(The Arena)
"Good work, Steve! You have gotten the most hype from the audience and now you get the chance to change the arena to YOUR liking!" Drake grinned
Steve nodded his head. Tumble smiled before looking at the announcers.
"He says that he thanks everyone for their support and hope that he will continue to not disappoint them, even though there is a strong chance that a good chunk of the hype was because of whatever that Steve meme is…" Tumble said.
"Ooh, he is SO going to blow sky…" Ashley started with a smirk before realising something. "Wait, Tumble, you can UNDERSTAND Steve?"
"But of course! I translate everyone's words for them in the Story Mode of Mario Party 3 whenever someone loses a Board Map!" The die admitted, proudly. He then paused. "Even the ones who could already speak for some reason."
"What did I tell you? Tumble is my research team!" The Millennium Star reminded.
"Huh, I WAS wondering what will happen if someone doesn't talk normally, becomes the Section Superstar." Ashley said.
"Well, Tumble, what does our Superstar want?" Drake grinned.
The party host nodded his head before turning to Steve. The latter raised his arm as if speaking. Tumble just kept nodding his head.
"Alright, that sounds reasonable." Tumble nodded before looking at the hosts. "He wants to turn the arena into the Taiga Biome from his game. Particularly from Super Smash Bros."
"Oh, wow. What a shocker." Cortex said, rolling his eyes.
"Uh-huh. Uh-huh." Tumble nodded before looking at the hosts. "He also says that despite it being night time right now, he wants to act like it is daytime!"
Tecna smiled, putting her hands together. "Wow, that is such a considerate gesture!"
"I am still bummed that I didn't get to be the Superstar…" Isla muttered before brightening up. "At least that is someone who we could trust…"
"Even a mad scientist couldn't help, but smile at the selflessness at how despite that this is a free-for-all tournament, he is still thinking about everyone!" Cortex smiled.
Lloyd blinked twice before looking around to see everyone looking at him with big smiles on their faces. He then growled.
"Screw y'all…"
Meanwhile, Tumble has finally inputted all of the data inside of the phone. "Andddd done."
"Alright, brace yourself, everyone!" The Millennium Star warned.
With that, he started to spin around while sending stardust everywhere before emitting a bright light that made everyone cover their eyes.
When the light returned, the new stage appeared. As everyone expected, it looked like it was made in Minecraft. Everything was blocky and there were a few large trees, a small platform that a house is on and even a large stack of stone and mossy blocks. There were also… Two cows?
"Um, what's with the cows?" Olimar asked.
The Millennium Star shrank back. "I mean, there ARE a couple in the daytime version of the Taiga biome sooo…"
"So wait, you just went and created it WITHOUT thinking?" Tecna asked in disbelief. "You didn't even bother thinking 'Wait, this may be out-of-place'."
"H-Hey, calm down! At least they are not stage hazards!" The Millennium Star insisted.
"Give them time…" Sticks said, crossing her arms.
"Aw, come on, guys! At least they are much tamer than Yggdrasill!" Elena reassured before walking over to a cow and petting it on the head.
"Yeah, it might be fun!" Tiffany offered.
"Eh. it is nothing I can't work with." Isla shrugged before walking over to the house while shaking a spray can.
"Now without further ado." Drake grinned.
"YURI SAKAZAKI!" (KoFAS)
(One, two, one, two)
(One, two, one, two)
(Let's diet!)
The brunette younger sister of Ryo Sakazaki came out to a loud cheer and the arranged version of her theme from the second Art of Fighting game. She grinned while waving to the crowd.
"It seems that my reputation at the Tournament of Kikai is still fresh in everyone's mind." Yuri noted while jogging down the ramp. "In that case, I better make sure to show to everyone that what happened wasn't a fluke!"
With that, she stepped in and already chose her first target.
"Heyyyyyy, girl!" Yuri shouted, waving to Tiffany.
The cheerleader's eyes lit up. "Oh, Yuri!"
The two then ran over to each other and held each other's hands while squealing happily while hopping around.
"After we kept missing each other at the first Battle of the Luminaries, I thought for sure that it would happen again!" Tiffany exclaimed.
"IKR?" Yuri added. She then smirked. "Hey, do you know Daigo is STILL salty about his beatdown by us?"
"I don't think so. The last time Daigo held onto a grudge, it has gotten himself brainwashed. Again." Tiffany said, shaking her head. "Though at the same time, Akira DID said something about him grumbling about not being taken down by someone who literally came out of nowhere."
