Author's Note (from back in 2005):
This is my first fan-fiction (at least, that I've posted on Nsider). It's been almost two years since the release of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, so I thought this would be a good time to post a story which takes place during the game. This story focuses on, instead of Mario, an X-Naut. That's right, a foot soldier of the X-Naut organization. However, as you'll soon see, this X-Naut is a little different from all the other soldiers…
Note to all readers: Since this fanfic follows the storyline of PM:TTYD directly, it contains major PM:TTYD spoilers. Do not read if you are planning on buying the game and finding out the story for yourself. If you have already played the game, or would like to learn the story from a different perspective, then read on.
There is an unopened book lying on a stone floor. It has a brown cover with a yellow star on it. A narrator speaks.
VOICE: Ahem! Today…I'm going to tell you the story of the Thousand-Year Door. An awfully long time ago in a strange and far-off land, a big, bustling town thrived.
A white-gloved hand reaches down and opens the book to the first page. There's a picture of a large town on an island. The buildings tower to the skies, and the clouds have happy faces on them. It seems very calm and peaceful.
VOICE: It was a town where people lived very happy lives, and it was said that the town was very prosperous. But one day, tragedy befell this blessed place. A great cataclysm struck the town and its people.
The hand turns the page, revealing another picture of the town. This time, it is besieged with thunderclouds, lightning, and stormy waves. Many buildings are toppling over.
VOICE: Darkness filled the skies, and the earth roared and shook. It was as if the very world had come to a violent end. And in but a single night, the town sank into the depths of the earth.
The next page reveals a small strip of land with only a few small buildings. Some ships sail nearby in the ocean. Everything looks peaceful again.
VOICE: Many moons rose and set. Stories of the town passed into the pages of fairy tales. And when the town's site no longer held relics of its past, people gathered at that spot and built a new town.
The page turns, showing a picture of a treasure chest.
VOICE: But word soon spread among the people who moved in that an ancient city lay deep underground and that a magnificent treasure rested there. Indeed, this is the tale of the fabled treasure of Rogueport.
The page turns, showing a photograph of a modern town.
VOICE: Yes, this is where it begins, in the sea town of Rogueport. The tale of the quest for the legendary treasure and the Thousand-Year Door…starts here.
The camera zooms out from the book, revealing an X-Naut as the narrator. The X-Naut, like other X-Nauts, wears a uniform with an X striped in front. The X-Naut wears white gloves, white boots, and a white cloth covering his head. He wears large goggles and a zigzag collar popped up so that his face is completely masked. Unlike other X-Nauts, this one wears a uniform that is completely white except for the black X in the middle. Also, whereas most X-Nauts have short, straight ears sticking out of their headgear, this X-Naut has long, floppy ears that droop down behind his shoulders.
He sits on a series of granite steps that leads to a long-unused fountain, as gray as the stone buildings and pillars surrounding it. The lowest portion of the area is filled with a thin layer of water. A quartet of lampposts sits outside the buildings, providing the only light in the cavernous dwelling. Many regular X-Nauts pace around the fountain, while a large one with a black uniform, purple horned headgear, red collar and cape, black boots, and small, rounded goggles approaches the white X-Naut.
?: X-Naut White!
X-NAUT WHITE: *closes the book and turns to the mystery X-Naut* Yes, Lord Crump?
LORD CRUMP: Stop looking at that book and get your butt over here!
WHITE: Yes, Lord Crump.
The X-Nauts known as Lord Crump and White walk over to the fountain.
CRUMP: Tell me, are you absolutely sure the Crystal Star is supposed to be here?
WHITE: I'm positive. According to my information, this fountain was a revered landmark in ancient times. Its size and inner chambers, not to mention its importance, makes it an ideal place to hide something precious.
CRUMP: *turns to X-Naut White* How can you be certain? We've tried to dig into it a gazillion times, and still no Crystal Star!
WHITE: Lord Crump… Have I ever steered you wrong?
CRUMP: Well, no, but…
VOICE: Lord Crump!
Lord Crump and X-Naut White turn to the source of the voice. An X-Naut PhD walks toward them. He wears a blue uniform and a lab coat, and he holds a clipboard in his hand.
X-NAUT PhD: I may have stumbled upon something, sir! We may have been approaching this fountain from the wrong angles! After further analysis, I can confirm that the inner chambers are closed! Impenetrable, too, I might add! However, there may be a way to open the inner chambers from the outside!
CRUMP: Well, don't keep me in suspense! Let's see you test your theory!
PhD: Yes sir! *turns to three regular X-Nauts* All right, soldiers, let it rip!
The three X-Nauts take hold of the ornaments protruding from the fountain and push them counterclockwise. The fountain grinds with protest, but the X-Nauts continue turning it without much difficulty. They stop abruptly, and something rumbles in the ground. A glittering white gem shaped like a star floats out from the fountain and lands in the hands of one of the three X-Nauts.
CRUMP: *jumps up and down* Buh-huh? Could that possibly be the Crystal Star we're looking for? It sure looks like it, but does it—
Suddenly, the Crystal Star starts shining brightly in the hands of the X-Naut.
