Hey, guys. How are you? I'm alright. Been better, been worse.
As you probably guessed from the title of this chapter, it is time once again for our Smashers to meet their loved ones. But this time, they won't be talking solely to their own friends and family. You guys knew this was coming, surely. You knew Shulk and Lucina were going to interact with the other's loved ones eventually. Well, here it is at long last. Please enjoy.
Althea Sirius: Cool. I hope to maybe meet you in battle online one day once the game comes out. Also, what were your thoughts on the most recent Smash Direct? Actually, I ask that to all my readers, not just Althea. Leave your thoughts in the comments. If you want my own thoughts, please see my closing author's notes.
Lastly, a PSA: To anyone and everyone out there who either has, or is thinking about leaving offensive or hurtful comments (you know who you are) please don't. I refuse to justify the comments of you douchebags just so you can feel good about being a prick. Any comments you people try to leave on my story will be deleted before they can show up on my review section. And yes, I do have the power to delete comments. Your offensive attacks on me and my story will never see the light of day. So please, save your energy for something other than being a jackass. As I stated, I accept constructive criticism. In fact, I welcome it with open arms. If anyone finds any problems with my story, don't hesitate to tell me. It's the only way I'll learn to improve as a writer. I accept these kinds of comments. What I do not accept is outright hate on my stories or me as a writer. Those are the kinds of comments that will be deleted. So again, no hate, please.
Super Smash Bros. © Nintendo/Masahiro Sakurai
*Outside Smash Mansion*
*7:55 AM*
Every Smasher who lived in the Mansion was currently standing just beyond the front door, waiting in anticipation for what was to come. It was finally that day again. The day that the friends and family of all the Smashers would be visiting the Smash Mansion. It was Family Day once again.
Near the front of the crowd stood Shulk and Lucina, their hands intertwined with each other. They were both rather anxious for their loved ones to show up. Since the last Family Day, much had happened between them, most of it centering around the fact that they had started dating. It was no secret, too. They had both written letters to their loved ones in their home worlds, telling their friends and family that they were currently in a relationship. They could only imagine how the others had reacted at this revelation. Well, today was the day they would find out.
"I must admit, I'm quite excited to see my family once again. It feels like it's been too long since I've last seen them." Lucina said to her boyfriend.
"Yeah, I got the same feeling. I'm looking forward to seeing all my mates again." Shulk responded.
"I wonder what they will think of me once I am introduced to them."
"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll love you. My friends are a real easy-going lot. Personally, I'm more worried about how your family will react to me."
"Fear not, Shulk. I know that they will be delighted to meet you, and will come to love you just as I have."
"I hope so, Lucina. Say, it's finally on the hour. Shouldn't everyone be arriving right about now?"
On cue, a series of portals opened up several feet away from the crowd of Smashers. Numerous people stepped out of the portals, ready to see their loved ones. One crowd approached the other, all eyes scanning for a familiar face. Shulk and Lucina separated as they walked amongst the crowd of visitors. Ultimately, Shulk was the first to spot his friends.
"Guys!" He shouted.
The three Bionis residents turned their heads toward Shulk. Their eyes then widened and they approached Shulk. They then embraced the Monado wielder in a hug, one by one.
"Shulk! Good to see ya, man!" Shulk's best friend, Reyn shouted.
"It sure is. Hard to believe it's been a whole year since we've seen you." Shulk's mentor, Dunban, commented.
"Has been 2 years since Shulk come here. How Shulk do with 2 years?" Said Shulk's Nopon friend, Riki.
"Pretty good, actually. Speaking of which, how are things back home?" Shulk asked.
"Not bad. It's nice to have a sense of normalcy back. It's been too long. Still, we're all more interested in how life here has been for you. Your letters make it sound like you've been having the time of your life here." Dunban said.
"Yeah, and I bet that ain't just 'cause of the tournament itself." Reyn commented.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Shulk asked.
"C'mon, man, we all read that first letter you sent. We know you've been seeing a girl." Reyn replied.
"Oh, yeah. I did write about Lucina, didn't I?" Shulk said.
