(The Arena)
The Millennium Star's eyes lit up at this. "Oh ho? You drew up your own stage?"
"Yep! The moment that I found out the gimmick of this tournament and saw that you could create ANY kind of stage, I just HAD to do my own!" Lemmy beamed.
"Oh, that is great! I think that this may be our first 'homemade' stage!" The Millennium Star beamed.
"Um, don't take this the wrong way, Millennium Star, but would you be able to recreate something like a simple drawing?" Ashley asked.
"I must admit that it would be a little harder than usual." The Millennium Star admitted before using his powers to take Lemmy's paper. "But I should be able to do so with such details."
However, the moment he read Lemmy's drawing, his eyes fell.
"...It is written with crayons, isn't it?" Nine asked.
Lemmy blinked twice. "Um, yes. Why?"
Everyone either groaned or snickered. Tumble floated over to the Millennium Star and examined it.
"Okay… I admit that there isn't much detail. But does it need it?" Tumble offered. "Lemmy IS a Mario character so all you have to do is take what you know from various levels and do it."
"Ah, that's right." The Millennium Star realised. "Just give me a moment."
With that, he started to spin around while emitting a white light engulfing the entire arena. And once he was done, everyone looked in awe.
The entire arena had turned snowy with snowflakes falling down. Needless to say, people like Gomamon and King Dedede's eyes lit up at this. However, it wasn't just that. There was a giant trampoline, two trapezes hanging from the ceiling, a giant cannon, a tiny clown bar that looked like only people like Lemmy and Gomamon would hit in. The most noticeable thing was a Chain Chomp (wearing a lion's mane) chained to one of the corner posts, a few Ukikis and even a giant elephant.
Lemmy's eyes sparkled before looking around. "It is exactly what I wanted!"
The Millennium Star sighed in relief. "Oh, thank the Star Spirits! I thought I wouldn't be able to do a perfect job."
Peach giggled. "I should have known that you would either choose an ice-based stage or a circus one!"
"Yeah, we Koopalings are all created on our own would-be levels!" Lemmy explained. "That is why I was able to make that drawing in such a short amount of time!"
Dedede smirked before looking around. "Heh. I could get behind this."
"Speak for yourself." Mary muttered, shivering her bare arms.
"Well, I am not a fan of fighting in the show, I rather take this over fighting over LAVA." Ribbon Girl asked.
"Also, I never fought inside of a circus before." Ryu noted. "This could be quite the challenge."
"Yeah, an ice-themed circus? Sounds like fun!" Gomamon grinned.
"Too bad the Ice Climbers got eliminated." Peach lamented. "They would have LOVED this."
The Millennium Star nodded his head before lowering the star Lemmy was on to let him off.
"POLAR!" (CB)
"Um, okay, so we are starting off with someone who has a 'home-field advantage'. But really how well is that going to take him?" Nine snarked. "Seriously? I know that animal-riding is a major part of Crash Bandicoot, but had Crash Team Racing been more ambitious, he and Pura would have shared a kart together. THAT'S the extent of their individuality."
Fortunately, the white-furred polar cub was so ecstatic to enter the arena that he didn't care about Nine's roast. He happily hopped up and down before making his way down the ramp as everyone "awwed".
However, the moment that he entered the arena, he was immediately tackled by a green and purple blur, sending the two sprawling.
"Ah ha! I have collected the polar bear power-up!" Zim boasted as he climbed onto Polar. "Now push, my steed! Push like you've never pushed before!"
The ursine's eyebrow twitched as he started to jump around while trying to get Zim off of him. However, the Irken was able to hang on for dear life as if he was at a rodeo.
"H-Hey!" Zim demanded. "You are supposed to obey my every command! It is your literal role!"
Meanwhile, Lilly narrowed her eyes. "Now is our chance."
With that, she walked off after Zim. However, Ryu put his hand on his chin, trying to connect the dots.
"Hmm… Dan wasn't kidnapped because Mika was in a hero group. He wasn't even first-choice if Zim's words are to be believed." Ryu mused. "But why are they so specific about having a student of Gouken? That is literally the only thing we have in common is…"
Then, his eyes widened in realisation.
"Lilly! I think I found the…" Ryu started.
"KAIRI!" (FEXL)
Ryu's eyes widened in horror.
"Um, why is this guy a Big Guy again? Sure, he was a boss in the Street Fighter EX days, but he is representing Fighting Ex Layer." Nine pointed out. "Aka where he is a basic Shotoclone."
The white-haired possessed martial artist looked up at the Announcer's Booth with a snarl, but immediately turned his attention back to the arena, having a target in mind. He raised his hands and that made him do an Akuma-like teleport down the ramp.
Once in, he made his way over to Ryu. "You know what I am here for so why even beat around the bush?"
The bearded man frowned. "Kairi, normally I would accept your challenge, but I am trying to tell something to my ally."
"The cryomancer staff-wielder?" The shirtless man asked, raising an eyebrow before looking to the side. "Something tells me that she would be too… Busy to listen to you regardless."
Ryu turned his head to see Lilly chasing after Zim riding on Polar. Or to be specific Zim riding on Polar backwards while screaming in fear and annoyance. Ryu blinked twice before sighing.
"SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG!"
Peach's eyes lit up as she looked up at the Sound Booth.
"Aka the poster boy for edgy OCs. All of those cringe 'original' characters like Coldsteel the Hedgehog." Nine said, sitting out her tongue in disgust. "And don't even get me started on his edgy music like this sappy love song that is playing."
She did a double-take upon realising what she just said.
"Wait, what…?"
(Near, far, wherever you are)
(I believe that the heart will go on)
(Once more, you open the door)
Everyone looked confused as they looked up at the Sound Booth as Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go on plays. Astaraoth and Aila looked at the black-furred hedgehog worried as he paced back and forth.
(Sound Booth)
"I can NOT go into the arena!" Shadow exclaimed.
"...I don't think it would make a difference if you drop out NOW." Astaroth said with an unseen frown.
"But I don't have to deal with… HIM!" Shadow argued. "He is going to want to go after him, thinking that it is mostly our fault we are in this mess!"
