Well I finally did it. My computer is up and running for now, and Microsoft Word is acting right too. I can't begin to tell you the uphill battle I went just to get this thing up and running, as well as the crap that I dealt with besides my computer troubles.
In any case, I can now write the story and do so without using that crappy laptop I wrote on before. Hopefully nothing happens where that will change, wouldn't want to deal with that crap again.
Besides my nagging, it's now finally time to get started on the story. I won't lie when I say that I have been thinking about it for a while. I will give all of you a fair warning when I say that the story will be a bit darker and taken a little bit more seriously. It won't start off that way, I assure you, but once we get to the later chapters, things will start to head to the rated M levels due to cursing of certain characters and some fight scenes. Also, it's important to read the first story as there will be may call backs to the event that happened there.
Ps: Thanks again to Thunder Crush for being the beta reader.
With that out of the way, lets finally get started.
Shouting… loud and every distance shouting, sounding off from far right rang into my ears as my eyes struggled to open.
Slowly, as well as painfully, I opened my eyes to be greeted by what looked like a golden sky, masked with grey clouds. The smell of smoke entered my lungs, causing me to cough it out quickly with pain rattling in my throat.
The sound from before was getting closer, so I turned to look for the cause.
Far-off in the distance stood a figure, walking menacingly towards me with slow yet heavy steps. Upon gaining more clarity in my blurred vision, I could make out a ghastly black aura radiating off him, rising higher and higher. At first, I thought it was just growing with the distance he covered, coming closer to my view. As I continued my gaze however, I soon realized that the deadly black mist was growing on its own. So much so that it was ready to kiss the clouds themselves.
"It is time…" a voice uttered.
I fixed my gaze back to the figure, who, was now closer than he was before. It stared down at me with eyes blazing with violet light, as if it was trying to inveigh its very emotion through them. An emotion so familiar, as well as powerful. So dangerous like a flame, yet ever reliable in the face with the coming storms of conflict.
That emotion was hatred. Pure, utter hatred.
"Stand Black King, show me the power that burns fiercely in your eternal soul! Face me, face me here and now!"
The words that came from the figure flew to my ears and awoke something inside me, a strength buried within just now waking up.
With a loud and painful grunt, I turned to my side, slowly turning more until I was on my stomach. Pushing myself off the ground, I placed one foot in front of the other and rose. Through the pain and struggle of it all, I was finally standing tall, looking directly at the one before me.
Its eyes arched in anger, the glow brimming and shining with the embers of life behind them. Faintly the glow led to lines and markings of the figure, flaring up more like that of a burning fire that hit oil. Its hand clenched tightly as it took slow steps towards me, looking like a predator ready to attack.
It was clear to me that this could be a confrontation that I would not survive, that this may indeed be my last fight.
Fear, pain or even rage did not exist in my heart. Funny enough, I felt something a bit comforting at the thought of it all, a feeling that I haven't felt for a long time. Right here, at this very moment, as I looked at the one who would in doubt be my end, I felt as peace.
With a sense of resolve, I began to take steps towards the figure, who began to speed up his pace. I sped up as well, closing or distance faster, only for him to pick up his pace more, causing me to do the same. All the while, a golden glow soon engulfed me, empowering me in its light as it shined more and more over time.
Taking notice of this, I could see my opponent beginning to run, aiming to finish me quickly as I was in my weakened state. The power in me rose further as I too began to run, and soon even sprint, toward the figure. Sensing the increase of my power, the figure's aura rose high and exploded in power also, dashing towards me in speeds that would put light to shame.
Be it by instinct or reflex, I dashed in a similar speed, not letting have a head start towards me.
Our eyes locked as we raised our fists, our aura of life decimating the ground below our very feet. Once we were close enough, we simultaneously launched our fists straight towards one another, our power overflowing, turning in to a large flash of white.
"Ah!" I yelled as I awoke from my sleep, covered in sweat as I sat up fast enough to almost launch myself across the room.
