The long awaited sequel to A Grasp At Life, the only of the series with a definite sad ending, and number three of four fics in the Fantasy Series…at long last, I present to the readers, The Demon's Staff!
Falco: It's about time too!
To everyone: my most sincere apologies for everything…this delay and for taking the tournament out of this. Of course, I have my reasons; I'm not at all confident with how I'll write it out, and the only reason TDS was delayed was because I had four or so fics I already have to work on. With The Angel of Sorrow's ending, I can now make this number four or so that I have to work on. As for the tournament, it will be spoiled (since it's before all of this XD), and it will be a longer and better fanfic of its own. I might still do it myself, I might make it a collab fic, or I might just give it to someone else. Only time will tell.
Falco: Up here with me and RF are Zelda and Pichu, and closing all chapters will once again be the trio of Marth, Yoshi, and Falcon.
Zelda: It's good to be back!
Pichu: I'll disclaim! RoyalFanatic doesn't own us or SSBM, and she also doesn't own the OCs that you guys created, should she decide to use them (we aren't sure), but she does own her concepts of Demons and Angels, the demon forms and names of the Hand Brothers, her OCs, the Demon's Staff, and a few other things that I either can't remember or can't mention yet!
I wanted to keep the finalists of the tournament a surprise, but since it's going to be delayed even more than it should be, I'll let you guys know who they are. I got ideas for different important battles, like Nivian fighting against Sally at one point, Gamecube fighting against Syleen at one point, Jeffrey fighting against Jeremy, Jeffrey against Nina, ext., but I have to say my finalists were the perfect two battlers. Also, timeframe wise, this takes place after the tourney's said and done, and the fic the tourney's in will fit in between this one and A Grasp At Life. And I'll shut up now…XD
Zelda: And with that, let's begin the fic, shall we? Away chapter!
They never expected a final like that. No one did.
Of course, Jeremy insisted he knew it was coming, but no one was taking him that seriously.
A tournament like no other; one that would prove to the world immortals did exist and lived among them. Angels, demons, and mortals alike watched as seven angels, two renegades, a goddess, eight demons, the future Demon Queen, and the Devil King proved their powers and existence. Holy clashed against Dark and Holy, as Dark clashed against Holy and Dark, and in the end, it was Master Jeffrey Hand, Demon and Guardian of the Super Smash Brothers Melee smashers, who fought for the trophy against Prince Marth Shino, Renegade Angel and smasher of the Melee Tournament. And to everyone's surprise, smasher reigned supreme against guardian.
Jeffrey Hand, the second place winner, was currently in his office, looking over multiple letters of apology from all the mortal watchers of the tournament. His raven black hair and camouflaging horns were brushed back as his seemingly glowing violet eyes scanned letter after letter. He wore a dark indigo shirt, with the Super Smash Brothers logo stitched on both the left and right shoulders, dark black pants that well surpassed his ankles, hiding indigo boots, and a black belt that held his golden gun. His raven-like wings were folded and his raven-like tail was sticking to the side.
Although he was very relieved that majority of the world didn't see him and Jeremy as major threats anymore, a dark foreboding was quickly rising in his chest, and he didn't like it.
But why was he feeling so uneasy? Nox had been taken care of, Syleen and Lucifer, both of them a part of the tournament, were taking care of their own businesses (the former readying for her throne, while the latter, well…who knew what the Devil King did in his spare time?), and things were at peace.
Or were they?
"Jeffrey?" A female voice called from behind the office door, quickly followed by a knock. The demon smiled upon recognizing his wife's voice.
"Come in Nina," He said, placing the letter in his hands aside as Nina Hand entered the room.
The angel had sea green hair and eyes, and a small smile graced her lips. She wore a long white robe, which made it difficult to determine what clothing she wore underneath it. Her white wings were folded behind her back, and her halo seemed to shine more than usual.
"Good afternoon," Nina said, sitting down. "Bored going through all those letters?"
"Tell me what you think?" Jeffrey asked; a wry grin on his face. "After four thousand years in my five thousand year existence, I finally get a taste of the job I left behind. Then I finally participate in a tournament, the first since a good twenty or so years, and not only do I end up fighting one of my smashers, in the finals of all places, but I lose."
