"You're on in five boss,"
Master Hand suddenly shot up strait, trying to make out the sentence that apparently was addressed to him.
"What . . . who speaks?" He asked through slurred speech.
"Tis I sir-R.O.B. unit #58. We have gathered all of the contestants, and everyone is waiting the starting of opening night!" Unit #58 said.
"That'd be quite fantastic . . . who are you again?" Master Hand asked.
"Sir, I just told you my name, I am . . ." Unit #58 began to say before he was interrupted.
"Ah bah don't tell me-I can get this . . . its-uh-well . . . It starts with a Z right?"
"Sir, are you alright? You seem confused."
Looking at his boss more clearly, Unit #58 saw just how out of place he seemed to be. Master Hand had been completely passed out when he came and told him that he was about to be on, and he seemed to be lost in his own world. He was just a hand, but what most wouldn't know unless they met him first was that Master Hand's emotions and attitudes could very much be seen from how he moved and acted.
It seemed obvious right now that he was in a delirium. How he got into it Unit #58 was not sure, but what he did know is he had to snap his boss out of it.
"Unit's #456 and #277-what is wrong with the boss. Why does he act in a delirium?" Unit #58 asked his fellow units.
"You really cannot tell? Isn't it obvious? He's intoxicated!" Unit #277 said.
"What? We had no beverages on the premise which contained such toxins? How did he get alcohol?" Unit #58 asked in angry confusion.
"I . . . 'urp . . . have my'a methods little buddy . . . 'urp," Master Hand stammered out.
"Ugh, I'm sure. We need to get him sober fast-what can we use?" Unit #58 asked in despair.
"That'd be my job!" said a commanding voice.
Turning to see who had spoken, the units could not find the speaker until a blue light dropped down in front of them, signaling the boss of the games.
"So, our speaker for the night could not keep it under his breath eh? No matter, I'll sober him up!" The voice said harshly.
Suddenly the light moved right above the still bumbling hand, and as soon as it landed on his, shocks of blue-white electricity shot through him, causing Master Hand to cough and wheeze in pain. This lasted for nearly a minute before he stopped and Master Hand collapsed to the ground.
"I will not have you making a mockery of the greatest event in the history of video games. Now go out there and do your durned job!" The voice spoke.
Grateful that the coughing and wheezing stopped, Master Hand floated up grudgingly looking towards the light.
"Did you have to make it hurt so much?" He asked with a hint of anger.
"I do whatever it takes Hand. You're on in two minutes. Now get ready and get out there. Opening night is key to the structure and layout of these games. Do you remember the rules and things I told you to say?" The voice asked.
"Yes. Anything else his majesty wants me to do?" Master Hand spoke as if an intolerant child.
"Watch your mouth Hand. You are under my jurisdiction while I run these games. I have not withheld my profit from you during this event yet-do not make me do so!" The voice spoke back lowly.
"Whatever you please-these are your games. How long am I on for?" He asked.
"After you go over the rules of the game and answer a select few questions, if there are any, then we begin opening night events." Unit #58 said.
"You are on in thirty seconds. Good luck-remember to keep a sharp appearance. I will even make an appearance myself." With that, the light vanished, leaving Master Hand with the units.
""You're on in 15 sir. Good luck!" Unit #58 spoke before moving away.
"Ugh . . . show-time . . ." Master Hand grumbled as the curtains before him opened up to the contestants of Super Smash Insanity.
A loud applause could be heard as the curtains rolled up to reveal Master Hand before the contestants. Several smiled, other looked suspiciously, and some simply appeared deadpan. Whatever their initial outlook to opening night would be, almost all were there, and the grand room was filled to the seems with all the competitors of the event.
"Hello, greetings, and welcome. I Master Hand, on behalf of my boss and the entire crew that have prepared for these events, would like to welcome all competitors to Super Smash Insanity. We are all very glad that you have come, and cannot wait to get started on this wonderful event that will promote many great things for the video game world.
"But before we can do that, I suppose I should run over the whole context of these events-the rules and the goal for each contestant. You all have already been told that these will be no mere tournament and that games, points, prizes, will all be considered and used here. I will keep you waiting no longer. I now introduce the layout of Super Smash Insanity!"
