Super Smash Bros: Ultimate Survivor

by sarsars

The second season of the intense, cutthroat competition has finally begun! Forty competitors, new and old, will attempt to deceive, outwit, and outplay each other in order to be crowned the prestigious title of Ultimate Survivor.

2. Day 1: Battle for Leadership

Before the Survivors had made themselves home, they were urged by various Mii characters to travel to the center of the island immediately. The Tribe Leaders initially believed that they had remembered their usual routes, but after a few minutes they realized that in the decade of absence the jungle had swallowed their usual paths. Mewtwo had no trouble adjusting, but the others wandered aimlessly trying to reorient themselves. Eventually, the other tribes found the right track, but for all but the East Tribe a typical half-hour hike took well over an hour.

As the East Tribe arrived first in the flat, grassy clearing, they saw their host floating high above the trees. Master Hand barely acknowledged them as they stepped onto their massive tribe mat in identical colors to Mewtwo's bandanna. Wondering whether they should speak, they looked to Mewtwo for guidance, but Mewtwo floated silently, his eyes closed, ignoring them, so they waited for the remaining tribes in silence.

Eventually, the other tribes crawled out of the jungle and reached their mats. They complained and muttered, but nobody raised their voices above whispers until Master Hand descended. As he descended, he rotated, facing each tribe in turn before stopping just above their heads.

"Welcome, Survivors," Master Hand announced. "To a brand new edition of-" A familiar blue-feathered hand shot up. He sighed. "Falco… must you interrupt me already? I haven't finished a sentence, yet!"

"Glad to see you too, MH," Falco muttered. "Couldn't you have cut down some more trees before we got here? We got lost."

"So did we!" Popo added. "I'm glad I wasn't the only one!"

Master Hand cleared his imaginary throat loudly. "There was a reason for that. If I may be allowed to continue uninterrupted, I'd like to say that this season will be far more difficult than what you faced before. Your new surroundings were just your first taste of the trials ahead. I'd like to congratulate you all on adapting, even if took some longer than others. It proves that, at least, you have the potential to overcome your future struggles.

"As I'm sure you've noticed, your Tribe Leaders are all veterans to the competition. They're a source of guidance and inspiration. They're also a threat. Tribe Leaders will gain more benefits on top of those they receive during the Tribal Switch, but that will be explained in time. Use that to your advantage if you wish or eliminate them if they become too powerful. The choice is yours.

"The competition will be structured largely similar to the first. Every odd-numbered day there will be an Immunity Challenge followed immediately by a Tribal Council, in which one person will be eliminated. The only exception will be tonight; to give the losing tribe enough time to weigh their options, there will be a three-hour gap. Every even-numbered day, there will be a different event. Perhaps a Reward Challenge; perhaps something else. That will also come to be known in time.

"By the time you've arrived at camp, your food and water rations will have arrived. You have enough for five days, but if you haven't noticed, food is far scarcer. You all have access to water wells just outside your camps, so there is little danger of dehydrating. But food is important. You will feel the sting of hunger. How you handle it is up to you.

"I'm sure many of you have noticed that the tribe members who normally shouldn't speak have been given universal translators. We realized that last season, several competitors were at an unfair disadvantage. We've corrected this, so all of you will be able to understand each other. We hope this results in a fiercer, closer competition, now that all forty players are on as even a playing field as we can create.

"As in the previous season, if you wish to quit – whether it be from starvation, from the environment, from your fellow Survivors – you always have that option. If you're injured enough to be deemed unable to compete, you will be excused from the competition." Master Hand paused, and Popo felt a few eyes fall on him.

"Now that introductions are out of the way, welcome to Super Smash Bros: Ultimate Survivor. For those who are returning, I hope you prove that you were worth bringing back. For those who are new, I hope you prove you deserve to win. Best of luck, Survivors. I will see you back in this spot in just a few hours. I trust you'll get used to seeing me floating here."

The tribes departed, trekking through the jungles to return to their beaches.

East Tribe

Arriving first, the tribe gathered on the beach waiting for Mewtwo to give his orders. Mewtwo floated in front of them and sized them up. He pointed a lazy hand at Richter, who stood to attention.

"Take King K Rool to get some water."

Richter's shoulders drooped. "That's it?"

King K Rool snorted. "What, disappointed with your assigned task?" He stepped forward, his footsteps sending clouds of dust.

"I thought it'd be more important, I guess," Richter muttered.

King K Rool snorted and patted Richter's shoulder, sending him reeling forward. "Come. Along the way you can tell me all about what you think is more important than not dying of dehydration." He grabbed Richter's shirt and pulled him forward, and the pair disappeared into the jungle.

"Interesting team," noted Ridley. "Curious why you'd send them alone."

Mewtwo ignored him, and instead turned to Geno. "Find food with Ryu."

Ryu and Geno silently nodded and left without a word. Ridley snorted, mildly impressed.

"Ridley, start cutting down the nearby trees. The rest of us will gather material for constructing shelters."

"Can't you do it?" asked Pac-Man. "You made such beautiful buildings!"

Mewtwo tapped the metal chip attached to his head. "No. Even if my power wasn't restricted, I wouldn't. I felt it necessary last time. No longer."

"Glad you won't demean yourself with manual labor," muttered Ridley.

"I will still help gather materials and build whatever we need to survive." Mewtwo paused to charge a Shadow Ball in the palm of his hand. When it was as large as his fist, he tossed it at a thin tree. It spun around in the air, wobbling as if it had been misaimed, but it struck true, piercing through the wood. He pulled Wii Fit Trainer aside as the tree crashed to the ground, and she patted his shoulder in thanks. "But I will not do it alone."

"So, are we the alliance you want?" Robin asked. "I hope I'm not being too forward."

"Yes, I suppose you had a reason to send the others out," said Rosalina.

"Of course I did."

There was an expectant pause, and Robin and Rosalina glanced at each other. "No, you're not leaving it at that," said Pac-Man. "Come on, what's the plan?"

Mewtwo and Ridley had started to pull the fallen tree onto the beach, but Ridley stopped, staring at Mewtwo with a slight smirk. Mewtwo relented.

"What happened on nearly every tribe last time? The first days, alliances were formed solely because of who was assigned to which task. I'm preventing that, if you must know. Do I expect Geno and Ryu to become fast friends? Possibly, but unlikely. That's my judgment call."

"So, why are we here?" asked Robin.

"So that I can watch you," said Mewtwo. "Don't expect me to explain every strategy to you."

"I don't expect you to." Robin chuckled. "That being said, I appreciate the advice."

"Why can't we be an alliance?" asked Rosalina. "If it's truly as arbitrary as that."

Wii Fit Trainer nodded. "She makes a good point. We're here, and we have majority."

"Because Mewtwo doesn't trust all of us," said Ridley, catching his eye. "He doesn't trust any of us."

"I don't blame him for that," admitted Robin.

"I do!" said Pac-Man, frowning. "I'm trustworthy!"

Mewtwo looked above Pac-Man's head at the others. "I suppose there's another piece of advice I could give you: everyone can lie." Mewtwo leaned down so that he was at eye level. "No one is trustworthy."

Pac-Man mock gasped. "How could you?"

Mewtwo returned to the tree, and silently the rest pulled it onto the beach and worked on cutting and moving the next trees.

---

King K Rool grinned as he looked down into the well. It was a small pile of rocks barely distinguishable from the jungle floor, but it held water so deep the bottom couldn't be determined. The wooden lid lay tossed aside, the lone protection against nature.

"Well, we've found our sanctuary." He looked up greedily at Richter, who stood with empty buckets in hand. "Think about it: we have the power, now. We have life. We control the tribe."

Richter snorted. "I don't think you've thought that plan all the way through."

"Bah, you don't understand power."

"And you do?"

King K Rool removed his golden crown and tossed it over and over. "They don't just call me K Rool, do they?"

"I honestly didn't think it meant anything."

"Well, you're new here. You'll learn."

"Probably not from you." Richter muttered. He walked forward and gave his partner a stern look, and King K Rool stepped aside. "Thank you." He set the buckets down and turned the crank, lifting a wooden bucket filled with water. "What about power do I not understand, then?"

King K Rool's red eye gleamed. "Water is life. You control water, you control life, you have all the power. Everyone wants power, but not everyone can maintain it." He pointed at the well. "With that, we can hold everything."

Richter gave the bucket a look of disbelief as he listened to the spiel. "Until we lose, go to Tribal Council, and get voted off as the idiots who tried keeping eight other people from drinking."

"No, you're misunderstanding! I don't mean just us two! Five or six of us is all we need to control the tribe."

"That's all we need anyway. We don't need water for it."

King K Rool sighed. "Must I repeat myself? Water gives us power. People flock to power. What are we with and without water?"

"Uh, drinking and thirsty?" Richter set the first filled bucket aside and reversed the crank.

King K Rool resisted the urge to bite his head off. "No. No. No. Without water, we're just like all the others. Just two people trying to talk people's ears off."

"And you're at a huge disadvantage there," said Richter with a smirk. "No one is going to trust you."

"Unfortunately, you have a point," King K Rool muttered under his breath. He clapped loudly, and Richter jumped, releasing the crank and sending the bucket back into the water.

Richter groaned. "Come on, don't do that."

"What, vampire hunter scared of a little clap?"

"I've faced worse." Richter returned to the crank.

"I clapped to get your attention." King K Rool readied his hands.

After a moment, Richter paused, and with a slight huff turned to him. "What?"

"I didn't finish. With water, we can force people to join us. They won't have a choice, really. Either they vote with us, or they don't drink."

"Again, that's a terrible plan, and nobody would agree to that."

King K Rool nodded slightly. "For now, while we're all healthy, fine. But if food and water become problems, we'll become gods."

"Or kings," Richter said sarcastically.

King K Rool didn't pick up on it, and he punched Richter's shoulder playfully. "Now you've got it!"

---

Geno and Ryu walked around their section of the island for over an hour before finding a tree with large brown coconuts. Geno pointed his hand at a branch, and his hand bent completely to reveal a metal tube underneath. A trio of metal bullets shot at the branch, cracking it in half. As the fruits fell, Ryu ran forward, catching each before they hit the ground. After a single burst, the pair had a half dozen.

"Is this enough?" Ryu asked.

Geno stared at him for a moment. "I don't eat."

Ryu nodded. "Of course not." He maneuvered his armful of coconuts until he had one gripped tight in both hands. He squeezed slightly, shook it, and nodded again. "I know little about coconuts."

"Is there milk inside?"

"I don't suppose it matters. Mewtwo will know best how to serve them." Ryu looked up at the tree. "You can carry the rest?"

Geno already had his arm ready. "If I must." After another four coconuts dropped, the pair had all ten in between them. They started back toward camp. "Personally, I think this is a silly task."

