The Fifth, Part 3: A Matter of Pride

This chapter takes place on January 28.

Pit of 100 Trials

The Darknut brought its claymore down upon Cheren, the boy struggling to block it with the Haki concentrated in his dagger. The Darknut pulled back and stabbed lower, but Cheren sensed this attack and leapt onto the weapon, quickly yanking its helmet off and beheading the demon. Cheren gasped for breath, his sweat mixed with blood and mud. At his back, four Lizalfos and 10 Moblin lay dead. Cheren saw yet another Memo Stone and a graphite rock available for carving. He decided to write on it.

Cheren's Log, Floor 32. I have no idea how long I've been down here. The walls of this Sheikah-made dungeon provide artificial light. The rooms keep changing environments, from forests, jungles, lava, snow, water, desert, even storms, and it all feels natural. My body struggles to adjust to these changing temperatures and atmospheres. And yet, I force myself to press on. But… why? Why do all this just to prove I'm strong enough to lead them? Bisky told me all my friends were captured, but is that really true? Did she only say that to motivate me?

I just can't believe it. I can't believe all my strong and reliable operatives could be beaten. I know more than anyone how good they are. So, why…why do they even need a leader like me? Especially one that has to go through all this. But what if they really were captured? Is it because I wasn't around? Because I left for this training? Either way, maybe I really don't deserve to lead. Maybe they want a new leader…

Cheren dropped the rock after finishing the memo. There were, of course, other memos written by many who've attempted the pit. Memos like, 'Tell my family I love them,' 'My one regret is never returning that baseball,' or 'Follow DSP on Twitch!'

"Sigh…" Cheren limped over some bushes in search for the elevator down. …Then, he noticed something glowing green. Curious, Cheren approached those bushes and looked over. It was a Riddler Trophy. "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!"

Planet Historia

A report was sent to the Galactic Forces from Superbia, claiming that a Kremling base had been established on a certain coastline. After some investigating, the soldiers received special permission to land on the planet and destroy every trace of technology in the base. Unfortunately, the Kremlings caught wind of the attack, so Flying Krocks were sent to combat the ships, giving the Kremlings enough time to clear out the base's contents, load them onto ships, and flee.

What the soldiers didn't realize was this invasion provided the perfect cover for the Slag Pirates to make landing. They raided a near-abandoned village built on a poisoned river as the twin Rusty Petes carried a purple-haired Japanese girl onto their ship. "CEASE! BACK HERE, thou metal monsters!" bellowed an obese, long-nosed man. "What dost thou wish with O-Tama?!"

"This is official pirate business, mate!" Pete 1 stated.

"No worries, we'll have her back in a month or two!" Pete 2 assured.

The kidnapped girl in question, O-Tama, was wrapped up in a blanket and breathing heavily. As the ship was leaving the atmosphere, the Petes gave Tama some medicine. "Curse those crocodiles, poisonin' a girl with modern chemicals on an undeveloped planet. It's the worst, I tells ya!"

They were approached by Stewie Griffin, the infant scientist for the Marzipan Pirates. "Tama, do you remember me? I'm one of Augustus's crewmen."

"Augu…August'n?" Tama cracked open her eyes, forming a heartfelt smile.

"Augustus has been captured by Big Mom, and according to Maggie, he's been transformed into a mask. Do you still have the Infi-Cube he gave you?"

"August'n's magic cube? Hai!" The child quickly withdrew the cube from the blanket. "I finished all of August'n's sweets! All I have is his sword and his ocarina." She pulled a wooden ocarina from the cube.

"Yes!" Stewie beamed. "We need that! Tama, you're the only one we know that can play a Fairy Ocarina. Augustus really needs your help. I know that you're still sick, but once you're better-"

"HOI!" It took no more motivation for Tama to jump out of her covers and land on her feet. She was wearing a green robe with several patches and an orange sash. "O-Tama is ready to see the outside worlds! She will prove to August'n that she is a worthy pirate! Watch out, August'n, I'm coming to save you!" She formed a hand signal (in the shape of an "A") as her expression beamed with pride.

