Negative Zone Picnic

Negative Zone Picnic is the twenty-fourth episode of the second season of TFAWPS. It is the fiftieth episode overall.

Plot
With the Starcaster and the Halberd locked and a dangerous stand-off, TFAWPS believe they finally have Genesect exactly where they want him, but he reveals that he still has one more trick up his sleeve. Cell prepares his endgame, while Kirby is placed in a difficult position.

Synopsis
On Planet Popstar, the citizens all watch as the Starcaster and the Halberd fly above the city, weapons raised on each other, both waiting for an excuse to fire. From inside the town hall, King Kai and his councilors watch as their two best generals have turned against them. On the ground, Captain Cowboy emerges from his burnt out husk of a building and looks on in horror. He quickly hopes to himself that the plan works and books it for The Rental, boarding and flying away. Inside the Starcaster, the TFAWPS members stare at Meta Knight and Genesect inside the Halberd. Sonic gets on the intercom and tells Meta Knight that he's going to say this once, and only once; he explains that Meta Knight is harboring the most wanted criminal in the galaxy and if he doesn't hand him over, TFAWPS will treat Meta Knight about as well as they'll treat Genesect and suggests that Meta Knight doesn't want to stick around to find out how badly that will be. Sonic demands that he hand over Genesect and if he tries anything, the Starcaster will be forced to open fire. In response, Meta Knight only replies with "if." Angered, Sonic gets off the intercom. Ted asks him to let him outside and he'll end this by himself and Sonic tells him that they can't do anything rash, as it puts the people on the ground at risk. Inside the Halberd, Genesect turns to Meta Knight and blames him for the mess they're in and demands to know where the shards are. Meta Knight lies and hands over the shards, claiming he stole them from TFAWPS and they chased him here, but now that they have the shards they can destroy TFAWPS and be done with it. Genesect tells Meta Knight that there is no "we," and Meta Knight replies saying that there is a "we" so long as he has the Rainbow Twins and if Genesect doesn't want to partner up, then he'll kill them, and turn Genesect over to TFAWPS. Genesect threatens to kill Meta Knight instead, prompting Meta Knight to walk over to the Rainbow Twins cage and threaten them with the sword, even beating them up a bit, which causes Genesect to relent.

Pink Panther approaches Paco and Mofo and asks them if they're doing okay and they both reply that they'll be fine. Buster informs the team that he believes they won't make it out of this, but Pink Panther reassures him that whatever happens, they'll win. Lupina gets off the phone and nervously tells everybody that she can't get in contact with anybody. Sonic tells the team that they're on their own for this one, but that's fine because they're ready for whatever Genesect will throw at them. Sonic tells Wally to keep an eye on the Halberd and warns him that whatever he does, if the Halberd fires on them, Wally should not hesitate to fire back. Wally assures Sonic that he can count on him. Sonic then leads Ted, Pink Panther, Paco, Mofo, and Buster to the top of the Starcaster to speak with Genesect face to face. Genesect climbs onto the roof of the Halberd and shows TFAWPS the Infinity Dagger, asking if they like it. Sonic jokingly tells Genesect that if he's being honest, the Infinity Dagger is pretty lame. Genesect tells Sonic that he saw where TFAWPS really came from and says that Sonic is the worst liar and user he's ever met. Genesect turns to Pink Panther and tells him that he's glad he made it home and admits that he didn't think he would after seeing how many times he almost died and Pink Panther replies that he didn't think he'd make it back either, but as a surprise to them both, he did. Genesect turns to Ted and says that he's surprised how violent he could be and says that a soldier like him shouldn't be surprised when their friends die in battle and berates him for taking Wave's death so personally, when it really had nothing to do with him. Ted tells Genesect that he's next, but Sonic stops him from firing and energy blast. Genesect said that despite all of that, it was so pathetic watching him cling so closely to a version of Wave that didn't even care for him or know he existed in any way.