"Agreed. He's keeping us out of the way for a reason."

"I doubt he sees either of us as threats so soon," said Geno. "If anyone, Ridley would be his target. The only one to actively defy him."

"Well, those villains have cause to stay together."

"Unfortunately." Geno paused by a tree and pushed his arm against it. After a small pop, a black burn remained on the tree. "I'll make a trail, so the others can follow our footsteps."

"Good idea." Ryu grunted in frustration. "Even if Mewtwo doesn't see us as threats, he knows it's a disadvantage to be sent out alone so early in the game. Alliances are being formed as we speak."

"And we'll join them when we return," said Geno calmly. "People overestimate the importance of the initial alliances. How many times did they change throughout the game, even before eliminations? We have time."

"It's still a disadvantage."

"One we'll easily overcome if we're worth it."

"I suppose so."

The pair reached the outskirts of the beach. Geno held up an arm, letting a coconut drop, and peaked through the bushes. Ryu followed his gaze, and the pair saw the six remaining members working silently on cutting the fallen trees.

"No conversation," noted Geno. Ridley slashed down at the tree dangerously close to Pac-Man, who had to step back to avoid injury. "They aren't amiable." He looked up at Ryu. "No alliance."

Ryu looked unconvinced. "You can assume just from that?"

"What else is there?"

"We were gone over an hour. That's enough time to have a conversation and come to a decision."

"Did you see the last competition?" Geno asked dryly.

Ryu snorted. "A fair point; they could talk for hours and not agree. But, if Mewtwo guided them-"

"I'm growing tired of this speculation." Geno picked up the coconut. "I see no quicker alternative." He stepped through the bushes. "We found food!"

The others turned to him. Pac-Man's eyes lit up greedily, and he ran closer. Geno held out a coconut, and Pac-Man's grin turned to disappointment.

"Is that all you could find?" He asked, as Ryu appeared as well. Pac-Man looked up at him and whistled. "Oh, there's more."

"Impressive strength," noted Robin. "Was there truly more?"

"Geno made a path toward the tree," answered Ryu. "This was the first we found."

"That took longer than I expected," said Mewtwo. "Master Hand told the truth, then?"

"There isn't a lot of food out there," confirmed Ryu.

"While we were gone, did you all come to a decision on alliances?" asked Geno bluntly.

Ryu kept stone-faced, resisting the urge to openly glare at the puppet. The others glanced at each other briefly, before Pac-Man cleared the air.

"We talked. Mewtwo doesn't want us."

Geno nodded and turned to Ryu, who refused to acknowledge him. "There. Your fears assuaged. Now we can move on with the game." With that, Geno walked away.

The eyes stayed on Ryu, but he stared at the horizon to avoid them. He should've expected that.

"It's unfortunate, too," added Rosalina, now that the secret had been broken. "We had the perfect opportunity." She shrugged slightly. "But the opportunity still remains."

"If you're that desperate," said Ridley, nudging Ryu with a pointed elbow. "You could beg some of us."

As Ridley walked away, Ryu lowered his gaze to Geno's back. He was torn between hatred and relief for the puppet's lack of modesty. Geno had the gall to speak his mind despite the consequence. Ryu had to respect that. But he vowed to be wary about what he said around the puppet.

West Tribe

Popo confidently led his tribe back to their camp only getting lost twice. He strode onto the beach grinning broadly, excited to be able to assign tasks. As soon as his feet touched sand, he whirled on his tribe. Villager behind him skidded to a stop in response, but Bowser Jr, who was busy daydreaming lazily in his Clown Car, bumped into him. Village fell forward, and Bowser Jr giggled.

"Gotta watch your feet there." Bowser Jr pressed a button, and an inflatable hand extended on a spring out of the car's mouth. Villager hesitated, debating resting in the sand, and tentatively grabbed the hand. Bowser Jr pulled him to his feet, grinning cheekily.

"Great routine!" The Chorus Kids echoed. "Needs work on the comedic timing, though! We give it a six!"

"Would that really make it great, then?" Shulk pondered. "That's just average."

"Slightly better than average," said Lucina with a shrug.

"We've done better," said Banjo, chuckling to himself. Kazooie nodded confidently.

Popo's eye twitched. "HEY, EVERYONE, PAY ATTENTION!" He wasn't going to lose his tribe so quickly. He was their leader. They had to obey him. "I'm going to assign roles. This is really important, so listen carefully. We could die without our leadership!"

Cloud snorted, and Popo stomped up to him near the back of the line. "Yes?"

"Did I say something funny?" Popo demanded.

"I'm sure we'd be fine without you."

"And I know we'll be fine without YOU," Popo said. He turned to the others, pointing back at a bemused Cloud. "He's the first to go!"

"Well, I had a good run," said Cloud, shrugging. "Mind I just rest over there, then?"

"NO! In fact, you're getting the worst job of all!"

"Why would he do it, if he's going to get eliminated anyway?" Charizard muttered, coming out as a deep growl.

"Cloud's going to find water!" Popo jabbed a finger at Charizard. "And you're going with him!"

"What if I don't want to?" asked Charizard, annoyance plastered on his face.

"You have to! I'm Tribe Leader!"

"He has all the power, apparently," said Cloud. He nodded at Charizard. "Come on, then, we'll find it quick."

Charizard grumbled slightly, but relented, seeing an out to the insanity that brewed in the Ice Climber. He followed Cloud into the jungle.

Popo nodded, satisfied. "Two problems out of the way." He looked at the others, and then decided on Simon. "You and-" he pointed at Banjo. "You, go find food!"

"I thought the hand said there wasn't any," muttered Kazooie.

"Don't come back until you find it!" said Popo, turning his back on them, his hands on his hips confidently, expecting them to obey.

Simon didn't argue, trudging off into the jungle. Banjo, seeing little point in talking back, followed, while Kazooie rolled her eyes, forced to follow.

"Are they gone?" Popo asked, after they had left, having turned his back to the entire tribe.

"Not yet," said the Chorus Kids. "They look like they're waiting for your leadership."

"I already told them what to do," said Popo, exasperated. "What more do they want from me?"

"Why don't you ask them?" suggested Bowser Jr, barely containing a snicker.

Popo sighed loudly and turned, his mouth open ready to yell, only to see just the five remaining members staring at him. "They're gone!"

The Chorus Kids shrugged in unison. "Must've just walked away."

"I really, really hate being tricked," Popo seethed. "Guess what job you just landed yourselves?"

The Chorus Kids yawned. "Oh boy, we can't wait!"

"Build us a shelter!"

The Chorus Kids looked at their two-dimensional selves, and then back at Popo. "We don't think you've planned this through."

"Seriously, that's ridiculous," said Shulk. "Do you know what you're doing?"

"Of course I do!" Popo spat. "Don't question me. I'm the leader!" He pointed at Shulk. "Join them! Start cutting wood."

"But I-"

"NO ARGUING!" Popo stamped his foot, sending a pathetic puff of sand into the air. "GO!" He turned his back again, muttering loudly, "And I was going to make you part of my alliance, too. Guess you just lost your chance at victory."

At that, Shulk looked hurt and confused. He looked to the others for help, but Villager and Lucina offered shrugs of sympathy.

"You lost your chance," said Lucina with a wink and a smirk.

"Maybe next time," added Villager, smiling.

Shulk smiled back at them and turned to see the Chorus Kids staring awkwardly at a tree. He pulled out his Monado and activated the blue blade. "Well, I hope this can cut well enough."

Bowser Jr looked strangely at Villager. "Don't you have an axe?"

Villager mimed shushing. Popo turned back after another minute of pouting, his anger subsided.

"Okay, we don't have that many tasks left." He looked at each member in turn, and then sighed in disappointment. "I guess this is as good of an alliance as any."

"Excuse me?" said Lucina, amused.

Popo gave her a glare but thought better of it. "As part of my special alliance, you all get the easiest job. Let's make a fire and ready our first meal!"

"I'm not hungry, though," moaned Bowser Jr.

"Wouldn't Charizard be best suited to that?" asked Villager. "Or, really, any other task than finding water?"

"Don't question me," warned Popo. "There's a reason I'm leader and you aren't."

Villager opened his mouth to make a snide remark but thought better of it. "I guess you're right," he conceded.

Popo clapped. "Then let's get to work!"

---

Cloud and Charizard walked until the beach was just out of the sight, and then the former set his sword aside and rested against a tree. His partner, realizing the plan, sat as comfortably as he could manage in the thick jungle.

"I can't believe he's our leader," Charizard muttered, scratching into a tree trunk. "He's an unstable idiot. I heard stories from my trainer about him."

"He's normally so calm in the mansion," Cloud tutted. He shrugged. "Well, I suppose we'll deal with him when it comes time to it."

"It should be sooner rather than later."

"Goes without saying."

"The others will have our side if we vote against him. We'll have the majority."

"You're probably right."

Charizard sighed. "Then what are we doing instead of talking to the others?"

Cloud smiled. "Saving our sanity, if only for a little while." He pointed at their beach. "If you listen closely, you can hear him shouting."

Indeed, when both quieted, the faint sounds of Popo's screams echoed throughout the jungle. Charizard chuckled. "No arguing?"

"Who would dare argue against a leader?" Cloud muttered, rolling his eyes. "They know best, after all."

"Especially ours."

"Cheers to that."

Charizard eyed Cloud carefully. "Do you think it's too early to sabotage him?"

Cloud frowned. "Unfortunately, our sarcasm may hold true to the others. They very well could listen to him solely because he competed before. We could be sabotaging ourselves more than anything."

"We could ask the others."

"I don't trust them yet," Cloud hesitated. "Of course, I trust you little as well."

Charizard grunted in amusement. "As you should. I don't trust you either. But it doesn't hurt to ask."

"As I said, I don't trust them not to spread rumors against us. If we ask them, they could tell Popo, and Popo would scream about us being the next to go."

"Again."

Cloud chuckled. "Oh, yeah, he already did that." He shrugged. "Then, sure, ask. I guess there is no harm. And if we get the others on our side, we'll get a new leader."

"Hopefully a sane one."

---

Simon walked through the jungle with purpose, while Banjo tagged along, barely keeping step. Whenever Banjo or Kazooie would pull on his cloth or tell him to stop, Simon would shrug them off and continue. Finally, after nearly a half hour, the trio found a small tree filled with familiar-looking yellow fruit.

"Oh, finally, we're resting," said Kazooie, wiping a bead of sweat off her brow.

Banjo glared at her. "I'm doing the walking, remember?"

Kazooie patted his head. "Yes, and it's exhausting!" She glanced at Simon, who had pulled out an axe and was bewilderingly cutting the small fruits down with the giant blade. "Why are we doing this, anyway? The guy's loco!"

