Chapter 16: Complications
Sounds of clanking and whirling could be heard from all around the command room. The grey robot was putting the finishing touches on Smash Palace's new generator, using a drill and hammer to secure the frame of machine; with both hands simultaneously.
The device that was currently being worked looked like a hula hoop of some sort; the length and height being around 5 feet, each. Its material was made completely of copper, glass, and wires; having the appearance of a futuristic bubble wand. Inside the inner rim was a series of Tesla Coils, all pointing to the very center of the ring. The metallic circle was attached the very top of an electronic box, that was linked up to a plethora of cables, all of which that are connected to the entirety of the mansion's power grid.
When R.O.B. was certain that he was finished, he laid the tools on a nearby table as he faced two of his assistants: Ness and Falco.
"[After hours of relentless work, I can safely say that the generator is now complete.]" Said the robot.
The bird whistled in amazement of the device. "Gotta hand it to you R.O.B, I'm impressed. It was worth skipping the meeting. You said you built this over an entire day?"
"[Yes. But not from scratch. The majority of the parts I used were from the mansion's old solar panels. I didn't have the resources to make to a completely new one. Still, looks okay if I do say so myself.]"
"Looks okay? R.O.B, this is Amazing! I never seen a machine so cool!" ecstatically said the child, his lips curled into a delightful smile.
"[It looks fantastic, yes. But that won't mean anything if we can't get it to function. The pieces are in their respective places, all we need now is a reliable power source.]"
"How are we going to do that?" Replied the avian fighter.
"[See that ring over there?]" Said R.O.B. "[It's designed in such a way that it can capture, and harness the power of any energy that goes through it.]"
"So it absorbs it?" Questioned Ness.
"[Not quite. It doesn't simply absorb the energy. Let me give you example.]" Continued the Robot. "[Let's say Mario tossed a fireball through the hoop. First, the projectile would be held in place by the generator's continuous magnetic pull. Next come the coils; it have two main functions.]"
"And that is?" Prodded Falco.
"[One. It can absorb excess power from any energy-based substance, converting it into electricity for the mansion. And two. It emits a steady amount of psychic energy; courtesy of Mewtwo.]"
"Psychic energy?" Said Falco.
"Why would that be necessary?" Asked the boy.
"[It's necessary because not only does it amplify the effects of any type of energy; it can allow the said energy to maintains its form. Essentially making it as a make-shift battery.]"
"So as long as we throw something energy-based inside of it; we'll be good on power?" Said the amused bird. "That's pretty useful."
"[Well we can't just put anything inside of it.]" Continued R.O.B. "[This mansion consumes a lot of electricity, simply charging the energy with a bit psychic power doesn't provide enough to be sustainable.]"
"[So in order to make a profit, we need to overcharge the battery with a ton of psychic energy; giving us a permanent supply of electricity.]"
"Is that the only problem?" Said Ness.
"[Unfortunately no. The energy has to be durable enough to even contain such power. If it can't hold it; the energy will either fade away, or give out a small explosion. It really depends on the type.]"
"Explode!?" Shouted Ness. "Isn't that dangerous?"
"Yeah that doesn't sound safe." Said Falco.
"[Don't worry.]" Assured the robot. "[I'll conduct the tests in that glass box over there; it's bullet proof.]" Robot pointed to the middle of the room, which where there as indeed a small cage, completely made out of glass. The only way in was a large metal door on of the sides of the clear cube.
"[Not to mention, that the machine's magnetic pulses can prevent the energy from touching it, so there's no worry of it being damaged.]"
"Okay, that's fine I guess." Said the bird. "So how are we going to do this?"
"[It comes down to trial and error. We need to gather all of the Smashers that have any energy-based projectiles, and try each and every last one of their attacks until we find the one that's a suitable candidate for the generator. To start off, I think we should use Ness's PK Flash, Are you okay with that?]" R.O.B. asked the psychic boy.
"Um, sure. I don't mind!"
"[Alright then, Just let me put this thing in the cage. Then you can hit it with your attack. Start when I say "Go".]" The robot told his assistants as he pushed the Generator into the glass cube. When he was done moving it. The Smasher positioned himself near the door, laying his hands onto it as he said the words: "[GO!]"
Almost immediately, Ness crouched to the ground as he tensed up his muscles. "PK FLASH!" He shouted, as a big ball of green light materialized over his head. The sphere began to move on its own accord; right towards the box.
When it was inside the cage, R.O.B. slammed the door close. Hurrying over to the two fighters as they observed the results. The moment it came in contact with the generator; the ball of light became trapped inside the ring of the copper machine.
The coils were pumping huge amounts of psychic energy into the green sphere; making it shine brighter with life.
"Oh wow! It's getting stronger. We might get it on the first try!" Said Falco.
