One morning Ness woke up to a nice beautiful day. He ran to the calendar and jumped for joy when he realized what day it
was. It was his birthday. He will be 17 today. He was extra happy because he would finally get to see his girlfriend Paula after
a long school year. See, after there first adventure, they realized they had feelings for each other and started to date. He quickly
got dressed into his lucky shirt and pants. (He considers them lucky because that's when he and Paula first kissed.) After
getting dressed he started down the stairs to get breakfast. On the way down King pounced on Ness and started licking his
face. "Stop it King, down!' said Ness. King's dog stepped off him and gave Ness a look that would say "Happy birthday".
"Thanks boy" said Ness using his mental powers to read his dog's mind. Hearing his stomach growl Ness continued his way
down the stairs. As Ness walked into the kitchen he was greeted by his mom, Stacey, and his little sister, Tracy. "Happy
birthday Ness!" they both said. Ness looked around the room and suddenly became disappointed. "Where is Dad?" Ness said.
"He had to go on a sudden business trip. He didn't say where, but he did say that if he didn't go he'd be in big trouble. Im sorry
honey" Stacey said. "ARG!" yelled Ness. "He's never here on my birthday. I wish he would just quit his job. I made enough
money from killing off those monsters that we could live lavishly for the rest of our lives." "You know how much he loves his
job, being able to travel around and see new things." said Stacey. "I know, but....." Ness replied. "Don't get so down big bro."
Tracy said. "The trip to the new paintball arena will cheer you up" "I'd rather have Dad here then go to the arena."said Ness.
Ness doesn't get to see his dad much. He has only been home on Ness's birthday about 2 or 3 times. Those were when he was
very young so he doesn't remember them much. "Its a good thing you saved the world and all, said Tracy, or we wouldn't be
going to this place anyway."

                                                                               ~{]xxxxxxxxxxxx[}~

After breakfast Ness went back to his room. He thought about what his sister said, about him saving the world. Of course it
couldn't have been done without Paula, Jeff, and Poo though. His thoughts wandered to his photo album that was taken by the
mysterious "Fuzzy Pickles" man. He pulled it out from under his bed and began flipping through the pages. He laughed at some
of the pictures. His favorite was the one where the photographer dropped from the sky so suddenly it scared Paula into tripping
into his arms. He had taken the picture just as Ness had caught her. Ness finished looking at the album and put it back under
his bed. He went to his dresser and grabbed his wallet. Ness glanced at his watch and read the time. 10:30. 1 hour and a half
until the party. "I guess ill go blow some time in town." thought Ness. He grabbed his pack, put his trusty Gutsy Bat in it and left
for town.
                                                                               ~{]xxxxxxxxxxxx[}~

Ness began strolling down the path to town smelling the sweet, fresh air around him. Ness was kinda disappointed that *all*
the possessed creatures were gone. He wasn't in that great of shape, and was slowly loosing strength in his PSI powers from
lack of use. Ness made a mental note to find a way to practice. As Ness was getting closer to town, he spotted his friend
Picky. Picky was Pokey's brother. Pokey is a stupid, fat, pig like human being that caused trouble for Ness and his friends. He
was caught up in the giant explosion caused by Giygas's defeat and was presumed dead. Ness and his friends barely made it
out alive. When Ness reached to where Picky was standing he noticed that he was shaking. He looked a bit scared. "What's up
Picky?" said Ness. "I have some bad news" replied Picky. "Pokey is alive." There was a strange silence at the mention of those
words. On reaction Ness grabbed his bat from his pack and blurted out, "Where is he!?" "Calm down." said Picky startled.
"He disappeared. I saw him walk out of our house and fly away in weird machine." The memory of Pokey's annoying
spidermech was brought back to his mind. "What did it look like" Ness said. "Well....lemme think for a moment" Pokey said.
"It was about as big as you. The middle was a dome and it had 2 wings out from the sides. Under the wings there were round
rings that sorta looked like a stack of pancakes. There was also a plane tail attached to the back with the same rings on it as
on the wings." Ness took a few seconds to process the information. "Thanks for the warning" Ness said. "Any idea what he
could be up to?" asked Picky. "Yes, the only obvious thing. Revenge." answered Ness.

 
                                                                                    >~Chapter 2~<
                                                                                   Unfriendly Reunion

Ness finally entered town. He quickly crossed the street and stepped onto the side walk. As he passed a familiar fence by a
familiar arcade he heard a familiar voice call his name. A man jumped the fence and landed behind him. He was wearing a red
suit with the jacket only held closed with one button. He had a white undershirt on and a necklace of a red tipped dagger
around his neck. He was wearing sunglasses which he took off and hung on his shirt. "Happy birthday Ness!" said the man.
"Thanks Frank" replied Ness. It was Frank Fly, former gang leader of the sharks. "What you been up to?" said Ness. "I've
been organizing a food drive for the poor." said Frank. After Ness fought with Frank and won, Frank realized the wrong
doings of his gang and turned it around to become a *good gang*. "Well good for you." said Ness. "I got you a birthday
present" said Frank. "I new money wouldn't have been a good idea, considering your now rich after all those battles. I never
could figure out how those monsters had so much money." continued Frank. "Well anyway, here's your present." Frank handed
Ness a small black box. "I've got to get back so ill see you later." Frank jumped back over the fence. Ness yelled a thank you
to him as he continued to walk down the street.

