"Well done Love Pirates," a voice was heard over a loudspeaker. They all turned their heads and saw a towering castle. The tower was an imposing structure, soaring high with a dark design. Its base was fortified, built from dense stone. There were windows, layered terraces, and dark walls. There was wire and gears running around the structure. The castle's surface is a blend of stone and metal. There were turrets, archways, and stacked buildings. Pipes and gears emerge from various parts. Near the top, pointed spires and arching beams extend outward. It looked like a command post at the top.
"What is that?" Marianne asked.
"Looks hideous," Robin responded.
"Dark and cold," Maya added.
"Very gross," Alvida said.
Ben thought it was cool. He thought it was not the time to admire. "Ratchet," Ben said.
Ratchet's voice echoed across the island, laced with condescension and amusement. "You've uncovered the secrets of this island," he said, his tone carrying an air of superiority. "I thought you'd die trying, but you've exceeded expectations," he added.
A sudden burst of static filled the air as Nipthal's irritated voice cut in over the loudspeaker. "You destroyed RAU," he shouted.
"I am speaking," Ratchet shouted back.
Kaya folded her arms. "Well, at least that confirms Nipthal is here," she said.
"That midget," Zala remarked.
"I heard that," Nipthal snapped through the speaker.
"Get off the microphone," Ratchet groaned. Then his attention shifted back to the Love Pirates, his demeanor growing more serious. "Do you know the true history of this island?" he asked and paused, letting the moment settle before continuing. "When my father died, I was informed of the holy ruins at the summit, where my ancestors rest. It's accessible only to the males of my family. The origin of this island is recorded there," he added.
Robin listened carefully. "Were we not just there," Mikita remarked.
Ratchet went on. "My mother told me the inhabitants of this island once coexisted with Shimagame, the turtle. She would sleep beneath the waves, only awakening when it was time to lay her eggs. The method of waking her up was passed down through the generations hidden within the song," he said.
Mikita scoffed. "And yet, you couldn't figure it out yourself?" she said.
"Some genius," Saphir added dryly.
Ratchet's expression darkened. "Mind your words," he snapped, irritation creeping into his voice.
Raki smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Since you seem to know everything, why don't you enlighten us about the golden crown mentioned in the song?" she said.
Ratchet hesitated for the briefest moment before responding. "That part hasn't been solved yet. But I will. Soon," he replied.
"He's not going to solve it," Nojiko remarked as she crossed her arms.
Vivi sighed, glancing at the others. "You're all being harsh on him," she said.
Ratchet latched onto her words instantly, his tone suddenly shifting. "Yes, Vivi, they are. You're the only one here with intelligence," he said smoothly. "You wanted to ally with me, but they stopped you. Why don't you join me? I'll make you my Queen, when I rule this world," he laughed.
"No," Vivi stated. Her voice colder than steel.
Conis glanced at the towering beast in the distance, then back at Ratchet. "His plan… is he trying to use Shimagame to take over the world?" she asked.
"Seems like it," Kalifa remarked.
Mikita rolled her eyes. "He's an even bigger idiot than I thought," she said.
"Really dumb," Zala added as she didn't bother to hide her amusement.
Alvida looked angry.
Ben thought maybe they were harsh on him, however he looked at Vivi the wrong way.
Ratchet's expression twisted, "You dare insult me?" he hissed. "You've been poisoned by them. I will free you, Vivi, just like I will free Shimagame," he added.
Ratchet's voice dipped into a venomous whisper. "You will all see or perhaps not, because this will be your last day," he sneered. His fingers hovered over a control panel. "Now, witness the rise of my rule in your final moments," he said.
Ratchet slammed the button.
From all across the island, massive cables burst from hidden mechanisms, whipping through the air. The thick wires coiled around Shimagame, wrapping tightly around her face and massive paddle-like limbs. The ancient turtle let out a deep, agonized moan, the sound rumbling through the island like a mourning cry.
Vivi clutched the railing, horror flashing across her face. "She's hurting," she gasped.
Ben looked towards the large castle. He stepped forward. "Ratchet. You truly believe world domination is this simple? That a few wires and a delusional dream make you a ruler?" he said. "My girls were right. You couldn't even solve a riddle, yet you dare talk about conquering the world? You threaten my crew, my girl. Vivi belongs to me and me alone," he stated.
Vivi smiled. Her heart skipped a beat. "Ben, that is embarrassing," she whispered.
He clenched his fists. "I was going to spare you, thinking you were just some pathetic fool, but now, no. You hurt Shimagame," Ben said. He thought he could complete the Quest in a number of ways but beating him would be the best way.
"Girls let's take this idiot down," Ben stated.
Meanwhile, the sea churned violently as three imposing Marine battleships cut through the waves. Behind them, was a Cipher Pol ship. From their vantage point, the assembled officers aboard the lead vessel took in the unfolding scene. The Miss Love Duck, the Love Pirates, and the massive Shimagame, entangled in thick, mechanical wires snaking from across the island.
Guard squinted. "What is that?" he asked in confusion.
"A gigantic turtle… unbelievable," Gorilla said as he leaned forward. His eyes widened as he took in the beast's sheer size.
"And it's being bound—restrained by something unnatural," Gage said.
Very Good's looked on the Love Pirates before he huffed dismissively. "Of course it is them. They're always at the center of trouble," he said.
Sharinguru folded his arms, nodding in agreement. "They never fail to cause chaos wherever they go," he added.
"In the name of the Marines, we will put an end to this," Gorilla shouted. The Marines heard this and shouted back.
Gage's lips curled into a grin as he gestured toward the approaching Cipher Pol ship. "And we're not alone. Cipher Pol is already closing in," he said.
Meanwhile, on the Miss Love Duck, Vivi, Maya, Honey, Conis, Saphir, Alvida, and Kalifa looked at the newly arrived enemy fleet. The Marines had come, and with them, came with the Cipher Pol agents.
Alvida tightened her grip on Seraphina. "They have come," Alvida said.
Kalifa adjusted her glasses. "Alpha," she said. "Cipher Pol's involvement makes this more than just a simple battle," she added.
"More to beat up," Nojiko said.
"Ratchet is there," Vivi said as she looked at Shimagame's suffering beneath its restraints. Vivi turned to Ben, urgency flashing in her eyes.
"What's the plan, Captain?" Zala asked.
Ben exhaled. He thought this was going to be complicated. He thought it was never easy. He knew there was more as well. "We focus on Ratchet first. If we don't stop him, Shimagame could fall before we even deal with the Marines and Cipher Pol," he said. He glanced toward the incoming battleships. "If they want to fight, we give them something they won't forget," he stated.