Intermission 4

Light Industries VIP box

The VIP suites were engineered for the luxurious enjoyment of honored friends and family of the Smashers. Set up primarily like a kitchenette with a sitting room attachment, marble counters and leather couches masked

Seated on one of the suite's couches, nose in a tablet, Doctor Thomas Light watched Rock's schematics print out in an infinite lines of code.

No, thought Light, This is work, he is Megaman now…as much as I bastardized him for this.

Doctor Light rubbed his eyes. He'd remember seeing that code flash across his instruments years earlier, when Doctor Wily had abducted and reprogrammed his first series of Robot Masters. The horror was fresh.

But there was something even worse afoot this time, Megaman had wanted this.

Schematics had shown Megaman had not succeeded against in non-Robot Master combat, whether against the superheroes of Marvel or Tatsunoko. So, when he was invited to Smash, Megaman's demands were simple. Give me access to everything, and suspend my human side.

Light blinked tears back. Was he any better than Wily?

Bwep, bwep

"Speaking of," the doctor whispered.

Doctor Light reached an arm further down the couch's luxurious cushions to find his Smash Tech watch. He'd spent the years since Duel trying to open the thing, but not even the titanium screw driver he'd smuggled in was strong enough.

"I don't know if I'll be strong enough for this," Doctor Light sighed, reading the most recent one.

Are you too scared to face the mighty Doctor Wily, and admit that you stole my code? Or are you so out of your mind on drugs again that you will call me Wahwee?

Doctor Light hammered out the text as fast as the holographic keyboard could muster.

Albert, I was on quaaludes for a major back surgery during that time, you know this.

And what came the immediate text from Wily Did you steal my code or not.

Doctor Light sighed.

Yes

That was the longest text of his life.

Under any other circumstances, you are aware that this would mean war?

Doctor Light sighed again, loud enough that Roll and Auto broke their conversation, snapping him concerned glances

Yes.

So then you'll have no problem forfeiting half of the purse to me?
No.

I'm glad to hear it.

"Doctor Light, what's wrong?" Roll finally piped in.

Stowing away his Smash Tech, Doctor Light turned towards roll, "Just… regetting what I did to Rock, to make him more Smash compatible."

"He insisted though, right?" Auto asked.

"Yes, he did, then…"

"Then it's the same as you've down for Auto and me. You have given us the ability to pursue our dreams in the manner we wish to pursue them," Roll shouted.

His first thought was to reel back in shock at the normally-diminutive girl's angry outburst, his next was to digest what she had said. Light smiled warmly

"You're right," he said.

"And," Auto barked, "He won didn't he? So maybe there's something to it?"

Doctor light nodded, "Perhaps. We will just have to wait and see."

Doctor Light brandished some binoculars of his own invention. More and more glass flapping down gave him a view of across the giga-stadium, The Smashers Box. As the good doctor he observed the box, adorned with all the Smash logos, he wondered what could be going on inside, and hoped it was less morose than in here.

Smashers' Box, minutes earlier

"WOO!" cheered Toon Link, "REMATCH!"

"In like, three rounds," Ness rolled his eyes.

Red chuckled, "With as much as you're saying it, you should make t-shirts hyping the match,"

"Red no," Lucas' tiny voice shivered.

"THAT'S AN AWESOME IDEA!" Toon Link cheered.

As Toon Link bolted over to the other two Links, no doubt to tell them about his new t-shirt idea, Green covered her mouth and nose to block her laughter, failing miserably.

"The Darkrai's a matter with you?" Red asked, "You're snorting like an angry Tepig over there.

Green flipped him off, still giggling.

"Yeah uh," grunted Cuphead, "I think Red is number one too!"

Ness cocked his head to the side, "You know that's not…?"

"Oh, I know, I just don't approve of such language," Cuphead announced.

"Yeah, keep it PG for the milk boy over here," Red said, in a teasing voice, all the while sternly glaring at Green.

"Speaking of," Lucas asked timidly, "Why haven't you let your Pokemon out yet?"

"Galar Pokemon are more Pokeball friendly than other region I found," wisely explained Green, "You're much more likely to run into a far higher level Pokemon in the Galar wilds than you are in any other regions. Guess the Galar geologists of yore never really believed in cultivating communities of Pokemon in certain areas."

"Oh God," Lucas shuddered, "That sounds like fighting Porky's Chimeras."

"Yeah, Red told me about those. I'd love to research one."

