Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for entering 'Armor of Eternia'. My heart rejoices at your support, but before you dive any deeper into this adventure, there are several things you MUST pay heed to.
First off, if you are even slightly allergic to boy/boy couples, yaoi, boy/boy action, or what have you, STOP. DO NOT READ THIS. The same applies to you if you're allergic to a soft-hearted, emotional Old Snake, Snake being paired with a male other than Otacon, and/or fluff.
Last warning. This tale is Snake-centric. It focuses heavily on Old Snake. If you are not in favor of a sweet Old Snake, Snake being paired with a guy, and/or tales that focus on Snake, PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS. And yesh, I do know other Smashers are at the top of the popularity charts, but I don't care. I'm spreading a different kind of love!
As for our dear soldier, I must confess something. I prefer Old Snake over Solid Snake, as he is too cute and absolutely adorable! Thus, the inclusion of Old Snake in this tale. This tale was heavily inspired by our dear hero's MGS4 plight, and the epic weight of the same game's cutscenes. I hope to capture the immense, painful spirit behind our hero's life with this tale! And as a yaoi fangirl, it pleases me to have yummies pursue our beloved legend's hand.
The following chapter is, yesh, completed. All of my notes will come after the chapter's completion. Today I brainstormed this project's events with the help of many masterpieces, many of them Metal Gear Solid tributes. Freedom Fighters by Two Steps From Hell and X-Ray Dog's Dark Empire are songs that would make great cinematic previews for this tale! The glory of the Final Fantasy 13 soundtrack was also a tremendous help in the inspiration department! It still is, bwah ha.
Find extensive notes on this project in my profile. Oh, and by the way, the character Rosalina is the beautiful maiden from Super Mario Galaxy.
Thank you for supporting me! The following chapter will be written through the eyes of a character, and all following chapters will go through my eyes. Oh, and yesh, I don't own a dang tootin' bit of the following material. What a shocker, eh?
Forever love to The Big Boss.
Greetings, beloved friends, and welcome to uncharted lands. Magic, mystery and limitless possibilities await in the Mushroom Kingdom. Deep within the kingdom's arms you'll find the magic of a child's soul, the valor of a lion's heart, and the enigmatic delights of star-strewn night. Welcome one, welcome all, to a world that knows no bounds. I hope you have come prepared, for the journey that awaits you is a weighty one.
I am Princess Rosalina, caretaker of the Lumas stars. Following my first adventure with Mario, a well-known legend, the Smash Committee asked me to join their ranks. I happily accepted their invitation into new friendship, never one to pass up thrilling new adventures. I am a lover of all things radiant, exciting and fun, you know!
Dwelling above all worlds, I had learned a great deal about Smash seasons from my children. The Mushroom Kingdom hosts an annual celebration of life, each one referred to by a precious name. The first celebration was simply known as Smash, while the second one was endowed with the name 'Melee'. And in these festivals, creatures from all corners of the galaxy come together in a bubbling cauldron of life, love and pleasure! Oh, if only all of my friends could see one of the kingdom's grand celebrations! The current celebration promises to be the greatest one of all. I am very lucky to have been invited to an unparalleled ride. Before I share with you the magic of Brawl, though, allow me to give you insight on the first two 'seasons' of Smashing.
Princess Peach and her cohorts were responsible for bringing the magic of Smash to life. Wanting to bless their kingdom with the magic of outside worlds, the princess and her stewards invited the inhabitants of countless worlds into their realm. With so many new friends seeking adventure, tournaments soon blossomed inside of stadiums. Many new comrades enlisted themselves into the tournaments, each one vying for not the brightest trophy, but for the greatest thrill. Relationships bloomed as battles were waged, all in the name of good fun.
The Mushroom Kingdom's tournaments rose in popularity. As demands for fun-filled, action packed adventures rose from the kingdom's people, Princess Peach and her Toads gathered their resources. In no time at all, the doting sovereign established what would be forever known as the Smash season, a year-long compilation of battles. The combatants were simply known as Smashers.
Unlike the current Brawl season, the Smash season was blissfully light. The inhabitants of so many worlds bonded as their favorite combatants waged war on each other, and good spirits were passed all around. Smiles were abundant between audiences and Smashers alike. Not a shred of ill will was present, allowing so many hearts to flourish. Even Ganondorf competed peacefully, merely seeking fulfillment as he battled Link on a frequent basis. Neither Princess Zelda or the Hero of Time were alarmed by his presence, and he evidently had no desire to spark flames. The companionship between Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi attracted many hearts in the kingdom, conjuring thoughts of a bee's attraction to honey. All Smashers were awash in the bliss of childhood days, strolling through the sun-strewn days of the introductory Smash season. Sadly, none of them knew what the future held. Melee would not be as kind as the Smash season.
