"...and then I sent Robin a taste of her own medicine and took her last life with a PK Thunder," Ness bragged, his arm around Lucas' shoulders. Lucas just rolled his eyes, but made no attempt to shake his arm off. Ness was being very clingy to him today… more than usual, anyway.

"Yes, Ness, I know. You are a great fighter," the blonde said. He looked from the corridor they were in at the crowd of people outside. "There sure are a lot of people today here at the stadium…" he gulped.

It was finally the day of the opening ceremony and the beginning of the tournament. As per tradition, the fighters of each world would present themselves together with those who came from the same world as theirs. Last tournament Ness made sure to have Lucas close to him, as a newcomer at the time, so he wouldn't get lost. Lucas was just assuming that his clinginess today was the same protective instinct he had before.

The crowd cheered from the stands, eager to see their favorite fighters once more to engage in battle. The stage at the center was filled with performers simulating the Smashers' fighting moves in a choreographed dance. The opening show also feature elements from each world represented. The loud music vibrated and excited the crowd, making them even more excited to see both veteran and newcomer fighters.

Lucas felt nervous and excited at the same time. Having all those people staring at him made him want to dig a hole on the ground and hide there. But just the thought of people cheering and rooting for him made him want to show the best he could do as a Smasher. He could tell Ness felt the same, despite being a lot more outgoing and experienced than him. Lucas couldn't imagine how his friend felt the first time he had done that.

The staff soon found the two boys lurking at the entrance and sent them back to where they should be waiting before any of them could be spotted by some fan. Letting out a sigh, he and Ness went back to the waiting room.

Due to the even bigger number of fighters this year, Master Hand made sure create two separate rooms, so nobody would feel squished between themselves. They were pretty much identical, with various sofas and cushions, a free buffet and a giant TV screen to show how everything was going outside at the stadium. Lucas and Ness could watch the opening ceremony there, but they felt that the real magic was seeing everything in person.

"Told you guys you would be send back," Popo said with a smirk as he saw the two boys returning.

"Yeah, well, shut up. We got to see the real thing and it was great, even if only for a few minutes," Ness said pulling Lucas by the arm. The two sat at the sofa that Popo managed to hog for them. "Uh, where's Nana?" the jet haired asked.

"At the other room with the girls, I guess."

"What a rare sight! So you two can stay more than twenty meters away from each other!" Ness exclaimed.

Popo was about to reply, but Lucas was faster. "Ness, don't go making fun of them, because you've been acting very clingy to me today," he said crossing his arms. "Since we woke up you won't leave me alone."

Ness was at loss of words for a moment, but that didn't take long. "I haven't even noticed that. Sorry Lucas it's just that…" Ness grabbed both the other psychic's cheeks. "With that pretty face of yours, and the Subspace threat right around the corner, my big brother instinct activates and makes me want to protect you at all costs!"

"Okay, that's it! Let go!" Lucas pushed his friend's hands away and started to hit the laughing boy's head. "I'm not some princess you need to save! And I'm one year older than you, what the heck!"

"Ha ha ha, your face was priceless… OW!" Ness raised his hands to defend himself from the other's fists. It hurt, but it was worth it.

Popo clutched his ribs, as he feared they might pop out from laughter. "Just kiss already you two!" he cackled, only to then be the target of both boys' attacks.

The three received a deadly glare from Bowser that told them to quiet down. The trio, little by little, calmed down and continued watching the opening ceremony. In about half an hour they would be called to prepare themselves to enter the stage.

If Nana didn't appear soon, Popo would make sure to go after her. Separated or not, they were still the only Smashers from their world, so they would have to walk together. Makes one wonder why Master Hand wanted to separate them to begin with. Popo looked at the door once again and Ness sighed in annoyance.

"Relaaaaax, she's just in the other room," the red capped boy turned the Ice Climber's head back to the TV. "She has another social life that isn't us. Granted, we are a lot better and funnier," Ness ignored the snort that escaped from Lucas. "But it's still something."

"Okay, okay, I got it. You want me all to yourself," Popo joked, shaking him off. "I'm sorry that you feel threatened by my own sister."

"Yeah, this is getting creepy. Stop it you two," Lucas pleaded. The other two boys just snickered.

At the other waiting room, Nana watched the opening ceremony passing on the TV with a mixture of excitement and anxiety on her face. Samus, in her orange and yellow bulky suit, was seated by her side on the sofa, noticed her apprehensive look and petted her head.

"Hey now, what is it that is making you so nervous? Aren't you excited for the tournament?" the bounty huntress smiled. She wasn't wearing her helmet, so Nana could see it clear on the older woman's face.

