On a remote, well known, and certainly charted island in the middle of the Atlantic, numerous tourists were being ushered into boats. Their vacations ruined, they shouted at the strong men who outnumbered and outmuscled them. When the boats disappeared, cleanup began. Trash was picked up, graffiti was washed away, and the previous signs of life – campfires, tents, hammocks – were removed. When the entire island was cleaned from any conceivable angle, the camera crews returned. Boats surrounded the island as dozens of people carried mountains of equipment across the jungles to plant their hidden surveillance.
One camera followed a giant gloved hand as he hovered above the trees. The island was peaceful and serene, and his deep voice echoed as he spoke. "Welcome, once again, to the second edition of Super Smash Bros: Survivor! It has been a long ten years, but the reality game show that swept the nation has finally returned. In some ways, this will be the show you're used to. Forty Survivors will attempt to survive the environment and each other to claim the ultimate prize. Every two days, one competitor will be eliminated, and by the end, there will be only one Survivor.
"Every day, there will be a challenge. Every ten days, there will be a Tribal Switch or a Merge. Each of the four tribes has a leader who plays a significant role in several aspects of the game. These facts – now that they are no longer secret – will certainly affect players' strategies. The core remains the same.
"However, we've learned from our mistakes, and this edition will be better for everyone. In some ways, it will be fair, as anyone who can't speak has been given a universal translator, so there will be no silent competitors. Yet in others, it will be far more brutal for those who can't handle the changes. The competitors in the first game didn't struggle – which, I suppose, speaks to the strength of their character – so we've ensured that this game the competitors truly feel what it is to survive.
"But the specifics are for the future. For now, it is time to meet the competitors who you will be cheering on for the next three months. I will see all of you soon. And, again, welcome to Survivor."
The camera zoomed away from Master Hand and into the sky, arcing across it until it hit the horizon, where a speck of a boat rested. As the camera zoomed in, a familiar blue falcon stood at the helm, his metallic boot resting on the handrail. A golden bandana stitched with a red N wrapped around his neck.
Falco, Dark Samus, Daisy, Little Mac, Greninja, Mega Man, Duck Hunt, Palutena, Corrin, and Isaac were the members of the North Tribe.
Corrin rested nearby, a gentle hand on the handrail stretched slightly in case her Tribe Leader accidentally fell off. The boat hit a rough wave and lifted into the air, and she stretched forward instinctively, but Falco kept his feet firmly planted. He barely moved.
But he noticed, and he glanced at her with a smirk. "No worries. I'm not Captain Falcon; I have coordination."
"I see," Corrin said hesitantly. "Sorry. I suppose I'm nervous."
"You're right to be nervous," a raspy, echoing voice spoke from across the deck. Dark Samus floated smoothly off the wood, her fingers moving individually, twitching slightly. "A fall at this speed would certainly hurt our glorious leader."
Falco snorted. "I already like your other counterpart more. But, again, I'm fine. I've done this before."
"Why did they bring you back?" asked Mega Man, otherwise keeping a close eye on the dark, glowing personification of corruption. He added with a giggle. "Couldn't find enough of us?"
"They loved my award-winning personality." Falco shrugged.
Duck Hunt nodded, the duck on his head mirroring him. "He's got a point there," he confirmed with mock sincerity. His voice came out clear and deep, like a large dog's bark.
Isaac giggled. "He certainly was one of my favorites."
"Really?" Palutena asked, placing a thoughtful finger on her lips. "I'm trying to remember others who were far more popular but I can't place my finger-" she snapped suddenly. "Oh! Yes, Kirby and Bowser, of course!"
Falco lifted his foot off the railing and turned to his tribe. Off to his side, Corrin let out a slight sigh of relief. As Falco turned, Palutena winked mischievously. "Unfortunately for the fans, they weren't original North Tribe. And no one exemplifies the first North Tribe better than I do."
"You certainly reminded people of that fact enough last game," said Palutena.
"She's got a point there," added Duck Hunt.
