Such a beautiful place, the vividly-colored forest. Towering trees with leaves of red, orange and brown, delicate little shards of sunlight filtering through the branches, flickering here and there upon the ground, the air brimming with the calls and whistles of forest beasts… Autumn was Sheik's most favorite season. Presently she was in a forest clearing sitting cross-legged on a flat boulder, eyes closed as she was in an intense meditative state. All was calm and peaceful, just how she loved it; it was nice to be alone like this, just her and nature. The mansion had grown into a very chaotic place since tournaments were always being held. There seemed to be no time for tranquility or serenity so the warrior oftentimes came here because she loved to meditate. It was her own private little haven away from the stress of the Smash world. She didn't always like to fight, rather she preferred to simply relax and enjoy solitude.
But opening one ruby-red eye she looked to her left and promptly jumped out of the way, dodging several water shurikens. Landing on her feet, she beheld the sight of the attacker: Greninja, and he was not at all too happy with her. He shifted into his traditional stance, one webbed hand upon the ground and the other raised in the air, keeping his solemn gaze on the woman. She too was in her own stance, focused.
"Ninja! Grenin," began the frog Pokémon in a grave tone.
"I see… So I was late for our scheduled team battle…again," said the Sheikah warrior calmly, uninterested in the matter. "I can understand your anger but there is no need to start a fight now."
But the Pokémon wasn't going to have any of that and instantly dashed at her and tried to kick her but she sidestepped out of the way. Greninja then performed hand signs, conjuring up multitude illusory copies of himself which then proceeded to imitate his every move. But Sheik, competent and alert, was able to spot the real one and in order to defend herself she unleashed a needle storm at him but he quickly did a somersault jump and dodged. The copies disappearing, Greninja conjured two water swords and tried to slash at her but the warrior swiftly evaded. So much for a relaxing time alone…
"Why must you always insist on fighting? Can't we just settle this with words for once?" she tried to reason with him but was losing patience.
"Greninja! Ninja nin!" he irately retorted, repeatedly slashing at her but she continued to dodge.
"I didn't bring this upon myself! You're just a reckless hothead!"
"Gre-grenin! Ninjaaa ja ja ja ja!" the water/dark-type ridiculed, giving an unruly chortle.
The warrior heavily blushed behind her scarf. "I-I do not look like a mummy! Fine! You want a fight that bad? You got one!" And she withdrew the small blade she kept in a sheath behind her back, unleashing a flurry of strikes at him, which the Pokémon parried and counterattacked. Just then rustling noises came from the thickets and out emerged the Princess of Hyrule accompanied by the Hero of Twilight.
"Here you two are!" began Zelda, going over and pulling them apart. The warrior and Pokémon glared at one another before crossing their arms and turning the other way with a humph. "Have you any idea how worried I've been?"
"I didn't start it, it was the cracked croaker over there!" said Sheik and then, rather hurt, pouted. "Besides, he said I looked like a mummy…"
"Grenin! Greninja grenin…" taunted Greninja, shrugging his shoulders in a nonchalant way.
"Is that so? Well at least I don't spend a whole two hours detangling my tongue! Frog brains!" barked the warrior, glaring at him once more.
"Ninja grenin!" He glared at her back, stamping his foot.
"Insect-breath!"
"Ja! Ninja!"
"Stop it! Don't call each other names!" intervened the princess. "Now look, Greninja; you need to learn to control your temper. Life at the mansion isn't always about picking fights; and Sheik, you know better than to shirk your responsibilities; you must be levelheaded and punctual to your matches."
The ninja and frog Pokémon just glowered in the other direction.
"You know, if you two take the time to get to know each other better you could become, dare I say it, the best of friends," added Link. But the two fighters just looked at him incredulously.
"Me? Friends with him? That's a stupid idea," scoffed Sheik.
"Ja? Greninja nin? Ninja ninja," grumbled Greninja.
"See? You both agree it's a stupid idea! Already making progress," Link grinned sheepishly. But the two ignored him and without another word they vanished, the Sheikah stealthily throwing a deku nut whereas the Pokémon muttered a chant, teleporting away and leaving a substitute doll in his place.
Zelda and Link exchanged worried looks, knowing very well this little spat was not over. No, for it was just getting started. Sheik and Greninja didn't get along at all; they constantly got on each other's nerves, whether it was during breakfast where she poured the last of the Lon Lon Ranch milk into her cereal so he had none for his or when she tried to read in peace but he turned the volume up high on the flat-screen television. Even just passing by one another down the hall they threateningly glared at each other. Despite no one getting involved in their rivalry everyone in the mansion had to deal with their maddening antics.
