Smash Brothers Odyssey Book 5: Ultimate

by SmashBrosOdyssey

The fifth tournament is underway! Behind the scenes however, Conker the Squirrel has acquired the missing Smash Core and is assembling an inter-dimensional army of villains in a decade-overdue power play to dominate the universe. What havoc will the villains reek? How will Mario, who is now tasked with leading the Smashers, respond?

126. Round 3 Day Zero

(AN: Today is the 4 year anniversary of this project! Wow! I couldn't imagine having gotten this far, and it's all thanks to the reviewers, readers, and of course, my friends at the SSP Discord (Invite code is QYdhYnM join us) Thank you all so much!)

Round 3: Day Zero

Ritcher

Smash City Zoo

1705

Ritcher stepped out of a portal feeling as if he was on top of the world. His girlfriend Annette was on his arm, her blond hair blowing in the soft wind, with Marie, the woman they considered family, trotting close behind.
"Come, we'll miss the introductory lecture," Marie squealed.

Pushing their way through an excited throng of fans, they entered the main lobby of the Smash City Zoo. They stood on a marble floor, with oil paintings of animals, some of which Ritcher could not identify, all frolicking in various habitats. Through a side door, an old man with a noticeably false set of teeth jogged out, standing before the large group.

"Welcome one and all to the Smash City Zoo! I'm Baoba, part owner of the Smash City Zoo. With assistance from Captain Olimar and the mayor of Smashville themselves, we have cultivated the ultimate tribute to animals across the multiverse."

The crowd clapped politely,

"This along with donations from various Monster Hunter universe zoologists and a zoologist from the Dragonquest Universe…"

The entrance doors flew open, Terry practically dragging Corrin by the hand. Immediately, the couple squeezed themselves next to Ritcher's group at the front of the room.

"Yo, Belmont," Terry whispered, tipping his hat.

The two shook hands.

"As I was planning to say before I was so rudely interrupted," Baoba growled, clearing his throat, "These along with donations from other zoologists in many other universes leads to the most complete collection of animals anywhere. All in the vision of our great former leader Master Hand. Please, take a look."

A gigantic TV lowered from the ceiling, an upbeat orchestral song accompanying the Smash Logo as the television flared to life.

"Make way for tomorrow today," sang Terry in a whisper.

"The song from that wedding right?"

Terry laughed, "Yeah Ritcher, two friends of the Street Fighters."

Master Hand appeared, floating in front of a scale model of Smash City.

"Greetings one and all, and welcome to Smash City," began the posh voice of the hand, "I'm Master Hand, and you stand in what I hope is a place for people to trade ideas, learn from one another, and have fun while experiencing the magic of culture. I hope this city stands as a monument to a better tomorrow during the Melee tournament and many tournaments beyond."

Now Mario appeared, seated in a plush office, wearing his signature white suit and top hat.

"That was something Master Hand recorded for the Melee tournament, and in-a modern times, years after his passing, we carry on that legacy."

A map of a park appeared, each part highlighted by a different color.

"And I can think of no place that better exemplifies this than the Smash City Zoo, a place where animals of all shapes, sizes, and habitats are studied by different researchers, the idea being that we all can gain a better understanding of creation across the multiverse."

Ritcher found himself zoning out as Mario explained the concept of a zoo to those unfamiliar and the different subjections of the establishment. In contrast, Maria and Annette hung on every word. The video screen turning off and the lights coming up snapped Ritcher out of his stupor.

"I've already seen enough Pikmin wandering around the city to know what those creatures are all about," Maria explained, "I really want to see the animals from Erdrick's universe. His fighting style was so intriguing! I wonder what kind of animals would require such techniques to tame!"

"You got any objections to that babe?" Terry asked.

Corrin simply shook her head.

"OKAY! Let's go!" Terry proclaimed, following the shuffling crowd out to the main outdoor area.

Grabbing Annette by the hand, he stopped at the throng of people heading down the many paths of the zoo. Hanging a left as the sign for the Dragonquest series of enclosures, the fivesome found themselves in the middle of a group of enclosures.

"So Maria," Annette began, "You can read the auras of animals can't you? Are they happy?"

Maria closed her eyes, a grin etching on her face as she did so, "The feeling I'm picking up on most is peace. I believe these animals would be happiest running through an open meadow, but with that comes the stress of predators. I'm sure you can imagine the tradeoff then."

Ritcher nodded as Maria's eyes snapped open, darting towards an exhibit of a spotted feline animal with expressive eyes.

"This is what I wanted to see," Maria excitedly explained, "The Great Sabrecat! I've read about similar animals of our world in books, but never seen one up close!"

Ritcher peered at the glass. The tiger-like animal's eyes darted back and forth, eying each zoo-goers excited expression curiously.

"Do you think Erdrick had to fight such a thing?" Maria's question brought Ritcher and Annette out of their gazes.

"Would Mario stock a facility like this with creatures unimportant to your journeys?" Annette asked.

Ritcher shook his head, "Nah, this whole thing seems pretty curated.

The Great Sabrecat skulked back and forth in its exhibit as Maria cooed lovingly. Ritcher smiled back at the predator. It was antsy too.

"Dude!" Terry shouted, bewildering many of the other zoo-goers as he charged up to them, "They've got house monsters in here?"

"House…monsters?" asked the three Castlevania universe residents, processing the absurd claim in much the same way.

"Yeah!" Terry explained, glancing back as Corrin trotted close behind, "Apparently Cloud had to fight monsters masquerading as houses on his journey. Hell Houses they're called!"

Habitually, Annette did the sign of the cross.

"And I thought the demons of Dracula were wicked," she shuddered.

"Indeed," Ritcher nodded, "But it'll be an interesting learning experience, a way to add to the Belmont Clan's already-expansive bestiary."

Maria simply nodded, "Aye!"

"I like the attitude! Let's go, Dragon Lady!" Terry hooted.

As Maria waved a heartwarming goodbye to the Great Sabercat, she trotted up to Corrin as the five walked.

"So, as you can turn into a dragon, can you…erm…speak dragon?"

"I am the only one of my kind," Corrin admitted, "So I'm not sure. However, it would be useful to test."

"Aw hell yeah, it's like that one movie," giddily announced Terry, "The one about the wizards,"

"I'd rather not compare myself to anything in that," whispered Corrin, "Especially based on some things I've read on the author…"

Terry laughed, "Glad you keep up on these things! Let's go! C'MON!"

And with that, the group ventured further into the zoo.

Donkey Kong

Funky's Fugue, Smash City location

1700

Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong teleported to the back entrance of Funky's Fugue, a giant hollowed-out barrel amidst the tree houses and cabins that filled out the Rare Archipelago sector of Smash City. Walking up the curving loading ramp, DK tapped his knuckles gingerly on the door. A piece of the door slid out, revealing a pair of sunglasses-covered eyes peering out.

"What's the password dude?" asked the monkey.

"Funky, you know it's us, open up before I kick your ass," Donkey growled.

"Banana Bird alive man, I'm just jokin'" the monkey behind the door pleaded.

Hurriedly, the door opened, and the two Kongs stepped inside.

"CONGRATULATIONS!" a bevy of voices cheered.

Donkey Kong looked around. Sat on barrel jets or plastic lawn chairs dotted around the garage were the entire Kong family, Tiny, Dixie, Chunky, Lanky, Cranky, Swanky. Kiddy, Candy, and the spectral visage of Wrinkly floated above them all.

"Wow, you really all came," Diddy squeaked, immediately sprinting to Dixie's side.

"We're so sorry we couldn't do this sooner dears," Wrinkly's warm voice filled the room, "I was at the scientific conference that took place before Round 2."

"And you know me," Funky chided, "Always gotta play with them F-Zero machines when this city opens up."

"You're gonna break your neck one of these days," Cranky mumbled.

"I think it's tubular personally," Candy chirped excitedly, "Plus you did pretty well in the race,"

"Wait," Donkey Kong said slowly, "They actually let you race this time?"

"Sure did!" Funky laughed, "They needed a replacement for Falcon since he was so busy trainin'"

"See kids," Cranky lectured the room, "That's how you get a job, you hit the pavement and put on yer best smile."

"Only took 20 years," mumbled Tiny, Dixie and Diddy giggling.

"HEY!" Cranky barked, "That's not funny! It only took him 20 years because he's a neanderthal,"

"Sure gramps," Tiny mumbled even more quietly this time.

Diddy and Dixie, who'd been giggling since Tiny spoke up, were now laughing loudly.

"See Tiny," Cranky snapped, "Your hippie bullshit is poisoning the youth."

"It's not propaganda if it's factually correct information," insisted Tiny.

"Speakin' of," Swanky spoke up, "I think it's time we discuss those Arcipelago traitors, those idiots that sided with Conker,"

"Banana Bird," DK groaned, "I'm gonna need a BDK for this,"

As if by magic, Funky immediately pulled a yellow can from a cooler, throwing it to DK, who caught it without looking up. DK examined the yellow and red can of Burning DK before picking it up.

"What? Do you think I keep expired ones around,"

"I can never be too careful around you," Donkey Kong growled, popping the tab and taking a swig of the banana-flavored energy drink.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Funky challenged.

"Enough. Does anyone have any problems being on this side of the war?" Cranky asked.

Suddenly, it seemed all eyes were on Diddy.

"What?" Diddy shouted, " Just because I've been keeping in touch doesn't mean I'm gonna jump ship. If anything, I'm doing Mario a service he doesn't even know he needs to be done, keeping tabs on my old friends to lower their sense of security."

"That won't be necessary," said a new voice, a British one by the sounds of it.

Just as the eyes in the room followed the new voice, a man in a flight vest jumped from the rafters of the building, landing expertly on the ground.

"You're…" Dixie gulped.

"The name is Bond, James Bond," the man coyly introduced himself.

