Author's Note: Firstly, I'm very sorry that I wasn't able to get something before now, holidays are so much more stressful now that your family wants to show you off as a model to those who are still in K-12.

Secondly, I am going to be picking up the pace a little bit here now that setup is done.

Standard disclaimer: Awakening spoilers continue here.

Chapter-specific disclaimer: Lyrics and translation of Brawl's main theme are property of Nintendo and the composers.

I realize I've been a bit fishy on under what circumstances I use Mega Man to refer to the character and when I refer to him by his real name, Rock. I would like to point out now that I have been using Mega Man to refer to him when armored up, and Rock as his normal form. Other characters (ex. Elec Man) won't adhere to this distinction of narration, however.

"Settle down, please!" Master Hand's voice echoed across the courtyard and the chatter amongst the Smashers died immediately. "Before we begin, I would like to take a moment to welcome you all, veteran or newcomer, again to the Super Smash Brothers! Now, then, let us begin with the anthem, performed graciously by the Smash Village choir and orchestra! Feel free to join in if you are so inclined!"

As his brother was speaking, Crazy Hand swooped into the crowd and yanked Kirby away. The pink puffball struggled but to no avail as he was dragged back into the mansion. Some of the Smashers sighed audibly with relief; as he'd been given the unexpected treat of hearing Kirby's singing first hand last night, Rock shared their sentiment. Though, he knew the former didn't mean any harm and thus refrained from making any comments aloud.

Master Hand positioned himself above a rather crude podium (with a cardboard box for a base) and raised himself. Crazy zoomed back outside to join his brother and the pair of them began to conduct the orchestra. Meanwhile, the lyrics of the choir, written in golden letters, were being formed above them, outlined against the blue sky. Some of the newcomers were exchanging confused looks, but Rock recognized the language as Latin. A translation of the lyrics was being written below the original.

Audi famam illius / I've heard legends of that person
Solus in hostes ruit / How he plunged into enemy territory
Et patriam servavit / How he saved his homeland

Audi famam illius / I've heard legends of that person
Cucurrit quaeque tetigit destruens / How he traveled the breadth of the land, reducing all he touched to rubble

Audi famam illius / I've heard legends of that person
Audi famam illius / I've heard legends of that person

Spes omnibus, mihi quoque / Revered by many - I too, revere him
Terror omnibus, mihi quoque / Feared by many - I too, fear him

Ille / Now, that person
Iuxta me / Stands at my side
Ille iuxta me / Now that person stands at my side

Socii sunt mihi / Now my friends are with me
Qui olim viri fortes / Some of them were once heroes
Rivalesque erant / Some, my mortal enemies

Saeve certando pugnandoque / And as we face each other in battle, locked in combat
Splendor crescit / We shine ever brighter

Most of the veterans had joined in at the start, and by the end almost everyone save the villains had joined in. Rock had noticed Bowser swiping one of the Koopalings with his claws for joining in early in the song.

"Well, to each his/her own opinion. A shame, though, it's a beautiful song. I can understand why Master Hand thinks it's an appropriate anthem," the android thought as he joined the others in applauding the performers.

"And now, newcomers, we have a surprise for you!" Master Hand announced once the applause had faded. "But first, I would like to make a special announcement! As you veterans are aware, some of our number were not able to return due to their agendas in their own worlds, however, I am pleased to inform you that almost all of them have found the time to return! Please join me in welcoming back the Ice Climbers, Popo and Nana, Squirtle, Ivysaur, Mewtwo, and Wolf O'Donnell!"

Mega Man noticed Fox stop applauding and shoot a sharp glare at whom he presumed was Wolf while Falco merely rolled his eyes as the former walked out. Given that both of them had been heartily applauding Mewtwo's return, he was surprised enough to consult the archives.

"Of course. It says that Wolf's basically their universe's version of Bass." There was a sudden outcry from the front of the crowd and he strained to see what was going on. Someone had flipped the box that constituted the conductor's podium over, and underneath it was a man in a gray bodysuit.

"Kept you waiting, huh?" Snake addressed the crowd as he stood, to general astonishment.

