A Great King, Part I

**A Great King, Part I** is the eleventh episode of the third season of TFAWPS. It is the sixty-third episode overall.

## Plot

When Fin-Land is attacked by extremists loyal to Planet Popstar, Zack attempts to turn the situation to his favor by issuing an ultimatum to King Kai, though intervention from King Salamence makes the situation tougher than Zack anticipated. Ted attempts to lend a hand on the Land of Ooo, while Buster confronts Agent Yellow after months of trauma.

## Synopsis

In a flashback, a group of cloaked men and women gather at the toll of a bell in a tavern located on Fin-Land. As the people begin to gather inside the tavern, another man, Bancroft, enters and cautiously looks around before taking a piece of chalk and marking the entrance at the door. He then raises his cloak, revealing the Dark Order’s insignia. He joins the others in the center of the room as the leader addresses the crowd, saying that they're finally ready to join their brothers and sisters on the Land of Ooo and move into the outskirts. A knock on the door startles everybody as a Fin-Land soldier yells from outside for them to turn themselves in before deadly force is used. Several members begin to panic, but Bancroft remains calm. The leader raises his hands above the crowd and addresses his flock saying that they've prepared for this and tells them to exit out the back of the tavern. The crowd quickly begins moving out the back doors as the leader stays behind and makes sure everyone else gets out safely. Bancroft walks past the leader and is stopped by him who says that he plans on staying behind, but Bancroft protests. The leader assures him that his part is played and ushers Bancroft out the back, but he lingers. The leader walks up to the door and opens it as Fin-Land soldiers pour inside and hold him at gunpoint. The soldier orders the leader onto his knees, but the leader refuses, saying that he isn't surprised they found them as he knew about the traitor in their midst. Bancroft looks guilty and conflicted as he makes brief eye contact with the leader. He continues, saying that once he finishes playing his part then the Dark Order will never die. The leader reaches his hand into his pocket and pulls a string, detonating a suicide bomb, which takes out the surrounding soldiers and blows a massive hole in the front of the tavern. Bancroft is knocked back in shock. He comes to his senses and observes the surroundings and then quickly rushes out the back door.

In the palace, a royal aide quickly rushes into the dining room where King Salamence, Queen Lucy, and a very young Prince Zack eat their dinner. The aide quickly whispers in King Salamence’s ear and he quickly becomes disturbed and stands up. He apologizes to his family for cutting their dinner short. Queen Lucy nods in understanding as Zack asks what's going on. King Salamence and the aide rush out of the room as Zack turns to his mother and asks again what's happening. Queen Lucy explains that his father is handling a situation downtown, which Zack concludes must be important. Zack pushes his plate away and asks to be excused, citing that he has a lot of homework. Queen Lucy nods as Zack gets up and heads out the door. At the site of the tavern, King Salamence, now sporting battle armor and a sword, arrives with a new set of troops and angrily asks where Bancroft has gone. One of the surviving soldiers says that he wasn't counted among the dead, where King Salamence concludes that he must have retained his post. Another group of soldiers run down the street towards the others as one of them exclaims that the cultists have crossed the Tunnel and have made their way into the Land of Ooo. King Salamence then orders his soldiers after them and he leads them into battle, sword raised as they ride towards the Land of Ooo.

On the Land of Ooo, the Dark Order cultists from Fin-Land join the others in the Land of Ooo, now amassing a staggeringly large 909. The group meet in the Land of Ooo’s public park and are gifted weapons from the Land of Ooo branch. One of the cultists asks where their founder is and Bancroft confirms that he's dead, but bought them enough time to complete their mission. The group starts to move towards the mountains, but King Salamence and the Fin-Land troops aren’t far behind. As they ride towards the cult, Zack peaks out from inside a wagon and observes what’s going on and looks upon his father bravely riding towards the threat.

In the field that sits on top of what would one day become Zack’s Lair, the Dark Order cultists prepare to make a move into the outskirts. As they begin to mobilize, King Salamence’s forces move in and interrupt them. King Salamence says that the cultists have one final chance to turn themselves in as they stand accused of having stolen millions of dollars of Fin-Land and Land of Ooo resources for far too long and now will be charged with the cold blooded murder of Fin-Land soldiers. Zack peaks out and notices the large number of Dark Order cultists in the crowd all standing strong. The cultists all refuse and a large battle ensues where King Salamence orders his troops to kill them all. Though vastly outnumbered, the Fin-Land soldiers have far superior weaponry and are able to make quick work of most of the cultists. Zack exits the wagon and makes his way over to a tree to hide behind to witness his father in action. As King Salamence fights his way through the cultists, he stumbles upon Bancroft. He orders Bancroft to move with them, but Bancroft regretfully apologizes for his treachery and admits that he feels pity for Zack for having a father like King Salamence. Bancroft motions to the battlefield as the Fin-Land Military brutally massacre the Dark Order in the dead of night. Bancroft calls for Zack to come out from his hiding spot and meet his father. King Salamence looks over as Zack steps out from behind the tree. King Salamence angrily turns to Bancroft and assures him that he's broken Fin-Land laws and is subject to retribution from the King and that is the example he will set for his son. Bancroft drops his sword and says that he won't speak for the cultists, but surrenders himself as a martyr. King Salamence leans close to Bancroft's ear and informs him that there will be no martyrs. King Salamence lifts Bancroft up from his knees as Bancroft draws a gun. Zack notices and lunges forward. King Salamence turns around as both he and Zack parry Bancroft's attack, knocking him back. Bancroft manages to escape them and King Salamence asks Zack what he's doing there, but Zack warns him of an attack. King Salamence swiftly dodges the attack and kills the cultist. King Salamence says that they'll discuss this later and tells Zack that he could either stay and fight or run and hide, handing him a set of twin daggers. King Salamence lowers his helmet and returns to battle while Zack looks at the daggers and debates what to do.

