Day One
—I Am

-Dalaam

“It begins here…”

“…But where does it end this time sir?”

Prince Poo’s grandfather looked up at the sky, “…Though it may discourage you to hear this from me,” he grinned, “…I don’t know.”

One of the boys at his side shifted a bit where he stood, “Quit worrying,” he said to his peers, “the prince has it under control. If you don’t have faith in him by now then…”

A flashlight was swung towards the cave.

“Man I wish they’d come out of there,” the boy continued.

All five of them stood before the cave of the Pink Cloud, along with a few other citizens.

Suddenly, a burst of thunder was heard again.
Seconds later, the other concern at hand came pouring down.

“Great…” said one of the palace boys.

“Stand your ground guys,” said one of the girls at their side, pulling out the proper gear. “The prince needs us here, even if he doesn’t know it.”

“We’re not going anywhere,” said one of the boys following suit.

Just then, a quick shot of Psi Freeze blasted into a being called a Shattered Man, deep inside the cave, holding it in place after impact.

“No, no…you’re not going anywhere,” said the Prince of Dalaam afterwards.

Another boy stepped up to the enemy. “Okay the first thing I’m going to teach you today is what happens when I do this…”

Jeff brought both blasters together with a ‘clack’, raised his arms, and fired.

The beams hit the target…and seconds later, the target disappeared.

“Lesson over,” said Jeff.
The blonde boy holstered one weapon and turned to his friend, “That was nice wasn’t it?”

“It was nice,” nodded Poo.

“That was nice,” said Jeff.

“Niiiiiice,” said Poo as he slapped hands with Jeff.

Suddenly Jeff pulled on Poo’s hand, and the two boys fell to the ground—barely avoiding shots of Psi Thunder and red beams.

Jeff and Poo rolled as the group of Starmen and Conducting Menaces continued firing. At some point during the assault, the battle stopped being one sided, and one Menace received a blast that launched him backwards.

One Starman turned a bit as this happened, but didn’t relent in his attack.

Poo turned to the aliens before him, and followed Jeff’s lead. Another shot of Freeze was fired, and connected with a Starman. As the alien stood still, his comrades hesitated, then began firing again.

Poo and Jeff took cover and disappeared from sight.

Their enemies blasted away, steadily eating through their protection.

--Far away…

“…So then, looks like everything checks out okay. Now this is the part where you get to ask questions,” laughed a woman.

A hand reached out and touched the desk, “Well I think I’ve already found out everything I wanted to know, pretty much,” said the girl.

“Really? Are you sure, I mean…this is a pretty important step for you,” she smiled.

“Yeah, it is,” said Paula, “…that’s part of why I’ve done so much research on this place. I mean you wouldn’t believe it if I told you.”

“Oh I know all about that kind of devotion. As I told you—as I tell like, everyone,” she chuckled, “I went to school here too. And if you really think this is the school for you Paula, then…I’m glad. And I’m happy for you,” she stood up, “and I wish you the best with the remainder of high school…”

Paula sat where she was with her hands folded…then followed the woman’s lead.

“…And I hope to see you here this fall.”

“Thanks, this, this was a really good interview. I got a lot less nervous as it progressed,” Paula chuckled.

“Well I’m glad it was time well spent for you,” she smiled, extending her hand.

Paula shook it, then touched her ribbon a bit and stocked a lock of hair.

“Oh you just have the prettiest smile,” whispered her host.

“Thanks,” said Paula.

“Take care.”

“Bye.”

Finding her way outside about three minutes later, Paula walks by a few others, then stops and turns, wanting to read the big words behind her again:
EagleLand University –Onett

-Dalaam

Eventually, the aliens stopped upon noticing something. One of Jeff’s blasters flew upwards…then fell back down behind the shelter.

Suddenly, the group heard a mystical kind of sound behind them, and in mid-turn, were assaulted by a blast of Starstorm.

Jeff popped up and aimed his blasters…then lowered them.

The aliens faded out of sight.

The two boys stared at each other for a few seconds.

“…So…you can teleport while in enclosed areas after all…”

“Just not outside of them,” said Poo, touching his belt.

“…Anything?” asked Jeff a few minutes later.

“…Not just yet,” called Poo as he adjusted some of his hair—which he had stopped cutting so frequently a few years ago.

“…Well…I guess that’s it then,” said Jeff as he turned. “…You’re wearing ponytails now?”

“Mmm,” said Poo under his breath.

“Why…because Ada does it all the time?” smiled Jeff.

“…I’m just not so sure it’s over yet,” said Poo. “I can…”

“Let me guess: You can feel, something right?”

Poo kept looking around.

“You psychic powered types…” Jeff chuckled.

“No it’s just that…well, maybe you got it right. I don’t know any other way of describing it,” said Poo.

“Come on Poo,” said Jeff, “we’ve been in here for how long now? It’s over. We won. Jeff and Poo gained experience…and all that. It’s destiny, remember?”

“…So does that mean it’s also destiny that we have to keep fighting like this?”

“I think…destiny is what you make of it…or something like that,” said Jeff. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll come up with a real good one,” he smiled.

“…Maybe,” said Poo. He turned around. “Jeff, if there’s anything else found in here tomorrow…”

“You already know the answer to that.”

Poo grinned. “All right…lets get out of here.”

*Poo: Straight up: I don’t know what on Earth is going on. And this isn’t the first time either. This would be a really bad time to go out of my mind, but since when is life convenient? I’m on the verge of becoming King here. I mean it’s scary, but I think I’m ready. Either way I’ve decided I’m not running from it. Then suddenly this happens, and I get one more opportunity to prove just why I’m worthy of the job. But this is the kind of day I never wanted again. And something tells me it’s not just restricted to today. It never is. When exactly does this end? If it weren’t for Jeff I’d have been doing this one alone. I made the ones waiting at the entrance promise not to come in. Too dangerous—and a King’s responsibility is the well being of the people. The well being of the country. That’s just…quite a responsibility to live up to.*

“You know I wasn’t sure when exactly to say this…but I think this was actually in my best interest,” smiled Jeff as they walked.

“Why is that?”

“I haven’t been able to tell anyone yet, well…besides Yancy…but earlier today I was accepted into the N.S.S.”

“What?!” said Poo, stopping Jeff with his hand.

Jeff grinned a bit and looked downward.

“Wait…you’re serious,” said Poo.

“Serious,” said Jeff.

“You’re going to chase bad guys for a living?”

Jeff patted Poo’s arm, “Thanks for the show of confidence, I knew I could count on you,” he said, and began walking again.

“Wait I just meant…” Poo sighed…then stared at Jeff as they moved.

“You always thought I’d end up as a mechanic,” said Jeff.

“I always thought you’d end up as a mechanic,” said Poo.

“I can read minds today and I’m not even wearing pink,” said Jeff.

“I mean I knew you were about to do something,” said Poo, “since you’ve also finished school early…but this…”

“…Well I begin my training in a few days, so…”

“Where?”

“Summers.”

-Twoson

The door to Polestar Preschool opens and closes.

“How’d it go?” asked Paula’s dad from the couch in the other room.

“Well,” said Paula with a slight grin.

“I see,” said her mom a few seconds later. “So you’ve really got your heart set on this school.”

“Interesting way of putting it,” whispered Paula’s dad in his wife’s ear.

Paula’s mom stared at her daughter with an arrogant, knowing smile.

Paula slipped her hands in her pockets and stood in the doorway.

Her mom giggled. “I don’t mean to make you nervous.”