Simon finally paused, although it was more to examine the fruit in his hands. "He may be a lunatic, but his reasoning isn't wrong." He looked at the sky and breathed deep. "I choose to believe our host. This game will be tough on all of us. We may likely run out of food and water if we don't prepare." He turned to look back at the pair. "I choose to prepare."

Banjo looked down at the fruit. "With a single pineapple?"

"We know the location of fruit." Simon lashed his whip out to their right, and in the distance stood another fruit-bearing tree. "Whoever removed all the food only had so much time. There's likely a wide perimeter in which nothing grows, but outside that, the fruit flourishes."

Banjo nodded thoughtfully. "You know, that's pretty smart."

"Yeah, I pegged you as a meathead when you obeyed him without question," added Kazooie.

Simon grimaced. "Do not believe that I wouldn't hesitate to eliminate Popo the instant I was given the chance. He will ruin our tribe if we let him."

"That's more like it!" said Kazooie.

Banjo hushed her. "That might be a bit overexaggerated."

Kazooie whispered, "Like I said, the guy's loco."

"True, but ruin it?"

"The others will agree," said Simon. "Give it time, and you will as well."

"Oh, no, don't get me wrong, I don't want him here, either-" said Banjo.

"And unfortunately for me, he's the deciding vote," said Kazooie, fluttering her wings. "Can't grab anything."

"-I think we're better off without him."

"Then when we lose, he will be the first eliminated," said Simon, returning to the tree.

Banjo glanced at Kazooie. "Sure. I guess it's decided."

Kazooie shrugged. "As I said, I've got no choice in the matter. You boys have fun with your coup."

South Tribe

Before the tribe had reached their beach, Dark Pit placed a hand firmly on Metaknight's shoulder. When Metaknight turned around and looked up, he saw a smirk on the angel's face.

"So, leader, what tasks are you going to bestow upon us today?"

Metaknight stared coldly at him in silence until the smirk dropped from his face and he removed the hand.

"Uh, you alright?" Dark Pit added uncertainly.

"Touched a nerve," Incineroar taunted, shaking his head.

"Eh?"

Metaknight unfurled his wings and jumped into the air, flapping to keep eye-to-eye with the angel. Dark Pit took a hesitant step back into Mach Rider, who held firm, watching him silently. Metaknight unsheathed Galaxia and stabbed at Dark Pit, who yelped and pushed back into Mach Rider's chest.

With Galaxia's tip pointed dangerously close to Dark Pit's face, Metaknight said, "I do, in fact, have a task for you."

"Great! Can it involve putting that sword away-" Dark Pit tried moving around Mach Rider, but the silent figure stepped in front of his path. "-or getting out of my way!"

"Take your punishment," said Mach Rider, a deep voice muffled slightly by the helmet.

Dark Pit looked so surprised to hear a voice that he stopped struggling. Metaknight took the time to poke him gently in the back. As Dark Pit yelped, Metaknight continued. "Go scout out the area."

"Scout for what?" Dark Pit asked, rubbing his sore back. "Food? Water? Could've asked without stabbing me," he muttered under his breath.

"Don't care. Just scout."

"Who am I taking with me?"

"No one."

"What? But all these tasks are done in pairs!"

"Not yours." Metaknight stabbed Galaxia at the jungle. "Go. Now."

Dark Pit looked to the rest of the tribe. Isabelle was the only one who looked ready to help him, but before she opened her mouth Inkling placed a hand over it and shook her head. With no one on his side, Dark Pit sighed, unfurled his own wings, and leapt over the trees.

"Good work punishing the boy," Bayonetta said, winking.

Metaknight ignored her. "Normally I would refrain from giving anyone specific tasks; I trust you all know what we need to survive. Food, water, fire, and shelter. If you need me to guide you, I will. Otherwise, you can decide amongst yourselves."

"Well, what are you going to do?" asked Chrom, stepping forward. "I could assist."

Metaknight considered him. "I was going to seek out our water." As he did the first time, he remembered. "It shouldn't be far."

Chrom nodded. "Then we'll search for our water." He waved at the others. "We'll return with supplies!"

As the pair disappeared into the bushes, the rest of the tribe stood around awkwardly, waiting for someone to volunteer. Bayonetta was the first, taking Metaknight's place in front of the tribe. Her eye gleamed as she spoke.

"You heard our leader, then." She clapped with each word. "Food. Fire. Shelter. There are seven of us. Pair up and figure it out."

Inkling grabbed Isabelle's hand. "Food for us!" Before Isabelle could protest, Inkling dragged her into the jungle.

Ken patted Mach Rider's muscular arm. "What's say you and me build the best damn shelter this tribe's ever seen?"

Mach Rider gave him a nod and followed him to a nearby tree.

"Fire won't be hard," said Bayonetta, eyeing Incineroar.

The tiger sighed. "I guess not. Just need something to light." He looked down at Shadow. "You look flammable."

Shadow simply glared at him while he chuckled.

"Well, what are you planning on doing?" asked Bayonetta.

"I could ask you the same thing," countered Shadow.

Bayonetta gave a long, drawn out sigh. "I suppose I could help out the boys with their playhouse. You could join."

Shadow glanced at the dot flying in the sky. "No thanks." He snapped and disappeared.

Incineroar flinched. "I… didn't know he could do that."

Bayonetta leaned forward with a mischievous smirk. "Did you know I could turn into bats?"

"No?" Incineroar answered hesitantly.

She laughed, patted his shoulder, and joined Ken and Mach Rider, leaving Incineroar to wait to receive his supply of tinder.

---

Metaknight and Chrom found the water exactly where the Tribe Leader remembered. Metaknight pulled off the wooden lid and looked inside.

"As I thought, there isn't as much water as there was last time."

"Is that so?" Chrom noted, setting down their bucket. "What does that mean?"

"It means they intend for us to run out."

"I see." Chrom looked around. "Could there be any other sources of water?"

"Unless you can collect water from trees, this is what we'll have to survive on." Metaknight set the lid back. "We need to preserve it."

"We didn't get much food either," recalled Chrom. "Those barrels will last us but a few days." He chuckled. "Then I suppose we'll have to hope Dark Pit is able to scour food from the air."

"I don't expect him to."

"Pity. He made a poor joke."

Metaknight eyed him. "No discipline."

"Just like his lighter self, I suppose."

"Pit grew on me with time," said Metaknight. "I'm skeptical that Dark Pit will have the same effect."

"If not, then at least he singled himself out," Chrom said with a shrug. "If he's the first to go, then so be it."

"He wouldn't be my first choice."

"No? Then whom?" Chrom didn't give him time to answer. "Bayonetta, then."

Metaknight hesitated, gauging Chrom's reaction. When the latter didn't give anything away, Metaknight answered, "I'm unfortunately experiencing a dangerous déjà vu. I will not give up control of this tribe like Link did last time. Bayonetta will not claim it."

Chrom smiled proudly. "Well said! I hope you maintain it as well. If you need assistance, don't be afraid to call upon me."

Before Metaknight could respond, Chrom focused on the water well without another word. Metaknight stared at his back as he worked. Could he really trust the swordsman? He already regretted voicing his fears.

---

Dark Pit slowed to a stop, landing gently on a treetop. He had seen nothing useful. Just a huge jungle that spanned most of the island. The mountain to the northwest towered over the trees like a goddess watching over her people. He chuckled at the thought, wondering if the true goddess was sneaking a peak at him.

He saw a flash to his right, and when he turned, he noticed that Shadow had appeared on the tree next to him. He flinched in surprise but recovered quickly.

"Didn't know you could fly too," Dark Pit said, smirking.

"Did you find anything?"

Dark Pit raised his arms, motioning to their surroundings. "Loads of green. Blue surrounding us." He pointed at the mountain. "Bit of brown here and there."

Shadow stared at him silently. Dark Pit sighed. "No, of course I didn't. Metaknight sent me flying to punish me for being snarky, not to find anything."

"Could've made the most of it."

"It's not like I was enjoying the view! I got bored after the third pass. I genuinely can't see anything useful from up there."

Shadow pointed down at a tree closer to the center of the island. "You weren't looking close enough." When Dark Pit leaned to get a closer look, Shadow snapped and teleported away. Dark Pit jumped again and clutched his chest.

"I need to get used to that," he muttered and leapt off the tree to the ground. He looked at the tree in question and saw Shadow perched on a branch pulling off a coconut. Shadow tossed it suddenly to the ground, and Dark Pit leapt out of the way to avoid getting hit. It landed in the soft dirt and rolled away. Shadow stared at the coconut for a moment and then suddenly blinked away, reappearing right in front of Dark Pit.

"Stop that!" Dark Pit shouted, nearly getting another heart attack.

"We can't afford to waste food. Catch the next one."

"Don't throw a heavy coconut at me! I could get hurt! And how'd you even see-" Before Dark Pit could finish, Shadow teleported back into the tree. "I can't believe this. Getting bossed around by that-" he saw a flash of brown and jumped up to catch it. It hit him hard in the chest, but he kept a grip. "If you can teleport, why are you throwing them at me?"

At that, Shadow smirked slightly, but he was so far away Dark Pit couldn't tell. "Don't drop any," he warned as he tossed another.

---

Inkling hid behind a tree, snickering to herself. She could hear Isabelle calling out to her in worry. She had left an ink trail leading off into the distance, and when Isabelle was far enough down it she'd squid into the ink to scare her.

"Inkling, don't abandon me!" Isabelle cried.

It was time. Inkling dove into the ink and swam through it silently. She saw the yellow dog sitting by a tree, staring at the ground. Inkling was so excited this was going to work! They'd laugh about it after, she knew.

Then she heard a sniff, and she paused. Isabelle buried her head in her hands and started to cry.

"Why did you abandon me?" Isabelle whispered. "I'm sorry! I don't know what I said wrong, but I didn't mean it!

"Oh no," Inkling blubbered, her voice masked by the ink. She felt awful. She swam back a distance, crawled out of the ink and transformed back into a kid behind a tree. She rubbed her forehead. "I've made a mistake."

She stepped out from behind the tree and looked around. "Isabelle?" She called, feigning looking for her. Isabelle heard her and gasped. "Oh, there you are. I was looking-" She stopped, as Isabelle had leapt up and ran at her and pulled her into a hug.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I was worried! I didn't mean to lose you!"

Inkling hesitated, and then patted her back awkwardly. She was the one who ran away, not Isabelle. "Yeah, it's okay," she said. "Uh, we found each other at least."

Isabelle stepped back and pumped her fists confidently. "I won't lose you again! We'll find food together!"

"Yeah…" The whole point of running off was to pull that prank, but now that the mood had been ruined, there wasn't much point. "Actually, I think we should just stay here a bit."

Isabelle tilted her head in confusion. "Oh, do you think so? But the others are depending on us to find food. We don't want to disappoint them!"