It was then that a large board was pulled down behind Master Hand, and illuminated by a projector, showing a list of bullet points and charts.
"Much like previous Smash Brothers events, tourney-style fighting will be an occurrence every week. Players will be grouped into teams of six, and each week the team will fight one main fight, with possible side challenges on the side. Participants are only required to fight in one battle a day-what you do outside of that battle is your own choice. Weekends are designated major events times. Special tourneys, events, games, and occurrences can be found during Friday evening to Sunday evening. For the first five weeks, each of the five required weekday battles will occur between two or more teams. The winning team of these games will acquire points for seeding, I'll explain that later, along with a small bounty of treasures they may select from their opponents collection.
"Every player will start out with a total of 500 credits, which may be used to purchase things around the world of smash. Stores supplied with equipment, special eateries, luxury items shops, and a wide variety of other things can be found throughout the city and even the surrounding world. Stationary meals are always free at way stations, but only basic rations will be given out there.
"I mentioned side events would go outside of the main ones, and attendance at these is optional. These competitions are for prizes one might find useful in the games-perhaps an incredible weapon, a pass from fighting for the day, a map of unexplored territory in this world, or even perhaps in-depth analysis of your opponents-all should be valuable to you. Each side contest will explain the rules prior to you joining.
"Weekends offer the specialized events, which you will certainly want to attend. Grand tourneys and parties will be hosted during these, as well as announcements and special awards from the boss. We do require that you attend events deemed mandatory-do not worry; we will always inform you when such an event pops up.
"The rest of your time is free time-do with it as you may, however I suggest each and every one of you at least spend some time cooperating with your team. Losing too many battles will not do well for your seeding, and falling behind in schedules mandatory battles will result in you falling fast.
"Now I have mentioned seeding to all of you, and indeed it is important. At the end of the five week period the seeding points you have will be measured. Those at the top will be spared, but those at the bottom will be forced to send members out. Once members are out, they will be sidelined from the competition in the Glory Sector-a part of this new Smash World where they will be able to watch the games in peace but will not be allowed to interfere at all with the current players.
"In addition to the members who will either be voted or eliminated out (that will be further explained after week five), the fifth weekend will host the first King Tournament-a free-for all event which could result in team shakeups and more eliminations. After the tournament, weekly battles will resume, except now every match will be elimination-at least one member of each team will have to leave after each battle. This will continue for either two weeks, or until we are down to 25 contestants. When we reach those twenty five, it becomes straight up free-for all with the second King Tournament. This one will have no eliminations, but will determine seeding and advantages for the final week of combat.
"In that final week, we will work all the way down to the last five, and after that weekend, the final championship match will begin. The winner of that one will be crowned the champion of Super Smash Insanity. The rest of the week will involve one final festival where all will be allowed back, and then we will send you on your way back to your own worlds, right at the point you remember leaving it, with no memory of these events until you return for the next one. Any questions?"
The room was completely silent, and no one moved. The enormity of these events had been fully realized, and everyone was shocked. These really was the biggest event in video game history-it would be quite the feat to top. Still in shock of what the entire games meant, no one really spoke until a single hand rose from amongst the many there.
"You mentioned credits," Wario said with greed as he rubbed his hands together, "how exactly does that work in terms of collecting?"
"Credits are represented in gold coins which each player shall have. To make transactions of points easier each contestant will also carry around a card to contain credit points-winnings will either be collected through the coins, or through card transactions, whichever is more convenient for the time.
"As I said these credits can be used to buy almost anything. Outside tourneys and events will offer rewards of them, and they will help you buy whatever you need to win the tourneys or other events you may so wish to enter."
"The rules of the fighting-what are the rules?" Scorpion shouted.
"A good question. We have designed each match so that no player will ever die or experience pain that is too fatal for a player. You may fight however you please, as long as it follows guidelines, which will be explained throughout the games as different events and tourneys have different rules. I assure you should anything happen and anyone does receive pain we have the best medical staff ready to patch you up. Any damage or pain experienced in the game will not follow once the event concludes, so your injuries should never sustain after a match.
"We see each of your fighting skills as unique and exciting. We encourage you to use what you know to your advantage. If the pain of an attack or technique simply becomes too much for a character to bear, then we will eliminate them from the fight as soon as they say so. Being a chicken however, will result in docking of points. So do whatever you have in your skill-set, whatever you choose, to . . . finish them!"