“No…” she grinned, “I, I’m feeling fine actually.”

*Paula: I so want to get out of here.*

“Good then…good,” said her dad. “We…”

*Paula: “…want you to be happy.”*

“…want you to be happy.”

“Yeah Polly,” said her mom, “we only objected to it because…”

*Paula: It’s not Twoson’s University.*

“…well…” She sat up a little, “So are you really sure about this major?”

Paula slowly nodded.

Her parents were silent. After a few seconds her dad spoke, “Well…it is your future.”

“Yeah. I’m…going to go shower or something,” said Paula pointing her thumb backwards.

“That reminds me…we’re still on for tomorrow right?” asked her dad. “Your friends will show up won’t they?”

“Yeah the girls told me they’d be there.”

“You showered before you left didn’t you?” asked her mom.

“I need another one…I feel a sweat coming on.”

Paula walked upstairs.

*Paula: And spring break is supposed to be fun.*

-Dalaam

They made it outside about a minute later.

“Poo,” said a voice in the near distance.

Poo wiped away some rain and embraced a girl named Ada—after freeing his arms from her grasp.

“Hey man how’s it going?” asked one of the palace boys in a language Jeff could understand.

“…Fine…fine thanks,” said a surprised Jeff.

“You hurt?” asked another.

“No I’m all right…thanks,” said Jeff.

“We would have come in with you guys, but…” he turned, “the prince wouldn’t allow it.”

“No the prince wouldn’t,” said Poo, “trust me it wasn’t pretty in there.”

“Did you two find out the cause of all this?” asked Poo’s grandfather.

“Not today,” said Poo, “…at least I don’t think so.”

“…Well, there are still other matters at hand…”

“…Yeah,” said Poo in a low voice. “I’m going to take you back now Jeff.”

*Jeff: I know this boy named Jeff…who people expect things of. From music…to mechanics…to…law enforcement now? Yeah, “that genius Jeff’s” a regular Rambo type of guy. But seriously folks, that’s what training’s all about. You trying your best, and the instructors wanting more. If I didn’t want things to be this way anymore, then I shouldn’t have gotten myself into this. But it’s too late to back out now. This is the choice I’ve made.*

*Paula: This is the choice I’m making.*

*Poo: There is no other choice to make.*

*Jeff: From this day forth…with this very decision…*

*Paula: I hereby declare…*

*Poo: I am.*

Day Two
—The Unexpected

“…So where’d your dad run off to?”

“He went to pick up a few more drinks…since more of you showed up than I was expecting,” said Paula, who was wearing blue overalls, a white t-shirt, and a scarf that covered all but the back of her hair.

“…You mean Ebony don’t you?” said the other girl with a grin.

“I’m trying to be glad for the extra help here,” said Paula, dipping the brush back in the paint.

A few of the other girls approached, holding buckets and brushes of their own. “We’re done with that side,” said one.

“Sweet,” said Paula.

“You want us to help out here, or with the others?”

“Either way’s fine.”

“Well it’ll go faster over here if we lend a hand,” said another.

They began.

“I thought there were going to be some boys here Paula,” said Ebony.

“…Who said that?” Paula replied without looking.

“Amy told me,” said Ebony with a grin to another girl.

“…I guess she was just trying to get you to come,” said Paula.

“I knew it’d work,” said Amy.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” asked Ebony.

“Changing the subject here…I didn’t know your dad was in this business,” said Miranda.

“Well…I mean they do live in a combination house/preschool,” said Rachel.

*Paula: The words…the work…the amount of time…it starts to weigh on you. I never imagined I could be this utterly bored…or upset. Thing is I can’t even figure out what exactly I’m upset over. But then, I keep thinking like that and I’ll probably wish back the alien invasions or something.
…I certainly don’t need that kind of excitement. Or do I? Here’s the problem with Psi: Just because the enemy goes away doesn’t mean the temptation to use it does. It’s hard finding targets to practice on in your downtime. And I could sure use a punching bag of some sorts. Maybe the gym at Onett U has one.*

“Paula,” said Ebony.

“Hmm?”

“You’re using the wrong color there.”

“…Oh, man…”

“Something on your mind?”

“Must be,” said another voice.

“I thought she was being quiet today.”

“Oh you know her…she’s worried about leaving home to go off to college somewhere.”

“Oh…so you’re not ready to part with mom and dad yet?” said Ebony.

“No…it’s not that,” said Paula.

“There’s no shame in admitting it. You’re a ‘daddy’s little girl.’ ”

“And you’re not Ebony?” asked Miranda.

“Maybe I once was…about four years ago. But I’ve matured since then. I’m not stuck in the past.”

“Neither am I,” said Paula.

“…There’s no reason to get upset.”

“…I’m not,” said Paula with a bold grin.

*Paula: This girl loves to make others sound immature or, or insecure in a sad attempt to feed her ego.*

Paula stood with her brush, locking eyes with Ebony in silence for a few seconds.

“…What? What’s wrong?”

“Go ahead and say whatever it is you’re trying to say,” said Paula.

Ebony grinned and closed her eyes for a few seconds, “I’m not trying to say anything else.”

Paula went back to brushing.

The other girls continued their work.

“…Besides, didn’t you tell me you were thinking about the school in Onett Paula?” asked Amy.

“…Mmm hmm…”

“Onett?” asked Ebony.

“…Yeah. Onett,” said Paula. “You know, up the street? Not that I need to stay close to my parents or anything…”

“…I was just saying maybe you do. And it’s nothing to be ashamed of…just some people have a hard time letting other people go.”

“Ebony…” said Rachel.

“What? I’m not belittling her. I…sometimes I wish I could be more like you Paula, that’s all.”

Paula kept brushing, not looking at the girl speaking to her.

“I mean…I think it’s gotten too easy for me to let people go. We all know I go through the process every other month.”

Paula brushed a bit faster.

“…Maybe you can, show me sometime Paula. How you do it. How you open your heart like that.”

“Ebony…” said Amy.

“I mean it.”

The girls looked at her.

“Okay…I’ll shut up now.” Ebony quietly went back to brushing. “…You okay Paula? Why are you so quiet? What are you thinking of?”

*Paula: The day your boyfriend came on to me.*

“Nothing.”

The girls were quiet for about a minute.

“…You don’t want to be like me Ebony,” said Paula.

“What do you mean?”

“Because…it gets lonely, I’m…”

“Lonely?” said Rachel. “Look around you girl. We’re here.”

Paula paused, staring at the ground, then looked up at the girls…seeing their smiles.
Paula grinned back at them.

*Paula: Hmm. Maybe this day just got a little better…or would I just be proving Ebony right?*

Paula adjusted her scarf a bit, “I…”

Then she stopped.

“… …”

“What’s wrong Paula?”

Paula put down her brush, then began looking around.

The other girls looked at her peculiarly, then noticed her expression change and her attention behind them.

They turned around…and saw a boy named Ness approaching quietly.

“…Hey Ness,” said one of them with a smile.

“Hey, Amy,” said Ness with a grin.

Paula glanced at Amy, then looked back at the only boy in sight.

He was wearing a long sleeved gray shirt, dark cargo khakis, black shoes, and his hair in it’s usual short fashion—only it looked a bit more styled, activated, and combed. His red cap was nowhere to be found.
It was truly a sight for every girl on the premises—including the one approaching him.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” said Paula with an uncontrolled grin.

“…Overalls…”

“Yeah it’s…just for, well you know.”

