PAPER X-NAUT: THE HIDDEN LEGEND

By Pikmanipulator

[This story takes place during the great game of Paper Mario:  The Thousand-Year Door.  This story, however, focuses on a certain X-Naut, one of the foot soldiers of an evil organization.  This is his story…]

*Prelude*******************************************************************************************************************

(It begins in the holding room on the 4^th sublevel of the X-Naut Fortress.  The main character, known as X-Naut, is lying on the bed unconscious.  He opens his eyes, blinks, and looks around.)

X-NAUT:  Ugh…  Where am I?  Who am I?

(An elite X-Naut and an x-naut PhD enter the room.  They both walk over to X-Naut’s bed.)

ELITE X-NAUT:  So…awake, are you?

X-NAUT:  Who are you?

ELITE X-NAUT:  Huh?  Why, I’m your chief, of course!  I’m your boss!  Your superior!  Your controller!

X-NAUT PhD:  Let’s not overdo things, Chief.  This patient has apparently experienced amnesia.

X-NAUT:  Uhhh…  What?  Amnesia?  What’s going on?

X-NAUT PhD:  (steps forward)  Let me explain.  You are an X-Naut.  A foot soldier.  One of Sir Grodus’s underlings.  You were recently on a mission, and you fainted.  You were brought back here to the X-Naut Fortress to recover.  Are you with me so far?

X-NAUT:  ………………

X-NAUT PhD:  I’ll take that as a “yes”.  Now, let’s take a review quiz.  Who are you?

X-NAUT:  …An X-Naut?

X-NAUT PhD:  Good.  Now, who is your master?

X-NAUT:  …Umm, the Chief?

CHIEF:  Correct!

X-NAUT PhD:  Actually, no.  The Chief is just your instructor.  Your real master is Sir Grodus.  All of us must take orders from him.  (takes out a clipboard and starts writing on it)

CHIEF:  Hmph.  Well, yes.  But enough quizzing!  Since you answered both questions, you’re obviously doing fine.  So get out of bed and stop wasting time!  Dr. X. Peramint here has your next assignment.  Maybe getting back to work will jog the rest of your memory!  Heh heh!

(The Chief goes into the nearby bathroom, leaving X-Naut in his bed and DR. X. PERAMINT scribbling something on his clipboard.  X. PERAMINT puts away the clipboard.)

X. PERAMINT:  Pay him no mind.  But it is about time you got to work.  Just follow me.

(DR. X. PERAMINT walks out the other door.  X-Naut gets out of bed and follows him.)

PROLOGUE

A MEMORY’S BEGINNING

*Part 1:  Back to Work*******************************************************************************************************

(DR. X. PERAMINT and the X-Naut take the elevator to the 2^nd sublevel.  They exit and head down the hallway.  A bunch of other X-Nauts sees the X-Naut and walks over to him.)

X-NAUT 1:  Hey!  It’s that X-Naut who fainted!

X-NAUT 2:  So, are you feeling better?

X-NAUT:  Uhh…  I guess.

X-NAUT 2:  Good!  So, are you going to create a Yux now?

X-NAUT:  ?

X-NAUT 3:  Are you ready for it?

X-NAUT 4:  Yeah, tell us, man!

X-NAUT:  Who are you guys anyway?

EVERYONE:  ………

X-NAUT 1:  What!?  You seriously don’t know us?  I’m Johnson!  And this is Kevin, Simon, and Rupert!  Remember?

X-NAUT:  ………No.

KEVIN:  C’mon, man!  You HAVE to remember us!  We’re you’re buddies!  You know, the slackers?

X-NAUT:  Wait, you all have names?  Then what’s my name?

EVERYONE:  ………

JOHNSON:  Oh, forget you, man!  You’re too weird for our tastes!

(All the X-Nauts walk off.  X-Naut looks around, confused and hurt.)

X-NAUT:  ?

X. PERAMINT:  X-Naut!  What are you doing?  Over here!

(DR. X. PERAMINT is standing beside a door, waiting for X-Naut.  X-Naut runs over to him.)

