A big thanks to everyone who has read this story so far! I really appreciate it. With no further ado, here is chapter 8.

Chapter 8: Practice for the Presser

"It's truly a pleasure to be here, I'm really hoping to leave a good impr-" Lucina crumpled up another sheet of paper, tossing it at the trash can in her room. They had just moved in the previous night, but the press conference was only four days away. Lucina could rally thousands of soldiers with ease, but she never had to talk about herself. "No no no no NO!" She shouted. Lucina put her head in her hands, gripped with frustration. She heard a soft knock on her door. She sighed. "Come in." She called out. She saw Robin peek his head into the room.

"I was going to head out with Fox and Samus to the downtown district. I was thinking it would be fun." He looked at Lucina, concern etched in his face. Lucina shook her head.

"I thank you, Robin," She began. "but I must decline. This interview is the first time people will see me as I am."

"A lot of people have already seen that." Robin mentioned. "And they were people who you care about."

Lucina frowned. "And that's why I can't screw this up. I've got to make a good impression!" She was about to tear off another piece of paper from the notepad that the staff had provided for her. Robin placed his hand on the desk.

"Lucina." His voice was soft. "If you really want help with this, may I suggest meeting the others and discussing this?" Lucina looked up at Robin. "You surely cannot be the only one with issues like this." Lucina looked deflated.

"Alright, it seems like I'm getting nowhere with this anyways." she admitted. As soon as she said that, Samus, Zelda, and another blonde burst into the room.

"Excellent work, Robin!" The new girl said. "Your diplomacy skills weren't made up in the report after all!"

Robin winced. "I … aim to please?" He wasn't sure what was happening as Samus ushered him towards the door. "Were you all waiting outside for that?!" Samus slammed the door in Robin's face. She turned around to face the confused Lucina.

"Girl, get out of that armor! It's time for you to get aquinted with some modern clothes!" The bounty hunter announced.

Robin walked down the stairs into the main atrium, where Fox was waiting for him. Fox was conversing with four other smashers. Robin recognized Falco and Marth, but was unfamiliar with the other two. Falco and Fox were wearing their standard flight jacket, whereas Robin had chosen some more … modern clothing to fit in with the crowd. He was wearing a white button up with black jeans and purple sneakers. Nice touch, Anna. He thought to himself. He had also brought his robe to wear over it, in case it was cold. Apparently the 'climatron' attempted to give people a variety of weather patterns, and it was now the winter. As he looked, Robin breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't the only one to wear something other than standard fare. Marth was wearing a blue turtleneck with white slacks and white shoes. The other two, that he hadn't met yet, seemed similarly dressed. One looked reminiscent of a Manakete. She had pointed ears, snow-white hair, and scarlet eyes. She had chosen to wear a white long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans. The most surprising thing was her footwear, or rather … her lack of it. While the rest of her was prepared for the cold, she wore no shoes. Robin didn't want to be rude, though. She probably would have noticed by now if she wanted to wear shoes … Robin thought. The last person was … well, small. Robin couldn't tell if it was a boy or girl. It looked like a blue blob, and was wearing a long cape and mask, which was covering yellow eyes. As he was observing the group, he thought he saw the blob glance at him. Uh-oh. Robin thought. Better head over there. He had barely taken a step before he heard a deep voice from behind him.

"Spying is considered very rude, you know." Robin whipped his head around to see the blue blob standing behind him.

"F-f-f-f-fast." Robin could barely speak.

"Yes. Me fast." The blob rolled it's eyes. "My name is Metaknight, and I assume that you're Robin." Robin nodded lamely. "Good, it truly is a pleasure." He put out his hand in greeting. Robin took it cautiously. "Now come, it's more fun to wait for the princesses with good company." Metaknight led the tactician to the group. Fox was the first to see Robin advancing towards them.

"Mornin' Robin!" The pilot gave Robin a hearty wave. "Glad that you decided to join us!" Falco gave Robin a pat on the back, almost knocking him over.

"Yeah, man! We're excited to show you what this city has to offer!" Robin grinned. This was no different than being with the Shepherds. It … felt nice.

Marth cleared his throat. "Well, we're still waiting on the princesses to join us, so we should introduce ourselves." He bowed to the tactician. "We've already met, but it's still a pleasure, Robin."

"It truly is, your excellenc-" He was cut off by a sharp bark from Fox.

"Your Excellency." Fox curtseyed for dramatic effect. "Man, we're all smashers here. All of us are equal! No need to be so formal!" Marth grinned.