"So that's how you pronounce her name. Still, we are all curious as to what this Lucina is like." Dunban commented.
"Well, I did promise to introduce you. Still, I'd rather catch up with you guys before looking for her. I don't get to talk with you guys as much, anymore." Shulk responded.
"Fair enough. Let us head inside the mansion, shall we? Lead the way, Shulk." Dunban said.
With that, the 4 Bionis residents walked inside the Smash Mansion to converse.
Lucina looked around for her family, but all she could see were several unfamiliar faces belonging to the loved ones of the other Smashers. Just as she was about to head inside the mansion to see if they went in there looking for her, she was wrapped in a tight hug from behind.
"Lucy! It's so good to see you again!" Said Lucina's chipper younger sister, Cynthia.
"It is good to see you once again as well, Cynthia. Where are mother and father?" Lucina said as she returned her sister's hug.
"We're right here." Came a voice from behind Cynthia.
Lucina looked up and saw none other than the parents she had gone back in time to save, Chrom and Sumia. She quickly broke away from her sister and went to embrace her parents.
"I'm so glad to be able to see you guys again!" Lucina said as she hugged her parents.
"You too, dear. We haven't seen you in so long. We wish you could home." Sumia replied.
"All the same, it looks like you're still doing pretty good here at Smash Brothers." Chrom said.
"I am, father. Much has changed since you were last here a year ago. I have grown stronger than ever, and I believe I will only get better as the tournament progresses." Lucina responded.
"I don't doubt it, Lucina. Before the day is out, I might have to have a practice spar with you just to see how far you've come." Chrom said.
"I would very much like that, father." Lucina said.
"So, what have you been doing outside of fighting, Lucina? Surely there is more to do here than just fight all the time." Sumia wondered.
"Of course. There are various recreational activities to partake in here. Perhaps you would like to see some?" Lucina offered.
Lucina then led her family toward the Mansion. Once they were inside, the Exalted family couldn't help but look around in awe. Even though they had been here once before, they had forgotten how truly spectacular the Smash Mansion was. Lucina then led them elsewhere in the mansion. As they walked, Cynthia decided to speak up.
"Say, Lucina, what is that thing in your hair? I like it."
Chrom and Sumia turned their attention to their daughter's hair, where a light blue hair ornament rested. They both wondered how they had missed that before.
"It is pretty cute. Where did you get it?" Sumia asked.
"Oh, you like it? It is merely an ornament meant to decorate my hair. It was a birthday gift from Shulk." Lucina answered.
Chrom suddenly stopped in his tracks and his face grew stoic, which somehow went unnoticed by Lucina.
"Shulk. This is the boy you are now dating, is that correct?" Chrom asked warily.
"Yes, father. It has been a great many months since we first began going steady, and I have not been this happy in a long time." Lucina answered, completely oblivious to her father's ever-growing grimace.
"I see. I would very much like to meet this Shulk. I want to ask him a few questions." Chrom said as his hand instinctively wrapped around the hilt of his sword.
"Of course. I would be glad to introduce you. I am sure that you will love him. Come, let us go look for him, shall we?"
Lucina then led her family deeper into the mansion, trying to find Shulk. All the while, Chrom's hand did not leave his sword.
Shulk had led his friends to the Mess Hall, where he was explaining several things about the tournament that he had not told them last time. He had also told them some interesting stories of what had happened to him since last year, like when he was accidentally poisoned, and the near disaster that his first date with Lucina almost led to.
"So, once we found out we had less than a half hour before the mansion locked its doors for the night, we both ran as fast as we could, hoping that when we got there, it wasn't too late. Luckily, we made it back with only a minute to spare." Shulk explained.
"Doesn't sound so bad." Reyn commented.
"Oh yeah? Well you try running over two miles in less than 30 minutes. It ain't easy." Shulk retorted.
"Fair point." Reyn said.
"Well, aside from that, at least I still had a fun night." Shulk admitted.
"It certainly sounds like it. I'm amazed how much you have become attached to your new girlfriend." Dunban commented.
"Yeah. Lucina's real great once you get to know her." Shulk said.
