Chapter 125: GCP: Part 5
All of the prisoners were forced out of their cells, handcuffed, and lined against the wall while the search commenced. Ten times the amount of guards roamed around the halls.
"Nobody is to sleep until further notice!" The guards repeated over and over. "Move a muscle and instantly your booty is going to the Pretty Pink Room!"
"We don't know if Joker got the sword from Min-Min since the alarm went off," Ike muttered when a guard walked past him.
Carly gave a cat grin. "I'm sure the sign will be given. . ."
"We can't communicate since we're all on different floors. . ." Pit whispered to Shulk and Link.
"If anything this is a perfect time to meet. . ." Link trailed.
". . .at the Pretty Pink Room," Richter smirked.
"What are you waiting for?" Avehkt asked beside him.
Richter made contact with a blue band wearer and cracked his neck side to side. He leaned forward into a running stance, using his head as a main weapon.
"Oof!" Pretty Peter gagged. Richter's head was as heavy as steel, like a bullet train shooting straight into his stomach.
"He just hit a Bottom!" One of the guards said.
The handcuffs that bind Richter were snapped apart immediately like a rubber band. Richter lifted his back and inhaled deeply.
"Let's. . . gooooo! We got two hours!"
"Detain Number 6975! Again!" A guard pointed to the vampire hunter, now surrounding him with more guards.
Ike smirked. "That's our cue. . ."
"Say no less, Mama~" Carly went for a guard, giving a straight-up kick to the chin.
"Argh!" The guard shot through the roof, dangling like a wind chime.
"Nice. . . kick." Ike threw a punch toward a Bottom.
"Get those two!" Another guard cried out.
"I just heard Richter! My angel!" Pit's eyes beamed.
"So we hit someone that has blue, pink, or gold, Mates?" Shulk asked.
"Yeah." Link glanced at a buff Bottom to his right and shrieked silently. "Find someone to throw a quick punch. . ."
Finding an average Bottom, the three all struck him in the stomach. More guards witnessed the act and rushed over.
"Tonight, we leave!" Richter raised his fist in the air.
The prisoners around him raised their cuffed hands, inspired by his speech.
"Leave?"
"Is he crazy?"
"Yeah, but he knocked out Pretty Peter like it was nothing."
"He must be what we're waiting for. . .!"
Soon everyone exchanged glances and grinned, running left and right. Fighting the guards regardless of the cuffs around their wrists. But those who weren't fighters were tackled to the ground. Richter and Avehkt dodged and punched and kicked his way out of the area, meeting up with Ike, Carly, Pit, Link, and Shulk. They were able to break out of the cuffs that bound them.
"Where's the Pretty Pink Room?" Richter asked the group.
"Down south all the way. . ." Avehkt pointed in his map. "Good thing I brought this with me because it seems nobody looks at a map these days."
Carly glanced at the neckbands they wore and backed away from the group. Ike took notice of his actions, turning to him. "What's wrong?"
"It's best that one of us finds the controls to these bands, or else we can never leave this place," Carly said. "I'll be back."
"Isn't that dangerous? You'll get shot by a guard!" Pit panicked.
Carly grinned. "Trust me, Mama, I'll be fine. You guys go on ahead."
Richter nodded. "Say goodbye to your *cough* queer-friend *cough*, Ike."
"Shut up." Ike glared. After that, he turned back to Carly. "Don't get shot."
Carly showed a cat's grin to Ike before turning his back on the group and running. Once Carly was far from the group he headed for the nearest elevator.
"Look! There's a bunch over there! Shoot them!" A guard cried out, pointing their rifles.
"Ah. . . If it can't be helped. . ." Carly stretched forth his hand at the incoming bullets, stopping them inches away from his face. The bullets floated around him, like bubbles.
"How he do that?!"
"Shoot again!"
The bullets came like rockets but were once again in a still before hitting his cheeks. As if some barrier was keeping him safe. Carly yawned, stretching his arms. The guards watched in distress as the prisoner's hair slowly turned white. His eyes blinked into a purple without hesitation.
