The Great Candied Adventure, Part 16

Play "The Encounter" from Kingdom Hearts II!

Chapter 16: The World's Strongest Female

Boss fight: Charlotte Linlin

A river of drool flowed from Big Mom's mouth and began to flood the whole floor. Sheila stepped back and noticed the chocolate stalactites on the ceiling, punching Light Spheres to bring them down so they would stick to the ground and serve as safe platforms. She struggled to keep balance as they wobbled, and frantically jumped when Big Mom coughed acid balls. Sheila spun her arms hurriedly and blasted Light Fists at her plump body, and Big Mom withstood the hits before jumping and shaking the acid with huge waves. Sheila jumped to the top of the hole in the wall and held on with her feet, channeling Light Energy in the center of both hands. She took aim at Linlin and released a mighty beam of light at the ground, letting the acid flow in and drain.

Sheila landed and channeled more chi in her palms, pelting quick Light Beams at Big Mom. The obese woman unleashed a Fear Scream that made Sheila sink. "Uuuugh! Blimey, you're a FEARbender??"

"Not just that! MAAAA!" She released Shadow Breath and fogged the room. "I've consumed many a bender in my day! Fearbenders are afraid of being judged because of their obesity, due to eating sweets. Shadowbenders hide so no one can see them getting fat with sweets! And you don't think I got this acid without eating a few poisonbenders, DO YOU? And I still got a little flame left! MAAAA!"

Sheila lit the area slightly with Light Fists, seeing Big Mom spit acid everywhere, and quickly jumped away when the woman blew flames and exploded the acid. Big Mom sent Fear Spheres from her trembling eyes, but Sheila avoided and stretched her fists as they turned to solid gold. Furiously spinning them, she yelled, "Midas FIST!" and launched two golden Light Fists at Big Mom's stomach, forcing her against the wall.

"Screw this! I'm going to that CAAAKE!" And with a mighty jump, Big Mom smashed through the floor and began charging down an underground corridor.

"'EY! Come back here, you COWARD!" Sheila jumped down and ran after her, dodging any falling debris that resulted from Charlotte's rampaging. Parts of the floor collapsed as well, forcing Sheila to jump platforms or Wall Jump. When the hall became wide and almost all of the floor was collapsed, Bouncemallows fell from above and allowed Sheila to bounce across quickly. When the road became straight again, Sheila kept after the giant and rapidly spun her arms, making them appear as wheels of light. Big Mom stopped at another circular chamber, turning to Sheila behind her.

"Maaaaa ma maaaaa! Can't stay in your little rut, huh? Don't you ever get tired of spinning those arms?"

"Actually, Oi stopped spinning them 3 seconds after." She smirked as she raised her arms from the spirals of light and lightly took them by the top, still keeping them spinning. She spun and tossed both Light Wheels around the room. Big Mom tried to watch them until they came at her feet and knocked her down. "MAAAA!" Not out yet, Big Mom channeled Poison Chi and unleashed a powerful fart that let her glide around the floor, shaking the room after bumping each wall, then shooting a random direction, making Sheila jump around to avoid her and the falling debris.

"Blimey, talk about a raging bull. But me feet ain't slumpin' yet! Matter of fact, they're lighter than ever!" Sheila channeled the chi down her legs, making them solid gold, including the sandals. With this, she was able to move at light-fast speed, nimbly avoiding Big Mom's charges before shooting to the air, waiting for the woman to get under her, then coming down with a light-fast stomp to her back. Big Mom hacked some acid out, and fixed her glare on Sheila again, seeing her right leg was gold as her left was just used for the kick. Big Mom stood up and stomped at her normally, and when Sheila started zipping at half her previous speed, Big Mom tossed green flames all over the place.

The flames proved no inconvenience as Sheila stood on a clear-cut road between her and Big Mom. Sheila spun two Light Fists and flew them around Mom's sides, the woman dashing forward to avoid, but with a quick backward thrust of her arms, the fists flew right back at Sheila, punching Big Mom's bum in the process. The woman wobbled forward, and in her distracted moment, Sheila leaped forward and KICKED Big Mom upside the teeth with her right foot, flinging the huge, center tooth of her upper mouth clean off.

Her rage increasing, rubbing the empty gap, Big Mom blew a Fear Scream, Sheila dodging right quickly before punching quick Light Fists at Mom's side. The flames still burning around the room singed Sheila's tail slightly, so she patted them out before stepping away and catching her breath. She whirled her hands around, connected by the edge of their palms, before thrusting them forward and open as she unleashed a powerful beam of light. She burned it along the ground where the flames sat and extinguished them, then channeled energy again to release a beam at Charlotte, who leaped and attempted to Ground Pound her, but Sheila ran away, spun, and swung a quick Light Kick at Mom's rear.

"MAAAA HA ha! Very quick, aren't you. But don't forget, I still possess some of YOUR chi from my stomach! It's time that light is sent back at you." Big Mom balled her fists as they lit with light. She punched larger Light Spheres at Sheila, at a fairly slow rate, allowing her to easily kick them away. "Maaah, hah…" Big Mom started to spin her arms for stronger Light Spheres, but her overweight arms proved this a difficult task.

"Hehehehe!" Sheila grinned. "You shoulda dropped a few more pounds before ya ate my chi!"

Big Mom made reasonably-large Light Spheres and fired them, but Sheila caught one in her hands and threw it, then caught the other and threw. Big Mom was forced against the wall again, so with another furious roar, "Maaa-AAAAAHHH!" like that one, Big Mom munched and burrowed beneath the ground, trying to get away. Sheila jumped in and chased the overgrown mole, but debris and broken floors impeded her progress. She had to use her speed and run loops around the round tunnel, in which certain parts of the floor remained stable so Sheila could run them and loop again.

The floor gave way when she ended the loop, having to run down an underground tunnel in attempt to catch up with Big Mom. She shot Light Spheres to see her way down, and followed along where light debris fell from the ceiling. It stopped just before a shaft leading up, so Sheila Wall Jumped up and readied her fists to attack Big Mom. "MAAAAAA-"

"AAAAH!" The woman surprised her and gnashed forward in attempt to gobble Sheila, so the raccoon rushed forward, jumping gaps or hazards in the road and dodging debris Big Mom flew at her. Sheila raised her fists skyward and channeled Light Chi, doing a single brief spin to punch them at Big Mom, slowing her only slightly before Sheila continued running. Sheila was coming to a wall, so she simply ran up to escape, only for Big Mom to begin chomping the wall as it sunk quickly. Sheila got nowhere fast thanks to this, so she quickly sent Light Chi to her soles and leaped very high up the shaft, latching a thin stalactite and rushing up it.

Coming to the ceiling, she spun her fist and punched through, finding herself in the center room connecting the five hallways. She sat along the wall and tiredly caught her breath. "BLAAAAAH!" Big Mom emerged from the floor, Sheila jumping to her feet as Charlotte spat a puddle of acid across the floor again. The acid singed Sheila's sandals, forcing her to jump from them and grip one of the doorways with all fours. "Oi, me sandals!"

"I'll make sure you follow shortly." She coughed fire at Sheila, who jumped to Mom's left and landed on safe ground. Sheila forced her Light Chi through all arms and legs and turned them solid gold. Big Mom coughed acid at her, but Sheila moved at whipping light speeds.

"Midas KICK!" She kicked both Light Feet at Mom, then zipped to her front. "Midas PUNCH!" She punched Light Fists at her stomach, then got back behind the woman, who turned. "Midas TAIL!" Her tail now lit with gold, she spun and whacked Charlotte across the face, making her hurt in the teeth. Sheila smirked and imbued her tail with light again, allowing her to spin impossibly fast with a hoolihoop of light around her. "1800° CYCLONE!" She spun at Big Mom and furiously scraped the side of her dress, adding enough pressure to send her partway down the Bakery hall. "'eeeere's Midas HOOP!" She jumped out of the golden hoop and ran at Charlotte while spinning it still, hurling it straight at the woman's face and sending her all the way down the hall, with a few more teeth flying out.

