Yes, yes, I'm continuing with this silly story. About the title, I usually try to make it audience friendly, but this time I used a title that may only make sense to Smash Bros players…. Come on, don't tell me that wasn't the first thing you thought you heard when the bonus level started!
Anyway, wanted to tell you that besides the Metzen, nobody seems interested in offering much help with this story. I thought it'd be a neat project if I offered interaction with the readers, but it just doesn't seem to be that interesting for others. I'll still do my best to keep the story fresh and going.
From the collection of One too many Shots, Smash Bros section:
First Impressions
Chapter 4: Where things break
By: Dan Heron
"That's a good bed," Samus moaned, her body arching as she rose from the warm sheets, taking in a deep breath of air. Real air, none of that filtered stuff one would find in an advanced world. Real air, clean, natural. Oh yeah, this place is good.
Kicking the sheets away, she squinted in the window's direction; after enjoying the few rays peeking out of the horizon, she smiled. "Polarize."
The crystal shifted for a moment, and the next the light was no longer glaring. "News," she casually said, looking at the clock on her nightstand. 6:07.
"Masses of new brawlers ready signed up for the first rounds since yesterday, and many more were sadly put in waiting. This year's…"
A pair of sweat pants was pulled out of the duffel bag, followed by a pair of worn down shoes.
"As of today, the random Brawls will begin with One-on-One matches, both in their predetermined and random fashion –known as standard Brawl and Blind Dates-, followed tomorrow by the start of Team Brawls. Free for All will start after at four today. Themed Brawls will start next week, along with the firsts tournament of-."
A brush hit the bag as Samus pulled out a black thong from a smaller bag. Taking a look in the bathroom's mirror, the tall blond tied back her hair in a high ponytail.
"In weather news, you can expect a sunny morning-," the jacket was returned to the bag, "Clouds starting to form around 11-," the fed was cut as Samus abandoned the apartment.
This kind of planets had a controlled weather, mimicking natural weather as close as it could be. Of course, keeping Nature's inconveniences down to a minimum.
Samus punched down on the lobby button and then started to stretch her arms above her head. Nobody accompanied her on the ride down, and by the time she had reached her ground, she was ready for a good run.
Nodding back to the staff and guests' good mornings, the Huntress exited the hotel, taking a moment to stretch her legs under the shy light. Once she was ready, she set her eyes beyond the forest in front of her, right to where she knew the Gateway was.
Seven minutes in the tram, she recalled, Let's see how much we can cut that down.
She looked to the massive trees in front of her, taking a moment to appreciate their beauty; then, pressing a button on her right wristband, Samus took off.
Ignoring the immediate set path on her left, Samus soared over the roots between two trees on her right. On the crest of her jump, she planted her feet on the root and launched herself back to the ground, reassuming her mad dash. Light and shadow blended in her eyes as she blasted through the moist ground, leaves splashing back with each step she took, scaring the few fauna present at those hours. The path took an inclination to her left, one she immediately compensated by jumping over a rocky formation and then after the lowest branch in her reach. Gripping the bioengineered branch in her palm, she hurled her body up and kept on climbing; after three seconds of vertical movement, she changed the angle of her body and reassumed her original goal.
Soaring through the air, she landed on another branch before launching after another tree. Landing on the bare surface of the tree, her grip tightened before using her whole body to reach the tree behind her, another branch, and then kept on moving.
After five more trees, she landed back on the ground, taking full speed once again. A few seconds later, the forest opened in front of her to a view of blue crystal. Sun hadn't fully come out yet, but a few rays were enough to make the surface shine. Pushing her body harder forward, she started to pick up even more speed, keeping the water in her sight. Three, two, one step and the sand exploded as Samus' body left the shore. The wind felt so refreshing on her face, her ponytail dancing wildly behind her; discrete movements of her arms and legs kept her in balance in the air. For a moment, she closed her eyes, feeling the light reflected on the surface, letting a smile stretch on her lips.
No need of wings…
She opened her eyes again and saw a few forms swimming below her, cutting through water with the easiest efforts.