"...Moving on, now that we have welcomed back our last-minute contestants, it is time for the obligatory opening announcements! I know, I know, many of you have probably memorized what I am going to say by now, but we must draw the line for...certain newcomers." Most eyes focused on the Koopalings as he said so. Bowser Jr. wasn't fazed in the slightest and simply crossed his hands over his chest while raising his middle fingers.

To everyone's surprise, his own father beat Master Hand to punishing the troublemaker. Bowser seized his son by his stubby tail and dragged him inside. Crazy Hand shut the door after them, and after an awkward silence Master Hand started his announcements.

"So, since this is a civilized event, we do have rules in place here. I won't bore you with the entire list, which you were handed upon your arrival here anyways and should have read, but I want to especially emphasize that there is to be no inter-world travel without my explicit permission. You could potentially cause disastrous and usually irreversible consequences. I also want to highlight that you are not to be in another's or have anyone guests in your room past curfew without my permission. This, as always, is final!" he yelled over the expected outbreak of resentful grumbling.

"SILENCE!" Crazy Hand screamed in an ear-piercing tone. There was an immediate outbreak of pained shouts and cursing.

"That wasn't necessary, Crazy, but thank you. I have one more reminder before we get to announcements proper, although it is really more of advice: there are plenty of resources here that I have taken pains to establish, and your fellow Smashers. If you are having any difficulties, do not hesitate to use them, or ask anyone. You are among friends here, or at the very least, allies. Now then, the first tournament will start in a week; this year, Crazy and I are doing something a little different. We are hosting a triples tournament, with two veterans paired with every newcomer. Veterans, it is up to you to teach our newcomers in the ways of Smash; I leave the 'how' up to you. The full team list will be posted outside the cafeteria. That is all I have for you, thank you everyone for listening, and having a smashing day!" The two hands floated back inside while most of their audience was groaning at the pun.

"Huh, I think I'm going to find out who my partners are," Mega Man said to his brother. "Wanna come along?"

Elec Man shrugged. "Why not? It can't hurt to be acquainted with the system. I am, after all, still to play a part," he added with no small amount of pride. Rock rolled his eyes and walked inside.

"I must be off to find my partners," Robin remarked to Chrom. "I presume you'll be returning to Ylisse soon?"

"I need to remind Master Hand about it, but first I need to find Lucina."

"I saw her over with that man in the green tunic...Link, I think he's called. But, Chrom, are you sure she'll still want to come with you now that she knows the first tournament is in only a week?"

"I won't know unless I ask." The latter started off to the location Robin had pointed out.

"Yeah! I've been looking forward to this all day!" Pit exclaimed. "What about you, Lucina?" When she didn't respond he asked again.

"Pit, show a little more patience," Link admonished. "You gave her maybe ten seconds to respond. Anyways, something on your mind, Lucina?"

"Nothing much...have either of you seen my father or Robin?"

On cue, Chrom strode out of the crowd. "Ah, there you are, Lucina!" He glanced over at Link, Zelda, and Pit. "Making new friends already? That's always a good thing to do, even if they're not your partners."

"Um...yes. Father, I - perhaps I should remain here to meet my partners? I can return to Ylisse tomorrow."

"I'm sure your mother will take some time to digest the news as well, but I would prefer that she see you in person when we break it to her. Unfortunately I already have appointments to make later today, so I must return soon. Anyways, I can always ask Robin to fill you in, and I'm sure your friends here and partners would be willing to do the same."

"Father, you know that - "

"It's a good thing to strive for independence, Lucina, but it won't hurt you to trust another once in a while. If you want to stay, that is your decision; I will not reveal who you truly are until you return in person."

"That is most generous of you, Father, but I think I will return with you. You're right: learning to trust others is something I should practice." Turning to the others, she repeated her decision.

"Aw, well, don't worry, I'll get you up to speed when you get back, even if you're not my teammate!" Pit replied as enthusiastically as ever.

Zelda nodded. "I can promise likewise, Lucina. I am honored you would trust us despite having known us for so short a time."

"Thank you all for being so willing to help me. Farewell for the present." Lucina left with her father.

Pit slung his blades off his back. "Well, since we have time, how about a mono e mono, no items, Final Destination, Link? We can check the list later."

"You are going to lose like you do every time," Zelda grumbled. "And then we have to deal with your post-match complaints." In contrast to her reaction, the Hero of Hyrule just drew his sword and swung it twice while spinning before sheathing it again.

