Homecoming

**Homecoming** is the first episode of the third season of TFAWPS. It is the fifty-third episode overall.

## Plot

After their victory over Cell and Genesect and the disappearance of the shards, TFAWPS return home to find that they are now known throughout the universe as heroes and become massive celebrities. However, for some members, things are not as glamorous as they appear on the surface. During the height of TFAWPS' fame however, Zack controversially disbands the Dark Order and returns to his duties as Prince of Fin-Land.

## Synopsis

On the Starcaster, a television plays in the background displaying news reports about the aftermath of Genesect's trial and the role played by both TFAWPS and the All-Captains Squad in his banishment. Sitting at the surrounding table, many members of TFAWPS appear uncomfortable with the harsh and classist overtones of the Galactic Federation as they brand TFAWPS as "rag-tag" and hailing from a "small and humble" planet in the Third Quadrant. Sonic and Roy are both overtly disgusted by this, but Pink Panther manages to bring them back around to see the bigger picture, that regardless of what people say, they've done the right thing, regardless of what labels the Galactic Federation brand them. Sonic tells Pink Panther that he's jealous of his ability to transform into a doormat when he's being insulted to his face and proceeds to mock him, but Lupina manages to calm him down and tells the other guys to just enjoy the moment without arguing, just for once. As the Starcaster continues on throughout space, Sonic mentions the new mandates President Space has imposed upon them, forbidding them from contacting S.E.C.R.E.T. and vice versa. He sees that as completely unnecessary as they should be able to contact S.E.C.R.E.T. as they see fit without having to go through the Galactic Federation, but Pink Panther says that it may not be ideal, but as TFAWPS' fame continues to grow, it might be good for them to get council from people who know what they're talking about more so than they do, but Sonic insists that he knows exactly what they're doing, pointing out their various victories they've achieved on their own, without President Space. Lupina once again tells them both to settle down and focus on returning home, pointing out that the Mayor has likely put together a party to celebrate their return and victory. This gets the spirit of the boys up, as they prepare for return. However, Ted is not so excited and points out that before they can engage in revels, they have one more thing left to square away: the Dark Order. Sonic, Paco, Roy, and Mofo instantly agree while everyone else is somewhat lukewarm. Sonic advises them to head straight for Zack's Lair when they land and then head into the city for the party.

As they approach the Land of Ooo, they notice *The Rental* parked outside of Pig King's Castle. The Starcaster lands outside the Castle, garnering the attention of the Dark Order members inside. As they watch TFAWPS exit the Starcaster, Zack orders Dr. Robotnik to make sure that Wario and Waluigi are not seen. Dr. Robotnik quickly leads the turncoat S.E.C.R.E.T. agents away, while Zack and the others head outside. The Dark Order briefly contemplate what to do before resolving to head outside. The two groups come face to face as Sonic and Zack stare each other down. Paco turns to Pig King and asks if he's with them now, and Pig King doesn't reply, but smiles. Pink Panther speaks up and reveals to the Dark Order that the shards are gone, for real this time. Agent Yellow asks what happened to them and Paco explains that they were destroyed along with Cell. Wondering what to do, the Dark Order look to Zack for leadership, who finds himself slightly unable to process the information. Ted tells Zack that they're here to settle things now that the shards are out of the way. Zack agrees to a peaceful resolution as he and Sonic shake hands, while also congratulating them on their defeat of both Cell and Genesect. Sonic half-heartedly thanks him and departs with his teammates, leaving the Dark Order behind. As TFAWPS walk away, Sonic and Pink Panther both agree that this likely isn't the end for them, reminding each other that there are still three more shards out there somewhere.

Meanwhile, Zack addresses his underlings and tells them that the Dark Order is disbanded. While he is upset, he believes it'd be best for all of them if they parted ways and returned to their normal lives. Agent Yellow is visibly upset, but sticks by Zack's decision. Pig King is more vocal, pointing out to Zack that the two of them are co-leaders now and he thinks that breaking up the group is a bad decision, reminding Zack that there are still three more shards. Zack hesitates before responding, but he says that until such a time as they reveal themselves, it's best not to make a mountain out of a molehill. Pig King becomes angry, asking about the plan and how much success they've been having, but Zack doesn't budge. Zack turns to leave followed by Captain Cowboy, Bart, and Agent Yellow, leaving an angry and bitter Pig King behind to return to his Castle. As the others walk away, Agent Yellow attempts to get Zack to change his mind, but Zack refuses. Somewhat bitterly, Agent Yellow asks Captain Cowboy for a ride, which he agrees. In his Castle, Pig King looks out over the celebration of TFAWPS with ire and bitterness as Master Robot watches him with a blankly concerned expression.

