"For this next match, we have The Great Gonzales, The Eternal Understudy, Ashen Chevalier, Silver Angel, Golden Bladelord, and Autumn Samurai going against the Bloodthirsty Fox! This is history in the making, folks! Will the champion keep his belt or will it be short lived!"
Tartaglia laughed. "Oh, I have been waiting for you guys to show up. Honestly, I was hoping to face your entire group, But I guess this round is enough. It's been four years since we had a battle Aether. I'm looking forward to see how much you have grown. And I'm also interested in the Samurai from Inzauma, the Ashen Chevalier, the Silver Angel, and the famous Mario Bros. Your battle against that big guy and his son... Bowser and Junior was it? It certainly got my blood boiling."
"You're still the same as ever Tartaglia. Whenever you're facing stronger opponents, you couldn't contain your bloodlust for battle. It reminded me of another person I heard much about?" Aether sighed
"Oh? Ooh, I think I know who you're refereeing to. The only difference between me and him is that I'm a warrior at heart. I rather make friends with them and take the pleasure of fighting them on the battlefield, don'tcha know? Plus you know I'm not the type who would do something so callous."
"True that. It's one of the reasons why I like about you." Aether said as he summon his sword through magic.
"You guys definitely have quite the history." Levi nervously laughed. "Still, I'm looking forward to this battle Tartaglia." Levi said as he, Rean draw out their weapons and got on their battle stance. "Aether told us quite a bit about you. So we're gonna give it everything we got."
"Yeah. There's no doubt you're very powerful. But you're another obstacle in our way. And we're going to breathe through!" Rean declared.
Tartaglia laughed. "Fighting Talk, I love it!" He raised his hand high and his Bow was materialized. Then Tartaglia got on his battle stance. (His Battle stance is like all archers when they don't attack after they launch their arrow. You know Bow on his left arm near his hip, while his right arm is on a stance, ready to pull a Bow string. His- Oh you know what I'm referring too right?)
Tartaglia then unleash his battle aura, which was blue, but his aura was felt with a very powerful presence. It was enough to be felt throughout even outside of Glitz Pit from a distance.
(Trails of Azure ost - Unfathomed Force)
"Wah!" Luigi exclaimed.
"...!" Kazuha clench his teeth
"This presence...!" Rean said, feeling the chill as his sweat was on his cheek.
"HOOO NELLY! Now this is what I call an intense force!" Grubba exclaimed. "I've never encounter someone with a powerful presence in a while!"
"He's a lot stronger than I thought...!" Levi muttered.
"So this is Tartalia's strength..." Kazuha said with his eyes close. "No..."
Aether sighed. "I was right... you have got a lot stronger for the past four years. Honestly, I'm surprised. I guess I shouldn't hold back..." Aether said as he unleash a golden aura which strength rivals that of Tartaglia.
"Great nelly! Ladies and gentlemen! We're about to have ourselves an epic showdown, unlike Glitz Pits, has any seen before! The tension in the air is enough to make people faint, when facing such almighty figures! Which side will win?!" Grubba exclaimed as Rean combat link with Levi, Mario combat link with Luigi, and Aether combat link with Kazuha.
"Hahahaha! All right... Now... show me what you're capable of Ashen Legion!" Tartaglia declared.
Glitz Pits Champion - Tartaglia
"You as well, Bloodthirsty Fox!" Aether exclaimed.
"Haaaaaaah/Ahhhhh!" Aether and Tartaglia yelled and he, Mario, Luigi, Rean, Kazuha and Levi launch themselves toward Tartagalia and Tartaglia did the same, only quickly change his Bow into a lance.
Once come into contact, it cause a powerful shockwave, large enough to send Grubba flying and the audience flying too if not ducking or hanging on to the pole.
"WHOOOOOA!" Grubba exclaimed from the shockwave's strength as he was slam to the wall with some of the other audience.
Tartaglia let out the first attack by launching a large wide slash onto Aether and the others, then Aether zoom and then clash with Tartaglia and got into a power struggle with him.
