Kyoko: It's time for chapter 10! And it's the longest one so far! Sorry it took a while, I've had school and stuff so I couldn't update as often. But now I'm on a 2 week break -woo!- so I should be able to put a few more chapters up before I get back to school again! Summary please!
Zelda: Wolf's team have gone past Utsunomiya and arrived in Nikko to visit its main shrine Futara-san. Ai continues to write down her thoughts in her diary and finally admits something, then a strange boy meets Wolf's team but only leads them to trouble...
JapanFan Kyoko does not own any SSB characters but she does own all SMASH! News team members (the current ones and all ones!)
Eyes descended upon the debris, the city's name ripped away, its heart silenced forever. A sole aircraft soared above, the only thing moving. It was unnerving that the sun should shine so bright on a city overflowing with sorrow, drowning in its pain. The supposedly comforting change in weather only roused the destruction from the shadows and outraged the aircraft's passengers even more. Outrage was either expressed by silence or faint whispering; for Wolf, his decision was silence. He forced himself to look down, miles and miles of smashed tarmac, trees sprawling their arms across billboards stretching before him.
The Wolfen flew past the wreckage, the ground below buried in its shadow. It passed over the remains of Utsunomiya Station, its trains deformed, a collapsed bullet train thrown across mangled railroads with shattered glass gleaming like stars on the floor. Even Utsunomiya's most famous shopping center, Bell Mall, had been reduced to dark ruins and ashes. There was no sign of fatalities, but such an attack was impossible to avoid, and it would have been impossible to predict. Everywhere Wolf turned, the ground had been ripped apart, manipulated as if it were as easy to handle as clay. They reached towards the sky like grey waves.
Dedede waddled into the cockpit. His features, from his gait to his face, were drenched in sadness. He didn't say anything as he took a seat next to Wolf, and the two of them sat in silence for a while, gazing out of the window at the old city.
"Can we land yet?" the bird sighed. The wolf's ears flattened.
"No," he replied through clenched teeth. "Get back in the main room with the others, I'm sure they're better company than I am."
Dedede let out a deep laugh, startling Wolf. His ears flicked upwards at the sound. "Don't be silly," he replied softly. "You may call me pompous, but no one can stand the company of those Smashers! Ah, life at the mansion must be like a fairground, don't you think?"
"Yeah," Wolf said. "But that's if we ever get there."
"Don't be like that, Wolf!" Dedede snapped jokingly, patting him on the arm. "You're such a pessimist! Yeah, I know things look bleak, but we'll get there. Ha, no wonder you never win your battles!"
"What do you mean?!" Wolf demanded, suddenly losing his control on the ship. "I don't see you winning any either."
They laughed, the cold mood gradually thawed by their friendly conversations. Wolf had to admit that he liked Dedede and was glad that he refused his order to go back with the other Smashers. A smile broadened on his face, a rare event, as a certain bird and girl sprung to mind. If he were to endure with Dedede's sonorous laugh and tedious tales for the rest of journey, he knew that they should at least talk to one another without bickering. It wouldn't be a strong friendship like Falco and Ai's; Dedede would remain as an acquaintance. He would make sure it stayed that way. These contrasting personalities had been brought together and got on well, but eventually they both grew tired of each other's company -something they both had in common; getting bored easily- and Dedede went back to the main room to join his comrades.
At last, Wolf was alone again, just how he had planned himself to be throughout the journey. Never one to engage in friendly chats, he wanted to make sure he didn't affect any of the more optimistic Smashers with his negative aura.
Just then, an area of untouched land rose over the horizon. A small azure ribbon meandered around the tall trees of the land, reduced to a trickle. Excitedly, Wolf activated the intercom.
"Hey! Falco!"
"What?" came the instant reply from the Great Fox.
"There's... there's actually something which is still intact! I can't see what it is yet but it looks like some sort of building and there's a bridge further ahead." He felt his heart swell with joy as he heard Ai gasp in the background. How could she change his character so suddenly? Nothing ever pierced the tough exterior of this mercenary, not even the saddest of stories. "Anyway," he continued. "Where are you right now?"
"Not over any major cities," the bird replied. "So, how are things where you are Smasher-wise?"
"Oh, don't ask," the wolf sighed, resting his head on his clawed hand. "A nightmare. I'm telling ya, if I hear that dragon, Bowser I think he's called, fight with Wario again, I will kill them both! The stress, it's my worst enemy right now, it's biting away at me like fleas..."