"Well, you can talk to the schmuck in the automaton most likely," mumbled Cuphead, jerking a thumb back to The Wario Family Wa-ffice some distance away."

"Cocky aren't we?" Red smirked.

Cuphead shrugged, "Eh, Yoshimitsu ain't nothin' but apple sauce compared to some of the stuff I've fought back home."

"I'm sure," Red said. "How're you holding up Ness?"

"Good," Ness sighed, "Falcon is like a family friend at this point, fighting him isn't anything new."

"Good. Lucas?"

The blond gulped "Nervous about fighting you next round."

"Don't be," Red commanded, " We've been training, and the best man will win."

"You're right," Lucas nodded, determination crossing his features, "Thanks Red."

"No problem bud," Red nodded back, "Green?"

"Gonna whip cocky boy's butt!" she whooped.

Red rolled his eyes, "I expected nothing less."

Ike, Marth, Lucina, Robin, Roy, Chrom

"So, we agree the best fighters in the Askr order come out of Ylisse?" Ike asked the second intermission was called.

"Without a doubt," Marth said, "What was that choke technique Lucina?"

"You remember the Golden Chains incident Grandfather? The one Father and I got absorbed into? Well, I trained a lot in with Ryu, Ken, and the Mishimas, and I learned hand to hand combat, should the situation ever call for it."

"Very good. You're as versatile as anyone to come out of Gareg Mach. I couldn't be more proud."

Lucina clasped her hands together, bowing, "Thank you grandfather."

"You know what?" Roy declared, "I'll pay a Ylissian's tab all night tonight. You guys deserve it."

"Finer words have never been spoken," Chrom hooted.

Robin only grunted.

"Actually, that won't be necessary," Marth interrupted, "I spoke with Prince Alfonse, and Askr is providing an open bar."

"Thank the goddess," huffed Roy, relief in every syllable.

A laugh ensued in the Fire Emblem contingent, but Lucina leaned in to whisper into Robin's ear.

"You seemed distracted," she observed.

"I apologize," Robin blurted, blushing, "I've just been able to think now that I know you're advancing. Pac-Man is quite the foe."

"I was preventing you from thinking about this sooner?" Lucina asked.

"Of course. The uncertainty of your results were of great concern to me."

"Well, I appreciate that, but what would you rather think of, work, or the celebration tonight?" she cooed, kissing her husband on the cheek.

Robin blushed as red as a tomato, "Ah, the celebration. You know me, I'll be drinking water to make sure everyone gets home safely."

"That's more like it," purred Lucina.

Belmonts

"So we're in agreement then? Good. See you then." Simon said, speaking into his wrist communicator

Ritcher, who was standing with his back to Simon, felt his muscles relax. Scolded at the beginning of the call with…whoever that was, Ritcher had turned around. Now, turning back around with a dramatic pivoting flourish, "So, what's the verdict?"

"I just spoke with Leon. All the Belmonts are getting together at a mead bar of Trevor's choosing, after the events end tonight"

Ritcher jumped into the air, "Yes! I cannot wait to unwind!"

The smallest of grins tugged at Simon's perpetually frowning lips.

"Normally," he began, "I would abscond at such nonsense. However, we both encountered large foes, and defeated them. Tonight, celebration is well earned."

"Agreed. You should liquor up especially, considering how I'm gonna be the one to knock you out of this thing."

Simon felt his fist clench, his arm twitch, a punch cocked in the chamber. Breathing deeply, his arm loosened.

"Now now. We can speak of this more when the time comes. Tonight is a night of celebration," Simon lectured.

"Yeah, sure Gramps," mumbled Ritcher.

"What was that boy?" Simon growled.

"Nothing. Just slipped out is all. I agree!"

Simon scowled at Ritcher, nodding, before stomping to converse with the Links.

Samus and Bayonetta

Ever since she'd gotten back through the tunnel, Bayonetta had been eying her, blushing the entire time. She had let the tension hang in the air, hoping it would resolve on its own. But no, the Umbra Witch persisted. Samus breathed in.

"You're lucky I'm not wearing my suit, because the heat sensor would go off every time you blushed, and it'd make a big noise," she smirked.

Bayonetta broke into a playful, faux angry pout, "Like I give a damn. I just…like you a lot."

"I know you do," teased Samus, "But you should keep your focus on…"

Samus darted her eyes to the right of them, Bayonetta followed the gaze to Torri, who was stretching with Captain Falcon on the opposite end of the middle row, which they all occupied.