X. PERAMINT:  Inside this door is where you’ll perform your assignment.  But before we go inside, I’d recommend you hit that Save Block over there to save.

(X-NAUT walks to the Save Block and jumps into it, saving his progress.  Then X-NAUT returns to X. PERAMINT.  The door opens electronically and the two go inside.  The room turns out to be the genetics lab.)

X. PERAMINT:  This is the genetics lab.  Your assignment is to create a Yux, a creature that assists the X-Nauts.  Now go over to the stasis tube there and begin working.  I’ll monitor your progress.

(X-Naut walks over to the tube.  Nothing is inside it yet.  X-Naut stands there and doesn’t do anything.)

X. PERAMINT:  What’s the matter?  You’ve been taught the procedure before.  Did you forget it?

X-NAUT:  …Kind of…

X. PERAMINT:  Then I’ll explain it.  The Yux DNA is floating inside that tube.  You need to inject a liquid that will attract the DNA and cause it to accumulate inside the liquid.  Then you’ll need to inject a liquid with life-forming bacteria in it, so that, when combined with the DNA, it will form the necessary organs and body structure for a Yux.  Do you understand?

X-NAUT:  I think so.

X. PERAMINT:  Good.  Now get busy.

(X-Naut reads the descriptions of each jar of liquid on the table, takes the yellow one, and inserts it into the tube to transfer it.  Then he takes the green liquid and inserts it next.  Then he watches as a Yux starts taking shape before his very eyes.)

X-NAUT:  Wait, what’s this liquid?

(X-Naut lifts a jar of pink liquid sitting on the floor.  The description reads “heart and mind”.)

X-NAUT:  Am I supposed to put this in too?  I don’t know what it means, but it seems important…

(X-Naut inserts the pink liquid.  DR. X. PERAMINT doesn’t see because he’s scribbling away on his clipboard.  The developing blob inside the capsule seems to absorb the pink liquid.  Eventually the YUX turns into an X-shaped creature and comes out of the stasis tube on its own.)

YUX:  Yux.

X. PERAMINT:  Hmm…  It appears to be normal.  Congratulations, X-Naut.  You have passed your assignment.  Perhaps you may become an X-Naut PhD someday.

(The Yux turns her unusually big and shiny eyes to X-Naut, floats over and licks him.)

YUX:  Yux! ♥

X. PERAMINT:  (writing on his clipboard)  Hmm…  That’s unusual behavior…

X-NAUT:  Uhh…hi!  My name’s…X-Naut, I guess.  I can’t remember my real name…

YUX:  Yux…

X-NAUT:  But you seem to like me anyway!  You do, don’t you?

YUX:  (bounces)  Yux!  Yux!

X. PERAMINT:  Why are you talking to that Yux?  They aren’t created for conversations, in case you didn’t know.

X-NAUT:  So what’s your name?

YUX:  Yux…

X-NAUT:  You don’t have a name either?  Well, that’s no fun.  But I suppose that I can name you, since I created you.

X. PERAMINT:  You can understand it?  Preposterous, yet intriguing…  (continues writing)

X-NAUT:  Now, what would a suitable name for you be?  …I know!  How about “Yuxette”?

YUXETTE:  Yux!  Yux!

X-NAUT:  You like that name, huh?  Well, I’m glad for you.

YUXETTE:  Yux!  (goes over and licks X-Naut again)

X-NAUT:  You want to be my companion?  Well, I suppose it would be nice to have a friend who doesn’t think I’m weird…  From now on, Yuxette, you can be my pet!  Is that OK with you?

YUXETTE:  Yux!  Yux!  Yux! ♥

(The YUX joined X-NAUT’S party!  She’ll respond to “YUXETTE”!  The YUX’S abilities: A Primer.  The YUX can shoot a laser ring from her mouth.  She can also charge up her laser and make it more powerful.  X-NAUT can even move around while the YUX is charging!  And of course, the YUX can quite helpful in battle, too.  She can attack enemies with her Laser Ring, or she can produce a MINI-YUX with her Duplicate ability.  The MINI-YUX can absorb one attack directed towards the YUX…but the move requires 1 FP—Flower Point.)

