(The Arena)
Everyone continued to look in disbelief as Nine gave her announcement with Drake grinning from ear to ear and Ashley looked like he would rather be anywhere but here.
"Did I sputter? Just like Junko Enoshima at the Tournament of Kikai, I will be the third host." Nine repeated.
Everyone looked on before glaring at Drake.
"Did you learn NOTHING from Xero!?" Combo roared.
"It is not even like you were there when Junko tried to engulf the entire world in despair!" Kasumi agreed. "I distinctly remembered you being there when the bombs went off!"
"Oh, come on!" Drake scolded, sternly. "It is not the same thing!"
"Yeah, the only despair I want to spread is to these two idiots!" Nine corrected. "And that is assuming they don't hold up their end of the bargain!"
Eduardo blinked twice. "Q-Que? Bargain?"
"Okay, so probably everyone and their mother already knows about this, but my sister, Celica A. Mercury is going from node to node not unlike Eddy Gordo and Chang Koehan." Nine explained. "I knew that the prime suspects were the hosts so I marched over them and got stopped by the security team! So imagine my surprise when one of them actually left the Announcer's Booth to approach ME!"
"W-Why?" Vivian asked.
"Apparently, they are willing to be my prisoners!" Nine said.
"What!?" Lilac gasped.
"I know, I was surprised too." Nine sighed.
"However, the tournament still goes on so I had Ashley convince her to keep us in the Announcer's Booth until we find a way to get Celica back to the dome." Drake explained. "And even though we are at HER mercy, that doesn't mean she gets to loiter in here."
"Watch out…" Nine spat.
Drake chuckled nervously. "So yeah, welcome Nine, everyone!"
The audience blinked twice. They then started to cheer.
"Nice to see that the enablers from the Tournament of Kikai have made their comeback." Ashley muttered.
"Um, Drake, may we speak to you for a moment?" The Millennium Star asked, looking worried.
"Sure, MS." The vampire grinned as the silver star and Tumble went into the Announcer's Booth.
(Announcer's Booth)
"Pardon my French." The Millennium Star said before narrowing his eyes. "But what in the Underwhere is wrong with you!?"
"Nine may not be as chaotic as Junko Enoshima, but she is still dangerous!" Tumble agreed.
"Damn straight I am!" Nine spat.
"I know, I know and if it is just the thing with Celica, I wouldn't have done it!" Drake insisted.
Tumble blinked twice. "Then, what made you do this?"
"I think you have already seen but Nine isn't the only one who wants to kill me tonight." Drake said.
Tumble's eyes widened. "The garlic attack."
"That's right. Despite having a prime suspect, no one is 100% he is behind it. So there is a chance that the true culprit is as large." Drake shrugged. "Sooo… I need a bodyguard."
The Millennium Star and Tumble blinked twice, putting two and two together.
"...Please tell me you are joking." The Millennium Star said.
"No, I am not. If I know, Nine will make it perfectly clear that the only reason she didn't kill me and Ashley is because whether she likes it or not, she needs my help." Drake offered.
Ashley, Horkeukamui, Naesala and Pepper let out a deep sigh before giving their reply. "We could confirm that."
"And because of that, I am obligated to stop any and all people trying to kill them until they get my sister back." Nine said, putting her hands on her hips.
"That is another reason to make her the host. To show that she will always be there." Drake explained.
"...So all of this is an elaborate plan to protect yourself from your first hitman?" The Millennium Star asked.
"That's right. No one dares to try to kill me when Nine is here." Drake reassured.
"Don't get cocky. If I think you are slacking off, I will do the deed myself!" Nine snapped, getting in Drake's face.
The winged man chuckled nervously. "Yes, ma'am.
"Good." Nine said before sighing and taking a seat.
"And again, I know that we are at your mercy, but can we at least teach you the basics of working this thing?" Drake asked.
"Fine…" Nine groaned.
"Perfect!" Drake grinned. "Sorry, Ashley, but do you mind going solo with the announcements for this section? I have a lot to teach!"
"Yeah, fine… I don't want to explain to Carver and Blunny about your brilliant idea." The purple-haired man groaned.
"Oh, right! Can't forget about them!" Drake said, brightly before turning to the security team. "Thanks for your help! You may leave now."
"Um, okay." Horkeukamui said before the three walked out of the Announcer's Booth.
"Okay, so you see the screen where the tan-skinned man and the bunny-eared maid are looking just as awestruck as everyone else?" Drake asked. "They are the recap team for this tournament and…"
He then started to explain to Nine everything who just crossed her arms and nodded with a bored look on his face. Ashley just looked in exasperation before the Millennium Star and Tumble looked worried.
"...We're doomed." The Millennium Star said.
"Yeppppppp." Ashley sighed.
(The Arena)
The Millennium Star and Tumble exited the Announcer's Booth with everyone looking anxious.
"Please don't mind Drake and Nine paying attention to this section!" Ashley pleaded. "The former has to teach the latter the ropes… Seeing that she is going to be here for a while."
"...Okay, I know comparing her to Junko is a big stretch, but I can't be the only one getting the worst kind of deja vu!" Sonic frowned as several fighters appeared.
"I know, I know! Look, let's just roll with it for now. At least she isn't trying to give you guys despair!" Ashley scolded.
Everyone mumbled as the Millennium Star looked at Bowser.
"Well, Bowser?" The Millennium Star sighed.
"H-Huh?" The reptile jumped.
"Have you decided on your stage change?" The Millennium Star asked.
"Um, yeah, could you give me a few seconds?" Bowser asked. "I had this big speech and… This new announcement kinda threw off my mojo."
"100% Understandable." The Millennium Star sighed.
Bowser then slapped his cheeks a few times to get himself before breathing in and out.
"Aight…" Bowser said before smirking. "You know how this tournament has made you seem like you've been to completely different places! It was as if the Superstars were like tour guides!"
A glint appeared in Bowser's eye.
"Just like Toadsworth."
Peach's eyes widened in realisation. "Oh no!"
"Oh yes! I, King Bowser, will gladly be the tour guide and take the arena to a far off place!" Bowser smirked. "An enchanting one at that."
"Hoo boy…" Tumble frowned.
"Millennium Star! Be my vessel and at my command, take us to…" Bowser said, dramatically. "Bowser's Enchanted Inferno!"
The people in the arena groaned while the audience cheered wildly.
"Oh look, everyone, Bowser chose a dreary place full of lava." Dot muttered. "Stop the presses."
The Millennium Star sighed before looking at Tumble. "Tumble, do you mind? A Mario Party host, I should know this by memory, but still."
"No, no, We can't half-tail it." The die reassured before getting his phone out of his head before pushing a few buttons. "Andddddd done."
The Millennium Star then spun around while emitting a bright light engulfed everyone. Then, when the light cleared, the arena changed completely.
There were four large islands at a turnbuckle each with a smaller circular one in the middle where the fighters were teleported to. They were connected by a bridge to an island each followed by another bridge to connect it to the Entrance Ramp. The four platforms were different though there was a cannon at each island. and a few green squares with question marks on them. There were also many other details. But we will get to them when we get to them.
The rest… Covered by scorching hot lava.
"Oh Underwhere yeah!" Bowser grinned. "This is exactly what I imagine my Enchanted Inferno would be in an arena layout!"
"So do I…" Vivian frowned. "Do… The cannons work?"
"Indeed. If you step on a Happening Space right next to a cannon a Mini-Bowser will throw you into it and shoot you to another island." The Millennium Star confirmed.
Most of the fighters looked at the Millennium Star in horror. "EHHHH?"