"What?" balked Bayonetta, "The child with the water gun? Don't make me laugh!"

"Bayo…" hissed Samus, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"She's a sportsman. It would be like asking a footie player to take the place of a soldier in the trenches. She does not have combat experience, I do."

Samus only felt her embarrassment grow as she saw Torri glance over her shoulder, only to be turned back around by Captain Falcon into a pep talk.

"You're lucky niceness incarnate is coaching her, elsewise we'd have an angry squid kid on us."

Bayonetta blew a raspberry, "Squid kid. You're really off on one aren't you?"

"I don't deal with anything with tentacles."

"Don't change the subject on me Samus Aran," Bayonetta snapped, "You've got a bee up your bonnet for no reason! I'm a big girl, I can handle myself. Tell you what, if I win, you have to do what I want tonight, and vice versa if I lose."

Samus grinned, "You're being so cocksure I'm actually willing to take that bet."

Bayonetta returned the grin in kind, albeit more sinisterly.

"I can't wait to show you how it's done," Bayonetta teased.

"And I can't wait for you to put your money where your mouth is," teased Samus right back.

"Yo! Sam!" called Captain Falcon, "Come introduce yourself to my friend Torri."

"Will do Cap!" Samus waved, "Thank the Blessings of Grey Voice, I'm needed elsewhere.'

"Good," came the playful snap of Bayonetta as she retrieved a herbal lollipop from her pocket, "I need to get battle ready."

"Sure," huffed Samus, walking away.

Lolipop in mouth, it clicked against Bayonetta's teeth as she smirked.

I hate to see her go, but I love to watch her leave.

Fox, Falco, Krystal

Both Star Fox pilots were texting furiously into their Smash tech watches, Fox to Peppy, and Falco to Katt.

"Look at you too fool," snarled an all too familiar voice, "So absorbed in your technology, like the doughy brainless puppets you are."

Both of them rolled their eyes, but Falco was the first to speak, "Ey, where's your little doggie Wolf. Didya let him off his leash or something?"

Krystal, the owner of such spiteful verbiage, rolled her eyes, "Deflecting the question like a loser, typical of you Lombardi."

"Creator, if Fox wasn't gonna fight you at some point, I'd knock you out myself," seethed Falco.

"Actually," Krystal remarked, "That's what I came to talk about."

"What, gettin' knocked out? Cause you seem to be pretty good at that?" Falco snapped.

"That was luck Falco, and you know it," Krystal growled, "But alas, no. I actually come to bring congratulations. Congratulations for beating the puffball. It brings us one more step towards our ultimate destiny. You and me, one on one,"

Fox shot a glare over his shoulder, "You done?"

Krystal simply growled.

"I'm not really interested in what you have to say until you apologize to my crew and Wolf's."

"Not to mention, your old one," added Falco.

Krystal sighed. She sighed deeply, her face scrunching as if she was going to speak the most painful words ever devised.

"Yes, that will come as soon as we are allowed to leave," she grunted, "I fear if I don't, I'll be hunted once again, and I would be lying if I said anything but partying and training are on my agenda."

"Sure," Falco growled, "Tell your story walkin' bitch."

Krystal threw her hands up, "This is what I get for offering congratulations? Barbarians, the lot of you. Maybe I will ask that Vergil character on a date after all, he seems like he'd actually thank me if I said something nice to him."

As Krystal began to walk away, Fox's ears perked up, his fur bristling. As quick as a whip, Falco put his hand on his shoulder.

"No no," Falco soothed, "Let him stick his Johnson in crazy."

Fox nodded, mouthing, "You're right."

And with that, the two went back to texting.

Playstation All-Stars

"Whelp," declared Daxter. We know who of us is advancin', 'cept for Yoshimitsu,"

"Bentley's been watching the training videos, says Cuphead's near impossible to defend against," Sly announced to the group.

"Nonsense. Nothing is impossible for the great Yoshimitsu. However, we must hold my congratulations until the final bell rings. For now, let us give Jin a hardy, but organized, round of applause."

The group clapped, Yoshimitsu squatting to a cross legged position, clapping with his feet.

"Does he…"

"Do that all the time? Yes, he does Jak," Jin finished.

"And I thought our compatriots back home were strange," bemoaned Clank.

Ratchet chuckled, "Yeah the deeper we go into our adventures the crazier the challenges seem to get."