"Ooh boy! Things are getting wild in here!" Goombella said as she use her Tally by flipping the pages. "Yes yes, Current champion... HOLY CRAP! Tartaglia's got 150 HP?! Attack of 7 and zero on defense! Tartaglia is capable of shifting weapons, to Bow, Swords, Lance, any kind! If he switch to daggers, you'll be dealing tons of damage! He's not only fast, and powerful, but also very aerobatic! His crafts are no joke either! No wonder he can easily overwhelm Rawk Hawk! He's super strong! Which explains his intense presence."
Rean and Levi lung themselves toward Tartaglia and clash with them and going all out, until Tartaglia let out a powerful wide blue slash to knock Rean and Levi back, then Mario and Kazuha launch themselves toward Tartaglia who dodge their attacks then counter it with rapid slashes onto them and knock them back. Then Luigi pull out a fire Flower and then launch a fireball at Tartaglia, who immediately counter by switching to a Bow and shoot an arrow, which overwhelm the fireball and launch at Luigi.
"Wah!" Luigi exclaimed before jumping out of the way in time.
Aether extended his Sword's range and then launch to Tartaglia and let out a cross-clash follow-up with a downward slash, pushing Tartaglia back. Tartaglia unleashes four consecutive shark-shaped waves with his bow, then switch with a lance as Levi slash down the shark wave shots. Levi use Penetrate Throw on Tartaglia who immediately dodge it by warping in front of him to let out a couple of slashes, but Levi dodge each of his strike by swinging his arm and let out a strong light wave of his power and his Glaive return to his arm. Kazuha zoom towards Tartaglia who then power stuggle with him with a sword this time. Tartaglia and Kazuha go all out with each other, then join along was Rean, Levi, and Aether as Tartaglia conjured another sword and became more chaotic in battle. Kazuha let out some wind slashes while Aether let out some trust attack to push Tartaglia back along with taking additional damage from Kazuha's wind slashes. Then Tartaglia combine his sword into a double saber then warp towards Aether, Kazuha, Rean and Levi and perform 5 consecutive strikes of slash, slash, slash, thrust, spinning slash, knocking them back.
Mario pull up a fire flower and then turn into Fire Mario then readied himself and then launch himself toward Tartaglia who block his upcoming fist with his hand then Mario let out a flurry of punches before shooting fireballs after. Tartaglia swirl his double saber as a shield then perform a wide slash, which Mario defend himself, while Luigi did a Luigi spin on Tartaglia, then follow up with a Super Jump Punch Tartaglia in the air. Tartaglia quickly regain his posture, switch with a Bow and launched nine consecutive shots all at once and cause a watery explosion as Tartaglia landed on his feet. Aether came out of the watery explosion and charge and clash with Tartaglia with a shockwave, then the two of them go all out with each other which Kazuha reappeared over him with his Tachi glowing green.
"Clouds hide... the bird's call!" Kazuha yelled, unleashing his Craft: Kazuha Slash, a force of the first winds of autumn strike on Tartaglia while Aether follow up with X slashes, then Aether jump spin in the air with the wind surrouding him.
"Go with the wind!" Aether unleash his craft: Gust Surge, dealing ton of damage on Tartaglia who was push back.
"Now this is a battle!" Tartaglia smirked and then he readied his next shot.