With a loud boom, she landed on the shore, digging a couple centimeters in the sand. Dislodging herself out, she spared a glance to her surroundings, finding a couple of startled hominids.
"Sorry!" she managed to say before they disappeared of her sight behind her.
The path in front of her started to tint with an air of familiarity and the Huntress picked up her pace. In a matter of seconds, she started to space her steps, slowing her run until she started to walk over the formal path, nodding back at the newcomer's good morning waves.
Polite people, she noted, wondering if all the people invited to this dimension shared common morals, mindset or just were considered "good guys" in their respective universes. Then, why the hell were Weavel and Kanden invited? The people in this dimension didn't seem the kind to misfile their information about these two maniacs.
Looking to the blue turning sky, she let a frown cross her face; reaching a hand to her right wrist, she stopped her watch. Then again, maybe they didn't care much about who showed up in here as long as they kept an eye on them.
She shook her head, knowing that she would have to find her answers somewhere else. In the meantime, she needed to go back to the hotel. Less than a minute and a half, she noted on her watch, and that was with the extra seconds she let her watch running. This is a light planet world after all, she smiled at the thought. Zebes had been above the charts in what could be considered Medium worlds, but far from being labeled as a Heavy world; the conditions in this planet would be just perfect to boost her natural skills above her average without even trying.
Another click and she ran back into the trees.
Then again, she thought, slowing down as the hotel made itself present, maybe they aren't the same Hunters I know.
After checking her watch –less than three minutes- and seeing other people arriving to the hotel for the first time, and more people coming and going to emulate her morning jog, she realized she'd could afford being lazy for the day. Usually she would have kept going for at least another hour, but these couple minutes had been enough to energize her.
Now she felt she could do with a snack. Not a full-blown breakfast, but at least something involving coffee and a biscuit; she had promised a certain blond breakfast after all.
She made her way into the hotel, nodding to the clerks in the reception as she made her way to the cafeteria. Yesterday she had noticed the entire ground floor repeated itself several times around the dome-like hotel; reception, four elevators, mall –including souvenirs, clothing, miscellany technologic among others-, pool, cafeteria, common baths –like the one in her room- and baths and baths ranging different traditional styles from many different worlds; each hotel was different, and she was very comfortable with the one she was staying in. This setting was repeated at least ten times in this hotel, and for what she knew this wasn't the largest one of the bunch.
She was greeted by the same white and blue sign from yesterday and walked towards the bar where several members of the staff were filling ceramic casseroles with food. "Coffee?" she inquired to one of the hard workers.
"Over there," a not so hard working voice replied.
The tall blond turned around to see a smiling face sitting contently on a nearby table, enjoying a fruit bowl and a cup of coffee. "Thank you," the laugh in Samus voice didn't miss Zelda and the Huntress smiled along with the Princess.
Arming herself with a steamy cup of black magic and a plain biscuit, Samus promptly joined Zelda on her little table. The chair went ergonomic, molding to the Huntress body and offering the right amount of resistance in the first three seconds, leaving enough bounce on its material.
"Good morning," Zelda politely said, taking a sip of her coffee, "I thought you'd like to sleep a bit more today."
"Well, the early bird gets the worm," Samus commented and Zelda smiled. That would have been a blast with the Chozo… if they had a sense of humor, of course, Samus thought with a wry smile. "I'm used to sleep little. Actually, I slept in today," she admitted. "What about you?"
"I can't sleep in, or maybe I haven't tried hard enough," she replied. "And I had the same idea," she said, turning her seat around to show Samus sweat pants. "It's lovely before sunrise," she commented, taking a spoonful of fruits.
"I checked a bit after that," Samus replied, dipping a piece of biscuit in her coffee. "Maybe tomorrow I'll get to see it."
"How fast are you?" Zelda inquired out of the blue after downing another spoonful.
"Why the question?" Samus replied, tilting her head to the side as she took another bite of her bread.