My breathing became rampant as I blinked, taking notice of where I was. I was in my bedroom, on my bed with my covers draped over my lower half. I looked to the ceiling to see that the fan was still spinning as the way I left it when I fell asleep. To my left I could see my nightstand, with some of my items on it. My 'bracelet' that I received from Ethan, Ally and Diana was there, as well as the bronze wolf ring I got from Michelle.
Moving my eyes further, I saw that the clock read 4:57 AM. I sighed as I used my left hand to grab the bridge of my nose in frustration. 'Damn it, this has to be the eighth time.'
Frustrated over waking up this early… again, I shook my head a little to get the sleepiness out of my eyes. I might as well get up anyway, never been able to get back to sleep once I have another of those damn dreams.
Slowly lifting my leg off the bed, I heard a murmur next to me. I turned my head to see one of the best things in my life. My wife, Faye.
I smiled as I looked at her, sleeping so soundly. She was always a heavy sleeper now that I thought about, so much so that I am convinced that not even an earthquake could wake her up. In fact, now that I think about it, there was that one time when I fell down the stairs and screamed loud enough to even Rachel. She and Thea came running to see if I was alright almost as soon as my rear hit the floor. I was fine of course, though I did promise myself to never let Joe talk me into to a drinking game again. That $50 bet sounded good in the beginning, but once you get the entire bar on the bet, with someone proclaiming that you can hold you liquor more everyone there, them banking on the fact that having the blood (or soul more technically) of a divine figure running within you makes you severely tolerant to alcohol to the point where rocket fuel can't even get you buzzed (Don't ask. Long story trust me), you kind of begin to regret it. Nonetheless, I won and came out the winner. Barely able to take a step without wobbling, but a winner still.
I smiled upon the memory as I bent down a bit and gave a kiss to her forehead before I stood up from the bed and got out of the room. Since it's almost five, I guess it would be good to go and see my morning buddy while eating some cookies and milk. First thing first, I need to go to the bathroom and wash my face.
Leaving my room, I venture to the end of the hall and opened the door. There I turned on the faucet and splashed some water onto my face, then grabbed a towel off the rack to dry it off. It was only when I was done that I looked to the mirror and looked at my reflection. Gone were the scars from years past, reveling my body, fair white in color. My hair was black, reaching to the end of neck and only a little bit of spikiness that it had remaining, as most of them became small bangs due to the new hair style Faye wanted to try on me. Then there were my eyes, or eye rather, as my left eye stayed closed with only my right green eye open.
'It's only been two years, yet I feel like a completely different person from who I was.'
I shut the water off as I went out of the bathroom and continue my trip to go and talk to my morning buddy. Walking down the stairs and taking a right turn, I opened the fridge and grabbed the milk with one hand and used the other to grab the chocolate chip cookies with the other on top of it. Once I placed it on the table, I went to cabinet and grabbed a glass out of it. The second I closed it I heard a sound from behind causing me to turn to see my morning partner, sitting right by my feet. Her lilac fur and purple eyes, as well as the red gem on her head always made her stand out.
"Hey Thea." I said with a small grin as she mewed in recognition.
Thea has been with us for nearly two years now, all the way back to when she hatched as an Eevee. I was a bit worried at first, thinking that having a pokemon would be too much for my little girl to handle. However, to my surprise, Rachel was able to take great care of Thea. Or rather Alethea I should say.
Yeah, I remember how in the beginning we were trying to come up with a name for her, and eventually Faye came up with Alethea. We took the name, even going as far as making a bowl with her name on it. Problem was though, mainly because I am so use to coming up with nicknames, I kept calling her Thea to shorten it. I did it for so long that it reached the point that she responded to the nickname better than her real name.
This hit more at home the minute she evolved to an Espeon, which I later found out was a pokemon that evolved mainly through happiness in the day time. The reason why? Turns out the name Thea is Greek for a sun goddess, meaning that I have a named a pokemon that evolution revolved around the rise of the sun after a goddess that controls the sun.