Inkling shrugged. "I doubt we will." She aimed her Splattershot around the jungle. "I ran everywhere and didn't find anything," she lied. "Looking for you."

"Oh, well that's a shame," Isabelle sighed. "I hope the others won't be too sad."

"They'll be fine." She pulled Isabelle in and patted her shoulder. "Come on, then. Let's help the others with those tasks. We'll make ourselves useful somehow."

Isabelle smiled. "That sounds wonderful!"

---

Ken and Mach Rider had realized quickly into their task that they were ill-prepared. Both of them had incredibly strength and stature, and they could easily carry logs twice their size, but they had no tools to create these perfect logs.

Ken had stared at one of the thickest trunks and cracked his knuckles. "Going to be honest," he had admitted to his partner after studying the bark for a few minutes. "I don't feel like breaking my hand so soon into the competition."

"No?" Mach Rider muttered, crossing his arms to the side. "It would've been amusing."

"To one of us, maybe," whispered Ken. He tapped the bark, strongly considering an attempt just to see if it was feasible. Then he stepped back and shook his head. "Well, this is a bust. Why did we volunteer?"

"I only came along to watch."

"Boy, you're fun."

"You both seem like a joy," Bayoneta sauntered up to them. Mach Rider acknowledged her with a curt nod. "Of course, I would've loved to watch as well."

Ken eyed her carefully. "Planning something?"

Bayonetta frowned. "I'd think me a fool if I wasn't."

"Call me a fool, then, because my only plan involved hitting a tree."

"I'd suggest aiming lower in your goals this early on," said Bayonetta. "You thought you would be able to make a cabin. That's why you attempted to destroy the thickest tree in the forest."

Ken eyed the tree again. "I didn't really think it was the thickest tree, but-"

"Mach Rider," Bayonetta said quickly. "Do you understand?"

Mach Rider nodded, catching Ken off guard.

Bayonetta turned back with a wink. "Try a hammock until you get the tools, okay? Or some tent made out of canopy leaves. That's all." She twirled the lollipop in her mouth and walked away.

Ken walked over to Mach Rider, watching her leave. "So, you understood that?"

"I understood her metaphor, yes."

Ken blinked. "Metaphor?"

"You attempted the toughest, most idiotic task immediately without the strategy to accomplish it."

"I wouldn't say idiotic," Ken muttered.

"Know what you can achieve. Start small, and work your way up to that tree." Mach Rider leaned forward. "Should I simplify it further?"

"I get that she's talking about the game, alright."

"Then let's make that tent. I will help, this time." And Mach Rider led him back to camp, while he contemplated her words.

North Tribe

As the North Tribe reached their beach, Falco turned around, smiling widely. He clapped his wings together, causing everyone to stop.

"Now, I would love to tell you all that because I'm your leader, I'm going to tell you all what to do. But, really, I didn't do much of anything last time. I made fire and got water a few times, so I'd volunteer for that. We can't find food according to the hand. So, honestly, I'd say we should just relax for the next few hours. Talk. Maybe ask questions if you have them."

The others paused, and then glanced at each other. "But don't we need to get supplies?" asked Megaman.

"Oh, yeah, we'll set a firepit before we go, because it'll be night by the time we get back from the Immunity Challenge. But the water well is close by, and we have food in a couple barrels over yonder. What else is there?"

"Well, I'd rather not lay in the sand," said Palutena.

Falco looked at her strangely. "Pull down a few leaves, then. I slept on the ground the entire time."

"Not even a tent?" asked Corrin. "I must admit, it has been a while since I last slept on open ground."

"I see no problem," said Duck Hunt, chuckling.

"Well, not to be a prude, but I certainly do," said Palutena, huffing slightly. She glared at Falco's amused face. "Did no one build hammocks or tents during your last game?"

Falco shrugged. "Sure, but I didn't build them. We got pretty nice beds for a while before the flood took them."

"Would anyone like to help me?" asked Palutena.

Daisy stepped forward, raising her hand. "I'd like to."

"The whole point was for all of us not to do anything for an afternoon and relax. You know, before the game really started. Just sit around a campfire and talk." Falco turned back to the barren beach, and his shoulders dropped. "Oh, right, no seats. Gotta build those too. Anyone got an axe?"

Isaac looked at the others and then pulled out a sword. "Unfortunately, this is all I have."

"Don't you have your magic, Earthboy?" asked Falco.

"Psynergy," Isaac corrected, looking slightly annoyed. "I do, but we only have sand and dirt. There isn't much for me to work with."

"I'd actually love to see you try," said Palutena.

Isaac nodded. "Then step aside, please." He raised his arms at the nearest tree and concentrated. The tribe heard roots crack and snap as the tree started to fall. A small pillar of sand erupted from beneath the tree, completely uprooting it. The tree crashed to the sand, sending it everywhere.

"Sorry!" Isaac cried, as the entire tree coughed and sputtered from the sand in their faces.

"No, no," Palutena coughed. "That was fantastic!"

"You're a real lumberjack," said Little Mac.

"I'd love powers like that," said Falco. "Strike me jealous."

The sand subsided, and the tree lay on the beach. The tribe pulled the tree into the center of the camp, and Corrin unsheathed her Yato. Its chainsaw-like blade cut easily into the wood.

"No, that's a lumberjack," said Daisy.

"Your effort was unnecessary," said Dark Samus, turning slowly to Isaac. "Her blade is far more efficient than your power."

"Uh…"

"You did great," said Palutena. "Ignore her."

"Is it a her?" asked Duck Hunt.

"I am Metroid Prime," said Dark Samus. "That is all I am."

The dog looked at the duck. "Right. Then you should get a name change."

"I don't understand what you're implying."

"No, you probably wouldn't."

Corrin finished cutting the tree into two large logs. She stabbed the Yato into the sand and admired her work. "I did not expect it to cut so smoothly."

"That's an amazing sword you have," said Isaac. He looked at his own, the Gaia Blade, a golden sword with a gleaming blue stone etched near the hilt.

"I'd love to spar sometime," said Corrin.

"Save a front row seat for me," said Little Mac. "Those two swords you have look amazing!"

"It cost a lot to receive this," said Corrin, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Isaac noticed, and he shared the sentiment. "As did mine."

"Oh, well, it was worth it." Little Mac shuffled away awkwardly.

Falco caught him as he wandered off and pulled him in. "You and me are like the only ones who don't have major gifts or weapons, you know?"

Little Mac looked at the others, and he pointed a gloved hand at Daisy. "She doesn't have powers."

"You tell me where she gets those vegetables."

Little Mac gave him a strange look and then pointed at Duck Hunt. "That's a pair of animals.

"Yeah?" Falco waved Duck Hunt over, and the dog came wagging his tail. "Say, where do you get those cowboys?"

Duck Hunt tilted his head. "Cowboys?"

"Yeah. You know, the ones that appear when you point at something."

"Oh, those!" Duck Hunt nodded, and then a bit of drool dropped from his mouth. "I don't know."

Little Mac and Falco blinked, waiting for something else. But as the dog stared, the duck nodded rapidly.

"Oh, so they just appear?" asked Little Mac.

"Yep." And Duck Hunt stared some more. "Did you want something?"

"Nope. That's all. Thanks."

Duck Hunt wagged his tail. "No problem! Happy to help!" He proudly walked away.

"Did I win or lose that argument?" asked Little Mac.

"You know, I don't really know." Falco shook off the confusion. "Anyway, the main reason why I pulled you in is I want to know your opinion. As one unpowered man to another, how do you feel right now?"

"Unpowered?" Little Mac shrugged. "How am I supposed to feel? They have powers, I don't. I punch things. Really hard."

"And that's it, though. Don't you feel jealous? I certainly do, seeing Isaac pull down that tree with his mind."

"It's a great power, sure, but I didn't win the World Championship without work." Little Mac tapped his chest. "I earned my title. I know pain as much as anyone. I've always been an underdog; I'll win without powers."

Falco whistled. "I love that attitude. Glad you feel that way. I'll be rooting for you?"

Little Mac smirked. "Not yourself?"

"Eh. I'm not oblivious to how these things work. I got lucky with how far I got last time. But now, when I'm Leader and have a target on my back, I know I won't make it to the end. Maybe I'll get really lucky again, but I won't be shocked if I get eliminated."

"Not even going to try?"

"I'm doing what I did last time until I need to adapt. These guys are all harder to read. One doesn't even have a face. One doesn't show his mouth. Worst I had to deal with at first last game were some attitudes and a few people who couldn't speak." Falco shook his head. "The game's evolving. I can try my best to catch up, but that's all I've got right now."

Little Mac smiled and patted his shoulder. "Just gotta work hard."

"I'll do my best, little man."

"Mac."

"Yep."

---

Greninja sat on the log watching Corrin and Isaac pull down another tree. He noticed Megaman approaching and slid aside to make room.

"Appreciate it," said Megaman as he sat down. He sighed heavily. "You nervous?"

"No."

"I wish I had that confidence." Megaman stared at his hand. "This is entirely new to me."

"To all of us."

"Sure," Megaman conceded with a nod. "Maybe I'm too kindhearted, but the idea of allying with and then betraying these people unnerves me. I knew what I signed up for, but now that I'm here, it's sinking in what we're going to do."

Greninja slowly nodded. "Those fears are understandable; we're friends here." He gave Dark Samus a quick glance. "Some more than others."

Megaman watched the creature float ahead, seemingly staring at nothing, unmoving. "She creeps everyone out."

"Not me. I simply don't trust her."

"That we can agree." Megaman looked around, but everyone else busied themselves with tasks. He felt awkward realizing he was one of the few who wasn't working. "Is there, uh, anything we should do?"

"The challenge isn't for another hour. Mentally prepare yourself for the fight ahead."

"What about around camp?"

At that, Greninja turned to him. "That I can't help you with. If you're so worried about being useful, ask the others."

"You're not going to work?"

"I've more important matters on my mind," said Greninja. "Now, please, leave me be." Greninja crossed his legs and closed his eyes, completely shutting everyone out.

Megaman stared at him for a moment, and then when he realized he wouldn't get another word out of the frog he got up and walked toward the nearest group. His path led him close to Dark Samus, who finally reacted and pointed her arm cannon at him.

"Come." She commanded.

Megaman blinked, not sure if the echoey voice was directed at him. He took a step to the side, and Dark Samus' gaze followed. He looked behind him in a last effort at escaping talking to her, but nobody was nearby. With no excuse, he begrudgingly approached.

"You wanted me?" He asked.

"You do not trust me."

He blinked. "Oh, you heard. Well, I mean-"

"I do not care," Dark Samus interrupted. "You should trust no one. I am no different from the others."

Megaman looked around and saw Duck Hunt nearby. "I mean, I trust the dog."

"A dog is loyal to whomever feeds it."