"Shadow, come on. I know this is… Overwhelming." Aila said before narrowing her eyes. "But if you quit, you-know-who will make things worse!"
"She is right, Shadow." Astaroth said. "You could get your revenge after the tournament."
"Yeah, but…" The hedgehog frowned.
Then, the Millennium Star floated over to the Sound Booth.
"Um, I do not know what is going on." The Millennium Star said before narrowing his eyes. "But you have to enter the arena NOW."
Shadow slumped his arms. "Ugh…"
(The Arena)
Finally, Shadow teleported in the arena using Chaos Control. Peach then walked over.
"Oh my Star Spirits! Well, well, well!" Peach said, sternly. "Not so confident now that you are in the same arena as me, huh?"
Shadow raised an eyebrow. "Someone is confident despite being in the arena for a while."
"You absolutely humiliated me!" Peach reminded. "If you just played SlimKirby's song, that would be bad enough, but you went out of your way to make my entrance memorable for all of the wrong reasons!"
"It is not our fault the remix for Peach's Birthday Cake is a bop." Shadow muttered with a shrug.
Peach growled. "Whatever. I don't care if I AM fatigued. I will NOT let you get away with throwing mud at my dignity.
"Well, you will never win, but you sure can try." Shadow said before getting into a stance. "Like you would be the worst thing to happen to me in this tournament."
"GUILE!" (SFAS)
"Ah, yes. The so-called 'American Dream' and the theme that 'Goes with Everything'. Yet he looks like a glorified mall copppppp…" Nine snarked before trailing off.
Standing outside of the entrance was the blonde American with his iconic hairstyle. However, he wasn't wearing his trademark green attire or his uniform from V, but a blue outfit. He also had on facial hair. He just looked at the Announcer's Booth with a smirk before making his way down the ramp as the crowd cheered.
Nine blinked twice. "How many Street Fighters are going to be sporting their 6 look?"
"Well, Ken should. Chun-Li and Juri would have as well if they didn't have early draws." Drake shrugged.
Back on the ramp, Guile let out a deep sigh. "So far, so good. Not only did I was able to avoid being roasted by that witch, but I was able to avoid being in the same section as Doctrine Dark. I know our history is no longer canon, but better safe than sorry."
With that, he stepped in and pulled his arms back.
"Sonic Boom!" Guile shouted, swinging them forward and sending his trademark energy disc. The projectile hits its target in the back of his head. This was the Pyro who was using their flamethrower to burn the snowflakes and stopped before turning their head.
"You may act like you've been in a war before, but you mostly just relied on weapons." Guile said, pointing a finger. "This may sound hypocritical, but you can't call yourself a mercenary if you don't know basic martial arts."
The Pyro paused for a moment. They then did an exaggerated martial arts pose. Guile blinked twice at this.
"...Okay, I never thought about it, but I am starting to wonder if this crazy act is just that. An act." Guile muttered.
(One… Two…)
(One, two, three, four!)
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… TWENTY-TWO!"
"KYOKO!" (River City Girls)
(We're gonna fight you)
(With all our might to)
(Bring back our boyfriends)
(We love them so)
(We'll take the world on)
(And sing this dope song)
(Don't mess with us)
(We're the River City Girls!)
The red-haired teenage girl jumped up happily and waved to the cheering crowd as the main theme to River City Girls played through the speakers.
"Feels kinda weird fighting without Misako." Kyoko lamented before dreamily holding her hands together. "And of course, Riki-poo! I just have to fight hard in their names. AND in the names of our new games coming out."
With that, she got ready to make her way down the ramp. Then, a record scratching noise could be heard.
(It took me five bars)
(Some thirty something plates)
(I saw her Mustang)
(And my eyes filled with rage)
Kyoko's eyes widened recognising the song.
(I brought my pistol)
(But I ain't some kinda fool)
(So I walked right in barehanded)
(She was on his arm while he was playing pool)
(Just like I used to do…)
By this time, the cheering crowd started to laugh while Kyoko breathed in and out with her face turning red with anger. She then glared up at the Sound Booth where Astaroth and Aila laughed as Miranda Lambert's Crazy Ex Girlfriend played.
"Aw, come on! The Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ending happened because it wasn't the TRUE ending!" Kyoko scolded.
"Yeah, EVENTUALLY." Aila countered.
Kyoko growled before stomping the ramp. Once in, she noticed Dedede laughing at her.
"Dang, even if it is just the two of them, these guys know how to make an entrance!" Dedede taunted.
"Hey, shut up before I dab on you!" Kyoko roared.
"Before you dab on…" Dedede said before laughing again. "Okay, WOW, you had a chance to pounce back and you completely ruined it!"
Kyoko growled before dabbing… While advancing forward with a rainbow aura. The dab hit Dedede in the chest which sent the penguin flying back into a cannon.
Dedede groaned before sitting up. "Ugh… No wonder people dislike dabbing. It is so dangerous."
"SPADA BELFORMA!" (ToAS)
"Ooh, another twin swordsman. Newsflash, the Tales node already has one and he is much more well-known than you!" Nine snarked. "What do YOU have? Being a literal sword in your past life? Oh, and I WISH I was exaggerating."
The green-haired twin swordsman growled at the witch before stomping down the ramp while carrying his swords while muttering underneath his breath. After stepping into the ring, he started to cast a spell, aiming at Gomamon.
"Lightning!" Spada shouted, making a bolt of electricity appear from the sky over Gomamon and struck him down.
The Digimon grunted in pain before looking around. "Alright, who did that!?"
"I did!" Spada smirked, getting Gomamon's attention.
"What was THAT for!? That was a cheap shot!" Gomamon scolded.
"Hey, you have a home-field advantage!" Spada retorted, pointing one of his swords. "I will take any and all cheap shots to take you down!"
Gomamon narrowed his eyes. "Alright. Let's see how confident you are now that I know what you are willing to pull."
(Dome; The Crowd)
As usual, the crowd was hyping over the tournament so far. Whether it was from arena changes, the fights or even the plot twists like Nine being a third host. Overall, everyone was having a great time.
One particular family was having a blast.