“…You guys want help?”

“No, no,” said Paula holding him by the shoulders.

Ness raised his eyebrows for a second.

“I mean you look too nice…” said Paula.

“Thanks.”

Paula hesitated, then let go, “So how’s the vacation going? How’s…um…” she snapped her fingers, “Twinbrook?”

“…Yeah…actually that’s what I came to talk about,” said Ness.

“Your parents driving you nuts yet?” she smiled.

“…Sort of.”

“…”

“…”

“…So um,” Paula put her hands in her pockets, “when did you teleport here? How long have you been looking for us?”

“Well I know this area kind of well…” Ness stuck his hands in his pockets too…then threw his head up a little to the side before speaking “…I’ve been around here before. So I just, found out where you were from your mom and…”

“Hmm,” Paula chuckled, “…I mean they’ve been driving me mad, with all the school business and all…”

Ness was quiet.

Paula spoke a bit lower, almost whispering, “…Man…can you believe we’ve nearly made it to the end of high school? I mean really—it’s almost over, then…then…”

Ness smiled.

“…That reminds me,” said Paula with a shy grin, “I…”

“…What? Go ahead.”

“You first.”

“Me first?”

“I can tell you want to say something,” she grinned.

“…You go ahead.”

“I want you to go first,” said Paula.

“Well I…”

Paula took her hands out.

“…It’s just like you were saying…” said Ness. “About parents, and…and school and all.”

Paula rolled her eyes.

“Well…they saw a school out in Twinbrook…the first time they visited…and they wanted me to take a look at it. ‘Cause they liked it and all.”

“…So…you went to this school?”

“…I sort of liked it too,” Ness raised his eyebrows and clinched his teeth.

“…”

*Paula: What?*

“I, I just mean…they, think I should go there in the fall. They think it’s the best school for me.”

“…”

“…”

“…What do you think?” asked Paula.

“I…I, I…think maybe they’re right.”

Paula stared at Ness.

Ness was nervous. “Hey what about you where are you being sent?”

*Paula: The months are chapters. The days—pages. In the end life’s one big, sad story.*

Paula looked away.

“…What is it you were going to tell me?”

“…Nothing. Look I really should get back to work,” said Paula taking a few steps backwards.

“Wait, you want to get…some milkshakes later—to talk or something?” asked Ness.

“I’ll…let you know. I don’t want my dad to come back and see me slacking. I gotta go.”

“Yeah, well…okay.”

Paula walked back to her group.

“…Okay,” said Ness.

-Winters

Jeff locks up and steps down his porch. He’s wearing his black coat over normal clothing, enjoying the change from his school outfit, while feeling a little uneasy about it at the same time.

*Jeff: The phone hasn’t rung yet so it remains a pleasant day.
Sort of. There’s little room for self-doubt in this profession I’m getting myself into, and even less for error. I’ve defeated myself already then, because I’ve been questioning whether or not this was really the right decision a lot lately, and the self-doubting part…I’d better not take that with me.
Then there are the people I’ll be leaving behind. Then there are the schools I’ve turned down. There are the projects that will never be, and the people behind ones I’ll never meet. But then, I’m just as cut out for combat as I am for mechanics. I’ve proven it. I can run, roll, and fight with the best of them, and I can think up ways to use almost any known form of technology to my advantage.
…All that sounds like a pretty formidable combination…if you’re someone else.*

-Dalaam

Poo, still prince of Dalaam, walks down the halls of his great temple…then stops, and begins running upon turning a corner.

“…Grandfather…?”

Poo reaches the man barely pulling himself up against the wall.

“What happened!? Are they here?”

“No…no…” the man replies.

“Did you slip?” asks Poo.

“…No.”

“…Then what?” asks Poo softly.

“…You know what,” he replies.

“…No…I…”

“Help me up son…and while you’re at it…help yourself up as well.”

“What does that mean?” asks Poo rather lightly.

“…You know what it means.”

“…”

*Poo: It’s the kind of day everyone worries about. The one you don’t really want to think about. The day that involves a certain loved one who’s…older than you.*

“…You have to be strong…for the future of this great country.”

“Come on grandfather…stand up,” said Poo.

“You can’t keep avoiding that subject…or this one.”

-Twoson

“…And, that’s a wrap,” said Amy.

“I actually liked this more than I thought I would,” said Rachel.

“…Paula?” said Miranda. “What’s wrong?!”

The girls all turned and saw their leader for the day on her knees—holding her head.

Paula moaned a bit.

“What’s wrong?” they asked together upon reaching her.

Paula stayed in position…then stood up, still clinging to her scarf.

“Are you okay? What is it?” asked Ebony.

Amy gasped a bit. “…I’ll bet she’s having one of those…those things that telepaths have.”

Paula gently squirmed out of the group…then released her head. “…I’m okay,” she said.

“What was it?” asked Miranda.

“Nothing it’s…lets go.”

The others watched her.

“…Come on,” Paula grinned, picking up a bucket.

After the items were loaded into a nearby trunk, Paula thanked the others for coming, then walked over to her dad, who was talking to a friend.

“…Ness asked if I wanted to meet up later, so…I’m just going to go now.”

“You’ve got a bit of paint there,” he replied.

“Thanks.”

“What about them?”

“They all live nearby…and I’m sure they’ve got their own plans so…I’ll see you later.”

“Wait a minute. Paula. …Is something wrong?”

“…I just really need to get going. You understand.”

“Want a ride?”

“No thanks,” she patted her dad’s arm.

“Well okay then…”

Paula hurried off.

About a minute later, Ness arrived via teleportation behind the other girls, who were walking away.

“Hey.”

They all turned around in surprise.

“…Is Paula around?”

“No she…”

“There she is!” said another, pointing towards the distance.

“Wonder where she’s going.”

Ness stood, staring at her. His first instinct was to teleport the short distance…but he didn’t want to in front of the girls, even if they knew all about him. He still wasn’t comfortable using his powers in front of just anyone.

“I’ll…see you all later,” he said running.

Paula wasn’t looking for Ness at all. Instead, she was trying to catch a bus before it left the stop.

Ness was still about a minute behind her.

Paula caught up to the bus just in time…and got on.

“Wait…” thought Ness as he ran faster.

The bus moved away.

“…Man…” thought Ness as he arrived. “Where’s she…?”

Ness turned, and saw another bus approaching down the street.
When it arrived, he took a seat in the front, in order to keep a close eye on the first bus. Then an idea came to Ness…but he soon decided against it.

“I’d better just…wait and talk to her the normal way when we both get off.”

In the bus ahead, Paula began telepathically communicating with someone else.

“Jeff…?”

“…Paula?”

“Jeff I…may need your help. I need you to call Poo, and I need the both of you to meet me in Fourside. I’m heading there right now.”

“All right. Did you sense the aliens we told you about?”

“I’m not sure what it is…but it’s something big. It’s some kind of essence. Something far worse than a simple alien.”

“Okay…okay what about Ness?”

“I can’t reach as far as Twinbrook telepathically, or Dalaam. Not yet anyway.” Paula again thought she could sense a familiar essence nearby.

“You don’t have the phone number?”

“No.”

“Okay…I’m heading to the lab right now. I’ll call Poo. See you in a few minutes.”

“…Ness?” she called out telepathically, around twenty seconds after breaking contact with Jeff.

“Paula?!”

“…Where are you?”

They both rang the bells.

-Dalaam

“All right, I’m teleporting now.” Prince Poo hung up, and took a deep breath. Then he walked to the roof of the temple.