As the battle comes to a close, several of the cultists have made it to the top of the mountain and prepare to cross the point of no return. The group watch their comrades die in the battle down below. One of them declares the event a disaster. Another attempts to reassure him that they've made it at least. Bancroft makes it over to the mountain next and is greeted by his peers. Bancroft says that they have to move now and if anyone has doubts to turn back now and face their death bravely as to not bring dishonor to the Dark Order. The last fifty members of the Dark Order open up their parachutes and prepare to jump into the outskirts of the Land of Ooo. The Fin-Land soldiers let by King Salamence make their way up the mountain as Bancroft directs others to parachute off. Once at the top, King Salamence finds that it's only himself and Bancroft. King Salamence asks if his plan all along was to lead the cultists in some mass suicide in the outskirts. Bancroft smugly claims it was his plan, smiling and leaping off the mountain, activating his parachute and disappearing into the outskirts as King Salamence and his soldiers all turn around and leave.

Back in the Fin-Land palace, Zack sits inside a small room as Queen Lucy attends to a wound Zack had sustained. Zack apologizes to her, but she says nothing, only glaring at him as she moves a bloody cloth away from his face and washes it in a sink. After some time, King Salamence enters the room, still in his armor and asks if he can have a moment alone with Zack. Queen Lucy places her medical supplies on the counter and heads towards the door, and quietly tells her husband to go easy on him. Zack looks up at his father as he closes the door. Zack quickly stands up and prepares an explanation, but King Salamence interrupts him, saying that he knows already. King Salamence says that he's not angry, just surprised that Zack would be ready for something like that, presuming that he'd rather rule diplomatically rather than militarily, much like his mother as he compares the two. King Salamence says that he had planned to take Zack out one day, though only when he thought Zack was ready. He promises him that they will one day head into the field as father and son. Zack apologizes and asks him not to tell Queen Lucy the extent of the danger he placed himself in. He bows to his father and King Salamence winks at him and says that they'll continue the discussion later, but first they have to address the people. He extends his hand and Zack accepts and the two leave the bathroom. On their way out, King Salamence informs Zack that the soldiers said that Zack fought well, but Zack says that he wouldn't say well, but that he held his own.

Outside the palace, King Salamence and Zack join Queen Lucy at the base of the steps as King Salamence quiets down the crowd and as he begins speaking, a teenaged Ted walks down the empty streets with a backpack, looking dirty and well traveled. He hears the announcement from King Salamence being broadcast over the loudspeakers throughout the town. He walks towards the town square and finds the crowd in front of the castle. He makes his way through the crowd and finds a place in the front, zoning out the words King Salamence delivers to his people. As Ted stands in the crowd, someone pumps into him and he drops his backpack, spilling a stack of papers onto the ground. Ted quickly begins to pick them up, revealing them to be military application papers from various planets all labeled 4F. Ted, embarrassed, gathers his papers up as a Fin-Land soldier keeping guard keeps an eye on him. Ted looks at the soldier and averts his gaze, but the soldier gives him a friendly wink and smile. Ted looks at King Salamence and Queen Lucy and the respect they garner from the people. On the stage, Zack looks over the crowd and notices that nobody is looking at him. He looks somewhat sad when he locks eyes with Ted and the two share a somewhat understanding glance at each other.

In the present, the *Tegan* flies away from an abandoned and desolate moon somewhere on the edge of civilization. On the ground, King Kai cowers in fear and starts to weakly stand up and face Zack, but as he begs, Zack silences him by rhetorically asking how he ever become a King. Zack explains that he needs King Kai to promise his supporters on Planet Popstar a revolution to re-assert control of his people. King Kai is confused and blames Zack for being the one responsible for throwing him out of office, calling him a schemer and a trickster. Zack says that if that's how King Kai chooses to see him then he can kill him now and fulfil the meeting that King Kai believed they were having. King Kai starts to beg once again prompting Zack to roll his eyes and confirm that the two have a deal. King Kai meekly confirms that they do, but Zack loudly orders King Kai to speak up and say it like a King, whereupon King Kai raises his voice and confirms their deal. Zack hands a set of keys to King Kai and tells him that a ship is left for him by a crater, which he is to drive to the location left in the GPS to meet up with his loyalists. Zack tells King Kai to forget that their meeting ever happened and warns that when they meet again, King Kai should remember how he felt when he was thrown at his feet. King Kai looks into Zack's eyes, terrified and slowly turns around and makes his way over to the ship as Zack laughs at him with a mischievous face. As he stands, he gets a call on his phone from Bart which he sends to voicemail.

On Fin-Land, Ted and Team Chaotix hang out at the same tavern, now fully repaired and refurbished, and share some drinks. Ted says that he's been given a rare night off and intends to use it to have a good time with his friends. Vector returns with several tankards of mead and says that this round is on Ted. All four toss back a large gulp. Espio comments that this drink is strong and Vector says that's just how he likes it. Suddenly, Charmy Bee's smile drops from his face and directs their attention to the television on the wall, witnessing the situation on the Land of Ooo as the Starcaster is forced to land as S.E.C.R.E.T. agents and Space Corps soldiers prepare to arrest Paco and G. Biv. Ted runs to the bar to get a closer look and Team Chaotix follows. He asks the bartender to turn it up, where Ted discovers that this situation is unfolding live. Ted apologizes to Team Chaotix for cutting their outing short, saying that he feels the need to lend a hand. Espio nods knowingly as Vector asks if they'd like them to accompany him, but Ted tells them to remain there. Once Ted leaves the bar, Vector comments that he was supposed to pick up the tab.

When he arrives on the Land of Ooo, he rushes immediately to the scene of the crime, but it's too late to intervene as Paco and G. Biv have already left and the only people left at the scene are a few S.E.C.R.E.T. agents commandeering the Starcaster, Wally, Waluigi, and Knuckles. Ted asks Knuckles what happened and Knuckles explains that Paco and G. Biv are being hunted down and Pink Panther and Roy have dropped off the radar after they rode into the outskirts. Ted asks where Sonic is and if he's done anything, prompting an initially angry response from Knuckles, asking if Sonic was with Ted, which Ted denies. Knuckles calms down and says that he needs to get out of the Land of Ooo. Ted warns him that he must move fast as the approaching storm is sure to suspend all air travel. Ted directs Knuckles to the Fin-Land airfield where Ted's pilot can take him wherever he needs to go. Knuckles thanks Ted and quickly runs off towards Fin-Land. Ted approaches Waluigi and Wally and asks them what's happening where Waluigi explains that his friends are in trouble and advises him to stay out of it unless he has any information that would aid their investigation. Ted says that he can't help him and Waluigi hands him his card and says that he believes him. Waluigi turns to Wally and tells him to stay out of trouble, leaving Ted and Wally alone.