"Fine. Might as well give the newcomers a live demonstration when they get there. Although you are going to lose again, Pit."

"We'll see about that!" he retorted, causing Link and Zelda to roll their eyes.

"Enter," Master Hand's voice called when Chrom knocked. "Ah, Chrom. Are you ready to return?" he said without turning around.

"Yes, we are ready," Lucina replied in her father's stead, causing the creator to turn in surprise.

"Lucina...were you not paying attention to my warning just minutes earlier?"

"Well, seeing that I accidentally revealed myself already - " Master Hand held up a finger for silence.

"Hm...well it's supposed to happen anyways, so there might not be any harm..." he mused aloud, though too quietly for Lucina to catch anything but snatches of it. "But what if her premature return should upset the timeline? No, Walhart is in the early phases of the buildup I convinced him and Excellus would be necessary to invade the Ylissean continent and Plegia lies in ruins. Even Grima's return to the past was meant to be; his incarnation from Lucina's future isn't supposed to do anything during this period...I think it should be safe to allow her to return, yes."

The princess and her father, meanwhile, were exchanging confused looks. Thee had distinctly heard the names of the Fell Dragon, Walhart, and a number of other words; while Chrom was merely confused, Lucina was starting to worry. Just how much did Master Hand know about their universe?

"Er...Master Hand, are you alright?"

"Oh, yes, I am quite fine. Anyways, since you already went back into the past, Lucina, I can't see any harm in allowing you to return to Ylisse with your father. It's just as you two left it." Master Hand made his familiar finger-parting motion and a portal appeared that lead to the palace courtyard. "Chrom, before you go, you recall that I had set up a means of communication between this dimension and yours, right?" Off the Exalt's nod, he continued, "Well, just contact me when you and/or Lucina are ready to return and I can have you back within minutes. Stay safe, you two."

Chrom stepped through unhesitatingly. Lucina made to follow and took a backwards glance. The god-hand was already back at his desk as if nothing had happened, holding a quill appropriately sized for him and scribbling furiously. The sheer oddness of the scene almost made the princess laugh, but she just turned around and followed her father.

"And here is the Trophy Rush arena. Basically, you can break blocks for coins and other stuff should the sparring room not be an adequate vent for your frustration. Do bear in mind, however, that it requires a certain number of coins to participate in," Sonic explained to Mega Man and Elec Man as they entered another portal from the stage selection room of the training center.

"Hm, there's a lot more to this tournament that I was expecting," the Blue Bomber mused.

"Yes, well, Master Hand can't organize everything, even with Crazy's help, because he's got a big enough job of keeping everything in order, including Smashville. Since a lot of the people there are also from various worlds, it gets just about as hectic; they're as crazy as us." Both of the robots raised an eyebrow.

"Anyway," Sonic quickly amended, "The point is that a lot of these mini-games were suggested by Smashers and any competitions for them are organized by us. Moving on, let's get to the official stages and tournament rules. Back this way."

They had just re-entered the stage selection room when Shadow walked out of another portal.

"Hey, Shadow, where do you think you're going?" Sonic demanded. "Master Hand said you were going to help me with the mechanics demonstration."

"Pit and Link are already at it. They can do just as good a job, and besides, Link let me go and the rules say I shouldn't even be a fighter. Take it up with him." The black hedgehog disappeared without another word. His blue counterpart sighed and motioned for his companions to follow him into a different portal.

The portal lead to a large glass dome, displaying a panoramic view of the same sky and platform cluster as the Trophy Rush arena, though in a different spot among them. Sonic gestured outside at the main fixture of the region: a series of platforms seemingly suspended in midair, with no others around them for a hundred yards. "In front of you is Battlefield, one of the eighty-three stages that Master Hand has built for this year's tournament. Most of the stage layouts are pretty similar to this: a single long, thick platform, with shorter platforms that you can traverse through over it. They also don't vary much except for platform layout and/or scenery; I'll show you the exceptions later."