"Hey, I get the reference!" Ness shouted from the crowd.
"We all did kid!" Shouted back a sarcastic Falco.
Satisfied with the answer, Scorpion returned to his chair, which was not far from the eyes of Sub Zero, who eyed the fighter curiously.
"I have a question," Little Mac, the boxer famously renown despite his small stature, asked, "You mentioned a Glory Sector we all go do when we are eliminated from competition. What more can you tell us about it?"
"Ah, the Glory Sector-that zone of this Smash World is still very confidential. If any of you are wondering if it is some sort of trap however, we assure you it is not. The Glory Sector was a spot of open digital space when we created this world, so therefor we needed something to fill it. We are letting you, the fighters and contestants, choose what you think would be best to form the Glory Sector into-after all; we want it to be comfortable for those eliminated from the games.
"After tonight nameless surveys will be taken from each of you, and your input will help us describe the glory sector. While the sector has no connection with the rest of the Smash World except through the boss, it will accommodate all the perks of the Grand City and provide excellent living for the fallen fighters to watch the rest of the games."
From here several more questions arose and soon the room was buzzing. R.O.B. units spread out to answer individual questions, while ushers answered others. Master Hand, wanting to be rid of the stage, silently hovered off amidst the commotion. As he made his way backstage, the blue light appeared in front of him.
"Well done Master Hand-I assure you will be well paid for this. I could not have introduced the night better myself." The voice spoke from the light.
"Fantastic boss, I just 'wanna be done. Can I leave now?" Hand asked.
"I suppose-but do not be late for tomorrow's meeting." The voice said.
Nodding his body up and down to say he understood Master Hand floated away, lost in his own thoughts.
Once he left, a slight chuckle came the light, which still beamed down to the ground.
"He still wants all the power . . . that fool. I run these games now, and I shall be the one who reaps the reward. As of now he is nothing better than a servant, and if that attitude of his does not vanish soon I will have to burn that putrid mouth of his off myself!" The voice said.
The voice then paused for a minute, and the room seemed to darken until the only light in the entire backstage was the light itself.
"Quite pretty, I must say. You certainly have served your purpose A.I.-blue suited you well, and I think it does for me too." The voice noted.
As soon as the voice stopped speaking, a form appeared from within the light, taking the shape of a miniature woman, with a digitalized body will sleek curves and long flowing blue hair. Upon fully materializing the form fell to the ground, and after a few seconds, a gasp and a cough escaped her lips.
"Why are you using me for this?" the womanly form asked.
"Oh Cortana, you still don't realize your place in this grand event, but I do, and perhaps soon you shall too. You thought that it was over after the Didact didn't you? You thought you had faded into the beyond, offering a tearful goodbye to John. Well, in reality, that is what happened, and for all I know in your own world you are as good as dead.
"But here, in a world where video games exist like no other, you are alive enough for me to use. Your abilities as an A.I. have greatly helped me run these games, and I must say I am grateful for your help. Rampancy may have deteriorated your form in the world of the Halo franchise, but here, I can use those same effects to power so many things for my own grand plan for these games."
"I should be dead . . ." Cortana said in a small whisper.
"Oh yes, I suppose you should be . . . but I still have use for you. Cortana you may not realize it now but you are the second most important piece of my equation to achieving the ultimate glory here in the reformed Smash World. You are part of a five sided key! I need you Cortana-and believe it or not, you need me." The voice said.
"Need . . . you have . . . kept me within your energy for six weeks now, talking to me whenever you have the chance, saying how I can help you. You talk . . . about John and how he means . . . so much to what you want to do, and you use my . . . rampant components . . . to influence the movement of your blue light. Why am I here? Why . . . have I not been told anything . . . and why . . . are you keeping me like this?" Cortana stammered out.
"Trust my words when I say you are not a slave Cortana-your rampancy issues have an effect on the Smash World, and your inconsistencies have crossed over from your world to this one. For reasons I fully do not know, your technology crossed dimensions and times, and only seems to have had the power to do so after you went rampant. Your technology can distort a digital world such as this . . . you do know this is a digital world right? All video game characters are digitalized, and while each of your own worlds is real to you, it is just a digitalization in the world outside video games.