**SIX MONTHS LATER**

The past six months have been relatively quiet for both groups. The Land of Ooo has undergone several upgrades since TFAWPS' homecoming, with many construction projects well underway, as well as the rebuilding of TFAWPS Tower with a new and improved design. The population has also drastically increased as people from all over the universe flock to bear witness to more of TFAWPS' now famous escapades. Posters and advertisements featuring several TFAWPS members, namely Sonic, Pink Panther, Ted, Mofo, and Buster, litter the streets. A graffiti mural of TFAWPS sits in the park, only the faces of Paco and the Rainbow Twins have been vandalized. Elsewhere in an alley, another mural sits, this time with the phrase "Justice for Oscar and Phoebe" spray painted over Roy's and G. Biv's faces. Many citizens, new and old, wear TFAWPS inspired merch, such as hats, t-shirts, and shoes.

Meanwhile, the Starcaster sits docked on the roof of Lupina's Lab, as onlookers and gawkers stare transfixed from the streets. Inside, Sonic, Pink Panther, Lupina, and Wally move her equipment and boxes from the Starcaster back inside her laboratory as they get ready for their meeting with the Mayor. While they work, they play the television in the background, featuring a live broadcast from the Galactic Federation where President Space is preparing to speak. Lupina thanks the guys for helping and Sonic seconds that, hinting at a deeper relationship forming between Sonic and Lupina. Pink Panther and Wally are happy to help. Pink Panther and Wally tease Sonic and Lupina for how messy the place is and Lupina points out that Sonic isn't exactly the neatest roommate and Sonic promises he'll clean the whole place top to bottom before he leaves, but she admits that it'll be sad to see him go. Once President Space begins to speak, everyone turns their attention towards him. President Space begins by giving a run of the mill speech about daily life in the First Quadrant, such as updates regarding the Space Corps training on the Galactic Federation, the opening of a new shopping mall, and the situation on Planet Popstar, spinning it in the Popstars' favor and villainizing the Simpsons. However, many reporters in the crowd, including Tien, an ambassador from the Sheikh Nation.

Tien asks President Space what, if anything, he plans on doing to help the Second Quadrant recover from the attack, but President Space insists that he's doing all he can do and will send another batch of Space Corps soldiers to oversee the cleanup effort, but Tien insists that more needs to be done and that the planets of the Second Quadrant don't need supervision, they need genuine help from those best equipped to give it. President Space dismisses him. He asks for any other questions and a reporter stands up and asks President Space to respond to the recent acclaim of TFAWPS, but President Space responds that they are not relevant to the conversation at hand, but the overwhelming response to the mention of TFAWPS forces President Space to flip the situation. He claims that TFAWPS acted without jurisdiction and without supervision and entered territories and acted militarily during an inter-quadrant war and were partly responsible for enabling Genesect to go on the rampage he did. Murmurs of agreement from the crowd. Sonic is disgusted by these allegations and believes that TFAWPS has done more for the universe than President Space ever has, but Pink Panther weakly admits that President Space raises some solid points, but agrees with Sonic that the way he's portraying them in the media is wrong. Sonic turns the TV off and tells them that they'd better get going, while Lupina says to just leave everything where it is and she and Sonic will come back later, solemnly suggesting they see the Mayor now, knowing where this meeting will lead. As the four exit the lab, they are accosted by paparazzi and adoring fans, namely Sonic and Pink Panther, the latter of whom tries to humbly accept the praise while Sonic relishes in it, Sonic on one side gleefully accepting the praise, while Pink Panther modestly waves.

At City Hall, Sonic, Pink Panther, Lupina, and Wally stand at the doors and greet Buster, who is waiting for them. He informs them that it's nice to seem them again, as it's been a long time. He says that Paco and the Twins are already inside, as he gives a wave to the paparazzi. A car pulls up and Mofo exits, who waves to the fans, much the same as Pink Panther had previously. He greets his allies warmly and suggests they head inside. Once inside, Paco, Roy, and G. Biv greet the rest of the team warmly, though clearly they are uncomfortable with the praise given to the other team members while they are cast out of the limelight. Knuckles,with his arm in a sling, greets them next, his presence surprising Sonic, who asks what he's doing here. Knuckles explains that President Space asked him to sit in, much to Sonic's disgust, but Knuckles says that they'll talk about it later. The Mayor appears and greets them, inviting them all into his office.