She smashed through the doorway wall and fell to her back. "Mmmuuuh…" She rubbed her head, sitting up. "MMMMUH?!" A lovely smell catching her nose, she whipped around. "Th…THERE IT IS! THE CAAAAAKE!"

Indeed, there it sat: the tastiest cake ever to hit someone's taste buds. At least 20 feet high, with yellow icing and purple around its 3 layers' edges. Many flowers, drawings, and statues of Big Mom's crew occupied the cake, all made of icing and edibles, and circles of scented candles lit all the layers. On the cake's top, a mini statue of Charlotte Linlin herself, and all her candy-crazy glory.

The room shook as the giant woman dashed for the cake, her drool flying behind her and her hands reached out in greed. "WAAAIT!" Sheila tried to run after her. "I WANNA EAT THAT CAKE FIRRRST! OOH-" She was suddenly tackled away by Chris. "Nnnnn! 'EY! WHAT'RE you doing, Chris?! THIS IS MUTINYYY!"

"Just stay down for a minute, Sheila!"

Big Mom finally made it, the Ice Cream Men moving away in fright. "Mmmmm-haaaa! Finally… the CAAAAAKE!" Her big mouth open wide, she chomped a great chunk out of the cake. (End song.)

Sheila, Chris, the Ice Creams, and the Anti Guys watched with the greatest suspense. She munched, crunched, chewed the big chunk 'til it was ready for swallowing. But halfway through the process, Charlotte's eyes widened. Her pupils shrunk, and her entire face froze. Well, before this part: "BLAAAAAAAHH!" She rolled around on her back frantically, her massive tongue stuck all the way out. "OH GOD, THAT'S THE WORST THING I EVER TASTED! BLAAAAAAAAHHHH!" She shot up and desperately brushed the taste off. "AAAAAH WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAAAAAKE?"

"TWEET TWEET TWEET TWEET!"

"Nnnnnnn?!" She looked at the jumping chickies.

"Heheheh!" Chris laughed sheepishly. "The chickies sorta had to go potty earlier… and there was no better place. The cake is pretty much ruined now. Heh heh…"

She looked at him with a frozen face, and the most furious, trembling eyes. Chef Pierre and his men felt the most afraid. Big Mom's wrath would be unspeakable. "NAAAAAAAH!" She immediately started grabbing and throwing every piece into her mouth. "EVEN THOUGH IT'S SOILED, THE VIRUS IS STILL THERE! THAT'S ALL I NEEEEEED!"

Crumbs flew everywhere, and she showed no signs of stopping. That is, of course, when practically the whole cake was in her belly. "If I cannot relish in the sanctity that is my ancestors' cake, I will relish in the greatness that is your world, AFTER I INFECT IT!"

After swallowing that last piece, her body stood still and calm, the great, evil grin spread wide across her face. Her body wiggled and wobbled like a half-liquid blob. The unbelievable sugar overtook her already-sugary body, and her blood-sugar vessels felt the greatest rush they ever had. Her body melted into a white, sugary blob, still wobbling like gelatin as it grew taller and through the ceiling.

What is she DOING?? questioned Kirie.

"She's embraced the full might of the Candy Virus and she's growing to abnormal proportions." Lala explained. "We'd better run outside." She, Chris, and Kirie rushed out quickly. But Chris skidded to a halt when he realized Sheila still remained.

"Sheila, what's up, come on!"

The captain stared thoughtfully at the little crumbs that remained of the cake. A sudden rumbling and debris from the ceiling tempted Chris to get out of there. "Ugh, you BETTER not die on me!"

Sheila quickly scooped the crumbs in her hands and gobbled away. It was very faint, but the sugary powers that made the Sugary Wonders coursed through her system. The blinding light of the Crystal Marshmallow, luscious color of the Rainbow Lollipop, enchanted magic of the Easter Bunny, golden glow of the Fourth Flavor, and her own spicy essence within the Magic Caramels. Not to mention the caramels that held her friends' personalities, too. Just a few bites of this cake, and it was the shiniest bites Sheila ever tasted. Mixed with the light inside her, it would be bright as a sun.

With the others

Everyone else finally met back in the center room, with Haruka with Augustus (who was carrying Panini), and Chris and Kirie with Lala. "Is everyone okay?" Haru asked.

"Yeah, but what's HE doing with you!" Artie pointed.

"Give it a rest, I'm with you dorks now." Augustus stated.

"Second that." Lala noted.

"Sheila chased Big Mom in there, and she just swallowed the whole cake!" Chris exclaimed.

"Where IS Sheila?!" Aurora yelled.

"Still back there too; probly trying to fight 'er. Wait, where's Mason?!"

"WAAAAH!" Mason dropped in from a hole on the ceiling. "The structure of this place makes NO sense!"

"Look, we have to get out of here." Augustus said. "Assuming I still know enough about Big Mom, she's gonna eat through this whole island."

"Hnnnnck! I'm sort of immobile at the moment!" Mason gripped his waist.

"What's wrong?" Haruka asked.

"I drank a lot of soda, Haruka." he grunted. "I think something's wrong with my kidney."

"Soda can't lead to kidney failure, can it?" Aurora asked.

"Some claimed that it can." Haruka replied. "Chris, Harry, carry him and let's get outta here; I'll work on him outside." The boys did so as they hurried down the exit.

"Wait a minute! We have to go help Sheila!"

"Sheila's in her own business right now, if she wanted to come, she would have." Chris stated.

"But how d'you know she isn't trying to fight her recklessly?"

"Well, my instinct tells me she has a plan." Augustus said with a cool grin. "Call it adventurer's instinct." His grin sparkled.

"Your teeth should not be that shiny." Haruka said with disbelief.

The crew made it to the outside pathway and ran far enough away from the mountain. Haruka set Mason down and pulled his shirt up slightly, sticking her fingers in his waist. "Don't worry, Maseyfairy, I'll stay by you as LONG as you're in your coma!" Carol said joyously.

"Give it a rest, Drama Queen, I shouldn't take too long." Haruka said. She sensed the sodium in his body and began to absorb it. "Hu-hu-hu-hu." She shuddered. "It ma-a-akes my-y-y-y skin a little tingly-y-y-y-y-y." She spoke in a distorted voice. "I think I should only take a little 'til the antibodies absorb it; it may take awhile."

"Are you kidding?! What if that witch comes out here and-" One of the mountains suddenly exploded in the distance as a tremendous blob of colorful sugar rose to the heavens. "Uhhhh…"

Charlotte Linlin towered miles over the vastness of Candied Island. A mouth-watering entity of vanilla frosting skin and licorice-red hair, candy corn teeth, and a Laffy-Taffy tongue, with little red swirls on her cheeks. A forest of lollipops and candycanes spread along her back, the boogers in her nose were squishy gummy bears, her breasts were soft, bouncy marshmallows, and her saliva was melted ice cream. Make the other connections as you see fit. :P

"MMMAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!" Her voice boomed for miles beyond the island. "FINALLY! I am the tastiest being in ALL the laaaand! The world is my dining table!"

"Holy CRAP! She's like a… sugary Ursula!" Chris said.

"Is this what happened to Sherry Linlin all those years ago?" Augustus asked.

"Makes you wonder how she had kids." Haruka replied.

"I'll never look at candy the same way again…" Haylee frowned.

"The sugars and all their ingredients… BOOOW TO MYYYY POWERRRRR!" Her acidic ice cream flew across the land and smashed the Spinach Ships still at war with the Demon Sweets.

After slicing a Ho-ho Serpent, Henrietta watched as a nearby ship was destroyed, and gaped at Charlotte's colossal sugariness in the distance. "Is zat… Big Mam?!"

"The Candy Devil is upon us again!" a soldier cried. "LET US MAKE with the running out of here, i miei compagni!"

Big Mom ceased when a bright light shone by her feet. "Meeh?!"