"Since this world is of a cautious digitized state, I need to keep rampancy in check-if your effects somehow spread-it could be a possibility, as I have run tests-this world could become distorted. So I therefor joined you to my power as boss here in the games, keeping that rampancy in check and giving your life through my energy as founder and owner of these games."
"So why even have me here . . . if I am such . . . a danger to this world. Why not just let me die? I . . . I am not supposed . . . to be here." Cortana said, almost in a whimper.
"I said you were the second most important part of this whole event, and though you do not know it know, maybe sometime you will. You are a focal reason why I am able to do all of this. I gave your life again Cortana . . . you may not appreciate what I have done now, or know what I have in store for this event or why you are so important to it . . . but I hope you soon come to love it . . . Cortana . . . Your being here means much to me. I know I am not trustworthy yet, but please . . . give me a little trust on this." The voice said in the most gentle of voices.
"I should have died, I shouldn't be here. I reached rampancy-my job was done . . . I was done . . ." Cortana said as she curled into a ball, her face buried in her arms.
Seeing her despair, the blue light began to unfold her form, and then begin to dissolve it away, to which Cortana did not complain. Once she was fully retracted, the voice gave a great sign, as if hopelessly depressed.
"She does not trust me . . . how could she? For all she knows I have brought her back from what should have been death in the still rampant state that helped lead to her demise-I can't say I would be so trustworthy either. I just wish she knew how much she means to this event and . . . to . . . to . . . to me." With that the voice stopped, and the blue light vanished as the other lights flicked back on.
Back within the great room where all the competitors had gathered, the buzz of the questions was beginning to die down. From where she sat at her seat, Samus Aran could tell that the crowd was beginning to be satisfied. Watching as the commotion died down, she looked over to her left to find the table at which sat a dark-skinned man in plain clothes, wearing a solemn look as if he paid no mind to the questions.
He seemed to have a stoic stature, not really moving or shifting his eyes from center stage, as if trying to think or concentrate on something. He continued to stay in his state until an usher who was walking buy tripped over something and flung tray full of beverages heaving towards the man. The man, still keeping his stature, was instantly covered with the liquids, drenching his body.
The usher, fearing the reaction of the drenched man, quickly tried to make an apology, but the man held up a hand with the palm facing forward to stop him.
"No worries, it will wash off later," The man said in a deep tone.
Gratefully sorry, the usher moved away, and the man resumed his position. It was then that Samus caught what she believed no one else had. As the man resumed his concentrating, his skin glowed very quickly, revealing it to be made up of polygon shapes, each in an elaborate honeycomb pattern across his body-almost as if robotic. The quick flash of the skin was only for a brief second, and if someone was not paying attention they would have missed it. Startled by this revelation, Samus made a mental note to meet with this man, or perhaps thing, sometime later, and learn what the secret behind his strange skin was.
Beside her at the table Master Chief sat idly about, his mind lost in nothing. Whatever was on his mind no one could guess, and he was generally known as a man who kept to himself. Turning away from the man she had been watching, Samus eyed Master Chief from across the table.
"Penny for your thoughts solider?" Samus asked him.
"I was . . . remembering some things that happened long ago, that was until I caught a glimpse from outside the window." Master Chief said in a deadpan tone.
"What was it?" Samus asked, slightly intrigued.
"Turn to the window and watch it for a few minutes, see if you notice anything-it should come at intervals of thirty seconds." Master Chief said.
Curious, Samus did as he suggested, and much to her surprise, within said thirty second intervals, came a quick flash from one of the buildings in the city, several blocks away. Thirty second later, a flash occurred at another building. Then, thirty seconds later, another.
"Random flashes-they could just be a coincidence." Samus noted.
"Could be, but if you keep watching them you can see they occur in a pattern. The flash itself looks like it's replicated by the shinning of a mirror. If we were to shift our angle to any other table it would not be seen." Master Chief noticed.
"You sure you're not just taking this too far?" Samus asked.
"Move over two tables to the left, and see if you can still see the flashings." Master Chief suggested.
Obliging his request, Samus moved and watched, and indeed after a few minutes she saw no flash. When she returned to her table she could see them flashing at regular intervals again.