"I am, Samus, I really am," the girl sighed. "I guess I'm feeling like this because I don't know how this tournament will turn out, y'know?"

"Oh, is that all?"

"Well, there is also the fact that we might be attacked by Primids and other Subspace creatures, but that's just a small detail," Nana smirked.

"A small detail, nothing to worry about," said Samus playfully. Her face then became serious again. "Now that you have mentioned it, I'm also not in the best mood because of this. Just the thought of Tabuu returning makes me uneasy. I'm surprised Master Hand decided to continue this Super Smash Bros tournament, regardless of the current situation."

"Makes you wonder about his priorities, doesn't it?"

"It does. However, we must trust that Master Hand knows what he is doing."

Samus was one of the most loyal Smashers in the Mansion and trusted Master Hand completely. In all her time participating in the Super Smash Bros tournament, Master Hand never gave her a reason to distrust him. So if he was certain that there wasn't a problem in continuing with the tournament, then she wouldn't worry. But even she, who had so much faith in their host, has trouble shaking off the uneasy feeling.

It also didn't help that said host was nowhere to be seen. Samus couldn't recall seeing him all day. Where was he?

Seeing how they would call the fighters in a few minutes, Nana thought it was best she went back to Popo so the two could be ready. She said her goodbyes to Samus and headed towards the room he was in. On her way, she saw that Popo had the same idea as hers, as he walked towards her. The two chuckled at the coincidence and went straight to the exit they would use to enter the stage.

Some Smashers were already there, mostly newcomers who didn't want to be late in presenting themselves and early bird veterans. The roar from the people outside could be heard loud and clear from there. Nana gulped, while Popo couldn't stop grinning.

"The crowd sure is… agitated, isn't it?" the girl asked without turning her head to the exit, so she could avoid seeing them.

"Yeah, isn't it awesome?" Popo replied, completely oblivious to the other's nervousness.

Lucas, Ness and Toon Link arrived a few seconds later. Villager also joined the group since he didn't want to wait alone too. Walking alone and being the sole fighter from his home world was already bad enough.

"Okay, guys, this is it!" a young woman sporting a headset called out from the exit. "They are going to call you. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Bowser Jr. and Rosalina and Luma, you guys go first! The rest of you, stay alert for when they call your home worlds."

As she finished, the announcer boomed outside, calling forth the Mushroom Kingdom residents. Once they were out, they called out for the Hyrule residents. And so it went on and on, until it was time to call for the Earthbound Smashers. Ness, agitated as ever, grabbed Lucas by the arm and dragged him outside.

Nana looked at Lucas with pity, only to feel like a hypocrite because she grabbed Popo's arm the same way Ness did. Maybe he was just as nervous as her.

"From the Icicle Mountains, the fighters Popo and Nana"

The two cringed at how the announcer introduced them separately, instead of saying Ice Climbers. However, that wasn't the time to complain and the siblings hold hands and went outside with their heads up high and carrying their hammers on their shoulder.

The atmosphere at the stadium was overwhelming, with people shouting their names and rooting for them. Everywhere they looked, people stared back at them expecting a great fighting performance from the two. But they couldn't let the loud cheering distract them and the Ice Climbers walked to their designated spot by the side of Ness and Lucas. They raised the hammers in the air, a promising gesture that told they would do their best.

At the far off left side of the line, Samus looked around nervously. Master Hand wasn't anywhere to be seen, which was strange, considering that he always appeared before the Smashers at opening ceremonies. What could have happened?

She leaned over Fox, not taking her eyes off her surroundings. "Have you seen Master Hand yet?" she asked.

Fox shook his head. He looked as worried as her. "Sorry, Samus, I haven't. He simply disappeared," he answered looking around. "I wonder if he's planning on doing something different this tournament."

"Without even saying anything to us? I highly doubt it," the bounty huntress said skeptically.

"I don't know. I only wish he was here. It feels weird not having Master Hand around. Y'know, the host of this entire shtick?"

Samus nodded and continued watching her surroundings. There was no sign of their host anywhere and it didn't look like he would appear soon.

"What is going on…"

Fireworks flew high in the sky and exploded in various colors, symbolizing the beginning of the new tournament. Samus looked up with eyes filled with worry instead of joy. She didn't know how to explain it, but she had the feeling they wouldn't be seeing Master Hand in a very long time.

"So let's begin SUPER SMASH BROOOOS!"

Nana took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves down. With shaky hands, she raised her hammer and stared at the goddess in front of her. She had already lost two of her three lives, while Palutena, her first opponent, had lost only one and seemed to not be bothered that much about it.