Ted asks Wally if he's all right and Wally says that he's fine, just confused as he believes something is off about the situation. Wally explains that he, along with Pink Panther and Roy, believed that Pig King was plotting something and now they've all disappeared. He says that he's going to try to help them from outside if he can and Ted offers his assistance. Ted and Wally start walking back into the city as the clouds above completely darken the sky. Once in the city square, they find a large line of people with luggage outside of a hotel and a few blocks down, another line out of the only other hotel in the Land of Ooo. The clouds above start to unleash a light warm rain as the people in line start to get angry.

At City Hall, Ted and Wally wait outside of the Mayor's office as they can hear that he is currently on a call. Ted asks Wally what he's been up to and Wally says that he's been thinking of returning to school to pursue a career in criminal justice. Ted says that he'd happily be a reference for him should he choose to go back, which Wally graciously accepts. Wally asks Ted how he's been doing and Ted replies that things have been weird lately, revealing to Wally that he used to be the Prince's Guard before joining TFAWPS. Wally is surprised, saying that he knew he and Zack had history on Fin-Land, but didn't realize they were that close. Ted says that both he and Zack have been trying to distance themselves from the Dark Order, much to Wally's shock. Ted explains that Zack has been pursuing a plan to give a voice to the less fortunate of the Third Quadrant, though it doesn't appear to be going as well as he'd hoped. Wally is sorry to hear that, but Ted reassures him saying that they both know that Zack doesn't quit, which Wally says is only good if he's pursuing a good cause, allowing Ted to divulge that, prior to leading the Dark Order, Zack was considered a wimp. Wally laughs at this and Ted chuckles along, but apologizes for his phrasing and concedes that Zack is a good leader save for his obsessiveness. Ted says that he's glad the shards were lost in the Negative Zone, despite the loss of scientific research. Wally reminds him that there are still three more shards out there and Ted admits that he's afraid of them showing up and hopes to keep Zack's desire for them under control for as long as he can.

The Mayor opens the door to his office and invites Ted and Wally inside where they take a seat in front of his desk. The Mayor returns behind his desk and begins moving a stack of papers from his desk as Ted asks if they Mayor's had a busy day. The Mayor says that the storm has ruined their construction plans and can't find anywhere to house all the guests and new citizens of the Land of Ooo who are now trapped since air travel has been suspended. Ted offers them a place on Fin-Land and urges the Mayor to call King Salamence, which the Mayor is pleased to do. Ted tells the Mayor that they're here to discuss urgent business. The Mayor is already aware of what this meeting is about and before Ted can ask if there's anything they can do, the Mayor says that since the expiration of TFAWPS' contract, the Mayor cannot legally authorize them to do anything without drawing up a new contract, more so since Ted required a separate contract due to his lack of Land of Ooo citizenship. In addition, TFAWPS and S.E.C.R.E.T. are forbidden from interacting an He goes on to explain that if they try to pursue this matter on their own, it will be vigilantism in the eyes of the law, should they be caught. Ted and Wally both lean back in their chairs, defeated. The Mayor apologizes to them and says he'll continue to advocate on their behalf and put this mess behind them. Ted thanks the Mayor for being "one of the good ones", receiving a smile in return. The Mayor grabs the door for them and says that they're free to stop by anytime, waving them off and then returning to his desk to make a phone call.

In a bar on the Land of Ooo, Buster and Agent Yellow stare each other down as thunder strikes outside. Buster accuses Agent Yellow of following him once again, but Agent Yellow reasserts that he's not following him. Buster finishes his drink and starts walking towards Agent Yellow and tells him that he'd like to take things outside. Agent Yellow laughs at this, asking Buster if he's serious, which he replies that he is. Agent Yellow agrees to the fight on the condition that he can take his beer.

In the alley behind the bar, Buster and Agent Yellow stand in a fighting position as the rain starts to pour. The two circle around each other for a while when Buster takes a swing at Agent Yellow, but misses as Agent Yellow laughs. He begins to taunt Buster, but is caught off guard when Buster lands a punch on his face. Buster tells Agent Yellow that he hates him as a dodges a punch. Agent Yellow says that their conflict was never personal, but Buster says that it was to him. Buster and Agent Yellow throw punches and recoil from the hits. Agent Yellow lies to Buster and tells him that the Dark Order is over, but Buster doesn't care as he's intent on ending this once and for all. Agent Yellow and Buster hit each other some more when Agent Yellow says that he believes that Buster is taking something personal out on him and he won't stand for it. He lands a powerful punch on Buster's face and warns him that he isn't a punching bag and if Buster wants to blow off steam, he should go to a gym. Agent Yellow kicks Buster down on the ground and, as Buster falls, Agent Yellow stands above him breathing heavily. Buster rolls on the ground holding his head with a grimace, but this is a ruse as he quickly gets up, unfazed and knocks Agent Yellow back against the wall and then grabs him and throws him into the trash cans against the wall. Buster says that he doesn't need a punching bag, he just wants revenge. Buster then kicks Agent Yellow while he's down and after a while, he looks down with a shocked and regretful look on his face. Agent Yellow stands up and cautiously yet sternly moves past Buster and makes his way over to the ledge where his beer is located and takes a sip, using it to swish his mouth out as Buster watches. Agent Yellow notices Buster staring at him and sarcastically asks if he has something on his face. Buster continues to stare, not knowing what to say. Agent Yellow admonishes him for his actions. Buster turns around and leaves the alley, walking out into the rain, leaving Agent Yellow to tend to his wounds by himself.

