"And can you be sure of this?"
"Yes, Sir Grodus." an X-Naut PhD reported. "Beldam's theory was correct. The seal of the Thousand-Year Door is weakening."
"Finally, at long last!" Grodus proclaimed. "The power that lies behind the door…the power of darkness will be ours! X-Naut, keep the search for the Crystal Stars as our top-priority, along with the elimination of that meddling Red Yoshi." he ordered.
"Yes, Sir." The X-Naut saluted as he left. As he walked out, Dr. Phun entered, bearing his microphone.
"Grodus, Octo Grubba returns with troubling reports." Dr. Phun began to say.
"Ah, yes!" Grodus remembered. "X-Naut, bring up messages sent from the Mecha Grubba."
"Yes, sir!" An X-Naut showed a message from Octo Grubba on the screen. "'Octo Grubba here. The Octolings and I have been alerted that Doopliss has claimed the Crystal Stars from the Red Yoshi. As soon as we defeat him at Gusty Gulch, we will proceed to Twilight Town to collect them.' That message was sent about three hours ago."
"Then there is no reason for fear!" Grodus concluded. "Doctor, you need to relax a bit."
"Grodus, he just returned." Dr. Phun notified. "Mecha Grubba was destroyed, he failed to defeat the Red Yoshi and Doopliss also gave up the Crystal Stars."
Grodus spun around. "WHAT!?"
"He just pulled into the landing dock a few minutes ago. Said something about the Red Yoshi obtaining new power to defeat him." Dr. Phun repeated.
Grodus was filled with rage. "You tell him if he wants anything to do with the X-Nauts, he does not fail me next time."
"I will." Dr. Phun nodded.
"Good. Where is Octowser?" Grodus wondered. "He should have returned by now from his search."
"He has not yet." Dr. Phun notified.
"Wonder where he could be."
On an island not too far from Rogueport, a body washed up on the shore. It was a male Inkling, wearing an Octoling jacket that had a large tear on the back. He coughed a bit, before rising to his feet.
"Where am I?" he wondered. "How am I still alive?" He rose to his feet and surveyed the area where he had landed. He approached a sign. "Pirate's Grotto this way." he read. "I don't need a Grotto! I need power! Power strong enough to defeat the Red Yoshi and put him in his place!" he punched the sign, reducing to wood planks.
"But Pirates are know to hoard treasure." he rethought. "And maybe there is treasure within powerful enough to heal me and make me even more powerful." he smirked evilly. "To Pirate's Grotto! There is power within that only I, Will, is worthy of claiming!"
Octowser walked into Grodus' room. "No sign of him." he reported.
"Will was a good boy." Grodus agreed. "I'm sorry for your loss, Octarians."
"He was like a brother to me." Octowser recalled. "The Red Yoshi will pay."
"Yes, he will." Grodus nodded, before an X-Naut approached him. "Anyway, we must be going. We must prepare to depart for Crystal City and claim the Crystal Star. Pack your things; I just need to check a few things. Meet me at the landing dock in an hour."
"Hey!" Crysto knocked on the cell door.
"Callie! Marie!" Crysycle whispered. He inserted the key, and they entered the cell. "Wake up!"
"What?" Callie blinked a few times before her vision was in focus. "Oh, Crysto!" she finally realized.
"What's up?" Marie asked. "Crysycle, why'd you wake us up?"
"You said you two were gonna tell us about the Fifth Great Turf War!" Crysycle ripped his mask off as Crysto ushered them into the secret room.
"Yeah, the third of the Great Turf Wars in the last fifty years!" Crysto reminded.
