This is the second part of the FFVII remake plotline. Before we get started we have one review from ultimateCCC.
"What we need is a time wipe! It's like a mind wipe but erases all timelines.
Does that affect Age of Calamity as well?"
I feel only a villain would try to wipe out the timeline. And no Age of Calamity is a part of Breath of the Wild's timeline since it's a prequel. This is only happening to Midgar because the Final Fantasy VII Remake game is overwriting the current timeline. What does happen to that world though we'll learn after we have the next part of the remake.
Season 6 episode 3: Ancient
(January 17th, 2021)
Things haven't been the same for Cloud and Tifa since they went to Midgar yesterday. Not only do they now know problems with the vortexes were in other places, Aerith had returned too. The girl had been killed by Sephiroth himself long ago. Master Hand has been prepared and had a room ready for her however. Aerith was on the third floor.
Cloud's team going to Midgar proved one thing though. The situation was a multiversal issue, sadly Master Hand still couldn't figure out a proper counter for all of this. And they were forced to just message a warning to the other worlds to hopefully spread the word. Eventually the man of the mansion decided to focus on the next issue, Sephiroth. It was clear now to him that he was a problem and actually here on the island, Cloud's growing worries are anything to go by. So he decided to gather a small group to track him down.
These four were Lucario, Rayman, Kamui, and Azura. All of them were in his office right now to be given the full rundown. "Okay you four, I have an important mission for you all," Master Hand said to the four once they were all seated.
"Does this have to do with our growing time travel issues," Lucario asked. The aura pokemon seemed to be meditating in his seat. The aura was flowing around his hands.
"Very perceptive of you Lucario. Yes, that is why you four are here." Master Hand then laid a picture out on the table, which was Sephiroth's render in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. "Due to certain developments we have reason to believe Sephiroth is currently somewhere on the island."
"This Sephiroth is an adversary of Cloud correct," Azura asked. Master Hand nodded, telling her that was true. "Wouldn't this be something he would want to take care of himself?"
"Yes, and quite frankly, he's probably the only one who can. So the plan is to locate Sephiroth and find a way to lure him to the mansion." Master Hand opened his desk drawer and pulled out a map of the island. "I've been using my powers connected to the fabric of time to figure out his possible locations. There are three possible spots. Best-case scenario in the forest, worst-case scenario he's in the heart of the park."
Dillon took the map and gave a look at it. Kamui was looking over it too. "This island is bigger than I thought. Could take the whole day to go to all three locations."
"I guess we need to leave right away," Kamui said, getting up from her chair. She then respectfully bowed at Master Hand. "Thank you for trusting us with this task Master Hand."
"I'm confident we will see this task finished," Lucario said as he stopped meditating and got up from his seat. The aura pokemon then made his way out of the room. The others followed shortly.
Azura (Lady of the Lake): While it would've been more beneficial for me to talk to Corrin today, duty calls. I can't deny a call to help if someone here can threaten the island.
Lucario (Aura Pokemon): *walking by* We should be back with enough time for you to talk to him. Let's go!
Once the four were walking down the hallway Kamui had asked, "So which spot are we going to first?"
Lucario took a look at the marked map before closing his eyes. "Hmm, if he will show up at any of the spots… perhaps we should go to the park first. If he does show up there we can least evacuate everyone there."
"Sounds good to me," Rayman said as they stepped into the elevator.
On most days Wario would be hanging around in the dining room waiting for the next meal to be served. This time however he was in the game room with a deck of cards. The residents that saw him there were confused as to what he was doing, but chalked it up to regular villain shenanigans. And they'd be right on that too.
Wario had overheard about how Phoenix had more or less wiped the floor with his opponents when he jumped into the poker game yesterday. Forming a plan in his mind the microgamer decided to challenge Phoenix to a one-on-one. In which he would sabotage Phoenix so he would lose. All that came now was finding the correct villain to help him. He had already asked Ganondorf, but the gerudo king declined almost instantly.
