Chapter 12: A Power Struggle

1 week later…

Things had gone well after the party, Villager, despite feeling episodes of sadness here and there; was recovering much greatly. 7 days later, the mansion was back at its usual business. With: Snake, R.O.B, Lucario, and the Ice Climbers hanging out at the command center doing their own activity.

R.O.B was in the process of checking and adding new files in the computer system; storing them away for future use. The jackal and solider was busyplaying a game of chess; the both of them giving their all at defeating the other opponent. Lastly the Eskimos were playing a video game of some kind, a 2D

retro platform/action game; the twins gripped their controllers in concentration; trying to defeat the final boss.

"Climbers, you two have been playing that game for some time." Criticized the Pokémon; moving his Rook to take out a bishop. "Why not take a break and go outside for a

while?"

"No way!" Retorted Popo; the one wearing the blue parka. "We came so far to quit now! We're so close! Besides, who likes going outside?"

"A lot of people, about half of the Smashers living in this mansion." Said Snake; using his knight to eliminated Lucario's bishop. "I'm willing to bet that would like it too if you give it a chance."

The children we're not listening to them however, their eyes were glue to the television screen; clenching the controllers harder than before; with their hearts skipping a beat.

"We're almost there!" Shouted the other twin; Nana." We're actually going to do it! We're gonna beat this game!"

Unfortunately for them, it wasn't meant to be.

Before they could land the final blow on the boss; the lights in the room went it out, making it completely dark; with the emergency light bulbs in the room providing just enough luminescence for them being able to see.

"What happened?" Said Popo; repeatedly pressing the power button on the game console. "No! This can't be! We almost had it! WE WERE SO CLOSE!"

"It's not fair!" Whined Nana; threatening to cry.

"AGAIN!?" Shouted Snake, turning to R.O.B. "Are we having another power outage?!"

"[Affirmative.]" Calmly answered the robot. "[Do not fret however; my scanners indicated that this blackout will pass momentary.]"

"That's the fifth time this week!" Said Lucario. "This is unacceptable; we can't have this every single day! Our generators are faulty; we need a more efficient power supply!"

"[You are correct, this can't continue! This is only going to create a potential hazard in the future. Starting today, I will begin plans on creating a new generator.]"

"I don't think it'll be that easy." Said the solider. "This mansion is very big, and consumes a lot of power. That generator will have to be 10 times more powerful than the one we have now. Do we even have the resources to make such a machine?"

"We have to try, life will be much more difficult if we don't." Answered the Pokémon. He looked over to the Eskimos hunched over the tv and said. "And Climbers, calm down. It's just a game; nothing to be upset about."

"But Lucario, we we're so close to beating the game!" Said Popo. "Now we have to try all over again!" Whined Nana. "This is not fair!"

"Life is unfair." Replied the Lucario. "It's a truth of the universe that we all must accept; but don't let this get you down. When life shoves you to the curb, you suck it up, and get back up. You will beat that boss, I know you will! Do not let a power outage get in the way of your goal!"

"*Sigh* whatever you say Lucario." Said both of the twins simultaneously, feeling sad on how victory was taken from them prematurely.

After a couple of seconds, the power went back online; The electronics roaring back to life with the room lighting up once again. "Well at least's that over." Commented Snake. "Alright, well we should get working on that generator. I'll call Samus and Fox so we can get started on-"

*PRIIINNNGGGG*

The solider was interrupted by the sound of a familiar alarm, coming from themain computer. That can only mean-

"A Newcomer!" Yelled Lucario; running over to the monitor. "This can wait later!We have to find the Smasher. Where is it pin-pointing to?"

"[Hold on]" Said the robot; highlighting the mark on the big screen "[It's located right here!]"

"Right there?! Ugh, this going to be fun!" Sarcastically said the solider; he turned his body to speak to his blue-furred companion and said. "We need Mewtwo for this! He's the most effective with dealing with those ghouls! Where is he?"

"Mewtwo said he going to participate in training the Newcomers; he should be at the gym!"

"Alright then! Lucario, Ice Climbers. You're with me. There's someone out there that needs our help!" The serviceman looked over to the robot and said "Keep an eye on that place R.O.B.! You know how unstable that area is!"

"[I can handle it. Just go!]"

The solider nodded and gestured to his team to follow him. The trio ran through the exit, sprinting as fast as they could to their destination. Leaving the door wide open as it slowly closed shut.

"Enjoying your first time training Villager?" The sword wielder said to the child; who was sitting on the mat. All the Newcomers were present for another training lesson with Marth and Mewtwo. Since Villager was new to the World of Trophies, he has been strongly advised to attend these sessions.

