Round 1: Ryu vs. Ken
Smash Mansion: Sunrise
The first few hours of the day had gone by in a blur for Quinn. Wake up, throw on fighting gear, eat yet another Power Pellet breakfast, and now, he was in line. Luckily, because he was placed among the veterans in line, the line seemed to be advancing at quite a steady pace. Unluckily, Greninja, his first-round opponent was in front of him. The ninja frog seemed indifferent to him but had rebuffed all of his attempts at small talk. That meant that he had two things to things to listen to as he idled about in the 100-person single-file line, the polite murmurs of people in front of him, and the entirely-too-loud conversation Sans and Palutena were having with just one person, the stoic Altair in between them. Quinn had thought about interjecting, but participating in a conversation meant knowing what they were talking about, which Quinn could not attest to. Sans had begun the conversation with, "Hey, wanna break the fourth wall for a bit?"
Thus had begun a barrage of names, places, and inside jokes, Quinn had no context for. The fact that Altair hadn't stabbed either of them with a hidden blade was shocking, and, as an intrusive thought of Quinn's dictated, unwelcome at this point. Luckily, before he knew it, Greninja was next to enter the conference room that they were all queuing up to enter. As the Pokemon entered, Quinn tried to focus, and listen to what was being said. But, between the heavy door and Greninja's thick accent, everything was rhubarb. Quinn sighed defeatedly, leaning back slightly and crossing his arms.
"You worry too much Marmaduke," growled Altair.
Quinn blinked. Occasionally Altair would blindside him with these quips in a harsh tone. The tricky thing for Quinn to parse was the fact that he spoke in the same way to Sans, who deeply annoyed him. So, while Quinn thought he knew what Altair and the absence of these things in his own behavior meant the harshness was meant to be in a mentor/student kind of way, what if he had done something to annoy the assassin.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I speak of that nonsense," Altair spat, "You take an inordinately long time to answer people because you're at war with yourself, and what others think of you. It affects your life, and it affects your training."
Quinn turned to face his roommate, "I mean, on the life thing I get it, but you act like my kickboxing school ass could deal with a trained assassin. Hence all your wins in training."
"No," snapped the assassin with a pitying shake of his head, "When I unsheathe my hidden blade or when I grab an opponent and throw them to the ground, I do not think. I just rely on muscle memory. Your technique betrays that you have such skill."
Quinn gave Altair a knowing nod just as the door opened. Standing before him was a pale skinned brunette wearing red glasses, a green jacket over a neatly pressed white cardigan, and a black pencil skirt.
"Hi, I'm Nikki," she said, her voice wavering out of what Quinn guessed was anxiety,
"Hi, I'm Quinn."
"I know, you were next on my list,"
"Oh right," Quinn said, extending his hand.
Nikki limply shook it, gesturing him inside. Quinn complied, shutting the conference r room door behind him. A high-end camera was set up in front of a lone office chair. Nikki's laptop sat on a desk behind the camera. In one corner of the room was an area set aside for a green screen. As Quinn took all of this in, Nikki sprung into a well-rehearsed speech, "I'm the art and media person for the tournament, so I'll be handling all of the video packages and things that happen before your match. Before we do the interview though I'll need to know what your special moves are. Obviously, what gets "over" in your moveset will expand as you advance, but it's helpful for me to know what your go-to moves will be for promotional purposes."
"I understand. So it'll be Exploding Side Kick, Suplex, Soaring Axe Kick, and…I guess Counter Throw?"
Nikki raised an eyebrow, "Interesting. Would've thought you'd go with Hart's Head on Assault, to complete the quadlet you know?"
"Nah, I've learned jumps aren't my thing, and while you can't exactly eliminate that option in Smash, you can minimize it at least."
Nikki nodded eagerly, "I see. Now if you'll just let me get set up."
Skipping over to the camera and tinkering with its functions, Quinn found himself antsy for no reason.
"So uh…what next?"
"Well," Nikki began, "We don't need to do much green screening because I know how everything'll look approximately, all we have to do is match card VTRs."
"V-T-What now?" Quinn blubbered.
"Just a three-second clip of you posing for people to see on the big versus graphic, you know?"
"Okay….so can I just do my normal fighting stance,"
Nikki shrugged, "If that's what you feel like. Ready?"
"Yep!"
