As Alan and his companions crested a hill, they were greeted by the sight of Waddle Woony Town, a picturesque village nestled in a valley. The town was brimming with life, its small, cozy houses adorned with colorful flower boxes and cobblestone streets lined with cheerful decorations.
The residents—Waddle Dees—bustled about, their round, stubby forms radiating joy as they tended to their daily tasks.
Leaf clasped her hands together in delight. "These little fellas are adorable!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
Sailor V nodded, unable to suppress a smile. "I've seen a lot of cute creatures in my time, but this? This takes the cake."
The group was quickly surrounded by Waddle Dees, who greeted them with enthusiastic waves and happy squeaks. A particularly energetic Waddle Dee approached and bowed politely. "Welcome to Waddle Woony Town! We're so glad you're here!"
The group exchanged amused glances. "Thanks for having us!" Alan replied, shaking the Waddle Dee's tiny hand.
The Waddle Dees wasted no time offering to show their new visitors around. "Come with us!" one of them chirped. "There's so much to see!"
The group was guided through the charming village, each spot bursting with personality:
The Lively Market Square, The market square was alive with the hustle and bustle of Waddle Dees selling an assortment of delicious snacks, handcrafted trinkets, and local produce. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries filled the air, making Leaf and Avery's mouths water.
"Look at all this food!" Leaf said, her hunger returning. "Can we try some?"
The Waddle Dees eagerly offered samples of their goods, from fluffy marshmallow pies to savory dumplings. Alan grabbed a skewer of grilled vegetables, grinning as he took a bite.
The Serene Park, The park was a peaceful haven, with Waddle Dees playing games, flying kites, and lounging on picnic blankets. A sparkling fountain sat in the center, its gentle trickle adding to the tranquil ambiance.
Pikachu and Pichu couldn't resist joining a group of young Waddle Dees in a game of tag, their laughter echoing through the park. Marky, meanwhile, struck up a conversation with an elderly Waddle Dee who was carving a tiny wooden sculpture. "This place is amazing," Marky remarked.
The Waddle Woony Workshop, The group was shown to a workshop where Waddle Dees were hard at work crafting tools, repairing equipment, and painting colorful murals. The dedication and creativity of the Waddle Dees were inspiring, and Alan couldn't help but admire their teamwork.
"These guys know how to make the most out of everything," Sailor V observed.
After their tour, the Waddle Dees led the group to the mayor's house, a larger, more ornate structure at the center of the village. The Waddle Mayor, distinguished by his tiny bowtie and glasses, greeted them warmly.
Inside the cozy Mayor's Office, Alan explained their mission to Mayor Waddle and Scholar Waddle, describing their journey to rescue the Star Spirits and stop Queen Magica.
The Waddle Mayor listened intently, nodding as Alan spoke. "Your bravery is commendable," the mayor said. "You've already done so much to protect Avalar. We'd like to help you in your quest."
With a wave of his stubby hand, Scholar Waddle stepped forward, carrying a glowing card. "This is Skolar, the third Star Spirit. We've been safeguarding him, knowing he would be needed in Avalar's darkest hour."
Alan accepted the card with gratitude, and the group thanked the Waddle Mayor and Scholar Waddle for their generosity and trust. Just as they were preparing to leave, a loud commotion erupted outside. The sound of a megaphone blared through the air, silencing the cheerful chatter of the Waddle Dees.
Just as they were preparing to leave, a loud commotion erupted outside. The sound of a megaphone blared through the air, silencing the cheerful chatter of the Waddle Dees.
"Attention! Small orange puffballs!" a haughty voice called.
Marky groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Oh great, it's that loser, Prince Average."
From outside, the prince's voice responded irritably, "I heard that! It's Ah-Voo-Raj!"
Marky muttered under his breath, "Oh please."
The group rushed outside to find Prince Average perched dramatically atop a white horse. His twin guards flanked him, looking less-than-enthusiastic as they held the prince's banners.
"I am here to claim Princess Starlight, Princess Scarlet, and Sailor V for my birthday celebration!" Prince Average declared through his megaphone.
Chaos erupted as the prince's guards began storming the Waddle Dees' homes, sending the little creatures into a panic.