"Don't encourage her," Daisy whispered, rubbing her temple.
"I was proud of surviving so long," said Falco with a shrug. "Sue me. The game's fun, and I wanted to play again."
"I see nothing wrong with that," said Little Mac, a twinkle in his eye. "You gotta love that taste of victory."
"Victory he never achieved," added Palutena.
"Close enough." The twinkle faded as Little Mac slumped back against the railing.
"I, for one, enjoyed your journey." Greninja, who had been leaning against the cabin door in silence, spoke, high-pitched and slimy.
"Glad I have another fan," said Falco. He turned back to the ocean and realized with a start that they had arrived sooner than he expected. "Brace for impact."
He and several others clamped the railing. Dark Samus and Palutena stood in the center, the former floating, the latter gripping her staff. The boat shuddered as it hit the beach, sliding back with the water but coming to a rest. Part of the handrail opened, and a wooden gangplank extended from the boat and dug into the sand.
Falco led his tribe down to his previous home. He breathed in the familiar salt air and stretched his legs on solid ground. One-by-one, his tribe members exited the boat and scattered across the beach. He regarded them all with a confident nod. He'd do better this time.
On the southern side of the island, another identical boat carrying ten more competitors approached. The mood in this vessel was far darker, as exemplified by its leader. With a blue bandana stitched with a dark green S wrapped around his shoulder, Metaknight rested in a corner alone.
Metaknight, Dark Pit, Bayonetta, Isabelle, Inkling, Ken, Shadow, Chrom, Mach Rider, and Incineroar were the members of the South Tribe.
Only one person held his attention. Bayonetta leaned against the railing and twirled a half-eaten green lollipop in her fingers. She studied each of her tribe members with a sly, confident smirk. She was the only one who exuded confidence. That immediately made her a threat.
Not that Metaknight was the only brooder. Shadow and Dark Pit took their sections of the boat and stood silent. Mach Rider hadn't spoken either, his face obscured by his tinted helmet. Shadow hadn't opened his eyes since they hit open water, and he never faltered even when they crested over the roughest waves. Dark Pit, meanwhile, watched everyone else closely with a deep frown. Incineroar regarded everyone with a sly grin whenever they met his eye.
The only rays of light in the tribe were coincidentally the only competitors breaking the silence: Isabelle and Inkling. They giggled and whispered amongst themselves, occasionally giving their tribe members side glances.
After one exchange that left Inkling crying laughing, Ken grunted in frustration. "Alright, guys, enough of the gossip."
Isabelle spun around, gasping. "Oh, I'm so sorry Ken! We weren't gossiping!"
Ken's eyebrow twitched. "That right? Why'd you look at me then?"
Bayonetta raised a slender finger to point beyond him. "Afraid they were looking at the island, dear, not your beautiful blonde head."
"Couldn't have been that funny, then," Ken muttered.
Inkling raised an arm around Isabelle's shoulder and pulled her close. "That being said, we were totally talking about you the entire time," she said with a cheeky grin.
"Please, don't," Isabelle whispered, her eyes darting from Inkling to Ken.
"How thin's your skin, Ken?" asked Dark Pit.
"Plenty thick. Just annoyed at being out of the loop. That's all."
"That is something you'll have to get used to, I'm afraid," said Chrom, polishing his Falchion. "In a game like this, that is."
Before Ken could speak, their boat crashed into the beach. Ken took the lead, leaping backward off the railing and landing on the soft sand. As he turned to look at his new home, he saw a shadow fly above. Then he jumped back as Metaknight crashed into the sand, sending a large cloud in the air.
Metaknight turned to face his tribe members. He knew the first few days were some of the most important, where the strongest alliances were made. He made the mistake of keeping silent, and that cost him the game. Not this time. The game began.
"I've been watching you all during the boat ride," he announced as everyone walked down the gangplank. "I understand your strengths from our short time at the mansion together. We're a strong tribe. Only one of us will win, but with my guidance, and if we work together, we'll survive."