X-NAUT:  So, umm…Dr. Experiment, is it?  What do we do now?

X. PERAMINT:  (scribbling furiously)  Hmm…  This is most puzzling, indeed.  This nearly defies the law of Yuxes, if there was one.  I’ve never seen a Yux behave so…affectionately.  Something must have occurred during development…  (looks up)  Huh?  Oh, yeah.  The Chief is waiting for you on the 1^st sublevel.  Just take the Elevator Key on the table, go to the elevator, and select Sublevel 1.

*Part 2:  Battle Basics*********************************************************************************************************

(X-Naut obtains the blue Elevator Key and exits the room with Yuxette behind him.  Then, all of a sudden, a voice speaks over the speakers.)

VOICE:  Ahem!  Attention, all X-Nauts!  This is Lord Crump speaking!  You all are to come with me to Rogueport!  Right.  NOW!

(Tons of X-Nauts run down the hallway and enter through a door that is not far from the one X-Naut and Yuxette just exited through.  The door closes, and the only X-Naut left is X-Naut.)

YUXETTE:  Yux?

X-NAUT:  What was that about?  What’s Rogueport?  And who’s Lord Crump?

(They continue to the elevator.  X-Naut activates it with the key.  He and Yuxette go up to Sublevel 1.  They find the Chief waiting in the hallway.)

CHIEF:  There you are!  Finally done with that assignment, are you?  !   Hey!  What’s that Yux doing with you?

X-NAUT:  Her name is Yuxette, and she’s my companion.

CHIEF:  You named it?!  Ah, whatever.

X-NAUT:  Uh, Chief, what was that voice?  Who’s Lord Crump?  And what’s Rogueport?

CHIEF:  So many questions!  All right, first, that was Lord Crump’s voice, making an announcement.  Lord Crump is second-in-command, next to Grodus.  And Rogueport is a town full of shady characters.  Like us!

X-NAUT:  …Umm, OK, but why did everyone leave?

CHIEF:  Lord Crump, I guess, is going to do who-knows-what in Rogueport and needed some help.  All regular X-Nauts are gone now.  But I need YOU here for a special job.  (walks over to the door on the right side)  A bunch of nasty creatures called Smorgs have invaded this room.  We need to clear them out.  (turns to X-Naut)  So don’t just stand there!  Let’s get into this room!

(The CHIEF types in a password on a nearby terminal, and the light above the door turns from red to green, indicating the door has been unlocked.  X-Naut and Yuxette walk and float over—X-NAUT walks, YUXETTE floats—to the door.)

CHIEF:  !  Wait!  I just remembered something!  Since you’ll probably be doing some battling, you’d better know how to!  Do you remember how to do Action Commands?

X-NAUT:  Nope.

CHIEF:  I should have expected that.  In that case, I had better teach you in a practice session.  Your Yux can be your opponent.

YUXETTE:  Yux?!

(And so the tutorial of battling begins.  The Chief teaches about X-Naut’s Slam Commands and Potion Commands.  X-Naut has only two moves, the Normal Slam and the Normal Potion.  The Normal Slam is a basic jump attack, while the Normal Potion gets thrown at an enemy.  The Chief also teaches the Guard and Superguard Commands.  After that, the CHIEF impatiently ends the tutorial.)

CHIEF:  All right!  Now that that’s over with, let’s get to work!

(The three of them go through the door.  Inside is a metallic Thwomp bust, along with a bunch of bouncing creatures that look like black puffs of smoke.)

CREATURES:  SMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORG

YUXETTE:  Yux!

CHIEF:  There they are!  The Smorgs!  Let’s get ‘em!  (turns to X-NAUT)  Don’t just stand there!  Take out your potions and pummel them!

(X-NAUT starts throwing potions at the SMORGS, blasting them away.  Eventually the Smorgs get angry and surround X-Naut, Yuxette, and the Chief.  The three are looking around frantically.  Then the Smorgs close in, and X-Naut and Yuxette enter their first battle against three Smorgs.  The SMORGS only have 2 HP each, so they’re easily defeated.  The CHIEF just stands and watches.)

