealing the Japari Bun trophy.

"Hey! You!" She called. She didn't quite know it was Popple. But her ears heard the sound of Popple putting the trophy in his sack.

"Oh, shoot! See?" He angrily said. And took off.

Popple made a mad dash out the door and immediately jumped off and into the water, swimming towards the shore of Dirty Docks. Arai-San and Petey did the same. Fennec took the boat.

"Ugh! Where did he go?" Bat Eared Fox asked angrily.

"Who?" Pig asked.

"A thief stole the Japari Bun trophy! It was our most prized possession." She stated.

"I didn't see any robber." Habu said. Coming up on the roof. "But those guys forgot to take the boat."

Popple and his Rookies climbed on shore. Soaking wet.

"Hack! Boo! Boo, I say! Why does that always happen!? C'mon ya palookas! We've gotta bolt outta here!" Popple coughed.

Luckily Park Central was right beyond the hotel. So Popple and his gang headed out towards there,

On the way there. Arai-San kept talking to Popple on why'd they run out of the hotel so quickly.

"Bah! Don't worry about it, See?" Popple replied.

On the swim towards the shore. Popple had almost lost all his loot. But the trophy was still in his sack.

Soon they arrived in a parking lot, the sign said. Welcome to Park Central!

"We're here! See?" Popple grinned. "I'll bet a lot of Palookas are around this time of day, See? We'd best wait until nightfall."

"Good plan" Petey though and he flopped on his back. Fennec and Arai-San curled up next to him.

When night came. Popple woke everyone up. He'd had stayed up for twenty four hours. But he showed no sign of being tired at all.

"Alright Rookies!" He whispered. "We get into that shack. And we bolt outta here, See? Understood?"

Everyone nodded their heads and started tiptoeing to the shack. Fennec's feet were so light. She didn't need to tiptoe. Petey on the other hand. Kept making Thump Thump Thump sounds every time he took a step.

BGM: Chateau de Chucklehuck (Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions)

It was the dead of night. Popple and his gang just arrived at Park Central, trying to find anything valuable to steal.

"Hey Palookas! Find anythin' valuable?" Popple shouted.

"Hey~" Fennec asked. "What are we doing here again?"

This obviously annoyed Popple. And he started shouting loudly, forgetting to keep quiet.

"What are we doin' here?!" He bellowed. "Obviously stealing junk for riches, See?"

Arai-San came up to them and started pointing. "Petey and I found some glowing Sandstar!" She exclaimed. "Perhaps it's worth something? Nanoda~"

Popple did encounter the shiny stuff before. Of course a crystal like that is worth over a million dollars. He grinned devilishly and turned back to Fennec.

"Nevermind, See?" He told her in a more calm voice. "We've got treasure cookin'!" Then he sprinted towards the shack.

Fennec followed right behind. She didn't care about her lecture. But for Arai-San's sake.

Once they arrived in the shack. Popple frantically searched for the Sandstar.

"Where?" He mumbled each minute.

Arai-San then opened a door, it glowed brightly with Sandstar. It was a treasure room of crystals.

Popple nearly passed out to how much there was. He grinned largely. "W-With this much. I-I." He stuttered. And then cackled loudly. "I COULD RULE THE WEALTH INDUSTRY!"

Not knowing how loud he was. A silhouette of a female appeared in the doorway of the treasure room to the right, Petey let out a warning roar.

"A-Anyone there?" The female nervously asked.

Popple, still grinning, but frozen remained where he was. The others stayed still. When the woman came into view.

"Arai-San? Fennec?" The woman asked.

"Aardwolf?" Arai-San replied.

Popple gasped before making a angry face. "Boo! Boo, I say! Why does this always happen?!"

Aardwolf's face turned a little red and she backed up nervously.

"You want to scrap?!" Popple shouted. "C'mere!"

"N-No!" Aardwolf cried, as Popple charged at her.

BGM: Popple the Shadow Thief (Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions)

Popple clenched his fists and raised them. "So it's time for the fists, eh? You Palookas stay back, and watch a master, See?"

Popple dashed at Aardwolf, who protected herself by making a wall with her arms. But Popple didn't go for her face. He started touching her all over, before grabbing a rubber hammer she had.

"I'll take that, See?" Popple laughed. Then returned to his spot.

"I-I don't really w-want to hurt you." Aardwolf

"Neither do I. But you're jokin', See?" Popple remarked.

"N-No." Aardwolf blushed.

"Yer kiddn'." Popple said wide eyed. "Boo! I don't care, See? I will destroy you, See? I WILL DESTROY YOU!" Popple suddenly screamed,

"P-Please Don't." Aardwolf whimpered.

The battle started,

It was Aardwolf's turn. Since Popple already went. She walked over to him, tried to jump on him. Instead she tripped midair. And landed on her butt on Popple's head, then suddenly jumped right back up. And landed on his head.

"W-What was that? Nothin'! You ain't seen nothin' yet." He stammered. Then tired to ram into Aardwolf. Instead he tripped and face planted with her.

"Ouch!" She cried and rubbed her nose. Popple did the same. (Popple doesn't have a nose)

"Boss-Sama! Nanoda!~" Arai-San cried.