"DIDDY!" squealed Dixie, "I DIDN'T THINK YOU WERE SERIOUS!"

'Why would I lie about one of our friends being back in the Rare fold?" Diddy asked.
"Because you texted me that last night, and it was late. Thought one of the other Smashers put you up to prankin' me."

Diddy sighed, "Why would I…?"r

He was interrupted by Cranky smacking the bottom of his cane against the floor.

Never mind that. We're getting the Brosnan one?" Cranky moaned, "Shit, I thought Connery would show up, bless him, or at least ole Danny Craig, but no, we're getting the old one because the author has nothing but nostalgia,"

"Better yet, how'd you get in my fugue?" demanded Funky.

"I have my ways. But the most important question is ``What is the old man on about?''" James asked the room.

"He does that sometimes," Wrinkly assured him, "But, I think it's important that we understand why you're here again, old friend."

"Yeah," Dixie agreed, "Diddy kind of explained it, that the flux around the Archipelago's brought you back to us, but what do you mean that that won't be necessary."

"Because Mario reached out and asked that I track them."

"And?" asked Lanky, "What have you determined?"

"That they're far less capable or important than they believe themselves to be."

"What do you mean?" slowly asked Chunky, Kiddy bouncing carelessly on his head.

"The names that they bandy about in casual conversation," Bond began to explain, " They're throwing their weight around as one would expect out of a bunch of diplomats. But, if you look at the data about the people they're threatening other people with, it's clear that Conker's new friends are all much more powerful than his usual company, holdovers from a much less capable regime. Thus, I don't think we need to worry about them."

"Any new names dropped?" Cranky asked.

"According to Mario, none that we don't already know," Bond shook his head.

"Well, we were just about to celebrate Donkey's performance so far. Would you like to stay for a toast?" Cranky asked.

"I don't see why not," Bond shrugged, "In fact, a drink like the one Donkey Kong has would be appreciated."

Again, Funky tossed a can of Burning DK, Bond caught it.

"Now, if I could have everyone's attention, please. We are here to celebrate Donkey Kong's further advancement into the tournament. His next opponent is Dark Samus, but I have no doubt he can rip apart that sorry excuse for a villain easily! To Donkey Kong and his good health," declared Cranky.

Cans popped as their tabs were removed.

"TO DONKEY KONG," cheered the group, everyone taking a swig.

As the group began to break into individual conversations, Diddy hopped up on Donkey Kong's broad shoulders.

"You sure you've got this? I mean, you've struggled against people with ranged attacks in the past."

"Yeah," Donkey Kong grunted, "Training with Fox tomorrow and Samus and Bayonetta the day after."

Suddenly, DK's face shifted into a deep frown.

"You doubtin' me?"

Diddy felt his fur stand on end.

"N-no, but…"

"You're starting to talk like Conker's goons, those old friends of yours,"

"DK, they're my friends! I'm concerned, and when you talk to somebody, you pick up their manner of speech."

"Nah," Donkey Kong shook his head, "Leave the super spy stuff to Bond and that Kremling flunkie Krunch. You don't need to be talking to 'em, you et me?"

"Yeah, I getcha," Diddy nodded.

Diddy stayed quiet for the rest of the night, the pangs of eventual loss making his every heartbeat feel hollow and painful.

If only I could make this alright somehow, thought the chimpanzee.

Luigi, Dark Samus, Ganondorf, Akechi

King Dice's Casino, High Roller's room
Smash City

1700

Luigi looked down into the show floor of King Dice's casino. Cartoonish figures of all shapes and sizes, all seemingly engineered by some sort of cruel god to look as evil as possible, laughed and gambled amongst a bevy of normal-looking humans, all of who seemed to have their expressions permanently transfixed in sour expressions, likely by the layer of cheap cigar smoke that permeated this place.

"So, how're-ya enjoying-a ze place-a my man?"

Luigi turned to face Wario, splayed out on a plush red velvet couch, Mona snuggled on top of him in a ridiculous layered red dress.

"I'd rather be anywhere else," Luigi flatly stated.

"WELL TOO BAD SHRIMP-A!" Wario screamed.

"Yeah, you tell 'em boss!" hooted Porky, strutting by without his mech, a belly dancer on each arm.

"You know I'm-a just gonna tell my brother that he can get out of that right?"

"Ya see Luigi-a," Wario purred, "That's why I brought you by. To show you that every pencil-necked little-a threat-a that idiot bandied around to get my boys to cooperate means nothin' in the face of King Dice, in the face of Conker-a."

"I love it when Daddy plans things," cooed Mona.

"And I love-a plannin' things around my princess, what a coincidence! WAHAHAHAHA!"

"And such a master of rhyme!" squealed Mona, "Is there anything you can't do baby!"

I have to think of an exit soon, or I'mma puke all over this carpet Luigi thought, glancing down at the gaudy purple shag carpet.

At that moment, Ridley appeared.

"Ah! Ridley!" was Wario's happy greeting, "I trust-a you find-a King Dice's training facilities to be sufficient?"

"That and more General Wario," Ridley hissed, "But Dark Samus loves it even more, especially since the collar isn't active here."

"That'd be-a Dice's magic-a, making sure that no goodie goodies can-a interfere-a."

"If Dark Samus is the only one training, why did you insist we all come today?" Ganondorf demanded from the other side of the room.

"Because I wanted our new associate Luigi to see what awaits him once he joins our cause."

"Join-" the words died in Luigi's throat before he cleared it, "I'm not doing nothin' for you after tomorrow night."

"That's just what I told your brother so that we didn't arouse suspicion."

"You know who you arouse?" purred Mona.

"Honey, you can't get me randy in front of guests like this-a. There'll be plenty of time for that later my-a love-a,"

"Oh, don't I know it!" the ginger agreed.

Luigi gagged.

"What's the matter boy-a? Does the power of uninhibited lust bother ya, ya wuss?"

"No," Luigi spat.

"Don't lie to me," the biker growled back.

"Like you lied to my a-brother?"

"Ahhh, Weegee, don't get yer panties in a wad about it," Wario laughed, "A good woman will loosen ya up after we train tomorrow,"

"There's no finer woman than Daisy, thank you very much."

"You've been dating that idiot for what, 20 years now? Grow up. You're a handsome fella, like me. You gotta widen your horizons like Mona and me do-a,"

"Does that mean you sleep around on her?" Luigi snapped.

"My man has needs that sometimes even I can't fulfill," Mona snapped back, "Eating chocolate ice cream every day would be boring. Sometimes a man needs vanilla,"

"See?" Wario retorted, "Mona knows her place, and it would do you good to find a woman who does the same."

"A woman's place is at the point of my sword," growled Ganondorf, "The goddess will find that out when the next round comes when I skewer her boy toy. Zelda will find that out in the round to come."

"Yes!" cheered Wario, "Love that masculine energy you're bringin' to the table, Dorf!"

Thunder crackled off of Luigi's clenched fist.

"Wow boy, you need to cool off," Wario yapped, "Why don'tcha go play slots over dere with Akechi?".

Luigi practically ran to the other side of the high rollers room, where Akechi sat, eyes engrossed in a slot machine. Luigi sat at the one next to him.

"These machines are rigged," whispered Akechi, his hushed warning somehow audible over the den of gambling noise.

"Hm?" Luigi asked.

"Most gambling tricks can be cracked with skill, especially manual slot machines like these," Akechi explained, "But I can't seem to crack these no matter how careful I am. Something magical seems to snap the last slot away from its matching siblings.

"So why are you over here then?" asked the plumber in green.

"Right now, the stage rooms we used after the last round aren't accessible, so our choices of activity are to either watch Wario and Porky get swooned on by gaudily dressed women or listen to Ganondorf bitch about why Sephiroth doesn't have to come to these 'work functions' as Wario calls them."

Luigi chuckled, "Sorry to-a poke the bear, but why doesn't he?"

"Because Wario's afraid of him," was Akechi's immediate answer, "He managed to cajole Sephiroth into this stupid little crew, but I think he sees Wario more as a glorified accountant than anything."

"You're here for what, the legal assistance right?"

Akechi nodded, "But rest assured I have my exit strategy mapped out."

Luigi raised an eyebrow, Akechi pointed up before going back to the slot machine, and Luigi looked up to the bay window above them. He could've sworn he saw the tail of a black trenchcoat flutter in the wind…

The Phantom Thieves

King Dice's Casino, roof

1715

"Why the hell are we up here?" moaned Skull, "This place is the same as a Palace right? Why don't we just scout it out like we always do and…"

Queen shushed him, but Joker spoke up, "I forwarded Akechi's text to the group chat, remember?"

"Did you even read it?" Panther teased, brushing a nervous hand through her long pigtails, "Hell, even I did!"

"It is remarkable that not only is this technically a palace, but its treasure is impenetrable too," remarked Noir.

"Yep," Oracle's voice came over their headsets, "The gambling permits line up with what Akechi found out. It's a physical manifestation of King Dice's palace, accessible even without the Nav, integrated with Smash Bros security at his request."

"Ah," Fox perked up, his kitsune mask bobbing violently as he nodded "So when you were hacking the security cameras, you were also examining Smash's security system, like looking for an artist's signature?"

"Yep!" Oracle gloated.

"Listening to you explain technological concepts is as beautiful as watching a master painter paint, though admittedly there are many things I still have to learn about it."

"I agree with Fox," nodded Noir.

"Wow, y'all really know how to make a gal feel special with the complements," Oracle giggled

"You guys are fuckin' hilarious about technology," Skull laughed, "Between Noir kicking a PC because she thought that's what boot meant, and Fox not knowing you could download images off the internet, that's gotta be in the top five funniest stories ever told," giggled Skull.

"Guys," snapped Mona, "The magic I can feel all around the Smash Mansion is all present here."