The ground beneath him crunched up due to the invisible pressure surrounding his body. "I'll make you all into pudding, as I've done to Mama! Hahahahaaa~!"
"We're dealing with him! I thought you sealed his powers since he got here!"
"I did! For 15 years he's been here! Not once-" A gunshot erupted and the guard froze, standing still, dead with a bullet between his eyes.
Carly grinned his cat grin and flicked another bullet at his disposal, causing the other soldier to die beside him. "Aww, I'm sorry. I love pretending to be helpless and weak when needed, Mama~"
(oOoOoOo)
Niho
"This is the royal Tachibana family from many generations." One of the maids handed the thick book to Eleven.
"Thank you. . ." He opened the book, sitting himself down in the library. He started with the first page and then continued to scroll down a few pages. After spending a whole day, he talked with Makato's close friends and family. Miru's brother was a current guard at the jail—some of Makato's childhood friends.
Eleven continued scrolling and stopped, seeing the current generation of the large clan, written. Rosalinda, Utora, Haruhi, Flora. . .Other names and families were surrounding the group.
Unlike the other pages, this one had a gap torn out, as if someone who was part of the family was forcefully removed.
"Who else was supposed to be there?" Eleven asked. "And what about Makato?"
The maid glanced at the book beside him. "I'm nothing but a maid. If you wish to discuss further on the topic, Her Highness will be the best choice."
Sworn to secrecy?
". . . ." Eleven stared at the book.
(oOoOoOo)
Outside of GCP
"This may be our last night here. . ." Robin said, staring at the bright red sirens from the distance where the camp was set. "I don't know if I should be happy or worried."
"For now, let's trust them," Joker said. "It'll give us some time to return home during the week."
"We're stranded! It's gonna take a month before we head back!" Morgana said.
Pyra sniffled as she served herself a cup of instant ramen provided by Robin. "Oh. . . my poor baby, Richter. . . I want him out safe and sound."
Mythra nodded, sitting by her. "Time, Pyra. He's a strong man, just as you said."
"Duh! Didn't you see his bulging, rock hard. . . muscles?!"
Min-Min sat at a safe distance that would assure her to keep a murder charge away. However, as she loved to eavesdrop, Min-Min couldn't help but crack her fingers.
Robin hurried over to Min-Min and patted her head, sensing her sinister energy. "Now, now, my little angelic fortune cookie! I understand your feelings towards your loved one, just. . . be patient. Like me!"
". . ." Min-Min side-eyed her before glaring down at the sand.
"L-look at this!" Robin spread her fingers apart from her left hand, showcasing the ring, glistening on her right hand. "My patience has gotten me a lovely diamond ring! So, once you show Richter your patient side, you too will-"
"Aiya, no need lesson from girl wearing bright, pink lace thong."
Robin's face burst into a cherry. "How do you know- -wait, excuse me?! That is not true in any case!"
(oOoOoOo)
GCP
The elevator ride was needed for the Ex-Smashers to get to the trenches of the Pretty Pink Room.
"Where's the sword?" Link asked Richter.
Richter had his arm crossed and opened his mouth with a bold expression. "In my left and right ass cheeks."
"For real?!" Pit's face turned sour from his soon-to-be savior.
"Nah! It's under my armpit, that's why I haven't moved it for so long- -owwie~!" Richter groaned from a poke of the sword when the elevator shook.
Pit sighed. "Oh thank Lady Palutena. . . I hope we get out of here safely."
"It's been only a few days and we're about to break out under a day. . ." Ike smirked.
"Us Smashers don't have time to sit around in jail sucking pee-pees," Richter said. "We gotta make the money!"
"And kill Bayonetta!" Pit cheered.
"And save Zelda!" Link raised his fist.
"Speaking of saving. . ." Shulk said. "What about that pervy tactician, Robin?"
Just then the elevator doors opened and nobody had to talk about Robin. Guards who saw the group of pink uniforms pointed their rifles in a hurry.