Bayonetta chuckled. "Don't be so melodramatic, dear. The game hasn't begun until we get our chat with Master Hand. Give us time to relax."
Some gave Metaknight sympathetic smiles, but they passed him by, more interested with the camp than their leader. Metaknight stared at the boat, feeling like a fool. With a single motion, he destroyed any respect he once had. And he did it before they had even had even begun.
Shadow, the last off the boat, placed a sympathetic hand on Metaknight's shoulder, and silently walked away. Metaknight felt strangely cold on that side. Maybe it was desperate hope, but he didn't destroy all his respect.
Meanwhile, a boat rushed toward the eastern beach. Balancing on the tiny handrail with an orange bandana stitched with a black E wrapped around his neck and a small metal chip attached to the side of his head, Mewtwo watched the familiar island approach. He could feel eyes on him, but he refused to turn around; he knew the fear, the respect. He refused to acknowledge them.
Mewtwo, Ridley, Rosalina, Wii Fit Trainer, Pac-Man, Ryu, Richter, Robin, King K Rool, and Geno were the members of the East Tribe.
Ridley stood in the center of the boat, spreading his wings out to take as much room as possible. Most of the tribe were forced to lean away awkwardly to avoid contact with him. His power play had worked for most of the boat ride, but he felt a sharp tug to his side and spun violently toward it. His tail whipped across the deck, and those unfortunate enough to be in its path had to duck or dive aside.
To his surprise, Pac-Man seemed to be the culprit, smiling at him without a care in the world. "Is there something you need?" Ridley asked, glaring.
"Hmm?" Pac-Man put his arms behind his back and balanced on his tiptoes. "I wanted to see how your wing felt." He looked at his hand. "Turns out, I'm wearing gloves!"
"It didn't hurt, did it?" Richter taunted. "Little tug from the yellow guy?"
Ridley whipped to him, but this one also had no fear in his eyes. "Of course not."
"Good," Richter added with a smirk. "Wouldn't want you to get injured."
"Not a chance of that."
"As cute as this banter is, you should consider silence," said Ryu.
"Yes, please, this place is too peaceful for arguments," added Rosalina.
"Fly to the island," said Geno. "Save us the strife."
"There's nothing wrong with the dragon," King K Rool said dismissively. "Let him spread his wings!"
"Everything is wrong with him," argued Geno pointedly.
Ridley turned slowly to face the puppet. "I'm afraid I don't understand our battle, yet."
Geno remained silent, regarding Ridley with a dead-eyed stare. Ridley returned the gaze until he grew bored and turned to the next victim.
Robin looked up from his book. "Don't look to me. I've slain enough dragons not to fear you."
"Fear doesn't work in this game," Mewtwo finally spoke, and as he turned around all eyes were on him. "Not against us. We know how this world works; we've nothing to fear."
Ridley snarled, but Mewtwo turned his back on him. Before anyone could respond, the boat crashed against the sand. Mewtwo disappeared instantly and reappeared hovering on the beach.
"Don't be stupid and believe pure power will win you the competition," Mewtwo added, looking pointedly at Ridley. "It won't. That's how the villain alliance lost last time: they grew overconfident and thought themselves invincible. I'm sure you all are smarter than that."
"Sure hope so, leader!" Wii Fit Trainer hollered without a trace of irony. She leapt off the railing, front flipped, and landed softly on the sand.
Mewtwo ignored her. His powers had been dampened, but without the massive cumbersome helmet disrupting his thoughts, he'd have a clear enough mind to outwit his opponents. He couldn't be passive this time; these players would've learned from the mistakes of the first competition. They knew his power and his intelligence, and he'd have to act to avoid being targeted early.
On the final boat approaching the western beach, a black bandana with a bright yellow W flowed in the breeze. Proudly wearing his tribe's emblem, Popo stood at the helm. He couldn't believe his luck. Not only was he invited back after his unfortunate accident and subsequent unfair elimination, but he was its Tribe Leader! It was exactly what he deserved.