"Speaking of, ain't it about time we got to meet her?" Reyn asked.
"I suppose you're right, Reyn. Alright, you lot wait here. I got to use the loo, but after that, I'll look for Lucina and bring her here." Shulk stated.
With that, Shulk rose from his seat and walked out of the Mess Hall and toward the nearest restroom. He hoped that Lucina would not be too difficult to track down. The Smash Mansion was a big place, after all.
Lucina and her family were just passing in front of the Mess Hall. The blue haired princess had yet to find her boyfriend, and was running out of places to look for him. She had checked all of Shulk's favorite spots in and around the mansion, and still no luck.
"Where could he be?" Lucina wondered aloud.
"Perhaps he is in this room. We haven't looked here yet." Cynthia chimed in.
"I'm not sure what Shulk would be doing in the Mess Hall. Lunch isn't for another hour." Lucina responded.
"Oh, this is the Mess Hall? Would you mind too terribly going in and getting me something to drink, dear? I'm starting to get parched." Sumia asked.
"Not at all, mother. You guys wait here. I'll be right back." Lucina said.
Lucina then entered the Mess Hall and headed over to a drink counter. As she was walking in, she saw two people and a fuzzy looking creature sitting not too far away from her, making conversation amongst themselves. Lucina figured they were some of the mansion's visitors, but she couldn't see any of the other Smashers near them, so what were they doing here alone? Lucina pushed the thought from her mind as she started walking out with a cup of tea for her mother. As she walked, she still couldn't help but think about how she had yet to find her boyfriend.
"Where could Shulk possibly be?" She again asked herself.
"Oi! You there! You looking for Shulk?" One of the people in the room asked her, having heard her question.
"I am. Who are you? Do you know him?" Lucina asked the one speaking to her as she approached him, while setting her mother's drink on a different table.
"I should hope so, he's only my best friend, after all." The muscular speaker said to her.
"Really? Are all of you from his home world as well?" Lucina asked.
"Yes, we are from Bionis. I am Dunban, Shulk's good friend. This here is Reyn." Dunban gestured to the muscular young man to his left.
"Hey." Reyn replied.
"And this is Riki." Dunban continued, pointing to the Nopon warrior to his right.
"Hello! Riki is very happy to meet new friend!" Riki chimed in.
"Hello. It is a pleasure to meet all of you." Lucina greeted.
"Now, who, may I ask, are you?" Dunban inquired.
"My name is Lucina." The future princess responded.
"Wait a sec. You're Lucina? You're the one Shulk's been telling us about!" Reyn exclaimed.
"Really? I didn't know he had spoken of me to his friends back home. Do you know where he is now?" Lucina asked.
"You just missed him. Said he was gonna look for you so he could introduce you to us." Reyn explained.
"Oh. I wonder when he'll be back." Lucina stated.
"He'll be along soon enough. While we wait, why don't we get to know each other a bit?" Dunban suggested.
"Very well. What would you like to know about me?" Lucina asked as she sat down at the table with the Bionis residents.
"Well, for starters, how did you and Shulk meet?" Reyn asked.
"Well, it was nothing too special. I had only just arrived at the mansion and had gotten lost trying to find my room." Lucina started.
Meanwhile, outside the Mess Hall, Lucina's family was still waiting for her. They were unaware that she had started a conversation with her boyfriend's visiting friends.
"She's been in there an awfully long time. What could be taking so long?" Sumia wondered.
"I don't know, dear. Maybe one of us should go in after her." Chrom suggested.
"Yes, we probably should. We must get a move on." Sumia responded.
"Er, pardon me, could I squeeze by you?"
The Exalted family turned to see who was speaking. It was a young man with blonde hair and an odd red sword on his back. He looked as though he was trying to get into the Mess Hall. They then realized they were blocking the door that led to the Mess Hall. The three members of Ylissean royalty immediately moved out of the way.
"Apologies, sir. We didn't realize we were blocking your path." Chrom stated.
"No worries. You didn't mean it." The young man said as he walked toward the doors to the Mess Hall.
