"Okay, that is definitely creepy." Volta said as they approached.
"Meta Knight, you definitely believe that whatever's in this castle is connected to the Dark Hearts?" Cyrille asked.
"Yes. No doubt about anything. The source is definitely related to this structure." Meta Knight said.
"Something's coming!" Axl said as a raccoon and fox in armor jumped down and stood in front of the gates.
"I'm guessing they're the gatekeepers. We won't be able to go in unless we defeat them." Sectonia said.
"Okay then… bring it on!" Toma said as the two guardians roared.
Dual Defenders
Pon & Con
Pon and Con then summoned a few walkways near the gate and leaped to them, running between the levels.
"They're trying to run us down by dashing between the levels they summoned." Starlight said.
"The key is to attack them where they're not running from." Meta Knight said.
"Watch out for their little buddies." Aya said as smaller versions of Pon and Con only wearing helmets were seen running between levels as well.
"Yeah...we better take care of these guys." Connor said.
"I've got it. Crystal...Wall!" Gemina said creating a large crystal wall, isolating the Pon and Con's.
"Nowhere to run now, let's finish this Massimo!" Korra said entrapping them in an earth prison.
"Giving it everything!" Massimo yelled as he activated his Hyper Mode, Glint Armor which turned his armor to solid gold. "Behold...my true power!" He yelled activating his action trigger. "Stay...DOWN!" He yelled firing a large laser beam, causing Pon and Con to bounce around before they collided with their heads as their armor broke off.
Kirby then threw two hearts at them as they perked up. The two then danced a bit as the gates soon opened up.
"Shall we?" Marino asked as the group entered the flying fortress.
(Cue(Exploration)- Beginning(VRC6 version)- Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse)
"This place is really creepy." Hiyoko said. "David, what did you say it reminded you of again?"
"Castlevania." David said.
"Come on. This place isn't that scary right?" Usopp asked before a hand touched him. "Ahh! We're all gonna die!"
They looked behind Usopp only to see a small child in artist clothing looking just as frightened.
"Is that some sort of Miniature Paintra?" Hope asked noting the paintbrush like braid.
"My name is Vividria. Who are you?" Vividria asked as she shook a bit.
"The Hero Alliance. Did you get lost here?" Connor asked.
"Um yes, I was trying to look for something, but these freaky masks popped out of nowhere and scared me. I've been in here since." Vividria said.
"Yep, definitely like Castlevania." David said as he went to her. "It's okay, though. We're not going to hurt you."
"Really?" Vividria asked.
"No, we won't. We're just here to look into a few things. Also, if I may mention this, you look really cute." David said causing Vividria to blush a bit.
"O-Oh, thank you. Is it alright if I come with you guys?" Vividria asked.
"Of course it is." David said.
"Okay...but who's that?" Usopp said pointing to the human child.
"That is Adelaine. We paint together sometimes." Vividria said.
"Kirby, your majesty. It's nice to see you again." Adeleine said smiling at them.
"Wait, you two know her?" Elize asked.
"Yeah. We teamed up with a Waddle Dee and her to save a planet of fairies." Dedede said.
"I feel like that statement is really true somehow." Hope said.
"Yup, 100% true. I'm coming too. After all, it has been a while since we teamed up you two." Adeleine said as she waved her paintbrush and smiled.
"Sounds good, now let's keep on exploring this fortress." Hope said.
Continuing through the fortress, they were even able to recruit an inhabitant of the fortress, known as a Jammerjab as well as a flying psychic enemy known as a NESP. But when they came to a clearing, the room felt cold as descending before them was a woman in black with ice blue hair, having a Dark heart in hand. She then raised her arms, waved them and crossed them Below her waist.
"...Bonjam." She said bowing. "That is how we greet on MY planet. I am Francisca, one of the three generals of magic."
"So you're the one behind all the Black Hearts falling down. Well, one of the ones." Betty said.
"I merely do this for my master, and as for all of you…" Fransisca started before pulling out a snowflake shaped axe. "Do not interfere!"
"Oh, jeez…" Hope said.
"The three of us command this fortress of shadows, known as...Jambastion! We wish to assemble the dark Jamba Heart pieces that were scattered across the universe. Once we do, our most twisted of visions will finally be…untwisted. Unthawed? Unfurled!" Fransisca said.