Alan clenched his fists. "This guy is unbelievable!"
Before the group could intervene, the three princesses—Starlight, Scarlet, and Sailor V—stepped out of the mayor's office.
The guards, startled by their sudden appearance, tripped over each other and tumbled to the ground in a heap.
Prince Average dismounted his horse and approached the trio, his eyes wide with admiration.
"Ah, my lovely princesses," he began, bowing dramatically. "You have made my birthday dreams come true! Now, here's the good news—it's my birthday! And you three shall be the belles of the ball!"
Sailor V raised an eyebrow. "The invitation sounds great, really, but—"
"It wasn't an invitation; it was an order!" Prince Average interrupted with a self-satisfied grin. "Prepare the ladies' carriage!" he barked at his guards.
Alan stepped forward, his voice firm. "It's obvious they don't want to go, Average."
"Ah-voo-raj!" the prince snapped, glaring at Alan with disdain. "Don't troll me, hedgehog!"
Princess Starlight had had enough. "Ugh, so rude!" she sneered, stepping forward.
Without hesitation, she pulled her hand away from the prince's grasp and delivered a swift punch to his face. Caught off guard, Prince Average stumbled backward, landing on his rump in the dirt.
Alan and Marky burst into laughter, clutching their sides as the pompous prince scrambled to his feet, his face red with embarrassment.
Humiliated, Prince Average pointed an accusatory finger at the group. "Get them!" he ordered, only for his guards to accidentally drop him as they fumbled to follow his command.
The guards charged clumsily at the heroes, their coordination leaving much to be desired. The group prepared to defend the village, determined to protect the Waddle Dees and teach Prince Average a lesson he wouldn't forget.
Alan cracked his knuckles. "Alright, let's show this guy what happens when you mess with us."
The battle was about to begin.
As the battle raged on, Alan, Pikachu, and their friends fought valiantly alongside the Waddle Dees to protect the village from Prince Average and his bumbling guards. The once cheerful town square was now a battlefield, with clashing weapons and bursts of energy filling the air.
Alan darted between the guards, his agility keeping him just out of reach, while Marky hurled his boomerang with precision, knocking weapons from their hands. Pikachu sent out sparks of electricity, momentarily stunning their opponents.
Despite their efforts, the sheer number of guards began to overwhelm them. Alan clenched his fists, glancing toward the princesses, who were now in the clutches of three other guards. Prince Average, watching from a safe distance, seemed thoroughly amused.
"Can we please get this over with?" Prince Average called out lazily, reclining on a makeshift throne. "They're just orange puffballs!"
Suddenly, one of the guards holding Princess Starlight collapsed, freeing her. A soft whisper followed. "Duck!"
Starlight and Scarlet obeyed instinctively, crouching low. Scholar Waddle revealed himself from beneath an invisibility cloak, gesturing for the princesses to run. They didn't hesitate, sprinting toward safety with Scholar Waddle leading the way.
Prince Average stood, his face red with frustration. "Guards! Are you taking a break?! Well FYI, They're getting away!"
His remaining guards scrambled to pursue, tripping over each other in their haste. The cacophony of clattering armor and Prince Average's yelps as he narrowly avoided being trampled added a comical undertone to the chaotic scene.
Meanwhile, Alan found himself in a tight spot, struggling to keep up his energy after expending much of his strength in the earlier fight. He fumbled through his backpack, searching for anything that could help, only to realize he was completely out of supplies.
"Great," he muttered under his breath, his frustration mounting. "Out of everything now?"
Just as he was about to lose hope, his eyes landed on a bucket of carrots near a barn door. A massive Waddle Bunny sat lazily inside the barn, munching on hay.
"Perfect!" Alan exclaimed.
Ignoring the fatigue creeping through his body, Alan grabbed a carrot and hurled it with all his might. The vegetable flew through the air like a missile, smacking the back of one of the guards' necks with a satisfying thwack.
The guard spun around, glaring. "Hey! Who's throwing vegetables?!"
Before he could investigate further, a shadow loomed over him. The Waddle Bunny, drawn by the sight of its favorite snack, leaped into the fray. With a thunderous crash, the bunny landed on the guard, pinning him to the ground.
The Waddle Bunny picked up the carrot, chomping on it contentedly as if nothing had happened.