CHIEF:  Wow!  You beat them!  Of course, I knew WE could.  And you got Star Points!  Oh, Star Points are these things you get after winning battles.  If you get 100 of them, you’ll go up a level.  Understand?

(X-NAUT gains 3 Star Points from each SMORG that he defeats, making a total of 9.  After the battle, the SMORGS hop out of the room through the door.)

*Part 3:  Quiz Time***********************************************************************************************************

CHIEF:  Phew.  Well, that wasn’t so tough!  But now…  (turns to X-NAUT)  X-Naut!  See that metal statue there?

(X-NAUT turns and looks at the metallic THWOMP bust.)

CHIEF:  It’s actually a robot, and it has something you will probably need.  But you need to prove that you’ve recovered your memory if you’re going to obtain it!  Go and check out the statue to begin your test.  Go, now!

(X-NAUT and YUXETTE walk to the THWOMP statue and check it.  Suddenly, the room vibrates, and X-NAUT staggers.)

X-NAUT:  ?

(The THWOMP’s eyes suddenly light up yellow.)

THWOMP:  Bah!  Another X-Naut, huh?  If you’re here, you must want to take the test and receive the item, right?  I thought so.  I’ve only done this knowledge-certification test 63 times!  Well, here’s the drill:  You beat me, and you pass.  Whoopee.  But if you lose…  Mmmm hmmm hoo ha ha!  Your fate will be TERRIBE!  So, you ready?

X-NAUT:  Sure, I guess.

THWOMP:  (spins around)  Mmmm hmmm hoo ha ha!  You’re MINE now!

(The background suddenly falls apart in puzzle pieces, revealing a new background, which looks like a quiz show.  The THWOMP is wearing a bow tie and has a microphone pointing at him.  X-NAUT and YUXETTE are standing behind a quiz counter.)

THWOMP:  And here we gooooo, folks!  Here comes the 64^th Super Fun Quirk Quiz!  If you correctly answer 5 of my following questions, then you win!  But if you get 3 of ‘em wrong, I can’t trust you’ll be as happy with the results.  Well, what’re we waiting for huh?  Let’s get this over with!  Question Number One: What are the soldiers of this place called?  Your choices:  Koopa Troopas, X-Nauts, Toads, or Goombas?

X-NAUT:  X-Nauts.

THWOMP:  Is that your answer?  Are you suuuuuuuuure?

X-NAUT:  Yes.

(The lights in the background form a circle, and a ringing is heard.  The THWOMP spins around and his eyes flash blue.)

THWOMP:  AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!  That’s…correct!  That question was too easy, but it’s only going to get harder here on out!  …So prepare yourself!  (his eyes flash yellow again)  Now, Question Number Two!  Who is the leader of all X-Nauts?  Your choices:  Sir Grodus, King Bowser, Lord Crump, or Princess Peach?

X-NAUT:  Sir Grodus.

THWOMP:  You suuuuuuuuure about that?

X-NAUT:  Yes.

(The lights blink again, and the THWOMP flashes his eyes blue and spins around again.)

THWOMP:  YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!  You’re correct!  Crud!  But that was an easy one…  You won’t do so well on the next one, I GUARANTEE that!  (eyes revert to yellow)  Now, Question Three!  What is the name of this place?  The Science Base, the Dome Lab, the X-Naut Fortress, or the Factory of X?

X-NAUT:  The X-Naut Fortress.

(Lights blink and ring again.  THWOMP spins around again, and his eyes flash blue again.)

THWOMP:  AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!  Also correct!  You think you’re so clever, don’t you?!?  Don’t get cocky yet…  Two more questions coming up, with extra challenge!  Here we go, sucker!  (eyes turn back to yellow)  We’re on to Question Four!  Which one of these names is NOT one of the four X-Nauts that first greeted you?  Rupert, Andrew, Johnson, or Simon?

X-NAUT:  Andrew.

(Lights flash, confetti falls, ringers ring, and the THWOMP’s eyes turn blue and he spins around once more.)