-Fourside

Ness and Paula arrived via teleportation.

Poo and Jeff arrived via teleportation.

“…There they are,” said Poo with a smile.

“Listen I…can feel it coming from the department store,” said Paula.

About two minutes later, the group walked into a very loud, busy environment.

“…Are you sure?” asked Ness.

“…It’s here somewhere,” said Paula. “We can’t leave until we find it. All these people are at risk.”

“And on that subject…it’ll be difficult…and dangerous with all these people around,” said Poo.

Paula hesitated, “…I’ll…”

The others looked at her.

“I’ll take care of that…”

She began walking. The others followed.

“Just wait for me here please,” she said.

Paula walked over to a booth marked ‘Customer Service.’ Seconds later, she looked directly at Jeff for a few seconds, then headed for the escalators.

“Let’s head to the bathroom,” said Jeff.

“What?!” said Poo.

“Paula’s got a plan, she just told me to get all of us in there.”

“…Why do all three of us have to go there at the same time?” asked Poo. “Yeah guys I’m not, I’m not exactly fond of going in the bathroom at the same time…like you’re my parents and I’m little or something.” said Ness.

“Okay then…lets go to the restroom,” said Jeff.

“Better…” said Poo. “…Wait a minute…”

About three minutes later, an announcement came over the intercom, telling everyone that the store was closing early due to an emergency.

The guys each held their places.

Around twenty minutes later, the majority of light in the building came from the large windows on the upper floors, and the ones far above the ground on the first floor. Once again, a sign was placed and the tinted glass doors at the entrance were locked.

Paula came out of the ladies’ restroom on the top floor, and after making sure everyone who was supposed to leave had left, called out to Jeff telepathically.

“Okay guys lets go,” said Jeff.

The boys stepped out into the dark.

“Don’t even say it Jeff,” said Ness with a smile.

“…This brings back…” Jeff grinned.

Poo glanced around, rubbing through some of his hair as he stared upwards.

“Only there’s a little more light this time, since it’s…earlier…” said Ness as Paula hurried down the steps.

“You all right?” asked Jeff.

“Yeah I was…just trying to get back down here quickly,” she said.

“It’s okay…it’s okay you’re not alone,” said Poo.

“And how exactly did you do this?” asked Jeff.

“Just a harmless, telepathic suggestion on the manager,” said Paula. “In short he’ll keep the store closed until I tell him to reopen it…or after it wears off. Whichever comes first.”

“When will it wear off?” asked Poo.

“I’m not exactly sure. Not for a while though. But the rest of his mind is free.”

“…Man, your power really has progressed,” said Jeff.

“So…what was it like again yesterday guys?” asked Ness.

“Wait a minute…” said Paula.

They all paused.

“…Something’s upstairs,” she said.

Jeff opened the gym bag hanging from his shoulder and pulled out a blaster.

Ness led the way, followed by Paula, then Jeff, then Poo.

Paula pulled the scarf from her head, put it in a pocket, and replaced it—soon wrapping her hair in a quick ponytail.

Ness looked back for a second, then turned back around. “…If only I could have brought my bat,” he whispered.

Upon reaching the top floor, Paula frowned a bit. “We’re getting closer.”

Suddenly, an animal nicknamed the Gruff Goat in Winters, appeared out of thin air on the teens’ left side.

“What in…!” Jeff quickly reacted by jumping out of it’s path, as the others also scattered.

Ness glanced at Paula after standing up, who was firing a blast of Psi Freeze from the floor.

The animal was knocked back a bit, then snorted, making the others—especially Jeff—very uneasy as it breathed and turned.

Poo wanted to launch Starstorm, or Thunder, but was too worried about hitting Ness as well.

“…Jeff, shoot!” said Poo at his side.

A nervous Paula crawled backwards, preparing to launch her Fire attack.

Ness quickly got the goat’s attention, and launched his Hypnosis upon locking eyes.

…It did not work on the Gruff Goat.

The goat snarled again and charged towards Ness.

Paula got up as soon as she could.

Suddenly, a quick yellow flash came and went around Ness—just before the goat could make contact.

The goat bounced backwards…and felt a sudden impact from behind afterwards.

Jeff fired again, hitting the goat a second time.

Paula launched Psi Fire, which sent the goat rolling a bit, causing Poo and Jeff to quickly step away.

Then Poo stood before the others and launched Psi Starstorm…which ended the battle.
The Gruff Goat disappeared into thin air.

“…Wait a minute,” said a relieved Ness, “I don’t remember them doing exactly that. They…aren’t aliens are they?” he looked at Jeff.

Jeff spoke quietly. “…I just…hesitated back there because…I wasn’t sure my beam would be enough.”

“Wait!” said Paula. “I feel it. It’s downstairs now!”

“What, the goat?”

“No, the, the essence. We’ve got to hurry.”

Ness quickly stepped up to Paula. They teleported and arrived downstairs, soon joined by Poo and Jeff.

Just then…they were finally confronted by their “host”—via some form of teleportation.

Jeff stepped back, as did Paula.

“…Is that what I think it is?” asked Paula. “Is that one of them?”

“Is that…a Mani-Mani statue?” whispered Jeff.

“…Wait…” said a nervous Poo. “I don’t think that’s a Mani-Mani.”

“…That’s something far worse,” said Ness.

A quick flash suddenly came from the glowing red statue.

The four teens moaned, holding their eyes and stumbling a bit.

Jeff held his glasses in one hand, rubbing his eyes with his arm. Then he looked ahead again, and saw something happening.

“It’s disappearing!”

After the others recovered, they saw that the statue was indeed gone.

“It’s…it’s not gone,” said Paula.

“What’s that? Watch out,” said Poo.

Just in front of the entrance, a visible field of some sorts sparked, crackled…and fit almost perfectly in front of the doors.

“Oh since when did they learn to do that?” said Ness as he ran.

“…Ness! Don’t make the obvious mistake!” said Jeff as he chased after him.

Ness arrived, hesitated, then threw a kick at the barrier. The barrier didn’t budge, but made a slight sound.

“Wait…” said Ness to Jeff, “I’m just trying this because I’ve still got my shield up…”

Ness touched the barrier again, trying to push on it. There were no results.

Ness removed his shield…then tried touching the barrier with his hand. Nothing happened. Ness let go.

Jeff reached out and touched the barrier next…and received a brief shock of some sorts that made him quickly step back.

“Man you okay?” asked Ness as he moved toward Jeff.

“Ow…no,” said Jeff, stepping to the side.

Poo approached. “…When you touched it nothing happened…” he said to Ness.

“…Don’t ask me,” said Ness. “Maybe…maybe you need to have Psi to touch it or something.”

“…Maybe,” said Poo. “Or maybe…”

“…What?” asked Jeff.

“I’m not sure,” said Poo, “I…”

“THOOM!” screamed through the air, as a quick flash appeared in the room.

The three boys turned in shock…and saw one of Paula’s bolts of Psi Thunder crashing diagonally into the barrier.

The barrier remained.

Paula took a few steps forward.

“THOOM!” shot forth again.

The three boys stepped backwards as the Thunder hit the barrier.

The barrier remained.

“THOOM!” It crashed again into the strong barrier.

A sudden angry frown came over Paula’s face as she gritted her teeth.
She launched another blast of Thunder.

“…THOOM!”

And while the barrier did budge this time…it still held afterwards.

Paula relaxed a bit, holding her head for a few seconds.

