The crowd cheered when they heard this. Kasumi nodded as she continued.

"I could respect everyone choosing practically over change of scenery thus far and normally I wouldn't mind THAT much." Kasumi admitted. "However, it is a bit of a waste seeing what you could do with the Tower of Salvation and the Taiga Biome!"

"It IS kinda jarring that the closest thing I've seen a proper stage change is the last one." Vector admitted. "And that is only because we can't even SEE the stage."

"AND Olmec hasn't seen much screen time for a while." Dot mused.

Everyone gave Dot weird looks. Except for Drake and Ashley who chuckled nervously.

"S-So Kasumi, what is that you wish to suggest?" Drake smiled.

"Um, alright." The first Megamix Tournament winner said. "Well, I had two choices. The first one is obviously the Todoh dojo, which is my father's stage from the first Art of Fighting. However, like I said, I decided to go more with style."

Drake's eyes lit up. "Oh?"

"Yes. If it is possible, I would like the next stage shift to be… Skyscraper Restaurant from King of Fighters 96?" Kasumi asked.

As a few fans cheered, Tumble raised an eyebrow. "Wait, isn't that the home stage of the Women's Team from that particular game?"

"That's correct." Kasumi nodded. "It was also my debut into the King of Fighters series so it is only fitting."

"Okay, give me a moment." Tumble offered before opening the top of his head and getting out his phone. "Wow, I am starting to think that I wouldn't be able to use this again."

With that, he started to type into the phone. After a few seconds, the Millennium Star raised an eyebrow.

"Oh ho! This may be the most ambitious stage change yet!" The Millennium Star noted.

"I understand that this is a little much, but…" Kasumi frowned.

"No, no, this should be manageable." The Millennium Star noted. "Just give me a moment."

With that, he lowered Kasumi's star platform to the ground and allowed her to get off. The Millennium Star then spun around, engulfing the entire arena in a white light. When the light finished, everyone's eyes bugged out.

Indeed, the entire arena changed. It looked more like a restaurant with the amount of chairs and tables around the arena. There was also an artificial waterfall, a pair of stairs leading up to a seating area next to said artificial waterfall, a stereo set and even an aquarium tank. The most noticeable thing was that the arena was now rotating.

Peach's eyes lit up. "Oh, wow! This looks like a wonderful restaurant!"

Yukari blinked twice. "Um, it does. But why is it turning around?"

"Well, that is how the stage works in the game." Kasumi explained.

"Oh, THAT'S what happened?" Obelix asked. "I just thought the Millennium Star's spell backfired."

Millennium Star's eye twitched. "How incompetent do you think I am?"

Kasumi giggled. "In any case, thank you."

"A restaurant, huh?" Taokaka mused. "That means Tao could get some food!"

With that, she tried to walk off. However, Yukari grabbed Taokaka by the tail.

"Uh-uh!" Yukari scolded. "Ever since you eliminated that white mage, you just wandered off and I had to fight those two on my own!"

Taokaka looked at Yukari confused. "Oh, that is a shame. Maybe Pink Feather should form a counter-alliance."

The archer blinked twice before slapping her head. "Alright, Yukari, you could do this. You may have lost two allies, but so have them. So it is pretty even."

"BOWSER!" (SSB)

Yukari's eyes bugged out before looking up at the Entrance Curtain. "Are you kidding me!?"

The red-haired turtle-dragon hybrid came out to an enormous cheer. He smirked at the warm reception as he played to the crowd, even breathing out fire to hype up the crowd further. Once he was done show-boating, he made his way down the ramp.

The moment he stepped in, he walked over to Peach and Vivian.

"Hey, Bowser, it seems that we have our draws this close to each other." Peach greeted.

"Yeah, I was actually going over to see if you needed some emotional support after what happened when you first entered the arena." The Koopa frowned.

"Ugh, don't remind me. I know that I was not the only victim of the Sound Booth Trio, but how come I am the only one who got roasted through a live performance?" Peach muttered,

"Seriously. I know that you could free yourself if you had the right mindset." Bowser offered. "Remember when I kidnapped you when you wanted to make an important cake for someone's birthday a few months ago? You… Really foiled my plans."

Vivian paused. "Wait, a few months ago? I thought you had a boyfriend now."

"I do. I just decided to still kidnap Peach to see if I could finally beat Mario." Bowser smirked.

"Spoiler alert: He failed." Peach smirked.

Bowser winced. "Hey, that last time I got close, didn't I?"

"Indeed. I thought for sure that you were going to win that time." Peach said before rolling her eyes. "But you HAD to put that axe there. AGAIN."

Bowser grumbled as Vivian giggled.

"In any case, wanna join our alliance?" Vivian offered.

Bowser's smirk returned. "I wouldn't even be here if I didn't want to be here!"

With that, the three turned to Yukari and Taokaka blinking twice.

"Pink Feather, Tao is confused." Taokaka frowned.

"For once, I don't think anyone would blame you, Taokaka." Yukari said.

"PATRICK STAR!" (NASB)

The pink heavyset starfish came out to a huge mixed reaction, though the cheers were louder than the boos. Normally, he would be somewhat oblivious to this. But he actually looked nervous as he was holding… A microphone.

"Um, hello, everyone and welcome to the Patrick Show!" He said, nervously through his microphone.

Everyone blinked twice in confusion. Patrick gulped nervously.

"Yes, yes, I know. I am not wearing my Patrick Show shirt." He frowned. "This was actually a last-minute thing. But don't worry, I am still going to give you a proper Patrick Show. Even though my family isn't here. And I am not in my house. And Spongebob and Sandy won't be here for a while."

(Dome; Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl Locker Room)

Everyone blinked twice at this.

"...Okay, I'll bite." Helga muttered. "What is Big, Pink and Not-So-Scary trying to accomplish?"

"Oh dear… Did Patrick mistake my advice?" Spongebob frowned.

Danny blinked twice. "Um, what advice?"

"Well, we were both talking to each other about what we want for stages if we were the Superstars." Spongebob explained. "Turns out there are a lot of things we wanted."

Dog raised an eyebrow. "Fair enough."

"So I told Patrick that we should definitely try to be the Superstar. However, Patrick forgot how to become one so I told him that he has to gain the most hype from the audience." Spongebob explained.

Sandy's eyes bugged out. "Don't tell me that he thought that means he should try to do the Patrick Star IN THE ARENA!?"

"Well, considering that he doesn't have that much experience with a crowd, it would seem that would be the case." Spongebob said, sheepishly.

Everyone blinked twice. …They looked at each other and went "Ohhhh". Spongebob blinked.