Some time later, Agent Yellow reenters the bar and stops short when he notices Waluigi sitting at the bar. Waluigi turns around and tells Agent Yellow to relax as he's not there for a fight. Agent Yellow relaxes and walks over to the stools and asks him why he didn't intervene. Waluigi explains that he's there on duty and can't legally interact with TFAWPS. Agent Yellow takes a seat next to him and asks if they should even be talking, but Waluigi assures him he's cleared the bar for some peace and quiet. Agent Yellow goes behind the bar and pours himself a new drink from the tap. Waluigi asks what the fight was about and Agent Yellow says that he doesn't know, but believes he was blowing off steam. Waluigi looks at him, hoping for more information, but Agent Yellow asserts that the conflict between TFAWPS and the Dark Order wasn't personal, aside from people like Ted and Zack, but not for him. Waluigi says that he should try to mediate things as it'd be best to keep things civil with TFAWPS until they find the shard. Agent Yellow says that should be easy enough citing Sonic's drinking problem, Paco and the Twins being labeled criminals, and Pink Panther's vanishing. Waluigi says that with Mofo on the other side of the universe, they really only have to worry about Ted and Buster. Agent Yellow is unsure, especially after being attacked by Buster for seemingly no reason, he doesn't want to find out what would happen if they gave him one. Waluigi points out that with Pig King's disappearance, Agent Yellow would be Zack's number two, a statement which restores Agent Yellow's confidence. Waluigi suggests getting Buster and Ted to take each other out, but Agent Yellow laughs that idea off, Waluigi says that he's had a hard day and Agent Yellow sarcastically tells him to take a bubble bath and leaves the bar. Waluigi sits alone and looks at the S.E.C.R.E.T. lanyard around his neck and lets out an exasperated sigh.

In the Fin-Land Royal Palace, King Salamence and Queen Lucy sit at a comfortable table and chairs and go over some correspondence. The room is very comfortable and the two resemble a content old couple relaxing in their favorite spot at night. The two drink tea and genuinely enjoy each other's company. King Salamence finishes up a phone call with the Mayor as Queen Lucy opens Fin-Land's official rejection letter from IMPA. King Salamence looks up through his reading glasses and tells his wife to throw the letter away. Queen Lucy places the letter back on the table. The two open a few more letters in silence when King Salamence grabs one and frustratedly informs his wife that a shipment of electronics were attacked by a group of Popstar extremists. Queen Lucy says that she'll have Team Chaotix prepare a small militia just in case of an attack, but King Salamence believes that a war between Fin-Land and Planet Popstar is immanent. Queen Lucy reassures her husband that it won't come to that, placing her faith in Zack's efforts on Planet Popstar, but King Salamence believes that the whole mess is Zack's fault. King Salamence calls Zack into the room, but Queen Lucy informs him that Zack isn't home. King Salamence says that he'd want Zack to handle the mess himself, but fears he'll only make it worse. Queen Lucy tells him to give Zack credit for getting King Kai convicted, but King Salamence refutes this as well, saying that it allowed King Kai to be liberated from prison. Queen Lucy says that Zack had now way of knowing that would happen, which King Salamence realizes must be true and apologizes for his outburst and concludes that he's getting old, to which Queen Lucy cheekily agrees.

On the Fin-Land side of the Cosmic Tunnel, Ted helps get the people safely into Fin-Land and out of the storm that is now ravaging the Land of Ooo. On the opposite side of the tunnel, Wally helps usher people inside now that the wind and rain have violently picked up. Through a walkie talkie, Ted asks Wally how things are going and Wally informs him that they've almost gotten everybody through. As Ted keeps the Tunnel open for these people, Zack exits the airfield just across the street and notices a large influx of people coming into Fin-Land from the Land of Ooo. He walks over to Ted and asks him what he's doing and Ted informs him that these people will be staying on Fin-Land until the storm on the Land of Ooo subsides. Zack pulls Ted aside and says that isn't something he's agreed to, but Ted informs him that King Salamence has signed off on it, which Zack concedes, but is clearly unhappy with this turn of events. Zack leaves Ted a the Tunnel and makes his way towards the palace.

Inside the palace, King Salamence stands in one of his chambers getting ready for bed. Zack enters the room and the two greet each other cordially, but coldly. Zack asks him why residents of the Land of Ooo are flooding their streets and King Salamence explains that, as the Land of Ooo's protector, they have a duty to aid their people the same as they would their own. Zack rolls his eyes and shakes his head. King Salamence informs Zack that he's glad he's returned as he has a lot of work to do, a statement which confuses Zack. King Salamence informs Zack of the situation with King Kai and their trade routes and blames him for it, saying that his intervention on Planet Popstar only stirred the pot, making an already tense situation worse. Zack argues that he's done the best he could with what little resources King Salamence allocated to him for this project, citing the small amount of troops and King Salamence's failure to endorse them during their IMPA proposal, as well as King Salamence's constant undermining of Zack's actions. King Salamence shouts at Zack not to make excuses for himself as he's ignored all of King Salamence's advice for him. He explains that a King's duty is to lead, not command and argues that one of the reasons Zack failed was due to this habit of pawning off jobs on subordinates instead of taking direct action, and concludes that he's simply not ready. Zack spits back that he is ready and asks King Salamence to led him off of his leash and he'll prove to him what he can turn Fin-Land into. King Salamence claims that Fin-Land is already everything she needs to be, but Zack argues that Fin-Land is a hollow shell of what she once was and accuses King Salamence of suppressing her full potential instead of harnessing it. He then promises King Salamence that when it comes his time to take the throne, he will not follow in his father's footsteps. From outside the room, Queen Lucy silently listens in. King Salamence appears visibly hurt and solemnly says that he's just trying to make sure he's ready when the day comes. Zack tells his father not to worry. Queen Lucy leaves down the hallway as Zack exits the room.