Yuri giggled. "I want to laugh, but I would be lying if I didn't feel the same way! Hey, wanna spar?"
"Sure, let's groove!" Tiffany beamed.
"NINJARA!" (A)
The green-haired ninja stood on top of the Entrance Ramp with a serious look on his face while eyeing the arena. After confirming his target, he nodded his head before dashing down the ramp before leaping into the air before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
In another cloud of smoke, he reappeared in the arena before sending out his arm, revealing that it was made out of chains. He narrowly hit Steve and Olimar, gasping the latter shriek.
Olimar glared at the guilty party. "Hey, what was THAT for!?"
"Don't be foolish. You two have proven to be a powerful duo in the ring to the point of getting the most hype." Ninjara scolded. "I have to separate the both of you to have a decent shot in the arena."
"Yes, well, it won't be that easy!" Olimar scolded before turning to Steve. "Come on, Steve. It is not like he is the only ninja we have faced in our life!"
The dark-skinned man nodded his head.
"KUROW KIRISHIMA!" (RS)
The white-haired assassin came out to a mixed reaction, though thanks to the first Battle of the Luminaries, there were actually more cheers than boos. He chuckled darkly while readying his claws.
"I must admit that I am actually glad that I have gotten an early draw this time around." Kurow admitted before walking down the ramp. "If I had gotten eliminated earlier instead of focusing on the tournament, I would have actually brought back Mr. L. Ah well."
He then stepped into the ring and almost immediately, Tiffany and Yuri stomped over to him.
"Okay, creepazoid, even though it was… Who knows how long ago, don't think we didn't forget all of the crud you did at the first Battle of the Luminaries!" Tiffany snapped.
Kurow just smirked before crossing his arms. "Now Tiffany, is that any way to talk to your node's saviour at said tournament?"
Tiffany winced before narrowing her eyes. "We have become relevant, thanks to Akira!"
"Yes, but it will all go to kaput seeing that Street Fighter 6 is around the corner." Kurow taunted.
Tiffany growled before Yuri stepped forward.
"While I am NOT that close to Richard Meyer, we are still friends and I should avenge him for brainwashing and using his insecurities for your benefit!" Yuri said, sternly.
Kurow let out a mirthless laugh. "I think I could take both of you by…"
"FIRE BALL!"
Then, a fire ball struck Kurow in the back and made him stagger forward, startling Tiffany and Yuri. Kurow growled before glaring up at the Entrance Curtain.
"RUBIA NATWICK!" (ToAS)
The redheaded mage stood outside of the Ready Room while crossing her arms with a vex look on her face. She then made her way down the ramp (while acting oblivious to the audience snickering at her over-the-top costume) until she stepped in.
Kurow narrowed his eyes. "Oh, I am sorry! You must be lost! The Cabbage Patch Kids convention is the OPPOSITE building!"
"Ooh, she DOES look like a Cabbage Patch Kid." Tiffany noted before Yuri quickly shushed her.
"You hypnotised Caius and made him attack his own nodal companions!" Rubia roared. "I am going to make sure that you are never going to be born!"
"Oh, right, I forgot! The hosts finally remembered that the Tempest has more than one character!" Kurow smirked.
Rubia growled before stomping her foot. "Why you!"
Tiffany narrowed her eyes. "We got your back, kid!"
"Thanks! Let's bully this creep!" Rubia nodded.
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… FIVE!"
"MAPPY!" (Mappy)
The vertically-challenged police mouse came out to a warm reception from the old-school arcade players and the main theme from his game. Despite loving the cheers, he looked nervously as he adjusted his hat and pants.
"Now don't worry, Mappy. You are a fighter." He told himself before stepping down the ramp. "Okay, so you are not a DIRECT fighter, but that never stopped me from getting all of the stolen goods from the Meowkies!"
Once in the ring, he saw Isla spraying the house. Narrowing his eyes, he rushed over her while climbing up the small platform.
"Hey!" Mappy roared.
Isla stopped painting to look down at the mouse.
"I understand that this is a temporary stage, you can't just use this as your canvas!" Mappy scolded.
Isla blinked twice.
"I mean think about it. This is created from STEVE'S wishes so this is technically HIS art and you are just painting all over it!" Mappy scolded. "Now does that feel fair to…"
Suddenly, Amanda grabbed him by the scruff of his police uniform with one hand.