The light soared to the heavens and floated before Linlin's face. Having consumed just small fragments of the Sugary Wonders, Sheila appeared in her own candy-coated body, with vanilla skin, blue hair, chocolate raccoon ears and tail, and shining with the greatest sugar rush of all time. "NnnnNNNNnnnn! Do you intend to beat me like that?! All you are… is ANOTHER YUMMY sweet for me! And your taste will be ADDED to my tongue! AS WILL THE WHOLE CANDIED PLANET! MAAAA-HAAAARRR!" (Play the Final Boss Theme from Rayman 2.)

Final boss: The Sugar Queen

"HYYYAAAAAAH…" Linlin's mouth was open wide, and Sheila expected her to munch any minute. But rather than at her, Linlin started munching directly through the ground, burrowing far beneath the island and the very earth itself. Sheila flew down and charged huge Light Spheres in her hands, punching them at the overgrown giant, but Big Mom shielded herself with a Rock Candy shield. She turned so her gigantic face was grinning at Sheila, having an alternate mouth munch through the earth for her.

Big Mom bashed the walls with her head and made giant Bounce Gums bounce around to knock Sheila away, but the sugary raccoon regained composure and shot after her faster, punching a barrage of big Light Spheres. Linlin defended with her Rock Candy before unleashing a stream of ice cream barf, pushing Sheila several meters back up the chasm. Sheila spiraled her arms and created giant Light Hands, flying down and stretching them to grab Big Mom, but she still defended with Rock Candy. Sheila pulled the hands back and charged more energy to perform a barrage of punches, the fists thrusting back and forth at a rapid pace to eventually shatter the crystal barrier.

Sheila then sent a giant Light Hand down and grabbed the upper lip (more like upper teeth) of her mouth, flying back up and taking the grotesque giant with her. Big Mom was eventually able to shake away, but during that time, Sheila was spinning her other hand so she could PUNCH the giant slob in the face with a light-fast giant fist. She was regrettably forced a few meters back into the shaft, but a few of her candy corn teeth fell out. As Big Mom started burrowing down again, her bulbous nose aimed up at Sheila and started blasting giant cannon jawbreakers, which Sheila was actually able to punch and send back.

Another Rock Candy shield defended the giant again, but the jawbreakers weren't doing effective damage. Sheila spun her tail propeller and imbued it with light, increasing it in size. She turned and shot further toward Big Mom, forcing her light propeller against the shield and slicing through it in seconds. Her tail shrunk back to normal as she kept after the entity, punching more huge jawbreakers back and bashing Big Mom's teeth. Another candy corn was lost as Charlotte unleashed blinding Shadow Breath, turning the whole tunnel pitch-black. Even Sheila's light appeared faint, and punching huge Light Spheres straight ahead didn't help much.

As it turned out, Charlotte mixed fearbending in with this breath, and giant Big Mom faces, with red eyes and venomous teeth, came at Sheila from the darkness, aiming to munch her. One bit Sheila's arm, but she punched it away quickly, then another bit her leg, but she kicked it off and flew back. She charged two giant Light Spheres and punched directly ahead, blowing down the Mom faces as Sheila shot further down. Sheila aimlessly punched a storm of Light Spheres ahead, hoping to hit such an enormous target, but to her surprise, the spheres came back and pelted her a little, and she ended up smashing against a floor. After catching her breath, Sheila channeled and expanded a great range of light, illuminating the shadow and revealing a gaping tunnel to the side Big Mom escaped into. Sheila flew in there, then saw the tunnel directed down again, and quickly shot after the sugary giant.

This time, Big Mom had giant marshmallows blocking parts of the way, and when Sheila tried to punch through them, their extreme bounciness sent her several meters back up. Punching Light Spheres would also lead to self-inflictment, so she had no choice but to navigate around them. She caught up to Big Mom, who unveiled the full length of her big Laffy-Tongue as ice cream cones emerged from it. The giant cones came at Sheila like missiles, but she was quick to avoid them and grab one to throw it back. Big Mom once again defended with her Rock Candy, then sent a barrage of Fear Spheres from her eyes.

Sheila countered the fear with her light and channeled chi into her connected palms, unleashing another Light Beam in attempt to breach the crystal. When it was cracking, Sheila spun both arms to make two Light Wheels, sending one forward to shatter the shield, then the second to squish Big Mom's nose. She then spun around to create another Light Tail, sending it at Mom's teeth and knocking two more out. More cones emerged from the empty gaps where her teeth were, flying all around and leaving gassy trails. Sheila held her breath and kept going, but Big Mom unleashed green flames and exploded the trails of gas, knocking Sheila dizzy as she spun and fell down the shaft.

Charlotte opened her mouth wide, ready to feast on the sugary being of light. She successfully caught Sheila in her mouth, but the raccoon still resisted as she punched and shook around. Big Mom held her mouth closed tight, not allowing her prey to escape this time. Sheila decided to take a moment to catch her breath and think. Blimey, if this goes on any longer, she'll reach the Earth's core. WAIT! I still 'ave THIS little bloke. She pulled the shrunken White Asparagus out of her pocket. Probly shoulda used this when I was in her stomach. Ah'll jus' throw this down there and-

"No, Sheila… do not sacrifice the creature."

Say wot?? 'o are you, The Chronicler??

"No, I'm someone else. You'll meet me later; just, do what I say and don't kill the Asparagus thingy."

Whatever you say, voice in my head. I don't need some cruddy poison to cheat this fight, anyway!

She spun both fists and punched double Light Fists at Charlotte's teeth, breaking them clean open and escaping. "You ain't going ANYWHERE!" She expanded her Light Hands and gripped both ends of Linlin's lips. With that, she soared all the way back up the chasm and pulled the sugary colossus with her.

Above the surface

"Ohhhhhh." Sir Knightly curiously peeked over the hole. "Big hoooole. Hole is biiiig. Wonder how big it goes. I spit down and try to hear echo. Ah-… Oh? …" The earth suddenly trembled. In a split second, Sheila came shooting up the hole with Linlin in tow, her colossal form creating a rush of wind that blew Knightly away. "WAAAAAAH!"

Sheila tossed the Sugar Queen above and flew at her face, unleashing a rapid bombardment of punches with her giant fists before punching Big Mom straight at the ground. "MMMMAH!" Big Mom got to her feet and blew a quick Fear Scream, making Sheila sink, followed by a Shadow Breath around her head. Charlotte then blew poison breath around Sheila's area and followed with fire, swallowing the raccoon in the explosion. Sheila became covered with soot and fell to the island's surface.

"He-he-he-e-e-e-e…" Haruka stuttered, nearly done with absorbing Mason's sodium. "Well, hopefully that's enough where it won't kill you."

"What's going on up there?!" he demanded.

"Sheila and Big Mom came back up." Lala replied. "She just knocked Sheila to the ground."

Mason helped himself up and watched as Big Mom stomped to a tiny, shiny being on the ground atop a hill. He squinted his eyes and saw that person was Sheila in her new sugary form. Big Mom's grin looked more malicious than ever without her teeth, and just as venomous. "Maaaaaah ha ha haaaaa. I hope you enjoyed your life, Sunny-Fist… because NOW you can have adventures in the AFTERLIFE! Fare thee well… you filthy rat!"

Mason rushed partway to the hill and slumped to his knees. "SHEILA!! HURRY AND GET UP! You have to beat this witch! Are you gonna let your adventures end right here?! There's still a whole UNIVERSE you haven't explored, yet! AND THEN SOME!"

"MAAAAH ha ha! What little vermin attempts to speak to you? Your captain's lifestyle has brought her to her DEATH!"

"Sheila… if it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't be alive right now. NONE of us would probably wanna go on without you. You remind people what the bright side of life is. You showed ME a whole new reason to live. That life is full of wonders we could never imagine, and experiences so great, the only way to have them is to live! I've never been more happy… to be your friend, Sheila. The greatest wonder of my life is how I was lucky enough to meet you. And Sheila… if all else fails, never forget… YOU'RE FREAKING OVERPOWERRRRED!" (End song.)