Ninja of the Marzipan Pirates

O-TAMA

"Belay that, ye chipper Tanuki!" Captain Slag ordered. "We'll not be makin' a move, yet. On the day of Pirate Summit, when the Four Emperors leave their posts, will be our best chance to move."

"O-Tama wants to save August'n now!" The 8-year-old began pounding on Slag's belly, her little fists doing nothing.

"Ye'll be sharin' a cell with him, impatient you are." Slag used his hook to lift her by the collar. "It'll take some hella bargainin' with Big Mom to save ya. And I'm nay about to bow down to the Emperors, mark me words! Now, off to the playpen with ye."

"Hoh!" When Slag tried to throw her, Tama slipped off the hook and got behind the bulky robot. Slag tried to turn and grab her, feeling tiny whacks from her stick, and when he succeeded in grabbing her, the Shadow Clone poofed, and three Tamas ran from him, giggling "Tehehehehehe!"

"Argh! Help me, Petes, I'm not runnin' a daycare!" Slag jogged after one of the clones, but stopped when one bounced off his head.

"Sigh, I hope you're right about this one, Augustus." Stewie said. "The cavegirl and the giant croc were annoying enough…"

Galactic Kid Council

The results of the voting had come in from every KND. The majority of operatives had voted in favor of becoming pirates, but a few of them had not. "Well, Kids Next Door, it seems the results are in. Within the coming week, we will officially announce ourselves as pirates. However, those who are against this plan, you are free to cut all ties with us."

"Forgive me, Supreme Leader," Lemillion began, "but the Superbian KND just wouldn't work for this plan. Unlike the rest of you, we are actually tied to our world government, so becoming pirates will completely shatter the law all heroes live by. But, to be fair," he smiled, "I believe the Brotherhood of Evil do not consider their selves pirates, yet they are allied with the Kremling Krew. And who's to say they won't raise some havoc when war starts rollin'? I think it's only fair that we heroes keep them in check."

"That being said," said Tenya Iida, Sector U.A. leader, "I have an obligation to rescue my team, even if I must work with you pirates to do so. Keep in mind that once my mission is done, I will bust you like the criminals you are!"

"The Minish KND cannot dissolve to piracy either." Lenari said. "Still, that may not stop the Earth KND from 'enslaving' us and 'forcing' us to supply them with materials."

"Hm hm hm." Nebula chuckled. "But to those who've agreed, let's discuss what this means for our sectors. The Four Emperors have several territories on other planets, similar to 'KND sectors' as it were. We can consider any town with a local sector as part of our territory. But to truly prove ourselves as pirates, we need to do what all pirates do: trash the government!"

"WOOOOOO!" Bender cheered.

"Our target will be the center of business, Coruscant Capital. We should attack them swiftly and strongly, leaving our pirate mark wherever we can and be ready to escape after we're finished. I myself will naturally dress as a pirate, but this is optional for the rest of you. I mean, those are only guidelines, right Sheila?"

"Aye-aye." Sheila nodded.

"We will commence that operation on February 2. Beyond that, whether you guys want to become pirates or not, I strongly advise you to prepare for war. This may be our most important mission since New Galaxia. It should only be fought by those who are truly willing. Make sure your operatives know that."

Louise's Paint Passage

Within a Moonbase closet, there was a wavy neon portal in the shape of an "M." This portal was drawn by Louise Mario's magic brush. The inside was a crossroads of numerous paths, and the walls displayed mirror-like images of the destinations. There were five people gathered in the center: Louise, her sister Maria, Sunni Chariton, Maddy, and Zach Murphy. "The truth is, I kinda expected I'd have a falling out with the pirates." Louise said. "So, I painted portals in very secret places around the kingdom, in case I wanted to sabotage them."

"And you're positive nobody knows about them?" Maddy asked.

"Yeah, this is some real shaky info from someone who tried to kill Cheren." Sunni glared at her.

"If you don't trust me, then find some other way to sneak into the kingdom! You're the ones making me cooperate with you. But since Commander Uchiha is prob'ly out to get me anyway, I figured I'll rely on you lot for protection."

"No worries, guys." Maria smiled, clasping her sister's ear. "If she tries anything, I'll flatten her with my Butt Pound!"