"That explains the creepy vibe on this place." David said.
"Exactly. But I don't want to waste my time talking to you. So I won't! Just know that should you attempt to oppose us…I'll have no choice but to put you on ice...FOREVER!" Fransica declared swinging her axe.
Frozen General
Francisca
Francisca flew towards them as she swung her axe trying to hit them.
"Crud. Ice Make Hammer!" Gray said countering Francisca.
"Ice Make Sword!" Tulip said as she clashed with Francisca.
"Freeze Lancer!" David said as crystals flew towards Francisca.
"You all use ice too?" Francisca asked. "Such intriguing individuals, these other worlds possess."
"Unblock the sun...Photon Blaze!" Ace chanted as a small sun appeared in front of her and exploded knocking her back a bit.
Fransisca recovered and released a wave of power and aggression. She floated to the middle of the area and summoned icicles as she fired them off. The heroes were able to evade and counter her attack.
"Try this!" Francisca called, whipping out some sort of water gun and firing it.
NESP then sent psychic energy into its path as the electricity traveled down it as it electrocuted Francisca, sending her crashing to the ground. The heroes wailed on her until Francisca was defeated, sending her crashing to the floor and sending the Jamba Heart Piece out of her hands. Before Kirby could get the chance to grab it as it floated up in the air, Fransica grabbed it first and flew off.
"Well she certainly was an interesting character." Hope said. "Always nice to see another Ice user too, right David?"
"Definitely. But… I feel as though she's wasting her potential working like this." David said.
"I agree. She is a gifted mage but using her power like this is a waste. She was matching me blow for blow. It was incredible. I've never seen such magic." Tulip said.
"You think there's any way we can try to convince her, next time we run into her?" Kohaku asked.
"Doubt it, but I think I might have an idea." David said.
"What is it?" Ace asked.
"Your summons. She may have to be weakened a bit first, but… If we can use the magic of your summons to split her into two, we might have a chance." David said.
"Just like in Sectonia's case. Good thing we don't need to smash any mirrors this time." Himiko said.
"But the kind of summoning you are speaking of is almost impossible. It's never been successfully done by any summoner." Leonis said.
"And what makes you say that? Have you seen anyone try?" Maki asked.
"It doesn't hurt to try at least next time we run into her." Ace said.
"She's an Ice Mage... so that means using Shiva as a base for the spell would work." Lailah said.
"Yes. I agree as well." Shiva said as she appeared. "I will lend my power to help that girl in anyway I can, summoner."
"Thank you, Shiva." Ace said.
"Anyways, shall we continue on?" Erica asked.
"Yes. Let's go." David said.
The group continued to ascend the fortress into the inner sanctum. Hope was running ahead before something stopped him.
"What the?" Hope said as a shadow jumped past him. "What the? Hey...my wallet! Why does this keep happening?" he said before hearing a whistle as he saw a mouse in red standing on a ledge with it in hand.
"Easy mark." He remarked.
"What is it with you and thieves these days, Hope?" Gemini said.
"I don't know, maybe the fact that my brother is one?" Hope asked.
"Wait...I've seen you. You're Daroach. You're the leader of the Squeaks." Connor said.
"In the flesh, as it were." He said.
"The Squeaks? Aren't they those group of thieves that live on this world?" Betty asked.
"Yes. And a clever bunch at that." Spectra said.
"My crew is my family, and they're the best around." Daroach said before tossing Hope's wallet back to him. "Ah, Kirby, King Sucker." Daroach said with a smirk.
"This guy, we know all too well. He stole from my vaults. You rotten mouse. Oh and all he took from Kirby was a slice of Strawberry shortcake." Dedede said.
"Yeah, but I did help him when he was split up into multiple clones of himself." Daroach said as he floated down to them.
"Do you feel like helping him out again? This Jambastion is bad news, so are these Dark Hearts." Hope said.
"Why not, those guys hurt my crew, so I'm itching for payback." Daroach said.
"Welcome aboard then, Daroach." Connor said as they continued through the Sanctum.