A strong wind blew the straw hat from the Sunny's deck, all the way onto Sheila's face. Sheila sparked to life, having just got the wildest idea. She pulled the straw hat off and showed her witty smirk. She swiftly dodged Big Mom's acid and flew by her face. Sheila lit her sugary body solid gold, and blinked into thin air faster than Charlotte could see. The colossus searched around worriedly, wondering where the speedy raccoon has gone. But Sheila was actually flying directly to the sun, and felt its power quickly surging on. She stopped just a few light-years from the sun and absorbed its energy, sending that power directly to her fists.

"Maaaah?!" Big Mom looked up when a bright light pierced the purple clouds of Candied Island. She thought it was the sun, but in fact, it was Sheila Frantic, with Light Fists that greatly rivaled the size of Candied Island. Sheila grabbed the Sugar Queen and tossed her to the air, swinging her fists and bashing her around. She punched Big Mom even higher, probably on the edge of the stratosphere. With that, Sheila spun her tremendous fists, aimed at Big Mom, and blasted them at the speed of light.

"MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh… … . . . . ."

The Spinach Armada, Henrietta, Raccoon Pirates, and remaining Big Mom Pirates had no words. They questioned if what just happened was real… but if their eyes were correct, the gargantuan entity that was Sugar Queen, Charlotte Linlin, was flown all the way to the sun. "…Wow." was all Mason could conceive.

"…Ohhhh." Sir Knightly woke up from his impact. "Since when do meteors come up from below. Am I in Upside-down Land?"

"YAAAA!" Caught completely off guard, Chris flew at Knightly and KICKED the pan directly off his head. The banging of the bouncing pan was very loud, and Knightly fell over. Chris landed and turned to face the man as he got up.

But Chris was caught off guard as well. Sir Knightly's true face… left him completely speechless. He became nearly frozen, voice struggling to utter a word, and eyes stiff with unspeakable surprise. "I-I-It can't be… you're-"

Knightly unleashed his Conqueror's Haki and knocked Chris clean out. The unmasked man marched up to his helmet, picked it up, and put it on. He faced the camera and screamed, "HO HOOOOOH! YOOOOUUU THOUGHT HE WAS-A GONNA SAY IT, HUUUUUH! AAAAH HA HA! AAAH HA HA! Ha ha ha! Ehhh, unfortunately…" He faced Chris again, and marched over to him, "I can't have you telling everyone."

He knelt down and planted his hand over his forehead. He slowly pulled a stream of orange energy out of Chris's head. He clamped his hand shut, and the energy was gone. "As an old friend of mine once said… no spoilers."

Sheila flew to the Spinach Armada as Amerigo presented her a Healing Spinach. Sheila swallowed the healthy plant, and her sugary form was gone. "Ahhhh. I nearly blinded myself there."

They sailed to the shore as Sheila and Henrietta hopped off to meet the others. "SHEILA! You DID IT!" Haruka beamed.

"Well, of course! Did you really have any doubt, eh?" She grinned brightly.

"Heh heh. No, never." Mason blushed, his earlier comment having been proven true.

"And just like zat… it's over." Henrietta spoke thoughtfully. "Ze threat that vas Big Mom and ze Big Mom Pirates… is over."

"Talk about going out with a bang, too." Augustus remarked.

"A lot cooler zan Davy Jones." Heinie replied.

"Ohhh…" Chris rubbed his head as Aurora guided him back. "I think a boulder hit me when I was trying to find that Knightly guy… oh well."

"Hey, Sheila, what did the cake taste like?!" Haylee asked eagerly. "Did it taste like everything we ever coulda dreamed?!"

"Yeah, did it?!" Dillon perked. "I mean, if that Fourth Flavor was tasty enough, I can't imagine…"

"Ehhhh… it wa'n't that great." Sheila waved off. "The ingredients felt a little… outdated."

"…OH." They frowned in disappointment.

"Well, we could always look for the Sugary Wonders again!" Carol smiled.

"Ehhhh… something tells me we shouldn't." Mason said. "That cake was nothing but trouble for centuries. We're better off just taking one of Father's cakes!"

"Then I conclude this adventure… complete." Sheila stated. "And I can't wait ta get home and take a nap. …And get new sandals."

"It would be nice to see home again." Lala smiled. "I wonder… does Bartie have kids?"

OH, YES!! Kirie beamed. Their names are Terry and Lola, and they're SUPER cool, and Lola's a vampire!

"A vampire? Hm, now that'll be interesting! Ha ha ha!" They both laughed.

The whirring of a bubble propeller was heard, and they looked to see Jessie and Sandy floating to them on their Bubble Boat. "Hey, guys, get your asses over here!" Jessie yelled. "There's a secret hideaway behind Big Mom's giant throne!"

"We found it when we were looking for Sheila!" Sandy followed.

"A secret hideaway?? RIPPER!" Sheila excitedly jumped on, and her friends followed. (Play "The First Mask" from Rayman 2.)

The friends were guided all the way back to Big Mom's throne, finding the chair was moved aside, revealing a secret passage. They stared with the utmost curiosity, and Sheila was first to march in. Her eyes alit with wonder as she stood within a vast, bottomless chamber. Several tremendous cakes with lit candles surrounded a single altar, which had a thin, steep staircase connecting where Sheila stood. She walked up the stairway slowly, eyes transfixed on the light that shone at the very top. She felt as though whatever was up there was calling for her. Calling her ever so quietly.

Mason and the others followed, suddenly curious what was up there as well. Sheila finally reached the top, and there lie the mysterious wonder: a huge, marble block with writing in a mysterious language. Her eyes remain wide and transfixed as her friends made it up. "It's… a ruin." Haylee observed.

"What kinda language is that?" Haruka asked.

"Better call Makava down here, see if she knows." Harry said.

"I can probably find a few translators!" Carol beamed.

They looked strangely as Sheila slowly walked forward, eyes not averting for a second. Just then, the straw hat in her hand started to glow, and she lightly released it to the ruin. It floated gently and shone ever brighter, slowly seeping into the ruin. The whole stone started to glow brighter and brighter, and in a second, all of the light shot into Sheila's body. She studied her form closely, the light encasing her form for 5 seconds before it faded. While she couldn't explain it… it felt as though a part inside of her has awakened.

Sheila awakened herself as the FIRST LIGHT! Only 6 more to go!

Afterwards, the incomprehensible reading glowed, and the message was bright as day to Sheila's eyes. "'If you found this place, I hope it was by accident. If not, well, then I hope you enjoyed the journey. There are 6 more besides this one, but only those chosen may read its message. Help them find them. But when they do, make sure they have an awesome adventure! –Monkey D. Luffy'."

"The f***?" Jessie cursed.

"Sheila… you can read that?" Haruka asked.

"Hehe! 'Guess my dyslexia pays off!" She grinned.

"Whaddo you think it means?" Dillon asked.

"Eh, probably just some drunk bloke's message." Sheila passed off. "C'mon, let's go." She hurried down the stairs as her friends joined. As they left, a slim boy in a straw hat grinned brightly before his spirit faded. (End song.)

Off Candied Island's coast

A ship was sailing away from the island, controlled by Chef Pierre and his Ice Cream Men, and Arthur Glacé was onboard. "Owwww… Dad… what happened back there?"

"Zis whole nightmare is over, my son. Ve vill return to ze Brotherhood and plot REVENGE on zose Kids Next Door!"

"Siiiigh… I think I need a cold fudge smoothie first."

At the same time, the Deadly Baby Trio was on a little boat, sailing away and viewing the destruction that just occurred on Candied Island. "Hwell, Rallo and Margaret, that's how an empire falls." Stewie said.

"Yeah, 'specially with a fat bitch- wait, 'hwell'? Don't you mean 'well'?" Rallo asked.

