Chapter 3:- Auditions

Tabuu. That was what they called him. An outcast. They didn't why he was doing it. But they tried to stop him. So he had to use the cannons. They had been created when his first ally left. The King from Dream Land. It was to…discourage, any further loss. The power of his off waves. So much power put into weaponry, and at such a size. But that was in the past. He was growing. He now had a physical form. It was flimsy. It was small. All that remained of his old self was his center. The orb. His portable source of power. So he wouldn't have to rely on his master so much. The exposure. The exposure that was allowing him to heal. It was hurting less this time. He did not know if the healing effect was wearing off. He did not know what it meant. But he knew the time would come soon. Soon, it would be time.

0o0

I woke up. Actually, that's not very accurate. It was more like suddenly becoming aware of my surroundings, yet not knowing where you are. But I knew that I had chosen to be there, even if I did not know the surroundings. Looking around, I saw a variety of…creatures, I think is the word. The most diverse range of life I have ever seen, even with the range of Masters I've fought. All ten others looked different, from humanoids to a small, green and yellow thing with a tuft of red hair. There was even one that looked similar to me. The room itself was enough to accommodate us all in comfort, with chairs of varying heights with tables to match. It was then I realised I was sitting on a chair, a medium sized one. There was a low volume of conversation filling the room. I tried focusing on one conversation, to see if I can learn about my current situation.

"Yes."

"So who invited you? My dad has tried to get me in twice!"

"Oh, um…my friend talked to one of his friends here to ask me to audition. It was a nice of him to try, but it is the kind of thing he would do."

"That's awesome! How are you gonna fight? I'm gonna use my Gaddbrush!"

"I hope I'll be able to use my painting abilities."

"You're using paint to fight as well? You better not copy my moves, Aduhleen!"

"It's Adeleine…"

"And I'm Bowser Jr, who cares? I'm gonna be accepted, and I'm going to be the best smasher this tournament has ever seen!" There were three important things I had picked up from that. One, I was invited to this, number two, tournament. It's obvious that some others actually woke up knowing what they were doing. And, for number three, were going to have to fight. It's not that I'm not accustom to fighting battles, but I hope that I wouldn't have to attack either of those two. They both seemed to be only kids. The one that called itself Bowser Jr still had something that looked like a bib on! There was another talk going on between three creatures, but they seemed to be speaking in a language that no one else could understand. At least, I couldn't. Just then, interrupting my thoughts, the door on the far end of the room opened, slightly startling the grey humanoid creature leaning against it. That creature quickly regained its composure. The thing that opened the door also looked like a human, with grey clothes which gave the instant impression of some sort of soldier or spy. He had several pockets around his lower and middle torso, along with several grenades along his belt. His thumb was repeatedly flicking the pin, which worried me and, I would guess, at least half of the others in the room.

"So, you're the newbies?" He spoke with a cold tone. "Come on, I need to show you guys to Master Hand. If anybody's asleep, wake them up." He waited for us to check that nobody was sleeping, and then turned and walked along the corridor outside. The one that called himself Bowser Jr hurried after him, along with a small, cat like animal. The rest of us followed. As we walked along the corridor, we came across a window which everyone, out of some kind of instinct, looked out of. From the height, it looked like we were on the second floor, looking out onto a large garden. All we could see were very large amounts of plants with leafs, buds and flowers, with the most variety being with the colour of stalk each one had. But then we were moved on, along the corridor. It was silent, except the background noise of people walking, animal noises (mainly birds, but there were some unrecognisable sounds) from outside, and the distant yell of someone shouting at a guy named Wario to not 'gas out another room'. They walked on. They reached a set of stairs, and went upwards to what seemed like the top level. A short walk to the left, and we were right in front of a pair of double doors. On it stated 'Master Hand'. Our leader knocked, and entered without waiting for an answer. After everyone has entered, the door shut, seemingly on its own accord. Nobody noticed, however, as everyone's eyes were fixed on the floating disembodied hand levitating behind a desk.