"So we've verified Akechi's story in triplicate," Joker concluded, "So he's not double-crossing us,"

"So far as we know," Noir blurted, glaring right at Makoto.

"I don't trust him either," Oracle assured Noir, "But Joker does, and he asked for our help as soon as he understood what was going on with the Wa-ffice. So, our personal opinions aside, we're gonna bail him out."

"Thank you, Oracle. The only problem is," sighed Queen, "It's magic, which despite everything, means we could be walking into something we can't handle. Furthermore, no access to the treasure means we can't lift the curse."

"Oh, like half of our new co-workers aren't magic people themselves or know magic people? Don't Banjo an' Kazooie know a freakin' shaman? He probably knows something about curses."

"Holy hell Skull," Panther chided, "That's the smartest thing you've ever said."

"As much as I want to join in on this roast of Skull, we've got important questions to answer," Mona interrupted, stone serious, "Like once we get the info we need from this shaman, what comes next?"

"A full frontal assault," Joker commanded.

Morgana frowned, tutting, "Have you forgotten what I taught you already? That goes against the first rule of Phantom Thievery."

"I know," snapped Joker, " But this is in the service of helping an ally. Akechi losing to Sephiroth is likely, and I imagine his alliance with The Wa-ffice will crumble after that,"

"Yeah!" agreed Oracle, "Betting for Sephiroth is the safest gamble you can make, and it's been that way both rounds."
"Completely inappropriate time to talk about this, "Queen whispered through gritted teeth.

"So, what does that have to do with it?" Morgana asked.

"Well, Akechi will be crushed flat once he's outlived his usefulness with the Wa-ffice, and quickly, so we won't have time to do the usual infiltration, " Joker explained.

"But…" Morgana blabbered.

"As much as I value your advice," Noir began, "Joker and Oracle are right. This is one of those few times that busting in the front door will be completely logical."

"I don't like this," Queen sighed, "But it may be our best shot."

"So be it," decreed Morgana.

At that moment, King Dice entered with a high roller, a sentient martini glass, introducing the well-to-do beverage to the Wa-ffice.

"Man, bein' in a casino makes it so that all I can think about are betting odds."

"I would hope with all the chit-chat going on, you've got Akechi's audio feed up and running Oracle," lectured Queen

Taps of a keyboard could be heard over all their earpieces.

"Got it," Oracle said.

"So," King Dice's warbled voice came in, "As you can see Mister Martini, we've assembled the finest talent available in our mission to serve our master."

"The green one is the Mario Brother? He looks like a mook." hissed Mister Martini.

"He's new, and gonna be involved with our trainin' tomorrow."

"He best is," Mister Martini snarled, "Da boss isn't pleased with the lack of progress."

"It's that squirrel's fault he can't invade the place with the magic source that runs the place," snapped King Dice.

"Inadequacies aside, he wants the Mario Brother turned as soon as possible."

"Well," King Dice explained, "Dark Samus and Ridley are gettin' acclimated now, so that'll start tomorrow.

Mister Martini grumbled, "Yous better deliver results, all yous."

As Mister Martini stomped out of the room, Morgana spoke up, "Is it recording even if we shut it off on our end?"

"Yep!" Oracle answered.

"Great, cut it," Morgana demanded

The chatter of the High Roller's Room disappeared.

"So," Queen analyzed, "We've got one day before they turn Luigi, two before they enact whatever plan they have."

Joker shrugged, "I'm not worried."

"And why not?" Fox guffawed, indignation in his voice.

"Because I've observed the Wa-ffice, Seeing as Akechi's readings haven't gotten any more powerful, much less changed at all, I suspect King Dice is greatly overestimating his magic."

"And, if they're expecting anything," Noir concluded, "It'll be tomorrow,"

"Do we want to take that risk?" Queen asked, Mona, nodding along.

"I mean, it's just like Joker was sayin' earlier, if it's to save Akechi's desperate ass, that's what we've gotta do, especially if scouting out the palace ain't gonna manifest a treasure like normal," Skull snapped.

"I agree with this as well," Fox nodded.

"Me too, given what we know," Panther added.

"Excellent," cheered Noir, "I've been waiting to chop down a palace door with my axe,"

"Goddamn, you scare me," shivered Skull.

Noir put her hands on her hips, "And we've been working together how long Skull?"

"He has a point Noir," Oracle added, "You are incredibly scary."

" All this nonsense aside, we all agree on moving in on them the day before the fights," Queen concluded, "Does anyone have any questions before we conclude the operation for tonight?"

There was silence, but Skull meekly raised his hand.

Queen and Morgana sighed simultaneously.

"Yes, Skull?" they asked.

"Didn't get my question about betting odds answered," Skull grumbled.

"HA!" triumphantly bellowed Oracle, "Skull's got an itchy gambling finger too! I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE!"
Queen audibly sighed as Skull meekly asked," How're the betting odds for Joker against Banjo and Kazooie?"

"What does this have to do with our operation?" snapped Queen.

"Money's important too," whined Skull.

"Absolutely!" agreed Panther.

The tapping of the keyboard that had filled their ears since Skull raised his question finally stopped.

" For anyone interested, the odds for Joker versus the bear and the bird are50/50," blurted Oracle, "Streets are saying that they're both such cheap fighters it's anyone's game."
"Oh thank God," Skull sighed.

"You're the gamer Oracle," Joker chuckled, "Do you think I'm cheap?

"Queen, I'm told by my classmates that a character being cheap in a fighting game is a completely valid concern," Fox insisted.

"Oh God, everyone's got brain rot," Queen groaned

"You ain't cheap, even if you're a cocky bastard," Oracle laughed, "If it's any consultation I've been replying 'skill issue lol' to all the posts on Smash City's social media and beyond. And Queen, who says brain rot is bad. Without brain rot, the world would be denied some of its most creative and interesting fandoms."

"I suppose you're right, sorry," sighed Queen.

"Man," Panther said, casting a look down at Luigi, the man in green having returned to blankly staring at a slot machine, "I feel bad for Luigi though,"

"Yes," nodded Noir, "Daisy's probably not faring much better."

"Agreed. I at least hope she's having fun,"

"Yeah, Makoto sighed, "But we'll fix it soon. Let's go guys,"

An unusual silence wafted over the group as they nodded in agreement. Joker opened a portal to the Mansion, jumping through it.

Daisy

Smash Mansion
Game Room

1830

Pay attention to the DDR machine, she had thought.

Many of the Smashers, Yoshi, Bayonetta, and even the three Links, had come down to try to break Luigi's score, but seeing his name at the top of the leaderboard lead to a longing pang in her heart.

Pay attention to the Xevious game, she had thought

Star Fox had started a multiplayer game of Xevious, even inviting Peppy and Slippy. That had been a fine distraction, until Krystal who had been watching curiously over Fox's shoulder, began to nuzzle his neck, the reunited couple sneaking kisses when they thought no one was looking. There she felt the pang again.

Pay attention to the Street Fighter cabinet.

No, she thought. She couldn't mozy into one of the many rooms that held the dedicated cabinet, without making it obvious that she was simply watching The River City Girls and their respective boyfriends.

Listen to me, Daisy lamented inwardly Longing for a lost love like some old bat, and he's not even gone! He's just at work, it's just like when he's ghostbustin'
But then she thought of all the decadence, that Wario was likey forcing her poor Weegee to participate in, and what she'd have to do tomorrow night.

Suddenly she felt a gloved hand tap her on the shoulder. She looked up to see Pacman smiling down at her, a large hamburger presented on a plate.

"Mario said you probably hadn't eaten and texted a couple of us to check on you while he and Peach were out on business,"

Daisy chuckled, "That's the bro-in-law alright,"

Handing the plate off to Daisy Pacman took a seat next to Daisy, who immediately froze.

"Do you want…"

Pacman waved his hand dismissively.

"Nah. I already ate. Power Pellets go down quick and easy, and I only eat other stuff if I'm high."

Daisy nodded, choking back a laugh.

"But…you doin' alright?" Pacman asked.

"No," Daisy gagged the word out, "And usually I pride myself on being the kind of gal that lets her man do her thing,"

"But you don't like him being put into situations of duress?"

"Nope!" Daisy shook her head, finally chomping into the hamburger, "He's a future king, he's commanded by no one, especially not Wario and his crew."

"Not even you?" sniggered Pacman.

"I don't command him, we guide each other."

"Heh, you guys are a great couple. I mean, I knew that by the way Luigi talked about you last tourney, but meeting you confirms the image I had in my head. You'll get through this, it'll be alright. Did I ever tell you that my wife had to go away for a while?"

Daisy swallowed, chewing a few more bites of the burger before swallowing again.

"Really?"

"Yep, Joined the tournament to help me sort out why her and my kiddos just disappeared one day."

"Oh wow, I didn't know," Daisy said through a mouthful of food.

"It's not like you and I have ever had a protracted conversation, but I forget who I've told stories to because of all the pot. Anyway, yeah, it had something to do with some legal mambo jumbo on Earth 1, but Master Hand sorted it out for me. I guess that's what I'm trying to say. It'll work out in the end."

"Yeah," Daisy agreed, "If you can get things sorted out with gods among gods, then we can get through this. Still miss him to pieces though."

Pacman laughed, "Yeah, I still miss the missus even when I know she and the kids and the dog are safe and sound."

"So I'm not a lunatic," Daisy realized, eating the last of the hamburger.

"Far from it sweetheart. You're more than welcome to come to partake in some herbal inhalants after the next round. You'd probably end up meeting the kids and the missus in the process."

"Somethin' tells me and Luigi are gonna need it after this round," Daisy chuckled.

"That's the other thing I wanted to ask. You and Lou seem pretty chill about fighting each other."

"We train all the time, and it's real therapeutic. It even adds to things, if you get my meaning."