Megaman thought back to Rush. "I'm going to disagree there. I have an extremely loyal, loving dog."

"A robot designed to feign loyalty."

"You don't know about him," said Megaman sternly, glaring at her. "Don't talk about him."

Dark Samus paused, staring at him for several moments. An unapologetic, "You will need me," followed. She then turned and floated away to be by herself.

After watching her leave, Megaman collected himself. Her voice got into his head; he couldn't get it out. He couldn't stop thinking about it, couldn't focus on anything else. He wandered around camp useless staring at the ground trying to push out that voice. She was wrong; he knew that. Why did it echo around so much?

Only when the Miis came to collect them did he finally have something to distract himself. But as he followed his tribe through the jungle, he still heard that voice.

"You will need me."

He hoped not.

Immunity Challenge

The four tribes were led directly to the center clearing, and as a result arrived nearly simultaneously. A large chalk circle had been drawn into the grass connecting the four tribe mats. Master Hand floated above the direct center, circling slowly to face each tribe in turn. As soon as they saw the circle, the veterans realized exactly what the challenge would involve.

"Not again," Popo whispered.

"Welcome, Survivors, to your first Immunity Challenge," Master Hand's booming voice shouted. "As is tradition, we'd like to begin the competition by involving everyone in a showdown! Each tribe will send one member into the circular arena, where they will have to fight in a five-minute free-for-all. By the end of the five minutes, everyone still in the circle will be victorious and gain a point for their tribe. If you are knocked out or step out of the circle, you will be eliminated.

"For those who can fly, you may fly directly above the arena. We will be watching closely, to be careful. Otherwise, it is a simple enough competition. So, please, you all have a few minutes to choose your first competitors."

"Oh, no question, Tribe Leaders first," Falco announced, stepping into the arena. "We can't do this any other way."

Corrin looked at Mewtwo and reached out for Falco. "Are you sure this is wise?"

"Absolutely not, but I've never been wise."

Metaknight and Mewtwo silently agreed and stepped into the arena. The three tribes looked at the West Tribe, where Popo had buried himself deep into his tribe.

"Come on, Popo, you have to do it," said Charizard, shaking his head.

"No, I don't! I'm Tribe Leader! Someone else do it for me!"

Charizard responded by fishing him out from behind Bowser Jr's car and throwing him into the arena. Popo managed to land gracefully, but he rounded on his tribe and pointed a mittened hand at him.

"You're first, Charizard!" He shouted.

"I thought I was first," said Cloud.

Popo ignored him and turned back to Master Hand.

"Survivors ready?" Master Hand announced. "Begin!"

Mewtwo's eyes glowed yellow, and Popo and Falco felt themselves being lifted into the air. Popo was flung easily out of the circle without effort, but as Falco saw the chalk outline of the arena pass below him, he felt something pull on him and throw him back to the ground. He flipped back onto his feet and saw Metaknight, wings unfurled and Galaxia unsheathed, pointing at Mewtwo.

"Nice save," Falco said, pulling out his blaster and turning to Mewtwo.

"We'll have to work together to take him down," said Metaknight.

Mewtwo had started charging a Shadow Ball, a swirling sphere of purple and black that seemed to suck in the very light around it. Falco fired at him while Metaknight soared around the edge to flank. Mewtwo teleported a few inches to dodge the shots, and he turned in time to dodge Metaknight's stab. Mewtwo grabbed Galaxia and pulled out the charged Shadow Ball with his other hand. Metaknight was forced to release Galaxia and jump away to avoid it, and the Shadow Ball crashed into the ground, sending dirt everywhere.

Falco had run forward while Mewtwo was distracted, kicking wildly. The first collided with Mewtwo's shoulder, sending him back a few inches, but Mewtwo grabbed his leg telekinetically before it could connect again. Falco tried aiming his weapon as he felt himself being lifted off his feet, but he couldn't fire a clean shot as Mewtwo flung him out of the circle.

Mewtwo had dropped Galaxia, and Metaknight flew at it. He managed to grab it as Falco was being tossed aside. He thrust it up at Mewtwo, but the Pokémon teleported to the other side of the circle. His eyes glowed yellow as he readied Telekinesis, but Metaknight threw his cape around him, swallowing him, turning him invisible.

Mewtwo couldn't sense him, so he charged another Shadow Ball, looking across the arena. But there were no signs of movement; no wisps of moving air or footprints in the dirt. He finished charging, and with the energy stored in his glowing hands he readied telekinesis for his opponent's eventual return.

But he never did. Master Hand announced, "The five-minute time limit has ended! Metaknight, reveal yourself."

Metaknight whipped his cape aside, revealing that he hadn't moved at all. Mewtwo nodded, mildly amused at the trick. Metaknight, if it was possible, looked angry at himself for resorting to such a cheap tactic.

"And with that, the South and East Tribes have earned their first points! Congratulations."

As the tribes congratulated their victors, the next opponents were chosen. Chrom stepped forward first, and seeing her father, Lucina followed. Robin, knowing his friends' tactics, also volunteered. Palutena had stepped into the circle to represent the North Tribe, but upon seeing her opponents, stepped back onto the mat.

"Would you like to take my place, Corrin?" She asked, smiling sweetly.

"I'd love to," said Corrin, nodding her thanks. Corrin took her place in the circle as well.

"This could not be more appropriate," said Robin. "I hope you all go easy on me with your legendary weapons."

"You volunteered for this, Robin," said Chrom, shrugging. "You deserve all our might; we respect you too much to give anything less."

"The same goes to you, father," said Lucina, pointing her Falchion at him. "I do not expect you to let me win."

"Never, Lucina," said Chrom. "I want to see if you've continued your training."

"Survivors ready?" Master Hand announced, interrupting. "Begin!"

The four swordsmen ran forward. Robin stepped back at the last second, letting the others clash their blades. Lucina and Chrom stepped back with identical flourish before charging again. Corrin also let them collide before running after. Lucina ducked her swipe, and Chrom blocked it and sent it back. Lucina, noticing Robin, turned her attention to him, but Robin had already prepared. He fired an Arcthunder at her, forcing her to dive aside. The magic hit a tree, singing it.

Robin pulled out his Levin Sword, debating charging another bolt at her, but out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of blue approaching. He swung his sword wildly, managing to catch Chrom in the shoulder and sending him off balance. As Chrom recovered, Robin fired an Arcfire in between them, setting the ground alight momentarily. Robin retreated behind the flames and started charging.

Chrom turned around toward the Yato-wielder, hearing her muffled footsteps approaching. Corrin swung at him, arcing high, and he ducked beneath it and grabbed her waist to use her momentum to fling her over his head. Corrin flew threw the air and righted herself and partially transformed into her dragon form in an instant. Her free hand turned into a spear which she thrust into the ground at Chrom's feet. Chrom managed to dance over the spearhead, but Corrin pulled herself at him, kicking him in the chest and sending him to the ground.

As Corrin landed, Lucina, seeing her father in danger, ran at her. Corrin barely managed to transform back into human form and raise her Yato in time to block the blow. Lucina swung again, but Corrin was easily able to parry it. Corrin sent her off balance and readied to swing, but Chrom had recovered quickly and joined his daughter to block the attack. Chrom took most of Corrin's attention, blocking her blow for blow, while Lucina occasionally stepped in to take advantage of the distraction. Corrin was barely able to block those attacks before returning her attention to Chrom. She needed an out from this dance of blades.

She got one. The flames subsided, and Robin stepped forward with his tome brimming with electrical energy. He raised a glowing hand at the clumped trio. "Thoron!" He shouted, and a beam of light erupted from him.

Corrin dove aside upon seeing the light, while Lucina and Chrom pushed each other away instinctually. The three landed on their sides as the Thoron soared over their heads and into the jungle. The ground shook from the impact, and trees collapsed on top of each other.

The swordsman pulled themselves to their feet and turned back to Robin, who summoned another Arcfire to block them. But before anyone could attack, Master Hand again interrupted the action.

"Thankfully, five minutes have passed, so we don't need to worry about more trees dying. Congratulations to all four tribes who gained a point."

Robin sighed in relief, thankful that the three legendary swords weren't going to strike him down. But he looked at the destruction his magic had caused and felt regret. Chrom saw it on his face and patted his shoulder.

"Hey, you nearly got us," he said encouragingly. "Well fought."

"You saved me," said Corrin, bowing slightly. "It was an honor to spar with you all."

"I can't believe you fought us off for so long," said Lucina. "I wish you could teach me that spear maneuver."

"So do I," Corrin giggled. "When you can turn into a dragon, come to me."

As the swordsmen returned to their tribes, the next four – Palutena, an eager Inkling, Ridley, and Villager - stepped forward.

"Oh, don't hurt the Mayor!" Isabelle cried.

Villager rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, Isabelle, I'll be fine."

Ridley snorted. "No, you won't."

"I'll catch whatever you throw at me," taunted Villager with a wink.

"Unfortunately for you, I won't throw a thing."

"Ooh, not the right person to taunt," said Palutena, shaking her head.

As the banter died down, the competitors looked up to their host. "Survivors, begin!" Master Hand announced.

True to his word, Ridley didn't throw anything at Villager. He charged at the crosser, swooping so suddenly that Villager could barely eek out a yelp before getting his face smashed into the dirt. After causing a small crater, Ridley lifted him and threw him out of the circle. Villager soared over the heads of his tribe and landed on the grass, staring at the sky.

"Mayor!" Isabelle cried. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," Villager groaned, raising a hand. He let it drop and stared at the sky.

Ridley spun to face Palutena, who had put up a Reflector Shield and was eyeing the Space Pirate carefully. Ridley studied the shield carefully, debating whether it was worth breaking through it or waiting for it to disappear. He looked around and saw nothing but a puddle of orange ink. He chose the more vulnerable opponent.

Ridley flew at the puddle, dragging his tail through the dirt as he approached. When his tail touched the ink, he swung his tail forward, sending the ink and the squid into the air. Inkling transformed back into a kid and tossed a Splat Bomb. The bomb exploded, splattering Ridley with ink and pushing him back. Inkling landed back on the ground and fired ink blots at him. Ridley covered his eyes, but most of his giant body was covered in ink.

Growing tired of the game, Ridley collected the flames from within and spat out a fireball. Inkling was quick and easily skirted away from it, but the distraction gave Ridley the relief to leap into the air, out of range of the Inkling's attacks. Inkling clicked her tongue in annoyance and leapt into an ink puddle to recharge.

At that point, the Reflector Shield faded away, and Palutena raised her staff to call forth a column of light. Ridley was just out of range of the attack, but he knew the defensive wall could only hold for so long. He started to spin, preparing to nosedive.