One afternoon Sheik was stirring a pitcher of cold lemonade, contently humming the Song of Storms, and after pouring it into a couple of glasses she placed them on a tray and commenced walking down the hall to meet up with her friends Peach, Palutena and Samus; but just as she took another step the floor beneath her suddenly shook and slanted in an angle, making her trip and spill the lemonade all over their clothes and faces; Samus was especially annoyed, a vein throbbing in her forehead.
"Oh no! Just look at my dress!" lamented the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom.
"My sweet beautiful scepter short-circuited! This is horrible!" cried the Goddess of Light.
"What in the world was that for?!" the bounty hunter snapped at Sheik.
"It was the floor! It wasn't my fault! I just…just…" she began to explain, but turning around and looking at the floor she realized it was an elaborately-placed mat block. Her eyes narrowed. "Of course…"
And indeed just around the corner, in the shadows, quietly snickered a certain fighter, "Ja ja ja ja ja!" while hanging upside down from the ceiling, vanishing in a puff of smoke.
Later that week it was Thanksgiving and in celebration the fighters were decorating the mansion: Pit hung vibrant streamers all along the large windows with Meta Knight's help, Zelda and Peach were arranging a vast array of flowers, Kirby, Mario and Lucina were cooking all sorts of sumptuous steamy dishes such as sirloin, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, cheese-stuffed ravioli, cranberry pudding and a big golden-brown turkey (King Dedede was relieved it was that and not him, but he hid just in case), and lastly Luigi, Marth and Samus were kneading bread dough.
Meanwhile, Greninja was helping out by blowing up balloons, having a good time. Just as he blew up a green one and proudly held it up in admiration it suddenly popped. Shocked, he looked around but saw no one. So he shrugged it off and blew up another one, a red one, and right when he held it up it popped again.
"Ja!" he exclaimed in surprise, looking around suspiciously. He resumed his task but each balloon just kept popping, one after another. It was really frustrating the Pokémon, all his hard work was being ruined and because he wasn't paying attention he picked up a pink balloon and blew it up, only it wasn't a balloon…it was Jigglypuff! Realizing he had placed his lips to hers Greninja freaked out and let her go, causing her to erratically fly and deflate all over the kitchen.
She smacked the back of Little Mac's head and thinking Captain Falcon punched him he angrily shoved the F-Zero pilot into a table, causing it to wobble and make a bowl of creamed corn fall to the floor which then caused Palutena, who was carrying a plate of superspicy curry, to slide across the kitchen only to collide into a wall, causing the superspicy curry to fly right into Mario's pot of stew and when he tasted it his mouth was set on fire; he screamed in pain and frantically ran about, bumping into Samus just as she was adding yeast into her bowl of bread dough which caused her to spill too much of it.
In a matter of seconds the dough rose to an enormous size and exploded, covering her, the kitchen walls, and almost everyone else in sticky gooey batter. Yoshi gleefully licked her cheek while a completely flat Jigglypuff gracefully landed on her head. The vein in her forehead throbbing more than ever, the woman angrily glanced over at the frog Pokémon, an awkward expression on his face.
"Greninja! This is all your fault!" she yelled at him.
"Grenin? Ninja janin, greninja!" he began to explain, but a brief twinkle on a nearby wall caught his eye. Going over to investigate, he realized there were many needles stuck to it: they're what popped all his balloons! His eyes narrowed. "Gre grenin…"
And without a doubt just behind a wall, in the shadows, mischievously smirked a certain fighter, throwing a deku nut and disappearing in a shroud of smoke.
But that was not the end of the mayhem Sheik and Greninja plagued upon one another. At a tea party with Fox, Mr. Game & Watch and Princess Peach the warrior eagerly reached over for some oatmeal cookies but they transformed into a bunch of mini substitute dolls that continuously multiplied until the entire room was overflowing; submerged in a sea of mini substitute dolls, Sheik was so embarrassed, clenching her hand into a fist. Once Greninja was cheerfully playing with a paddle ball when the ball was suddenly replaced with a burst grenade. Moments later it detonated right in his face, leaving it utterly charred; Ike, Captain Falcon and Ganondorf laughed and pointed at him. He was so humiliated, clenching his hand into a fist. That's it, no more games!
The two rivals confronted one another, gazes locked in a fierce stare-off.
"Ninja ja grenin! Ja ninja!" challenged the frog Pokémon.
"All you ever want to do is fight!" replied the Sheikah. "I've had enough of you!"
"Ja grenin!" he firmly demanded.
"Why should I apologize? You deserved all those tricks," she told him. "An eye for an eye. It's only fair, right?"
"Greninja! Ja ja grenin, ja ninja nin!" he then accused.