                                                                                 ~{]xxxxxxxxxxxx[}~
 

Ness continued to walk around town when he came up to the seaside cliff. Ness sat down next to a tree and looked around.
He saw the remnants of the run down house that a sales person tried to sell him. It was torn down when noone wanted to buy
it. The property it was on though was sold for a cheaper value and Ness bought it and was going to build a house for himself
later. Ness took the black box that was given to him and opened it. Inside was a small microchip looking thing and some
instructions. They read.....  Damage Amplifier. Attach to desired object. When used with force the damage taken is multiplied 5
times. "Cool" said Ness. He took the Amplifier and stuck it to his bat. Ness took a few practice swings and then got ready to
attack the tree. *swooosh* SMAAAAAAAAAASH *CRACK* The bat swung with precision and cracked the tree in half.
"Dang" Ness said silently to himself. As he was examining the tree he glanced at his watch.12:15. "Holy CRAP!" yelled Ness.
"Being late for my own birthday party, how embarrassing." Ness started running to his house as fast as he could.

                                                                                 ~{]xxxxxxxxxxxx[}~

Ness ran home following a path that he has used often. Ness reached the path from town to his home and continued running.
As he was running he noticed a shadow in front of him. *swoosh* "OOOF". A large metal mass slammed into the back off
Ness. Ness hit the ground hard. Spiting dirt out of his mouth Ness stood back up. He saw in front of him the strange machine
that Picky had described to him earlier. Pokey's machine. A hatch appeared out of nowhere and opened up from the machine.
Pokey jumped out of the machine and landed about 5 feet from Ness. An evil grin appeared on Pokey's face. "Well, well, well.
What have we here" said Pokey. "Im not looking for a fight" said Ness. "Nor am I", said Pokey, "Though im sure we will be
fighting in the future." "Look Pigey, excuse me, I mean Pokey, Im already late to get home so just tell me what you want" said
Ness. "Hoink, Hoink Hoink," laughed Pokey, "Insults? Now Ness, no need to be rude. Im curious as to how strong you've
become over the past few years." Ness pulled out his Gutsy bat. "Wanna try me" Ness said confidently. "With the amplifier he
wont stand a chance" thought Ness. "Hoink, Hoink, Hoink," laughed Pokey. Pokey jumped into his machine and the hatch
closed. A speaker slowly moved up from the top of the machine. "Ness, meet Hovermech." boomed the speaker.The
Hovermech slowly rose into the air. "I have something to tell you before I go." said the speaker. "I have kidnaped your beloved
Paula" "WHAT DID YOU SAY!" screamed Ness instantly enraged. "If you follow these instructions you will find my castle." A
small canister dropped from the bottom of the Hovermech. "She is inside the castle. Come for her there." "If you lay a finger on
her I will rip you to pieces." yelled Ness. Pokey smiled a sick little grin. "O don't worry, I won't. Hoink, Hoink, Hoink!" Ness
was angry. He had never been more angry in his life. He was even more angry then he was at Giygas. Energy began to radiate
around Ness's body. Red, blue, green, and yellow sparkles flouted around him. "PSI SPECIAL OMEGA!" The strongest PSI
attack Ness had was unleashed on Pokey. BBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM! There was a loud
explosion that sent Pokey hurling away. Ness slumped down on the ground and passed out.
 

                                                                                  >~Chapter 3~<
                                                                                      Departure

Ness woke up with a start. His body ached and his mouth was dry. He had a headache like he hadn't had in awhile. "Over use
of PSI." thought Ness. Looking around, he realized he was in his room. On a his desk next to his bed was a glass of water and
some aspirin. He swallowed the pills and water in one gulp. There was a small metal box on the desk lying next to the glass.
Ness picked it up and examined it. It look's like a container thought Ness. Putting in into his pocket, he started down the stairs.
As he reached the bottom he heard his mom gasp and yell, "Ness is awake!" Jeff and Poo came out of the kitchen and Tracy
came from outside. They huddled in the living room as his mom rushed to him. "Ness, Ness, what happened to you!" She
hugged her son then sat down in a chair. "We heard a loud noise and ran out to find you passed out on the ground." said Jeff.
"We took you back here and your mom put you to bed." said Poo. Ness explained what had happened on his way home.
Everyone looked grim after the explanation. "I sensed something like this would happen." said Poo. "I guess I was to late in
telling you guys about it." "That's all right Poo." said Ness. Pulling out the small box, Ness tossed it to Jeff. "This was given to
me from Pokey. It's some sort of container. Can you open it?" "Simple." answered Jeff. Flipping the box around Jeff found a
little button and pressed it. One end of the container opened and a piece of paper fell out. Picking it up, Ness read what it said.
"Hello there Ness. Here are the instructions to get to my castle. Go to the Giant Step and step on it. The teleporter there will
take you to the castle." "Sounds easy enough." said Jeff. "You guys still have your weapons?" asked Ness. "Of course." replied
his friends. Jeff pulled out his Gaia Beam and Poo unsheathed his Sword of Kings. "Good, because we are leaving right now."