Alan pumped his fist in triumph. "Yeah! Skaboom!"
The chaotic escape through Waddle Woony Town continued, with Starlight, Sailor V, Scarlet, and Scholar Waddle narrowly avoiding capture. The guards' clumsiness proved both an obstacle and a comedic relief as they bungled their pursuit, but the sheer number of them left the princesses cornered. As the group approached an open door archway, the princesses and Scholar Waddle managed to slip through with ease, but the guards—bundled together in their panic—brought themselves to an abrupt halt as they got stuck in the narrow passage.
"Haha!" Scholar Waddle taunted, waving his stubby arms mockingly.
"Run!" Starlight barked, grabbing Scholar Waddle by the arm. He stumbled, his short legs barely able to keep up as he was half-dragged by the princess's quick pace.
Ahead of them loomed a gaping chasm, its depth unknown but certainly unkind to anyone who might fall. Starlight's heart pounded in her chest, but she didn't slow down. Without hesitation, she pushed herself harder, preparing for a long jump.
"Wait, wait, WAIT!" Scholar Waddle shrieked as he flailed.
With a burst of speed, Starlight launched herself and Scholar Waddle across the gap. They landed on the other side with a heavy thud. Starlight stumbled but remained upright, while Scholar Waddle face-planted into the ground with a muffled groan.
"Sorry!" she called out, grimacing.
Scholar Waddle raised his head, his expression dazed and goofy, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I… think I saw my ancestors…"
Before they could recover, the air grew tense. A thundering crash brought their attention to a massive guard wielding a giant hammer, flanked by two spear-wielding sentries. Behind them, the previously stuck guards had freed themselves, jumping over the gap with surprising agility.
Starlight, Sailor V, Scarlet, and Scholar Waddle found themselves surrounded, their backs pressed together. The guards formed a menacing circle, their weapons gleaming.
"Any bright ideas?" Sailor V whispered, her eyes darting between the advancing enemies.
Starlight blinked, her gaze catching something—a faint glimmer of light reflecting off Scholar Waddle's back.
Scholar Waddle's invisibility cloak!
The sunlight revealed its shimmering outline, tucked into the pocket of his robe. Without missing a beat, Starlight snatched the cloak, quickly draping it over herself and Scholar Waddle.
"Duck!" she shouted.
The guards froze, bewildered as the two suddenly vanished from sight. Confusion rippled through the group, giving Starlight the opening she needed. With Scholar Waddle in her arms, she wove through the obstacles and enemies like a ghost in a maze.
The guards flailed and stumbled, swinging their weapons at nothing but air. The clang of metal against metal and the frustrated shouts of the guards filled the air, but Starlight pressed on, her speed and agility carrying her to the edge of the battlefield.
Reaching the ledge, Starlight took a deep breath and leapt, Scholar Waddle clinging to her for dear life.
"Please be soft!" she muttered as they fell.
They landed with a solid thud—on Alan, who let out a groan of pain.
"Argh!" Alan exclaimed, his face scrunching up as the wind was knocked out of him.
The cloak fluttered off, revealing Starlight, Sailor V, Scarlet, and a dreamy-eyed Scholar Waddle in full view.
Starlight scrambled to her feet, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I am so sorry! Are you okay?"
"No, I'm not," Alan grumbled, his voice muffled against the ground.
Realizing her mistake, Starlight quickly helped Scholar Waddle to his feet and stepped aside, allowing Alan to push himself up with a pained groan.
As Alan dusted himself off, Sailor V approached, shaking her head with a smirk. "You always seem to find yourself in the worst spots, don't you?"
Alan grinned, despite the ache in his back. "What can I say? Trouble loves me."
Marky and the Waddle Dees caught up moments later, their faces a mix of relief and amusement.
"Nice landing, by the way," Marky teased.
"Thanks," Alan replied dryly.
With the group reunited and the guards left in disarray, Alan turned to the princesses. "Alright, now that we're all here, let's figure out how to end this before Average gets his next bad idea."
The situation was dire. The group was cornered near the ruins of the barn, and the guards loomed over them, their weapons glinting ominously in the sunlight.
