Preface: Hello, again! Man, I really have to get back into uploading more frequently! I'm sorry again for the holdup - I don't know when I'll get back to uploading consistently, but I reassure you: this story isn't going anywhere. With that said, let's get into the next arc...
MINECRAFT MANIACS:
LIGHT AND DARK
Previously...sometime after their last adventure, Danny, Liam, Kevin, and their companions were summoned to obtain the first of the three Cubes of Balance. While they were victorious, Danny was then attacked by the Manipulator, who would have triumphed had Danny not discovered a strange new power.
Now...the players meet up as the next part of their journey begins...
Roll Call
Danny - Alfred von Any: Hero with emotional issues. The leader.
Liam - Willy Blanq: Expert crafter. The maker.
Kevin - Nevile Napoleon: Part-gangerman player. The brains.
Pork Chop - Dee Bradley Baker: Danny's companion. The pet.
Spawny and Spawnette - Damien Laquet: The rabborg siblings. The heart.
Balancia - Marieve Herington: Guardian allay. The fairy.
Chapter 11:
Chaotic Teamwork, Part One -
Old Friends, New Fears
[Character Selected: Danny]
[Current World: Minecraftia]
[Current Location: Public World, Temporary Shelter]
[BGM: Antimo & Welles - Training Montage (Minecraft: Story Mode 101 OST)]
The rest of the week following the attack from the Manipulator was actually pretty smooth. School was the same, after-school activities were the same, and nothing unusual happened in Minecraft. But I was still confused about that weird power I displayed at the end of the fight - was it connected to the Cubes of Balance at all?
I know what you're thinking - "Why not just ask Balancia?" Well, I did think of that, and when I told Liam and Kevin about the incident, they agreed to do just that. But Balancia just plain vanished after the encounter! We had no clue where she went, but we decided it was best to wait and see what happened.
And then came Friday. As soon as I got home from school, I logged onto the world. "Oh, hey, Danny!" said Liam, greeting me. He, Kevin, and the rabborgs were standing by the table of brewing stands we had set up in the temporary shelter. "Just doin' some brewing while we wait!" Liam explained.
"Let's see, we got a couple of swiftness splash potions, a bit of water breathing, a little bit of strength…" said Kevin, listing off the potions they had brewed.
"I'll take a swiftness and water breathing, please," I said, and Kevin gave them to me to put into my inventory. After that, I turned to more overarching matters. "Still no sign of Balancia?"
"Nope! It's like after the Manipulator attacked you, something caused her to disappear," said Liam, throwing his hands in the air in disbelief.
"Well, that was partially the reason, yes," we all heard the voice of our new allay ally say. Spawny ran to the door to open it, and there was Balancia, floating in the doorway. "Apologies for vanishing the last few days. I had to do some research!"
"Research?" I asked. "What kind of research?"
"Here, I'll explain on the way," Balancia suggested. I grabbed Pork Chop and followed the others out to the minecart track I had set up last time. As soon as I hit the button to send the carts over to the Multiversal Gateway, Balancia began her lore-dump. "See, this past Saturday or Sunday, I sensed immense power coming from one of your worlds. I did an inspection and traced the power to one of Danny's private worlds, and noticed it was similar to that of the Cubes of Balance."
Liam "mhmmed" as he jotted down the notes in his book and quill. "So, yeah. Is there any connection between the two?" he asked.
"As a matter of fact, yes!" exclaimed Balancia. "Does the legend of the Chaos Princesses ring a bell to any of you!"
"(Certainly!)" exclaimed Spawnette. "(As a matter of fact, I am a Chaos Princess!)"
"Well, you see, there is a similar legend of the Heroes of Balance - those who can harness both light and dark energies to their full extent! I knew there was a reason why I made the specific Keys of Balance selections - you still have them, right?" We all showed Balancia our keys. "Good, just checking! But anyway, I didn't remember until I searched through the 'library' of sorts I have over in the In-Between Space. And that's when I realized it - you must be the Heroes of Balance of this generation!"
"Of this generation?" said Kevin. "Well, that certainly removes the pressure a little…"
"So wait, my power didn't come until after we got the first Cube of Balance," I said, "so maybe that's what leads us to unlock it!"
"And if we combine that power with that of the Order Gadgets," added Liam, "who knows what could happen?"
"Brilliant! No wonder you're the Heroes of Balance!" said Balancia, excited. Just then, the minecarts came to a stop in front of the cave where the Multiversal Gateway lay. "Oh, by the way, before we go on our next mission, we'll have to pick up a couple of the Chaos Princesses and their companions," the allay then told us.
I climbed out of the minecart and helped Pork Chop out as well. "Really? Who are they?" I asked.