"Me? Coward? How dare you! I take tournaments very seriously!" she snapped.
"Greninja janin!"
"I don't have to prove anything to a reckless hothead like you!"
"Ja! Ninja!" was his spiteful comeback and without hesitation he threw several water shurikens at her but she jumped out of the way; he then summoned his water swords and slashed at her. Retaliating, Sheik delivered an onslaught of punches and kicks. In all their ruthless battling almost the entire mansion was turned into a warzone: papers scattered everywhere, vases were knocked over, priceless paintings became drenched in water while innocent sandbags were punctured by needles, and furniture was sliced into pieces.
Hearing the commotion, Link, Zelda and Samus rushed over, all gasping at the sight. Greninja accidently stepped on Charizard's foot, causing the fire/flying-type Pokémon to howl in pain and unleash a mighty flamethrower that barbecued everyone; Sheik inadvertently stepped on Pikachu's tail, causing the yellow mouse to scream and angrily execute a powerful thunderbolt, shocking everyone. Samus's hair was in a horrendous afro now, the vein in her forehead throbbing in the most ultimate level of fury.
"ALL RIGHT, THAT'S IT!" she shouted, seizing the warrior and the frog Pokémon and violently shaking them until they became dizzy and swirly-eyed. "You two have been nothing but trouble! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"
"Relax, Samus! They didn't mean to cause so much mayhem!" Zelda tried to calm her down.
"Yeah! They just want to uphold their respective sense of ninja pride and dignity!" added the Hero of Twilight.
"Link, what a brilliant idea!" the princess said elatedly then turned to regard everyone in the mansion. "Think about it: Sheik and Greninja are both ninjas, each with their own abilities and rich history! So if we just have a competition of sorts they can settle their differences once and for all!"
Everybody agreed to this and cheered. "Absolutely! We can have it at the lake! This will be fun!" beamed Princess Peach.
"It'll go down as the greatest Thanksgiving tradition! Good food and good bloodshed!" roared Bowser.
"We shall see who is the better ninja of the two!" exclaimed Lucario.
"Ooh, ooh! We can have judges! I'll plan all the trials!" declared Wii Fit Trainer. "Ooh! I'll go get my whistle!"
"We'll call it…" Captain Falcon struck a fabulous pose, winking and saluting. "Fun, Danger, Adventure! The Ninja Poké-Sheikah Showdown!"
"What say you two, then? Up for the challenge?" asked Zelda excitedly, looking at the ninjas.
"Sure, I'm game," said Sheik, cracking her knuckles, eyes reflecting the grin under her scarf.
"Greninja nin!" said Greninja, giving a thumbs-up with his long tongue.
The event at the lake was marked by a flashy display of fireworks as all the fighters gathered. There was a long table well-laden with delicious food and drinks, many picnic blankets spread about the ground for everyone to sit and streamers adorning the tree branches.
"Welcome one and all to the first ever Ninja Poké-Sheikah Showdown!" The air was filled with applause as Fox announced over the microphone. "I'm your host, Fox McCloud, and joining me today is Falco Lombardi! We'll be commentating on all the action today so we hope you all enjoy!"
"That's right, folks! So sit back, grab a snack, and let's get this show on the road!" announced Falco as more applause erupted.
Wii Fit Trainer blew her whistle and held up a white sign with Japanese text on it. "First trial: Pesky Projectiles! Ready? Go!"
Concentrating, Sheik prepared her needle storm and stored them, jumping up in the air with a spin as she then threw them in many directions, one needle impaling each falling leaf that swayed in the wind into several tree trunks. Afterward she stored more and threw them at a focused angle, piercing through blades of grass to etch a large Sheikah symbol upon the ground. Astounded, the crowd went ooh.
Gesturing with several hand signs, Greninja tossed several water shurikens at high speed at a tree, cutting off all the branches. Then he charged a bigger one and tossed it, removing all the tree's bark. Lastly he charged the largest water shuriken of them all and tossed it, carving the entire tree into a giant Poké Flute totem pole. Amazed, the crowd went aah.
"Wait, wait!" suddenly began Palutena as she rose. "But how effective are these projectiles? We can't just determine that based on those presentations! This will be much more credible if we had a live target! That is why I nominate Pit!"
"Ah yeah, that's what I'm talking about! Much more credible if…huh? Wait, WHAT?! A live target?! Me? H-h-hang on a sec…!" stammered the angel but it was too late: he was chucked right into the fray by Palutena herself and was first attacked by a large, powerful water shuriken then lastly caught in a barrage of extra-sharp needles, screaming and running in pain. The crowd was totally impressed, applauding.
"Amazing! Sheik's needle storm doesn't cause that much damage but it's very effective!" said Falco.
