EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Important Info:

1) Meta Knight is based on the anime Hoshi no Kaabii, where he's more of a father/teacher figure to Kirby

2) Lucario is female and Greninja is male.

Disclaimer: All characters and…songs/phrases belong to their rightful owners. You'll see what I mean.

So It Begins

Sum: "Today is a joyous day as we celebrate, for tomorrow will mark the beginning of the 4th Super Smash Brother's Tournament!"

~ ~ ~ Us ~ ~ ~

Marth felt it. And he knew Ike and Meta Knight felt it too. The vanguard was constantly fidgeting; crossing his arms, uncrossing them, knee bouncing, knee stopping, fingers fiddling with his gloves, drumming fingers on the table… Marth could go on. Meta Knight had his cape wrapped around his spherical figure, his eyes darting around taking in the excitement and anticipation.

They were all waiting. They had received a notice to meet in the main area later that day. To the Smashers' surprise they found the room decorated for either a party or some other celebration. Curiously, they claimed seats and tables. And waited. A few of the new Smashers had questioned what they were waiting for.

"For our hosts…" Mario supplied. So they waited, filling the time by swapping stories, ideas, and in some cases, theories.

Pit was literally bouncing in his seat, between Mario and Palutena , the latter was smiling and chatting with Princess Peach. Zelda and Wii Fit Trainer where situated there as well, also attentively conversing with the goddess and Mushroom Kingdom ruler. Luigi completed the table just basking in the commotion and friends.

The emperor smiled at the younger plumber upon being caught staring. Luigi returned it, but their attention was suddenly drawn away when a hearty laugh broke through the other clamor.

Captain Falcon slapped Fox on the back. He clearly hadn't been expecting it, as Star Fox leader hit the table. Olimar must have chide the racer for Falcon offered the vulpine another drink as a way of apology. Villager was sitting at different table with his brother and two sisters, all four sharing letters between them to pass the time. Off to the side, Aran sat with Bubbles, Dedede, and Mac; a strange combination. The female tactician had roped the blond into a conversation, along with the boxer and penguin, though from Mac's face he clearly wasn't enjoying Dedede's joke.

Shulk was gently handling Megaman's arm. The robot no doubt talking about his program and schematics to which the Monardo wielder listened attentively. Alph too was paying special attention to the blue bomber's explalination. The Koppi native was typing into a small pad as Shulk questioned Megaman on his power source.

Samus was casually leaning against the back of her chair, Pikachu comfortably in her lap. Even from a distance, Marth could see the small rodent was eating from a ketchup bottle. Robin sat there with Lucina and Bowser, the male tactician peppering the Koopa King with questions. The Ylissean princess was making quiet conversation with Samus, mostly about her experiences in the previous tournaments.

While Sheik shared a table with Lucario and Greninja and Charizard, the sheikah was quietly observing the others, her eyes reflecting fascination. Diddy was playing with a set of card with Toon Link, Pit, and Yoshi. And a final table had Sonic, Pac-Man and Rosalina, another odd group. Still, they were pleasantly conversing, the Cosmo Princess amused by the hedgehog's stories, which were no doubt had bits and pieces exaggerated.

Eventually, a voice boomed above the hullabaloo, silencing them. "Smashers!" Various Smashers looked around, Marth included. He recognized that voice.

"~Get this party started on a Saturday night! Everybody's waiting for me to arrive!~"

And he certainly knew that voice.

Two white hands appeared above them; one left and one right. There was a chorus of shouts from the veteran Smashers and quiet mutters from the rookie Smashers.

"It is one of my greatest pleasures to welcome you, my Smashers, to the 4th Super Smash Brothers Tournament." Master Hand began. "For the new Smashers, allow me to introduce myself. I am Master Hand, and this is my brother, Crazy Hand."

"I'm not crazy…!" The left hand shouted. "It's just a name!"

The right hand, coughed. "Yes, dear brother." He seemed to scan the crowd. "I and my brother are the hosts and founders of the tournament. We've gathered warriors from various universes whose fates are intertwined for what may come."

