I came up with the idea for this story on a whim, in response to not having enough time to dedicate for my other PS All-Stars fanfic. This is basically how the All-Stars feel about the poor reception of their game and how it's not getting a sequel. They then decide to invite some new people in. Note that this chapter contains allusions and subtle references to another fighting game (I'm guessing you all should know what it is).
In the All-Stars mansion, everyone was just sitting in the living room feeling dejected. It's been over 6 years since they were gathered together to host their universal tournament sponsored by their company, SIE. Unfortunately for them, As much as the All-Stars enjoyed fighting each other for the fame, glory, and friendship, the audience wasn't really impressed by the All-Stars' performance giving them lots of negative reception As a result, the tournament resulted in a loss of revenue for SIE, so the company decided not to host any more tournaments and cut funding to that area entirely, much to the Allstars' dismay
Nathan Drake, being the unanimously elected spokesperson of the All-Stars decided to address the situation promptly. If that tournament meant anything to them it was a manifestation of the All-Stars' Unity and strength.
"Everyone. I understand how you all feel. As much as all of us want to have another tournament, that seems out of the question, due to the fact that our funding been cut " The treasure hunter spoke.
"Ok" Spike Acknowledged " So why didn't people like attending our tournament?"
"Well if one thing's for sure, many people think our tournament was just a ripoff of another tournament hosted by a rival company" Cole pointed out "And if reports are correct, that company's tournament is already in its fifth iteration and it's attracting fans everywhere"
"Are we just gonna stand here like forgotten like the dust in the wind, while the tournament hosted that Rival company keeps getting better and better? " Rachet wondered
"Cursed Mortals!" Zeus stood up slamming his electrified hands on the coffee table irritably "Do they take our performance as a joke? I will teach those fans what happens when you don't give a god the proper respect!"
"It's just like Cole said, Our tournament 6 years ago was just a ripoff, we will never be like them. " Jak said in response, knowing how well the rival company was doing, attracting a lot of spectators with its 5th tournament in session "Still that makes me wonder, if we have a Second tournament how can we make it into something that people will look forward to?"
That was when Raiden stood up
"From what I've heard, If there one thing fans desire," Raiden said with a hint of depression "It's replacing me with my mentor who has been associated with the company for a long time. So I think it's best if I leave and have him take my place"
As soon as Raiden said that, Everyone in the room from Fat Princess to Sir Daniel and Sackboy, the latter two who couldn't even speak, stood up appalled by the Cyborg's suggestion
"FORGET IT!" Everyone shouted in response. They all knew who Raiden was talking about. Raiden's mentor was an individual who was bribed by the rival company to compete in their tournament over 10 years ago. This act was viewed so heinous by the higher-ups in SIE as well as the All-Stars themselves that no one dared speak his name and he could only be described by his initials "SS".
"Listen Raiden" Nariko Spoke "as much your mentor has been associated with the company long before most of us came into existence, he turned traitor the moment he accepted that rival company's offer to join their Tournament over 10 years. And he's still participating in that tournament as of now."
"She's right Raiden," Emmett said, his eyes glowing with fervor "We don't need a turncoat like him. As much as fans want him, he doesn't deserve to be here after what he did. The company chose you to participate in the tournament for a reason and we are proud to have you. If our fans think otherwise prove them wrong, show them you've earned your place among us. "
"But guys, you don't understand how much disdain fans have given me because they wanted him instead of me. In almost every match, the audience would pelt tomatoes at me simply because of my presence with you guys" The cyborg became more depressed.
That was when Drake came up.
"Raiden. As the spokesperson of this tournament, I'm sorry we couldn't do much to help you feel like you truly belong here" Nathan spoke "But please understand that your mentor wasn't a very loyal person. The fact that he was willing to accept a bribe to participate in another Corporation's tournament proves it. The higher-ups have banned him and we don't want him here as well. Sooner or later the fans are just going to have to accept that. "
"I see now, thanks guys" The cyborg answered with a slight smile "Then forget I said anything"
"I may have a solution to this problem" a new voice spoke.
Kratos suddenly came in with a new makeover, sporting a beard and wielding an axe instead of his blades of chaos. Everyone was in awe of his new appearance.
"Hey Cupcake" Sweet Tooth spoke "Looks like you got yourself quite the makeover"
Kratos just ignored the clown before offering his view on the situation
"Kratos, nice of you join us," Drake said casually "We heard you got sent off on a business trip to Norway."
"Indeed I have, I've not only become a changed man, but a loving father as well, but the story can wait for another time. Now as for the tournament, it's quite simple really," The Ghost of Sparta said, answering Jak's question "The first thing we need to focus on is getting more challengers. From what I've observed SIE has hired tons of new employees, some of which have achieved a high appeal to fans. If we can recruit those employees to come to participate, fans will notice and start coming back to see us fight"
Drake could only smile at the suggestion "That sounds like a great Idea! How does that sound everyone?"
All the All-Stars could only nod in agreement. Bolstering their numbers for their second unofficial tournament seemed like the most straightforward thing to do.
"Hey Sly," The treasure hunter called out to the raccoon "Have your turtle friend do some research on these new employees Kratos mentioned about, depending on what they're capable of, they may make good challengers. This is the only way if we want a chance to have positive reception from spectators"
"I'll get to it" The thieving raccoon answered.
One week later.
Bentley had managed to do some research on the other employees of SIE, it took him a few sleepless nights to look up every little piece of information across the SIE Database, but there were 12 employees in particular that caught his eye. And he was talking with Sly about it through video chat
"Ok Sly, I've got the Dossiers of 12 potential candidates for that unofficial tournament. Sending them to you right now" The turtle told the raccoon
"Great" Sly said with a smile before printing them all out from his computer and taking a look at the first dossier in particular. the file had a picture of a red-haired woman dressed in what looked like indigenous attire
"She is a new hire that has attained quite the popularity among fans in the past 2 years." Bentley told Sly about the person "As for the others, they were hired after the first tournament or were longtime employees that could've been in there, but were not included for some reason"
Sly could only comment "Well that's quite interesting, considering how much can happen over in a span of 6 years. Guess I'll see what Nathan thinks of this. Thanks, Bentley"
"Anytime Sly," Bentley told his fellow gang member before logging off. "Be sure to call me if you ever need anything else"
Sly then went down to Drake's room, the files in hand
"Hey Drake" Sly barged into drakes room holding 12 files he got from Bentley "I'm back with those files of employees you've requested"
The raccoon laid the files on the treasure hunter's desk.
"Ah perfect," Drake said satisfied "Now just get Ratchet, Jak, Spike, and Kratos. I want to see what they think these. "
Drake quickly laid out the files on his desk, In order, each of the Dossiers were labeled.
The Machine Hunter
The Pactmaker
The Star King
The Colossus Slayer
The Survivors
The Small Town Delinquent
The Dragoon
The Shadow Marshal
The Holmcross
The Paleblood Hunter
The Profiler
The Android
I really love this game, and it's a shame that a sequel won't be happening anytime soon. By the way Kratos's trip to Norway is a nod to God of War (2018). As a challenge, could you guess who each of the characters are above? (Hint: The last two are from Quantic Dream). Reviews appreciated!