Genesect then turns to Mofo telling him that he's surprised he stepped up to the plate the way he did and wonders if he'll do the same thing again, revealing to him that the Rainbow Twins are in custody within the Halberd and tells Mofo that if he's going to do something he'd better do it quick because when he last spoke to Meta Knight he was getting a little angry with them for taking up so much space in his ship. Mofo warns that if he or Meta Knight kills them he'll destroy them, but Genesect just waves the Infinity Dagger at him, quieting him. Turning to Buster, Genesect tells him how interesting it was to watch such a happy and care free guy be broken down so much that he became nearly unrecognizable. Genesect tells Buster that if he manages to stop Genesect, he could finally get out of this life. Finally, Genesect turns to Paco and tells him that of all the alternate realities he saw, Paco's was definitely his favorite. He talks about how, despite all of his and Cell's differences, he's really enjoyed watching Cell torment Paco the way he has. Sonic speaks up and tells his team that they don't have this and prepares an attack, but Pink Panther stops him, saying that attacking is exactly what Genesect wants them to do and suggests staying back. Genesect continues on, saying that he and Cell seem to have formed a close bond, which as fun as it has been to watch, has to end eventually. He asks Paco if he's ready to square things with Cell and Paco asks what he means. Genesect explains that he tried to kill Cell himself, but in the end he failed and says that he needs some help from the people he loves most. Genesect begins charging up the Infinity Dagger, leading Sonic to call for the attack. All six TFAWPS members run across the roof of the Starcaster and jump towards Genesect, but as they jump, Genesect opens a portal to the Negative Zone, sending all six members through, much to the shock of all the spectators.

Getting up, Sonic comments that at least they're all together this time. Realizing the portal is still open, the team prepare to jump back through, but Genesect warns that they might not want to do that just yet and directs their attention behind them, revealing that Cell is truly still alive. Genesect warns that if TFAWPS now let Cell through that portal, he will pick up exactly where the Cosmic Entity left off. Realizing he's correct, Sonic tells the team that they can't let Cell through, no matter what. Cell corrects Genesect, saying that the real reason he doesn't want him through is because he knows he can't beat him. Genesect says that maybe it's true and maybe it's not, but he's not letting any of them back regardless until either Cell or TFAWPS is dead. Genesect returns inside the Halberd where Meta Knight tells him to close the portal, but Genesect replies that he's going to leave it open as he wants to see what happens and he thinks the Twins should witness it as well. Genesect and Meta Knight head to the roof of the Halberd, with the Rainbow Twins in their cage, to watch what happens in the Negative Zone.

In the town hall, King Kai continues looking out onto the situation outside, while his advisors urge him to do something, but King Kai refuses, telling them that Meta Knight will handle it. One of King Kai's advisors reminds him that Meta Knight no longer serves him. During this discussion, another advisors runs into the room informing them that the rebels have made it into the building and are working their way up to their chambers. King Kai orders more soldiers to hold them off.

In the Negative Zone, Cell tells TFAWPS that they heard the deal and raises them another. Cell proposes that TFAWPS let him out of the Negative Zone and in exchange, he'll get rid of Genesect for them. Once that's done, TFAWPS and Cell can settle their differences however they want. Sonic tells Cell that there are no more deals and promises that if it was Genesect in his place, they'd take on him as well, knowing that both of them have to go. Cell tells TFAWPS that he hasn't been alive that long and in that short time, he's been looking for his purpose and having finally found it, it would be shameful for him to give up on it, and therefore TFAWPS must be destroyed. Buster speaks up, telling Cell that everything they've been through; Genesect, the war, their exiles, and the dissolution of the All-Captains Squad, was all because of Cell and it would be shameful for TFAWPS if they didn't put a stop to him. Sonic tells everybody to stop talking and just fight already, and they do so. As Sonic, Ted, Pink Panther, Mofo, and Buster all run towards Cell, Paco stays behind, unable to comprehend if what he's seeing is real.