"At least we peaked early in weird with freakin Gru," Daxter shouted, dramatically shifting his attention to Sly, "Ey Sly, can I borrow the tapes for the next round? Need to watch some tape."

Jin nodded, "I'd also like to request a copy."

"I too, would appreciate the assistance of your moving pictures, and assistance operating the machine they come on."

"Sure boys," smirked Sly, "But two conditions,"

"Name them," Jin blurted.

"First of all, we make it a big hangout night, Murph's been on my ass about not inviting people to party, and we get 5,000 of your currencies each for the tape."

All three smirked, all three shouted, "Done," at the same time.

Immediately, Sly tapped a code into his communicator, "Bentley, you were right, I think this tape bootlegging thing is gonna pay dividens."

Smash Mansion

Kong Island room.

Duddy Kong examined his fur as he stepped out of the shower. Shampoo, a rare commodity on Kong Island, made his fur an odd fluffy texture. Diddy shrugged.

It feels nice to be clean at least.

Diddy threw on his trusty shirt, and flipped an old Rareware cap onto his head. Strutting out of the bathroom, King K. Rool, who had been silently watching the TV in the room, all the while texting someone, suddenly snapped his gaze to him. His two guards also stared him down.

"Diddy," King K. Rool sighed, "I ask a favor."

Diddy's eyes narrowed, "Depends on what it is."

"Your insolence will not be tolerated," spat King K. Rool.

"Spit it out, ya lunatic," screeched Diddy.

"You would not be so insolent if you were to learn I speak on behalf of Krunch."

The warmth of memories long passed with Krunch on Tiger Island welled up in Diddy's chest.

"Go on," Diddy sighed.

"One of my associates K. Ode Kracker, has bugged the Smashers' Box. One of our microphones picked up something interesting. Banjo's new gang, DLC, is going to the Rare Replay theater after the tournament proceedings tonight. I have asked Krunch to invite the rest of Conker's associates, in order to possibly get them to turn to our side."

Diddy's fur stood on end, "Have you approved this with Mario?"

King K. Rool guffawed. "I do not trust that mustachioed meister to device a plan with the brilliance of I, King K. Rool."

"Okay," Diddy squeaked, "But if you're going to do this, why…"

"I'll answer your idiotic question young Kong," King K. Rool snarled, "Because he requested you to be there. If you could reach out to Banjo as well, Krunch believes they will listen to you, and I believe Krunch."

Diddy Kong nodded, "Sure. But only because you'd never shut up about it if I don't."

Rool nodded, a smile etched in his ugly maw.

"Smart," he hissed.

Diddy sighed in relief as his communicator rang. Pressing the center button, Mario's face appeared, "Time to head back Diddy, intermission is about to end."

"Sure," the chimpanzee nodded.

As Mario's face disappeared, he punched in a code, and in a flash, he was back at the Smash Mansion.

"Diddy!" cheered Donkey Kong, "Looking fly as all hell in the old school hat,"

Diddy felt himself shrink, "Aw, thanks big buddy, been in a good mood lately, decided to break out the classic."

"I can understand that!" Donkey Kong nodded, casting a thumbs up.

"Attention, everyone," Mario interrupted, the entire room turning to him, "We've got ten more matches to get through. Quinn, Greninja, you're up next."

Quinn's vision narrowed. His legs felt like they were floating under someone else's power as he was carried to the front o the auditorium.

"Yeah! Good luck kid!" he barely heard Diddy cheer, "Hey Banjo can we talk?" he asked.

Quinn stopped in front of Mario, Greninja suddenly by his side, staring a hole in him.

"Greninja," Mario paused, "You're in Tunnel A. Kid, you're in Tunnel B."

Greninja wordlessly skittered down the tunnel. Quinn turned to the remaining audience, shrugging, "I hope I do good," he shouted.

Most of his colleagues erupted into cheers, but one voice stood out from the crowd.

Rosalina's.

"You've got this Quinn! You can win!"

Quinn felt like he could take on the world.

"Thanks Rosalina! I can do this!"

Throwing his arms up, he ran down the tunnel. The grey dingy chute flickering with floressant light as Polygons, Wire Frames, and Alloys tutted about, no doubt setting up the flare and glamour to come for the last ten matches.

After jogging what seemed like forever, Quinn found himself just in front of a red curtain. Trying to tune out the caterwauling from beyond, Quinn sat, crossing his legs. He would need to meditate if he ever hoped to outthink Greninja.