It didn't really fit his personality to fight; but if he wants to survive in this world, then he had learn everything they throw at him. It's the only real option he has at the moment.

"Um, yeah it seems cool. It feels like we're in an action film. Kind of hard to believe this is even real."

"Oh believe me, I know how you feel." Said Swordfighter "A part of me believes that this is all a dream; I mean: Superpowers, immortality and alternate universes? I would've had thought you were crazy if you told me all of this in one go."

"Yeah!" Joked Villager. "My citizens would have questioned if was mentally fit to serve if I gave a speech about it."

"Citizens? What do you mean?"

"Oh yeah! I forgot to mention. Back at my original universe, I was the mayor of a town run by animals. Pretty cool huh?"

"The Mayor? That's…wait, how old are you?"

"I'm about 8 years old."

"8 years old?! How did you manage to become the mayor at such a young age?"

"Well it's a long story, see I-"

"Hey, excuse me!" Marth said to the chatting fighters. The two stopped their conversation and looked over to the prince; who had an annoyed look on his face, but did his best to conceal it with a welcoming smile.

"We're in the middle of a lesson here, these are very important to take note of. So I think it's best if you pay attention to what I'm going to show you all; it will behelpful later on. You can continue your conversation later."

"Oh! Sorry your highness!" Replied Villager, he said to his friend. "I'll tell you about it later." Before the two of them faced their instructor. "It's just Marth. No need to be formal about it." Spoke the swordsman before continuing the session. "As was I saying, We Smashers have a move called Double Jump. This ability allows you to jump two times; once on the ground and twice in the air."

"Jump on the air?!" Questioned Gunner. "That's sounds impossible, even for a world like this. Air is a gas; it's not solid enough for us to stand on. How to you expect us to accomplish a feat like that?"

"Simple, just jump." Answered Marth. "It's easier than it sounds, let me show you."

Mewtwo on cue; used the power of his mind to telekinetically move two wooden logs; One short and one long. The Pokémon arranged them vertically on the ground so it would act as platforms for the fighters to stand on. The blue-haired fighter positioned himself in front of the first log, looking over towards the Newcomers.

"For the first one, you just jump. For the second jump however, you have to concentrate the strength in your legs. If you do that correctly, the air under your feet will become solid for a split second; allowing you to achieve that 'impossible feat' you so claim Miss Gunner. Allow me to demonstrate."

Marth stepped on the first log; he bend his knees before leaping of the platform, the swordsman tensed up his legs before he jumped in midair; Doing a front flip as he landed on the second log with great precision. The Newcomers were impressed, clapping for the prince's stunt; even Brawler widen his eyes to how professional this guy was.

Marth jumped down from the platform and gave a bow. "Now's that's how you do a double jump! Now it's your guy's turn. Who likes to go first?"

Gunner was the first to raise her hand. "I like to go firs-"

"I'm up." Interrupted Brawler, rudely brushing past the Shooter as he positioned himself in front of the logs. The fist-fighter took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he remembered what Marth instructed him to do. He put both of his feet on the log and jumped. Tensing his legs as the air beneath him became solid. Allowing the Mii in mid-air as he landed on log with ease; just wobbling only a few seconds as he stood still.

"See? Didn't even break a sweat."

"Good job Brawler!" Congratulated the swordsman. "You're one step closer to becoming a Smasher!"

"It's acceptable, but I have to say; your technique needs more work. Try focusing your posture next time you land on a surface. We wouldn't want you to fall face-flat on ground when you jump would we?" Calmly said Mewtwo, His mouth curled into the faintest smile as he playfully said "Well, except me."

Brawlers glared harshly at the Creature, clenching his teeth in absolute outrage. He did like Mewtwo…at all. He treated the Pokémon as his arch nemesis. Even after they put the whole chasing incident behind them; Brawler still felt deep resentment towards him. It was the look in his eyes; he didn't know exactly what he saw in those pupils but whatever it was. It enraged the fist-fighter.

He wanted to punch him so bad; but even in his hot-tempered state, he knew that would only lead to unnecessary problems and backlash. The fist-fighter hopped down from the log and sat back on the mat with Newcomers. His folded as his lips deformed into a sour frown.

"Who's next?" Said Marth.

"I'll go!" Replied the shooter, walking over to the logs as she warmed up her legs for the task. She stepped on the logs and propelled herself off the platform. Gunner had doubts to whether she could actually do it, but to her surprised the fighter jumped in mid-air.

