(The Arena)
The awkward silence continued as Ashley tried to put on a professional face.
"S-So seeing that Drake will be currently unavailable, I will be the one introducing this section!" Ashley chuckled nervously. "At least until he wakes up."
"...In hindsight, I am surprised he is the ONLY one who fainted." Korra muttered.
"Right…" Ashley said before taking a deep breath. "Alright, I can do this… First off, before we continue the tournament, I should tell you that the main reason Drake fainted was because he just got a call from our electrician. The moment that Pichu was eliminated, it should be easy to restore the lights back to their full power.
Everyone was then relieved before cheering.
Ashley smiled and nodded before looking at Static. "Now THAT have been taking care of, Static, as the Superstar of this section, you have free range to change the stage to your liking."
The electromancer's smile vanished before scratching the back of his head. "Well, I DID had thought about the moment I heard about this twist, but after what happened this section."
Ashley paused. "It involves electricity, isn't it?"
"Oh, it is not too crazy! Just turn the ropes of the arena electric!" Static insisted before sighing. "But after what happened, asking that is a little much now."
The remaining fighter paused before looking at each other.
"I mean… The fighters shouldn't fight so close to the ropes ANYWAY." Sagat piped up, crossing his arms.
"Yeah, if anything, this is a great way to punish dumbasses who aren't careful." Velvet added.
Yuri puffed out her cheeks. "...You guys are the worst kind of intense."
"Maybe, but they are not wrong." Puss mused, putting his hand on his chin. "It is as they said, we are trying to avoid going near the ropes ANYWAY so this handicap isn't that all bad."
"I am pleasantly surprised that YOU of all people would suggest that because you and Pura may be at the biggest disadvantage." Shulk piped up.
Puss (and Pura) looked up confused. "Huh?"
"Think about it. If the ropes were electrified, it would be harder for fighters that are not known for their powerful punches to get people out of the ring." Shulk explained. "Think about it. In those cases, they have to tumble and slide underneath the ropes. However, depending on the strength of the electricity, unless the fighter is WAY over the ropes…"
"The shock may inadvertently SAVE them…" Puss said in realisation before pausing. He then brightened up. "Ha! Bring it on! I told myself that I will face any challenge and this is no different!"
"And let's be honest. No matter how strong the electricity would be, it can't be as bad as the shocks Pichu has." Snake added.
"Plus, it reminds me of those Deathmatches from World Heroes!" Yuri grinned. "I can't say I envy said World Heroes, but I would be flying if I said they wouldn't be interested in trying them out!"
"Looks like you have a majority, Static." Korra smirked.
Static paused for a moment. He then smiled and nodded.
"Millennium Star, one arena with electric ropes please!" Static grinned.
The silver star nodded his head before spinning around while emitting a bright light, not even needing Tumble to input the data. A few moments later, the roller coaster was gone and the arena was back to normal. Except for the electric ropes, of course.
Static sighed in relief. "Thank you… I swear I used up at least half of my power trying to eliminate that power."
With that, he jumped off of the star and onto his disc before running down and holding out his hand, using the electricity to drain the power from the ropes into himself. A few fighters took note of this, realising that they had made Static a huge advantage.
"Eh. He deserves it." Chun-Li said, waving it off as everyone nodded.
Ashley nodded his head before taking a deep breath.
"BAIKEN!" (GG)
(Om obogya beiroshano makabodara mani handoma)
(Jinbara harabari tayaun waraku ni uta wo rokkon shojo)
The pink-haired one-eyed one-armed samurai came out to a loud cheer, especially from the men and her theme song. She made it no mind and exaggeratedly strutted down the ramp, making the men cheer louder.
(If that's what you call karma, I must be a demon)
(God knows, that no voice can be heard by the damned)
(Rokusoseshki sansen no hujo)
(Ranbon no mubyo, sansen no shoryo Kakatekoi)
A man sitting near the ramp gave a creepy grin. "I wanna get THAT in my bed!"
Literally a second later, he found a katana pointed at his neck.
"What was that?" Baiken asked, darkly.
"Umm…" The man said before giving a nervous smile. "I said she wanna get the fighters on the deathbed."
Baiken glared at the man at the moment. "Maybe in the past I would have, but not now. Though knowing MY luck, someone would want to force me to do so. But we will have to wait and see."
With that, she continued to strut back down the ramp. However, the moment her face was out of the man's line of sight, her serious frown turned into a smirk. The man stared at Baiken before fainting in his seat.
Baiken finally entered the ring before walking over to Puss and Pura who had gotten back to their fight. However, it was short-lived when a claw with a chain attached it came out of Baiken's armless sleeve and went between the two, startling them before glaring at Baiken.