The projectile suddenly became erratic: its color change from lime to turquoise as shifting its brightness from dull to bright. Making a noticeable cracking sound which produced a sense of uneasiness from the three trophies.
"Is it supposed to be acting like that?" Questioned Ness.
"[No. Not at all.]" Said R.O.B; shaking with fear.
The ball of light began to grow in size, covering the world in a haze of green.
"TAKE COVER!" Shouted Falco. He flipped over a nearby steel table, allowing the Smashers to hide behind metal shield. The brightness was so intense, they had to shield their eyes to prevent them from becoming blind.
They heard a loud bang…then nothing. They all opened their eyelids and looked back at the glass cage. Ness's PK FLASH had disappeared; likely collapsing into nothingness from all the psychic power. There was nothing in there, except the generator. Which appears to be in one piece.
"Huh. I figured that we would've had to brace the full-front of an explosion." Said the bird.
"[That wouldn't happen. As I said before, the glass is bullet-proof. Not even Snake's rocket launcher can bust through it. So don't worry about it.]"
"Well that's good at least."
"But we still have to deal with finding a battery!" Said Ness. "The palace's power grid depends on it!"
"[Calm down, Ness. We'll find it, just have some patience.]"
"So which attack should we do next?" Replied the bird; pulling out his blaster. "Because I'll be happy to volunteer."
"[I admire your eagerness Falco, I really do. But perhaps we should wait until we get more help from the rest of the Smashers; be easier to do it in one go than searching the entire mansion for each fighter.]"
"I think the whole roster is still having that meeting at the same place at last time." Replied the psychic boy.
"[Than that's where I'll be heading.]" The robot went to the door, opening it as he looked back at his assistants. "[I'll be gone momentary, just stay here and relax for the time being. And for the love of god! Don't do anything stupid.]" Hollered R.O.B; as he ran down the hallway.
"Is it me? Or did he direct that last sentence at you?" Smirked Ness.
"Shut it, kid," Said Falco; folding his arms in annoyance.
"And that's everything we know, any questions?" Asked Marth. The crowd began to murmur, they were unsure on what to think, and who could blame them. This is certainly a lot to take in. The prince thought no one was willing to respond; until he saw a large paw raised high up in the air.
"Yes DK?"
"Ooh ah he he ho oh ah?" (Are you guys certain that someone is intentionally attacking the WOT?)
"Well, we're not 100% sure." Replied the prince. "This incident happened yesterday. So it's hard to draw any patterns when it's the first incident."
"Then why are you assuming this is an attack on the world?" Said Ike.
"Just taking precautions Bowser." Spoke Lucario. "We do not know why someone would do this, or how they could pull it off in the first place. There are not many leads to go on, so we're taking all possible theories into account. We need to prepare for anything."
"So what do we have to go on?" Said Villager.
"Well, evidence was heavily damaged from the explosion but we did manage to find a couple of clues." Answered Snake.
"And that would be?" Said an annoyed Bowser.
"We'd manage to recover what was left over from the bomb, it was covered in a liquid that we have yet to identify. Samus and her crew will handle analyzing the remaining scraps."
"That's all?" Said Pit.
"No." Spoke the psychic Pokémon "There was something inscribed on one of the pieces, it was name."
"What type of idiot leaves their own name at the scene of the crime?" Scoffed Wolf. "It's like the culprit wants to be caught."
"Perhaps that's what the person wants" Said Sheik. "Leading us onto their trail for some nefarious purpose."
"You think that guy's that deranged?"
"It's not too far from the realm of possibility" the ninja told the canine. "After all, we'd dealt with psychopaths like this before in the past. Remember Crazy Hand?"
"Ugh." Said Wolf; rubbing his temples. "Don't even mention that nut-job. I get headaches just by thinking about him."
"Would you guys be quiet? I want to hear the name!" Said Toon, Appearing very impatient.
"Hold your horse pal, but yes. What is the name?" Said the Pokémon Trainer, being somewhat curious.
"The name on the piece, is as follows" Mewtwo told the crowd, using his telekinesis to bring a piece of paper up close to his face. He began to read the contents out loud. "Property of FW, Inventor of Tesseract."
"FW?" Said a perplexed Swordfighter. "Who's that?"
"Dunno. But it sounds pretty stupid. I bet his parents hate him." Said Brawler. Resting on the largest couch he could find.
"Does that name seem familiar to anyone? Anyone?" The blond Mii said the Smashers, but was disappointed for the lack of response.
"In any case, Samus and her friends have also been tasked with researching the mansion's files for a reference for an 'FW'. Other than that, nothing much has been going on." Spoke the jackal. "Does anyone have anything to ask before we end this meeting?"