"Just call me Marth." He paused. "And make sure Lucina knows that as well." Robin winced. Lucina couldn't refrain from asking every question she had last night, and he had heard enough "Hero King Marth"'s to last him a lifetime.

"I'll make sure to remind her." He turned to the white haired woman, who had chosen to sit on the back of one of the sofas in the foyer. "And I don't think we've had the pleasure." Robin held out his hand. "I'm Robin." The girl gave the hand a firm shake.

"Nice to meet you!" She was bubbly. Just like Morgan. Robin thought. "My name's Corrin!"

"Corrin comes from the same world as yours, but from a different time, maybe even a different timeline ..." Fox scratched his head. "It's kinda confusing..."

"Don't worry, the trick to all that is to avoid thinking about it." Robin joked. "I understand the idea."

"Yeah, I feel kinda bad, though." Corrin went from smiling to somber in a moment. "My two families were preparing to fight each other, and wanted me to take a side." She sniffed. "But how could I?" Robin looked at Falco, who shrugged.

"I already told the kid not to sweat it, man." Falco sat down on the sofa. "If she needs to figure herself out, this is the optimal place to do it."

Corrin sighed. "I guess so, I just don't want to lose anyone." Robin put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, I've been there." He gave her a sympathetic smile. "It will become clear with time."

"Ha, I get it. Time-travel joke."

The group turned to the voice's origin. Samus was leading the princesses towards Fox and company.

"Well, not really, but I guess you could see it that way." Robin looked bemused. The ladies had all chosen more casual outfits, but Samus's was actually looser on her. She wore a blue hoodie and black pants, her hair tied up in a loose ponytail. Zelda was wearing a gold top with blue jeans, but also wore a pink pea-coat over it all. There was another blonde princess, who was wearing an absurd amount of pink. She looked at Metaknight and gave a delighted gasp.

"Meteepoo!" She hugged the little blob. "I didn't know you were coming with us! You never come!"

Metaknight groaned. "I thought meeting some new members would be good for me, Peach. Also, Marth twisted my proverbial arm, so I might as well have fun."

"The reason's whatever! I'm just glad you could make it!" She turned to Corrin and Robin. "Oh! I haven't met you two yet! I'm Princess Peach of the Mushroom Kingdom!"

"Robin, it's a pleasure!" Robin bowed. Corrin gave her standard firm handshake.

"Corrin, I'm really happy to meet you!"

"Robin, I think modernism has ruined me." Robin peered from behind Peach. Lucina stood, wearing a flowing white dress, covered up slightly by a navy cardigan.

"Well, you look good, so I don't think it has yet." Robin laughed as Lucina blushed.

"Well, I'm going to get a second opinion." Lucina muttered as she whipped out the communicator from her purse. The group could hear the communicator connecting to another source. After a few seconds, Severa appeared onscreen.

"Lucy! It's only been a day!" Severa tried her best to hide her happiness behind a veil of grouchiness. "I'm surprised you'd find the time to call someone like me."

"Hello, Severa." Lucina smiled. "I just thought I could say hi." She pointed the device towards Robin's face. "See? Robin's here as well!" Robin smiled at his daughter. Severa smiled for a moment, then looked at her father with a quizzical look.

"Dad, where's your robe? It's like I'm looking at a completely different person!"

"Well, I thought I could give it a shot, Sev." Robin gave Severa a sly grin. "I mean, I know you've been trying for awhile, but..."

"I'd show mom, if she was here." Severa pouted. "Then again, you two'd get all mushy and compliment each other until we all gagged." Lucina looked at Robin apologetically, turning the communicator back to herself. Robin looked at the others in the group. Falco raised his wings defensively.

"Hey man, she ain't wrong." Robin tried to glare, but broke the facade and gave a small chuckle.

"Severa, I wanted you to tell me how I looked." Lucina tried to whisper in the communicator.

"Well, Lucy, I can't really get a good look with your face blocking most of the picture." Lucina blushed, and pulled away. Severa was quiet for a few minutes. When she finally spoke up, Lucina closed her eyes, expecting the worst.

"Lucy, you look really pretty in a dress!" Severa breathed. "Why don't you ever wear them? We could be fashion sisters or something!"

"Y-you really think so?"

"Yes, gawds! Now you guys are clearly all going out somewhere, stop wasting their time!" Severa hung up immediately. Lucina looked up at the group. Everyone looked back with amusement in their expressions.

"Do you finally admit you look gorgeous?" Peach rolled her eyes as she tugged Lucina towards the entrance. "Good! Let's actually try to see some of the city!"

