Author's note: Gone for the whole summer huh, I guess I was more burnt out than I thought. Very sorry, hopefully we'll be back up and running for good now. This is the Persona 5 Royal third semester plotline. Of course I'm issuing spoilers here for that, but it has been out for over a year now. Let's start with reviews, the first one is a wall of text from Generic Smash Bros Fan. It is so long that I'm not going to copy-paste it here and just address it here.
Generic Smash Bros Fan: I always welcome new camera names that are updated so that's taken care of. And while I would like to play Golden Sun if I could, not only do I not have a GBA. The chances of me getting Dark Dawn at all are kinda low given it's an old DS game. You'll see how Rex reacted in this episode.
I am not making any predictions when it comes to the fighters, at this point I just want to be surprised. And when you said that about Min Min and Steve I looked back. I literally said only if there's a form of representation in smash for Steve to show up. That aged well. I don't know what this says for Jibanyan's chances though.
The next review is from ultimateCCC.
"I feel like Jose hasn't made quite the hype since."
If you're talking about that new character that shows up in Mememtos looking for flowers I will probably have a cameo for him. We'll see what happens though. The last review is from Alex-multiverse.
"{a} what is joker hiding?
[b] Who is the next big bad
{c} i still look forward to see more of Rathalos at the mansion making friends
{d} i can't believe Pyra and Mythra got into smash before Rex, will Rex be disappointed?
oh i need some advise, i love your story but i am currently writing my own super smash bros story i won't tell you what it is but i am a bit stuck care to share some ideas. i'm dedicating it to you."
A. At the moment I don't remember having Joker hide anything. If it's about the Velvet Room that just happened last episode and he usually never says anything about it.
B. That is a question for later… much later
C. Rathalos is currently not in the mansion, nor is he in my plans to become a resident. He's too big, I can have him make an appearance at some point though.
D. As a matter of fact Rex is going to be very supportive of Pyra and Mythra. He's disappointed, yes, but he's still proud of them.
And advice for writing your own story. Well all I can really say is go at your own pace, keep things to a scale you're comfortable with. And it's also important to have your own ideas and try not to copy off from someone else's story.
Final warning: This will feature spoilers for Persona 5 Royal. Do know that things may seem weird and confusing, but that's all for the purpose of the story.
Season 6 Episode 6: Twisted Reality
(February 20th, 2021)
It was as normal as a morning could be for Joker, for he wasn't even awake quite yet. It was only 7:30 AM when his phone alarm went off. He slowly felt his eyes open up as he reached for the phone and turned off the alarm. He then sat up in his bed and checked the time per usual. He then stood up and noticed right then and there one of the cameramen was in his room. "I thought Master Hand didn't allow you all to record in our rooms most of the time," Joker asked as he grabbed his clothes from his dresser.
"Well, uh, Crazy Hand kinda teleported me in here. I didn't know why so I figured I'd wait," said the cameraman. "Luckily he sent me in here just before you woke up now."
The cameraman then decided at that point to stop recording the rest of Joker's morning routine in his room. By the time the camera was back on Joker was in his usual jeans and black shirt with an open white button down. "Now then uh, where is Morgana."
It was then noticed by the cameraman that the self-proclaimed not a cat wasn't in Joker's room as usual. The man shrugged, indicating that he did not know. Left with little choice, Joker decided to leave the room without looking for Morgana. Once outside and in the hallway Joker made his way to the stairwell to begin walking down. He wasn't surprised when he came across no one in the kitchen of the residential building; it was still kind of early. From there he walked out into the courtyard and over to the fountain.
Joker's eyes seemed to narrow before saying, "I don't know why but… something feels… different."
"What makes you say that," said someone approaching Joker. He turned towards the voice to see a person he had never seen before in the mansion. They were around the same age as him and had dark blue hair. Their clothes consisted of a gray jacket over a dark beige shirt, a yellow necklace, and white jeans. "Everything seems fine to me, Joker. Though you do seem a little pale."
"I… don't believe I've seen you around before," Joker answered, much to the confusion of the other guy.
"You're joking right? It's me, Morgana," said the teen, causing Joker's heart to jump. Morgana was his name, the same name as the cat member of the phantom thieves.
Joker (Leader of the Phantom Thieves): What...what the **** is this? I don't… what?
Joker seemed to nervously laugh this off afterwards. "Yeah I know, I know. Just testing you," he said.
"Ah, our ever so faithful leader, testing his teammates. Well, I'll see you around," human Morgana said before walking off.
After Morgana was well out of sight Joker looked at the residential buildings again. "Something's going on. I need to talk to the others," he said before walking towards the permanent resident's building.
Blythe was training in the practice room as usual. Alongside her this time though was her male counterpart Byleth. The two decided it was about time to see how well they stood against each other. Watching over them was Ike, who wanted to make sure neither dangerously hurt the other as they asked for the simulator to not be used.
Within a split second Ike watched as the two pulled their swords out and charged at each other. Ike could tell from the start that Blythe would have more power since unlike her counterpart, she still has her powers given to her from Sothis. Meaning Byleth would have to be smarter than trying to be stronger. After their sword clang they went back and forth, Byleth having to dodge a couple times as Byleth swung her sword like a whip, causing the blade to separate into pieces and fly across the room.
