When Strikes Genesect

When Strikes Genesect is the twenty-fifth episode of the second season of TFAWPS. It is the fifty-first episode overall.

Plot
After their bittersweet victory on Planet Popstar, both TFAWPS and the All-Captains Squad are divided on how to proceed in the final battle. Zack continues his outreach mission, while Pig King makes an escape. Weakened and without hope, Genesect goes on the run in a desperate attempt to escape his pursuers.

Synopsis
Genesect travels to the outskirts of the fourth quadrant, pondering whether or not to enter. As Genesect seemingly decides to enter, he senses that he is being watched and turns around and runs away.

On the Starcaster, everyone sits around the conference table in complete silence. After some time, Sonic stands up and breaks the ice. He tells everybody that the loss of Kirby is one for which the whole universe will suffer, but at the same time, the defeat of Cell is a victory that cannot be overstated and congratulates Paco, to which he just quietly accepts, with a glum look on his face, prompting Mofo to comfort him. Pac-Man stands up and angrily tells Sonic that now isn't the time for parties, now is the time for finding Genesect and avenging Kirby. Sonic stops him right there and tells him that he agrees and says that's exactly what he's trying to say. He tells them that sitting here and crying isn't going to bring Kirby back and the longer they wait, the more Kirbys Genesect can kill. Ted stands up and thanks Sonic for making some sense. Froakie then stands up and agrees with them, saying that the All-Captains Squad isn't the same without him, but the longer they wait the worse it'll get. Paco speaks up and tells them to hold on a second and think about this situation, but Roy silences him, saying that they've waited long enough and that next time they find Genesect, they'll finish it once and for all. Mega Man says that he agrees with Paco and insists that this situation is highly volatile and must be handled with extreme care and that any rash decisions is likely to get them all in trouble. Pac-Man disagrees, saying that because the situation is volatile it needs to be handled immediately. Buster points out that they don't even have a plan, while G. Biv replies that they don't need a plan, saying that without the Infinity Dagger, the group of them can take out Genesect easily. Snoopy points out to his teammates that the three of them aren't even healed yet from their last encounter with him and that was before he became powered up, telling them it would be foolish to underestimate him again. Mega Man agrees while Sonic disagrees. Everyone begins talking over each other until Pink Panther quiets everybody down and suggests everyone take five and cool off. As Sonic, Ted, the Rainbow Twins, Froakie, and Pac-Man leave the conference room, Pink Panther asks Mofo and Buster to come up with a strategy, something foolproof to take down Genesect for good. Buster begins to say that he's unsure, but Mofo cuts him off promising him they'll come up with something. Pink Panther thanks them.

On Planet Popstar, the populace hold a funeral for their fallen general Kirby, attended by Simpson and Popstar alike. Inside the former town hall, workers move documents out of offices and load them into vehicles. Zack and Captain Cowboy sit together in one of the offices, as Zack thanks a Popstar volunteer for their help and encourages them to stay strong. As they leave, Zack closes the door and sighs while Captain Cowboy spins around in a chair. He asks Zack what's the matter and Zack tells him that it's like the Popstars can't do anything for themselves and says it's no wonder people like King Kai and Meta Knight could prey on them so easily. Captain Cowboy is unimpressed by the outreach stuff and shows Zack a haul of gold he took out of a safe in King Kai's chambers. Exasperated, Zack asks if all he's been doing is looking for treasure since they got here and Captain Cowboy reminds him that he almost died here and he should think of the gold as hazard pay. Zack then gets a call from Dr. Robotnik, informing him that the prison ship has just refueled and should be entering the first quadrant any minute now. Zack asked what took so long and Dr. Robotnik replies that they've been avoiding jump points in case of attack, but assures Zack that it's better late than never. Zack hangs up the phone and tells Captain Cowboy that he's up.

