36. Not Monk-ing Around
The Pretty Cure team, Matt Oda, Tint, and Capt. Barny are surprised but relieved to see the Falls Temple right before their eyes. After going through the terrifying wavy rapids of the river and the dangerous plummeting waterfall, everyone is glad they reached the temple about half a mile away.
"We finally made it," Cure Bloom said in great relief.
"Totally," Cure Sunny agrees, "I'm glad to see something achievable this time. I don't ever want to see those wavy rapids again."
"You said it," Cure Melody agrees. "Especially that waterfall went we through."
Tint observes the faraway temple and makes a comment. "So, inside we'll find the monk and the Wonder Color Orange," Tint says. "We've come this far, so let's get that Wonder Color after risking our lives from that gruesome challenge."
"I agree," Cure Diamond said. "Let's go, everybody."
The Pretty Cure team agree, and they all walk towards the temple.
While the heroic team kept walking, Capt. Barny pauses for a moment and looks at the plaque stating Little Orca. He remembers all the good times he, his crew, and his once-beloved ship had in his past years. He then remembers the few years he spent riding on his steamboat. After visualizing his beautiful memories, he places the plaque on a rock. He stares at it one more time, tilting his sailor cap.
"Tanks…, me hearty…" Capt. Barny said in little mourn.
Capt. Barny turns around and walks with the Pretty Cure team.
Everyone then arrived at the big moat surrounding the temple. The moat is about half a mile wide, and there's no way to get into the temple on foot. There is no bridge in sight for the Pretty Cure team. Everyone stared at this predicament.
"How are we supposed to get over to the temple?" Cure Honey questions.
"Well," Cure White speaks, "I guess swimming would be an option."
"White, are you kidding me!?" Cure Black said in a panic. "Did you forget that went through the wavy rapids and a dangerous dropping waterfall? I said I couldn't stand any more water on me. I had enough getting soaked for one day." White felt a bit startled by Black's complaint.
Cure Muse observes the water and says, "Even we have to swim as our only option, I don't think it's the best choice."
Everyone heard Muse's statement. "What makes you say that?" Cure Melody asked.
Muse finds and grabs a twig next to her and places it into the moat's water for a moment. Then, after a few seconds, she pulls the twig out of the water. But the gang, including Capt. Barny, is shocked to see part of the stick has burnt off.
"The water in this moat is extremely hot," Muse said firmly. "It will burn our skins if we step into it."
After hearing Cure Muse's point of view, the team all looked back at the temple that's still far away on the other side of the moat. The gang becomes concerned.
"What'll we do?" Shiny Luminous asked in worry. "I don't think we can make it across in one giant leap."
"Can we fly across the moat?" Cure Lemonade suggested.
Cure Fortune heard but replied in concern, "That's a good thought but look at the steam."
Fortune sticks her hand out and feels the intense heat and moisture from the evaporated water. Fortune quickly pulls her hand back and shakes her hand.
"The moisture from this steam is very hot too. So if we stay afloat in this steam too long, it will burn our skin."
Concerned about this situation, the Pretty Cure team stumbled on another roadblock, yet the temple is within reach. Unfortunately, the heroic team is out of options with no boat or flotation object durable enough of the water's intense heat.
"Now, what do we do!?" Cure Princess panicked.
Cure Peach screamed in irk and said, "There's gotta be some way. C'mon! Think!"
"Do not overthink your mind, young one…"
Suddenly, everyone, the Pretty Cure team, Tint, and Capt. Barny heard a voice out of the blue. They were all startled and tried to find the source of the mysterious voice.
"Huh? Who said that?" Cure Diamond asked.
"Hey," Cure Beat speaks in little fear, "please don't make any fighting sounds like that."
"That wasn't any one of us," Cure White stated.
"Then who…?" Cure Pine questions in little fear.
"You young ones seemed confused," the mysterious voice speaks again. "Your minds are scattering."
"Hey, you!" Milky Rose speaks up, "Whatever you are, where are you coming from?"
"You seemed annoyed. I would suggest taking a deep breath before you speak."
Cure Rouge fearfully speaks, "Um… whoever you are… please stop frightening me with your voice that I'm hearing in my head."
"You seemed scared, young orange one. I'm not a threat."
"Then what are you?" Tint asked. "How can we hear you when we don't see you?"
The mysterious voice continues to speak, "Questions, questions, questions… Your minds are quite inconsistent. Do not fret, for I'm no enemy. I'm communicating and channeling within your minds. I am also an observer who foresees all around in Orange Canyon.
From what I witnessed, it was rather shocking yet astounding to see you young ones survive the rapids and the waterfall. No ordinary being can survive a dangerous trial like that. You must have strong steel and courageous hearts.
Tell me, who are you, young special ones?"
Cure Sword replies, "If you must know, we are Pretty Cure, magical warriors who defend from an evil crisis."
"And we're here to save Spectrum Land," Cure Bloom added.
"Pretty Cures, you say?" the voice said curiously. "The legendary heroines that will save Spectrum Land from a great catastrophe? It's no wonder you were able to survive that difficult test and made it this far. Perhaps, within your minds, you are focused and determined to succeed to the very end. Are you by any chance here for the Wonder Color Orange?"
"Yeah, that's right," Cure Berry said and blinked. "But how did you that?"
"Simple fact, young blue hair one. Seeking the Wonder Colors, the foretold heroes will only appear at my Falls Temple after surviving the raging rapids."
"Well, to be honest," Cure Lovely speaks with slight nervousness, "we wouldn't be here without the help of Capt. Barny. He risked his life and his boat to help us escort here to your temple."
"Ah, yes… Captain Barnacle Watters. A mighty and courageous sailor to fight the rapids with his late Blue Orca… or Little Orca, I'd say."
"Y'know the captain?" Cure Lemonade asked.
"For quite some time. His mind is determined and eager, but his true intentions are pure and caring for all the citizens he carried on his ship from his old days and presently now."
"I didn't know your that kind-hearted," Cure Rosetta noted with curiosity. The captain shyly looks to the side and rubs his mustache.
"Aye, lassie," the captain says with little shyness, "Me pride an' joy of Little Orca maybe me beauty, but I always think of me mateys first-hand."