Poo tapped Ness’s shoulder, “…Let’s go.”

Ness and Poo stepped over to where Paula was standing. Paula paused, then stepped away. To be on the safe side, Jeff moved behind the other two boys.

Ness and Poo faced the barrier, paused…then simultaneously launched their strongest attacks—Omega style.

The somewhat dark room again lit up, although it was much brighter this time…and Poo’s Starstorm and Ness’s special bombarded the barrier.

The smoke caused by the combined attacks cleared…and the barrier was still there.

“You’re kidding,” said Jeff.

Poo and Ness raised their eyebrows in shock, but remained calm.

“…Just one bad surprise after another,” thought Paula.

“…Well once again it falls to that genius Jeff to save the day,” said Jeff teasingly, as he approached.

“…Got something special in there?” asked Poo.

“Hm, just this,” said Jeff as he opened his bag and pulled out a Multi Bottle Rocket Launcher.

Jeff took a place as Poo and Ness stepped to the side.

Jeff dropped his bag to the floor.

“Bet it won’t work,” said Poo.

“Bet it, will,” said Jeff as he fired.

The Bottle Rocket flew straight…then slammed into the target, making a lot of noise. Ness and the others stepped back, covering their eyes a bit.

Smoke began clearing again.

Poo spoke a bit under his breath next to Paula. “Bet it didn’t work, bet it didn’t work, bet it didn’t work, bet it didn’t work, bet it…didn’t…”

The barrier was still there.

“…It didn’t work,” said Jeff.

Paula looked at Poo.

“I was just…trying to be wrong,” he said with a chuckle.

Paula stared at him.

He continued, “You know, when you really want something to happen so you falsely speak the opposite, hoping…the, the universe…or whatever, will step in and…”

“Okay,” said Paula.

“You know.”

“All right…” she said.

Ness stepped toward the barrier, paused…then launched his strongest attack yet again. The room lit up.

The attack slammed into the glowing field at the door, shaking it a bit, but not producing the desired result.

“What is that thing?” asked Ness quietly.

“…And why was that statue here?” asked Poo.

“…I’ve got, ‘good news,’ so to speak,” said Paula. “The statue’s gone.”

Jeff turned, “Do you know where?”

“…Someplace farther than I can pick up telepathically.”

“It’s got to be connected to what happened in Dalaam,” said Jeff, looking at Poo.

Poo stared back.

Jeff turned, “Ness…what did you mean when you said ‘It’s not a Mani-Mani, it’s worse?’ ”

“Remember what I told you all about—the enemy I faced in my mind that time I was asleep?”

“The Nightmare!” said Poo. “Now I get it.”

“What do you mean?” asked Paula.

“…Well hold on,” said Poo, before teleporting.

The others stared at each other.

About thirty seconds later, Poo reappeared. “I checked the door to the roof…it’s covered with one of those to.”

“That thing thinks it’s clever,” said Jeff, sitting down.

“…Maybe we should try blasting the walls,” said Ness. “I mean it’d take awhile with Psi but…Jeff, you’ve got another rocket don’t you.”

“No,” he frowned, looking at the floor.

“Why didn’t you bring more?” asked Paula, sounding surprised.

“I’m heading away in two days…at least I will be if I ever get out of here. I’ve been dismantling my weapons. I thought all this was over. All I had left was that one.”

Ness paused, then looked back at the barrier.

“Besides,” said Jeff, “who’s going to pay for the property damage if we blast through like that?”

“I suppose no one could penetrate that thing from the outside either,” said Poo.

“…Heading away?” said Ness.

Jeff looked down again.

Ness turned around after not getting an answer, “…Where you heading to?”

“…I…and don’t laugh…but I joined the N.S.S.” said Jeff softly.

“The N.S.S.?” said Ness.

Paula looked surprised.

Poo took a seat as well, “He told me all about it yesterday.”

“I know…I’m probably crazy for doing it right?” said Jeff.

“…I didn’t say that,” said Ness. “I just…wow, man I…” Ness sat on the floor.

“Why’d you join them?” asked Paula, still wearing her ponytail, taking a place a few feet behind Ness.

“I…wanted to do something. So I made a choice. Look, anyway I’ll probably be sent home on the first week of training so…”

Paula pulled her legs up and hugged her knees. Her stare fell to the barrier on the side.

Ness stood up, “Well you’ll never know unless we get out of here.”

“…I know now,” said Jeff with a smile.

“You’ll never know for sure unless…we…”

Ness launched his special again.

The barrier remained.

Ness sighed. “…Boy oh boy.”

Paula had fallen asleep in her spot.

“…I’m running out of Psi,” said Ness.

“I think she’s got the right idea,” said Poo. “Resting will restore it.”

“Yeah but I’m not sleepy, are you?”

Poo slowly shook his head.

Jeff got up and began walking, “…What about…what if Ness used Hypnosis on you Poo? Then…”

“That only has short term effects,” said Ness. “…Unless you’re already kind of sleepy when it hits you.”

Jeff slid his coat under Paula’s head, then walked back over to the other boys.

Ness looked at his companions. Then he stared back at the barrier…as did the other two in silence.

After nearly a minute, Jeff spoke, “…Well at least we don’t have to worry about restrooms.”

Day Three
—Forever

Gentle rain could be heard outside.

Jeff sat on the second floor, watching as Paula came down the steps with a hot dog in hand.

“Is he done yet?”

“No,” she replied. “…Still trying to figure something out…or whatever.”

“Well we know Poo,” Jeff grinned, “…once he starts meditating…”

“…How long have we been in here now?” she asked.

“I…think around twenty six hours, judging by…” Jeff yawned, “…excuse me. I think maybe I need to take my nap now,” he said standing up. “I’m going to…hit that little room upstairs,” he said tossing his coat over his shoulder. “See ‘ya.”

“All right,” said Paula, taking a seat as he walked up the steps.
“…I’m used to not having anyone to really talk to.”

She began eating.

Jeff reached the third floor, and headed for the room.

Downstairs on the first floor, Ness continued leaning on the barrier with both hands, digging his fingers into it after having blasted away all day.

--Around ten minutes later, Jeff opened the door of the small storage room, and walked out with coat in hand and collar undone.

He marched up the steps, until he finally saw Prince Poo, resting against a display of toys on the floor. Poo opened his eyes.

“My people…and Ada are probably worried sick.”

“Yeah…so is Yancy,” said Jeff. He sat down, holding his coat with both hands while leaning against the opposite display. “I was just thinking about something you said earlier.”

“About the Nightmare?” asked Poo.

“…Yeah,” said Jeff.

Poo turned to the side, “…That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out up here.”

Ness walked up the steps to the second floor. “…You know you look real nice with a ponytail,” he grinned.

“Hmm…thanks,” said Paula at the table.

Ness slowly took a seat across from her. “So…what is it? What’s wrong? Besides the obvious,” he grinned.

“…Nothing’s wrong,” said Paula.

“I can tell something’s wrong,” said Ness.

Paula looked at him, then looked off.

“Look if it’s about…the school thing—I don’t want to sound conceited or anything—but if it’s about the school thing…I…”

“I don’t really feel like talking about that,” she grinned for a second.

“…Okay,” said Ness.

Paula played with her ponytail a bit.

Ness shyly brought his stare up the table, looking at her…until she noticed and caused him to look away.

“What?” asked Paula.

“Nothing…” he said, staring at her hands.

Through the clear table, Ness saw Paula cross her legs, shaking her right foot a bit.