Out in space, Genesect returns to the moon he and Cell inhabited long ago and assesses his wounds. He tells himself that it's not too bad, but even he can't believe that lie. Genesect stands up and attempts to use his powers to get into the Negative Zone, but knows that he is unable to. Genesect goes on a rage and fires cosmic blasts and the same mountain range Cell would practice on. Genesect resolves to get into the Negative Zone and looks towards the cosmic dust that leads towards the second quadrant. Passing overhead, a S.E.C.R.E.T. ship races by. On board, Agent Yellow and Bart sit in handcuffs. Agent Yellow tells his captors that time is running out and asks Wario and Waluigi if they've considered their deal. Waluigi stands up and tells them that S.E.C.R.E.T. doesn't make deals with people like them, but Bart says that they're not making a deal with S.E.C.R.E.T., they're making a deal with the two of them. Wario tells Waluigi that they have a point, but Waluigi says that he's unsure. Agent Yellow continues to remind them that their time is running out. Suddenly, one of Genesect's cosmic blasts nearly hits their ship. Wario panics and tells Agent Yellow that he'll have to wait. Wario and Waluigi take their seats in the cockpit and turn towards Genesect. Agent Yellow and Bart share a concerned glance and exclaim that this isn't part of the plan and the two begin moving around, attempting to break their handcuffs. Wario and Waluigi fire on Genesect and he quickly takes down the small ship and leaves the planet, uninterested in dealing with the survivors.

On the Starcaster, Sonic, Ted, the Rainbow Twins, Froakie and Pac-Man begin preparing supplies for the escape pod. Pink Panther and Mega Man approach them and ask what they're doing. Ted replies that they're going to find Genesect and end this, claiming that they can do it themselves. Pink Panther tells Ted not to be arrogant and reminds him that they're part of a team. Pac-Man says that he's not part of their team and continues to pack, but Mega Man reminds him that he's part of his team and as the captain, he orders him to stop packing immediately. Pac-Man reminds Mega Man that he too is a captain and is ordering himself to continue packing. Mega Man tells him not to be a child, but Pac-Man replies that he's not and the two begin arguing, while Pink Panther urges Sonic and Ted to reconsider. Roy and G. Biv tell him that they were nearly killed because of Genesect and then they were handed over to a maniacal warlord and says that they're tired of waiting. Pink Panther tells them that the last time they charged into battle without a plan, they got captured. Noticing they're considering this, Sonic tells them to ignore Pink Panther and urges them to accompany them on the trip and get rid of Genesect. Agreeing with this, Ted separates Pac-Man and Froakie from Mega Man and continue packing. As they get in their escape pods, Pink Panther asks the Rainbow Twins about Paco and if he turns again while they're gone and wipes out the entire Starcaster. Realizing he's correct, Roy and G. Biv turn around and join Pink Panther. Angered, Sonic confronts him about separating the team, but Pink Panther tells him to look around and points out that six out of eight of them are staying back. Sonic reminds Pink Panther that he's the leader of this team and calls the shots. Pink Panther then tells Sonic to forget about it and tells him that if he believes what he's doing is the best for the team then he won't stand in his way. Sonic thanks him and he and Ted get into an escape pod to search for Genesect, while Pac-Man and Froakie climb into the adjoining escape pod and depart as well, telling Sonic and Ted they'll keep in touch. As the escape pods depart, Pink Panther and Mega Man look on angered.

In the planning room, Mofo and Buster prepare a board to come up with a plan of attack. Buster asks Mofo where they should start and Mofo suggests looking through their classic plans and maneuvers seeing if they can be re-worked to suit their purposes. Buster says that it sounds like a good start and they look through their files in a montage, realizing that all of their old plans are no good. Buster comments that that was all a waste of time, but Mofo says that they'll be fine, they just have to come up with something new. He tells Buster that Genesect doesn't seem to have a strategy, he just does what he wants and when he's cornered, he does something big and chaotic, so he suggests keeping their plan small-time. Buster replies that seems like a quick way to lose. Mofo says that they won't lose, not with all of them together. Buster reminds Mofo that they were all together last time and they still lost. Mofo sits up and asks Buster what's with him, pointing out that he's not acting like himself. Buster replies that he's just tired of fighting because they'll just lose. Mofo asks what he's talking about and Buster replies that they never win, pointing out that they've lost to Cell and Genesect nearly every time they've fought him, they are partly to blame for igniting a war between two empires, and points out that they couldn't even keep the Dark Order out of the Negative Zone. Mofo replies that it's not true as a team they've won against the Entity and they stopped Cell for good and even got rid of the Dagger. Buster replies that it was Oscar and Phoebe who beat the Entity and they're not here, as well as pointing out that Paco beat Cell singlehandedly pretty much. Mofo replies that although they've had tough times, that's no reason to give up and urges him to continue to strategize.

