A/N: You thought this was dead, didn't you? Huh? Huh?
Trust me, this story isn't going away for a while. I mean, sure, it might go on hiatus for a little bit as I write Seven Struck the Hour and The Falcon House, but I promise you this story is going to continue. To me, this is the story that if I could only write one, this would be it. That may be why chapters take so long: I want to get everything perfect. I even have a wonderful beta reader for this story!
For reference, the two Wii Fit Trainers are referred to as Jerry and Delilah, because male Wii Fit Trainer and female Wii Fit Trainer is way too much to type for my fingers on an iTouch.
Chapter Three: King Greyfield the Mighty
November 22, 2014
Day after Smash Banquet
Much to his own surprise, Dr. Mario decided to stay at the Smash Mansion for a few days before going back to the grindstone. To be honest, he mainly did it because the Primids refused to let him leave, claiming it was because he was drunk (which in all fairness was true. They still didn't have a right to keep him there, if you asked him, though). The fighting wasn't scheduled to start untill next Monday, he reminded himself, so he decided to make the best of his captivity and just sit and relax.
Until the very next day shattered any hope of a peaceful afternoon.
It was about nine o'clock in the morning. Dr. Mario sat in the cafeteria, drinking his usual cup of coffee, and eating a bowl of oatmeal. His head still hurt from the hangover, but at least he was feeling relaxed after the other night. Captain Falcon was certainly a character sometimes. Greninja was just lucky that Dr. Mario happened to be there for him, or he could have been lying in the hospital wing.
Speaking of which, where was the medical bay? Everything in the new mansion was well… new. He didn't know where anything was. Since he had meticulously created the floor plans for the previous mansion, this new one seemed like an awkward jab in the ribs of what he once thought of as home. They had gotten rid of the dorm-style housing. Instead, there were individual rooms for each Smasher, which the doctor guessed was okay. It just felt lonely in that huge room.
He was watching Rosalina from afar as she talked with the other princesses. Every once in a while, she would take a sip of her water as if the plastic cup she was holding was actually a champagne glass. The doctor admired her. She was the independent sort, who had made her way in this crazy universe from nothing. Now she was the guardian of the galaxies. For once, he envied Mario for something he couldn't do: make friends. He clenched his spoon tightly, taking another bite of oatmeal.
"You've been staring at her for ten minutes now," Greninja whispered in his ear. Dr. Mario jumped at the sound of his voice.
"I am no relationship expert, but should you not-"
"Shut up!" Dr. Mario snapped. "And stop sneaking up on me! Who even gave you permission to sit with me anyway?"
"Doc," said Alph, waving his hands in front of the doctor's eyes, "we've been sitting with you for about fifteen minutes now and you haven't said a word."
"... Shut up." The doctor took a huge swig of coffee. "I don't need you guys interfering with my personal life."
"I believe it is our concern when you are driving us home." Greninja pointed out, taking a bite of Poké-Food. "Are we leaving today or tomorrow?"
Dr. Mario looked surprised. "I thought you guys were going to stay." They shook their heads.
"Overrated," Alph deadpanned.
"Not what I am looking for," Greninja agreed.
"Humph." Dr. Mario swallowed his bite of oatmeal. "I was planning to stay a few days, but whatever. I'll get my keys and we'll go after I'm don—"
"Attention everybody!" A voice boomed. They turned their heads around to see Mario standing on a table. At the sight of the original, Dr. Mario immediately frowned, crossing his arms. "Have-a any of you seen-a Master Hand?"
The room started murmuring in confusion.
"No..."
"I'm not sure..."
"I saw him leave last night, but I didn't see him this morning..."
Mario frowned, scratching his head. "Hmm... thanks for-a letting me know. Could you keep-a eye out for him? We have some-a paperwork to-a finish." He sat down next to Link and Pikachu.
"He's an overrated hand." growled Dr. Mario, stabbing his oatmeal violently. "Who cares? He's probably doing weird things in his office anyway."
"Strange things have been happening lately." Greninja noted. "Have you noticed the mysterious red clouds that have accumulated over the premises?"
"Hmm?" The doctor looked out the window. Dark red clouds covered the sky, swirling around in a dark vortex. "I'm sure that's normal."
"Wait a second, no it's not!" Alph exclaimed. "I live here too, you know!"