"Well, I've had my share of problems too, you know," said Falco, his face wearing an equal amount of monotony as the other pilot. "Roy's been going off to the superior side again. Sheesh, it nearly frightened us all to death! One minute he's talking to Metaknight then he grabs his sword off Marth and charges into the cockpit trying to kill us all! It lasted only about half a minute, but it's getting serious. I don't know what to do with him,"
"Not my problem," Wolf grinned, reverting back to the arrogant self that his rival knew well. "Better sort it out quickly, eh?"
Falco went quiet, his expression bitter. "Since when have you ever given me orders?"
"You misinterpreted the sentence," Wolf told him, laughing mockingly at the disgruntled bird's face. "I'm going to land now, but I'll inform you of any news as soon as I can,"
With a nod of his head, Falco's face disappeared from the intercom. As soon as it did, Dedede poked his yellow beak around the door, a small smile spreading on his face.
"We're here!" he cheered, flapping his arms and throwing invisible confetti into the air.
"You're so nosy," Wolf retorted. "And stop doing that. We're not here for a party, this is a serious matter,"
"Like I said, Wolf, you've got to look on the bright side," Dedede skipped over to the window and pressed his hands against it, peering down into the vast ocean of green. "You've done well so far, coping with that lot. Things should be easier once we get out of the Wolfen."
"You'd better be right," Wolf mumbled under his breath.
The Wolfen decelerated, its wings tipping slightly to the left, balancing, then descended. The chatter of lively Smashers increased, growing like the buzzing of bees. Desperate to get them outside, Wolf ushered them towards the exit and into the fresh air.
It lay there unscathed, a crimson arc stretching over the river like a rainbow, the bridge to the main shrines of Nikko. Boulders rolled down the banks and into the river, crashing as they landed upon the shallow bed. However, this spiritual haven had only just escaped from destruction; on one side lay the backdrop of trees, on the other the obliterated city.
Unaffected by the solemn mood, Dedede ran over the bridge, beckoning everyone forwards. The Smashers approached the bridge in their separate teams and crossed it silently. The stout bird stopped in the centre of the bridge to wait for Wolf who was, unsurprisingly, on his own.
"It's amazing that this shrine wasn't destroyed along with the city," he said, gazing up at the trees.
Dedede sighed and pulled at Wolf's jacket, dragging him to the shrine entrance. From the little gasps of Pichu and Pikachu to the 'aahs' of Ganondorf and Bowser, it was clear that the beauty of the gardens astounded them all. The giant pagoda-like structure marked the entrance, its huge grey roofs curving up to the cloudy sky. Together they walked under it and into the main grounds filled with large red lanterns and the trickle of water in the distance. It was deserted.
"Where exactly did the map tell us to go?" Mario asked.
"I have no idea," Wolf replied. "Utsunomiya was only highlighted as a main city, but this is it's main shrine, Futara-san. We need to split up. Everyone, get into pairs and search the area,"
The Wolf found himself smiling at his own words, however school-teacher-sounding they were. At last he was stating his position effectively. The other Smashers now fully understood his role and accepted it. Mario and Luigi ran off in the direction of the souvenir shop whilst Captain Falcon stayed close to Yoshi as he headed towards a miniature shrine. When all of the pairs had disappeared, Dedede grabbed Wolf's jacket again and dragged him into the main hall.
The stones clattered against their feet when they stepped onto the them, and this was replaced by the hollow clunk of ancient wood as they moved onto the steps. Tall scarlet pillars held the vast wooden beams of the ceiling, splashed with gold paint. Their eyes were filled with the endless mesmerising hallways overflowing with scarlet. In the background the murmuring of Smashers faded away until everything became still.
"This is boring," sighed Dedede. "Let's go back."
"Dedede," Wolf pulled him back, his eyes wide. "Don't move,"
Tensely he grabbed the back of Dedede's robe and dragged him into the shadows. They sat behind a stone lantern, Wolf's ears twitching.
"What is it?" whispered Dedede nervously.
"Listen," hissed Wolf. Closing his eyes, he let his hearing take over, listening to the sounds around him; the brushing of leaves against bark, the barely audible chatter of Smashers, perhaps even the long-forgotten chanting of ancient songs sung by priests floating upon the wind's breath. Dedede watched him, confused, for he could hear nothing. He patted Wolf on the shoulder but he wouldn't respond.
"I can't hear anything," said Dedede, creeping away. But Wolf saw him, and yanked him backwards. And then he heard it, the unfamiliar footsteps of a human. He sniffed the air, and his suspicion increased.
"He's behind us," he murmured, opening his eyes. The bird whipped his its head round, panicking, but Wolf grabbed him and held his beak. "Shut up!"