He spoke again “…I…I was just wondering…”

Paula turned and stared straight at him.

Ness looked away.

Paula chuckled, “…You want to know why I’m really upset? It’s because…It’s just like I’ve always told you. My powers have made me live a lonely life.”

“I know I…”

“It’s getting lonelier.”

“…No, no it’s not, I…”

“…You’re growing up. I’m growing up. We’re all growing up. People grow up, and they grow apart.”

Ness was quiet.

“It’s a reality. It has to happen sooner or later. It’s necessary, because you can’t have it all.”

“Jeff…I think I know why your hand was hurt by that barrier and not any of ours,” said Poo.

“…” Jeff looked at Poo and raised his eyebrows, “Why?”

“…I know…in Dalaam we know the legend of Mani-Mani…and of it’s alternate forms.”

“Meaning what?”

“I think this is directly linked to you Jeff.”

“…Meaning what?”

“Help me understand…help me understand what I can do for you,” said Ness, who hesitated, then slowly reached across the table.

Paula moved her hands while talking, “I can’t answer that…there’s nothing you can do for me anymore. From now on—after we get out of this one that is—we’re going to be on our own. I’ve got to…learn to live like that.”

Ness casually took his other hand and placed it on the one on the table, “I just mean…”

Paula leaned forward a bit.

“The short version goes a little like this,” said Poo, “…the Mani-Mani has a spiritual form as well as a physical…called a Nightmare. It’s powered by the negative energies emitting from the one who creates it.”

“…I didn’t create anything,” said Jeff.

“Maybe not consciously,” said Poo. “But, listen man, there are a few prerequisites involved as well. It’s said that the person has to have a Psi essence. And the creation can only happen in a very spiritual place.”

“So I…I don’t have Psi…” said Jeff shaking his head.

“…What’s a very spiritual place that we’ve all been?”

“…The sanctuaries,” said Jeff. “But I don’t have Psi.”

“Maybe not…but…” Poo sat up a little, “You remember that realm you guys told me about? In this very city right?”

“…Moonside?”

“Yeah… …that was brought about by a Mani-Mani statue right?” Poo’s hands touched the floor, “Long term exposure to a Mani-Mani.”

“But…that doesn’t explain everything,” said Jeff.

“Tell me what’s…” Ness paused, “tell me what else is bothering you,” he said shyly.

“…I went to the University in Onett the other day…to sign up for the fall,” said Paula, who stood up and began walking.

“…What?” said Ness in the chair. He got up, “Wait…”

Paula was walking up to the third floor.

Ness followed. “Paula…I didn’t…wait a minute talk to me.”

“I can’t…this hurts too much,” she said.

“Paula wait a minute…”

“Negative?” said Jeff.

“Jeff…just who’s been doubting…wait I get it now,” said Poo. “…I think I get it now.”

“What is it?” asked Jeff.

“You’ve been doubting getting into the N.S.S.”

“…So?”

“So…” Poo heard Ness and Paula downstairs, then turned back to Jeff. “Let me ask you something: The way you’ve been doubting yourself lately…did you ever have those same doubts…in a sanctuary?”

“…I don’t know.”

“Come on man, the truth. You could help me out here too.”

Jeff was quiet.

“…Jeff.”

“You want the truth?” said Paula.

“Yes,” said Ness, standing before her.

“…The truth is…that I think the truth is coming out on it’s own.”

“What does that mean?” asked Ness in a whisper, bending a bit and touching his knees.

“…I wanted someone, that I could be close to…that I could talk to. Someone who wouldn’t treat me extra special, or ask about my powers every ten minutes, or pretend, you know, that things were normal when they were really tense about being in the same room with me.”

“Okay. We’ve been through that.”

“I gave up on that wish a long time ago Ness.”

“You don’t have to. You…”

“And then you showed up in my dream that night.”

“I’m right here Paula. I promise on…on anything I’ll listen to you right now, or whenever you want me to.”

“Why? To do me a favor?”

“No!”

They were silent.

“…It’s not like that and you know it,” he continued. “I don’t have time to pity anyone else.”

“Because you’re too busy…” she held her tongue and looked down a bit, “you know you said you’d try to open up a bit more.”

“…I have.”

“No you tried to.”

“I have.”

“Then why are you running away from me?”

Ness drew back a bit.

“Scared. When that goat showed up out of nowhere you were scared,” said Poo.

“I wasn’t the only one.”

“Yeah but it was from Winters.” said Poo. “Jeff I’m going to ask you this again: Was there ever a moment—even if just for a little while—that you doubted yourself in a sanctuary?”

“…Once…” said Jeff.

“When? Where?” asked Poo.

“…The one right back there actually,” said Jeff. “There’s one right behind this store.”

Poo’s eyebrows flinched a little…and he looked to the side.

“See at that point…I kept thinking about how, powerful, Psi was…and I got the very real feeling that my days could be numbered. I knew the enemies were going to get tougher, I wasn’t sure how much longer my weapons would work on them…we had,” Jeff sat up a little and frowned a bit behind his glasses, “we had gotten into that lair under ridiculously simple terms—and I’ve always been taught, trained, to use my mind when there’s a dilemma. Man when I saw how easy Ness had gotten us there…it touched me. It told me something. I learned that you don’t have to be a ‘genius’ to solve a problem. That some answers are just right in front of you.”

Jeff looked up at Poo and smiled.

“That may sound odd to you, but to my type it’s quite a blow to the ego,” he continued. “But I kept it to myself. I don’t know maybe, maybe between all that I did, manage to doubt myself a bit. A bit being a whole lot…since it was one of the few times it ever happened in my life.”

“…And now it’s happening again,” said Poo.

“And now it’s happening again.”

“You know I almost signed up for the fall semester the other day—when I was at the school in Onett,” said Paula. “I almost signed…but I didn’t.”

“…You didn’t,” said Ness.

“…I didn’t. And then…the very next day you show up and tell me you’re not going there.”

Ness dug his hands in his pockets and looked away.

“…What does that mean Ness?” asked Paula.

“A sanctuary is a place of serenity…a place of great importance and power. A place of light…chosen by destiny to aid in the protection of this planet,” said Poo.

“…There was a time when I wouldn’t have believed any of that if I hadn’t seen, and felt it with my own eyes…and heart,” said Jeff.

“Yes well…we live in times of disbelief and sophistication. Of credit cards and cable TV. Of ambition, and the resulting technological breakthrough. Between the subway and the stock market people have little time to care about what they don’t understand…and are hesitant to accept it if they do,” said Poo. “People are probably never going to appreciate everything we’ve seen and been through Jeff. They’re glad that it’s over, they ask you questions, they make you offers, so that they can cash in…but only we can ever know what saving the world really was. That’s because we were there. …And during that…I think we all had certain feelings going on.
For you it was self-doubt. For me it was…”

“…What?”

“…I’m guessing the statue is linked to certain feelings that went on, when we were in the sanctuaries. And I’m guessing that’s what happens when you bring a certain amount of negativity with you to one of them…when you have the power of Psi…or when you’ve been exposed to a Mani-Mani for too long.”

“…Ness and Paula told me, a certain story about Happy-Happy Village,” said Jeff.

“Happy, Happy, Village,” said Poo seriously.

“Yeah it was where…they first met.”

“Paula I still want…” Ness hesitated.

Paula was looking at him sweetly.

*Paula: Ness just tell me.*

“So what does…how do these enemies keep appearing?” asked Jeff.