Cure Passion then speaks, "Now that you know our reason for being here, can we enter your temple? The fate of our worlds and the galaxy depends on us to restore the Prism Diamond and save everyone's lives."
"Indeed," the mysterious voice replied, "Please come into my temple. I'll be waiting."
"Um, one problem," Cure Sunshine speaks, "how do we enter if there's no way to get across this boiling moat?"
"Ah, my young golden hair one, don't let first sights deceive your minds. Look again."
The Pretty Cure team heard and examined the moat again. Just then, they all heard and felt a rumbling sound, causing the team to partially lose their balance.
"Whoa, what's that?" Cure Pine said while maintaining her footing.
"Hey, look!" Tint called and pointed. The gang heard the butterfly fairy and observed.
Suddenly, something is coming out of the steaming hot moat. Slowly rising from the hot water is a massive stone bridge. It continues to rise out from the hot moat. It then stops, connecting from where the Pretty Cure team is standing to the temple entrance. They now have a path to cross the boiling moat.
"Look at that," Cure Egret said with awe.
"A bridge hidden within the hot steaming moat-mupu," Moop commented.
"Well, now we can get into the temple," Cure Heart noted. "Let's go, team."
Everyone agrees with Heart, and the gang all crossed the bridge and enter within the deep reaches of the Falls Temple.
As they continued into the temple, the Pretty Cure came across stairs that led downward. Lit candles are hanging within the stone's walls, lighting the path for the team. Everyone felt a bit worried, not knowing where they were going. They continued down the stairs until they saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
When the team reached the end of the downward stairs, they saw the scenery. To the team's view is a vast stoned and circled platform, surrounded by a moat of flowing water. There are two ample spectator seats, one on each side opposite the platform. And there are waterfalls far away from the platform.
The Pretty Cure team becomes curious.
"What is this place?" Luminous asked.
"It looks like some sort of arena," Cure Beauty.
Cure Fortune then says, "I assume we're expecting a battle here with the guardian."
The team continued to enter and stepped into the opening platform. Once the gang arrived on the field…
"Welcome to my temple, Pretty Cures…" The mysterious voice speaks.
The team then becomes wary of the sudden appearance of the voice. They searched everywhere to find the voice's source. But all the team can see are waterfalls, pillars, the stands, and the arena they're standing.
Cure Marine becomes irked and says, "Good grief! Enough of the voices hearing in my head. We're here, so tell us who you are and where are you?"
"Your mind is annoyed," the voice replies calmly. "But let's continue since you are indeed here. Turn your vision towards the waterfall in the back of the arena where the two flaming torches are."
The team did and faced in the direction of what the voice told them to do. As they all glimpse at the waterfall, something happens. All of a sudden, the waterfall started to split into two and revealed what was behind it.
Behind the waterfall, a young monk man sits in his meditation form. He wears an orange robe and monk outfit. He has a bald head with a strange orange marking on it and brown bushy eyebrows. He also has big brown beads around his neck and both his wrists. Lastly, he wears bamboo sandals on his burly feet.
The young monk man kept his eyes closed for the next few seconds until he opened his eyes and looked at the Pretty Cure team. The heroines, the fairies, and Matt Oda were startled when the monk spotted them.
"Welcome, Pretty Cures, fairies, Matthew Oda, and Captain Barnacle Watters," the monk said calmly. "It's an honor to finally meet the warriors that will save Spectrum Land from terrible and evil hands."
"Are you by any chance the monk guardian this place?" Cure Sunshine asked.
"Indeed… I am Monk Chandom Neli, the guardian of the Falls Temple. But folks can call me Channel for short.
Coming to my temple was no simple task. I've seen your courageous actions and willpower to reach this temple within my visionary mind. I respect and applaud your accomplishment so far."
"Uh… thanks…" Cure Diamond says.
Cure Bloom then says, "So, if you're the guardian of this place, does that mean you have–"
"The Wonder Color?" Monk Channel finishes Bloom's sentence. "Yes…" The monk opens his right hand. The Wonder Color Orange then appears, floating just above his palm. "This is the Wonder Color Orange you heroes seek, correct?"
"That's the one alright," Tint stated.
"But I assume we need to battle you in order to achieve the Wonder Color," Cure Passion suggested.
"Ahh, you know the routine, young red one," Monk Channel said.
Monk Channel then clasps his hand, making the Wonder Color Orange disappear. The monk then stands upright and slowly walks towards the Pretty Cure team. He arrives in front of the heroines and calmly bows in greeting.
Channel then says, "If you young spirited and noble ones wish to obtain this magical orb, you must battle and defeat me to achieve your victory."
"It figures…" Cure Rouge said as she scratched her head.
Matt Oda then speaks, "The way how everything goes on this adventure feels like a platforming video game."
"Matt…" Tarte speaks to the gentleman, "how much time did you play video games?"
"Since I was a kid. Why…?"
Cure Princess then speaks, "Matt…, you need to get out more than playing video games."
"Well then…" Cure Ace says, "Let's get this over with. Time is of the essence, and our worlds are slowly dying by the disappearing colors as we speak.
"Quite right, red one," Monk Channel agrees. "To get started, I will need a strong willing fighter to duel me. A small group to challenge me will be acceptable too."
The whole Pretty Cure team then looked at each other, deciding who would go first to challenge Monk Channel. After a few seconds…
"We'll go first," Cure Bloom said and raised her arm. She and Cure Egret volunteered to battle Channel first.
"Ah… I sensed good cheery vibes and happy minds from you, young one," Monk Channel said and saw Bloom and Egret. "What are your names, young flowers?"
"I'm Cure Bloom." "And I'm Cure Egret." The two said, respectively.
Bloom then says, "We are called Pretty Cure Splash Star. And we want to battle you to earn the Wonder Color Orange."
Egret speaks, "We rescued the Wonder Color Blue from that goon Turp, so I think we're strong enough to duel you for the Wonder Color Orange."
Monk Channel heard and observed with one eye open to the duo Cures. He then says, "You got determined spirits, you two. Very well… As the rest of the group, please sit in the stands as we three battle on this concentrated arena."
The team heard the monk, and they walked to the stands as they sat and observed the battle as spectators. Cures Bloom and Egret stand on the arena field, and the monk stands on the other side. The duo Cures and the monk all faced each other, ready for battle.