"Fine," Dr. Mario rolled his eyes, "it's not. Argh, you people! I can feel the good intentions and happiness rubbing off on me." He shuddered. "On second thought, maybe I should leave."
"You mean you feel at home?" Alph smiled.
"Quit it." Dr. Mario shoved him lightly. "I don't need your sass."
"He has gotten friendlier," Greninja noted, taking a sip of orange juice.
"Not you too!" The doctor groaned. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and threw it on his plate, much to the amusement of the others. "I've lost my appetite. I'll get my keys and we'll go."
"But you're not even half done!" Alph protested as he stood up.
"I look at it as half full." Dr. Mario retorted, walking away.
"That doesn't even make any sense!"
.o0O0o.
As Dr. Mario walked away, Alph sighed. He had known the doctor for almost seven years and not once did the doctor admit he was wrong. Based off of what Alph had seen, Dr. Mario was extremely proud. He would never surrender in any argument, even if it meant avoiding a physical fight. Alph admired his determination, but quite frankly he hated his macho behavior. Only if he could focus it towards more productive means...
In fact, it was Alph's respect for Dr. Mario that brought him here to Smash Mansion. Back in March, Master Hand had approached him privately about an opportunity of a lifetime: to become a Smasher. Alph was timid at first, mainly because he had hardly thrown a punch in his life. He had originally declined the offer, but in a strange turn of events Mario, the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom himself, approached him. The plumber explained that it wasn't mainly for Alph, it was for Olimar, which Alph already understood. But the real shocker was when Mario asked him to convince Dr. Mario to come back. Apparently they weren't on good terms after a certain "Christmas" incident, and after Mario had explained that how could he refuse? Alph considered the doctor to be his best friend, even if the clone bashed him around a lot. When Dr. Mario got serious (usually during a drunken stupor), he would tell Alph stories about he time he was a Smasher. And the laughs they had! The Koppaite wouldn't have made a second thought about those stupid stories if it wasn't for the fact that it was the only time Dr. Mario ever... well... smiled. Alph, from the bottom of his heart, wanted to make Dr. Mario feel happy again. The Smash Mansion seemed like a good way to do that, but...
Alph shot a nervous glance at Olimar, pushing away the remnants of last night's conversation. He didn't want to be anywhere in that dreadful memory and he didn't want to even think about Olimar right now. Turning towards Greninja to distract himself, he asked, "Where do you think Master Hand is?"
"No clue," Greninja said.. "I imagine he is in his office, but I guess even he has to rest sometimes."
"Mario sounded pretty nervous," said with a frown. "They would've found him by now if that was the case."
"I guess you are right." Greninja nodded. "But then again, we do not have to worry about him. I must get to packing my belongings, and I suggest you do the same." Greninja and Alph stood up. "I shall see you later, no?"
"Of course!" Alph extended his hand. "Nice meeting you."
Greninja stared awkwardly at Alph, then his hand, then back to Alph. "You... have very nice gloves…?" he walked off.
Alph sighed in disappointment. "Am I the only normal one around here?"
"Says the shortcake!" Captain Falcon smirked, purposely shoving Alph to the ground as he passed. King Dedede and Jerry exploded into laughter as Captain Falcon came gallivanting back to their table.
"Jerk..." Alph grumbled under his breath as he got back up. Captain Falcon started making faces at the Koppaite from afar, occasionally yelling "Shortcake!" or "Loser!"
"Real mature guys!" Alph yelled back at them. The bounty hunter made a face and started imitating Alph, which only caused the table to erupt in more laughter.
"Sorry." A voice said. Alph turned around and was surprised to see Mario standing behind him. "Their-a sense of humor is-a little... too-a much sometimes." The plumber cast a death glare at the bounty hunter, effectively shutting him up. Turning back to Alph, he smiled a genuine smile. "So where are-a you headed off too?"
"Umm..." Alph scratched his arm and looked away from the plumber. Honestly, he replied "I... I can't stay. I don't like it here."
"Oh..." Mario looked slightly disappointed. "I mean, it-a was only the first-a day! Can't you-a stay just-a little bit?"
Alph hesitated before continuing. "I can't, unfortunately. Dr. Mario's driving Greninja and me home today."
Mario flinched. "I guess-a it didn't go over well with the-a doctor."