"It IS A Mario Party board after all." The Millennium Star reminded. "Let alone one run by Bowser."
The majority then glared at Bowser who just smirked.
"What? You can't take the heat, go eliminate yourselves!" Bowser smirked. "Of course, most likely I will get them because I more or less made you rage-quit."
"...I heard dumber reasons for getting an elimination." Ashley said.
Eduardo gulped nervously. "Um, Vivian, I don't feel safe being around Senor Bowser right now."
"Me neither." The Shadow Siren frowned before looking at Bowser. "Um, Bowser, is it okay that Eduardo and I break off from you and Peach for this section? We want to fight as a pair."
"Sure, guys! Then, Peach and I will do the same!" Bowser said with a genuine grin., putting his arm around Peach.
"Traitors…" The blonde muttered.
With that, the fighters decided to go wait on different islands. Out of curiosity, Dot and Lola went to the island with the rollercoaster, Sonic and Lilac went to the island with the Podoboo audience because it was the easiest to have a high-speed battle on. Bowser escorted Peach to the island with the Mecha Bowser because Bowser already had a few ideas. Finally, Bison went over to the island with the hopscotch platforms with Combo following him, worried that he may do something stupid. Kasumi, Eduardo and Vivian wisely sat down, decidedly to wait to decide which battle to fight on.
"Oh Shane… Olmec is definitely going to make up for lost time." Ashley muttered.
"LILLY KANE!" (KoFAS)
Everyone was expecting for the blonde cryomancer and younger sister of Billy to walk down the ramp with a nervous look on her face. However, she had an expressionless look with her hair covering her eyes as she carried her staff. She had a cold aura of mist around her making those around her shiver.
Kasumi looked concerned as Lilly made her way down the ramp before stepping inside of the ramp. Kasumi then walked over.
"L-L-Lilly? What's wrong?" Kasumi asked, concerned.
"...They kidnapped him." The pole-fighter said, coldly
"H-Huh?" Kasumi asked.
"Billy. They kidnapped him. They brainwashed him. They… Had him attack me." Lilly said.
Kasumi gasped at this.
"I… Need to confront them. Interrogate them. And make them pay." Lilly said.
Kasumi gulped nervously. "...C-Can I help?"
"Please… The more people helping me, the more they will suffer for what they did…" Lilly confirmed.
"Um, okay." Kasumi said. "Shouldn't we interrogate Bison though? He is literally right though."
"He isn't involved. At least not directly." Lilly explained.
Kasumi paused. "That… Explains so much and explains so little."
"PINOCCHIO!" (SSS)
A few people snickered at the cruel irony of a wooden puppet appearing in a lava-based arena. Said puppet also realised the irony and grumpily stomped down the ramp.
"Out of all the sections I have to appear in, I have to show up where Mr. Always Have A Lava-Filled Castle was the Superstar of the previous section!" Pinocchio grumbled. "What could be worse?"
"Father, when will I be able to leave on my OWN? I have the world worlddussy!"
"Let's go, Tybalt! Great adventures AWAIT! Skiddle Skiddle Skiddle Skiddle!"
"I am a boy! I am a boy and I am ALIVE!"
"Yes, Tybalt, I have a special, most treasured dream!"
Pinocchio's eyes bugged out as he glared up at the Sound Booth as people started to laugh.
"Really? REALLY!? I am probably the biggest joke in the arena because of this stupid 'Enchanted' Inferno and you do THIS to me!" Pinocchio roared.
"Well, we DID talk about whether NOT to do, but how could we NOT put the scenes from Pinocchio: A True Story?" Aila laughed.
"Because I am more well-known than those stupid memes!" Pinocchio roared.
Then, his nose started to grow. As the crowd started to laugh louder, he started to blush.
"Not in a GOOD way!" Pinocchio snapped.
His nose then shrank down, but the damage was already done. Pinocchio groaned before making his way down the ramp and stepping in. Then, Sonic ran over from the other island to the middle to approach him.
"Dang, Bowser sure got you good!" Sonic laughed.
"Hey, shut up! It is not like he knew I was entering next!" Pinocchio scolded. "But buzz off, you Blue Pest!"
Sonic then ran over to Pinocchio and put him in a headlock. "So you think that you are tough! Maybe Lilac and I should teach you otherwise!
Sonic then whispered in Pinocchio's ear.
"I know how you could get revenge on Shadow, but you have to play along…" Sonic said.
Pinocchio's eyes widened before Sonic ran off with him towards Podoboo Island.
"ARIA!" (KI)
A glint appeared in Combo's eye as he looked up to confirm that the gold-and-silver robot in her Base mode was standing out of the Ready Room. As the crowd gave her a mixed reaction, Combo wasted no time making it to the middle island as Aria made her way down the ramp with her Booster and Blade drones following her.
Soon, both Killer Instinct fighters were on the same island.
"COMBO, I SEE THAT YOU ARE STILL IN THE ARENA IN SPITE OF THE LOW PROBABILITIES BASED ON OUR NODE'S PERFORMANCE THUS FAR.." ARIA mused.
"That is because I will never stop at a chance to kick your ass, ARIA!" Combo boasted, punching his fists together. "That was part of my reasoning for being so determined the moment I found out our draws were so near."
Lilly then walked over to Combo.
"Oh, hey, kid, do you wish to help me?" Combo asked. "Well, you are welcome to, but just know that Aria…"
"Go away…" Lilly said.
Combo, Kasumi and ARIA jumped at this.
"E-Excuse me?" Combo asked.
"This robot is my ally." Lilly said.
"W-Wait, what?" Kasumi asked.
"...SO YOU ARE AWARE OF THE ONGOING GRUDGE MATCH BETWEEN THE TWO GOKETSUJI SISTERS." ARIA noted.
"I do not care about that. Whatever what I DO care about is that my brother is involved in the mess of Oume's side and from what I gathered, Otane's group is willing to mess up their plans as much." Lilly said.
"That is correct. While our goals are different, they both involve the sabotage of Oume's plans." ARIA nodded.
"Okay, I don't know what the FUCK you are going about?" Combo said before narrowing his eyes. "But I don't care! While I could tell that something complicated is going on behind the scenes, that is no reason to side yourself with someone with ARIA."
"So you do not care about my personal mission?" Lilly asked.
"Of course not, I…" Combo started.
Then, Combo's eyes widened in pain after Lilly swung her staff with ice around the end into Combo's crotch, making Kasumi. The MMA fighter collapsed on his knees in pain.
"Then, you are useless to me. Go away." Lilly spat.
"H-Hey, Lilly, that is going WAY too far!" Kasumi frowned.
"AS MUCH AS COMBO'S ARROGANCE NEEDED TO BE TONED DOWN, EVEN I MUST ADMIT THAT WAS MORE AGGRESSION THAN NECESSARY." ARIA admitted with a non-existent raised eyebrow.
"He was in the way…" Lilly scoffed.
Combo growled before weakly getting up. "Why you… You will pay for that."
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… SEVENTEEN!"
"THE PYRO!" (Team Fortress 2)
Everyone's eyes widened in horror as Dot's eyes lit up just like diamonds. The audience near the Ready Room as the red-clad pyromancer stood outside of the Entrance Curtain while holding their flamethrower.
However, instead of using it, they were happily hopping up and down on his feet while clapping his hands before skipping down the ramp. Dot on the other hand ran back to the middle island. Once the Pyro was in, Dot scampered up the mercenary and sat on their shoulder.
"Pyro, you made it! I was so worried that we wouldn't double-team with each other!" Dot beamed.