"Okay, what is with all the people interrupting our fight tonight!?" Puss rhymed, angrily.
Pura added with a hiss.
"I saw how furious you two were when that mad scientist and literal hothead and later the imp Digimon interrupted your fight." Baiken explained. "Normally, I would pass on you, but you showed everyone how you don't want to messed with."
With that, she smirked before getting into a stance.
"Well, I messed with you two just now so show me all of your strength and rage and don't hold back!" Baiken offered.
Puss and Pura blinked twice before sighing and looking at each other with exhausted faces.
"Well, that is the price of being awesome, I suppose." Puss frowned with a sigh.
Pura just slapped his forehead.
"RASHID!" (SFAS)
The white-clad Middle-Eastern fighter came out to a loud cheer. He gave a huge grin as he started to dance around the ramp to his theme. He then pointed his finger to the ceiling.
"Say it with me!" He shouted.
(Rashidooooo!)
After getting everyone on his side with the chant, Rashid grinned.
"Thank you! Thank you!" He nodded. "Now for my next act, I will show you EXACTLY why they call me the Turbulent Wind!"
He then did a series of flips and jumps, making the crowd cheer louder. He finally made his way into the ring and ran over to Korra.
"Heh, you sure love to play to the crowd." Korra noted.
"I aim to please. Hey, can I ask for a favour?" Rashid asked.
Korra raised an eyebrow. "Um, it depends, but shoot."
"If I ask you for a fight, could you use only airbending?" Rashid asked.
Korra's eyes widened at this. "Only airbending?"
"Yeah, I am an aeromancer myself so I want to see how my skills face off against THE Avatar?" Rashid grinned.
"Um, well, since you put it THAT way, why not?" Korra smirked, getting into a stance. "Don't have the heart to tell him that airbending is actually my WEAKEST element. But I can't say no to that smile!"
"ROY!" (SSB)
"Roy's our boy! Roy's our boy! Roy's our boy!"
The red-haired swordsman looked around at the crowd doing his trademark chant with a grin while pumping his sword in time to the chant.
"So much for a potential double-teaming with Claude." Roy frowned. "It is rare for two Fire Emblem characters to show up in the same section."
Nodding his head, he walked down the ramp before stepping in.
He then made his way over to Static Shock while he was still recharging.
"Yo!" Roy shouted, getting Static's attention. "I think you already charged up and then some! Let's fight!"
The electromancer paused before shrugging. "Eh. I suppose I can't take a break at a tournament like this. Just to warn you, it is going to take more than a barrier to get past my defences."
"Oh, don't worry, I know it!" Roy grinned, igniting his sword in fire.
Static just smirked before engulfing his fist in electricity. "Oh, because this is the first time I clashed with a pyromancer."
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… NINE!"
"REPTILE!" (Mortal Kombat)
The green-clad Saurian came out to a warm reception, much to his surprise considering his very poor track record in the games. He scratched the back of his head.
"I am still stunned out of all people the hosts chose for the Mortal Kombat representative, they chose ME." He noted, walking down the ramp. "Especially since it feels weird to fight WITHOUT being related to my repopulating or following someone else's orders."
He then stepped in the ring. However, the moment he was in, a chain wrapped around him before being yanked over, startling him.
"Hello!" Basara grinned.
Reptile narrowed his eyes. "I take it that you want to kill me?"
"Nope, not this time!" Basara said, cheerfully.
Reptile was stunned by this. "H-Huh?"
"Nope." The yurei said, untying Reptile. "In fact, I want you to join us."
The Saurian blinked twice before narrowing his eyes. "I am NOT going to join Bison."
"You don't know have to!" Basara laughed. "Well, not directly. However…"
"KAISER WAVE!"
Then, a giant energy ball came out of nowhere and hit Basara head-on and sending the blue-haired zombie flying away, making Reptile jump.
(Understand)
(Understand)
(The concept of love)
"RUGAL BERNSTEIN!" (KoFAS)
The poster boy of King of Fighters bosses came out to a huge mixed reaction and his classic theme. However, he had a red hood over him, covering his face. He then threw up his hood and threw it in the crowd.
"Oh no!" Yuri gasped. "He has GREY hair!"
Somehow the already-loud mixed reaction has gotten louder. Rugal sneered as he spread his arms to both the positive and negative part of the audience.
(Dome; Gym)
Ryu and Dragaux stopped trying to fix the gym for a moment to blink twice.
"Sooo… When that a-hole knocked him out, did he come into here with grey hair or…?" Dragaux asked.
"No, this is new." Ryu confessed.