"Gentlemen!" Scholar Waddle called out suddenly, stepping forward with feigned confidence. Grabbing Marky by the arm, he shoved him forward. "He surrenders."
"What?!" Marky exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Before the guards could react, a deafening boom shook the ground. Dust and smoke billowed into the air, making everyone cough and shield their eyes. The rumbling of machinery and sharp, mechanical screeches filled the air. As the dust cleared, an imposing figure was revealed, leaving everyone—both friend and foe—stunned.
Standing tall was a giant wooden Waddle Dee, an engineering marvel created by Alan and the three Waddle Dee inventors. Its massive form was cobbled together from wood, wires, and salvaged parts, giving it a rustic but imposing appearance. The clamps that served as its hands gleamed as they whirred to life, and its painted face somehow managed to look both intimidating and adorable.
The princesses, Sailor V, and the townsfolk could only stare in awe.
"Is that a... wooden puppet?" Scarlet asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
Alan grinned from inside the control cockpit, surrounded by the Waddle Dee inventors. "Not just a puppet—a masterpiece!"
"It's amazing!" Leaf exclaimed.
"This is incredible!" Sailor V added, her earlier fear replaced with excitement.
The guards, unprepared for such a sight, screamed like panicked villagers during a monster attack. The wooden Waddle Dee lumbered forward, its massive clamps swinging with devastating force. Guards were flung into the air like ragdolls, landing in heaps.
One guard swung a massive hammer at the puppet, only to be stopped mid-swing by one of its clamps. The clash of strength resembled a high-stakes arm-wrestling match, and the guard began to falter under the puppet's mechanical might.
"Engines, full power!" Alan's voice echoed from inside the cockpit.
With a sudden surge, the puppet pushed the hammer-wielding guard back, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Just as the group began to cheer, a chain shot out from the shadows, wrapping tightly around the puppet's neck. It jerked back violently, its balance compromised. The bald twin guard, laughing maniacally, pulled on the chain with all his might, dragging the puppet toward the ground.
"Engines, full power!" Alan shouted again. The machinery hummed and whirred, fighting against the chain's pull.
"Shields up!" Alan commanded.
The puppet released its grip on the hammer and raised its clamps to its sides, cupping under its armpits for support.
"Turn on the mini fridge!"
From a concealed compartment on the puppet's back, a burst of white smoke erupted, propelling it upward like a rocket. The guards holding onto the chain screamed as they were yanked off the ground, flailing helplessly as they were carried skyward.
The wooden puppet soared into the air, twisting and turning as it climbed higher. The guards clung desperately to the chain, their panicked screams echoing across the battlefield.
"Brilliant!" Marky shouted, watching in awe.
"Unbelievable!" Leaf added, her jaw dropping.
"How do they even—" Sailor V began, but Artemis's warning cut her off.
"Incoming!"
The puppet, unable to maintain its trajectory, began to plummet back to earth. It tumbled chaotically, smashing through obstacles and narrowly avoiding the group below. The guards, still attached to the chain, crashed into a castle-painted wall, sliding down in a defeated heap.
The wooden puppet landed with a thunderous crash, sending up a cloud of dust. Despite the rough landing, it remained intact, its operators safe inside.
Alan popped his head out of the cockpit, grinning triumphantly. "Superhero landing!"
The townsfolk erupted into cheers, celebrating the heroes' victory and the ingenuity of the Waddle Dee inventors.
"Hooray for us!" one of the inventors added.
"We did it! It was mostly me," another inventor chimed in.
As the dust settled and the group basked in their victory, a sudden chill filled the air. "What?" Starlight questioned for them all.
Such a word can be followed a bunch of questions: What were the guards doing to agree on this? What purpose was there for this? What kind of a prince would allow cannons in this case?!
The sight of the polished black weaponry brought the sickness back. First the hammer, now this? This prince was acting as though he was going into war for her hand! Ridiculous!
"You've got to be kidding." Marky said.
"Finally, the big guns," Prince Average expressed. "Thank you! Fire!"
Two blasts that had Red yelping, never hearing at such a close distance before. The cracking of wood however brought her attention. Both arm limbs were damaged into separation of the body, which then fell back at the ground with black smoke arising upon.