"Excuse me, sir, but could I ask a quick favor from you? If you see a blue haired girl named Lucina in there, could you please tell her that her family is still waiting for her out here?" Sumia asked.
"Hang on, do you guys know Lucina?" The blonde asked.
"We're her family. How do you know her? Who are you?" Chrom asked warily.
"Oh, you're her family? Well, I'm Shulk." The young man replied.
"Wait a minute, you're Shulk?" Sumia asked.
"You're the one my big sister is dating?" Cynthia exclaimed.
"I am. It's nice to meet you all." Shulk responded, hand outstretched toward Chrom.
"I see. It is… nice to meet you as well." Chrom said in a deadpan voice, while also refusing to take Shulk's hand.
"Chrom, be nice." Sumia scolded.
"Anyway, my name is Sumia. I'm Lucina's mother. This is my husband, Chrom. And this is my other daughter, Cynthia." She introduced.
"Well, charmed to meet the lot of you." Shulk responded.
"You too! I've been wanting to meet my big sister's new boyfriend for a long time now. We were just looking for you before we stopped here." Cynthia stated.
"Really? Well, it looks like I saved you the trouble." Shulk replied.
"It seems so. Lucina has been wanting to get us to meet you for quite a while. Now that we've met, why don't we talk for a bit? I want to know all about who my daughter's dating." Sumia said.
"As do I. And while we're at it, I want to ask you a few questions. Come, let us walk." Chrom stated in a slightly threatening voice.
As he spoke, Chrom placed his hand on his sword once again. All of a sudden, a shiver of fear ran through Shulk's body as he began walking with his girlfriend's family.
Lucina was walking down the halls of the Smash Mansion, the three residents of Bionis surrounding her. They went back and forth, discussing many things about Shulk and each other. The blue haired princess was just telling a story about how she had first become close to Shulk.
"So, when did ya first figure out you liked Shulk, eh?" Reyn asked.
"I admit, that is a rather difficult question. I believe my attraction to him began when he saved my life from a large monster made of metal from his homeworld during a match. One that Shulk claims to have fought before. Nevertheless, we managed to best the beast. After that, as we spent more time with each other, my admiration for him only grew larger. I simply find him fascinating. His endless tales of his home are what first got us conversing, as they are not too dissimilar to my own." Lucina replied.
"I see. Very fascinating. So, what all has Shulk revealed about his home, if I may ask." Dunban said.
"He has told me much. Shortly after we met, he told me of the journey he went on to defeat Zanza. He also spoke much of all of you and all his other friends. He thinks very highly of you." Lucina answered.
"Riki happy that Shulk think of friends lots and lots. Shulk is very nice. Riki also think that Lucina is very nice." Riki said.
"Yeah, the furball's right. You ain't half bad. I can see why Shulk likes you." Reyn chimed in.
"I appreciate the sentiment. But do tell me, how did all of you come to be acquainted with Shulk?" Lucina asked.
"Well, Shulk and I have been best friends for about our entire lives. Can't really remember how we first met, it was so long ago, but we've been through Hell and back together. Wouldn't trade him for the world." Reyn answered.
"I see. And what of you, Dunban?" Lucina asked.
"Personally, I'd like to move the conversation away from Shulk for a while. As I stated earlier, I want to learn more about you. All you've told us so far are your adventures with Shulk. But surely there is more to learn about you than just what you have done with him." Dunban commented.
"Well, while you are correct that I have done more outside of this tournament, I must tell you that I do not feel like revealing that information. I'm sorry. My past was rather… troubling. I actually remember being asked something similar by Shulk once, and I gave him a similar answer." Lucina said.
"That does sound like something Shulk would say. Still, I am sorry if I said something to offend you. I just wanted to get to know the girl he was dating a little better." Dunban replied.
"Yeah, me too. Shame that we only get one day a year to come here. Still, if Shulk likes you, that's good enough for me." Reyn commented.
"Reyn right. If Lucina important to Shulk, then Lucina important to Riki. Still, day not over. Lots of time left for talking to Lucina." Riki said.
"Thank you all very much for your kindness toward me. Shulk was right about you. You are all very kind. However, I cannot help but feel like I have kept you from Shulk for much of today." Lucina said.