Quinn got into his stance, putting his fists up, and flashing a big smile. Nikki clicked a button, Quinn stood still for what seemed like an eternity, before Nikki clicked that same button, "Great!" she said, "Now, interview time!"
"Quinn relaxed his posture, "Is this gonna be like a hard-hitting interview or?"
"No!" Nikki barked, with a giggle and a shake of the head, "Gonna ask your name, where you're from, who you're looking forward to facing the most, and a sentence summary of what you think about Greninja, you're opponent."
Quinn nodded, "I can do that."
"Great," Nikki said as her eyes suddenly widened, "Oh, before I forget, I'm assuming you're going with Wuhu island as your coin flip stage right?"
"I mean…yeah?"
"Okay cool," Nikki said, keying something into her laptop quickly, and then turning back to the camera, "Okay so, we start the interview in, three, two one."
Smash Stadium
There are two types of people in this world, those who sit and listen, and those who talk and learn nothing.
Ryu pondered one of Gouken's favorite sayings as he sat cross-legged on the floor of the Smashers-only viewing auditorium, similar in design to the ones in the training rooms. Often used to admonish Ken when he acted foolishly during training, it was something that Ryu had agreed with until he and Ken were no under Gouken's care. Since then, Ken had become Ryu's quasi-agent in addition to his most frequent opponent. Ken's gift of gab had been Ryu's pass into a great number of tournaments, as well as what allowed Ken to manage Ryu's considerable wealth from tournament victories.
But that was the past. Now, Ryu closed his eyes, mentally reviewing every kick he'd ever thrown and received in the arena of battle with Ken, while Ken made nice with some of the royals. Ryu's brow furrowed. He briefly wondered if Ken's aloofness was something it would benefit him to replicate.
We'll find out today, Ryu concluded.
"Alright, so we go live in a about a minute," Shulk was saying, "The way this'll work is that both competitor's vignettes will play on the big screen, then cameras will film ya going down tunnel one, the door we came in, or tunnel two, the door on the opposite wall. Then we'll present ya on the Smash Stadium stage for the coin flip. If you win the coin flip, you'll get teleported to the stage you chose with Nikki, then the match begins. Any questions?"
A murmur of 'no' from the Smashers and auxiliary alike came over the room, and Shulk nodded, "Alright, 30 seconds, Ryu, Ken, wait for your cue."
The next few seconds were sat in silence, listening to the crowd count down the last ten seconds, and then...
"SUUUUUPER SMAAAASH BROTTTHERS!" bellowed the regal yet bombastic pre-recorded voice of Master Hand.
The beat of drumsticks against symbols could be heard, then a raucous electric guitar.
The race is running a pace that's quicker
The clocks tick ticking against
The world keeps turning
This house is on fire
Won't catch me sleepwalking again
"MARIO BESTS LINK TO WIN THE FIRST SMASH BROTHERS CHAMPIONSHIP! HE IS THE CHAMPION OF THE 12!" once again bellowed Master Hand's pre-recorded voice, as Mario stood on the first incarnation of Final Destination, hands in the air.
"Ah, the first tournament, good times," wistfully sighed Yoshi.
"For you maybe," grumbled Link, accompanied by a pocket of laughter.
Running
Said I'm running
I'm running
I'm coming at you running
Running
Said I'm running against
" "Welcome to the second Super Smash Brothers tournament, Melee! This is the first tournament with a live attendance, and we thank everyone for coming!" barked Master Hand's prerecorded voice.
Running
Said I'm running
I'm running
"What an occurrence folks! I'm being informed that all four semi-finalists are newcomers!" the voice of Cranky Kong barked
I'm coming at you running
Running
Said I'm running against
"ROY WINS! THE ROOKIE LORD ROY HAS BEAT MISTER GAME AND WATCH TO BECOME THE CHAMPION OF MELEE!" screamed the archived voice of the old monkey, as Roy stood in the middle of Melee's Final Destination, sword raised triumphantly into the air.
Awake and running the distance quicker
This road is nearing the end
The wheels keep turning
This heart is on fire
I'm burning up high speed when I win
"WELCOME TO BRAWL!" 9-Volt's voice shrieked as the TV showed footage of Brawl's Smash Stadium enshrined in that tournament's smash logo's as fireworks erupted.