On the ground, Kirby attempts to calm the populace of Planet Popstar, urging them to remain calm. Meta Knight tells Kirby that he should forget about the planet, saying they've all turned on him and exiled him, much the same as they've done to him. Kirby tells Meta Knight that it was he who gave up on them and ignored them while Meta Knight and King Kai continued to exploit them. Meta Knight tells Kirby that his ambitions have outgrown King Kai's and will no longer stand for it and urges Kirby to join him in taking down King Kai and then they'll move onto Planet Simpson. Kirby tells Meta Knight that he was just as much a part of the problem as King Kai and denies his request for an alliance. Meta Knight then tells Kirby that he can stay behind and attempt to serve these people as much as he likes, but promises they'll all turn on him, just like they have King Kai and returns to the Halberd, leaving Kirby to contemplate his role as the nation's new leader.

In the Negative Zone, Sonic leads the charge against Cell, getting a few good hits in, while Cell refrains from attacking. Pink Panther tells Sonic that Cell's just trying to tire them out and says that they should fall back. Sonic agrees, and calls for Mofo and Buster to fall back and tells Ted and Paco to hold the frontlines, when he realizes that Paco is nowhere to be found. Looking around, Mofo notices him walking away. Sonic tells Pink Panther to make sure Cell doesn't try anything and he runs off to get Paco back. Ted hits Cell with energy blasts, while Pink Panther leads Mofo and Buster back to the battle. Sonic catches up with Paco, asking him what he's doing. Paco replies that none of this is real and it's all only in his head. Sonic assures Paco that it's all real, but Paco retorts, telling Sonic that he doesn't know what it's like having a cosmic being torment his head, while Sonic replies that he does actually know what it's like and reminds him that Paco was the one who put the team together to help him, and now Sonic tells him that he's here to return the favor. Meanwhile, Cell asks where his good friend has been hiding, while Mofo tells him that he has no friends here. As Sonic and Paco return to the battle, Cell greets Paco as a friend, while Paco tries to ignore him. As they all fight, Paco finds himself with no strength and his body won't allow him to truly attack Cell. Cell tells Paco that he's disappointed that this is all he's got, otherwise he would have picked a better vessel. When Paco doesn't respond, Cell tells him that he think he needs some one on one time and orders the Negative Zone Soldiers to attack everyone else, while Cell grabs Paco by the throat and carries him off elsewhere. Ted tells Sonic that he's going after them, but he is shot down from the sky by one of the Negative Zone Soldiers, forcing him to remain and fight them off.

As Cell carries Paco off, Paco watches his friends get attacked by a horde of Negative Zone Soldiers, which snaps Paco out of his trance and he begins attacking Cell, but it's of no use. Cell says that he's glad Paco has finally decided to join the fight, the only question is, whose side is he on. Paco tells Cell that he'll show him. Paco grabs Cell, flips him around, and drops him, sending him crashing into the ground below. As Paco flies down to meet him once more, Cell gets up from the impact crater and tells Paco that this is more like it. Paco then slams Cell back into the ground, while Cell cheers him on. As Paco deals a major blow to Cell, Cell grabs him from the air. Meanwhile, the Negative Zone Soldiers start to overwhelm TFAWPS. From outside, Genesect watches the fight, cheering the Soldiers on. From inside their cage, Roy tells Genesect that they're going to win, and Genesect arrogantly tells him so shut up. Inside the Starcaster, Lupina and Wally look on nervously, but with optimism that TFAWPS will get out of this alive. Just then, the phone rings and Lupina immediately answers it. Mega Man quickly asks Lupina where she is and she replies that they're all on Planet Popstar and tells Mega Man to hurry, as Genesect is here and that things aren't looking so good. Mega Man replies that he's on his way as fast as he can.