Ganondorf (Great King of Evil): The reason I declined is because I don't do evil acts that I have nothing to gain from. What Wario wants to do is fueled by his own pettiness.
Wario's search for a villain to help him led him face-to-face with Ghirahim. The skyward sword villain was one that mostly kept to himself in crowded areas of the mansion. The game room was of course one of them. "He gothic vampire man, I have a favor to ask of you," Wario said running over.
"That is not what I am and you know it," Ghirahim said to Wario with a growl in his voice. Regardless we rolled his eyes and asked, "What do you need anyway?"
"I was wondering if you'd like to help with a little plan of mine," Wario said. The two then relocated to the card table where Wario had things set up. "You see, I am going to challenge Phoenix Wright to a game of poker. During the game I want you to continue to play cards that will allow me to win. And I will show that goody-two-shoes lawyer who's boss."
"He's technically not a lawyer anymore," Ghirahim reminded him. He then leaned back in the chair he was on in thought. He then smirked devilishly. "I'd be willing to help you, but I must know what I would be getting in return."
Wario nodded saying, "Yes, yes, of course. I am hiring you to do this after all. I don't have much to offer though other than 1000 smash coins. So that's it."
Ghirahim nodded saying, "That works for me. You got yourself a deal Wario." He had held his hand out and Wario accepted it for a quick handshake. "I'll get prepared, you go ahead and challenge him." With that Wario was off to find the former defense attorney. Meanwhile, a certain young witch had watched things unfold from where she was in the room.
Ashley (The Young Witch): He's not getting paid.
As it would turn out Phoenix was in the room as well with the younger Trucy, making the job much easier done than said. Wario ran until he was directly in front of the lawyer, pointed, and shouted. "I challenge you to a game of poker!"
Trucy jumped and hid behind Phoenix, who was looking in confusion. "I beg your pardon," Phoenix asked.
"I would like to challenge you, Phoenix Wright, to a game of poker. I heard about how you beat the other yesterday in record time. I would like to take you and show you what a true pro is like," Wario explained. Trucy had become more comfortable at this point and stepped out from being behind Phoenix.
Phoenix looked a little skeptical on the whole thing and felt it a necessity to ask, "No tricks from you and the dealer right?"
"On my honor," Wario said with his fingers crossed behind his back. Phoenix agreed and said they could start the match in an hour. Wario walked away with an evil grin on his face.
Getting used to the mansion and everyone around it hasn't been all that hard for Aerith. Her personality made it very easy for her to talk to anyone around the mansion hero, villain, and anti-hero alike. She's mostly stuck by Cloud's side for the duration of the day so far. The ex-SOLDIER eventually offered to show her some of the room in the mansion, which Aerith accepted.
Tifa Lockhart (childhood friend): Jealous, really? Aerith is a very good friend of both me and Cloud. And given how upset Cloud was when she did die I think spending time with her is just what he needs. So not jealous, drop it.
Which is what led them to the practice room and workshop of the mansion. The practice area wasn't being used at the moment, but as always Samus was tinkering in the workshop. Cloud opened the door to the workshop and let Aerith in. Samus nearly pointed the arm cannon on instinct but stopped herself. "Any particular reason you two are in her today," Samus had asked as she continued to work.
"I offered to show Aerith around the mansion today. She is still new here after all," Cloud replied. He then turned to the ancient. "Anyways, anyone can work on any personal engineering and/or maintenance projects here. I personally don't come in here."
"Well there's still a lot of tools to work with," Aerith said as she looked over the table Samus wasn't using. It contained some items that would have to assume Zero normally works at this one. "Some do need to learn to clean up after themselves though." Aerith went ahead nad picke a wrench off the floor.
"I could use that actually if you don't mind," Samus said, holding her hand out. Knowing what she meant Aerith handed the wrench over to the bounty hunter. "Thank you."
"Do you spend time in here often," Aerith had asked the bounty hunter. Cloud began to watch on with a cautious eye, slightly worried of where this could go.