As it had with the other tournaments, it played a mishmash of memorable moments from the tournament, before stopping on Kirby, wrestling belt hoisted into the air, while Mario, the tournament's runner-up applauded beside him.
"KIRBY'S THE CHAMP-" shouted Cranky, but was cut off by TV static.
Several Smash cuts played next, of various guerrilla-style shots of the exploits of the heroes during the subspace emissary played, ending with the defeat of Tabuu and all of the Brawl participants standing on a cliff observing the sunset.
"Who got that footage?" asked Pit from the very front of the room.
"One, now very famous Lakitu," Mario, who was standing amongst the administration team, said, "Same guy that chronicled my adventure in Peach's Castle."
Heroic music had begun to play as the camera swept over the Brawl participants. Suddenly, the camera cut to black.
"My name is Cloud Strife, and quite frankly, I'm the best fighter here," rang out Cloud's voice.
A fast, loud, electric guitar played, followed by the scream of a metal band's frontman.
All I've ever wanted was destiny to be fulfilled
It is in my hands, I must not fail, I must not fail
The footage on-screen briefly clicked to a graphic with Cloud on one side, Link on the other, with the text, "Cloud vs. Link, Duel Tournament, Round 1," splayed across it.
"AND CLOUD STRIFE, SWEEPS LINK THREE STOCKS TO NOTHING IN CONVINCING FASHION!" Cranky explained over the footage of Cloud, standing on the courtyard of Smash Mansion, Buster Sword slung lazily over his shoulder. The next piece of footage showed Rita running up to Cloud asking him about his victory. Cloud, sour-faced, held up a single finger mouthing, "That's one,"
Even through the darkest days
This fire burns always
This fire burns always
The next graphic "Cloud vs Corrin, Duel Tournament, Round 2" then appeared The footage cut to Corrin landing a counter on Cloud, netting her the stock, "But Cloud's pissed," Cranky exposited as the footage jump-cut between Corrin's third, second, and last stock, all in rapid succession.
Again, Cloud's lazy sword spin, Blocking an interview, this time with two fingers, and "That's two" mouthed to the camera.
This is the proving ground
Misery begins to rise
Turn away from yesterday
Tomorrow's in my eyes
Another Duel tournament graphic, this time displaying Cloud and Marth's third-round bout
"Cloud reads the counter, that's what got him last time, but oooh the Dancing Blade is faster than Triple Slash and Marth takes the first stock!" 9-Volt cried
Cloud reappeared on the hovering platform, slashing downward at Marth, then hitting Cross-Slash, then Triple Slash, netting him the stock.
"CROSS SLASH INTO TRIPLE SLASH! WHAT TECHNIQUE!" exclaimed Cranky.
The music looped as Cloud and Marth's duel jump-cut between the two clashing swords, finally settling on the last blow of the match.
"And Cloud's shield is broken! Are we about to see Shield Breaker? The comeback story will cont- NO! CLOUD RECOVERS AND DODGES AT THE LAST MOMENT! FINISHING TOUCH! GOODBYE! CLOUD PULLS THE VICTORY OUT OF NOWHERE!"
A cut to Round 4, showing various highlights of Hart Bromeister, often with his signature goofy grin on his face as he demolished more and more opponents. After a hard-fought win on Samus, the camera showed Cloud watching the win on a television monitor.
The graphic then showed a "Cloud vs Hart" screen, indicating the semi-finals of the tournament.
"What do you think of this match Cranky?" asked 9-Volt as Cloud and Hart made their entrances.
"Well, we certainly know who Master Hand wants to win,"
"Hey!" snapped 9-Volt, "Cloud's been a poor sportsman, and…"
"I would keep your mouth shut if you want your job at the end of this young'un," Cranky growled.
The footage jumpcut to Cloud winning 3 stocks to 1. The loop of the song's guitar solo cut to the next part of the song.
Nevermore to be held down
By the waves against me
Nevermore to be cast aside
This day is mine
Next cut to Robin, sitting in a blank room, his black robe's hood up his posture slouched, "Cloud, I don't know where I stand on your drama with Master Hand. All I know is that I promised my wife and my father and law that I would win this tournament. I owe to my family and fans to prove that I am the best.
The camera cut to Robin and Cloud on the Duel tournament's Final Destination.
3, 2, 1
The commentary was muted as the music continued to play.