"Hwhat, I'm just saying, it's amazing how fast Big Mom has fallen."

"Siiiigh. Whatever, man."

"Mw-mw." Maggie's eyes were still sore.

"I can't say I'm aware of the fate of the other crewmen, but I'm sure they're off to better things. Hoooohh, hwhat's immortal babies to do."

"Think they still hirin' in the Kids Next Door?" Rallo asked.

"Yes, but we're quite above the age limit. But I suppose there's no way to verify how old we are."

"Ah well. Let's find where mah step-dad's livin' so we can shoot 'is house."

"Mw-mw."

The Raccoon Pirates boarded the Spinach Flagship and began to sail away from the island. Sheila tried to conjure a Light Sphere, but the light flickered and faded. "'ey, what gives? It was workin' like a beauty just now!"

"Sheila, it's… possible that going all Super Mode costed you your bending." Haruka said.

"WHAT ARE YOU SAYIN'?!"

"C-C-Calm down! I mean, it seems like you still have it, so maybe you just need time to rest your Chi Paths!"

"Grrrr, it's because of all that candy. I want a buffet when we get home!"

Meanwhile, Lala Stork had led Kirie into a private room. What did you want to talk to me about, Lala?

…The woman smirked and grabbed Kirie's head, seeming to rip out a film strip that displayed Kirie's memories. "Hm hm hm… sorry, but I'm afraid you're going to have to forget ever meeting me." Lala began to snip out her images out of Kirie's mind. "After all… I don't want my brother to know about me, yet. Not until the right time…"

Azultown Shore

With their adventures complete, the Sunny Day was on her way back home. Marine, Lucci, and all the parents stood at the docks, seeing the tiny figure that was Marine's daughter seated happily on the keel. The ship soon docked, and Sheila excitedly jumped down to embrace her mom in a hug, as did the other children. Abby noticed Henrietta on the deck and smiled. "Good to see you again, Abigail."

"You too, Heinie! Thanks for watchin' 'em."

"I didn't watch them too much, for Marine's sake." She winked.

"What I was hopin' for!" Marine winked.

"Vell… it's time to get these two home." She glanced at Sandy and Jessie. "But FIRST:" She forcefully tugged Augustus's ear.

"Owowowow, hey what're you doin', Mom??"

"Ze minute ve get home, you are making up for ALL ze years you vent vithout brushing your teeth. I mean, ve are going to have to call Knightbrace to fix all zose cavities you have und MORE."

"Ow, come on, Ma, cavities never hurt anyone, I can eat just fine- OW! Cut it out, Mom, quit treating me like a kid, I'm totally capable of taking care of my- ow, ah!" And it was like that their whole way home as they boarded her candy helicopter and flew back to Virginia.

"Oi, what happened with them?" Marine asked.

"Oi dunno, Mum." shrugged Sheila.

"So 'ow was it, Dinga?" Marine grinned. "Didja enjoy your adventure?"

"I sure did, Mom!" She nodded excitedly. "All those ripper places we went to were TOTALLY awesome! I tamed a giant swordfish, and we went ta Candied Island, and I TOTALLY kicked Big Mom's butt, and-… oh, and I got this thing!" She pulled out the shrunken White Asparagus.

"Oh!" Mason gasped. "It's the White Asparagus you were gonna use to poison Big Mom! Why didn't you use it?"

"I was gonna, but some voice in my head told me not to. Ya know what though, I'm kinda glad I didn't. 'Cause what woulda been the fun in THAT, right?"

"That's my sheila!" Marine patted her head. "And that little sprout can be our new house pet!"

"How is my daughter??" Fanny questioned as she stepped forward.

"She's alright." Chris said, helping the shriveled Panini to stand. "She's just a little… drained."

"Hehehe… Better than being inside a… Sarlacc…" Panini stuttered.

"Hmmmm. Well, lucky for ya, we prepared a special feast for yer return. Right over there." Fanny directed over to a group of tables loaded with the most succulent meat, veggies, fruits, and drinks.

"FOOOOOOD!" Sheila and Panini were quick to rush over, gorging their selves 'til their bellies were round and jiggly.

"Heheheheh! I'd be like that too if I were stuck on a boat with nothing to eat but candy." Aurora said. "Which I was."

"In our time, you'd never see a KND operative excited for anything else." Rachel said.

"It's amazing how much they've changed." Nigel followed. "But I guess since it's not all about shooting weapons now."

"…" Chris was looking away in thought.

"What's wrong, Chris?" Aurora asked.

"I dunno… my head just feels a little… foggy. I can't help but think… I'm forgetting something."

"Well, YOU think of that, I'm gettin' me some of that roast beef." Haruka said.

"Hey, save some for me!" Chris hurriedly followed her.

For the next 10 minutes, the kids feasted and played Tag around the shipyard. Their strength had returned, finally free of that sweet taste of rotten candies. And once said time had passed, an engine's roaring was heard above them, seeing a C.O.O.L.-B.U.S. come down. It took land as Cheren Uno stepped off. "Halright, Cheren's here!" Chris perked. "Can't start the party without you!"

"Hey Boy, ya up for a game of 'Gobble the Most'?" Panini smirked.

"Look, you guys need to come with me back to Moonbase." He said with a serious, grim look. "There's something important we need to discuss."

Their happy spirits were replaced by ones of worry. They calmly boarded Cheren's C.O.O.L.-B.U.S. and flew up to Moonbase. The parents wore curious, concerned looks as well. But some of them felt they already knew.

World Government Headquarters

The five shadows sat around their table as flames brimmed behind them. The eye within the pyramid hovered over the table, its stare enticing as ever. Footsteps were heard at the entrance as an armored man stepped in. "There you are." spoke World Leader, Lucas. "Are you finally back from your, 'undercover work'?"

"Yes… I am." Sir Knightly spoke in a slight southwestern accent. "I missed the aroma of candy, after all. And I had a feeling… they would be coming there."

"Won't you take off that pan?" asked the book-reading Leader. "You look positively childish."

"Hmph…" Knightly touched his hand to said helmet, "This helmet is the only thing that links me to my childhood. I have no reason to abandon it now. It is my inner child… that will restore everything."

"If you say so." said the gloomy female leader. (Play "The Crying God" from Naruto: Shippuden.)

The knight marched over to a closet on the right of the room. "Let's get some light on." He flipped a switch, and in a flash, the World Leaders were revealed in their true colors.

"Ahhh, much better." said the bookworm. He was a slim, fair-skinned man with a blue patterned button shirt, with brown hair and a charming smile. "I was at the most riveting part…"

One of the World Leaders

HENRY CHURCHILL

Sir Knightly marched out of the closet. He still wore armor… but was noticeably different, with a purple cape blowing behind him. "One of the Lights has already awakened. Our time is running short. The War must begin soon."

"I don't have any fear of those meddlesome kids." Lucas said. He was a brown-haired man in a black cloak, blue eyes, and five-o'clock shadow. "It's the parents I'm worried about. When will they learn to be concerned with their own business?"

One of the World Leaders

LUCAS STONEBUDDY

"Ahhh, big deal, those guys are old-time, anyway." said Leader Jennifer brightly, a young woman with long, curly brown hair, pink dress, long pink-painted fingernails, and rings around her fingers. "I mean, does anyone even remember them anymore? The fact they still worry about these things is sad, they need to grow up and look toward the future. But why else are WE here, right, ha ha!"

One of the World Leaders

JENNIFER BUSH

"They just have no sense of place." said the shadowbender Leader, her shadow sinking from the light. The Leader herself had ghostly white skin, white hair, and a white dress, as she plucked petals from a black rose. "They insist they can make a change, when they can't. They can't help that, in the grand scheme, they're unimportant." Three petals left. "I don't see why else they're hanging around. Unless they just like to impede with progress like simple scions." Two petals. "Otherwise, I'm confused."

The minute she plucked the last petal, a guard that was outside the room fell dead.