"Is that Master Hand?"

"Of course it must be, idiot!"

"Thank you for bringing the appliers, Snake." Our escort nodded, and left. The door once again closed on its own accord. "Everyone, I welcome you to Smash Mansion. Now, from previous experience, some of your memories will be more complete about your volunteering for the tournament. It is more likely for those who had been invited by another smasher or has worked with us before to retain those memories at first. So…hang on." The hand in front of us opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out three small devices that looked a bit like earpieces. "First thing, there is a psychic field covering the mansion, converting most dialects into a language, and also allowing all beings in the field to understand the language. However, there are some that aren't translated, such as the Pokemon language. However," Master Hand used some of his psychic powers to levitate the three objects, and send them over to three small creatures. "These were created by R.O.B, another smasher, and act as a translator. Just put them in…there we go. Try them out."

"Erm, hello? Yeah, it seems to be working." A small blue creature resembling a crocodile spoke, surprised at his sudden change in language. The cream coloured cat and the other Pokemon, who looked like some sort of rodent with a dark blue back and a darker shade of cream on its torso than the cat also signalled the positive.

"Good. Now, your entrance test will consist of two parts. First, while you will have free range over how you fight with your fists and possibly your weapon of choice, such as a sword or mallet, you will only have four 'special' moves. These will be outside your standard fist fighting, and can range from projectiles to reflecting them. I will put you with a smasher to help you develop your style. Yours will also answer any questions you have. In twenty four hours, you will have to face two tasks. First,you have to last a three minute brawl. However, this has never been failed. It's more to analyse your fighting style, for future reference. After that, you will have to fight in pairs, and the winners of those matches will be entered into the fourth Super Smash Brothers tournament. If you do not make it, you may still be asked to take part at a later date. As I said, you will be able to ask any questions you have to the smashers I assign you to. Have I been clear enough so far?" The one I said looked like me put up his hand.

"Why, exactly, are we here?"

"This is an inter-universe tournament. We collect some of the greatest fighters in an aim to make them better, in case they find themselves against an enemy they wouldn't normally face. Last tournament, there was a large attack on this universe, so it now works both ways in case anything else attacks."

"Who are 'we'?"

"Me and my, ah, brother. But he is the embodiment of chaos, so you can imagine what he's like. Anything else? No? Well, I will call out you fighters one at a time, give you your more recognised names if need be for several reasons, such as multiple universes, and tell you your partner and opponent. So, Bowser Jr?"

"That's me!"

"You are going to be helped by your dad, Bowser, and you're going to fight Adeleine."

"You might as well put me up there already!"

"And Adeleine, you're going to be partnered with Meta Knight. You don't know him, but he's a very experienced fighter and a friend of Kirby and King Dedede. You're likely to get on very well with him."

"Okay, thank you." She looked nervous and slightly withdrawn. I couldn't help but wonder if she could be any good in a fight.

"Meowth. You're the only assist character that's taking part this time, as I know you've wanted to be in this since the first tournament. You will be working with Lucario."

"That's right! Now who am I against?"

"Now, Todadile, Cyndaquil. Due to the multiple universe scenario, your team name is one of those name changes I've mentioned. Officially, you're going to be known as Team Pokepals, but we chose the best of all the possible teams. If you want to be known by another name unofficially, feel free to do so."

"Wait, hang on," Meowth spoke up, "I'm going to be fighting against a team?"

"Yes. While they have trained under Wigglytuff's Guild and even saved the world, they are used to turn based fighting. They are going to need to learn how to fight simultaneously, unlike you, who have had plenty of experience in this style of fighting." Meowth quietened down after that. "You two will be alright with that?"

"Sure, always love a good challenge!" The Todadile spoke, seeming to be much more upbeat than his partner, who seemed to be nervous of his surroundings, not saying much. His personality was similar to Adeleine, making me think similar thoughts about him. He would always have his partner to help him, however.