"H-Hey! What are you doing!? Put me down!" Mappy demanded, struggling in vain to break free.
Isla just watched with a blank stare on her face. "...I heard of baby boomers, but this is ridiculous."
"Why you!" Mappy roared, angrily flailing his arms around.
"HERO!" (SSB)
The purple-clad swordsman came out to a warm reception from the Dragon Quest community. Hero or rather Eleven, smiled and gave a small wave with his free hand before making his way down the ramp before stepping in.
He then made his way over to Lloyd Irving. Said red-clad man saw him coming and smirked.
"Hey, Eleven, trying to scrape whatever you could have as the face of modern Dragon Quest before the new game comes out, eh?" Lloyd snarked.
"Wow, you actually knew about said incoming game?" Eleven asked with a smile. "I am so flattered that I don't even care that you more or less roasted me."
"Hey, us JRPG protagonists have to keep an eye on the competition!" Lloyd chuckled. "Now let's see if you could show the newbie if they have a lot to prove!"
Eleven just smirked. "Oh, gladly!"
(Dome; Recovery Room)
"Thank you for helping with the healing, Pepper!" Nurse Joy thanked
"Hey, I HAVE to do something other than just hang around and do nothing!" The Vulpin offered with a double finger-gun as she, Horkeukamui and Athena left the Recovery Room.
"So we have a suspect?" Athena asked.
"Yes, Dingodile from Crash Bandicoot." Horkeukamui explained.
Pepper blinked twice. "Now why would he try to kill Drake and stop the tournament? Isn't he retired from villainy?"
"Well, he WAS near the scene of the crime and when questioned about it, he refused to answer any questions." Horkeukamui explained.
"Yep, that is 100% suspicious." Pepper nodded. "I mean you are basically being charged with attempted murder. What could you be hiding?"
"Agreed. I don't know if he IS guilty, it is not looking good for him regardless." Horkeukamui said, shaking his head. "In any case, let's go to the interrogation room."
"Aight." Athena nodded.
With that, the three continued to walk on with Athena trailing behind a bit.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock before looking around.
"What… I heard discord! But where…" Athena asked.
She then continued walking while looking around. Horkeukamui and Pepper were too busy comparing theories to notice Athena. The discord feels like it was close.
Then, a blur sprang from the corner and towards Athena.
"AAAAAIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!"
Horkeukamui and Pepper's eyes widened before turning around to see Athena falling on her rear with a blur dashing away.
"Athena!" Horkeukamui shouted, running to the attorney's side and crouching down.
Pepper ran forward and angrily jumped up and down at the disappearing blur. "Hey, watch where you're going, bud! And take your 'Respect Women Juice'!"
"Are you alright, Athena?" Horkeukamui asked, offering a hand.
"Um, yeah, I don't think they even touched me." The yellow-clad woman reassured, accepting the hand. "I just got startled and lost my balance."
"Well, as long as you are not hurt." Horkeukamui said, helping Athena up.
"I guess… I am just pissed THAT creep ISN'T hurt." Pepper muttered, still glaring in the direction the blur walked off before turning around.
Then, she stopped when she noticed something.
"Um, girl? Did you always have high-school notes as an accessory?" Pepper asked.
Horkeukamui and Athena turned towards Pepper in confusion. Though in doing so, the former saw something.
"Um, what is THAT supposed to mean?" Athena asked.
"Maybe he was referring to THIS?" Horkeukamui asked.
He then pulled something out of Athena's head. The latter turned around to see Horkeukamui holding up a folded-up note. He then unfolded it and read it. However, in doing so, his eyes widened.
"W-What? Don't leave us in suspense!" Athena asked.
"Dingodile wasn't behind the garlic attack. He was too busy making sure that I wasn't caught by you guys." Horkeukamui read.
Athena and Pepper's eyes widened at this.
"W-What?" Pepper exclaimed.
"That's what the note said." Horkeukamui shrugged.
"B-But if that's the case, then we got even MORE questions!" Pepper said.
"Then, we gotta start getting their answers."
Horkeukamui and Pepper turned towards Athena who had a surprisingly stern look on her face.
"Come on. Let's continue back to the interrogation room." Athena explained. "I think we have some new questions to ask Dingodile."
The two looked at each other before nodding their heads and they all walked off.
However, they didn't notice a certain musclebound teal-haired man expecting the hallway while looking around frustrated.