He walked over to a console at one corner. "Now, as you probably guessed, this console warps you into the stage, however, you can face up to seven others at a time. If you don't have any others with you, you can also summon training dummies or computer-controlled images of other Smashers to practice against - we call them bots. The AIs can be configured to suit your training needs: If I want to practice performing a certain combo then I can set the bot to not take offensive action at all, or if I'm looking for a realistic opponent to practice on I can set it to maximum difficulty. This panel also allows you to set the match mode for either stock or timed, adjust the settings for each mode, and tweak additional preferences such as which items you want to spawn in during the match. For applicable stages there is also Omega mode, which just removes all but the thick platform and any stage hazards. A demonstration..." Sonic toggled the Omega mode command on the console and the platforms promptly disappeared. He reset the console and the platforms materialized, looking as solid as ever.

"Um...how, exactly, is that possible? Are they holograms of some sort?"

Sonic sighed. "Sorry, Rock, I'm not the right person to ask about that. Just be rest assured that it'll work, and if it doesn't talk to Master Hand. Anyway, once you're done, be sure to reset it; Master Hand gets annoyed about it when you don't for anything, but especially for official stages. Well, time to explain the rules of the tournament itself. If you'll follow me back into the stage selection room."

They stepped back through and into another stage. This one had a constantly changing background, shifting between a dawn sky and various locations in space, with no platforms but the primary one. Unlike on Battlefield, the control vestibule seemed to be suspended the platform, with only a small floor, barely big enough to fit eight people, to reassure Smashers that they weren't walking on air.

"This is Final Destination, which is the basis for the Omega configuration since not everyone wants this background when fighting," Sonic explained, unfazed by the small size of the platform despite the others' nervous glances. He leaned close to the control console and spoke. "Hey, you two, mind putting your grievances aside and giving a demonstration?"

Link waved offhandedly to his partners. "Sure, let me reset Pit's percentage. I'm below 30% so it doesn't matter."

"Hey, wait - aaah!" Before Pit could protest Link had taken two swipes at him and knocked him off stage. The former waited until the last possible moment to recover with Power of Flight, but Link was ready for it. He jumped off stage to follow him and thrust his sword underneath him just as Pit flew into it. The thrust slammed him downwards and after less than a second of falling he disappeared in a blast of blue light.

"Wait, did he just die?" Mega Man asked.

"Sort of. That's a technique called gimping, for reference. The death system is hard to precisely describe, but in short there's no permanent death here, not that it'll be an issue for a robot like you. I'll get to all of that in time." Sure enough, a small platform just big enough for one person descended from above the stage, carrying Pit, who was looking a little miffed but otherwise unharmed. Where it came from Mega Man hadn't seen, but if Omega transformations could take place in seconds then he had no trouble believing that it had literally appeared out of thin air.

"Was there any need to be disrespectful like that?" The angel grumbled as he took his position. They had a brief respite as Sonic was explaining the damage percentage mechanics.

"Has to be done in order or they won't get it," Link replied with a shrug.

"Fine, but we're switching places for the next team!"

Ylisstol Palace

"Milord, may I inquire as to what Marth is doing here?"

"I'll explain later, Frederick. Where is Sumia?"

"She is waiting for you inside, milord. She thought it best to discuss any political matters in a more secluded location. I will take you to her."

To their surprise Frederick lead them to the room Chrom shared with his wife. The Exalt motioned for his daughter and loyal knight to stay outside while he entered.

Sumia sat on the bed facing away from the door, their wedding bouquet in her hands. As he watched she plucked off a petal and after considering it for a few seconds let it flutter to the floor with a sigh, giving no outward acknowledgement of her husband.

"He loves me then...?" Despite her words there wasn't a trace of hope as she plucked another petal and studied it closely. "...Or perhaps not..." The petal floated down to the ground and was replaced by another.

Puzzled, Chrom stepped inside and closed the door behind him. There was no way she couldn't have heard the clunk of wood as it slid into its frame, but she didn't turn around. Her husband approached cautiously. "Sumia...why in the gods' names are you shredding those poor flowers?"

She didn't turn to face him but audibly sniffed. "D-don't think I didn't see! You brought her! Gods, Chrom, does our relationship mean nothing to you?!"

"Sumia, listen to me. This will be a bit of a shock, but you deserve the truth: she is our daughter from the future."

She stared in disbelief. "...what? Chrom, how many times has it been said that you're a terrible liar?"

"Then let me fetch her to prove it." He started for the door.