"HEY! Stop right there, you group of… odd shaped misfits!" A voice yelled as the group stopped.
Bouncing over to them in short hops in between floats was another girl in black mages robes, only hers were red and had fiery, spiky red hair.
"Uh… you talking to us?" Gemini asked.
"Yes, I'm talking to all of you!" The girl snapped. "You all hurt my precious Francisca, especially you five!" She said flailing her arms. "Fiends! Cowards! I swear, if you've all harmed a single blue hair on her perfect head…you'll BURN for it!"
"Sheesh, what a hot head…" Natsu said.
"She's kinda like a female version of you." Ace said.
"Shut it, Jamblasted!" She said drawing a flaming sword. "When I'm done, toasted marshmallows are gonna be like ice cubes compared to all of you! Because you're facing Flamberge now, thats me!"
Blazing General
Flamberge
"David, Gray, Tulip. Shall we chill her out?" Phillia asked.
"Uh… Phillia? We're the reason she's mad." David said.
"Just for that joke, I'm roasting you first." She said about to fire before being countered by Ciel.
"I'll have to ask you don't." Ciel said.
"Thank you Miss Ciel." Philia said before she casted Ice Tornado.
"This is nothing!" Flamberge said cutting through the tornado with her flaming sword.
"Congregate, eternal ocean, and show all your healing guidance! Life Discharge!" Rutee yelled as she healed her allies and damaged Flamberge with her Mystic Arte.
Flamberge recovered and released similar pressure and aggression. She summoned a massive cannon. "Blow away you...huh?" Flamberge asked noticing a small snowman and rock creature nearby. The snowman blew ice at the rock creature as it became a curling stone as it rolled into the fuse, defusing it making the cannon explode and knock Flamberge out.
"Aww, what a cute snowman." Kohaku said.
Kirby tossed hearts at them befriending the two.
"Thanks for the aid." Ciel said as Flamberge was soon conscious as she grabbed the heart and ran off with it.
"If you can get past the hotheadedness, she's a great Fire Mage." Hope said.
"Ifrit's power will be needed for her to split up, right?" Ace asked.
"I would imagine so." Sectonia said. "Still, there remains one mage. We need to be vigilant."
"So...the rumors are true. You are now...human." A voice said.
"Huh? Wait...this voice." David said looking up to see a Meta Knight look alike with a scar on his mask.
"Dark Meta Knight." Meta Knight said readying his sword.
"He's here, David." Hope said.
David and Sectonia got their blades ready.
"Wait. I am not here to fight you. It is not the right time." Dark Meta Knight said holding a hand up.
"You think we would fall for that now?" David asked.
"That's right, you and Symonne were the reason I was corrupted in the first place!" Sectonia said.
"You blame me for your corruption? Why not blame your own curiosity? Besides...me and Symonne are no longer...together." Dark Meta Knight said.
"What do you mean by that?" David asked.
"It was to be a simple plan. We saw the chaos caused on Stryker's Island. We were planning to use that woman who wreaked havoc as revenge against you two. But...we were stopped by a man said to be her son. We attacked and he predicted our movements perfectly. I was barely alive while Symonne had fallen unconscious. He allowed me to leave in exchange for claiming both Symonne and the Dimension Mirror, both are said to be...presents for his mother." Dark Meta Knight said.
"Katakuri, of course." David said.
"I can see why he would take Symonne. I doubt Big Mom has a Seraphim in her collection." Jimbei said.
"The Tea Party fast approaches. Once it's over, Symonne will be taken to their home island, never to be free again." Dark Meta Knight said.
"And why would we wanna help someone who caused so much trouble for us in Glenwood? She wanted nothing more than to help Heldalf destroy Sorey." Hope said.
"Isn't it the duty of any hero to help those in need? Even if they are enemies?" Dark Meta Knight asked.
"What do you think David? You will have to fight him, but will you believe him?" Hope asked.
"But that mirror must still be destroyed." David said as he and Sectonia put their weapons back. "Fine, but just this once."
"Thank you. When all this is over...I will fight you whenever you choose." Dark Meta Knight said.
"Trust me. You won't be disappointed." David said.
