In the center of a clear platform in the sky floated the host of the tournament that Mii's worldwide were looking forward to. On that platform were entrances to rides that were in the middle of development, specifically the first two that Master Hand had come up with. Outside of that were ten empty spaces, waiting to be filled and properly utilized.
"For the hundredth time Bentley, yes, I am certain. Twelve theme park rides, created and sponsored by all of us. Hopefully. You'll be given total control over the rest of the rides while my own personal creations are being built, and after their completion.
I'll be giving my own assistance as well, just as promised."
In front of Master Hand stood his main assistant Bentley, a tall, thin, stern looking Mii holding a clipboard bursting with papers. The Mii combed back his parted blonde hair with his right hand as he crossed his arms to give the God of Order a disapproving stare, in no mood to hear the exasperated tone.
Bentley turned around to look at the Mii's currently occupied with the so-called 'Mansion of Ghoul's' and 'Mario Runners', which had workers buzzing about like bees, getting the constructs themselves finished up. There was decent progress being made, and soon the two work forces would be finished, and free to help out with the rest of the works that he would help organize.
What concerned him wasn't the capabilities of the workers.
"Now, I understand why you'd be concerned, but I wouldn't be setting up any of these goals if I thought they were unreasonable. You can see how hard everyone is working towards getting these projects done, and if worst comes to worst, I'll happily take any blame if it turns out this is just a bit too ambitious."
Bentley sighed, both amazed, and slightly annoyed at Master Hand's sincerity. He was the creator of everything they were familiar with, and yet Bentley sometimes felt like He was in charge, and the God supposedly running thing was his eager to please aide. It was nice, but it was also a part of the main problem he faced.
The assistant showed Master Hand his clipboard, filled with supplies, a duty list, assignments for people, and so on. At the back of the papers stacked up were a lot of ideas drawn up by his fellow workers, who had been brainstorming about what their own attractions would be since they first joined the project.
"Oh, this is wonderful! I'm so eager to see what everyone will be building! Which ideas have you decided to use for the rest of the attractions? I'll order any extra supplies immediately, and you'll be on your way to completion."
The enthusiasm wasn't shared by both parties. Bentley lowered the clip board in his hand, and looked to the side in embarrassment. This earned the closest thing to a questioning gaze that Master Hand could conjure up, and the Mii responded, with no sense of pride.
The freedom that Master Hand was offering him and his colleague's was actually the very issue that the Mii was concerned with. When you're able to do anything, you gain the urge to want to do everything, worried that whatever you decide on won't be enough. This was the problem that Bentley was worried about, since he couldn't find anyone willing to buckle down on a select few ideas, and those that did were still hesitant.
"I see. Well, what do you need?"
Bentley brought out the papers within the clipboard lined with potential elements to be used in the attractions, tapping on them with his pen.
"So, you want me to choose some ideas for you to use?" Bentley nodded sternly, "I see. Well, you seem to be the only one with these concerns, but they're still very valid. I think I'd know best of all what it's like to have countless plans, and with the urge to implement everything I've ever thought would be a good idea." A small laugh from the God of Order slipped out, "However, I won't be choosing anything here for you to do."
His assistant opened his mouth to try and tell him otherwise, but Master Hand stretched his fingers skyward, convincing him to wait and listen.
"Bentley, the fact that you brought this up tells me just how capable a right-hand man you are (forgive the wording), and while they're not all brilliant, what everyone else came up with has potential to form something great. I'm confident in your capabilities to limit yourself, and decide on your own what you can do. There's no reason to feel otherwise. Just focus on one universe, pick a handful of ideas that will bring in guests, test them out, and construct what you believe will work best." Master Hand ended his short speech with one thumb held up, and the rest of his fingers held in his palm, before going back into his normal state.
Bentley paused, looking back at what all of his fellow builders had written down, and back at what Master Hand had created so far. It seemed very daunting, and difficult to pull off, with all of the work that they would have to do, especially since he couldn't get a clear direction like he preferred.