"I… Expected more groans." Spongebob admitted.

Oblina rolled her eyes. "I am just pleased that he more or less knows that he is in a fighting tournament, unlike Globox in the Okron Tournament."

(The Arena)

Patrick then stepped into the ring and looked around nervously. "Okay, Patrick, you could do this. Just cover something that will net you the most hype."

He then looked around the arena. His eyes then lit up when he saw Dot fighting Bison.

"Bingo!" He then, brightly.

He then ran over to the two.

"And I will now enter my first fight!" Patrick said, speaking in his microphone and getting the two's attention. "I will help the… Animal fight against the bad guy."

Bison paused before smirking. "So another fool wishes to be a victim? Fine by me!"

Patrick narrowed his eyes before glaring at Bison. "Hey, I do not want to be a victim here! It would be bad for ratings!"

"Ratings? Bah! I care not for ratings!" Bison boasted. "All I care about everyone is making everyone go on their knees!"

Patrick's eyes widened. "So you are ACTIVELY trying to stop everyone from being the Superstar!"

"Of course!" Bison said, proudly resulting in a mixed reaction from the crowd (If you know why, you know why). "The only Superstar is me!"

"Okay, wow! I was just coming after you for the ratings, but now I see why everyone sees you as a threat!" Patrick growled before looking at Dot. "Let's take this loser down!"

"H-Huh?" Dot asked after being dumbfounded by the conversation Patrick and Bison were having. "Um, sure, the more the merrier."

She then looked at the camera with an exasperated face.

"...So THIS is Tinyhammer's new way of writing for me."

"ZETTERBURN!" (RoA)

"FLAMON!" (DRA)

The combined cheers for the individual pyromancer lions could only muster a decent cheer. Despite this, neither of them seem to mind. Mainly because Flamon was looking up at Zetterburn with a starstruck look while the latter was a little overwhelmed by said admiration.

"Oh, wow! You are like if I had a normal Champion form!" Flamon noted.

"Um, thanks… It is nice to hear that I more or less set the bar for fiery lions." Zetterburn admitted, scratching the back of his head.

"Hey, can we double-team?" Flamon asked. "Please, please, PLEASE!"

"Um, I wasn't intending to do so before entering the arena." Zetterburn confessed. He then chuckled. "But sure. Why not?"

"Yay!" Flamon cheered, jumping up in the air.

"I even had an idea of what to do first, but it should be easier with another person like yourself." Zetterburn smirked. "Come on and follow my lead!"

Flamon nodded his head before he followed his fellow lion down the ramp. Once the two were in, Zetterburn led the two to the alliance fight.

"If you have a charging move, use it on that witch with the peppermint hat!" Zetterburn instructed.

With that, he then started to charge up with fire before launching forward into Bowser, knocking him down. While everything was going fast for Flamon, he quickly understood.

"Monkey Ball!" Flamon shouted, rolling himself forward while igniting his hands and feet in fire and crashed into Vivian, knocking her down as well.

Peach gasped before glaring at the two lions. "What are you doing!?"

"Nothing personal, princess." Zetterburn said, dusting his hands together. "It was my plan to go after your allies. Mainly because I wanted to see how I stack up to the King of Koopas."

"And as long as I am with him, better as well help him with the witch!" Flamon nodded.

Bowser got up and glared at the guilty party. "Aw, come on! The section literally just started! It is too early for me to get angry at people interrupting my fights!"

"Indeed! Couldn't you wait until more people come out and see if you wish to fight THEM?" Vivian scolded.

"I checked in the Ready Room!." Zetterburn said. "As far as I could gather, you two are the most prominent pyromancers in this section!"

"Which means it sucks for you!" Flamon smirked before punching his fist out.

Vivian raised her arms to block. "H-Hey!"

"Come on! You are decently bulky in your game!" Flamon taunted. "You could take it!"

"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… FIFTEEN!"

"EDUARDO!" (Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends)

People who didn't watch Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends still remember the purple-furred imaginary friend. Mainly in the second Megamix Tournament. Poor guy clearly didn't want to be there and was only invited there.

So imagine everyone's surprise when they saw Eduardo stampeding down the ramp with a determined look on his face and leaping in without a second thought. Something that he had trouble doing last time. He then ran towards the fight between Vivian and Flamon.

Zetterburn saw Eduardo rushing over and his eyes bugged out looking back and forth between him and Flamon & Vivian. Realising what was going on, Zetterburn dove at Flamon and tackled him to the ground. Just in time to avoid Eduardo's punt at the smaller lion.

Zetterburn glared up at Eduardo. "And what was THAT for!?"

"Your amigo was attacking mi novia!" The purple-furred Spaniard scolded.

Bowser blinked twice. "I know that amigo is obviously friend, but what does novia mean?"

Vivian smiled, putting her hands together against her cheek. "Eduardo, you made it!"

The imaginary friend's angry look turned into a warm smile. "Of course, Vivian! I am so happy that you made it!"

"So am I!" The Shadow Siren giggled. "I was worried that we wouldn't be a Battle Couple."

Yukari's eyes widened. "Wait…"

Taokaka tilted her head to the side. "Hold on…"

Flamon blinked twice. "Did you say…"

"BATTLE COUPLE!?" Bowser, Peach, Yukari, Taokaka, Zetterburn and Flamon exclaimed.

Eduardo and Vivian blushed, scratching the back of their heads.

"Um, that's right." Vivian said, sheepishly. "We became friends after the second Megamix Tournament."

"Then, slowly, but surely we started dating." Eduardo nodded. "We even told each other that we were both invited as Mystery Fighters."

Yukari blinked twice. "Wait… Is THAT why Vivian stopped Mignon from revealing how the two of them became friends?"

"That's right. If it wasn't for Eduardo, we would have never met." Vivian nodded. "I felt bad for cutting off Mignon like that, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise for everyone."

"Um, how did Pink Feather know that?" Taokaka asked. "Did Pink Feather meet them?"

"No, Fuuka did." Yukari admitted. "And even then, it was only a little under a week."

Taokaka blinked twice. "Moss-head? But that doesn't…"

"Look, I understand that there is a lot to explain." Bowser scolded. "But we have a fight to start!"

"Rude, but accurate." Zetterburn nodded. "The cub and I still want to fight you and the witch."

"Yeah!" Flamon said, impatiently.

"Alright, fine." Vivian nodded before turning to Eduardo. "Sorry, Eduardo, I know that we wanted to double-team together, but can we have different partners for now?"

"Si, if it is alright with Senorita Peach." The purple-haired creature nodded.