"Woah, this tournament is actually more pumping than the last one!" Penny Proud grinned.
"Hoo… You know it!" Suga Mama smiled while petting Puff. "These arena stages really make the fights more frantic."
"And yet somehow these fights are LESS chaotic than at the Tournament of Kikai." Trucy giggled while holding Bebe and Cece each with one arm.
"Tell me about it." Penny snarked, rolling her eyes.
"Even to this day, I still don't regret giving you my invitation, baby girl." Suga Mama smiled. "Though I AM a little jealous. I feel like I could go toe-to-to with them."
"I don't doubt that. You have the most experience seeing that you DID outlive each and every one of those fighters." Oscar smirked. He was then whacked in the head with his cane. "Ow!"
Penny and Trudy giggled at this.
"Um, Penny?"
The Proud Family turned to see Samus, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Veemon and Impmon approaching.
Penny's eyes lit up at this. "Oh, wow! Hey, y'all! Especially you Pikachu!"
"Especially you Pikachu, indeed!" Oscar grinned.
He then pulled out a bag before crouching down to Pikachu.
"Ever since Penny won the Tournament of Kikai, I knew that I had to make the mascot of my new line of snacks!" Oscar grinned. "Proud Champion Snacks! In Seven Different Flavours! It would have been eight, but we will cross that bridge when we get to it.…"
Everyone grunted in disgust. Pikachu especially put his hands on his mouth.
"I would rather kiss a Muk!" Pikachu said in disgust.
"This is made just for you!" Oscar offered. "It is ketchup-flavoured!"
Pikachu's ears perked up. "Did you say ketchup?"
Almost immediately, Jigglypuff slapped Pikachu around the back of his head, knocking him onto his face.
Veemon chuckled nervously. "Um, generous as your offer is, Mr. Proud, there are more serious things to worry about."
"More serious than tasty snacks!?" The father frowned.
"Tasty? I've seen more appetising treats in Jon Arbuckle's kitchen." Impmon snarked.
"Listen, could you do us a favour?" Samus asked. "Could you guys not go into the dome until further notice? But if you DO, could you please have someone else to do it or go with someone who could fight?"
The Proud Family looked confused and worried at this.
"Um, why?" Trudy asked, not liking where this was going.
Samus inhaled. "There is a villain group and they are kidnapping and brainwashing people who are close to the UVR winners."
The Proud Family gasped at this.
"That is why I am asking you all to be careful if you need to go into the dome." Samus said with an unseen frown. "There is a strong chance that they may kidnap you in an attempt to hurt Penny.
"Oh, I would love to see them do that!" Suga Mama growled, beating her cane into her palm.
"Suga Mama, please!" Samus pleaded. "I 100% understand your feelings but we can't afford anyone getting kidnapped."
"Like I would let them kidnap me!" The ageing woman pleaded.
"Suga Mama, please!" Penny pleaded, holding her grandmother's arm. "I know that this is messed up, but they are right! Besides, I have a promise to hold up!"
Impmon raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What promise?"
Penny turned towards the Digimon. "After the Tournament of Kikai ended, I was asked by Drake to see him in private."
"I think I remembered that as well." Pikachu admitted, putting his finger on his chin. "At first, I thought she was going to be invited to this tournament as a Mystery Fighter just like the last one, but if that is the case, she wouldn't be out in the open."
"I wonder what he has planned?" Jigglypuff asked.
"So yeah, I know as a champion I shouldn't be idle, but this is important to Tinyhammer and Drake." Penny frowned. "Sorry."
"It's fine." Samus offered. "Maybe next time you could join in."
"Tch. I still think that I should go over and give those villains a good whacking." Suga Mama scoffed.
"Incidentally, what IS the thing that you guys are waiting for?" Veemon asked.
"Oh, don't even bother. Penny has been shut about this ever since she got home." Suga Mama said, waving it off.
"I DID want to tell my family in private, but somehow my conversation with Drake got leaked." Penny winced. "At least they had the decency not to reveal anything, but still, better be safe than sorry."
"Yeah, I heard about that. I wonder…" Samus started. Then, she heard a beeping inside of her helmet. "Wait, hold on. I am getting a call."
She then put her finger to the side of her helmet.
"Hello? Yes, Geese?" Samus asked.
Her eyes then widened behind her helmet.
"WHAT!? Um, alright, we were just going to leave soon." Samus offered. "We will be right there!"
With that, she "hung up" with her group and the Proud Family looking in concern.
"Did something big happen?" Penny asked.
"And then some! Penny, are you sure that you do not want to join our group?" Samus asked.
The dark-skinned girl shook her head. "No. This is my first duty as an UVR champion to see this through."
"That's fine!" Samus offered before looking at the others. "Come on!"
The group nodded before they followed Samus out of the crowd with the Proud Family looking concerned.
"...So does this mean I won't be able to sell my Snacks?" Oscar asked.
Again, Suga Mama whacked him with her cane.
(Unknown Location)
Celica and Azusa looked in awe as they walked around in some kind of base.
"When do you think he will be back?" Azusa asked.
"I am not sure, Azusa." Celica frowned. "I just hope that it is before our ten minutes here is done."
"Same." The idol nodded.
"Girls, what are YOU doing here?"
Celica and Azusa's eyes widened before turning their heads to see a familiar figure walking towards them.
Celica blinked twice. "Um, we are staying put. Just like YOU asked, Leon."
The ex-champion of Galar tilted his head in confusion. "Then, how do I run into you? I was exploring everything that wasn't explored so I shouldn't have ran into you guys yet."
"Ara? That's peculiar." Azusa noted.
"Yeah, I don't get it either." Leon frowned. "Maybe this is one of those 'take the wrong path and you end up in an endless loop'."
"Incidentally, did you even find out which node we are in?" Celica asked.
Leon shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. Maybe I would if I was more familiar with everything, but it seemed vague to me."
"Hey, whatthematteryou!?"
The three's eyes widened before turning to the side to see someone stomping in. He was a green gecko wearing a deep red bedrobe. He did NOT look happy.
"What? You think that this is some kind of party!?" The gecko roared. "Without ME!?"
