Shadow was pleased to find that they would each have their own rooms. He couldn't stand the thought of having to bunk with one of these weaklings.
That wasn't the only interesting thing though. It turned out that Master Hand, true to his name, was a giant hand. Shadow had no idea how he talked, but somehow he did, and he ran the entire contest. He also owned the entire mansion, presumably from the money made off of selling commercial time, and brand licensing.
Entering his room, he saw a large bed, some cabinets, a desk, a flat screen tv, and a minifridge stocked with food. Shadow stocked his extra ammo in the closet and put his gun on top of the desk. He hadn't brought much with him, just that, so he didn't have to decorate. He sat on the bed in a meditative position, gathering his thoughts and preparing for the combat soon to follow.
He was interrupted by a sound over the mansions intercom. "Will all contestants please report to the Great Hall immediately."
Sighing, he got up off the bed and made his way t the Great Hall, where the other contestants were gathered. The Great Hall certainly was great, with a ceiling that stretched to the sky and expansive walls. It easily fit all the contestants. Shadow looked around the room. There certainly was a variety of people, and he hoped that at least one would be a worthy challenge for him. Knowing he was just destined to crush these people like the fools they were, he chose to stand alone, apart from the main group.
His wandering eye was brought back to the center of the room as Master Hand appeared in a flash of light and a puff of smoke. He waited for what the Hand had to say.
"Hello, all you contestants, to this years Super smash Brothers Brawl tournament. As usual, I am the tournament organizer and coordinator. As you'll notice, there are some new faces this year. May I present the new contestants, Falco Lombardi, Wolf O'Donnell, Lucario, Diddy Kong, King Dedede, Lucas, Meta Knight, Olimar, Ike, Pitataneil, Red, Wario, R.O.B, Solid Snake, Toon Link, and Shadow."
The old people turned to look at the newcomers, and shadow felt many eyes upon him. He didn't doubt that the tale of his entry into the Mansion had been spread by the people there. He was comfortable with the attention, but it didn't lessen his determination.
"Now, for you older people, I've made some changes from last years tournament. And for you newer people, you better listen up, because these are the rules."
Shadow partially listened, mostly to the bit saying what he could and cold not do. He figured he didn't need more than that to win. This was just a waste of time now. He wanted to get to the fight already, and assert his superiority over these fools.
"So, match schedules will be posted on the message boards within an hour. Make sure you look a them. Missing your match is an auto-loss. Other than that, enjoy yourselves."
As Master Hand finished, he pointed up towards the ceiling and launched a firework from his index finger, then vanished in a puff of smoke. With the meeting over, the combatants started making their way out of the room, conversing and getting to know each other.
Shadow tried to walk alone, but it was inevitable that someone would try to talk to him. He found the Wolf walking next to him, trying to engage in conversation. Shadow ignored him until he finally snapped.
"What the hell do you want?"
Wolf looked offended. "Me? Merely to talk and get to know each other. You know, I have every intention of winning this tournament and beating Fox once and for all."
Shadow snorteded, "You and everyone else here. So what?"
Wolf smiled a... wolfish smile, "Why, you seem strong, and I would be honored to fight you for the championship. Therefore, I think we should work together, an unofficial partnership, to make sure we both make it to the top and fight each other for ultimate victory. "
Shadow looked away. "I don't need you to win. I don't need anyone. I can do it fine on my own. You are all fools, trying to combat me. There is a reason they call me the ultimate life form, and soon you will learn why."
Wolf had stopped walking during that snap by shadow, and he realized it was futile to try and argue. "Very well, Shadow the Hedgehog, I will just have to beat you then, and prove your words wrong."
Shadow didn't look back as he said, "right. Good luck with that."
The Smash Mansion was abuzz with talk over Shadow, the hedgehog who had stated repeatedly that he would win the tournament by himself, and that he would crush the other competitors. People such as Samus Aran talked him down.
"He's all talk and no action. When it comes time to fight, he'll fold like a deck of cards."
Others, like Link, weren't so sure he was all talk.
"I don't know Samus. He seemed to really mean it. And did you see that gun? He'll be a tough opponent, I think."
"Heh. He's got a rifle. I've got a suit of advanced armor and an energy cannon that shoots missiles. And if I get one of the new "Smash Balls" well, lord have mercy on his soul."
"I don't know," said Link thoughtfully.
In a different part of the mansion, a secret meeting was taking place. Attending were all the villains that were taking part in the tournament. Ganondorf, Bowser, Wolf, and Wario were there, discussing the tournament.
"So, we are agreed then," asked Wolf.
"Yeah, but I still think we should try to get shadow in. According to the archives Master Hand opened up from his world, he's clashed with the hero there multiple times. He is a villain," grunted Bowser
"Except, he's made it perfectly clear he's going to work alone, and he's also done several good things for that world of his. He certainly wouldn't go along with our plan," said Ganondorf.
"He will just have to be dealt with when the time comes, like all the others," said Wolf. "Now, we really must be going, or people will wonder where we are."
"Right, so we're doing this then," said Bowser as he started walking towards the door.
"Yes," said Wolf as he walked towards the exit as well.
"Yes, we are going to sabotage the Super Smash Brothers Brawl tournament, and then we, the villains, shall be victorious," said Ganondorf as he joined the others in exiting the room.