"Of course! A friend of Vivian is a friend of mine!" The princess reassured.

With that, everyone got ready to face their respective opponents. …Except for Taokaka who slumped her arms.

"...Please tell Tao it is not just her being confused this time." Taokaka muttered.

"ZELOS WILDER!" (ToAS)

The red-haired womaniser came out to an enormous cheer from the fangirls as his theme played through the speakers. He smirked before blowing kisses to the crowd.

"Thank you, my honeys!" He thanked. "Now watch me dominate the arena and your hearts!"

He then swagger-walked down the ramp before walking in. He then made his way over to Kasumi and May.

"Oh, wow! Today is my lucky day, I was asked to look for allies and I found the perfect two!" Zelos grinned.

Kasumi grunted in disgust. "I beg your pardon?"

"Oh, don't be like that!" Zelos grunted. "I was told to look for strong people, but she didn't say anything about looking for strong AND cute people!"

"How DARE you disrespect us like that!?" Kasumi growled. "I do not care what you have to say! Leave or I will force you to leave!"

"Now, now, Kasumi." May said, putting her free hand on Kasumi's shoulder. "Sure, he is not doing a good job of doing it, maybe he has a reason to come here rather than hit on us."

"Pretty much. There is a certain villain coming up and we may need all of the help we could get." Zelos nodded.

"Ugh… If you are telling the truth, fine. You may stay." Kasumi muttered.

"Good. Now as long as he remembers that I already have a loved one, we should be fine!" May grinned.

"Aw, come on! We all know that Johnny is probably hitting on a tree with a skirt on it!" Zelos scolded with a smirk. "I don't think he has any right to complain if you go out with me."

A few seconds later, Zelos was being chased by a furious May with Kasumi trying in vain to physically stop the latter.

"HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT JOHNNY LIKE THAT!?" May roared. "YOUR ASS IS GRASS!"

"Hey, don't take out your anger about me being right on my pretty face!" Zelos scolded.

"There is a dangerous villain coming out!" Kasumi shouted while holding onto May. "We shouldn't be fighting each other!"

(Hotel; Lobby)

Haohmaru stomped as he made his way into the lobby so he could exit the building to enter the dome.

"Hey!"

Haohmaru's (and Moseby's) eyes widened before turning in the direction of the voice to see Genjuro Kibagami angrily stomping towards him. Behind him was Mickey McFist and Tiny, both of them looking concerned.

Haohmaru just frowned. "GENJURO, MY DESTINED RIVAL. WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?"

"Is it true that you are going to find whoever did this to Shizu?" The magenta-haired man asked.

"OF COURSE! WHOEVER HAS DONE THIS TO SHIZU DESERVES A THOUSAND YEARS OF PAIN!" Haohmaru growled. He then sighed. "WHICH IS WHY I CANNOT ALLOW US TO HAVE OUR DESTINED BATTLE!"

"Have our destined battle!? I don't care about THAT right now!" Genjuro scoffed.

Haohmaru jumped at this. "R-REALLY?"

"Yes, normally nothing would stop me from wanting to kill you, Haohmaru. However, someone purposefully instructed Shizu to attack." Genjuro explained. "I do not know WHY they did that, but they were the main cause of my humiliation. There is no way I would just stand back and let them get away with it!"

Haohmaru's eyes lit up at this. "AH HA! SO EVEN THOUGH IT IS FOR DIFFERENT REASONS, OUR DESTINATION IS THE SAME!"

"Make no mistake, Haohmaru. This alliance is only temporary. When your girlfriend is rescued and the one behind it is dead, I will go back to wanting to kill you!" Genjuro scoffed.

"WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!" Haohmaru laughed.

"...You two are like two peas in a pod." Mickey muttered.

"See? Even this fool gets it! I have no idea what that broad is going on about." Genjuro growled. "I am Haohmaru's true rival!"

"AH, YES. I HAVE TO ASK. WHY ARE THOSE TWO BOXERS HERE? NOT THAT, I, THE LEGENDARY HAOHMARU, MINDS, BUT I HAVE TO ASK. HOW DID YOU MANAGED TO JOIN WITH GENJURO?" Haohmaru asked. "GENJURO ISN'T THE TYPE TO ASK FOR HELP, REGARDLESS OF THE SITUATION!"

"That's because I DIDN'T ask for their help." Genjuro spat. "They followed me like frogs!"

"Do you REALLY think we, nay, all of the arcade patrons thought it would be a wise idea to let you two go off on your own?" Tiny scolded, narrowing his eyes. "I decided to join you to stop you from going overboard, eh."

"And as much as I hate being dragged into this, I also don't want TINY alone with you two." Mickey sighed. "Besides, this wouldn't be the first time I went with one of my stupid nodal companions to stop them from killing themselves."

Tiny glared down at Mickey. "I don't want my smarts insulted by YOU, Mr. Spend-Their-Money-Needed-To-Pay-Off-The-Debt."

"REGARDLESS OF YOUR REASONING, I, THE LEGENDARY HAOHMARU, WILL GLADLY ACCEPT YOU INTO OUR PARTY!" Haohmaru grinned.

Genjuro looked at Haohmaru in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"

"I CONFESS THAT THESE TWO MAY HAVE NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH US IN TERMS OF STRENGTH! BUT WE NEED MORE THAN STRENGTH TO FIND SHIZU AND HER BRAINWASHER!" The dark-haired man scolded.

"Tch. Fine. They better not slow us down." Genjuro muttered.

"GLORIOUS! THEN, WHAT IS OUR FIRST DESTINATION!" Haohmaru grinned.

Genjuro, Mickey and Tiny blinked twice.

"We were following YOU." Mickey insisted.

"THE LEGENDARY HAOHMARU MAY NOT HAVE AN IDEA, THAT DOESN'T MEAN HE WOULDN'T STILL TRY TO LOOK FOR OSHIZU!" Haohmaru boasted.

"In other words, you intend to waste energy wandering around the place." Genjuro muttered.

Tiny shook his head before walking over to the counter. "Sorry, but have you seen anyone weird pass through here?"

"Why have I NOT seen anyone weird pass through here?" Moseby muttered.

Tiny frowned. "Hey, this is NOT funny, eh."

"Who's joking." Moseby snarked. "Look, I literally don't know what to tell you. Maybe… Start with the gym?"

Mickey raised an eyebrow. "Umm… Why?"

"Apparently, Rugal Bernstern attacked Ryu from Street Fighter there earlier for some reason and now the one in charge in the gym is by his side like Wilfred Tipton's father." Moseby explained.