"DON'T YOU DARE BRING HER IN HERE!" Sumia was on her feet now, her expression lined with such fury that it stopped her husband in his tracks. "I'll discern the truth of this myself!" The queen kept her eyes fixed on her husband as she walked out, her hands balled into fists. She yanked the door open with enough force to make it rebound off the wall and close most of the way, at the expense of her balance.

Roused from his stupor Chrom rushed to help her to her feet, but she pushed him away.

"Sumia, calm down! When have I ever tried to deceive you?"

"I will not until I know the truth! And I can get up myself!" She shoved her husband back and promptly stumbled backwards through the doorway, falling again.

Lucina knelt next to her. "Mother, are you alright?"

"Get away from me, you whore!" Lucina recoiled, horrified. Sumia waved off Frederick's offer of assistance and regained her footing, expression still livid.

"Sumia, peace!" Chrom emerged from the room. "Look into her eye and see what I have told you for yourself!"

The queen took a few heavy breaths, her glare fixated on Lucina, who stared right back despite the earlier insult, hoping her mother would spot the Mark that would validate her father's words. Sumia's anger was quickly replaced by surprise. "Y-your eye...it has the Brand!"

"Yes, the same Brand carried by all House Ylisse's bloodline. Do you see now, Sumia?"

She sighed and looked away after staring for a few more moments. "...Are you really my daughter?"

"I swear on my life," Lucina replied.

"You've grown up to be so beautiful...Oh Gods..." Sumia lowered her gaze, as the roller coaster of emotions reached a new peak. "I called you the worst thing imaginable just moments ago...I-it's inadequate, but...for what it's worth...I'm deeply sorry for what I said earlier."

Her daughter shook her head. "The fault is mine for not revealing myself to you sooner, Sumia."

"You...don't want to call me mother?"

"I - I thought you might mind."

Sumia walked up to Lucina and embraced her. "Of course not. My child may not be very old in this timeline, but I love her more than anything in the world. And that extends to you, too."

Her daughter returned the embrace. "I've missed you more than you'll ever know..." Tears began to form in her eyes again. "...Mother..."

Chrom silently beckoned to Frederick for them to leave the pair alone. The knight complied; true to his professional nature, if he had reaction to Lucina's revelation, he did not show it.

"Milord, have you considered what the political ramifications of this might be?" He asked once they had turned several corners and gone up a floor.

"That is what Robin's for, Frederick. We'll have a way to explain this that is more believable than time travel. Neither of us are going to be staying for long because of the tournament, so it can be kept from public eye for the moment. Now, when are Basilio and Flavia heading back to Ferox?"

Now they were standing on the battlement crowning the inner wall around the palace proper. "Later today, milord. The Plegian delegation that is finalizing surrender terms will be here within the hour, however."

"Right. Inform me when they do and keep them in the main hall; I will be looking over the notes Robin and I have written. You know where to find me."

"Yes, milord." Frederick bowed and headed for the main hall to await the delegation while Chrom headed inside.

Final Destination, Smashverse

Sonic turned from narrating the demonstration Link was giving the unfortunate Pit. "So, that covers the mechanics of the tournaments here. Any questions?"

"Yeah. We still get hurt from any attacks here, right?"

"Well, a sword prick still feels like a sword prick, just without inflicting any physical damage. Again, I'm not sure there's any way to get used to it except participating yourself; the fact you have armor just further complicates any predictions. Fortunately, we have Link as a partner so you can get a feel for it before the tournament."

"Have I told you that your ways of placating fears are completely hit-or-miss?"

"No, and I'll take it as a compliment. Besides, you don't really have anything to worry about. I'm a hedgehog: my spikes are up there with swords. You already fought me twice and did fine."

"How about reminding me about that later, I have enough to process as it is without trying to work out how I can't remember meeting and fighting alongside you twice or attempting to scan for those memories. Even a supercomputer has limits."

Sonic chuckled and thanked Link and Pit for their demonstration before gesturing for Rock and Elec Man to follow him back into the stage selection room. "Then I hope you still have the processing power to cram the information about the assist trophies and items into your memory banks from the archives, because I can't even list half of them off the top of my head and it looks bad to read it off a list."

"Oh come on, you're supposed to be helping me here..." Rock grumbled.