"Where… Is… It!?" Barbatos Goetia growled, crossing his arms. "I KNOW for a fact that those blasphemous hosts will have the gall to have an item shop… At the same tournament as ME just like at the second tournament! This time, I am nipping this in the bud!"
(?; Item Shop)
Mel from Power Stone 2 let out a sigh as Mappy tried to deal with Isla.
"Do you think he will be alright?"
Mel turned her head to see Knuckles the Echidna looking up at her.
"I do not know." Mel admitted. "I gave him the tools that he has in his game, but he only has a limited amount. It is up to him for how he uses it."
"True…" Knuckles frowned. "Incidentally, how are you holding out?"
"Well, I am definitely feeling much better now, thank you." Mel said before smiling. "And I have YOU to thank!"
Knuckles scratched the back of his head with a blush. "Um, thanks. Though I mainly did it because it was much easier to hide the Master Emerald in a random place!"
"Yes, I must say that I am pleasantly surprised that you were able to let me use it as a power source." Mel admitted.
"Hey, it is too dangerous to leave the item shop in one place and like I said, I admit that I can't keep hiding the Master Emerald forever." Knuckles explained. "Drake saw a chance to help both of us!"
"Yes… As impulsive as he acts, it is clear that he puts a lot of thought into this!" Mel nodded.
Then, there was a knock on the door.
"Oh, could you answer the door for me please?" Mel asked.
"Of course." Knuckles said before walking over to the door.
He then looked through the doorflap and once he did, his eyes bugged out.
"Well, he… IS there?" Mel asked.
"Um, no… But." Knuckles said through the door. "What do you mean?"
"Um, we want Miss Mel to craft us a special item! Oh, and Big Blue isn't here, but I don't know how long that would last!"
Mel sighed. "...I already have a good feeling that whoever is coming through the door is of the unsavoury type, but as long as it isn't Barbatos Goetia, I don't care!"
Knuckles returned the sigh before opening the door and letting the people in. Otane Goketsuji, Dr. Nitros Biro and Ripper Roo.
"Hello, slim!" Otane smiled as the three walked in.
"Um, hey."Mel said. "What is it you need?"
"Well, we want you to mass-produce something for us." Otane asked.
"Um, sure, what is it?" Mel nodded.
Brio gestured to Mel while looking at Ripper Roo. "Well, care to do the honours?"
The blue-furred kangaroo laughed before hopping over to Mel. The item shop owner shrieked as Ripper Roo landed on his head in front of her while holding a sheet of paper with one foot. Mel blinked twice before reading over it.
After a moment, she looked up from the sheet with a raised eyebrow. "What a… Specific item."
"Indeed." Otane nodded ""So do you think you could get it?"
"I mean, sure, but I won't be able to make that many pieces." Mel frowned. "Only a few."
Otane, Brio and Ripper Roo's faces fell at this.
"Well, THAT is an inconvenience." Otane frowned.
"Yes, but not a major. After all, sharing is caring." Brio offered.
"True…" Otane said, reaching into her pockets and pulling out a lot of money. "Here, would this be enough?"
Mel took the money and looked through it. "Hmm… Yes, I will start to work on it."
"Splendid!" Otane beamed. "I was afraid that you wouldn't be able to make it."
"Miss Goketsuji, while this item may be… New to me." Mel admitted. "I created more complex ones!"
"Splendid!" Brio smiled, clapping his hands together. "Say, you don't mind that we stay here for a while?"
"Um, duh? It is more convenient and definitely safer for EVERYONE involved if you just hang out here." Mel offered.
"Great!" Otane smiled before getting out her phone and typing into it. "Just let me tell everyone the good news!"
Mel nodded her head before going to work as Brio and Ripper Roo looked at each other in suspicion. Knuckles just stood against the door with his arms crossed.
"They seem friendly enough so they probably are not involved with Bison or the like." Knuckles mused. "Still, I wouldn't give to see what they were planning."
(The Arena)
"MAXIMA!" (KoFAS)
The Canadian cyborg came out to a decent cheer, but he didn't make it any mind as he had a concerned look on his face as his Tron lines glowed.
"Seirah and Kula haven't come back to the Locker Room yet." He frowned before walking down the ramp. "I know Kula doesn't want to come back, but still…"
Realising that it was the worst time and place to think about it, he jumped into the ring (and made a small shockwave). Tecna's eyes lit up before flying over to Maxima.
"Pardon me, sir." Tecna said. "But could you please fight me?"