"AH, SMART THINKING. VILLAINS USUALLY FLOCK TOGETHER LIKE BEES TO HONEY SO THERE IS A STRONG CHANCE THAT RUGAL MAY BE INVOLVED!" Haohmaru nodded.

"But the trail may well be cold by now." Genjuro noted.

"Better than wandering around the place with our heads cut off." Mickey muttered with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Alright, so let's do it!" Tiny grinned, holding his bicep.

"INDEED! FOLLOW ME! TO VICTORY!" Haohmaru shouted, pumping his fist in the air.

With that, the four exited the hotel to enter the dome, leaving Moseby with a blank face.

"...Why do I feel like I made things even MORE complicated?" Moseby groaned.

(Scotland; Curling Rink)

Three boys looked like they were all thirteen sweated nervously at their current situation. They were at the end of a curling match and the three of the stones were close to the middle and they somehow managed to do so in a way where it was spread out.

The other team, who looked a couple of years older and clad in black, snickered at the futile attempts of their opponents. There was no way these squirts would win.

Suddenly, they all heard a loud screeching. They all turned to see someone pushing a food trolley towards the younger boys. On it were a breakfast muffin, a glass of milk, a glass of orange juice and four bowls with cereal in them. Next to it was a blue cereal box

The person who pushed it was a bulky tiger wearing nothing but a red bandana.

"Sorry, I am late, boys!" The tiger grinned.

The boys' eyes lit up. "Tony!"

"This final shot may be tough so we better prepare!" The tiger offered.

With that, Tony and the three kids took a bowl of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes each and took a spoon to take a bite each. (And yes, everyone was standing patiently waiting for them to finish). When they were done, they put down their bowls.

"Alright, ready?" Tony asked. The boys nodded their heads. "Okay, let's do it!"

With that, the boys got into a position. One of them narrowed his eyes, aiming carefully. He then threw the stone, the other boys then started to sweep the ground in front of the stone's path. The rival team looked nervous while Tony smirked and crossed his arms.

…Until a green blur came out of nowhere and knocked all of the stones out of the target, startling everyone. At first, Tony was confused, but then he recognised the blur.

"REPTAR!?"

Indeed, it was the green dinosaur standing in the middle of the target and roaring. He then reached out behind him and… pulled out a spoon and bowl of green cereal while doing a silly pose.

"HEY!"

Reptar turned to see Tony angrily stomping over.

"I do not know what you are doing here in Scotland, but you just ruined our shot" Tony scolded.

Indeed, this was all a commercial with all of the staff, looking in bewilderment at what was going on. Reptar on the other hand scoffed.

"I know that destroying buildings is kinda your thing, but you can't just barge into someone else's commercial!" Tony continued. He then scoffed before looking away. "Even someone SHOULD do that to YOU. I mean rehydrogenated cardboard bits? Turning your tongue green? It says a lot of the resident man child, Stu Pickles, flat out states that there is no actual food in here."

Reptar's eyes bugged out before glaring at Tony. He then used his tail to sweep Tony off of his feet and onto his back. Everyone gasped as the tiger lay on the ground.

Tony then sat up… With a smile. He then looked at the crew.

"Forgive me, everyone. But it seems that Reptar is just as stubborn as he is portrayed in his media." Tony said, calmly. "Can we postpone the commercial so I could properly educate him why what he did was wrong."

The producer blinked twice before looking at everyone. "Alright, take five."

Tony's warm face immediately turned ferocious as he returned the favour by sweeping his leg out and knocking Reptar off of his feet and onto his rear, making him drop his bowl of cereal and sending it crashing onto the ground. Reptar looked at the spilt bowl of cereal in horror.

"Oh dear… I have poisoned the arena with that diabetes-inducing lack of a better word, cereal. Ah well. Better this place than children's stomachs." Tony scoffed, getting up. "Regardless, I should take full responsibility and clean this mess up."

Reptar growled before glaring up at Tony and getting up as well to roar into Reptar's face.

"Yeah, same to you, buddy. Just to warn you, out of all of the sports I did, I also did boxing and wrestling." Tony growled, cracking his knuckles. "So I am feeling grrrrrreat!"

The director blinked twice at this as Reptar and Tony got into stances. He then brightened up before looking at each. "On second thought, break's over! Film this fight!"

The cameraman grinned as he aimed the camera at the two. "Never have I been so ecstatic to have my mandated break taken away from me!"

(The Arena)

"DHAOS!" (ToAS)

Zelos' eyes bugged out as he skidded to a stop before looking up at the Entrance Ramp. However, May was still chasing her and wasn't expecting him to stop so suddenly and the two crashed onto the ground, with Kasumi joining as she was holding onto May.

May groaned before glaring at Zelos. "Why did you stop, you idiot?"

Zelos merely pointed up. Kasumi and May looked up to see the blonde arch-mage floating down the ramp, ignoring the mixed reaction he was getting.

"It is a good thing that most of us got relatively early draws." Dhaos mused, putting his hand to his chin. "Otane's plan may not be as effective."

With that, he entered the arena. He was about to help Bison with Dot and Patrick in an attempt to curry favour with his team's sake. However, he then realised he had too much dignity.

"Demon Fang!"

Dhaos' eyes bugged out before looking to the side to avoid a ground wave. He looked up at the guilty party.

"Oh, I am sorry! Did I ruin your chance to double-team with Bison?" Zelos sneered, pointing his sword.

"Having two dangerous villains in the arena is bad enough, but having them team up shouldn't be allowed." Kasumi nodded.

May beat her anchor into her hand. "I hope for your sake that you are not the narcissistic type because your pretty face won't be so pretty when I am done with you."

Dhaos just scoffed before glaring at the three. "Very well. I will accept your challenge. But don't expect any mercy or sympathy from me."

"CRUNCH BANDICOOT!" (CB)

The muscular dark brown-furred bandicoot jumped up and down in place to get himself hyped before flexing to the crowd, trying to hype up the crowd and doing various bodybuilder poses. Once he was done, he jogged down the ramp. The moment he got in, he started to look around.

"Hmm… Bison and Dhaos are in the arena, but there is another villain coming out in this section." Crunch mused. "Normally, I wouldn't let that bother me seeing how strong those two are…"

He then laid down on the ground and started to do one-handed push-ups. Sure, all he had to do was wait, but there is no reason for lacking off.

"ELISABETH BLANCTORCHE!" (KoFAS)

The blue-haired Frenchwoman came out to a warm reception. Despite this, she merely gave an acknowledging nod while putting her hands behind her back in a dignified manner.