EVERYONE: !
The light slowly engulfs the X-Naut and brightens the area with blinding intensity.
Prelude
The story begins in the holding room on the 4th sublevel of the X-Naut Fortress. A regular, red-uniformed X-Naut is lying on the bed, unconscious.
X-NAUT: *opens eyes and blinks* Ugh… Where am I? Who am I? *stands on the bed and looks around*
The room is fairly large, with nothing much more than the bed and a few lockers. A lamp sits on a metal stool next to the bed, with a table next to it. Across from the bed are a couple of canisters. The entire room is made of steel, with wall lights filling the room with a cold, metallic light. Two steel doors are on either side of the room.
One door slides open and two X-Nauts enter the room. One is an Elite X-Naut, looking exactly like a normal X-Naut except with black clothes wherever there are usually white, red goggles, and a red uniform with a white X. The other X-Naut is a PhD. They both walk over to the X-Naut's bed.
ELITE X-NAUT: So…awake, are you?
X-NAUT: Who are you?
ELITE: 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?
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: …
PhD: I'll take that as a "yes". Now, let's take a review quiz. Who are you?
X-NAUT: …An X-Naut?
PhD: Good. Now, who is your master?
X-NAUT: …Umm, the chief?
CHIEF: Correct!
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! *enters door opposite of the one he came in*
DR. X. PERAMINT: *puts away clipboard* Pay him no mind. But it is about time you got to work. Just follow me.
The PhD now known as Dr. X. Peramint leads X-Naut out the first door. Beyond the door that the chief went through, the sound of a toilet flushing can be heard…
PROLOGUE
A MEMORY'S BEGINNING
Part 1: Back to Work
Dr. X. Peramint and the X-Naut take a capsule-shaped elevator to a hallway that's even more metallic than the holding room. Large pipelines, canisters, doors with lamps above them, and more cold lights line the hallway. Many X-Nauts are walking around. One group of X-Nauts spots X-Naut as he exits the elevator and walks up to him.
1st X-NAUT: Hey, how's it going, X-man?
2nd X-NAUT: So, are you feeling better?
X-NAUT: Uhh… I guess.
2nd X-NAUT: Good! So, are you going to create a Yux now?
X-NAUT: ?
3rd X-NAUT: Are you ready for it?
4th X-NAUT: Yeah, tell us, man!
X-NAUT: Who are you guys anyway?
EVERYONE: …
1st X-NAUT: 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! Re-mem-ber?
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!
The group of X-Nauts walks away.
X-NAUT: *looks around at them* ?
DR. X. PERAMINT: X-Naut! What are you doing? Over here!
Dr. X. Peramint is standing beside a door with a green lamp above it, waiting for X-Naut.
X-NAUT: *runs over to X. Peramint*
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 Save Block and jumps into it, saving his progress, then returns to X. Peramint*
The door opens electronically and the two go inside. The room turns out to be the genetics lab. A trio of stasis capsules sits in a corner of the room, with some odd bacteria-like creatures floating inside of them. Sitting in front to the capsules are some more canisters. On the other side of the stasis tubes are two cabinets filled with potions. In front of them sits a small steel ladder. In the center of the room rests a long, metal table with three potions set on top. An air vent hangs loosely from a corner of the ceiling.
X. PERAMINT: This is the genetics lab. X-Naut, it's time for you to take the first part of your PhD exam. Your job is to create a Yux, a creature that assists the X-Nauts. Now go over to the empty stasis tube there and begin working. I'll monitor your progress.
X-NAUT: *walks over to empty capsule and stands there, not doing 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.
Author's Note (2005): "This would be the part where you control X-Naut, that is, if this were a real game and you were playing it. But it isn't, and you're not, so X-Naut will be described as if he is performing the actions himself." Author's Note (2017): As you can see, I tried REALLY hard to make this story sound like the game it's based on.
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. The yellow blob floating inside the stasis tube seems to absorb the green liquid. Like magic, four appendages start taking form from the blob.
X-NAUT: Wait, what's this liquid? *lifts jar of pink liquid sitting near canisters*
The description on the glass 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… *inserts pink liquid*
DR. X. PERAMINT: *is scribbling away on clipboard, so doesn't see*
The developing blob inside the capsule absorbs the pink liquid. Eventually it grows into an X-shaped, green yellow creature with no distinct features other than two unusually big and shiny eyes, a small mouth, and the four tentacles that give it its X-shape.
YUX: *pushes against top of capsule, opens it, and comes out on its own* Yux. (Hi.)
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.
YUX: *turns to X-Naut, floats over and licks him* Yux! (Hi there! )
X. PERAMINT: *writes on 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… (That's too bad…)
X-NAUT: But you seem to like me anyway! You do, don't you?
YUX: *bounces* Yux! Yux! (Of course, silly! You created me, after all!)
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… (Um, I don't have a name yet…)
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?
Name that Yux! Author's Note (2005): "Since I'm the one who's writing the story, I'll give her—yes, the Yux is a female—my own name I thought up: Yuxette."