One of the World Leaders

DAPHNE ANDERSON

Ability: Shadowbending, Gray Shade Style

"In any case, everything that they do makes me so very angry!" exclaimed the last Leader, an elderly woman with drooping wrinkly, powdery skin, white hair in big curls, purple sleek dress, and skinny arms with white long nails. "All this 'power' that they exert is so unnatural! I remember an age where humans were average beings, having to gain their desires out of work or simple war! A perfect world has no place for them, nor their petty desires! –Declares I, Felius Umbridge, one of the World Leaders!"

One of the World Le- you know what, she said it for me.

"And this Dimensional Fusion makes it all the worse! Whatever god thought of such a thing—; I haven't even the WORDS! It…It…IT SUCKS!!"

"But that is why we are here." said Sir Knightly as he marched up thin stairs behind the table, leading onto a throne. "This world is doomed… all beings will burn in a realm of fire and despair, destroyed by an overabundance of energy created by their very existence. Every life everyone else has lived, every goal they achieved will be erased. And all because the ancient gods decided to merge dimensions together, causing an uncountable amount of energies from those realms to squeeze into one, doomed to eventually explode. And in the end, it is WE who suffer for it, not the gods."

The man took his seat on the throne. He looked no longer like a knight, but a king… in the shiniest armor, spiked shoulder cuffs, purple cape, the pot helmet over his head (a number appeared almost washed off on it), and a golden spiked crown on top of it. "But WE will be the solution. Our existence will rise from the ashes like Timeshift… and we will return this world to the way it's supposed to be! By my order… as The King."

Supreme Ruler of the World

THE KING

The flames sprouted greater than ever. "WE are the solution. WE are the bringers of PEACE to this planet. We are… the One, True, GOD!" The flares glinted off the Eye of Order, the Earth rotating in its pupil. Soon, the people would have no fear of incoming doom. They would live in peace, in the New World Order. (End song.)

Sector W Treehouse

The news had just been spread everywhere. The news Cheren dreaded telling anybody. But it was out now… and Sector W were one of many who had been struck speechless. "Is that… true?" Harvey asked.

"No way… that can't be!" Aranea denied.

"No… Cousin Cheren wouldn't lie about this." Anthony knew.

"'Tis much too suspicious, regarding his source." Fybi said.

"I dunno… but it sounds like Cheren sure has faith in what he told him." Sally said. "I guess… we'll have to trust in him, too."

Sector W7 Treehouse

"UWAAAAAH!" Chimney screamed with a frantic face. "WE'RE ALL GONNA DIIIIE! I DON'T WANNA DIIIIE!"

"Gyom, gyom!" Gonbe agreed.

The other five members looked outside with worry. The sky was bright and sunny… but Cheren's words just now made it feel so dark.

Sector L Treehouse

"HOLY CRUD!!" Danny screamed in shock. "Well, you were looking for a good story, Melody. …Melody?"

The anchorwoman was on her knees, gripping her hair panickingly. "I…I…I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS KIND OF NEEEEWWWS!"

Sector IC Treehouse

"Are you KIDDING?? That's crazy!" Terry yelled.

"Talk about an evening killer!" Lola exclaimed.

"It can't be!" George argued. "MaKayla… did you know about this?"

His sister looked down. She glanced at Miyuki, who was faced away in thought. Is it… really happening so soon? I never thought… we had so little time. Miyuki looked to the ceiling. "Zanifr…"

Sector DR Treehouse

"Oh… So I guess it really is true." Numbuh Sweetie-1 noticed.

"Fefefe. So the Heads were right after all." Doffy Jr. grinned.

Sugar stood silently and ate her grapes.

Team Gnik's Lair

"Well well… so I see the news is finally out." Specter observed.

"As strange as it sounds to say… it feels very… romantic." Mr. Dark said.

"Oooooh! I can't wait for all the mischief and mayhem!" Plankton spoke giddily. "I wonder where I should start first?"

"In the end, it won't matter," Giovanni stated, "because this world will be destroyed either way. But then we'll have our hands on the New World, right, Lesser Lord?"

"Indeed… and perhaps then… my Master can be awakened."

"Okay, I think he's fixed." Dr. Nefarious said, dragging in XANA's body. "Let's flip him on." He flipped a switch on his side.

"NYAAAARR HAR HARRR!" laughed the box-headed Program. "Shiver me hard-drives, mateys, I 'ave a HANKERIN' for some DATA FILES!"

"Whoops… must've set him on the pirate setting by mistake." Lawrence said.

"LAAAAWWWWREEEEEENNNNCE!"

Miscellaneous treehouses

"This is a message to all Earth Kids Next Door. A few months ago, I was informed of some troubling news. I was skeptical at first, and afraid of telling all of you… but you all deserve to know. If you recall, a monster called Majora threatened our world, until I was able to stop him. His plan was to end our world through a cataclysm called the Apocalypse. Despite his plan being foiled, he secretly met up with me later and said he no longer wished to continue it. The reason is… the Apocalypse was going to happen soon. He surmised we have less than a year until it happens. And not only will it effect our world, but all other worlds as well. Only certain people will be allowed to survive, and be tasked with making a New World. All others, however… will perish in the destruction. I didn't want to believe it… but a look in his eyes told me he wasn't lying. The end of the world… is upon us."

KND Moonbase

Sector V and Panini were in Cheren's office. He revealed the news to them directly. "Is that really… what he told you?" Aurora asked.

"Yes, and… I think it's true. He said there was a way to save everyone, but… our worlds are as good as done."

The news was so sudden to them. Things were so peaceful earlier… when they were on the sea, surrounded by cool winds, gentle waves, and warm skies. It was amazing how fast it all ended. Their adventure… and the peace.

But Sheila wasn't phased at all. "Well, what're you all mopin' for?? If 'e said there was a way to save 'em all, then I say we GO for it!!"

"Huh?" Cheren was surprised by her attitude.

"In a world where anything is possible, where islands are made out of candy, some humans are smaller than others, others are big, and ALL these other crazy blokes who're still chums with each other, I AIN'T jus' gonna let it all get blown up! WE'RE ALL GOING TO STOP THIS APOCALYPSE!" She raised her fists. "Any mate that's got the swab, SAY IT WITH ME!"

"YEAH! WE CAN STOP IT!" Mason cheered.

"Heck YEAH we can!" Chris cheered.

"If I don't want it, it's NOT gonna happen!" Carol decided.

"Heck, our parents stopped it before, didn't they?" Dillon asked.

"Heh, I ain't scared." Harry smiled coolly.

"Meeee neither!" Artie said.

"Nuh-uh!" shook Haylee.

BRING IT OOOON! smirked Kirie.

"Like white on rice!" fist-pumped Haruka.

"Ha ha ha! Sounds like we're all agreed!" Aurora smiled.

"YEEEAH! WE'LL KICK ITS BUTT!" Panini roared.

"YEEEAAAH!"

"And so it begins, mateys: our newest adventure! One that will put Candied Island, and ALL the others, TO SHAME! So Cheren, TELL US what we need to do!" Sheila demanded.

"…Ha ha ha!" Cheren wasn't expecting this reaction. He told the same thing in his message, but he barely went with it himself. It felt so good to finally tell this. Maybe they would have a chance after all…

"But there's still hope. Majora—I mean, Zanifr told me, there are Twenty Keys that can open the way to the New World, Seven Lights and Thirteen Darknesses. They will open the gate that can lead everyone to the former world, and allow them to make the New World together. And if we all work together, we can FIND these Twenty Keys! All everyone needs to do is sharpen their skills, and we'll have the strength to do anything! Our parents did it 20 years ago… so it's time for the Next Generation to take our stand!"

(Play "Family" from One Piece!)