(The Arena)
"Okay so I admit that I failed my mission to get Ryu." Rugal lamented. He then grinned. "Well, if I can't improve my team's progress, might as well hinder Otane's!"
He then made his way down the ramp and walked over to Reptile.
"Hey, Reptile, long time no see." Rugal smirked. "Still trying to ooglie over small, tied up women!"
The green-clad warrior winced before raising his finger to shush Rugal. "Hey! May I remind you that the MK timeline got resetted, meaning what I said at the second Megamix Tournament never happened!?"
The grey-haired man's grin vanished. "Wait, what…?"
"Ugh, on second thought, never mind." Reptile groaned. "What is it you want, Rugal?"
"Oh, nothing much, I just want a punching bag and you are it." Rugal answered.
"Hey!" Basara roared before stomping over. "I was talking to him first!"
"...Do you think I got where I was by waiting my turn?" Rugal scoffed. "Whatever I see, I take."
"Well, he is mine!" Basara roared, taking Reptile's arm.
"No, mine!" Rugal said, grabbing Reptile's other arm.
The two then got into a tug-of-war for Reptile with the poor Saurian wincing in pain.
"...Is THIS what it is like to be popular!?" Reptile yelled.
Everyone just watched the whole thing with wide eyes.
"...I WAS thinking of going up against Rugal." Chun-Li mused before frowning. "But I don't want to lose TOO many IQ points."
"FARAH OERSTED!" (ToAS)
The green-haired orange-clad young woman jumped up and down a couple of times before slapping her cheeks together before rushing down the ramp (which should be impossible because of her dress) and leapt in.
Chun-Li looked in awe before walking over to Farah. "Wow. You sure are athletic to be able to run that fast wearing such a large dress."
"Oh, that is nothing! I could do much more in this!" The green-haired girl smirked. Her eyes bugged out before poking her fingers together. "Hey, I guess this more or less works out."
Chun-Li raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"
"Well, I am a HUGE fan of you, Miss Chun-Li!" Farah said with her eyes lighting up before bowing. "PLEASE! Let me fight you!"
The Chinese woman was a bit startled before pausing.
"Hmm… Evil never sleeps, but it WOULD be nice if a fight for the sake of fun." She mused. She then smirked. "Alright, kid, let's see what you got."
(Tsunami Level)
"OUT OF MY WAY, YOU SUNDAY RICKSHAW-CARRIER!"
That was the angry shout of Cortex as he rode on a pink toy scooter as he swerved around a rickshaw-carrier before he continued riding. Said rickshaw-carrier got swamped by the same tsunami that took out Cinder.
For those who didn't figure out what happened to said flaming man, the node that he and Cortex landed in was Crash Bandicoot: Wrath of Cortex. Particularly the Tsunami level. And as the name suggests, when the player reaches a certain part of the level, they will get chased by a tsunami and they have to outrun it on a scooter. …The sad thing wasn't the weirdest level in Crash Bandicoot's history.
Being a major antagonist, Cortex knew what he had literally landed in and started to escape. While he was as athletic as the bandicoots, he was more than capable enough to ride the scooter from the tsunami.
Cortex yelped as he narrowly avoided crashing into a barrel before he continued on.
"I think I remembered the end being close!" He shouted before grinning. "I am going to make it! I am going to make it!"
Then, he looked ahead and his pupils shrank.
The door that was supposed to shut the tsunami out (Don't ask.) was somehow closed.
"OH…"
SPLASH!
On the other side of said door, two figures were standing under an umbrella that the bigger one was holding.
Celica A. Mercury blinked twice. "...Did you hear something, Minerva?"
The robot merely shrugged her shoulders without taking the umbrella off of Celica.
"Oh wow, Minerva, I didn't know that after you spend ten minutes in a node, you have to spend ten more minutes in ANOTHER node." Celica A. Mercury frowned. "What's more, the door closed behind us and trapped us in this small area.
Then, Celica and Minerva started to be engulfed in light.
"Oh, looks like our ten minutes are up." Celica said as they started to vanish. "Fingers crossed we actually made it in the Recovery Room."
(Elimination Seating)
Tawna Bandicoot laughed as she watched Cortex getting swamped by the tsunami. "Ha! Serves that literal big-headed man for that cheap shot on me and the loud swordsman!"
Metal Sonic raised a non-existent eyebrow. "I have to ask. Was there always a dead end there or…?"
Tawna stopped laughing before looking in confusion. "I'm… Not sure. I WANT to think that the level recognised Cortex and shut the door on purpose, but they don't discriminate through heroes and villains. It is almost like someone else entered the contrived tsunami-stopping door before he did."