Before they begin the battle, Monk Channel says, "Be warned… Unless your minds aren't fully focused and well-concentrated, you will never surpass me and save Spectrum Land."
"No probs," Cure Bloom replies with a firm tone, "we're ready for any tough challenge."
"If we saved the Land of Fountains, then both of us and our Pretty Cure teammates will save Spectrum Land too," Cure Egret stated.
"Don't get too confident," Channel warned again. "With positive minds like that, you'll bound to make mistakes along the way."
Channel then goes into his meditating stance, holding his hands together and relaxing his mind. The monk slowly breathes and then says to the Splash Star Duo, "You make the first move."
"I'll go!" Cure Bloom shouts, "I'll do a simple punch on him."
Cure Bloom then dashes and charges to Monk Channel. Bloom pulls back her fist. When she gets close enough to the monk, she swings her fist and arm to Channel's head. But at the last split second…
Whoosh!
Cure Bloom gasped at what she witnessed. Monk Channel just slightly tilted his head to the side as he avoided the attack. And when Bloom's fist passed and missed Channel's head, the monk immediately opened his eyes, and then…
POW!
"GAH!"
Channel Monk swiftly did a knee kick on Bloom's stomach as the Cure of Flowers felt the immense pain. The power from Channel's attack pushed Bloom back to Cure Egret and landed brutally next to her partner.
"Bloom!" Egret cried, crouching next to Bloom, "Are you alright!?"
Bloom slowly raises her upper body in pain and replies, "Man! That was… one strong attack. It felt like… a very fast baseball… hit right onto my stomach."
Cure Egret hears her partner and turns concerned as she sees the monk reverting into his meditating stance. Egret then turns firm as she thinks of a strategy. "Bloom," Egret says, "I've got a plan."
Cure Egret then slowly approaches the monk, who is still meditating. Egret then stood right in front of Channel. The Cure of the Birds didn't move for a few seconds as she kept staring at the meditating monk. But then, instantly, Egret swiftly did a round kick to Channel.
Swish!
Unfortunately, Egret turned surprised when she witnessed that monk swiftly avoided Egret's leg attack by bending his upper body backward and to the side.
Monk then quickly opens his eyes, and…
CLAP!
Monk Channel quickly grabbed Egret's leg and grasped it tightly. Immediately, Monk Channel uses his incredible strength to swirl Egret in a rapid cyclone. Egret screamed, and Channel then tossed back to next to Bloom, making Egret hit the ground hard.
"EGRET!" Cure Bloom shouted, "Are you hurt?"
Egret slowly stands up and replies, "This monk… is not normal… His strength is beyond what we expected."
Cure Bloom heard her partner and became very worried.
The other Pretty Cures, the fairies, and Matt Oda were astonished by what they observed by Monk Channel's extraordinary speed and power.
"Did you guys see that!?" Cure Rouge said in shock.
"Sure did," Cure Sword replied with awe, "I never seen a guy move that fast and strong."
"How is he able to dodge those attacks so fast and close?" Cure Sunshine asked. "I can't avoid that quick with my current dojo skills."
"This monk is way beyond than we expected-natsu," Natts said in concern.
"C'mon-mupu!" Moop shouted.
"You can do it-fupu!" Foop cheered.
Cure Bloom assists Cure Egret, getting on her feet. The Pretty Cure Splash Star duo are on their feet and see the monk meditating calmly.
Egret suggests to her partner, "Let's try our usual magical attack. It's a fast attack I don't think he can avoid."
"Yeah, that might work," Bloom agrees.
In the next second, Bloom and Egret get into position and summon their magical water attack. They both enchanted their attack, summoned it, and then…
"Twin Stream Splash!"
Bloom and Egret released and launched their watery attack on Monk Channel, who is still meditating. The Twin Stream Splash is within inches of Channel…
SHING!
Monk disappeared in lightning speed and avoided the duo's attack at the last moment. Channel then zooms in blinding speed towards Bloom and Egret. The duo Cures turned shocked, and Channel was right in front of them. Monk Channel then slaps both his palms onto the duo Pretty Cures… Bam! And pushed Bloom and Egret away with mighty force, canceling the duo's watery attack. Bloom and Egret scream and are flung right towards a stone wall.
BOOM!
The duo Pretty Cures smashed into the wall, creating a dent. The Pretty Cure team and Capt. Barny are stunned to witness the action. Bloom and Egret then land on the ground in pain and try to recover. Slowly the Splash Star duo managed to get on their feet, feeling a bit shaky. The two Cures see Channel holding his fighting stance and steams coming out from his palms.
Monk Channel then lowers his palms and calmly says, "I can sense great pain and wavering minds from you two. I do not wish to give you more pain, but I will state you two are no match for me. If your minds are wise, please do not persist yourself to continue battling me for more damage."
Hearing every word from Channel, Bloom and Egret looked at each other and turned regretful. Knowing they are in no good condition to continue…
"You're right, Channel…" Egret said in remorse. "We underestimated your power and dropped our guard too soon. We admit defeat… only for our protection, not to strive for more severe consequences."
"Like a mighty and wise monk like me, I acknowledge your wisdom for making the right decision," Channel said calmly.
Bloom slammed her fist on the ground and said, "Darn! I'm sorry, Egret… Everyone…"
"It's not your fault, Bloom," Egret said, comforting her partner, "We didn't expect this monk would be this strong and fast. We did our very best…"
"I know…" Bloom shed a tear.
Cures Bloom and Egret slowly walk to the spectator's stands as the Pretty Cure team becomes surprised by the Splash Star's defeat.
"That monk will not be a cakewalk," Cure Melody stated.
"I know," Cure Passion agrees in concern, "Didn't expect this Monk is on a whole other level."
"Getting that Wonder Color Orange isn't going to be easy," Cure White stated while worrying.
"That guy moves fast," Syrup said in surprise. "Like lightning speed-ropu."
"How will the Pretty Cures defeat this eccentric monk-daze?" Glassan worried.
"All we can do is believe our Pretty Cure heroes will overcome him-desu," Coffret stated.
Monk Channel kept his meditation composure and spoke, "So… Who's my next challenger?"
"We are," Cure Heart speaks. She and her comrades appeared in front of the monk.