For some reason, I just can't get a break with Greek names.
Returning my thoughts back to the present, I went to the bowl that held Thea's name and pour some milk in it, then grabbing it and putting it on the table. With that done, I sat down and grabbed my cookies as Thea hopped to the table and began licking away at the milk.
"Are you doing well this morning girl?"
She stopped for second and looked at me, giving a quick nod before getting back to the milk. I decided to go ahead and get started on my food, dipping some cookies in milk and began chomping away.
It's been like this for nearly a month now, me waking up early and eating some sweets with Thea. Supposedly, Espeons had precognitive powers as well as the ability to read thoughts. I always assumed that Thea might have known about the dreams I have been having since I couldn't stop thinking about them, so she would show up and give me company in my most private moments. I am honestly happy to have some really, I really do need someone that I can talk to about it…even if they can't talk back.
"So far, I had about nineteen dreams, with today being the eight one in the row. I know by now that this is Noir's memories, but they all feel so real to me. Honestly Thea, I feel like I am kind of losing it with all these dreams."
The Espeon looked at me as I said this, blinking for a bit as I lean back on my chair. Staring at the ceiling, asking myself the same question again: 'Why am I not telling anyone about this again?'
And, once again, I remember why: Because if I did, I would cause them to worry about me again. Since the fight with Graves, I've been over to Master Hands place, asking repeatedly about seeing if he can find exactly where Noirs home was. I never asked Shade about his home or what happened after the death of his son and Blackout, so the thought has been on my mind for a while.
It became so apparent to how often it's on my mind that everyone started to worry. Daniel came up with a theory, saying that since I gained Noir's power, I am gaining traits from him. One of the traits could be his concern for his home, which I seem to have inherited. That still doesn't explain the dreams though, as well as another problem that I've been hiding.
Speaking of which, it seems that the problem is kicking up right now as I looked at my right arm. My arm, the black arm that belonged to Noir and given to me by his father Shade, began to ache as the green markings glowed faintly again.
It's not a discomfort for me to be honest, it only feels like my arm is a little numb. The real problem is that it has been doing this so frequently that I had to use the glamour ability to keep it out of sight, even from my family. So far, the only one that knows this is my morning buddy Thea, but that's only because she kept poking at my arm whenever I glamoured it. Thankfully I think she understands that I want to keep it a secret, but every once in a while, she would-
"Espe."
I looked back at the pokemon, who moved from her spot and is right in front of me. She is looking at me right in the eye, giving me the very same look that she would give every once and a while whenever I think like this. It's obvious that she basically telling me to 'Just go and tell them and let them help you'.
"You really want me to go ahead and tell them, huh?"
She nods, still giving me that look. Honestly there are times where I think Thea is more of Faye's pokemon than Rachel's. She sure can act like Faye when it comes to this matter, hell I even feel like I'm talking to her at times like this. I wouldn't be surprised if she and Faye have similar meetings like this one too, just watching TV. or something while I was gone and Rachel at school.
"Oh fine, I'll tell them alright. Just stop looking at me like that okay. Honestly, you're supposed to be Rachel's Pokemon, not mine."
Thea must have been happy about that because she licked my cheek and gave off a smile of sorts. Before I could even do anything, her gem and eyes glowed red as her bowl lifted to the air surrounded by red aura. She jumped off the table and walked out the room with the bowl not far behind, but not before giving me one final nod. Sitting there all alone, I just chuckled as I finished my food and got up to leave myself.
Once I was by the living room, I noticed the time was 5:43 AM. Well, I guess I might as well go and pay an early visit to Master Hand, if he is awake that is. I kind of made a habit of going to the Smash training grounds early in the morning.
Master Hand mentioned that I could go over there any time I wanted to practice with the bots, computer-based duplicates of all the previous participants. At first, I thought of it as cheating, fighting computer-based duplicates of what could be future participants. However, Master Hand was adamant in me practicing, saying I need to keep my skills sharp as champion. He was so adamant about it in fact that he even came to my house and offered to have a room set up, so I could train from home. The offer almost too good to pass up, but I told him that I would just use the Smash training room. I know that it sounds stupid to not take up the offer, but I do have my reasons.