"I'm in here for the majority of most days." Samus continued to use the wrench on part of the leg on her power suit. "About six hours at least. Six days a week."
"You must not get out often."
"I get out plenty." Samus sounded like she was starting to get annoyed. This was giving enough of a signal to Cloud to prepare to pull Aerith out.
Aerith seemed to catch on that Samus didn't much like this conversation and decided to switch gears. "I guess this whole thing with the time vortex has put this place in quite a predicament?"
"You can say that again, people from the future, people from the past, and then you, who is supposed to be dead," Samus said with a slight smirk on that last part.
"I still don't get why I can't know how I died. But to think you may get a chance to see old friends and those you thought to be dead again. I can think of a certain someone myself." Aerith said, not noticing how Samus was a bit tense now.
"Let me guess, Zack," Cloud said.
"Exactly. Though I guess there's a chance he may end up coming from a time before he met me, but there's still hope," Aerith answered. She then turned back to Samus again. "So what about you?"
Samus was still tense right now and Cloud picked up on it, beginning to worry more. "What about me," Samus tensely asked.
"Is there anyone you would like to see again? Past allies, friends, maybe even family," Aerith said. What she didn't expect next was Samus clutching the arm cannon of her suit and Cloud dragging her away.
"Cloud, please escort your friend out, and explain to her why my past shouldn't be discussed before I become tempted to do Sephiroth a favor," Samus menacingly through her teeth.
"Don't need to tell me twice," Cloud said, though Aerith seemed to not want to budge and was resisting. "Guess I'm still the bodyguard." The ex-SOLDIER then lifted Aerith up and over his shoulder before carrying her out of the workshop.
"You know this isn't how you should hold a lady," Aerith said as Cloud let her down in the hallway. "Why did you do that anyway?"
"Cause I need to explain some unspoken rules of the mansion to you here since you nearly caused a lot of trouble there," Cloud stated before starting to go down the list.
Lucario, Rayman, Kamui, and Azura were at the park now. Some citizens were walking around and taking in the sights while there were some children playing on the playground. "Okay we're here," Lucario stated, "we should cover the whole area. Leave no section unsearched. I'll take Northwest, Rayman Northeast, Azura Southwest, and Kamui-" Lucario cut himself off as the dragon princess was now gone. "Where did Kamui go?"
"Over there," Rayman said pointing to the playground. Kamui was currently in her dragon form, playing with children in the snow. "Guess she couldn't help herself."
"Should've warned Master Hand about Corrin and Kamui's love for snow," Azura muttered to herself. She then began to walk over there. "I can rally her back to her senses."
"Very well, I guess we can begin the search ourselves," Lucario said as he began to walk deeper into the park. Rayman nodded and went off in his own direction. The aura pokemon then traversed through the park, past a few citizens that were hoping to get autographs. But Lucario seemed focused enough so they ended up leaving him alone.
Eventually Lucario had made it to the back corner of the park, past this point on this end would be the sidewalk. The aura pokemon was about to turn around but soon noticed a feather pass his face. He's heard about this kind of thing from TIfa so he was on edge now. He watched as the feather touched the ground before he reached down and picked it up. "Cloud did say Sephiroth had that one wing. This must be from him, Sephiroth could be somewhere in the park right now, or maybe luring us to a certain spot-"
*CAAAWWW-CAW*
Lucario was cut off as he looked up to a tree, seeing none other than a bird in it flapping his wings. Not just any bird. "A crow? Those have black feathers," Lucario said before facepalming at his rare moment of stupidity. "I should probably see if the other had more luck."
"You know of all my past friends I was thinking I'd find in the park I was not expecting you," said a new voice, one Lucario recognized. The aura pokemon watched as the crow flew off and landed on the person's shoulder. "Thank you for getting his attention, my winged helper."
Lucario had turned around and became rather shocked to see none other than Henry. The Shepherd from Ylisse, who had not been around since after World of Light. "Henry? What're you doing here," Lucario had asked.