"Just don't make too much noise, fatty!" Louise retorted. "Sound can travel through the portals. I made sure the portals were far enough out of earshot of the towns, but with your annoying voice-"

"GET YOUR PRETTY PATTIES!" Zach suddenly opened a food stand with colorful burgers. "Louise's secret paint passage's authentic Pretty Patties, made from real endangered Color Cows!"

"I knew we shouldn't have brought you!" Maddy shouted.

"Ooo, did someone say Pretty Patties?!" Kokichi Oma poked through a portal with beaming eyes.

"Fuck, it's Kokichi!" Louise panicked.

The Ultimate Liar looked over the patties. "Well, that's boring. It's only the colors of the rainbow. I was hoping a stall inside a Paint Passage would have more original colors."

"O-Original colors?!" Zach gasped.

"You know, colors that go beyond the typical RGB or CMYK. Oh well, I guess we can't expect paint people to be creative." He turned and shrugged.

"UNCREATIVE?!" Zach bolted through one of the portals, coming out in an Inkopolis sewer. "I'LL SHOW YOU THE BEST DANG COLOR YA EVER SEEN!" He burst out of the sewer, scaring the local Inklings as he charged through town. "I'mma make losers out of ALL you lame colors!" He ran off the edge of the island and across the sea.

Kokichi took a bite of a green patty. "Wow, this is pretty good."

"Don't move, Kokichi!" Louise cocked her gun at him, and Sunni gripped him with psychic.

"Is this guy dangerous?" Maddy asked, balling her fist.

"How did you find that portal?!"

"Geez, I was just walking around and happened to stumble across it. Take it easy, I'm not trying to ruin your mission or whatever this is. I am strictly against tattletales!"

"This guy is a total liar, we can't believe him!"

Maddy studied Kokichi for a moment. "…You know… I feel like I've seen this guy before."

"You must be talking about my wanted posters. I'm an extremely dangerous criminal with 8,000 crewmen."

"He means '10'." Louise clarified.

Yet, Maddy couldn't shake her suspicion. She thoroughly looked over Kokichi, trying to find some trace of familiarity. The boy only smiled, before showing Maddy his tongue: "Aaaaaahh!"

Maddy was apparently repulsed, for the Pretty Patty had turned his tongue green! But what was most unusual were the three clear spots on the green: two were shaped like rectangular, diagonal slits, and the other resembled a nose with wiggly hairs sticking out. "How…How could you possibly have that?!"

"Oh, so you're a fan as well!" He grinned.

"I'm not a fan!" Maddy flushed. "Zach just made me…!" She clamped her mouth shut. The other three could only stare in confusion. "…You can let him go."

"What?!" Louise yelped.

"This guy doesn't look like the type to rat us out."

"Nope! It's more exciting when intruders get caught on their own."

Sunni hesitantly loosened her grip. They kept a sharp watch on him as he exited through the portal he came from. But just before entering, he faced them, his skin turning black, hair white, and a finger to his mouth in a 'hush' fashion. "Too bad I can't say the same for your old buddies." Then he left.

"Great, now our whole plan is busted." Louise huffed. "Why would you let him go?"

"That mark on his tongue was a Bobo Mark. Members of Zach's Bo-bobo Fan Club get them, but you have to color your tongue in order to see them. Zach thought a reverse tattoo would be hilarious. He made me come to one of their meetings and get one; Mako was there, Jar Jar, and a few operatives I don't know very well…"

"And was one of those operatives Kokichi?" Sunni asked.

Maddy rubbed her forehead, trying to remember that meeting. "I don't remember Kokichi being there… but, my head gets real foggy trying to remember…"

"Well, let's just get on with the mission. We may end up needing a quick getaway at this rate." With that, Maddy and Sunni left the dimension. Louise glanced at Maria, who only shrugged.

The girls came out inside a tight cavern. Confusedly, they searched for an exit, until Maddy brought attention to a small mouse hole. "There's light coming out. I think this is the only way; Louise must have shrunk herself to fit in here."

"And THAT'S why ya have me!" Vweeb peeped out of Maddy's pocket and dropped to the ground.

"Wow, I… did not know you were with us." Sunni remarked.