He shoot seven shots at once toward Aether and the others, but Rean and Levi launch their slashes to counter it, causing an explosion. then Mario and Luigi charge in with their hammers in hand and then swing at Tartaglia who dodge each swing. Before he can counterattack, Mario leap over Tartaglia and hammer him in the head, giving Luigi the change to let out a powerful upper swing to Tartaglia's chin, launch him into the air, giving Mario the chance to swing his Hammer down, knocking Tartaglia back to the ground and crash. Tartaglia got back on his feet and then switch with a lance. Then he launch several lighting flash projections towards the group as they split up and dodge, while Tartaglia let out several slash projections towards them as they dodge. Levi summon javelins of light and launch them to Tartaliga who swipe them with his lance, then Rean let out several slashes toward Tartaglia, then follow up by Levi with a spin slash of his Glaive before a powerful trust attack to launch Tartaglia back. Tartaglia switch with a sword and then charge towards Rean and push him back while Levi charge in and clash with Tartaglia, going all out with each other as they warp around the ring, until Tartaglia slash through Levi and several phantom slashes strike on him. Aether unleashes three slashes of thunder toward Tartaglia who slash it, then Kazuha clash with Tartaglia, then join by Aether, Mario and Luigi. The four of them go all out with each other while Rean and Levi cast their Orbal Arts onto Tartgalia together, a Purgatorial Flame, and Claiomh Solarion, dealing Tartaglia massive damage. Aether extended his sword range and then let out powerful slashes upward right, then downward left. He then slashes downwards right, then finishes with a wide horizontal slash to the right. While Kazuha zoom to Tartaglia, letting out several trust attack, and dash with a forward spin slash twice. Giving Aether the chance to follow up with a powerful trust, knocking Tartaglia back. Mario and Luigi charge up a large fireball and launch it to Tartaglia and exploded on him. Tartaglia came out of the smoke with an excited look in his eyes and crash with Aether which cause a powerful shockwave.
"Incredible folks! I have never seen an epic battle like this!" Grubba exclaimed while trying to stay his ground. "Tartaglia giving all he got against the Ashen Legion, despite the disadvantage of against six, but he's still handle them with ease, without breaking a sweat!" He said while Aether forwarded his hand and let out several gust of wind and clashed with Tartaglia, but Aether slide his feet and a line of earth headed towards him cause an explosion, forcing Tartaglia to jump back from the explosion. Then Levi with his Glaive enhances with light charge with Tartaglia and go all out with them with a powerful shockwave. "And the Ashen Legion is giving one hell of a battle! I have never seen such a serious fight before! I might even need to extend the ring!"
Rean let out a powerful fiery crimson slash on Tartaglia and Levi follow up by performing a double spin attack before a slam attack that knocks Tartaglia back.
Tartaglia let out a laughed. "My Blood is boiling!" Tartaglia smirked with his bloodlust awakened.
"Oh no..." Aether sighed. "There's that bloodlust again."
Tartaglia switch with a Bow and launch nine consecutive shots into the air that fall onto the ring causing water explosion before he swipe with daggers, then launch toward Mario and let out a combo slash strike, knocking him back, then a drill attack on Luigi, finishing it with multiple trust attack, knocking him back too. Kazuha and Aether charge at Tartaglia together.
"Brace yourself, this is gonna hurt!" Tartaglia change his daggers to duel saber and let out a powerful wide slash, knocking Aether and Kazuha back.
Rean imbue his Tachi with crimson flames and then he zoom to Tartaglia, let out a sword trust attack, then multiple phantom slashes all over Tartaglia as Rean swirl his Tachi with the Moon appeared in front of him, then trust attack, then swing his arm as he turn around, causing several powerful Phantom slashes to strike Tartaglia, giving him devastating Damage, then Levi follow up by letting out powerful several slashes and phantom slashes onto him, then finish it with a downward slash. Tartaglia switch to duel blades, then he disappeared and reappeared by performing powerful wide phantom slashes onto Rean and the others, gathering them all in one place before reappearing above them and finish it with a Cartwheel left slash, causing a powerful explosion, knocking them all back with devastating damage. As both side were knocked back but with heavy injuries. Tartaglia change into a double saber range, increasing his aura while Aether did the same with his golden aura and extended his sword range. Rean, Levi, and Kazuha unleash their auras too and extended their weapons. Tartaglia readied himself and launch himself toward Aether and the others and he and his five allies with him done the same, all letting out warcries and clash with each other, causing a powerful shockwave, causing a large explosion and shockwave, forcing Grubba and the audience to cover their eyes. Once the smoke clear. Tartaglia reappeared where he stand on the opposite side of Rean and the others. Rean and the others were the first to fall on their knees while Aether still standing.
"Hehehe... That was a good bout..." Tartaglia quietly said as he fell on his knee.