"Oh wow," Pacman said, "Might have to try something similar with the missus,"

The two shared a chuckle as they watched the rotating cast of game room participants.

Zelda

La Blanc

Smash City

Persona Section

1700

"TO PRINCESS ZELDA!" proclaimed the three Links, holding their glasses in a triangle pattern.

"I thank you all," Zelda said, blushing, "But you all celebrate as if I won the entire tournament."

"You did better than us," Young Link shrugged.

The boy took a slow sip of his coffee, "Mmm, this is really good. Thank you, Mister Sakura,"

"Oh please," Sojiro, dutifully washing a cup behind the counter, said, "Call me Sojiro. A friend of Ren's is a friend of mine after all. Really, I should be the one thanking you for introducing me to this new kind of milk, Lon Lon is it?"

"Yep!" Young Link proclaimed, "Best milk in the multiverse, at least the best I've had."

"You're not wrong," Sojiro nodded, "Plus, advertising a special kind of milk before we all go back home is sure to get even more people in the door."

"Quite frankly," Toon Link said through puckered lips as he finished a sip of his own drink, "I'm not sold on this coffee stuff."

"Coffee isn't for everyone," Sojiro said, "Curry, however, that'll hit the spot. I'm just about to start cooking for the dinner rush if you'll give me a minute."

"Oh, no problem at all Sojiro," Zelda nodded.

The four sat in silence, Link was the one to clear his throat.

"So, how do you feel about fighting Lucina? Any nervousness, Your Grace?"

Zelda sipped her coffee. She liked it black. Even if she didn't like it, she'd certainly need it to keep awake in order to text Erdrick long into the night.

"Your Grace?" Link asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry. My mind was elsewhere," she chuckled, "But no, there are no nerves. That vaunted chokehold of hers is impressive for someone who would not consider themselves a grappler, but I can imagine I can reverse it with ease,"

Suddenly, Yoshimitsu appeared in the middle of the table, cross-legged.

"Yoshimitsu!" squealed Zelda, "What are you doing here?"

" Out of debt to Link, I have come to give you a warning," Yoshimitsu proclaimed, "Lucina seeks the services of one of my ninja familiars, the one called Hayabusa."

"I saw them talking in the intermission after their fight," Link scowled, "I knew they were up to no good,"

"She's taking this opportunity to up her training isn't she?" Toon Link asked.

"Yes!" Zelda shouted, "And we shall as well,"

She held her communicator wrist aloft.

"Call Impa," commanded The Princess of Hyrule.

After a singular ring, Impa's holographic face appeared on the screen.

"Yes, Your Grace?" asked the Sheikah.

"Please contact that Sheikah training gym for me and see if they can reserve the gym for The Links and me tomorrow or the day after. Use whatever amount of money you need to sweeten the deal for them. Oh, and if you could invite the other Champions, their presence would be preferred, but optional."

"It shall be done, Your Grace."

Impa's image disappeared.

"You need us to train in the way of the Sheikah Zelda?" Link asked as the two younger versions exchanged baffled looks.

"Sparring among the training courses will be the best way to train for a swordswoman trained by brawlers and ninjas, I just know it,"

Young Link chugged the rest of his coffee, "You are the holder of the Triforce of Wisdom after all."

"Excellent," cheered Yoshimitsu, "The games have begun,"

The mechanical ninja began to spin, suddenly disappearing.

"Yoshimitsu is so odd that he's frightening," shivered Zelda.

Link's eyes narrowed, "It's not him I'm worried about."

"Yeah," Young Link boasted, "We fought him and won. I mean, you did, but by extension, that means I'd go on to fight him,"

"Is that the debt he owes you?" asked Toon.

"Yeah," the other two Links nodded simultaneously.

"Could you please not get into time travel crap here," moaned Sojiro from behind the counter, "Futaba tried to explain it to me and my head about exploded."

"Sojiro has a point. What we've done isn't where my concern lies. The ninjas have all been pretty chummy, haven't they? Why would one undercut the other deliberately?" Link asked

"You think there's more to it than the bet?" asked Young Link.

"Yeah," Sojiro nodded, "Sorry for interrupting, but yeah, it reads like an excuse to me."

"Yeah! I'd say we're part of some sort of betting game." Toon Link exclaimed.

"Whether or not they're working to sabotage one another is irrelevant. We shall train and we shall defeat them! Now…"

Zelda raised her glass, "An advancement here is an advancement for Hyrule."

The other three clinked their glasses with hers.

"Aye!"

Lucina, Robin

Smash Lake

1730

Lucina stepped into the pond and immediately felt all of her muscles loosen. Smash battles were some of the least rigorous she'd ever participated in due to the many immediate healing options available. Perhaps her muscles were tightened by stress? Regardless, it melted away when she entered the water, even the noise of the waterfall a stone's throw away didn't affect the tired warrior.

"So, I've taken the liberty of preparing some notes on Zelda,"

Lucina threw her head back in laughter.

"Robin, can we at least relax for a little bit?"

Robin was flustered, blushing, "I suppose. But I've been thinking about it ever since you advanced."

Lucina sighed. Normally she'd look to her father to deviate from the conversation, but he was sparring with Captain Falcon.

"I appreciate it Robin, and we will train. But between all the Askr functions, we haven't had the time to relax,"

She inched closer to him.

"And I've finally put on my nice swimwear, the one you liked so much from the shop in Askr."

Robin looked down at her. The dark blue bikini matched her hair, extenuating her impossibly toned abdomen and legs."

"Y-you do look nice in that color," her husband stammered.

"So that we could spend some time together,"

She gently put her hands on his broad shoulders, leaning in for a kiss, but heavy boots broke the couple apart. Both separated, turning towards the source of the noise to see Ike.

"Ah, don't feel awkward on my account," grinned the colossal swordsman, "But I was wondering, have you seen Edelgard? We were supposed to spar with axes after the tournament, but she teleported somewhere else."

"Hm, odd," Lucina rubbed her chin in thought, "And if the lateness was on your account. Hubert would've retrieved you."

"That was my thought as well," Ike nodded.

"Now that you mention it," Robin began, "I seem to remember Edelgard chittering with the Mushroom Kingdom contingent about something."

"I feel the less we know about this issue, the better," Lucina concluded.

"Mmm," Robin nodded, "Good tactics,"

"Aye," Ike nodded, walking away.

"Now," Lucina began, "Where were we?"

Lucina planted a kiss on Robin's lips, and it would not be the last.

Pit

Central City Arcade

Smash City

Mobius Section

1800

Simon Belmont looked around worriedly. The aggressive lights and sounds of this place unnerved him, and they weren't even in the belly of the beast. He sat with Pit, Palutena, and Megaman in an empty lobby, waiting for two more to arrive.

"Are we certain we can't meet Master Keene and Lana somewhere else?" worriedly asked the vampire hunter.

"Incorrect," barked Megaman, "Kevin and Lana insisted we meet them at a video arcade, as that was Kevin's only unfulfilled request from his time in Videoland, playing video games with us. Are your auditory receptors malfunctioning Simon? Or your memory?"

"Nay," barked Simon, "It's just…"

"It's just what?" asked Pit.

Simon frowned, choking a comment about Pit's decision to finally get his head off of Palutena's lap for once.

"It's just…these video amusements cause me anxiety," Simon whispered, "The lights and sounds are entirely too much."

"I feel you," Pit said reassuringly, "We'll keep it simple okay?"

Before Simon could even formulate a response, the doors flung open.

"GUYS!" shouted a voice.

Simon blinked. Walking towards him was a mid-thirties man with jelled brown hair, wearing a suit. His partner, a beautiful brunette, wore a red pantsuit.

"LANA! KEVIN!" Pit shouted back.

Zooming into them, and tackling them into a group hug, Simon looked away as the two laughed.

"Holy cow Pit," said Lana through increasingly calmer giggles, "Take it easy,"

"Yes Pit," Megaman said sternly, "We saw them when I went back to the Mansion remember?"

"Right but it's just…we get to have fun!" wheezed Pit, helping their two compatriots back up, "And…and…I get to introduce them to Lady Palutena,"

"Ah," Lana said, extending a hand to the now-standing goddess, "I heard quite a bit about you, but it's a shame we've never met. I'm Lana Keene, the former princess of what was Videoland."

Palutena took it, shaking it, "I'm glad to meet you. I've always wanted to thank you and Kevin for protecting my Captain. I often wondered if I'd ever get to thank you in person for it"

"It was no problem," Lana smiled, "He was a great help to us during these dark times,"

"Yeah, absolutely," Kevin nodded, "But seriously, let's get to the main event, the games!"

The two walked into the den of lights and noise, Simon instinctively grabbed his whip, much to the amusement of Kevin, who barely held his laughter in.

"So," Simon blurted, taking control of the conversation in the hope no one would address his faux pas, "Princess Lana has taken your name. When did you marry?"

"Fall of 1996," Kevin said, "We'd both just gotten our first jobs in real estate. I proposed to her at the midnight release of the Nintendo 64,"

Simon laughed, "Aye! A gaming enthusiast to the very end!"

"Yeah totally," Kevin said as they stepped through the door.

Pit immediately took flight, to the cheers of the rest of the arcade occupants.

"You guys," Pit announced from the opposite end of the room, "They have a Gauntlet machine!"

"Oh man," Kevin sighed, "That's a throwback. It was one of the first games I bought when Lana and I got back to my world."

"Aye," Simon nodded, "Master Hedgehog seems to have taken great care in collecting these machines,"

"This is Sonic's place?" Kevin balked.

"Yeah," Palutena nodded, "He made an obscene amount of money collecting all of these machines from various arcades in Smash City. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna hold this machine for us before some kid hogs it,"

Palutena teleported ahead, leaving the other four to trudge through the arcade, waving absent-mindedly to passers-by the whole way.