However, Master Hand tended to compromise in just about everything, and the few times he didn't, it was very difficult to change his mind. If he really thought him and everyone else could pull this off and manage to build great attractions, something to honor the Smash Fighters and some of the other guests who made their mark on the Miis, it had to at least be worth trying.
Right?
Master Hand noted his assistant's nervousness, and saw fit to address it. "Don't worry, I'm here to listen and give my advice about whatever you do. You need to run the ideas by me anyway before I let you go through with them, and I'd be happy to discuss some designs you decide on.
However, since you aren't certain about getting all of your ideas together for ten rides... could I perhaps drop the number down to nine?"
A quizzical glance was exchanged with an unseeable one.
"Well... I was hoping I could procure one more spot of land for the sake of creating another attraction, specifically one for Samus Aran. Before you say anything, you need to know that it would be the only attraction created by us that would be dedicated to her, and everyone else around her. It's important that the rest of the members of your team knows this as well."
The assistant nodded in understanding, and decided that it might be helpful. Sure, it might not sit well with some fans of Samus, but they'd probably agree when they heard that Master Hand thought it was best. Solid restrictions like this were rare enough that they were never bothersome, and everyone respected the God of Order enough to take them seriously.
Bentley thanked Master Hand, and turned around, happy that he put so much faith into them, but slightly worried that they wouldn't be able to reach any expectations. As the assistant walked away to meet with the rest of the Miis later on, he thought about throwing in his own ideas. He was a major fan of Link, so perhaps he'd try convincing the others of making an attraction based around his exploits.
After watching the anxious Mii walk off, Master Hand floated back to his mansion, into his office. He went straight to the desk he normally worked at, and looked at the piece of paper he had left blank before.
It was time for him to finally get around to writing Samus' letter.
He had considered pushing hers back a while, but even if he was able to directly control and oversee the construction of this big ride dedicated to her, it may not be enough to ensure that she is able to fully enjoy herself here.
Samus Aran was a bounty hunter like no other, and a hero who has saved countless lives throughout her career. For years she has continued to do so, always fighting her hardest, dedicating every ounce of her being to accomplishing whatever mission she set her mind to. She is a woman with an indomitable will, and has proven this to every creature that has stood in her way.
Everything she does naturally put a lot of strain on her, but she is able to suppress her own emotions whenever she works. It may be a bit unhealthy, but it's a reasonable action when someone is facing challenges like Samus does. Allowing yourself to be stalled by a moment of fear, or losing your cool from a burst of rage, could mean the end when your life is on the line.
The problem is the lack of moderation when she blocks out her feelings. Master Hand is concerned about her constant time spent away from others, and the current rate that she's been taking up and completing missions. While he respects her decisions as an adult and a bounty hunter, he still worries that she's been alone for too long, and could use some time away from work.
He only hopes that his letter will convince her to take time away from the deadly space missions and enjoy herself for a while. Everyone deserved a break once in a while, and Samus had earned hours of off time.
Samus Aran, the Galactic Savior,
From your title alone, it should be clear why you are receiving this invitation once more.
You are a warrior who is willing to take up any challenge given to you for the right price. Whether it's retrieving an important item, or taking care of dangerous beings, you take on whatever task you choose, and follow through without any hesitation.
However, what drives you to continue moving forward in life goes beyond monetary gain.
Your crusade against the Space Pirate, the Metroids, and all of the other threats that plague your 'world' so to speak has not gone unnoticed, and continue to be for more than just money. More than just mere adaptation to unexpected circumstances.
It's to prevent others from feeling the same loss that you've experienced.
You are very familiar with the concept itself, and how it can feel, and while you prefer to focus on your own self-preservation, you've proven to be most driven when you know that the consequences for failure will result in only pain and suffering for others. You are willing to risk it all, and dedicate body, mind, and soul to terminating anything that threatens the peace and the lives of the innocent.
Many people would have broken under all of the strain you put yourself under, physically and mentally. The isolation, the loneliness, the seemingly endless struggles... they have done nothing to keep you from doing whatever you set your mind to. You've remained strong no matter what situation, and have built up a wide array of skills from your years of combat.