"Yeah, I get the 'point', all right…" grumbled Pit as he pulled a needle from his wing.
Wii Fit Trainer blew on her whistle, motioning over to the table of three judges. "What's the final score?"
Zelda cleared her throat. "Well, as we observed from Greninja's projectiles, they can be either quickly tossed one after another without being charged or they can be fully charged, resulting in a much stronger, bigger water shuriken that causes severe flinching. Why, at high percentages of damage it can even kill! It may not be as fast as the little ones but it's reliable as a solid move. My point goes to Greninja!"
The frog Pokémon took a gracious bow.
Then it was Link's turn to speak. "But the projectiles can't be stored, unlike Sheik's needle storm. One to two needles can be thrown but the advantage comes from being able to accumulate and save up to a maximum of six needles which can be saved for a later point during a match. They can be thrown either in a straight line or at an angle; the needles don't cause a lot of flinching but they can be very difficult to dodge because they're so lightning-quick. I give my point to Sheik!"
The warrior calmly placed a hand to her hip.
The last judge, the Duck Hunt dog, simply scribbled on a paper a moment and, doing his infamous laugh, raised it up to show a crudely-drawn Sheikah symbol.
Wii Fit Trainer blew her whistle. "Winner: Sheik!" Everyone applauded as Diddy Kong, using his long tail, drew one tally point under her name with a piece of chalk. Gawking in disbelief, Greninja huffed and crossed his arms while Sheik mockingly waved at him.
Wii Fit Trainer blew her whistle again and held up another white sign with different Japanese text on it. "Second trial: Confounding Tactics! Ready? Go!"
With Pit still the live target under the divine yet playfully sadistic behest of Lady Palutena, the warrior flung a burst grenade at him which immediately detonated.
"AAAAGRRGHH!" The angel hysterically screamed as he crashed down to the ground. A second burst grenade bounced over to him but this one took a little longer to detonate; the explosion made Pit soar and crash painfully into a nearby tree. Shortly after a third burst grenade rolled to him and he braced himself. But there was no explosion. Chuckling in relief, he picked it up only for it to blow up in his face.
"Ooooh!" Fox grimaced in pain and grinned. "That's going to leave a mark!"
"Jaja greninja! Ninja nin!" protested Greninja as he pointed at the honey-haired woman.
"What do you mean that's cheating? I'm allowed to use as many burst grenades as I please!" she justified.
Wii Fit Trainer blew her whistle two times. "No penalty for excessive brutality! Greninja, your turn!"
But the water/dark-type moved not a single muscle as he stood there in his traditional stance. Unaware of what he was up to, Pit nervously gulped; he became petrified as a sudden black shadow creepily traveled across the ground toward him. He, along with the audience, anxiously watched it and before anyone could even blink the frog Pokémon vanished and instantly reappeared right before him, swiftly kicking him.
"GYAAAAAARHH!" Pit was launched skyward before he crashed into the lake. There were no bubbles. The audience erupted into wild loud applause, all except Palutena who stood up in terror.
"My poor little Pitty-Poo! Who shall be our live target now?" she cried.
Lucario went over and hauled the angel out of the water, using his aura to look for a pulse. Turning to the other fighters, he gave them an A-OK sign and said, "He is still alive!"
"Oh! Well then, never mind!" Palutena beamed gleefully.
The Sheikah warrior stormed over to the frog Pokémon. "What in the name of the Golden Goddesses was that?! You almost killed him!"
"Ja? Greninja grenin ninja ja ja ja!" he scratched the back of his head and laughed.
"You don't know your own strength? That was overkill and you know it!" she snapped at him.
Blowing her whistle, the fitness trainer motioned over to the judge table. "What's the final score?"
"I have to say, I was very impressed by the strategy behind Sheik's burst grenades," began Zelda. "Each one can detonate at a different time depending on how long she refrains from pulling the chain. Though it can be a rather predicable, tricky maneuver, burst grenades are a good way to keep one's distance from an opponent. Not only that, but they pack quite a nasty punch! I grant my point to Sheik!"
"That's all fine and dandy, but they leave her wide open to attack," commented Link. "On the other hand, Greninja's Shadow Sneak can be more effectively controlled in terms of distance and duration, even if a limit exists within those two aspects. The traveling shadow itself is easy to spot but it's difficult to tell when he will even execute the attack, making it a pretty cunning technique. Besides, did you see the way he zoomed? It looked so crazy awesome! Point: Greninja!"
And just like he did before the Duck Hunt dog scribbled on a paper and when he held it over his head it depicted a square-shaped Pokéball.