The Pyro "spoke" through muffled cries. Dot blinked twice.
"What do you mean I am not disappointed to meet up with you again?" Dot asked, confused.
The Pyro explained, making Dot's eyes widened before looking away from a sad look.
"Yeah, I would be lying if I said I didn't wanted to double-team with him, but I could understand why Drake didn't put him AND us together." Dot lamented. She then brightened up. "But hey, that doesn't mean I do not want to double-team with you. If anything, I thought you would be too busy wanting to explore the arena to want to spend any time with me."
The Pyro clenched their fists together with an excited child.
"Yeah, we DID make an iconic pair at the second Battle of the Luminaries! It WOULD be a waste for us not to fight together!" Dot grinned.
The Pyro excitedly pumped his fist in the air. All fighters paused before glaring at Bowser. The Koopa chuckled nervously before throwing up his hands in annoyance.
"How was I supposed to know that the Pyro will enter this section!?" Bowser insisted. "Furthermore, with a draw not too far away from Dot's!?"
"Not to let Bowser off the hook, but he IS right about the draws." Peach piped up.
Everyone then turned their anger to the Announcer's Booth.
(Announcer's Booth)
"Um, don't look down, but they caught on with having Dot and Pyro's draws decently close to each other." Ashley frowned.
"I am still a little busy. Could you handle it?" Drake asked without looking at Ashley.
Ashley growled. "I'd rather fix your BRAIN."
(The Arena)
"EILEEN!" (VF)
The teenage Chinese girl came out to a decent cheer. She eagerly grinned as she jumped up waving to the crowd.
"I hope Miss Pai Chan is watching me right now." She mused. "I really want to impress her."
With that, she made her way down the ramp.
(Come on, Eileen)
Eileen jumped at the sudden song change.
(Oh, I swear)
(Well, he means)
(At the moment)
(You mean everything)
Eileen glared up at the Sound Booth while puffing up her cheeks and stomping the ramp. The Sound Booth trio just snickered as "Come On, Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners.
(With you in that dress)
(My thoughts)
(I confess)
(Verge on dirty)
(Ah, come on, Eileen)
Eileen stuck out her tongue and showed the bottom of her eye before walking down the ramp with her nose in the air. Once in, she made her way towards the centre island while wisely staying away from Lilly and Combo trying to tear into each other with poor Eduardo and Kasumi trying to keep them apart.
She used her hand as a visor. Her eyes lit up when she saw Lola on Rollercoaster Island doing a handstand.. She then ran on the bridge and onto the island until she was right next to Lola.
"Hey, I could do a handstand too!" Eileen smiled before doing a handstand as well.
"Oh, wow, you look like an expert!" Lola said in awe.
"Oh, I should! I use Monkey-style Kung-Fu!" Eileen explained.
"Monkey-style Kung Fu? That means you are running around acting like a monkey?" Lola asked.
"Pretty much. Drives my opponents crazy!" Eileen giggled.
"Ooh, you GOTTA show me! Maybe I could use them in my show or my ARMS fights!" Lola grinned.
"Oh, gladly! The name of the game here is to put on a show, right?" Eileen smirked.
For the record, they are STILL on their hands.
"LAPHICET!" (ToAS)
The white-clad blond Malak (and the youngest representative in the Tales of All-Stars) looked up at the Eliminated Seating and waved to Velvet. The dark-haired woman gave a small smile before returning the wave. With a nod, he made his way down the ramp.
Once in, he made his way over to Eduardo and Vivian where the latter was using her fire magic to melt a bit of ice off of Eduardo's arm.
"Ay caramba, I don't remember Senorita Lilly being so violent." Eduardo grumbled.
"Me neither." Vivian frowned. "I wonder what was happening."
"Um, sorry." Laphicet said, getting the purple couple's attention. "Is this a bad time?"
"Um, for what?" Vivian asked.
"Me and my nodal companion wish to fight against you two." Laphicet explained. "We both saw how you two fight in the ring and while you both well earned your place here, we both decided that you are too big of threats to leave in the tournament so we are willing to potentially ruin our own time in the ring to try to eliminate you."
Eduardo and Vivian paused at this.
"That is the most honest challenge offer I have ever gotten." Vivian said.
Eduardo on the other hand had other thoughts as he frowned. "But… You are so small and cute."
"True. But so is Pikachu and Miss Bubbles saw how well they did." Laphicet reassured.
"He DOES have a point, Eduardo." Vivian offered.
Eduardo paused before sighing. "Fine. We will wait for your amigo."
"Thank you very much." Laphicet nodded with a smile. He then vanished. "Also, is it okay that we will fight on an island away from the one going on here."
"Nino, I think that goes without saying." Eduardo muttered.
(Eliminated Seating)
Edna raised an eyebrow. "Leave it to Laphicet to come clean to his rivals like that."
"Oh, that is nothing." Velvet smirked. "You should have seen when Magilou tried to drag him into a comedy duo."
"Oh, open old wounds, will ya!?"
Velvet and Edna's eyes widened before turning to see Magilou walking towards her, along with R. Mika, Hinako, Geese, Yamazaki, Samus and Pikachu.
Velvet and Edna blinked twice at the odd group. Velvet then groaned while putting her hand on her forehead.
"Ugh… Bison is at it again, isn't he?" Velvet asked.
"Um, let's just say no and leave it at that." Magilou said, chuckling nervously.
"Um, yo."
The group turned to see Static Shock, Leonardo, Yuri Sakazaki and Jigglypuff walking over.
"Considering that Pikachu is with you, I take it that it is related to what happened to his fellow electric Pokemon." Static offered.
"We don't know all of the details, but pretty much." Samus sighed.
"Need some extra juice?" Static asked, snapping his fingers and creating a spark. "I can't help worrying about the little guy."
"Yeah, what happened to him was really messed up." Leonardo frowned. "Like I know this isn't the first time that kids were involved in these things, but this is a literal BABY Pokemon!"
Jigglypuff inflated herself. "I swear if I find out that anyone from our node is involved, I am going to make them wish that their spot on the roster went to Waluigi instead!"
"That makes two of us." Pikachu said, darkly, surging electricity through his cheeks.
"And I am here…" Yuri said before smirking. "I was supposed to be a part of the hero group in the third Megamix Tournament before it got cancelled!"
Geese rolled his eyes. "Brilliant ten out of ten!"
Yuri's smirk vanished as she glared at Geese and Yamazaki. "...Okay, I half-lied. I merely want to go because apparently things are really messed up when THESE two are here."
"Agreed." Hinako frowned, She then smiled before putting her hand together. "It is so splendid to team up with you again, Miss Yuri!"
Yuri looked at Hinako with a smile. "Yeah, same here."
"How about you, Velvet?" Magilou asked.
"Nothing personal, but I had my fill of villain plots for a while after the Okron Tournament." The anti-hero muttered. "Besides, even if I felt like it, you came to me at the worst possible time. Laphicet just entered the arena."
"Then, I will go in your place." Edna offered.
Velvet jumped. "You're sure, Edna? Magilou may have her uses, but that is barely enough to stop me from devouring her a long time ago."
"I know. Eizen told me. And while I do not wish to miss cheering for him, SOMEBODY has been the Straight Man." Edna muttered.
"Um, Edna, you were in the second section, right?" R. Mika asked.
The blonde Seraph raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Why?"
"Why did you last see Dan Hibiki?" R. Mika said.