Palutena realized his attempt and ran forward, directly into the center of the column. She raised her buckler and braced for his impact. The light faded, and Ridley dropped and crashed into Palutena. The buckler took the brunt of the attack, but she flew back toward the edge of the arena. Ridley recovered quickly, leaping out of the crater and charging at her. Palutena managed to land on her feed and skid to a stop, and as she looked up, she saw the purple blur racing toward her.

Angelic wings burst out of her back and blasted wind at her attacker. As this happened, Palutena ducked and raised her buckler above her head. This did just enough to angle Ridley's charge upward so that he bounced off her tough shield. Ridley flew up in the air and caught himself before he flew over the chalk line, but he grew tired of the game.

Inkling chose this moment to reappear, pulling out another Splat Bomb to hurl at Palutena. Palutena, distracted by her other aggressor, took the hit poorly and was momentarily blinded by the ink. Inkling sprinted at her and pulled out a Splat Roller to run her over. Ridley dove down, intending to finish off the goddess while she was weakened.

But Palutena pulled out her buckler again, aiming it at where she last saw Ridley. Ridley recognized the defense this time and angled his attack toward the approaching Inkling, who had no was to dodge. Ridley hit Inkling into the air, and with no way to catch herself, she landed far outside the range of the circle.

Palutena wiped the ink from her eyes and searched the arena but saw no one. She heard a gust of wind and looked up to see Ridley rushing toward her once again.

But Master Hand shouted, "Stop!" And Ridley slowed his descent. "Time is up. The North and East Tribes gain another point!"

Ridley snorted and returned to his tribe. Palutena sighed with relief and cleaned herself off as she returned to hers. With that round ended, the next four competitors entered. Duck Hunt bounded up, while Bayonetta walked with confidence; King K Rool stomped forward, giving Shulk an eager grin as he entered last. When all four had situated themselves, Master Hand gave the familiar call.

Duck Hunt pointed at Bayonetta, and a two-dimensional bandit appeared in front of him and aimed a revolver at her. Bayonetta countered with her own guns, firing into the bandit before he could fire. The bandit flew away, so Duck Hunt pulled out a frisbee and flung it at her. Bayonetta ran at him, shooting the frisbee out of the sky before it could be shot down at Duck Hunt's command. With most of his tricks used up, Duck Hunt plopped down a large tin can. He kicked it at her, and Bayonetta easily caught it.

Duck Hunt jumped happily and snickered as he pointed at her. The tin can flashed once before exploding, covering Bayonetta in smoke. Duck Hunt pulled out another frisbee to follow up, but a swarm of bats floated out of the smoke into the sky. The bats formed back into Bayonetta as she leapt toward him. She fired, and the bullets whacked Duck Hunt in the head, stunning him before he could pull out another annoyance. Bayonetta landed next to him, grabbed him by the collar, and tossed him away.

He landed at the edge and pointed at her, barking angrily. Another bandit appeared, but Bayonetta had already charged at him. She leapt over the bandit who fired uselessly and landed on Duck Hunt's back. She pushed off him, sending him just over the edge. He lay on the ground, whimpering, as she returned to the fight.

Meanwhile, Shulk had transformed his Monado into Buster mode, causing him to glow purple. His Monado shot out a beam of blue light. King K Rool had pulled out a blunderbuss and fired a large cannon out of it. The cannon was slow, and Shulk parried it away, where it rolled harmlessly out of the circle. But King K Rool charged at him on all fours like a rabid animal, and Shulk swung the Monado forward. The beam of light struck King K Rool, but the crocodile took the attack and grabbed Shulk easily. He squeezed, and no matter how Shulk struggled he couldn't break free, but he still had his grip on his Monado, so he switched into Shield form and braced himself.

King K Rool lifted him above his head and slammed him into the dirt. Then he pulled out his blunderbuss as Shulk struggled to pull himself out of the ground. A tornado pulled in the air and sucked the hapless Shulk into the gun. King K Rool flipped around toward the edge of the arena and fired. Unfortunately, Shulk barely moved all, landing heavily just a few inches away. King K Rool blinked, and as he put away his weapon Shulk switched into Speed mode.

King K Rool swiped at him, but Shulk numbly dodged around him and shouted, "Back Slash!" as he swung the Monado at his back. This hit certainly had more effect, and King K Rool stumbled forward in pain and turned toward him. King K Rool took off his crown and threw it at Shulk, who again dodged it easily and ran forward. King K Rool backed up slightly and thrusted his golden belly forward. Shulk stabbed the Monado forward, and while the light pierced through the crocodile easily the blade scraped off the armor.

King K Rool took the moment of surprise to grab Shulk's shoulders, and as Shulk struggled the crown flew back toward its owner and clocked Shulk in the head. Dazed, Shulk tried switching modes, but King K Rool threw him away. Shulk switched to Jump mode to attempt to right himself, but he switched too late and soared over the edge.

With his opponent defeated, King K Rool laughed victoriously. But he felt a sudden pain in the back of his neck, and a sudden force pushed him toward the edge. He stumbled forward and tried to catch himself before he fell over, but Bayonetta leapt back onto his shoulder and rode him in his fall. King K Rool swiped at her, but she nimbly leapt off his shoulder to dodge and landed right back on it, and using that momentum she pushed off, backflipping and landing softly on the ground as King K Rool's massive body failed to save itself from tumbling over the chalk line.

As a small tremor announced King K Rool had finally fallen, Master Hand announced, "With Bayonetta's victory, the South Tribe has earned their third point! Will the next four please step forward!"

Cloud had grown bored of waiting for his turn, while Megaman and Rosalina were eager to fight, and Mach Rider was as unreadable as ever. As the match began, Megaman started by charging his Mega Buster, while Cloud charged his Limit Break. Rosalina called forth Luma, the star-like helper, and pointed at Megaman. The Luma flew at the Blue Bomber, its face contorted in adorable determination. Megaman lifted his buster up and fired a charged shot, a giant ball of blue energy that engulfed the Luma. In the resulting blast, the Luma soared into the air and popped out of existence.

Rosalina took that opportunity to fly at him before he could charge another blast. Megaman saw her coming and pulled out a Metal Blade. He tossed it at her, but she swung her wand and spun, which stopped the blade's momentum. As it floated gently to the ground, Rosalina picked it up and continued her charge.

Megaman grimaced and fired a Crash Bomber, but Rosalina threw the Metal Blade to deflect it, and the sticky bomb collided with it and fell harmlessly to the ground. The two opponents were in range of each other, and Rosalina stabbed at Megaman with her wand. Megaman took the fairly weak attack and grabbed her arm. His other morphed into something resembling a jet engine, and he punched Rosalina with it while activating the flames contained within. Rosalina wrenched herself out of his grasp and launched herself in the air to escape the flames.

As she landed, she called forth another Luma and commanded it to attack. Megaman ran at her, firing yellow pellets. But as the pair collided again, their fight was interrupted by Cloud leaping down and swinging his Buster Blade at both, creating a massive whirlwind that sent both flying. Megaman managed to catch himself before the edge, but Rosalina, being so much lighter, flew straight out of the fight.

As Megaman readied for his new opponent, he caught Mach Rider in the distance on the ground, having obviously lost a fight with Cloud. But Mach Rider hadn't been eliminated, and as he got up he pulled out a small metal motorcycle. He tossed it into the air, and it grew massively, landing in the dirt with a heavy thud. Mach Rider climbed onto the motorcycle, revved the engine, and drove it at the pair.

Cloud and Megaman readied themselves to dodge, but the motorcycle accelerated extremely quickly, faster than either had anticipated, and was upon them in less than a second. Mach Rider leapt off the vehicle and backflipped high in the air before landing on top of Cloud, while his motorcycle turned slightly as if still in control toward Megaman. Cloud blocked the rider's attack with the blunt of his blade, but Megaman had no chance of dodging the machine and took a hit, spinning away out of the arena.

Mach Rider cracked his knuckles as he prepared for round two. Cloud ran at him, swinging the heavy blade as if it weighed nothing. Mach Rider dodged what he could and knocked away the few attacks that got close, while attempting to hit Cloud through the sword's reach. Cloud clearly had the upper hand, forcing Mach Rider to step further and further back. Finally, Mach Rider managed to duck underneath a wild chest-high swing and uppercut Cloud, sending him flying. Mach Rider ran at him, waiting for him to get close enough for him to follow through with a devastating slam.

However, at that moment, Cloud's Limit Break fully charged on its own, and Cloud activated it immediately. He created another whirlwind that blasted Mach Rider high into the air. Cloud landed first and ran at his midair opponent. Mach Rider righted himself, but Cloud had leapt up to join him. Mach Rider barely got a punch in before Cloud stabbed forward, catching him in the chest. At that point, Mach Rider was pinned to the blade, struggling to break free but unable to surpass Cloud's strength. Cloud threw his Buster Blade, and Mach Rider with it, out of the circle.

"With that, the West Tribe earned their second point," Master Hand announced. "Congratulations, Cloud!"

Cloud pulled his Buster Blade out of the ground and lifted Mach Rider onto his feet. The rider nodded in respect, which Cloud returned.

Dark Samus had already floated into the arena before the match had begun. Seeing this, Geno joined. The Chorus Kids looked eager to show Cloud up, and they hopped in, and Ken shared this eagerness and entered as well. With all four in place, Master Hand started the match.

Dark Samus started the match by charging up her phazon beam. Geno floated forward and fired a Geno Whirl, a yellow beam of light, to stop her attack. Dark Samus coolly floated around the attack and countered with her fully charged beam. Geno leapt out of the way and fired a round of pellets at her. They clanked off her armor, barely making an impact. She studied him for a moment, and then switched to her missile launcher and fired a phazon missile. He dodged this as well, but the Chorus Kids behind him weren't so lucky. They were enthralled with the fight, so much so that they didn't even recognize the missile approaching. The missile exploded on them, sending them flying, and they landed in a pile at the edge.

Ken, having kept his distance to study their moves, saw an easy opportunity for an elimination. He ran at the Chorus Kids and kicked them out. As they landed, eliminated, he gave his tribe a wink and a thumbs up, which only Inkling returned.

Meanwhile, the other two fired projectile after projectile at each other, encircling each other around most of the arena. Ken had to constantly reposition himself to stay out of the line of fire, to avoid the Chorus Kids' fate. After another round that ended in both fighters taking rough, direct hits, the fighting subsided. The two stared at each other.

Then Dark Samus started charging her phazon beam. Geno, meanwhile, closed his eyes and put his hands in the air. A faint visage of a star appeared around him, and when he set his hands down, the star was sucked into his chest. His eyes glowed red, and he pointed his gun arm at her and fired another round of pellets.

Having taken them easily before, Dark Samus didn't react. But these were larger and faster than his previous ones, and when they collided, Dark Samus flew backward. The charge on her arm cannon faded, and while she was able to recover, she was much closer to the arena.

