One thing Robin always loved about living in the Smash Mansion was how diverse the culture was. He found it intriguing and mind-boggling at times, and he couldn't help but keep note of all the strange but fascinating instances that resulted from this. For example, there are many types of humans from different realms, with different cultures. Some fighters weren't even human at all. The tactician couldn't even begin to comprehend the phenomena of how in the world did Smash get a hand on himself but gender bent. It was one of the many things that made this place special, and he hadn't even scratched the surface at that.
Another thing that never ceased to amaze Robin, was how fast the mansion would evolve. One moment, they would have 30 Smashers, and the next they would have 10 more, with rooms ready to accommodate their interests, their style, their culture, and even how they organize. For example, at this moment, Robin, along with several others, were looking at the wide screen TV above the doors of the cafeteria. A special announcement had just come up regarding the next tournament, and everyone wanted to see what it was about.
The Smash Bros. symbol came up for a few moments before fading into showing the view of an office. There was a desk, made of some sturdy oak, which was brightly polished into a shiny brown. On top of the desk was a microphone connected to a stand. Behind both of those things was the being in-charge of this establishment. Master Hand. Everyone cheered upon his appearance, for he was known for his sacrifice to keep his Smashers safe from Taboo. Although Robin wasn't there to see it himself, he has heard high praise about this hand, so he always tries his best to pay him respect.
As if Master Hand heard the applause from the TV screen, he paused until the clapping had stopped. Then, with his calm, yet warm and inviting voice, he spoke.
"Attention Smashers!" He started slow, yet with vigor, "It is my pleasure to announce that this year's tournament is a success! We will have another tournament in the upcoming season!" Again, he paused as if he knew that he would be met with a chorus of cheers from the fighters. The gloved hand knew how important the tournaments were to the Smashers, and he did his best each year to deliver. "With that being said, we are campaigning for future Smashers to be added to the roster next season. If you may, please check your phones- a survey has just been sent to each one of you."
Robin, along with many others, felt a vibration in his pocket. He took out his phone from his robe and sure enough, there was a mass survey just sent to him via text. Upon this, chatter bubbled up in the cafeteria. Everyone was excited about this survey, and rightfully so.
"With this survey, you will be able to vote one person in the roster. Once it is sent back, I will personally look through all of your answers and do an evaluation to see if that being will be sent to Smash." The hand then paused for a moment, perhaps for dramatic affect, "Anyone can be referred to Smash as long as they know how to fight!"
Robin looked at his twin from across the table. She met his gaze. Both smiled and nodded, knowing that they were going to refer the exact same person. The exalt of Ylisse. Robin couldn't wait to see his friend's face if he got the acceptance letter. It would be priceless.
"One more thing," Master Hand added, hints of a smile in his tone," There is this one being in particular I've got my eyes on. She is different, and definitely there is more than meets the eye when it comes to her. This fighter in particular comes from a world not known...it's best if you see for yourself."
The screen then faded to black and all chatter ceased. Curiosity swept over everyone, leaving them silent in their own wonderment. Robin looked at the TV, his eyes glued to it. When it came to rosters, Master Hand always chose one fighter himself, which is a big honor. This year's pick was Bayonetta, and that was because of a combination of favoritism from viewers and her unique fighting style. Robin could only imagine who and why this new fighter was chosen.
On the corner of the screen, red lettering that read "Live" appeared. The Smash Bros. symbol came up again before disappearing and showing the landscape of the world where the prospective Smasher resided.
The camera panned to a forest area, where giant mushrooms grew the size of trees, and trees grew larger than that. A cobblestone path wound down the was of those woods, and was possibly laid there to make travel easier. The bright blue sky was blocked partly by the giant leaves. Robin easily compared this scenery to one from Mario's world. Maybe this was where the fighter was from?
However, despite the pleasant scenery, Robin could tell that something wasn't quite right. Something was off. Unsettling. Yet, it was so subtle, he couldn't tell what it was.