"Right." Callie remembered. "Here we go; In the Fourth Great Turf War, the Octarians were dispelled from an area they called Octo Valley, outside Inkopolis. We fought to help our grandfather, Cap'n Cuttlefish - who fought in the Third Great Turf War about fifty years ago - reclaim the Great Zapfish and the rest of the Zapfish. After that, there was about a year of peace before the Octarians attacked again in the Fifth Great Turf War. Led by commanders Octoliver Octowser, Octavous Phun – current leader of the Octarians – Inkling Traitor William Inkiford and their then-leader General Zorn. Zorn was an extremely powerful Octoling General who had a thirst for Inkling blood. Rumour had it that he was sharing his body with a shadowy demon, due to his ability to wield almost anything with his dark OctoClaw. Halfway through the war, a large chasm swallowed up Inkopolis Harbour, killing over 10,000 Inklings. Even though the Octarians claimed to have done this, there was no way they could have done that with General Zorn fighting in Octo Valley at the same time. After that, we'd thought we were finished. If the Octarians could do as they claimed, Inkopolis would be sunk into the earth. Surrender was reached, just to keep as many Inklings as possible alive."
"Whoa." Crysto gasped.
"General Zorn was scheduled to receive the surrender in Inkopolis Plaza." Marie continued. "We thought we were finished, until Red Yoshi returned. Wielding his Inkbrush, he was barely able to defeat General Zorn. However, some strange things did happen during the fight. When the two fought on top of Inkopolis Tower, Zorn was able to stop Red from attacking using his OctoClaw. Red seemed off edge the whole fight, but still defeated Zorn. That's when it happened. With his last bit of life, Zorn rushed for the Harbour Chasm, and flung himself into it, presumably killing him. No one's what's happened to him since, but there's been peace in Inkopolis since." Marie finished.
"Wow." Crysycle gasped.
"Sounds like Red really came up big for you guys there." Crysto figured.
"That chasm… that sounds similar to the chasm that swallowed up the ancient city that stood before it was swallowed up and Rogueport was built there." Crysycle recalled.
"What?" Callie asked.
"That's for another day." Crysto dismissed. "We also need to check something with TEC since we're here."
"We'll tag along." Marie added. "We need to check with him, too."
"Hello, Squid Sisters. Crysto and Crysycle, good to see you, too." TEC greeted.
"Hello, TEC!" Crysto nodded. "Any new developments regarding the Crystal Stars?"
"Let me check." TEC ran a code. "Well, it seems the Red Yoshi claimed the Ruby Star recently, while the X-Nauts still have zero Crystal Stars."
"Cool. Also, any idea what the treasure behind the Thousand-Year Door is? Some of the guys were betting about it at lunch." Crysycle laughed.
"Actually, that brings me to my next topic nicely." TEC realized. "Squid Sisters, I have a few questions for you. If you can answer them correctly, you can resume use of my communications."
"What's the first one, TEC?" Callie asked.
"What will happen if all the Crystal Stars are collected?" TEC asked.
"Doesn't the Thousand-Year Door open?" Marie guessed.
"Good, good." TEC seemed amused. "Next: What is Sir Grodus' goals?"
"World domination." Marie answered.
"Correct." TEC agreed. "This pleases me. Thirdly, what treasure lies behind the Thousand-Year Door?"
The Squid Sisters were stunned. "That was our question!" Crysto realized.
"I don't know… a crap-ton of coins?" Callie guessed.
"Maybe a super-cool badge or something!" Marie added.
"We guessed it's some sort of gold storehouse or something." Crysycle informed. "What is it, TEC?"
"Brace yourselves." TEC warned. "It is a 1000-year old demon's soul."
"WHAT!?" Callie and Marie gasped.
"Fourthly, what do the X-Nauts and Octarians wish to with this soul?" TEC continued.
"They probably want to bring it back to life!" Crysto figured.
"Correct." TEC agreed. "Finally, what is required to seal the door? This is the all-or-nothing question."
"The Crystal Stars!" Callie realized.
"Correct." TEC confirmed. "You may feel free to use the communicator now."
Suddenly, synchronized footsteps were heard outside TEC's room door. "What's that?" Crysto threw his mask on, and went to check it out.
"TEC…!" Marie stuttered.
"Were you allowed to tell us these things?" Callie asked.
"Please input the message you'd like to send." TEC ordered.
Marie stepped up and began to type. "Great." Crysto walked back into the room. "A troop of X-Nauts are being assembled to head to Crystal City, and we're on the list. They're headed to the armory to prepare warm clothes for the conditions." He told Crysycle.
