Chapter Three
"There is someone I want taken care of..." Nepgear didn't move, just absorbing everything Demitri was saying. "I know it's petty of me to need someone's help, but they has caused trouble for me for the longest time… We can discuss it later." Toro stood by, digging through Pupuru's bag then pocketing some bulbs.
A sigh of relief came out of the white cat. "Thank goodness she always carries types of ingredients in there! Now I have a back-up plan in case something goes crazy." With that, he skipped back over to his date.
Demitri clapped his hands right on time as well. "My guests, would you like to join me for dinner? We can continue the dance later, I figure that you might be starving after the long travel. I would love to also hear what trials you have all been through prior to the Console Wars." Everyone agreed to it, heading for the dining room.
It was huge. Decorated in dark cloth, lit candles, multiple servants carrying food. Crash was practically drooling at the sight, but was stopped by his girlfriend, Tawna. Heihachi was the one who ended up telling Demitri about how Polygon Man rose up to lure the All-Stars to battle each other.
Then Daxter followed up with the story of how Polygon Man returned but with help during a tournament held by Noire. Likewise, the ottsel stretched most of the truth involving his own part. Some parts of the Console Wars that Demitri didn't catch were also mentioned by Nathan Drake.
"But there were more than just us. Raiden and the evil version of Cole used to be with us. The former left to stay in Lowee with a friend until further notice, Evil Cole stayed with some weird doppelgangers. Doc Nefarious is with some outside friends too. Emmett Graves also didn't want to come, because Ms. Saffron offered him tickets for a concert, Uni's boyfriend was going to be there." Pupuru said.
Donte shook his head. "I still find it ridiculous... Those who were originally against what Gamindustri stood for, now Uni is dating one of those freaks, and they're a punch of pop-stars. Even their Underling is with them on that stupid business!"
"The one attractive girl I can understand, but I don't know why the creepy one is the head-singer… But man! Those Four Felons kicked Courtney Gears off the charts! Now Doctor Nefarious is going to have to rely on someone else for his 'anti-squishy' movements. But he already has outside help from that Loweean pirate!" Ratchet chuckled.
Scorpion then followed up. "He's been promoting that pirate more than his butler... Either way, Neptune, you never told us about your current project. Mr. Grimm said you were working hard." As he spoke, the spector couldn't help but feel as if something was off about Demitri as well, as if the name was familiar.
And it seemed Neptune had the same problem, as she was drifting off. "Huh? Oh yes." Purple Heart gave a bold grin. "My current project is creating a brand new continuity of my mascot! Sonic the Hedgehog will have two new video games in November, along with a cartoon, and toy-line! I've even introduced a new character who is a badger, while nearly everyone is obtaining redesigns!
"Like the first cartoon based around him, it will be both a humor and adventure based animation. Episodes are currently under production. It has been over ten years since he had gotten an animated series, I figured it was time for another chance. Along with that, Nepgear and I have made updates for Puyo Puyo! Quest as well with even more old and new characters, plus a new event! The fans have already gone nuts over cat-Schezo, plus…" For a while, she was blathering on about DLC and japanese terms that no one understood.
Zeus finally broke it up with a booming voice. "I had this idea during our time at the carnival, but we should have a contest perhaps! An event where we team up with a partner from our world and challenge the other All-Stars!" Everyone seemed skeptical about the idea, giving Zeus strange looks.
Of course, the only ones partly interested were Heihachi and a few. "Like a tag-team event? Hah! Kuma and I are the best team!" Toro's partly imagined what it could be like, he also participated in something like that during Street Fighter X Tekken.
"I have to admit, the concept does hold my attention. Problem is, Stahl is old and well dead, not fit to fight in the slightest." Radec wondered. "Perhaps I can see if Kraytek is available, or if Noire can revive Cobar… Ugh, no, the latter is kind of a loon."
Purple Heart then smirked again. "Nepgear and I always make the best team, since Compa and IF are usually busy now... Then again, Planeptune's CPU from the Ultradimension may want to meet you all." Mr. Grimm then flinched, turning to her and shaking his head.
"B-but what about her… You know… Change?" Grimm stuttered.
Her eyes then widened, remembering something. "Er, well maybe the All-Stars won't anger her." She then tried to laugh it off, though it only made Dart curious about what they meant.
Nariko knew that she had to join in, even if the idea was coming from Zeus, learning more about the Heavenly Sword in combat was her top priority. Kratos knew he couldn't decline it either, it seemed that Sweet Tooth was thinking about it as well. And Pupuru only wanted in because Radec was considering it. "Say, Demitri was it? Would you possibly like to become one of the All-Stars?" Isaac asked.
"Apologies, but I must decline. I have no fit partner in the slightest, plus I didn't invite you all to gain favor of joining." He sipped the drink in his wine glass. "Regardless, I want to talk to something with the vast majority of you. Did you run into a woman a few nights ago? Green hair, goes by the name of Aensland."