"Hm. It was Section Five. You know that well-dressed potoroo who looks like he wears cologne that stinks more than his personality? He showed that he is not as graceful as he seems and spilled a slushie on him." Edna explained. Her eyes widened in realisation. "Now that I think about it. Not only did the potoroo leave right after Dan, but HE didn't get back either."
"So Pinky WAS a target from the start." Yamazaki said in awe.
Those who were just now hearing about this blinked twice.
"...Dan?" Edna asked.
"Can we please leave? We have a lot to tell you!" R. Mika scolded.
"Um, alright." Leonardo said.
With that, the enlarged group left the arena. Unknown that two certain Digimon were watching them. One of them got up and tried to follow them. However, the other one was narrowing his eyes.
"And where do you think YOU'RE going?" Veemon asked, sternly.
Impmon looked back with a smirk. "Where do you think? There is something going on and I am curious to see what is going on."
"Dude, this is clearly about kidnapping and a brainwashing." Veemon scolded. "This is clearly serious!"
"I know, right? All the more reason to go!" Impmon chuckled before running over.
"H-Hey!" Veemon said before slapping his forehead. "Ugh, whose bright idea is to have your partners be younger than CODY."
With that, he ran off after him. Velvet watched the Digimon leave before shaking her head.
"YYYYYep. So glad I got my fill of adventure at the Okron Tournament." Velvet muttered.
(Dome; Hallway)
Ripper and Hopper made their way down the hallways, looking worried for Lilly.
"I hope Miss Kane will be alright." Ripper frowned.
"Not that I am not worried for her, but I am more worried for those bitches." Hopper said.
"True…" Ripper sighed. "Come on. The sooner you get your new gun, the sooner we go back to helping Mr. Howard and the others."
The two then looked around to make sure that they weren't being followed. However, they were.
"So the one with the hair wishes to get a special kind of gun. That means they would have to…"
Ripper and Hopper then made their way towards a door. The latter knocked on a door. Then, an eye slot opened up.
"Hello?"
"Yes, I am Hopper and this is Ripper." Hopper said. "We are Geese Howard's bodyguards when Billy Kane is unavailable."
"I see. Why are you here?" The figure asked.
"Well, I need a special kind of gun and Miss Mel is the only one who can create it." Hopper explained.
Then, the person sprung to life, diving around the corner.
"AH HA!"
Ripper and Hopper jumped before looking in the direction of the shout. Barbatos Goetia, who had a furious look on his face.
"I KNEW that those hosts would be foolish enough to have an item shop here!" Barbatos roared.
Immediately, the door opened to reveal Knuckles.
"GET IN THE SHOP! GET IN THE SHOP!" Knuckles shouted at the top of his lungs.
Ripper and Hopper didn't need to be told twice as both ran inside with Knuckles slamming the door. Barbatos ran over to the door with a dark smirk. He then pulled his leg back.
"BUREAAAAA!"
Barbatos then kicked the door open. …Only to reveal literally nothing. No Knuckles. No Ripper or Hopper. No items. No… Anything. Barbatos blinked twice before looking around for a moment.
He then started to laugh.
"So THAT'S why I had a hard time finding the item shop." Barbatos chuckled. "You can be THAT much of a magnificent bastard to find a way to teleport the shop from location to location."
He then angrily punched the ground.
"BUT NOT ENOUGH TO FIND A WAY TO FIGHT WITHOUT USING ITEMS!"
(Dome; Item Shop)
Mel breathed in and out through a paper bag while on her knees. Knuckles ran over to her and rubbed her back. Ripper and Hopper were on the ground as well, looking terrified.
"It is alright! We're safe! We're safe!" Knuckles said, trying to calm down Mel while trying not to raise his voice too much.
"B-B-But he knows that there is an item shop here!" Mel said between breathing.
"Yes, he does. But we practised for what will happen!" Knuckles insisted.
"But… But…" Mel sputtered.
Knuckles sighed before walking in front of Mel and gently taking her hand before rubbing it.
"...Mel. What is behind me?" Knuckles asked.
The redhead paused before looking behind Knuckles to see a giant green gem.
"T-T-The Master Emerald." Mel answered.
"And why is the Master Emerald here?" Knuckles slowly asked.
"Because you need somewhere to hide it and Drake suggested this place." Mel said.
"And why is that?" Knuckles asked.
"Because the Master Emerald has the power to fully control everything that the Chaos Emeralds do." Mel said. "The very gems that could make Sonic and other of your nodal companions into your Super forms."
"Which means…" Knuckles encouraged.
"It could teleport the item shop from vacant location to location." Mel said.
"That and we have made sure to have as many different spots vacant as possible." Knuckles said. "We asked literally EVERYONE in the case BESIDES Barbatos not to use them in case this will happen."
"...Mainly because they want to use my shop." Mel said. "That is also why no one is willing to take the Master Emerald."
"That's right. And we could change our teleportation path. In fact, I am pleasantly surprised until Section NINE for him to find us." Knuckles explained.
"R-Right…" Mel said.
"Listen, I am going to change the location right now and alert everyone." Knuckles offered. "Okay?"
Mel nodded. Knuckles then glared at Ripper and Hopper who winced.
"...I could forgive inadvertently leading Barbatos here, but could you at least help Mel here?" Knuckles asked.
"We're sorry…" Hopper apologised.
"Don't apologise to ME." Knuckles scolded.
With that, Ripper and Hopper walked over to let the poor woman while Knuckles got up and walked towards the Master Emerald.
"So much for hiding the Master Emerald without much incident." Knuckles muttered.
(The Arena)
"ZELDA!" (SSB)
The blonde princess and wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom cheerfully waved to the crowd..A major contrast to the stern brunette one from the previous Battle of the Luminaries. She was about to make her way down to the ring before feeling something flash. She reached behind her and pulled out her ticket.
Actually, all of the fighters did the same thing. Even the ones in the Eliminated Seating.
"Oh dear, it seems that Barbatos finally found the Item Shop for the first time." Zelda frowned. "I hope that Mel will be able to recover from it."
Deciding to ignore it for now, she surrounds herself in green wind before teleporting inside of the central island. She then walked over to the side and got down on her knees. She had a bad feeling that something was wrong and she needed to nip it in the bud somehow.
(Ra-ra-ah-ah-ah)
(Roma, Roma-Ma)
(Gaga, "Ooh-La-La")
(Want your bad romance)
"OUME GOKETSUJI!" (PI)
Bison's eyes bugged out while Lilly looked up with a scowl.
The older Goketsuji twin stood outside of the Ready Room. However, along with her regular attire, she wore a thick white fur coat, gaudy pink sunglasses and a black feather boa. She was also carrying a microphone. She smirked as she wore her mic in her hand.
Peach saw this and looked horrified. "Oh no!"
(I want your ugly)
(I want your disease)
(I want your everything as long it's free)
As Oume sang, she started to make suggestive poses.
(I want your love, love, love, love)
(I want your love, huh, bad!)
Vivian immediately grabbed a confused Laphicet and carried him into the shadows.
(I want your drama, the touch of your hand)
(Hey)
(I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand)
(I want your love, love, love, love)
(I want your love)
Dot blinked twice before reaching towards her face and pulling out her own eyes as if it was nothing.
"Well… Guess I won't be needing THESE anymore." Dot said, throwing said eyes behind her.
Oume then gestured with her free hand to come over towards the direction of Bison.
(You know that I want you)
(And you know that I need you)
(I want it bad)
(Your bad romance)
Kasumi looked at Lilly and ARIA in worry. "Girls, PLEASE don't tell me that THIS is one of the villains we will be fighting."