On the Galactic Federation prison ship, Knuckles informs the command center that they've just entered the first quadrant and should be arriving soon. A Galactic Federation soldier thanks Knuckles for accompanying him and Knuckles replies that it was no trouble, as he says that it's a bit of a personal thing to watch these two face real justice and points to Pig King and Master Robot. Suddenly, the ship begins to shake violently, knocking Knuckles off balance. Pig King gathers himself and replies that it's about time and tells Master Robot to cocoon and Master Robot throws himself around Pig King. Knuckles races towards the windows to find himself staring down The Rental accompanied by a fleet of Waster ships. Captain Cowboy speaks over the intercom and tells the ship that they've just fired a warning shot and unless they hand over their prisoners to them now, more shots will be fired and he promises that it will not be a warning. Knuckles replies that he knows that's not going to happen and Captain Cowboy says that he knew he'd say that and then orders the Waster ships to fire. Knuckles tells them to get out there quickly, but they aren't fast enough to escape the barrage of gunfire the Wasters are hitting them with. Knuckles approaches the cell containing Pig King and Master Robot and informs them that he knows they're behind this. Master Robot replies that, for what it's worth, he is sorry. As he says this, the ship begins to go down and Knuckles urges everybody to remain calm and sends out an S.O.S. signal to the Galactic Federation before the ship goes down. Knuckles returns to the cell just as he is hit with a blast and blacks out, just as Master Robot grabs him.

On the Starcaster, Pink Panther and the Rainbow Twins approach Paco in his room and ask if he's okay. Paco replies that he's all right, but doesn't necessarily feel like everything is back to normal. G. Biv tells him that if something happens, they've got his back. Paco thanks them. Elsewhere, Mega Man looks around the Starcaster and Snoopy asks if he's remembering old times. Mega Man replies that he was and that the Starcaster is better off in the hands of TFAWPS anyway. Snoopy asks if he's sure about that and tells Mega Man that he's not sure their leader can hold it together. Mega Man assures Snoopy that Sonic can be brash and headstrong, but always does the right thing. Snoopy replies that he hopes so. In the planning room, Mofo and Buster have exhausted another batch of plans. Buster takes this as proof that they should stop. Mofo, shocked, asks Buster if he's saying they should let Genesect win. Buster replies that of course that's not what he means, but suggests sitting this one out and letting the All-Captains Squad or S.E.C.R.E.T. deal with him. Now angry and concerned, Mofo harshly asks Buster what's going on with him. Buster says that he's having a tough day is all, and Mofo replies that he's been this way ever since they got back from exile. Mofo asks Buster what happened to him there and Buster replies that it was awful. He explains how he was held prisoner on a ship for months, forced to do slave labor for people that never cared about him and even when he did something about it, the world moved on and none of it mattered, pointing out that, inevitably, their actions here will not matter. Mofo tells Buster that it is horrible, but he saved a lot of people and improved their lives and he has a chance to do the same thing for the people of the second quadrant. Buster asks Mofo what happened to him. Mofo replies that he saw a world where TFAWPS really lost, and he means really, pointing out that the entire team had died and it was just on him to stop the Entity after the Land of Ooo had already been destroyed. Buster asks Mofo what happened and Mofo replied that he won, once he convinced the Rainbow Twins to join them, joking about how back then it was hard to get them to trust people. Buster then replies that they should bring them in here and have them come up with a plan. Buster then snaps out of his funk and stands up, with the vigor he had before his trip to the island, and tells Mofo that he figured it out. He tells him that Genesect gave them the answer when he exiled them and says that all six of them have a part of the whole plan, they just need to put them together. Realizing he's onto something, Mofo tells Buster that they'd better put this plan together then and the two head out into the Starcaster to speak with their teammates.