Sonic, Pink Panther, Ted, Mofo, and Buster continue to fight off the soldiers, but it's clear they're tiring. Suddenly, Cell returns to the battle. Sonic tells everyone to ignore the soldiers and go straight for Cell, but Mofo asks where Paco is. Turning around, they all notice CellPaco flying towards the portal. Cell says that unless they want to see Planet Popstar and everyone on it destroyed, someone better go stop him. Ted immediately flies towards CellPaco, knocking him out of the sky just as he was about to reach the portal. The two begin to fight, while Genesect praises Cell for his brilliant strategy. Meta Knight tells Genesect that enough is enough and it's time to close the portal. Genesect accuses Meta Knight of being weak and says that he's tired of his doubts. Meta Knight threatens Genesect, but Genesect interrupts telling him that he is doubting him and pulls the Infinity Dagger on him, asking him if he understands that he doesn't need Cell to destroy Planet Popstar, let alone the whole quadrant. Meta Knight then asks Genesect what he's waiting for and tells him to destroy the quadrant already. Genesect refuses, saying that he's waiting for either Cell or TFAWPS to return so he can show them. Meta Knight replies that his pride will be his downfall and demands he hand over the Dagger, so Meta Knight can show him what it means to wield such power. Genesect then tells Meta Knight that he'll do as he asks and tells him to bring the Twins over to him.

Back in the Negative Zone, Ted and CellPaco continue to fight while Ted tries to talk Paco down. Speaking through Paco, Cell tells Ted that he's not going to give control back this time. CellPaco then uses his cosmic energy to absorb Ted's energy blasts and knock him down to the ground. CellPaco then begins slamming Ted into the ground the same way Paco did to Cell. Meanwhile, everyone else continue to do their best to battle Cell, but realize that they can't beat him on their own. Pink Panther urges the team to keep going, but Buster replies that he's unsure if how much longer he can keep this up. On the Starcaster, Lupina lets Kirby inside and asks what he's doing up here, and he replies that if he's going to protect Planet Popstar, he needs to take a stand against Meta Knight. Kirby heads onto the roof of the Starcaster and calls Meta Knight out, telling him that as the new leader of Planet Popstar, he is placing Meta Knight under arrest for treason and harboring an intergalactic terrorist. Meta Knight asks Kirby what he'll do about that and aims the Halberd's weapons away from the Starcaster and directly at Kirby. Kirby signals all remaining Popstar ships to aim at the Halberd. Kirby tells Meta Knight that he does not wish to fight, but he will if Meta Knight continues to put the people of Planet Popstar in danger.

Loudly, Genesect sighs and says that everybody seems to be getting really overwhelmed by the circumstances and suggests everybody take a breather. After taking a few sarcastic deep breaths, Genesect asks everybody if they've calmed down because he has something to say. He glances into the portal as Ted and CellPaco continue to fight each other, while everyone else continues to battle Cell. Genesect motions towards the portal and tells the people that the fight is going nowhere and apologizes for not providing the entertainment he promised. Raising his voice, Genesect continues his speech; "Ladies and gentlemen, I have something very special planned for you all this evening. With the help of my dear friends, the Twins, as well as my most humble host, Planet Popstar's own Meta Knight, I am finally able to unveil to you all what I've been waiting for. No doubt you've all heard what happened in the second quadrant, I know I know, you've all been patiently waiting your turn, well let me be the first to say this. The wait...is...OVER! Ladies and gentlemen for one night only, I am bringing you the greatest display of cosmic energy and power the universe hasn't seen since it's creation." Genesect, in a display of power, fires a burst of energy from the Infinity Dagger, which travels throughout the Halberd, awakening Roy and G. Biv from their sleep. As Meta Knight approaches them, they both pretend to fall back asleep, as Meta Knight tells them that it's time to go.