“…That’s something I need to study more on…which means I need to get my butt out of this store,” said Poo quietly.

“And you can take mine with you while you’re at it,” said Jeff, thinking about the training date he was going to miss. “…Wait a minute…” said Jeff.

Jeff began concentrating.

“What…?” asked Poo.

“…I…”

Suddenly Jeff was cut off by the arrival of two more Gruff Goats—appearing out of thin air.

Jeff and Poo sprung up.

“Guys!” called Poo downstairs.

On the other side of Ness and Paula appeared several Starmen and Starmen Supers…as well as one Starman DX.

Paula stepped back while grabbing Ness’s elbow for a few seconds…then glanced at him to be sure he was ready.

Jeff pulled out his blaster and aimed, while slowly backing off alongside Poo.

The Gruff Goats charged together, making both boys very nervous…but not quite enough.

Poo immediately fired Starstorm, and the powerful attack bombarded both animals in their tracks.

Jeff began firing at one of the goats, stunning it in place. He stopped as it reeled, then began again as it charged towards him. The goat managed to avoid the shots while continuing it’s path.

Jeff dodged out of the way and began rolling immediately after hitting the floor. He stood up and ran, trying to get as much distance as possible.

Poo launched forth a shot of Psi Thunder…which missed the animal charging towards him. Poo teleported just before the goat could make contact…reappearing on the other side of the floor.

Down below, Paula dodged beam after beam being fired by the standard level Starmen, finally finding time to retaliate while running. A large, powerful wave of Fire emerged, quickly surprising and hitting the Starmen focusing on her.

At some point while avoiding their attacks, Ness actually got in close, and physically took the fight to his enemies. A right-handed swing sent one Starman to the floor. Another was hit by a kick, then grabbed by the arm and tossed downward.

Suddenly Ness felt a quick, cold impact from behind. Afterwards, Ness found he couldn’t move.

“…Ness,” said Paula, who launched a bolt of Thunder at the Starman behind the attack.

A few of the other Starmen dematerialized before Paula, who was having a great deal of trouble keeping up with them and worrying about Ness at the same time.

Paula waited…then saw a few Starmen appearing on her left. She immediately sent another wave of Fire their way, managing to strike a few. The others disappeared again.

Paula looked around nervously. The Starmen reappeared again, and were greeted with blasts of Thunder, which shot down from the roof. Many, including the leader, managed to avoid the attack by fading out almost as quickly as they appeared. One other was struck down by the powerful shot…lying still for a few seconds before fading out.

Ness began to feel the ice around him weaken, and assumed the attack hadn’t been that powerful.

Upstairs, several shots from Jeff’s beam weapon collided with the goat rushing him…doing just enough damage to end the battle. The goat faded out.
Jeff sighed, then looked over towards the escalators—where the other goat was still charging Poo.

Poo launched another bolt of Thunder…which missed. The goat got in very close again.

Downstairs, around five of the weakened Starmen finally caught up with Paula, materializing all around her.

A stunned Paula quickly turned in several directions, before being grabbed by one of them and held by the others.

The Starman DX turned to Ness and launched his own ‘Starstorm.’

Just as the goat was within inches of striking Poo, a final shot of Thunder made a direct hit. …The goat stopped in it’s tracks, then disappeared.

“…Come on Jeff!” called Poo across the floor as he began running to the escalators.

The ice ‘melted’ and Ness teleported just before the Starstorm could connect. He reappeared right in front of the escalators, seeing the other Starmen holding Paula. One of which launched a blast of Psi Fire as Ness began running, which sent him rolling backwards.

Poo arrived at the top of the escalators, and was greeted with a shot of ‘Starstorm’ from the leader below.

Poo teleported from the steps…and the attack connected with Jeff, who valiantly threw his hands up in defense, but was painfully thrown a few feet backwards on the top floor.

Poo appeared by Ness, who was pulling himself up.

The Starman DX walked and stood just in front of the group holding Paula.

Suddenly, Paula lifted her legs and thrust both feet into the leader’s back, making him stumble to one knee.

She looked straight at Ness and Poo, “Take your shots. SHOOT!”

Mere seconds later, Poo and Ness launched their respective strongest attacks at Omega level.

The Starman DX stood up. He, his soldiers, and Paula were all bombarded by the loud blasts.

Ness and Poo threw up their guards and took a few steps backward. Jeff reappeared at the top of the steps and slowed down a bit…then stood where he was.

The boys held their glances before them.

…And emerging from the thick smoke was a mystical pink glow.

Jeff walked downstairs, sharing an unspoken feeling of relief and awe with his comrades. Ness and Poo watched closely as Paula came into sight and removed her shield, completely unharmed by their best efforts.

“…I smell Starmen in the air,” said Ness casually as he adjusted his belt.

“…Starmen,” said Poo as he looked at Jeff. “That one was from the base in Winters.”

Jeff looked upwards for a few seconds. “…I think you were right Poo. I mean…it’s a really scary though, but…”

“…Right about what?” asked Ness.

“…The statue that was here…I’m linked to it somehow,” said Jeff.

“What?” asked Paula.

“I mean I just concentrated just now and…sorry guys. I didn’t mean for it to get that out of hand. I didn’t even know it would really work,” he continued.

“What do you mean?” asked Ness.

--Around fifteen minutes later, Jeff and Poo had filled their comrades in on their knowledge and theories about the statues.

Jeff was silent.

“…So maybe that explains why it’s called a Nightmare,” said Ness.

“See but that still doesn’t explain why these monsters are appearing. Is it because this area is the source? And where could they appear next? …And where did the Nightmare run to? We just have theories,” said Poo. “I’m going to find out more once we get out…if we could only get out.”

Jeff remained quiet.

“…I’m trying to pick it up telepathically again,” said Paula.

“…How about we just break a window upstairs and yell for someone to call the fire department?” said Ness.

Jeff was still quiet.

“Remember we went over that kind of idea? Once the people trying to save us find that barrier they’ll get scared, and the world will end up thinking another invasion is about to start,” said Poo. “I’d like to get out too, but I’d also like to avoid that kind of panic.”

“You really are going to make a good King,” said Ness.

Jeff said nothing.

Paula sighed, “It’s probably going to get out soon anyway…if it hasn’t already. I mean our battles have been restricted to in here and Dalaam…but we don’t know what kind of other damage that statue’s done.”

Jeff noticed something.

Ness spoke again, “If only teleportation…”

“Hey guys…” said Jeff.

The three looked at him.

“…Try hitting it now.”

Everyone faced the barrier…and sure enough, it wasn’t flashing quite as brightly as before.

“What…” Paula stood up.

So did Ness and Poo.

“Okay on three,” said Ness.

The others took positions.

“One…two…three.”

The attacks flew yet again. A shot of Paula’s strongest Thunder was accompanied by Poo’s Starstorm Omega, and Ness’s Omega.

…The smoke cleared…the barrier was gone.

“…Yes!” said Ness.

A smile came over Paula’s face as she looked at the result and glanced at Ness.

“How?” asked an excited Poo.

“I…I just thought about the situation…as we’ve summed it up,” said Jeff. “I mean I was connected to it, as evidenced by the way my hand reacted. And also by how those things appeared in here. I noticed that happened…after I stopped and really did some negative thinking.”

Ness spoke, “So you…”

“I did the opposite. I stopped doubting myself and thought positively. I thought extremely positive thoughts and motivated myself…for this thing coming up tomorrow,” said Jeff.

“I think I really get it now,” said Poo. “The attacks in Dalaam. They were brought about…by me.”