"But who?" Metal Sonic asked. "It can't be the Wrath of Cortex version of Coco because if it was, he wouldn't be able to grab the contrived tsunami-escaping scooter."
Tawna just shrugged. Meanwhile, Pinstripe Potoroo made his way down the stairs while holding a slushie.
Suddenly, he stumbled.
"Woah-woah-WOAH!" Pinstripe yelped.
He then spilled his slushie all over a certain person.
"ACK! What the hell, man!?" The person roared, angrily.
Pinstripe winced as he shrank back. "S-Sorry, man!"
"Sorry? Sorry!? How clumsy do you have to be to spill an entire slushy on me!" The person roared.
"H-Hey, even slick guys like me have our off days!" Pinstripe insisted. "And look on the bright side!"
"What bright side!?" The person snapped.
"I wasted a perfectly-good slushy so I am just as unfortunate as you!" Pinstripe grinned.
The person blinked twice for a moment. He then roared in frustration before getting up and storming up the stairs. A few people gave Pinstripe unimpressed looks. The potoroo then chuckled nervously.
"Welp, better get a new slushy." Pinstripe said, making his way up the stairs.
However, once he was out of the line of sight of everyone, he made a dark grin.
(The Arena)
"ANTONOV!" (KoFAS)
"MAX BRASS!" (A)
"I am the champion!"
"ARMS!"
The crowd cheered as the two muscular men doing a series of bodybuilder poses while laughing heartily. They then made their way down the ramp while talking to each other.
"I must say that it is a shame that the G.A.W. is still starting out." Max lamented. "Between you, the King of Dinosaurs and Ramon, you already have a dynamic trio."
Antonov laughed at this. "Thanks! Hopefully, we will gather a good amount of fighters like yours!"
"Even still, while I am aiming big with the ARMS league, I never expected you literally aiming for the stars!" Max noted.
"Yeah! People think I would be buried from all of the lawsuits from XIV, but no! I will just come back and reclaim my rightful place as champion!" Antonov grinned.
With that, the two men walked in.
"Say, want to spar right off the back?" Max asked.
"Actually, nothing personal, but there is someone else I had in mind." Antonov frowned before narrowing his eyes. "HOWEVER, I DO have a favour to ask."
Meanwhile, Rugal and Basara were still doing their tug of war with Reptile.
"Okay, I am the serial killer and even I want to know what is your major malfunction!?" Basara roared.
"My 'major malfunction' is that I do not like people who get in my way!" Rugal shot back.
"MY major malfunction is being ripped in two!" Reptile shouted.
Suddenly, two arms made out of thick belts grabbed Basara and Reptile respectively before pulling them away. Rugal, who was still holding onto Reptile, stumbled forward.
"Hey!" Rugal roared, angrily.
"Ah, Rugal Bernstein."
Rugal's eye widened before closing it. "Oh no…"
Antonov then walked over sternly. "I can't say I respect you, but I won't deny that you are strong. However, you are no match for the first champion of KoF!"
Rugal looked at Antonov in disbelief. "In what universe are the first champion of KoF!?"
"In the universe where the G.A.W. will be taken off!?" The Russian man grinned.
Rugal paused. "...Fine, I was a little busy, but I will spare time to tear you a new one."
"SAIZO HATTORI!" (PI)
The resident ninja of Power Instinct stood on top of the Entrance Ramp with his arms crossed. With only one open, he eyed the arena with one thought on his mind.
"Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap!"
He then ran down the ramp at a fast speed before leaping in.
"Okay, Saizo, you don't have to talk to ALL of these fighters. Hell, you don't even have to talk to ONE of them." He thought. "Try fighting that Solid Snake guy."
With that, he was about to dash over to Snake.
"Heh. I guess Power Instinct wouldn't be complete without a ninja."
Saizo's eyes bugged out before turning to see Yuri walking over.
"Okay, I'll bite. What type of ninja are YOU?" Yuri asked. "Like these are ninjas like Hanzo Hattori who fight like your standard ninja, but then you have Bandeiras Hattori and Guy from Final Fight who fight unarmed. Of course, these are subversions like Bang Shishigami. Or 'normal' ninjas like Gozu and Mezu from the Fu'un series. Also…"
Saizo just glared at Yuri, but said nothing.
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I can't compare myself to ONE of those examples, let alone ALL of them! Which ninja do I even start with!? Hanzo!? Bang!? Gozu & Mezu!? Somebody help me!"
"SIMON BELMONT!" (SSB)
Coming out to Vampire Killer and a loud cheer, the barbarian vampire hunter lashed his family's iconic whip against the ramp.