He turned to look at his tribe. His tribe. His beautiful tribe.
Popo, Bowser Jr, Simon, Charizard, Cloud, Villager, Lucina, Banjo Kazooie, Chorus Kids, and Shulk were the members of the West Tribe.
Charizard rested near the edge with his flaming tail curled up underneath his stomach. Bowser Jr sat in his Koopa Clown Car, slowly creeping forward with a finger pointed at a red button. The car's mouth started to open, and a sloppy tongue slowly slid out.
"I'm going to stop that right there," said Banjo, walking forward and slapping the tongue, which retracted. The car's mouth opened in surprise, and its driver glared.
"Why won't you let me have fun?" Bowser Jr demanded.
"Because we're trapped on this boat with the giant lizard, and I don't want it getting upset," said Banjo.
"Well, some of us are trapped," Kazooie muttered sleepily from his backpack.
"Just let me have this!" Bowser Jr begged.
"Yeah!" The three Chorus Kids echoed in unison, their voices harmonizing pleasantly. "Let him have this!"
"Enough, please, I'm starting to get a headache," Cloud muttered.
"Get them often?" asked Villager. "I could get you some medicine."
Cloud smiled slightly. "Not anymore, but I appreciate the offer."
"Can you just get medicine?" asked Shulk, bewildered. "That I'd love to see."
Villager shifted awkwardly. "I was just being polite, you know."
Shulk sulked. "Don't get my hopes up. I don't know what you can pull out of that pocket of yours."
"It isn't that impressive!" The Chorus Kids chimed in. "Trust us, we have many more tricks!"
Lucina scoffed. "Please, show us then."
"Not if you're going to get that attitude!" The Chorus Kids held up their chins dismissively and walked in unison to the other end of the boat.
Lucina gave their backs a strange look. "I don't know what attitude I gave them." She looked to the others for help. Most barely paid attention, but Shulk smiled and shook his head in mock disappointment.
Popo hopped toward his tribe, grinning brightly. "Everyone, I've got great news!" He announced, although few paid him any mind. Simon glanced briefly in his direction before returning his silent gaze to the floor. Charizard didn't wake up, and Bowser Jr had resumed trying to wake him.
Frustrated, he leered at his tribe, and then stomped his foot and shouted, "HEY EVERYONE! I'VE GOT GREAT NEWS!" That got the attention of most. Even Charizard opened a tired eye. Popo switched attitude instantly, returning to a pleasant smile. "The island's really close, and the competition is going to begin soon. I want to get a head start on leading, so when we land, we're going to assign jobs. This worked really horribly for me last game, so I've been carefully considering who will get each job." Instead of announcing the jobs, he turned around and walked back to the helm.
Behind his back, his tribe exchanged looks. Charizard lifted his head and stretched and just noticed Bowser Jr hastily attempting to look inconspicuously. "Is there something you wanted?"
"I wanted to lick you," Bowser Jr said with a defeated sigh, poking the button and letting the car's tongue hang out. "Stupid Popo ruined it."
"Don't let him overhear you," Lucina whispered. "Remember what he did last game?"
Bowser Jr giggled. "Of course. My dad wouldn't shut up about him when he got home."
The boat landed. Oblivious to the rumors spreading behind him, Popo stepped onto the sand and admired his old beach. It would take some work to get it back into shape, but he could do it. His tribe could do it. With him. As leader.
Master Hand floated into view high above the island. The peaceful morning sky stood as the perfect backdrop for the beginning of the new chapter. "The second competition has officially begun. Another forty fierce competitors have landed on this special island. Nobody should be underestimated; they all have the potential to win. It will be a grueling few months, and many will be pushed to their limits, but if they endure, they will be crowned the Ultimate Survivor!
"I am Master Hand, and joyfully I'm ending the Pre-Game Tribe Introductions. Let Super Smash Bros: Ultimate Survivor begin!"