YUXETTE: Yux! Yux! (Cool! Good name!)
X-NAUT: You like that name, huh? Well, I'm glad for you.
YUXETTE: Yux! (Thanks a lot!) *licks X-Naut again* Yux? (Can I stay with you?)
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! (Hey, I'm no pet!) Yux! Yux! (Just kidding! Whatever you say is fine with me! )
The Yux joined X-Naut's party! She'll respond to "Yuxette"! The Yux's abilities: A Primer. Press X to make the Yux shoot a laser ring from her mouth. Press and hold X to charge up her laser and make it more powerful. X-Naut can even move around while 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.
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 1st sublevel. Just take the Elevator Key on the table, go to the elevator, and select Sublevel 1.
X-NAUT: *goes to table, obtains blue Elevator Key and exits room with Yuxette behind him*
Part 2: Battle Basics
As X-Naut and Yuxette leave the genetics lab, a voice speaks over the intercom.
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, stampeding past a startled X-Naut and Yuxette. They enter through a door that isn't far from the genetics lab door. The door closes after the mob enters, leaving X-Naut as the only remaining X-Naut.
YUXETTE: Yux? (OK, what's up with that?)
X-NAUT: I wonder. What's Rogueport? And who's Lord Crump?
They continue to the elevator, activating it with the key and taking it up to the 1st sublevel. When the elevator doors slides open, X-Naut and Yuxette find that the Sublevel 1 hallway isn't much different from the Sublevel 2 hallway, just shorter. The only two doors are at either end of the hallway, one having a red lamp glowing above it. A computer terminal sits near the latter door, with the chief waiting beside it.
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. …Why are you still here, anyway? You were supposed to join the other X-Nauts in the Tour Del Rogueport!
X-NAUT: Uh, yeah, about that… Chief, what was that announcement? Who's Lord Crump? And what's Rogueport?
CHIEF: So many questions! All right, first of all, Lord Crump is the second-in-command, next to Grodus. Rogueport is a town full of shady characters. Lord Crump, I guess, is going to do who-knows-what there and needed some help. All of the standard foot soldiers are gone now… But I'm glad you're still here. You know why? *walks over to door on right side* A bunch of nasty creatures called Smorgs have invaded this room. The two of us need to clear them out. *turns to X-Naut* So don't just stand there! Let's get into this room! *walks to nearby terminal and types in password*
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 and prepare to open it.
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?! (What?!)
BATTLE MODE ENTERED!
Red curtains cover the screen and pull back to reveal the trio on a wooden, ramshackle stage. Rows of chairs are lined up facing the stage, with no one seated in them. X-Naut and Yuxette stand on opposite ends of the stage with the chief standing in the middle. Many scenic props are displayed in the background to give the stage the same environment as the X-Naut Fortress.
CHIEF: All right, let's make this quick! Your Slam Action Command is the only attack you have, so let's work with it! Choose your Slam command and then choose the enemy you'll attack!
X-NAUT: *chooses Slam command and selects Yuxette as his target*
CHIEF: Now see there? The Action Command details appear there! If you're smart, read them!
[Press A to stop the gauge when it reaches "OK!"]
X-Naut readies himself to charge as the bar automatically fills up. When it reaches a spot indicated by "OK!", the chief speaks again.
CHIEF: There! When you reach a spot like that, press A to launch your attack!
X-NAUT: *runs forward and jumps high, slamming down into Yuxette, then retreats to his side of stage*
CHIEF: If the word "NICE" appears, you'll know you did it right. You'll inflict extra damage if that happens! *turns to Yuxette* Now it's the Yux's turn to attack. Shoot him, you alien-thing!
YUXETTE: …Yux. Yux. (…Fine. I'll do it for X-Naut, but not because you told me to.) *focuses, then fires laser ring at X-Naut*
CHIEF: *turns to X-Naut* Now, there's this technique that lets you press A just before the attack hits you…
X-NAUT: *braces self when laser ring hits*
CHIEF: …Yeah, that's the Guard Action Command. It'll help reduce the damage you take. But listen up! It won't work if you try to cheat and tap A rapidly to guard! And remember this, if nothing else: Action Commands change depending on the attack! Now…moving on! Let me show you another Slam Action Command!
X-NAUT: *selects Slam command and targets Yuxette again*
CHIEF: This time, don't press A until I tell you to!
The gauge fills up again, going past the first "OK!" and towards a second "OK!"
CHIEF: Now! Press A now!
X-NAUT: *tackles Yuxette and retreats to his spot*
CHIEF: That was a frontal assault. Pressing A at the second "OK!" will do that. What's the difference between the two commands, you ask? Well…maybe you'll find out someday. *turns to Yuxette* Now then… There's this really cool technique I know, but are you worthy of knowing it? Guess I'll find out pretty soon. Yux! Attack him now!
YUXETTE: …Yux. (…Bossy.) *fires another laser ring*
CHIEF: *turns to X-Naut* Now, X-Naut! Let's see you pull this off! This time, press B right before you get struck!