It didn't take long for me to get my things, as I went ahead and grabbed my clothes from the closet and put on the attire I received two years ago. Black shoes with small green stripes, bluish-black pants that was darker at the bottom with lines at the sides, my dark green short sleeved shirt just under my black jacket with green wings insignias on the back, with the small details of golden wings with swords in the middle on my shoulders, with small pockets for items and zippers to widen the sleeves.
Almost done, I slowly walked back to the bed, taking notice that Faye was still asleep. A small chuckle came out of me as I kneeled and placed my hand under the bed. Feeling around a bit, I found what I was looking for, taking out a large box. I slowly open it to reveal its contents that were inside.
Neatly placed within it were a sword and a gun. The sword was black, with a height at about 140 centimeters, with a red jewel that was a little bit above the handle, in the middle. An interesting yellow line was on it too, right from the bottom to the tip, with a faint red line in the center of it. Next was the gun, which was a silver magnum revolver, with a black handle and a green tip at the end. These two were my new weapons, Golden dawn and Night Shooter respectfully.
I picked up the two as I grabbed my custom holster. It was a good thing that Daniel knew someone that could make belts and holsters for weapons, else I would have to use other means to carry my weapons around.
After putting the two in their respected holsters, I quietly walked out of the room, lightly shutting the door. I was now ready to head out, but before I do, I have one last thing to do.
Walking through the halls, I stopped to a door to my left. I silently turned the knob and opened the door a bit, looking inside.
The room was fairly normal; a shade of cream colored the walls, with decorations of what looked to be small posters, each with a cartoon character or an adorable animal. The floor was a dark blueish carpet, cleaned with not a speck of anything unclean on it. Looking around a bit more, I could see a TV sitting on a dresser, with another dresser in the back part of the room near the wall. Finally, I could see the corner, where there was a small chest of white and pink, with toys inside.
But what really stood out was something on the bed, or rather someone. Someone that is very important to me, sleeping with her white covers on her, looking completely innocent with no care in the world. One of my pride and joys in this world, my daughter Rachel. A young child with red hair, no older than six.
A smile came to my face, right before I felt something on my leg. I looked down and saw Thea, who nudge my leg to make me notice her.
"Hey, going back to bed?"
Understanding me with ease, she nods as she went to Rachel's bed and slyly jumped to the foot of it. Slowly, the sat down and lay on her belly with her arms under her chin. Looking at me one more time, she closed her eyes as I quietly shut the door.
With it closed I made a turn to the door opposite from Rachel's. I opened the door and looked inside. The room was a bit like Rachel's, only it was blue in color and not cream. The posters were mainly that of stars and animals that caught the attention to the person that slept here. There were only a few toys here, such as a rattle and a small toy. Honestly there wasn't much to it besides the stroller to the left and a dresser by the wall at the right. In the center, however, was a crib that held something precious.
Taking light steps, I looked down to see a sleeping baby, with black hair on his head. He was holding to his favorite toy, a stuffed giraffe that we found at Toys R Us. This was my son, Jacob.
"Sleeping well, huh champ?" I asked playfully. I remember when he was born, coming out like any other baby, with all ten fingers and toes, clutching on to anyone's finger that was close to his little hand. He's only a little over a year old, still growing nicely this past year. Honestly, I am happy, he came out alright, fine, completely normal.
In my thoughts, I was slow to notice that he grabbed my finger. I smiled at the action, up until I saw that he held on to finger on my right hand, my black and un-glamoured right hand.
Seeing this, I slowly retracted my hand without waking him up and walked out the door, quietly shutting it. Once I did, I raised my right hand, a look of perplexation and shame on my face. How did I not notice that my glamour was off? I know I was distracted but after two years I thought I had control over this thing. Could it be that Jacob might have…?