The monk slowly opens one of his eyes to peek at the DokiDoki Pretty Cure team. After observing the five girls, he then says, "More fighters, huh…? Be aware that numbers do not make your victory that simple. If your minds aren't linked in agreeable unison, you have no chance of overcoming me."
"Oh, don't you worry," Heart said with a wink. "We will win as a unified team and our minds thinking together."
"Oy, Heart…" Cure Diamond said with little anxiety, "Don't get too confident. Remember this monk defeated the Splash Star Duo in one shot."
"Yeah," Cure Sword agrees, "are you sure this plan will work?"
Heart turns to her teammates and replies, "We won't know until we try. What do you say? Are you with me?"
"Right, Heart," Cure Rosetta said with a calm grin, "Let's do this."
"Spectrum Land and our home are depending on us," Cure Ace stated.
The five magical heroines then got into battle positions and faced the monk. Monk Channel kept meditating and peeks again at the ready DokiDoki Pretty Cures.
Channel calmly replies, "You make the first move, young girls."
"Let's go!" Diamond ordered.
"Right!" Rosetta agreed.
Then the two Cures dashed to the monk and started attacking him. The monk sensed and avoided Diamond and Rosetta's attacks. He counterattacks back at the two Cures, but both Cures quickly avoided Channel's sudden speed.
The Pretty Cure team and Capt. Barny, spectating from the stands, watches the fight as curious thought clouded a few of the members.
"I wonder what they're doing?" Cure Lovely ponders. "They aren't landing any attacks on him. But Channel isn't either."
"Are they trying to tire out Channel to slow him down?" Cure Lemonade asked.
"That's a possibility," Tarte replies with his arms crossed. "Slowing him down by fatigue may give the Pretty Cures the upper hand."
Tint heard and said, "If that's true, then maybe they can win and obtain the Wonder Color."
"But…" Matt speaks up, "It doesn't look like Monk Channel is breaking a sweat like Diamond and Rosetta. This monk guy is almost immortal with that speed and stamina of his. What are the DokiDoki Pretty Cure trying to do?"
"Beats me, lad," Capt. Barny answered while watching the battle.
The intense battle of the DokiDoki Pretty Cures and Monk Channel continues. None of them are backing down, but Diamond and Rosetta are getting tired every second. Nevertheless, Channel remained calm and kept avoiding the two Cures' attacks.
"You two are aggressive," Channel commented. "But I can sense your actions from your ambitions minds are wavering. Your close combat skills aren't planning smoothly."
Cure Diamond makes a quick smirk and says, "Don't be so sure… We're not done yet."
Monk Channel heard and turned confused. But that's when the Cures immediately took that golden opportune moment.
Just a few yards behind Channel, Cures Heart and Sword holding their Love Heart Arrow and Cure Ace wielding her Love Kiss Rouge. Instantly, the three Cures launched their attacks and headed straight for Channel.
The three magical attacks are closing in on Monk Channel. Both Cures Diamond and Rosetta waited for the right moment, but Monk Channel sensed something. And by a split second…
Whoosh!
Diamond and Rosetta quickly stepped to the side to avoid the magical attacks, but… Channel Monk swiftly did a backflip, missing the Cures' attacks. The five DokiDoki Pretty Cure warriors turned shocked to see Channel avoiding the attack.
But Channel wasn't done…
In a flash, Channel instantly grabbed both Diamond and Rosetta. He threw the two Cures back and towards the other three Cures with mighty force. Heart, Sword, and Ace turned surprised. BAM! The Cures collided, sending and flying back to a pillar in brutal pain. The DokiDoki Pretty Cures felt the intense pain from the hard impact they crashed.
"I see what you've done," Monk Channel noted. "You were trying to catch my guard down and land a surprise attack on me. But, unfortunately, I was able to pick up the sense of strong awareness, knowing your position of where you were attacking from. A deceptive intention, I must say, but not smart enough to outwit my superior mind."
The DokiDoki Pretty Cure heard from the monk and turned concerned.
"The Splash Star Pretty Cure are right…" Cure Ace said. "This monk is on an entirely strong level."
"I didn't think he was able to pick up our surprise attack," Cure Sword said in worry.
"And we had a good plan too," Cure Diamond said mourn.
The Pretty Cure team witnessed the battle and commented on themselves.
"I get it now," Cure Muse said. "They were trying to distract Channel for the right moment to attack. So while Diamond and Rosetta acted as decoys, Heart, Sword, and Ace waited for the right time to launch an attack to catch Channel off guard. That was their plan."
"But it looks like Channel caught the DokiDoki Pretty Cure off guard this time," Cure Fortune corrected.
"How strong and fast can this monk really be!?" Tint panicked.
"I don't know…" Natts said in fear, "but if we can't find a way to beat this guy, then we'll never obtain the Wonder Color and save Spectrum Land-natsu."
Hearing Natts's comment made the whole team, including Matt, Tint, and Capt. Barny very worried.
Back on the battle ring, the DokiDoki Pretty Cure slowly stood up and faced Monk Channel. The monk calmly meditates again and stares squinty at the Pretty Cures.
"I am still ready to continue to fight," Channel said. "But do you wish to resume in your current condition? It would be wise not to overdo yourself and cause more injury."
Taking heed of the monk's warning, the DokiDoki Pretty Cures turned concerned and turned to each other.
"I hate to admit this, but we got no choice," Cure Sword with regret. "If our surprise attack plan didn't work, I don't know how else we will beat this guy."
"I'm afraid Sword is right," Cure Ace agrees. "That was the best option we got. If we keep going, we'll end up getting a beating like Bloom and Egret. We need to back down for now."
Hating to admit their comrades are right, the other Cures have no choice to agree with the decision. The DokiDoki Pretty Cures face to Monk Channel again.
Cure Rosetta speaks first and says, "We cannot risk ourselves breaking any more bones. We will take your precaution and admit defeat."
Channel heard and replied, "Very well. It's a thoughtful choice not to take any more risks that can lead you to serious tragedies. This means I win this battle again, but I'm relieved you young ones made the right choice."
"Dang, and we thought had him," Cure Diamond said in grief.
Cure Heart grins and says to Channel, "Heh, you must be very proud of yourself for being a strong monk."
When Monk Channel heard Cure Heart's comment, he lifted an eyebrow. He then says, "Proud…? Why would I be proud? I have no idea what you are talking about."