The Great Candied Adventure: Cast:

Tara Strong as Sheila Frantic, Marine the Raccoon, Yin Bean, Melody Jackson, Anthony McKenzie, and Katie

Rachael MacFarlane as Aurora Uno and Rachel Uno

Zoe Slusar as Mason Dimalanta

Greg Cipes as Dillon York

Kerry Williams as Haruka Dimalanta and Carol Masterson

Benjamin Diskin as Artie Gilligan, Nigel Uno, and Hoagie Gilligan

MaKayla Rogers as Haylee Gilligan, MaKayla King, and Aranea Fulbright

Lauren Tom as Kirie Beatles, Kuki Beatles, Vanellope von Schweetz, and Lola Stork

Grey DeLisle as Charlotte "Big Mom" Linlin, Mandy McKenzie, Cindy Cortix, and Chimney

Mandy and Cindy watched as the dead corpses of Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed melted into black licorice skeletons, coming to life. They growled at the two, but Mandy pointed left, and the hyenas obediently went that way.

Marc Graue as Black John Licorice

Seth MacFarlane as Stewie Griffin

Mike Henry as Rallo Tubbs and Cleveland Brown

Tress MacNeille as Maggie Simpson

Daran Norris as Nickel Joe

Nobuo Tobita as Pekoms

Tsubasa Yonaga as Bobbin

Sharon Mann as Cheren Uno

Jennifer Hale as Panini Drilovsky, Fanny Drilovsky, and Fybi Fulbright

Matt Levin as Francis Drilovsky and Patton Drilovsky

Candi Milo as Henrietta von Marzipan, Margaret Strowd, and Jennifer Bush

Tom Kenny as Augustus von Fizzuras, Fat Jack, and Antonio Fizzuras

Augustus struggled to break free of his straps, but Knightbrace had him pinned tight to his dentist chair. With many deadly drills and tools ready, Augustus cried in the greatest despair as Knightbrace began his work. Outside, Henrietta and Ace made up for all the years they went without making out.

Rob Paulsen as Sammy Sidney, Jessie Sidney, and Al Sugarh

Dee Bradley Baker as Rick Strowd, Wallabee Beatles, and Terry Stork

Amber Hood as Jessica and Sandy Sidney

Cricket Leigh as Danika York and Daphne Anderson

Jensen Ackles as Nolan York

Jess Harnell as Chef Pierre

Jason Liebrecht as Hattori

Dan Green as The Man With the Red Eye

Imelda Staunton as Felius Umbridge

Walt Dohrn as Henry Churchill

Jason Marsden as Sir Knightly

Original KND show owned by Tom Warburton.

Original Big Mom Pirates owned by Eiichiro Oda.

OC characters owned by Gameverse Studios and Mika Corp..

Published by Archive of Our Own

Presented by Gamewizard2008

The Great Candied Adventure: END

...

Bonus: Her Special Skill

Cleveland Park

A peaceful morning over Cleveland, Virginia. It was a time when not many were up and active, so the playground was fairly empty. For that reason, Dillon wanted to go for a quiet stroll, but as he passed the playground, he noticed somebody atop the swingset's bar. That puffy blonde hair and fancy green dress made him recognize Carol Masterson, Sector V's newest friend. Her arms stretched to her sides, carefully keeping balance across the thin bar. But seeing her on the edge of her high-heels, let Dillon know what was about to happen.

"Whoooa-whoooa-WHOOA-" She fell off the right, but she found herself afloat in midair inches from the ground. She saw that a familiar shadow caught her, originating from Dillon York.

"Heheh. Joining the Olympics, Carol?"

The shadow set her on her feet. "Awwww! I almost had it, too!"

"You probably could have, if you wore a more stable pair of shoes."

"Hey, these heels are classy, I can't imagine being in those smelly old sneakers."

"What are you doing, anyway?"

"Siiiigh." She sat on the swing. "I'm trying to find my special skill. I'm already in trouble with my mom for throwing a million of my dollars to drunk pirates. I'm entering Arctic Training tomorrow, but I'm afraid of looking like an idiot when I go. I have to have a good hand at something."

Dillon sat in the swing beside her. "Well, even if you do, Arctic Training's still the same for everyone. You're still tested on teamwork, piloting, fighting, even if you're recognized for a notable skill."

"But that's just it. I don't think I'll be good at most of that stuff. That's why I wanna train now. So if I fail at everything else, I'll still have something I'm good at. And I never took the time to try before 'cause, well, I've always had servants doing things for me. That's why… I'm gonna feel like I'm stupid."

"Hmmmm… Well then, I'll help you!"

"Hmm?" She looked up.

Dillon hopped off the swing, "Come on! We'll try a bunch of things and see if you can do them! Like… whaddo you wanna try?"

"Hmmmm…" She looked away in thought. "To be honest… it would be cool if I was some kind of bender!"

"Alright then! Let's go see if you have an element!" He grabbed Carol's hand as they excitedly ran off.

Uno Household

The two visited the Uno house, where Dillon filled a glass up with water. He set it on the table and said, "Try it."

Carol focused closely and held her hand above the glass. She waved it up and down, opening and closing, but the water wouldn't budge. She loomed her face closer and squeezed her eyes to the center. Trying ever so harder to pick the water up… she couldn't. "SIGH." She rubbed her eyes.

As Rachel walked by, she said with a bright smile, "Maybe she's an icebender!"

Dillon beamed and ran to grab an ice cube from the fridge. "Try it!" He placed it on the table as Carol once again focused. She tried to pick up the ice with only a sense of will. Her hand moved up and down, open and closed, but the ice wouldn't move an inch.

"Hey, does this feel cold?" Carol blew lightly on Dillon's face, hoping for a sense of chill.

He waved his hand by his nose. "No, but someone's been eating crumpets."

Cleveland Beach

The two went to the beach, where Carol slipped off her socks and shoes and faced a jagged rock. She stomped the sand and thrusted her arms forward, but it didn't move. Another stomp and thrust, still no motion. Shaking in attempt to channel energy, Carol swung her foot against the stone with full force. "…Ow-how-how-how-how-howwww!" She wept and held her toes tight. "Now my beautiful nails are ruined! Oww-w-w-w." She reached to grab her sock. "And on top of that, there's sand in my socks!"

"Siiiigh."

Back at Uno House

Chris lit a candle with his finger and gave it to Carol. She gently waved her hand above it, trying to catch. She moved her hand a bit closer, and… "Owowowowowowowowow!" hurriedly tried to shake the flame off, then forced her hand into the glass of water from earlier. "Ahhhhh…"

By the river

"HuuuuUUUUU!" Carol sucked in a great puff of breath. She released it directly at Dillon's face, hoping he would blow for miles. The boy shut his eyes tight, face covering with spit, but not really budging. Carol kept blowing 'til she was all out… then she fell.

Dillon wiped the spit off and helped her up. "Okay, so you're not Air, but you could be Poison. Try a Gas Bomb." He handed her some soda, which she drank.

After engulfing a good amount, Carol shook furiously and tried to unleash a powerful fart. In an instant, she froze, her eyes widened. "Uhhh… I meant a burp?" Dillon said. Carol only wept.

Later…

After a quick change of clothes, Carol watched as Dillon stretched his shadow for a few yards. She mimicked his arm-thrust and tried to stretch her own shadow, but couldn't. She kept aimlessly punching, but then punched Dillon's shadow with her own. Mario angrily smacked her away.

Uno House

During another quick visit to the Uno House (it's apparently Dill's go-to place), Dillon grabbed a spoon and handed it to Carol. She closed her eyes and tried to focus her psychic energy. She shut her eyes tight as she could and tried to imagine the spoon bending, and Dillon could see the veins in her forehead. Her head turned red, and sweat dripped down, but in the end, Carol was left gasping for breath.

Outside

"Huuuuuu-" Carol sucked in another breath, and- "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

Dillon rubbed his ears. "You're not a fearbender."

The Moon

Dillon wore a space helmet and looked with disbelief. "You're not a spacebender." Carol was choking on the ground, her face blue.

Iceland; in front of King Household

"Well, all the other elements failed, so I guess your only hope is-" Before Dillon could knock on the door, Jagar King was quick to answer.