Inside the portal, Cell begins to move at super speeds, taking out Mofo, Pink Panther, Buster, and Sonic. Cell then makes his way towards the portal telling his vessel that Genesect is making a move, and it's time for them to stop him and complete their purpose. A weakened Ted tells Cell that his name is Paco and his purpose is not the same as Cell's. Cell and CellPaco fly up towards the portal, but Ted jumps up and grabs Paco by the foot, but Paco kicks him off sending him hurtling towards the ground. As Cell and CellPaco make their way towards the portal, a fleet of Simpson ships led by Allister McCallister arrive and demand Meta Knight turn over Genesect and stop this madness. Genesect greets the Simpson general and tells him that he's just in time, as Meta Knight wheels the crate containing the Rainbow Twins out towards Genesect. Genesect leans over to Roy and G. Biv and tells them that they're doing to like this next bit, after all they helped fund it. Genesect then introduces Roy and G. Biv to the people of Planet Popstar, as well as the news cameras broadcasting the event across the quadrant, as members of TFAWPS, who have been graciously helping him with his conquest and thanks them, telling him that he couldn't have done it without them. As Genesect tells people that it's show time, he raises the Dagger up, but as he does so, Roy and G. Biv, now fully powered back up, destroy their cage and send a massive energy blast throughout the Halberd severely damaging it, as people on the ground cheer. As Lupina and Wally cheer at the return of their friends, Meta Knight makes a move to attack the Rainbow Twins, but they counter his attack and send him back into the Halberd. Genesect tells people that he doesn't know what that was about, but promises the show will be back momentarily and jumps to the Starcaster, sending out a burst of energy when he lands, knocking Kirby back, nearly falling off the roof but grabbing on to the edge, while Lupina and Wally rock and fall over inside.

On the Halberd, Roy and G. Biv continue to fight off Meta Knight. Despite Meta Knight managing to get several good blows in, he is ultimately bested by the Twins. Roy fires a blast of energy at the Halberd, blowing a hole in the wall, which G. Biv then grabs the injured Meta Knight and holds him over the edge. He tells Meta Knight that the fight was for everything he's done to them, but as for everything else, he'll have to answer to the citizens of Planet Popstar. Roy then wishes Meta Knight a soft landing as G. Biv drops him from the Halberd. Meta Knight forcefully lands in the crowd of angry Popstar citizens, who exact their revenge on him as Meta Knight watches as his beloved Halberd is taken over by Simpson forces. Unable to do much of anything, Meta Knight quietly accepts his fate as he is dragged off by Popstar citizens.

In the Negative Zone, Sonic quickly wakes up his teammates as they run over to the injured Ted, who gets up insisting that he's fine, but they need to find a way to stop Cell quickly. Buster points up to the portal, saying it looks like they've lost as they watch Genesect on the roof of the Starcaster. Genesect, angered that the people have turned their attention away from him, says that he won't only plunge the first quadrant into cosmic hell, but he'll personally destroy Planet Popstar himself. He then raises the Infinity Dagger at Roy and G. Biv, who have just caught up with him an fires, knocking them back. Genesect begins to charge up the Infinity Dagger with his own cosmic powers, just as Mega Man arrives with Pac-Man, Snoopy, and Froakie. Mega Man screams Genesect's name as he flies towards him, but it's too late. Genesect has already fired the the Dagger, but to his surprise, it doesn't fire. Looking at the Dagger, Genesect finds Kirby having leaped onto the Dagger to prevent Genesect from firing. Genesect looks at him confused, as Kirby chokes out his final words, telling Genesect that he will never harm his people again. Overwhelmed with energy, Kirby explodes, releasing the cosmic energy from his body, hitting Genesect, severely injuring him causing him to drop the Dagger. As Genesect makes his way towards it, Mega Man fires a cosmic blast of his own at him, knocking him back. Cornered, the Rainbow Twins return and pick up the Dagger, firing a blast at Genesect, who dodges it and escapes. The Rainbow Twins prepare to chase after Genesect, but Mega Man turns their attention towards Cell who is emerging from the portal. Refusing to yield, Mega Man fires a blast at Cell, knocking him back, however CellPaco manages to get through. The Rainbow Twins fly up to meet him and quickly use their cosmic energy to bring Paco back to reality before he can start his rampage.

