Chapter 3: Rapid Growth

It was a new day. Palutena stretched her arms and legs. She clambered out of bed and peered out of the bedroom window. Wario Food King still stood over yonder, looming menacingly. Palutena smiled. She wasn't worried anymore. Her friends had given her a boost to tackle this challenge, and she was going to see that their efforts were not in vain. She headed for the bedroom door into the kitchen/living room. She turned to her left and moved to the table nestled in the corner, picking up an apple from the fruit bowl before making her way downstairs. She flicked the light switch by the staircase and the front of the establishment whirred into life; the lights outside glowing brightly against the morning sun. She then unlocked the doors, ready for business. It was at this point she once again remembered all the changes that had been made to the restaurant the previous day. She moved off the left past the staircase leading up to the small corridor that led round to the back section. It already looked warm and inviting, being bathed in morning sunshine and all the wooden furniture looked so fresh and unblemished. She then looked over the fireplace on the left, which would be so warm at night, then up to the TV resting on a stand in the corner to the right. She then promptly moved to the double doors that had been added to the left of the fireplace and opened them for any visitors. This side didn't have a flashy neon sign or statues, but it did still have a stand with their menu displayed and a small rug. Palutena heard footsteps. She made her way back the front to see Link coming down the stairs, equipped with a fishing rod and basket. Palutena smiled. "Is that you off now, is it?" Link nodded. "Well you're certainly up early for it, it's only 6:30. Don't spend all day out there; I'm sure we'll need you again later." Link smiled. He headed for the doors, stopped to see Palutena in the corner of his eye, nodded slightly and then left. Lucina appeared at the bottom of the steps, clipboard in hand.
"Right, Link's gone fishing. Great. Samus and Zelda haven't arrived yet, Peach and Pit are still upstairs..."
"Lucina, what are you doing up this early?"
"I could ask you the same question."
"I wanted to be prepared and ready to start anew with the improvements made."
"Doesn't mean you have to get up earlier than usual. You don't normally get up 'till seven, even then the only visitor is Wii Fit Trainer out jogging. Nobody else usually appears 'till eight or half past eight."
"Well go back to bed for an hour or so then."
"No. You should, you're the one who's been doing all the stressing recently."
"And you're the one doing all the hard work; I'm not going anywhere."
"Fine, you can help me discuss further renovations, marketing strategies, menu ideas and the like." At that point, Brewster entered through the doors.
"Good morning."
"Ah hello, Brewster!" said Lucina. "Do you need me to run through everything you'll need to be doing again?"
"No thanks, I'm fine."
"Very well. It should be relatively quiet until seven when Wii Fit Trainer arrives and then it should be restful for another hour or so."
"Good, coo, I like it quiet." Lucina and Palutena made their way back up the stairs as Brewster moved behind the counter. Peach and Pit were on the couch in the living room when Lucina and Palutena arrived.
"Good morning, Lady Palutena!" said Pit cheerfully. Peach waved.
"Wish to join the discussion?" asked Lucina. They nodded.
"Where do we start?" asked Pit.
"Now that's we've expanded, we need to attract people. So how are going to do that?" asked Lucina. Peach tried to answer when she was interrupted by the TV.
"The current line up is Kelp Dome!"
"One of these days, they'll grow chip trees here!"
"The other stage is Arowana Mall!"
"We did a signing here not too long ago, watch out for the next one!" Peach pointed.
"That'll do! We can put fliers and posters up in Arowana mall! People go there all the time!"
"Great!" replied Lucina, "we'll need to get a poster designed and printed" she continued, taking notes. Pit rubbed his chin in thought.
"In terms of expansion, what should we do next?" asked Palutena.
"How about a balcony or patio area outside with tables with umbrellas for enjoying the summer weather?" suggested Peach.
"I love it!" cried Palutena. She was getting excited now.
"As another food special" interjected Pit, "we can have Muffin Monday and Fry Up Fridays!"
"Good" said Lucina scribbling things, "we have some specials on some days to increase business at peak times." The group smiled, glad that ideas were flowing and that they had a goal to work towards. Lucina stood up. "OK, let's get onto those then. I'll go see Tom Nook about further development."
"I'll take care of designing posters and fliers!" said Peach. She headed for the stairs. Lucina smiled.
"Wait for me!" She followed. Palutena got up and smiled.
"Well everything certainly seems under control. We're lucky to have Lucina working so diligently" she said. Pit nodded. "Now she's right, I am quite tired. I'm going to take just a short half an hour nap. Pit, come and wake me after that, OK?"
"Sure thing, Lady Palutena." Palutena made her way to the bedroom. Once she was inside and the door was closed, Pit leapt over the couch and made his way to the kitchen where he grabbed some crisps. He then moved to the right of the kitchen to the last corner of the room where the PC rested. He had an idea of his own to get business. He just hoped it worked.