"Yeah, I want to add a complaint!" Said a pink princess, rising from her chair. "These constant power outages are becoming very distracting. I can hardly bake a cake when the electricity blacks out. Are you guys fixing this problem?"
"Don't worry Peach, we're taking care of it." Answered the aura canine. "R.O.B is currently building a new generator for the palace. He told me it should be ready today." Lucario then heard something coming from outside the room. He used his aura vision to see a familiar aura speeding straight towards the door. "Speaking of which, here he comes now."
The door was opened with haste, revealing R.O.B, the inventor of Smash Palace. "[Sorry to intrude, I hope I'm not interrupting you or anything.]"
"It's fine R.O.B." Said Lucario. "We're just wrapping things up. Is there something you need?"
"[Yes. It's about the generator. We hit a little snag.]"
"Define "snag"." Spoke Snake, folding up his arms.
"[We completed the device, but it won't power up until we find a battery. That's why I came here, I need assistance from all if you if that's possible.]" The robot said to the group of trophies.
"Sure thing R.O.B.!" Said Gunner. "How can we help?"
"[I need every Smasher that can produce energy to come down to the command center.]"
"Pika?" (Why?) Said Pikachu.
"[I'll explain when we get there.]" The robot told the electric mouse before turning over to the aura canine. "[And whiles we're at it. Is Samus around? I want to see if she can assist me with the generator. I believe she has some experience with this sort of thing.]"
"Sorry R.O.B." Said Marth. "But Samus is currently occupied with analyzing the evidence we got back from Tox Falls. She won't be able help you until she's done researching."
"[Oh well, its fine. Looks like I have to do myself.]" The robot said to himself before continuing. "[Let me clarify once more. To everyone that can produce energy, just head to the command center when you have the time. And for the rest that can't, you can do whatever. I'll be in the center if you need me.]"
"Okay then." Spoke Mewtwo. "Before we end this meeting, does anyone else want to add something before we end the meeting?"
No response.
"Alright then. Dismiss!"
Most, if not all the fighters had gotten up and lined near the door; being very eager to leave. Snake was about to exit the door when he noticed Wii Fit Trainer sitting down in a recliner, who appeared to be very tired. Before the meeting, Lucario told him the situation regarding the instructor. She was very disheartened at the fact the she can't return home. Whiles her reaction was not as severe as Villager's; sadness still affected her morale.
"Um. Lucario." Said the solider, getting the attention of the jackal. "You go on ahead. I need to take care of something first."
"What do you…oh." The aura Pokémon said, before noticing the pale Newcomer. "I see, take all the time you need." Lucario replied before exiting the room. Snake then walked over to the woman, who appeared to be in her own little world.
"Wii Fit."
"Hm?" Answered the yoga trainer, who was now taken out of her thoughts.
"Are you doing alright?" Asked the serviceman.
"Oh…yeah! I'm doing fine." Replied Wii Fit, she tried her best to hide her despondency. But Snake could see right through it.
"You don't look fine."
"I don't need you to tell me how I look, so back off!" Shouted Wii Fit, rising up from the chair. Her outburst surprised Snake, who took a step back on instinct.
"I'm sorry…I didn't mean that." Said the instructor, now feeling regret. "Things have been so stressful lately, didn't even get much sleep last night."
"I understand." Said the solider, relaxing his stance. "With everything that has been happening last night, you have every right to be upset."
"I guess I do. Just wish I had the right to be at peace." The Newcomer told the Veteran, walking over to a coffee machine to get a warm, energizing cup of Joe.
Peace.
That word set off a light bulb in his brain, to which Snake asked "Hey Fit, You're a yoga instructor right?"
"Yes, but not just yoga." Said the mannequin-like woman, taking a sip from her coffee. "I've become well-versed in different types of physical fitness, developed a compassion over it, actually."
"Well I'm asking because we happen to have a gym in this palace." Said Snake. "There's a large assortment of treadmills, weights, mats; everything you need for the perfect workout. You should give it a try, I heard exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress."
Wii Fit gave what appeared to be a faint smile. "You know what, I think I will." Said the woman before chugging down her drink, putting her mug on the counter. She was about to leave when the solider called out to her.
"Fit. You shouldn't keep this all to yourself. It's not healthy. There are people in here that'll be more than happy to help you out, you just need to open up."
"Sure thing, Snake." Said the Newcomer, her voice sounding less confident, and more skeptical. "I have to go now, I'll see you later." The solider and the instructor waved good bye; with the latter exiting the room and closing the door behind her. Leaving the Veteran all by himself.
Crystal Brick, Here! Managed to squeeze this chapter in my study sessions. The exam has been postponed till next week, which is a good thing.
And don't be shy to leave a review, i'm always looking to improve.
Till Next time.