"No..." Alph felt disappointed in himself. Master Hand and Mario had entrusted him to gain Dr. Mario's confidence and to give him the life he had always wanted, but instead he had only made things worse. Now even he wasn't staying. Looking up, he sighed. "I tried my best, I promise. But there's... there are too many loose ends here that we can't deal with. I'm sorry."
Mario looked distraught at this point, but he firmly held his tongue. "Oh... Well, I respect-a your decision. Do you mind if I-a walk you to your room?"
"Not at all." Alph gestured towards the door. As they walked, the astronaut said "Hey, while I have you here, what's 'L is Real 2401' mean? It's been floating around here and there, and I just wanted to clear it up."
"Oh, that's simple," Mario casually waved his hand in the air. "It's—"
"MEDIC!"
The doors of Smash Mansion burst open as Delilah ran inside, dragging two bodies. Frightened, Alph screamed, "DR. MARIO, WHERE ARE YOU?!"
.o0O0o.
Just as the doctor grabbed his belongings (which wasn't much to begin with), a scream ripped through the hallways, echoing in his ears.
"MEDIC!"
"Please tell me that's a game I'm hearing," Dr. Mario grumbled.
"DR. MARIO, WHERE ARE YOU?!"
"Damn it."
Running to the lobby with his medical kit in hand, he was shocked to see Ike and Diddy Kong on the floor with bullet wounds in their backs. Mario and Delilah were crouched nearby, both of them trying to stop the bleeding. Alph stood still in pure shock and judging by the green pallor of his face, he was getting queasy.
"What the hell happened?" Dr. Mario asked, sliding over and opening his medical kit.
"Didn't see them..." Ike wheezed. "In the trees... they had... guns..."
"Diddy Kong was trying to pull him back to the mansion, but he got hit as well." Delilah explained. "Luckily I was out for my jog when I saw them."
"Ook!" Diddy Kong added helpfully, breathing heavily.
"Where were-a they?" Mario asked Ike.
"Near... the forest that surrounds... surrounds the place." Ike groaned. "I hate guns! I miss swords!"
"Calm down!" Dr. Mario grumbled, patching him up. "I can't concentrate with all of the complaining!"
"I'll send-a couple of-a Smashers to check around." Mario said, standing up. "You take-a them to the infirmary."
"That would be great if I knew where that was," Dr. Mario shot him a look of hatred, agitation filling his voice. "But I somehow forgot the secrets of the universe in the past couple of seconds, so I'm going to need some directions."
"It's... by-a the door," Mario said with confusion. Turning to Delilah, he added "Wii, can-a you show him-a there?"
"No problem," She said, picking up Ike with ease. "You get Diddy."
"Thanks, I guess." Dr. Mario looked over at Alph. "Hey! Earth to flower boy! Shut your mouth, you're letting flies in." Alph looked dumbfounded by everything that was happening, but at the sound of the doctor's voice the Koppaite snapped back into reality. "Help me pick up Diddy Kong!" Dr. Mario barked, grabbing the chimp's arms. In a dream-like trance, the astronaut picked up the chimp's legs and lifted him off the ground. "Good. Hey plumber, I need someone to bring me a baseball bat, pronto."
"I'll send-a Luigi over to-a help," Mario promised.
"Oh gee, thanks." With that, the doctor left a confused Mario to stare after him as they carried Diddy away. Seriously, why was Dr. Mario so angry?
.o0O0o.
Greninja was in his room when he heard a knock on his door. Frowning, he opened the door to see Mario standing there.
"May I help you sir?" He asked, staring at the plumber.
"There's been-a an attack and I-a need a few of you guys-a to search around the premises undetected. And-a let's face it, you're-a ninja. But I see you're-a packing." Mario looked beyond his shoulder to see his suitcase.
"This place doesn't suit me," Greninja said flatly. "Too much idleness."
"I understand." Mario sighed. "I'll ask around for some-a volunteers."
A ping of sympathy hit Greninja. "I suppose I could help. If there is someone attacking us, then I am involved as well."
"Thank-a you. No one's willing to-a help around here." The plumber sighed, taking a seat on Greninja's bed. "I've asked-a almost everyone to-a lend me-a hand and no one's stepped-a up to the plate. Donkey Kong's-a doing it for his-a buddy, but..." Mario laced his fingers together and rested his head on his hands. "A couple of-a years ago, everyone would be-a crowding me to help. Now look. I'm getting help-a from someone who's-a quitting. Everyone's so-a caught up in-a themselves lately that they've-a forgotten what being-a Smasher's all-a about. Humph..."