Maxima raised an eyebrow. "Why? So you could use your magic of technology over me for an easy elimination?"
Tecna's eyes bugged out at this.
Maxima smirked at this. "I admit that I never predicted you or anyone from the Winx Club would appear as a Mystery Fighter, I still studied your nodes along with all sorts so people don't get the element of surprise on me!"
"...And Stella calls ME overly-prepared." Tecna winced before narrowing her eyes. "Very well. I admit that you successfully ruined my sneak attack. But that is ALL you compromised!"
Maxima's smirk grew bigger. "Heh. I doubt it, but you are more than welcome to prove otherwise!"
"SOLID SNAKE!" (SSB)
While the bearded mercenary wasn't one to show up, he would at least acknowledge the large cheer he was getting. However, he was too focused on the ring while crossing his arms with a growl. Without another word, he walked down the ramp before getting in.
He then made a beeline for the fight between Kurow against Tiffany, Yuri and Rubia. Kurow looked up to receive a punch to his face.
"Hey, what was…" Kurow started before seeing who punched him. "Oh."
"Yeah, oh! You were going to turn Luigi into Mr. L at the first Battle of the Luminaries!" Snake groaned.
"Spare me." Kurow said, rolling his eyes. "I was actually too focused on winning to do that! I cancelled that in the latter half."
"Oh, WOW, in that case, never mind!" Snake scoffed before looking at the three women. "May I join you?"
"Sure! Bullying sucks, but only if the person getting bullied doesn't deserve it!" Yuri said, punching into her palm.
"KORRA!" (NASB)
"VANESSA LEWIS!" (VF)
(I can do it like a brother)
(Do it like a dude)
(Grab my crotch)
(Wear my hat low like you)
Both well-built dark-skinned women came out to a large cheer and Jessie J's Do It Like A Dude. Seeing that both of them entered at the same time, they started to do poses, showing off said muscles, making the crowd cheer louder.
(Do it like a brother)
(Do it like a dude)
(Grab my crotch)
(Wear my hat low like you)
After a bit of playing to the ground, both women made their way down to the ring.
"I am actually glad that we entered the same section together!" Korra grinned. "No offence, but there are too many "waif" women fighters."
Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Girl, you are preaching to the query! Don't get me wrong, the girls in my node are badass, but they all fit a common trope."
"I would like to say that Nick All-Star Brawl is more varied, but I don't know if I should count Oblina or not." Korra said.
"She's… Let's just say she doesn't count and leave it at that." Vanessa said before smirking. "But let's show them what we could do!"
Korra returned the smirk before the two got into the ring and formed their stances.
"RINWALL!" (ToAS)
The dark-haired young mage held her spell book tightly as she nervously made her way down the ramp with her owl friend, Hootle, flying by her side.
"I hope that me, Alphen and Shionne are going over our heads. Sure, Arise has been out for a while, but we are still relatively new to the world." Rinwall admitted. "Then again, that graffiti artist is doing decently well sooo who knows."
Hootle let out a reassuring hoot. Leaving a bit better, Rinwall nodded her head with a smile before stepping into the ring.
"Okay, who will be our first target?" Rinwall asked.
"Yo, owl-girl!"
Rinwall's eyes widened before looking to the side to see Sticks walking over.
"Question. What type of draws did Alphen and Shionne get?" Sticks asked.
"H-Huh? Um, I don't know. What I DO know is that they are a lot later than mine by a long shot." Rinwall admitted. "You won't see them in the arena for a long time."
"Huh. I knew it. Even though Arise is still new to the world, Drake doesn't want to spoil people." Sticks said, putting her hand on her chin. "But wouldn't he already spoil them by making people look up their names?"
Rinwall and Hootle blinked twice for a moment. The former then readied her spell book.
"...Ask a stupid question."
"SHADOWGEIST!" (FEXL)
The dark-clad vigilante crossed his arms with a dark chuckle. Then, activating jet thrusters on his boots, he then flew up into the air, much to the shock and awe of the crowd. (After all, he only used said flight in his intro).
"Normally, I would see that clawed white-haired man as the bigger threat, but there is one villain that is going around scot-free." He mused.
With that, he flew over his target and stopped his thruster. After noticing a shadow over him, Cortex looked up. Only his eyes bugged out before diving out of the way to avoid getting stomped into the blocky ground.
Cortex angrily glared at Shadowgeist. "You maniac! You nearly killed me!"