X-NAUT: *spins around rapidly, nullifying laser ring*
CHIEF: What the?! …You actually did it! You countered the enemy's attack! You did the Superguard! With the Superguard, you take no damage AND you damage your enemy in return. …Sometimes. But listen! Superguards are harder to do than standard A guards. Choose wisely between them! And…we're through! We're done with Action Commands! And with good time, too! …Unless you'd like to go over all that again. Well? Do you?
X-NAUT: No, I've got it.
CHIEF: Good! Now I don't have to waste any more time teaching you amateurs!
BATTLE MODE END!
The theater disappears and X-Naut, Yuxette, and the chief appear back in the Sublevel 1 hallway.
CHIEF: All right! Now that that's over with, let's get to work!
The three of them go through the door. The room inside is made completely out of metal, as usual. A metallic Thwomp bust sits upon a steel block, crafted like a spiky stone with a face. The floor is an iron grid with the circuitry visible underneath. A bunch of creatures that look like black puffs of smoke with yellow eyes are bouncing around the room.
CREATURES: SMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORGSMORG
YUXETTE: Yux! Yux? (Whoa! What in the world are those things?)
CHIEF: There they are! The Smorgs! Let's get 'em! *turns to X-Naut* Don't just stand there! Use your partner's ability with X and pummel them!
X-Naut uses Yuxette's ability to fire laser rings at the Smorgs. The more Yuxette's laser rings are charged, the more Smorgs are blown away by the collision. Eventually, the Smorgs get angry and surround X-Naut, Yuxette, and the chief, who are then looking around frantically. The Smorgs close in and X-Naut and Yuxette enter their first battle.
BATTLE MODE ENTERED!
X-Naut, Yuxette, and the chief are back onstage, this time on the same side. On the opposite side are three Smorgs, each with 2 HP.
CHIEF: Useless vermin… X-Naut! I hope you haven't forgotten those Action Commands already, 'cause now's the time to use them! Knock those puffballs silly! They'll be a piece of cake! *stares angrily at Smorgs, then turns to X-Naut* Oh yeah…I almost forgot something myself. You can press Y to change the order that you and your Yux attack in! Don't be afraid to make your slave take the beatings for you! *turns back to Smorgs*
YUXETTE: Yux… (Why you…)
X-Naut used Slam! Action Command failed! Smorg lost 1 HP!
Yuxette used Laser Ring! Action Command failed! Smorg lost 1 HP! Smorg fainted!
Smorg used Bounce on X-Naut! X-Naut lost 1 HP!
Smorg used Bounce on X-Naut! NICE Guard! No damage.
X-Naut used Slam! NICE! Smorg lost 2 HP! Smorg fainted!
Yuxette used Laser Ring! NICE! Smorg lost 2 HP! Smorg fainted!
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 defeated Smorg, making a total of 9.
BATTLE MODE END!
Author's Note (2005): Star Points aren't easy to keep track of, so I'm excluding them from the story. Besides, it doesn't really matter what level X-Naut is.
Part 3: Quiz Time
After the battle, the Smorgs hop in front of the door, causing it to open automatically, and they bounce out of the room.
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 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, causing X-Naut to stagger.
X-NAUT: ?
THWOMP: *eyes light up yellow* 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 is basically a wall full of colorful lights. The Thwomp is wearing a polka-dot bow tie and has a microphone stand pointing at him. X-Naut and Yuxette are standing behind a quiz counter.
THWOMP: And here we gooooo, folks! Here comes the 64th 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 done and over with! Question Number One: What are the soldiers of this place called?
The Choices:
*Koopa Troopas
*X-Nauts
*Toads
*Goombas
X-NAUT: X-Nauts.
THWOMP: Is that your answer? Are you suuuuuuuuure?
X-NAUT: Yes.
The lights in the background light up in a circle. A ringing sound is heard as some confetti falls from the ceiling.
THWOMP: *spins around and eyes turn blue* AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH! That's…correct! That question was too easy, but it's only going to get harder from here on out! …So prepare yourself! *eyes flash yellow again* Now, Question Number Two! Who is the leader of all X-Nauts?
*Sir Grodus
*King Bowser
*Lord Crump
*Princess Peach
X-NAUT: Sir Grodus.
THWOMP: You suuuuuuuuure about that?
X-NAUT: Yes.
The lights blink in a circle again, indicating a correct answer.
THWOMP: *spins around and flashes eyes blue again* 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?
*Science Base
*Dome Lab
*X-Naut Fortress
*Factory of X
X-NAUT: The X-Naut Fortress.
Ding ding ding ding ding ding ding! Lights flash in another circle as more confetti falls.
THWOMP: *spins around, eyes flash blue* AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH! Also correct! You think you're so clever, don't you?! Don't get cocky yet… Two more questions coming up, with extra punch! 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
*Simon
X-NAUT: Andrew.
Lights flash, confetti falls, and ringers ring!
THWOMP: *spins around and eyes light up blue once more* 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?
*David
*Eracle
*Jimmy
*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.
Dingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingdingding! The lights flash again, confetti rains down, and the ringer rings longer than the previous times.
THWOMP: *eyes turn blue and spins around again* NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Cuh-Correct! That's five correct answers! Crud! You win!
Author's Note (2005): "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."
The original background flies back in puzzle pieces. Everyone is back in the metal circuitry 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: … *stands there in droopy, disbelieving demeanor*
YUXETTE: Yux? (What's wrong, X-Naut?)
X-NAUT: …My real name is X-Naut? *slowly corrects posture and walks to item*
X-Naut obtained the Database! Suddenly, the background changes once again, this time into polka-dotted wallpaper. An X-Naut with a white uniform and long, floppy ears walks onto the scene.
X-NAUT WHITE: Hello. My name is X-Naut White. It appears you have just obtained the Database. Congratulations. I am here to teach you how to use it. The Database has many functions, but as of now, only one is of use to you. That function is the Tattle Log, which allows you to access information on nearby people, places, and objects. In the field, when there's no one around, press Y to view info about your location. Try it once.
X-NAUT: *takes out laptop and looks at screen* 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.
WHITE: Very good.
CHIEF: *walks up to X-Naut*
WHITE: If you press Y when there's someone nearby, you can look up info about him or her. Try using the Tattle Log now.
X-NAUT: *turns to chief and takes out laptop* 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?
WHITE: Very good, X-Naut.
CHIEF: *walks away*
X-NAUT: *turns back to X-Naut White*
WHITE: Would you like to go over that again?
X-NAUT: No, I've got it.
WHITE: Excellent. You can also use the Tattle Log in battle, too. You can look up an enemy's HP and weaknesses. Of course, there are many other uses of the Database that you will discover in time. To access the Database, simply press START/PAUSE and view the menu labeled "Database". I believe that is all, so I'll leave the rest to you. *disappears*
The polka-dotted background vanishes and X-Naut finds himself back in the same cold, steel room.
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! *runs off*
X-NAUT: …X-Naut…
YUXETTE: Yux. (It'll be OK, X-Naut.)
X-Naut sighs and walks out of the room with Yuxette to join the chief.
Author's Note (2005): Indeed. Speaking of the Thwomp, here's a little excerpt that describes what happens when you lose. I'll include the extra two questions while I'm at it.
THWOMP: And now, Question Five! Answer this! What is YOUR name?
X-NAUT: Exor! (Author's Note (2005): Heehee! Uh...basically, just any answer other than X-Naut.) Author's Note (2017): "Exor" was meant as an inside joke back on NSider.
The lights in the background form an X and a buzzer sounds, indicating an incorrect answer.
THWOMP: *eyes turn red and laughs* Mmmm hmmm hoo ha ha! WRONG! Wrong wrong wrong! You call that an answer? Remember: Get three answers wrong, and you'll suffer like you wouldn't believe! Mmmm hmmm hoo ha ha! What's the matter? Getting a little stage fright? *eyes go back to yellow* On to question six! Tell me, where have all the X-Nauts gone?
*Keelhaul Key
*Boggly Woods
*X-Naut Fortress
*Rogueport
Author's Note (2005): The correct answer is, of course, Rogueport. But if X-Naut gets it wrong...
Bzzbzzzzzz! The buzzer sounds again and the lights display the X again.
THWOMP: *laughs as eyes turn red again* Thickhead! You're WROOOOOONG again! Get one more-hear me? ONE MORE wrong and you'll have yourself a trip to a cruel and unusual punishment! Don't let the pressure get to you! Mmmm hmmm hoo ha ha! *eyes revert to yellow* Now for the last question! What number question is this?
*Question Nine
*Question Eight
*Question Seven
*Super Question 64
X-NAUT: *chooses any answer except Question Seven, which is the right one*
THWOMP: Are you absolutely suuuuuuuuure about that?
X-NAUT: Yes!
Bzzbzzzzbzzbzzzzbzzbzzzzzzz! The X appears again and the buzzer sounds off longer than usual.
THWOMP: *eyes turn red and laughs once more* MMMM HMMMM HOO HA HA! WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG! That's three WRONGS! You FAIL! YOU FAAAAAIIIIIL! *turns around once*
The original background flies back in puzzle pieces. Everyone is back in the metal circuitry room.
THWOMP: MMMM HMMMM HOO HA HA! Congratulations, loser! You get a cookie! The cookie of DOOM!
Five Smorgs fall from the ceiling.
THWOMP: Well, would you look at that? Seems like some of those creatures hung around! Here's a deal: Beat all of them, and I'll give you the item anyway... But what are the chances? Give it your best shot, dumbo! MMMM HMMM HOO HA HA!
The Smorgs bounce toward X-Naut and Yuxette and begin a battle.
X-NAUT & YUXETTE: *beat them*
THWOMP: Wh-WHAT?! You beat them? But HOW?! It's not possible! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH! Fine! Take the stupid item! See if I care!
The Database falls from the ceiling.