In the Negative Zone, Cell falls back towards the ground and prepares to fight the five TFAWPS members again. As they all square up against him, Cell promises that this fight will be their last. Outside, Paco thanks Roy and G. Biv for their help, as Mega Man and the All-Captains Squad mourn the loss of their friend. Roy hands the Dagger to Paco, who refuses saying it'll tear him apart. G. Biv explains that the bright side of having Cell in his mind is that his cosmic energy will protect him from the Dagger. Paco takes it from him. Inside the Negative Zone, Cell begins to kill TFAWPS, when he is stopped in his tracks. Turning around, Cell witnesses Paco flying straight down towards him. Ted asks which side Paco is on as everybody looks on wondering who will land the hit. As he gets closer, Sonic tells the team to get ready for the hardest fight of their lives, as Cell smiles at the prospect of TFWAPS' demise. To their shock, Paco plunges the Dagger straight into Cell's head, riding it all the way down, splitting Cell in half. As Paco lands, he turns towards Cell as Cell's eyes roll back into his head. The team run towards Paco, asking if he's okay and he says that he hopes he will be. He then tells his teammates to get on his back and they all fly back to reality, leaving the Infinity Dagger behind.

As they land on the roof of the Starcaster, the portal closes. The six members reunite with the Rainbow Twins, Lupina and Wally in a hug. Roy tells them that they have some bad news as the six look over at the pile of ash leftover from where Kirby sacrificed himself. As Mega Man begins to cry, Sonic walks over and asks where he went, and G. Biv replies that he got away. Sonic tells them all to get in the Starcaster as they're all going after Genesect right now, if they'll go with him. Moved by the death of Kirby, the All-Captains Squad pick themselves back up. Pac-Man and Snoopy tell Sonic that they're with him. Mega Man tells Sonic that he'll make Genesect pay, but Froakie wants to stay and mourn Kirby. Mega Man tells him that they'll mourn him as soon as they finish his work, as it'd only be fair to him that way. Agreeing, Froakie joins his team and they all head into the Starcaster, departing Planet Popstar after Genesect.

Sometime later, several Simpson ships tie up the Halberd and begin flying her away, as members of Meta Knight's crew are arrested along with the advisors. Moments later, The Rental lands with a fleet of Fin-Land ships. Stepping out of the lead ship, Zack approaches the town hall, as cheering Popstars watch as King Kai is arrested and taken out of the town hall. As King Kai is taken into a paddy wagon, he looks over at Zack, who quickly glances at him and then looks forward. As Captain Cowboy approaches Zack and his Fin-Land outreach group, Zack thanks him for the "escort," as Captain Cowboy loudly announces that he'll do anything to help. As they approach the town hall, Zack gives a speech to the populace, telling them that the people of Fin-Land are here to help Planet Popstar rebuild and will oversee the signing of the peace treaty between them and Planet Simpson, as he's sure they are all sick of war. As the Popstars slowly begin to clap, Zack looks over at Captain Cowboy and the two smile devilishly to themselves.

Characters

 * Sonic
 * Ted
 * Pink Panther
 * Paco
 * Mofo
 * Buster
 * Roy
 * G. Biv
 * Lupina
 * Wally
 * Mega Man
 * Kirby
 * Cell
 * Genesect
 * Meta Knight
 * King Kai
 * Allister McCallister
 * Froakie
 * Pac-Man
 * Snoopy
 * Zack
 * Captain Cowboy

Trivia

 * This is the fiftieth episode of the series.


 * With King Kai and Meta Knight both gone, the war between Planet Popstar and Planet Simpson has ended. It will not officially end until the peace treaty is signed at the beginning of Season 3.