THWOMP:  GWAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!  You’re correct, you jerk!  You’ve already gotten FOUR correct?  You’re KIDDING me!  Well, fine!  I’m gonna toss an extra-hard one your way!  You happy now, sucker?  (eyes go back to yellow)  And now, Question Five!  Answer this!  What is YOUR name?  Your choices:  Charlie, Eracle, David, or X-Naut?

X-NAUT:  ………Uh………Eracle?

THWOMP:  Are you absolutely suuuuuuuuure about that?

X-NAUT:  ……………No.

THWOMP:  Then choose again!

X-NAUT:  ……Um……X-Naut.

(The lights flash again, confetti rains down, and the ringer rings longer than the previous times.  THWOMP’s eyes turn blue and he spins around again.)

THWOMP:  NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  Cuh-Correct!  That’s five correct answers!  Crud!  You win!

(That was just the list of correct answers.  If X-NAUT gets three answers wrong, five SMORGS will fall from the ceiling and X-NAUT and YUXETTE will have to battle them.  Anyways, the original background flies back in puzzle pieces.  Everyone is back in the metal room.)

THWOMP:  GRRRRRRRRR!  Anger…so angry…  I’ve lost!  I’ve LOOOOOOOOOST!  ...For now…  As much as I’d like to keep this item away from you, I’m afraid you’ve earned it.

(What appears to be a laptop computer falls from the ceiling and lands in front of the THWOMP.)

THWOMP:  (spins around again)  PBBBTHBTH!  (eyes turn off)

(X-NAUT walks to the item and obtains the Tattle Log!  Suddenly, the background changes into polka-dotted wallpaper.  An X-NAUT appears and walks to X-NAUT.  The new X-NAUT is wearing a white uniform and he has long, floppy ears.)

X-NAUT WHITE:  Hello.  My name is X-Naut White.  It appears you have just obtained the Tattle Log.  Congratulations.  I am here to teach you how to use it.  The Tattle Log allows you to access information about places and people.  In the field, when there’s no one around, you can access information about where you are.  Try it once.

(X-NAUT takes out the laptop and looks at the screen.)

X-NAUT:  This is the quiz room.  X-Nauts use this room to test themselves on their knowledge.  That Thwomp bust is the host.  If you ask me, it’s a bit risky, with the so-called terrible fate if you lose.

X-NAUT WHITE:  Very good. 

(The CHIEF walks up to X-NAUT, and X-NAUT turns to him.)

X-NAUT WHITE:  When there’s someone nearby, you can look up info about him or her.  Try using the Tattle Log now.

X-NAUT:  (takes out the laptop again)  That’s my instructor, the Chief.  He’s REALLY bossy and hard on his subordinates.  It’s probably not my place to speak against him, but would it hurt him to be a little nicer?

X-NAUT WHITE:  Very good, X-Naut.

(The CHIEF walks away, and X-NAUT turns back to X-NAUT WHITE.) 

X-NAUT WHITE:  Would you like to go over that again?

X-NAUT:  No, I’ve got it.

X-NAUT WHITE:  Excellent.  You can also use the Tattle Log in battle, too.  You can look up an enemy’s HP and weaknesses.  Overall, the Tattle Log is a very useful item.  I believe that is all, so I’ll leave the rest to you.

(X-NAUT WHITE disappears and the background turns back to normal once again.)

*Part 4:  Smorg*************************************************************************************************************

CHIEF:  (walks forward)  All right, you got the item, big deal.  Now let’s hurry up and chase those Smorgs!  And also, if you see any, you can attack them in the field to execute a First Strike!  A First Strike lets you get in a quick attack as you start the battle!

(They run out the door.  In the hallway they battle another Smorg.  X-NAUT can now look up information about it with the Tattle Log.  After they defeat it, they then take the elevator up to Level 1.  There’s another Smorg battle in the hallway.  After that, they go to the lobby of the fortress, where there are two more Smorg battles.  After the battles, the Smorgs run outside the entrance door.)

CHIEF:  They’re heading outside!  Let’s not let them get away!