"I've always wondered about the aftermath of our adventures Master Keene," Simon announced, "Did you truly lose two years of your life?"

"Yeah, but the jump from Videoland to the real world dumped the four of us, me, Duke, Lana, and Charles back into my room just as I left."

"Boy, was your mother confused!" laughed Lana.

"Oh God," Kevin laughed back, "Not to mention having to basically lie to get Charles and Lana paperwork to make them legal American citizens, We told City Hall they were Soviet refugees to even get them paperwork."

"Citizenship tied to the government, "Simon scoffed, "Bah, a man should be able to live where he pleases,"

"Do you know how many fights Charles got into with government officials over that? Many! It was embarrassing!" lamented Lana.

The four found themselves at the base of a Gauntlet arcade machine, Pit's wings flapping excitedly as he and Palutena played a game.

"Remember Pit, just follow my character, I'm the wizard," ordered Palutena, "Don't let the words bother you."

"You got it Lady Palutena!" cheered Pit.

Simon and Kevin peeked over the Skylanders' shoulders. A wizard and valkyrie character shot their way through a horde of enemies as the two smashed buttons

"Hey," Kevin whispered, "Can Pit not read all of the sudden?"

Simon nodded, "Aye, but I've been told by some of the veteran Smashers that this a recent development, something about the temporal flux that happens when one of your creatives on Earth One makes a decision.

"That's the most confusing thing to me," admitted Lana, "That everything we experienced in Videoland as a cruel twist of fate was up to some executive's whim."

"LEVEL FOUR!" Pit cheered, "I FOUND THE WARP!"

"Good job Pit!" cheered Palutena.

Simon nodded at the Keenes as Pit giggled like a schoolboy, blushing all the way.

"Aye," he finally said, "But if our comrades from Skyworld can take that information with such joy and cheer, I believe we can too."

Simon and the Keenes watched Palutena and Pit play. Three levels in, and finally, the hordes caught up to them.

"Crap," Pit finally said as the screen declared their game over.

"It's okay babe," Palutena patted Pit's head reassuringly, "I can just give us another credit with our communicator."

"Not having to handle money rules," Pit said to no one in particular as the prompt for four players appeared on the screen.

"I'm in," blurted Kevin, taking his position in the space reserved for the Elf character.

"As am I," Simon announced, taking the final spot, the Warrior.

"Say," asked Lana, "Where's Megaman?"

A cheer erupted from somewhere three rows of machines behind them.

"Fear not Princess," said Simon, "I shall investigate,"

Lana rolled her eyes, giggling.

"I'm not a princess anymore Mister Belmont," Lana tutted, "But I thank you for investigating,"

Simon made his way to the noise, where he found Megaman playing a game labeled "Megaman, the Power Battle," Standing on either side was a nerdy-looking Cornerian young adult, a fox humanoid with thick-rimmed glasses. At his side was a small green alien with a turtle shell on its back.

"Wow," the fox's voice shook with awe, "I never thought I'd see anyone, let alone Megaman himself, school the Megaman 1 and 2 part of the game without taking a hit.

"You're telling me," agreed his friend, "Although, I guess considering he's half robot, he'd perform optimally, like a robot.

The two snort-laughed as Simon tapped Megaman on the shoulder.

"I believe, young robot," Simon lectured, "That Master Keene invited us out to spend time with him.

"So he did," agreed Megaman.

The two walked back to the Gauntlet machine in silence.

"Apologies, I…"

Megaman's words, as well as Simon's stride, were halted when they saw the two couples kissing, resulting in a game over on the first level.

"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Simon, "You've wasted a credit!"

Megaman's internals whirred audibly.

"I concur,"

"Sorry," Kevin laughed, "Palutena started it. She and Pit apparently do 'congratulations kisses,' whenever Pit does something good, and then me and Lana started doing it, and uh…"

"But hey," Palutena smiled, "It's more fun that way,"

"I don't doubt it," muttered Simon.

"What did you say Simon?" asked Pit.

"I said," Simon cleared his throat, "That if we are to make the most of our credits, we must play the game without distraction."

Lana laughed, "Even across dimensions and time, you're more like the Simon than I remember."

With that, she whipped out a camera.

"Can I take a picture of the N-Team before you play?"

Wordlessly, Palutena teleported to Lana's side. Simon then got into the shot, the four linking arms.

"Say Larry Byrd!" called Lana

"Larry Byrd!" they cheered together.

They would play long into the night, but copies of that picture would make it into the mailbox of each of the four Smashers, each of them framing it and putting it in their travel bags.

Red, Green

Burger Brah's

Smash City

Pokemon section

1730

Pikachu and Pichu scampered down the side of one of the many enormous hotels in the Pokemon section of Smash City. A gang of Ratata followed, and a flock of Pidgey swarmed above them. But the two mouse Smashers paid all the action no mind.

The two jumped from the building when they were level with their next target, a street lamp. Skittering across it easily, they used Quick Attack in tandem to land on the oning. Beneath them, two young people sat at the all-outdoor establishment, dressed in Pokefan gear. Specifically, the ill-fitting Girafirig pajamas they could get on short notice. The goofy face of the giraffe at the top of the hoodie pulled over their faces.

"Red, Green," Pikachu greeted sternly.

The two trainers waved. Pikachu briefly sniffed the air. The sweet smells of Alolan food combined with the sheer flavor of Unovian food danced in his nostrils. But that wasn't why they were there.

"We've called this meeting because your Pokemon have complained to us privately."

"Pikachu, I think you mean that his Pokemon have," Green accusatorily stated, "My Pokemon could care less."

"That's not true," piped in Pichu, "They get the feeling you've been distracted lately."

"Distracted?" Green's burst of indignation caused people at tables nearby to look at them, "How can I be distracted by someone who doesn't listen to me?"

"When you can just flaunt off to whatever region you want and start over again, maybe it's easy to pick up the new ways people battle. But my crew have been with me since the beginning, so pardon us if we can't unlearn a decade of training like that."

"There is such thing as the Move Tutor," Green's retort dripped with sarcasm.

"Yeah," Red snapped, "If you're a Torchic-shit."

With that, Green splashed a glass of water Pikachu hadn't seen on Red, stomping away.

There was a beat of silence among the onlookers as an old man shouted, "OH SHIT, THAT'S RED!"

A dripping wet Red was captured in the various Pokedex cameras of a gaggle of strangers forever. Meanwhile, Pikachu and Pichu ascended to the top of Burger Brah's, Quick Attacking in between buildings.

"How'd I do Dad?" chirped Pichu.

"You did good son, I'm proud of you. We make a good team, but no act of Arceus was gonna resolve that tonight."

"Yeah," Pichu huffed, struggling to keep up with his father, "Do you think it ever will?"

"Yeah," affirmed the Pikachu

With that, they launched into Quick Attack a final time, getting through a portal to the Mansion.

Lucario

Lucario's Room

Smash Mansion

1700

Lucario's fur bristled at the thought of his next opponent, Little Mac. His blue and black fur bristled even further at the thought of his punches.

They have rocked better-armored opponents than me. I must meditate for three days so my aura is concentrated enough to withstand such things.

With a warrior's resolve. Lucario sat cross-legged on his bed, concentrating on his body and mind.

Quinn, Wolf,

The Traveler's Tavern

Smash City

Dragon Quest section

1800

Quinn looked around in awe at the wooden buildings, smelling the smoke that came from the individual furnaces of each of these buildings. Reflexively, his toes began to tap as the jaunty piano tune came from behind the doors of the bar. Standing at his side, Rosalina could only smile.

"You're more animated than one of my Lumas," she finally teased.

"Between you and me," Quinn admitted, "I didn't think I'd walk in here a winner. If what happened to Sans…didn't happen, I doubt I would be."

"Come now," came Rosalina's suddenly stern voice, "It's rude to kill the mood of a party."

"Yeah, you're right," Quinn blurted.

Stepping ahead to open the door for Rosalina, Quinn stepped in after her.

"AYE! QUINN!" said a table of strangers.

Quinn waved, blushing. He briefly wondered why his absence of signature sunglasses and martial arts gear hadn't hidden his appearance before remembering who he'd walked in with.

"QUINN! BRO! OVER HERE!" shouted a familiar voice.

At a table in an isolated corner, Master Hart waved, Riddle and who Quinn assumed was Lisa was on the table's opposite side.

"BRO!" added Riddle.

"I believe they heard you the first time Riddle," Lisa sternly informed him.

"Riddle is his first name?" Rosalina asked, raising an eyebrow as the two made their way to the table.

"Hell if I know," Quinn shrugged.

"YOOOOOO!" cried Riddle.

Before Quinn could even react, Riddle had him in a headlock.

"YA BIG BASTARD!" hooted the slacker.

Quinn sniffed the air around Riddle. No alcohol. He was just this excited.

"Take it, easy man," pleaded Smash's resident Mii Fighter.

"Oh alright," Riddle conceded with a fake pout, releasing the hold.

Spacefarer and fighter took their seats.

"You must be Lisa," Quinn extended a hand across Riddle to the girl.

"Yes, I am Lisa," she said dryly.

Quinn observed the girl. Her long black hair was tied into a tight ponytail, wearing an all-yellow outfit, a tank top, and a pair of bike shorts. Her expression was stony and serious. As Quinn began to compute the idea of her and Riddle together, she reciprocated his handshake, an iron grip squeezing down.

Quinn bit his lip, suppressing a yelp, "Nice to meet you,"

"Likewise," was the girl's only reply.

"So," Rosalina said after an awkward silence, "How are you, Hart?"

"Been good," nodded Hart, "Runnin' the school. Running the show means you can work around a new disability you know?"

"Yes, I suppose," Rosalina nodded.

"That reminds me, bro," cut in Riddle, "How come you wear your hair like that?"