(BGM ended)
Aether was panting hard with a lot of sweat and injuries he substance from the battle, along with the others. Grubba along with the audience jaw-dropped from the most epic battle ever recorded in history. With Aether the only one standing, which mean... they won.
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - New Champion)
"WE HAVE A WINNER! TECHNIQUES VS TECHNIQUES! RAW POWER VS RAW POWER! A CLASH WITH SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH! FOLKS, THIS WAS TRULY, HONESTLY, WITHOUT QUESTION, NO DOUBT, ABSOLUTELY, THE MOST LEGENDARY, AMAZIN' IMPROBABLE, HISTORY-MAKIN' BOUT OF ALL TIME! GIVE IT UP FOR THE ASHEN LEGION, OUR NEW CHAMPIONS!"
(BGM ended)
"WAHOO! YOU GO, GUYS!" A Toad yelled.
"YOU GUYS ROCK!"
"THAT WAS THE MOST EPIC BATTLE I HAVE EVER SEEN!"
"Hehehehe... That was a good battle!" Tartaglia chuckled as he got up and brush off. "You guys certainly earn it. Thanks for giving me an epic battle." He said as he walk over and offer his hand to Aether who was still standing.
"Hehe, you as well." Aether said as he takes Tartaglia's hand and shook it as Rean and the others got on their feet again. Then all of the sudden, Tartaglia pull Aether closer to him, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, which cause quite the fangirling commotion. But unknown to everyone, Tartaglia whispers something to Aether's ears. With Tartaglia let go of Aether, he walk away to the opposite side where he came from and wave at Aether and his party.
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - The Mystery of the Glitz Pit)
Back in the Major League room, the whole team was cheering about the whole thing.
"That was totally wicked! I can't believe we won! And you guys managed to defeat him!" Goombella cheered
"Paimon was scared at the moment! I never thought Tartaglia would be THAT strong! Paimon's heart couldn't take it..." Paimon sighed.
"Yeah... Honestly, I'm shocked at how strong he is." Rean said.
"Yeah... to be honest... I was at my full strength when we face him... But damn... I need to continue my training." Levi nodded
"Yeah... But..." Aether paused.
"So you notice it too." Kazuha said.
"Yeah... no doubt about it." Rean nodded
"What are you guys talking about?" Luigi asked
"That wasn't Tartaglia's full strength. He was holding back." Aether said.
"WHAT!?" Paimon exclaimed.
"Oh my gosh..." Koops gulped. "Then... what is his real strength?"
"I'm not so sure... but-" Aether paused when the door came open.
"Ah, Ashen Legion! Glad to see ya!" Grubba said. "Congratulations! Childe wanted me to give you this." Grubba said as he hand over the Champion belt. "Jolene got the Champion's Room ready for y'all to go into!"
"Oh good." Luigi said as they started to walk out. They walked into the Champion's room where they saw nothing but gold, a dumbbell, a nice bed, another Nintendo Switch but painted gold, and other things.
"Wow… Look at this place!" Paimon said.
"Eh… too much gold if you ask me." Alf said.
"Hey wait a minute, there's only one bed! How are we gonna all fit in there?" Paimon wondered, with everyone giving her a weird look. "What?"
"Everyone, shush." Aether said and use his ears while everyone was quiet... and they heard a strange noise as it was coming from the vents.
"A strange noise… How curious..." Kazuha said.
"You're not the only one." Rean said.
"Yeah... but where-" Levi asked, and cue Mario's SP Mailbox's notification sound going off loudly, making everyone jump.
"YAGH! Turn that down! You trying to give me a heart attack?!" Luigi exclaimed.
"YOU?! What about us!" Paimon asked as Mario checked his Mailbox SP while blushing sheepishly.
"Find the Ghost in the champion's room - From X."
"G-Ghost?!" Luigi turn pale.
"I don't think that was a ghost. At least... I think I do." Kazuha said.
"So this is what Tartaglia said to me. "Champion's room... Use your ears." Aether said.
"He said that? Oh, that was when he kiss you didn't he?" Levi grinned while Aether blushed as he scratch his cheek.