"I must confess it feels odd to have our node have about the same amount as the other sagas." She noted. "I know that Ash is the most controversial KoF protagonist in the franchise, but you would think it wouldn't be enough to have us be underrepresented."

Despite this, she shook her head before making her way down the ramp and stepped in. Ivysaur saw her come in and gave a mischievous grin. He then got out a Razor Leaf and threw it forward. Elisabeth saw the projectile, but it was too late to dodge out of the way.

Or so it seems. The moment the projectile hit Elisabeth, she vanished in a flash of light which startled Ivysaur. Suddenly, he was kicked from behind, knocking him onto his stomach. The Pokemon groaned before looking back to see Elisabeth standing over him, glaring down at him.

"Thought you will harass me from afar, do you?" Elisabeth said. "I'll have you know I am what the fighting game community classifies as an 'anti-zoner'."

Ivysaur winced when he heard this. Looks like he attacked the wrong person.

"LOLA POP!" (A)

The candy-themed clown came out to a mixed reaction. However, she didn;t let the negative part of the crowd get to her. Instead, she merely did a handstand and started to make her way down the ramp, walking over her hands.

Patrick did a double-take and saw Lola get in. His eyes lit up when he saw her.

"Oh boy!" Patrick cheered before speaking into the microphone. "Hold on, folks! We have a special guest!"

With that, he ran over. Dot blinked twice.

"...Why not? This fight is already one big circus." Dot muttered.

By this time, Patrick skidded to a stop in front of Lola and panted heavily, startling the latter.

"Um, are you a clown?" Patrick asked.

"Um, hold on, let me check." Lola paused. She then pulled on her baggy pants. She then released them, making a big snap. "OW! Yep, definitely a clown!"

"Perfect! Would you like to join our fight?" Patrick asked.

Lola blinked twice. "Wait, you are trying to run the Patrick Show here?"

"Yep!" Patrick grinned.

"Oh, that is great!" Lola smiled, clapping her hands together. "I always wanted to guest-star on your show!"

"That's perfect!" Patrick smiled. "I almost wanted a clown! Let's team up against that Oxen guy!"

"Yay! Let's show them why it is the Patrick Star show and make him see stars!" Lola Pop cheered.

Patrick laughed. "I don't understand the joke, but it is coming from a clown so it is okay!"

Dot slapped her forehead. "Good thing Wakko isn't here. Then, the fight will be a proper circus… From a horror film."

"JURI HAN!" (SFAS)

The men cheered for the Korean purple-clad woman. However, she didn't come out. Instead, her outfit from V flew out from behind the curtain, much to everyone's surprise.

Then, Juri finally came out of the Ready Room and did a horizontal kick, slashing said outfit in half. It was then everyone saw that she was in her outfit from IV. The crowd cheered at this. She just smirked as she made her way down the ramp.

"I can't believe that the vampire actually made me put on my debut outfit." Juri muttered before shrugging. "Eh. In the end, it more or less works out."

With that, she stepped into the ring. Once in, she saw Bison trying to fight off Dot, Patrick and Lola.

"Normally, I would gladly join in on ganging up on Bison, but nah…" Juri said.

"I was afraid you would say that…"

Juri raised an eyebrow before turning to the side to see Crunch stomping over to her.

"I was going to let you go if you would help those guys with Bison, but no, you refused to do so." Crunch said.

Juri blinked twice before gesturing towards said fight. "Wouldn't YOU!?"

Crunch paused. "...Alright. Even then, we already got a lot on our plate with Bison and Dhaos! We don't need a THIRD villain!"

Juri's smirk returned. "Aw, flatterener! Well, this is a little embarrassing, but I have a thing for meatheads."

Crunch jumped. "R-Really?"

"Well, yes. Though only through specific kinks." Juri said. Then, her artificial eye flashed a visible glint of purple. "When they are battered and bruised in front of my feet!"

Crunch grunted in disgust. "Just go to a S&M store!"

"CHROM!" (SSB)

The blue-haired prince took a deep breath to ready before using his free hand to wave to the crowd to give him a decent cheer. He then made his way down the ramp while carrying the Falchion.

Once in, he made a beeline for the fight between Peach & Eduardo and Yukari & Taokaka. Eduardo threw a punch at Taokaka, but the catgirl easily jumped out of the way and was about to counter-attack. However, Chrom then got in between the two and blocked the attack.

"Hey! No fair! Tao's attack would have been easily connected if it wasn't for you!" Taokaka scolded.

"That is the point." Chrom said, matter-of-factly.

Eduardo sighed in relief. "Gracias, senor."

"It's fine. Despite having super-strength, I could tell that you are not a fighter normally." Chrom reassured.

Eduardo nervously scratched the back of his head. "Ah ha ha. That is correct, Senor."

"We appreciate the help, Chrom!" Peach smiled.

Chrom nodded his head before turning his attention to Taokaka and Yukari. Taokaka growled while Yukari… Looked confused.

"Um, is something the matter, Miss?" Chrom asked.

"Huh? Oh, sorry." Yukari apologised. "I actually forgot that you weren't always a heroic edgelord."

Chrom winced as Peach, Eduardo and Taokaka looked confused.

"Um, heroic edgelord?" Taokaka asked.

"Yes, there was somewhat of a crossover game where…" Yukari started.

"IN ANY CASE…" Chrom shouted, purposefully interrupting Yukari. "You have a new rival! Prepare yourself!"

"TJ COMBO!" (KI)

(I used to be the flashiest star)

(Chilling with cash and cars)

(But somewhere lost my passion's heart)

(Now at the Combo Gym, getting my back my art)

(With the fury inside you can't match my spark)

The dark-skinned boxer threw a few punches to get himself pumped before hopping in place to the cheering crowd as his theme from the reboot played through the speakers.

(So, pull up your guard before I shatter your chest)

(I got the instinct to do it in this battle of death)

(This is my time to rise you can't rattle my steps)

(I'm gonna win, and it don't matter who challenge me next)

"I heard that ARIA may come out in a couple of sections. So I NEED to survive until then" Combo mused. "Still, that is no reason to half-ass it! No cutting corners!"

With that, he jogged down the ramp and jumped in without a single thought. He was about to go after Vector until Obelix made his way in his path while smiling brightly, startling Combo.

"Hey!" Obelix greeted.

"Um, hey." Combo said, blinking twice.

"You look strong!" Obelix noted.

"Um, yeah, that's because I am." Combo nodded.

"That's great! I am pretty strong too!" Obelix grinned. "That means we have to fight each other!"

Combo raised an eyebrow. "Um, you DO know that I once literally uppercutted the head of Balrog from Street Fighter off of his body, right?"