The Mayor sits at his desk while the ten heroes awkwardly stand in his small office. Pink Panther asks if they should wait for Ted, but the Mayor replies that Ted is unable to attend this meeting due to his obligations to Fin-Land, but the details of the meeting have already been relayed to him. With that out of the way, the Mayor reveals to TFAWPS that which they already know; their contract has expired and they are no longer required to remain together for the protection of the Land of Ooo. The team accepts this for the most part, though Pink Panther suggests they still keep in contact should something arise again, but many such as Buster, Sonic, Paco, and the Rainbow Twins wish to get back to their normal and personal lives. The Mayor respects their decision, as well as informing them that he will not be seeking reelection the next term, much to the shock and surprise of the former TFAWPS. He replies that he's getting old and wishes to spend more time with his young son while he is still able and TFAWPS all agree. As they start to exit, Pink Panther pulls the Mayor aside and tells him to keep in touch, with Mofo nodding in agreement.

In the hall, the team start to bid their final goodbyes to each other, though it seems rather hollow, as though they were all merely a bunch of coworkers who were laid off. Knuckles then prepares to escort them from the building, hoping to avoid the paparazzi while Paco and the Rainbow Twins announce that they will be heading out the back. Pink Panther looks upset to hear this, but understands and tosses Paco the keys for the Starcaster. As Knuckles opens the door for everyone else, the paparazzi swarm them, snapping photos and giving an uproarious cheer, as Paco, Roy, and G. Biv turn away from the door and continue walking the halls, getting odd looks from some passersby. While exiting the back into an alley, the Rainbow Twins ask Paco if he needs them to stick around, but Paco thinks he'll be all right, but is clearly worried. The Rainbow Twins agree to stay close. G. Biv mentions that perhaps they should consider moving out of the Land of Ooo, but Paco isn't too sure, but says he'll think about it and they'll talk later, as he's going to pick up the Starcaster. The three part ways, each finding their way home through the back streets to avoid the public, with the Rainbow Twins passing one of the many "Justice for Oscar and Phoebe" graffiti spots.

On Fin-Land, Ted waits in his chambers, looking out the window at a crowd, very excitedly. A knock on the door and Ted answers as he's greeted by Team Chaotix. They inform him that it's time for the celebration and the King and Queen would like to speak with him beforehand. Ted agrees and heads out of his chambers with his friends. Once in front of King Salamence and Queen Lucy, as well as Prince Zack, Ted kneels before them, but King Salamence jokingly tells him to get up. Ted asks what they wanted to talk to him about and Queen Lucy tells Ted that they've kept an eye on his activities as of late and have not been disappointed. King Salamence reveals that he'd like to invite Ted to be part of his inner circle. Ted looks over at Zack who gives a slight nod and Ted accepts. With that out of the way, everyone heads out for the celebration. Outside the gates, Team Chaotix exit and are met with cheers, followed by Zack who also receives a modest amount of attention. Ted exits behind him and the crowd goes nuts for him, much to Zack's silent jealousy. King Salamence announces that the latest outreach mission was a success and the celebration is now underway. As the guests mingle, Ted meets and greets several of his fans, old and new. Later on, Ted and Team Chaotix talk about how popular Fin-Land has gotten since Zack's outreach missions and Ted's newfound fame, which Ted jokes with them about. The group look over at Zack who sits alone at a table and they all go over and sit with him, which Ted is at first reluctant to do so. Zack is skeptical of their company at first, but accepts it soon after and the five end up drinking, laughing and joking together after warming up to one another's company. While drunk, Ted and Zack apologize to each other for the constant fighting and wish to bury the hatchet once and for all. However, several diplomats from Planet Popstar arrive at the party, prompting Zack and Ted to try and sober up, but it's no use. Queen Lucy manages to cover for Zack to save him from King Salamence becoming angry. Queen Lucy takes the diplomats aside and explaining to them that Zack will meet with them another time. The diplomats look very worried about the situation at home.

On the Land of Ooo, Lupina sits on the couch in the apartment above her laboratory, while Sonic joins her on the couch with takeout. She asks him for a napkin and he hands her one and asks her what they're watching that night. Lupina says that she has no preference, just not a scary movie. Sonic recommends an action movie, but Lupina compromises with a western, which Sonic agrees. The two sit back and watch the movie while eating their dinner. As they watch, Sonic becomes distracted while looking out the window, prompting Lupina to ask what's wrong. Sonic says that nothing is wrong and returns to the movie.