Despite having a stone-faced expression on his face, he was completely swamped with mixed feelings. He was always weary about entering the third Battle of the Luminaries. After all, if a bunny could cause so much trouble, he could only imagine how a vampire could.
Then, he heard about the garlic attack. Sure, he still didn't trust Drake too much, but even he still felt that attacking and trying to kill him during the tournament was a bit extreme. He also felt bad for the vampires who actually WERE hit during the attack. They weren't hurting anyone. They were just watching the tournament just like everyone else.
"Ugh…" Simon muttered, stepping into the ring. "This is the worst time and place to think about it."
He then walked over to his target. The fight between Max Brass against Basara and Reptile.
"Um, excuse me, Mr. Brass, was it?" Simon asked, getting the three's attention. "Need some help?"
"Um, not really. I am merely fighting these two so my new friend would fight the red-eyed man." The founder of the ARMS league said before grinning. "But you are free to double-team with me!"
Simon grinned. "I will take the zombie!"
"And I will take the lizard!" Max grinned.
With that, they looked at their respective opponents who looked stunned.
Basara growled. "Oh yeah! We'll take you on! Come on, Reptile!"
The green-clad warrior blinked twice. "What did I get myself into?"
Unknown to them, Rugal noticed this and made a dark grin.
"HAZAMA!" (BB)
The green-haired well-dressed man came out to a mixed reaction. However, he actually enjoyed both the positive AND negative reactions while tipping his fedora to the crowd with a smirk.
"Welp, it looks like my luck of getting decent draws have finally run out." He mused. "Unless you are Terumi, of course."
He then put his hands in his pocket and made his way down the ramp before stepping in. Almost immediately, Snake walked over to him.
"Hey, Hazama." Snake sneered before cracking his knuckles. "Oh, should I say, Terumi?"
"...Didn't get all of the intel from your boyfriend, Otacon, did you?" The green-haired man snarked.
Snake blinked twice. "What the hell is THAT supposed to mean?"
Hazama then read up a familiar piece of paper. "Read it and weep."
Snake swiped the paper before reading. He then realised that it was the cast list. He then examined it further…
Then, his eyes bugged out before raising his head towards Hazama's sneering face.
"See what happens when you don't study?" Hazama asked, sarcastically.
"How… How did you turn MY series into Super Mario Bros?" Snake asked.
Hazama chuckled at this. "Good one!"
"CHLOE VALENS!" (ToAS)
The dark-haired blue-and-black-clad swordswoman adjusted her cape before glaring down at the arena. She then ran down the ramp and leapt in without a single thought.
While Hazama was still trolling Snake, Chloe slashed the former in the back, making him stagger forward.
Hazama recovered before looking back. "Now, now, was that very knightly?"
"I do not need to hear that from YOU!" Chloe shot back.
"Ah, Chloe, long time no see!" Snake grinned.
"Agreed. It is time to see you finally as a regular at the Battle of the Luminaries!" The swordswoman nodded with a smile.
"Yeah, it only took them realising that Super Smash Bros wasn't merely a Nintendo game anymore." Snake chuckled. "So even though we were in the same hero group in the first tournament, I don't think we ever fought together."
"Indeed. I realised that as well. Let's fix that." Chloe added.
"Aww, don't you think you guys are being a bit mean to me?" Hazama asked.
"No." Snake and Chloe said without missing a beat.
"Well, that's just YOUR opinion." Hazama pouted.
"VECTOR THE CROCODILE!" (StH)
The green-scaled crocodile detective did a dance while listening to his headphones. When he finished, he nodded before making his way down the ramp.
However, when he did so, he absent-mindedly looked up. Only to double-take when he saw it was just Astaroth.
"Yo, Astaroth, where are Shadow and Aila!?" Vector shouted, cupping his hands together.
"Aila had a great idea for the next section and dragged Shadow off!" The golem shouted back. "That is why there aren't as many creative song changes in this section!"
Vector blinked twice. "Um, okay…"
With that, he made his way down the ramp. Sure, he and the rest of the new fighters were safe, but he could only imagine what Aila had in mind. He then stepped in. He looked around to see that nearly everyone was preoccupied.
Except for Shulk who was walking over.
"Huh… Usually it takes at least a couple more fighters introduced before everyone is occupied." Vector said, scratching the back of his head.
"Indeed." Shulk said before shrugging. "Eh. It can't be helped. Do you wish to fight?"
"Hey, I haven't been waiting in the Ready Room for so long before coming in." Vector smirked. "Show me how much your visions could save you!"
Shulk smirked before getting into a stance. "Gladly."
(Hotel; Lobby)
Tiny Tiger and Mukai walked through the lobby together.