On one of the palace balconies that overlooks Fin-Land, Zack observes the people moving from the Cosmic Tunnel over to the streets, checking into hotels. He glances over at the Land of Ooo and finds that, due to the clouds, he's unable to see the city. As he watches, he looks up at the stars, looking as beautiful as ever. Queen Lucy appears on the balcony and says that there's nothing like nighttime on Fin-Land. Zack greets his mother and she says it's rare to find him on the balcony these days and asks if everything is all right. Zack takes a deep breath, but says nothing. Queen Lucy says that she doesn't like seeing her son this way and Zack admits that he's just spoken with King Salamence. Queen Lucy tells Zack to listen to her as she explains that King Salamence loves him more than he loves Fin-Land and the reason he's so hard on him is because he doesn't want Zack to go through the same hardships that he went through. He simply wants Zack's kingship to be as painless as possible. Zack seems to listen, though he says he isn't in the mood for a lecture. Queen Lucy acknowledges this and joins him on the balcony to enjoy the view for a few moments together. She grabs his hand and says that she's going to bed. She pulls him down and gives him a kiss on the head and tells him that he's going to be a great king one day. Zack seems genuinely touched by this statement and returns to looking out over Fin-Land. Queen Lucy smiles and tells him not to stay out too late and he bids her good night. Inside their bedroom, King Salamence has fallen asleep with a book in his hand. Queen Lucy grabs the book quietly from his chest and places it on his nightstand, putting the bookmark in place and turning off his lamp. She fixes his covers and then climbs into bed next to him and goes to sleep.

At the Tunnel, Ted lets the last few people inside and gets a radio message from Wally saying that they're all set and Ted wishes him a safe journey home. Ted quickly ushers the last few refugees inside. The last five, all wearing heavy coats and clothing, pass through as one of them grabs Ted and thanks him for letting them in, which Ted begins to respond in kind only to be cut off by one of the people stabbing him in the stomach. Ted grimaces and falls to the ground as the five refugees shed their coats and reveal themselves to be Popstar loyalists. One of them draws a gun and yells that Fin-Land has no business interfering in Popstar matters. The Popstar extremist flashes a demented smile and turns to his allies and tells them to do their worst. The five then run towards the city as several citizens and Land of Ooo refugees in the area flee in terror. On the ground, Ted grimaces in pain and removes the dagger from his stomach, tossing it aside. He feels sickly as Team Chaotix rushes over to him as Charmy asks what happened. Ted informs them of the invasion and tells them to head to the town square. Vector, Charmy, and Espio all run over to the town square and face off with the Popstar extremists, who have started tossing molotov cocktails into several nearby buildings. The nearby Fin-Land soldiers join in the defense as Ted hobbles over to the fight.

From the palace, Zack notices the carnage and quickly runs outside, drawing a dagger, though Team Chaotix have already dispatched the extremists. Zack runs out as Vector informs him of the Popstar attack and that it's over now, save for the soldiers canvassing the refugees for Popstars to detain. Zack, despite protest from Espio, orders any Popstars found to be rounded up and deported. Team Chaotix all salute and prepare to search the area with the other soldiers. Charmy stops by Zack and informs him that Hercule aided in the defense and dispatched two invaders by himself. Hercule walks over to Zack and begins to boast about his accomplishment and believes he deserves a commendation, though Zack ignores him when Ted finally hobbles over as Zack walks over to him. Zack approaches Ted with anger behind his eyes as Hercule follows. Hercule notices Ted and begins to brag to him as well but Ted collapses on the ground as Zack calls for help. A group of onlookers surround him as Ted fades out of consciousness.

In a barren wasteland somewhere in the Third Quadrant, a group of Popstars enter the base of some old ruins in a bad snowstorm. One of the Popstars knocks on the door and demands to be let out of the cold. The three Popstars at the entrance move a large boulder out of the way and let the new Popstars inside, holding somebody cloaked in several blankets. One of the Popstar guards holds a gun in the face of the new people and angrily asks what they're bringing inside. Another Popstar guard leans to the first and tells him to put his gun down, realizing who their guest is. The guard quickly lowers his gun and steps back, apologizing as the new Popstar leader calls for a meeting. The group moves the boulder back in place and heads deeper into the ruins. In a large chamber, the crowd whispers as the initial group disperses allowing King Kai to step forward. He looks towards the other for guidance, but they motion him forward. King Kai turns around and starts walking through the crowd as the exiled Popstars step aside to let him through. King Kai slowly starts to smile as he ascends some stairs and turns around to face his people. A Popstar approaches him and hands him his old robes. King Kai puts them on and faces his people as they all take a knee and King Kai begins to feel the power he once held before. An old wartime advisor approaches King Kai and says that they should catch up. The advisor leads King Kai to an adjoining room as they pass by a group of workers moving crates of Fin-Land electronics as well as some Fin-Land soldiers gagged and tied up in the corner.

In the meeting room, King Kai sits with the remainder of his advisors. King Kai asks what happened to his council and is informed that most are either dead or in prison. King Kai then inquires about the Generals only to be informed that they were the first ones tried on the Galactic Federation and sent to prison there. The ones that continued to fight after the treaty were executed on Planet Simpson while others followed in Kirby's footsteps and joined the rebels. King Kai asks hopefully about Meta Knight and is informed that he is still in a hospital and likely will not be released for the next few years due to the extent of his injuries. Another advisor urges him to forget about Meta Knight, branding him a traitor and refusing to believe they'd be on the same side. King Kai reluctantly agrees and asks about Planet Popstar itself. An advisor says that the Popstar capital has nearly fallen to the rebels, who are gaining numbers faster than they can get their loyalists out, much to King Kai's rage. The advisors explain that it was better to regroup off world and organize their forces for a counter invasion at King Kai's command. King Kai seems pleased with this resolution. One advisor speaks up and calls to attention the matter of Fin-Land, which King Kai writes off as a threat, citing their elderly monarchs, hothead Prince, and small army. King Kai points to one of his advisors and says tells them to keep things moving along and dubs them his "rockstars." King Kai then leaves the room and heads into a small alcove to take a seat and watch everyone else get to work.