Popple shot up and looked startled and angry at the same time. "You're callin' Boss-suma? Bah, Nevermind, See?"

Popple grabbed the toy hammer she had. And walked up to her with it.

"Time for some Popple-struction!" He bellowed and slammed the hammer on her head before she had time to react. Then he jumped on top of her and started pulling her hair and ears.

"Ahh! Lemme go!" She cried, then started wrangling him.

"Get offa me! See?" He shouted. Then they both stumbled, and turned into what seemed like a bouncy ball. Then crash landed in Petey's head.

"Uh oh." They both said at the same time.

Petey started raging, then charged at both of them, unaware that Popple and Aardwolf were hugging each other tightly. Before Petey could stop to try and not hit Popple. He jumped and landed close to Aardwolf.

Now Aardwolf doesn't get mad often. But she walked up to him and slapped him across the face. "That's not how you treat ladies!" She said. After doing the same to Popple.

Now Petey went into absolute insane mode. And dashed right at them.

"Perhaps t-this was a bad idea..." She stammered.

"RUN!" Arai-San shouted.

Since Fennec wasn't close to the battle at all. She wasn't in the chase Petey was giving Arai-San and Aardwolf.

"Keep goin' Rookie!" He hollered at Arai-San.

Popple ran over to Aardwolf and pushed her down. Causing her to trip and get hit by Petey's brute force ram. And was sent flying to the battlefield.

Popple and Arai-San ran for their lives. But Petey shot a goo ball at them. Causing them to get sent flying to the battlefield.

Petey stopped and realized he hit his companion and Boss.

Petey wobbled back into the battlefield. Then Popple burst into a rage shockwave. And stared glowing green. He angrily clenched his teeth and fists.

Aardwolf tried to jump on him again. Only to fail and hit him with her stomach. Popple staggered backwards and a symbol appeared over him DIZZY.

Aardwolf then walked up to him and repeatedly jumped on him. Missing her feet on his head. Hit him multiple parts of her body.

When she walked back to her spot. Popple burst into stars and fainted on the ground. Her toy hammer bounced back to her.

"Popple-Sama!" Arai-San shouted in shock.

Then she burst into a rage as well. "NO ONE HURTS THE BOSS!" She yelled. "NANODA!" She screamed as ran towards Aardwolf. She hit Arai-San I'm self-defense. Knocking Arai-San backwards and fainted on the ground.

Petey shockingly yelped. Before roaring at Aardwolf.

"AHH! Please d-don't eat me!" She cried.

Just then Aardwolf tossed a Sandstar crystal at him. Causing it to rapidly electrocute him. Since Petey couldn't turn into a friend. It damaged him instead.

Petey had a hurt face and burst into a several stars that lasted a few seconds. Before flopping on the ground.

Fennec had revived Popple. When he stood up. He gasped when he saw two of his Rookies knocked out.

"Gah! Rookies!" He shouted. Then angrily raised his fist at Aardwolf.

"Boo! Boo, I say! I'll-I'll remember this!" Popple snatched as many Sandstar crystals as he could in his sack. And made the most devilish grin with sharp clinched teeth. Before he bolted out of there. Petey and Co. were right behind him.

Aardwolf started trembling. With tears running down her cheeks. She never been in a fight before.

"Keep goin' ya Palookas!" He shouted. "We've gotta get to the harbor quickly, before that Aardwolf gal reports us, See?"

It was still night, and Popple still needed a place to hide. So they quickly rushed into a cave and camped there all night,

After sunrise. Popple and his gang started heading to Dirty Docks. But unfortunately for them. Aardwolf had reported Popple to a certain group of friends.

Popple was nearing the Docks. When someone shouted at him.

"Hey!"

"Ohhh! Boo! Blast! Crimany! Someone saw us, See?" He bellowed.

"Bah! Whadda you Palookas want, eh? Can't you see I'm headin' to the Docks, See?" He shouted at them

Surprisingly it was Serval's group. She caught up to him.

"Friends have repeatedly told us about someone who looked like you. Robbing several places! Give them back!" Serval shouted.

"Never! See?" Popple shouted back. "Rookies! Battle time! See?"

Arai-San, and Petey stood in a battle formation. Fennec stood and watched.

"P-Petey?!" Serval exclaimed with shock.

"Hey, What are you doing here?" Caracal asked

"That certainly is the surprise." Crested Ibis replied.

"Stop Babbling you! I don't got time for charades, See? Popple yelled. "You think you can beat me to the punch?"

Then Popple raised his fists. "Rookies! Go to it!"

BGM continues but starts over.

"Alrighty ya Palookas. Watch me win see?" Popple shouted. Then everyone on his team received POW^

Popple immediately tried to ram into Serval. But she jumped in the nick of time. Landing on his head. Popple frustratingly returned to his spot in battle.

It was Caracal's turn to attack. She jumped and started swiping at Popple three claw marks appeared on him.

"Meow! Meow! Meow!" She shouted during each slice. Then the marks disappeared and damaged Popple.