With Dark Meta Knight on their side, for now at least, the group proceeded to the top of the fortress into a throne room where the Heart Piece stood. Suddenly, the third and final mage zipped to the scene and grabbed it, trailing voltage as she bowed to them like Fransica did.
"Bonjam. I am Zan Partizanne, the eldest of the three generals of magic." She introduced.
"Your younger siblings gave us quite the welcoming committee, you know." Toma said. "But what's to be said about invaders who are trying to grab these hearts?"
"You know, at first I thought you all to be just simpletons with a knack for annoyance. But after all you've done to get in our way, you're just interlopers interfering with our Lord Hyness's grand design." Partizanne said.
"So there's someone commanding you three, huh?" Hope said. "You know… we've noticed something too. From the last two battles, you're definitely Mages with incredible potential. But I think serving this 'Hyness' individual isn't bringing out the best of you three. Jexi can agree with me here, right buddy?"
"I don't know much about magic. But you three have potential. We all agree. But...it's going to waste serving some wicked cult leader." Jexi said.
"..." Partizanne stayed silent before she summoned a spear. "No! We are not wasting our potential at Lord Hyness's side! I'll show you all what dedication to our lord brings us! Prepare yourselves, interlopers!"
Lighting General
Zan Partizanne
"Suit yourself." David said as Partizanne zipped around the throne room, swinging her spear.
"Streaking Comet!" Kor yelled as he zipped after Zan at the speed of light with his second Soma form, Sagittarius. "Dammit! Why won't you listen?! Can't you see what the Dark Hearts are doing to the life of this world?"
"Let it go, Kor. She's obviously not in the mood to listen." Chalcedony said.
"Yes. We just need to defeat her and force her out." Leonis said. "Summon the swordsman, Lyn!" he said.
Lyn soon appeared as she started clashing with Zan as they went at one another.
"You are good. But you all shall suffer." She said as a large wheel appeared on her back. "Now feel the wrath of a million thunderstorms. These shall…" She began before water was splashed at her back, electrocuting it and sending her crashing, unconscious.
"Is that...a lizard?" Kohaku asked as the group saw a blue lizard moving on water.
"No, that's a Driblee. And what timing did it have." A water creature I think." Hope said as Kirby tossed a heart at it and allied with it.
"Now...let's get the heart and…" Racer said before Zan zipped by and grabbed the heart.
"You jamblasted...you will not get away with this. I think you all deserve to die." Zan said summoning her spear as she tossed it into the power core. "You all deserve to go along with this Jambastion. Jambuhbye!" She said flying away.
"Oh, this is not good. That's our cue to get out of here." Mayumi said.
"I agree. Exit stage left!" David said.
Kirby and the star allies formed up as they turned into a wheel and started cartwheeling towards the exit.
"Did anyone know they could do that?" Stoj asked as the group kept running.
"Now's not the time for questions!" Sectonia said.
"Like hell it's not!" Cobra said dodging some rubble. "Our ships are parked right out front. We get to them, we're home free!"
"Hastega!" Al called out as everyone started running and flying faster.
Using Hastega to their advantage, the groups made it to the ships and took off before the Jambastion was destroyed, nothing but a pile of rubble.
"Phew. That was way too close." Jexi said.
"Seconded…" David said on one knee in exhaustion. "That was more running than I hoped I'd do here."
"But we let Zan get away. We have no clue where to look." Lisanna said.
"Not true." Spectra said holding a tracking device. "I tagged her with a tracer before she took off."
"Nice thinking." Ace said as he collapsed to his knees.
"Hmm. Looks like she's moving farther and farther into deep space." Gus said. "Likely retreating to their base."
"Guess that's where we're heading next, but…" Mari trailed off.
"We'll have to get to the other planets on the way. Is that what you're saying?" David asked.
"I believe it is. This will be tiring." Maka said as they moved further from Popstar.
"Whoa." Izuku said noticing the emblem he was holding glowing a bit more brighter.
"It's glowing. Does that mean one of the Olympos XII is somewhere nearby?" Maki asked.
"It's got to be on one of those planets." Izuku said.
"So...we travel and eventually encounter it." Skyler said.
"With no other way to track them, it's probably the best we can do." Takeshi said.
"Then let's go Planet Hopping." Hope said.'