"So much for Cinder…" Mukai lamented.
Tiny scoffed. "Tiny didn't like Hothead, anyway."
"Yeah, I don't think even ARIA likes him." Mukai admitted. "Regardless, he is part of our team and it is our job that he is escorted with the stardust safely."
"Yeah, yeah, Tiny admits that Hothead was at least trying to eliminate Cortex so Tiny shouldn't complain…" Tiny muttered.
Mukai gave a light chuckle. "Well, that is one way to accept an ally."
With that, they exited the hotel to enter the dome. Unknown to them, R. Mika, Hinako and Magilou were watching them with blank stares.
"Ugh, I know that Oume is the bigger threat, but I don't feel right just letting those two walk off." R. Mika lamented.
"It can't be helped." Magilou shrugged. "Though those two are just BEGGING to be ambushed. I mean, who talks that loudly about their plans right in the open?"
"Don't worry, the list of villains on Oume's side is far bigger than the one on Otane's side." Hinako reassured. "We should run into at least one."
"And worst case scenario, we kick down the doors to their rooms." Magilou shrugged
R. Mika grinned at this. "That's the spirit! Now come on, we…"
"Please, for the love of the Star Spirits, I do not know what you are talking about!"
"Oh? And how do you know you are not bullshiting me?"
The three women turned their heads to see Ryuji Yamazaki walking in. However, he was carrying a terrified Goomba.
"Please! If I knew what you were talking about, I would have told you by now!" The Goomba pleaded.
"Maybe you would and maybe you wouldn't, but you know what they say…" Yamazaki noted.
He then pulled out a knife and placed it close to the poor Goomba's face.
"People will only spill their guts out when they are on the brink of death!" Yamazaki sneered, darkly.
R. Mika's eyes widened before narrowing them. "Hey!"
"Leave him alone!" Hinako added.
Yamazaki turned his head to see the three before smirking. "Oh, hey, ladies, ever wondered what the inside of a Goomba looks like?"
"Okay, so would it do any good to point out that his name is not even on Otane's list, yet alone Oume's?" Magilou piped up.
R. Mika and Hinako then ran over.
Magilou then shrugged. "Okay. Just thought I would give it a chance."
R. Mika and Hinako got into their stances while Yamazaki's grin grew larger and the Goomba looked like he was about to cry.
"WAIT!"
Everyone jumped before turning to see Lilly Kane rushing out of nowhere and standing between the women and Yamazaki while spreading her arms out.
"Lilly!?" Hinako gasped.
"What are you doing!?" R. Mika added.
"Stopping a needless fight." Lilly answered before glaring up at Yamazaki. "Don't you think if Goomba knew anything, he would have told you by now?"
"Perhaps. But it is better to be safe than sorry." The yakuza grinned
"Oh, like you ever followed that advice." Lilly scolded.
"Okay, you got me there!" Yamazaki chuckled before throwing the Goomba behind him like a rag doll.
The poor Goomba bounced along the ground for a moment. He then got up and ran off, scared for his life.
Lilly shook her head before turning to the women. "Um, I don't suppose you saw Billy, did you?"
"You mean your brother? Um, no." R. Mika said.
Lilly hangs her head. "Oh, I see."
"Why? What happened?" R. Mika asked. She then glared at Yamazaki. "And why are you with HIM?"
"Yeah, heart you too, love." The black-clad man said with a wink.
"I will tell you." Lilly reassured. "But not while standing still."
With that, they all entered the hotel. Only to leave behind a mentally exhausted dark-skinned man standing behind the counter.
"...Suddenly, I miss Zack & Cody." Marion Moseby muttered.
(Dome; Hallway)
Mappy let out a deep sigh before making his way to the Elimination Seating.
"...I knew that I may be out of my depth." He frowned. "But FIRST elimination of the section?"
He let out a deep sigh. All he could do was watch the rest of the tournament and cheer on Pacman when he came out. He then passed a corner.
Only to be grabbed by the scruff of his neck and hoisted in the air.
"H-Hey! Who do you…" Mappy angrily shouted.
Only to look into the angry face of Barbatos Goetia. Immediately, Mappy shrieked.
"Ah, Mappy. Sorry about your poor performance." Barbatos said.
"Um, it is alright." The mouse reassured. "I-It's my own fault as I let my guard down."
"But to be fair, I thought for sure that graffiti artist was gone for good too. Especially after you used that door." Barbatos said. "Speaking of which, that was an interesting move you did there."
"Um, thank you." Mappy said. "You see, it was a major concept in my game. It was the only way I could stun the Meowkies."