"Um, sorry." Celica frowned. "We were just looking around!"
"Oh, I do NOT recall giving out tours of the Gex CAVE!" The gecko scolded. "Especially since seeing that this is my SECRET base!"
Leon sighed before walking forward. "Look, buddy."
Then, the gecko named Gex spun around and whipped his tail into Leon's stomach. Celica and Azusa gasped as Leon crashed onto his back with the two women coming to help him.
"Do you think I am the type of gecko who would like being messed around with!?" Gex roared, rolling up his sleeves.. "Nah! It is ME who should be messing around with people!"
Leon winced as he held his stomach. "This is a huge misunderstanding. But if you are too riled up to talk."
With that, he got a Pokeball and threw it forward which released a flash of light. While startled, Gex got into a stance. And when the light cleared, a Pokemon appeared. It was a tall and extremely lanky blue lizard with a smug and confident face and posture.
Gex blinked twice before narrowing his eyes. "Oh, that is low. Breaking into the Gex Cave is one thing, but trying to take away my status as the smug super spy reptile?"
The lizard, Inteleon, just got into a stance with narrowed eyes.
"This isn't an usual battle, Inteleon and this is all a huge misunderstanding!" Leon said, getting up. "But we can't let him just take out his anger on us."
The Pokemon nodded his head before aiming his finger at Gex who just rolled his eyes.
"What? You are going to shoot me with your invisible gun?" Gex snarked.
(The Arena)
"BUNTARO KUNO!" (PI)
"Ooh, a Japanese delinquent, get me my autograph book." Nine snarked. "Seriously, they are all the same to me! Literally roar louder than me and they will run off with their tails behind their legs."
"What did you say, broad!?" The blonde delinquent growled, glaring up the Announcer's Booth. He then scoffed before stomping down the ramp with his hands in his pockets.
"Reiji isn't going to be here for a while." He lamented. "I hope that I could at least do well enough to make him proud of me!"
With that, he stepped into the ring. Once in, he made his way over to the fight between Spada and Gomamon before punching the former in the face, making him stagger back.
Spada recovered before glaring at the guilty party. "What the hell was THAT for!?"
"You didn't give this Digimon the proper respect he deserves!" Buntaro snapped.
Spada and Gomamon both paused at this.
"...Huh?" Spada asked.
"Yeah, the Digimon anime series is one of the most influential anime of all time and you keep treating him like he is just a simple pet!" Buntaro elaborated.
Gomamon blinked twice. "Um, thank you!"
Buntaro looked down at Gomamon with a big grin on his face. "No problem! I KNEW that I just HAD to double-team with a Digimon at least once! All of my fellow otakus are going to be so jealous!"
"So I am going against a stereotypical delinquent AND a stereotypical otaku?" Spada asked before smirking. "Heh. I don't mind being double-teamed! Not unlike the little guy who got much of a partner!"
Buntaro glared at Spada. "What did you say about anime!?"
"SYLVIE PAULA PAULA!" (KoFAS)
"LUCINA!" (SSB)
"Oh my god, my eyes! My beautiful eyes! What kind of bag of candy did you throw up to come up with that design!" Nine groaned. "And why is she appearing at the same time as Lucina? To distract everyone that she is the face of Fire Emblem Waifu Simulator?"
(PON PON Set it free)
(C'mon let the crazy show)
(Because if you don't)
(Life would be so dull, you know)
(Headphones at full blast)
(Rhythm's got me pumped at last)
(WAY WAY Open Road)
(Gotta make it on my own)
Fortunately for the blonde electromancer and the blue-haired swordswoman, they were so busy talking to each other to notice Nine's roast (and everyone's negative reactions to Sylvie's outfit).
"Oh, wow! That is an amazing outfit!" Lucina beamed with her eyes sparkling.
"Thanks!" Sylvie beamed. "Paula made it when she tried to be an idol, but that plan got scrapped and she didn't want it to go to waste!"
"I could see why. You would never find another dress like THAT." Lucina nodded. "Please, you GOTTA tell me your fashion tips!"
"Oh, sure, Paula can tell you!" Sylvie grinned. "I am not in XV so I have a lot of free time!" Sylvie nodded.
"I want to get an outfit for my entire family!" Lucina grinned.
With that, the two stepped into the ring as Sylvie started to give Lucina "fashion" advice while everyone looked in disbelief.
(Eliminated Seating)
Chrom looked on in horror as several people looked at him in sympathy.
"My condolences." Zetterburn frowned.
Chrom let out a deep sigh. "Thank you..."
(The Arena)
"ETALUS!" (RoA)
"Fun fact: In the April's Fools High School AU dating sim for Rivals of Aether, Etalus is actually a grown-ass undercover cop POSING as a student." Nine explained. "Also, if you date him, he will happily go to prom with a teenager, ditching his family. You can't make this guy up."
The large cryomancer polar bear winced at Nine's words. Of course, out of all of the "dateable" characters in that dating sim, he would get the less flattering one. Trying to shake his head to get it back into the game, he stepped into the ring with a mission.
Using the snow, he showed that he was deceptively fast for his size and he made his way towards the fight between Lilly and Zim & a still-unwilling Polar before roaring, getting their attention.
"How dare you use my fellow polar bear as a mount!?" Etalus roared. "I don't know what is going on between you two, but I will not forgive you for bringing this poor cub into your fight!"
Polar's eyes sparkled. "My hero…"
Etalus smiled. "Fear not, little one. I will show…"
Suddenly, Lilly climbed onto Etalus' back while using her staff as a type of rein.
"Alright, now only do I have a polar bear, but it seems like it is ME who has the advantage!" Lilly boasted.
Zim paused before letting out a laugh. "Don't make me laugh when you clearly failed to do so! If you did your research on Crash Bandicoot, you would know that the point of polar bear levels is to escape the giant polar bear! This will be no different!"
"But in case you didn't notice, there are no bottomless pits for this polar bear to fall down into!" Lilly retorted. "I will chase you as long as I can!"
"Very well! I will accept your feeble challenge!" Zim boasted. "Let the games begin!"