"You really gonna talk to a Smasher like that cuz?" snapped Hart.

"Naw man, some of the boys put me up to it," retorted Riddle, flipping his shoulder-length blond hair.

"Which boys?" growled Hart.

"Darrell, Blood, and Anthony," Riddle listed them.

"Of course, it was the podcast gang," Hart shook his head, "I'm gonna stop inviting you out if I hear one gossip-ass thing on the podcast ya hear?"

"Yes sir," Riddle hung his head.

As if nothing had just happened, Hart clapped his hands together, "So anyway. This place rules because they have sweet medieval faire style turkey legs."

As if on cue, a waiter, a burly man with a silver, twirling mustache, walked over.

"Turkey legs," Hart said, pointing to everyone, "On me,"

"Got it," the man barked, walking towards the kitchen.

"How did you find out about this place Har," Rosalina asked, "Erdrick's universe is new to the fold isn't it?"

"Look, I've been reading travel guides since I got here Rosa. You should do the same."

"Oh," Rosalina bashfully rubbed the back of her head, "I don't…prefer to go out,"

"I know," Hart winked with his good eye, "And yet you're out here with my boy Quinn,"

Rosalina blushed, and Hart laughed.

"You gotta plan dates someday bud," Hart began to laugh again.

"I suppose…"

Rosalina's thoughts on the matter were interrupted by the door, being kicked open. Everything stopped in the bar. Waiters froze in place, conversation hushed. Even the piano man, who had been playing a tune that perfectly looped back into itself, stopped playing.

"YOU FOOLSH," slurred a familiar voice, "WHAT'RE YOU IDIOTSH UP TO NOWWWWW!"

Rosalina and Quinn shot looks over their shoulders to see Wolf, Leon, and Panther Caruso standing at the door slumped against one another.

"Mi hermano," groaned Panther, "This isn't the…this isn't the…this ain't the place,"

"Sargassssso," hissed Leon, "This isssssn't Sargasssso,"

Quinn leaned over to Rosalina.

"We only got dismissed, what, an hour ago? And these three goons are already sauced?"

"The most important thing is that we stop them before they make a scene," Rosalina suggested, her voice a melodic whisper.

Quinn nodded, standing up.

"Hey Wolf," Quinn greeted calmly, "I think you need to leave. You and your crew have already made an ass outta yourselves. I can even help you get teleported to the Sargasso bar if you want."

Wolf burped, long and loud.
"Lookie 'ere boys, The dumb rook thinks he can tell Star Wolf where to go," he slurred.

"I'm not telling you where to go," Quinn moved closer, "I just think you're scaring the people,"

Now, he was within striking distance. Reflexively, Quinn's fists clenched.

"These people want scary, they ain't sssssseen scary," came Leon's saliva-spewing hiss.

"Nah Nah Nah, they ain't ready for you," Wolf chortled, removing a tiny flashlight from his pocket.

Whipping it forward like a cowboy drawing his gun, he shone it directly into the eyes of the piano man, who instinctively recoiled.

"Now that's funny," Panther blubbered.

"No it isn't, and you need to…" Quinn barked.

Wolf shoved Quinn, who immediately went chest to chest with Wolf.

The scene devolved into chaos in the next few seconds. Leon and Panther immediately drew their blasters on Quinn, whose party immediately jumped up from the table. From behind Star Wolf, the eleven heroes found themselves in the fray, hosting Star Wolf up as a group and repelling them from the bar.

"And stay out," demanded the young man in the bandana.

"Aye, Eight!" cheered the bartender, "Ye've shown up just in time."

"Ah," the hero waved, "It wasn't a problem,"

"Johnny, " boomed the bartender, "Hit the music."

The piano man immediately got back to his music and the bar's activity resumed.

"Thanks, guys," Quinn sighed, "I don't know what would've happened if you didn't show up.

"Consider yourselves lucky we were out for a walk in the area," snapped the one with moss-green hair.

"Calm down Solo," Erdrick reprimanded his colleague, "This is part of the hero's duty, and we're happy to fulfill it,"

"I think what's fundamentally clear," Hart laughed, "Is that we owe you fellas drinks all night.

"Nonsense," squeaked the one in the pilot's goggles, "If anything, we, the Order of Heroes, owe your contingent drinks, as you Master Quinn have bested us in tournaments,"

"Aye," snapped Solo, "Because our glorious leader couldn't stop thinking about a certain fair maiden,"

"Solo, you're not helping me forget about the training Zelda-"

Immediately, Erdrick cupped his mouth to the laughter of the Mii Brawler School and Order of Hero cliques alike.

"Ha! You said it," teased Riddle.

"Erdrick, I'm buying you drinks, and I won't have it any other way, because I feel like you might drain your bank account on yourself, much less us."

"There's logic to the words you speak…" pondered Erdrick.

He looked to the other Heroes, who nodded approvingly.

"SO BE IT!" proclaimed Erdrick.

The Mii Brawler School and The Order of Heroes closed down the bar that night.

Little Mac

TV Studio

Smash City

1800

"Welcome lads and lasses to Coffee with Cait!" shouted Cait Sith as the lights went on.

Soft piano music played for the audience was prompted to applaud.

"Now, we've got ourselves a dandy trio of guests. Introducin' first is everyone's favorite pugilist, LITTLE MAC, and his trainer DOC LOUIS!"

Again, the audience was prompted to applaud as the boxer and coach, clad in all-red three-piece suits, sauntered on stage.

"And next, we have an expert in some controversy going on in the Smash sphere, GRUNTILDA!

The green witch lumbered out to much more tepid applause.

"So Mac," began Cait, "Inquiring minds have to know, Doc Louis had some strong words for Sans and Quinn in probably the most memorable post-match interview of the tournament so far. Now that Quinn has advanced, do you share those feelings?"

Mac pondered the question, then shook his head.

"Nah," Mac nodded, "People forget I trained with Bear Hugger during my brief VWA stint. And plus, I've been studying tapes of that new-fangled Brazillian Jujitsu. I can take him down if I have to."

"Ali vs. Inoki two this will be," chided Gruntilda, "A most boring match the people will see!"

A cackle left Doc and Mac at a loss for words until Doc spoke up.

"And this is why we don't do drugs kids," Doc explained to the chuckles of the audience.

"In drugs, I may partake," Gruntilda snapped, "So I may not witness Super Smash Brothers' biggest bracket mistakes,"

"Ey!" Doc Louis barked, "What would you know about winning anything huh?"

"Insolent fools," Gruntilda barked back, "You're just jealous because then Alice I have bigger.."

"That's not why we brought you on to talk!" Cait cut in, "One of the biggest romances to come out of the tournament is Banjo and Kazooie, and you've been at their throats longer than anyone. Is this new to you or have you always had suspicions?"

"Of them, I always have thought poorly," Gruntilda smiled, "But now I know they're freaks because…"

"I don't like where that's going," Cait quivered, "Cut to commercial please, and thank you three for coming,"

"Ooo wee," breathed Doc, "Thought I was gonna canceled like back in the day,"

Banjo Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie/Duck Hunt's Room
Smash Mansion Residence Hall

1802

Banjo lay on his side, his left paw propping up his head. He winced when Gruntilda began to talk about them.

"I don't think that's ever gonna get easier," bemoaned the bear

Sprawled out behind him was Kazooie, who sat up in one fluid motion.

"You really care what somebody who abducted Tootie thinks?" she asked.

"It's not just Grunty," Banjo sighed, "It's everybody. Everybody's got a dang opinion about this, and it's kinda throwing me off a bit."

"I mean, the car thing threw me off, all the dimension-hopping crap threw me off, but I always had you. This is just another stupid thing where we're gonna have each other."

"You're right Kazooie,"

Banjo sighed, this time a happy one.

"I love you,"

Feathered wings wrapped around him, "I love you too baby bear."

Banjo immediately felt a sense of ease wash over him, "Jiggy Wiggy am I glad we can do this without having to hide,"

"I'm just glad Mikey is on admin duty. Dork makes it weird."

"Right, but as ya said, it don't matter if we have each other,"

Kazooie grinned, "Now you're getting it. Maybe you aren't so dense after all,"

The iconic bear and bird duo snuggled into the night.

Ken

Sim's Diner

Smash City
Street Fighter section

1730

Dressed in a New York Yankees warmup tracksuit and matching hat, Ken pulled opened the door to a quiet restaurant.

"Excuse me, sir," said the hostess, a young African-American woman, "Are you with the Honda party?"

Ken removed his hat in a mock bow, smiling brightly.

"Ah, right this way Mister Masters."

He opened the second set of doors, making his way to the single table in the restaurant, occupied by Chun-Li, Ryu, Zangief, Dhalsim, Dee Jay, Fei Long, Cammy. Sagat, T. Hawk, Honda, Guile, and Blanka.

"Ah, the man of the hour has arrived," bellowed, bringing the rest of the table out of their conversation.

"I'm really not the-"

"You have advanced the furthest of the three of you in the tournament," was Sagat's dry reasoning, "Therefore, you are the leader of this group."

"Whatever you say, big man," Ken nodded, "Say, where are Karin and her gang?"

"Out at some concert," Cammy explained, "She says that whatever you're suggesting has the vote of the girls and her foundation's resources, no questions asked."

"This brings to light the meaning of zis get together," Zangief forcefully bellowed, "But you have not shared its meaning with ze rest of us, da?"

"In a minute Red Cyclone," laughed Ken, making eye contact with the waitress, who hovered over them, "Get me steakburger and fries, and a Bud to drink, would you please,"

"What size of burger would you like?" she asked.

Ken looked at the table, eyes widening at Ryu's burger, which appeared to be stacked about 10 patties high and was dripping with cheese. Quickly, his eyes snapped to Chun-Li, who took small bites of a burger with a single patty on it.