"Exactly!" Obelix cheered. "That means this would be a great fight!"

"Damn, you are one crazy mothefucker." Combo muttered.

He then smirked.

"I like ya!"

(Dome; Interrogation Room)

Athena turned the knob on the door to the interrogation room and went inside. Once in, Dingodile's eyes lit up.

"Athena!" Dingodile grinned.

"Shh!" The attorney scolded, closing the door behind her. "Unlike with Horkeukamui, Carmelita thinks that I shouldn't be alone with you!"

Dingodile rolled his eyes. "Aye, apparently Ah am a dangerous man."

Athena frowned. "Don't take this the wrong way, Carmelitia is always like this, but you are not exactly helping."

"Well, Ah am NOT selling out Joe and by extension, Tiny." Dingodile scolded with a glare.

"You don't HAVE to." Athena offered before taking a seat. "Unfortunately, we have a problem."

"Ah am used ta do that." Dingodile muttered, rolling his eyes.

"I have managed to convince you that you weren't the one that directed the garlic clouds towards the Announcer's Booth." Athena said. "But Carmelita thinks that you may have an accomplice."

Dingodile jumped. "Some accomplice? If that is the case, they left me high and dry!"

"That is what I said and honestly, Carmelitia isn't exactly saying that there is anything wrong with my train of thought." Athena admitted. "It is just that she says the more you hide what you are doing, the more suspicious you look."

Dingodile groaned. "Aye, she is a cop, alright…"

"Yeah, about that, I could see you saying that, but I would think for sure that you would stay away from villains as much as possible." Athena said.

"Well, Ah want ta stay away from villainy. However, that doesn't mean Ah didn't have some positive interactions with a few of Cortex Commandos." Dingodile explained. "They are actually cool mates when off of the clock. Unfortunately, it is a little hard ta see that when everyone are helping someone trying ta take over the world."

Athena winced. "Yeah, I could see that."

"That is why Ah played hooky at the first two Battle of the Luminaries. At the time, Ah like roasting my enemies, but Ah wanted ta focus on mah time in the arena." Dingodile explained. "Ah didn't wanted ta be hounded by ragtag heroes outside of the arena."

Athena nodded her head. "That DOES sound rough."

"And when Ah was in the arena in the second tournament, Kim Kaphwan told me that the reason people like him are always going, Ah should find a better job." Dingodile noted. "So some kind after the disaster that happened there, Ah decided to retire and move ta the swamp and…"

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, WAIT!" Athena exclaimed. "Hold on! KIM KAPHWAN gave you legitimate advice!?"

"THAT lunatic!" Widget piped up.

Dingodile just laughed. "Aye, Ah was surprised too."

"Huh…" Athena said in awe.

"So Ah thought if Ah kept my nose clean, Ah would get into stuff like this." Dingodile said before sighing.

Athena frowned. "Dingodile…"

"So Ah take that ya haven't found much progress?" Dingodile asked.

"I am afraid so. What is worse, we are forced to delay our investigation." Athena frowned.

Dingodile looked up. "Oh, did something come up?"

Athena winced. "You have NO idea."

(Dome; Hallway)

"Move!"

A stream of compressed water blasted Dwight Fairfield from Dead by Daylight. However, David King immediately ran to catch him, but ended up crashing the wall. The two men groaned before David glared at the guilty party.

"Oi, fuck you too, bitch!" David scolded.

Nine the Phantom merely flipped them off, without looking back. She continued on her journey towards the Announcer's Booth. Needless to say, she didn't find any sign of Celica in any of the elimination nodes. So naturally, her next course of action was to go directly to the hosts and give them a piece of her mind.

"Beat it, Shenzi!" Nine snapped as Haida from Aggrestsuko yelped before running to the side out of her way.

She then turned around the corner. Then, she saw Horkeukamui, Naesala and Pepper glaring at her while crossing her arms.

Nine just growled. "Beat it!"

"No can do." Pepper said, shaking her finger. "We are the security team and we are instructed to keep the peace."

"Keep the peace!? So letting my sister go through various nodes via Eddy Gordo and Chang Koehan is PEACEFUL!?" Nine roared in disbelief.

Horkeukamui frowned. "I could understand your frustrations, but Drake and Ashley genuinely didn't know what happened."

"Even though they should be in charge of the elimination node system just like that perverted bunny before them!?" Nine roared.

"Ugh… If the people we have to fight are all going to be Karens, I am going to scream." Pepper muttered.

"Karen!?" Nine said, appalled. "How dare you!? I could actually back up my claims!"

"Touche…" Pepper muttered.

"Sorry, but Drake already has someone going after his head." Naesala shrugged. "He doesn't need another one."

"You make it sound like I'll give a crap!" Nine spat.

Horkeukamui, Naesala and Pepper sighed before getting into their stances.

"You know what? Fine!" Pepper muttered. "Naesala, take centre while Horkeukamui and I cover you from behind."

The laguz looked down at Pepper in disbelief. "Ehhh!?"

"I mean you DO have high Resistance in the games." Horkeukamui explained. "Normally, I would gladly be your shield. But seeing that our opponent is an arch-mage."

"Y-Yeah, but…" Naesala frowned.

With that, he turned towards Nine. She already had three red magic runes behind her and definitely looks like she wants to use them.

"...I don't get paid enough for this."

(The Arena)

"SHIRLEY FENNES!" (ToAS)

The blonde Ferines came out to a mixed reaction. However, she tried not to pay it any mind as she made her way down the ramp, knowing what she needed to do.

She then leapt in before getting out a feather pen before rushing to the fight of Kasumi, May and Zelos versus Dhaos. She then swung her free arm and sent a glowing blue butterfly into Dhaos' face, making him grunt in pain.

"Ah, Shirley-honey, you made it!" Zelos grinned. "I found a couple of allies to go after Dhaos like you asked."

"AFTER you annoyed both of them." The mage muttered, rolling her eyes.

Dhaos glared at Shirley. "You may be a Ferines, but it is going to take more than crystal eren to take me down."

"I am fully aware of that." The blonde nodded. She then smirked. "That is why… I intend to bring the… Indignation."

Dhaos blinked twice at this.

…Then, he started to laugh, much to Shirley's shock, Kasumi and May's bewilderment and Zelos'... Resignation. Dhaos then clutched his sides as he started to go on his back while kicking his legs.

Then, they could all hear laughter from all around them. They all looked up to see a good chunk of the audience laughing and pointing. Even Ashley was banging the table while laughing uncontrollably while Drake looked like he was crazy.