The camera kept on moving through the forest, only to find a temple. This stone temple was covered in vines, and it was just passed a bridge that allowed people to cross a babbling brook. It was then that everyone saw someone traveling along the path.
The camera zoomed in on this person, and everyone leaned in to get a better look at her.
She was ethereal. Hauntingly beautiful. Although she was only just walking, her movements were so fluid and graceful it was as if she was floating. Her long and wavy red hair flowed freely and delicately around her hips, her pale skin was that of a porcelain doll. Her dress was white, and the skirt was as if it was made of wisps of air, not fabric.
Her face, however, was concealed with a white mask, with a smile etched on it. A blue gem rested on her forehead in the shape of a heart. What an odd mask Robin thought. I've never seen one like it.
On her right hand was a sword, which was curved in a way that would make it ineffective to use in battle.
As she slowly approached this peaceful temple, the shadows casted by the sun above came to life. Some were big, some were small. They all came at this fighter, who seemed to be unaware of their presence.
She then slowly turned, the once light grip she had on the hilt of her sword turned tight. A chuckle came from her, which sounded rather warped, as if the mask had affected her voice, "Really? Is that all you can do? At this point, this is starting to become a chore!" A tint of mischievous tone crept on her voice, before she raced over to the shadows.
"Wow!" Sonic nearly jumped off his seat at that, a wide smile on his face, "I didn't expect her to be a speedster!
"Of course she is!" Robin's twin, which everyone affectionately called Reflet, responded with the same excitement of the blue hedgehog," Having grace is akin to having control and being lightweight- You might have a run for your money with this one Sonic!"
"Guys! Look!" From the other side of the room, Pit shouted, pointing at the screen with awe," She's floating!"
At that, everyone's attention went back to the TV, and indeed this mystery girl was floating much like Palutena would. Robin watched as the girl skillfully did combos with her sword, and analyzed her technique. With her demented looking sword, she wasn't going to do much damage with it. Her speed may save her if she makes enough combos, however...
At that moment, the red head blew a kiss to the shadow. A heart came from where her lips were supposed to be, and flew to the shadow, stopping it's movements,"Paraly-kiss!"
To that same shadow, she reached out towards it, a beam made with hearts coming out of her hand and sending the shadow backwards, "Heart Stopper!"
She then turned to the shadow approaching behind her, it's claws stretching to reach her, "Star Struck!" She crouched to the ground and a star-shaped shield appeared, blocking the attack before doing a parry.
Then multiple shadows surrounded her, and Robin legitimately thought there was no way out for this girl until...
"Night Flight!" As if her dress were a squid, she swam in the air away from danger and landed to a safer place on the ground.
As the Smashers watched her fight, they cheered for her. Robin couldn't help but grab one of his tomes that he always carried around him and took notes. Later he would share them with Reflet and transcribe them on a proper notebook, but from what he could see, the reason why Master Hand was interested in this girl was her technique.
Soon, the screen faded to black once more, and the TV once again showed Master Hand in his office.
"What you guys all saw were live footage of a Masked Master named Vee." The gloved hand started," She is from a world of enigma, paradoxes, and many strange phenomena. The world of Tricksters. Although you may have not noticed, nothing about what you just saw was as it seemed. I can't tell you guys more, since it would ruin the surprise her character brings. Other than that..." Master Hand paused- however, this pause was different. Robin could feel the hairs in the back of his neck stand when he saw the silent hand, being quiet for one second too many. Maybe Master Hand was sick?
"Other than that," Master Hand tried again, clearing his throat," I hoped that the live feed was good enough content to suffice for now. This has been Smash News. Thank you for watching."
The TV then shut off. With all this new exciting news, everyone immediately burst into chatter about the next tournament, the survey, and the possible new fighter, Vee.
However, Robin couldn't help but wonder. What did Master Hand mean about Vee and her being not everything as it seemed? What was a Masked Master? More importantly, is Master Hand alright?
But then, the Tactician was shaken off his thoughts by his twin, who was excitedly chattering about Chrom, and Robin decided to put his worries at bay for now.