Balancia seemed to smirk (it's hard to tell when she doesn't have a mouth). "I'm sure you've had some history in helping them grow up…"
[Character Selected: Bandit]
[Current World: Bonegea]
[Current Location: Brisbane, Australia]
[BGM: Asu01 - Doctor's Beat]
It had been just about two years since the Heeler family experienced troubles outside of their usual, down-to-earth conflicts. Specifically involving a mad scientist, an omnipotent deity, a young boy and tiger from another world, several cube-shaped monsters, a speedy blue hedgehog and his chubby rival, and galactic scopes of power. Since then, the lovable family of cattle dogs had returned to their usual lives, playing fun games, tackling life issues, and making parents in the real world cry when they least expect it.
While Bluey and Bingo still recalled their adventures, the further visits from their interdimensional friends were so few and far between that Bandit and Chilli were wondering about convincing them that the escapades were mere dreams or figments of their imaginations. They decided not to push it for the time being, however, instead waiting to see if the children came to that conclusion themselves.
However, this very week, something unusual happened: Bluey started to become more skittish than usual. Bandit and Chilli never knew the reason why - whenever they asked, Bluey either pretended to be alright or dodged the question. As a matter of fact, the parents were right in the middle of discussing what to do when the doorbell rang. "That must be our guests," said Bandit, standing up from the couch. He and Chilli had arranged a little playdate in hopes of taking Bluey's mind off of whatever was worrying her.
The parents made their way over to the door, where Bluey and Bingo eagerly waited. Bluey even seemed to be her usual cheerful self! "Come on, open the door!" she said, her tail wagging.
"Okay, okay, I'm opening!" said Bandit. The door opened, revealing a dalmatian and afghan hound around Bluey's age and a maltese around Bingo's.
"Bluey!" Chloe and Indy shouted, rushing in to give their best friend a hug. Lila similarly did it with Bingo. "Can we play Octopus again?" Chloe asked.
"Oh, yeah!" said Bluey. She turned to Bandit and looked up at him. "Dad, can you play Octopus with us?"
[BGM: End]
Just as Bandit was about to reluctantly say yes, a strange sensation began to fill the room. A ball of blue pulsating energy appeared in front of the group. "Oh, biscuits!" said Bandit.
"It's happening again, isn't it?" said Chilli, similarly upset that what they thought was behind them was now back.
"Bluey? What's happening?" asked Indy, nervous.
"I don't know," said Bluey, an unusual fear in her voice. "Stand behind me," she instructed, putting her arms in front of her friends. The ball of energy expanded into a full vortex, and out stepped three blocky figures, accompanied by a similarly-blocky piglet and two rabbit-like creatures in royal getup, all of which were recognized by everyone except for the guests. What nobody recognized, however, was the blocky fairy-like creature accompanying them.
"Oh, hi, Danny! Liam! Kevin!" said Bingo, cheerfully waving hello. "These are our friends from another world!"
"Yeah, uh…sorry to barge in on you again," said Danny, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. "I'm sure you were enjoying getting back to, y'know, a normal life."
"Yes, we were, actually," said Bandit. "But if we gotta play hero again, then I guess it's gotta be done."
"P-play hero?" asked Lila, confused. "What's going on?"
"Here's the skinny of it," said the fairy-like creature. "New omnicidal maniac, gotta fill up some keys, we need your help. My name's Balancia, and I'll be your guide!" She thought for a moment. "Oh! Bluey, Bingo, you may want your crowns for this!"
"Crowns?" said Bluey, confused. But then she remembered what Balancia was talking about. "Oh, right. Can we go get them?"
"Um, sure…" said Chilli, still a bit uncomfortable regarding the situation. The kids all ran to Bluey and Bingo's room. "I'm sorry. I'm not used to this," she then told the others.
"Don't worry, we get it," said Danny, waving his hand. "But Bluey seemed a little more…skittish than usual. Is she okay?"
"We're trying to figure that out, mate," explained Bandit. "She says everything's fine, but I'm pretty sure something's up."
[BGM: Asu01 - Realizing Life]
Over in Bluey and Bingo's room, the young blue heeler made sure no one would listen before closing the door. "Okay, good," she said, relieved. "I don't want anyone to hear what I'm going to tell you."
"Tell us what?" asked Chloe, scratching her head. "And what is going on, Bluey?"
"It's…a lot…" said Bingo, waving her hands. And that's what caused the two sisters to explain to their friends everything that had happened starting two years ago. Chloe recalled the story of the first visit from the blocky beings, as Bluey had previously shared it in show-and-tell. Both her and Indy also had vague recollections of the party that the two described.
And then, Bluey got to the present. "But then, a few days ago…I had a scary dream," she said. "Those monsters I fought were hurting me…and I couldn't fight back…I've been having them ever since."
The three other dogs nodded. "That's why you've seemed so nervous all week," said Indy, understandingly.
"Do you feel that way, Bingo?" Lila asked, worried.
"Hmmm…no!" said Bingo. "It doesn't make any sense!"
"Yeah, that glowing person said he'd watch over both of us," said Bluey. "So why did he stop watching over me?"
"I don't know," said Chloe. She took Bluey's hand. "But if you want us to help, just ask."
Bluey smiled and wagged her tail. "Thanks, Chloe. But please, don't tell Mum and Dad. I don't want them to worry."