"Forget about it. He said he would introduce us to you, and he delivered. I'm sure he'd be happy we were talking. Still, I can't help but wonder where he is. Havent seen him since he said he'd go looking for you. What's say we go and find him, yeah?" Reyn commented.
"Yes, I believe that is a good idea. Let us be off." Lucina said as she and the Bionis residents began walking through the mansion looking for Shulk.
Shulk was currently in the Smash Mansion's living room, with Lucina's family around him. He had been talking to them for the past hour, learning much about his girlfriend's family, while they were learning about him. However, Shulk couldn't help but notice that Lucina's father had hardly said anything outside the occasional question. Chrom instead opted to just keep staring at him, as if silently judging the boy. While he was staring at Shulk, his wife was asking Shulk another question.
"So, what do you and my daughter enjoy doing together?" Sumia asked.
"Well, since this is a fighting tournament, we both like honing our skills and getting better with our weapons. Sometimes we fight together, sometimes against each other, sometimes not with each other at all. But either way, it's all in good fun. Outside of that, we just like to sit, relax, and talk with each other. I find her and the stories she tells fascinating." Shulk answered.
"That sounds nice. What are some of the things you two talk about?" Sumia replied.
"Some of our favourite things to talk about are stories of our homes, our different cultures, and recently we've been getting to talking about fighting styles. We've been giving each other a few new tips about swordplay. The style we use on Bionis is so much different from the one from her home." Shulk answered.
"Bionis? Is this what you call your home?"
"Yeah. Great place. Sometimes I find myself missing it a lot, but I suppose that's what today is for. Reconnecting with home, yeah?"
"Yep! That's why we came to see Lucy. So anyway, do you two do anything else together? You guys have to do more than just talk." Cynthia asked.
"Well, when we want a little time for ourselves, we head out to Smashville, a town not far from the mansion. Sometimes living in a mansion with over 50 other fighters can get a little crazy. So we go there and do whatever the town has to offer. Lucina's particularly fond of the movie theater." Shulk replied.
"Movie theater?" Sumia asked, clearly confused.
"Oh. Well, never mind it. Explaining would take too long." Shulk said.
"Oh, ok. Still, you two seem to have a really close bond." Sumia stated.
"We do. Since I've come to this tournament and met her, I've been feeling happier than I have in ages. It's been loads of fun." Shulk replied.
"You really are a charming boy, Shulk. Wouldn't you agree, Chrom?" Sumia asked.
Chrom merely stared at Shulk, still refusing to say a word. Shulk was feeling more mand more unsettled by Chrom's behavior. Finally, the blue haired man stood up and approached Shulk.
"Chrom?" Sumia repeated.
"I admit, speaking with you has taught me much about you. But not quite enough to convince me. I heard much of what you said from Lucina's last boyfriend. And he turned out to be nothing more than a shameless philanderer. And since I've known you for less time, how do I know you're not the same way, and just putting on a façade to fool us? How do I know you're strong enough for Lucina?" Chrom asked.
"Chrom!" Sumia angrily shouted.
"What do I have to do to win your trust?" Shulk asked.
"Well, there is one thing." Chrom stated.
With that, Chrom again reached for his sword. As soon as his hand touched the hilt, Shulk's eyes began to glow. He was having a vision.
"People tend to show their true selves when they're looking down the blade of a sword." Chrom stated.
The Exalt then drew his sword and swiped it at Shulk. The Monado wielder was knocked to the ground by the attack while Sumia and Cynthia looked on in shock.
Shulk's eyes lost their glow as he was returned to reality. He then saw Chrom with a hand on his sword.
"People tend to show their true selves when they're looking down the blade of a sword." Chrom stated.
The Exalt then drew his sword and swiped it at Shulk. With lightning reflexes, Shulk pulled the Monado off his back and without even activating it, blocked Chrom's blade. The pair exchanged a couple more blows before Chrom stepped back.
"Chrom, what are you doing?!" Sumia screamed.
"Are you mad?!" Shulk shouted.