Even through the darkest days
This fire burns always
This fire burns always
Robin hits Thoron for the KO. 5 stocks to 4.
Robin hits Nosferatu, leaps back, and hits Thoron, 5 stocks to 3
Cloud catches Robin off guard with a Finishing Touch, 4, stocks to three.
Cloud flip kicks Robin into the air, and meteor stocks him into the blast zone, twice in a row to the delight of the crowd. Tied a 3 stocks
Robin hits Fire, following it up with a Thoron deep into the third stock. Robin leads at 3 stocks to Clouds Two.
Cloud jumps back to avoid Nosferatu, follows up with a Triple Slash, Robin, who'd done nothing but take damage for his third stock, was down to 2 stocks.
Two Cross Slash into Limit Broken Cross-Slashes spelled Robin's end two stocks in a row.
"CLOUD WINS! CLOUD WINS THE DUEL TOURNAMENT," Cranky and 9-Volt shouted together.
I will not be denied in this final hour
I will not be denied, this day is mine
Master Hand appears next to Cloud as the confetti falls, Cloud doing his now multiversally famous sword spin victory pose. Extending his Hand, Master Hand let out a sickly, "I'm sorry, Champ," Cloud shook it, and some muffled, sobbing promises by Master Hand could be heard on camera… before the abrupt cut to news sources all over the multiverse, reporting on the death of Master Hand, the career-ending injury to the Duel Tournament's Mii Swordfighter, the Monster Hunter, and the loss of Hart Bromeister's eye in the ensuing conflict. A grim, serious Toad popped up at the end of the montage, asking, "Will there ever be a Smash tournament again?"
Five sections of the screen were devoted to the screen of each Smash Champion holding up their belt, where the announcer from the opening ceremonies bellowed, "And now these champions will put up their grand titles against 90 other challengers new and old!"
A montage of some of the new fighters in training followed this up, with the words, "Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, everyone is here!"
A bellow of cheers erupted both in the general seating of Smash Stadium, and in the Smashers-only waiting area, mostly from the newcomers featured in the montage. Fireworks erupted again from the stadium, a sweeping shot of the massive crowd.
"In my old age, you ain't glad for much, but by crikey am I glad to be here. For the fourth time, I am Cranky Kong, with my partner 9-Volt, and we welcome you to another Smash Brothers tournament," Cranky's voice echoed through the arena, the camera now on him and 9-Volt.
"Man, when I got the call that Smash Bros was still on, I nearly leaped for joy. 100 of the multiverse's greatest fighters, one tournament to prove, once and for all. What a match we have to start us up!" 9-Volt's voice squeaked
"Right you are, but first we have to thank Day of Fire for letting us use "Run" as Smash Ultimate's theme song, and Killswitch Engage for letting us use "This Fire Burns" for the video package."
"Ugh, I hate that legal mumbo jumbo, can we talk about the first match now?" whined 9-Volt.
"Luckily for your rotten millennial butt, that's the next thing on our agenda!" snapped Cranky.
"Hey!" 9-Volt snapped back.
The camera cut away from the announcers to the match graphic. Both the combatants, Ryu and Ken, had both opted to stay in their fighting stance for the five-second long gif of them.
"Our first match is Ryu vs Ken from the Street Fighter Universe. This is far from the first time they've fought in their own world, but this one is for the highest stakes!"
The camera switched from the announcers to a static shot of Ryu, with text underneath indicated it was recorded earlier today.
"Um, yes, my name is Ryu, and this is my second tournament. I fought Little Mac, who's style I was used to, and then Megaman, who I've fought before."
As footage from the Duel Tournament of Ryu besting those two, and victory posing, the scene was back on Ryu in the interview room, his brow furrowed, "But then…Bayonetta,"
After a highlight real of Bayonetta countering Ryu's best moves with her parry ability and Witch Time played. Ryu's furrowed face took center stage again, "She was unlike anything I'd fought before. But I've been thinking about some of my more supernatural opponents lately, and such nonsense will not catch me off guard again."
Another jumpcut, this time to Ryu pondering, "What do I think of Ken?" said the man in the white gi, "He is as close I've had to a brother, and definitely who I consider to be my most equal in skills. In terms of tournament wins, he is ahead of me. I won the first tournament,"
A still picture of Ryu holding two trophies, one with the with the phrase, "Street Fighter Alpha Series: 1988 " written on it tucked gingerly under his left arm, another baring the phrase "Fighting Street Championship: 1987" appeared before going back to Ryu.