Etalus blinked twice before growling. "Um, excuse me, do I have a say in…"
Then, he looked into the cold look in Lilly's eyes and immediately shrank back. He then looked at Polar with an apologetic look.
"Um, don't worry. At least you are not doing anything out of your comfort zone." Etalus said.
Polar rolled his eyes. "My hero…"
"ASBEL LHANT!" (ToAS)
"Hey, boys, girls and potential non-binaries! Guess what the word of the section is here? That's right! It is 'Protect'! And to help us remember the word of the section, it is Asbel Lhant!" Nine said, sounding like a baby show announcer. "I will leave it to him to remind you every second!"
The white-clad Iaijutsu practitioner blinked twice. "...Okay, I KNOW she is making fun of me, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how!"
He then shrugged before making his way down the ramp before stepping in. Seeing that Spada was the only nodal companion in the ring, he immediately ran over to him, just in time to use his sheath and to block a claw slash from Gomamon.
"Hey, what was THAT for!?" Gomamon demanded.
"Forgive me, but I made a vow to protect my nodal companions." Asbel said, sternly.
"Oh, a hero, huh?" Buntaro sneered with his hands in his pockets. "Well, let me tell you something! You can't just say that you will protect something!"
"I realise that!" Asbel scolded. "I know how hard it is to actually protect somebody!"
"Wanting to protect someone is simple, but never easy. You have to make sure that you are strong enough to protect everyone." Gomamon nodded.
"Indeed. Trying to protect someone with strength is just arrogance." Asbel agreed.
"Will you dumbasses stop saying protect!?" Spada roared.
"KIM WU!" (KI)
"Not going to lie, Kim Wu's story in the Killer Instinct reboot sounds like the plot for a TV show aimed at older kids." Nine noted. "I mean fashion design student AND martial arts TEACHER? Her concept sounds like it was supposed to be for a scrapped pilot so the people behind the reboot reworked it into her."
The half-Chinese half-Korean redhead woman paid Nine no mind as she started to flail her nunchakus around and play to the crowd. After the crowd cheered for her, she smirked and nodded before making her way down the ramp.
"Gargos isn't in for a long time and for better or for worse, Eyedol isn't going to bother anyone anytime soon." She mused. She then narrowed her eyes. "Good. As much as I should be devoted to my missions, I still want to take time to do my own personal missions. However, while I consider myself pretty strong, I still need an ally."
She then stepped in the ring. However, instead of going to start a fight, she instead decided to wait for the next person to come out. Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long.
"YU NARUKAMI!" (P4A)
"Aka one of many Mary Sue protagonists. I understand that the protagonists are silent so the player could project themselves onto them, but at times they feel like power fantasy characters." Nine muttered before rolling her eyes. "Especially for having a gay option. Seriously, Atlus, I promise that you will make TWICE the amount of the money if you had that!"
(Now I face out, I hold out)
(I reach out to the truth of my life)
(Seeking to seize on the whole moment to now break away!)
(Oh God let me out, Can you let me out?)
(Can you set me free from this dark inner world?)
(Save me now last beat in the soul)
The silver-haired swordsman came out to an enormous cheer and the iconic battle theme "Reach Out For The Truth". He gave a small smile before waving to the crowd before making his way down the ramp while carrying his katana. Once he stepped in, Kim Wu immediately walked over.
"Hey, can I bother you with something?" Kim Wu asked.
Yu raised an eyebrow. "I assume that you want a fight?"
"Well, that wouldn't suck. But I have my own personal mission and I need a potential ally" Kim Wu admitted.
"Oh, and you think I am strong enough to be that ally?" Yu noted.
"Well, admittedly as long as you are not a villain, I am free to anyone who would help." Kim Wu shrugged. "Though you being the main protagonist of your node definitely helps."
"Well, I am never one to turn down one in need." Yu offered with a smile. "What do you want me to do?"
Kim Wu nodded her head before pointing at two particular people. Yu raised an eyebrow.
"Um, Sylvie and Lucina?" Yu asked.
"Yes, the former is trying to teach the latter how to dress like her." Kim Wu frowned. "Dude, as a fashion designer student, I refuse to let anyone think that kind of style is presentable. Help me separate those two."
Yu blinked twice. "Um, okay…?"
"I know that this is probably not as serious as you initially thought." Kim Wu admitted before narrowing her eyes. "But it is serious to ME."
(Dome; Restrooms)
Sub-Zero and Larcen Tyler groaned as they stood against a wall next to the women's restroom. Suddenly, screaming could be heard and a few seconds later, Scorpion was ejected from the restroom.
"And stay out, you pervert!" A female voice roared.
Scorpion quickly got up. "For the last time, I was looking for my jobber nodal companion!"
"Well, Frost isn't here so fuck off!" A second voice retorted.
"No, my MALE jobber…" Scorpion started before slumping his arms. "Ugh, never mind…"
"I WARNED you not to go in there." Sub-Zero scolded, crossing his arms.
"But there could be a chance that he would be in there!" Scorpion countered.
"Considering that the women didn't scream until YOU entered the restroom, I think there is a decent chance he could be in there." Larcen snarked.
"Don't be an idiot!" Scorpion scolded. "You know that Reptile could turn invisible!"
"Larcen is trying to turn the entire hotel and dome upside-down just to tear him a new one." Sub-Zero scolded. "Seriously, didn't you learn that revenge isn't everything!"
"This isn't about revenge! This is about the PRINCIPLE!" Scorpion scolded. "While Reptile's act wasn't the first disrespect towards my catchphrase, he PURPOSEFULLY disrespected it!""
"Okay, this is absolutely ridiculous." Sub-Zero said. "Yes, Scorpion, YOU came up with '"Get Over Here' but that doesn't mean it is yours."
"Well, it should be!" The yellow-clad man scolded.
With that, he stomped over. Sub-Zero and Larcen rolled their eyes before following him.
As they did so, they passed Oume and I-No were both looking stunned. Sub-Zero muttered an apology, but otherwise the three didn't pay them much mind.
"...I-No, do you mind…?" Oume asked.
"Are you kidding?" The guitarist said in disbelief.
She then smirked.
"I thought you would never ask."
Oume returned the smirk. "Splendid."