Sonic shrugged indifferently. "Helping with making you part of the team. This stuff about the mechanics, Link and I already know about. You have to work harder because you're playing catch-up. Look on the bright side; you're blessed with a photographic memory. Lots of other newcomers aren't."

"Why do I get the feeling that's the only reason Link thinks this is okay?"

"It was." Sonic changed tacks at lightning speed. "Aaanyway...Link and Pit are going to be at their little spar for a while and I got nothing else for you. So you can do what you want until about 3:00. We're meeting in the lounge on the second floor."

The hedgehog had said all but the first word on one breath, leaving his partner confused. "Er...what?"

"TL;DR you're free until 3:00, meet in the second floor lounge."

Elec Man raised his eyebrows. "And what is the acronym supposed to mean?"

"Stands for 'Too Long; Didn't Read', though I don't think is appropriate use of it," Rock explained.

"Eh, I hate repeating myself. Besides, 'in short' is boring. Later!" And with that, Sonic sped off.

"Well I can see why you took a liking to him in the past, Rock."

The Blue Bomber sighed. "Yeah, I can too, unfortunately. He's like Cut Man, only more annoying at times. Anyway, I'm off to the archives to read up on the stuff Sonic talked about. Can you watch over Tango and Rush?"

Elec Man's eyes clouded and energy sizzled in his hands. "For the umpteenth time, I am not here to serve you, Rock!"

"So you want them to wander around the grounds causing mayhem?"

"Maybe you should leave them powered down or install that docility protocol."

"And how would you feel if I did that to you?" Rock's tone was dead serious.

Elec Man raised his hands in resignation. "Maybe we can find a place on the grounds for them to run around where they won't be causing too much collateral damage."

"We could put them on one of the stages that isn't in use and let them expend their energy that way."

"You know, that isn't a bad idea as long as nobody comes in and abducts them. I'll go talk to Master Hand about it; maybe he can aid in solving that problem."

"Alright, well I have studying to do." With that, they parted.

Rock walked into the archives room and the custodian handed him a tablet with the index uploaded to it along with an uplink cable. Rather than read it the Blue Bomber took the cable and plugged it into himself. It was easier to comprehend things once they were in his internal memory; the simpler the process, the easier. And with the start of the tournament a mere week away while he had learned the basics just minutes ago, speed was paramount.

Once the copy was complete he set the tablet down on a nearby table and sat down. Even though he didn't need the tablet, habits were hard to break, and habits back home were behaving and appearing like any normal human. So he kept it and set his body to scroll it down every thirty seconds or so, while flipping right whenever the screen didn't scroll down any further. Such a simple program required very little of his processing power to execute; the rest, and his consciousness, was focused on the actual task at hand. While simply having things memorized was a cinch, being able to recall the knowledge quickly, and especially under pressure, was another matter entirely, one that required careful formulation of pathways and careful allocation of information to the comparatively small short-term memory.

Nothing was ever as simple as it seemed. Others might think his robotic nature made life easier for him, but it also brought its own set of challenges and drawbacks. All of this was done instinctively, just as normal bodily functions were for humans, but all the same memorization required preparatory work. Rock initiated a self-diagnostic and decided to defragment his memory for good measure. While his systems were working their magic, he got up and walked over to the water cooler in one corner. He grabbed a paper cup, filled it, and returned, sipping it while waiting for the checks to finish. Another thing merely for appearances; any ingested food or drink was destroyed inside his fusion core by the intense heat as it provided no nutritional value. While his body could synthesize new mechfluid and repair itself using it, he hardly needed it and so the compounds were usually destroyed at the molecular level by particle collisions inside the reactor. Dr. Light had always kept the function installed, even though E-Tanks provided the energy and matter needed to boost his autorepair systems most of the time.

There was a surprisingly large amount of information about items and assist trophies, but he had time, and even if he didn't the android wouldn't have thought to rush the process. Better to do it more slowly but right the first time than have to repeat the lengthy process.

Rock raced to the lounge, almost running into Mario, Rosalina, and Yoshi in the entrance.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that."

"No worries, Mega Man." Mario gestured to let the Blue Bomber go first before his team exited.

"Hey," Sonic greeted him as the former sat down. "Done your reading?"

"Yeah. I have to say, items make things a lot more complicated."