"Single patty please,"

"Right away sir,"

The waitress scuttled off, and Ken smiled wide at the table.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "I think it's time that we start operation World Tour, with Quinn as the subject,"

Zangief's eyes went wide, a huge smile on his face, but Sagat's responding chuckle was much more malicious

"Marmaduke?" growled Sagat, "The Mii Brawler? Why?"

"Because, Comrade Sagat," Zangief answered, "Comrade Marmaduke did Final Atomic Buster with grace of seasoned mother bear,"

"And just from observation, so the rumors go," T. Hawk excitedly interrupted, "That's not an easy thing to do."

"I like his sunglasses!' added Blanka

Guile chuckled. Ryu cleared his throat

"That, and he has a more powerful chi than even he knows. He stands to be a greater asset to Super Smash Brothers than he is now, and it's up to us to bring that out of him,"

"And, if I may speak on the matter," Dhalsim added, "During his match in the last round, he spoke of honoring his original master by representing his style. This shows me that he has respect for others and enough discipline to work cooperatively under all of us."

"I dunno mon," Dee Jay spoke with an unusual err of caution, "You speak of him as a natural savant, but yet he has the rhythm of a kid one of dem strip mall dojos,"

"That's a bit harsh isn't it?" Chun-Li asked.

The waitress set Ken's hamburger on the table, allowing everyone to mull over the discussion.

"I must agree with Chun-Li,"

Everyone looked toward the speaker, Fei Long.

"Anyone can learn to be like water if they are disciplined enough," he smoothly assured the group, "You didn't come out of the womb a seasoned dancer Dee Jay. None of us were born seasoned fighters."

More silence, only the clinking of cutlery and soft chewing.

"At first," Cammy began, "I agreed with Dee Jay, but after thinking about what Fei said and realized I was being a wanker about it. I guess we've been in the business of fighting so long, that it's easy to forget that we were unrefined novices once upon a time."

Murmurs of agreement came from around the table.

"Yeah, I was thinking about when Charlie taught me his style, how much I had to learn,"

"How is ze Top Gun mon?" Dee Jay asked.

"And why isn't he here?" growled Sagat.

"He just got back to the land of the living," snapped Guile, "He said he needed time, so I granted it. Regardless, consider my vote the second vote of confidence for Charlie."

Ken nodded, "So, are we in agreement?"

A chorus of agreement came from each person.

"So it's settled, Quinn is the first pupil of The World Warriors," declared Ryu

Chun-Li smiled, "I'm sure he'll be thrilled! I can only hope I'll be as good a sensei as Master Gen was to me."

"The old man out too?"

Chun-Li laughed, "Said instruction wasn't his thing anymore, plus he's got a restaurant to run."

Guile smiled, "That's fair,"

"So?" boomed , "What discipline should we focus on first? I personally have always wondered how a young man his size would adapt to Sumo."

"Honda, you git," Cammy shouted, "He isn't some lab rat."

"Cammy's right," Ryu nodded, "We must cast aside our biases and egos if this is going to work."

"Quinn's next opponent is Little Mac right?" Chun-Li offered, "How are we going to teach him how to defend against a boxer? Shadaloo is doing their own intelligence work on Gill's organization, and refuses to work with us, so no Balrog."

"But they are going to the basketball game," Ken added.

"Likely to rub their grand wealth in the SNK Network's face," sneered Chun-Li.

Cammy sighed.

"I can call Dudley. He owes me a favor anyway."

"Favor?" Ken asked, "You didn't have to give him a sympathy private class like we did with Dan Hibiki right?"

"I thank Buddha that he has turned his attention to the Sakazaki family at this juncture,"

"We're gonna have to put up with him at the basketball game though," Chun-Li reminded everyone.

"Ah criminey," groaned Cammy.

The group laughed, laughing the longest and loudest before settling down.

"Which is why we must enjoy the meal in front of us, and not think about other meals."

The group continued to eat their respective meals in silence before Zangief spoke up.

"Speaking of old comrades," he asked, "Comrade Ryu, have you been aboard Smashcraft R yet?"

Ryu nodded, "Haggar and Arthur are doing quite well running the training simulations, even as the dimensions change and more people arrive. I'm confident that when the time comes, they'll be ready to go."

"Even if they aren't," Cammy laughed, "We may be able to overwhelm 'em with sheer numbers."

Dhalsim shut his eyes, inhaling and exhaling, "It won't be that simple. I sense a dark presence orbiting Smash City, unable to breach our gates as they are unable to breach ours."

Blanka shrank back in his seat, quivering as he let out some fearful whines.

"It will be okay Comrade Blanka," Zangief assured him, "As Comrade Honda said, this is exactly why we must enjoy ze meal in front of us, yes?"

Immediately, Blanka's spirits brightened, howling happily.

Ken smirked as the group began to talk amongst each other.

I hope you realize how good of hands you're in Mister Marmaduke, having been adopted into this family, Ken thought to himself, finally sipping his beer.

Cloud

Smash Mansion
Main Foyer

1700

The Smashers that went back to the mansion split into two groups, one heading left, which lead to the winding staircase where the Game Room was held. The other, much smaller group was headed right, toward the kitchen. Cloud Strife was in the latter group.

Finding himself walking alongside Captains Olimar and Falcon he sighed, knowing one of the two overly jovial Smashers would start a conversation somehow.

"Yo, Strife!" called Falcon, "Got any plans tonight?"

Cloud shook his head, "Just training."

"Training?" exclaimed Olimar, "Isn't your family in town for this one?"

Cloud nodded, "Yeah, but I'm always jazzed after a match."

The three entered the cafeteria side

"I've been there before, many a time," Captain Falcon laughed, "A jog around Mute City always helped me work through the adrenaline after a race."

Olimar's characteristically half-closed eyes went wide, "Isn't that a city of like, two billion,"

Falcon saluted as Cloud got a protein bar from the self-serve counter, "Yep! Great cardio!"

"You madman," gasped Olimar

Cloud chuckled, unwrapping the protein bar, "Never change Falcon. Catch you later,"
Casting a wave goodbye, Cloud turned, munching the protein bar as he walked down the long step. Elizabeth, Subject Zero's adopted daughter, brushed past him as she trotted down the stairs. Cloud grinned. Maybe Marlene would appreciate a bedtime story from Uncle Cloud on a night Barrett wasn't feeling it?

He made a mental note to call the kids later as he finished the final trek of his journey, the Stage Floor. He ducked into the first stage room, Battlefield.

Wolfing down the rest of his protein bar, he headed to the center console. Just as his eyes snapped to the most difficult option on the list, Cruel Brawl, his Smash Communicator pinged with a text from Barrett

We are at the Gold Saucer and Tifa is making us fight dragons in the Battle Square. You gotta come train with us. She runs us so hard when you're not around.
As Cloud finished reading that text, he received another one from Yuffie.

Cloud pls.
Chuckling, Cloud swiped the texts away.

Gold Saucer tomorrow nite? Cloud texted the group chat, silencing his Smash Communicator.

"I'll take it easy, if just for tonight," Cloud announced to no one, selecting Century Smash.

The selections were made, and the featureless room became the serene stone of Battlefield. Cloud closed his eyes, breathing in the crisp spring air. His forehead wrinkled as he contrasted this place's complete peace with the den of noise that would inevitably be his tomorrow with The Gold Saucer. But he had to cast those thoughts out of his mind, the fight was on.

Flying towards the first Wire Frame he saw, he clasped its neck, waylaying it with kicks. His kicks weren't as impressive as Tifa's, and no one's ever would be, but judging by the Wire Frame's shaking legs and droopy stance, Cloud's time in the gym with his partner had paid off. He tossed the Wire Frame away, and with that declaration of war, the horde appeared. Triple Slash, Cross-Slash, and the majority of the horde were already gone, with a Blade Beam or two to make sure the stragglers were gone

The rest was muscle memory. Cross Slash, Triple Slash, and a Finishing Touch for the unlucky automaton that got too close. Even enemies materializing into existence from above came as simple as breathing. A flick of the sword most people found too lopsided and. unwieldy to lift sent them packing.

Three minutes later, Cloud had dispatched them all. His display was next to the all-time leader, Donkey Kong, who had cleared the game in two minutes in Melee.

In the instant the Battlefield room became a featureless white room again, Cloud's muscles began to ache, and fatigue washed over him.

Maybe training right after a match wasn't the best idea, even with the healing properties of this place.

Cloud sheathed his sword, stretching his arms, fingers interlaced behind his back. Stepping out of the door, he felt something check him from the side. He instantly wheeled towards the distress to see…

Master Chief

Stage Floor

Smash Mansion

1708

Master Chief eyed the SOLDIER's posture. If he was in any way intimidated, he didn't show it.

"Hm, you training too?" asked Cloud.

"Socialization and amusements don't particularly interest me," flatly explained the Spartan.

A deep, understanding frown overtook Cloud's face as he nodded introspectively.

"I get that," Cloud finally concluded, "Take it easy,"

Chief said nothing as Cloud brushed past him.

"Ooooh, can we watch his footage?" Cortana asked.

"If it'll keep you quiet," agreed Master Chief.

"Hooray!" cheered Cortana.

And so, Chief marched to the center console, queuing up Cloud's battle in just a few keystrokes. The chip that contained Cortana flew out of Chief's helmet, the holographic body of a woman projecting from the flying cameras. She lay seductively on her side as the footage played.

Chief felt himself unusually entranced as he watched Cloud move forward with unshakeable confidence, slashing his sword approximately where it needed to be at the exact moment it needed to be there.

"His projectile game is on point too," Cortana said, "I can't imagine even you wielding something as unruly as Blade Beam with accuracy."

Cortana was right, but Chief couldn't let her know that. Stay silent, that was the most painless course through all this drivel.