'No. That just plain stupid. Jacob is a normal baby, there is nothing wrong. I just slipped up is all. Maybe some training will help me get my focus back.'
Shaking my head, I slowly walked out to the front door and opened it, locking it behind me. I turned and took a breath of fresh air, enjoying the sight as I see the sun slowly making it's rise.
'Okay, how should I get there today?' I thought to myself. 'I could teleport there like I did last time.'
Teleporting to the Smash area was frankly easy, as Master Hand gave me and the others devices that would allow us to get there. Everyone can come in, train, eat and talk. However, only a select few can have unique privileges, such as advance training sessions, special meetings for the tournaments, and even first privileges to using any new mechanics, areas or vouching rights for new contestants you want to recommend being in the tournament.
Reaching to my pocket, I pulled out the device, which looked to be the Smash symbol with a simple button on it. I toss it up and catch it a few times, still thinking about using it. However, a thought occurred to me as I caught it one last time.
'Zio haven't really seen that much action, it would be good to at least come with me. He might even like it.'
With that idea in my head, I pocketed the device and stick out my right arm. Closing my eye, I mentally focused as the arm glowed. 'Zio, come to me. I would like your assistance in getting to the Smash Area, please.'
The second my thought was done, I felt a gust of wind. I opened my eyes and was met with a large horse, with black metal made flesh, shining blue eyes and a flaming golden mane.
"Hello Zio. It's good to see you buddy," I greeted as I raised my hand and rubbed his head. He lowered it and closed his eyes, accepting my petting. Despite how he looks, Zio is a gentle creature, one that loves company and social conversation. He is great around the family, picking any slack that Thea missed and acting as a watchdog of sorts when it comes to the safety of the house.
Moving to his side, Zio kneeled down, allowing me to get on him with ease. Once I did, he rose and turned around.
"Alright buddy lets head to smash."
With a nod, Zio began to run only for a field to envelop us. Then, almost instantly, we became a blur, only for us to appear in a large area filled with tables everywhere and several large TV monitors on the wall. I looked around and got off Zio, recognizing the room.
'Looks like we are in the lobby area. And, of course, I am the only one here.'
Just then, a voice spoke out. "Morning James." Hearing it, I turned and smiled at a familiar face.
There stood a woman who looked to be in her thirties, wearing her white, long sleeved buttoned up shirt, black skirt, red framed glasses and red heels. Her skin was white, though a bit less than mine, as she had chocolate brown eyes, red lipstick and light brown hair in a pony tail.
"Hello Raven. Nice to see you on this fine morning."
She nodded with a small grin as she looked at me and then to Zio. "Hey there Zio. Are you staying to watch James train?"
The large horse looked at her and nodded.
"Alright then. Come on gentlemen, follow me." With that, she turned around and began walking as me and Zio followed her.
"So how are you doing Raven? You busy helping Master Hand with the next Tourney?"
"Yes actually. The other A.I's and I have been looking for possible candidates for next week's tournament. So far, we found a good deal of new contestants, some of which I bet will give you a run for your money in a fight."
"Oh?" I responded in surprise. "Sounds like you think I'm going to lose my championship title already."
Upon hearing this, Raven shook her head and chuckled. "Of course, not James, I was just joking. I have confidence in your skills. I am just saying that you shouldn't try and take it easy when next week comes. These newcomers are pretty strong, so don't be afraid to go all out okay?"
Still just as sly as ever. Raven was always a bit more unique than the rest of the A.I's, showing more personality and tact than the others. I never asked Master Hand how the A.I's came to be or how they even differ from one another. At times I like to think that maybe each one is based on certain characteristics and tropes. Personally, I always thought Raven was based off a teacher or business type trope, given she always makes it feel she is in control and knows more than what you are led to believe. Well, that and the outfit kind of sell it too.
"Alright, we're here."
Raven's words snapped me out from my thoughts. I looked and saw that we are right in front of the door that leads to the training room.