As the two continued their spar, someone ended up walking up next to Ike. As the two looked back and forth between both professors the new person asked, "Going at it again?"
"Yep, Byleth said that if he is going to go back to his world eventually he at least wants to no longer rely on a power he doesn't have," Ike said to the person. He then stretched back as he looked at the person. "So, what're you in here for?"
"Personal training in the classic mode, I do it every so often. Decidueye said it'd be a good way to prepare for the next tournament," said the new person. To which Ike nodded. "How long do you think they're gonna be at this for?"
"Give it a few more seconds," Ike said. And not too long after he said that both of the professors' swords came to a halt right at each other's neck. "Okay, that's a draw."
"You've been able to keep up now I see," Blythe commended as she shook her counterpart's hand.
"Of course, good to know what I've been doing has paid off," Byleth said.
"It was very nice of you two, now if you don't mind I would like to use this room. So if you all could skedaddle I would appreciate it," said the person.
"Of course Incin- wait," Blythe began to say, only stopping herself as she recognized that voice. Her head then snapped over to where Ike was and indeed right next to him was Incineroar. Who had presumably died after sacrificing himself in Seattle(1). "Wh- how?"
"You okay Blythe," Ike said, growing concerned. "Look like you've seen a ghost."
"But… you, um."
"Yeah I know… Still can't believe I almost died during that, if I didn't get pulled away at that last second," Incineroar said to Byleth. "My life practically flashed before my eyes when that happened. Pretty sure I still owe some people apologies for my past ways."
Blythe (Proven Professor): But Incineroar died. We all saw that happen. What is going on here?
"Orange has already forgiven you for the attempt at cheating you know that," Byleth said. He then took in his counterpart's expression. "Blythe, why don't you go get some water. You look pale."
Without being able to comprehend what she was seeing the professor simply nodded. As she walked out of the practice room she muttered, "Maybe I do just need a bit of water."
As she walked down the hall, she didn't notice she had passed Decidueye, who seemed to be looking on in shock as well.
If things didn't get weird enough in the mansion it was going to get weirder. Miraculously, Kamui was out of her coma, and was walking around the mansion as if she was never comatose at all. Everyone she had talked to acted like she wasn't in a coma at all either. Only one person noticed something was strange about this.
That very person was Samus Aran, she's no fool. She could see an illusion from miles away, but strangely she couldn't tell if this was the real Kamui or not. And that just made the situation all the more stranger for her. "She was still in a coma yesterday. I know that much," Samus muttered to herself as she looked over at Kamui from where she was in the lounge. She then turned her head away saying, "It just doesn't make sense."
"I assume you're talking about Kamui suddenly being awake," said none other than Sephiroth, who had just walked up next to Samus on the couch. "If you don't mind, I heard something strange too."
"What was it," Samus asked the one-winged angel.
"It was mainly from Rex," Sephiroth stated as he sat down on the couch. "After he spent all day yesterday cheering for Pyra and Mythra for getting into Smash Bros., he noticed something strange in the hallways."
Rex (Salvager): Hey! It may not be me, but I still gotta show my support for Pyra and Mythra. I mean, being in Smash is a big honor!
"What did Rex see?"
"He said that a flash of light appeared and the next thing he knew, Incineroar was standing right there. As if he had never died in the first place. That begs a question from me though, when did he die?"
"Long story, I can tell you later," Samus said as she began thinking again. "So something strange is going on here. But the question is what?"
"I can't tell for sure. The question is though, has Corrin seen his sister yet," Sephiroth asked.
The two would soon get their answer as Corrin himself walked into the room. Once he ended up seeing Kamui he smiled and walked over. "Sis! There you are. I was wondering where you ran off to," he said, much to Samus and Sephiroth's confusion.
"You know Palutena wanted me to help with cleaning up this morning," Kamui replied. It was at that point the bounty hunter and the one-winged angel both left the lounge in order to get to the bottom of this.
Joker ended up going to the invite residential building and learned that each and every one of his teammates were also acting a bit strange. They all believed Morgana had always been a human, but what was weird about Futaba was that she was talking about her mother. This wouldn't seem like a problem except that her mother had died many years ago.
Eventually Joker got to the last room of the phantom thieves, Kasumi's. He then knocked on the door before asking, "Kasumi, have you noticed anything strange going on here this morning?"
Kasumi then slightly opened the door and peeked out before asking, "Hello Senpai.(1) That depends, is it the fact that I found out that Marx eats souls for breakfast, or that Morgana is suddenly a human?"
"The second one- Wait, Marx eats souls?"
Marx (Reality-Bending Jester): What? You think I'm just gonna eat the food that's made here like a normal person. Hell no! Souls are what I eat, and since Hades is gone, it's free real estate.
Kasumi then opened her door and walked out. "Thank goodness I'm not the only one. Do you have any idea how much I was questioning if I was dreaming for a bit until I stubbed my toe." The gymnast then closed the door behind her. "Do you know what's going on."