"How… How are we able to have a literal clown in here and yet it is YOU who should wear the clown make-up!?" Dhaos shouted while rolling around.

Shirley gritted her teeth with her face turning red with anger and embarrassment. "I'll show YOU a clown!"

Kasumi blinked twice. "...Somebody tell me what is going on."

Zelos just let out a deep sigh. "Just look up Indignation Exhibition or something like that on YouTube when you get the chance. You will see."

Kasumi and May looked at each other and shrugged. Needless to say, several people stopped their fights to look at the display.

"Umm… I am going to assume that this is out-of-character for Dhaos, right?" Chrom asked, scratching the back of his head with his free hand.

"Tao didn't even know Evil Goldielocks knows HOW to laugh." Taokaka admitted with her hand on her chin.

"Splendid, what more absurdities will this tournament bring?" Chrom muttered.

Suddenly, a piece of paper flew in front of him, startling him. He then grabbed it.

"Hm? What is this?" Chrom asked before reading it. "Star. Star light. Star bright. Which star will I see tonight? Would it be the bright star with a blade of caffeine? The one chasing the elder star? Or the shooting, electric star? Star light. Star bright. Which star will I see tonight?"

When he was done, he, along with his allies and opponents blinked twice. Except for Yukari who looked worried.

"Well, that was… Starry." Perry said, chuckling nervously.

"...It was nice knowing you, Chrom." Yukari frowned.

The blue-haired man looked at Yukari confused. "H-Huh, what do you mean?"

"MA…"

"OH CRAP! OH CRAP! OH CRAP!"

The next fighter didn't even wait until their name was fully read as they practically ran down the ramp leaving a trail of dust behind her and made her way towards the aforementioned group.

"Um, MARIE?" (P4A)

(Next Chance to Move On)

(Rise up with the Dawn)

(Next Stop could be your big win)

(It's right there)

(For you to grab your)

(Next Chance to become)

(Whatever you want)

(Next Chance to Move on)

(Next Chance to find out where you belong)

Once again, the crowd went mixed in their reactions. However, the young-looking dark-haired poet didn't notice that or how Next Chance To Move On was playing through the speakers. She immediately snatched the piece of paper right out of Chrom's hand.

"W-W-Who do you think you are, reading a lady's poem!?" Marie roared with her face turning beet red with embarrassment.

"That was a poem?" Eduardo asked, blinking twice. "Shouldn't it rhyme?"

Marie gritted her teeth. "StupidjerkIhateyou!"

"...Who invited Severa and dressed her like a toned-down beatnik?" Chrom muttered.

Marie growled before grabbing Chrom by his shirt and electrocuting him. The latter cried out in pain as Peach and Eduardo gasped.

"Tao is confused. Again." Taokaka frowned.

"Don't worry, Tao." Yukari reassured, rolling her eyes. "Just know that she is an ally?"

"Um, okay?"

Meanwhile, Vector used his hand to shield his eyes from the ceiling.

"Is it me or are the spotlights brighter than before? It is almost like… Sunlight." He noted.

He then looked at the Announcer's Booth to see Drake and Ashley talking about something.

"And Drake DEFINITELY didn't have that dark aura around him." Vector asked. "Looks like that kid is some kind of weather mage or something."

"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… SIXTEEN!"

"SASH LILAC!" (Freedom Planet)

Vector's eyes bugged out before looking up. There was a purple Water Dragon (though she didn't LOOK like one) clad in her light blue attire from the second game and finally waving to the cheering crowd and shaking a few hands.

When she was done, she rolled into a ball with sparkles before charging down the ramp with purple and blue energy around her, making the crowd cheer louder. Once in, Vector smirked before walking over.

"Well, never thought I got the chance to see the main character of one of the more successful Sonic the Hedgehog-inspired games show up here!" Vector noted, getting Lilac's attention.

The Water Dragon's eyes widened at this. "Oh, wow! You really think that?"

"Of course! Sure, Freedom Planet may be niche, but it definitely has a cult following. Not only that, you have gotten a sequel." Vector smiled. "We have seen so many games try to get in on Sonic's style and while not all of them were bad, only a few came out of the dust shining like a diamond."

Lilac blushed as she scratched the back of her head. "Oh, wow. Thank you."

"Hey, wanna fight?" Vector offered.

Lilac nervously poked her fingers. "Oh, wow, normally, I would love that. However, HE is here."

Vector's smile vanished. "O-Oh, you don't say."

"S-Sorry, it is not that I do not want to fight you, but…" Lilac frowned.

"No, no, if it is HIM then I completely understand, but…" Vector said before sighing. "You'll find out."

Lilac just blinked twice in confusion.

"ROCK HOWARD!" (KoFAS)

The blond son of Geese Howard (and adopted son of Terry Bogard) came out to a loud cheer from the fangirls. He scratched the back of his head with a deep blush on his face before making his way down the ramp.

"Geese apparently got a late draw." Rock said before scoffing. "As much as I wish to take him down, I know for a fact that I can't trust myself not to lose myself so probably for the best."

He then continued to walk down the ramp as his theme from Mark of the Wolves played through the speakers.

Then, a record scratch could be heard.

(Spread the wings!)

(Let's go!)

(Now, it's time to flap those wings)

(We've all been waiting for this happen)

Rock's eyes bugged out before glaring up at the Sound Booth who was all laughing at him as Spread the Wings from the Idolm ster played through the speakers.

(Spread the wings!)

(It's already the first miracle)

(We found it)

(If we reach out our hands)

(Power)

(Will Be Born)

(Courage will become my ally)

Rock shook his head before finally getting into the arena as a few people laughed. Vector walked over to him.

"Yo, nothing personal, man, but can we fight?" The crocodile asked. "I am tired of waiting."

Rock smirked. "Sure, I'll fight you. Just to warn you, I got a lot of warming up with my recent invitation to the fifteenth KoF tournament."

"Too bad that it is limited to DLC." Vector smirked.

Rock winced before glaring at Vector. "Cut me some slack! SNK has always been fickle about making my Mark of the Wolves age. And where do YOU get off? Do you really expect me to believe that you are only twenty?"

The detective's smirk vanished. "Hey!"

"ROB!" (SSB)

The toy robot (and resident WTF character of Brawl) pumped their arms a few times in an attempt to pump up the crowd. He then glided down the ramp before using her thruster on the bottom to hover into the crowd. He then used his scanner to examine the fighters.