"H-hey! What are you guys doing here!"
"Don't move!"
"Eek! They have guns!" Avehkt huddled behind Richter's lower back while keeping his eyes on the prize.
"Eek~! Protect me~!" Richter grabbed Avehkt's back, shooting him toward a guard as they both crash land on each other. More guards rushed over from the entry to the Pretty Pink Room due to the alarm and pointed their rifles.
"Put your hands up!" One of the guards ordered.
The ex-Smashers gave relentless looks to each other before slowly lifting their hands. Everyone except for Richter.
"I said put your hands up!" A guard noticed his arms glued to his sides, now walking over to him.
"This isn't looking good. . ." Ike muttered, glancing at Richter beside him. Not only Ike, but everyone was giving Richter the look. Their life was riding on his arms!
"Yeah, I can't exactly lift my arms up. . ." Richter said.
"I'll shoot on the count of three! One!"
"Just do it!" Pit cried.
"Two!"
"Imagine we're about to die because of Richter's pits. . . lol." Link chuckled darkly.
"Three-"
A long sword cut off the guard's countdown when the blade made contact with his neck.
"M-Montero!" The guards all lowered their guns, knowing his sword skills were off the charts. Sephiroth removed the blade from his neck and stared at the group of pink. "Have them come to my cell. . ."
"But, they should be lined up like the rest due to the escapee-"
"That's an order."
"Whoa. . . the tables have turned?" Pit gulped. "A mere prisoner threatening guards?"
Sephiroth nudged his head and turned his back on the group, trusting the ex-Smashers would follow him inside the Pretty Pink Room.
"Never again Ima let you hold onto anything," Ike said to Richter.
"It's pits or nothing."
(oOoOoOo)
Sephiroth's cell
As it was nighttime, Sephiroth was able to retain his memories from the last time he saw Ike and Richter. And the quest he ordered them within the three-day range. The group stood all on one side while Sephiroth leaned against the other wall on the opposite side.
"I believe you have something that belongs to me. . ." Sephiroth said. "Judging you guys came with a group says so otherwise."
"My arm was getting the stabby stabs during the shaky ride. Finally, I can get rid of this sword!" Richter was about to open her arm but was slammed back to his hips by the mercenary.
"Hold it, keep your pits locked," Ike said.
"Really?!" Richter squealed like a pig. "Did you have to slam that hard?!"
Ike stared at Sephiroth as memories of their one-sided fight rushed in not too long ago. "Even with the deal we made, I can't exactly trust you."
Sephiroth smirked, slightly cocking his head to the ground, letting the strands of long silver cover his face for a bit. "A wise decision. For making the journey before the three days, I'll grant you three wishes."
"Three wishes?"
"Will that bring some assurance?"
"How about-" Pit pointed to himself and then the other Smashers around him. "Five wishes. Each of us gets a wish. It is a group effort after all."
"No, it ain't." Ike snapped. "You got yourselves prison time for trespassing-"
"I'm trying to give our fellow wing buddy some ideas! Or do you want to stick with three wishes like Aladdin?!"
"Of course not. . . . . . . Who's Aladdin?"
"Oh my Palutena, you did not just ask that question!"
Sephiroth nodded to Pit's suggestion and showed two fingers. "Group effort. Of course. I'll grant you two wishes. One for Richter and one for Ike."
"Geez! You just have to open your damn mouth!" Link snapped at the angel.
"Sorry~" Pit stuck his tongue, bonking the side of his head playfully.
Richter closed his eyes and crossed his arms. "Two wishes, huh?"
"This is tough. . ." Ike said.
The cell was quiet for a moment, as the two thought of their wish.
"Alright, I got a wish!" Richter pointed his finger up in the air. "Take me to see Ice Spice!"
"What a waste!" Link and Shulk exclaimed.
Sephiroth nodded at the request of his wish.