"We're a little busy, so I'll just tell you, she isn't a timebender." And he shut it.

"Hooooo…" Carol walked away in depression.

Back at the park

"Weeeell so you're not a bender." Dillon configured. "Though we didn't exactly experiment with Light or Darkness."

"But I'm sure by now I would discover if I can send a person flying to the sun."

"Heh heh heh heh. Well, the KND's still got a hundred positions people are good at. Let's try 'em!"

Sector V Treehouse

Artie Gilligan wore gloves and goggles as he carefully poured a tube of yellow substance into green substance. Carol tried to keep her goggles fixed as she studied the liquids closely, then tried to pour blue into purple. The potions exploded, making the two black with soot. "You're not a scientist." Artie said.

In the sky

"WAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" Haylee held her seat for dear life as Carol drove the C.O.O.L.-B.U.S. haphazardly at high speeds. "YOU'RE NOT A PILOOOOOT!"

Secret Treehouse of Coolness

Cheren and Carol crossed their swords in an 'X' and readied for battle. Carol raised hers in defense as Cheren swung his, and when she forcefully swung her blade at his, it immediately flew from her hand upon impact. "You're not a swordsman." Cheren said.

Dr. Facilier's Emporium

"Hwah!" The witch-doctor waved his cane and poofed a rat into a cup. "HOOWAH!" Another whoosh, and it was a stone statue of a handsome model. "Kaaawaaa-HOOYEAH!" Then into a bucktoothed boy in a pink hat.

Carol held a wand in both hands and waved it at a rat. "HMM!" Nothing happened. "Snnnnniff… HMM-MM!" Still nothing. "HmmmmMMMMM…"

POOF. The wand exploded, making her black with soot. Only her blue eyes were seen, making little blinks.

Facilier shook his head. "Lávese las manos." And walked away.

Arctic Base

"My daddy was a sniper, so I have to be a NATURAL!" Carol beamed, holding a S.C.A.M.P.P. ready. She stood before a wide, empty room where many cardboard targets began zipping left to right. Carol furiously blasted and blasted, her finger quick on the trigger and her lasers unavoidable. That is, of course, if she was any good. She missed all the targets, and left many holes in the icy wall on the other side. The ice broke as water flowed in, breaking the targets from their perch and forcing the two and the guards outside. "…Or not."

In front of York Household

"I dunno if it'll help much, but I use this grappling hook to swing between places!" Nolan explained, showing Carol his device.

"Cool!" She swiped it and aimed at a distant roof. "Here comes secret AAAAgent- WHOOOOAA!" She fired, latched the house, and went whipping across. The speed caused her to lose her grip, slamming face-first in the side of the house. The grappling gun then came down and bumped her head.

"…I don't think she should-"

"I know, I know, she shouldn't use it." Dillon said.

Nighttime enemy fortress

A searchlight carefully skimmed an alleyway, not seeing the camouflaged ninja that blended with the darkness. It skimmed another alley, and the spies hiding in the metal cans tip-toed away once it passed. It finally spotted Carol, dressed in the most colorful, flashy uniform. "What's the deal with the dark suits again, 'cause they're totally not fashionable- WAAAAH!" She danced at a round of machinegun fire, zipping away.

"That girl is NOT A SPY, repeat she's NOT A SPY."

"Who're we protecting this place from again?"

"I dunno, I'm just shootin' whatever. Saw a boy scout earlier, I ain't payin' for that crud."

St. Sanban's Hospital

"If you wanna learn how to be a doctor," Haruka began, "it's better to watch the experts up close and get a hand for how they-" They stopped before a medical room, their eyes widened at a spewing fountain of blood.

"I… don't think it's what I want." Carol said.

Sector W7 Treehouse

April Goldenweek painted a lovely, realistic picture of Carol showing a poorly-drawn painting of herself and Mason standing by a tree, in which the two looked like stick-figures. Carol painted a poorly-drawn picture of April showing her a realistic painting of Carol and Mason standing by a tree. April shook her head, and Carol frowned in disappointment.

Chimney's Room

Carol and Chimney both dressed in white Karate robes, Chimney with a black belt, Carol in a yellow belt (it went with her hair), and took firm stances. Carol blocked when Chimney threw quick kicks, but was stepping backward, then slipped behind Carol to throw quick punches. Carol spun and tried to kick Chimney, but the more agile girl grabbed her foot and hurled her away, doing a slide on her knees in the process. As Carol lay dizzily, Chimney approached with disbelief. "Oiiii. You no martial artist."

"Gyom, gyom…" Gonbe agreed.

Cleveland; Nugget River

After suffering numerous defeats, Carol was finally on her back with half-open eyes. Dillon came, sat beside her, then started picking grass blades and dropping them on her face. "I'm a failure, Dillon." she said simply, letting the grass cover her face.

"Ehhhh, everyone is, someway."

"The worst part about Arctic Training is I can't wear my high-heels and look tall and fashionable next to the other kids. Gotta wear stinky boots, and the sweat I'll make from all the workout'll make me totally sticky. I'm never gonna find my skill…"

"Sure you will, Carol. You just gotta keep an open mind and an open heart. Like they say on Avatar. And when you're all ready, you'll be able to help us, too."

"Oh yeah." Carol wiped the grass off and sat up. "What did happen to Vanellope, anyway?"

"Eh, she got taken away by aliens. But hey, we'll find her. And you'll do great in training, I know it."

"Mmm…" She looked away in doubt.

"Hey, let's go get some ice cream." Dillon helped her up. "They're having a special at Goofy Goober's. Care to guess why? Heh heh heh heh…"

The next day; Arctic Training Base

"Boy, I've been waiting for this forEVER!" a boy said as a band of cadets marched down the hall, Carol with them. "I can't wait to show Marcus my Baseball Bombs!"

"Heh, let's see those baseballs withstand my gun of month-old frozen sandwiches." a nerd snickered.

"You boys and your weapons." A girl with sleek brown hair said. "I'd go for a more subtle approach. I've created an intoxicating hairspray that makes enemies swoon over me when I wave it."

"Yeah, I can totally smell it on you. Cow poop version, right?" the first boy remarked.

"Oh, shut up!" She smacked him.

Carol just felt so discouraged. Everyone else came here with something to present but her. They were all so confident with their skills, but Carol had nothing. The group entered the training room, and Carol already noticed a soldier banging angrily on one of the terminals. She walked over and asked, "You okay?"

"Oh, man! If I can't get Marcus's top-secret files off this thing, he's gonna have my head! By which I mean the plastic head I've been using to perfect my cosmetology."

Carol opened the small hatch at the bottom of the terminal, viewing a series of sparking wires. "Well, these wires look pretty shotty, got any new ones?"

"Oh, y-yeah." He ran off and came back with a box of wires. "Well?"

Carol yanked off the sparking wires and took some of the ones from the box, hooking them in. "That outlet looks a little loose, too. Have a blowtorch?" The guard handed her one, and Carol fixed the outlet back on its perch and carefully melded the sides back on. She plugged it in, and in minutes, the boy was able to get back online.

"Hoho-o-o, thank you." He said with relief. "Hey, fix a guy's MacBook, huh?"

"Hm hm hm!" Leaving him to his task, Carol got back in line with the cadets. Marcus Drilovsky soon marched out to examine them.

"ALRIGHT, TROOPS. I hope you've enjoyed your carefree life in your neighborhoods, 'cause where you're going, there'll be no time for games. At least games that won't get you killed if you lose."

"…" Carol stood calmly, but glanced back to the soldier working the terminal.

"I don't really care where you're from, nor care if you SUCK at everything. There's not one cadet I've trained that didn't have some hidden talent they were too big of CRYbabies to figure out. There's something inside you that I'll find even if I have to break every bone in your body."

"…" Carol smiled at the new working terminal. All of a sudden, she had a newfound confidence.

"And if you're acquainted with Numbuh 206 Bones, you can tell I'm not joking. ALL RIGHT, troops, let's GET TO WORK!"