"When signaling with mirrors, positioning is everything. The mirrors are not electronic, so they can't be picked up by any sensors or radar, and since they can only be seen at certain angles it means that something is being done secretly, as to not arouse suspicion." Master Chief stated flatly.
"Or that could all be speculation and it could be something random. I don't blame you for your view though-any soldier has to be on complete alert from anything out of the ordinary." Samus said.
"Very much so. It's how I weeded out snipers for the Covenant in the many battles I fought. In those battles, snipers were very slim and lanky creatures called Jackals, and there slim form and coloration allowed them to blend in with anything from tall grass to dark night. Noticing tiny flashes could mean savings one's life. You may be right on it meaning nothing –but this world is still strange to me, so don't expect me to trust anything." Master Chief said.
"I understand." Samus said with a small nod.
From where he stood atop another building, the flashing of the mirrors also got the attention of Wesker, who smirked at seeing them. Behind his dark sunglasses, a dim light danced in his eyes, and he even chuckled a bit at noticing the flashes.
To say he knew exactly what they were and what their purpose was would be a lie, but more than anyone else here was aware that there was something going on behind the scenes of Super Smash Insanity. Out of all the Spoken from the Shadows members, he alone knew the true purpose behind their role within the games.
It was true they were to be used as an underground enforcement for the games to continue, but he also knew that they were more than that. When the boss of Super Smash Insanity had come to him offering the proposition of leading the group, and the reward it would entail, it was too good to pass up. Like the other video game characters who found themselves in the new Smash World, he was instantly made aware that he was a character in a game and had no problem with it. He knew that he could leave this world with serious rewards and bonuses that he could sneak back into his own, and when such was promised to him upon being taken to this world, he did not hesitate.
Wesker did not know the bosses full plan for this competition and this world, and he did not expect to get any answers from the boss. Much of this new event and world was being kept under wraps, and to figure out what was underneath he would have to do some secret digging of his own, and he was prepared to do just that.
Using the group as a cover, he would begin to investigate this world until he found the truth behind it, and when he did, he would exploit it to his own advantage. Wesker could be a team player as long as he came out on top in the end, and if he stayed on his current course that would not be the outcome.
He had been chosen for a reason, and he insisted to use whatever was handed to him to his own gain. Like such characters as Ganondorf, Bowser, and others, Wesker wanted total domination and control of his world. He was able to get so far in his own universe but had never been able to fully achieve his goal.
"That changes here," He said smugly to himself, meaning every word.
The flashes of light were obviously from some other source trying to signal message in what they believed secret. The security of the city, Master Hand, the boss, and his group all had wire taps into the city's main communications frame, so by using the mirrors someone or something's was trying get a message across in secret.
Whatever it meant, it showed that he was not the only force working in secret in this world, and given how little he knew about his employer, he noted it as something to remember for the future. If he was to come out on top, he had to know everything. He did not know what the flashing was yet . . . but soon enough he would, and when he did, he would be one step closer to his goal in this world.
"To strip it clean, eliminate all threats, and run with the riches all the way home!" he said with a dark chuckle.
Back inside the great room for opening night ceremonies, all the commotion had died down. All questions had been answered, and now everyone wondered what was to come next. With the rules explained and questions answered, competitors wandered what would come next. Not to let them down, their question was quickly answered by all the lights being immediately shut off, to which several gasped and screamed.
Moments later, a blue light filled center stage, illuminating the room and quieting everyone. Before anyone could say anything, the voice from the light spoke, which now everyone recognized to be the boss of Super Smash Insanity.
"There you have it competitors, with the rules explained an questions answered, the competition can officially begin . . . well, except . . . me and all those involved with the event this year thought that on opening night we would treat all the fans watching to a grand event, in which we would get to see the fighting styles, resilience, and toughness of all competitors." The voice said.
"I somehow don't like where this is going!" Link said to Zelda, who sat beside him.
"So what do you say fans-ready for an opening night event?" The voice asked aloud.
The unseen crowd, which always chanted and cheered during previous Smash Games, now came alive with a roar of excitement.
"So be it. Before games start tomorrow we will have an opening night challenge, testing each competitor. Tomorrow teams will be announced and after the weekend is up the games will begin, but first-for the opening night event . . . behold!" The voice shouted.