"Unofficially I'm helping you guys," Henry replied as he signaled for his crow to find the others. "Officially Master Hand is bringing in more residents and he thought it best to bring back some past residents too."
Lucario nodded in understanding, it was no secret Master Hand was preparing to bring more residents into the mansion. He kept the contents of who was coming highly confidential though. Out of everyone else in the mansion Crazy Hand was the only other one who knew. "Did you jump the gun and come back early?"
"Something like that," Henry said. He then leaned in saying, "Between you and me though I'm still in Ylisse." Lucario rolled his eyes at this because Master Hand has no clue Henry is on the island in that case.
"How did you even get here if you didn't take the bus."
"Not important, oh look! There are our friends now!" Henry gestured to where his crow was flying back from. Kamui, Azura, and Rayman were behind it. "Okay everyone is gathered."
"First of all, nice to see you again Henry. Also, what kind of plan do you have," Kamui said, slightly wary. Most of the time, you do not want to leave Henry with planning duties.
"Well if you must know I have developed a surefire way for us to find Sephiroth on the island. I just need to set this up," Henry said. He then took out some items and looked around to make sure no citizens were watching. Once he confirmed it for himself he got to work.
Azura (Lady of the Lake): Judging by what he's using he's a dark mage for sure. I don't normally trust them, but Henry looks like he knows what he's doing.
Henry (Twisted Mind): *taking out a tome* I have no idea if this is going to work, but it's fun to try!
"What's he doing anyway," Rayman asked Lucario.
"Best-case scenario, something that'll help us find Sephiroth. Worst-case sends us to another world entirely," Lucario stated. Soon enough he took out his time and sent out a dark fire spell. A blast of wind then came as a dark portal with a bright light opened up. "Henry what is this?"
"This will lead us to where Sephiroth is. You see the one-winged angel is a special case in some terms. It requires a certain connection to be able to see him out and about in the real world. This portal will take us to an alternate dimension where we will be allowed to see him. Best part, there are no citizens in that dimension so the ensuring fight shouldn't harm any bystanders."
The four looked at each, with Azura and Rayman wondering if they could trust him. Eventually Kamui made the decision for them by walking up to the portal. "This better work," she had said as she walked through. There others then reluctantly followed with Henry close behind them. The dark portal then closed afterwards.
Wario and Phoenix were making final preparations right now before the poker match. Phoenix was off in his own corner while Wario was in his. Walking over to the former defense attorney right now was 2028 Trucy. "Are you preparing for a poker match Daddy," Trucy had asked.
"Indeed Trucy. I'm going to be up against Wario, Ghirahim is dealing," Phoenix said pointing over to the two. Trucy looked over to see them trying to discreetly shuffle the card deck.
"They're going to sabotage you."
"Oh they are definitely planning to sabotage me, but I'm more clever than they take me for," Phoenix said as he stood up. He then reached into his pocket and revealed a couple cards in it. "If they want to play dirty I might as well do the same."
"Wario will accuse you of cheating, even if he's already doing it himself." Trucy had noticed the two were finally done with shuffling the deck.
"That I have no doubt of. Think you can help a father out though," Phoenix asked. Trucy smirked and gave a nod. She then walked away and pretended to be practicing her magic tricks at another spot, but she also had a clear eye on the deck Ghirahim was holding. Phoenix then walked over asking, "We are finally ready to start, you two look like you never shuffled cards before."
"Well, I'm not one to normally deal the cards," Ghirahim said to himself as he sent out two crds to Wario and Phoenix. "This is going to be a simple game. Each of you have 500 coins to go into the pot for a total of 1000. We are starting at 2 coins."
Phoenix looked at his cards and saw that he was being sabotaged right off the bat. Ghirahim had given him the 6 of clubs and 10 of diamonds. He then started playing like normal. He definitely noticed Wario was trying hard right away by going all-in immediately, to which Phoenix simply folded and let the next match go. "Patience can be a virtue Wario," Ghirahim warned.