He cautiously peered around the corner and rose from his hiding place with Dedede under his arm. In the quiet rhythm of the footsteps was a stumble, possibly someone tripping, and revealing his exact position. Carefully Wolf placed Dedede back on the ground and took out his blaster. He caught Yoshi walking back towards him in the corner of his eye. Dedede also took out his giant mallet and rested it on his shoulder.
Like ghosts they glided through the hallway before them, a shadow flickering past now and then. The stumble occurred again, and Wolf sprinted ahead, the position of the now human located straight ahead. The sunlight dimmed, causing shadows to merge on the walls.
"There's no one there," said Dedede, towing his mallet behind him. "You're ears are too sensitive. It's probably just the-"
Suddenly, a darker shadow flew across the floor. This time a figure accompanied it, armed with a katana.
"Stop!" he yelled.
The blonde-haired youth approached them cautiously, eying Wolf's black weapon, then his face. As his eyes darted between the two Smashers, his muscles relaxed. "You're Smashers..."
"Er, yes," Wolf replied, his claws still firmly gripping his gun. Dedede anxiously shifted from one foot to the other, readying his mallet. "Who are you?"
The youth's jaw hung open as if he were in shock. Tentatively he stepped forward, his blade wavering above its golden sheath. He wore a long-sleeved white shirt and black hakama; his hair was unusually tidy against his smart warrior look.
"I'm Isamu," he replied, his eyes examining everything about the newcomers. He grimaced at the sharpness of Wolf's claws, his knees bent close to the ground as if he were about to leap up and attack him. However, he was reassured by the overall appearance of Dedede, for he certainly didn't look brave and he his stance didn't indicate any possibility of attack from him.
"Isamu, the Smashers and I have arrived to Japan in search of the superior Smashers. Do you know Yoshiki Inukai?" asked Wolf. He lowered his blaster, but still remained cautious.
"Oh, yes," Isamu replied. "As a matter of fact, I'm looking for him too."
"For what reason?"
"He's my boss,"
Wolf frowned. "You're boss? You're part of the SMASH! News team?"
"Yeah, well... What do you need find him for?" Isamu continued, sounding too casual about the situation.
"Apparently he took some of the Smashers, even killed one of them. We're trying to get the Smashers back and kill him before he kills us, basically."
"I see... Well, I might be able to help you. Have you crossed the bridge?"
"Yes," Wolf replied.
"Then follow me. There's something that we should discuss. Oh, and by the way, are you Wolf?" He heard Dedede cough loudly. "And that must be... Dedede?"
"King Dedede!" the heavy bird exclaimed arrogantly.
"Er, yeah, I'm Wolf and this is Dedede. Dedede, try and search around here for that microchip, OK? I'll be on the bridge so if you find it then meet me there," said Wolf, walking back towards the entrance. Dedede rolled his eyes and folded his arms, sighing. "Fine, fine..."
We are still flying near to the coast, just passing over Iwaki. I feel relieved that not everywhere is destroyed. I look down and people are still there in the towns and cities, though things don't seem like they used to be. And I'm not surprised either, for the news of the destruction of major cities must have devastated its people.
As for things on the Great Fox... Things are getting worse. Roy attacked us earlier and nearly killed us. We can't contact Wolf now since he's exploring the area around Utsunomiya, but I think he may have headed west towards Nikko and must have seen Utsunomiya's main shrine, Futara-san. I'm so glad that it still stands untouched from Yoshiki and the superior Smashers. I don't know how Japan will be able to repair itself after so much damage.
Also, I think Falco's gone back into one of his bad moods again. He won't speak to me much anymore, and even when I talk to him he never seems to listen. He doesn't understand what I'm trying to say, even though I can't say it. Even body language does nothing. How can he be so oblivious? It makes me angry just thinking about it. With Koji it was always so much easier; just a smile could tell him a thousand words and when he smiled at me I would understand what he was 'saying'. But even when I think about Koji I can't really remember much about him. Although his charisma is unforgettable, his actual appearance, his face, his smile... I still love him, but since I haven't seen him for so long, and the fact that I may not be able to see him again... He may not even be a superior Smasher at all. That's why it's so difficult to deal with these feelings. Already Metaknight is suspicious of Falco and I, but what is more worrying is that Falco has no idea. Maybe one day I'll tell him... I will tell him and everyone the truth...
On one side lay devastation, on the other lay peace. They stood on the boundary between it, a single bridge spanning a sapphires river. Whilst one gazed out what remained of tranquillity, the other looked over the remains of Utsunomiya in the distance, creeping close to Nikko but never quite reaching it. Wolf, somewhat inspired by Dedede's optimistic words, leaned over the edge of the bridge at the view of the woodland of Nikko. As for Isamu, he was neither inspired nor optimistic about anything, and chose to stare expressionlessly at the ruins of the city.