Link arrived at the river. The air was crisp and clear. The water was fresh and untainted. Link listened to the gentle trickling sound as the water travelled downstream. There were several trees along the river, blocking the brightest of the sun out; but still allowing some light to pierce through the canopy created. Link looked around for a good spot. He saw someone else in the distance, someone who'd nabbed a spot on a flat rock under a few trees that was nicely sheltered and close to the water's edge: perfect. Link made his way across. There was a Villager fishing there, a small radio beside him playing K.K. Stroll. Link quietly sat down next to him, setting his basket to the side. Villager glanced at him briefly before returning to his fishing. Link smiled and stretched. He then cast his line into the water as well. He looked up to the clouds above that were slowly gliding across the sky. It was a beautiful, peaceful morning.

Peach and Zelda entered the restaurant at around seven. Brewster was serving WFT her daily smoothie. Lucina was to the side of him, on the phone. Peach waved at her. She smiled as she listened, and then wrote something down on her clipboard. Wii Fit Trainer thanked Brewster and then greeted Peach and Zelda. "Good morning" she said.
"Morning" replied Zelda, "how are you?"
"I'm fine. Just stopping before going on my way again. This place already seems better than before." Peach nodded.
"Well hopefully it'll be even better soon!" she held up the posters that she and Zelda had made, they were just rough drafts but they were a start.
"Wow, you guys are going all out" she said. Zelda smiled.
"We had to help Palutena in some fashion. This is just the beginning."
"So when are these posters going up?" asked WFT.
"Oh I'm sure it'll be some time. They aren't presentable yet" replied Peach dismissively.
"I don't know, they already look pretty good to me. You could hang these and then work on the newer ones; might as well have something up."
"I guess, I'll need to make my way to Arowana Mall then."
"Arowana Mall? That's where I'm heading anyway" interjected WFT, "do you want me to hang them up?" Peach looked at Zelda.
"Um, well, if you wouldn't mind" she said.
"That would be most helpful, thank you Wii Fit Trainer" said Zelda. WFT took the posters and leaflets from Peach.
"I'll make sure these get put up in good spots where many will see them." Wii Fit Trainer made her way to the doors.
"Thank you" said Peach. WFT smiled and put her thumb up.
"No problem." She smiled as she was leaving; she knew exactly what her next course of action was…

Link laughed. Villager was kneeling down by the water's edge with his rod and net in hand trying to scoop up this fish that kept somehow eluding his grasp. Link looked over to the basket of fish he had, which was near overflowing. There was quite an abundance of fish today, it would seem. Villager finally scooped up the fish in his net and pocketed it. Link's eyebrows rose. He wasn't entirely sure why he'd just put a live, wet fish in his pocket but he wasn't about to ask. Their eyes then settled on a little food basket villager had taken from his pockets; which was filled with various fruits and sweets. Villager licked his lips. Link smiled again, he was starting to get peckish.