A few Smashers quietly speculated the implications their host did not speak of.

The two hands floated down, shapes changing from appendages to human forms. "I must thank you for aiding in the preparations for the tournament, without you there would have been a delay. Today is a joyous day as we celebrate, for tomorrow will mark the beginning of the 4th Super Smash Brother's Tournament!" He waved his hands, food materialized on the large tables that were set up off to the side.

"BUT!" Crazy Hand sang, twirling around. "TONIGHT WE PAR~TAY!"

This brought some cheers from the Smashers.

"Party! Party!" The left hand chanted, making confetti appear throughout the room. "~ Happy Birthday, to me!~"

This brought some confusion to the new Smashers, and a couple of veterans who were still not used to Crazy's antics.

"No, dear brother, it's not your birthday." Master Hand corrected before the other could sing more.

"Oh…well if that's the case…A very merry unbirthday to me!"

Master Hand shook his head, a ghost of a smile on his lips. He took a seat at Mario's table, greeting the occupants before joining the conversation.

Lucina blinked, "To who?"

"To me!" Crazy Hand replied, dancing past her.

Greninja leaned towards Lucario, "What is an 'unbirthday'? Is it a ceremony in this world?"

The jackal pokemon shook her head. "Not that I am aware of…"

"Oh you…" Bowser scoffed, though it did not perturb the left hand as he boogied around the tables.

"A very merry unbirthday to you!" He sang to the female tactician.

Bubbles smiled. "Who me?"

"Yes, you!"

"Oh, me!" She giggled out, obviously amused and willing to partake in the host's performance.

"Let's all congratulate us with another cup of tea! A very merry unbirthday to you!" He offered her a cup he no doubt used his magic to create. She took it with a polite 'Thank you' and sipped at it.

~ ~ ~ Us ~ ~ ~

There was laughter, smiles, jokes, stories, and more. Marth, Ike and Meta Knight for the most part remained in their small group, joyfully catching up on their lives. The emperor was impressed at the native of Crimea's battle with a goddess. Meta Knight also commended the vanguard on his battle.

Their knight had a more calm time, honing Kirby's skills, mentioning only two incidents; one involving a visitor named Magolor and one being an adventure with his two squires to the distant side of Popstar.

The Emperor of Akaneia mentioned the rebuilding of his kingdom and country, speaking of fondly of the various scenery and villages and cities.

Lucario and Greninja stopped by to talk, as did Shulk, and of course their hosts. Marth didn't mind Crazy but he could be exhausting at times, so when they left to visit other Smashers, the emperor smiled tiredly.

"I need to catch my breath…" Ike joked, earning a soft chuckle from the Popstar resident, eyes briefly pink then gold. Marth took another sip, before excusing himself to the bathroom. It took only a moment to leave the main area, a large room specifically designed for large gathers like a party, and arrive in the hallway adjoining it to the foyer where two bathrooms were, positioned opposite of each other.

Upon finishing his business, the Emperor of Akaneia paused in the hallway having heard a faint noise. "Hmmm?" He paused.

knock, knock, knock

Marth frowned. Who would be knocking on the door this late? He recalled all of the Smashers were still in the main area, and who would leave the mansion in the middle of their celebration?

Knock, Knock

So, who could it be? The Emperor of Akaneia glided towards the double doors.

KNOCK, KNOCK!

Whoever it was, they had grown impatient. Their pounding causing Marth to fear they would break the door down if their knocking remained unanswered. The swordsman curled his fingers around the door knob, twisted it, and opened it.

Yes, I know.

Umm…I intentionally left it like that because I'm sure there are some secret characters and what not, so they've arrived semi-late. And it's a little rushed, so my apologies if there are rough spots.

On another note, I'm so excited! I'm picking up my copy tomorrow! SUPER EXCITED! I'm looking forward to playing Shulk, and Robin, and Greninja, and Sheik, and Marth, and Ike, and Meta Knight, and…um…I guess that's about it? Oh, Pit, Rosalina, Palutena, Olimar, and Little Mac!

Have a good Friday and weekend y'all!

ZeroGDog is out!