"That is the point, fool." The anti-hero said, matter-of-factly. "You tortured Australian westlife so you could use them as an evil army to take over the world. I will take you down."
Cortex growled. "Fine! Bring it on! I was beaten up by stronger guys than you!"
Shadowgeist paused. "That's… The most pathetic flex I ever heard."
"Shut up! Most people would die if they went through everything I endured!" Cortex scolded.
(Street Fighter All-Stars Locker Room)
"I know that Fighting Ex Layer got its own game separated from the Street Fighter series, but it still feels weird to have us as separate nodes." Sakura Kasugano mused, watching Shadowgeist fight
"I know, right? You would think that the Okron Tournament would have more or less gotten us used to it, but no!" Ken Masters admitted. "Having a third Battle of the Luminaries where we are "technically" competing against each other just feels off."
Karin Kanzuki stayed silent for the moment. Suddenly, her phone went off. Raising an eyebrow, she pulled it out.
"Oh, it is from Mika." Karin mused.
She then pushed a button on this before her eyes bugged out at this.
"What is it, Karin?" Sakura asked.
"You… May wanna look at this." The blonde woman frowned before holding up her phone.
Everyone leaned closer and their eyes bugged out when they saw…. M. Bison, Vega and F.A.N.G. at a bar, drinking and looking defeated.
"Is that… BISON!?" Abel asked with wide eyes.
"And Vega and F.A.N.G.!" Guile added.
"And they are… DRINKING?" Nash asked in disbelief.
"But… Why? Doesn't he always try to do something at these things?" Rashid asked.
"He does… And that's what worries me." Cammy frowned.
There was an awkward silence between everyone, not liking the implications of this.
Karin just sighed. "...Might as well contact the others about this."
(Dome; Gym)
Ryu looked in awe as he sat on a mat while eyeing the picture Karin gave of Bison, Vega and F.A.N.G. drinking.
"Huh… I didn't know you had a phone."
Ryu turned his head to see a giant, muscular dragon-like grey-scaled monster wearing nothing, but black gym leotard.
"Well, Ken got it for me. I actually don't like it, but I suppose it IS a good way to keep in touch." Ryu confessed.
"Fair enough. Phones are convenient to have, but also INconvenient at the same time." The dragon added.
"Agreed." Ryu chuckled. "Regardless, I can't get distracted. I have to get in some last-minute training."
The dragon smirked as he crossed his arms. "Good idea. Gotta get that sweat all over ya for your Hot Ryu appearance."
The brown-haired man grunted in disgust. "Dragaux, please!"
The dragon just let out a hearty laugh."Sorry, sorry, I know that you heard enough of that recently and it will continue when they enter the arena like THAT."
Ryu paused before looking over himself. Or rather his lack of a top, along with a full beard.
"Real talk, though. It still feels surreal that the story in Street Fighter 6 is finally advancing in the story." Dragaux mused.
"Agreed." Ryu smiled. "It would be interesting to see who will return, how they will perfect their fighting style and the new warriors. I am also interested in Luke."
"Same here." Dragaux nodded.
"In any case, I am going back to meditating." Ryu said. "Though if it is not too much trouble, could you spot my weight-lifting later?"
"Of course! This is literally my only job here, after all!" Dragaux said with a hearty laugh.
Ryu smiled and nodded before going back to meditating. As much as he hated to admit it, but seeing Bison, Vega and F.A.N.G. drinking, clearly not happy, was not a good thing despite karma said otherwise. However, he mustn't lose focus.
BAM!
CLUMP!
Too late…
Ryu turned his head and his eyes bugged out when he saw Dragaux on the ground, unconscious.
"Dragaux!" Ryu gasped.
He then narrowed his eyes at the guilty party. A muscular blonde man with a literal red eye with a dark grin on his face.
"Rugal Bernstein…" Ryu said, slowly.
"Ah, Ryu. How bizarre. There was once a time where we would show up at these things together regularly." The arms dealer sneered.
"And I just now realise how blessed we all were." The bearded man muttered. "What are you doing here, Rugal? You are a petty man, but not enough to act like a schoolyard bully."
The large man let out a hearty laugh. "Duly noted. You see, here is the thing. I want only one thing. You."
Ryu narrowed his eyes further as he got up and went into his stance. "I believe you already know my response so let's not waste anymore time."
A glint appeared in Rugal's red eye. "I almost pity having to take you. People who get to the point are so rare nowadays."