The clock struck eleven. The restaurant was filling up, even if just a little. Lucina called to Peach. "Peach! We should probably start whipping different foods for lunch."
"OK!" came the response. She made her way from the kitchen to the main area at the front where Kirby was devouring a cake from atop the slide… again. Samus was standing beside him. She didn't see any point in leaving when she'd just be taking the plate in a few seconds anyway. Ness, Ninten and Lucas were all laughing and joking at a table with some milkshakes. Alph, Brittany and Charlie were all discussing their next adventure at the bar, Brewster listening as they regaled him with the tale of how they met Olimar. Tom Nook entered the restaurant, followed by Timmy and Tommy. At this point, Pit danced down the stairs.
"Hi" he said to the Tanookis.
"Good morning, hm. Lucina called for us, yes?"
"Uh yes, I believe so." Zelda approached.
"Hello, if you're looking for Lucina; she's round the back."
"Thanks much, hm." The trio made its way to other side of the restaurant. Zelda walked over to Pit. "Where have you been?"
"Researching" was all Pit said.
"Researching what? Where's Palutena?"
"Lady Palutena is still sleeping soundly, so I figured that if she's that tired from getting up every day at around 6:45 and not going to bed close to midnight, she could do with the rest." Zelda nodded.
"Fine, but if she sleeps much longer; she'll never sleep tonight so I'll go up shortly." Pit smiled.
"Alright. Catch ya later!" He headed for the door.
"Wait! Where are you going?" she asked. Pit turned and waved a slip in his hand.
"I'll be back. I said I was researching, right? Marketing takes on many forms; I'm going to secure us one of the most common." He turned and ran out the door. Zelda watched him go.
"OK, Pit, let's see what you have in store."

Lucina gestured for Tom Nook and co to take a seat. "Right then" began Nook, "what do you want done now, hm? I can see the glint in your eye, yes yes. And the reason you've called again so quickly… no need to say, hm. You want to further expand your renovations, yes?"
"Yes. We would like to add a few more things."
"Oh ho, do tell, yes. I'm listening to every word; do tell me what you'd like, hm?" Lucina stood up and ushered them to the door by the fireplace. She stepped out into the sunlight.
"What we were thinking was create a patio here so we can have people sitting outside in the evening at tables with umbrellas and drinks and the like."
"Ah, yes yes, I see. So we could pave this area and have a small wall around the periphery to show the edge of the area, make it nice and cosy, hm?"
"I like the sound of that. We were also thinking that would mean we should upscale this entrance" she said, pointing to the door, rug and signpost."
"I'm sure that could be arranged. We shall strive to have this done by tomorrow. Thanks much, hm." Lucina smiled.

Pit finally arrived at Arowana Mall. He checked his slip. It was today. The place was bustling with Inklings, Animal Crossing Villagers, Waddle Dees and Doos, Chao and Toads. He caught sight of someone; it was Wii Fit Trainer. He waved to her, and she made her way across.
"Hi, Pit, what are you doing here?" Pit flashed his slip. "Oh I see. I've been here all morning doing shopping and the like, and I've heard growing clamour about Palutena's Muffin Factory since I started putting up those posters. Not to mention how its renovation has sparked interest, and the new meal deals, including this evening's Sushi Sunday."
"That's good to hear. Wanna wait here with me to see them?" asked Pit.
"Sorry, I've got to get back to the gym for this afternoon's session. You might be here a while." Pit examined the very loooooong queue before him. He sighed.
"Guess that means I'm here for a few hours then…"