"UNFORTUNATELY, YES." ARIA said, shaking her head.
(I want your love, and I want your revenge)
(You and me, we can start a bad romance)
"...Is it too late to say that you can kill me any time now?" Drake piped up.
"Don't be a dumbass! Of course it is!" Nine scolded. "Then, who will kill ME!?"
(I want your love, all of your lover's revenge)
(You and me could start a bad romance)
Bison just looked at Oume's rendition of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance with blinking eyes.
"Mic BURN!" Oume shouted. With that, she threw her microphone in the lava, burning it. She then took off her sunglasses, coat and feather boa and threw into the audience. Needless to say, the people where the clothes landed on or close by freaked out not wanting anything to do with them.
Bison paused. He then ran over to the edge of the island he was on and threw up into the lava with the audience looking in disgust. The Pyro saw this and in their twisted mind, he saw someone spitting poison in a pond of soda. Immediately, he got out his axe and ran towards Hopscotch island.
Finally, Oume reached the unlikely group of Kasumi, Lilly, ARIA and Combo. All of them have negative reactions to her.
"Hey there, muscles!" Oume smirked, looking at Combo.
The dark-skinned man jumped at this. "W-W-What?"
"I heard that you are willing to fight this hunk-of-junk, even at the cost of going through these girls!" Oume noted.
"Um, yes?" Combo asked, not liking where this was going.
"Funny that. My target is ARIA as well and those annoying girls are in the way!" Oume grinned before walking over to Combo's side. "That means we have a common goal."
"You don't say…" The MMA fighter said before taking a deep gulp. "Hey, maybe I have gone in over my head!"
"Uh-uh-uh!" Oume said, wagging her finger. "No take-backs!"
"For once I agree with Oume, you had so many chances to retreat and you continued to insist." Lilly said. "I have no sympathy for you."
"Well, I do have some sympathy for you, Combo, and Lilly definitely should have been more diplomatic about it, you should have seen the red flags earlier." Kasumi frowned.
"I BELIEVE THERE IS AN ORGANIC TERM FOR THIS. YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW." ARIA nodded.
Combo slumped his arms. Meanwhile, Oume smirked as she looked around.
"Boy, I had a draw so good that you might as well be in the Final Section! I get to be in the same section as Bison, I had a huge entrance just like he did and I get to take any and all negative feelings on my inferior sister's team!" Oume thought.
A dark glint appeared in her eyes.
"And the next step of my plan just showed up in front of me!"
"LUKE FON FABRE!" (ToAS)
The red-haired swordsman ran his free hand through his short hair as the crowd cheered him on. Taking a deep breath to try to psyche himself before walking down the ramp. As he did so, he waved at Laphicet who waved back.
"Oh, so this is your nodal companion?" Vivian asked.
"Yes, Luke." Laphicet nodded.
"Ah, he doesn't seem THAT scary." Eduardo said, looking a bit relieved.
Luke then made his way towards the three. "Hey, Laphicet. I take it that you already told these two about our proposal."
"Indeed, and they accepted." Laphicet nodded.
"Hey, can we go to the roller coaster island?" Eduardo asked. "The only people fighting there are the clown and the monkey girl."
"Good idea. That island seems the… Least intense fighting." Luke nodded.
"Then, what are we waiting for?" Vivian asked with a smile. "Just because we are on a Bowser board, that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to make the best out of it."
"TERRY BOGARD!" (KoFAS)
The blonde red-clad fighter came out to an enormous cheer. He then had his cap over his eyes while looking around with a smile while using his free hand to wave.
"COME ON, GET SERIOUS!" He shouted.
The crowd cheered even loudly as he made his way down the ramp.
"Alright, I think I got this. These are the moves that went to the Final Twelve in the Tournament of Kikai." Terry mused. "And moreover, I don't have to worry about double-teaming with Rock or dealing with that womanising idiot."
With that, he made his way down the ramp and made his way over to the central island. Immediately, Zelda got up and ran over to him.
"Terry, Terry!" Zelda said, running over.
"Yes, Zelda?" The capped man asked with his hat covering his eyes.
"I know that we have never been nodal companions at these things, but could you double-team with me for a moment?" The princess asked, clasping her hands together.
Terry paused for a moment. He then smiled. "OKAY!"
"Thanks, this creepy man kept eyeing me inside of the Ready Room." Zelda said, sighing in relief. "And I need someone to protect me."
Terry proudly beat his fist against his chest. "Leave it to me!"
"Splendid! Let's wait!" Zelda beamed.
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… EIGHTEEN!"
"I AM KAZUMA KIRYU!"
The crowd cheered when they heard this. However, said cheers immediately when they saw who was standing outside of the Ready Room.
Tumble wearing a wig while trying (emphasis on trying) to be stern.
"I am Kazuma Kiryu! I am a good man even though I am in the Yakuza!" Tumble said, floating over to the ring while trying to look tough. "I do not hit women! I also don't kill people!"
Perry blinked twice. "D-Did the hosts try to invite Kazuma Kiryu but he bailed at the last second?"
"I-I don't know. He DID say that he doesn't fight women." Bowser noted.
"Even still, who is Tumble trying to fool?" Peach asked in disbelief.
Soon, Tumble made it over to Podoboo Island where Sonic and Lilac were sitting on top of Pinocchio. All three of them were looking at him in bewilderment.
"Despite not killing, I am still very violent! I do protect dogs! I like to go fishing!" Tumble boasted. He then went next to a turnbuckle. "I have many games! I care for children!"
Then, the top of the turnbuckle opened. Sonic's eyes bugged out at this.
"He didn't…" Sonic muttered.
Suddenly, someone flew out of the turnbuckle with a crazed look on his face.
"KIRYU-CHAAAAAN!"
"GORO MAJIMA!" (Yakuza)
The crowd went wild as the one-eyed yakuza grabbed onto Tumble and started to spin around. The fighters just looked on in bewilderment. Except for Sonic and Eileen who looked exasperated.
"...He actually did it." Eileen muttered.
Lola looked at Eileen, confused. "Huh? Actually did what?"
"Well, a running gag in the Yakuza is that Majima likes to hide in different outfits or objects and sneak up on Kazuma Kiryu." The Chinese girl explained. "And each one is more outlandish than the last."
"Wow. That is… Dedication." Lola noted. "Maybe I should ask him to join my circus."
Eileen chuckled nervously. "Let's… Focus on the task at hand."
Meanwhile, Majima held up Tumble who was dizzy from being spun around.
"Baby Dice, everyone!" Majima grinned as the crowd cheered him on. "Hey, thanks for doing this, kid!"
"It is quite alright. I rarely get asked to help out with fighters' entrances." Tumble reassured. He then flew off while looking grumpy. "Now I see why."
Majima then made his way over Sonic, Lilac and Pinocchio.
"...Were you in the turnbuckle the entire time?" Sonic asked.
"Ever since Section One!" Majima grinned.
"Weirdo." Sonic muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Wiseass. Seriously, you may be the mascot of Sega, but let's see you put your rings where your mouth is!" Majima smirked, getting out a baseball bat and pointing it at Sonic.
"Ugh, great, another psycho." Sonic muttered before getting up and looking at Lilac. "I am going to take this guy on. You two continue your 'fight'."
"Um, okay." Lilac nodded as Sonic zoomed off.
"I still don't understand why you have to SIT on top of me!" Pinocchio roared.
"Sorry, Pinocchio, but the arena has ears and we can't afford to be compromised." Lilac apologised.
"Great…" The puppet muttered.