"...I will be back." Greninja promised, moving towards the window and leaving the plumber to his thoughts.
"Where are-a you going?" Mario asked out of curiosity, not turning around. "The doors-a over here."
"They will see me coming a mile away." Greninja said, opening his window. "Trust me."
"Or you-a could just take the-a back door. You're-a going out the same-a way."
"... Oh sure, that too..."
.o0O0o.
For the most part, the forest was silent. As the ninja patrolled the trees, he felt a sense of tranquility pass over him. He listened to the rustling of the leaves and felt the autumn wind chill his skin. He felt relaxed amongst the treetops. The red storm was still a damper, but Greninja decided to appreciate the good things not just there and then, but in life.
And one of those good things happened to be the person he tried to assassinate not too long ago.
September 10, 2013
Johto Region, Mt. Silver
Storms were never easy on Mt. Silver, especially this blizzard. Frogadier was freezing as he climbed the final steps to the summit of the mountain. It had taken many days to fight through all of the wild Pokémon and navigate through the confusing mountain pass, but somehow the ninja managed to do it without so much as a bruise.
Then he saw him. Red. The infamous champion Red. Master Koga's words echoed in his mind, "Red is too powerful; we must take him out." That was the way of the Ninjas of the Night. Anyone who got too strong, who treated the balance of the universe, needed to be dealt with silently. They had been keeping watch upon the Pokémon universe ever since the Great Pokémon War three-thousand years ago and they had not failed in their mission.
That was, until today.
Frogadier didn't see what Koga was talking about. From behind, Red seemed like an ordinary boy. The champion was dressed in his red jacket and blue jeans, and his brown backpack was slung lazily from his shoulder. As he approached the trainer, he clenched a knife he had made out of ice, like Master Koga had taught him. Before he even got close, the trainer said, "Frogadier, why are you here?"
The Pokémon froze in place at the sound of his voice. "Don't act so surprised," Red said calmly. "I've been expecting Koga to send an assassin for many days now. I'm just surprised he chose you."
Frogadier looked astonished as Red turned around to face his assassin. His signature red cap covered his eyes, and he showed no signs of fear when he spoke. "Come, sit with me. We have much to discuss." Casually, Red walked over to the edge of the cliff and sat down. "And I know what you're thinking," The trainer spoke before the Pokémon could even move. "Don't even think about pushing me off. Just come and talk."
Frogadier didn't know what to do. Quite frankly, this had never happened before. Koga told of no code if they were discovered, especially if they just wanted talk. Cautiously, the Pokémon took a seat next to the champion.
"Lord Helix told me you were coming." Red explained as he stared into the rising sun over the wispy clouds that danced below them. "He has told me of your potential. You are to save the universe, Frogadier."
"Yeah, right, and Emboars will fly." Frogadier huffed in the Pokémon Language.
"Do not doubt me!" Red suddenly snapped, turning towards the Pokémon in rage. "Helix is everything!"
"How—" Frogadier looked shocked that Red could understand him. "Are you—"
Red relaxed, slightly chucking. "A trinket I picked up from Master Hand." He removed an earpiece from his ear and casually tossed it up and down. "It's called a Universal Translator. But Frogadier," he got quiet as he put the earpiece back, "you cannot assassinate me today or ever. Helix needs you."
"Who is this Helix?" Frogadier asked cautiously. Honestly, Red was either a complete psychopath or speaking the truth, but the champion's expression remained calm, as if he had nothing to hide.
"He will reveal himself to you in time, my friend." Red chuckled softly, his gaze unwavering from the sunrise. "But first..." He reached inside his backpack and handed the Pokémon an envelope. "Master Hand wants me to come back to Smash Brothers, but I can't. Not when the end is nigh. Helix told me that you must go in my place, Frogadier. You must tell Koga that you killed me." Before the ninja could even move, Red grabbed the knife from Frogadier's hand and slashed his own palm. The trainer smiled a chilled smile as he watched the blood seep from his palm. Using his bloody hand, he took off his signature hat and handed it to the Pokémon. "Take my blood and take my hat as proof of your victory. You will become a full-fledged member of the Ninjas of the Night and evolve into a Greninja. Then you must go to The World of Trophies and accept your destiny."