Serval's turn was next. She jumped as high as she could. Landing on his head, then jumping a second time and landing on it again.

Popple burst into a fury again. Glowing green.

"Arai-San will save you Popple-Sama!" She shouted. "Nanoda!" And she rammed right into Kaban. Causing her to loose her balance and gain the TRIP effect.

Petey spit goo balls at them. As they were flying high in the air. Petey unleashed a mini tornado out of his hands.

Serval and Kyururu were rippled upwards. And hit the goo headfirst.

While Kaban was struggling to get up. Popple ran to her and grabbed her hat. He did the same to Kyururu.

"I'll be taking that, See?" He laughed.

Caracal started running at him. Popple threw Kaban's hat like a boomerang. Hitting Caracal in the chin and it flew right back to Popple.

Then he chucked the hats back at the group, hitting their faces like a pinball machine.

Crested Ibis sat up and started singing her song.

"Ouch! That song has a kick to it!" Popple cried. Then it sounded like something was starting to crack. "Hey, Palookas. Do ya hear somethin'?" He asked.

Suddenly a rift opened, causing a meteor shower on Popple's gang. Then the giant Frozen Meteor. Which struck them with a giant shockwave.

After the cosmic assault. Popple burst into stars.

"Popple! Not again!" Arai-San shouted.

Then Petey got serious. He angrily growled and started inhaling rapidly.

"What is he do-OOooOOooOoOOoing?" Caracal shouted as her along with everyone else was getting sucked into his mouth.

"Petey. What are you doing? Noda~?" Arai-San asked.

"Hmm~" Fennec said while smiling.

Since Serval was Petey's acquaintance. Petey didn't feel like grinding her up into several pieces of meat. So he aimed towards the Savanna area. And spit.

THUD!

Popple got back up and realized that Petey had saved him.

BGM Ends. BGM: Finale (Kemono Friends)

Popple looked at the speedboat that was okay condition. It had a full tank of gas. And could travel a while.

"Well, Rookies." Popple said turning to them. "I guess this is it."

Arai-San had a sad look on her face. Fennec looked a little sad, but she was still smiling.

"You too Petey? Noda~" Arai-San asked.

Petey nodded and grunted happily.

"Hey, don't feel bad Rookie." Popple said. "Here, take this."

Popple handed her the Japari Bun trophy.

Arai-San started breaking down. Hugging Popple. And saying "thank you" between sobs

"Yeah, yeah. Well, I gotta head back to the Beanbean Kingdom. Take that as a memory of me. See?" Popple replied.

Popple boarded the jetski. And roared off. Arai-San waved goodbye.

Arai-San hugged Petey too. Petey just stood motionless.

Then Petey coughed up two coins to them. Then he took off flying towards a island that was barley seen in the distance.

"Bye bye!" Fennec and Arai-San called out to him.

And Petey Piranha continued his journey back to the Mushroom Kingdom.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Well this brings an end to the Kemono Friends ark. Or is it? Well the island Petey's heading towards is Japan. Now we return to darkness...

EPILOGUE...

Back at a town. A fat gray man with a brown shell, named Morton had stopped two high schoolers on their way to school.

"MORTON WANTS TO KNOW WHERE BIG PLANT IS." Morton bellowed.

"I told you!" Chitoge shouted. "I was fighting him on top of the construction site! I knocked him off!"

"But I want to know where PLANT IS!" Morton shouted. Getting angrier.

"He fell into the water, Okay?" Raku shouted back. "Haven't seen him since."

"I guess we'll have to do this the hard way..." Morton said. Taking out a giant hammer.

Lemmy took out a bouncy bomb. Aiming it at them.

"You better tell us!" He shouted. "Or I'll throw this at you!"

"WE DON'T KNOW WHERE HE WANT!" Chitoge screamed. "I KNOCK HIM INTO THE WATER AND THATS ALL I KNOW!"

"Guys! Guys!" A tiny bowser. Named Bowser Jr. said. Running his Junior Clown Car towards them.

"We know where he went. Just ask them the other question." He shouted at them.

Lemmy threw his bomb at the construction site. And Morton lowered his hammer.

"Now tiny bowser wants to know where sky crack glass piece is. Before Morton bashes your head into your shoulders." Morton shouted,

"Sky crack glass piece?" Chitoge repeated confused.

"Like a glass shard?" Raku asked.

"Yes! There called Rift Shards. Petey Piranha went somewhere, where their made. They've been scattered around. So we're trying to recover them for our dad." Bowser Jr. said.

"Oh! I saw one glowing when we exited the construction site. Try looking there." Chitoge said.

Chitoge and Raku escorted them to the site. The Rift Shard was glowing brightly.

"Ohh! It's so bright!" Lemmy called out.

"Iggy told us that they found the other one." Morton said.

Bowser Jr. threw the shard in his Clown Car and boarded it.

"Now we just need that 'Rift Beacon'. And the armor is his!" Bowser Jr. laughed. "Here, Take this for helping us."

He tossed them both a coin. Morton and Lemmy jumped in their Koopaling Clown Cars. And flew away.

"Is this solid gold?" Chitoge asked. Looking at the golden coin.