Ken took the time to charge at her while she was distracted. He managed to run behind her, and he leapt at her and grabbed her waist and pulled her to the ground. She kicked him multiple times, but he held firm. He slammed her into the ground, and when she tried to get up she was met with a Hurricane Kick. This sent her over the edge, and while she righted herself, she did so over the line. Nevertheless, she tried charging her phazon beam.

Master Hand, however, true to his word, announced, "Dark Samus, cease your attack and look down. You've been eliminated."

Dark Samus saw the line below her, lowered her arm cannon, and floated back to her tribe without trouble. Ken and Geno turned to face each other, but Master Hand stopped the match. "Time! Geno, Ken, congratulations. You have both won points for your tribes! With this, the South Tribe and East Tribe have four points each. The North and West Tribes are trailing behind with just two each."

At hearing this, Simon Belmont pushed Banjo aside and stepped into the ring, cracking his whip into the grass. Little Mac, stars in his eyes, also ran forward. Richter also volunteered, wanting to meet his ancestor and prove his might. Shadow teleported into the circle without deliberation. The four stared each other down, and the match began.

Immediately, the Belmonts turned on each other, meeting whip for whip, bending their Vampire Killers around each other to pull the other off balance. But with equal skill, both were easily able to thwart the other's attempts. Simon fought with a determined scowl, while Richter never lost his smile.

Shadow teleported behind Little Mac and attempted to grab him, but the boxer – knowing his other opponents – had predicted that attack. He ducked underneath Shadow's hand and uppercut the hedgehog straight into the air. Shadow flew wildly high but recovered and rubbed his sore jaw. He stared down at his opponent, who was pointing and motioning for him to come down.

Shadow obliged. He teleported again, reappearing a distance ahead of Little Mac. The boxer swung at a spot behind him but met only air. Little Mac turned until he saw Shadow beckoning toward him. He knelt down and sprinted forward, ready to counter Shadow's inevitable attack. He reached the hedgehog and swung, and as he expected Shadow teleported to dodge.

Only Shadow reappeared an instant later in the exact spot and grabbed Little Mac's shirt. He disappeared again, Little Mac in tow, and reappeared at the edge of the arena. He pushed Little Mac, but the boxer resisted the attempt and grabbed Shadow's arms. The two struggled for a moment until Shadow realized he was losing. He teleported again, and Little Mac dove forward, stumbling to the ground.

Meanwhile, the Belmonts had halted their battle, having realized they were equally matched. A pair of silent nods was all that was needed for them to turn on their opponents instead. Shadow chose that exact moment to reappear close by, having barely escaped the struggle. Shadow heard the cracking of whips, but he didn't hear the rush of air toward him until it was too late. The whips wrapped around his arms, and he felt himself getting pulled into the air. He tried teleporting, but something in those whips prevented him, and he was helpless as the Belmont pair swung him out of the circle.

Little Mac watched this happen and charged, realizing he needed to close the distance before he shared the same fate. Simon retracted his whip and turned immediately to face him, but Richter was more distracted by his work. So Little Mac angled toward him, sprinting at him faster than he anticipated. As Richter retracted his Vampire Killer, he saw out of the corner of his eye Simon cracking his own toward him. He held his out to protect himself, but Little Mac – having ducked under the whip intended for him – punched him hard in the chest and once more in the arm. Richter's Vampire Killer flew out of his hand and out of the circle, and the Belmont himself followed with one last punch.

Having watched his descendant defeated in a matter of seconds, Simon continued his attack on Little Mac, cracking his whip and swinging it in such a wide arc that the boxer couldn't safely approach. Little Mac dodged just outside its range, dancing on his feet as he looked for an opening. Simon stepped forward, trying to catch Little Mac off balance, but the boxer charged at him instead. Simon retracted his whip and held it in front of him. Little Mac swung with his left, and Simon managed to dodge it and wrap his whip around the arm. But while Simon was distracted with the left, Little Mac turned his body and swung with his right, catching Simon in the waist. Simon recoiled in pain and released his grip, and that was all Little Mac needed. Three punches later, and Simon Belmont joined Richter outside of the circle.

"In an impressive display of skill, Little Mac has earned the North Tribe another point!" Master Hand announced.

Bowser Jr eagerly came forward, revving up his Clown Car to challenge his opponents. Daisy wasn't scared, and she stomped forward, invigorated by her tribemate's victory. Isabelle, seeing someone she could attempt to pacify, also went forward, smiling and waving at her. But then Ryu stepped into the circle, and the faces of Daisy and Isabelle dropped.

"Survivors, begin!"

A Mechakoopa was spat out of the Clown Car, and Bowser Jr picked it up with the car's extendable hands. He grinned and tossed it at Ryu, who easily caught it. Bowser Jr tapped a button on his console and waved, and the Mechakoopa started to flash. Ryu stared at it as it exploded in his hands. Bowser Jr giggled with glee and stabbed at a button on his console, and the mouth of the car opened, revealing a cannon. He pointed at the smoke cloud, and a cannon shot out toward it.

Ryu leapt out of the smoke cloud, easily dodging the cannon. Bowser Jr gasped and revved up the car's engine. Wheels replaced the propeller, and the two charged at each other. Ryu leapt over the car and grabbed Bowser Jr himself, but the Koopa had strapped himself inside and wouldn't budge. The car was too heavy for even Ryu, so the fighter had to release his grip, but not before a pair of boxing gloves popped out of the car and punched Ryu with it. Ryu fell backward but recovered easily and readied himself.

Bowser Jr charged at him again, swinging his extendable arms in a circle to ready a punch. Ryu's entire body changed, and an ink seemed to shadow his movements. The car punched him straight in the chest, but Ryu didn't budge and instead countered with his own powerful punch straight in the car's eye. The car seemed to react, falling backward and leaving its driver on the ground. Ryu kicked the car, and it rolled out of the arena, its driver wailing the entire time.

Meanwhile, Daisy and Isabelle hadn't moved toward each other. Isabelle looked at her with pleading eyes.

"Let's not fight!" She cried. "We can all win!"

"As much as I'd want that, I don't think Bowser Jr will agree," said Daisy.

The pair looked back at their opponents and saw Bowser Jr on the ground. They saw the kick, and Daisy whistled, impressed.

"Alright, Ryu probably won't agree."

"We'll never know if we don't try!"

"HEY!" Popo shouted from the sidelines. "NO COLLUDING!"

Ryu turned toward the pair, noticing they hadn't moved. He looked cautious but not aggressive, waiting for the two to respond.

"Please, Mr. Ryu," said Isabelle, stepping forward. "We don't have to fight! We don't want to fight!"

"I mean, we will if you force us," said Daisy.

Isabelle shook her head quickly. "No, no! I know it's part of what we do, but if we could just all win, we'd love that!"

Ryu eyed them carefully. "It wouldn't be a worthy fight," he said.

Daisy placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. "What is that supposed to mean?" She demanded.

Ryu sat down, cross-legged. "If you wish to find out, then please come."

"No, Daisy, don't!" Isabelle pleaded. "We did it! We can win!"

Daisy rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'll let it go."

And the trio sat. Master Hand floated above them for barely a minute before announcing, "It seems that the result has been decided. There's little point in waiting four more minutes. Thanks to some excellent reasoning, Isabelle, Daisy, and Ryu earned points of their tribes. What this also means is with five points to the West Tribe's two, the East Tribe has automatically won Immunity!"

At that, a good portion of the East Tribe cheered and hugged each other. After letting them celebrate, Master Hand continued. "What this also means is that if the West Tribe loses just one more match, or if the North and South Tribes earn just one more point each, the West Tribe will automatically lose."

"Again," Popo muttered loudly, eyeing Banjo and Charizard. "So you better win."

Charizard stared at him. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Because if either of you lose, you're going home."

Kazooie popped out of the backpack. "And how do you think that?"

"Careful," said Cloud. "You keep saying that, this entire tribe will be going home first."

Popo turned on him. "You're still on the chopping block!"

"I'm one of our two points."

"Yes, and as the other, I'd like to say that we don't want to put that type of pressure on either of you," said Lucina.

"And as Tribe Leader, there definitely is a lot of pressure," said Popo. "So win, or you're out."

Charizard eyed him carefully. "I'll go first, then." He stepped into the arena.

Incineroar and Greninja saw him and volunteered immediately, having waited for this exact moment. Pac-Man shrugged and entered as well, just to fill a spot for the East Tribe.

Master Hand hesitated, waiting for the West Tribe to continue their argument. When nobody spoke, he cleared his imaginary throat. "Very well, the ninth round will begin!"

Pac-Man immediately stepped out of the circle, joining his tribe with a wide grin. Incineroar punched his chest and winked at Greninja, who simply stood in a defensive stance. Charizard decided to be the initiator and flew at the pair. Greninja disappeared in a puff of smoke and reappeared a distance away, leaving Incineroar to take the brunt of the attack. However, Incineroar's belt flashed a bright red, and as Charizard collided, fire burst from the tiger's entire body.

Charizard barely felt the burn, but he was still knocked back a few feet and landed with a crash. Incineroar continued to glow red, and flames licked his fur. Charizard stepped back as Incineroar approached, but the sounds of slapping feet behind him reminded him of his other opponent. As he turned, Greninja was hurtling toward him and smacked him with a trio of blows that sent him back toward his flaming enemy.

Incineroar grabbed his shoulders, winked, and threw him backward with such incredible force that Charizard couldn't collect himself in time. He flew far outside the circle and was over the jungle by the time he righted himself. He flew back toward his tribe, dejected. Popo stared daggers into him.

"And at that, the North and South Tribes earned their fifth and final points," announced Master Hand. "There is no possible way for the West Tribe to win, so there's no need for the final battle." He said this with slight disappointment. "It's getting late, after all."

Isaac's shoulders dropped, also disappointed he wouldn't get to fight. Dark Pit shrugged, hiding his exhaustion from flying for so long just a bit ago. Wii Fit Trainer was off in her own world, stretching and bending away from the others. Banjo let out of a sigh of relief and said in an unconvincing tone, "Oh, darn, I guess I won't get to show off my skill just yet."

"Your skill?" Kazooie piped up. "You may carry me everywhere, but I'm the real fighter."

Banjo responded by patting her head back into the backpack.

"Return to your camps, everyone," said Master Hand. "Tonight will be cold, so get your fires ready if you can and build your shelters. Eat, drink, and rest, and we will reconvene tomorrow. West Tribe, I will see you at Tribal Council in an hour. Gather your thoughts and make plans. You will be eliminating someone tonight."

And the four tribes departed. The victors congratulated themselves, while the losers walked back to their camp shamed and dejected. Their minds raced as they tried to come up with a name in such a short amount of time.