On the Land of Ooo, the wind and rain have begun ripping branches of trees and bringing telephone lines down, though the streets are much clearer than before. On several televisions, the Mayor addresses the storm urging his people to remain safe and indoors, adding that he doesn't want to lose any of them, but the broadcast cuts off as several satellites are ripped from several roofs as the winds pick up. On the roof of a building, Buster sits in the rain drinking a beer. He watches depressively as the Land of Ooo is torn apart by unforgiving winds. As a wind gust knocks him off his chair and spills his beer, he watches it spill out onto the roof and disappear into the rain. He stands up and walks over to the edge of the building and looks over in the direction of Fin-Land, but it is obscured through the clouds, only seeing the faint glow of lights in the city. Buster looks over the city and lets out a sigh when Agent Yellow appears behind him and throws him away from the ledge. Buster gets up and prepares to fight him once again, but Agent Yellow claims that he thought Buster was going to jump, much to his denial, though he appears to have snapped back to his senses. Agent Yellow says it looked like he was from down below and his behavior has been odd lately, but Buster silences him when he asks if he's truly worried about him. In Agent Yellow's silence, Buster continues and sarcastically thanks him for saving his life. Buster turns to walk away and Agent Yellow walks up to him and steps in front of him and reiterates that their fight was never personal and hopes to extend an olive branch. Buster isn't sure, but Agent Yellow convinces him to go inside and escape the rain.

Buster and Agent Yellow sit on the stairs inside as Buster finally opens up to him. He explains that during the battle with Genesect, he and the rest of TFAWPS were sent to what he believes was an alternate universe, where Agent Yellow, Bart, and Captain Cowboy were the crew of a ship where Buster was their prisoner and forced to work around the clock for months, eventually admitting that they broke him. Agent Yellow appears genuinely sorry for this, but says that it wasn't him and he wouldn't do that. Buster admits that he knows that it wasn't him, but it was still him and believes that if it came down to it, he would do it to him again and until then, doesn't want to pretend to have a friendship with him only to turn on him later on down the road. Agent Yellow says that he isn't going to pretend like they've been through the same thing, but admits that before he joined the Dark Order, he worked in shipping and was impressed by a group of pirates, but was rescued by Zack, despite protests from King Salamence, but says that Zack has always looked out for guys like him and Bart. Buster is surprised to hear this and says that he's sorry that they went from slaving under pirates to slaving under Zack. Agent Yellow says that it isn't like that as they each have a part to play since they've all been at the bottom, including Zack. Buster rolls his eyes and gets up, saying that he's going to bed as he's tired. Agent Yellow lets him go and says that they could work on something together sometime. Buster and Agent Yellow go their separate ways, now with a better understanding of each other.

In a Fin-Land hospital, Ted awakens in a bed with a bandage wrapped around his stab wound. The room is dark and Ted's eyes adjust and he notices the people around him. Vector stands by his bedside and realizes that he's finally awake. Ted looks around the room and calls for Charmy and Espio as well, joining Vector by the bed. Espio asks how he's feeling and Ted replies that he's filled with rage and asks who did this where he is informed that the Popstar extremists attacked. They also inform him of Hercule's assistance in the battle, as well as the fact that he was the one who carried him all the way to the hospital. Zack and Hercule enter the room next and rush to Ted's side. Hercule loudly proclaims that he got the Popstars for him and now Ted owes him one. Ted thanks him for bringing him to the hospital and for his help in the battle, though Hercule rejects his apology for getting him involved, claiming that he loved the fight. Ted apologizes to Zack specifically for carelessly letting the Popstars into Fin-Land and putting him in a difficult position. Zack stands up straight and claims that Ted did the right thing and that his parents are still unaware of the situation, but resolves to inform them the next morning, seeing as the situation is resolved. He says that the six of them will not leave the room until they come up with some kind of plan. Ted believes that they should find the extremists base of operations and Zack admits that he's already sent out some scouts to find King Kai, shocking Hercule who was unaware that he's returned. Zack claims that King Kai was broken out of his convoy and likely prepares to take back Planet Popstar. He says that he likely has an army that outnumbers their own in manpower, but lack leadership whereas Fin-Land has leadership. Zack says that he'd rather avoid a fight, despite the overwhelming desire for one by the others in the room. As the others argue with him, he gets that mischievous look in his eye and allows the others to convince him that they should take action. Zack then concludes that it isn't his call to make and they'll all meet with the King and Queen in the morning and they can all raise their concerns. Zack leaves the room as Ted and Hercule exchange some more insults.

In a meeting room in the palace, King Salamence and Queen Lucy sit at the head of the table with Zack to their right. Ted, Team Chaotix, and Hercule occupy the remaining spaces. Zack starts by apologizing to his father for the situation, echoing Ted's words to him in the hospital, and hoping to satisfy the issue without military intervention, much to the surprise of King Salamence though he seems to disagree. Queen Lucy asks him to clarify if he means an attack and King Salamence explains that he believes Fin-Land should simply remind the extremists of their power and warn them that should they try something like this again, it will mean war, much to the approval of Ted and Team Chaotix and the disappointment of Hercule. King Salamence then admits that Zack is more knowledgeable about Planet Popstar than he is and asks for him to take the lead on the mission. Zack is shocked, but declines, saying that it would mean more if King Salamence made one of his rare appearances to neutralize a threat. King Salamence is unsure, but Queen Lucy convinces him by telling him that this is the perfect opportunity to teach Zack how diplomacy works as a King. Zack, slightly embarrassed, bites his tongue and says that he would like that very much. Ted gives Zack an odd look, but quickly brushes it off when King Salamence agrees to the mission and orders Team Chaotix to prepare a small battalion. Hercule volunteers to go, which King Salamence approves. King Salamence thanks everyone for making the meeting a simple one and dismisses them. Team Chaotix and Hercule leave the chamber to prepare the army, while King Salamence contemplates whether or not his old battle armor would still fit him before exiting the chamber himself. Queen Lucy asks Ted how he's feeling and he confidently replies that his injury is no more than a scratch. Queen Lucy says she was never worried as he was always a fighter and then says that she's glad he and Zack have buried their conflict. She gets up and gives Ted a hug on her way out and says that it's good to have him back home, as Zack watches the interaction with a clenched jaw. Queen Lucy leaves the room followed by Ted leaving Zack by himself. Once the door closes, he quickly stands up and starts to slink out of the room, but catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror and straightens his posture.