Link shrugged. "There are tournaments that don't involve their use, but Master Hand thought it would make you newcomers better fighters if you had to deal with the added nuisance while you were still learning."

"On that note," Sonic added, "Since you already know how this works, we're going to be practicing for the rest of the week and working out team strategies."

Rock relaxed back in his chair. "Alright, what's the regimen? Practice except for food and sleep?"

"...On second thought, let's take it down a notch," the hedgehog suggested casually. "We can spend the mornings and afternoons practicing, and the evenings working out strategies."

"I'm okay with that. How about you, Link?"

The Hylian chuckled. "You're taking this tournament a lot more seriously than I imagined. We can stick to this routine until Mega Man has the basics down, then we need to adjust it when we get to training for more specific situations like walk-off stages."

"That reminds me: are we just practicing against those images...bots, Sonic called them?"

"Yes. Any sort of fighting between Smashers, whether in relation to training or not, is prohibited. I'll be setting them up in the teams that we can potentially face."

"Sounds reasonable to me. Anything else?" Sonic asked.

"I can bring one of my companions along to record our matches. I think it'll help us in formulating strategies if we see the how and why."

"Hold on, where are they going to be? On the stage?"

"Nah, I'll ask them to stay by the stage controls."

Link stood. "Very well, then, you know what to bring to practice tomorrow. I will see you two at dinner if you are so inclined."

"Aren't we going to practice today at all?" Rock asked. "It's barely past 4:00."

"Sure, I can help you with setting up a practice match," Sonic offered.

"Apologies, Mega Man, but I have other matters to attend to," Link replied.

"Don't worry about it; stuff comes up. And I'd prefer if you call me Rock, it rolls off the tongue easier in battle. "

Sonic nodded. "I can testify to that. See ya later, Link," he called over his shoulder as the blue duo left.

"So what do you make of this place so far?" The hedgehog asked once they were walking towards the stage selection room.

"Now I know how humans feel when they go to college. I've always had responsibilities to take care of back home, either at Light Labs helping my dad or dealing with Wily. Now...everything is up to me. It's a little overwhelming. I still have things to do here, but the feeling of not having other people depending on my actions is...odd."

"It'll get worse before it gets better, trust me."

"You have a very odd way of reassuring people, you know that?"

"Is everything about me that odd to you?"

"So far."

"Seriously?" Sonic protested. "I'm not that strange just because I'm the only hedgehog that runs fast!"

"'Odd' is relative. Your mannerisms are certainly unique, but if I find them odd it's because of my opinions."

The good-natured squabbling continued back and forth until they entered the stage select room.

"Got any recommendations?"

"Great Cave Offensive. I'd also turn items off for your first match even if you know what they do."

"Why do I get the feeling this will be the last time I trust your stage picks?"

Plegia Castle

Grima stood atop one of the turrets, staring at his own skull lying in the courtyard. It wasn't often that the Fell Dragon allowed himself to be influenced by emotion; that was inviting the formation of attachments, and those were hindrances to attaining power. But his host had a tendency to be restless when things were not progressing. Just side effects of possessing a tactician; since Robin surrendered his body willingly, there was no threat to the security of the Fell Dragon's grip.

A flash of cyan at one of the windows in the castle caught his eye. Another flash appeared in the courtyard, at the front of the skull occupying it. In its wake was a vaguely human figure that seemed to be made of cyan energy, centered around a multicolored ball of light in his chest, with violet wings of intricate design. By any account, however, he was not in good shape: his wings had been broken judging by their uneven sizes, his form flickered like a candle in breeze, and the mysterious being's body was surrounded by a pale vortex of moonlight, as though he were leaching light from the world for his own sustenance.

When he spoke his voice was quiet, but the Fell Dragon's heightened senses had no trouble picking it up in the quiet desert air. "He was not here...ever? Impossible...one of them hails from this place..."

A pause as the figure knelt and studied the skull, running a hand along it. When the fingers made contact with it they flickered and became so transparent it was nigh-impossible to discern their presence. "Another foray...my diminishing strength wasted on a fruitless search..." the voice hissed in frustration. "Perhaps Master Hand is not so above change..."