"Guys!" Spotting the handle, Sailor V got to work in pulling as much as possible until the coughing hero and waddle dees were freed, entirely covered in black ash.
"Fi-re!"
Standing up, time began to slow down.
Her heart began to decline towards her stomach as the heated blast of a cannonball went straight towards her, the shock numbing her to paralyze. However, the decline was stopped by an intruding presence, crushing her side and pushing a shout out from her lips. Thanks to it, the cannonball ended up in the pillar of the castle while Sailor V landed at the ground, safe.
Looking back, blue eyes met at close distance and her heart sped back up to her chest, wanting to break out in gratitude. But Alan pulled away before it got the chance.
"Ooh, close," Alan quickly explained with a smile. Sailor V gave a smile of gratitude.
"Time out, time out. You almost blew her up. And they can't come to my party if you blow them up!" Prince Average shouted, scolding his guards.
"My apologies, your majesty," one guard returned.
"Alright, time in… Surrender, monsters!"
Sailor V, Starlight, and Scarlet stepped forward, but Alan stopped her and then stepped forward himself, chest out with confidence. His friends and the Waddle Dees formed a line in front of the three princesses like a protective wall.
Unimpressed, Prince Average watched as Alan began stepping backward until he leaned on a stuck cannonball. With a groan and a yell, Alan released the cannonball, which flew directly at the prince.
"AHHH!"
The childish self-protecting of arms flailing about towards shielding the face and upper torso was redundant. The ball was thrown enough to merely roll up to Alan's original spot, just a few feet separate. Questionable eyes rested at the dwarf, who merely shrugged. Then winced at a sharp noise.
The cannonball's release caused a crack to form, escalating until the upper half of a wall began to tilt dangerously.
"Everyone, inside! And hurry!" Alan shouted. His friends, the three princesses, and the Waddle Dees rushed inside just as the wall came crashing down with an ear-deafening thud. As the wall crumbled following Alan's clever use of the loosened cannonball, the team barely made it into cover. Dust and debris filled the air, but they emerged unscathed. Outside, Prince Average, now a comically dusty and indignant figure, stood shaking his fist in defiance.
"You messed with the wrong prince!" he bellowed in an exaggeratedly deep voice, though his usual whiny tone soon returned. "There's nothing average about 'Ah-voo-raj!' I...shall...return! On Tuesday—no, wait, let me check my calendar. Hmm… Thursday! Yes, I shall return Thursday!"
The group watched in amused disbelief as Prince Average retreated with his remaining guards, his dramatic declarations trailing off into the distance.
A moment of silence followed before Marky broke it with a shout. "Fine by us!"
The Waddle Dees joined in, waving and shouting their own goodbyes.
"Ciao for now!"
"Arrivederci!"
"You just got Skaboomed!" Alan declared with a smirk, clearly pleased with his new catchphrase. "Is that better? Or does just 'Skaboom' sound better?"
As the dust cleared completely, Sailor V, Starlight, and Scarlet stepped forward, their expressions filled with admiration and gratitude.
"Alan," Sailor V began, her voice soft, "you really saved us. Again."
Without warning, she pulled him into a tight hug, her cheeks brushing against his. Before Alan could process what was happening, Starlight and Scarlet joined in, surrounding him with warmth and gratitude.
Alan stood frozen, his usual confidence replaced by speechless bewilderment. "Uh… you're welcome?" he managed to say.
As the princesses pulled back, though not entirely letting go, the Waddle Dees around them raised their stubby hands excitedly, as if asking for their turn for hugs.
"Oh boy," Starlight said with a chuckle, glancing down at the eager Waddle Dees. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."
As the card in Alan's hands glowed brighter, a surge of energy filled the air. The light engulfed the card, transforming it into the majestic form of Skolar, the third Star Spirit. The group looked on with awe as the Star Spirit hovered before them, his radiant glow filling the room.
"Hello again, Alan," Skolar said warmly, his voice carrying a serene strength. "I knew you could do it. I don't know how to thank you. You were the right choice to help us. You're proving to be an extraordinary hero, Alan."
Alan beamed, his confidence growing with each word of encouragement.
"Now that I'm free, I can aid you in your quest," Skolar continued. With a wave of his glowing hand, he bestowed upon Alan a new ability. "This is the Starstorm ability. Use it wisely—it will serve you well in the battles to come."