"Don't insult my intelligence, Mappy." Barbatos scolded in a surprisingly calm tone. "To say that we are different as night and day is an understatement, but we are still from Namco. It would be foolish of me to not know of you!"
"Um, fair enough. Sorry." The police officer apologised.
"It's fine. Though I have to ask. Where did you get the door?" Barbatos asked.
"Um, what?" Mappy asked.
"Spare me. The doors in your game are stationary. You can't just move them around." Barbatos explained. "Which means just one thing…"
He then scowled.
"You used an item!"
Mappy gulped.
"The only reason why I haven't squashed you is because I have bigger fish to fry!" Barbatos snapped. "I am not a good person, but tell me where the item shop is and I will forget this crime."
"W-What item shop?" Mappy lied.
Barbatos narrowed his eyes. "Oh, I get it. Being the hero, huh? That's fine with me. I know what to do."
With that, he readied his axe with his other hand. Mappy's pupils shrank before closing his eyes and fearing the worst.
"PIKA-CHUUUU!"
Then, a bolt of electricity struck Barbatos in the back, causing him to cry out in pain and let go of Mappy. Barbatos then glared behind him.
To see Pikachu on all four, surging his cheeks in electricity and Samus aiming her arm cannon.
"Oh, great!" Barbatos muttered. "Would it do any good to say that I am NOT in any villain groups at all?"
"No, it wouldn't." Samus spat. "Though not for lack of trying. Ganondorf, Sephiroth and Kazuya in the locker room told us that you refused to join them unless the villains help you find the item shop!"
Barbatos' eyes widened at this. "Wait, the locker room?"
"Don't ask. It is not important right now." Samus said.
"Fair enough. Look, I don't know what happened to your runt friend earlier, but it is clear that you are on your way to the Recovery Room to fetch him!" Barbatos added,
"We are… But we refuse to let you to do whatever you want." Samus spat before turning to Mappy. "Go to the Elimination Seating!"
Pikachu nodded his head, sternly.
"R-Right! Thank you!" Mappy nodded.
With that, he ran off. Barbatos watched him leave before glaring at Pikachu and Samus.
"Alright, I get it! I'll just have to beat the location of the item shop out of YOU! And if THAT doesn't work…" Barbatos said before giving in. "BUREAAAAAA!"
(The Arena)
"GEARY!" (CB)
The copper robot with OCD crossed his arms while glaring at the arena with red eyes.
"Pitiful squishies! You think that you are hot stuff with your organic 'ki' and 'magic'!" He boasted while marching down the ramp. "Today, I will show you EXACTLY why robots are superior! Just watch!"
He then stepped into the ring with Puss watching him afar.
"Um, what happened to you?" Puss piped up, getting Geary's attention.
"Excuse me?" The Teknee champion asked.
"Mi amigos and I binge-watched the first two Battle of the Luminaries the moment we were invited here." Puss explained. "I definitely remembered you being taller."
Geary paused at this. "That is an acute observation and I got an answer for that."
Puss raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Geary growled before getting a vacuum out of his chest.
"I WILL WIPE THAT DIRTY LOOK OFF OF YOUR FACE!"
He then started to suck on Puss' face. The latter shrieked like a cat while trying to get the vacuum off of him. Baiken just watched with a stunned look and Pura just shook his head with both of his hands on his face.
"...The sad thing for better or for worse, he will fit in our node." Baiken muttered.
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… TEN!"
"WOLFRUN!" (Smile Precure)
"WOLF O'DONNELL!" (SSB)
The two grey-furred wolves came out to a loud cheer from the crowd. Wolf O'Donnell just smirked as he crossed his arms at the warm reception. Wolfrun was actually taken part as he scratched the back of his head.
Wolf O'Donnell noticed this and smirked. "Heh. Not used to having fangirls."
"Um, no, not really. After all, I am considered a villain where I am from." Wolfrun explained as the two made their way down the ramp.
"Welcome to the internet, kid." Wolf O'Donnell said. He was noticeably walking slower than Wolfrun.
"Still, I am SO psyched to finally get my chance!" Wolfrun grinned, clenching his fist together. "I was actually invited to the LAST Battle of the Luminaries!"
Wolf O'Donnell's good eye widened at this. "Woah."
Wolfrun then sighed. "I am so angry about the tournament being cancelled, but I suppose that wasn't the worst thing that happened that night."
Wolf O'Donnell winced, remembering the bad memories. "Oh, trust me, kid. It wasn't."
"Yeah, so now I am going to make up for lost time!" Wolfrun smirked. "I am ready to take on any and all challenges!"