The path to Giant Step was composed of a series of rat and bug infested caves. The population of these filthy creatures
mysteriously decreased after Ness had left the cave during his first adventure, but now it was back to normal. The boys had
relatively easy time getting through the cave. Once through though, it was breathtaking. The Giant Step valley was filled with
flowers over every kind. There was a rejuvenating mist in the air that seemed to soothe the boys. Birds played in the flowers
and sung in the trees. Ness had some enjoyable memories here. As they made there way to the Giant Step notices a path of
broken and squashed flowers. "Pokey sure was here" commented Ness. When they reached the Step there was a machine
attached to it. It looked a little beat up. Jeff examined it. "It looks like a teleporter of some kind." stated Jeff. "It also looks
broken." " Can you fix it?" asked Poo. "Yeah, but it may take awhile." replied Jeff. "You guys ought to go practice fighting on
some mice or something." "Good idea." said Ness. Ness and Poo left Jeff to his work and walked back into the cave.

THWACK! The last of a group of antoids fell to the ground. The area of the cave was littered with bodies of dead antoids and
rowdy mouse. Ness wiped sweat from his brow. "Lets rest." suggested Poo. Ness cleared a spot and sat down. "This cave sure
has changed." said Ness. "I wouldn't know" said Poo. It was Poo's first time in the cave. He joined the group way after Ness
had been here. Now thinking about it, Ness realized none of his friends had been here. Ness noticed a new cavern. "That was
never there before." said Ness. "Lets check it out." offered Poo. The two boys got up and proceeded into the cavern. As they
made there way the cave bent out ward into a large circular end. It looked to be a dead end. "Nothing." said Ness. "I wouldn't
be so sure. Look up" said Poo. Ness craned his head upward a saw tons and tons of silky spider webs. Ness noticed some
movement. "I think there's something up there" said Poo. "I have and idea. Paula showed me how to use it." said Ness. Ness
yelled and pointed, "PSI Fire!" A red light began building on Ness hand then shot out towards a section of the web. I burst into
flame and stared spreading rapidly among the rest of the web. Out of the top most part of the web came a ear piercing scream.
"EAEAEAERRRRG!!!!"  All of a sudden, a huge spider fell from the ceiling. As it fell it ripped the burning web from the ceiling
with it, covering it in a burning mass. "EAEAEAERRRRG!!!!" screamed the creature. Seeing the only thing that could have
caused it, the creature charged at boys, ignoring the pain of the burning webs around it. Ness and Poo barely made it out of the
way, each dodging on opposite sides. The spider whirled around and spotted Poo. Poo unsheathed his sword. The spider
screamed again and shot silk web, hoping to trap Poo against the wall. With skill, Poo slashed the flying string with his sword
into pieces. Enraged that its attack didn't work, it turned on its other enemy. Seeing this, Ness pulled out his bat and charged,
ready to try out his new amplifier. Ness jumped into that air and swung at the spider's head. The spider brought up two legs to
block. When the bat hit the spiders leg's were broken in half. "EAEAEAERRRRG!!!!" screamed the spider in pain. Green
acidic goo spewed out of the open wounds. Realizing it was going to loose, the spider tried one last attack. It shot web at full
speed at Ness. Ness was struck with the web and flung to the wall. The burning web on the spider caught the web being spit
out and trailed towards Ness, intent on burning him alive. Poo saw what was happening and sliced the rope just in time.
Sheathing his sword, he concentrated. Balls of purple and red light began swirling around him. They multiplied into a large
mass, then were thrown violently forward towards the burning spider. "PSI STARSTORM ALPHA" yelled Poo. The balls of
light connected with the spider and blew up into a blinding flash of light. The spider screamed his death cry and blew to pieces.
Ness wiggled himself free of the web and walk over to an exhausted Poo. "That was AWESOME!" said Ness. "I love the
feeling of battle." "It almost got you killed" replied Poo. "Naww. I used PSI shield when I saw the fire coming. It would burned
around me"

Ness and Poo walked out of the cave back to the Giant Step. They rested on the soft grass until Jeff was finished. "I think its
fixed." Jeff said. The three boys got up and stood around the Giant Step. "Well we will get nowhere looking at it." said Ness.
"On three?" "All right." said Jeff and Poo. "One." said Ness. "Two." said Jeff. "Three." said Poo. The three boys stepped onto
the Step and in a blinding flash they were gone.