The day dragged on and evening was fast approaching. Link and Villager entered the restaurant with baskets filled with fish. Peach marvelled at the sheer quantity. Link and Villager made their way to the kitchen with Peach. It was Sushi Sunday and they were just starting to get low on bought fish, now they had freshly caught supplies. The place was booming. Combine Sushi with salt and/or peppered chips, with various choices for fruit and veg or an alternative plate of chicken/steak/pork/beef and you have yourself a good variety of food and customers to match. The place was packed with various Animal Crossing Villagers and Miis. Wii Fit Trainer had arrived and brought her whole fitness squad from the gym, including the local police force, as a treat for their hard work. Wii Fit Trainer had reserved the majority of the back section for her party. This was sure to get more people talking about the restaurant. Around the front, Shulk and Fiora were enjoying a night out together, dining in the left corner. Mario and Luigi were enjoying their evening muffins and sushi. Olimar was at the bar enjoying a smoothie; Robin was sitting next to him with a cup of tea, engrossed in a book about tactics. There were several Toads and Waddle Dees at different tables, with Kirby and Bandana Dee enjoying a meal of sushi with cake for dessert at one close to the play area. Samus and Zelda covered the front while Lucina and Palutena had the back. Palutena was ecstatic and brimming with energy. Her restaurant had never been booming with as much business. She headed to the kitchen where Peach was baking another batch of cakes, and Link was making sushi. Villager was preparing different fruits and veg for guests. Palutena was happy to see the place alive and active, with a constant supply of treats on the way. She headed back to the back section where the fire was roaring and the lights made the place so warm and inviting. Lucina was sitting with the police squad: Commander Ike, Marth, Soren, Frederick, and her father, Chrom.
"This place is marvelous, Lucina" said Chrom.
"Thank you, Father."
"I hear this comes from a lot of planning and preparation, which you're in charge of and mastered well" added Frederick. Lucina blushed.
"I'm glad you've managed to make something of yourself and more importantly, that you enjoy yourself here" said Chrom. Lucina sniffed.
"Thank you, Father!" She hugged him.
"Just as long as you stay safe" interjected Ike, "never know what could happen these days."
"Oh yes, I heard about that yesterday; about the mugging? Any ideas who it is, what to watch out for?" asked Lucina.
"All we have is the description from the victim; no witnesses came forward yesterday and none today. We're currently trying to figure out who was where and when using local CCTV footage. We have an idea who to ask for more questions."
"When did this start?"
"You probably heard about the incident on Tuesday evening as it took place during the annual PSI Rockin' Festival. It caused a panic when a boy named Jeff was attacked, dropped to the floor and mugged. They took his possessions off him, which were just some tools and mechanical parts and the like. Not sure why the mugger chose them, we reckon he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time." Lucina nodded.
"That was the most recent; last Friday, Fox's Airline's fuel station was robbed and couple of litres of fuel was stolen via petrol tanks. Finally, last Wednesday, Shulk's flat was burgled." Lucina gasped as she peered across to Shulk and Fiora's table. The duo were smiling and chatting happily. "They completely wiped the place clean of most of their stuff. I'm surprised they're here spending money and are all that happy."
"So there's a bit of a crime wave right now" added Soren.
"Do you think they're all connected?" asked Lucina.
"It's difficult to say. The fact they all happened in rapid succession of each other and similar-ish stuff being taken it would suggest so, but you can never be sure with these things. There really isn't a lot to go on in terms of evidence..." The group fell silent. Their attention was drawn to the TV in the corner as it displayed Callie and Marie updating on stage news.
"Those are your stages for now, get splatting!"
"That's all from us for now, until next time…"
"STAY FRESH!" The girls went off air and the advertisements began. It was at this point that Pit appeared at the soon-to-be patio doors.
"Pit!" snapped Zelda as he entered, "where have you been? You left hours ago with some 'plan' and you come tumbling back in at this time?" She walked forwards and saw something in his hands: a signed photo of the Squid Sisters. "This is what you went to get?
"B-but I-"
"What excuse have you possibly got? Was this just a ruse so you could have a skive?" Pit scowled and then pointed to the TV.
"No! This is what I was doing!" Everyone's attention was drawn once more as they realised that Palutena's Muffin Factory was being displayed on the screen, with Pit doing a rather cheesy narration over the top talking about how awesome the place was and that it was the place to go if you wanted a family evening out. Everyone was speechless. "Everybody loves a good game of Splatoon, so I thought where better to have an advert than in between the Squid Sister's news feeds? They were doing another signing at Arowana Mall this afternoon so I went down and struck a deal with them: they display our ad campaigns on their channel and in return they get a discount on our food items, and they specified chips and coconuts. It was my hope that this would further spread the word of our business." Zelda approached and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh, Pit, I'm sorry!" Lucina ran in and hugged him.
"That's fantastic! Thank you!" Pit waved over to Palutena as he was squeezed to death. She smiled and waved back. It looked like things were going to be OK after all, and this new Wario Food King wasn't going to make a dent to their profits. They were doing fine before, and then they were pressured. They were swift, and now they had a greater establishment than before. What else was there to worry about?

Over at Wario Food King, Wario was on the phone to someone. "Yes, I saw it. They've really upped their game." He stopped and nodded. "Yes, we'll have to take action to keep the attention of the consumers." He cackled. "Yeah, I've got an idea. Nobody in their right mind would turn this down…"


After a long break, the next installment of the series finally arrives! Palutena and her comrades seem to be soaring in popularity, but can she keep up the pace or will she fall short when her rivals make their move?

As always, if you spot mistakes or things you think don't quite make sense, do tell me so I can review and (possibly) adjust them accordingly.