"You're supposed to be helping me," Wario whispered. Phoenix pretended to not notice though.
"For you to instantly win though will raise serious eyebrows," Ghirahim responded.
Trucy looked on as the game continued, she couldn't see any good openings for her father though. Eventually Ashley ended up walking to the child of magic. "Trying to help him," Ashley asked.
"Yeah, Wario and Ghirahim have the game rigged against him," Trucy stated. She then noticed Ashley waving her wand. "Why are you using your own magic?"
"Make it into a fair game. I've reset the cards, but Wario will be seeing them favoring Phoenix more than him," Ashley said before walking away again.
Trucy Wright (2028)(Child of Magic): I guess I should thank her eventually. That was nice of her to do that for daddy. Most people at the mansion say she's one of the more reserved.
Trucy then watched as Ghirahim and Wario both looked on in shock as Phoenix managed to pull a three of a kind compared to Wario not having any matches. Wario gave a short glare at Ghirahim who simply ignored the greedy man as the game continued.
Cloud had spent the past half hour or so explaining certain things Aerith shouldn't talk about to certain people at the mansion. "I didn't realize some many people had such sensitive topics they didn't want to be reminded off."
"Yeah we're all messed up in some way," Cloud stated as they continued to walk down the hall. As they made a turn they ended up coming across Skull KId, who was floating down the hall himself. "That is Skull Kid from one of the Hyrule worlds, same as Young Link I believe."
Master Hand: Yes, Young Link and Skull Kid do indeed come from the same version of Hyrule. Just Young Link here at first of course until I made the decision to bring in all assist trophy characters as residents too.
"Why is he by himself, I mean I can get why Samus would be. But why him," Aerith asked Cloud.
"I don't involve myself in people's personal matters," Cloud said with a warning tone. He conceded though when Aerith just stared at him for a good ten seconds. "I don't know much, but if I had to guess it's because of the mask on the guy's face."
"The mask?"
"The mask has a story behind it according to Young Link. Skull Kid stole that mask for a salesman a long time ago. Hat mask then took him over with the dark power that he was eventually freed from thanks to Young Link. As of right now though, while the power is gone outside the simulation Skull Kid has the mask."
"Is it possible he's afraid of potentially harming others because he has the mask," Aerith asked. Cloud gave a shrug, he didn't really know the gist of anything himself. Aerith then held her hands together saying, "How about we encourage him to talk to the others?"
"You sure that's a good idea," Cloud had asked, but Aerith had already been waking over to him. Cloud felt like this could turn out well or head south faster than you can say Sephiroth. Regardless he rushed after her.
Smash Island (Other side of Reality)
The dark portal opened up around the same place in the park in the alternate dimension, only now it was silent and the area was devoid of light. The sky was also lined with incredibly thick clouds. Eventually Kamui was the first one out, who immediately looked around at the lifeless area. The others soon followed, the portal then closed behind them. "Does this place remind anyone else of The Dark Realm?"
"The World of Light ordeal was two years ago now, but I still have all too vivid memories of that place," Lucario stated. He then flexed his hand as the aura flowed around it. "A bit of a curse with the power of the aura, your memories feel more real when to reminisce. At least my senses are heightened."
Henry (Twisted Mind): Oh heightened senses are very good indeed. Not sure if it'll be of any use to us while we're here but it could work.
Kamui (Dragon Princess): Just don't go extreme.
Cloud (ex-SOLDIER): Sephiroth is very dangerous. Can the group find him, I hope they do. But under no circumstances can they allow him to engage them in battle, they won't win.
"I feel a foreboding presence here," Azura says. She then summoned her staff and held it out. "Off in that direction close to what Giovanni had his secret base."
"The cove," Rayman questioned. "Why would he be over there? And that's like a long walk too. It'd probably be evening by the time we get over there."
Kamui was about to say something when Lucario's eyes shot open. "Watch your back! That presence Azura felt got stronger. A lot stronger!"