"Oh. Are you sure?" asked Chloe, unsure.
"Yes. I'll just put on a brave face," Bluey insisted. "Now, where did we put those crowns…" She and Bingo crawled under their beds and began to search through the junk they shoved under there. After searching through various toys, games, their International Emmy Kids award, and the Kidscreen awards they won the previous year, Bluey and Bingo finally found the gemstone-decorated crowns they had received two years ago.
"Ooo…" said Bingo as she took her crown out. Hers was decorated with a cyan gem, while Bluey's was decorated with a blue one. "Do they still do the special stuff they did?"
"Let's see…" said Bluey, inspecting the crown. The two nodded at each other and placed the crowns on their heads. In a bright flash, the two puppies' appearances changed as their bodies were filled with immense power. Tutus with colors matching that of their crowns adorned their waists, long gloves appeared on their arms, and fairy wings sprouted from their backs. "Uss! It worked!" the two cheered as they entered their Chaos Princess forms for the first time in two years.
The other three puppies were amazed by their appearance. "Ooo…you look so pretty…" said Lila, enamored by Bingo's appearance. The two blushed at each other.
"Now, come on! Let's go see the others," said Bluey, displaying perhaps more confidence than she usually does.
As the group left to return to the den, Chloe and Indy took notice of Bluey's change in demeanor. "She doesn't seem so nervous now," Chloe whispered to the afghan hound. "It must be the crown's magic!"
"Hmm…maybe," said Indy. "We're gonna have to be detectives if we want to make sure." The two nodded at each other as they entered the den.
"There you are! We've been waiting for you," said Liam. "What took you so long?"
"Oh, you know, little kids' stuff," said Bluey, shrugging.
Bandit and Chilli were the second pair to notice Bluey's change in demeanor. She doesn't seem so upset now, they both thought. "So, ready to go, squirts?" asked Bandit.
"YEAH!" said all of the kids, except Lila, who gave a more timid "Yes…"
"Good!" said Danny, nodding. "So, Balancia, what's the next stop?"
"Well, as a matter of fact," said the fairy-creature, "it happens to be the place where Bluey and Bingo's power originated from…"
[BGM: End]
[Character Selected: Mark]
[Current World: Minecraftia]
[Current Location: Planet of the Gangermen, Launching Pad]
The UFO was finally ready. Almost all of the necessary equipment was installed, tested, retested, and oiled. In order to make it truly complete, the constructors had to create new teleportation technology, then delete every trace of its development to avoid it being recreated again. "Okay, just a few more commands…" said Mark, finishing the installation of the teleportation technology. "And…there we go! We're ready to get that key!"
"Good," said Andy, making sure they had all they needed for the trip. "Now, it doesn't look like the rogues are there yet, so we oughta get a head-start while we still can."
"Totally," said Mark. "Let's not waste another minute." And so, the two gangermen strapped themselves in and prepared for the jump through hyperspace to their destination. Before long, all the other gangermen could see of their leaders was a purple blur…
To be continued...and next time: back to Mobius!
Next chapter: "Dance-Off in the Dunes" The Maniacs and Heelers are back together again, and now it's time for their next destination: the Sonic world! The heroes have to split up to fill the next Key of Balance, and Liam and Kevin are taking their group to the Mirage Saloon Zone. Luckily, when the going gets tough, the tough get going in an easy way - a dance-off!
Postface: Chapter complete! The Heelers are back and ready to get back into action, and this time they have some friends!
Trivia time! The idea for this arc originated as a side-story, and while there were a few changes made to incorporate it into this one, the basic gist is the same - an adventure through the Sonic world with Bluey and Bingo bringing their friends along! Of course, for pacing reasons, I decided not to have the Sonic world show up until next chapter. As for Bluey's strange demeanor, you may recall in my first side-story with the Bluey cast, The Boy, The Tiger, and the Heelers, I had the omnipotent Amnity protect Bluey and Bingo from any mental trauma that would otherwise occur in their adventures. Looking back, that was a cop-out, so I decided to fix it by having Bluey face reality. There will still be a supernatural twist, however, mainly with the return of the Heeler kids' Chaos Princess powers! You may recall this from the end of Minecraft Maniacs RPG, and this time it'll be tied to the presence of their friends. But why does Bluey get cleared of her mental trauma when she transforms? Well, you may recall in the Chaos Haven stories, when Pumpkin used the Chaos Emeralds' power, she gained a boost of confidence. I decided to reintroduce that here, but this relief will have nasty consequences in the future...
That should be it! Please read, review, and share around, and I'll see you all next time for the return to the Sonic world! Stay diamond, everyone!
-Alfred
~Minecraft and everything related to it are properties of Mojang Studios and Xbox Game Studios. Bluey and everything related to her are properties/licensees of Ludo Studio PTY., LTD., the Australian Broadcasting Corp., and BBC Studios Dist., LTD. No copyright infringement with any of these companies nor financial gain was intended in the making of this story. Any resemblance to real-world people or events are either coincidental or done fictitiously.~