"He won the third World Warrior series of tournaments, the one he proposed to Eliza at"
A still picture of Ken with the words, "Street Fighter: World Warrior Series. 1991"
"He won a tournament in the fourth incarnation of Street Fighter, and I won one in the fifth."
Two pictures, one of Ken holding a trophy stating Street Fighter: EX Series" 1992, and Ryu holding one that said "Street Fighter, Ultra Series , 1994"
"With Shadaloo gone, a tournament didn't happen until they resurfaced in 1995, which Chun-Li won, finally fulfilling her dream of eliminating Shadaloo once and for all. However, Ken was able to win the "Third Strike" series of tournaments, headed by the organization called the Illuminaughti "
A picture of Ken proudly holding a trophy bearing the same name appeared.
"Wait, wouldn't that mean you're tied? Three each?"
Suddenly, after staying on Ryu's ultra-serious yet pondering face for several sections, Ken appeared on-screen his legs crossed as he sat, "Ryu's still as good as ever, it's just that being a drifter ain't as good for fights as it used to be. Me? I've been training in MMA gyms, like normal people, so I'm as confident as ever I can win."
Suddenly, after staying on Ryu's ultra-serious face for several sections, Ken appeared on-screen his legs crossed as he sat, "Ryu's still as good as ever, it's just that being a drifter ain't as good for fights as it used to be. Me? I've been training in MMA gyms, like normal people, so I'm as confident as ever I can win."
"As a newcomer to the tournament, are you looking forward to fighting anyone, intimidated, by anyone?" asked Nikki from behind the camera.
"Always good to fight my main man Terry," Ken said, flashing a pearly white smile, "Now, I don't intimidate easily. I've fought the same superheroes and gods that Ryu has. I guess that Sephiroth guy is the closest anyone here's gotten me too scared. That and the plant. I don't think I've ever fought an animal before."
As Piranha Plant chirped with childlike glee, the interview continued, "But I'll put that all aside if it means getting one up on Ryu."
Again, the screen flipped to the Ken vs Ryu match graphic. Meanwhile, in the Smashers-only section, Shulk spoke up, "Okay, you're up to Tunnel A Ken, and you're in Tunnel B Ryu," both men nodded, and headed down the ramp, camera drones following them on the walk down.
"What do ya think about this match Cranky?" asked 9-Volt, his voice playing over a picture in picture, one half dedicated to Ryu's jog down the tunnel, and one half to Ken's.
"Eh, Ken reminds me too much of my son to think he'll ever have a chance,"
"Cranky…" gasped 9-Volt, but Cranky continued,
"No, he's a man of the 90s, too much into his stuff and smiling like a big surfer boy idiot."
"Save the opinion pieces for Futaba Cranky," 9-Volt chuckled uncomfortably.
"Oh right. Futaba, what do you think?" Cranky asked Ken.
The camera cut to Futaba in a separate commentator's booth in the Smash Mansion, "Let's go Justin!" cheered Futaba, "Ken's got the crazy kicks, the powerful grabs, and not to mention the Shinryuken, so it's his to lose."
"Thanks, Futaba," said 9-Volt, the camera now back on him and Cranky, "And now, let's head down for the coin toss and start of the tournament."
Ken and Ryu both made their entrances to the theme song of the second Street Fighter Tournament. Ryu jogging to center stage, not taking his eyes off of Ken, who made his entrance posing and grinning. Ryu both stood in the center stage now, with a Wire Frame dressed as a referee holding a coin.
"Creatures of all kinds," began the referee, The following contest is match number one of the Smash Ultimate Tournament! The winner of this bout will face either Bowser Juniors and/or the Koopalings, or Otis and Mikey, the Duck Hunt Duo, in the next round. Introducing the man to my left, from the Street Fighter Universe, The Fire Breathing Fist, Ken Masters!"
Ken flashed a thumbs-up as the crowd cheered, female cheers drowning out the deeper voices.
"Introducing the man to my right, The Eternal Wanderer, Ryu!" boomed the voice of the referee.
Ryu raised his fist into the air, to the cheers of mostly men.
"If Ryu wins the coin toss, the stage will be Omega Suzaku Castle. If Ken wins it'll be regular Suzaku Castle. Call it gentlemen."