With a wave of her hand, the doors open, leading to a large and open area filled with white. "Alright James," she said as I saw her wave her hand once more, causing a small menu to appear before her. "What will it be today? Volcanic stage? Forest area? Maybe even the good old classic final destination?"
"Hm… well how about you make it a surprise?"
I guess she must have had something in mind because she flashed me a small grin to that statement. "Alright then. This one will be something I am sure you remember well."
After saying that, she snapped her fingers, making that area glow in light, making me shield my eyes for a moment. Once it died down, I looked at what the change was, only to grow a small smile.
We were in the center of a large coliseum, with cheers of people from the stands being heard all around me. The sky was bright, with no clouds in the sea of endless blue, all while the cool air blew against my skin. I remember this area quite well. This was the first stage I fought in two years ago. The memory of fighting against Roy for my introduction into the world of Smash Bros. brought me a great sense of nostalgia.
Of all the stages here, this one is something that feels the most personal to me.
"Got to say Raven, you chose a good stage."
"Well of course I did. I don't make mistakes." Raven's smugness showed after that statement, something that I think she is a bit proud of to be honest. "Now then, which session do you feel like today?"
Hm… well I feel like I am ready to tackle something more difficult now. Maybe I will do a session I haven't done in a while.
"Let's do the Classic Gauntlet Run, this time on level 9. And just to make this interesting, give me only one stock, with three rounds."
Looking at Raven's face for any reaction, I could see that she was surprised for a split second, before regaining her composure. "That one huh? The last time you did that, you needed to use a stock."
"Yeah, well that was an off day for me, plus I have gotten stronger since then. I am confident that I can win this without using a stock this time."
Raven gave a small chuckle to that. "Alright then, let's see just how far you've come champ."
With that, she vanished as the gates at the sides opened. I looked around and saw the very people that made up the run. Mario, Link, Samus, Fox, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Pikachu. The original and classic eight that made up the very first Smash Bros. tournament. Each one of them were gray clones of the very fighters that I knew of, yet they were just as strong, or so I was told.
Funny enough, I remember asking about Cap. Falcon, Luigi, Ness and Jigglypuff being in it, mainly because I heard that they were part of the original tournament back then. Master Hand mentioned that they were, so much so that they were even in the poster for the first tournament. Problem was that personal issues caused them not to be able to show, such as Cap having a race, Luigi needing to and see about a mansion he won, Ness going to some camping trip and Jigglypuff being outright MIA (Master Hand suspected Jigglypuff thought that it was a singing tournament, but went into hiding once they found out it was a fighting tournament).
'Okay then, let's get started.'
On reflex, I grabbed my sword and unsheathed it, looking around the eight that circled around me. My body felt ready to move, with my right hand giving out a faint green glow. The beating in my chest was calm, yet I could feel the blood rushing through my body, preparing me for battle. Even my senses were on point, hearing each grain of grain move with each step, watching each minor movement that they made as they walked closer to me.
I was ready.
And apparently, so were they as Mario stated it off with a fire ball. I dodged by jumping to the side and reacted by grabbing Night Shooter, charging it with my power and shooting right at Mario. The gray clone of Link used his shield to block it, though the hit was enough to make him slide back.
I didn't have time to try again as I dodged a blast from Samus from behind. I leapt to the air and twisted around to take shots at her. She dodged them with ease, shooting back at me with her arm cannon, with Fox taking cue as he took shots of his own with his gun.
'It's not going to be that easy.'
Using my sword, I slashed at the blasts, cutting both in two, making them split and deflect. Good thing I did too, as I felt Pikachu racing towards me with a Quick Attack, only to be hit by one of the deflected blasts.
Once I landed, I raised my right arm to block a punch from Donkey Kong, having my black arm take the hit. I guess the blow must have hurt his hand, because I took a quick notice of his face and saw him grimace in pain.
My ear twitched, hearing a familiar sound from my left. Not wasting the opportunity, I took Kong's arm, grabbed on tight and tossed him to the other side, right in front of Yoshi's outstretched tongue.