THWOMP: *spins around again* PBBBTHBTH! *eyes turn off*
Part 4: Specialty
In the hallway, X-Naut, Yuxette, and the chief spot a single Smorg bouncing around. X-Naut uses the chief's advice and jumps on the Smorg to get a First Strike. X-Naut now has another option in his list of Action Commands, the Tattle Log. After reading up on the Smorg and defeating it, the trio takes the elevator up to Level 1. Unlike the other hallways, this one has windows that look out into the vast sky of a starry night. There's another Smorg in the hallway that is easily taken care of. X-Naut uses Yuxette's laser rings to destroy some small boxes sitting on either side of the elevator door, finding a Mushroom and a Fire Flower.
After that, they enter a door that leads to the lobby of the fortress, which is considerably larger than any other room X-Naut has been in. There's nothing except a wide expanse of steel flooring, with the exception of a mob of Smorgs jumping near the entrance doors. Two Smorgs are separated, which attack X-Naut. After the battles, the entrance doors open and the Smorgs hop outside.
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? Yux? (Really? What did you remember?)
X-NAUT: …I think I just recalled something called a special move...
CHIEF: *jumps in surprise* 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.
BATTLE MODE ENTERED!
X-Naut and Yuxette appear on one side of the wooden stage; the chief stands on the opposite end. This time, there is actually an audience sitting in a few of the chairs, watching the fight. They're all X-Nauts, and there's not many of them.
CHIEF: First of all, you need to take a close look at your Star Power gauge.
There's a gauge marked by a star. All that's inside the gauge is a single filled-in circle.
CHIEF: You see that one little dot? That's a single unit of Star Power. So you've got one full unit right now, understand? I hope I haven't lost you yet. Now listen! You can only use special moves when you've got Star Power at hand! So, try using your special move now, whatever it's called. It will restore any lost HP and FP.
X-NAUT: *selects the special move First-Aid*
[Use the Control Stick to move X-Naut and catch falling hearts and flowers!]
X-NAUT: *moves left and right along stage as he tries to catch falling hearts and flowers*
X-Naut regained 2 HP! Yuxette regained 4 HP! X-Naut regained 5 FP!
CHIEF: That special move cost you one power dot, so now your Star Power gauge is empty. See?
The circle in the gauge is now non-filled.
CHIEF: But not to worry! It's easy to fill it up again…if you know how! This is where the audience comes in! See them? Look at the pack of freeloaders!
The audience boos at the chief.
CHIEF: What? Bunch of hypocrites… Listen, X-Naut! If you put on a good show, the viewers will provide you with Star Power! Let's see how your performance is judged! X-Naut! Yux-thing! Attack me!
Yuxette used Laser Ring! NICE! Chief lost 2 HP!
The audience cheers and fills the Star Power gauge a bit.
CHIEF: Hey, not that rough! Be gentle to your superior! Err… What I mean is, since you pleased your audience…losers…they filled some of your gauge.
X-Naut used Slam! Action Command failed! Chief lost 1 HP!
The audience boos.
CHIEF: Ha! You won't get much publicity if you keep that up! If you want to be truly successful, you've got to execute your Action Commands! Come on, now!
Yuxette used Laser Ring! NICE! Chief -2 HP!
The audience cheers and gives more Star Power. More members enter the theater and take a seat.
CHIEF: Aaah! Not the face! I mean, yeah, that's good. Keep building up that Star Power! Also, if the battle gets more exciting, more people will come and watch! You can see that in the number of audience members.
The current number of members is 16.
X-Naut used Slam! NICE! Chief -2 HP! The audience cheers some more and continues filling up the power dot.
CHIEF: X-Naut! Now's a big moment for you! …Maybe.
Two icons are in a corner of the theater. They both reflect Shine Sprites.
CHIEF: If you nail an Action Command when there are two matching icons, icon wheels will appear. Take it for a spin!
The two Shine Sprite icons appear center-stage, enlarged. A third icon appears beside them and starts cycling rapidly through a series of items. It eventually stops on a Shine Sprite.
BINGO! X-Naut's HP, FP, and Star Power have all been refilled!
New audience members pour into the theater, jumping and cheering. The place has reached its capacity of 50 members.
CHIEF: Unbelievable! You matched three icons! Getting a bingo means dazzling results, which is good for show business. Now the house is packed! Also, depending on the icons you match up, you'll get a boost in HP, FP, or Star Power. But you had better watch out for the Poison Mushrooms. If get three of them…well, you'll know when you get some. One other thing: The bigger audience you have, the more Star Power you'll receive. You can also use the Appeal command to stir up a cheer for you. I hope you got all this, 'cause I'm not repeating it!
One of the X-Nauts in the audience grabs a rock.
CHIEF: Hm? What's that guy doing? Oh… Heh heh… He's about to toss a rock at you! If you get hit with anything from the audience, you'll wind up with a bruise. If you press X, you can stop him, but I'd rather see you get hit…
YUXETTE: *shoots laser ring at X-Naut with the rock*
The X-Naut with the rock gets hit. He gives a girly scream and runs out of the theater.