"You will be partnered with Red, a Pokemon trainer. While the Ice Climbers have a similar style, Red knows how to use different Pokemon's moves to great effect. Now, Krystal. I'm going to put you with Fox. I already know you work well as a team. You will be put against…how would you like me to address you?"

"Just Black Mage will suffice."

"Well, there you go. His class is Black Mage, which is why I questioned. He is powerful in damaging magic, so he should be a formidable fighter. Ness will be working with you, a master of PK, a branch of magic. Now, Rock." He pointed at me. "You will be called Mega Man, for familiarity reasons."

"Rock was the development name I was given. Mega Man was my name through beta testing, and wasn't changed due to the happenings with Wiley and the Robot Masters. Mega Man is the closest to a name I have." I explained. However, I couldn't help but wonder who I would be against. At least Black Mage, the person I thought looked the strongest, had already been given another partner.

"Very well. You will be against a version of you from about a hundred years into your future. X, for similar reasons, you will be called Mega Man X. Are you okay with that?" So, the other I thought looked like me was a version of me. At least he wasn't an exact copy. For one, he was taller. But that didn't seem to be the best difference when you're going to fight someone.

"Yes, I think so." His voice was extremely similar, but slightly deeper.

"Good. Mega Man, you will be working with R.O.B, another robot. He is good at creating strategies, so should be a good help when preparing your 'specials'. X, you will be helped by Snake, who you've just seen. He is an expert in numerous types of weapons, so should be a great help with your numerous abilities. Now, I think it's worth mentioning to both of you that the rules concerning your power changes work differently here. You will not need to fight a Maverick or Robot Master to gain upgrades, you will be able to freely access any of your powers outside of battle, and switch between any of your four special selections in battle, if you do choose to use a upgrade for them."

"Got it." I said. I didn't think I really had it. Also, I was working with another robot? I was interested as to how it would help.

"And finally, Girahim and Chrono. Girahim, you will be working with Ganondorf. When Demise was killed, he cursed Link and Zelda that an entity of his hatred would follow them throughout history. Ganondorf is that entity, and a very powerful fighter. Chrono, you will be working with Link. He has been able to defeat Demise and Ganondorf on numerous occasions, in several different incarnations. Also," The hand gave out a small telepathic chuckle, "You are both men of few words. The Link you will be working with is the hero of twilight incarnation, however he is planned to leave due to time distortions soon."

"Well then, when can we meet these people?" Girahim asked the question everybody was thinking, while Chrono merely nodded his head.

"That would be right now. Chrono, Link has gone back to his own time temporarily, but will join you soon." Master Hand proceeded to press a button on his desk, and asked the nine smashers in the mansion to come and help the newcomers.

0o0

The eleven new fighters looked to the double doors as they opened, and revealed nine smashers. The first one that came in was a small, round figure with a metal mask on. He announced himself as Meta Knight to Adeleine, and left with her. Then came in Bowser. Uncharacteristically for the Koopa King, he had a warm smile on his face as he approached his son. They left together, talking to each other about happenings in the Mushroom Kingdom and meeting 'Mama Peach'. Following them was Snake again, keeping his cold demeanour as he led Mega Man X away. Following that was a robot, that Mega Man immediately presumed was R.O.B.

"Who do you want for me to guide?" He spoke similarly to the stereotypical robotic voice. However, the tone implied that he was capable of emotion. Master Hand pointed to Mega Man, and the two left to R.O.B's room. Fox came in, and was extremely happy to see Krystal had made it. The two left, already talking about the potential fighting abilities. Ganondorf entered and took Girahim. The two seemed to get a long quickly, or as much as two beings of evil can. Red came in next, and was surprised to see that he would be training two fighters. However, he realised that it wasn't too much different to his three switchable Pokemon.

"Wait until he hears our backstory." Murmured the Todadile, as they left towards the library to plan out their moves. Lucario followed to take Meowth away, and Ness took one look at Black Mage and shivered. Despite him having good intentions, he had a cold feel about him. Ness took him on regardless, leaving Chrono alone with Master Hand.