"So what do you think?" Cortana asked as the clip concluded, "Focus on your blade?"

"That'll be part of it, especially considering our opponents next round, but considering Dante is as much a gunslinger as he is a swordsman, it'll be helpful to put some training into ranged combat as well."

"True and true," Cortana nodded, "What about Travis?"

"Try to stall him out with ranged and hope that damn slot machine of his doesn't play in his favor."

"Never took you as a gambler," joked Cortana.

"I'm not, but Smash is full of unknowns."

"Another truth," nodded the seductively reclined AI.

"Send a group text to the space animals and the Order of Askr for a training session tomorrow. We'll want to get a variety of sparring partners."

"If I do this," Cortana asked with the utmost seriousness, "Will you promise me you'll make some friends?"

Master Chief only sighed, letting the silence hang between them.

"Well?"

"Fine Cortana,"

"Great! One annoying group chat coming up,"

"ERROR!" a voice barked over the speaker, "Unauthorized system access!"

Cortana giggled bashfully, "Oh, hi ROB,"
"You intend to use Smash systems without a valid communicator," ROB dryly explained.

"You know, now that we're talking about it, what if I helped you do sysadmin duty."

"Help. Does not compute," ROB droned.

"You're doing a lot of work, and I'd like to offload some of that from you. Plus it'd give us some time to spend together."

"Together. Hm, yes. A less consuming workload does sound like a way to maximize efficiency.

"You are such a charmer, you know that?"

"I do not believe my interaction has met the dictionary definition of charm in any language Miss Cortana."

"Well, at least he's aware," Cortana concluded.

"I am," ROB agreed, "You may send that text message now. You have been given full access,"

"And sent," chirped Cortana, "Now if you'll excuse us ROB, Chief and I here were gonna get to some training,"

"My apologies," ROB stated.

Chief pressed the button. He couldn't stand to hear either of them prattle on like lovebirds anymore!

Dante

Trophy Hotel
1800

Geez, a little opulent isn't it? Dante found himself thinking as soon as he walked in.

Smooth jazz permeated the ridiculous golden room as beings of all shapes and sizes shuffled about, some very obvious hotel staff popping in and out of existence, while civilians shuffled towards the Trophy Museum. Dante briefly stopped to consider checking out his trophy but shook away the narcissism as soon as it had come. He keyed in the room number Morrison had given him, stepping through the portal quickly.

"The party has arrived!" Dante greeted.

Huddled around a table with several pizza boxes opened on it were Morrison, Kyrie, Trish, Nico, Lady, and Nero.

"Well I'll be a son of a gun," Morrison stood, moving with a groove in his step as he finally made it within range to clasp Dante on the shoulder, "If it ain't the money maker himself,"

"Yeah," Lady huffed, "If we had known fighting tournaments were what it would take to keep the lights on in the shop, we would've sent you to some a long time ago."

Dante yawned, "You know me, I don't really like fighting. I keep that up to Ryu and them."

"Speaking of," happily squealed Nico, "Guess who got the Smashcraft R invite?"

Nero began to rub his temples with his normal arm, Kyrie held a hand over her mouth to shield a laugh.

"That's supposed to be top secret, at least that's what Mario texted," Dante informed the room, flopping into a recliner.

"Oh, it is," Trish snapped, glaring daggers at Nico.

"I know,"

Nico's head hung for only a second, snapping back to the happiest smile Dante had ever seen on another human being.

"But I guess Dr. Light heard I was in town and wanted me to come up for the conference. I mean, I did invent the Megabuster thanks to ole Barefoot fuckin' up the timeline."

"Could we not talk about work for five minutes," Kyrie groaned softly.

"I agree. Let's get down to the celebration," Morrison declared, "In honor of our champion, we got you the pizza you wanted."

"The stuff from Terry's universe? The stuff that Vergil wouldn't shut up about."

"Yep!" nodded Nico, "Least we could do for our number one guy."

"Jackpot!" cheered Dante.

The group began to eat lukewarm pizza before Nero spoke up, "You know, I always wanted to just like, hang out with you Uncle Dante, especially after that crap with the Quipiloth Tree. I hope this is the first of many Devils Never Cry pizza parties to come."

Trish snorted, "That's what I'm afraid of,"

"It will be if I can somehow squeak one out over Dante and Chief."

"You're a better range fighter than the otaku and a better gunslinger than the spaceman,"

Kyrie tutted, "Nico, what did I say about work?"

Again, Nico hung her head, this time much more genuinely.

"Sorry, Mrs. Kyrie,"

"Don't be sorry," Dante chuckled, "I need all the encouragement I can get."

The demon-hunting crew traded stories and pizza long into the night.

Travis Touchdown

2300

Good Luck Bar

Smash City

Final Fantasy VII section

Hey Babe, you up for Round 2?

Travis Touchdown had received that text from Mai Shiranui as soon as the second round ended. In spite of the fact that she had ridden him, as one of his favorite wrestling announcers would say, like a government mule all night long, he couldn't possibly have said no.

The night had begun at a death metal concert in Smash City's Little Wall Market, a den of debauchery from Cloud's world. The music had been fine, but his company had been finer.

Even now, sat in a noisy honky tonk bar called The Good Luck bar, scantily cowgirl waitresses flouncing too and fro, and free peanuts littered across the bar, all he could think about was Mai, swaying to the music in that amazing Hawaiian style dress she'd decided to wear…

"Um, Earth to Travis,"

Mai's authoritative voice snapped him out of his trance, and an inquisitive blond waitress looked at him.

"Are you interested in our food menu, or are you two just here for food,"

"Nah," Travis shivered, remembering the sandwich stand he'd seen outside that had had guts and eyeballs as part of a footlong, "That sandwich place outside really wigged me out. You got any cola?"

"Yes we do sir," the blond chirped happily, "Materia Cola is a specialty of the region."

"I'd like that please," Travis nodded.

"And you ma'am?"

Mai tapped her chin in thought, "I'll have the same,"

"Excellent! Please apologize for any delay, as you can see we're very busy," motioned the blond.

"I've worked retail before it's fine," Travis informed her.

"Ah, glad you understand. My name's Ariel, just give me a wave if you need anything else."

As Ariel whisked away to other tables, Mai snickered.

"That sandwich really wigged you out didn't it?"

"It had an eyeball in it, dude!" Travis whined.

"Not the worst food I've seen," Mai announced

Travis' jaw hung open in complete befuddlement.

"What kind of stuff do you King of Fighters eat?"

"Complete abominations if you're my last ex. For our anniversary one year, he injected pasta shells with peanut butter, cheese, paprika, cheese spread…" Mai began to list.

"I hope not all in one pasta shell," Travis joked.

"Oh, it was a smorgasbord. And I'm not done," ranted the well-endowed ninja, "Chicken paste, hummus, and ketchup."

"And this was Terry's brother?" asked Travis.

"Yep!" Mai smacked the table to emphasize her point, "They're still my best friends, those Southtown boys, just guys I couldn't trust to make me a romantic meal, you know?"

"Well," Travis smirked, "You'll be happy to know I'm learning how to make ramen from the great Bugjiro himself."

"I love ramen," Mai declared, "Especially if it's made by my favorite Smasher,"

Before Travis could even blush, Ariel had appeared with two glasses of cola.

"Alright, now that we're all set up here," Ariel began to explain, a smile on her face, "I'd like to let you know that we have adult entertainment options if you're interested in such things."

"Go on," Travis and Mai demanded, shooting knowing, smiling glances at each other.

"I'd be happy to engage you in one of three dances in our champagne room. One is the Cow-Cow, which involves lactation, the Moo Moo, which involves oral stimulations, and the Squeeze Squeeze, which is a lapdance involving my breasts."

Mai slammed the contents of her drink,

"Well what're we doing here?" she cried, "We'll take an hour of all three on my dime of course.

My God, I'm in love, Travis thought as Mai pulled him by the hand to the campaign room, scrambling to grab his drink with his free hand in the process.

Sonic, Isabelle

Smash Mansion,

Smash Park

2359

Sonic and Isabelle sat in the silence of Smash Park, crickets chirping as they munched on chili dogs on the flawless white bench by the fountain.

"Sonic, um..." Isabelle asked as she swallowed her food, "I'm sorry for…"

"Belle, you're fine," Sonic said, "You apologized a million times, at the chili dog stand alone."

"I know but," Isabelle's voice quivered, "I shouldn't have abandoned you and Mister Snake like that. That kind of behavior is why people leave villages and I'm not about to contribute to it."

"If anything," Sonic explained, "You were taking your training seriously. I should've done that, or else I wouldn't have gotten creamed by Dedede of all people."

"Do you think Mister Snake is mad?" Isabelle fretted.

"No, I don't think the guy even gets mad," Sonic half-joked, "I think he was just worried. Maybe even missed your company, I dunno."

Isabelle nodded slowly, "I ought to make it up to him with a gift of some kind, it's the neighborly thing to do."

"See?" Sonic shrugged, "You had the answer in your head the whole time. You didn't even need me."

Isabelle munched the rest of her chili dog, throwing her tiny arms around Sonic, "But you helped me work through it. Thank you."

Sonic wrapped his arms around hers, chuckling, "No problem. So uh…you heading to bed soon?"

"Yeah, I guess I should," whispered Isabelle, "I could use a snuggle partner."

Sonic smiled, "Well, they call me the Snuggliest Thing Alive for a reason."

"Do they?" Isabelle asked, cocking her neck in confusion.

"Nope, but it's never too late to pick up a new nickname is it?"

A soft giggle escaped the secretary, which Sonic could not help but reciprocate.

"I suppose not," Isabelle finally agreed.

In one sweeping movement, Sonic was standing up, Isabelle in his arms bridal style.

"Let's get going!" Sonic prompted, zooming away.