Benjamin, Bridget, Eris, and their respective familiars left the portal and stumbled across the Pilkon kingdom. Right outside the gates, a familiar face went about on her errands. She turned to notice the group and floated over to them.

“Akapin!”

“Midoricha!” Akapin said. “Hey, long time no see.”

“Well, it hasn’t been that long. But it’s great to see you again!” Midoricha exclaimed. “How are you and Aoguro doing?”

“We’re doing great. Ao’s been doing community service, but we all still welcomed him with...” Akapin paused and looked down. “Oh, right, we don’t have arms or hands. Anyway, it’s all good over here.” She glanced at Bridget. “It’s great seeing you, too. The Queen said you did a terrific job saving all worlds.”

“Aw, thanks,” Bridget replied, rubbing the back of her head. “But we couldn’t have done it without your help.”

“There’s no need to be so modest; we’re just glad you accomplished what you had to do.” Once Akapin set her gaze on Benjamin, her eyes widened. “Whoa, who are you? I didn’t know there were other inhabitants from another village.”

“Not the case,” Benjamin replied.

“What? That voice, is that who I think it is...?”

“It’s a... long story,” Bridget said with hesitation in her voice.

“We can talk about it back at my place.” Akapin offered to the group. “But we got to be quiet; we don’t want to draw any unwanted attention.”

“Alright, sounds good.”

As the group walked around the village, a heavy feeling lingered among them. Midoricha and Akapin glanced from both sides; other pilkons stared intently at Benjamin and his familiars. They both whispered to the rest of the group to lie low and avoid more suspicion.

Eventually, the group arrived at Akapin and Aoguro’s home dome. They relaxed in the living room while Eris told Akapin the current events that led them to their place.

“...So that’s the gist of it. Is there any way you can help us?”

“Well, maybe not me, but I’m sure the Queen and princess can help you with your predicament.”

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“Can you lead us to where they’re at right now?”

“Well, we rarely go up there. The one time was an exception and a big case. Although you guys are in a bit of a pickle, their majesties could be busy.”

“That’s a good point,” Midoricha said. “We don't know if they have time to help us.”

“But we can’t wait for long,” Benjamin said, impeding the other pilkons. “This is urgent, and we don’t have much time on our...” He looked down. “Um?” Right, no shoulders either. Or hands.

“We wouldn’t want to bother them, though,” Harry muttered.

After a moment of silence, Scarlet perked up and spoke.

“Why don’t we check, anyway?”

“Huh?”

“It wouldn’t hurt to take a peek, just in case. We’ll look without heading inside the palace.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Chi-Chi asked.

“If you don’t trust me, you can always accompany and monitor me,” Scarlet suggested, glancing at the doors. “It’d be easier with more pairs of eyes.”

“That doesn’t seem like a bad idea.” Chi-Chi and Harry turned to Benjamin. “What do you think?”

“Well, I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Just come back safely, alright?”

“Alright, we’ll be right back.”

“Just remember, you need to go through the spiral staircase,” Midoricha explained to them. “Would you like a guide?”

“No thanks, we’re good,” Scarlet replied. “We can take it from here. Besides, you want to catch up with things with your friends, right?”

“You have a good point.”

The three pilkons floated out of the house as they headed toward their destination. Looking up at the long spiral staircase, it stood high above the village, clear as day. It was a sight to behold.

“Hope you know what you’re doing...” Harry muttered.

Before the group reached the entrance, Scarlet stopped moving, catching the other two by surprise. Harry and Chi-Chi turned, their heads tilted, overseeing her stare with narrow eyes.

“Ok, let’s get straight to the point,” Scarlet said. “Do you guys recognize me?”

“What?” Harry and Chi-Chi exchanged bewildered glances before turning to face her. “Have we met before?”

“Well, I guess it’s a given; it has been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Your voice sounds familiar, I think?” Chi-Chi said. “What of it?”

“Don’t play dumb with me; I know who you are, Harris and Chiara.”

The siblings froze, almost like time stopped for them. After a while, Chi-Chi spoke, her voice shaken by the comment.

“H-How do you know our real names?”

“Wait, now that I think about it...” Harry gasped as his eyes widened. “Oh no, are you...?”

“Took you long enough,” Scarlet replied. “And now that I got your attention, I got you right where I want you.”