'Wow, First try!' Thought the Mii 'Now all I have to do is land on the platform and I'll-

*THWWACK*

Gunner was interrupted before she could finish her thoughts. She jumped to short and landed face-first into the log. The Smashers cringed in pain as she slid down the wooden pole, falling onto her back as stars circled her head.

"Oooh! Missed the landing; that's got to hurt." Cringed the prince, as he looked away from the scene.

"Don't worry Marth, it looks painful but she'll be fine. Trophies can't be injured after all. At least she managed to double jump; that's got to be worth something right?" The Pokémon looked over to the girl and asked "Gunner, do you require assistance?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just give me a minute." Said the shooter, picking herself from the ground. She walked over to her spot and sat on the mat; rubbing her temples from a massive headache. "You know what? I think I'm done for the rest of the day, I need a break. Sword! Why don't you give it a try?"

Swordfighter nodded and walked over to the logs. "Guess it's my time to shine." The mii said to himself as he stepped on the first one. Like Brawler and Gunner, he performed the double jump. Propelling through the air as he aimed for the platform.

Unfortunately, he misjudge his jump. He actually over the log and landed on a stool. The piece of furniture was wobbling, it was swaying so bad that Swordfighter fell off of it. He would have crashed into the ground if it was for a certain psychic; telekinetically catching him before he hit the floor.

"I think we need to improve more on landing." Said Mewtwo, placing the Smasher back in his spot.

"I guess we can practice more next training session." Marth said to the Pokémon, he turned to the child and asked. "Villager! Would you like to give this a try?"

"Um…I'm good, I can do this at my own time." Said the boy; not wanting to face-plant on the wooden logs.

"Well alright then." Said Marth as he was walking over to the refreshment table. He poured himself a glass of iced tea; drinking every last drop as he savored the taste.

"Ahh…That hit the spot!" The swordsman put down his cup and faced the Newcomers. "I think we're done with training for today. You're all dismissed. Enjoy the rest of the day. We all need to freshen up for next time."

The newbies nodded and picked themselves off the floor. They were about to leave when the door to the gym slammed open. Revealing a blue jackal, a pair of twins, and a solider. All with an alarmed look on their faces.

"Snake?! Lucario?! Climbers?! What's wrong? Did something happened?" Asked Marth in concern, feeling troubled on how the four were acting.

Snake was the first to speak. "Marth! Where's Mewtwo? We need him now!"

"I'm right here, no need to be worried." Replied the Pokémon, teleporting in front in the group as he asked a question. "What's going on? Is someone hurt?"

"No. But someone will be if we don't act now!" Said Popo.

"Yeah! We located another Newcomer, but the person located in a dangerous area!" Shouted Nana.

"How dangerous are we talking about here?" Pried Mewtwo. "Blackwood Jungle? Chromatic Iceland? Jack's Casino?"

"Worse." Answered Lucario, maintaining a professional demeanor "Tox Falls."

Mewtwo widen his eyes in shock; realizing the gravity of the situation. "This is not good! The place is volatile, who knows what sort of dangers lurk within that hellhole! We need to find the Newcomer before anything happens!"

"I'm coming too!" Hollered Marth. "Those ghouls are vicious, with the help of my blade, we might be able to defeat the monsters easily."

"Woah, Woah!" Interrupted Swordfighter. "What the hell is Tox Falls, and why is it so dangerous?"

"Tox falls was a nuclear power plant that was once operated by human-like entities; that place used to supply power to the entire land." Explained the jackal. "One day, all the reactors malfunctioned and exploded! Destroying that land's ecosystem and killing the workers from the fallout. Now those unfortunate souls had reanimated into the undead; attacking anything and everything that is still alive in there!"

"That's horrible!" Exclaimed Gunner. "And you guys are certain the Newcomers has been located there?"

The Tracker has always been 100% accurate, there's no reason for it to be wrong now." Answered Snake.

"Sounds like it's a job for a hero!" Embolden Villager. "With all of us combined we can save that Newcomer in no time!"

"Sorry Villager, but I'm afraid you guys can't come." Said Mewtwo.

"What? But you let me go on a dangerous mission last time, why can't we-"

"That was different! Techma Fields is generally a peaceful land for travelers to visit. In Tox Falls, there are hazards everywhere! The land is filled to the brim with poison, debris and the undead!" Explained the solider. "You guys are still training, you're not ready for this sort of mission! I'm sorry Sword, but we can't let you guys come."

"But I can…*sigh* Okay Snake, we'll stay here."