Melee managed to draw in several new combatants, but it also drew in its brand of trouble. The legendary Star Fox pilots returned to the fray, but were unable to stomach each other's presence for more than five seconds. Ganondorf had evidently come into contact with some of his cohorts during the Intermission, bearing a renewed thirst for Hyrule's downfall. Link, Zelda, Marth and Roy combined their efforts to put the Evil King in his place, but Ganondorf's horrific antics weren't their only problems. Roy had become a close friend of Fox's, and was troubled over Fox's strained relationship with Falco. Zelda's right-hand man had given his heart to Marth, but the beauteous prince of Altea was much too occupied with Roy. Roy couldn't stop thinking about Fox, no one understood why the two Star Fox pilots hated each other, and nothing seemed right. Everything had gone haywire.
Darkness did not sleep because of Ganondorf made his exit. It continued to snowball long after Ganondorf was put to rest. And from what I heard, the snowball was quite a monster to deal with. Shadow Link overwhelmed Link's pure soul, using his jealousy and loneliness to destroy a broken, pristine spirit. Zelda struggled to regain her precious friend, but suffered greatly in the process. A long, harrowing story was drawn out over the Melee season, but a rather surprising conclusion tied everyone together. Link ended up giving his heart to Roy, who had to bow out of Smash altogether due to his kingdom's ever-growing dilemmas. Marth apologized to the Hero of Time, and the two of them became eternal friends. Fox and Falco called a truce, and even though they still couldn't stomach each other's faces, they managed to do so long enough to celebrate the rest of Melee. And so the Melee season ended on a high note, after so much grief and strife.
The participants of Melee returned to their own lives. Many of them looked forward to the third season of Smash, which earned the name 'Brawl'. It amuses me to say there is a debate over the terms 'Smashers' and 'Brawlers', as many believe it makes no sense to call the third season's combatants 'Smashers'. Many believe the original name to be perfectly suitable, not to mention permanent. But pushing that bit of trivia aside, I will continue on with the tale of Brawl.
With every season comes the title of Smash Seraph. Princess Peach created the title to honor a strong favorite of the Smash roster. Inner beauty encircles the title, followed by the adoration of many hearts. As the creator of Smash, and also as an incredibly beautiful maiden, Peach won her own crown during the Smash season. Fox, with his adorable charms, comical cynicism and huge heart, grabbed the title of Smash Seraph for the Melee season.
It gives me great pride to announce the third Seraph. Sadly, the name of our third Seraph also gives me great pain.
True to form, Princess Peach and her Smash Committee issued requests for new Smashers. One request was delivered to the family of Solid Snake, and as all other potential Smashers were, Solid Snake was given one week to respond to the invite. On the fifth day the invitation was answered, and another place in the Brawl roster was filled. However, the Committee had a bit of a problem.
Solid Snake wasn't Solid Snake. He was 'Old' Snake.
Encouraged by his doting family, the paragon of valor entered the Brawl season-but no one recognized him as one of Brawl's contestants. The public and members of the Smash Committee expected someone much younger, so you can imagine their surprise at seeing a frail, delicate feather. I was certainly surprised to see our new Smasher in the form of a regal, experienced pillar. I expected a wet-behind-the-ears pup!
And no, no one threw any fits over his age. No one was disenchanted by the odd addition to the Brawl roster. The kingdom was immediately bewitched by the darling kitten, but all were horrified by the Committee's actions! How could they have possibly issued an invitation to such a fragile thing? How could they, in good conscience, ask such a delicate dear to participate in any battles?
Ah, yes. Then came the explanations and apologies. My, mistakes are certainly hard to untangle. Peach, Zelda, Samus and I had to repeatedly explain how we had mistaken Old Snake to be Solid Snake. We never would have asked the poor thing to battle! If we had only known, we would have placed him on the Committee. I, personally, would have spent all of my Committee time gushing over him. But alas, fate did not allow things to unfold that way. The cloudy situation was cleared up, and Snake expressed his wish to remain in the Brawl lineup.
He was so shy, the poor dear. We were all surprised by his wish to stay in battle, but we were also delighted. No, I have to say beyond rapturous. I beam every time I think of his decision! And yes, he quickly earned the title of Smash Seraph (or should it be Brawl Seraph?). Only two days after his arrival, too! And no complained.
Why would they?
Unfortunately, things were not meant to be entirely peaceful. Fox was intolerant of Falco's face, and grimaced whenever his fellow pilot was mentioned. Hearing Fox's name was akin to being burned alive for Falco, and all for a crime he had apologized for. Ike, Crimea's representative, instantly got off on the wrong foot with Marth, and Pit couldn't untangle the matters of his lady's empire. For many Smashers, Snake was the day's only bright spot.