Zelda smiled, smirking at Samus. "I was filling my plate when I saw you leave. And you covered quite a long distance in such short amount of time before returning," she informed the Huntress, eating more fruit.
Samus simply blinked.
"All the way to the Gateway, right?" Zelda asked, looking to the ceiling.
Another blink from Samus.
"It isn't a short distance, and there's quite a few obstacles in the path."
Yet, another blink.
"And you didn't use the taxicabs."
There was no blink this time.
"I know a straight line is the shortest distance, but you practically flew."
"Okay."
"Mmh?" Zelda tilted her head to the side.
"Did you follow me?"
Zelda shook her head no.
"Put a tracking on me?"
Another shake.
"Put a droid to follow me?"
"Is that like a machine?"
"Yes."
"Nope."
"Somebody on the other side gave you a call about me?"
"They are still sleeping."
"Did you follow me telepathically?"
"I need permission first."
Samus leaned on the table over her elbow. Took another sip of her coffee. Blinked once again. Took a deep breath. Let out a long sigh.
"I should have asked this from the beginning," she shook her head. "How?"
"How I know how far you went?" Zelda innocently inquired.
… You're enjoying it, Samus sulkily thought, and the smile on the princess' face broadened. "Yes, how do you know how far I ran?"
"How I know?" Zelda patently inquired, placing both hands in front of her, giving Samus the most innocent look she could muster.
"Yes!"
"You want to know how I know?" Zelda's tone that of a person who just realized what the whole thing was about.
"Zelda…" Samus impatiently tapped her fingers against the table.
"Alright, alright," the Princess made placating gestures with her hands. "Really want to know?"
A glare this time.
"Okay… it's… a secret. Ouch, are you all right? Samus? Samus, are you all right?" Samus slowly pulled her face off the table, giving Zelda what was left of her glare.
"You are one mean girl."
"I try my best," Zelda innocent replied, taking another zip of her coffee.
Samus shook her head, giving a look to Zelda. Angel face with a little devil bouncing on each shoulder. Would she give her an answer if she inquired again, or she would lead her again through another silly game?
Second option most likely.
This wasn't her usual interrogation method by far, but something told Samus that not even the barrel of her power beam would be enough to faze Zelda into giving answers. Maybe she should use another approach.
New bone structure, enhanced muscular mass and improved mental capacity, things that made her a better predator. However, her first genetic makeover had given her more than just physical perks.
A smile came to Zelda's lips and Samus immediately thought challenge.
The Huntress' eyes slowly closed and then opened, every moment focused on the Princess. Her breathing slowed considerably until they matched her heart beat; not necessary, but it would help things. She cleared her mind of everything but Zelda.
There was it, or at least, there should be. Samus eyes narrowed slightly, finding nothing where she knew something should be. Still, she would take her shot.
"Are you going to tell me?" Samus inquired and Zelda's smile widened.
"I will," Zelda nodded, "But not at the moment."
Samus took a moment before letting out a defeated sigh. "Now there are two things I want to ask you about," Samus said with a playful growl, one that made the Princess giggle.
"I will," came the simple reply.
Shaking her head, Samus returned to what was left of her food and then downed her coffee. "I'm Human, but my genetic makeup was modified to be the closest it could to a match of a Chozo's," Samus said, using a napkin to clean the corner of her mouth.
"I'm Hylian, Hylian from Hyrule to be more specific," Zelda didn't miss a beat with her reply. "Hyrulean Hylians have slightly longer than usual canines," she opened her mouth enough so Samus could see a pink tongue running over said slightly longer than normal fang.
"Thank you," Samus replied, straightening her back. "I hope not all Hylians are such a pain in the ass."
Zelda smiled. "No, you are just that lucky."
Samus deep laugh filled the cafeteria. "Just my luck."
Zelda finished her coffee and Samus stood up, picking up her tray. Zelda followed suit and they made their way to the recyclers. "Shall we call this breakfast?"
"I was actually just warming up," Samus replied, brushing her hands on her pants, "I would love some meat for breakfast, more bread, maybe honey too."