"It's a shame, isn't it?" Wolf said sadly. "Now what was it that you wanted to discuss?"
The teen turned round slowly, placing a hand on the bridge. "It's about these superior Smashers. What do you know about them?"
"Well, you've been working for Inukai, so I assumed you would know already," Wolf replied. "But what I know is that some Smashers were taken by Yoshiki and changed into superior Smashers. I don't know how he does it, but he's after the rest of us, and I think he's after Ai, too,"
"Wait! Hold on... Ai? Ai Hoshino?" Isamu exclaimed. "What do you know about her? I've heard of her in newspapers, but... Tell me! Where is she? Do you know where she is?"
Wolf laughed, raising an eyebrow at the excited youth. "Well, yeah, but are you her brother or something?"
"No, of course not," Isamu said impatiently. "I, er... used to work with her! Yes!"
At that moment, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Diddy King appeared from behind the trees. Not wanting to interfere, the sat near the bridge and chatted amongst themselves.
"There are more Smashers?" Isamu questioned Wolf, his voice sounding desperate. "Tell me how many more there are!"
"Now hold on a second!" Wolf shouted, patting Isamu lightly. "Why are you asking so many questions? Are you part of the paparazzi or something? Look, I've only just become a Smasher so I'm just as confused as you!"
Isamu shot him an irritated look and pushed his hands through his hair, sweat flowing down his face. "I should just get this over with..."
Furiously Isamu walked away, briefly glancing back at the bewildered wolf. They had caught the attention of the Smashers who had ended their conversation to watch them. Wolf followed Isamu, sensing something unusual about his change in tone. Together they stopped at the opposite end of the bridge, the youth with his back to the wolf.
"Isamu, you'd better tell me what's going on," Wolf demanded, his claws hovering edgily over the holster on his belt. "You're hiding something from me. I don't know who you are or what you're doing here but you're a SMASH! News worker, and to me that means trouble. Well, Ai's a SMASH! News worker and she was quite nice so-"
"OK, you want to know why I'm asking you this?" Isamu asked, placing his hands on his hips. He left his question suspended upon the evening breeze. A few seconds passed and Wolf's tolerance had reached its limit. Just as he was about to interrogate him further, the hiss of metal upon sheath and a flash of silver tore through the air, slicing into his stomach. Letting out a deep yell, Wolf lurched backwards, dropping his weapon as his body sank to the floor.
"That's why," Isamu jeered, casually taking a few steps around the injured wolf. "I was asked to kill all Smashers. Those were my orders."
Baring his teeth, Wolf slowly got to his feet. An excruciating pain seared his skin like hot coals, leaving him unable to stand at full height. The young warrior noticed this and looked down upon him bearing a conceited expression. By now the Smashers who were watching had gathered in the centre of the bridge, staring horrified at their wounded leader.
"Thank you for giving me that information," Isamu continued. "I may be outnumbered but if its true that you're not superior then I won't have a problem in dealing with you."
"What exactly are you going to do with us?" Wolf growled furiously.
"In order to become superior, as Shimokawa-san told me, Smashers must be killed then superior Smash data is transferred to the body. It's a simple process really, and believe me, you won't regret joining Inukai-san..."
Before Wolf could protest, Isamu's hand aggressively grabbed the back of his head and rammed him into the side of the bridge. With the blade poised just above the wolf's neck, the warrior glanced at the terrified Smashers cautiously moving towards them. Diddy Kong rushed forward, grabbing Wolf's blaster off the floor. Desperately Wolf kicked back at Isamu, but it only knocked him sideways. With the blade glistening red with blood, it plunged down onto its victim like a guillotine, but before it could deliver its fatal blow Isamu yelled in shock as something leapt onto his face.
"Come on, guys! Help me out here!" Diddy cried out. His small furry hands grasped onto Isamu's hair and he yanked him back as if controlling a wild horse. Yoshi sent out a barrage of his green-spotted eggs and the Mario Bros. jumped into the air and crashed down upon Isamu and the ape. Quickly Diddy threw the blaster back to Wolf who didn't hesitate in firing at his enemy. The rapid blaster shots hit Isamu in the shoulder, but the wolf couldn't get too close since his comrades were in the way.
"Hey, Wolf! I've found it!" a familiar voice called out. Dedede sprinted into the fray waving his arms madly. In one hand he held the microchip. Gradually more and more Smashers joined him at the edge of the bridge, many of them helping the others to attack Isamu.
However, when Dedede reached Wolf his face contorted into one of horror as he looked down upon the injured creature. "Wolf, what's goin' on?"