Cole lifted his head up. "We did actually! Morrigan, Heihachi knew her I believe. Didn't you? She was looking for a ring, and Donte eventually returned it to her. In fact, I think Kat and I saw you along with her during the abductions." There was a pause, then Demitri sighed.
He did not lie to them however. "It's true. I was with the original Dante at the time. Mishima and I have met before, that's how I knew about you partially. You see, Morrigan is my arch-enemy in a way. Her adoptive father banished me when we got into a fight, but now he's dead... And Morrigan has become one of the most powerful beings of the night, threatening everyone.
"If she is not stopped, then it could become worse. So I must ask that you help assist me in ridding of who is last of the Aensland family. If we take away the Isis Ring, along with her power, the night can be saved from her possible wrath." Nearly everyone's heart stopped.
"Spike, what is he talking about?" Helga questioned.
"Ah! I knew she was up to no good! After all, Toro, you yourself told me what a succubus like her does!" Kat exclaimed, which made Toro want to speak, but couldn't.
"Did I miss something big at some point, or…?" PaRappa mumbled, now seeing that Sunny Funny had a worried expression.
"So this guy is part of a crime-stopping force? I was wrong to judge him it seems!" Carmelita responded. Sly however, knew that there was something wrong in Demitri's words, and Cole felt the same about it.
Heihachi didn't object to anything. Scorpion, Mr. Grimm, Purple Heart, and Donte were all unsure. Neither Toro or Lammy had nothing to say, which surprised Kuro. "Don't listen to him!" The black cat mew'd. "The part about the glorious lady Morrigan being a powerful demon is true, but… You're not any better-"
Carmelita then pointed her shock pistol at Kuro. "You're on the criminal's side then?! Whoever that Aensland person is, will be thrown into the slammer along with you, feline!"
"Wha?! No! I'm telling you that Demitri is trying to manipulate us! Jun, take my side in this!" The rabbit didn't respond, puzzled by the entire ordeal.
"Slow down Carmelita, Kuro is harmless." Sly reassured, trying to keep everything calm, which was followed by Nepgear slamming her fists against the table.
"Master Maximoff is only trying to protect us from what could be a very large threat! What that lady may seem could very well be a monster waiting to strike!"
"Nepgear!" Purple Heart yelled, shocking the younger sister.
"O-oh, s-sorry! I just… Uh…"
"Maybe we should just go back to the dance and such." Elena Fisher suggested, noticing that Shana, Dart's girlfriend was frightened.
"An excellent suggestion. Whether or not you want to help me stop Morrigan is up to you entirely, I won't force any of you. I thank you for just listening to my plea." There was a bit of silence, then everyone rose from the table.
Both Cliora and Bleu had arrived at the large castle. "It's best that we find a way to blend in with everyone inside, but how?" The former wondered, biting her nails. "How do we get in without looking suspicious to begin with? Eeeeek! I'm going to have a breakdown!"
"Calm down. You're ze one with magic powers, create some sort of diversity. Besides, I hear the castle's owner is big with harems." Grinning, Bleu pushed open the heavy doors, seeing the butler at the sides.
He opened his eyes slowly to them. "Master Maximoff has not been expecting anymore company tonight. What is your business with him? Do you wish to join amongst his ranks? If so, then that is fine…" Cliora was tempted to prepare a magic spell on the butler, yet was stopped by Bleu.
All she had to do was giggle and agree to the butler's words. "We are most certainly here to become ones with him. Do you know where zere is a fitting room to change our attire? It would be rude to show up like this, non?" Foolishly, the servant let them in.
"You both look fine the way you are. I must apologize, that master Maximoff doesn't have any spare outfits." With that, they entered.
Bleu averted her gaze, hiding around a corner with Cliora. "We can't get noticed by ze All-Stars, despite that kind man's words."
"What are you planning then?" Cliora asked. Without much warning, Bleu took out two pistols, and awaited two well-dressed women that were passing by.
Needless to say, Cliora was utterly shocked by her methods and planning. Blending in with everyone would become an ease now. Unfortunately, neither of them seemed to notice that they were being followed.
Morrigan smirked, having an elegant outfit on as she herself used her powers to put down the butler near the door. "Just as I thought, Demitri trying to pull a classy party for everyone. He never learns, does he Lilith?"
((On the subject of Tawna, I know that she's kind of… Uh, I guess "absent" from Crash's series, and Naughty Dog said she left him on their old site during '96, but we don't know if they were joking or not. The manga took it seriously, and in the japanese ending to Crash Bash implied that she went back to him. Either way, I didn't want to go back and make it so Crash was alone.
There's also foreshadowing to what the next PSASBR story may be when Gamindsutri Clash is finally done with. I wanted to make a tag-team related story for some time. Mainly to introduce Raven, Canny Tim, Zeke, Sydney Cutter, possibly Cobar and/or Kraytek… And oddly enough, one of my least favorite characters, Plutia, for shock value.
Why is she my least favorite? You can either look it up now, or wait while to see why…))