Joker shook his head to indicate he didn't, and that was when the two got pings on their phones. They both took them out to see two things, one was that the metaverse app had returned. "I haven't seen this app in a long time," Joker said as he went to what the second ping was for. It was from Otacon.
Groupchat: Reality Investigation
Contains: Otacon, Snake, Joker, Kasumi, Samus, Sephiroth, Decidueye, and Blythe.
Info: Tell no one about this chat.
Otacon: I'm sure you've all noticed that things don't quite seem like they normally would in the mansion.
Otacon: I think I may know what's going on, everyone comes to the shed as soon as possible.
Sephiroth: You're not just going to tell us right here, right now.
Snake: Never know when someone could be watching you silver-locks. Everyone get over here.
Decidueye: I still can't believe I saw him living and breathing.
Decidueye: You better have a good explanation for what's going on.
After about five minutes, everyone had gathered outside of the shed waiting to be let in by Otacon. After pacing back and forth for a couple minutes in an effort to piece things together, Samus throws her hands up in defeat. "That's it. I'm out of possible scenarios in my head. When is he letting us in?"
"We need to have patience, Samus," Blythe said as she leaned against a nearby tree with Sephiroth on the other side of the tree. "Even in a situation like this we need to take it slow in order to find out what happened."
"The professor is correct," Kasumi said. She then began messing with her hair saying, "Besides who's to say this is related to the time problems we've been having recently."
"Even if it is time-related that doesn't explain why everyone is acting like Incineroar never died," Decidueye said.
" And why Morgana is suddenly a human," Joker added.
"Or how Kamui is out of a coma my past self put her in," Sephiroth said as he moved from where he was. "Speaking of, probably best not to tell Corrin or it may crush him. Metaphorically of course."
"The fact you had to specify you meant that metaphorically worries me," Blythe said. The door to the shed then opened up soon afterward and both Snake and Otacon walked out. "Snake, Otacon, do you two know what's going on?"
"Yes and how come we're the only ones here," Samus asked while crossing her arms.
Otacon seemed to fidget with his hands for a bit before saying, "Ah yes well that's because-"
"We're the only ones who realize that something is wrong," said a third person coming out of the shed, one that caused gasps from all but Sephiroth in the area. It was none other than Goro Akechi. "Yes, I am alive. Now about what is going on."
"Reality was somehow distorted," Sephiroth skeptically asked as they were all inside the shed now, causing things to be rather cramped. "That's the best explanation you have? How in the world can reality be distorted and reality being bent be different things?"
"Well, they're not technically. But I say distorted because I feel these events have something to do with the Phantom Thieves, since an app Akechi shouldn't have on his phone has popped up again," Otacon said. Akechi then elaborated by pulling out his phone, which had the app on it. "I assume Joker and Kasumi have this app as well."
The two responded by pulling out their phones to show that it was the case. "We thought we had destroyed the metaverse long ago. The fact this app is back," Joker began to say before going into thought.
"That's not the only thing," Snake began to say. Otacon then pulled up a feed of the park within the city, which showed a memorial. "The memorial for Incineroar is still around, so we're wondering if what's going on is affecting the mansion only. And we feel like there's only one way to find out."
"And that would be," Decidueye asked. Otacon then pulled up an image of a building. "Isn't that-"
"The studio headquarters here on the island. The very ones that record this show," Samus said, gesturing towards the cameraman.
Decidueye (Archer Pokemon): None of us have ever actually been to the studio headquarters unless it was for help with making commercials.
Kasumi Yoshizawa (The gymnast): So really only Master Hand, Crazy Hand, and the original 12.
Samus Aran (Galactic Bounty Hunter): Yes I have gone to the studio headquarters before, nothing remarkable all things considered. And I only helped out with a few of the commercials. Never a large amount.
"We believe they may have footage proving that things that are here now, weren't here before," Snake said. The former spy then pulled up a map of the city with the building clearly marked on it. "Otacon and I want a few of us to head down there to review the footage from the previous episode. The rest of us are going to confront Master Hand on this matter."
"How would Master Hand know anything about this. I mean, you seriously think he actually… kept this… secret," Blythe began to say before trailing off. Mostly due to the realization that this is absolutely something Master Hand would do. "I can talk to him."
"I'll go with you," Otacon said. He then turned to the rest of the group. "The rest of you get to the studio."
"Come on, we can take my gunship," Samus said as she walked out of the shed, the others following after her.
Despite all this happening some residents are still going about their time at the mansion as normal. One of these people would be Ratchet, who was currently in the workshop. Some residents kept their distance due to him being representative of Sony, a company the Nintendo residents have strained ties with. This isn't the same for anyone outside Nintendo though. Those particular residents have better relations with Sony and by association Ratchet & Clank.
While Clank was off on his own for once Rachet was doing routine maintenance on his gear with help from MegaMan X. "Okay, the power cell for the blaster has been fixed up. Has it seriously been like this since the fight in Seattle," X had asked as he handed said cell to Ratchet.