The fitness trainer blew her whistle. "Winner: Greninja!" As the crowd applauded and cheered Diddy Kong drew one tally point under the Pokémon's name. Meanwhile, the Sheikah warrior crossed her arms, wearing a resentful expression as a long pink frog tongue teasingly wobbled next to her.
The whistle was blown. "Half-time! Everybody exercise! Ready? Go!"
"What?! No one said anything about exercise! This is an outrage!" exclaimed Ganondorf. "I came to see some carnage!"
"Yeah! Who cares about doing some dumb sissy exercising? Poor diet and health issues all the way!" snarled Bowser.
"Right on, Brother!" grinned the King of Evil and he and the King of the Koopas fist bumped. A giant sinister shadow suddenly loomed over them. It was Wii Fit Trainer, fire burning in her eyes.
"Come on, boys… LET'S FEEL THE BURN!" her voice turned very demonic. Frightened out of their minds, the two of them (along with everybody else in the audience, the judges and the commentators in order to avoid her wrath) frantically exercised; they all did jumping jacks, excruciating yoga poses, leg stretches, jogged in place, and squats until they were flushed, panting and sweating.
"That's it! Keep it up! Remember, your lower body is key for support!" instructed the trainer. "You've all been sitting a long time so exercise is crucial! Little Mac, what did I say about tucking in those gluts?! I want you all to do as I do! Stretch those shoulders, firm up those abs. You're wobbling, Zelda; try to keep your balance. Work hard to tone that tummy, King Dedede!"
As everyone groaned, Sonic was maniacally running laps around the lake while Samus was doing a fierce set of squats. "Oh yeah! I can feel my buns getting tighter already!" she said.
Meanwhile, Sheik and Greninja were doing push-ups, her using a single finger and him using his tongue.
"I must admit," the warrior began, looking at him. "You have exceptional fighting abilities."
"Ninja grenin janin ja, greninja grenin," he told her with sincerity.
"Yes, let's give it our all, but you better not be a sore loser," she couldn't help but smirk.
"Grenin ninja!" he taunted right back.
The whistle was promptly blown, signaling it was time to resume the Ninja Poké-Sheikah Showdown. The next Japanese sign was held up in the air. "Third trial: Recovery Techniques! Ready? Go!"
"Ja ninja!" exclaimed Greninja as he performed his Hydro Pump but because of a miscalculation he misfired and rocketed out of control, splashing water all over the audience of fighters. "Jajajajajajajaja!" he yelled in a panic as he, in the style of pinball, ricocheted from tree to tree until ultimately crashing into the Thanksgiving table, causing a bowl of egg salad to fly into the air and land on his head.
"Looks like the 'yolks' on him!" Fox guffawed, slapping his lap. Losing his temper, Greninja tossed a big rock straight at the Star Fox leader's face, knocking him off the chair which caused Falco to laugh at his fellow commentator. Then from the table the frog Pokémon executed a perfectly-directed Hydro Pump and elegantly landed on his feet, earning him applause.
"Sweet!" cheered Peach.
"Excellent form!" yelled Shulk.
"My sweet beautiful scepter short-circuited again! Oh woe is me!" sobbed Palutena.
When it was Sheik's turn she quickly threw a deku nut at the ground and disappeared in the shroud of smoke but when she reappeared she found herself tangled within the streamers of a tree. "What the…?" She began to thrash about but suddenly Ness, Villager and Pac-Man rushed over wielding sticks.
"Cool! I didn't know there was going to be a piñata! Give us candy, give us candy!" said the PSI kid before he and his friends commenced viciously pummeling her with the sticks.
"Ouch! H-hey! Stop that! Ow, ouch, ooh! Quit it! I am not a piñata!" she angrily cried while struggling. Managing to take out another deku nut the warrior threw it and vanished, the blast launching Ness, Villager and Pac-Man away. Reappearing in front of the lake, she received applause for the stylish entry.
Wii Fit Trainer blew the whistle, prompting the judges to state their evaluations.
"You know, if you wrap Sheik any more than what she already is she really does look like a piñata! Someone hand me a stick!" laughed Zelda. "She gets my point!"
"Hmm…I wonder how an omelet with frog legs tastes…" Link thought to himself out loud, but then he remembered he had a decision to make. "Oh right! Greninja legs gets my point."
Both Sheik and Greninja were wide-eyed and sweat-dropping from the rather disturbing comments.
The Duck Hunt dog was drooling as he held up the picture of the square-shaped Pokéball.
The whistle was blown. "Winner: Greninja!"
"Wait a second, what kind of a lousy score was that?!" yelled Samus, shaking her fist in the air.
"We demand satisfaction! Recount!" exclaimed Meta Knight.