At the airfield, Fin-Land soldiers prepare three ships for take off as Team Chaotix guard the gate and assure onlookers that everything is okay and to return to their homes. Vector says that they will not be taking any questions, but King Salamence approaches in his armor, a spitting image of the portrait in the Fin-Land halls, and informs the people of the details of their mission. Ted joins Team Chaotix and the four all greet each other, followed by Hercule who makes his way through the crowd. Charmy asks Hercule where his armor is and Hercule says that he doesn't need any, but Espio reminds him of his mortality and orders him to put some on, which puts Hercule back in his place as he goes to change. Zack and Queen Lucy are the last of the group to arrive and while King Salamence continues to assure the people and says that he, along with his wife and son, will hold a town hall later that evening to answer any of the public's questions regarding the situation, something which makes Ted feel guilty for his role in putting his people in danger. Zack listens intently and in awe as King Salamence concludes by urging his people to look after one another. He waves the people off and enters the airfield as Queen Lucy and Zack follow him inside while Vector and Espio close the gates.

Hercule returns with his armor, swaggeringly joining the others and asks how he looks, while posing like a titan. Ted tells him that he looks just like the rest of them. King Salamence speaks with Queen Lucy and tells her that he'll be home in time for dinner, but Queen Lucy tells him to take his time and hold his temper and not to worry about home, which King Salamence says that he won't have to with her in charge. The two share a brief moment before King Salamence kisses her hand and leaves to board the ship. Zack remains next to his mother as Hercule argues about which ship he'll be placed on. She asks him if he's ready and Zack says that he is and she tells him to listen to his father and do everything that he says, prompting an embarrassed response from Zack. She tells him that she's only joking and tells him to look out for King Salamence as he seems worried. The two share an embrace and they tell each other that they love each other. Zack breaks the embrace and finds Ted and Team Chaotix teasing him for being a "momma's boy", but Zack brushes these comments off. Queen Lucy wishes them luck as Ted and Team Chaotix bow to her. The group all board their ships and prepare for takeoff.

Outside the ruins where the Popstar extremists have taken to calling home, the Fin-Land group walks through the snow left recently from the blizzard. Led by King Salamence, the team trudges in the blue glow that emanates from the thick atmosphere that encases the planet. A low pitched growl is heard in the distance, prompting concern from some of the group, specifically Charmy, but Zack explains that the planet was lost to monsters years ago and comments that it's a fitting place for King Kai, though King Salamence reminds him that the fitting place for them is prison. Ted comments that the planet is freezing and smells like rotting meat and Vector quips that it's just Hercule, who begins to retort when Espio notices the Popstar guards who watch over the entrance to their hideout. King Salamence orders Team Chaotix to flank left while Ted and Hercule flank right so he and Zack head straight on while the remainder of the soldiers remain on guard. He reminds the soldiers to keep an eye on everybody and not just him and before heading in their respective directions, give the Fin-Land salute.

At the base of the ruins, the two Popstars notice King Salamence and Zack approaching them and raise their guns as King Salamence and Zack put their hands up. King Salamence explains that they come peaceably and seek only to meet with King Kai. The Popstar guards look over each other as Zack cautiously observes his surroundings. One guard whispers to the other that they have orders to shoot any non-Popstars on sight, but is unsure since they're facing a King, but the other guard claims that Fin-Landians are incapable of diplomacy before going on a racial tirade, calling them fish people and concluding that they should follow orders. The two cock their guns when Team Chaotix, Ted, and Hercule ambush the guards, disarming them. King Salamence tells them that even out of water, the fish people can still bite, prompting a smirk from Zack. Hercule and Ted lift the defeated guards up as King Salamence orders them to call King Kai outside immediately as they're ushered away from the door.

A few moments later, the Fin-Land group takes a stand just outside the ruins with their soldiers behind them. From the entrance to the ruins, a group of Popstar extremists walk out armed with several weapons, mostly swords, but a few have guns. At the back of the crowd, King Kai himself emerges. Once the group settles, King Kai tells King Salamence that he's honored he made the trip out to see him in person. A stark contrast is shown by how far behind his soldiers King Kai hides while King Salamence stands in front of his. King Salamence addresses him as Kai, refusing to call him King as it's a title which he no longer possesses, and demands retribution for the invasion of Fin-Land. Zack adds on saying that King Kai belongs in a prison and that they're here to bring him back to justice. King Kai angrily becomes confused, calling Zack a snake and claiming that he was only using him. He goes on saying that Zack is just a child who is in over his head and will now learn what it means to be amongst the greats as he orders his soldiers to attack. King Salamence orders his troops to arms and the two armies rush towards each other. Zack and King Kai lock eyes from across the battlefield, but Zack breaks, drawing his dagger in preparation for a battle. While most of the fighting is melee, a few Fin-Land soldiers retained their high ground to more easily take out the Popstars with guns. In the distance, more growling is heard as shadows begin circling the battlefield.

During the skirmish, Vector and Espio work closely together with Vector using a large battleax to take on three Popstars at once and Espio using his twin sai to do the same. Hercule initially uses his Fin-Land issued sword, but has trouble controlling it. He takes a swing at a sword-wielding Popstar and misses, only to be knocked down. He then tosses his sword aside and cracks his knuckles as he approaches the Popstar head on. The Popstar once again swings his sword, but Hercule dodges and catches it at the hilt. He brings the Popstar down and repeatedly knees him in the head, disarming him and kicking him away. Hercule laughs to himself and yells towards the group of attackers. Elsewhere, King Salamence holds his own in battle, despite his age. He is even able to pacify his attackers non-lethally. Ted and Charmy Bee work closely together as Ted grabs a Popstar from behind while Charmy attacks him from the front, dispatching him.

