This is just a little prologue to set everything up. Don't worry, we'll get to the good stuff next chapter.
The bright red Toppat Clan airship soared through the clouds. Among certain people, the ship would be a fear-inducing sight, a sign that the nearly unstoppable thieves were coming for whoever was in the area next.
However, in the universe the ship was currently flying through, the Toppat Clan was completely unknown. In fact, the ship had engaged all of its stealth protocols to avoid detection, as it flew closer and closer to a certain mansion.
In the cockpit, the airship was currently on autopilot, as a man with the proportions of a stick figure stared out the front window, deep in thought. Behind him, the doors opened, revealing a group of four other stick figures. Three were male and one was female, with bright red hair. Of the three men, one wore a bright red headset, one a grey top hat, and one a black top hat, though the last one's most distinguishing feature was the fact that half of his face, including his left eye, had been replaced with cybernetics.
"Sorry we took so long to get here, Henry," said Charles, taking a seat. "Anyway, what's the verdict?"
Henry Stickmin turned around wordlessly, producing an envelope marked with a particular symbol, an off-center set of crossed lines. The seal had already been broken, and Henry pulled out the letter and tossed it to Ellie, who easily caught it. She began to read, her eyebrows rising higher and higher with each line.
"Are you kidding me?!" she exclaimed, whipping her arms up and accidentally sending the letter flying. Right Hand Man activated his foot jets, flying up to catch the scrap of paper. "'Based on the information provided, we cannot recommend Henry Stickmin for Smasher status?' Who does that giant Mickey Mouse glove think he is?!"
By this point, Right Hand Man had read the letter, and brought it to the others.
"I can't say I'm surprised, actually," Reginald commented, looking over the letter. "And I really must ask, why are we upset over this? We all knew Henry getting in was a long shot when we filed that application. And even if he did get accepted, what good is that for the rest of us?"
"Uh, hello? If we get Henry into Smash, that'd be a huge boost for our game's reputation!" Charles replied. "It'd encourage gamers to reach out and play our games."
Reginald thought for a moment, placing his hand on his chin. "I suppose that's true."
"And I wanted to be an alternate skin for Henry!" Ellie complained. "Or at least a spirit. I'd settle if we all got in as spirits."
"Well, what difference does it make now?" asked Right Hand Man. "We got rejected. Far as I know, there's no appeal process."
Henry responded by reaching into a nearby backpack, producing a large, rolled up piece of paper. He laid it down on the floor in the middle of the group, and unrolled it, revealing a complete set of blueprints for the Smash Mansion. Without saying a word, Henry easily conveyed his meaning to his friends.
"You want to break in?" asked Charlie. "Wow, that's pretty hardcore. Even by our standards."
"Doesn't look like it's gonna be easy, though," said Ellie, studying the blueprints. "The Smash Mansion's a fortress, even compared to the Wall. Not to mention it's crawling with crazy-tough fighters." Upon seeing Henry's reaction, she hurriedly added, "Don't get me wrong, I'm up for it. I'm just making sure you're aware."
Henry smiled widely at her and Charles, before turning to the two Toppat members. Reginald and Right Hand Man looked at each other for a minute, wordlessly carrying out a conversation, before they both sighed.
"Alright, we're in as well," said Reginald. "You'll have our resources at your disposal, Henry. In fact, I might have a couple of suggestions."
"I've got an idea, too!" added Charles.
"Me three!" said Ellie.
Henry's Plan Ellie's Plan
Charles' Plan Reginald's Plan