(The Arena)
"ANGELA BELTI!" (PI)
The muscular animal tamer stood outside of the entrance curtain while flexing her muscles. The crowd went wild at this. She smirked, proud of herself before making her way down the ramp while blowing kisses to the crowd.
Once in the ring, she ran over to Korra and Vanessa and did a double lariat to the two, knocking both of them down.
Korra groaned before glaring up. "Hey! What was THAT for!?"
"I heard your conversation when you two were walking down the ramp." Angela said, sternly. "Make no mistake. I 100% respect your SPIRIT. However…"
She then flexed her arms.
"Amateurs." Angela taunted.
Vanessa growled. "Oh yeah! If you are so confident, then why don't you put your money where your mouth is!"
"If I wasn't, I wouldn't have attacked you." Angela said, matter-of-factly.
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… SIX!"
"HIBIKI TAKANE!" (The Last Blade 2)
The orange-clad Iaijutsu practitioner came out to a loud cheer. However, she was too busy trying to keep herself calm while holding her sheath.
"Alright, I don't have to kill anyone. I just have to knock them out of the ring." She tried to reassure herself while walking down the ramp. "Swing for knockback. Not power."
She then stepped in the ring before looking around, hoping that a certain someone wasn't preoccupied with a fight. Much to her delight, not only was Haohmaru by himself, but he was grinning and waving him over. Hibiki smiled and returned the wave before walking over.
"HIBIKI TAKANE, IT IS SO NICE TO SEE YOU BACK IN A UVR TOURNAMENT AFTER ALL OF THE WAY IN THE FIRST MEGAMIX TOURNAMENT!" Haohmaru grinned.
"And it is so nice to see you doing so well for yourself!" Hibiki smiled. She then paused. "At least in terms of skill, anyway."
"BUT OF COURSE. WELL, I ADMIT THAT NOT EVEN THE LEGENDARY HAOHMARU COULD RECREATE HIS WIN, I WILL INTEND TO SHOW THE EXTEND OF MY POWER!" Haohmaru laughed.
"Um, right…" Hibiki said. "Say, can we fight? I want to fight someone that I more or less know."
"VERY WELL! IN FACT, I, THE LEGENDARY HAOHMARU, DO SO LOVE THE THOUGHT OF THE TWO MASCOTS OF SNK WEAPON-FIGHTERS CLASHING TOGETHER IN THIS BIG ARENA!" Haohmaru grinned.
Hibiki blinked twice. "But isn't Nakoruru the mascot of…"
Haohmaru's grin vanished. "THE TWO MASCOTS OF SNK WEAPON-FIGHTERS, HIBIKI…"
"FAUST!" (GG)
(Alone! Infection!)
(Void!)
(Shit attacking from the other side)
(Alone! Infection!)
(Chaos!)
(ABCDEF GO!)
People who are unfamiliar with Guilty Gear, but were familiar with the second Megamix Tournament and first Battle of the Luminaries looked absolutely horrified by the long, lanky doctor carrying his giant scalpel. While he was always unsettling, he was somewhat… Jovial unsettling, but this was just… Depressing.
Putting his scalpel between his teeth inside of his bag, he scampered down the ramp like an insect before making his way over to the Kurow trying to fend off against his attackers. The white-haired man's eyes bugged out before flipping to the side.
"Okay, what kind of third Ultimate Video Rumble Section One bullcrap is this!?" Kurow roared. "Snake and Rubia are trying to get revenge for their boyfriends and now YOU too!"
"You made people have mental disease…" Faust said.
Kurow blinked twice. "H-Huh?"
"YOU GAVE PEOPLE MENTAL DISEASE! You made people hurt each other! And you… You got away! No more getting away!" Faust demanded.
Kurow stepped back. "H-Hey, get away from me, man!"
"No! No getting away! I must repent! YOU must repent!" Faust snapped before pouncing forward.
Snake, Yuri, Tiffany and Rubia looked completely stunned at this.
"Umm… I only watched the first Battle of the Luminaries and I know that he was always crazy, but… Is this normal?" Rubia asked. "For HIM, I mean."
Snake, Yuri and Tiffany shook their heads.
"...Great." Rubia muttered.
"RIDLEY!" (SSB)
The purple space pirate dragon let out a screeching shriek as people near the ramp screamed in fear. Smirking at everyone's terror, he was about to spread his wings and fly into the arena.