From the side of the battlefield, one of the monsters reveals itself by killing one of the Popstar extremists. The Fin-Land and Popstar soldiers with guns turn their attention towards the monster and start firing rounds into it in an attempt to bring it down. Ted notices another monster approaching as he and Charmy move out of way of the monster's fist. Charmy asks Ted to use his amulet and Ted activates it, emitting a powerful red glow, getting Zack's attention from the battlefield. Most Popstar and Fin-Land soldiers have stopped fighting each other and have diverted their attention to the monsters. King Salamence joins Ted and Charmy and asks Ted to get to King Kai and apprehend him. Ted immediately flies into the sky, but is punched in the face by a monster and he falls back to the ground, though protected by the energy from his amulet. Elsewhere, Vector and Espio are joined by Hercule who disarms another Popstar extremist as the three are approached by a monster. It swings down its fist as Espio grabs it and begins running up the creature's arm. Vector and Hercule draw their weapons and prepare for an attack. The monster tries to shake Espio off of him, but Espio hangs on. Once he spies an opportunity, he gracefully leaps off of the arm and draws his sai at the monster's eye, slicing it all the way down. Espio leaps down masterfully from the creature as it falls to his knees, allowing Vector and Hercule to finish it off. Hercule cheers and asks if they've got room for one more on Team Chaotix and Espio tells him not to get ahead of himself.

Zack sits back and watches the situation unfold and realizes he's doing precious little. King Kai peaks out from behind his rock and orders his men to attack Zack. As the extremists begin making their way towards him, Zack draws his dagger and begins taking them on. He is able to kill a few of them but makes his escape when he tricks the extremists into walking directly into a monster's path. Elsewhere, King Salamence motions to Ted and Charmy to take to the skies. In tandem, the three leap into the air as Ted uses his amulet's energy to fly while King Salamence and Charmy use their wings. Once they start flying, nearly everyone on the battlefield stops fighting to take notice, including Zack who looks on with contempt and jealousy upon seeing how close Ted and King Salamence fly together. Charmy notices King Kai's hiding spot. King Salamence gives King Kai one more chance to stand down and come along peacefully. However, a monster takes a swing at them and, noticing this, Ted pushes King Salamence out of the way. King Kai watches with fear in his eyes and while he's distracted, Zack sneaks up on him and stealthily takes out his bodyguards. King Kai turns around in panic as he notices Zack standing above him. Zack leans in close and orders King Kai to call off his soldiers, much to King Kai's confusion, as he believed this was their plan. Zack lies and says he has no idea what King Kai is talking about and says that he's here because King Salamence has ordered his arrest and he's just following the King's orders. King Kai asks about their revolution, but soon realizes that Zack was only using him to improve his own standing on Fin-Land and on the universal stage.

Ted manages to take down the monster with help from King Salamence and Charmy. King Kai cowers in fear until more of his soldiers appear behind him. King Kai issues another order to show the Fin-Landians no mercy and to take them all down. Zack promises King Kai that he'll regret that, but King Kai says that for once he's in no position to make demands of him. Before Zack can make a move, King Salamence flies up and notices Zack about to apprehend King Kai and urges his son to do so. Zack draws his dagger and approaches King Kai and his soldiers, whom the latter has begun to retreat behind. Zack approaches the soldiers and says that it'd be wise for them to step aside as he only needs King Kai alive, not the rest of them. King Kai retreats farther back and Zack says and jokingly tells the soldiers that they're letting him get away. Zack, dagger in hand, makes his way towards the soldier, though another soldier grabs Zack's dagger free arm.

On the ground, one of the Popstar extremists that King Salamence peacefully subdued, gets up once again. He walks over to an abandoned laser gun on the ground and picks it up. Above him, Ted flies around the battlefield using his energy to aid in the fight against the monsters. As he flies however, Charmy approaches him and points out that Ted's stab wound has opened up, getting his attention away from the fight. The extremists aims his gun at Ted, who has slowed down due to his wound, though the extremists doesn't fire, instead noticing something else. As King Salamence watches Zack attempt to deal with King Kai, a flurry of bullets rip through his right wing, nearly shredding it to pieces. King Salamence screams out in agony as he begins to fall from the sky. Ted and Charmy run their attention in horror as Vector calls out to their soldiers that the King has been hit. Team Chaotix and Hercule converge on the location of their King while Ted turns around and notices the soldier with the gun. Ted flies over to him and picks him up. The extremist laughs and tells him to do his worse and Ted tells him that he fully intends to. Ted forcefully opens the extremist's mouth and places his hand over it, sending energy pulsing throughout his body. Ted watches angrily as the extremist's eyes fill up with glowing red energy and then explode, sending his blood pouring out of the sockets. Ted then drops the corpse to the ground and flies towards King Salamence.

Zack yells for his father as he unsheathes a hidden dagger from his right hand and then simultaneously slices the throats of both of his captors. Upon seeing this, King Kai begins to back away in pure terror as Zack approaches him, but Ted flies over and tells Zack that they have to leave immediately to get King Salamence the medical attention he needs. The veins in Zack's throat and forehead pulsate as he stares down King Kai, but instead leaves with Ted. Team Chaotix gets King Salamence's injured body up and they, along with Hercule, start carrying him back towards their ships. Vector orders the nearby Fin-Land soldiers to get something on his wing to stop the bleeding. Team Chaotix and Hercule place King Salamence carefully on the bench seat in their ship and attend to his wounds as best they can. Charmy heads into the cockpit and immediately starts flying the ship towards home while Ted and Zack sit on opposite sides of the ship with the same angry, regretful, and guilty look on their faces. Once they return home that evening, King Salamence is quickly rushed back to the Fin-Land palace by Team Chaotix and Hercule as well as a swath of Fin-Land soldiers. Ted and Zack walk slowly in the back with the same shocked look on their face. Once inside the palace, the flag outside is changed to fly upside down as the lights outside the palace dim as the gates close behind Ted and Zack, leaving a flock of onlookers to cry and comfort each other until they hear word on the King's status.

## Characters

* Ted
* Buster
* Zack
* Agent Yellow
* King Salamence
* Queen Lucy
* Vector
* Espio
* Charmy Bee
* Hercule
* King Kai
* Waluigi
* Wally
* Mayor
* Knuckles
* Bancroft (first appearance, flashback)
* Paco (television screen, no lines)
* G. Biv (television screen, no lines)

## Trivia

* The number of cultists on the Land of Ooo is the same number as the death toll at Jonestown.
* Buster confronts Agent Yellow about the trauma he experienced during the events of Six Against Infinity, Part 6.