"Yeah, I haven't had a need for it since then, but if we're going to be facing villains again, especially ones from our pasts. Then it won't hurt to be prepared," Ratchet said as he refitted the power cell. He then closed the chamber and flipped the blaster around. "Should be a simple recalibration now, I'll need to fire it though."
"Luckily the practice room outside has a target practice," X said as he led Ratchet out of the workshop. The robot then went to a control panel on the wall. "Rock(2) told the me about how this thing worked when I first came to the mansion. Just a few menus and… there we go." The robot from the future world looked forward as multiple targets, big, small, still, and moving came out from the sides of the room and took their position.
Ratchet then went right to work blasting each target he could see. The aim of the blaster was dead-on with every shot. When there was one last target Ratchet turned to face X saying, "Yeah I think this thing is working," before blasting the final target without looking. The holographic words "Cleared" appeared before shutting off.
X chuckled at the show-off under a blast of lightning. He and Ratchet then turned to face where the last target was to see an alarming number of green sparks. "Uh oh, is that," X began to say, only to be answered when more lightning erupted and the time vortex opened. "We got another one!"
Ratchet immediately ran for the intercom and pressed a new button that blared an alarm as well as turning some of the lights in the mansion green.
Dr. Wily (The Evil Scientist): Around when all this time trouble started Master Hand asked me and a few others to help with setting up a system.
Impa (The Princess's Protector): With this system someone could simply press the button and anyone within the mansion would immediately be warned that a time vortex had opened. The intensity of the green light indicates how close it is to the impact room.
"Get yourself ready if this is a villain," X said as he got his own mega buster ready. Ratchet immediately powered up his own blaster. The robot then squinted as it looked like something was coming out. As soon as he was able to realize what it was he pushed Ratchet out of the way before moving himself.
Ratchet watched in shock as an axe flew out of the portal and crashed into the floor. Holding it in place right where it landed. "Oh my," Ratchet breathed out as a person in full armor came out of the vortex before it closed. They had crashed right next to the axe. Concerned for the mysterious person Ratchet ran over as they opened their eyes. "Hey are you okay," he had asked.
As X got closer he had a better look at what the person looked like. It was very clearly a male that had fallen out and he looked like he was nearly a young adult too. He had blue hair, black and gold armor along his torso, arms, and legs. Brown pants, and a red cape. Once the man had regained a sense of vision he immediately went for his axe and got up. "Woah, let's not jump to conclusions here," X hastily said.
"Who are you two?! Where have you taken me," said the young man as he threatened to throw the axe. "Are you working with the ones we conspire against?"
"I'm Ratchet, that's X. We didn't take you, but you're in the smash mansion, and I have no clue who your enemies are. Chances are they're long gone by now," Ratchet answered.
"Gone! It wasn't long ago I picked up this axe so I could save my friends. I will not fall for your lies." The man then raised his axe, ready to fight.
"They aren't lying lord Hector," someone had shouted, having entered the room. The man then turned in slight shock to see Roy standing at the door. Next to the young lion was Eliwood. "I think it is him father," Roy said.
"It is indeed," Eliwood had said in shock as he slowly walked forward. "Hector, what happened to you and how you got here has nothing to do with Nergal."
"Eliwood, is that you? No this must be a trick of some kind, you're not this old," the man now known as Hector said in panic.
"Okay then, what's something only I would know," Eliwood said to himself as he held his head in thought. After getting an idea he had said, "Remember when we were 15 and you saw this young lady at a festival. I think she was the daughter of one of the soldiers. Anyone you walked over to her and you said-"
"STOP! STOP! Don't say that in front of everyone that was very humiliating," Hector said, waving his hands and covering Eliwood's mouth. "It really is you?"
"Yes, it is me. And I'm gonna have to explain to you what happened," Eliwood said. He couldn't be happier to see his old friend again.
Hector then sighed before patting Eliwood's shoulder before saying, "You really did get old." This had caused Roy to stifle his laugh.
Eliwood (Knight of Lycia): I'm glad to see him again, don't get me wrong, but he better not do so many old jokes around me. I'm not that old.
Phoenix Wright (Former Defense Attorney): You get used to it after awhile.
Having left the mansion, the group that was aware of the false parts of reality, were now in Samus's gunship on their way to the studio. Otacon and Blythe having stayed behind to confront Master Hand. Samus was keeping her focus outside as she went down the plan. "We're simply going to walk in and tell them that we want to look at the footage from the last episode. If they ask why, we're gonna tell them the truth."
"I thought we were going to be lying to them," Sephiroth said, slightly disappointed. He had a full book of lies in his head he would like to get out. "It makes things much more fun."
"Because we have a full production crew recording us right now," Joker said, pointing right at the cameraman. "If we lie they'll find out pretty quickly."
"But maybe they'll understand why we had to lie," Kasumi said.
"Best not to test them. I've met the producer once before, trust me, he can smell BS from a mile away," Snake had said.
Joker (Leader of the Phantom Thieves): Now that I think about it we've never seen nor learned who the producer is have we?
Goro Akechi (High School Detective): No we haven't. It does make me wonder.
"You'll get your answers soon enough," Samus said.