The large ape got swallowed up by the green dinosaur, who looked shocked at the fact that he had the wrong target.
Not missing a beat, I charged my sword with the red gem, the Eye of Dragoon, given to me by Daniel, making blade charge with red like flame in the center line of it. Giving out my best swing, I hit Yoshi, as well as Donkey Kong who was still inside, with a slash strong enough to send them flying into the sky and disappearing with a twinkle.
'Two down with one swing. That's a new record.'
Immediately I felt a difference in the air, making me raise my sword to block a full swing from Link from behind. Pushing him off, I spun around and round out a heavy hit with my right arm, only to hit his shield.
I raised it again, causing him to put his shield up higher, which is what I hoped for as I used my speed to get behind him in a flash and delivered a heavy back hand to his head, causing him to hit the ground hard.
It was at that second I saw a faint shadow on the ground below me causing me to step back as a grey block with eyes hit the ground from where I once stood, something I knew all to well being Kirby.
It was then that noticed Link getting back on his feet and I took the opportunity to act. Right before he could change, I hit Kirby with a right straight so hard that I sent him still in brick form directly towards Link, hitting the unfortunate fairy.
They were sent tumbling backwards, but just to make sure they were finished I dashed in and slashed the ground hard, performing my Shadow Geyser, sending them out of the Coliseum.
'Four down.'
"PIKA!"
Well I know that voice and what comes after. I rolled out of the way of a Thunder Bolt only to come face to face with Fox's boot.
I moved my head out of way of the attack and gave him a kick to his standing leg making him fall. Instinctively, I made a grab for his leg and swung the fox like a rag doll, hitting Pikachu down to the ground after he tried another Quick Attack.
It was at that moment I felt heat come towards my right, so I moved fox to that side, using him as a living shield for Mario's fire ball. Normally, I would call this a dirty move, but honestly, I think doing this with training bots don't count.
Anyway, I heard another shot behind me, making me use Fox as a shield again, this time against charged blast from Samus. At this point, Fox's fur was singed and becoming black after taking all those hits.
Before I could even have a second to feel bad for the poor bot, I saw Pikachu making a go for another Lightning Bolt. I wish I could say that I didn't use fox to hit him again, but at this point I think it was obvious that I did.
Both were in the air after the hit connected, giving me time to deal with both Mario and Samus running toward me. The armored bot fired off several shots, making me dodge some and block the others with my right arm.
After the sixth shot, I heard Mario fist coming for my head. Another opportunity presented itself as I swung my sword upwards, send him to the air and knocking both Fox and Pikachu higher.
Returning my attention to Samus, I dashed with enough speed that made the bot recoil in surprise.
Clenching my right arm, I delivered a strong uppercut, sending her to the air with the others.
'Perfect.'
They were all in the air, and not that far from each other. I lifted my sword, the red flames of Dragoon flaring up, and stabbed the ground hard, making a super red variation of my Shadow Geyser. The attack was high enough to hit them all, sending them all to the air and vanishing in a twinkle.
Raising my sword, I heard the crowd cheer. I turned to see Raven sitting on a seat, with Zio close by. Feeling a little bit cocky, I made a small bow to Raven.
"Perfect, James. That was perfect. You really have gotten stronger."
"Well of course. I have been training non-stop for two years straight, getting stronger day by day. There is no way that I was going to stay stagnant and let everyone surpass me."
The A.I gave me a smile as she sat down. "Alright, the bots should be coming back so-"
"Yeah, about that." I cut her off, making her look at me in a perplexing gaze. "Could you add in some more. Perhaps all the participants from the second tournament?"
It was at that point Raven's face changed into an expression that I have not seen since… well since ever. For the first time, she gave me a look of surprise as her eyes widen and her mouth went agape.
"James… you are aware that there were about twenty-five contestants that were in that tournament, right? Twenty-six if you included the Sheik disguise that Zelda use."