Red smiled, his calm expression changing to a demonic grim. He looked at the Pokémon. "I can tell you hate it. The killing. The assassinating. You weren't always like this. You used to be kind. Compassionate. Caring. Go to Smash Bros. Be the man you were, not who Koga wants you to be. Accept your destiny, as I have accepted mine." With that, Red jumped.
As in no joke, he jumped off the cliff.
Greninja was pulled from his musings as he heard a loud noise. Recalling his training, he silently moved towards the source. Through the trees, he could see armed men moving through the overgrowth. Quickly, he took cover in the thick branches and watched them in silence.
"Any sign of them?" One of the men called out. He was dressed in a tank top shirt and was carrying a machine gun.
"No sir." Another responded. "All clear."
"Wait a second." The other one stopped, signaling everybody else to do the same. "You guys are useless." He complained. "This is why I'm in the sky and you're down here. I can clearly see one right there." He gestured directly towards Greninja, frightening the Pokémon. As he prepared to leap away, the man spoke.
"Now hold on. I'm not here to fight. Name's Waylon. Admiral Greyfield wants to talk with your leader, that's all. That earlier mishap was an accident. Well, a 'prelude' is probably more correct, but anyway, run home to your master and complain. Tell him to meet Greyfield by The Graveyard alone and unarmed. Get it?" He laughed loudly at his own joke. "It's 'cuz he's a hand?"
No response.
"Come on, that was funny! Anyway, scram, before I wipe your brains across this road here and now." His remaining infantry held up their guns, backing up the threat. Reluctantly, Greninja obeyed.
.o0O0o.
"I'm-a here, doctor." Luigi trembled, holding one of the new felt bats.
"Good." Dr. Mario and Delilah were desperately trying to keep Ike down as he writhed in pain. The restraints hung broken at the side of the bed. Alph was sitting in a corner, looking dazed. "Trade me places." Dr. Mario ordered.
"Umm... I'm not good with-a blood." Luigi flinched, dropping the bat and carefully holding the warrior down.
"So is Alph apparently." The doctor gestured towards the dazed astronaut as he grabbed the bat. "Don't worry, it'll be over quickly."
"What are you—"
Dr. Mario activated his Meteor Smash, hitting Ike square in the chest. Luigi screamed in horror as Ike fell unconscious.
"WHHAAAAA!" Luigi screamed, holding his face. Alph stood up in shock.
"What the heck was that?!" The Koppaite screamed. "Isn't there enough violence going around?!"
"Calm down!" Dr. Mario grumbled, walking over to Diddy Kong. The monkey was thrashing about in a state of panic, after witnessing what happened to Ike, but the restraints held him down. "This is the World of Trophies. Now that I've removed the bullets from him he'll repair himself automatically once he's done…trophify-ing or whatever it's called. Just wait and activate his trophy after I'm done with Diddy."
The doctor was right. After a second, Ike turned into a trophy. Finishing off the chimp, the doctor hit the base of Diddy's trophy, signaling Luigi to do the same.
There was a light ping as the two trophies reactivated.
"Ugh." Ike groaned as he came to. "I never want to be treated by you again."
"I'll agree to that." Dr. Mario nodded rudely. "You need to get some rest. Your body can only regenerate so much damage per day. You too, Diddy."
"What was that?" asked Alph, staring in awe.
"The Universal Force." replied Dr. Mario casually.
"The what?"
"Do I have to explain everything around here?" Dr. Mario grumbled, rolling his eyes. "The Universal Force is a bunch of bull made up by Master Hand to keep everything in balance. Pretty much, it keeps us from totally dying every time we engage in Smash. That's why when we're beaten to a pulp we turn into trophies: the Universal Force uses the trophification process to heal our wounds. It's a great way for doctors here to manipulate the system."
"That's a little overkill, don't you think?" Alph frowned.
"It's either that, or death," Dr. Mario said with a shrug. "Not to mention it makes my job a thousand times easier. If you want to die so badly, destroy the trophy after you've KO'ed someone. That'll kill them."
"Umm... Dr. Mario?" Luigi scratched his head, looking down.
"Yes Luigi?" Dr. Mario started packing his medical kit.