The young McCloud, twenty three years of age, became Snake's first friend. The two of them became incredibly close in a short amount of time. That was easy for me to discover as I observed the pages of their tale. Snake was always relaxed around the young pilot, blushing and smiling whenever they conversed. Fox's cynical nature, unique brand of humor and warm heart opened the kitten's soul like a book. Our darling was never afraid to share anything with Fox, and Fox's very life thrived off Snake's voices.
By the way, I'm referring to Snake, and the events surrounding Snake, in the past tense for a reason that burdens my heart. It brings me great pain just thinking of it.
Sadly, my darling's budding friendship with the McCloud was endangered at one point. The other maidens of the Committee feared the loss of a Smasher. The worst set of circumstances had stolen our McCloud and Lombardi away from us, and from Snake. Snake returned to us in low spirits, helpless over his inability to remedy the situation. Luckily, there were those willing to provide him with the attention he needed. And I'm not talking about myself, any of the other gushing mother figures, or doting friends.
As Fox and Falco wrestled against unfathomable forces, several heroes entered the spotlight. One went by the name Red, who happened to be another new member of the Smash cast. Much to my delight (and Bowser's chagrin), he never hesitated to voice his feelings for our Seraph. He stumbled upon Snake in one of Peach's gardens, discovering our slumbering soldier in a bed of white Icyllias, flowers akin to lilies. Catching a perfect opportunity for dazzling snapshots, our young Pokemon Trainer took out his camera and snapped away.
I have seen the pictures. They bring tears to my eyes every time I think of them.
Ah, how my heart aches.
What of the Pidgey, you ask? Well, Red gave a Pidgey to Snake as a gift. To commemorate their first date, he told me with a broad smile. He decided to give our kitten a vigilant Pokemon, a Pokemon that could watch over Snake without fail. A bird-type was the perfect choice! My darling happily accepted the gift and named him 'Hal', after the brother he had left behind.
One morning, I awakened to find Hal with a bandana tied around his neck. Wario and I inquired after the bandana, but to no avail. The only answer Snake gave us was a grunt. We must've upset him, the poor dear. But we had seen Snake with his own bandana during Brawl battles, and no one could explain why he wore his! Oh, phoo.
Red utilized every chance to pursue Snake, but he wasn't alone. Eager, adventurous beings continued to flood the Mushroom Kingdom, and several of them were enchanted by one particular Smasher. Samus was surprisingly giddy over Snake's ever-growing list of suitors, evidently bearing an intense fondness for relationships between men. Zelda, Peach and I were delighted over those that wished to capture our beloved's heart.
And despite current circumstances, we still are.
The public was thrilled with Red's behavior towards Snake, but discovering Snake's other suitors gave them even more thrills-especially when the suitors were all worthy of the Seraph's hand. Bowser and Wario commented on how Snow Villiers could easily knock the living crap out of Pit, who was recognized as the most adorable Smasher. That comment wasn't directed at Snow's strength but at his personality, as he was the sweetest thing on two legs. Neither Bowser or Wario like Pit, but I don't blame them for making that particular remark about Snow. He was quickly enchanted by our Seraph, but made sure he received the approval of everyone around him.
No one hesitated in telling him how stupid he was in wasting his time. I still can't believe he went around and asked all of us if he could pursue Snake! But I do believe Diddy's response to his inquiries took the cake. He had the greatest response of all!
When Snow asked for his permission to go after Snake, Diddy laughed in his face. Then walked off laughing.
Prior to our horrific nightmare, Diddy broke out in laughter every time he saw Snow, or even heard of him.
Snow was as gentle as a snowflake towards Snake, and just as warm as a prince. The two of them were able to spend a total of four days together, and during their time, Snow established a castle of moonlit devotion. I'll bet anything and everything he was torn out of a child's fairy tale. He was so sweet, so kind and loving towards one in dire need of devotion. One moment that sticks out in my mind happened at night, when the moon's smile was higher than the heavens. Snow told Snake his 'hero' would protect him from nightmares, and the poor kitten burst into tears! Poor thing, I do believe it had something to do with the word 'hero', and the awful nightmares that sometimes plagued his mind.
Snow did have a strong habit of using the word 'hero', and for a reason that remains unknown, Snake felt close to that word. Perhaps it had been used for him, but in a poor light. Or perhaps someone had given it to him in a compliment, and he refused to accept it.
Red was aware of Snow, but made no move to deter the Villiers' pursuit. As a matter of fact, the young Pokemon Trainer encouraged it, daring him to prove his worth of the Seraph's hand. Snow happily accepted the challenge, but wasn't the only one to receive Red's dare. Firion, a young falcon from the realm of Salamand, entered the Mushroom Kingdom in pursuit of a legendary soldier. How he caught wind of that particular legend remains unknown, but we like to leave that up to the invincible authors of fairy tales.