Then the DokiDoki Pretty Cure, the rest of the Pretty Cure team, and the others turned confused after hearing Channel's question.
"Proud…" Cure Rosetta speaks, "You know, like that successful and happy feeling you get when winning a game or battle. That feeling of achieving something great of what you accomplished?"
"Feelings…?" Channel said in ponder. "I don't understand… What are these feelings you're saying?"
This made everyone around Channel feel a bit quizzical.
"Wha…? You don't know what feelings are?" Cure Ace asked. "Don't you ever feel happy or satisfied when you win or grief when you lose?"
Channel tilts his head to the side a little and makes a confused face. "Happy? Grief?" Monk Channel asked in bizarre. "I never heard such of these 'feelings' you called it."
"What?" Cure Diamond said in a bit of shock. "Then… what have you been doing in your entire life?"
"Me, you asked?" Channel breathes calmly and replies. "If minds are eager to know, I have been meditating and focusing on my strength and agility here in this temple. Honing my energy and power was all I could ever do here. I trained hard and kept my strength, ensuring that no one would ever take the Wonder Color Orange away when the catastrophe struck.
I never had any time studying these feelings, you said. Even if I visited Chalk Cliffside sometimes, I only focused on my tasks as a guardian for the Wonder Color. I must prepare for any danger that may come across to me. So, using my mind with these feelings is just a waste of my meditation time."
When they heard Monk Channel's story, the Pretty Cure team became baffled. Everyone, including Matt and Capt. Barny, became a bit stunned by Channel's comment.
"Whoa! Whoa! Time out!" Cure Happy shouted. She and her Smile Pretty Cure comrades appeared on the ring. "How can you not know what being happy is?"
Cure Sunny agrees and says, "Yeah, I mean… the way you're saying sounds… dull."
"And not knowing what sadness or defeat is?" Cure Peace said in surprise.
"The way we see it, you sound like a pretty boring monk to us," Cure March stated.
"I completely agree with March," Cure Beauty followed.
Monk Channel heard every word from the Smile Pretty Cure. Channel didn't scrunch his face from insult, but he kept his confused look on his face.
"I'm boring…?" Channel said in confusion. "I still don't know what you mean."
Happy and her partners stared at each other, and they all nodded in agreement. Cure Beauty turns to the DokiDoki Pretty Cures.
"Leave this battle to us," Cure Beauty said.
The DokiDoki Pretty Cures understood by nodding, knowing what the Smile Pretty Cures are doing. Then, the DokiDoki Pretty Cures stepped aside and returned to the spectator stands. The rest of the Pretty Cure team continued watching as the Smile Pretty Cure and the monk were now on the field.
The Monk Channel kept his meditation stance, and the Smile Pretty Cure team remained calm and kept their awareness up.
Cure Beauty, the smart Pretty Cure on the team, steps forward and speaks to Channel. "Channel," Beauty says, "I want to make a suggestion of our battle."
Channel heard and says, "What is it, young blue-hair one?"
"Instead of fighting, why don't we try our method of enlightenment… of conversation persuasive."
Channel twitched his head a little, curious what Beauty said. "Your method of what?"
Cure March says, "In simple terms, Beauty says that we want to talk and convince you than fighting for the Wonder Color."
"Talking instead of fighting? How… mind-puzzling… That's very unusual coming from the legendary warriors that will save Spectrum Land. How does your talking help you win the battle?"
Cure Sunny replies, "Well, for one thing, fighting you will get us a bruise, considering that you will beat us with your speedy strength."
"For sure," Cure Peace agrees. "The last thing we need is broken bones from a super monk like you."
Cure Happy then says, "The other and most important thing is we want you to understand why having these feelings is crucial for your life. If you let us listen, perhaps we can handle this battle with no harm and injuries."
Monk Channel heard and thought hard of the Smile Pretty Cure's suggestion. It was then he came to his answer. "Very interesting… Very well, let's see if your talk will convince me to admit defeat and understand your minds' point-of-view."
The Smile Pretty Cure team looked at each other and nodded confidently.
Cure March starts talking first. "So, you spent your entire life only focusing your reflexes, strength, and speed?" She questioned. "You never bothered spending time collecting emotional memories?"
Monk Channel replies calmly, "I never intended to collect these emotional memories, you young ones claim. Is it something useful, you young minds?"
"It's more than useful," Cure Beauty speaks. "It's crucial for our minds and our lives."
"How so?" the monk asked.
Cure Sunny replies, "Well, for one thing, we like to have happy feelings and memories. We're not just called Smile Pretty Cure for nothing. We like to bring smiles to other people who are feeling sad, despaired, angered, disgusted, and feared they've experienced. But, we felt those feelings too, and believe us, they weren't good feelings. But… it's something worth keeping and learning."
"To keep and learn…?" the monk asked, becoming more curious. "What do you mean by that?"
Cure Peace then speaks, "Well, I'm always timid. I cry a lot, especially when people criticize my artwork when it's good or bad. But there are times that I can't let my crybaby personality overcome me.
Ever since Happy and the others gave me a glorious warm feeling of being good friends, I earned a new feeling to everyone, being very loyal and outgoing. Of course, I still do cry, but whenever my friends are in danger, I always have this feeling of doing the right for my friends' safety.
My point, Channel, is that the emotions you receive from people can change your behavior in a good way. If I had never met Happy and the others, I would've isolated myself from the people from my school for a long time. And I wouldn't be able to stand up for the feeling of protecting everyone I cared for. Having these new and beautiful feelings can really open a person's heart."
Monk Channel becomes more interested after hearing Cure Peace's statement. "How intriguing…" he said. "And… having these protective feelings is a wonderful thing to have…?"
Cure March appears and says, "Having a protective feeling is not just a wonderful feeling, but it's a responsibility." Channel heard March and listened. "You don't know Channel, but I have a big family with many brothers and sisters. I must be firm and aggressive to my siblings. Otherwise, everything would be chaotic if I was always easygoing and let my sibs do whatever they want. Sure, I get angry and get into arguments with my bros and sisses sometimes, but there's a good reason I act tough. I'm afraid of losing my siblings.