"I have-a question... Do... Does... Umm..."
"Spit it out, I don't have all day. One lecture's enough."
"Well... do-"
"ATTENTION ALL-A SMASHERS: MEET ME IN THE-A DINING HALL FOR-A MANDATORY MEETING!" Mario's voice boomed over the intercom.
"And here we go..." Dr. Mario groaned, taking the bat with him. Luigi was left to stare after the clone of his brother, regretting not asking his question.
.o0O0o.
"I couldn't see much," Greninja said, his voice shaking a little as he relayed what he had just seen. Dr. Mario had just entered the room. "However, they demanded an audience with Master Hand, and threatened me multiple times."
Everyone else started murmuring.
"Who's Greyfield?"Zelda said looking over at Samus.
"Where's Master Hand?" Robin said to Charizard who didn't seem to be paying that much attention.
"They're going to kill us all and there's nothing we can do!"
"Dear Arceus… man up, King Dedede."
"Idiots... You're all a bunch of idiots." Dr. Mario grumbled. "HEY!" He yelled loudly.
The room stopped, dead.
"Good." Dr. Mario walked to his seat at the table. "Let's quit acting like babies and come up with a plan. Since it's pretty obvious Master Hand has ditched us, how about instead of panicking like a bunch of excited children we actually come up with a plan? First off, who in the hell is Greyfield? Anyone?"
The room remained silent.
"Have you tried your mobile phones?"
"Oh, of course."
"Why didn't I think of that? I have one of those."
"FALCON FLIP!"
"You still have a flip-phone?"
Ness was the first to beat everyone to the punch. "Admiral Greyfield: leader of the New Rubinelle Army and CO of— hey, what?"
"What is-a it?" Mario asked, leaning over the table.
"My phone just shut down." Ness said. "I can't get it to come back on for the life of me."
"Same with me."
"Ditto!"
"Wait, was that a Pokémon?"
"Well, thanks for the help everybody." Dr. Mario glowered. "That was so helpful."
"What's wrong with you?" Samus said with a grunt."You've been in a real pissy mood lately."
"I'm sorry." Dr. Mario said with a fake smile. "But I don't need advice from a robot."
"I didn't say anything," Mega Man said, mild irritation in his voice.
"No, I meant— ugh, look. Master Hand's not here, so someone has to go out there, and there's no way that's me." Dr. Mario said firmly.
"Wait, are we actually meeting their demands?!" Link gasped.
"Yeah, so?" Dr. Mario snorted.
"We're Smashers! We don't negotiate with terrorists!" A murmur of agreement echoed throughout the room.
"No dip!" Dr. Mario gesticulated. "That's why I'm not going out there!"
"I'll-a go." Mario volunteered. "I took-a over while Master Hand-a was recovering a while back. I'm-a the next best thing."
"And so modest too!" Dr. Mario grumbled under his breath.
"We can't-a just send you-a alone though!" Luigi protested, trying to help his brother. "We need-a someone—"
"Ah, we're Smashers!" Captain Falcon scoffed, slamming his fist against the table. "There's no chance in hell that these guys can deal with Mario! Let's risk one life instead of our own!" The table murmured in agreement, much to the surprise of Dr. Mario, Mario, and Luigi.
"You have got to be kidding me!" said Dr. Mario "That's one man verses an army! He'll be slaught— on second thought, who cares?!" He looked at everybody else. "Meeting adjourned, screw the rest of you, where do we keep the wine?" Everybody stared in silence as he left. It was almost a full minute before anyone spoke.
"What a complete and total asshole," Ganondorf said.
"Here here," agreed Zelda. "And that's in comparison to you."
"I know, right?"
"Ditto!"
"Someone please get that thing out of here."
.o0O0o.
Out of all the places to pick, Mario understood choosing The Graveyard. It was a strategic point overlooking Smash City, not to mention a well-defendable point due to the fact it was built on a cliff. But there was no chance you'd find Mario here by his own free will. Overall, it was a creepy place, especially with the red storm overhead. Darkness loomed over everything like a blanket, covering the place in shadows. Gravestones protruded from the earth like stone pikes, reaching up, beckoning trespassers to imagine their own immortality. In the background, Mario heard the booming sound of gunfire and artillery echoing throughout the forest.