"I'll add that into the message," Callie added.
Crysto whispered something to Crysycle before he spoke up. "Girls, Sir Grodus has ordered that you come with us on this mission."
The Crystal King paced across the floor of his throne room. 'Grodus will be here for the Crystal Star soon.' he thought, 'but how can we be sure he falls for the fake one?'
Crystyynsyn rode into the throne room with Dupaul and Clubbill. "Hello, father." Crys took his helmet off. "What is the new plan for the Crystal Star?"
"It's very simple." the Crystal King instructed. "Grodus will have to fly past the town square to land in the airfield safely. From there, a group of Protectors will escort them to my castle, where Grodus will request the Crystal Star. You three will travel to the town square, switch off with Crystyy and another group of Protectors will escort her to the palace with the fake star."
"That's a very clever plan, my King." Dupaul commented.
"But do you think it will be enough to fool Grodus?" Clubbill asked.
"I'm sure of it. Crystyynsyn, do you have the Crystal Crown of the Tyrannous One?" the Crystal King asked.
"Yes, I do." Crys pulled out the Crystal Crown. "Do not worry, father. It will not fall into the hands of the evil ones."
"I hope so," the Crystal King agreed. He heard the whirr of a ship fly overhead. "That's them. Do we all know what to do?"
"Yes, Crystal King!" the Protectors saluted. "We are ready, sir!"
"Here we are." Grodus stepped out of the ship. "Dr. Phun, Octowser, I welcome you to the Crystal City of the Crystal Valley."
"It's huge!" Octowser marveled at the size of the mountains that surrounded the valley.
"It's more rustic than I imagined." Dr. Phun agreed. "All the buildings are made of wood and bricks!"
"And Crystal mined from the Crystal Peaks." Grodus looked around him. "How I wish I could gain access to these rich peaks. Once we have the power to rule the world, we'll have all of this!"
"HOME!" Crysto and Crysycle darted out of the ship ahead of the X-Naut group.
"It's just as beautiful as I remember." Crysycle spun to see everything.
"Whoa!" The imprisoned Callie and Marie looked around at the marvelous city that airfield overlooked. "So this is where our people fled to during the wars." Callie recalled.
"I can see why." Marie agreed. "I can't wait to see some Inklings here. It's been too long since we've seen our people."
"Hail, Sir Grodus." An armored Inkling approached. "I am one of the Crystal People of this valley called Crystallynes. I am of Inkling and Shadow blood, and serve the Crystal King."
"That must be why their hair is pink." Marie figured.
"Please follow me, I have prepared three wagons to transport you and your troops to the Crystal Palace." The Crystallyne led them to the fancy, crystal decorated wagons that were carried by the crystal horses. The X-Nauts crowded into the wagons, and were taken to the Crystal Palace in a short half-hour. The group marched into the throne room, led by Grodus.
"Hail, Crystallpher III, the Third Crystal King." Grodus shook the hand of the Crystal King.
"Hail, Sir Grodus." the Crystal King welcomed Grodus into his throne room. "Please, have a seat." Grodus sat down. "I presume you'll introduce me to the new faces here."
"Yes, this is Dr. Phun and Octowser of the Octarians." Grodus introduced.
"Octarians?" the Crystal King calmly realized. "My Inklings may not take to them in the nicest manner, seeing how they are on opposing sides in pretty much everything."
"We've had our differences, but we're willing to let bygones be bygones." Dr. Phun spoke into his microphone.
"So, Crystallpher, I've been waiting to see the Crystal Star for some time now." Grodus urged. "I assume that was the purpose of this summoning."
"Yes, yes." the Crystal King looked towards he Protectors. "My son and the Protectors of Crystal Valley shall collect it for you. Swiftly!" the Crystal King summoned.
The Protectors darted out across the drawbridge and down the tall staircase on horseback. "Remember the plan?" Clubbill asked.
"Right." Crys nodded.
"Good." Dupaul nodded back. "Let's go trick our pigeon." The Protectors pulled up to the Crystal Star to assume guard duty. Crystyy and the second group of Protectors set out to the palace with the fake Crystal Star. They returned to the throne room.
