Bikini Bottom during the Summer Solstice wasn't just underwater; it was "Radiant." The localized "Possible" atmospheric bubbles were shimmering with a golden hue, and the sand of Goo Lagoon had been groomed into a perfect, circular arena.
"Sheila," I said, adjusting my scuba-vest as I watched SpongeBob and Sandy Cheeks bow to each other in the center of the ring. "Scan the perimeter for 'Excessive-Intensity.' I'm detecting a localized surge of 'Martial-Arts Pride' and the scent of burnt seaweed."
["The 'Spirit-of-Competition' index is at 95%, Danny,"] Sheila replied. ["Sandy Cheeks has invited the Teen Titans for a 'Low-Stakes' Karate Tournament to celebrate the longest day of the year. Robin is currently in a deep meditation stance, and Cyborg is trying to 'Upgrade' the Krusty Krab's grill to run on high-octane rocket fuel."]
"Great," I muttered. "A crossover tournament. My insurance premiums are already crying."
The "Invitational" was a masterclass in 'Stylized-Combat.' Robin vs. Sandy Cheeks was a blur of high-speed kicks and acorns; Starfire and Danny Phantom were currently engaged in a 'Friendly-Flight' sparring match; and Kim Possible was showing Sam and Tucker how to use the 'Goo-Lagoon' current as a tactical advantage.
"Friend Sandy!" Starfire cheered, landing next to the squirrel. "Your 'Karate' is most impressive! It reminds me of the 'Gorb-Wrestle' of my home-world!"
"Thanks, Star!" Sandy grinned, tightening her black belt. "But the real challenge is just starting! Look!"
Across the lagoon, Plankton (who had apparently escaped his Krabby-Patty state from Chapter 47) was piloting a giant, mechanical Karen-Suit. He wasn't trying to steal the formula this time; he was trying to 'Win' the tournament trophy.
"AHA!" Plankton cackled, his giant robotic fist slamming into the sand. "If I can't steal the secret, I'll win it! The tournament trophy is made of 100% pure gold! I'll melt it down and buy the Krusty Krab!"
"Protocol, move in!" I commanded. "This is a Mechanical-Neutralization mission. Jimmy, Barry—disable the suit's logic-gates! Jenny, you're the 'Technical-Intervention'! Use your 'Karate-Mod' to out-maneuver the robot!"
"I've got this!" Jenny said, her metal pigtails spinning. "Danny, watch my 'Stance-Logic'!"
Jenny skated into the ring. She didn't use her lasers; she used a series of high-precision 'Possible-Karate' moves I'd helped her program. She moved like liquid silver, dodging Plankton's robotic punches with a millisecond to spare.
"WHAT? HOW?" Plankton screamed. "My 'Combat-Algorithm' says you're just a teenager!"
"I'm a teenager with a 'Logic-Sync'!" Jenny countered.
With a final, elegant strike—a 'Crane-Kick' powered by her internal jet-boosters—Jenny hit the suit's 'Off' switch. The giant robot groaned, slumped over, and began to 'Giggle' as Pips phased into the motherboard and started playing a localized 'Victory-Theme.'
"Mystery... disqualified," I said, stepping forward.
I looked at the 'Low-Stakes' meter. 10%. The 'Karate-Tournament' was a success, Plankton was neutralized (and currently being chased away by a very angry Mr. Krabs), and the "Possible Protocol" had successfully defended the honor of Bikini Bottom.
But the romance sub-plots were currently 'Surfing' in the summer light as well.
Jenny walked up to me, her eyes a soft, pulsing violet. She was still in her 'Karate-Stance,' but her face-plate was glowing with a soft, happy cyan. "Danny? My 'Combat-Logic' says that 'Winning' is a dopamine-trigger for humans. But for me... the 'Win' was seeing you recording my 'Stance-Logic' from the sidelines. It made me feel... 'Optimal'."
"You're always 'Optimal,' Jenny," I whispered, taking her metal hand. "And your 'Crane-Kick' was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Jenny's cooling fans whirred in a happy, rhythmic pulse.
Meanwhile, Robin and Kim were sharing a 'Krabby-Shake' near the water. "Nice kick, Kim," Robin said, his mask reflecting the sunset. "You've got the 'Possible' instincts. Maybe you should visit Jump City for a more 'High-Stakes' sparring match."
"I'll think about it, Robin," Kim smiled. "As long as it doesn't involve giant robotic chickens."
I looked at the team: the Middleton crew, the Amity ghosts, the Titans, the Bikini Bottom heroes, and the geniuses. We were a family of many 'Styles,' but as the sun set over the glowing lagoon, I knew we were all on the same team.
["Danny,"] Sheila's voice rang in my ear. ["I've updated the dossier. New Entry: 'Underwater Martial-Arts Management.' Also, SpongeBob just 'Medalled' in the 'Aggressive-Laughing' category. I suggest we get him a trophy."]
"Low-stakes, Sheila. Low-stakes."