"Recount! Recount! Recount!" chanted the upset crowd but Wii Fit Trainer menacingly loomed over them.
"NO RECOUNTS!" she demonically roared.
"O-O-O-OK!" simultaneously whimpered everyone in the crowd, trembling in fear, but no one trembled in fear more than Ganondorf and Bowser. The fitness trainer then raised the next white Japanese sign and blew the whistle.
"Fourth trial: Deceptive Defense! Ready? Go!"
Getting into position, Greninja beckoned Pit to approach him and attack. Upon the angel doing so, albeit reluctantly, the frog Pokémon vanished suddenly, leaving a wooden log in his place; then just like that he teleported back and kicked Pit out of the way. Confident, Greninja beckoned other fighters to come and attack, so big thugs like Ganondorf, Wario, King Dedede and Donkey Kong took the bait and one by one they were all launched as he continued to perform Substitute.
"Would you look at that, folks? Man, can that frog move like a blur!" said Falco.
"You got that right, Falco! I can barely keep up with his movements!" added Fox.
The audience, however, booed at the performance.
"Laaaaaame!" Bowser Jr. hollered. "We've seen counters only about a thousand times!"
"Yeah! That attack's nothing special! I mean, come on! Like, a bunch of fighters have a counter!" argued Captain Falcon. "Watch this!" And just as he said that he punched Ike but the Radiant Hero reflexively did a counter which launched the F-Zero pilot straight into Shulk who then did his counter, launching him to Lucina who then did her counter, then Little Mac, then Marth, Lucario, Palutena, and lastly Peach.
"This is fun!" the Mushroom Princess beamed.
Beat up and missing some teeth, Captain Falcon crashed into the ground before the judges and managed a groggy, "S-s-seeee…?"
"Huh. Well, so much for originality," Link shrugged.
"Tsk, tsk, such a shame," disapproved Zelda. "Sorry, Greninja, but it appears you just got…served."
"GRENINJA NIN GRENIN?!" cried Greninja in utter devastation. Heartbroken, he crouched down and traced circles on the dirt with a single finger, a dark rain cloud pouring over him.
Sheik couldn't help but feel bad for him. "Don't you guys think that was a little uncalled for?" she turned to address the judges.
"Hey, we're just telling it like it is," said Link bluntly.
Wii Fit Trainer blew her whistle two times. "No unauthorized assessments! Sheik, your turn!"
"I still think that was unfair…" muttered the warrior under her breath as she shifted into position, aiming at Pit while he rubbed his aching black eye. She then dashed at him, jumped in the air and executed her Bouncing Fish. He screamed and scrambled out of the way, making her attack connect with Mario who was at the table getting lasagna instead.
"Mamma mia! Watch-a where you a-going!" he shouted as she rebounded off him and flew back only to strike Olimar, then rebounding again she hit Yoshi and she rebounded everywhere until she was suddenly going back and forth between two stones that she continuously kept hitting.
"Someone help! I can't stop the technique! I'm stuck!" she desperately called out.
"Hahaha! Now you can't get me!" teased Pit as he began to proudly walk away. One of the stones turned out to be just Kirby in a stone transformation so the little pink puffball changed back, allowing Sheik to flip into the air and land her attack straight into the angel. Swirly-eyed, he waved a white flag in defeat.
The crowd cheered and applauded. "Now that's a-more like it! Fantastic maneuver!" praised Luigi.
After the whistle was blown, Link, Zelda and the Duck Hunt dog gave all their points to Sheik: a perfect score! Still sulking, Greninja looked up when he heard footsteps approaching. His fellow competitor held out a hand to him, so he accepted it as she helped him get up on his feet.
"Janin ja," he thanked the Sheikah warrior.
"No problem," she said, and though he couldn't see it he heard the smile in her voice. "Now come on; we are still in the middle of a showdown, remember?"
The frog Pokémon nodded, feeling a little better now. The whistle was given a long blow, signaling it was time for a free-for-all where points would be awarded based on natural abilities and exhibitions. It was an amusing display of antics that all the fighters enjoyed. The two ninjas competed to see who could cling to a brick wall the longest but in the end Greninja won; they performed acrobatic skills such as leaping from tree to tree and aerial kicks, Sheik winning because she was much faster and more agile.
Later the two ninjas took turns performing their unique taunts; it was a marvelous sight! Standing on one hand while two blue fairies charmingly fluttered around her, Sheik steadily lowered and raised her body, staying in place, then Greninja summoned a spray of water into each of his open palms, Pikachu joyfully balancing on top of one spray while grumpy, pouting Little Mac balanced on top of the other. This show of dazzling taunts earned the two ninjas each one point.