"I thought psychics saw everything? Anyhow, hold still, girls." The Kateenian aimed his shrink ray and minimized them to 3 inches tall. They could all exit the mouse hole.

Sunni flew them up a rocky cliffside. The wind was rather heavy as they noticed this island was thousands of feet above the ocean. Sunni gasped and landed them on a small foothold against the cliff: a gigantic bird the size of a horse swooped by, carrying a black-haired woman with wings on her legs. "That looked like a Loftwing." Maddy recognized the Skypian bird. "Was that person a Nimbi?"

They hadn't needed to fly much further before they could set foot in town: the temple-like buildings were built within the walls of the trench, and the populace consisted of these winged women. "Wait, this was in Louise's info! This town is Artemyra, an Avalaran town run by female warriors. They're sort of a sub-race to Nimbi."

"One of those 'Amazonia' type deals?" Sunni asked. "It makes sense why this island was taken. …Maddy, look! It's Kirie!"

"Huh?!" Out of surprise, Maddy looked frantic for a second before focusing in Sunni's direction.

Not far away in this plaza, Kirie Beatles was with two red-headed Artemyrans in pink dresses. The older one, Ever, had a ponytail, while little her sister, Xiao had short hair. They watched as Kirie climbed onto a Loftwing and took off. "Not bad, Kirie!" Ever cheered. "The Loftwing's starting to like you!"

"I wanna ride one too, Sis!" Xiao yelled, grinning brightly.

"You can't even stay on the baby ones, Xiao."

"I can, too!"

"I wouldn't mind riding one myself." Sunni said. "This size won't hold if I have to keep carrying us everywhere."

"Good idea. Let's get closer, I can knock those two out with my Haki. Afterwards, we can get Kirie's help."

The miniaturized trio crossed the road until they were a foot away from the Artemyrans. "Oh?" At that time, Xiao had decided to glance at the ground, her curious eyes falling on the two. Upon realizing they were tiny humans—"EEEEEK! RAT PEOPLE!" And she fainted.

"Xiao!" Ever bent over her sister in worry. "What happened? Rat people?"

"Well, this will save me some chi." Maddy said, unleashing her Conqueror's Haki and causing Ever to topple down as well.

Kirie landed her Loftwing after seeing the two faint. "Oi, Kirie!" The mute girl heard a tiny cry and spotted Sunni, Vweeb, and Maddy on Ever's back. "You mind giving us a lift?"

The two were comfily situated in the neck of Kirie's sweater, riding her Loftwing sky-high for a marvelous view of the islands. Since she couldn't speak, nor could she very well use sign language while flying, Kirie thought the best idea would be to take them to Chris, the only operative not currently preoccupied with anything. The eldest Uno was relaxing on a roof on Orchid Island, opening his eyes when a giant bird came down. "Whoa! Heh, got yourself a new pet, Kir…ie?" She was quick to show him the trio in her collar. "M-Maddy?! Sunni?! Vweeb, too? The hell did you come from?!"

"Nice to see you too, Chris." Maddy remarked.

Vweeb thought it safe to restore their sizes. They began to fill each other in on what was happening. Right now, Artie was training with the Inklings and utilizing various ink weapons. Haylee was helping the pirates build ships, Haruka was treating citizens whom were injured in the games, and Aurora was training with Meta Knight, still trying to summon the Galaxia Sword. "'kay, but what about Harry?" Sunni asked.

"Oh, he's on right now." He directed to the large TV in the town square.

On the screen were famous Inkling rappers, Off the Hook, and between them was Harry Gilligan. He was dressed in Inkling clothes and his dreads were soaked to look like inky tentacles. He was rapping in unison with the girls, speaking their language as best he could. "Grooooss…" Sunni moaned. She hated rapping before, but Squid Rap was worse for the wear.

"But why the hell is Sheila makin' US out to be the traitors?" Chris asked. "The only reason we haven't reported back is because these assholes wouldn't let us. Some Free Kingdom…"

"Well, we'll get you all out of here. Tonight, Sunni can teleport us all to the secret exit."

"Hold on, Maddy, we can't just ditch these guys either. The only reason we hooked up with these clowns was to help the KND. As long as we're here, the Sky Gods won't attack the KND, and you have to explain that to Nebula to clear up this whole 'traitor' business. We can't afford to make any more enemies."