Suddenly the roof of the room and all the floors above it vanished to expose the room to the cool night sky, and soon fortified gated slowly formed on the edges of the room. The night air whipped the face of each competitor, and the crowd fell silent.
"Your first challenge of this event is very simple-the building you are standing on-it is your home base. You are going to play a game of survival and defense-all of you, for tonight only, are on the same team, and your goal is to defend this building at all costs, when it falls, the game is over, and the last players standing shall win a huge bonus for the games. When a player is out-remember they will not be killed-, they will be teleported to a
holding box above the city so they cannot interact with the game-only watch it.
"We have put a few weapons and supplies around the building, and items can be found if one looks hard enough. All of you that fight with weapons will find a select few in the floor below, each marked for the correct competitor. Those who fight with skill or some sort of magical or scientific power you are free to use them as you please.
"Please note that we will not tolerate betrayal in this event. Doing so will result in immediate ejection and points docked for the start of the fights. However you defend the tower will be determined amongst you-but I suggest cooperation-it will keep you alive longer. With that said, good luck and have fun-opening night is the first chance to showcase your skills for the tourney."
"What if we do not wish to participate?" Ganondorf said angrily.
"Well, I suppose then you will get sent to the Glory Sector early-and will not be allowed to play in the games at all. That truly would be a shame-you would be useless to this world and the fans would be disappointed."
"Fine," Ganondorf mumbled.
"So, just who are we defending this tower from then?" Fox asked curiously.
"You are about to find out . . . wait for it," The voice said with anticipation.
Suddenly a large thumping sound could be heard, and the entire building shook. It sounded like the stomping of hundreds, even thousands of feet. Several competitors leaned over the fortified railings along the outline of the room, looking down in pure awe of what they saw.
There below them, crowding the streets was an army of miscellaneous soldiers and warriors, all from several different games. Former Smash Bros enemies like Primids and Greaps were there, and along with them were enemies such as Koopas and Goombas. Several heavily armed soldiers, from such various shooters like, Call of Duty, Counter Strike, and Battlefield were there, and others included dragons from, Skyrim, mystical creatures from, The Legend of Zelda, Covenant foot soldiers from, Halo, and several hostile aliens from Mass Effect.
They were not alone either-aliens from such games as, Future Tactics, and, Dead Space, along with robots from, Ratchet and Clank, demons from, Devil May Cry, dinosaurs from several games, and even star ships from such games as, Space Invaders. Armies of Green Pigs from, Angry Bids, appeared, and close behind them several tanks from, Tank Wars, all ready to face the enemy. Several other beings from so many franchises appeared, and they numbered in unbelievable amounts. All armed and ready, they were set to fall the great building in which all of the competitors were seated.
"Competitors, I would like you to meet perhaps your greatest challenge yet-a combined army of the many soldiers, warriors, creatures, and enemies found throughout the video game world. They will attack this tower-your goal is to fend them off." The voice said with a dark-sorted glee.
Somewhere a glass dropped and shattered on the ground. Several people stood with their mouth agape. Falco had an angry look in his eyes and at the sight of all the enemies, Luigi his under his table in fear. Ganondorf gave a surprised chuckle, and Marcus Phoenix gave short grunt. Master Chief and Samus were dead silent, while the Arbiter gave a quick look down to the Energy Sword attached to his hip.
Donkey Kong scratched his head thoughtfully, while Diddy Kong gave a silent gulped. Lucas quivered while Sub Zero cracked his knuckles. Crash Bandicoot rubbed his fists together in the sign that he was ready, while Conker Bit the end of the cigar he was smoking, wearing a down trodden look.
Amongst all of the emotions shown and observed in that short span of time, everyone had fallen dead silent, no one talked or moved. Impressed by the effect it had on the competitors, the voice from the light made on final statement before the event was to begin.
"Are we all understood then? Everyone knows what they have to do?"
In reply to his question only one voice spoke from the many seated there, and it came from the back corner of the room where a man with a baklava stood up while cocking an M-9.
"Let's do this!"
Authors Note: Yeah . . . it's been a long time since I have posted anything, and I do feel quite bad about it. Check the main page for a full update-should be posted here in the next day or so. Again apologies for not posting anything for so late.