The Ninja Poké-Sheikah Showdown was a grand spectacular. Even though they were trying to outdo each other, Sheik and Greninja were really impressed by one another's style and feats. Not only that but they were having a lot of fun too. It was something Link and Zelda noticed and were happy to see, exchanging looks of approval. Doing several hand signs, the water/dark-type formed a large whirlpool, then released it into the sky where it exploded, the droplets sparkling and a rainbow appearing.
"Wonderful!" breathed Rosalina as Luma went to merrily dance around the frog Pokémon.
"Gre! Ninja nin!" he said, giving the star creature a warm hug and playing with it. Unbeknownst to him, Sheik was admiring how kind and gentle he was, something she thought he wasn't capable of being. Deep down she was moved.
Using two burst grenades tied to chains, the warrior cleverly spun and twirled them around like yo-yos in various directions. The audience was in awe but suddenly one of the burst grenades flew off, rolling along a tree branch before falling into the punch bowl just as Lucina and Charizard were filling up their cups. In mere seconds the burst grenade detonated, splashing juice all over them.
Witnessing this, Sheik went into a fit of uninhibited laughter, holding her sides. Upon hearing her Greninja watched her and smiled to himself. She looked like she was having a really good time and that made him happy.
The sun was beginning to set behind the far-off mountains, the lake's surface glimmering in the light. Wii Fit Trainer blew the whistle, holding up the last Japanese sign. "Fifth and final trial: Ultimate Death Gambit! Ready? Go!"
"ULTIMATE DEATH GAMBIT?! Nuh-uh! No way! Count me out!" cried Pit as he angrily stamped his foot. "You guys can just go ahead and find yourselves a new live target 'cause I quit!" Giving a loud and furious humph he stormed away to go sit with Ganondorf, Wario, King Dedede and Donkey Kong, all of them beaten and bruised.
"What a tragedy!" sighed the Goddess of Light. "Wherever shall we get another live target?"
Everyone in the audience intently, calculatingly looked at her. Palutena noticed all eyes were on her and gulped. Promptly chucked right into the fray by the crowd, she had no time to react as Sheik and Greninja prepared their final smashes. Taking out her magical bow, the warrior was enveloped in a mystical bright light and drawing the arrow all the way back she fired it and it struck true, launching Palutena away.
"Oh my!" she cried.
Crashing hard into the ground, a mat block was swiftly placed beneath her. Greninja then slammed his foot on it and made her soar high into the air where his and her silhouettes were against a giant full moon that appeared out of nowhere. He slashed at her over and over with his water sword, finishing it off by smacking her down to the ground.
"Oh dear!" she squealed.
Lastly, the two ninjas combined their powers and unleashed an incredibly strong simultaneous kick which launched the battered and tattered Goddess of Light sky high.
"OH NOOOOOOOOO!" she screamed as she was star KO'd.
The audience went into an uproar of thrilled cheers and roars.
"Wow! That was a phenomenal display of skill! Amazing aim, insane damage and overall awesomeness!" exclaimed Fox over the microphone.
"And don't forget: from those attacks we saw nothing but true potential!" added Falco. "Folks, what you just had the honor of witnessing was the fierce combination of speed and power! Simply extraordinary!"
"I couldn't agree with you more, Falco! Best. Day. Ever!" grinned Fox.
Wii Fit Trainer gave her whistle one last long blow, motioning over to the judges. "Who is victor of the showdown?"
The Princess of Hyrule rose. "First of all, before I give my score, I just want to say that, Sheik and Greninja," she smiled at them both, "you two should be proud of your individual and mutual prowess. As I look upon you both standing there now, side by side, I don't see enemies, but I see true partners! I only hope that you two feel the same as I."
The Sheikah warrior, expression soft with appreciation, looked at Greninja. "He's not so bad."
The water/dark-type looked at her as well, giving her a respectable bow. "Grenin greninja ninja."
"Now then," Zelda continued, "I was left absolutely enraptured by the style of the Secret Ninja Attack. It is most effective when up close to foes and can capture many of them in one go; not only is it very powerful but the way the moonlight shines is a sight of utter enchantment. Therefore, I grant my point to Greninja."
The Hero of Twilight rose. "You know what I think? It doesn't matter who wins this competition; what's important is that everyone today got to see what you two are made of: Power! Wisdom! Courage! That's right! These forces aren't just exclusive to Ganondorf, Zelda and me, not at all! We all have them in body, mind, and spirit. Let this day inspire all us fighters to always do our best! Sheik, Greninja…you guys rock!" He gave the ninjas a big grin and two thumbs-up.
"But wait! Don't Zelda and Sheik share the same final smash?" Ike asked.