As he approached the encampment, he could see about fifty yellow tents scattered across the rocky soil in a strange pattern. Mario assumed this had something to do with the fact that space was limited on the hilltop. Near the center, a large tent towered over the field. Light poured from the flap that served as the door. Two armed men stood still, staring out over the forest.
Cautiously, Mario stepped out of the forest. Immediately, the two guards at the front of the large tent rushed over and grabbed him by his arms. Mario could only struggle as they dragging him towards the giant tent.
Stopping at the flap, one of the guards called out, "Sir, someone is here to see you."
"Is it a giant floating hand?" A gruff deep voice asked from inside.
"No sir, I believe it's Mario."
"Well, he'll have to do then. Send him in."
Immediately, the plumber was thrown roughly inside the tent. The tarp shelter was enormous and extravagant; the floor was an intricate purple rug and the ceiling had a chandelier hanging from it; Mario doubted that it was even possible beforehand. On a table to his right lay what looked to be a map of the... World of Trophies?! The hero of the Mushroom Kingdom gulped, terrified of what was to come. Sitting down across from the admiral, Mario stared at the man. He was eating a steak, chewing loudly and obnoxiously like a warthog. Finally, he spoke.
"Where's your Master, plumber?"
"He's away for-a private matters." Mario lied, watching him take another bite of steak.
"Delicious." Greyfield smiled, cutting another slice. "Want a piece?" He held up a piece of meat dangling on the edge of his fork, dripping with fat and blood.
"No-a thank you." The plumber said, shaking his head in disgust.
"Your loss." Greyfield took another bite. "This is absolutely splendid. You," he motioned to his guard, "send compliments to my chef."
"Yes sir!" The guard ran off.
"Excuse-a me." Mario interrupted. "But what is-a this about?"
"Ah, yes." Greyfield dabbed his mouth with his napkin and set his fork down. "First things first, what is your impression of me?"
Mario swallowed. It was kind of an odd opening question, and it took him off guard. He stared at the Admiral, assessing him, but also keeping in mind that it was probably best to give a political answer. He was tall and stocky caucasian man, wearing a purple admiral's uniform, which was decorated with plenty of medals. His beady eyes tore into Mario's as the admiral sized his opponent up too. His gargantuan hands were clenched into fists, as if he could leap out and pummel the plumber at any moment. Mario politely nodded. "Good."
"Good?" The Admiral took off his hat and placed it on the table. Scratching his dark, but graying mustache, he frowned. "First impressions are everything."
"Why did you-a attack us?" Mario said, trying to get to the heart of the issue.
"FORMALITIES!" Greyfield shouted. Then, strangely, he chuckled. "I'm sorry. I forgot you are unaware of the New Rubinelle Rules of War. Everyone will know it in time."
Mario cast a suspicious glance at the Admiral. "What-a you mean?"
"Oh, screw them for now." Greyfield put his hat back on his aging brown hair. "Let me be blunt: as of this day, November 22, 2014, I, King Greyfield the Mighty, new ruler of Smash City and all of its inhabitants, declare that the Smashers are a threat to society and must be recommissioned in my glorious image. As of now, my comrades are attacking every major city in the World of Trophies, in an attempt to bring you all down. Unfortunately for you, everyone else wants you dead, Mario. But I am here with an ultimatum." Greyfield motioned towards another guard. The man nodded, bringing in a strange looking helmet. "This is what Dr. Wily calls the 'Reformer.' It takes your true evil nature and turns it against you. It will destroy you from the inside out. And it will win." Greyfield laughed. "You either surrender now and face eternal servitude, or we destroy the mansion and all of its inhabitants with this device."
"I won't-a let this happen!" Mario lunged forward, trying to grab the device. Greyfield grabbed his steak knife and stabbed the plumber's hand. Mario cried out in pain, but Greyfield held the knife firmly.
"I see that's your response." The Admiral smiled a horrendous toothy smile. To his guard, he said, "Order Waylon to fire at will."
"Yes sir!" The guard said before running off.
Turning back to Mario, he smiled as he placed the Reformer on Mario's head. "It looks like you're my first test subject. Now, prove yourself worthy of my glorious leadership."
Meanwhile, Greninja followed Dr. Mario to the wine cellar, stopping just at the entrance.
"What is wrong with you, my friend? You are being a complete and total as— er… jerk to everyone."