"Let's just go up there." Aether said as Levi made some magic stairs to get up there as Mario and Luigi hammered the frame door down as they went on through the vents where they heard the voice getting stronger.
"Paimon can hear it getting stronger." Paimon said.
"Shhh!" Altina shushed her where they fell quiet.
"Hyuck hyuck hyuck! This has been some exciting times in the pit! First Childe comes out of nowhere, then the Ashen Legion show up out of the blue too! Not only that, but both of them took out Rawk Hawk like he's nothing, not to mention both of them blaze through the ranks! To top it all off, I can't help but feel Jolene, Ashen Legion an' Childe are suspicious of me. Not to mention they're all extremely tough. Ooh... Childe certainly gave me a fright... Ya know, I think it'd be wise if I made them disappear like I did with the others… for my sake. If only you King K and Bandy Andy didn't witness me in that. Ah well, better put this paper in this little drawer! Back to the ring!"
"…Oh, that son of a…It was him after all..." Levi growled, and when they heard a door slam, the Mario Bros hammered the ventilation shaft away and they all came out and into Grubba's office.
"He said something about a paper in the drawer, didn't he?" Kazuha asked.
"Let's take a look." Mario said as they opened up the right side first, where Aether pulled out a Star Piece.
"What the heck is this?" Aether asked.
"Oh, it's a Star Piece!" Rean replied.
"Star Piece?" Paimon asked as Aether put it in his pocket and went to the other side and pulled out a piece of paper.
"Aha!" Aether said
"Let's see it!" Alf said as Aether put it on top of the desk as they looked at it.
"Power Draining Machine?" Levi wondered.
"Look! It's the Crystal Star on top of it!" Luigi pointed on the blueprint.
"So the Crystal Star powers it up?" Mario wondered.
"Ahh... So that's what Tartaglia understands!" Aether growled, and then they heard whistling as Grubba came in.
"WHAT IN TARNATION?!" Grubba yelled.
"Grubba you son of a bitch." Levi pulled his Glaive and pointed at him with a glare. "You were the one responsible for draining Bandy Andy and King K into that machine, weren't you!"
"…Uh oh! I'm out of here!" Grubba exclaimed as he took off.
"AFTER HIM!" Rean yelled as they went after him.
They chased after him where they made it into the Glitz Pit, where it was eerily quiet when no one is around, where they met Grubba on the stadium.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Treacherous Grubba)
"I wasn't expecting y'all to find me out so easily." Grubba said. "It's true! I did away with King K and Bandy Andy because they were stickin' their nose where they didn't belong! And now you were doing the same in my office! But it's no matter… I was planning on making y'all disappear anyway! Y'all are too tough and I was afraid you would threaten my plans! Same goes for Childe, or rather Tartaglia. I was going to do the same to Rawk Hawk and Jolene too!"
"Oh we overheard that part! Grubba you monster you! Why would you do something so evil as draining all of the fighters you made them gone missing?!" Paimon asked
'Cause it keep my bod forever young."
"So that's why you kidnapped many fighters, just you can stay young?!" Rean asked.
"You're darn tootin'! But just that, son. I was once champion like the rest of ya. But age has taken a ton of me, forcing me to retire! I can never forget the glory of my golden years! I want it all back at all cost! So that's when I had this great idea. I open up my own ring, become a promoter, and then use my baby machine to suck out all the fighters of their youth, their strength and become youth forever! With my Crystal Star as its power source, I can stay long forever!" He said as he pressed a button as something underneath the pit rose from the ground. The Power Draining Machine, and on top was the Crystal Star itself.
"The Crystal Star?!" Altina exclaimed.
"You son of a-" Aether growled as Grubba got into the machine.
"This right here is my pride and joy." He said. "And since y'all are here, I'll be here for the next millennium!" Grubba declared. "POWER UUUUUUP!" He yelled as the machine started making noises as Grubba got into position, growing bigger, blue skin turning orange, spikes growing out of his shell, hair growing more spikey, and arms becoming bigger and muscular.