"That may be true but there are some differences between the two versions," explained Link. "You see, both versions pierce through shields and can catch a bunch of foes in one shot, but Zelda's Light Arrow makes them fly at an angle, about 45 degrees, and is overall slightly weaker. Sheik's Light Arrow, on the other hand, makes them fly parallel to the shot and is a little bit stronger. To be honest, I prefer hers since it always seems deadliest fired by her. That's how she pulverized me that one tournament a few days ago, haha! So, no doubt my point goes to Sheik."
Bawling and howling, the Duck Hunt dog held up both pictures. All the audience gasped and Diddy Kong didn't know where to draw the tally point, scratching his head in confusion.
"Would you look at that? Looks like we have a tie!" announced Fox.
"Then who wins? What a rip off!" Bowser Jr. barked.
"The answer is so obvious! We all know who's the best ninja! It's Sheik!" said Captain Falcon.
"Are you crazy? I say it's Greninja!" argued Shulk.
"Imprudent fools! Sheik is much more superior!" said Meta Knight.
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong furiously screeched at one another. Yoshi and Pikachu quarreled.
"Greninja's the best ninja! See? He has 'ninja' right there in his name! I rest my case!" said Sonic.
"Sheik!" Asserted one side of the crowd.
"Greninja!" Asserted the other side and all of a sudden a giant brawl broke out between them, fists and Yoshi eggs and fire balls and kicks and sword strikes flying everywhere. Link and Zelda rushed over to try and stop the commotion.
"Guys, guys! Take it easy! There's no need to argue about this!" he frantically waved his arms around.
"Indeed! Why, they can both be winners!" suggested Zelda with a big optimistic smile. But she and Link both screamed when they were pulled into the scrap by the other fighters. Fired up, Falco punched Fox and vice versa, angrily beating each other up as they rolled across the ground and right into the scuffle. The Duck Hunt dog scampered over and, doing his infamous laugh, jumped right it and began to fight.
Watching the chaos from a distance, Sheik and Greninja sweat-dropped for a brief moment before calmly looking at each other.
"You want to go get some blackberry pie?" she proposed.
"Ja," the Pokémon nodded. So the two commenced strolling through the forest together on their way back to the mansion, the rowdy din of screams and shouts from the scuffle filling the air.
A few days later Greninja was in the mansion gardens doing some intense training, cutting and slashing at the air with his two water swords. It was a lovely place with a clear pure pond, tall bamboo and an ancient bell shrine, delicate showers of autumn leaves drifting along the breeze. This was just how he liked to be: concentrated, one with his surroundings, honing both his mind and skills.
Sheik was just passing by, enjoying the splendors around her as she was on her way to her customary spot of meditation out in the forest clearing, when she noticed him approaching in the same direction.
"Done with your training, I see," the woman genially began, stopping to greet him. "Have you been well?"
The frog Pokémon nodded. "Nin grenin. Ja ninja gre greninja," he told her.
Cocking her eyebrows, she was surprised and at the same time fascinated to hear this.
"You…you are going to go meditate as well?" All this time she thought he knew nothing but fighting, that it was all he lived for…but realizing she was wrong about him made her really glad; presently she smiled behind her scarf. "May I please join you? It would be nice to try a new way of meditating."
Greninja smiled at her and nodded; he would be pleased to teach her. "Nin nin grenin."
Deep in another part of the forest, the two ninjas sat cross-legged and eyes closed underneath a large waterfall, meditating for a long peaceful time; Sheik found she really liked this new way of meditating. It was also nice being together with Greninja, realizing they were not so different from one another after all. In fact, the more time they spent together, the more they got to know each other better. One day as Sheik, hair up in a lovely bun and not wearing her scarf, was preparing tea, the water/dark-type came over and rather shyly revealed to her a tray of oatmeal cookies from behind his back. It was the first time he saw her without the scarf on and realized not only was she an excellent fighter but she was also very pretty; he especially liked her strong crimson eyes, something which he had never noticed before, blushing a little.
Touched by the warm gesture, she invited him to have tea with her. And so he accepted, the two sitting on their knees in front of a low wooden table; they ate oatmeal cookies and tranquilly sipped from their cups, smiling at one another afterward. Greninja found he absolutely loved tea and was happy to have tried it, thanking her. They even learned that they both shared a love for music, one spring afternoon resting together atop a thick green tree as she played her lyre while he whistled through an oval-shaped blade of grass.
And whenever a team battle tournament took place they gave it their all as they worked together, helping, protecting, and supporting one another. Taking on any challenge with utmost skill and strategy, there was nothing they couldn't do; claiming each and every victory, they would exultantly high-five one another.
Sheik and Greninja had become such good friends that it was as if their rivalry had never existed.