However, with accomplishments so great underneath your belt, you tend to have difficulty taking leisure time for yourself. It can be hard to slow down and relax, to unwind and do something to help you escape all of the troubles going on.
This is the reason that you have once more been invited to compete in a battle against champions from other world. A fighting tournament where you would battle against old friends and new for the sake of testing your strength. However, in the long run, this is more about healthy competition, rather than grueling trials. You'll be requested to give it your all, but not for the sake of any greater goal beyond your own amusement.
After the fighting is done, you'll be able to find time to bond with some of your fellow fighters. From the veterans of the past, to the newcomers of the future, many people would be thrilled to have an accomplished person such as yourself around to interact with.
And I sincerely hope that you take time once more to see that for yourself.
-Sincerely,
The God of Order,
Master Hand
P.S.- If you choose to enter again, please confirm your participation with one month of receiving this letter.
P.S.S- I hope you're doing well Samus.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Samus set aside the letter she 'mysteriously' found on her console for the fourth time in a row so far, sitting back in her seat as she looked at her ship monitor. The screen had been cleared of some information about nearby jobs for her to do, and displayed the nearly dead star system she was in.
Her latest actions there didn't help for any hostile life still living there.
She reclined her pilot seat, and started taking the invitation into consideration. It was a tempting offer, and one that she would happily take up...
...If there wasn't so much left for her to do.
Samus' previous line of work involved taking down a small, but organized group of smugglers, working to smuggle weapons to their fellow henchmen. It was a small job, but it still meant that there were fewer weapons left to hand around to any dangerous individuals.
Specifically, the Space Pirates that were commanding it.
It was yet another job that Samus was almost happy to do, more work towards dismantling the organization of monsters that attacked and infected everything around them like a virus. She felt accomplished about it, yet... she knew it was just another step towards taking down the group as a whole.
Unfortunately, there was so little data on them, that there was no way for anyone to be sure how to land any crippling blows on the organization. With the loyalty burned into the brains of Space Pirates, interrogation won't work on them. At this point, knowing for sure if the main leader was Ridley, Mother Brain, or some other member of the mysterious High Command seemed almost...
Almost...
Almost like something that she shouldn't be concerned about.
Samus pinched the temple of her nose, before shaking her head as she sat up. She was a bounty hunter, not the galaxy's charity worker. The title Master Hand gave her was nice and all, but it wasn't good for describing her. She worked for herself, not for the Galactic Federation, and certainly not for the greater good of everyone. She also knew the dangers of getting too emotional with your work, and letting her own feelings cloud her judgement.
Although, while she was well aware of the dangers it presented, her actions as of late haven't been just about business. The bounties she took up all leaned more and more towards destroying Space Pirates, rather than automatically going towards the highest paying work. Even then, she could tell she would be more driven than she was in the past. More determined to finish the job, and kill everyone that could be another threat people would have to face. Sometimes it felt like sustaining herself was an afterthought. The endless missions she had taken on, the erratic sleeping schedule, constantly forgetting to eat, it had gotten to the point that she had only done them when they were most necessary. Like they were just distractions rather than basic human needs.
Samus looked back at the letter, and thought about what Master Hand had written. He had always been like a doting father to all of the Smashers, and would never stop bugging any of them about their well-being. His comments about how hard she had been working weren't wrong... but could she really just stop what she was doing? Just like that? The idea of just getting away from everything sounded nice, but it was hard to tell if it would sit well with her like before.
Samus thought back to the previous Smash Tournament's that she had participated in. She didn't do much to talk with the others, and that made her the odd one out in the group the first time around. She wasn't anti-social about it, she just didn't care much about talking to people. She recalled her amusement at how Link would get into more conversations with the rest of the original fighters than she ever did.
It wasn't meant to last though. Yoshi had eaten her helmet and ran off with it, leading her into the rest area, and letting everyone see her with her real face. No voice distorter, or anything to cover herself up. It was hard to tell what was more embarrassing, how her true face was revealed, or having to hatch an egg to get her equipment back.