"Now you made me hungry," Zelda pouted.
"I'm deeply sorry about that. Believe me. Wreaking inside with guilt and all that." Zelda slapped the Huntress' arm and retreated before retribution could be claimed. "Do you want to go back for more?"
"Actually, this was just a snack until the rest of my friends wake up."
"How more before that?"
"A couple hours. They partied hard."
"Nabooru?"
"Not enough to incapacitate her," Zelda replied with a smile.
Samus woefully sighed, leaning on Zelda. "It's too early to be sexually harassed."
Samus hadn't expected Zelda to have such a rich laughter. "In some places, that's how you greet people. Like, let's say shaking hands, you know Miss Aran?" she said, wiping moisture off of her eyes. "You should be more open to other people's customs."
"Uh-huh, yes, I'm sure. Is that how you shake hands in Hyrule?" Samus inquired with a smile.
"No, we actually shake hands," Zelda said, recovering her composure. "You never know, Samus. Having somebody else's tongue down your throat may be considered the most formal way to say: How are you."
Samus just gave her a side-glance. "Not even you believe that."
"Nope!"
"Well," Samus said, stretching up her arms, "This place is gonna fill in the next hours with all the new people arriving. Want to do something, or should we return to our rooms?" Samus inquired.
"Do something. I don't want to wake up my friends," Zelda nodded.
"Okay, nnnh," Samus wondered what could interest the impish princess, or any princess for that matter, early in the morning.
"What would you like to do?" Zelda quickly asked.
"Nnnh?" Samus grunted.
"Anything you would like to do?" the Princess insisted.
"Nnnh?" Translated as: Me?
"Yes," Zelda nodded.
"Nnnh?" You sure?
"Of course."
"Well," Samus scratched the back of her head, looking around. "I, actually, I was curious about a target course…" Samus mumbled, looking away.
"Oh, yes, I heard about it yesterday in the news. Sounds like fun," Zelda clapped her hands in front of her.
"Fun?"
"Yes, Miss Aran, even a gentle and helpless princess like myself enjoys throwing things at other thingies," she said, knocking her knuckles against Samus forearm.
Samus shook her head, giving another look to the Princess. Far from helpless. "Well, it would help us kill a couple hours at least," the tall blond admitted, not really wanting to say no to the fair girl.
"Wonderful. Do you know where the nearest establishment is?" Zelda inquired and both reassumed their march.
"Nnnh, there are several in every stadium. Wanna take the tram?"
"That would be nice," Zelda nodded and both blondes made their way out the hotel.
A few minutes later, a column of light flashed for a second before darkness reigned again. A matter of seconds afterwards, and a massive room was presented to a couple of women.
"Nice blank space," Samus muttered, looking around for the terminal. Having found it in the ground, the Huntress stood near to it, and the terminal floating off the ground. The words on the terminal quickly went through several languages before setting for standard Chozo.
"What's so funny?" Zelda inquired.
"Nothing," Samus simply replied, trying to do something about the silly smile on her face. She quickly ran through the options set before her and then turned to Zelda. "Understood anything from it?" Samus pointed her thumb in the terminal's direction.
"No. That language is unknown for me," Zelda acknowledged.
"Nnnh," Samus grunted, starting to punch holo keys. "There are fifty basic courses with a minimum of ten targets to be destroyed; that number can be upped to three hundred. There is also a random-stage generator if you're feeling like being surprised. It can mimic several natural conditions and environments.
"There's a time limit of twenty minutes, and the course can be ended any time you want. The targets can be set to different durability and different features to add some variety," Samus explained and the room changed to take the shape of a desertic area with a lonely oasis and a lonely glowing sign up in the air. Next a white sphere with a red bull's-eye on one side appeared between the females.
"This is the default target?" Zelda inquired, lightly tapping the target and this disappeared with a soft crack and flashing light.
"Yes. Shape and durability," Samus nodded. She summoned another target and she simply touched it this time. The effect was the same. "Hmmm, almost anything will count as a good hit."