With that, the two went in opposite directions.
(Dome; Recovery Room)
"When do you think Ace will show up?" Carmelta asked as she, Gabe and Wave's investigation team made it to the Recovery Room.
"It should be a bit of time after the final fighter of the section is revealed so not too long from now." Nurse Joy answered.
"Perfect. Until then, let's get as many answers as we can." Wave nodded before turning to Wario. "Wario, you're up."
The yellow-and purple-clad man nodded before walking over to Rock, who was looking over Terry's prone body lying in bed.
"Um, Rock?" Wario asked.
The blond man looked down at the shorter man, annoyed. "What is it, Wario? In case you haven't seen it, I am not in the mood!"
"Yeah, about-a that…" Wario admitted, scratching the back of his head, genuinely looking like he was minding his words for once. "This IS about Terry."
Rock narrowed his eyes. "Oh?"
"Have… Terry been acting weird recently?" Wario asked.
Rock blinked twice. "Huh? Weird recently?"
"Like I heard from that Frenchwoman from-a your node that Terry has acted surprisingly serious about the garlic attack." Wario admitted.
"Um, yeah." Rock said, confused before realising something. "Wait, what are you trying to say?"
Wario winced. "Um, well…"
"Terry has the scent of garlic on his body." Jet piped up. "So it is natural that we think that he is involved somehow."
Rock's eyes bugged out as everyone looked horrified.
"Jet!" Wave scolded.
"Boss!" Storm gasped.
"What? He was going around in circles!" The green-feathered avian scolded.
Rock narrowed his eyes. "So you are saying that Terry is behind the garlic attack!?"
Wario winced. "Um, well, not at the end."
"What is THAT supposed to mean!?" Rock roared.
Mint Adenade frowned. "Mr. Howard, please… I know that this is a tense situation for you, but remember that this is the Recovery Room."
Rock inhaled for a moment before calming down and glaring back at Wario.
"You have one minute to explain what you meant." Rock said.
Wario sighed. "Okay, here-a the thing: I think Terry Bogard helped the people behind the garlic attack steal my garlic. Just-a to mess with me."
Rock blinked twice. "What? As some kind of prank?"
Wario gritted his teeth. "Yeah, that happened to me a lot after what happened at the Tournament of Kikai."
"I mean you DID make people go through a Big Guy Blocker." Carmelita said, matter-of-factly and everyone agreed.
Wario growled. "Anywayyyyyy, Terry was-a one of those pranksters. However, he clearly didn't want the prank to go far. So before going to the Ready Room, he confronted the culprits about-a it and… You know the rest?"
"Wait… If that is true, wouldn't that mean whoever Terry is close to him?" Carmelita asked, blinking twice.
"That's right." Rock said before gritting his teeth. "And if Wario is right for once, they betrayed his trust."
"...Was the-a for once really necessary?" Wario muttered. "But yeah, going back to my first question. Did Terry do anything suspicious?"
Rock paused before frowning. "Well, there was ONE red flag. It was a big one, but we wouldn't expect that it would escalate to THIS."
"Oh? What is it?" Gabe asked.
"Well, me, Terry and some of our other nodal companions banded together to put on a special electric collar from Mel." Rock explained.
"Um, why?" Wario asked, blinking twice.
"It is to put on Mai Shiranui and it is supposed to zap her whenever she starts ranting about Super Smash Bros." Rock said, matter-of-factly.
Everyone went "Ohhhh" at this before nodding in unison.
"Okey-doke. Continue." Wario nodded.
"That's just the thing." Rock frowned. "Terry just bailed on us saying that something came out and when we asked him about it, he was extremely vague."
"Yeah, after how she acted in the Okron Tournament and ESPECIALLY the Tournament of Kikai, I would put all of my time and effort in restraining Mai if I was her nodal companion." Carmelita said, shaking her head.
"Sorry, that is everything I could remember." Rock lamented.
"No, no, what you told me should be more than enough." Wave said, putting her hands on her hips.
"Oh! There IS one thing you could help us with!" Storm piped up.
Rock raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"We already established that the culprit behind the garlic is someone Terry trusts. Could you tell us all of the people that he knows?" Storm asked with a smile.
Everyone stopped what they were doing before looking at Storm in disbelief. The albatross shrank back.
"W-What?" Storm asked.
"Dude, we are talking about one of the most iconic fighting game protagonists outside of Ryu." Jet muttered.
Storm hung his head. "Oh…."
"He isn't exaggerating. I could only imagine how many crossovers he had."
Everyone turned their head to see Whip's group walking in.
"Oh, Whip, Kula?" Rock asked. "Are you here to pay your respects?"
"That and… I kinda have a confession to make." Whip winced.
Carmelita raised an eyebrow. "And what confession?"
Whip frowned before looking at Carmelita.
Suddenly, the Recovery Room started to fill up with pink gas, startling everyone.
"H-Hey, what's going on!" Kanji gasped.
"I do not know!" Wario gasped before sniffing it. "Ugh, whatever it is, it is too sweet just like…"
That was all he got out before everyone fell unconscious. Then, someone walked into the room. He was a brown-haired Asian man with sunglasses and dressed in blue mercenary gear. He was also wearing a gas mask.
"Heh, he was right. That perfume IS just like knockout gas." He sneered.
He then looked around at the Recovery Room. "It is a good thing that Ace was the first one eliminated, I wouldn't even know which cot he ended up on.
He then walked over to sit down in a seat.
Suddenly, his eyes bugged out before his shades before getting out a pistol and aiming it at one of the unconscious people. Except they weren't unconscious as they were also aiming a gun at them with a gas mask.
"Heh. That was a rookie mistake on my part." Gabe noted. "I thought for sure that you would be too wrapped up in your 'perfect victory' to notice me moving."
"Tch. How did you even manage to put on a gas mask in time?" The Asian man scoffed.
"Carmelita told me that her nodal companions, Murray and Dimitri got taken into a virtual world after inhaling knockout gas." Gabe explained. "Considering that was just a step into nearly engulfing the entire multiverse in despair. Now put down your weapon."