Yoshi was apologetic of course, and all of the others gradually made more of an effort to approach her. Mario to apologize with Yoshi, Captain Falcon to ask for advice on judging a good or bad client, Ness gathering up the courage to look at her tech (he got so excited looking at her arm cannon) and Fox to convince her to exchange stories. She was mostly on the ground, and he usually stayed in the Arwing, so what he told her about his dogfights was usually new and interesting.
As time went on, she had gained several more friends in the tournament. Those she spent the most time around were the space-farers. Fox was still a good for long chats, fairly calm and collected, which was a nice break from Falco and his hot-headedness. He always insisted on taking Samus on in their ships, and occasionally she would indulge him. Usually she didn't bother, because she always found it to be a waste of time. Falco was just more skilled in the pilot seat, but he kept insisting that she had more fight in her when it came to fighting in a ship.
Then there was Olimar. Easily the last person she ever thought she would associate herself with. He wasn't much of a fighter on his own, but how he collaborated with his Pikmin fascinated Samus. He was able to use them to take down enemies many times his own size, and coordinate them with just his arm and his whistle. No matter how much he downplayed his role in their survival, the man had proven to be a clever commander, and was able to bring out the full potential of the Pikmin. The occasional nosy Pikmin clinging to her ponytail, or a bit of rambling about his family was well worth the talks.
Beyond them, there were more people she had met, and was always happy to interact with. Snake, who was fun to be around for conversation , and the occasional drink. Pikachu, who she had bonded with after the Subspace Emissary. Mr. Game & Watch, who was very strange, but entertaining to battle against. Peach, who was always so sweet to her that Samus thought she would get a cavity. She worried about Samus so much, and even told her that-
Her thoughts were stopped by a slight strain in her face. It was normal for Samus to feel some aches and pains from missions, but it was unusual for her to feel from...
...
...
...a smile.
She did it without realizing, and her face was actually in pain. It felt so long since she last put a smile on, and the fact that her facial muscle were actually out of shape got a small giggle out of her. It gradually into a normal laugh, but it didn't go farther than that. Still, it was the first time she felt so far away from everything going on around her, even in a ship miles away from any action. The fact that she never smiled much was a bit sad, but she just thought it was funny she actually had to exert herself to keep a grin on her face.
It was just like Peach had told her before. She kept saying that Samus might forget to smile if she didn't do it enough, and it's safe to say she came pretty close.
As the laughter died down, Samus looked back at the letter she was given, and mulled over its contents. She thought about what Master Hand had wrote about her actions, and recalled the missions she completed. She experience varying levels of accomplishment, but it was always hard for her to ever claim that she was very happy at the end of many of them. She would always move on to the next job without thought, especially if she thought there were Space Pirates involved. It wasn't that she didn't think much of other threats, it was because they were the most dangerous. Her own history with them made it very personal as well.
However, Samus knew she wouldn't be able to function if she kept doing this. Going from one job, straight to the next, with little to no down time. There would always be bounties to complete, and the Space Pirates may seem like a perpetual danger to every peaceful being that drew breathe, but burning herself out like this was dangerous, and could lead to her own demise.
Beyond that, now Master Hand made her recall how anxious she was to see everyone again. A silent place was something that was always appreciated by her, but it only did any good when she needed to rest after some activity, and Samus felt like doing more than just blasting away at enemies. She needed to spend some time in a place she felt comfortable relaxing, and enjoy herself for once. Hopefully it would let her sort out her own thoughts on how she should be working.
Samus picked up the letter, looked for the usual check box, and gave her response. There was no need for anymore deliberation.
She was ready to see her friends again.
Well, this turned out to take a while. I actually made the first part to be much more filled with dialogue, but I decided to just have Master Hand talk. The overall amount of dialogue in each chapter is going to vary (Link won't be talking, and Sonic probably will), but if I can, I think I'll stick with the more silent approach I took on.
As for Samus, she was another unfamiliar character to me, so I looked her over, and did my best to put my own interpretation of her out there. It was fun, different, and I'm happy with it.
Anyway, I think I'll try someone a little next simpler next. And a lot hungrier. Get ready for Kirby, because he's coming right back at ya!