"KARIN KANZUKI!" (SFAS)
The blonde red-clad Ojou did her trademark noblewoman laugh, earning a loud cheer from the crowd. Flipping her hair through her regal locks, she calmly made her way down the ramp.
"It is a pity that the tournament is taking place indoors." She lamented with a smirk. "I could use my satellite beam whenever I need it and there is nothing the hosts could do about it."
Despite this, she stepped in. Already deciding on her target, she ran to the central island to make her way over to Podoboo Island. She then made a beeline for Lilac. The purple-scaled girl yelped before leaping out of harm's way of a palm strike.
"What was THAT for!?" Lilac demanded.
"You are doing nothing but going for the lowest hanging fruit in this section." Karin retorted.
"Lowest!?" Pinocchio cried out but was ignored.
"Perhaps I should teach you about bullying the weak!" Karin scolded.
"Like I need to be told that by someone who forces Birdie to fill a hundred-fight quote every day!" Lilac scolded.
Karin blinked twice, genuinely confused at this. "What? Despite the amount of servants I have that could fight, none of them have the same endurance of Birdie. Why do you think I gave him a job at my estate? People like him are hard to come by."
Lilac and Pinocchio blinked twice in disbelief.
"I think you are beautiful and out of your mind." Pinocchio said.
"MINA MAJIKINA!" (SS)
The tan-skinned white-haired archer put her free hand on her chest while breathing in and out while holding her longbow with the other. Walking behind her was her strange yet cute companion, Chample. Said companion was already looking hot from the heat. Mina frowned before crouching down and picking up Chample.
"Forgive me, Chample. I knew that I would be putting you at risk when I asked the host if I could bring you into the ring with me just like with that elephant and mouse." Mina apologised. "However, I cannot go anywhere without you."
The creature just happily smiled. Mina nodded her head.
"I am glad that you understand." Mina said. "Now let's go."
With that, she made her way down the ramp before stepping in. Once in, she navigated her way over to Hopscotch island where Bison and the Pyro were fighting each other. Putting down Chample, Mina then aimed her yumi at the fight and fired some arrows. Said arrows found their way into Bison and the Pyro. Both red-clad terrors glared at the guilty party.
"How dare you interrupt my vomiting just like Gas-Mask here!?" Bison roared.
"You are full of demonic energy and the other one… Well, I don't know what type of energy it has, but it is definitely not good." Mina explained. "It is my duty as a demon hunter to purify this arena."
"Purify!?" Bison asked in disbelief, pointing at the fight with Oume in it. "In THAT case, why aren't you going after HER!?"
Mina just frowned. "I do not think brain damage is a type of demonic energy."
(Dome; Janitor's Office)
Wave's investigation group was searching the halls for anything suspicious with Wario leading the lack… On his hands and knees while sniffing the ground like a bloodhound.
Gabe paused. "...Did I mention how ridiculous we look?"
"Oh, I think you may have mentioned it… The first fifty times!" Jet roared.
"I can't help it! How can we take Wario's… Searching technique seriously!?" Gabe exclaimed.
"Dude, have you SEEN the WarioWare series?" Jet asked. "This is actually normal."
"HOW!? There is a dog in the WarioWare crew, isn't there!?" Gabe reminded. "Two, depending on how you see Joe!"
"...You must be a lot of fun at parties." Storm muttered.
"Look, if there is one person that could smell garlic, it is Wario." Wave reminded.
Wario then stood up straight and stood in front of a janitor's closet. "There is-a garlic in here."
Storm blinked twice. "Um, in the JANITOR'S closet?"
"It is-a faint, but it is there!" Wario reassured. "I know it!"
"If that is the case, it must have been from cleaning!" Wave reminded.
Wario then turned the knob on the door and opened it. Things seemed normal. But Wario went inside and pulled out a large tarp. The most noticeable thing about it was that there was something involved.
"Oh, this is CLEARLY-A not some cleaning supplies!" Wario laughed.
"Yeah, looks like someone is trying to hide something." Jet noted.
"Then, what are we waiting for?" Storm asked. "Let's get this open!"
With that, he and Wario started to unravel the tarp. Jet and Wave looked on eagerly. Gabe, on the other hand, frowned.
"That shape… It almost looks like…" Gabe started.
Then, his eyes bugged out.
"Wario! Storm! NO!" He cried out.
But it was too late. They fully unravelled the tarp to reveal… A body. The Babylon Rogues and Wario all looked in horror. The body's eyes were wide open and there was a Scimitar stabbing him through the back. It was clear that he was dead.
"This… This isn't happening…" Jet muttered.
"No… I thought the hosts promised that Junko Enoshima wouldn't come anywhere near the Crossover Dome." Storm said, disheartened.
"We… We don't know if she is related…" Gabe said, getting out his phone to call Carmelita.
"Furthermore, why… Why him?" Wario asked. Even he was disturbed by the revelation.
"I… Don't know…" Wave said.
She then looked up at the screen on the ceiling, showing the arena.
"Furthermore, which one is…" She asked.
She then looked down at the body.
"...Is the real Terry Bogard?"
(Dome; Secret Laboratory)
Maxima groaned as he fluttered his eyes open. He tried to put his hand on his head to ease the throbbing headache. Only to find out that he couldn't as his right hand couldn't move. Same for his other arm and legs. He found himself strapped to a table.
"Ah, so you have finally awoken."
Maxima's eyes bugged out before turning his head to see Otane's group staring at him. In the corner was an indignant Ralf tied up in chains.
"Ralf!" Maxima gasped.
"I am fine, Maxima!" The Ikari Warrior insisted. He then looked to the side. "Nothing hurt but my pride."
Tiny glared down at Ralf. "Bandana Man sore loser!"
"Indeed. You both lost fair and square." Mukai nodded. He then chuckled nervously. "Though I am willing to admit that I may have gone a little overboard."
"A LITTLE?" Joe asked, raising an eyebrow.
As Mukai blushed in embarrassment, Otane stepped forward.
"Sorry, boys, but it looks like you are our prisoners for the night." Otane said. "Can't have you go around with your hero group or worse, my sister's."
"I don't know what you are planning, but you are never going to get away with this!" Ralf roared.
"Yeah, ignoring the fact that is one of the most cliche lines ever, I think we already did!" Cinder grinned.
"Indeed. This is our plan." Brio nodded, crossing his arms. "Ripper Roo, do you mind?"
The blue-furred kangaroo nodded before opening his mouth to reveal a Star Piece on his tongue.
"Do you recognise this item?" Brio asked.
Maxima blinked twice. "It is a Star Piece from Paper Mario."
"That's right!" Otane grinned. "We had Mel retool them so they could be magnets for stardust."
"Stardust?" Maxima asked before his eyes widened. "As in one from the Millennium Star."
"Leave it to you to put two and two together easily, Maxima." Mukai chuckled. "Our plan is simple, we will go into the arena, try to put on a good show for the crowd and we will act the stardust that is used to measure the, for lack of a better word, hype at the end of every section."
"We then extract the energy with this machine." Otane explained. "Between our group, we already got a decent amount in. At the end, we should have more than enough to give to Bison."
"You're insane giving that much power to Bison!" Ralf roared.
"That and he clearly doesn't need it. Have you SEEN how laxed he was acting in the arena?" Maxima muttered.
The smirks of the Otane's group vanished before looking at each other. Except for Otane who put her hands on her face with a lovestruck face.
"Furthermore, while I expected this from everyone here, I am particularly disappointed in one certain person!" Ralf snapped before glaring at a certain someone. "Krizalid!"