In the smoldering remains of the crashed Galactic Federation prison ship, The Rental lands and Captain Cowboy steps out, disgusted by the wreckage, commenting to Pig King that he wishes there had been some other way. Pig King looks into the fire with a hint of regret, but shakes it off telling Captain Cowboy that they had their chance and refused, regrettable as it may be, and enters The Rental. Captain Cowboy and Master Robot look into the wreckage until Captain Cowboy turns around and heads towards his ship. Master Robot continues to look on until Pig King orders him back to the ship, prompting him to turn around and head inside, giving one last look at the wreckage. Pig King tells Captain Cowboy to head back to the Land of Ooo, but Captain Cowboy tells them to buckle in and starts to depart only to realize that The Rental was hit by a stray shot from the prison ship and has to repair it. From the other side of the wreckage, Knuckles awakens inside of a makeshift shelter, wondering how he got in there. As he looks around at the wreckage, he slowly realizes that he is the only survivor. As he exits his shelter, his arm and leg snap in half, sending him to the ground in pain. Crawling away from the wreckage, he seeks refuge behind a rock, just as the prison ship explodes, sending debris flying over Knuckles' head.

On the Galactic Federation, President Space is informed of the crash and, believing Knuckles to be dead, calls Sonic. In their escape pod, Sonic answers the phone angrily, only to realize it's President Space. Sonic apologizes and President Space says that he has some rather bad news. Ted asks what happened and President Space replies that the Galactic Federation ship transporting Pig King and Master Robot was attacked and destroyed. Sonic asks if Knuckles is alive and President Space replies that he's not sure, but says that it doesn't look good. A secretary comes into his office and tells President Space that he has a visitor. President Space tells Sonic that he has to go and apologizes to him once more. After hanging up, Sonic angrily changes direction, telling Pac-Man and Froakie that they have to go deal with something else first and wishes them luck in finding Genesect. Sonic tells Ted that he can go after Genesect if he wants, but Pig King has crossed a line this time and he's going to make sure he pays. Ted tells Sonic that he's staying right here with him, saying that he knew Master Robot was lying to him and that this time he won't let him go. Inside his office, President Space meets his visitor and is shocked to find himself standing face to face with an injured Genesect. President Space, unwavering, tells Genesect that he doesn't look so good, but Genesect retorts saying that although his looks have gone by the wayside, he can still tear apart this office with a snap of his fingers. President Space says that if that's the reason he's here he would have done it already and asks him what he wants. Genesect says that he wants a deal and puts it to him straight; he honestly tells President Space that his plans have failed and he bit off more than he could chew and asks for his freedom in exchange for restoring the second quadrant, citing that he's the only person in the universe that is capable of doing so. President Space ponders this for a minute, looking at his files considering the damage being done to the second quadrant. Shockingly, President Space denies this request. Genesect asks if he's sure, saying that President Space just killed the entire second quadrant. President Space tells Genesect that the Space Corps will be in his office any minute and when they get here they won't take him alive. Realizing he's not bluffing, Genesect blasts a hole in the ceiling and escapes.

On the Starcaster, Mofo explains to Pink Panther that he has to get Sonic and Ted back, saying that it's up to him to keep this team together. Pink Panther tells Mofo that he's on it and goes to the comms room to call Sonic and Ted's escape pod. Elsewhere, Buster explains to Paco and the Rainbow Twins that the Masters of Magic aren't the solution like he thought, but actually the Rainbow Twins. He tells Paco that if he allows Cell to take over his body, the Rainbow Twins should be able to tap into his brain and channel Cell's energy through him. Paco asks if that's dangerous, and the Rainbow Twins reply as long as it doesn't take too long, everything should be fine. Roy assures Paco that they won't let it come to that. Buster assures him that if everything goes according to plan, Paco will walk away just fine. Paco then smiles and tells Buster that he's in.

On the abandoned moon, Agent Yellow, Bart, Wario, and Waluigi wake up on the ground. Having realized their handcuffs have broken, Agent Yellow and Bart stand up and help Wario and Waluigi up. Agent Yellow asks them if they've considered their deal and Bart adds that the deal now includes a way off of this moon, stating that if they were to accept, now would be the perfect time. Wario and Waluigi look at each other and agree to their deal. Agent Yellow tells them that's great news and asks to borrow their phones. Wario offers up his phone and Agent Yellow makes a call.