"Call! Me! MACHOOOOO GRUBBAAAAA!"
"M-Mama mia!" Luigi exclaimed.
"So! Great Gonzales, Eternal Understudy, and the rest of y'all! Time to meet your maker!"
Luigi clenched his fists. "That's Ghostbusting Maniac to you, pal!"
"Then you don't mind if I join in?" A voice asked and appeared leaning on the wall was Tartaglia himself.
"Tartaglia!" Paimon exclaimed.
"YOU!" Macho Grubba growled
"I always knew something was off with you Grubba. Those green lights underneath this ring." He said as he walk towards the group. "Your Age, as well as the Seven Wonders." He said as he summoned his Bow. "It all makes sense. Sure, you may have power from the fighters you stole. But you're no warrior. It's time we make you pay."
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Macho Grubba)
"Yeah. Everyone, prepare to engage the enemy! Don't let him escape!" Rean exclaimed
"YEAH!"
Youth Stealer Mastermind - Macho Grubba
"Just like he said, that right there is Macho Grubba!" Goombella said from her tattle. "He's got 60 HP, Attack is 4, and zero defense. He has a simple attack pattern, first he buffs up his speed and then he buffs up all sorts of stuff like defense, power, make him easier not to get hit and the like. Man, to think he used to be a chubby thing… I guess the Crystal Stars can do all sorts of things."
"Enough stammerin' around! We got a fight to do!" Macho Grubba yelled as he buffed up his speed, and then he buffed up his attack power by doing some of the strangest poses.
Rean form a combat link with Levi, Mario combat link with Aether. Luigi combat link with Altina.
Macho Grubba launch a powerful fist earthquake onto everyone, creating a small shockwave as everyone dodge. Mario and Luigi ran over to Super Macho Grubba and punched him but he laughed and kicked them away, but they recovered as Tartaglia shoot a water arrow toward Grubba's forehead, knocking him back a few while Altina had Claiomh Solais let out a powerful arm swing on Grubba. Grubba grab Claiomh Solais and launch it at Flurrie who floated up to dodge it and then Grubba let out several punches toward everyone as they roll out of the way. Levi lunged himself and let out a flurry of slashes which Rean follow up with two spin slash.
"Argh! Not bad!" Grubba exclaimed as he backed up to the ropes and then ran toward them to do a ground pound on Aether.
Aether stomp his foot and created a boot shape earth pieces and halt Grubba's attack, which Kazuha jump into the air and then spin dive attack on Grubba, who immediately jump away in time, but Goombella launch a strong head bonk on Grubba's forehead. Grubba charged up and rammed into the Kazuha, Luigi and Rean of them, sending them flying. Koops got onto his shell and then use Power Shell on Grubba while Flurrie grab Alf and launch him to Grubba and Flutter kick Grubba's face. Grabba grab Alf to crush him, but Tartaglia shoot six consecutive shots on Grubbas' body, forcing him to let go of Alf.
"Thanks!" Alf smirked
"My pleasure." Tartaglia waved while Levi summon three Javelins of Light and launch them towards Grubba who use his arms to defend himself.
Aether and Mario charge at Gruba who readied himself by punching the ground to push them back, but they leap over his arm and Mario shoot a fireball on Grubba's face, follow up with a sword beam, knocking Grubba back. Altina shoot a laser beam at Grubba with Luigi use Luigi Missile on Grubba's gut, and Flurrie Body Slam him hard to force him on his beck.
"Hmph! Not bad! Y'all got showmanship, an' that's GOLD in this biz! But this battle's just getting started! It's time I showed you some real moves! Back in the day, I had so many rump-kickin' moves they had to make some illegal!" He exclaimed as he jumped in the air and punched the ground to form a shockwave that knocked everyone back, but Rean, Tartaglia, Levi, Mario, Aether and Kazuha were the first to get back up
Rean and Levi lung themselves ready and let out flurry of slashes onto Gruabb who backhands them, while Koops got into his Shell, Luigi pick him up and then Hammer launches him to Grubba and kick him in the gut, pushing him back a bit, giving Tartaglia a chance to warm toward Grubba and let out nine slashes from his Dagger attacks. Altina commands Airgetlam to go on an assault by launching itself, splitting into two and launching slashes onto Grubba. Grubba launches himself and then let out a flurry of punches toward everyone, some block it. Altina shielded herself and some dodge. Levi then deflect Grubba's punches to knock him off guard and everyone begin to launch an all out attack on him.