On the Starcaster, now parked on the edge of town on a hill as it rests in the sunset, Paco, Roy, and G. Biv live like bachelors. Roy and G. Biv resemble a pair of college roommates who want to have fun, while Paco tries to study. He wants them to settle down as he has class in the morning, but the Twins really want to go out and do something on another planet. Paco asks what's wrong with this one and Roy starts to go on a tangent about how they saved the planet from cosmic annihilation and took down both Cell and Genesect and all they get in return are insults. G. Biv gives a sarcastic "here we go." Outside, hecklers begin egging the Starcaster. G. Biv tells the other two that they're at it again. Roy asks Paco if he minds and Paco gets up and lets out a sigh. He opens the door to the Starcaster and yells at the hecklers, revealed to be just teenagers and they run away screaming, something which clearly depresses Paco.

Pink Panther relaxes alone in his apartment, preparing dinner. As he sits down, he gets a call from the Mayor. Pink Panther places his food down and goes to meet him. At City Hall, the Mayor apologizes to Pink Panther for interrupting his evening, but says that he's getting reports of a burglary at an apartment uptown and asks him to look into it. Pink Panther is shocked, but agrees. Upon traveling to the apartment as quickly as he can, he finds that there was no burglary, only a few people who called it in, hoping to see if they'd send a TFAWPS member. Pink Panther is relieved there is no burglary but a little annoyed that someone would waste time calling one in when he could be out helping someone who actually needs it. He tells them not to do it again, but agrees to take a picture with them, where he gives a humbled yet tired smile.

Elsewhere, Mofo approaches a ship that's prepared to leave the Land of Ooo from the small airport, which is now very packed when Buster quickly approaches him. Mofo is glad to see his friend, but also annoyed that he hasn't heard much from him in six months. Buster apologizes and says that he just needed a vacation. Mofo says that he understands, but he at least could have told him that beforehand. Before he leaves, he asks what's wrong with him and Buster has trouble admitting that he's still feeling depressed after his trip to the island paradise. Buster asks where Mofo is going and he says that Fin-Land has opened up an outreach mission to the Second Quadrant to help rebuild and that he's heading over to help, but it should only be for a few weeks. Mofo invites Buster along on the trip, but Buster isn't sure. Mofo somewhat forces him to go by making him feel guilty about disappearing for so long. Buster agrees and the two depart, though Buster didn't have time to pack his bags.

In his Castle, Pig King sits on the couch watching TV and being depressed while Master Robot stands idly by. On TV is live coverage of the party on Fin-Land and Pig King becomes angry. Master Robot tells Pig King that he's returned from his errands and Pig King tells him to place everything in the kitchen. After he does so, he returns to the living room and tells Pig King that although he's aware that Pig King told him to be quiet, he feels he must admit that he's worried about his creator. Pig King tells Master Robot to forget about it like he was told to months ago. Master Robot apologizes. Pig King says that he'll never know what it's like to be so close to greatness only to have it stripped away from him right when he was finally getting somewhere. Master Robot once again apologizes. Pig King looks away from the TV and looks out the window at the now popular Land of Ooo. Several lights shine in the city and music can be heard from his Castle. He looks over the city angrily and his eyes gaze over to the outskirts of the Land of Ooo and then back to the city as a slight smile creeps across his face.

## Characters

* Sonic
* Ted
* Pink Panther
* Paco
* Mofo
* Buster
* Roy
* G. Biv
* Lupina
* Wally
* Mayor
* Knuckles
* King Salamence
* Queen Lucy
* Vector
* Espio
* Charmy Bee
* President Space
* Tien (first appearance)
* Zack
* Pig King
* Agent Yellow
* Bart
* Captain Cowboy
* Master Robot
* Dr. Robotnik
* Wario (no lines)
* Waluigi (no lines)

## Trivia

* The episode ends with a shot of Pig King looking over the Land of Ooo with a devious smile on his face, continuing the tradition set forth by the previous two season premieres where one of the main antagonists looks over the primary setting with a smile.
* The shot of the Starcaster sitting in the countryside is a shot for shot remake of the same shot of a trailer seen in the Pixar movies *A Bug's Life* and *Monsters, Inc.*