CHIEF: Oh, darn it. You sent him packing. But yeah, pressing X will protect you from the objects people throw at you. But sometimes a member will try to toss you something good, so don't attack him unless you're feeling mean! Well, that's all I have to share with you. Keep in mind that just because you can do special moves doesn't mean I'll start respecting you!
BATTLE MODE END!
Author's Note (2005): Features such as the Star Power gauge, number of audience members, and kicking out the bad eggs are not at all significant to the story, so they probably won't be mentioned anymore.
Part 5: Smorgasbord
CHIEF: All right, we've covered that subject, so now let's get rid of those Smorgs!
X-Naut goes to the nearby Save Block and Heart Block in the room and hits both of them. The Save Block saves his progress, and the Heart Block refills his HP and FP completely in exchange for a certain amount of coins. In this case, it's 5. Author's Note (2005): "X-Naut only starts out with 10 coins—yep, pretty low—and earns more by defeating enemies, so using Heart Blocks can be quite costly, pardon the pun. Also, the Save and Heart Blocks aren't very important in the telling of this story, so I probably won't include them again."
X-Naut, Yuxette, and the chief all head out of the entrance of the lobby. They head down a glass-contained slope that is lined with a pair of conveyor belts. One travels one way, and the other, the opposite. The trio uses the belts as escalators, and they take the down-belt to the real entrance of the fortress. Upon exiting, the three find themselves in the background of a yellowish landscape, filled with stones and craters. The starry sky seems unusually close to them, and the gravity is extremely low.
X-NAUT: Huh? Are we on…the moon?
CHIEF: *turns to X-Naut* Of course! Didn't you know that? Oh wait…you forgot. *turns and looks off in the distance* But look! The Smorgs have clustered over there!
In the middle ground, between three craters, the Smorgs have all gathered and are bouncing quite high, thanks to the reduced gravity.
CHIEF: Now's our chance! We'll knock them out and capture them! *turns to X-Naut* Let's go, X-Naut! Jump onto that pipe and push the Control Stick Down to travel through it!
X-Naut hops onto the pipe in the background and twirls through it, with Yuxette and the chief right behind him. They emerge through another pipe opening in the middle ground, a few feet away from the Smorgs. As the trio approaches the cloudy critters, they suddenly stop bouncing and stare at their pursuers.
SMORG: SMOO-OOORG!
The Smorgs suddenly cluster together, combining into a slightly larger form. It sprouts two tentacles made up of chains of the creatures. Some pink Smorgs make up the main body.
YUXETTE: Yux! Yux! (Wowzers! They combined!)
CHIEF: Umm… It's your job, X-Naut. Lay the smack on them! *turns and runs away*
YUXETTE: *looks at Chief* Yux? Yux! (What? Coward!)
X-NAUT: *looks at Chief* What? Hey! Come back!
SMORG: SMOOO-OOOORG!
BATTLE MODE ENTERED!
[Can't flee this fight!]
X-NAUT: *uses Tattle Log* That's a Smorg Miasma. It's a monster made up of lots of little Smorgs. Its maximum HP is 12, its attack is 1, and its defense is 0. The only way to take it out is to attack its main body, the pink Smorgs. But the main body has a defense of 5, which basically means we can't damage it. If we take out its two tentacles, however, the body's defense will drop to 0. Once that happens, we'd better attack it quickly, or else the tentacles will regenerate! By the way, each tentacle has a max HP of 3.
Yuxette used Laser Ring on Left Tentacle! NICE! Left Tentacle -2 HP!
Left Tentacle used Slap on Yuxette! Yuxette -1 HP!
Right Tentacle used Slap on X-Naut! X-Naut -1 HP!
X-Naut used Tackle Slam on Left Tentacle! Miss! The tentacle is above the ground, so the Tackle Slam won't reach!
Yuxette used Duplicate! -1 FP! A Mini-Yux was created! The Mini-Yux generated a shield around Yuxette!
Left Tentacle used Slap on X-Naut! X-Naut -1 HP!
Right Tentacle used Slap on Yuxette! The Mini-Yux took the attack! Mini-Yux fainted!
X-Naut used Jump Slam on Left Tentacle! NICE! Left Tentacle -2 HP! The tentacle Smorgs withdrew!
Yuxette used Laser Ring on Right Tentacle! NICE! Right Tentacle -2 HP!
Right Tentacle used Slap on Yuxette! NICE Guard! No damage.
X-Naut used Jump Slam on Right Tentacle! NICE! Right Tentacle -2 HP! The tentacle Smorgs withdrew! The main body is exposed!
Yuxette used Laser Ring on Smorg Miasma! NICE! Smorg Miasma -2 HP!
The Smorg Miasma is biding its time to regenerate its tentacles, so it can't attack!
X-Naut used First-Aid! X-Naut +2 HP! Yuxette +1 HP! X-Naut +1 FP!
Yuxette used Laser Ring on Smorg Miasma! NICE! Smorg Miasma -2 HP!
Smorg Miasma regenerated its tentacles! Left Tentacle used Slap on X-Naut! NICE Guard! No damage.