Grima left the turret railing and descended the stairs as swiftly as he could manage. Though he had complete control of Robin's body, possession inundated the host with enough dark energy to disintegrate most humans instantly, hence why he could not pick just any loyal Grimleal. Even a form with magical resistance as strong as Robin's atrophied with time. It didn't help that his physical immunities and link his god were weakened greatly by the journey back in time: At the moment Grima was capable of nothing more than standard human behavior, unable to channel power through his host for fear of destroying it.

The temptation to summon all of Plegia to the Dragon's Table now was strong, but for it to work best it required sacrifice of healthy, faithful humans. If performed now, with most of the nation's population maimed, emaciated, and thoroughly disillusioned, it would likely backfire and weaken him further if such miserable excuses for followers were consumed.

The mysterious being was still lost in his contemplations when Grima reached the courtyard. Several Plegian soldiers were observing from the shadows, but they stepped out and stood at attention when he arrived. The Fell Dragon ordered them back to their posts with a wave of his arm. While they didn't worship him like the god he was, his alias as the new Supreme Hierophant under Validar gave him nearly the same control.

The stranger didn't take notice of a half dozen armed men appearing from and then fading back into the shadows. "...no. I refuse to consider that prospect. I do not kowtow before others. I will avenge my defeat myself or die trying."

"Alright," Grima snapped as he continued to stride closer, "you have been allowed a quarter-hour in here. Now state your purpose and identity or you are under arrest, trespasser."

"The Fell Dragon himself has come to me...what an interesting turn of events," the mysterious being replied without turning.

The reply surprised him. "Then surely you know to make eye contact with me when addressed, Grimleal or not, unless you wish me to blast you into dust! Now, what is your name?" The soldiers had reemerged and were now bristling spears.

He chuckled. "Weakened though I may be, Grima, you are still no threat to me. You call yourself a god, but you are merely an exceptionally powerful hybrid. You have not seen a true god before now." He raised his arms and his body radiated a dull cyan pulse. Though visually unimpressive the color drained from the Plegian soldiers, literally, and now six black-and-white statues lay on the courtyard floor, staring vacantly into the sky.

Grima, meanwhile, was picking himself up off the ground. "What you have just witnessed requires insignificant amounts of my strength, for it takes far less energy to change what is than to wipe it from existence," the other being explained. "You see, I epitomize everything forbidden. I symbolize uniformity, sameness; I seek to eliminate war, plague, famine, all the scourges of society. To do so, that which makes life worth living must be purged, too."

"Then you have no business being here - !"

"That is where you are wrong. For we now share a common enemy: The Super Smash Brothers. I know you have an interest in two of their number."

Grima tensed. "You are merely grasping at straws."

"No. Your body is that of Robin, whom you seek to merge with in this continuity, but you are interested in the other one, in multiple ways, I may add."

A snarl left the Fell Dragon's throat. He took a minute to compose himself, lest he lose control and burn away his host body. His reply was dripping with sarcasm. "And what would an all-powerful and all-knowing being such as Your Highness need with a lower deity such as myself?"

"Oh, I am not all-powerful, not even at full strength, otherwise the Super Smash Brothers would not have defeated me. And that is why I was hoping to gain your attention. You see, we both seek to target enemies inside the realm of Smash. But that universe, or Outrealm, as you call them here, is guarded by strong barriers, magical and physical. I no longer have the strength to breach its defenses head-on after my defeat. That is why I have been traveling the various universes from which the members of Smash hail from: to find remnants of portals that Master Hand opened. These are connections that I can exploit and force open to enter the world of Smash, but he has been careful to seal them so that I cannot breach them given my current weakness."

He finally straightened and turned to face Grima. "So, I offer to ally myself with you. I offer you a way to strike at your mortal enemy and corrupt Robin with your influence; in exchange, I ask for you to lend your strength so that we may break the seal to enter. Though your body cannot handle channeling your might at the moment, I shall assist it so that you may."

"Bah, Robin's Heart is too weak. He cannot stand any interaction with my spirit without sustaining grievous mental or physical damage. One failed attempt will rouse Lucina's suspicions. But - " he licked his lips "I relish the idea of tormenting her from afar. What, may I ask, do you plan to do once you enter their world?"

"That is knowledge that will not affect your agenda."

"Very well, then. I think we have an agreement. However, I must say it is tedious to talk to one with no name."

"Surely your host's brilliant mind would have aided you in discerning it by now? You may call me Tabuu."