"Tch. Like I would back down to a boomer like YOU." The Asian man scoffed.
Gabe narrowed his eyes. "...Buddy, I have so much pent up anger, that you WILL find out and regret extremely soon."
(The Arena)
"FOX McCLOUD!" (SSB)
"And here we have the main protagonist from an underrated series that is brave, loyal and strong." Nine said. "Oh, but TheRunawayGuys made a running gag about his dead father in their StarFox 64 so that means we are not allowed to look beyond that. So let's lose our brain cells and laugh and point at the fatherless loser!"
The vulpine pilot blinked twice while slumping his arms. "...Should I considering myself grateful that he roasted the people who made those stupid jokes as much she roasted me?"
Deciding to slap his face a few times, he crouched down and stretched his arms a few times as the crowd cheered him on while the main theme from StarFox 64 played through the speakers. Once he was down, he ran down the ramp at breakneck speeds before leaping in with a second thought.
Once in, he ran over to the fight between Guile and the Pyro where the latter was about to swing their fire axe. Then, a blur zoomed past the Pyro and made them spin around like a top. Guile jumped as the Pyro continued to helplessly spin around before turning to see Fox standing up straight.
Guile's eyes lit up at this. "Ah, Fox! Long time no see!"
The pilot looked at Guile with a smile. "Indeed. What was it, all of the way in the SECOND Battle of the Luminaries since we fought each other."
"Yeah, I don't get why we didn' finished our fight." The soldier frowned. "We were so insistent and yet we gone after different opponents for some reason."
"Yeah, that was a thing in the pre-resurgence era of UVR spinoffs.." Fox sighed. "Well, I want to see if we would get lucky, but seeing that you more or less already have an opponent."
"Hey, I could use the help." Guile reassured.
They then turned their heads to see the Pyro swinging their axe dizzily as if they were in a Looney Tunes cartoon.
"...Though it is more help to my sanity rather than physical help." Guile muttered.
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… TWENTY-THREE!"
Normally, this would be the part where the Mystery Fighter's name is announced. However, instead their theme song played.
(Antauri!)
(Sprx!)
(Gibson!)
Suddenly, a yellow blur popped out of the Ready Room.
"NOVA!" (Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!)
(Otto!)
(Chiroooooo!)
The yellow robotic monkey excitedly pumped her fists into the air. Most of the crowd didn't cheer because they had no idea who she was. Fortunately, the people who did were screaming like mad.
(Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!)
(If you need a hero, that's the name you should know!)
(Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!)
(Come on with us, let's go!)
"Not feeling that love from the crowd." Nova lamented. She then brightened up. "But hey! At least we know that we still have SOME fans! And maybe have the chance to earn new ones!"
She then made her way down the ramp using her monkey athletic ability to get down quickly. Once into the ring, she made a beeline for DK
"Hey, big guy!" Nova said, cheerfully, getting his attention.
DK just blinked twice before looking down.
"Let's have a good old-fashioned primate fight!" Nova grinned.
DK paused for a moment before reaching down and putting up the scruff of her neck to lift her up. Needless to say, Nova was infuriated.
"Hey! How dare you!?" Nova roared.
She then grabbed DK's arm and much to everyone's surprise, slammed him onto his back.
"They don't just call me Nova because it sounds cool!" Nova pointed out, summoning fire around her fists and punching them together.
"SOIREE MEIRA!" (KoFAS)
"ACK!"
That was the shout of the teal-clad Capoeirista when a giant fireball came out of nowhere and nearly struck him and burned him alive. He then glared up at the Announcer's Booth where Drake and Ashley were looking in horror after Nine lowered her hand.
"What the hell was THAT!?" He roared.
"What? I am doing my schtick as the third host!" Nine smirked. "I am roasting you!"
"Oi, puns…" Hades from Disney's Hercules muttered in the crowd.
Then, Nine's face turned nasty.
"Real talk though. I heard what you are like with women." Nine said, darkly. "Look, you wanna be a womanising idiot, fine, whatever! But I BETTER not see you around my sister, got it!"
Soiree shrank back. "Y-Yes, ma'am."
With that, he sheepishly made his way down the ramp, not feeling that much confident. Once in, he used his hand as a visor and started to scan around the arena.
"Hmm… The only women that don't have boyfriends are Sylvie, Kim Wu and Ribbon Girl." Soiree noted. He then smirked. "Kim Wu would be a great choice and Sylvie probably isn't that bad once you get past her outfit and mannerisms, but there is one good choice for me!"
With that, he made his way over to Ribbon Girl.
"Hey, cutie! I saw your match against the mouse!" Soiree smirked. "Not everyday you have a literal song battle."
"I mean we WERE the ones to close off the section so we might as well go all in." Ribbon Girl shrugged.
"Well, how about I become a back-up dancer for you?" Soiree asked. "I am a Capoeirista so I am experienced with combat AND dancing?"
Ribbon Girl raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I saw a lot of back-up dancers come and go so it is just easy to say that."
"Fair enough." Soiree admitted before doing a flip. "How about I earn that privilege with a fight?"
Ribbon Girl paused before shrugging with a smile. "Sure, why not? Dancing IS just as important as singing after all."
"MIKLEO!" (ToAS)
"Okay, this is less of a roast of Mikleo himself so I'm more or less breaking my own rules, but I CAN'T keep quiet about this. Namco really went wishy-washy on who the main heroine of Zestiria was, didn't they?" Nine muttered. "First, it seemed like it would be Alisha. But then, you can't have her as your permanent partner and have Rose instead. THEN, the DLCs campaigns are about Alisha and Rose turned into a bitch! And don't even get me started about the anime! It is no wonder Drake and Ashley chose the 'gay' option!"
The light blue-haired water Seraph looked up at the Announcer's Booth with a flustered look on his face. "G-G-Gay option!?"
"Sorry, Mikleo, it is easier to go with you than to pinpoint who is the heroine of Zestiria between Alisha and Rose." Ashley shrugged. "Besides, I do not doubt that many people will care."
As if on cue, several yaoi fangirls started to cheer out loud. Mikleo's face turned beet red with embarrassment before sulking down the ramp while carrying his staff.