"And this is my wish," Ike started. Unsure, he glanced at the three musketeers who got themselves locked up by singing and dancing. All eyes watered with hope that he would make a good useful wish that would benefit the Smashers.
"Stop this. . . Kazuya guy. . .?"
"Thank you, Ike!" Link cried.
Sephiroth nodded. "So it shall be. As per our agreement, I'll grant your wishes in return for getting my sword. In a way. . . I can trust you two. . ." He then stretched out his hand, waiting for the blade he had so long waited.
Ike sweatdropped and glanced at Richter. "Give him the sword."
"With pleasure." Richter sighed, opening his arm up. Scooping the small blade before it fell to the ground. The ex-Smashers looked at the small sword but weren't expecting a puddle of blood as well.
"W-why is it bloody, Mate?!" Shulk asked.
"My pits were getting stabbed during the shaky ride. Y'all thought I was joking!" Richter said.
". . ." Sephiroth stared at the tiny blade before picking it up with his fingers. From the touch, his brain was struck with an instant headache causing him to collapse on his knees. The group watched him clasping onto his head as if it were about to burst.
"Ngh. . .! This. . .!" The tall man groaned.
"Mister Sephiroth! Are you okay?!" Pit asked, kneeling beside him.
"Don't get so close to him, you idiot!" Ike said.
"But he looks like he's in pain! We gotta do something!"
"Like what? Call a doctor?" Link sweatdropped.
"Let's be realistic and wait for his. . . headache to subside," Richter said.
It didn't take that long for Sephiroth to get on his own feet, holding the small blade in his palms. He looked at the group and the sword, furrowing his eyebrows. Something about him changed. Chills rose from the group. Sephiroth's expression obtained a more stern look, and then. . . black feathers appeared from thin air as if they were spirits.
His eyes looked to the crusty ceiling as a smug look appeared on his face. "Yes. . . I remember who I am. . ."
Everyone's heart reacted differently when they heard a darker tone in his voice echoing the his cell. Some stood in fear, as he was equipped with a legit weapon. Some stood ready to defend their lives. The Sephiroth they fought. . . their first impression of Sephiroth was cold-blooded and deadly, and sacrificed every girl just to find the "Promised Land". However, the battle they fought was at the parallel Smash Mansion.
So what was this version of Sephiroth gonna be? The same? Or even more of a malice killer? The ball was in his court.
Sephiroth wiped the smug look and turned to the others. Just at that moment, their collars dimmed away, indicating the electric-powered collars were off, and escaping the facility was now a possibility.
"The best way to leave this place is by killing ourselves in a. . . so-called accident," Sephritoh said. When he talked about escaping GCP, everyone let out a sigh of relief.
"Yeah. . . I think I know what you mean by killing ourselves." Richter smirked.
"Arson," Ike said.
"Crushed to death. . . to the point of bodies flattened out like pancakes," PIt said.
"So we won't get witch-hunted by the cops in the future." Link said.
Sephiroth pulled out a black shiny ball. "I finally remembered what this is. . . This black materia will be our way out."
"Well Sugarloaves, the collars are off so take them off!" Avhket cheered, removing his in an instant.
"That's right, Carly must have found a way to stop the collars," Ike said, yanking his out. And soon everyone removed their neckbands and wristbands.
Sephiroth ripped his collar as well, now keeping attention to the materia. "Prepare to leave this place. Leave blood samples. Then I shall call upon meteor."
"Bro sounding like a fossil," Richter commented.
(oOoOoOo)
Outside of GCP
The sirens rang and an hour only passed. Joker watched from afar with the others who continued packing up the camp.
"Look! What's that!" Morgana pointed from the sky on Joker's shoulders.
"A meteor?!" Robin paused putting her stacks of books in her bag and ran beside Joker.
"Daddy! He's gonna die!" Pyra clenched to Mythra's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Min-Min watched with wide eyes. Shocked. The meteor was at perfect aim with GCP, and a devastating exploding that formed a mushroom cloud. The explosion created gusts of winds, creating miniature sand storms in their area.