"Marth, I thought you said Ike and Link would be joining us today." Metaknight eyed the prince as the group entered the tram station.

"Ike wanted to train, apparently he's in the first smash match. Link volunteered to train with him." Marth leaned against a pillar. "If you ask me, those two train too much."

"Too much of a good thing can be detrimental." Metaknight's deep voice rumbled. "However, I'm more worried about Link."

"Link can handle himself." Marth shrugged. "I wouldn't waste breath worrying about him."

"You didn't see him last night." Marth looked down at Metaknight, concern etched in his face.

"Take the back coach." The Prince looked at the rest of the group. Thankfully, it was rather crowded. Marth began falling back into the crowd, just as the tram entered the station. Metaknight followed suit. Just as they felt clear, Marth saw Samus staring them down. He could see her angrily mouthing 'What are you doing?'. Marth shrugged, and entered the back coach. Both Metaknight and Marth sat in the corner, where they attempted to look non-chalant. "What about last night?" Marth whispered.

"Link had a vision." Metaknight spoke in hushed tones. "A grim revelation."

"The Hylians tend to, don't they?" Marth sighed. "What did he see?"

"Ganondorf, conquering lands close and far."

"Big surprise."

"And Grima, spreading decay and ruin close behind."

"... Huh. That's a surprise." Marth covered his mouth with his hand, deep in thought. "I'm assuming we're worrying about Robin, then?"

"It's the logical choice, though the man seems agreeable and genuine." Metaknight paused. "I would prefer we focus on Ganondorf and keeping Robin from him."

"Agreed, I've been worried about this since I read his profile." A voice entered both swordsman's heads. Marth grabbed at his sword, but he had left it back at the mansion.

"Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?" Metaknight seemed unperturbed. "Ah, I know who this is. Zelda, correct?" It wasn't really a question.

"Yes, and you two should know better, trying to keep silly secrets." Zelda scolded them telepathically. "I would think you two better than that."

"Are you planning on telling the others about what you have heard here?" Marth said flatly.

"Of course, everyone here is a friend. Maybe you should try … you know. Being open about things?" The presence of Zelda disappeared from their consciousness.

"What were they blabbing about?" Peach demanded from Zelda. Lucina noted that Zelda looked strained.

"Link had another nightmare." Zelda muttered. "Another doom prophecy." Samus let out a big groan.

"Dude, really? That man has one, like, every week." Samus rolled her eyes. "Why worry?"

"He saw Ganondorf with the Triforce, and he was accompanied by..." Zelda paused, looking at her compatriots. "... a large black dragon." Lucina let out an involuntary gasp, and Robin's face darkened.

"C'mon! Robin's a good guy! He'd never..." Samus was interrupted by Lucina.

"All we have to do is keep Robin away from this Ganondorf, right?" She said quietly. Zelda looked at the young princess.

"Well, yes, that would make it hard for Ganondorf to get to Robin..." Zelda shook her head. "... But it's conjecture at this point. Samus is right. Link's still getting over a lot." The princess thought back to the Twilight. "We'll just keep an eye on things. We should have fun today!" Lucina frowned, until she heard Robin from across the coach.

"Lucina, you need to see this!" She ran to the other side, where Robin was looking through the windows. Large metal buildings flew by them on all sides. Lucina could make out small people walking through the streets into shops on the street. She looked at Robin. He held an expression of wonder and joy.

"Aren't you worried about what they said?" She asked. Robin didn't look at her, but he could feel his whole being focus on his answer.

"No, if all I need to do is avoid conspicuously evil guy, I think I can do that." He gave Lucina a reassuring smile. "And anyways, Grima is gone. So the dream is already unlikely to occur." As he finished, the intercom blared instructions. They saw Peach get up with Zelda and the others. Lucina and Robin followed suit. As they exited, Marth and Metaknight met up with them. Samus glared at the two.

"Nice little trick, hiding in another coach." She sneered. "Next time, share your secrets with the class?" She walked off in a huff, the others following close behind.

"So what's the plan?" Fox had pulled out his communicator, setting a map of the area.

Peach checked her watch. "Well, it's almost lunchtime." She looked at Fox's map. "Waluigi's pizza place is just around the corner."

"Seconded!" Falco blurted out. "What? He makes a good pie."

Samus shoved her hands in her hoodie, the cold was getting to her fast. "I'm down, let's just get out of the cold." The rest of the group had barely even noticed the cold, but she was right, it had begun to snow.