"You're never one to whine," Nina said playfully, standing up and wrapping her arms around the guardian. "Or is this an old habit that's resurfaced?"
"Guilty as charged," Jeffrey said, hanging his head in a pretended shame. Nina giggled, ruffling her husband's hair.
"Think you can handle some suspicious news?" Nina asked gently.
"Perhaps…" The demon muttered in reply. "I've been having a bad feeling recently; what's going on?"
"Where could he be?" Mario asked, glancing around. Luigi shook his head.
"Dunno," He replied. "It's not like him to be a no show at a battle…"
"Maybe he's bitten more than he could chew," Kirby suggested. "I mean, he's got a lot of stuff to worry about. After what'd happened not too long ago…"
"But if that's the case, then…well, that does make sense," Mario admitted, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Never mind what I was going to say."
"I'm a little worried," Kirby said. "I don't think it's that good of an idea to take on so much at once."
"But are we sure that's the case?" Luigi asked, sounding worried. "I mean, when we asked yesterday, he was here, and he agreed to join us…"
"Maybe something came up?" Mario asked.
"Sounds doubtful," Luigi replied. "It's like he just decided to up and leave the mansion!"
"Think he left of his own will or what?" Kirby asked.
"Kidnap can't be out ruled, but that sounds as doubtful as something just popping up," Luigi replied again, looking thoughtful. "Think we should ask when the others saw him last?"
"We might raise a suspicion…" Mario muttered.
"Too late for that; you already are," Bowser's voice said. The King of Koopas entered the arena lounge. He continued, crossing his arms. "I was waiting to see that match, you know. What happened?"
"We're still missing someone, as you can see," Mario said, gesturing around the room. "Tell me what you think: He told us yesterday around this time that he could do a battle with no problem. Today comes, battle's here, and he's a no show."
"Hmmm…sounds like trouble."
"Exactly."
"Okay guys, let's not draw to conclusions," Luigi said, spreading his arms out. "At least, not yet. Let's check the security cameras and see what they have to tell us. If we have to ask around, we will."
"I vote that we keep this under wraps," Kirby suggested, lowering his voice and looking around frantically. "I mean, if word gets out…if anyone asks, we just say we delayed the battle."
"Stupid, yet reasonable," Bowser said. "But okay, I agree. The match was delayed; I uh…I wanted to join, and you guys aren't sure who to remove to replace me."
"To the control room!" Mario shouted.
"I see…" Jeffrey muttered, looking worried. "It hasn't even been two weeks since the tournament's end, and I've got something to worry about." He stood. "I'll be right back Nina. I have to check something. Until I come back, keep this in strict secrecy."
"Of course," Nina said, nodding. She watched as the demon vanished before exiting the office herself.
Jeffrey opened his eyes to find himself standing before a mansion covered with snow. Behind him was the city of Eternia, where angels of all classes were flying around doing their own matters. Ignoring the hustle and noise, he entered the mansion.
Bypassing the hallways decorated with bookcases and windows, the demon quickly made his way to the master bedroom. He noticed an unusual lack of energy as he hurried, and prayed that it was just him overreacting.
To his despair, it wasn't…
The king sized bed was in its place; so was the other furniture of the room. But his attention was not on any of those, but a stand that rested in the far corner of the room.
It was empty.
Jeffrey cursed. Something was wrong…
And he knew a new adventure was soon to begin…
Yoshi: And that's the end of the first chapter! Stuff's going on, it seems! Too bad she's being so secretive about it all! XP
Falcon: No worries; the readers will find out what's going on next chapter!
Marth: So, who expected the two finalists RoyalFanatic planned for the tournament? XD
Yoshi: Marth and Master Hand…wow. Now THAT'S something!
Falcon: We're still hoping you guys will forgive us and everything. I mean, we can continue this without the tourney, and she HASN'T discarded it. Abandoned, yes, but not discarded! O.o
Marth: Until the next chapter!
Yoshi: Review!