"To be honest, Chris, we're kind of already against them. They're holding Evan and Tani's people hostage, so we're obligated to help them, like we always do."

"Grrr, then what the hell was the point of this?! We were supposed to AVOID getting in a fight with this crew, but you wanna fight them, anyway?! Aren't you sick of fighting?!"

"Of course I am, Chris! Ever since the Thirteen Darknesses, I was hoping things would be easier, that everything would be like Field Day, but it isn't. We have a duty to protect the worlds, and we've taken pride in how far we've come. The Four Emperors are trying to trample on that pride, and I for one won't let them. It's basic Lion King, Chris! !"

"All I want to do is rescue everyone that was captured! Why can't we just let the Four Emperors kill each other?! If we were gonna fight them anyway, why can't we just let them cut down their numbers while we rescue our friends?"

"Because, if people think that we can be beaten that easy, that we have to rely on our own enemies to do the work for us, then we'll never know a day of peace. Our enemies would always exploit us. It's not about just defeating them, it's about proving that WE'RE the top dogs of this universe! That's why WE'RE gonna save our friends, AND crush the Four Emperors! And you're welcome to join us."

"No thanks. If I can avoid having more enemies against me, I'll at least pretend to like these guys until this is all over."

"It's too late for that, Chris! You already made enemies with Sheila, and as far as she's concerned, you betrayed the KND! Which means we'll have to fight you, too!"

"Big deal!" Chris snickered. "I ain't nearly afraid of you!"

"Yeah, well the second this war begins, you better hope you don't meet me on the battlefield! Until then, I think our business here is done." Maddy stood to full height in a proud fashion. "Well, Sunni?"

"I dunno if I feel the same way," Sunni stood up, "but Harry just looks WAY too dorky up there, and I feel like beating him up for it. What about you, Kirie? You can still come with us."

Um, I…I think I'll stick with my team for now, hehe. I don't wanna be involved in a lover's quarrel. She grinned awkwardly.

REEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOO! A blaring alarm was heard across the kingdom.

"We interrupt today's activities with breaking news!" The Squid Sisters appeared on TV. "The Free Kingdom is about to acquire its 22nd island! Captain Skaios and his officers have returned with another amazing catch!"

"Of course, everyone knows Inkopolis is only the most amazing." Marie said. "Which island did they capture this time?"

"I'm getting a call from Jataro now. It appears to be…!" The sisters were shocked:

"THE MUSHROOM CAPITAL OF TOAD TOWN?!"

Skaios and a small fleet of ships were pulling an island of frightened Toads and other Mushroomians. It was most defined by a white castle with red roofs. "No freakin' way." Chris said. "If that's Mushroom Castle, then…"

The news copter zoomed in on the Red Cloud, a black ship with red cloud designs belonging to Commander Uchiha. The ninja in question was carrying a woman over his shoulder; she had golden hair and a pink dress. "Marie, the most unbelievable thing has happened! An incredible event that absolutely no one could've predicted. The Mushroom Kingdom's Queen Toadstool Peach WAS KIDNAPPED!"

"Mario Bros. 1, Mario Bros. 3, Mario 64…" Marie went on to list other games.

"BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN BOWSER!"

"Paper Mario 2, Super Paper Mario, Mario RPG…"

Sasuke jumped to the Santa Hylia and carried Queen Peach down to the King's Brig. She was thrown into a cell next to one belonging to Cheadle Yorkshire, who had already been imprisoned beforehand. "Grrr… I swear if you harm a hair on her head…" Cheadle growled.

"Relax. Important rulers such as yourselves won't be harmed." Sasuke smiled. "I just need to get you on the right mindset." His Sharingan flashed, trapping Cheadle and Peach in a Genjutsu as they struggled to escape. "After all… Mickey-sama doesn't need any more competition."

"Say Callie, didn't Former Princess Louise make a rule saying they couldn't capture Queen Peach?"

"That's what I thought, too, but since Louise apparently turned traitor, Commander Uchiha says that rule is nullified. Either way, I'm sure a certain Koopa King is gonna be really pissed off."