It's not easy being the big sister to do a lot of responsible work protecting your younger children. But, if I didn't act tough, I would've lost my precious family that I always love to play with. That's my biggest fear ever since I became the eldest sister of the family. But I used that fear to turn into courage and strong responsibility for the family I love.
I'm trying to say that having a fearful feeling doesn't make you scared. But it's a vital feeling to prevent something of the worst outcome. Fear is a feeling to build up your courage and true feelings of protecting someone you love."
Channel every word from March, and he becomes even more interested. "Fear makes you brave?" he thought. "I thought this fear feeling always makes you scared."
"Indeed, it does," Cure Beauty says as she is next to speak Channel. "Fear isn't a feeling that builds your courage for protection. But fear is also something making you sad about something you don't want to lose your happiness."
"Huh? What does that mean?"
"As part of my story, I was selected to study abroad in England. It was one of my dreams to study overseas to achieve my dream. And although my friends wished for me to follow my dreams, deep down, they're actually sad to see me part. I, too, felt the same thing. It is joyful to achieve my dreams, but what truly makes me happy is being with my wonderful friends. I spent so much time hanging and playing with my close friends that it would be very sad and fearful if I ever said goodbye right now. I was glad I showed my sadness to my friends because my sad feeling showed how much I loved them. Happy and the others were very glad I stayed too.
You see, Channel, sadness doesn't show grief or loss. Sadness deeply shows of someone you love and precious you couldn't bear to lose. Everyone wants to be happy, but you can't always be happy every time. Showing sadness will express to everyone how much you deeply feel, not letting someone die or say goodbye. If you're not happy with what you like, friends will be there to help that feeling. That helpful sadness relief the pain and suffering, turning into something warm and joyful."
Cure Happy is the last one to speak to Channel. She speaks in a calm manner. "So you see, Channel… all these emotions we are telling you shows how it is worth-taking to anyone. Joy, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear make everyone a special person with their unique feelings.
Sure, you can spend the rest of your life meditating and focusing your strength and reflexes with that apathetic mind. But, you feel a lot better and a new monk if you take in all those emotions and keep them in your mind. You'll understand how important and feels to save a person you like and why you are mad about something that's not fair.
Monk Channel, will you accept our reasoning and admit that these feelings will make you a better monk?"
Monk Channel heard every detail from the Smile Pretty Cure and was speechless. Channel becomes both confused and curious at the same time. Then he stops meditating and lowers his stance down.
"This is… so much to learn and understand…" Channel said while being curious. "I think… I understand why feelings are important to everyone. But… how will I understand these feelings. I mean… how do I take the first step?"
The Smile Pretty Cure heard and faced each other. They all nodded in agreement.
Cure Happy then says, "Then why don't we show you how warm and happy it feels from us… Pretty Cure style." Channel heard and became a bit startled.
"Just sit back…" Beauty says.
"Relax…" March said.
"And…" Peace said with a grin.
"Enjoy…" Sunny said with a grin.
Cure Happy finally says, "…The magical ride!"
The five Smile Pretty Cures brought out their Princess Candle wands and placed their own Super Princess décor into their wands. Then, they lifted their wands to the sky and chanted…
"Pegasus, lend us your power!"
Then five silhouettes of Pegasus appeared transforming the five Pretty Cures into their princess forms.
"Princess Happy!"
"Princess Sunny!"
"Princess Peace!"
"Princess March!"
"Princess Beauty!"
"Pretty Cure Princess Form!"
Then their magical Royal Clock appears, and Happy places the Royal Rainbow Decor on it, activating the device. She spins her finger on the rainbow-colored panels to get it to work.
"Open, Royal Clock!" Cure Happy shouted.
Candy appeared and enchanted, "Make everyone's powers as one-kuru!"
Candy pressed a button on top of the Royal Clock, making a giant glowing phoenix appear.
The five Cures held onto their wands and rode on their own Pegasus. They all enchanted…
"Deliver the light of hope!"
"Fly into the future shining with light!"
"PRETTY CURE ROYAL RAINBOW BURST!"
They launched their powerful attack sending a huge rainbow beam to Monk Channel. The beam gets closer to Channel, then…
BOOM!
Channel is engulfed by the tremendous power of the Royal Rainbow Burst.
But while Monk Channel is entrapped by the Smile Pretty Cures' attack, images appeared in his mind. But all the images he envisions in Channel's mind are the Smile Pretty Cures' memories with all the different emotions and feelings the magical girls had. He sees their happy, sorrowful, angered, appalled, and scary moments with their friends, families, and themselves, including Candy and Pop. To Channel's view, they all enjoyed the emotional times they had together.
"These are… their feelings…?" Channel said with a little surprise. The monk then closes his eyes as he feels something warm taking over his mind and heart. "This feeling… it… feels…"
Cure Happy finally blows out the flame from her Princess Candle. She and her comrades finally says…
"Shine!"
"Happy Smile!"
KAA-BOOM!
SHEEN!
The Pretty Cures ended their attack with a magical explosion, and a light appeared, surrounding the fallen monk. Monk Channel slowly fell to the ground, leaving him unconscious.
The Smile Pretty Cure returned to their normal form and quickly examined the fallen monk. Everyone else on the spectator stands watched and anticipates Channel's condition.
"Channel!" Cure Happy shouted in worry, "Are you okay!?" Happy's comrades turned concerned and hoped Channel was safe.
There was no response from the unconscious monk for a moment. But…
"He… hehe… Hahaheheheha…"
The Smile Pretty Cure team turned shocked not only to see Channel alive but chuckling.
"Wow," Channel says with a big grin, "that sure was a ride, like you said. That felt… felt… awe-inspiring."
Cure Happy smiles and offers her hand to help up Channel. The monk smiles and receives Happy's assistance. Immediately, Channel is on his two feet.
"You're not hurt, are you?" Cure Peace said in concern.
"Not at all, my blonde-hair one," Channel says with a grin.
"Hey, Channel," Cure Sunny speaks up, "You're smiling."
"I sure am. And I want to thank you for showing me that these feelings are wonderful for a person to have and why they are essential for our lives. I don't remember when was the last time I ever had this cheerful feeling or smile like this.
I spent my entire life focusing my mind and strength that I ignored and forgotten what being happy feels like. Your inspirational words and magical light have opened my mind to receive these feelings again. I can now see why you are called Smile Pretty Cure. You have glorious and thoughtful minds, girls."