(Banging… On the trash can)
(Banging… On the trash can)
Ridley raised a non-existent eyebrow, confused by this song choice. He was so focused on the song that he didn't notice a few people snickering.
(Think big!)
Ridley's eyes bugged out at this.
(Think big!)
(Think big!)
(Think big!)
Ridley looked around as Think Big from Nickelodeon's Doug played. What scared people were now laughing at hyenas. He growled before looking up at the Announcer's Booth to see them laughing as well.
"Aw, come on!" Ridley roared. "That meme is dead and buried!"
"Well, we have to find at least ONE victim for this section and sorry, not sorry, that victim is YOU!" Astaroth taunted.
Ridley growled before spreading his wings before making his way inside of the arena. While not one for helping others, he realised that if he didn't help Kurow, there is a strong chance that the plan may go awry. He then flew over and wrapped his wings , sending a gust of wind at the people attacking Kurow.
The victims were Yuri and Tiffany as they flew back screaming before crashing into the wall. Both girls groaned before looking up. To shriek before running in different directions as Ridley stabbed the tree, narrowly skewering them.
"Hey! That wasn't very nice!" Tiffany roared, angrily.
"It wasn't SUPPOSED to be nice." Ridley spat, rolling his eyes. "Besides, the Bishonen Freddy Kruger Beatdown is going to get real stale, real quick. So let's make this fun!"
Yuri growled. "Oh, I'll have fun, alright! Tap-dancing on your head!"
"HUFF N PUFF WOLF!" (SSS)
"I STILL can't believe they changed my name in that game." The crossdressing wolf muttered, rolling his eyes.
Regardless, he soothed out his nightgown before making his way down the ramp. Jigglypuff saw him coming down before her eyes lit up.
"Hey, orca-dog-guy!" Jigglypuff shouted, getting Orcane's attention. "Wanna do something fun?"
The aquamancer wagged his tail cutely. "Ooh, I LOVE fun things!"
Soon, Huff N Puff Wolf entered the arena before looking around.
"A part of me almost wished that Prince Charming made it. His mother didn't say that 'iconic' line of 'Gender-confused wolf' outta nowhere." He muttered before shrugging. "Oh well… As long as he's humiliated. So what should I do first?
SPLASH!
Huff N Puff Wolf's eyes widened as he was completely soaked. Turning to the side, he saw Jigglypuff and Orcane laughing at his misery. Huff N Puff Wolf growled before rushing over angrily.
"Hey! NOT cool! I wore my best nightgown for this occasion!" He roared.
"And now, the final fighter of this section…"
"CHUN-LI!" (SFAS)
(Ayo, I been on, bitch, you been conned)
(Bentley tints on, Fendi prints on)
(I mean I been Storm, X-Men been formed)
(He keep on dialling Nicki like the Prince song)
The blue-clad Chinese Interpol agent came out to a loud cheer (especially from the men) and Nicki Minaj's… Chun-Li. However, she was too busy looking at her phone to pay attention.
"...Why do I feel like someone made a wish on a monkey's paw or something?" She muttered, eyeing the picture of her arch-enemy, Bison drinking his sorrows away.
(I-I-I been on, bitch, you been conned)
(Bentley tints on, Fendi prints on)
(Ayo, I been off, Lara been Croft)
(Plates say Chun-Li, drop the Benz off)
Shaking her head and realising that despite it was not easy to get rid of easily, she put away her phone. Deciding to make up for the weak start, she started to do a series of aerobatics down the ramp before leaping up into the air.
"Spinning Bird Kick!"
Doing her trademark move into the arena, she propelled herself into the arena before landing on the ground. Looking around, she saw Elena STILL talking with the cow.
"Hey, Elena!" Chun-Li shouted, getting the Kenyan's attention.
"Oh, hey, Chun-Li!" Elena smiled, walking over.
"I don't usually involve civilians in my missions, but could you help me with something?" The Chinese woman asked.
"Sure! Anything to help a friend!" Elena nodded.
Chun-Li pointed to the fight between Shadowgeist and Cortex. "I need help double-teaming against those two."
Elena blinked twice. "Um, I understand Cortex, but isn't Shadowgeist not only your nodal companion, but only goes after criminals?"
"Yes and yes." Chun-Li sighed. "But here is the thing: Think the Punisher or Red Hood with cybernetic implants."
Elena gulped nervously. "Well, when you put it THAT way…"
Yggdrasill may be long gone and the closest thing that the new stage has was the two cows. But everyone knew not to let their guard down.