"How strong can it get?" Zelda peered over Samus shoulder.
"Three hundred basic settings and… yes, a custom setting," the Huntress nodded in appreciation. Blowing shit up was only fun enough until so long; it was better if shit put up a fight.
"Want to give it a try?" Zelda asked, innocently putting both hands on her back.
"Yes, I want," Samus looked to the sand around them.
"Mind if I join?" the Huntress' eyes slowly moved towards Zelda and the princess frowned. "Miss Aran, I'm not that frail, you know?"
Samus blinked before shaking her head. Crystal clear, she grumpily thought, wondering if she should don her suit only to keep Zelda from reading her that easily. "Sorry Zelda. Keep forgetting about it."
It took only a second for that gentle smile to return to Zelda's face. "It's okay. Sorry I overreacted," she apologetically said.
That's overreacting? "No need to. So," Samus returned to the terminal. "How about twenty targets for a warm up, and something basic for terrain?"
"Are there over ground ruins in the basic options?" Zelda inquired.
"There are," Samus said, punching more holo keys and the scenario changed.
A radius near hundred meters, dilapidated stone buildings with a few doors and corridors among them, a river running in the middle of the scenario, a blue cloudless sky, and several white round objects floating around.
"This doesn't look overly strenuous," Zelda commented, stretching up her arms. Samus followed suit, surveying the terrain.
"I count fourteen," she stated.
"Saw one in that door, but it moved inside," Zelda nodded to their right and after two seconds Samus nodded.
"Fifteen."
The two women started to make their way to the river, which directed them to a well-conserved fountain of a Human woman sporting an ancient bow and her birth charms. The ruin's main square allowed them an elevated view of the stage, and the discovery of sixteen and seventeen.
After taking a minute to enjoy the detail of the alien and ancient architecture, Samus turned sharply to a wet and gruesome sound.
"Eh…" Zelda chuckled embarrassedly, looking away. "Sorry, a nervous habit before training."
Samus put a hand on her own neck, wincing at the memory of the snap coming from Zelda. "I sometimes do the same, don't worry," she replied. Damn, do I sound the same? She thought with a light shudder.
"Shall we begin?" Zelda asked after taking a deep breath.
"I say," Samus replied. "Start sequence!" she shouted to the sky and Chozo numbers started a countdown.
Samus deliberated for a moment whether she should use her Varia suit or not, but as the seconds trickled down to zero, she decided to stay in the same ground than Zelda. It could be a good training.
"Five seconds," Samus whispered to Zelda and the princess nodded her reply.
Four seconds.
They both lowered their centers.
Three seconds.
Ready to run in different directions to cover the most ground.
Two seconds.
Knuckles crackled.
Eyes finding possible projectiles for use.
One second.
Tongue licking lips in anticipation.
Zero.
And both women lose their composure.
Had they heard right? They blinked in confusion.
" Ready… Go!" and the seconds started to add in the sky.
"Did it just say…" Zelda slowly said.
The huntress coughed. "I think it tried to say, "Break the targets"," Samus offered and Zelda weakly nodded.
"I'm sure… yes…"
"We better hurry."
To be continued
Yeh, there wasn't much to break in this chapty, sorry about that. There will be breaking of stuffs next chapter, I promise! X3
I hope you liked this one; I hope I gave a better idea of what the world they are staying is like. I can give a few more hopes, but I will stop, I'd be repeating old AN's anyway.
So there! If you enjoyed it, tell me about if. You don't enjoy it, tell me about it.
Also, I want to remind you that the LoZ stuff I'm using is derived from my LoZ fic, and it is not to be taken as the canon stuff.
Also2: What kind of baths would you like me to give them in their hotel? Name any region……… then again you may not say anything and I'll leave it to da luck and a world map.
Also3: If you have played Metroid Corruption, the trees I'm using in this fic are similar to the Cyrlic trees that Chozo use both in Elyssia and Talon IV.
Also4: Yays, over 4000 words!
Anyway, until next time! Prepare to have more background-ish stuff in future chapties!