"Guuh! You're all cheating! There are too many of you strong!" Grubba complained.
"And here I thought all the energy you stole was enough for guys like us. I guess you are a hypocrite." Tartaglia comment.
"Ha!" Levi laughed.
"I'LL MAKE YOU REGRET THOSE WORDS!" Grubba roared and then he readied himself and launch a fist punch slide toward the group. Until Rean perform the Moon Style counter attack: Morning Moon, launching a powerful slash to knock Grubba back. "UUGH!"
"Sorry Grubba." Rean said as he reappeared behind him. "But your days of stealing are over." He said as he shred his Tachi and several wide slashes struck Grubba, causing him to fall into his stomach in defeat.
(BGM ended)
"Urgh… y'all are… too good…" Grubba groaned as he was back to normal.
"That takes care of that." Aether said as they gathered around him.
"Right. So, this is what you want, Miss Jolene?" Tartaglia asked.
"Huh?" Paimon asked
"You truly are sharp." A voice said, turning their heads and saw Jolene.
"Jolene?" Rean asked.
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Jolene's Theme)
"Jolene, what are you doing here? How long have you been standing there?" Paimon asked
Levi blicked. "Ooooh... Now I get it... You're X... aren't you?"
"What?" Rean turn to Levi.
"Yes. It's me." Jolene said as she walked up to the stadium. "To be honest, I was surprised Childe didn't tell you, considering he saw me running from the scene."
"Huh? But, you said you couldn't see who it was!" Paimon turn to Tartaglia
"Hehe, sorry comrades, but I lied. I was wondering why Ms. Jolene here was going through all that trouble, just to show us what was really going on here. I was tempted to question her myself, but I had a feeling we'll soon arrive to the truth." Tartaglia explained.
"If that's the case, why go through all that trouble? Why bring us here?" Altina asked as Grubba tried to crawl away, but Levi throw his Glaive in front of him.
"Yipe!" Grubba exclaimed as Levi grab his Glaive and pointed at him.
"You see, long ago, there used to be a champion here by the name of Prince Mush. He's my little brother. We lived in a poor state, so Mush decided to make a name for himself in the Glitz Pit so he would provide money for our family. And then one day, he disappeared. I came over to investigate what was going on and I started working for Grubba to continue my investigation. Then one day, I saw his Power Stealing machine by accident and I nearly gave up hope. But I didn't. I wanted to keep investigating. I then heard of powerful warriors in this place called Smash Bros Castle, so I went over in disguise to seek help. However, Grubba call me at a bad time, forcing me to abandon my investigation for now. By the time I return. I saw Childe who was quickly coming up the ranks. I thought he might be the one to defeat Grubba. I've noticed Grubba was in fear of Childe's strength, Grubba tended to think of something to prevent him from climbing up the ranks, but no matter how hard he tried. Tartaglia always managed to overcome it, even in his most desperate state."
"Have you... not seen his capability? I wanted to put him on a leash so he wouldn't defeat Rawk Hawk so easily... But no matter what ridiculous condition I could think of... He always managed to prevail..."
"I thought something was very off as well. I can't blame you for being afraid of me. But you do realize that would made me more suspicious of you than you already have when we first met, right?" Tartaglia asked with a little intimidating grin on his face, which made Grubba gulp.
"By the time he defeated Rawk Hawk. I intended to approach him and tell him about Grubba, but I remember those eyes of his, the bloodlust for battle. I wasn't sure if he would be the one. I had no choice but to think carefully. But then I saw you all, and you were climbing up the ranks as well. I thought that you all might be the ones. To be honest. I was surprised that you were working with Childe... I mean... Tartaglia. It somehow brought more hope. Normally, I don't get so excited, but watching the six of you and Tartaglia facing each other, It cause me to fangirl for a bit over that epic match and that you guys won. I knew, deep down, that you would be the ones to take out Grubba as I secretly cheered for you guys." Jolene continued.