"So, you seem to be plenty strong as a fighter, I'll give you that. Still, why should I give you my blessing?" Chrom said.
"I might not have been seeing Lucina for very long, but I'm not about to give up on her. I care about her far too much to ever do that. I've already fought a giant Mechon to keep her safe. Not to mention all those times we've teamed up in battle here. I'll fight off anyone to keep her safe, even though she's more than capable of taking care of herself. And if I have to go through you too, then fine." Shulk exclaimed.
With that, Shulk finally activated the Monado, extending the blue energy blade toward Chrom. In retaliation, Chrom sheathed his sword, much to everyone's shock and confusion.
"Very well, I'm convinced." Chrom stated.
"Really, just like that?" Shulk asked, clearly confused.
"I'm not sure what Lucina told you about her previous boyfriend, or if she told you anything. But he was a shameless flirt. That is what ultimately cost him his relationship with my daughter. He would have done nearly anything to chat up a pretty woman. But he never would have had the courage to face me like you just did. He always seemed intimidated by me. But you, you're willing to fight me just to stay with her. I'm impressed by your determination." Chrom explained.
"Well, thank you, Chrom." Shulk said as he deactivated the Monado and put it on his back.
"Well, would ya look at that? Never thought I'd hear you say something like that, Shulk. Not that I'm surprised, you've always been pretty strong in that department."
The Exalted family and Shulk turned to see who was talking, and they was Lucina standing with Shulk's friends from Bionis.
"Guys! How long have you been standing there?" Shulk asked.
"Long enough. The man with blue hair is correct. People do tend to show who they really are when they have a weapon to their throat, staring at the possibility of death. Fortunately, you've always been ready to fight and die for those you love." Dunban answered.
"Riki want to help Shulk when he start fighting, but Reyn and Dundun say Shulk capable of handling himself." Riki chimed in.
"And they were correct. You truly are a great fighter, Shulk. That is what drew me to your side. Very few are capable of standing up to my father the way you did." Lucina said.
"Thank you, everyone. Your words mean the world to me." Shulk stated.
"No problem, man. We only that stuff 'cause it's true." Reyn said.
"Yeah. Anyway, we probably don't have much time left before Master Hand sends the rest of you home, so we best make due with what time we have left." Shulk pointed out.
The residents of Bionis and Ylisse spent the rest of their time at the mansion conversing with each other about various topics until Master Hand called an end to Family Day. The group then made their way outside the Smash Mansion, where they found portals ready to take them home until next year. Before they actually walked through, everyone turned around for one last goodbye.
"Well, take care, man. We all miss ya back home." Reyn said.
"I know, but like I said last year, everyone will go home eventually. It's only a matter of time." Shulk replied.
"Well, until that time comes, take care of yourself, Shulk." Dunban replied.
"Riki say Shulk should also take care of Lucina. She very nice lady. Riki like her." The Nopon added.
"I will. See you later, guys." Shulk said.
With that, Reyn, Riki, and Dunban stepped through their portal to home before it closed behind them. Shulk then turned toward Lucina, who was just finishing goodbyes with her family. Sumia and Cynthia had already gone through the portal, but Chrom lingered. Shulk then approached his girlfriend.
"Goodbye, Lucina. I hope to hear from you soon. Farewell to you as well, Shulk. Just know that if I ever hear of you doing anything to hurt Lucina, I will find a way here and make you regret it." Chrom threatened.
"Duly noted." Shulk said.
Chrom then stepped through the portal and it disappeared. Shulk and Lucina then started to walk toward the mansion to prepare for bed. But before they retreated into their rooms, Lucina stopped to ask Shulk a question.
"Shulk, did you mean all those thing you said about me when my father drew his sword on you?"
"Every word. Why do you ask?"
"I've never known anyone outside my family to show me that much care and affection."
"Well, I said those things because I truly meant them. I truly do care about you, Lucina. In fact, since we've started dating, I've learned so much about you that I can't help but tell you that there's so much about you that I love."
"W-what?" Lucina asked.
"Alright, I said it. We've been together long enough that I truly do feel like I love you. And I only hope you feel the same."