Overjoyed at seeing the legend for himself, Firion revealed how he had been inspired by tales of the amazing Solid Snake. He had used tales of bottomless valor and wisdom to fuel his own battles (apparently someone by the name of Cosmos wished to hold her own festival), and by doing so, he had fallen in love with a legend.
Seeing Old Snake in Solid Snake's place didn't change a thing.
Zephyr was unwittingly on Firion's trail, having admired Snake from afar. Born and raised in the desolate wasteland of Basel, he longed for the completion of his soul. It wasn't too long before he caught wind of Snake's deeds, and found his soul entranced by the tales of inexplicable courage. He too expected to see Solid Snake, but Marth took the time to reveal reality to him.
Snake's newest suitor was negatively unphased by the news. As a matter of fact, I think it intensified his feelings.
Sadly, though, our newest friend was unable to spend any time with Snake directly. That put him at an instant disadvantage in the competition for eternal love, but he vowed to never surrender. I sent him after our other Knights (yes, Samus introduced Snow, Falco, Fox and Red as Snake's Knights to the entire kingdom) without giving him any time to connect to my darling flower. There wasn't any time to give, as I had to send our beloved kitten into a deep sleep.
Ah. It hurts to even think of the nearby past. You see, dear friends, our Snake is stricken by a horrid set of ailments-ailments we barely understand, but wish to cure. When he first joined us, his ailments were horrid but tolerable, and controllable. The coughing, exhaustion and aches worsened over time, though, and just a short while ago, pain overwhelmed our poor kitten's body. He tearfully expressed his joy at being reunited with Fox, who had returned from the cloudy oblivion of the Lylat System, then collapsed.
Ah. Ah ah ah. Just thinking of Snow's role in all of this makes my eyes burn. He was right there, squeezing my flower's hand while promising him the world. Giving him the promise of life. As his 'hero', he promised to protect him, to save him, at any cost. The noble dear tried to be calm, but couldn't. Watching him, listening to him, was so just hard. He was right there, holding Snake's hand, not wanting him to cry any more. Snake couldn't stop crying, unaware of his loved ones but perfectly aware of his choice to live. As if he had ignored life, as if he had barely acknowledged life for the first time, he announced his decision to life.
Snow wasn't the only one making things difficult. Red was silent, but his head was bowed-and covered in tears. Hal spoke to his new friend in an urgent matter, only to end up in tears. Pikachu observed Red as he clenched his hands into tight fists, trembling, evidently upset over his inability to help. Firion and Fox couldn't stop comforting Snake, hoping to cleanse most (if not all) of their own distress away. Zephyr wasn't present at that time (thank the Lumas) but I'm sure if he had been, he too would have been a pain in my rear end.
I had to put him to sleep. I just had to. My beloved's pain was so great, it would have stolen his life if I hadn't intervened. I just had to do something.
Lucas said my decision reminded him of 'Sleeping Beauty', a fairy tale his mother told him before she passed. I was a Good Fairy, and instead of allowing the precious princess to fall into death's cruel hands, I put the princess under true love's spell. Covered in a cloak of tears, sadness and hope, I spun the web of a radiant future and draped it over Snake. With Zelda's assistance, and the power of Hyrule's Sages, I blessed our flower with the gift of restoration and the promise of love. If true love blooms from one of his valiant suitors, the bind over his sleeping heart will be broken, and all will be well.
Here is the part that weighs down my soul. If none of his suitors can paint a sky of immortal love, then our precious Snake will sleep on. Forever.
Our stalwart soldiers were set on a path riddled with challenges. I endowed them with the task of rescuing Snake from his weighty past, present and even the future. Our valiant band was cast into a world of Snake's memories, set against the unbreakable chains of fate. So far, they have great pieces of our beloved Snake's past, and have battled against the most fearsome monsters.
Yes, dear children. I cast our valorous band into the hall of eternity. And from that hall they must emerge, with the promise of true love. With the addition of Zephyr, a brave falcon from the barren land of Basel, our intrepid Knights are due to encounter even greater challenges. I have sent a pair of my Lumas after our Knights, in order to record the events that develop around them. I wish to keep the tale of Snake's Knights forever, not only lodged into the chasms of memories, but lodged into archives for all to see. And even as I write this, audiences of the Mushroom Kingdom are witnessing the incredible stance of our friends. Snow, Fox and the others have just emerged from yet another battle, and are resting their weary bodies.
They're all getting along very well, I'm happy to add. Firion, Red and Falco are constantly annoyed by Snow's demeanor, but pushing that aside, the Knights have come together well. They're the best of friends.
Before I allow you to dive into the present, I must share with you the past. I must give you greater insight into the bond our Knights share with Snake. In order to tread into the future, one must uncover the magic of the past. You must learn of how Fox, Snow and the others dedicated their hearts to our sleeping princess.
I am Princess Rosalina, caretaker of the stars and newest member of the Smash Committee.
Welcome to the Brawl season.