"So that explains the smile by the time you took the papers from Levi." Kazuha amused.
"Wow, you had a lot of faith in us." Paimon giggled.
"Sheesh, sure I may be a battle-loving guy, but even I have humanity within me. I'm only doing this for fun. I would totally help you out if you come and talk to me about it." Tartaglia sighed.
"My apologies for that, Tartaglia. But you did help them in the end, so it counts." Jolene chuckled as she approach Grubba and grabbed him by the collar. "Now, answer me Grubba. What did you do to my little brother? You know exactly who I'm talking about. He was the first champion, Prince Mush! ANSWER ME! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!" She yelled, scowling at him.
"Nnngh… he… he saw… me powering up in this contraption… and… he was going to stop me… but… I had him… disappear…"
Jolene's eyes widened. "No… you didn't! Tell me you're lying! YOU DID NOT!" She yelled, fighting her tears.
"H-heh… if you were thinking you would see him alive… y-you're… wrong… he's no longer in this world… it's too late."
"No… I… I had a feeling that he was… but… I didn't want to believe it…" She quietly said. "You… YOU SICK BASTARD!" She screamed, suddenly punching him in the face repeatedly.
Rean grabbed Jolene's arm to stop her. "I understand how you feel. Trust me... I would do the same if anything were to happen to my loved ones like that... but punching him won't bring him back."
"As much as he deserves it, Rean's right." Levi said.
"I… I know… but…" Jolene teared up, quietly sobbing as Flurrie, Kazuha, Goombella and Koops comfort her.
"Wow... Paimon's really sad..." Paimon said as she sniffed as Luigi and Tartaglia notice something shining on top of the machine.
"Huh? Hey guys, look at that!" Luigi exclaimed as they all looked up to see the Crystal Star shining brightly before someone was spat out of the machine.
"OOOF!" He grunted as he looked around. "Huh? What? Where am I?"
"MUSH!" Jolene exclaimed happily as she ran over to Mush.
"Sis? Is that you? What are you doing here? Last thing I know, I saw Grubba with this machine and… and… okay, who the heck are you people?"
Jolene chuckled. "They're friends, but the important thing is… you're back safe and sound! That's all I can care about!" She said.
"Yeesh… sis, what's with the waterworks?" Mush wondered.
"Oh, don't worry about it!" Jolene chuckled and then turned to Mario and the gang. "I believe this belongs to you." She said, pressing a button as the Gold Star flew up and gently landed near the gang. "It's yours." She said as they nodded and grabbed the Crystal Star.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door ost - Chapter Ending)
With the Gold Star obtained and Prince Mush back safe and sound, the ritzy Glitz Pit closed down for a while from Jolene, who became the new manager. She had wanted to build a new ring with the help of Prince Mush.
As for Grubba, Levi decided to place him in a pillory outside of the pit while Tartaglia, Paimon and Alf told the whole crowd about what Grubba had done. Because of this, Hoggle pulled up a cart full of rotten tomatoes, with Rawk Hawk throwing the first tomato, and the rest of the Glitz Pit. Even King K and Bandy Andy, after they recovered, had a few throws in until the police came by to haul the scumbag off to prison. Mush mentioned that he's planning on a comeback and Rawk Hawk mentioned that he's looking forward to meeting him on the ring.
While Rean, Levi, Altina, Aether, Paimon, Kazuha, Tartaglia and the Mario Bros started to chat things up with King K and Bandy Andy one last time.
All in all, the Glitz Pit will surely be back up and running under new management! However, it seems the X-Nauts are not too pleased when they heard the news...
The epic battle between Tartaglia and the others are something to behold! Honestly, I was curious about what happened to Grubba after what happened. But if they can explain, maybe let your imagination do the thinking.