"...At least Edna isn't in the Eliminated Seating to see this." He muttered.
With that, he stepped into the ring. At first, he thought about helping Spada and Asbel, but when he saw the former getting frustrated with his own nodal companion, he decided to leave them and focus on Lemmy.
The rainbow-haired Koopa saw him coming over. "Hiya, mister!"
"Greetings." Mikleo nodded. "I saw how you managed to overwhelm my nodal companions. Flynn is one of the few Tales fighters who has gotten experienced with other nodes outside of these tournaments and Shionne, despite being new to the gaming world, is no pushover either."
"So I noticed because she DID eliminate King Dad." Lemmy shrugged. "Just because Mario has a perfect win-loss record against our family, that doesn't mean his wins are immediate."
(Hotel; Mario's Room)
Bowser Jr.'s eyes twitched. "And what is THAT supposed to mean?"
"I mean, to be-a fair, he IS right." Mario smirked, elbowing the prince in the side. "Just because I have a perfect record, that-a doesn't mean it is easy!"
Bowser Jr angrily flailed his arms at Mario like the immature child he was.
(The Arena)
"I thought that you were just playing around, but now I see that you are just playing the fool to make throw people's guards down." Mikleo said, sternly.
"I mean I DO love playing the fool, but I don't know what people's guards have to do with it." Lemmy said with a shrug.
Mikleo narrowed his eyes before pointing his staff at Lemmy. "You are a convincing actor, but I will not fall for your tricks."
Meanwhile, Asbel, Spada, Gomamon and Buntaro watched the whole thing with blinking eyes. The former frowned before he was about to walk over. He then felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning his head, he saw Spada looking at him with a solemn look while shaking his head. Asbel then looked at Gomamon and Buntaro for support, but they just did the same thing.
"NU-12!" (BB)
"Ah, yes, remember how this Murakumo Unit was unique in the very first Blazblue. Then, we have Lambda-11 and Mu-13." Nine muttered, rolling her eyes. "And while I will air my own complaints with THOSE two, I WILL give them credit that those two are more engaging than this little Yandere."
The white-haired silver-armoured android paid Nine's comment and the mixed reaction she was getting any mind. She then made her way down the ramp while scanning the arena.
"RAGNA THE BLOODEDGE HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. THEREFORE, THIS TOURNAMENT IS POINTLESS." Nu-12 said. "MISSION: DEMONSTRATED THE FUTILITY OF TOURNAMENT."
With that, she floated into the area. Setting her sights on Ryu and Kairi and seeing them as inferior in comparison to Ragna, she prepared to send out swords at her.
Suddenly, she was tackled to the ground. Looking up, she saw Mary climbing over her.
"So you like attacking people with cheap shots!" Mary said, narrowing her eyes.
"THERE ARE FIGHTING GAME PROTAGONISTS. AND THEY DISTRACTING ALL OF THE ATTENTION FROM RAGNA, THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS." Nu-12 explained. "THEREFORE, RYU AND KAIRI MUST BE REMOVED."
Mary blinked twice. "...Okay, I wasn't expecting to fight a powered-up version of an overused anime trope, but eh, I WAS looking for someone to take out my rage on so I shouldn't complain."
(You're here)
(There's nothing to fear)
(And I know that)
(My heart will go on…)
Drake, Ashley and Nine's eyes widened in horror. "OH NO!"
"OH NO!" All of the fighters that first appeared in this section gasped.
Shadow winced before looking up at the Sound Booth. Astaroth and Aila just shook their heads with apologetic looks on their faces. Shadow just lowered his head.
"Here comes with the snowstorm…" Shadow muttered.
"Oh crap… And now, the final fighter of this section… Ugh…"
"SHREK!" (SSS)
Nine blinked twice. "Um, okay, I actually had a lot of mini-rants to talk about Shrek. But that accursed Shadow X Shrek couple managed to top all of them…"
(We'll stay)
(Forever this way)
(You are safe in my heart)
(And my heart will go on and on)
Instead of enormous cheers, the crowd was either grunting in disgust and laughing in their seats. The normally-green-skinned ogre was now turning red in the face as he breathed in and out while looking around at the negative reactions. He then stomped down the ramp while looking at one particular fighter. Once in, he stomped over.
"What in the hell is THAT!?" Shrek demanded.
"Shrek, I swear, someone hacked the Sound Booth and changed both of our songs." Shadow insisted.
"So wait, are you saying that the reason that I am humiliated AND didn't play All-Star from Smash Mouth is because of you!" The ogre roared.
Shadow jumped. "What do you mean ME!?"
"If you and your fellow idiot friends weren't always messing around with people, we all wouldn't be in this mess!?" Shrek snapped.
"Hey, it is not my fault that everyone loves this!" Shadow retorted. "Seriously, Drake could have brought in a different Sound Booth team because he KNEW that there will be a fourth Megamix Tournament in the future!"
Shrek narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, he looked at Peach with a smile. "Pardon me, princess".
The pink-clad woman, who was standing like a deer standing in the headlight, jumped. "H-Huh?"
"Is it okay if I join you in beating down this dark-furred idiot?" Shrek asked.
"Um, sure, why not?" Peach shrugged.
Shrek cracked his knuckles together. "Perfect."
Shadow slumped his arms. "...I am SO going to get you for this."
(Unknown Location)
Sonic the Hedgehog gave a dark smirk while crossing his arms. Miles "Tails" Prower lowered his Miles Electric with closed eyes while Sash Lilac and Pinocchio looked horrified by what had happened.
"...I can't believe I let you talk us into this." Tails muttered, finally opening his eyes.
Sonic's smirk vanished before glaring at Tails. "Aw, come on! Shadow had it coming for YEARS!"
"Okay, maybe, but that is no reason to drag Shrek and by extension, EVERYONE'S sanity into this!" Tails scolded.
Sonic paused. "You know what… That is fair… But… What Shadow did was too much, even for him… It had to be done… Even at the expense of everyone."
"Okay, Mr. Extra." Tails snarked.
Okay, so it would take everyone to recover from… That. But they need to recover soon because not only they would be fighting in the cold, but also a circus.