Ness and Paula turned to him.

“…By my thoughts. I’ve had my share of concerns lately as well. …And Pink Cloud was when I did have a negative moment in sanctuary. I…wait a minute.”

“What’s wrong?” asked Paula.

“I’ve got to get back to Dalaam.”

“We can go with you,” said Ness.

Jeff picked up his bag and strapped it on.

They all began running up the steps.

“Oh boy I think I’m already getting too old for this stuff,” said Poo. “Perhaps settling into my new position isn’t going to be so bad after all.”

“Hah. Don’t tell me you’re tired,” said Jeff. “You were dressed in that training outfit when you picked me up. Do you ever go a week without working out?”

“Probably not,” grinned Paula.

“Well…” said Ness skipping a few steps, “something tells me that if I’d had my cap things would have somehow, someway gone better in here,” he smiled.

“…You look nice without it,” said Paula.

“Thanks,” he chuckled.

The barrier blocking the entrance to the roof had also been weakened, and was blown away in the same fashion.

Paula opened the door…and felt the wind on her face. “Fresh air at last!” she shouted.

“Oh man this feels good,” said Ness as he and the others stepped outside.

Just before leaving, Paula remembered to send a telepathic signal, freeing the store owner’s mind to reopen the business.

The four stood nervously on the roof…and Poo teleported them all away.

-Dalaam

Just after a loud gong was heard in the palace, Prince Poo arrived outside via a flash of teleportation…and touched down on the ground. He began running towards the cave.

Following him was Jeff, who also arrived in a flash, then dropped the short distance to the ground. With bag strapped over his shoulder and blaster in tow, he rushed after Poo.

Jeff had barely taken a step when Paula flashed on the scene, and landed. She pulled her hair down, reached into her pocket, then ran after him.

The boy named Ness appeared just after her, dropping down to one knee as he touched the ground and the brief light about him faded. The wind blew Ness’s short hair as he stood up, and quickly followed his companions.

The citizens watching looked in awe…then began following them.

Paula turned around “I can tell you now there’s nothing in there,” she said after the group had waited at the entrance.

“…You’re sure?” said Poo.

“I’m sure,” she said patting him on the shoulder as she passed. “You can search it if you want…but whatever was in there—whether it was caused by a statue or not—it’s gone now.”

Jeff looked at Poo for a few seconds, then looked towards the entrance.

“…I guess we’ll have to catch up with them later then,” said Ness.

Poo looked at the entrance, then turned around and looked at the citizens standing by.
…Then he took a breath and looked up towards the sky.

--A little bit later, after phone calls had been made and it had gotten dark in Dalaam, the four sat on top of Poo’s palace, looking out at the country.

“I never imagined this could be so enjoyable,” said Jeff.

“Yeah…” Poo smiled at the distance.

“I could get used to this. This being outside business,” grinned Paula.

“…That was…quite different,” said Ness.

“And you know what I learned from it?” said Jeff. “Sometimes the simple answer…really is the right one,” he smiled.

“Too bad it’ll probably be getting trickier from this point,” said Poo.

“Yeah…”said Paula. A breeze blew threw her hair. “…But really guys,” she smiled, “what did we learn from that?”

“What do you mean?” asked Jeff.

“We were in yet another difficult, scary, almost hopeless situation…and we fought back. Together,” she spoke. “We hung in there and overcame it…because that’s what we do. It’s who we are together.”

“…That’s true,” said Ness.

Poo grinned.

“…People grow…things change,” said Paula, “I mean look at us. …But our friendship…it’s seemingly something different. It’s the exception. And it’s not about luck, or skill, or even destiny…and I’m not just saying this because I’m happy to be out.”

Ness had turned to Paula.

She continued. “No matter what happens I…just have this feeling that the friendship…at least in spirit will be…”

“…Forever,” said Poo softly.

“…Something like that,” chuckled Paula, soon letting out a light sigh. Then she slowly frowned a bit.

“…Come on guys,” said Ness, extending his hand with a slight grin.

Poo and Jeff waited.

Paula glanced at them a bit…then placed her hand over Ness’s. She stared at him right afterwards. Ness grinned at her. Paula looked away a bit, but quickly grinned back.
Jeff placed his hand over Paula’s, then Poo placed his over Jeff’s.

They all brought their other hands in as well…and held their position for a little while.

No matter what the future held, they knew they’d always remember this night.

-Twoson

The four friends—Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo—stood in front of Polestar Preschool.

“Well I’ve…got to get back,” said Poo. “I’ve got another destiny to fulfill.”

“Aw…” Paula embraced him, “I’m going to miss calling you ‘Prince Poo.’ But you’re going to do fine as King.”

“Thanks,” he said hugging her back.

“And I’ve got to get up early tomorrow…make that today,” said Jeff. “I’ve got to go and get whatever hours I can.”

“Lucky you…being already done with school and all,” Paula hugged Jeff.

“Hmm…I’m not so…oh wait, wait! …I don’t want to start thinking like that again,” he patted Paula’s back and let her go.

Ness chuckled and slapped hands with Jeff. “Yeah and I’ve…got to get back to Twinbrook before they really get mad at me.”

Paula paused.

“Why don’t you come with me?” Ness asked Paula

“I…” she stopped. “I want to…but I agreed to help my dad on one more project,” she frowned.

“I’ll have less personal time from now on,” said Poo. “But as soon as any of you even think you feel the presence of those things…”

They all stayed quiet.

“Well just try to keep thinking positive,” said Poo. “I’ll learn what I can in the meanwhile.”

“Yeah,” said Jeff. “Hallll right then,” he moaned. “Paula take care, I’ll see you soon. Ness, buddy…” they shook hands again, “stay out of trouble.”

“All right. See you when I see you,” said Ness going into a hug. “We’re proud of you man.”

“Ness?” said Poo extending his hand.

“Good luck,” smiled Ness as he took it.

Paula looked on as her face became a little warm.

Poo soon teleported Jeff back to Winters, then himself back home.

“…Look uh…that stuff I was saying earlier,” said Paula.

“I can come back to see you tomorrow,” said Ness taking her hands.

Paula stood still and closed her eyes for a few seconds.

“You okay?”

“Yeah,” she said stamping her foot a bit. “No. No you’re supposed to be on vacation.”

“It’s okay I can just slip away and come here,” said Ness.

“I’m going to be working…probably,” she said. “It’d just be boring for you.”

“Don’t you…” Ness paused, “don’t you still want to hang out?”

Paula looked at the ground.

Ness was a little nervous.

“Yes…I want to be with you Ness,” she said looking at his face.

“…Okay then…” he said.

“But maybe we should wait until spring break’s over.”

“…Paula…”

She smiled at the ground, then looked up and brushed a bit of his hair.

Ness sighed, “Yeah…maybe.”

He let go of her hands…and Paula held them where they had been for a second.

“See you later,” she said with one of her sweet smiles.

Ness looked at her grinning…then teleported.

Paula walked inside, locked up, and went up to her room…trying to be as quiet as possible like she had promised her parents on the phone.

Later that night, Paula rested her head on her desk, with both arms crossed in front of her mouth.

She tried sensing Poo’s presence telepathically, and couldn’t.

She tried sensing Jeff’s presence telepathically, and couldn’t.

She tried sensing Ness’s presence telepathically, and couldn’t.

Paula’s face turned a bit red and slow tears rolled down her cheeks.

She closed her eyes, and buried her face in her arms.

—To be continued…