The other soon learned what Lucario meant as the section of ground they were on begin to break off and get lifted up into the air along with the buildings and the bits of the park. "Five wandering souls. I was wondering if anyone would ever come in here," said the voice of the on they were looking for.
Music: The World's Enemy (Sephiroth's Theme) - Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
"That must be Sephiroth," Kamui said looking around. She then ended up following Henry's surprised gaze and looked on in shock as Sephiroth was hovering above the Smash Mansion in the air. The mansion itself was in at least five pieces. "Everyone's okay right," Kamui said in fear.
"Yes what happens here shouldn't affect the outside world," Henry stated. He then watched as Sephiroth sent the pieces of the mansion to them. "Oh no, RUN!"
They were too late to begin running though as one of the pieces slammed into the piece of ground, sending everyone into the air. Lucario looked out ahead of him to himself flying towards one of the buildings. The aura pokemon quickly braced for impact and smashed through a window before running across the floor and out another window. Lucario was back in the air before landing on a piece of the large concrete road that had ended up in the air. Kamui was with him a couple seconds afterwards. "The power Sephiroth has in this dimension is frightening. Is this really what Cloud went up against," Lucario questioned.
"Incoming," Rayman called out as he crashed onto the road himself. Henry followed soon after with Azura landing gracefully. "That was not fun."
"We need to stay on guard, he's still close," Azura said. The others then heard a noise as they looked up into the sky behind them. Sephiroth was descending towards them. "Prepare yourselves."
Sephiroth soon landed on the ground with a devilish smile. "Tell me, where is Cloud right now," Sephiroth had asked.
"Back at the mansion," Kamui replied. She then got backhanded by Azura for saying that. "Why are you so interested in Cloud anyway?"
Sephiroth let out a dark chuckle. "Well, let's just say we share a special connection. One you wouldn't quite understand. I can tell though that until I make my presence more known, I can't crossover to the actual dimension. But you all being here works in my favor,"
"How so," Azura asked.
"Well, killing all five of you would send a rather good message wouldn't it." Sephiroth then pulled out his sword and revealed his one wing. "I think I'll get on that."
"Everyone get your weapons out," Lucario said as he let the aura flow around his hands. Kamui pulled out her yato sword, while Henry grabbed one of his tomes. Before they could blink though, Sephiroth charged right for them.
(end music)
Smash Mansion (Original Dimension)
The poker game had actually been going much longer than anyone had anticipated despite the reset deck. Wario was still very upset that this had happened though. He didn't even care who reset the deck, but he was blaming Ghirahim. Ghirahim meanwhile, though he was shocked the deck had reset itself, didn't really care much. He wasn't exactly expecting Wario to pay him for his troubles anyway.
"Okay you two given the looks of things this may be the last round," Ghirahim said as he looked out over what Phoenix and Wario had. Phoenix had almost all the coins at this point while Wario had about 25 left. "So let's get started here are your cards."
As Phoenix put his bet down he decided to have some fun and said, "You know Wario I should probably thank you."
"Thank me? For what," Wario said annoyed as he placed the same amount down. "I didn't do anything."
"For keeping this a fair game. Honestly going into this I was expecting you to have somehow coerced Ghirahim into sabotaging the deck so I would lose. But I haven't seen any signs of sabotage, so thanks for that I guess." Phoenix was fully aware of how steam was coming out of Wario's ears right now.
Wario (Greedy Microgamer): The whole thing was destroying my image. I had to do something!
Once it was his turn Wario slammed the last of his pieces onto the table and shouting, "All-in!"
"You just lost, telling you now," Ghirahim said. He then placed down the rest of the cards necessary. When prompted to the two players flipped their cards. Revealing that Phoenix had a straight while Wario had a pair. "You won Phoenix. Congratulations to you."
"Thanks Ghirahim. Here how about you take all of this as compensation for your hard work in dealing? I mean that's about as much I'm guessing Wario promised you right," Phoenix asked.