"You don't know who the producer is either do you," Akechi asked. To which Samus simply ignored. The gunship then began its descent to an empty area of the parking lot. "Oh joy we've arrived."
Rolling her eyes Samus landed the ship and got out of her chair. "Come on," she said as everyone gathered on the platform before it began to lower them to the ground. The group then made their way into the studio building.
Blythe and Otacon meanwhile were preparing to enter Master Hand's office, intending to grill him on what was going on. "So are we going to barge in or go in quietly," Otacon said as they approached the door.
"I'm going to barge in, you can follow me," Blythe said as she reached to open the door. Only for Isabelle to open it and walk out instead. "Oh Isabelle? What were you doing in there."
"Delivering the mail," said the secretary. She then pulled out her clipboard before asking, "What are you seeing Master Hand about?"
"We just wish to report some strange activities that have been going on," Otacon answered.
"Well I'm afraid Master Hand isn't in his office right now. He's currently dealing with the new arrival," Isabelle said. Upon noticing their confusion she quickly added, saying, "Someone came out of a time vortex, it's not a new resident."
Blythe and Otacon looked at each other before looking back at Isabelle. "Who," Otacon asked.
"Someone known as Hector, from the Fire Emblem worlds, he's a close friend of Lord Eliwood," Isabelle answered. She then stepped aside, the door to the office wide open. "I can let you two in and you can wait for Master Hand to get back."
"Better than nothing I guess," Blythe said before walking into the office. Otacon stepped in himself before closing the door. "This is our chance to see if he potentially knew anything about this."
"True, but I don't think we should rummage through his things," Otacon reasoned.
"Keep a lookout then," Blythe said as she opened a drawer. Otacon simply sighed and went to the door to keep an eye out.
Speaking of Master Hand he was currently now in the practice room where Hector still was. Athena Cykes and Ashley had joined them as well, having been close by. The man of the mansion was currently walking around Hector to get a better picture of what part of the story he came from. "I don't remember him doing this with me," Athena said to X.
"Probably making sure he doesn't say anything Hector isn't supposed to hear yet," X replied. To which Athena nodded, he was making quick work of enforcing that new rule.
After another few seconds Master Hand flicked his hand out and a projection played before everyone. It seems that this version of Hector comes from very early in Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. Only 17 years old as of now and the son of the marquees of Ostia. His last memory was seeking out the legendary axe Armads. He was warned that if he lifted the axe that he would be cursed to one day fall in a battle. He chose to wield the axe again and that see to be the last thing that happened to him before he ended up here."
"And that was many years ago for you," Hector asked Eliwood.
"Indeed. Of course because of the rules I cannot say where you are right now," Eliwood said to his old friend. Hector nodded in understanding.
"Master Hand has really been cracking down on enforcing that rule hasn't he," Athena said to Ratchet as they watched Master Hand talking with Hector.
"Yeah, you've already broken it twice so far," Ratchet retorted. Athena was then offended afterwards and glared at the mechanic.
Trucy Wright (2028)(Child of Magic): Athena may have accidentally slipped two small details in future cases of Daddy's. I can't go into much detail but I'll give you a very short summary. Defended an Orca(3).
"Th-they were slips of the tongue," Athena said, hastily defending herself. "It's not everyday you end up seeing your boss from the past. Hell if the Ms. Skye from my time was here. I think she would actually be older than him, or the same age."
"Awesome comeback," Widget had said from Athena's necklace. Currently displaying a happy green screen.
"What kind of sorcery is that," Hector questioned, having heard the small voice.
"Something I'm going to have to explain to you," Roy nervously said. He then remembered something crucial. "Wait! Lord Hector, there's something you should probably know for sure before we show you around." The young lion quickly mouthed 'Lilina' to Master Hand and the man of the mansion nodded. Indicating it was okay to say.
"Ah yes. What is it Roy," Hector asked.
Roy was about to answer only for someone to show up at the door. It was Lilina, Hector's daughter, not that he knew it yet. "Hello everyone, I heard the alarm so I got over here… as soon… as…" The noble has trailed off as she realized just who was standing right before her eyes. She fainted about 5 seconds later, with Roy immediately checking to see if she was okay.
Hector's eyebrow went up in confusion before saying, "That was odd. Can someone explain to me who that is?"
X chuckled nervously before saying, "Well, uh, you see…"
Bowser was currently at the golf simulator in the game room, hoping to break the all-time record. The koopa king sadly wouldn't pull it off as he heard a deafening shout of "SHE'S MY WHAT?!" across the mansion. Causing him to lose his balance and fall over, accidentally hitting the ball while he was at it and failed miserably.
Bowser (King of the Koopas): Whoever did that shall pay.
Samus was leading the group with her into the studio building now. The receptionist noticed them immediately and confronted the group from their desk. "I'm sorry Samus, you're not scheduled for commercials, and I don't think anyone else here is authorized."
"There's actually a serious matter going on at that mansion that requires me to talk to the producer right now," Samus said, walking up to the desk. The two then got into a conversation that lasted a good minute. The receptionist finally relented and Samus walked back to the group. "They're going to send someone down to bring us up to the office."