(Suddenly, a strange light surrounds X-NAUT and dies away.  A small circle of sparkles flies up his body and disappears.  Now, pieces of X-NAUT’S memory are beginning to reform!  X-NAUT re-learned the special move First-Aid!)

CHIEF:  (looking at X-NAUT)  Huh?  What was that all about?  What were those lights?

X-NAUT:  (looking at himself)  …I don’t know…  It feels like I just remembered something…

YUXETTE:  Yux?

X-NAUT:  …I think I just recalled something called a special move...

CHIEF:  (bounces)  What!?  A special move?!?  What makes you so special?  …  OK, just in case you DID learn a special move, I suppose it would be wise to teach you about them.  Are you up for another practice session?

X-NAUT:  Sure, I guess.

(So the tutorial of special moves begins.  The CHIEF teaches about the Star Power Gauge and the audience.  X-NAUT tries out First-Aid and replenishes any HP (Health Points) and FP he and YUXETTE might’ve lost in earlier battles.  Then the CHIEF teaches them how to regain Star Power.)

CHIEF:  All right, we’ve covered that subject, so now let’s get rid of those Smorgs!

(X-Naut, Yuxette, and the Chief run down some escalators, go through the exit, and emerge on the surface of the moon.)

X-NAUT:  Huh?  Are we on…the moon?

CHIEF:  (turns to X-NAUT)  Of course!  Didn’t you know that?  Oh wait…you didn’t.  (turns the other way)  But look!  The Smorgs have clustered over there!

(The Smorgs have gathered in a small group in the middle of the area, between three craters.)

CHIEF:  Now’s our chance!  We’ll knock them out and capture them!  And we’ll make sure that Beldam doesn’t let these things loose in the base again!

(They walk over to the Smorgs.)

SMORG:  SMOO-OOORG!

(The Smorgs suddenly combine into a slightly larger form.  It sprouts tentacles made up of Smorgs.  Some pink Smorgs make up the body.)

YUXETTE:  Yux!  Yux!

CHIEF:  Umm…  It’s your job, X-Naut.  Lay the smack on them!

(The Chief runs away, leaving just X-Naut and Yuxette to face the giant Smorg.  They look at the CHIEF.)

YUXETTE:  Yux?  Yux!

X-NAUT:  What?  Hey!  Come back!

SMORG:  SMOOO-OOOORG!

(Then X-Naut’s first mini-boss battle ensues.  The small Smorg has a max HP of 12, an attack of 1, and a defense of 0.  Its two tentacles have HP of 3.  This normally wouldn’t be too hard of a battle if it weren’t for the SMORG’S ability to regenerate its tentacles, called SMORG MIASMAS, after a couple turns.  The pink SMORGS that make up the body can’t be attacked until the tentacles are gone.  But nevertheless, X-NAUT and YUXETTE take out the tentacles and defeat the body.  After the battle, the Smorgs disappear.  The Chief, who was hiding behind a rock, walks up to X-Naut.)

CHIEF:  Heh heh!  Well, we sure showed them, didn’t we?  Of course, I was one-hundred percent behind you!

X-NAUT & YUXETTE:  ………

CHIEF:  Well, that’ll teach Beldam not to fill our rooms with Smorgs, eh?  ‘Cause if she does, she’ll have ME to answer to!  Heh heh…

VOICE:  Oh, really?  So it was YOU who defeated my Smorgs?

EVERYONE:  ?

(Three shadows appear on the ground, and the three Shadow Sirens—Beldam, Marilyn, and Vivian—emerge out of them.)

CHIEF:  What the?  Oh, Beldam!  What a pleasant surprise.

X-NAUT:  Who are they?

BELDAM:  Mmmwee hee hee hee hee!  We are…

MARILYN:  The three…

VIVIAN:  Shadow Sirens!

BELDAM:  Perfect, my lovelies!  Now, Mr. Chief, is it true that you defeated my Smorgs?  I believe the deal was that you would release them from that room and bring them back to me!  Not destroy them!