Dr. Mario was sitting in a corner, depression plainly on his face. His eyes drooped from exhaustion, and his face was filled with regret. His head was resting on the baseball bat as he contemplated.
"You want to know what's wrong? I screwed up, that's what. I screwed up my life. I screwed up everything. No one likes me, I'm a drunk, and I can't even do a surgery without getting distracted. I once left a man on the surgery table to get a new phone. On the table! And the worst part is I sued him. And won! I'm not even sure who I am anymore."
"Are... are you crying?"
"Maybe." The doctor sniffled.
"Look, I am positive that was just a dumb mistake when you were younger-"
"That was last week."
"I… do not know how to respond to that." Greninja took a seat next to him. He patted the doctor's back in an awkward attempt to comfort him. "Just look at the positive side: you have got me."
"I don't even understand that!" Dr. Mario raged, shrugging Greninja's hand off of him. "How can a Smasher like you like a pathetic punk like me?"
"Because I have been there." Greninja said quietly. "We forget constantly that we are surrounded by people who have dealt with similar problems that we have. I was worse than you, my friend." He stared off into space. "I was no more than an ordinary street criminal before Koga took me in. I ran away from someone who loved me deeply before that, and to this day I regret my rash decision. I am ashamed of my past, but the difference between you and me is that I have had time to learn. You have not. Be patient, my friend."
"I've been patient for six years now," Dr. Mario snapped, grabbing a wine bottle. "I don't think I can be more patient that I am right now."
"You underestimate the workings of the world, my friend." Greninja said, looking back at the doctor. "The universe has defining moments. You will have your chance."
"When was yours?" Dr. Mario sighed, barely paying attention as he opened the bottle.
Greninja grew solemn. "Unfortunately for me, I chose poorly. But at least others can learn from my mistakes."
"Hey guys?" The two Smashers turned around to see Alph standing in the doorway. "What are you— it's a wine cellar, isn't it?"
"You bet." smiled Dr. Mario through his tears before starting the bottle. He drank almost all of it in one gulp, but eventually the burning sensation building in the back of his throat stopped him from finishing.
"I would ask for a swig, but this stupid helmet prevents me." Alph sighed, taking a seat next to him.
"I never imagined you as an alcoholic." Greninja noted.
"I'm not. I'm just bummed out." Alph sighed.
Dr. Mario burped. "I'm just glad that I'm not alo—"
He stopped as a huge boom echoed throughout the manor. The three Smasher's exchanged glances, not sure what had happened.
"What was that?" Alph finally said, getting up.
"Clearly I know." Dr. Mario snapped as he made his way towards the door. "What the— I can't get it open! It's stuck!"
"Let me try." Greninja offered, grabbing the doorknob and pushing as hard as he could. "The doctor is correct, I cannot seem to open it either."
They flinched as another boom was heard overhead.
"Are we under attack?" Alph panicked, trying in vain to push the door open. "Oh God, I hope everybody's okay..." Desperately, he added, "HELP!"
"Don't waste your air, kid." barked Dr. Mario, trying to think. "We're barricaded in down here."
"Oh God!" Alph screamed, banging on the door some more. "HELP! HELP! HELP!"
"Ditto!"
"Damn it..."
A/N: So there you go! What will happen to our heroes? Well, we know what happens, but how? Will Mario be okay? Who's Al Pacone? Where's Master Hand? Will Dr. Mario and Co. get Greyfield? What's up with Red and Lord Helix? And most importantly, when will I update this story? Find out next time!
As usual, please leave a review. Or don't. Chances are you're a human individual with their own free will and you can exist happily without ever leaving a review. But it's the thought that counts, and it really means a lot to authors. That's my shameless pitch :P
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned folks!
Guest Responce Corner
Le Guest (Loved the name, BTW): Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm glad you enjoy it so far! I hope the plot is original because it would really suck if I found out that I ripped off someone! Ironically, Dr. Mario's cynicism is based off of another story I had originally planned! In another archive.
On another site. (FictionPress)
But when I came up with the idea of this story, I realized that Dr. Mario probably had feelings about Mario, being his clone and all. So in a word, Dr. Mario's grumpy behavior is one of my favorite things to write about in this story, and it's a lot of fun as well! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far, and I hope you stay tuned! Thanks for reviewing, and have a nice day!