"Heads," barked Ryu.
The Wire Frame flipped the coin, examining it as flipped one final time to rest on the ground, "Heads!" the referee said to cheers, "Stage will be Omega Suzaku Castle, two stocks, all items on. Gentlemen, are you ready?"
Both World Warriors nodded, disappearing.
Rules: 2 Stocks: Items: All Low
Stage: Suzaku Castle
Music Ryu's Theme (Street Fighter 3rd Strike Ver)
The big screen in Smash Stadium and the small TV in the Smasher Box section showed Suzaku Castle. Both men made their entrances, simply walking onto the two-dimensional plane, striking their fighting stances.
"3.
2.
1.
GO!"
Ryu and Ken met in the middle of the stage, Ryu extended a fist, "You ready?"
Ken bumped the fist, "You know it, bring it on big man!"
There was a beat of stillness between the two friends, and then…
"HADOUKEN!" they screamed simultaneously
Balls of fire erupted from the two men's palms, sizzling out as they connected.
"WOW! They tried to catch each other off guard, but they knew what each other were thinking!" remarked 9-Volt.
"That's what happens when you train with somebody like that!" Cranky added.
The two men traded ducking the other's punches first, then stepping back to avoid half-hearted kicks. Ryu attempted his signature "Kidney Breaker" punch, to which Ken took to the air, to dodge, Ryu doing the same on Ken's next blow. This was the pace set for the next few exchanges before each man stepped backward.
"TATSUMAKI SENPUKYAKU!" both men shouted.
As both men completed their impossible helicopter kicks, nearing each other, both men went for Shoryukens, both sent into the air having connected with nothing.
"Both men with the same fake-out! Incredible!" shouted 9-Volt Ryu jumped to avoid Ken sweep, scooting backward to avoid a series of Ken's kicks.
"HADOUKEN!" he shouted.
Ken parried the blow with no effort, reflecting his chi into the air as Gouken had taught them both. Ken wordlessly fired off a Hadoken of his own, Ken wordlessly parrying it as well. By the time he had, Ryu was in the air and in range for a downward punch. Ken parried that as well. Ryu spent the next several seconds alternating between punches and kicks, only to have them parried as well.
"To parry something, you have to know exactly when a move hits, then expand your chi outward in order to block it. To parry with such consistency is emblematic of how well Ken knows Ryu," explained Cranky
"Yeah!" agreed 9-Volt, "You pretty much have to know when your opponent's muscles will fire, and how!"
Both men took to the air, parrying each other's punches and kicks as they fell. Both men tried for a Tatsu only to hit nothing as their duel Shoryukens had earlier. Ken cockily tried another, but Ken managed to parry all of it. Ken tried for another Tatsu but missed it. However, Ken couldn't help but notice that Ryu's uppercut, meant to counter the move, had missed too, by mere inches, and the stern Japanese fighter was open. Ken landed, and lunched, volleying with a hypnotizing dance between punches and kicks as Ryu recoiled. In the midst of it, a Final Smash had appeared between the two, Shoryu into Tatsu into another Shoryu, and Ken had the Final Smash, and used it just as the last Shoryuken uppercut connected.
"SHINRYUKEN!" cried Ken.
Both men descended the entire way up the fire pillar, both men descending, Ken landing briskly on his feet, Ryu landing on his belly.
"Huh, that didn't knock ya out?" balked Ken, "If you insist on sticking around, you're gonna need to get serious buddy!" balked Ken, complete with his 'come hither' gesture.
Ryu sprang to his feet, teeth gritted. Ken threw out another Hadoken, Ryu parrying it, but Ryu was able to leap over an ax kick by Ken at the last moment. Ken was open now, and now it was Ryu instinctually swapping between punches and kicks. Instinctively, Ken threw up his shield. An orange Hakoken appeared from Ryu's hands this time, cutting the shield down to about 1/3rd, Ryu rapid-firing Hadokens to break the shield now. Ryu managed to land a few hits, including a Kidney Breaker and a thrust kick, then landing two back to back Shoryukens as Ken was knocking into the air and tumbled back down. Ryu went for the third Shoryuken too early, and Ken was back on his feet in his ready stance. Punches, Kicks, Tatsus, and Shoryukens were all thrown by both men, and all were parried, Another Final Smash appeared the two deadlocked martial artists, this time Ryu getting the better.