Right Tentacle used Slap on Yuxette! NICE Guard! No damage.
X-Naut used a Fire Flower! The Fire Flower spews embers over all targets! Left Tentacle -3 HP! Smorg Miasma took no damage. Right Tentacle -3 HP! Both tentacles withdrew! The main body is exposed!
Yuxette used Laser Ring on Smorg Miasma! NICE! Smorg Miasma -2 HP! Just 6 HP remaining!
The Miasma is biding its time to regenerate its tentacles!
X-Naut used Tackle Slam on Miasma! NICE! Miasma -2 HP!
Yuxette used Laser Ring on Miasma! NICE! Miasma -2 HP!
Miasma regenerated its tentacles! Left Tentacle used Slap on Yuxette! GREAT Superguard! Tentacle -1 HP!
Right Tentacle used Slap on X-Naut! GREAT Superguard! Tentacle -1 HP!
X-Naut used Jump Slam on Right Tentacle! NICE! Right Tentacle -2 HP! The tentacle Smorgs withdrew!
Yuxette used Laser Ring on Left Tentacle! NICE! Left Tentacle -2 HP! The tentacle Smorgs withdrew! The main body is exposed again!
The Miasma can't attack yet!
X-Naut used Tackle Slam on Miasma! NICE! Miasma -2 HP! Smorg Miasma is defeated!
BATTLE MODE END!
SMORG: SMORGSMORGSMOOoOoOoooo… *disappears*
CHIEF: *walks up to X-Naut* 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 store her Smorgs in our rooms, 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: ? *looks around*
Three shadows appear on the ground, and three ghostly girls emerge out of them. Each one of them is completely purple except for their hair, hats and white gloves. They have no feet, but a tail-like stem leading from the bottom of their stomachs to the ground, suspending them in midair. None of their eyes are visible; obscured by their hair or hats. The smallest and oldest one, Beldam, has a pointy blue-and-white-striped hat, a pointy nose, and white hair that falls behind her. The largest and middle-aged one, Marilyn, has a droopy yellow-and-white-striped hat, some flat blonde hair, and an enormous belly. The medium-sized and youngest one, Vivian, wears a curved magenta-and-white-striped hat and has curly pink hair. The trio of shadows faces the trio of X's.
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… It might have slipped my mind…
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! *points to X-Naut and Yuxette* 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! *withdraws into ground*
MARILYN: Guhhhhh… *vanishes too*
VIVIAN: Mmm hm hm hm hm… *also disappears*
CHIEF: ARRRGH! *turns to X-Naut and Yuxette* Quickly, X-Naut and Yux-whatever-its-name-is… We have to get to Sir Grodus's room before they do! *runs off*
YUXETTE: Yux… (What a loser…) *floats after chief*
X-NAUT: OK, if you say so… *runs after chief*
Part 6: Aftermath
The three soon arrive in a room that is quite spacious, even more so than the lobby. The X-Naut logo is imprinted upon the vast, stainless steel floor. Four pillars that support glowing violet orbs are placed around some steps that lead up to a mechanical, computerized throne. A pale rug leads down from the throne and ends as soon as the steps touch the floor, which happens to be where the Shadow Sirens are.
Even more intimidating than them is the huge, royally-garmented X-Naut standing in front of the throne. He has a black and purple cape that curls around his body and covers his arms, clothing him completely. He has wears an X emblem in front and he wields a golden scepter with a computerized orb at the end. Most noticeable about him, however, is his oversized cranium covered with glass, revealing the immense technology within.
?: 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… (Looks like it…)
BELDAM: So as you can see, honorable Grodus, that that X-Naut, the chief…is rather irresponsible with upholding his end of the bargain.
SIR 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 I think that's utterly ridiculous! Who's ever heard of-
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: *is shocked* 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* …Yes, sire.
The Shadow Sirens all disappear into the shadows.
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. *folds arms in X shape, turns around and walks away*
X-NAUT: *looks from chief to Grodus and back*
CHIEF: *turns back to X-Naut* Don't just stand there! Salute! Pay the proper respect to Sir Grodus!
X-NAUT: Oh, um…right. Salute. *turns to Grodus and crosses arms*
GRODUS: Enough of that. Get going, all of you.
The three leave the room quietly and enter the hallway of the 2nd sublevel. Lots of other X-Nauts have returned from their trip to Rogueport, and are now walking around and entering rooms to sleep in.
CHIEF: *looks around and turns to X-Naut and Yuxette* 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 my miserable excuses for minions… *walks off*
X-NAUT: *turns to Yuxette* Well, what a day, huh, Yuxette?
YUXETTE: Yux… (Yeah…)
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! (Of course, silly! I wouldn't have it any other way!)
X-NAUT: *nods* Thank you.
They enter the door to the locker room, and the door closes behind them.
Author's Note (2017): Uuuugh, I can do so much better nowadays... Well, if you made it this far, you must have enjoyed the read. Thanks. There will be three more chapters following this one, and each one will be just as long, if not longer.