"Shulk, I must admit, for quite some time, I've been feeling something new toward you, and I never knew what it was, but now I do. I love you too. I have for quite some time. I only needed to hear you say it before I realized what it was. I've never been quite strong in discussing emotions such as this. But I hope that I will get better at showing…"
Shulk interrupted Lucina by giving her a quick kiss on her cheek. She suddenly silenced and turned stiff as a statue, while having a bright blush on her face.
"O-oh my." Lucina finally chocked out.
"Well, good night, Lucina." Shulk said as he entered his bedroom.
"Y-yes. Good night, Shulk." Lucina repeated as she did the same.
Hey, ZachaRicO, I'm starting to think you were right about the second third of the story being the weakest. Oh well, I only have a couple more chapters before I step into something a little bit more in my comfort zone.
Also, sorry this took so long to get out. Recently, I've been having some issues concerning the wi-fi connection at my house. Issues that still haven't been entirely resolved. Still, hopefully the next chapter won't take as long to get out.
I know that this was a little too similar to the other Family Day chapter, but rest assured, I don't plan to do something like this again. While there will be other chapters set during Family Day, I have radically different plans for how those will play out. They will not be following the same pattern as this and chapter 6.
Nevertheless, I do hope everyone found some enjoyment in this chapter. If not, well, don't worry, things will be spiced up soon. But again, don't leave me any unnecessary rudeness in the comments. I will dispose of those.
On a slightly more positive note, I have officially passed the one year anniversary of this story. Yay me! I hope that by this time next year, I will have more than 12 more chapters of this great story posted. Only time will tell.
Before I wrap this up, I have one more announcement. As promised, here are my personal thoughts on the most recent Smash Direct.
First off, wow, five new characters? That was quite surprising to me. Adding them on to the others revealed before, that means at this point, there are 8 confirmed newcomers. And Sakurai said there are still more to come. I was not expecting this. Back during the E3 Smash video, he said we shouldn't expect too many newcomers. With that in mind, I expected maybe 5 or 6 newcomers. But now we have almost double that amount. By the time the game is released, I bet there actually will be double that amount, if not more (keeping my fingers crossed for Rex/Pyra BTW). I was especially surprised at Chrom being revealed. He was about the last person I expected to show up in Smash. Nevertheless, he's here, and I am happy he got in. And yes, once this story moves on to the Ultimate era of Smash, he will be making more appearances. But until then, he will remain mostly a character only brought up in passing. This does beg the question, what will Robin's Final Smash be now? If I had my way, it would be the same, only instead of Chrom, a different character from Awakening would show up each time. I might use it once and see Gaius fight with Robin, but then I might use it again, only this time, it's Cordelia.
Next, 103 stages? Color me impressed. I never thought they'd reach that number of stages. And the fact that all of them will be available from the get go is surprising, not that I'm complaining. I look forward to trying all of them out, especially that new stage switch feature. That was a true shock.
I also really like all those new items, Assist Trophies, and Pokémon. I'm going to have a blast using all of those. I hope more will be revealed before the game is released.
Lastly, about that blurred out green area of the main menu. What could it be? Well I, along with most everyone else, believe (hope) it's some sort of Story Mode like Subspace Emissary was for Brawl. But even if this turns out not to be the case, that doesn't necessarily mean there won't be a Story Mode. If memory serves, Subspace was not directly accessible from the main menu of Brawl. You had to go to the single player mode and get to it from there. So if that green part isn't a Story Mode, hopefully there will still be one. But still, if it's not a Story Mode, what is it? What are you playing at, Sakurai?
Well, that about wraps it up. Coming up next on this story, summer might be over, but that doesn't mean I can't still write about some fun in the sun. Originally, I was going to have the next chapter be a celebration of Shulk's birthday. Pretty much the same as chapter 9, but with Shulk as the focus. However, I eventually decided that this would be kind of dumb and repetitive. This chapter here is already sort of repetitive of chapter 6, I didn't want to do that twice in a row. With that said, be on the lookout for a rewrite of chapter 9, featuring my original idea for that chapter.
Until next time, my lovely readers, fare thee well.