"PEACH, BOWSER AND CHROM ARE IN A SOLID ALLIANCE SO THEY HAVE NO IDEA FOR AN EXTRA ALLY AND THAT WATER DRAGON HYBRID MOST PROBABLY VISITS TO FACE THE FIGHTER BEHIND ME." ROB noted. "ONLY PROBABLE COURSE OF ACTION IS TO ASSIST IVYSAUR WITH THAT PHOTOMANCER."

With that, he made his way over to the fight between Ivysaur and Elisabeth. ROB then fired a laser into the back of the latter's shoulder.

Elisabeth glared at the guilty party. "So you Smashers like to attack people from behind. Well, so do I!"

"Careful, ROB, she is an anti-zoner!" Ivysaur warned.

"I KNOW. WHILE SHE COULD BYPASS OUR PROJECTILES, THAT DOESN'T MEAN SHE IS INVULNERABLE TO THEM ALL OF THE TIME." ROB offered.

Elisabeth blinked twice, only understanding ROB. "You could understand this Pokemon."

"INDEED. I AM A TOY THAT IS AIMED TO ENTERTAIN. THEREFORE, I SHOULD BE FLUID IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES." ROB explained.

Elisabeth blinked before slumping her arm.

"...Not that I don't appreciate your devotion to your duty as a toy." She muttered. "But what kind of Pokemon has a TV without a trainer?"

"And now, the final fighter of this section…"

Lilac's eyes lit up as she ran in place excitedly.

"SONIC THE HEDGEHOG!" (StH)

(It doesn't matter)

(Now what happens)

(I will never give up the fight)

(Long as the voice inside)

(Drives me to run and fight)

(It doesn't matter who is wrong and who is right)

The crowd cheered for the blue-furred hedgehog. However, despite the warm reception, he didn't look that confident. Sure, he still smiled and played to the crowd, but he was feeling nervous.

It wasn't because of his current state outside of the tournament. The second Sonic movie was a big hit and while the initial reaction to Sonic Frontiers was met with mixed receptions, the Nintendo Direct helped turn things around.

It Doesn't Matter (particularly the one from the second Sonic Adventure game) played through the speakers. His ears perked up, feeling much better. He then saw Lilac eagerly waiting for her. Sonic smirked before he was about to run in.

…Then, the song changed.

Sonic's eyes bugged out immediately recognising the new song. Sure, it was catchy and all. But it was more than enough to make everyone either laugh or groan. He gritted his teeth before glaring up at the Sound Booth.

"Bubsy the Bobcat!? BUBSY THE FREAKING BOBCAT!?" Sonic roared. "Not only did you change my song AGAIN, but you changed it to HIS theme!?"

"Oh, what's the big deal? The song is unironically good!" Shadow smirked, crossing his arms while Astaroth and Aila both laughed their rears off.

"What you did was a war crime and you know it!" Sonic scolded. "I swear, Shadow, one of these days, I will make you PERISH!"

Immediately when he said the last word, he clamped his hands over his mouth with a look of horror on his face. But it was too late. The damage has been done. Everyone stopped what they were doing to look at Sonic with wide eyes and a slack jaw. Even Shadow.

Then, he smirked. Sonic's pupils shrink when he sees what he was about to do. He made a pleading gesture while shaking his head. However, Shadow nodded his head with his smirk growing larger before pushing a few things on his tablet.

"Please, Sega, don't turn me into a marketable plushie!"

"Hello, Sonic Gamers!"

"It is time for you to perish!"

"CEO of Racism!"

"Joe Mama!"

"Sonic 06 is the best game!"

Shadow then proceeded to play various sound clips of Sonic's voice saying certain things. The entire place was now howling with laughter. Sonic looked around the place. He then looked up to see Astaroth and Aila on their legs, kicking their legs. And Shadow had the smuggest grin you could muster. Sonic blinked twice.

He then got on his knees.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

As Sonic let out a large cry of anguish and frustration, Lilac looked on in disbelief.

"Ahem."

Lilac turned around to see Peach holding a saucer with a cup of tea on top of it with both hands with an exasperated look on her face.

"Here, I know for a fact that Sonic is not much of a tea person, but it is still worth a shot." Peach said, handing the cups over to Lilac.

"Um, thank you." The purple girl said, accepting the cups.

"Oh dear… It looks like I have some competition for being the main clown of this section." Lola frowned.

"THAT is an understatement." Dot muttered.

Rock blinked twice. "I-I could understand him being blinded by anger, but he couldn't have set him up for such a huge roast."

"And yet he did." Vector groaned, slapping his forehead.

As the Millennium Star used his magic to gently transport the now-disheartened Sonic in the ring, the strange sunlight continued to shine and the fancy-looking arena spun around.

(Unknown Location)

A fighter was making their way towards the Ready Room. They were due to enter the next section so they wanted to get there early on.

"Yo!"

The fighter's eyes widened before looking in the direction of the call to see a certain group of people all looking sheepishly.

"You!" The fighter said, narrowing their eyes. "What the actual hell!?"

"I know, I know. I swear it is not our fault!"

"You better be telling the truth!" The fighter scolded. "You hospitalised at least three vampires and the garlic clouds nearly reached the Announcer's booth."

"H-Hey, come on! Not so loud!"

The fighter glared at the group before sighing. "Sorry… It is just that. I helped you break into Wario's locker so what happened to those vampires is on MY hands too."

"I know, I know. We fucked up and the prank went too far."

"Can You just let us explain?"

"...Sure." The fighter muttered.

"Good. Let's take this in private."

With that, the fighter and the group walked off to something private.

"By the way, did you keep your promise or what happened was too much not to keep silent?"

"No, I never told a soul." The fighter insisted.

"Woah, really?"

"Yeah, I keep hearing rumours that people think that whoever is behind the garlic attack is trying to kill Drake." The fighter frowned. "You have no idea how much things are getting out of hand."

"Indeed. It is going crazy. But here is the thing."

The fighter raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"

Suddenly, a hand clamped around their mouth. Before they could give a muffled cry of surprise, their pupils shrank.

As a Scimitar found its way through their back and through their stomach. The group had dark smirks on their faces.

"We WERE trying to kill Drake."

The fighter just lay there as the lethal pain could be felt through their body. Finally, they fell dead in the killer's eyes.

"Alright, we got rid of the only one that could pinpoint we did it. Are you ready for the next part of the plan?"

"Um, kinda. I know enough, but still, I would be able to fool everyone."

"You don't have to do it for long."

"...You're right. I don't. But I WANT to."

"Well, you better make like Britney Spears and better work, bitch."

"Aight, aight, wish me luck."

"Good, now, let's go hide the body for now."

With that, they dragged the fighter's body away. The last thing they thought before dying?

Why? They were mostly on the side of GOOD.