"Thank you very much, Channel," Cure Happy said with delight.
Channel then clasps his hands together and bows. He says, "As true to your word, you have convinced me about the great lesson of strong emotions with your inspirational speech. I admit your conversation and give the victor to you Pretty Cures."
Everyone, the Smile Pretty Cure, the rest of the Pretty Cure team, Matt, and Barny, heard from Channel. They widen their eyes in anticipation of Channel's statement.
"Wait," Cure Peace speaks, "Does that mean…?"
"That's right," Monk Channel says with a grin.
"You win, Pretty Cures."
The Smile Pretty Cure jumped and cheered in success when the monk said that statement. The rest of the Pretty Cure team cheered for another triumphant victory. Matt, Tint, and Capt. Barny smiled for the Pretty Cures' win.
"Well, blow me down!" Capt. Barny said with a big grin. "They really did it, those lassies."
"Wowzers!" Matt said in great surprise, "I never thought they won the battle with just a good talk. These Pretty Cures sure have many great surprises."
"Alright, Pretty Cure!" Tint cheered. "We'll be saving Spectrum Land in no time!"
Back in the battle ring, Channel opens his hands and makes the Wonder Color Orange appear gently floating above his palms. The Smile Pretty Cure grin to see and earn the Wonder Color. The monk gives the Wonder Color to the Cures, and Happy receives it. Then the rest of the team, including Matt, Tint, and Capt. Barny appears around the five Cures and the monk.
"Alright!" Cure Happy says cheerfully, "We got our sixth Wonder Color."
"At this rate, getting the last Wonder Colors will be a cakewalk," Cure Sunny said with a grin.
"Matthew," Cure Beauty says, "will you do the honors of…"
"Say no more," Matt said as he immediately brought out the Wonder Color Case. "I'll be glad to put the Wonder Color Orange away and return to Pigment Village after this crazy ride we all went through."
"Wait a minute!" Cure Peace interrupted. Everyone heard Peace and turned to her. "Get back! How are we supposed to get back now we don't have a boat?" The gang heard and turned shocked, knowing they have a problem.
"That's right," Cure March said with concern. "Also, how will we return if we have to go up the waterfall and those rapids again?"
The Pretty Cure team heard, including Barny, and they all became very concerned to find a way back to Chalk Cliffside and Pigment Village.
"I'm sorry, me ladies and lassies," Capt. Barny said in mourn. "If me steamboat was still alive, I'm sure we would find a way back than going through ye rapids."
"Even so, it's going take a lot of time to go back up the falls and finding a detour, passing the rapids," Cure Honey said.
Monk Channel hears and says, "Aw yes… You all did go through those terrifying rapids and the waterfall to get here. It must've been a scary and wild ride you went through. But, fear not, I quite understand your concern now that I open my emotions again. I have a potent and useful trick just for you Pretty Cures in this situation."
The Pretty Cures, the fairies, Matt, and Barny, heard and turned to Channel. The monk continues to speak.
"As you know, used your strength, skills, and wits to reach this temple with lots of courage and determination. It is indeed challenging to overcome those obstacles. But I have a technique that will overcome those challenges with ease. It's called…
Mind over Matter"
"Mind over Matter…?" Cure Pine asked in a curious mood.
"What does it do-desu?" Shypre asked.
Channel answers, "Let's say it's a magic teleportation trick that can be done by the power of the mind. I can lend you that power to get you back to Chalk Cliffside."
The Pretty Cure team turned surprised by Channel's statement. "Really!?" Hummy asked. "How does it work-nya?"
Channel calmly replies, "It's easy. Just follow what I say."
The team, along with Barny, stared at each other for a moment. Then they turned to Channel. "Okay," Tint says, "what do we do?"
Channel calmly then instructs, "First everyone is close eyes." Everyone heard and did what Channel said. The monk did too. "Now relax, empty away all stress, excitement, and other feelings. You want to relax your mind. Empty your mind, think nothing." The gang did and breathed calmly. "Keep those eyes close, and think nothing right now."
The Pretty Cure team followed what Channel instructed. All they see is nothing, and nothing's in their mind. After a few seconds, Channel then the next step.
"Now everyone," Channel says, "think of Chalk Cliffside. Nothing but Chalk Cliffside." The gang heard and envisioned Orange Canyon's town Chalk Cliffside in their heads. "Think about the houses, the people, the bridges, the art walls… Think and imagine the different sounds and smells of Chalk Cliffside. Think only about Chalk Cliffside and nothing else. Think about its canyon's river and mayor Cliff. Imagine it… feel it… pretend you're there now…
Think about Chalk Cliffside.
Chalk Cliffside."
In the next few seconds, the Pretty Cure team, Matt, Tint, and Capt. Barny, including Channel, only kept thinking and nothing but Chalk Cliffside. They all been imagining the town within a couple of minutes.
Then the silence is broken when Channel speaks. "Okay, now listen…" Channel says. Everyone hears the monk. "When I count to three, I want you to open your eyes. Get ready…" The gang prepared for the monk's signal.
"One… two…
THREE!"
The gang immediately opened their eyes. When they did, the Pretty Cure team, Matt, Tint, and Capt. Barny turned surprised. In their view is…
"CHALK CLIFFSIDE!?"
Astonished, the Pretty Cures and the rest of the gang are back in Chalk Cliffside. Monk Channel is with them, too, including the Wonder Color Orange. Everyone on the Pretty Cure team looked everywhere in the quaint town. The wooden houses on the cliffsides, the vast flowing river, the sturdy bridges, and all people and insects of the town are all real. The gang is really back in Chalk Cliffside.
"Are we really in Chalk Cliffside?" Cure Mint wondered.
"Weren't we in the Temple Falls just a second ago?" Cure Berry questioned.
"I don't get it," Cure Ace said in confusion. "How did we end up back here again?"
Monk Channel smiles and says, "Oh-ho! I figured you'll be surprised." Everyone heard the monk. "This is no illusion. We are indeed back in Chalk Cliffside. This is the magic of the Mind over Matter, the power of the mind. I use this trick every time I need to visit this town and return to my temple. It's a handy teleportation technique.