Ryu shoved Ken away. As his friend staggered, Ryu cocked back.
"SHINKU HADOUKEN!"
Ken stood ready to parry the big fireball but found himself immediately consumed by it and sent to the blast zone.
Ryu: 2
Ken: 1
Smashers Box
The 98 remaining Smashers, plus the auxiliary smashers, were abuzz with shock at the exchange they'd just seen, "THEY-A HAVE-A AIR PARRIES-A? YOU CAN-A DO-THAT?" bellowed Wario.
Mewtwo chuckled, "You never couldn't, you oaf. Your techniques are only limited by your imagination."
"I'LL-A IMAGINE 151 WAYS TO KICK YOUR KANTO ASS YOU LITTLE!" Wario said, Dedede and Ganondorf not even breaking their conversation to hold the tiny round man by the arms as he kicked, screamed, and grunted.
"Hmmm, air parries? Think that's something we oughta train for next session Nana?" asked Popo.
"Most certainly," Nana dryly agreed, her eyes not leaving the TV screen.
Suzaku Castle Stage
Ryu watched Ken get off the revival platform, that oh-so-famous come-hither gesture beckoning him onward. A Hadoken broke the truce, which Ken parried. The two leaped into the air, meeting each other in the middle and parrying their adversary's punches and kicks as they gentle floated back down. The two jumped into the air, the same results with a flurry of punches and kicks.
"This is merely a game of chess and they're trying to find the first open move," Cranky explained to the audience.
The two traded punches, parrying each. They leaped into the air again, and yet again their flurries were parried by their opponents. A simultaneous Shoryuken connected with both their jaws. Ken crumbling to the ground, while Ryu was launched away, but found his way back with a well-timed double jump, Tatsu, and Shoryu. Ken, meanwhile, just watched a bemused smirk on his bruised face. Simultaneous Hadokens once again fizzled out. The two jumped into the air, only to collide in mid-air and land on the ground on their backs. Both men scrambled up. Ken attempted to sweep Ryu, but he jumped. Ken attempted to respond with a Tatsu, but every connection the move made with Ryu's guard was parried. As were the next ten blows. Knees, kicks, punches, Shoryukens, none breached the impenetrable fortress that was Ryu's guard. A simultaneous kick to the jaw created a separation between the two. Ryu fired a Hadoken, but Ken jumped over it easily. However, Ken overshot the jump and turned right into a rolling throw from Ryu.
"And Ryu hits the first throw!" cheered 9-Volt, "Wasn't expecting that!"
"Neither was Ken, by the looks of it," Cranky quipped.
Ryu fired a Hadoken, but Ken stayed down, only getting up when the Hadoken flew past him.
"Brilliant bait by Ken!" Cranky cheered.
Again, the two ran, jumping into the air. This time, a simultaneous punch knocked them asunder, Ryu once again finding his way to the stage.
"Huh, Ken isn't fighting as aggressively as I would've thought," 9-Volt thought aloud.
"If he tidies up the stock deficit, we may say it," offered Cranky.
Going back to the center, Ken and Ryu traded parried blows, Ken opting for kicks, and Ryu opting for punches. Ken suddenly latched onto Ryu's gi, rolling forward and sending him backward.
"THERE IT IS! THE HELL WHEEL!" announced 9-Volt.
"You just wanted to say 'hell" on commentary didn't you, you foul-mouthed whippersnapper?"
"Hey! We all have our wants and needs!" barked 9-Volt, sounding downcast.
Again, Ryu and Ken fired Hadokens from across the stage at one another, colliding and dissipating as this song and dance had always done. Ryu fired another Hadoken, Ken jumping over it. Ken unleashed with punches and kicks, only for Ryu to parry. This time, the flow was given up by a simultaneous kick to the shin. As Ryu's damage was higher, he flew back further. Ryu used the opportunity to use a Hadoken. However, Ken was on the move, dodging it, and catching Ryu in a Shoryuken, and another, and another. More parried blows. A second simultaneous kick to the shins and a simultaneous hook to the face broke the momentum.
"Neither man will give up momentum, but the gas tank is emptying," Cranky warned the audience.
Both men cocked their fists back, both going for a Shoryuken, but Ken was faster, finally knocking Ryu into the upper blast zone!