"Well, we'll see, kid!" Wolf O'Donnell chuckled
Wolfrun then stepped into the ring with Wolf joining him shortly. Then, the latter kicked Wolfrun in the back.
"Whoops, it looks like you are not as ready to take on any and all challenges as you seem!" Wolf O'Donnell smirked.
Wolfrun glared back with a growl before getting on his stance. "So you like to fight dirty? Well, news flash. So do I!"
"SOPHIE!" (ToAS)
The purple-haired girl with the long twintails used her hand as a visor as she scanned the arena in awe at all of the different fighters. Once she confirmed what to do, she nodded her head before running down the ramp before leaping in with a second thought.
She then rushed over to the fight between Velvet and Sagat and slammed her palm into the latter with a deceptive amount of strength, sending him flying towards the ropes and making him the first victim of the electric ropes, getting zapped. (Keep in mind, Velvet and Sagat were fighting in the MIDDLE of the arena) Velvet watched with wide eyes as Sagat collapsed on the ground.
"H-Hey, what was THAT for!?" Velvet jumped.
Sophie blinked twice as if she was told the Fire Ball arte was cold. "I am double-teaming with you! Chloe seems to be doing just well that with her old friend against that well-dressed yet creepy man and Farah seems to really want to show her stuff against that Chinese woman."
"S-So, what makes you think that I DON'T want to use my stuff against him!?" Velvet asked.
"I seen this guy. He is not a bad person. But he is not a good person, if THAT makes sense." Sophie explained.
"Of course that makes sense, I might as well be the poster child for that quote." Velvet countered.
"Then, what is the big deal?" Sophie asked. "That proves he could be dangerous!"
"Could be dangerous…" Velvet sputtered in disbelief. "Sophie, I know I am arguably still relatively new, but did you watch ANYTHING in Berseria?"
As the two argued, Sagat finally got up. He would think that he would be absolutely furious and at first, he was, but he was too taken back by the conversation Velvet and Sophie were having.
"...Leave it to this tournament to find challenges that you would never be prepared for." Sagat muttered.
"TAM TAM!" (SS)
The red-clad Mayan warrior crouched down outside of the Entrace Curtain while wielding his Machete. He then stood out straight and let out a battle cry (and showed everyone how freakingly tall he really was).
"Basara is being weird, even for him…" Tam Tam frowned behind his mask.. "I want to confront him, but he is too busy more or less
He then put his weapon behind his teeth and ran on all fours, leaping in without a second thought. Seeing that everyone else has a fight already, he made a beeline for Yuri and Saizo.
"Hello!" Tam Tam announced, getting the two's attention. "Miss Sakazaki, I seen your performance and I wish to test my skills as a warrior!"
"Um, not that I don't mind taking on any and all challengers, but you kinda…" The brunette frowned, jerking his thumb towards Saizo.
"It is fine… Do as you wish…" The ninja said, crossing his arms.
"Um, alright." Tam Tam said, blinking twice before looking at Yuri. "Ninjas are awkward to talk with, aren't they?"
"Tell me about it. They always act like unmovable statues. That is somehow MOBILE." Yuri said, rolling her eyes.
With that, the two walked off so Saizo wouldn't be caught in the aftermath. Said ninja started sit down with his legs crossed.
"Oh, thank god, my heart felt like it was going to stop!"
"And now, the final fighter of this section…"
"LEONARDO!" (NASB)
The blue-masked ninja came out to an enormous cheer. Wielding his twin ninjato, he looked around at the warm reception before pumping his weapons in the air.
"COWABUNGA!"
Needless to say, the crowd cheers have gotten louder. Leonardo chuckled before making his way down the ramp.
"Even to this day, it still feels off to enter these things WITHOUT Raph and Donnie. They didn't even separate us in Injustice 2." He frowned. "Ah, well. At least the Shredder isn't here."
He then finally made his way into the ring and looked at the only free fighter.
"Well, so much for my duel with Lloyd Irving." He lamented. "At least I have a decent battle."
With that, he made his way over to Saizo. Said sociophobic looked up.
"Ah, you are one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Saizo noted.
"Yep. If I may, I ask for a battle with you?" Leonardo asked. "I told myself that I wanted to fight with a 'traditional' ninja."
"He seems as loud as his brother, but could balance it out by being the most disciplined. I could work with this." Saizo said before getting up. "Truth be told, I always wanted to face you myself. Show me your efforts with your actions."
Leonardo smirked. "Oh, I intend to."
So far, only one person has been thrown in the electric ropes. It seems that everyone was doing a decent job of not going near there. Of course, considering the goal of this tournament, they knew that they can't avoid it forever and they have to risk going near the ropes, even if it means getting zapped themselves.