The tan-skinned man winced.
"Do you really think helping Bison will change anything!? His latest plan is arguably his most extreme yet!" Ralf roared.
"He is just a means to an end." Krizalid spat.
"And so is kidnapping us!?" Ralf roared. "Do you really don't think that the others will find out that we are missing?"
"You claim that you do not want to hurt Whip and you KNOW having us here will make her more determined to go after you!" Maxima scolded.
"How dare you bring her in this!?" Krizalid spat.
"YOU did that on your own the moment that you got involved!" Ralf scolded. "Whip wouldn't even have gone after you if she didn't see you and Komodo Joe walking together!"
"I didn't even know she was nearby!" Krizalid insisted.
"It doesn't matter HOW she got involved, the point is she is!" Ralf roared. "HOW DO YOU INTEND TO FACE HER!?"
This resulted in an awkward silence between everyone. Ralf and Krizalid were both red with anger while everyone else, not knowing what to say.
"Well, regardless, like we said, we merely want to keep you away from stopping us so we have no reason to hurt you." Otane insisted.
Ralf scoffed. "You intend to use Maxima as a battery though."
The Canadian's eyes bugged out at this. "Wait, what!?"
"Indeed. Your tech is a real quality piece of work!" Brio smiled. "Seriously, it manages to block the effect of that fairy's spells. This could help out with our mission!"
Maxima gritted his teeth. "To have my tech be used by scum like you!"
"Sorry, but we have a technological gold mine on our hands so we can't afford NOT to take advantage of it." Otane smirked.
Maxima muttered underneath his breath. "This can't get any worse…"
"Um, I know that this is probably the worst time to ask, but…" Otane piped up.
Everyone looked at Otane. She then picked up a microphone.
"Who wants to help me practice for MY entrance?" Otane asked with a grin.
Everyone's eyes bugged out in horror. Otane's grin vanished.
"Really? REALLY!?" Otane asked in disbelief. "Part of the reason I formed this alliance is to show Oume and her team that they are not better than us! Do you honestly think I would just let her upstage me?"
"I mean, fair, but…" Elliana frowned.
"Then, let's get started." Otane smiled. "And an one and a two…"
Maxima winced. "Me and my big mouth…"
(Hotel; Lobby)
Unknown to Otane's team, someone snuck into the lab and spied on them. Whenever they were not looking, they snuck back out. A young Asian woman walked into the lobby while writing down on a notepad.
"Krizalid's biggest weakness: Having his nodal companion, Whip, involved." The woman said. "Exploiting this is beneficial to Oume's plans."
Then, a long tongue came out of nowhere and grabbed the notepad, right out of the woman's hand, startling her (and Moseby). The woman looked in the direction the tongue came from to see her notepad looking up in mid-air. Then, the page was ripped off. Reptile then reappeared before eating it.
"Nice try." Reptile said, smirking through his mask.
The woman narrowed her eyes. "So Otane recruited you."
"Pretty much." Reptile said. He then dropped down from the ceiling and landed on his feet. "Obviously, even though I literally eat your notes, it is a little stupid to let you go free."
"So it is." The woman said, getting into a stance. "Very well. As the girlfriend of the 39th Bushinryu master, I will not lose to a toady."
"Yeah, well…" Reptile said before realising something. "Wait… Bushinryu? Isn't that… Who is your boyfriend?"
"Guy." The woman said without missing a beat.
Reptile's eyes bugged out at this. "GUY! As in Final Fight Guy!"
"That is correct." The woman nodded.
"Which… Which would make you…" Reptile started.
"Rena." The woman said.
"B-B-But that's impossible!" Reptile exclaimed. "You are not a fighter! Hell, you don't have much of ANYTHING outside of being Guy's love interest!"
"And yet I still have more dignity than you." Rena said.
Reptile's eyebrow twitched before getting into a stance. "Very well, I will interrogate you AFTER you wake up from being knocked out."
"...Would it do any good to point out that fighting is not allowed in the lobby?" Moseby asked.
"No." Reptile and Rena said without missing a beat.
Moseby let out a sigh. "Just thought I'd give it a try."
(The Arena)
"DOCTRINE DARK!" (FEXL)
The blond dark-clad mercenary did a creepy laugh through his modified gas mask. Getting out a blade from his wrist, he made his way down the ramp.
Zelda narrowed her eyes. "There he is."
"Terry" gulped nervously. "Um, there who is."
"The one who has been staring me down ever since I entered the Ready Room." Zelda noted.
"Um, well, I kinda pissed him earlier when I bumped into him when entering the Ready Room." "Terry" said, taking a deep gulp.
"Splendid. That gives us more reason to double-team!" Zelda beamed.
"Um, right." "Terry" said before stifling a cough. "I got your back, Zelda!"
By this time, D. Dark has finally reached the two on Mechabowser Island (where the latter decided to go and wait.)
"I do hope that your screams will be ecstasy to her ears, princess." D. Dark said, readying his blade.
Zelda narrowed her eyes while creating a tiny flame. "I will not be intimidated by you."
"HEY, COME ON, COME ON!" "Terry" shouted, beckoning D. Dark to take him on.
The blond man paused. "I could see why that princess approached me and ASKED me to 'attack' her. Heh. This should be an interesting section."
"I-NO!" (GG)
(Can you feel the night?)
(Would it be warm?)
As the men went wild for the red-clad dark-haired witch, she, like Bison and Oume, decided to play their own song. However, instead of singing, she was playing on her guitar, hyping the crowd up further.
(It must be bright)
(Like a raging fire)
I-No continued to jam as the crowd started to shout out… Suggestive shouts.
"Let me be your bottom bitch!" "Step on me, momma!" "Discipline us, I-No!"
I-No smirked as she waved to the crowd with her free hand. "Maybe later. For now, I have to make a shout-out."
With that, she stifled a cough.
"I would like to thank the Goomba who is willing to be my simp, even lying to the faces of a dangerous crime mob and his number one!" I-No said.
With that, she made her way down the ramp with everyone looking at confusion.
(The Crowd)
A particular Goomba blinked twice before looking around to see a bunch of his fellow Goombas looking with smiles on their faces. But their eyes say otherwise.
"So YOU were the reason why Geese and his company were interrogating us?" Another Goomba asked.
The first Goomba shrank back.
"Let's talk it out back." A Gloomba asked with a twitching eyebrow.
With that, the Goombas picked up the guilty party and walked into the dome with the Goomba trying in vain to escape.
"I-No, WHYYYYYY!?" The Goomba cried. "I thought what we had was special!"
(The Arena)
Soon, I-No finally reached her current leader and the others.
"Just couldn't resist throwing him under the bus, huh?" Oume smirked, putting her hands on her back.
"Well, there is no reason to keep our secret seeing as Lilly already knows what happened." I-No laughed.
"Now, now, it IS our fault that it got out." Oume winked.
"So you are both here…" Lilly spat.
Combo paused. "So wait, YOU are my ally?"
"Yyyyyyyep." I-No said.
Combo looked up and down at I-No. "I could work with this."
Kasumi grunted with disgust. "Ugh, you pig!"
"Fuck you, I will take ANY kind of positive at this point." Combo roared.
Lilly rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Let's just go to an island."
"Well said. Let's go to Hopscotch Island!" Oume smirked.
"Here, here!" I-No chuckled.
ARIA narrowed her eyes. "AGREED."
Lilly scoffed. "Do what you want…"
Kasumi blinked twice. "So it is a majority, I guess."