"Now, Chrono. Please follow me." He did, and the two left Master Hand's study. They then went down the stairs and back to the room where the new fighters had woken up. Master Hand explained that this was the 'teleporter room', the room in the mansion where the psychic energy had been twisted so it was the easiest to summon people and things from different dimensions. Of course, locking it up or even completely destroying the room hadn't stopped Crazy from creating havoc with various enemies from different universes. In fact, Master Hand could've called up Link from his study, but that would have left him without a lot of energy for a while. After some great concentration, a bright flash and Chrono being temporarily blinded from not closing his eyes in time, a green Hylian stood before the warrior and hand. The latter explained that he needed to train Chrono for his audition.

"B-but you said that it would destroy the timeline!"

"Calm down, Link. After looking into it, it turns out that your Time incarnate was the key to three different universes, depending on if and when he killed Ganondorf. However, your universe mends it's time displacement damage quickly. However, for two reasons, one I can't tell you now, I am still inviting your Skyloft incarnate. The reason I can say is that his main enemy is auditioning, I will need him to keep an eye on him." And so, Link took Chrono to the training room. The twenty four hour period had begun. Also in the training room, Snake was contacting Otacon while figuring out how to maximise X's potential.

"Well, we have established you have a range of weapons. Any particular abilities you want to use?"

"Well, I think my X-Buster should be one. It's my basic weapon, after all." To show this, X fired three shots across the room, hitting a sandbag.

"That looks like it could be your neutral move…there! Otacon, you're the tech guy, help me out here. Hey!" Across the room, Bowser Jr had just let loose a Koopa shell, which hit X and knocked him over. While his dad told him to be careful, he was pleased. It looked like his son would become a great smasher. Meanwhile, his future opponent was in the basement, next to the Halberd. She had warmed up to Meta Knight, and was flinging paint around, trying to find her moves.

"Do you think I could make it?" The painter launched a wave of yellow paint towards the Halberd, and turned to her mentor.

"Well, I guess…"

"So there's a chance!" Krystal, Meowth and Girahim were all in their mentor's rooms, talking about what to do. Krystal was getting input from Falco and Wolf as well. Meowth already had one move sorted, but only got help from Jigglypuff, despite Pikachu also being in the room. Black Mage and the two Pokemon were looking through books in the library, finding their possible attacks. All the recruits were preparing. But not all would be ready when it came to the test.

He smiled. Master Hand had been a fool. Not one that could be overlooked. Most defiantly a foolish action. He had announced for all to hear the best place to teleport. He had thought he had been safe. He thought that he was untouchable. The mansion untouchable. He would be proved wrong. And that would happen soon.


AN:- And that counted in at over 3,200 words, compared with the 2,400 of last chapter. I hope it will stay around this length, because I'm not sure if I will be able to write much more at a time. Also, I have put in the three viewpoints I hope to use: Third person, Mega Man, and Tabuu.

Crow:- I will try to fit in some detail. This chapter isn't a really good one, in my opinion. It's the necessary things to give an example of how things work around the mansion, as somethings may come up later. I will also try to fit in those small story arcs into the story, along with several other characters. But that's just a possibility.

iBeebs:- The chapter was already halfway into formation when you reviewed, so I didn't put either of those in. However, I am planning to host a second round of auditions (just mentioned, I'm not going though all this again no matter how much you pay me) and say who got through. Also, up to five others may come back in the 'callback' round. So, they may appear.

The new tournament transition is going to go in stages, so it will start with new smashers, then new stages, and then new Pokeballs, assists and items.

I would like to thank Brawl In The Family webcomic for giving me the Adeleine idea and moveset, and Nintendo for not knowing I exist and not suing me for using their game series without permission. So, leave in your review anything you want inserted, as that may happen. It probably will, I always like being given ideas to develop on. So bless your face, if you sneeze in this chapter bless you, peace off, and so on.