(A/N: The use of the word "smashers" will now encompass everyone who is fighting on the front line.)

Chapter 3: Preparations

Anomaly was once again being pestered by a subordinate.

"Why did you announce your knowledge, sire? Now they will keep their guard up!"

"Does no one here trust my judgment?" Anomaly roared. "Of course they will keep their guard up! And you should know that there is such a thing as keeping one's guard up too high…"

The smashers were all talking amongst themselves as Master Hand regained order.

"We need to keep our guard up if Anomaly knows we're ready for him." Master Hand suggested.

"Anomaly wouldn't announce his awareness without a reason, though." Clyne pointed out. "We need to be extra careful."

"Agreed. Any more volunteers?"

"We'll help," someone in the back shouted. The parting crowd revealed two armor-clad figures and another figure wearing a cape.

"You guys are still here?" Apocalypse seemed very surprised.

"Sure, we just haven't wanted to train in a while." The caped one answered.

"Whoa are you?" Mario asked.

"I am Maska. I am a powerful wizard," the caped person replied.

"You can call me Balendin," another responded. "I am a paladin."

"And I am a fighter," the largest one said. "My name is Gerick."

"Well, glad to have you all on the team." Master Hand answered. "Come on, people, we need as much help as-"

His speech was interrupted by a loud argument among two of the smashers.

"Shadow, you don't deserve to help us! You're as bad as they are! Have you noticed that your name is strikingly similar to that of our opponents?" Sonic glared.

"Your anger is unfounded, Sonic. I am only here to help. Saving the dimension is in everyone's best interest."

"I bet you're just a spy for the shadows, just like Bowser!"

"Oh, please. There's no need to be irrational."

To Sonic, Shadow was infuriatingly calm as he refuted Sonic.

"Stop it, you too." Knuckles admonished. "We're all on the same team now."

"Yeah, Sonic. It's not worth it." Tails soothed.

Sonic glared icily at Shadow and turned away. Shadow shrugged, and walked over to talk to the other villains.

"Anyone else?" Master Hand pressed, ignoring the internal conflicts.

"Count me in!" another person shouted. Apocalypse immediately recognized the voice as Wolverine's. He wasn't surprised at all that Wolverine would volunteer for this battle.

"Wolverine, right?" Master Hand asked. "Good to have your support."

Apocalypse stood up. "If any of you are counting on my protection during the war, you'll be disappointed. I will be in the back, catching the stragglers before they reach this central building. So I suggest that if you're afraid, go up and hide amongst the real fighters."

"Er…thank you, Apocalypse." Master Hand sighed. He hadn't exactly wanted his friends to have to worry about saving any cowards, but it was too late now. Fortunately, no one seemed eager to admit that they were cowards.

"Hasn't it been a week yet, boss?" a shadow whined. "I'm getting bored!"

"It has been four days." Anomaly replied, unusually patient. "Go train."

"I still don't understand why we can't just attack now."

"You'll see." Anomaly replied, grinning. "You'll see."

"Listen, everyone," Clyne interrupted Master Hand's persistent recruiting. "We know that Anomaly knows we're here. He's probably planning something huge, or he would have attacked and tried to catch us off guard."

"Good point, Clyne." Master Hand agreed. "We need to be extra careful, and be on guard at all times."

"Area you surea?" Mario put in. "Maybe that'sa what he wantsa."

"Why would he want us to be on our guard?" Master Hand wondered.

Mario shrugged. "Justa a thought."

Master Hand nodded. "Anyway, we need people scouting 24/7. Mario, you can start, and…"

Master Hand continued giving out assignments until every group had guard duty once a day. Of course, some groups were assigned times in the middle of the night.

"Are you sure this is necessary?" Ness complained. "I need lots of sleep."

"You'll be in the day, then," Master Hand shot back. "We need to be always vigilant."

"That's not fair! I can't work at night!" Kirby protested, after receiving his 2 a.m. assignment.

"We'll alternate," Master Hand sighed. "Stop whining. This is the only way."

"You see?" Anomaly grinned.

"Yes, I get it! They'll have to stay up and tire themselves out! Then they'll be weak when we attack!"

"Exactly."

"OK, I'm going to ask one more time." Master Hand sighed. "Are there any more volunteers?"

Silence reigned for a long time. Suddenly, a weak voice came from the back.

"I'll help."

Master Hand stared at Apocalypse oddly, then at Clyne. He said, "No, I don't think you want to."

"Come on, Master Hand, let him come!" Clyne argued. What was he thinking?

"No, he's not strong enough." Master Hand protested.

"Come forward." Clyne directed. "Ignore this glove."

"Thank you." The voice replied.

As he stepped forward, the original fourteen smashers – and Clyne – recognized the volunteer immediately. Master Hand shook what would be his head.

"Juvenor?"

(A/N: If that word means nothing to you, go read my 3rd fic. Also, yes, I have noticed that the war hasn't started yet. Don't worry, it will next chapter.)