Upon hearing that I nodded and smiled. A normal person would have second thoughts about the idea of fighting that many. Hell, I bet even a Smash veteran would only consider it if they had multiple stocks and items, but not me.
"Yeah, I know that. Believe me Raven, I know that it sounds insane, but I really do want this. I am already past the point of fighting eight fighters, and I need something more difficult to put me beyond my limits. Besides, I am the champion, right? I need to get as strong as possible, to become a wall for anyone that wants the title. I can't let someone beat me out of luck or coincidence. If they want to become champion, then they are going to have to work hard for it. As for, it's the same. I am a target for every fighter who wants and piece of me and wants to become champion. I will be fighting against people that have powers and abilities that are beyond my imagination, maybe even stronger than Graves. So, I need to get ready, to prepare. I can't afford any training wheels or easy way outs. From here on in, it's the hard way, every day."
My words spoke of nothing but truth, with even Zio fixing his gaze on me. I guess he must agree with me, as I say him gave a small nod. My eyes moved to Raven, who at this point gave a bit of a laugh.
"Geez James, you take this more seriously than anyone else, you know that. I always knew that you were special back when I met you, but I never expected you to be like this."
Her laughter died down, until it eventually stopped. She then gave me a serious look, accompanied with a small grin. "Alright then. I'll help you out. I want to see just how far you will go. Now, let's get started. It's time to begin round two."
…Darkness… the endless and ever blinding darkness
Again, I am greeted by this haunting yet ever so inviting darkness upon opening my eyes. Once i do, i feel the very same pain coursing through my body, the pain that i felt from perhaps my greatest fight in the past.
Despite all this time, i can still feel every blow that was given to me from that day. Every punch, kick, slash, blast and everything else that he threw at me still aches, though not fully. If memory serves, i believe this is what they call Phantom Pains.
Strange though. I only began to receive them after waking up. Why is that so?
My thoughts began to die down once i begin to gain hold of my bearings. Though I do not see room, I am still fully aware of where I am: sitting on a large chair, resting my hands on the armrest. I place my head to my hand, shaking slowly to get rid of my exhaustion. As I do, I hear a voice in the darkness, one that I take comfort in hearing.
"Was it the dream again?"
"…Yes. It seems that they are coming more often."
While I may not be able to see it, I can tell that the owner of the voice had a concerned look on their face. "Is there anything that I can do for you?"
"No. Return your attention to the task at hand. I will be fine."
For a moment, I could feel their desire to speak again. In a way, I almost want them to, but we both know that the task I have given to them is more important.
"As you wish, but please, do not be afraid to ask for anything you might need."
With that, I sensed them taking their leave, leaving me by myself once again.
I felt a breath of air leave my body in a sigh, mostly in one out of fatigue. These dreams… they come in more and more each passing day. It feels as if the days of the past are trying to tell me something, yet no matter how much I try I can't grasp what it is. Maybe it's a sign, a sign that something is coming, but what?
Coming up with no answer yet again, I ease up in my chair once more, trying to let my thoughts die down. Though I worry of having the dream again, I feel it's best to rest until I am fully awake.
I closed my eyes and thought of the dream just a bit more.
I can still feel the power, the rage and even the pain of that day. Even after all these years that day is something that I remember clearly. I still think though, did he survive? Did he somehow make it through the battle and left just as I did? Could I have been mistaken on that day?
Once again, as I do every day after the dream, I speak the very same question:
"Noir… could it be that you still live?"
Okay, so that was the first chapter or the prologue to be honest. The next one will have the OC's showing up, as well as characters from the first story. Again, I am sorry for the wait. I will try to get the next chapter up sooner, so be on the lookout.
Also, I say the Nintendo Direct for Smash Bros. Ultimate. I won't share how I feel about the game in the story, but I will be using the roster that has been made for the game. Now if that would include the five DLC characters, I personally hope not as Nintendo said that they will be in the game in almost a year. Now this story will be a long one, but I am not planning on letting it last a whole year.
So yeah, that will be it for chapter one. See you later, Fire Assassin, out.