"Well, it's just a block down from here, let's just take a right-" Fox pointed to his right. "-Down past one stoplight, then take another right, and it should be there." The group followed Fox's lead. As they reached the stoplight, Samus realized that the three newbies probably had no idea how the stoplight worked. As she turned around, she saw Robin talking to Corrin and Lucina.

"So, if I'm guessing correctly, red lights are a signal to stop, and green is to move forward." He then looked at the pedestrian signs. "That red hand looks like it's telling us to stop as well, so when it's our time to cross, I expect it to tell us."

"Not the trickiest stuff, but I'm impressed you figured most of it out." Samus smiled. Robin shrugged.

"I still don't know how the yellow lights work, but I'm getting there." Robin took a deep bow. Samus ruffled his hair.

"Yeah, yeah, don't let it get to your head." She smirked. As the group crossed the street, Lucina heard Corrin.

"Peach? Who is Waluigi?" She put a finger to her chin. "Because I read about a Wario in the reports, but no Waluigi."

"Well," Peach began. "Waluigi is to Luigi as Wario is to Mario. Kinda bizarre mirror people." Corrin scratched her head in confusion. "What's important is that Wario and Waluigi are all about making money. But recently, Waluigi stopped trying to steal money, and invested in selling some delicious pizza! It's made him a lot easier to talk to as well." They made the right turn. One of the businesses had a giant purple W superimposed over a slice of pizza.

"I mean, you'll get to meet him soon enough."

"Wa-Ha-Ha!" The strange purple clad man twirled around the room in an angular fashion. "Peach-y! It's-a good to see you again!" Peach gave him an awkward hug, which he returned gleefully. "Did you want to be in the front or back room?"

"It's good to see you to, Waluigi." Peach smiled. "And sure, we'll take the front room. There's 10 of us." She added the last part before Waluigi could ask.

"A-bsolutely!" Waluigi almost shouted. "Follow me!" He walked in a gangly fashion to his left. Peach led the others through a small hallway that exited into a large room. The room was exquisitely decorated, with various pictures of Smashers, landscapes from several worlds, and some fine art. Waluigi picked a large circular table in the corner of the room. The group quickly took their seats. Waluigi handed out menus and gave the group a wide grin before bounding off to help other customers.

"He certainly didn't seem like a bad guy." Lucina remarked.

"Well, I didn't say he was good at it." Peach waved the comment away dismissively. "The point is that here in Smash City, everyone has a chance to be more than they were in their own communities. It's pretty impressive."

"Yeah, it's pretty cool." Falco drawled out. "You don't need to sell it to us, most of us know that."

Peach huffed. "I was explaining for the three newbies, or did you not notice them?" She pointed at Robin, Corrin, and Lucina. There was a harsh, awkward silence for what felt like an eternity. Metaknight cleared his throat and nudged Robin.

"Robin, have you delved into your menu yet?"

Robin looked at Metaknight, then the menu, then back to the diminutive swordsman. "Yeah, but some of the choices seem rather overwhelming. For instance, I have no clue what "Pesto" or "Pepperoni" is, and it does make it hard to choose." Corrin and Lucina nodded in agreement.

"Eh, Pesto's an aquired taste." Samus shrugged. "Not exactly my thing. But Pepperoni." Her eyes gleamed. "That is a gift from the gods."

Metaknight turned to Samus. "So what are you getting?" Peach giggled, earning a glare from the Knight.

"Simple, Pepp and Sausage. I'm a simple woman." Samus looked far too pleased with herself over a pizza choice.

"Carnivore, it's the most meat per square inch." Fox stated matter-of-factually. Falco nodded his head in agreement.

"It's science, man." He acted like he was putting on glasses and observing the table. "Pizza Science." Zelda hid her face in her menu. Samus glanced at the princess.

"What's up, Zel?" She asked. Zelda frowned, and continued to flip through.

"Well, I just don't know what to get this time." She scrunched her face in thought. "I always get some pasta, but I've always wanted to try a pizza here..."

"Then get a pizza."

"But their Fettuccine Alfredo is soooo good." Zelda pouted. "It's a crime to not get it!"

Peach rolled her eyes. "Well, put me in a cell, I'm getting some barbecue chicken pizza." She looked at Corrin. "How about you, Corrin? Anything catch your eye?"

Corrin closed one eye in thought. "Well, I think I'm going to go with the Carnivore." Fox and Falco high-fived each other. "You can't argue with pizza science!"

"Pizza SCIENCE!" The two pilots cheered in unison.

Robin pointed on the menu. "Taking a risk here with the pesto chicken, it sounds good." By this time, Waluigi had already made his rounds, and was back at their table.