"Meow!" Morgana clawed onto Joker's shoulders from the pressure of the wind.
"Everyone, grab onto something!" Robin called out, somersaulting to a nearby boulder. And so they all did. Huddled near a few boulders to keep the wind from pushing them away. Minutes later, the wind died down, and so did the explosion.
A river of fire, a blazing one at that. Everyone recovered as they all couldn't keep their eyes on the bright orange in the night. The amount of lives that were taken away from that one random meteor. It was only a matter of time before the world would find out about this tragedy.
Robin slowly went back on her feet and stared at what was left. She teared up, dropping to her knees, clenching the sand into her fingertips. "Ike. . . No. . .! Why did this have to happen?! What else am I supposed to do?!"
"Richterrrrr!" Pyra cried. "My husband~!"
Min-Min glared at the red-haired girl. "Aiya, I throw you in burning fire, yes?"
"Was it Mother Nature? It seemed too unreal. . ." Mythra sweatdropped.
Joker curled his lips. This wasn't part of their plan that Pit so hoped. Now what?
"What do we do. . .?" Morgana muttered.
Joker stared at the intense flames and squinted his eyes. "We can. . . look for their bodies?"
"Impossible." Min-Min frowned.
"Yeah, don't say stupid shit," Morgana pawed Joker's cheek.
Robin clenched her fist and sniffled the last tears. "Tomorrow we go back home. . . If we were to stay any longer we might be accused of arson. . . There's no point searching. . . if we all get caught."
Everyone turned to Robin and exchanged glances with one another. Due to the change of plans, they began unpacking the blankets. Ike, Richter, and the others were. . . dead.
(oOoOoOo)
August 31st
Dawn
"Wake up! Pink Thong!"
The words pink and thong brought Robin's eyes to open widely, staring at Min-Min who blocked her sunrise. She sniffed in smoke and glanced at the orange that was still blazing. The fire never died out.
"Wh-what?! I told you it's not a thong!" Robin clasped her hand over her mouth, noticing the others were also awake, recovering from their sleep from the ramen girl.
Min-Min moved out of the way, pointing to the cloudy sky. "Min-Min see. . . two strange birds, flying here, yes?!"
"Birds?" Robin rubbed her eyes, trying to focus on what the ramen girl was talking about. A few seconds later, two. . . birds? No, it wasn't birds. It was an angel. . . and another man. . . with one black wing. Both of them. . . carrying pink prisoners. And the pink prisoners were also carrying a person for each.
"Pit. . . Pit! Th-that's Pit! He's alive!" Robin cheered, waving her arms. "Piiiiiit!"
"Are we not going to address the elephant in the sky?" Joker sweatdropped. "Who's the other guy? And. . . I see other prisoners with them."
"Daddy's alive, Mythra!" Pyra cheered, squeezing her sister.
Mythra nodded. "Y-yes. . .! He's alive!"
The flying stopped due to the weight, and the group of prisoners walked the rest of the way back to the campsite, which took a while. Once the faces were recognizable, Robin was able to catch Ike in the group. Tears poured more from her eyes and her legs moved on their own, reaching Ike at a sprint.
Ike froze from the white hair, thinking of the other tactician, but saw the pigtails. "Oh. . . Girl Robin? Why are you here-"
"Ike!" She glomped him into her embrace and dug her face into his chest, bawling. "You're alive!"
"Hey. . . calm down. . ." Ike sweatdropped.
Once Robin broke from the hug, she paled at the sight of pink hair and ocean eyes standing right next to Ike.
"M-Makato?!"
Carly tilted his head. "Wow! Ike said the same thing when we first met!"
"You're a guy?! But you're so adorable and oppressed."
"That's Carly. . . Don't be fooled by his looks." Ike glanced at the short teen.
Pit went on his knees, taking in big breaths. "I. . . I thought we were gonna die! The fire was so strong!"
Link nodded. "Yeah. . ." He then turned to Sephiroth. "He's perfect. Kazuya won't stand a chance against this guy."