"Finally seeing who runs this show huh," Kasumi said as they waited.
"All of this is a lot more news to me than the rest of you. I've only been at the mansion a short time so far," Sephiroth said. He then noticed an elevator open up and said, "Is that the one escorting us up?"
The group turned to see a young woman walking out of the elevator. "I feel like someone told me about this person," Joker said to herself as the person walked closer to the group.
The young woman stopped in front of Samus before saying, "Greetings, I am Kiria. I'll be taking you up to see the producer about… whatever your situation is." Joker then softly gasped as she realized who this was.
"You know who this is Joker," Snake asked the leader of the phantom thieves.
"Yes, mostly because of the crossover that occurred between Altus and Intelligent System," Joker answered. Kiria took notice of him and recognize him. "Kiria Kurono. She's part of the Fortuna Entertainment back in Japan. She's an idol singer, not sure why you're here."
Samus cleared her throat, getting attention back to her. "There's a simple explanation for that. You see-"
"The Fortuna Entertainment is the company that runs the show," Kiria said, cutting off Samus and answering the question. "Normally none of us are here, but we come here sometimes to help with narrating the commercials if needed."
"Pretty much," Samus said.
"Interesting," Decidueye said, intrigued. "I've been here since the show started. How come I never knew about this?"
"The knowledge of who made the show was only ever supposed to be disclosed to everyone that was in Brawl. Since it was during that era we suggested doing something like this," Snake answered.
"Anyways, if you'll follow me I can take you up," Kiria said. She then led the group into the elevator and pressed a button for the 24th floor. "Before we get there though there's something you all should…" Kiria began to say as the doors closed.
Lilina had now been brought to the infirmary by Roy and Ashley. Though mostly Roy as Ashley didn't feel like doing anything despite being asked to help. All while Master Hand would discuss the matter of residency with Hector. Due to the current reality switches happening right now, Kamui was no longer in one of the beds. Wii Fit Trainer being none the wiser.
After about another three minute Lilina had begun to come to, with her gaze landing on Roy immediately. "Roy, I just had the strangest dream," she had begun to say.
"If you're going to say you say your father from the past, that wasn't a dream he is actually here," Roy said. He then had to quickly get Lilina to sit up as she began to faint again. "No, don't faint again please! It was hard enough bringing you here the first time."
"Are… are you implying I'm heavy," Lilina said, slightly heartbroken.
"Nonononono, Ashley was supposed to help me. She didn't." The young lion took a long glare at the young witch.
"...You realize that doesn't really make it sound better right Roy," Wii Fit Trainer said to the young lion. Lilina was looking down again.
Roy then hung his own head in shame. "I'm sorry Lilina."
"You don't have to apologize, Roy… I'm honestly still surprised that my father is here, and much younger at that," Lilina said.
"Yeah where he comes from in the timeline right now he's actually two years older than us," Roy said. "It's awkward enough for my father. Wait until they run into Lyn."
"I'm sure they'll have fun explaining that," Ashley stated.
"Let me get this straight," Samus said as the elevator doors opened again. Sounding pretty annoyed at the current moment. "Your normal producer, Maiko Shimazaki, is currently back in Japan so the one we need to talk to is Itsuki Aoi?"
"Yep, and the office he's in is right over there," Kiria said pointing right down the hall. The group walked together over to where the door was. Once Kiria knocked on it twice she opened the door. "Itsuki, residents from the Smash Mansion have an important situation to talk about."
Itsuki Aoi, acting producer of the Smash Island branch of the Fortuna Entertainment company was surprised when he saw everyone walking in. "Well, that is quite a large group," Itsuki said as he typed something on his computer. "Is there anything I can help you guys with?"
Akechi went right to the point saying, "We need to see certain footage from past episodes and the movie. We fear that something has happened."
Kiria only now seemed to realize that the high school detective was with the group. "I thought you died," she said in shock.
"Exactly," Snake said. "We think of someone or something. Altered reality." The former spy noticed that Itsuki was about to say something. "And no, we do not believe Marx is responsible."
"Okay then, I think I may have an idea of what you may be looking for. Give me a minute," Itsuki said as he went into the files on his computer. Once he found what he needed he grabbed a remote and pressed a button, turning on the TV in the room. "If you all could direct your attention to the screen please. I'm gonna replay something."
Movie Finale: Once and for All
Akechi only let out a light chuckle at that. "Of course you would understand this of all people, Violet." While he stumbled a bit he was eventually able to get himself standing again. "After you broke free from Hades's control and while you were under I thought more critically about the plan and how much of a bad idea it was to join him. And you're right he's proven he was using most of us for his own games. I guess enough is enough."
Joker nodded as Violet went to his side. "Good to have you back Crow," Joker said. He then turned to the rest of the phantom thieves. "No let's go-"
The leader of the phantom thieves suddenly stopped as it sounded like something had just come out of the ground. When he looked back at what happened his eyes widened…
...As he saw Akechi's eyes looking down with fear as he had been-
(Cut Video)
"Okay no, no, that's not quite what I was thinking," Samus said, causing Itsuki to stop the video. Samus facepalmed at the apparent stupidity of the acting producer. "It proves Akechi did die, yes, but I was thinking of anything that could point us in the direction of who caused reality to change."