"So, what would you-a like to order?" The thin purple waiter asked the table.

"Lucina, you're really overthinking this."

"I've always been able to talk to others when it's about them or a situation. But me? I don't talk about me." Lucina looked at her legs. "I don't want to come off as aloof or arrogant."

"I'm serious, just be yourself." Samus said pointedly. "The press will love you if you're you. They can detect a fake from a mile away."

Falco spoke up. "Take it from Samus, Lucina. Samus hasn't had a good interview yet, and the press still loves her." Samus glared at the pilot. "... I'm just saying, Sammy!"

Fox decided to intervene. "If it helps, we can each ask you a question? I mean, something the press would ask?"

Robin nodded. "It might be good for Corrin and I to hear this as well. I admit, it's tough to think of what to say if you don't know the questions."

"Yeah, and honestly-" Corrin looked at Lucina with a smile. "-I've been nervous as well." Peach clapped her hands together, startling the table and surrounding tables.

"Alright! Let's give it a try!" Peach pointed to Zelda. "Zelda, you ask first!" Zelda immediately protested.

"Why do I have to ask first?!" She almost hissed at Peach, for fear of further annoying the other diners.

"Because you always give such good interviews!" Peach batted her eyelashes in an exaggerated manner.

Zelda sighed. Ever since she gave her interview last year, everyone in the press talked about her amazing way with words. She didn't even mean to, she was just talking about home. Who could have guessed that it would be a good little speech? "Fine." She conceded. "Let's see …" Zelda looked at Lucina. " … Lucina, what do you think makes a good smasher?"

Lucina pondered the question for a minute. "I'm not sure. I think that someone who's accomplishments, for better or worse, are significant in their world, could be a smasher." The young swordswoman thought some more. "But in reality, a smasher is just a person willing to break the barriers between worlds to find new experiences."

"Zelda 2.0 over here!" Falco shouted out. "Kid, you're gonna be fine!" Metaknight held out his hand, silencing the bird.

"Lucina, what makes you think you're qualified to be a smasher?" The group looked at Metaknight, stunned.

Lucina shifted nervously. "Honestly, I don't really think I deserve it at all." She stuttered, attempting to backtrack. "I-I mean it's an honor, but..." She looked a little sad. "... I couldn't have made it this far without my friends, without a lot of people making terrible sacrifices for me to continue on." Lucina looked more determined. "And all I can do is fight for their sakes!"

The 'interview' lasted another 15 minutes, with each person asking a question for Lucina to answer. By the end, everyone agreed that the warrior princess was in a very good place. The group decided to look through several of the shops and department stores in the area. While it felt like no time at all, by the time the group had reconvened, it was already evening. As they entered the station, Metaknight gave Lucina a pat on the back.

"You will do well in the interview, Lady Lucina."

"Thank you, Metaknight." Lucina bowed. "It means a lot to me."

"May I ask why? You don't meet most fans, and those who matter already know you." The group was still talking amongst themselves as the train left the station.

Lucina blushed. "W-well, some of the people who matter don't really know me. Like, really really know me." Metaknight looked as quizzical as he could behind his mask.

"Child, they aren't going to get very personal at all with the questions. I sincerely doubt they'll ask about anything of a romantic nature." Lucina 'shh'ed Metaknight.

"But what if I slip up? Or worse, look like an idiot in front of millions, including the person I-" Lucina stopped herself.

"Lucina, trust me, no one will think worse of you for a slip up or flub." Samus sat next to the Princess. Lucina blushed even more furiously. How much had Samus heard? "I mean, I usually just ignore the questions, and people still like me."

Metaknight scoffed. "That is a gross understatement, Ms. Aran. People adore you." Samus grinned.

"Like. Adore. It's basically the same thing." Samus waved off the compliment. "Just trust us, you'll do great." As she finished her sentence, the train had reached the mansion. As Lucina got off, she gave a smile to the two cheering her up.

"Thank you both. I truly appreciate it." She bowed to the two before making her way back to her room. Metaknight looked at Samus.

"You see yourself in her, don't you?" The small Star Warrior stared down the bounty hunter.

Samus grunted. "Of course I do, she's been through hell like I've been through hell." She took three steps up the stairs before turning around. Metaknight stayed at the bottom of the stairs. "But that kid, she doesn't blink at the abyss, she makes it back down. And whatever I can do you make her stronger, you can bet that I'm gonna do it." She turned around and bounded up the stairs.

Metaknight chuckled to himself. "It seems like this tournament will be interesting after all..."

Once again, thank you all for reading! Comments and reviews are always appreciated!