"YURIKA KIRISHIMA!" (RS)
In a major contrast to I-No's flashy out and rock solo, the white-haired blue-clad violinist came out dressed in her elegant clothes while playing a violin solo. After she was done, she bowed to the crowd which gave an applause.
She then made her way down the ramp. After stepping in, she made her way all of the way over to Mecha-Bowser Island and approached Bowser and Peach, particularly the latter.
Peach looked in awe. "Oh, wow. You look like one of those porcelain dolls."
Yurika looked startled at this. "O-Oh, you really think so?"
"Indeed. Your hair is simply lovely!" Peach said in awe. "I always wanted to do up my hair like that."
Yurika giggled. "I really appreciate that. Truth be told, I loved your dress as well."
"Oh, thank you! I usually only wear my most detailed dresses to the Smash tournaments, ironically enough." Peach shrugged.
"Well, if it can't be helped." Yurika noted. "Hey, I know you are in an alliance, right now, can we fight?"
"Um, well…" Peach frowned.
She then looked up at Bowser. The latter just shrugged before urging Peach to go on.
"Oh, I would love it!" Peach smiled.
"Splendid. Shall we begin?" Yurika asked.
Bowser just blinked twice. "Must be a girl thing."
"DUCK HUNT!" (SSB)
The brown-furred canine and the blue-and-purple bird came out to a mixed reaction. The former just did his trademark giggle while the latter flew up while looking around for a moment. He then flew back down.
"Well?" The dog asked.
"Hmm. Everyone else seems to be preoccupied except for Bowser, Dot Warner and Pinocchio." The duck noted.
"I don't think it is wise to be around Bowser right now and trying to fight DOT is simply out of the question." The dog mused before brightening up. "Which only leaves Pinocchio!"
"I don't know, man." The duck frowned. "He already has enough to go through right now."
"I know, right!? He is the perfect target!" The dog grinned.
The duck paused. "...Why are we friends again?"
Meanwhile, Pinocchio watched as Sonic and Majima had a breakdancing duel while Lilac struggled to go through Karin's counters. He frowned.
"Gee, I don't know…" Pinocchio frowned. "Sonic's plan does seem tempting, but still that means…"
CRASH!
Then, the Duck Hunt Duo, after the duck dropped down tired from flying the dog all of the way to Pinocchio, crashed on the wooden youth. The dog laughed again. Pinocchio growled before getting up, knocking the two off of him.
"How dare you!?" Pinocchio roared. "Just because I am in a bad situation, that doesn't mean I am in a bad situation!"
The dog shrugged before throwing a clay pigeon.
"TYTREE CROWE!" (ToAS)
The green-clad green-haired fist-fighter smirked as he tapped his fists together twice. He then let out a deep shout before dashing down the ramp.
"Luke and Laphicet seem to be doing well against that purple duo!" Tytree grinned while running into the arena. "Well, if they are going against them, that means…"
Soon, he ran over to Mecha-Bowser Island where Bowser was waiting.
The Koopa looked up and smirked. "Oh, you want to fight me, Marimo?"
"Damn straight!" Tytree said. "You may slip from back and forth between ally and enemy, but you still cause a lot of trouble for everyone!"
"Um, duh? I am still the face for Nintendo Villains." Bowser shrugged, crossing his arms.
"Even still, that is no reason to select such a dangerous stage! Yes, you have an advantage in terms of familiarity and combat, but that doesn't mean you get to put anyone else at risk! This is LAVA! Stuff that will burn things for life!" Tytree snapped. "Furthermore, some of your allies are here right? What if those imaginary friends fall into the lava? His fur looks flammable! If you are willing to put your own friends in danger, you are too much of a threat to be kept in the arena!"
Bowser blinked twice. "...How the Underwhere did you manage to say all of that in one breath?"
"And now, the final fighter of this section…"
"RYU!" (SFAS)
The poster boy for fighting games stood outside the Ready Room to an enormous cheer. The cheers got louder when they saw that he not only had his beard from his status as Hot Ryu but also his kasaya from the sixth game. All Ryu did was give an acknowledging nod while waving a bit.
"There are a few villains on the ramp, but as much as I wish to interrogate them, perhaps now is not the best time to approach them."
He then made his way down the ramp.
(Girl, look at that body)
(Girl, look at that body)
(Girl, look at that body)
(I-I-I work out!)
Ryu's eyes bugged out before immediately slapping his forehead.
(Girl, look at that body)
(Girl, look at that body)
(Girl, look at that body)
(I-I-I work out!)
Ryu glared up at the Sound Booth to see the trio fanning them.
"Really?" Ryu asked in disbelief.
"Oh, don't give us that!" Aila scolded. "We saw you flexing in the very first teaser for Street Fighter 6!"
Ryu rolled his eyes as he continued to walk down. Instead of laughing, the crowd was still cheering.
The Duck Hunt Duo were going wild with the dog howling like a wolf and the duck squawking wildly. Pinocchio looked away while crossing his arms.
"He is not THAT hot." Pinocchio muttered. Then, his nose grew. He started to freak out as he tried in vain to hide it.
Bowser rolled his eyes with crossed arms. "Tch. All he did was grow a beard and show more of his chest. Sonic and I were all over Rule 34 sites before it was cool."
"Preach it, brother!" Sonic shouted from the island he was gone.
Tytree winced. "It is alright to be proud of your body, but that is a little… Uh…"
Laphicet frowned before looking around. "Oh dear, this stage is hotter than I thought. Everyone is already sweaty."
"Um, well, the thing is… It is because of Ryu." Luke said, not sure how to explain.
Laphicet's eyes widened. "Oh, is everyone overwhelmed by his mere presence?"
Luke paused. "I mean, it is not inaccurate."
Finally, Ryu reached the central platform. The only one who was on it AND without an opponent was Dot. She blinked twice before going wild and hitting herself with her own foot, turning into a wolf's head howling and eye popping out of her sockets.
She then gave a bored look. "Eh. Seven out of ten. Eight if I am feeling generous.
Ryu blinked twice before walking over. "Pardon me if I sound noisy, but don't you want to help your friend?"
"It is not that I don't WANT to. It is just that I do not want to spend all of my time dealing with Bison." Dot shrugged. "A Warner Sibling that goes stale is a Warner Sibling in name only."
"I… Can't say that I 100% understand your logic, but I CAN say you can't fight the same opponents over and over again." Ryu nodded. "Pardon me. Can we fight?"
Dot raised an eyebrow. "...You DO know what I am capable of, right?"
"I am and that is why I wish to fight you." Ryu nodded. "I… Wish to expand my skills."
Dot merely shrugged. "Alright, if you say so."
With that, she got out a hammer just forward to swing it onto Ryu's head.
Only for Ryu to pull out a stop sign out of nowhere and block the blow. Dot's eyes bugged as Ryu smirked.
"What the?" Dot asked, still in mid-air.
"Forgive me if I sound arrogant, but the reason I am the face of fighting games is because I have been in so many crossovers." Ryu reminded. "And that includes the… Wacky ones."
"Oh, NOW I see why Tiny had us go off against each other." Dot noted. She then smirked. "Okay, I don't doubt you had experience with toon physics, but that doesn't mean you could face off against a fully-fledged toon."
"I do not doubt that there may be a chance that would be the case." Ryu chuckled. "However, I'd rather be shown that rather than told."
"That's cool. I am actually curious what you can pull out regardless." Dot nodded.
With the mismatched duo fighting in the central island and everyone fighting in the four larger islands, they not only have to worry about each other AND the lava but they also have to deal with the heat of the first FIVE Big Guy round.