Chapter Text
Meanwhile, Sereia, Trinket, and the boys arrive at the Playful Stage.
"This is it... Ernesto Foulworth and Gino should be up ahead," Ortho says.
"Along with all the guys that got turned into puppets. Man, they're really putting us through the wringer here…" Ace says.
"Yeah. And um, I wonder what awaits us, especially for me," Sereia says.
Trinket tinks in response.
Kalim asks, "What's wrong, guys? Try not to be too scared. Even the best plan won't work out if you psych yourselves out first. Don't worry. It'll be fine-more than fine! It's all gonna go great!"
"There you go again, claimin' stuff you can't prove…" Ace responds with a sigh. Ace huffs and says, "You just say whatever pops into your head, don't you? Well, whatever. We've come this far. Let's bang out this capture plan!"
"That's better, Ace. Now you've got a much brighter look on your face!" Kalim says, "Okay, is everybody ready?"
Sereia, Ace, and Ortho say, "Yup."
Trinket tinks in response.
Kalim takes a deep breath and brightfully screams, "ERNESTOOOOOO! WE'RE HEEEERE!"
Sereia calls out, "ERNIIIIIIIII! GIIIIIIIN! WHERE ARE YOOOOOOOOOU!
"You know Sereia, I'm still surprised you can scream this loud," Ace says.
"I agree," Ortho replies.
Suddenly they hear Ernesto's voice, "'We're here'? 'Where are you'? That's the best you got?"
Ernesto and Gino respond with a sigh.
"Shouldn't you have a more dramatic introductory line to mark your entry?" Ernesto says with a sigh.
The five rush into the area until they face directly against Ernesto and Gino.
"Oh hey, Ernesto and Gino are up on stage!" Kalim says.
"Hmm... I was somewhat expecting them to run away. I'll give them credit for being brave enough to stick around," Ortho says.
"Finally, the man of the hour. I'll have you know it was BRUTAL trying to get here!" Ace says.
"Strange. I could've sworn I sent puppets to fetch you to me," Ernesto says.
"You sure did. Tons of 'em," Ace says, "But we drove 'em all off. You should've shelled out for a big ol' horse-drawn carriage to come get us."
Kalim calls out, "Hey, Ernesto? Gino? How about you just... stop doing this? Change back all the people that got turned to puppets, and send us back to Sage's Island. If you do, then... we can all be friends again!"
"...What?" Ernesto responds, "F... F… FRIENDS AGAIN?!" and is actually shocked.
Ernesto laughs, "Haha... Haaah hah hah hah! I'm floored. Even now you still see us as friends?!"
Gino nods in amusement.
And then Ernesto says, "Don't you get it? The only thing you guys have ever been to me is a buncha easy marks. The most gullible group of suckers I've ever seen, in fact."
"Ouch…" Kalim responds, feeling bruised.
"That's really mean," Sereia replies.
Even Trinket nods in agreement.
Ortho angrily says, "I didn't see the harm in humoring Kalim and hearing your side of the story first… But judging by your demeanor, you have no intention of doing as he asks."
'Why should I?" Ernesto says, "Granted, if I leveraged a bit of my authority as park administrator… I could easily dispel Playful Land's magic and turn the people-puppets back to people again."
"So you'll do it?! Thank you so much!" Kalim says with a smile.
"I said I COULD, not that I WOULD!" Ernesto says, annoyed, "Geez Louise. You won't even let me finish. Don't they teach you kids common decency in school? Look, I've got my own reasons for this. If you really think you can beat me, you're welcome to go ahead and try. Though…"
Soon, a large amount of puppets emerge and begin to advance towards the trio as Ernesto smiles in smug satisfaction.
"...you'll have to make it through this army of puppets first," Ernesto says.
The gang reacts in shock.
"A bunch of puppets came out of hiding and got in front of Ernesto!" Ortho says.
"Called it," Ace says, "Of course you'd send out a bunch of puppets we can't touch, then sit back and watch from a safe distance while they do your dirty work," And calls out, "You're a total coward!"
Ernesto responds, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Please, Ace, it's called 'cunning'. That's how you survive in the real world; you should try it some time. You've already put me through a lot of trouble. The least you could do to make it up to me is put on an entertaining finale! Now... It's showtime!"
And with that, the puppets charge to attack.