"Ah, my bad," Itsuki said as he began scrolling again. "There is in fact something that may help. Give me a second, none of this is edited so it's just raw footage. The cameraman that caught this had sent it to us before they somehow went dark."
"Went dark," Kasumi questioned.
"You mean they went missing," Spehiroth asked Kiria, who then nodded.
Itsuki Aoi (Acting Producer): Each camera has a tracker on it in the event one is lost or misplaced it can be easily retrieved. It is near impossible for the trackers to drop off the face of the earth.
"Found it," Itsuki said as he began to have the clip play.
February 19th, 2021
The cameraman was simply walking around, wondering if they could capture and final exacpades before it reached ten o'clock. As he was walking around he noticed something and whipped the camera around to face none other than Maruki. The counselor was flipping through his own notepad. The cameraman began to walk forward, intending to do a head segment. Until the scene around everything turned dark. Maruki was replaced by what still look like him but with yellow eyes.
"All the pain, all the things they wished didn't happen. All of their hope, and all of their desires. I can make it a reality, make so these things never happened. Give others the dreams they've always wanted," said the Shadow Maruki. He then slammed the notepad closed as dark waves of aura washed over everything and the camera feed was cut."
(End clip)
Everyone was silent, not too sure what to say. Snake saying, "Holy shit," was what broke it.
The next second Joker had his phone whipped out and went right to the metaverse app. "Takuto Maruki," Joker had said. Everyone was confused as to what was going on until they heard his phone respond with "Target Found."
"He has a palace, that's why the app has returned," Akechi said, "Smash Mansion."
"Location found."
"This is crazy though, why would a simple counselor have a palace," Decidueye said. The archer pokemon knew the bare minimum of how the metaverse worked.
"That's what we need to find out," Joker said as he looked at his phone. He then put it away. "The last piece can wait if we answer it now it'll automatically send us to the metaverse and I'm not sure what equipment you all have that would work there."
"I guess for now we can form a team and try to snap the others out of it," Kasumi suggested.
"At the very least we need four of us. I can get Morgana so then that way it'll be him, me, you, and Akechi," Joker said.
"Oh no, I'm not going back into the metaverse. Not after everything," Akechi said.
"Why not," Joker asked.
"I think we both know the answer to that. I don't think the rest of your friends would be so keen on working with me. I sold you out to the police, and I tried to kill you, twice!"
"Oh really that's how you feel this is," Joker said. "Then Iet me finish those thoughts for you."
Sephiroth's eyebrow raised in confusion as music had begun to play. "Where is that coming from?"
"It's best not to question it," Samus said.
You're Nothing Without Me
(I had to do it once I saw the youtube video)|
Video: watch?v=vlmZKvvMbEw
(J)= Joker
(A)= Akechi
(J) You are some gumshoe,
You just don't think well.
It's my Phantom Troope
You can go straight to Hell!
(J) Is you mouth lonely,
With one foot in there?
Crow, your brain only
Holds thoughts I put in there.
(J) Just what you are I'll spell out.
You are a phantom pain.
One speck of lint that fell out,
The last time that I picked my brain…
"Is that really how you're going to play this," Akechi said with a glare. He then gave a dark laugh. "Very well, let me enlighten you."
(A) You are so jealous,
Of my track record.
Joker, do tell us
Your feeble hack record.
(A) Your weak knees brand you,
Soft and unstable.
One small threat and you
Fold like a card table.
(A) You drool at my deductions.
You're just starting when I'm done.
You craft your own destruction.
Your sword is no match for my gun.
(Both) You're nothing... (Everyone's eyes widen from Joker's voice.)
Without me!
A no one who'd go undefined.
You wouldn't exist.
You'd never be missed.
(J) I tell you, you're out of your mind!
(Both) A show off!
A blowhard!
You're equal parts hot air and gall!
And no one would doubt me,
Without me you're nothing at all!
(J) You are so thick, you
Eat, breathe, sleep fiction.
I'm your meal ticket,
Knee-deep in cheap fiction.
(A) You're in my plot,
I'm still your creator.
I call each shot.
I'm your private dictator.
(J) You gloating ignoramus!
You haven't any shame!
(A) Hey! I'm a famous shamus!
And most people don't know your name!
"Is it Ren? Or is it Akira? Or do the players on Earth just make it up," Akechi shouted in frustration.
(Both) You're nothing…
Without me!
Without me you'd just disappear!
Right into thin air,
And no one would care.
Or notice you ever were here!
(Both) A puppet!
An upstart!
A loser who's destined to fall!
I'm everything you always wanted to be.
Let's deal with the issue:
You wish you were me!
You're nothing without me,
Without me your nothing at all!
*The two nod and shake hands at the music finishes*
Everyone was in silence, not sure what to say after the random musical number. Samus however wasn't having it. "Okay, if you two are done having your two sides of the same coin moment. We have what we came for. Thank you for your help Itsuki, we'll let you know if we find the cameraman."
"Thank you Samus," Itsuki said.