Palutena gave a devious smile and pointed her staff at the trembling Ice Climber in front of her. With a confident and imposing voice, she shouted: "Auto reticle!"

Nana quickly ducked as Palutena shoot, barely missing. The small girl took the opportunity to freeze the floor beneath her opponent, giving her no choice but to stay still or she would trip. Good thing Palutena was wearing heels. That facilitated her job.

Palutena raised her staff in a defensive position as she saw the Ice Climber rushing at her. She countered Nana's attack and sent her flying a few feet away from her. When the ice beneath her melted, she dashed at Nana ready to hit her with her staff, but Nana was faster and hit her with her ice projectile, stunning the goddess just enough for her to hit her with her Squall Hammer attack.

At the mansion, Popo watched the fight happening at the Gerudo Valley stage between the two women through one of the living room's TV screens. If only he was there, that match would be set in no time. The moment Palutena's guard lowered the two would just chain grab her and take out one of her lives in less than then seconds. He glanced at his hammer resting by his side and frowned.

Pit, on the other hand, was a lot more cheerful. It was hard for Popo to concentrate when the angel seated by his side cheered with the force of one thousand fangirls. It wouldn't be so bad, if he wasn't rooting for his sister's opponent.

"Yeah! Use the Heavenly Light and destroy her, Lady Palutena!" Pit said pumping his fist in the air.

"Pit, can you, like, not?" asked Popo. The angel could be so insufferable sometimes.

"Can I not what?" he asked, completely oblivious to the other's annoyance.

"You do realize that Palutena's opponent is my sister, right?"

"Oh… OH! Sorry about that," Pit apologized and quieted down. "If it makes you feel better, Nana's doing pretty well."

"Heh, thanks," Popo murmured and continued watching the fight.

If only he was there.

A horrible wave of bad energy hit Lucario all of a sudden like a bullet, making him interrupt his aura sphere build up and look around the battlefield with very desperate amber eyes. It made his head pound and his respiration shorten. Where was the source of that dark aura? It almost felt like it came from all places, crushing him entirely.

Pikachu also stopped what he was doing and tilted his head to the side. Whatever happened to their fight? Impatient and irritated, he electroshocked the blue Pokémon, bringing back his attention to the battle.

"(Lucario, what are you doing?)" Pikachu whispered. "(Concentrate on the battle!)"

"P-Pikachu, we need to get out of here r-right now!" Lucario said, recovering from the sudden thunder attack.

"(W-Wait, what?)"

"We need to run!" the steel type Pokémon urged.

But before any of the two could move, the whole stage was engulfed in darkness and so did their consciousness.

Popo was speechless. What the hell did just happen? A moment ago, Nana and Palutena were engaged in an intense battle on Gerudo Valley. Now the screen showed the entire stage taken over by a dark mass of energy. Not only the one they were in, but about half of the battlefields were suffering the same fate. He could only watch in dead silence as more and more Smashers and stages were consumed by darkness.

And suddenly it hit him. His sister was taken over by that darkness right in front of him. And he was there in the mansion without being able to do a thing to help. He shakily got up from the sofa with his knuckles white from how hard he was grabbing his hammer.

"N-No, no! Nana, NANA!" Popo screamed in blind rage. He was on the verge of hitting the television when Pit grabbed his arm.

Popo turned around and faced the angel. He had never seen Pit so pale. His hand was shaking and Popo could easily let go from his grasp if he wanted to. But seeing Pit in that state seemed to make his own rage and despair calm down a bit. Only the sufficient for him to understand that breaking the television wasn't going to bring Nana and the rest of the Smashers captured back.

"We need to talk with Master Hand," Pit said.

In less than twenty minutes, the remaining Smashers in the Smash Mansion was reunited in the living room, all very aware of the situation. Unfortunately, Master Hand was nowhere to be seen and it didn't take long for them to understand that they were on their own. Crazy also had mysteriously disappeared, though no one ever thought about him being of any use.

"(Let's do like before and dive into Subspace and rescue everyone!)" Charizard roared, almost spitting fire on the floor.

"Charizard, I understand that you are angry. We all want our beloved ones back. However, we need to discuss a rescue plan first, so sit down," Zelda commanded and the fire type sat down on the floor, still very annoyed.

"First things first, we need a list of who was fighting when the explosions happened," Villager said. He took a mini notepad and pen from his pocket and proceeded on writing down the names.