"Aye, she ain't wrong there." Skaios said. "It's time we be leavin' this planet. Make ready to sail to Planet Aquaria."

"Aye-aye, Captain." Vaati replied. "Make sure everyone is on their islands, we're heading for hyperspace!"

"Sunni, let's head home." Maddy said.

"But what about Zach?"

"I don't know where that idiot is, but we have to report back. See you on the field, Chris." With that, Sunni teleported herself and Maddy.

Paint Passage

"THEY CAPTURED QUEEN PEACH?!" Maria exclaimed, face riddled with fear. "B-But, we dropped Dogmom off at her castle. W-What if she was captured, too?! We have to save them!"

"Pipe down, you idiot!" Louise snapped. "Honestly, we should've expected this would happen, the pirates probably traced us there after we escaped."

"Then it's all YOUR fault, Louise!"

"MY FAULT?!"

"Yeah! So, you better help me save them!"

"YOU'RE the one who dragged me into this, why the hell should I-"

Maddy punched both girls and knocked them out. "I think you two need a Time Out." She stated, dragging them by the arms. "I know I sure do." The four entered the portal that returned to Moonbase. "Let's get some water to wash off that portal, in case the enemy discovers them."

"But then Zach won't be able to come back." Sunni replied.

"Knowing him, he'll find his own way back. Probably follow the smell of nosehair or something." Still… do he and that Kokichi guy really know each other? I need to see if I can look him up.

Hideout Helm

"KROCTUS!! I AM REALLY PISSED OFF!" Bowser's thundering voice from the monitor caused the base to vibrate, like loud music playing at the highest volume. "Those Sky Gods kidnapped my Peach. This is OFFICIALLY personal!"

"Calm down, Bowser! I'll rescue your princess, but crushing the enemy pirates comes first. If my theory is correct, that timebender child is the only means of killing Skaios."

"I don't care! You had better have Peach in your captivity as soon as possible! Or I'll tear up the Sky Gods myself."

"Yes, Bowser, I understand, but you must wait until a Pirate King is crowned before you can act. Besides, all those monarchs in Skaios' brig will be all ours in due time. Surely… you can become the Supreme King."

Pit of 100 Trials

Cheren's Log, Floor 53. I'm thankful for the Break Rooms that contain fresh water for me to bathe or drink. The fruit naturally growing in the forest rooms have helped me persevere. But I've barely slept, and I continue to fight and descend purely by force.

Cheren stabbed the head of a Stalfos, watching as the light faded from its sockets and its bones crumbled. Five Stalmasters, 10 Stalhounds, and a Stalnox pursued him in a graveyard room.

I wonder if some of these skeletons are the remains of other poor souls who attempted the pit. What were they trying to prove? It was sad that their stories met such pitiful ends. If I died here, no one would ever know unless they came down to check on me. I would rather die up there where everyone would know and remember me, like my dad or Mr. York. Ah… still can't believe Mr. York died. He was no bender, but he was one of the strongest adults. He stubbornly kept fighting for the KND… but even he kicked the bucket.

Cheren climbed the back of the Stalnox and forced his Haki dagger into the giant's eye. The dagger lost the last of its strength and broke, the Stalnox barely holding consciousness.

After four years of running this business, I'm tired of trying to be a hero. Pretending to be a noble person. I tried to help Miyuki with her depression only to prove I was a nice person, but I had no idea what to tell her. I tried to live by a 'No Killing' rule like a good hero should, but I killed a couple enemies out of rage. Sure, I did some good things and my operatives admired me, but it doesn't change the bad things. I kept the Apocalypse a secret 'til there was only a month left, stressing everybody out, and I walked into Lord English's trap and endangered my friends. And I'm still trying to lead them… even though they probably want someone else. Someone smarter and more noble. I'm tired…

With the skeletons defeated, Cheren lied down on the soil of one of the graves. His head aching from stress, he began to see hallucinations. Aurora… Chris… Anthony… Melody… Maria… You all wouldn't get captured, right? He smiled in humor at the thought. You're way too strong… you can beat those Emperors easy. Not me… I would get wrecked in one hit. Nah, you don't need me… you guys can do this all on your own.