Citizens from across the shared multiverse line the bleachers of the Pokemon Stadium. Moogles, Koroks, Shy Guys, and more all cheer for one of two competitors about to clash on the main stage- Cloud Strife and Byleth Eisner. Both swordsmen stand in a battle-ready stance, brandishing their respective swords in anticipation of the word 'GO!'
"I've heard a lot about you, Eisner. Used to be a mercenary like me, huh?" Cloud remarks. Byleth nods. "You are correct. But please, just call me Byleth. I'm not particularly attached to my family name," he responds, almost coldly. "Hm. Very well, then, Byleth. I hope you're able to back up your reputation." Byleth smirks. "Then allow me to demonstrate, Cloud Strife."
A Lakitu floats in from above, holding a microphone. "The match between Cloud Strife and Byleth Eisner will begin in 3… 2…" Byleth and Cloud's stares intensify. "1… GO!"
Immediately, Cloud plunges the Buster Sword into the ground and clasps his hands together, verdant glow enveloping him. Byleth doesn't give Cloud much of an opportunity to charge Limit Break however, as the ridges on the Sword of the Creator part and Byleth swings the sword-turned-whip in Cloud's direction, who quickly picks up the Buster Sword and deflects the assault in one swift motion. "Nice trick. So you use a whip sword, huh? Well, you aren't the only one who can attack from a distance." Cloud rears up the Buster Sword before swinging it upward, forming a beam of light that digs into the ground and quickly closes in on Byleth, who rolls out of the line of fire. Once Byleth recovers and looks up, he notices Cloud rushing toward him, but it's too late. Catching Byleth off guard, Cloud initiates a Cross Slash, sending Byleth flying off the stage. Suddenly, the colors of the world appear to invert as time freezes. Suddenly, a high-pitched disembodied voice pierces the silence – Sothis. "What a predicament you like getting yourself into. I suppose I'll help you out here, too. Don't mess up this time."
Divine Pulse activates, reverting time back to when Byleth rolled away from the Blade Beam, only this time he preemptively strikes in front of him, meeting the Buster Sword with the Sword of the Creator. Cloud quickly bounces back from the surprise counterattack, furiously slashing away at Byleth fruitlessly. In a storm of clanking blades, a particularly strong clash sends both fighters reeling back with the recoil before each get back into stance. The crowd is sent into an uproar. "Those reflexes aren't normal. What are you, exactly?" Cloud questions. Byleth shrugs. "I'm just a teacher." With that, the fighters lunge toward each other.
"Wow, they're both really good!" Pit exclaims, watching from inside the spectator room. "Hmph. They aren't half bad, I guess. Still don't stand a chance against me, though," Mythra yawns. Pit turns his attention to the strange yet beautiful woman beside him. "Really? Huh. There are so many strong people… I wonder if I'll even be able to get past round one!"
"Poyo!" squeaks Kirby.
Suddenly, the lights on the stadium flash red like an alarm. Byleth and Cloud stop fighting and look up, bewildered. "EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY," the alarm system blares, "ALL HEROES REPORT TO BRAWL CLIFF. REPEAT, ALL HEROES REPORT TO BRAWL CLIFF."
"A Code Red? But that hasn't happened since Master Core went crazy..." Cloud says. Suddenly, a Warp Star appears before Cloud and Byleth and Pit, Kirby, and Mythra climb onto the stage.
"Poyo!" Kirby urges.
In understanding, all 5 latch onto the Warp Star and fly off toward Brawl Cliff.