He had to pause two or three times, so the Smashers would stop trying to shout over other the missing people's names, but in the end, the list was done. Villager passed the notepad around to facilitate his job.

The list had the names: Mario, Link, Samus, Kirby, Pikachu, Yoshi, Lucas, Lucario, Robin, Ike, Diddy Kong, King DeDeDe, Palutena and Nana.

"That's almost half of us," Fox commented bitterly. "Alright, we need to form a rescue party. Those masses of energy probably work the same way from before. We just need to enter them and we will be in Subspace."

"Wait, but how will we get out?" Sonic asked. "I mean, I don't remember seeing any exit the last time we were in. We just got out because we blasted Tabuu into pieces. By the way, you're welcome."

"(It's been years since you broke Tabuu's wings, just let it go already!)" Charizard complained. "(You are not the only one who defeated him!)"

"In fact, that is a good question. Once we are in, how are we getting out?" Peach asked with a finger on her chin. "After all, if leaving Subspace was as easy as getting dragged into it, then everyone captured would only need to step out of it, right?"

Nobody knew how to answer that question. As far as everyone could recall, there wasn't even a sign of an exit. They escaped last time because they defeated Tabuu, but they didn't know of another solution. The only way was to go in there and face Tabuu once again, but the lord of Subspace sure had something up his sleeve this time.

They didn't even know what had caused those explosions in the first place. It could be the job of a bomb, like it happened before, yet where could it be located? The stages were very well secured and something as big as those bombs would be seen in no time. Unless Tabuu, somehow, have managed to create micro bombs as powerful as the previous ones.

"We can at least take comfort in knowing everyone there can defend themselves. As long as they stick together, the Primids won't be much of a bother, right?" Mega Man asked.

"One Primid isn't much of a problem. But some of them come in swarms and it can be very tiring fighting all of them at once. And we're not even taking in consideration the rest of the Subspace creatures," said Fox.

Ness let out a sigh and got up from the floor. He informed that he was going to get a cup of water and would be back in a second. Popo also got up and decided to follow him. The two boys were just too tired and devastated to think properly at the moment and that debate that seemed to go nowhere wasn't helping at all.

"They got Luke and Nana, I can't even believe it," Ness whispered as he got the water jar from the fridge. He poured it into the glass cup distractedly, spilling liquid all over the table. He didn't bother with that and just left it that way. "I'm sorry for you, dude. I mean, Nana's your sister. I can imagine the way you feel about this…"

"Yeah," Popo couldn't utter another word.

"We-We're going to bring them back, though! And they are super strong and can survive in that place, even if they depend on us," Ness said forcing a smile on his face. Popo couldn't help but notice that that forced smile made his face look ridiculous. But that somehow cheered him up a little bit.

The red capped boy noticed the other's slight smile and grinned. "What did I tell you? I'm the spirit of this group. I cheer people up!" he bragged.

"As if!" Popo said giving a light punch on his shoulder.

The other boy let out a chuckle and rested his elbows on the table with his back against it. "You know… I had a bad feeling about this today. That's why I was so clingy to Lucas," Ness confessed, his tone of voice suddenly becoming melancholic. "I don't know how he could stand me. I didn't leave him alone at all and kept bugging him every two seconds."

"So you did notice you were being a pain in the ass?"

"Of course! I may be a real pain, but I do that consciously," he said with a sad smile. "I was just afraid of losing him, y'know? I guess I was just as afraid as you were with Nana. But in the end there was nothing I could do. They got him at the only time I couldn't follow him."

After Ness finished his water, the two decided to go back to the living room. The two crossed the dining room, ready to take the corridor that lead back to where the Smashers were reunited. As they were leaving the room, they young Smashers were abruptly stopped on their tracks as they noticed the shadows on the walls.

The two watched with their mouths agape as the shadows begun to leave the walls and take form of a very familiar enemy to them. Humanoid specters floated above their heads, their haunting red eyes staring at them.

"Oh, hell no! PK FIRE!" Ness shouted and launched a fire attack at one of the specters. Taking the opportunity of the enemy's confusion, Ness jumped in the air and gave it a strong kick in the stomach, sending it flying against the wall.

"What are Floows doing here?!" Popo asked as he hit another Floow with a blizzard attack.

"How should I know?!"

Their despair grew as more and more Floows begun to show up. The creatures stood close to each other, forming a thick mush green and red cloud that blocked the exit of the dining room.

"This can't be good…"

If you guys noticed, I ended up choosing female Robin over male Robin for this story (even if the only mention of her gender was from Ness' comment). The reason I chose her was because… I wanted to. I think she's cute. There really isn't any other reason.