"Why thank you. I had a feeling you caught onto the plan," Ghirahim stated as he took the coins and left the room.
Wario right now was in his own shock and denial. He then shook himself out of it saying, "Impossible! I had the odds, I had the plan, I had the money! How could I lose?!"
"Does the phrase "cheaters never prosper" sound familiar to you," 2028 Trucy asked as she walked over.
Wario then let out an evil cackle. "You think you won? Well guess what, I still have one more trick up my sleeve." Wario then crouched and prepared himself. This looked very odd to Phoenix and Trucy.
But it didn't look odd to Falco, who was watching it happen. The avian pilot then ran like mad shouting, "Everyone run! He's gonna blow!"
The two then watched as multiple residents ducked behind the couches and/or ran out of the room. Before Phoenix could ask a nauseating smell made him faint, the camera lens was covered by a gas of some kind before the camera itself fell to the ground and became static.
The next thing that was happening was Little Mac pressing an intercom button after he and Greninja slammed the doors to the game room shut. "Uh, Master Hand? We've had a code F in the game room."
"Who said the f-word in front of the kids," Master Hand said in a menacing tone. "I swear if one of them repeats it I'm having my brother light up the guilty party."
Greninja then pulled Little Mac out of the way of the intercom saying, "(It's a code W, not a code F.)" Little Mac backed up a bit from the glance Greninja had sent him.
"Seriously we haven't had a code W in six years. I thought Wario got past that," Master Hand said on his end. "What caused him to gas up the game room this time?"
"Lost a game of poker after attempting to sabotage it," Little Mac had said. A very annoyed sigh was heard from Master Hand at that moment followed by the snapping of fingers. Little Mac then opened one of the doors to reveal that the gas was gone.
"Please take everyone unconscious to the courtyard outside so they can have some fresh air to rejuvenate themselves," Master Hand said just before the intercom turned off.
Greninja (Ninja Pokemon): (Took us a good hour to bring everyone out to the courtyard.)
Little Mac: Some people woke up partway and offered to help us but we let them have their rest. Master Hand wouldn't want them heading back inside so soon.
After stalling enough Ryuji, Ann, and Futaba decided it was time to relay information to the others excluding Kasumi. The group had gathered in Joker's room. Ann was the one doing the most of the explanation. "And that's what we learned," Ann said, finishing up the explanation.
"So Master Hand has all info on Kasumi blocked and the metaverse app has been popping up on all your phones again," Morgana said. He was currently sitting down on Joker's desk. "This must be pretty serious, especially if he didn't want us telling Kasumi about it."
"Well as for the metaverse app it's showing up again on my phone too," Joker had said showing his phone to the others. "Unlike you all though it's staying on mine."
"For real?! What the eff could this all mean," Ryuji said.
"I thought what it meant would be obvious even for you Ryuji," Morgana stated, much to the delinquent's offense. "Clearly, our work as the phantom thieves isn't finished yet."
"Is there truly a metaverse here on the Smash Island," Haru questioned.
"It's all like abstract art, where you have to piece things together for the full picture. There's no telling what that picture will be though," Yusuke had said.
"You think there's a chance we'll see Akechi again in all this," Makoto had asked the others. The group was silent on this. "I guess that'll be a mystery too."
"Akira, we should definitely try to see if the Velvet Room will show up for you again. If you can get there ask Igor and Lavenza if they know anything," Morgana said to Joker.
"Of course," Joker stated. "For now I guess we prepare."
Aerith had failed to properly talk to Skull Kid without it the guy running away on her. Eventually she and Cloud ended up in the dining room for dinner. There was mysteriously a lack of residents though in the room. "He must be scared of talking to anyone because of that mask," Aerith said as the two had sat down.
"Aerith I get that you want to try and help but there are just some people who can't be help," Cloud said. The ex-SOLDIER then pointed his fork over at where Samus was. "And you also saw that there are some hard subjects for some to speak about."
"I guess I just need to get used to living her eventually," Aerith said.