It'll be tiring for you, Pretty Cures, to return back here after a long day of surviving and battling for me. So, I thought I share my teleportation trick with you as a reward for your hard work."
"Wow!" Cure Lovely said in amazement, "You mean me made it back here just by thinking? How cool!"
"Now that's convenient," Cure Passion said with a wink
"Pretty Cure? Channel?" The team, Barny, and Channel heard and turned to see Mayor Cliff and his wife Clair appearing before the group. "When did you get here?" the mayor asked.
"Mayor Cliff!" Cure Blossom said with joy.
"And Clair!" Cure Sunshine said happily.
Mayor Cliff is proud and relieved to see the Pretty Cures again. He turns to his people, and… "Hey, everyone!" he shouted, "The Pretty Cures are back!" All the residents heard the mayor and looked. They all turned proud to see the Pretty Cure team appearing back in Chalk Cliffside. Every citizen approaches the heroine team with gleeful expressions.
The Pretty Cures are glad to see the town's citizens again. Still holding onto the case, Matt observes the successful Pretty Cure team. But he then turned to the side and noticed Capt. Barny, feeling depressed. The gentleman approaches the gloomy captain.
"Captain?" Matt speaks, "What's up?"
The captain hears Matt and says, "Oh! Ey, lad. I'm proud ev'rybody is safe an' sound. It's just… I still miss me old ship."
"You mean Little Orca…, your steamboat?"
"Aye… She was everything to me before we sailors and crewmen went separate ways."
Captain Barny then closes his eyes and envisions the memories of his steamboat in his mind.
"I can still remember her. The whole exterior and interior of her, and how well she flows down the river of Orange Canyon. The comfortable seats she had to carry me passengers. All me dials, levers, and widgets from me old ship that was in my steamboat's steering room. Her engines… how they roll and roar. And how I used that whistle to blow for calling. Aye lad… So many memories of me steamboat.
Matt feels concerned about the captain's loss, but the gentleman doesn't know what to do. Just then, Monk Channel appears in front of Capt. Barny, and the captain noticed.
"Ahhh… yes," Channel said with little mourn, "I understand how you feel, captain. I did see your steamboat go down from my mind and back from my temple. You truly did sacrifice your beloved boat for the Pretty Cure team. That was a brave thing to do."
"Aye, it is," Capt. Barny replied. "All I can do now is keep the sweet memories of me and me late ship. But If only I could see her just one more time…"
The monk hears, but he grins. He then says, "Well, captain… what if you can?" Capt. Barny and Matt heard from the monk, and both blinked. "Turn around, and look…"
The captain is puzzled by what Channel said, but he does what he was told. Matt is curious too what the monk said. When the captain and the gentleman did and looked, both the guys turned shocked.
Appearing before Capt. Barny and Matthew at the loading dock is none other than Captain Barny's steamboat, Little Orca, restored and reassembled. It's as if the steamboat was never destroyed.
"I… I don't ye believe it…" Capt. Barny said in shock. "Me… Me…" The captain scurries to the steamboat and checks it. He touches the wooden railing of the steamboat. It's no illusion; the captain sees and feels his old steamboat again. "Me steamboat! Little Orca, You're back!" Captain Barny then hugs and sheds joyful tears on his steamboat.
"Wowzers!" Matt said in surprise, "But… how…?"
"Hey! What's going on?" Cure Black said.
Cure Black and the rest of the team appeared after hearing the captain's cry. The Pretty Team looked and was astonished to see the captain's steamboat appearing again before the group.
"Hey!" Cure Diamond says in shock, "Isn't that…?"
"Capt. Barny's steamboat!" Cure Bloom shouted in surprise.
Cure Honey then says, "But… But I thought it was smashed back at the waterfall."
"Yeah," Cure Lemonade agrees, "so why is it here again?"
The captain heard from the team and appeared before them again. "Aye," the captain speaks, "I was just thinking me steamboat so much, and now ye here again. I still shuffling and mopping in me head how this happened."
The monk heard and grinningly said, "Like I said, the power of the mind." Everyone heard the monk. "Captain, you were thinking and envisioning your steamboat very much, that of course…"
Cure Aqua gasped and realized the fact. She says, "His steamboat reappeared when he kept thinking about it. Channel's Mind Over Matter power."
Everyone else heard, except the monk, gasped from Aqua's statement.
"It's just like how we envision going back here in Chalk Cliffside," Tint stated.
"Whoa," Matt said with surprise, "this Mind Over Matter is mighty and handy."
Monk Channel appears next to Capt. Barny again. The monk says, "I know how much you like that steamboat. So when you were thinking about your steamboat, I took sympathy and the liberty to lend my monk mind powers to you to bring back your Little Orca."
"Ye did that you for me?" the captain said in surprise. The monk nodded in response, and the captain was pleased. Capt. Barny and Channel then shook hands. "Tanks, me hearty."
The Pretty Cure team smile for Channel and Capt. Barny for a moment.
"Oh!" Cure Happy speaks, grabbing the team's attention. "I almost forgot. We were caught up in that mind teleportation thing that we forgot to put the Wonder Color Orange away."
"Right, right," Matt said with an agreement. He shows the Wonder Color Case and opens its lid. "Let'er rip!" Cure Happy nodded and brought out the Wonder Color Orange.
The Wonder Color Orange and the Wonder Color Case reacted and glowed. The Wonder Color then floats and swirls into the air. It then glowed to its brightest point. Then the Wonder Color Orange dives into the center of the case. A glowing and circular orange light appeared just like the other colored lights. The Wonder Color Orange is safely stored in the case.
"I'm ultra happy!" Cure Happy cheered. "We got the Wonder Color Orange!"
And the whole Pretty Cure team jumped for joy and success once again. The Chalk Cliffside citizens, Capt. Barny, and Monk Channel are proud of the Pretty Cures' success.
A challenging and thrilling mission they've come across, but our magical heroines successfully obtained another Wonder Color to save Spectrum Land. The once emotionless monk Channel now enjoys his time hanging around with the citizens of Chalk Cliffside to learn and understand more about true feelings. Our Pretty Cures heroes and allies must continue their quest in search of the last Wonder Colors to save the world of color. But one question remains a few of the Pretty Cures, the fairies, and Matt's minds, though…
Who is this informant enemy spying on the Pretty Cure team and aiding the Blots?