"Thank you for understanding."

"You guys act like we're helpless ducklings." Said Brawler. "We know how to fight, after all; we gave you guys a good beating when we entered your base. A couple of zombies are no big deal for us! Quit treating us like children!"

Mewtwo hovered right in front of him, landing his feet on the ground in front of the fist-fighter. "Brawler. I know you won't understand this because your ego is clouding your sense of reality; but even you must realize that you won't be able to handle this mission. You're a fast learner, but you lack technique and discipline. I saw how you fought when I first met you! You barely stood a chance against us! You have strength but you don't have skill! Perhaps when you get better at Smashing, we can take the training wheels off and treat you like a duck! Now just stay here and shut up! Capisce?"

Mewtwo then walked away, leading the group towards the door. Brawler was having tears of rage. No one treats him like that. No one puts him down like that. No one does that to him! He's not going to let this beast get the satisfaction of putting him down. He ran in front of the Mewtwo, blocking them from the exit.

"Screw you, you purple cat-faced asshole! I can defeat anything that comes my way; no matter what it is! I'm going on this mission weather you like it or not! And there's not a damn thing you're going to do to stop me!"

"Brawler!" Said Marth, shocked by the fist-fighter's attitude. "I'm sorry to disappoint you but-"

"Actually Marth. Let him come." Said the Pokémon.

"What?"

"Let him come. I've only been with this hot-head for a couple of weeks but I understand him perfectly! If we just leave him here, he'll just follow. He's got the spirit of a mule! Always stubborn, not willing to give in. So let's take him with us. Let him learn the hard way that he's not prepared for such a mission. It'll be a good learning experience." Explained Mewtwo, staring down Brawler in the eyes.

"Alright Mewtwo, if you think that's for the best!" Said Marth, running over to the door, opening it with full force. "Let's go! There's a Smasher that needs our help!"

The group ran out of the room and disappeared down the hallway; leaving the Newcomers with stunned expressions. "Well that escalated quickly." Commented Villager as the door shut closed by itself.

Mewtwo, Snake, Lucario, Marth, Ice Climbers, and Brawler were riding a tram through an underground tunnel. They decided to travel to their destination by going through one of the mansion's secret tunnels. Being a much safer option at hand.

"Why can't we fly to Tox Falls again?" Questioned Brawler, riding in the very back of the vehicle.

"Because Brawler, the area is encapsulated by highly acidic gases." Answered Lucario. "If we were to simply fly into Tox Fields; our spacecraft will be dissolved into nothingness, and we will be falling straight to the ground. This is the only way to get into the plant without causalities."

"Ugh this is complete bullcrap!" Complained the fist-fighter. "This is taking too long! Are we there yet?"

"We should be arriving shortly." Said Marth. "Just have some patience."

"Ugh, whatever." Replied Brawler, slumping into his seat.

"Quit being so sour, Brawler." Spoke the psychic. "You wanted to go on this little adventure, so you have to deal with the consequences. You can still back out if you want to. It's not too late."

Brawler glared deep into the Pokémon's eyes with a bitter frown. "Don't even try with that crap! I know you're trying to pressure me into bailing but it's not going to work! I'm on a mission to save the Newcomer! It's my duty to save that Smasher!"

"Brawler. You and I both know that's a lie. You only wanted to come to the mission to spite me; to prove that you're better than me. Show some humility and just admit it!"

"How did…I don't…I don't have to prove anything to you, you prick! Just shut it, I need to focus on the mission.

"Focus on the mission? Or shut down the conversation?"

"Listen here, you ugly mother-"

"Will you stop your bickering?!" Said the solider, finishing the rest of his cigarette; flicking out of the tram. "We arrived at Tox Falls, you can continue your fighting another time. There is much important things at hand!"

"Yes, this conversation would be better suited for another time. Wouldn't you agree Brawler?" The fist-fighter groaned, rolling his eyes as he looked away from Mewtwo's face.

The tram came to a slow stop, halting in front of small staircase, leading to a rusty bunker door; the entrance to Tox Falls.

The Smashers got of the vehicle and walked up the stairs; with Lucario taking the lead. He pressed his paw against the door as he looked back at his team "Are all of you ready?"

Everyone nodded; giving the all clear. Lucario pushed against the door; revealing what's on the other side.

"Here we are gentlemen! Tox Falls!"

Hi there readers, I managed to squeeze this chapter in between breaks of studying, I hoped you enjoy it.

So what do you guys think Tox Falls would look like? Types your predictions in the reviews.

Till Next Time.