"It's different for everyone," Tifa said as she had approached the two. "When I first came here I was curious about why Cloud was more prone to staying here than Midgar. And while you may not involve yourself in things there's always something happening."
"And I'm more active in the mansion than I was on Midgar," Cloud said.
"I still wish to help Skull Kid to not be afraid. There's no dark power in the mask unless he's in the battle simulator, right," Aerith had asked. Tifa nodded in response. "I want to be able to prove that to him."
"Well I can help with that, but maybe wait until we deal with Sephiroth first," Tifa said.
"Right, wasn't there a group searching for him today?"
"Hopefully they'll be back soon or we may have a problem," Cloud said.
The sun had long since set upon the Smash Island and it was now nearing midnight. There was still no sign of the group sent out to find Sephiroth. Starting to worry what was going on Master Hand had called Minato Arisato, Wii Fit Trainer, Banjo & Kazooie, and Tiki to his office.
"Any reason why we're here Master Hand," Minato asked, sitting down in one of the chairs.
"Well as you four may or may not know, I sent a group out to find out where Sephiroth is. Said group missed their return window by three hours now," Master Hand said. He quickly opened his laptop and turned it around.
Wii Fit Trainer took a look at the article showing. It had a picture of the same portal the group had walked through at the park. Only this time it was in the cove. "Was this reported by someone?"
"Yep citizens by the cove saw the portal open, took the picture, and left. I have a feeling it might be related to where the group went so check it out please. I really don't want to file for MIAs."
"You can count on us," Banjo said, who jumped out of his chair and began running for the door. Only for Kazooie to flap her wings and cancel out his momentum. "Kazooie what're you doing?"
"Keeping you from running headfirst into danger without a plan," Kazooie said.
"We'll get on this Master Hand," Minato said before proceeding to walk out himself. The others did not have much choice but to follow.
It was midnight by the time they had reached the cove. "This is the correct place," Tiki asked, Banjo nodded since he had been here before. "The portal that was shown is gone."
"Everyone, split up and look around. Be ready for anything," Minato said as he took his gun out. He noticed the looks he got from the others. "This group has a person that fights with gym equipment and a bear that uses a bird like a sword and you're questioning the gun?"
"It's honestly less likely to show up than you think," Wii Fit Trainer said.
"Regardless this is how I summon my persona. I don't have the power of a card or the metaverse like the others do." With that the group split up and began searching. It was much harder though with things being in the dark.
Eventually Tiki looked out of the ocean and admired how the moon reflected on the water. She was about to turn around when she heard the familiar calling of a crow. She looked out to see that crow perched on a metal beam of the old villain base. "Guys I think our group is over there."
The other came over and Tiki was faced with skepticism. "The old Team Rocket base," Kazooie said. "What makes you think that."
"The crow out on that beam. That's Henry's not a stray," Tiki explained.
"Okay how are we gonna get over there. The elevator into the base is busted," Banjo said. He then watched as Tiki pulled out her dragon stone and transformed into her dragon form. "Woah!"
"I forgot you were what they call a manakete," Minato had said. Once everyone was holding on in some way Tiki went up into the air and soared over the base. The group then gasped in shock as they saw Lucaruo, Kamui, Azura, Rayman, and Henry badly injured on the floor of the base.
Tiki touched down and transformed back immediately. Wii Fit Trainer quickly went around and checked on each of them. "If Sephiroth was the one to do this he meant to kill them. Kamui, Rayman, and Henry all have fatal injuries. We need to get them back to the mansion now."
Lucario's eyes then shot open and he looked slightly panicked. "Lucario," Banjo shouted. "Calm down what happened."
"H-he's coming," Lucario said.
"Who," Minato asked. Everyone then watched as a couple black feathers landed on the floor of the base before disappearing.
Lucario could only say one thing before he passed out again.
"Sephiroth…"
To be continued…
Author's Note: The cover image will be updated to reveal Sephiroth momentarily.