CHIEF:  Oh, well…ummm…I might’ve forgotten…

BELDAM:  You twit!  There’s no reason I shouldn’t report your misconduct to Sir Grodus, so…

CHIEF:  Hey, wait!  It wasn’t me!  It was those two!  They defeated that monster!

BELDAM:  Monster?!?  Oh, you’re in for it now, Chiefy!  (turns to MARILYN and VIVIAN)  Let’s away, my lovelies!  To Sir Grodus’s room!  (disappears)

MARILYN:  Guhhhhh…  (disappears)

VIVIAN:  Mmm hm hm hm hm…  (disappears)

CHIEF:  ARRRGH!  Quickly, X-Naut and Yux-whatever-its-name-is…  We have to get to Sir Grodus’s room before they do!

*Part 5:  Aftermath***********************************************************************************************************

(They quickly run to Grodus’s room inside the fortress.  Sir Grodus is sitting on his mechanized throne.  The Shadow Sirens are already there.)

GRODUS:  Ah, Elite X-Naut.  You’re just in time to hear Beldam’s explanation.

CHIEF:  Nuts!  We’re too late!

X-NAUT:  Is that Sir Grodus?

YUXETTE:  Yux…

BELDAM:  So as you can see, honorable Grodus, that that X-Naut, the Chief…is rather irresponsible with upholding his end of the bargain.

GRODUS:  Hmmm…  I see.  But was it really the Elite X-Naut that defeated your Smorgs?

BELDAM:  He claimed that it was that X-Naut and Yux who defeated them…but after this incident, I’m not trusting a word of what he says.

GRODUS:  Really?  That X-Naut over there?  How interesting…

BELDAM:  So, what punishment will you be dealing to them?

GRODUS:  I will not punish the X-Naut and his Yux.  However, I am putting you, Elite X-Naut, on probation.

CHIEF:  (jumps)  WHAAAT?!?

BELDAM:  Mmmmwee hee hee hee hee!  Yes, a suitable punishment indeed.

GRODUS:  Not so fast, Beldam.  Weren’t you the one who placed the Smorgs in that room in the first place?

BELDAM:  Not me, sire, but rather my little sister, Vivian.

VIVIAN:  (with a shocked look on her face)  What?!?  Me?!?

BELDAM:  (turns to VIVIAN)  Yes you, Vivian!  You misplace everything!

VIVIAN:  But I didn’t!  You put those Smorgs there!  I saw you!

BELDAM:  Quiet, you lying little twerp!

GRODUS:  You should all be quiet!  Shadow Sirens, leave my room immediately!!!

BELDAM:  (looking at GRODUS)  Y-yes, sire.

(The Shadow Sirens disappear.)

CHIEF:  Heh heh!  Take THAT, Beldam!

GRODUS:  Now, as for you three…  I want you to go back to your locker rooms and get some good rest for tomorrow.  And Elite X-Naut, enjoy your probation.

CHIEF:  …Uh, ahem!  Yes, sir.

(The CHIEF folds his arms in an X-shape.  He turns around and walks away.  X-NAUT looks from the CHIEF to GRODUS and back.  The CHIEF turns to him.)

CHIEF:  Don’t just stand there!  Salute!  Pay the proper respect to Sir Grodus!

X-NAUT:  Oh, um…right.  Salute.  (turns to GRODUS and crosses his arms)

GRODUS:  Enough of that.  Get going, all of you.

(The three leave the room quietly.  In the hallway, the Chief looks around and says farewell to X-Naut and Yuxette.)

CHIEF:  I hope you two are happy.  You got me into a heap of trouble, and now I’m on probation!  But I’m still your chief, and I have ways of getting back at low-rank minions…

(The Chief walks off.  X-Naut turns to Yuxette.)

X-NAUT:  Well, what a day, huh, Yuxette?

YUXETTE:  Yux…

X-NAUT:  I don’t remember much before today, and it seems like people are turning on me here and there.  But you…  I can count on you to stick by me, right Yuxette?

YUXETTE:  (bounces)  Yux!  Yux!

X-NAUT:  (nods)  Thank you.

(They enter the door to the locker room, and the door closes behind them.)