As the others turned to leave through the door Kiria quickly said, "If you don't mind… I'd like to help."
"Help," Akechi asked incredulously. "The metaverse is no walk in the park Kiria. Without any sort of ability you could very well die."
"We actually do," Itsuki said. "For a certain point of time we had these mirage abilities that we could use in this realm known as the Idolasphere." He noticed the confused looks that followed. "It was a real place. Anyway, we had these abilities similar to the personas in the metaverse. And since we're technically both from the same series as Persona then there's a chance our mirages can work in the metaverse."
"It is true Tokyo Mirage Sessions was a SMT crossover," Joker said. He then nodded. "We can try Kiria, but if it doesn't work you aren't going in a second time.
"I understand," Kiria said. She then said her goodby to Itsuki before following the others out.
Master Hand had finally returned to his office to see Blythe and Otacon waiting on both of the chairs in the room. "I presume Isabelle let you two in," Master Hand asked, which got a nod from Otacon. The man of the mansion sighed and closed the door. "Sorry it took so long, we have someone else from the best, Hector."
"We noticed the alarm, yes," Otacon said. He then got serious by saying, "Master Hand there's something of great importance we need to ask you."
"If it's about the dangers of a potential prank war on April's fools. I'm already accounting for all of the dangers Sonic, Incineroar, the villains, and others may try," Master Hand said as he pulled out a large folder for them to see. "It's gonna take a bit to implement it all, but all in due time."
"That's not really- wait did you say Incineroar," Blythe asked, her face going pale.
"Yes, that's who I said. What about it," Master Hand said.
"Oh… nothing Master Hand I was just checking. Thing is I plan on inviting Claude to the mansion around the time this is going to happen and I imagine he'll jump in on the pranks so maybe account for any possible stomach poison," Blythe said.
Blythe (Proven Professor): He's never given it up, even after all these years… Yes, I do plan on actually inviting him around that time. I knew he would be interested in a prank war.
"Ah yes, good point," Master Hand said as he wrote that down. He then held his pen thinking about something. "You know, something that's been on my mind."
"Yes," Otacon said, slightly hopeful.
Hector had just been given a full tour of the mansion by Eliwood, having come across Lyn by doing so. The archer had been shocked, but happy to see her old friend again. The lord of Ostia was now in the dining hall at a table with both Eliwood and Lyn. "Ah, the old trio. I can tell you two have missed this," Hector said.
"Yes, it has been a long time. What with presiding over Pherae back home," Eliwood said as he took a bite out of his food. "With that and looking after Roy we haven't been able to see each other often."
"Yes, it has been hard," Lyn said.
Hector put down his fork as if he was contemplating something. He then put both of his elbows on the table and his hand together before saying, "It's not just that is it though? Something else is causing a block on communication."
"What makes you think that?"
"I'm no fool Lyn. I can read context clues when they're clear. Lilina passed out as if she'd seen a ghost. You two and Roy were so shocked to see me. I can tell that I've kicked the bucket in the present time. And it was because of me wielding Armads, wasn't it?"
Both Eliwod and Lyn sighed in their own defeat, Hector had been spot on. "Yes," Lyn solemnly said. "You are dead in our time. Lilina was truly believing you wouldn't show up regardless of what was going on. She didn't want to have hope."
"I can understand, after all she's going to basically lose me again when this is all over. I may not actually be a father yet in my time," Hector said as he looked over at Lilina and Roy. "But I'm going to try and be there for her when I can."
Hector (General of Ostia): No, not like an overprotective father. I know Roy cares about her. I'm just going to maybe talk and learn a bit more about her. I've heard chatter of a prank war coming up. Maybe that'll work.
Lilina (Delightful Noble): I'm not sure if I'd want to do a prank war.
Samus was landing the gunship in the garage as Otacon and Blythe were standing there wait. The latter was very nervous for how they would take the recent development. As the door open the bounty hunter took notice of them both before asking, "So how did that talk with Master Hand go?"
"Not the way we expected it," Blythe said. "He thought we were going to ask him about the dangers of a prank war on April's fools. While he was talking about it he namedropped Incineroar, as if he's always been here."
"And when he said he was thinking of something. He wondered if he should make it snow on that day, but was worried that it wouldn't be good for those like Corrin and Kamui. As if the latter was never in a coma," Otacon said.
"Which means," Sephiroth asked.
"Master Hand… is also affected by whatever happened," Blythe answered.
Samus scowled before asking Joker, "What's the plan?"
"Tomorrow I'm gonna work on getting Morgana to snap out of if, after that we can enter his palace and get to the bottom of this. The whole process may take a few days, but I'm sure we can do it and move on," Joker said in full confidence.
What he didn't realize was that the palace was hiding a big revelation for a particular phantom thief.
To Be Continued...
(1) I don't know if I said this yet but I'll say it now. I recently figured out that the term 'senpai' is an honorific to indicate an upperclassmen or more experienced person. I am terribly sorry if I used this in the wrong way before.
(2) The name Mega Man was localized from.
(3) This actually happened. Phoenix Wright defends an orca in Turnabout Reclaimed.