"Is this the Crystal Star?" Grodus rose to his feet.
"This is our birthright, Grodus." the Crystal King nodded.
"Bring it to me, dear." Grodus ordered. Crystyy approached with the Crystal Star, until Grodus drew a knife and head locked her. The rest of the X-Nauts and Octolings drew their weapons, catching the Crystal King. "You're a fool, Crystallpher! Trading your daughter's life for a fake Crystal Star!" Grodus threw it to the ground. "Where is the real one? I know it's somewhere, Crystallpher, so if you value your daughter's life, you will bring it to me."
The Crystal King looked around him to see all of the swords and guns pointed at him and his subjects. "Town Square." he answered.
"Thank you." Grodus motioned for them to lower weapons. "2073! 2074! Bring me the Crystal Star!"
"Those our Crysto and Crysycle's numbers!" Callie realized.
"GUYS! DON'T DO IT!" Marie yelled.
"Remember what I did to your king last time?" Grodus recalled, handing Crystyy to Octowser to contain. "Remember?"
"We have to do it, man!" Crysto whispered.
"I can't betray my people again!" Crysycle responded, angrily. "Not this time!"
"Troops, prepare to end this silly King's reign." Grodus ordered.
"Let's go, Crysto." Crysycle finally answered as the two walked out of the palace.
"There it is: The Crystal Star." Crysto pointed.
"I can't believe we're doing this." Crysycle grumbled.
"We have to, bro!" Crysto urged. "The Crystal King will die if we don't! Besides, we can always steal it back!"
Crysycle's goggles lit up. "That's true! Let's do this!" They approached the Protectors. "We need that Crystal Star! Sir Grodus and the Crystal King's orders!"
"NEVER!" Crystyynsyn responded. He drew his sword. "We will never let you X-Nauts have the Crystal Star!"
"We're not X-Nauts." They ripped their masks off. "We're Crystallyne, just like you guys. We'll take it, and then we'll keep it and stay back here."
"No, you won't!" Dr. Phun yelled as he fired two powerful missiles from his chair. "Zorn was right, never trust an Inkling." Crysto and Crysycle collapsed on the spot. "Your sister and father will die if we do not receive the Crystal Star."
"Not if we can FIGHT!" Crys rushed forward to attack Dr. Phun. He was countered by his force field that Dr. Phun activated. Crys continued to push through, but was sent flying back and was able to recover. "Guys! Attack!"
Clubbill's club lit up with the same colour as the Crystal Star. He struck Dr. Phun's force field, shattering it. Dr. Phun smiled, and fired a gas at Clubbill as he approached. The gas caught him, knocking him out. Dupaul dashed into Dr. Phun and took his form. He pulled an Octoshot and took a few shots at Dr. Phun, destroying his chair and sending him flying. Dr. Phun landed and dashed at Dupaul. Before he hit Dupaul, he phased through him and planted a Suction Bomb on his back, blowing him up. "ˈFuːls!" he yelled, as he picked up his microphone. Suddenly, an arrow shot past his face, knocking the microphone away. He turned to Crys, who had drawn a second sword.
"You will not leave here with the Crystal Star!" Crys ordered.
"ɡɪv ʌp, fuːl!" Dr. Phun yelled as they dashed towards each other, "ðæt ˈkrɪstl stɑːr ɪz maɪn!" Dr. Phun jumped, as he got close, and began to suck the energy out of Crystyynsyn with his hands. He sucked him dry, tossed him away and picked up the Crystal Star. He then pulled out a box from his chair, and threw the Protectors in. He walked back to the castle.
"Sir Grodus, I present you the Crystal Star." Dr. Phun bowed. The Crystal King's heart sunk.
"Excellent." Grodus took the Crystal Star. "My, how it shines." He turned to the Crystal King. "Now, for your punishment for being such a sneaky little fool." Grodus smirked. "I think that this shall be the capital of my new X-Naut Empire. Octowser!" Grodus called.
"Yes, sir!" Octowser saluted.
"Contact the forces at HQ. Tell them that we've claimed our capital."