"Just get everyone back to the ship," said Wolf through clenched teeth. Dedede grabbed his blood-stained hand and helped him to stand.
"Get back to the ship!" Dedede commanded.
Reluctant to leave the battle unfinished, the Smashers close to Isamu continued their attack for a few more seconds before leaving the battered youth on the floor. Isamu ignored the pain and clutched the side of the bridge, using it to support him.
"Hurry up!" Dedede shouted. "He'll be after us any minute!"
And he was right. Undiscouraged by his injuries, the blonde-haired warrior charged towards the Wolfen, katana drawn. Frantically Dedede pushed Wolf onto the ship and heaved him onto his chair in the cockpit. The Smasher piled into the main room, breathless, shaken. Taking no notice of Wolf's objection, Dedede hopped onto the chair beside him and started the engine. Their adrenaline soared as a hand flew upwards and crashed heavily onto the window.
"Go!" yelled Wolf.
"I think it's this one..."
Dedede's hand paused over a red switch, but Wolf was having not of it. He lunged forward and pressed down upon his hand, activating the ship's engine and thrusting them upward with tremendous force, releasing Isamu's grip and the painful suspense.
Sighs of relief floated through the Wolfen. Breathing slowed to a relaxed tempo, eventually replaced by exhausted chatter. Wolf lay back and examined his wound, a single vertical slash from his chest to his stomach.
"You should get that sorted out," said Dedede.
"Do I look like a paramedic?" Wolf snapped angrily. "Aren't there any Smashers that can help?"
"Hmm, maybe Mario can help. He has this alter ego called Dr Mario but I don't think he came with us. Still, it's worth a try."
"You're not concerned at all!" Wolf growled, holding his chest.
"Ah! Wolf!"
Suddenly Mario ran through the door, his face as red as his shirt.
"Mario! We've just been talking about you," said Dedede, he eyes still firmly fixed upon the controls. "Could you help Wolf out a second?"
"Oh, Wolf, I was going to ask you something," the plumber said worriedly. "Have you seen Luigi?"
"...No," Wolf retorted. "Look, can you help me out here, please?"
"Whoah, wait a minute!" exclaimed Dedede. "I didn't see him either. I checked that everyone was getting on the ship..."
Mario's face drained of colour as Dedede turned to face him. "I'm sorry. I think... He may have been caught..."
Mario stared down at the floor, unable to accept those words. His throat ached as he tried express his emotion through words, but nothing came out except a stifled 'oh'. Condolence lay at the back of wolf's mind no matter how hard he tried to comfort the sorrowful plumber. Instead he closed his eyes and reclined on his chair with his physical pain as the emotional part left the room.
"Finally, you're back!" Falco's voice rang through the intercom. "What happened? You were gone two hours!"
"Oh, well, we had a bit of a problem," sighed Dedede. "There was this SMASH! News guy down there that tried to kill us and he's taken Luigi."
"SMASH! News?" Ai interrupted them. "Who was he called?
"Isamu," Dedede replied. "He said that he used to work with you.
The group fell quiet. "I don't know anyone called Isamu..." she said, confused.
"It's obvious that he lied then," added Falco. "How's Wolf, then?"
"Moody, as usual," Dedede said with a chuckle.
"It isn't funny Dedede!" Wolf shouted irritably. "I'm in pain you idiot!"
"What ha-?"
"It's a long story," Dedede said firmly. "Oh, and could you do us a favour? If you're heading towards... Oh, what's its name? Oh yeah, Fukushima, then could you look around the temples and shrines to find out if there's a microchip there? I found one in the shrine in Nikko."
"Of course!" Ai said kindly. "And Wolf, I hope you get well soon!"
Those sweet words had healed part of him already. "Thanks Ai,"
"We'll contact you later," Falco told them. "And yeah, Wolf, make sure you don't die or anything,"
"Thanks a lot, Falco," Wolf sighed sarcastically.
The intercom screen went blank again and was replaced by the map of Japan. Dedede tapped his feet on the chair as he pondered the next location.
"What do you think?" he wondered aloud. "Niigata or Yamagata?"
"I really don't care right now!" Wolf roared, stunned by how oblivious the bird was of his pain.
"... Yeah, I think we'll go to Niigata."
No! Luigi! Oh yeah, I got rid of him. In the next chapter we'll be seeing more of Falco's team as they arrive in Fukushima, and Metaknight continues to spy on Falco and Ai. Please tell me if there is any way I can improve this story! I appreciate all of your reviews so far I would like to know what you like and what I could do to make it better.
See ya in the next chapter!