West Tribe

As the tribe arrived, the sun had set, and the faint orange glow in the horizon turned into purple and black. Cloud admired the beautiful stars in the sky, but his gaze was interrupted by Popo's shouts.

"You're done, Charizard! You flew at them like an idiot! Like you were trying to lose!"

Charizard stared at him, unmoving, not reacting. Popo jabbed a finger at him and continued his rant. "Well, guess what? You've just given yourself up! You're done! Better pack your things!"

"We don't think he has things," chimed in the Chorus Kids.

"Maybe we should think about who had the worst match," suggested Banjo.

"That'd be most of us, honestly," said Shulk, rubbing his head. "I can't think of a single one of us who won even a one-on-one."

"At least your fight was close, and your opponent lost swiftly after," said Lucina. "Most everyone was eliminated within a minute."

"Guilty," said Villager, rubbing his head.

"You don't count, because it's Ridley," said Popo. He turned to Charizard. "And I shouldn't, because it's Mewtwo."

Charizard shrugged. "Clearly you're the weakest Tribe Leader."

"WEAKEST?"

"Maybe Cloud and Lucina should decide," said Simon. "They're our victors. They get the say."

"I'll admit, a tie isn't much of a victory," said Lucina.

"Then give Cloud the vote."

Cloud smirked at that, but Popo knew what he was going to say and stood in front of him, gesturing wildly. "No! Not him! He doesn't get a say!"

"Yes, after all, I'm the first to go, apparently," added Cloud.

"No, shut up, you're staying. Charizard's going!"

"I don't care who you decide," muttered Villager. "Please stop shouting, though. My head hurts."

"You should get that medicine of yours," said Shulk.

Villager groaned. "Don't remind me."

"We won't decide who's the weakest," said Simon. "Many of us deserve to go if it's based on that. Our fights were shameful."

"I got cheated," grumbled Bowser Jr, inspected his car for damage. "I don't call that shame. I had him on the ropes until he cheated."

"Maybe if we were more diplomatic, we could've convinced the others not to fight," said Banjo.

"Hindsight, though," added Kazooie. "I think the parka man should go. He's annoying."

"You don't get a say!" shouted Popo. "No one cares what you think!"

Banjo turned toward him, putting himself in between Popo and Kazooie. "I care."

Kazooie leaned back. "No, he doesn't," she whispered to whomever could hear.

"Yes, I do. Now quiet," Banjo muttered, and the two exchanged smirks.

"The only one here who deserves to lose is our unstable leader," said Charizard, walking away. "That's all I care to say."

"He makes a fair point," added Cloud with a shrug.

"He's just desperate because he knows he's going," said Popo. He shook his head exaggeratively. "I just feel sorry for him. He's probably writing him to his trainer right now crying about how useless he is."

"That's a bit unnecessary," said Shulk.

"Well, future boy, can't you see who's going to get eliminated?" said Popo.

"My power doesn't work like that, unfortunately."

"Sure it doesn't, cheater." Popo walked away too, leaving Shulk baffled.

"It'd be a great power, though," said Lucina, winking.

"Incredibly limited, if it only was for Survivor votes," said Shulk.

Tribal Council

The tribe filed into the familiar ruins of Tribal Council, taking place in a stone structure that once was a large palace near the center of the island. Each member carried a large torch that they took time to light in the blazing campfire. They slid down the two sets of logs along one edge of the ruins. Once everyone had settled in their seats, Master Hand appeared out of the shadows and floated behind a small wooden podium on the other side of the fire.

"Welcome to Tribal Council. Thousands of years ago, this structure stood as palace, where a ruler was judge, jury, and executioner. In this very spot, people's lives were taken or spared based on the judgment of a single man. Today, the council consists of your fellow tribe members, the people with whom you live and for whom you care. The tribe members to your left and right are your judges, your jurors, and if they so choose, your executioners."

Some did look left and right. The Chorus Kids, on the very edge, looked into the darkness, and then looked at each other and gasped simultaneously.

"The torches you collected are yours to keep. During Tribal Council, they are to remain lit. In this game, fire represents life. When your flame is snuffed, you're eliminated.

"Now, as is customary before an official voting, I'd like to talk with you in the open about your thoughts. So, as is also customary, I will start with the Tribe Leader."

"Oh, Master Hand, do I have a list of complaints for you!" said Popo, sighing heavily.

"I'd like to keep this short."

"Well, too bad, you get what you asked for."

"And as host, I control the conversation," said Master Hand pointedly.

Popo folded his arms and grimaced. "Fine, I'll shorten it. I want a new tribe. Can you believe how many people lost without a fight?"

"You included," said Cloud.

"Shut up! This is my question!"

"Actually, I'd like to hear the others' thoughts about this topic," said Master Hand.

"No!" said Popo. "This is my question, and I want to finish!"

The others didn't pursue the argument, so Popo continued smugly, "No one listens to me, no one respects me, and no one cares about me. I'm their leader, and they treat me like I'm worse than them! They intentionally lost to sabotage me. I know it!"

"Popo," Master Hand warned, having seen where these thoughts had led him in the past. "Steer away from that line of thinking. Nobody sabotaged you."

Charizard raised a claw. "I did."

Popo rounded on him. "I KNEW IT!" He pointed at him victoriously. "He admitted it! He's screwed!" Popo clapped and laughed. "Oh, you're so screwed!"

Charizard slowly shook his head. "I want to be honest, since everyone is listening. Popo is unstable and crazed and unfit for this game. I want to eliminate him, so I somewhat threw the fight."

"You're a convincing actor," said Villager. "I really thought you were fighting."

"I wouldn't fly into the middle of them," said Charizard. "I would've flown up the moment Greninja used Shadow Sneak. Let them fight. I want to save some face before the decision was made. I didn't fight my hardest."

"You didn't lose like I did," said Villager. "I'll give you that. You lasted more than five seconds."

"Or get blindsided," said the Chorus Kids.

"Or rolled out," added Lucina with a slight snicker.

"So maybe you threw the match. We were going to lose anyway," said Villager. "I think we all realized it."

"It's disappointing, but it's a challenge we'll have to overcome for the future," said Simon.

"I must admit," said Master Hand. "You are all taking this defeat much better than I expected. I'm impressed with your maturity."

"Thanks!" said Bowser Jr, grinning. "They take after me!"

"Mature?" Popo repeated in disbelief. "They're in denial! Listen to them! We lost! We're the first tribe to lose! We'll be at a huge disadvantage!"

"Maybe not as large as you think," said Cloud.

"I don't know, Charizard is really big," continued Popo. "It'll be a shame to get rid of him. But we'll be better for it."

"I must ask, what is your fixation on Charizard?" asked Master Hand. "As little as I've seen, he fought well."

"It was me at first," said Cloud. "Because I mouthed off to him."

"It was me as well, for a time," said Shulk.

"I think us as well," added the Chorus Kids.

"Popo," Master Hand sighed. "Why must you do this?"

"Do what?" Popo demanded. "I'm leader! It's my say!"

"Did Snake ever do this?" asked Master Hand. "Did Link?"

"No, and they lost, because they were terrible leaders! They didn't take control! I am."

"While you are not entirely wrong there," admitted Master Hand. "Your leadership style is in the wrong direction. You have some power, yes, but not enough to be a tyrant."

"You also don't have power to stave off all of us," said Lucina.

Popo glared at her. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Lucina returned the look. "I've made myself clear."

"I believe it's time to begin voting," said Master Hand. "Now, this tribe is somewhat unique, in that there are technically thirteen of you. Banjo and Kazooie, I'm sure you can deduce that all decisions will ultimately be in Banjo's hands."

"I don't know, I think I can get a good grip on that marker if I use both wings," said Kazooie.

"And Chorus Kids, you only get one vote."

"What if we ask nicely?" asked the Chorus Kids.

"No," said Master Hand simply. "Popo, if you'd like to start the vote."

Popo got to his feet. "Vote for Charizard, the saboteur," he said before going up to the voting urn, a large clay urn decorated in quadrants with the colors and letters of the four tribes.

He wrote his vote on a sheet of coarse paper. He flashed Charizard's name up to the camera and stared into it.

"My vote's obvious, because there's only one choice."

He folded the paper, stuffed it into the urn, and returned to his tribe.

Banjo Kazooie went up to vote.

Lucina went up to vote.

Chorus Kids went up to vote.

Cloud went up to vote.

"Because our leader doesn't have the infinite wisdom he thinks he has."

Shulk went up to vote.

Simon went up to vote.

Villager went up to vote.

Charizard went up to vote.

"You're barely worth the vote."

Bowser Jr went up to vote.

When Bowser Jr returned to his seat, Master Hand floated to collect the urn and set it gently on the podium. "When the votes are read, the decision is final. The player with the most votes must exit Tribal Council immediately." He paused, looking to each member in turn. "I'll read the votes."

He lifted the lid, took out the first vote, and flipped it around, controlling the paper expertly with his giant gloved fingers. "The first vote is for Popo."

Popo leered at Charizard. "Better be the only one," he grumbled.

Master Hand pulled out the second vote. "Popo." And the third. "Popo."

"You motherfuckers." Popo spat.

The fourth had a different name. "Charizard."

"Hey, that's not my vote!" Popo perked up, switching tones immediately.

"Charizard," Master Hand read the fifth vote. He pulled the sixth out, and the slight surprise in his voice faded. "The next vote is for Popo."

"Popo. Popo. Popo. Popo." The final votes were read. Popo had already gotten to his feet and ripped his torch out of the sand. Master Hand continued his speech anyway. "With a score of 8-2, Popo, you've been elimin-"

Popo jabbed the torch into the ground. "Do it. These idiots don't know what they just lost."

"A source of migraines," said Kazooie.

"An idiot," said Charizard.

"A burden," said Cloud.

Master Hand snuffed the torch, and Popo flipped the tribe off and stormed into the darkness. Master Hand let out a slow breath. "This might not come as much of a surprise to veteran viewers. However, a Tribe Leader being eliminated in the first Tribal Council is certainly an event. It's too early to let the position be left empty, so come tomorrow a new leader should be decided. Discuss that tonight, before you go to bed. Otherwise, I hope you all came out of tonight's Tribal Council with a weight off your shoulders. Because from now on, you're playing with a disadvantage. See you tomorrow, Survivors."

And the West Tribe grabbed their torches and exited Tribal Council. Master Hand was right: a weight had truly been lifted. Nobody was dissatisfied with the decision, even the mysterious other Charizard voter. They looked forward to tomorrow, and to the new competition.

---

"Idiots," ranted Popo in an overview, as credits began to play. "They lost their best member. The only one who knew how this game worked. They crippled themselves. I wish I could shake the hand of whoever else voted for Charizard. They're the only smart one. Whatever, the tribe will learn. They'll suffer. Mark my words, no one on the West Tribe will win."