A soft blue light surrounded Alan as the ability took root within him. He could feel the power coursing through him, a reassurance that they were gaining the tools needed to face Magica and her forces.
"But I must give you some troubling news," Skolar said, his expression turning grave. "Magica's life force is growing stronger with each passing day. She's harnessing the power of the Star Rod and the Super Star, and it's amplifying her strength beyond imagination. If she succeeds in unlocking their full potential, even we Star Spirits may not be enough to stop her."
Alan and his friends exchanged worried glances, but the determination in their eyes burned brighter.
"We must tread carefully in the trials ahead," Skolar advised. "Stay united and trust in one another. The journey will only grow more perilous from here, but I have faith in you all."
With his warning delivered, Skolar prepared to return to Star Haven. He hovered closer to Alan, leaning in conspiratorially.
"Oh… and one more thing," he added, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Please don't tell anyone I got lost in Waddle Woony Town. It's a bit… embarrassing for a Star Spirit of my stature. Thanks, Alan. Bye!"
With a final cheerful wave, Skolar spun into the air and ascended in a brilliant flash of light, disappearing from sight.
The Waddle Dees, along with Mayor Waddle and Scholar Waddle, gathered around Alan and his friends to express their heartfelt thanks.
"Thank you, Alan," Mayor Waddle said, his voice filled with sincerity. "You've done more for us than we could ever repay. Waddle Woony Town owes you a great debt."
Scholar Waddle stepped forward, offering a small map marked with the location of the next Star Spirit. "This will help guide you to the next destination. May it lead you safely on your journey."
As the group prepared to leave, the townsfolk cheered and waved, their faces lit with gratitude and hope.
Alan and his companions stepped back onto the path, their spirits bolstered by the victory and the knowledge that they were one step closer to freeing all the Star Spirits. They were almost halfway there, but the weight of Skolar's warning lingered in their minds.
"We've got this," Alan said, his voice steady with determination. "Magica's getting stronger, but so are we. Let's keep moving."
The bright glow of Spitfire, the female dragon, lit up the horizon as she descended gracefully into Dragoon Village. Upon her back sat the three chosen Spluffs—Spluff Lily, Spluff Blossom, and Spluff Storm—each looking around in awe at the vibrant and bustling village before them.
The village was a surprising sight, filled with friendly Dragoons who greeted them warmly, their scaly faces bright with curiosity and kindness. Unlike the fearsome reputation of their kind under Magica, these Dragoons were clearly a peaceful and harmonious group, their homes nestled among the natural beauty of the land. As Spitfire landed, the villagers gathered around, intrigued by the visitors. A tall, blue-scaled Dragoon with a welcoming smile stepped forward, extending a clawed hand.
"Welcome to Dragoon Village," he said warmly. "I'm Mayor Kylan, the leader of our village. What brings you here, travelers?"
Spluff Lily walked forward, her soft glow illuminating her cheerful face. "Thank you, Mayor Kylan! We're here to find someone very important—our friend Alan."
The mention of Alan's name sparked recognition in the crowd. A few villagers murmured among themselves, nodding knowingly.
"Alan?" Mayor Kylan said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Yes, he passed through here not long ago with his companions. They helped us fend off some of Magica's forces, and they were headed toward Autumn Forest when they left."
Spluff Blossom clapped her hands together, her excitement bubbling over. "That sounds like Alan! Do you know how we can catch up to him?"
The mayor nodded. "I can point you in the right direction, but the path ahead isn't easy. The forest is full of dangers, and Magica's minions are always lurking. You'll need to be careful."
Before leaving, the Spluffs stocked up on supplies provided by the grateful villagers. Healing herbs, Dragoon-crafted armor, and a small pouch of shimmering dust—said to repel Magica's minions—were among the gifts. Mayor Kylan handed them a map marked with the safest route through Autumn Forest. "This should help you stay on the right path. And remember, stick together and trust each other. Alan and his friends are strong, but so are you." The Spluffs nodded, their determination shining brightly. With Spitfire ready to fly again, the group bid farewell to Dragoon Village and took to the skies, the next leg of their journey unfolding before them.