The release of Super Smash Bros. for 3DS was approaching fast. With all the new character introductions and game modes, the Smashers could not wait to play the highly-anticipated game for themselves. Marth and Link walked around the mansion and excitedly conversed about the upcoming software.

"I can't believe it, Marth! In just a matter of weeks, Super Smash Bros. for 3DS will finally be in the palms of our hands…literally!"

Marth nodded, replying, "I know what you mean. Personally, every time we get a new character, it just makes me want the game even more!"

"Hey, speaking of new characters…Do you think we should ask Master Hand if he has invited any more?" Link asked with curiosity.

"I don't see why not!"

So the Hylian knight and Hero-King proceeded to make their way towards Master Hand's office to inquire about any new challengers, but to their surprise, the giant, disembodied hand was nowhere to be seen.

"Great! How are we supposed to ask him if he isn't here?" Link exclaimed, throwing his arms up into the air.

"Never mind that. Look, there's a file on his desk! Maybe that will give us some information."

They crept over to the desk as slowly and quietly as they could. After making sure no one was watching them, they took a glance at the document and gasped softly.

"Link…Do you see what I see?"

"Yeah…What do you think?"

"Well, I know I said I get excited about new characters, but this is where I draw the line!"

"The same goes for me! We can't let this guy barge in and take all the glory!"

"You're right. Come with me, Link, and take your sword with you!"

Everything was surrounded by the sweet sound of birds chirping in the sky, a gentle breeze flowing in the air, and little woodland creatures that happily romped about as if they didn't have a care in the world. For a while, everything seemed blissfully tranquil in the Gaur Plains.

Suddenly, without warning, a tyrant, fire-breathing koopa dashed his way through the breath-taking scenery. He suddenly stopped and let out a mighty roar.

"I am King of the Koopas!" Bowser yelled. "Nobody may dare to challenge me! I am-" He was abruptly cut off when a harmless yellow butterfly passively fluttered by, ruining the demanding nature of Bowser's outbursts. It caught his interest and he continued to observe it as flew further away.

Meanwhile, an onlooker stealthily hid in some bushes nearby, waiting for the perfect moment to strike the oblivious koopa. His weapon sparked with blue electricity, which caused Bowser to look around for the source of the noise. With his victim distracted, the onlooker leaped out from the bushes and attacked the unfortunate koopa from behind, sending Bowser afar. The assaulter was none other than the Monado-weilder himself: Shulk!

"I'm really feeling it!" Shulk exclaimed happily. His moment of triumph was cut off when he was met with a sudden vision. He foresaw an attack from a pointy-eared Hylian and the Hero-Knight that threw him off guard and flung him straight into the air. "I'm not about to let that happen!" he thought to himself.

When Link and Marth finally appeared, they prepared to attack the same way that Shulk had just witnessed in the vision. Since he had seen it coming, he quickly dodged the assault in an acrobatic fashion, throwing Link and Marth off guard. The duo continuously attempted to land even a single hit, but every one of them was either dodged or countered with a strike from the Monado.

Deciding he had to come to a last resort, Shulk stepped back and proclaimed, "Now it's show time!" After switching to his preferred Monado Art, he exclaimed, "This is the Monado's power!"

The Hylian and Hero-King looked to each other in dismay. Just how were they supposed to defeat this guy? How was he able to predict their every move?

"Wait! Hold your fire!" Link called out.

With a confused expression, Shulk gently lowered his weapon, but didn't let his guard down.

"We concede defeat. You are truly a worthy opponent, and I would like to congratulate you on joining the Super Smash Bros. family!"

Shulk's cheeks became a shade of red. "Well, thanks, I guess!"

Marth looked to Link quizzically, as their goal in the Gaur Plains was to prevent Shulk from joining said family. His attention was suddenly averted when he spotted a colossal shadow drifting across the ground. "Let's bail, Link!" he sputtered, sprinting away without looking back.

Unaware of what Marth was running from, Link ran after him and yelled, "Wait! Where are you going? Don't leave without me!"

"I wonder what got into them," Shulk asked himself.

Suddenly, the gigantic shadow became within his line of sight, and an unfamiliar voice said, "Fancy meeting you here, Monado boy!"

Shulk promptly turned around and faced the stranger with a confident smirk. With his trusty Monado and visions, he was prepared for any fight that was going to come his way!

Author Notes: Well, here's the 11th chapter, featuring everyone's favorite Xenoblade character! I apologize for not getting this uploaded sooner, but school recently started up again and I've been really busy. Anyway, the highly-anticipated Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is only a few weeks away for those of us in North America! I can't wait to try out all the characters and stages, and maybe even run into some of you online!
One last thing that I want to address is that I'm currently in the middle of writing the first chapter for a new story! Expect to see it within the next few days. See you next time! :)