On Planet Popstar, Zack excuses himself from speaking to a refugee to answer a phone call. Pig King informs Zack that they're free, but The Rental sustained some damage and is being repaired, but that shouldn't keep them for much longer. Zack replies that that's good news and to keep him posted and hangs up. Queen Lucy tells Zack that she's proud of him for taking initiative. Surprised, Zack turns around and greets his mother. Queen Lucy goes on to tell him that Zack is doing great work here and says that she'll make a king out of him yet. Upon hearing this, Zack smiles and offers to show his mother around. On the wreckage site, Sonic and Ted immediately step out. Seeing the escape pod, Captain Cowboy tells Pig King that they have company and asks them to go deal with it while he finishes repairs. Groaning, Pig King gets up from his seat and leaves The Rental with Master Robot. Sonic and Ted search the wreckage and find Knuckles behind the wall, injured and unconscious. Approaching him, Sonic tries to wake him up, while the phone rings in the escape pod. Ted says that it might be Froakie and Pac-Man, and goes to answer it. Upon answering, he realizes that it's Pink Panther who is urging them to come back. Ted tells him that he's not coming back now, they have something, but Pink Panther tells Ted that Buster and Mofo have come up with a plan and they need to get back. Ted insists that he and Sonic have something to take care of, but Pink Panther asks Ted what happened to him in exile. Ted asks why that's important and Pink Panther tells him to answer the question. Ted says that he doesn't have time for this, just as Sonic picks up Knuckles and places him in the escape pod. Hearing Pink Panther on the phone, Sonic tells him to hang up and reminds him that he calls the shots. Pink Panther tells Sonic the same thing he told Ted about their plan and asks him what happened in exile. Sonic tells Pink Panther that he doesn't have time for this. Pink Panther urges both Sonic and Ted to at least think about it and hangs up. Sonic and Ted think about these words. Sonic looks over at Knuckles and wraps his wounds. Ted exits the escape pod, looking at the prison ship when Pig King and Master Robot appear over the dunes. Ted calls Sonic over and they have a face off. Looking over at their rivals, Sonic and Ted both turn around and head towards the escape pod. Pig King tauntingly asks where they're going and Sonic replies that they have bigger fish to fry at the moment, but promises Pig King that this is not over and when he gets back, they're going to settle things once and for all. As they take off, Ted stares down Master Robot, who looks at him and then down at his feet. Captain Cowboy calls to Pig King and Master Robot and tells them to get back, as he's finished the repairs. Making their way back, Pig King tells Captain Cowboy to take them home, but he tells them that they have one more stop to make.

In the second quadrant, Froakie and Pac-Man sit in their escape pod scanning for any signs of activity. Finding Genesect's location, they call the Starcaster and inform them that they got him in the second quadrant. Mega Man tells them that they're on their way. Snoopy, Paco, and the Rainbow Twins stand up ready for battle. Mofo and Buster ask Pink Panther where Sonic and Ted are and they reply that they're right here, surprising Pink Panther who turns around and smiles at them. Sonic asks the team what they're waiting for and the team fire up the Starcaster and head out.

In the S.E.C.R.E.T headquarters, phones ring off the hook. Mario sits in his office hearing news about the death of Kirby, the Negative Zone portal, the Fin-Land outreach program, Genesect's whereabouts, and the crashed prison ship. An agent then informs Mario that Wario and Waluigi have gone missing and their ship is off the grid. Mario orders some agents out to their last known location. Luigi steps into Mario's office and tells him that he has a call. Mario sarcastically tells Luigi that the whole building has a call and tells him to forward it, but Luigi tells Mario that it's TFAWPS. Mario tells Luigi to forward it, but then at the last second tells him to put them through. Mario answers the phone and Pink Panther tells him that they've found Genesect and that he's heading towards the second quadrant they could use some back-up. Mario is then informed that President Space is on the line, but Mario sends him to voice mail, telling Pink Panther he's on his way with a fleet.

Characters

 * Sonic
 * Ted
 * Pink Panther
 * Paco
 * Mofo
 * Buster
 * Roy
 * G. Biv
 * Mega Man
 * Pac-Man
 * Froakie
 * Snoopy
 * Knuckles
 * Genesect
 * Pig King
 * Master Robot
 * Captain Cowboy
 * Zack
 * Agent Yellow
 * Bart
 * Wario
 * Waluigi
 * President Space
 * Queen Lucy
 * Mario
 * Luigi