Ryu: 1
Ken: 1
"Now that the stocks are even, what will we see?" pondered Cranky, "Are they going to keep up the parry party, or are they going to use the items that they've been ignoring all fight?"
Now it was Ryu's turn to jump off the revival platform. The two casually walked to the middle. Both mean jumped lightly into the air for a jumping downward punch, only for their fists to collide. Both men scooted back, Ken was the aggressor, jumping over Ryu and landing a punch as he turned, only for Ryu to parry it. Ryu responded with rapid-fire punches to Ken's body. This didn't seem to phase Ken, despite Ryu feeling them connect, Ken responded with two normal uppercuts to Ryu's jaw, and went in for a Tatsu, only for the special move to be parried, a Smash ball appeared, and the two jumped to its resting place so that the fight could take place with a Smash Ball as a middle. Amidst parried blows, the two friends took turns pecking at the steadily cracking Smash Ball. Ken was the run to break it. Two body blows and a Shippu Jinraiyaku later, Ken was on the defensive. Ryu immediately sprung to life when Ken was in striking distance with a Shoryuken A punch, a sweep kick, and a Hadoken all landed for Ryu. A Shoryuken from Ken was parried in midair, but as was the uppercut to the man in the air. Ken made it to the ground unharmed, this time catching Ryu by surprise as he turned with a kick to his right knee and a Shoryuken. Ryu responded to Ken's next punch with a parry, and another thrust kick, the force of which was so hard that Ken bounced off of the wooden floor of Suzaku, right into a Tatsu from Ryu. Ryu responded with another Tatsu, only for it to be parried by three simultaneous Shoryukens which sent Ryu reeling. The two traded punches, both met with blocks. Ken lunged. Grabbing Ryu for another Hell Wheel. As Ryu flew through the air, Ken landed another Shoryuken., as Ryu found himself offstage. Ken ran forward, jumping off the stage. Just as Ryu cocked his fist for a recovering Shoryuken, Ken hit the Kidney Breaker punch, spiking Ryu into the blast zone!
"KEN WINS!"
Ken was teleported to the Smash Mansion courtyard, "Ha! I DID IT!" he bellowed, casting a thumbs up and flashing his million-dollar smile as the splash screen appeared.
Ryu's image appeared at the bottom of the screen, clapping for his friend, but looking disappointed in himself. After ten seconds, both were teleported to their respective tunnels, where Mister Zero was there to interview Ryu, "Tough loss out there champ."
Ryu shook his head, "Not when it's against a worthy opponent. Perhaps Ken was right all along, perhaps my ways of training are outdated."
"Perhaps, but self-improvement never hurts! Alright Cranky and Volt, back to you!"
Mister Zero disappeared from the tunnel as Cranky and 9-Volt were offering post-match analysis. Ryu bounded up the tunnel to see Ken already there, hounded in the congrats of Smashers. Immediately, Ken caught sight of Ryu and ran to him, throwing an arm over his shoulder, "You did great out there champ!" Ken encouraged.
Ryu grinned, "As did you. Perhaps if I give your more conventional training a try, I will widen the gap between us.
"I don't know about that," Ken laughed, but all I can say is I'll try to do you good in the next round."
"You had better," Ryu gave Ken a slap on the back, nodding to the horde of Smashers offering encouragement his way.
As the crowd dissipated, Chun Li gave Ryu a hug, which Ryu could only offer out a shocked grunt.
"You did great out there Ryu," she said.
"Oh, um, thank you," stuttered Ryu, glaring daggers at Ken, who was trying and failing to keep his childish snickers to himself.
"Don't think I don't see you over there Masters," Chun-Li growled
"Shhhh, next match," Mario interrupted, casting everyone's glances at the TV.
The matchup cards flipped from one to the other at agonizing speed.
"The next match is…" Cranky intentionally trailed off.
The roulette stopped.
"Palutena versus Pacman!" Cranky and 9-Volt announced together as the graphic showed Pacman giving the camera the thumbs up, while Palutena flippantly flipped her hair.
(AN: And that was the first match of the first round! For this fight, I combined two Tool Assisted Speedruns of Third Strike , because I imagine that's what a canon fight between the two will be like. Special thanks to Youtube users 2-D and for putting their stuff on the internet for my inspiration!)