"For reals. . . Mate." Shulk sat on the sand, fanning himself.
"Daddy!" Pyra went for a tackle hug but was instantly dodged, crash-landing into a small dune head-first.
"Pyra!" Mythra exclaimed, rushing over.
"Aiya! Richter!" Min-Min smiled, running over to him. "Moneymaker, alive!"
Richter took in heavy breaths and looked down at Min-Min. He reached for her head, rubbing it. "Hey, Min-Min. . . I'm glad. . . you're okay."
Joker looked amongst the group seeing one new stranger that was added to the party. "I'm glad you guys made it out alive."
"That meteor was just bad luck, meow!" Morgana said.
"Nah, it was all him." Avkeht pointed to the tall man with long, silver hair.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Sephiroth." Sephiroth greeted.
'For real, this guy is almost the complete opposite of the other Sephiroth!' Richter and Ike thought.
Pit grinned. "Mission accomplished! Not only do we have Richter, but a fellow angel, Sephiroth! Bayonetta's gonna shit her jumpsuit once she finds out!"
"Let's get you guys some clothes and food. Good thing I brought extra dresses for my lovely angelic maidens!" Robin said. "Carly, do you wanna wear a dress?"
Carly smiled. "Okay!"
Richter pointed to his pink jumpsuit. "What about us?"
Pit waved, grabbing Richter's attention toward the small angel. "I got your clothes just in case we break you out!"
"And for me?" Ike's eyes lit up.
Pit stared at the mercenary. "Uh. . . I was talking to Richter."
"Ah, I see. I should throw you in the fire while is still hot, huh?"
"No-no! I'm sorry, Ike!"
Robin shook her head. "Don't worry, Ike. I got your clothes as well. Including Link, Pit, and Shulk's. Carly and. . ." She looked at the tall man with blonde messy hair.
"I'm Avhket!"
"Avhket." Robin nodded. "And our new friend, Sephiroth I have some extra shirts and pants."
(oOoOoOo)
8:30 A.M.
Today's first and last breakfast in the desert was cactus tacos and water, enough to distribute around before the day was to get bright. The Smashers and prisoners mingled amongst themselves, taking a quick break before they left.
Sephiroth enjoyed the view of the fire from a distance away from the others. A long black T-shirt and cargo pants. Richter, Link, and Shulk watched Sephiroth's hair blowing in the wind as if the earth favored his existence.
"Why does bro look majestic?" Richter popped a vein.
Shulk laughed. "A model in the making, Mates."
Link rolled his eyes. "First Cloud and now Sephiroth. . . they got the same breed."
"Aiya! Min-Min made more cactus tacos!" Min-Min called out.
"That sounds great!" Many called out.
"Min-Min! Stop cooking!" Robin said. "Honestly. . ." She took a step away from the camp and saw Ike, talking to Carly. Her eyes stressed from the sight of them being together. Maybe giving Carly a white dress was a mistake on her part. All she was reminded of was Makato with short hair during their homeless journey.
"Aiya, you want confess, yes?" Min-Min glanced at Robin's butt.
Robin swiped her body away from what Min-Min was staring at, as her face burst into a cherry. "Stop, staring! And. . . I'll talk to Ike when I get my chance!"
(oOoOoOo)
"Mmh~! I love Min-Min's cactus tacos!" Carly licked his fingers. Ike stared at the ruffles of the white dress he wore and shivered. The resemblance was almost too good to be true.
"How long are you gonna wear that?"
"Aw, don't I look cute, Mama~?" He giggled. "I think dresses are my style with my cute face!"
Ike looked away, staring at the fire. "Remember the deal we made? If I survived you'll tell me everything I wanna know."
"And the sword, so that's half."
"Group effort."
Carly's smile disappeared. "Alright, fine. What is it that you wanna know?"
Ike glanced at his eyes, dark and unpredictable they became when Ike brought up their deal.
"Siblings? You got any?" Ike asked.
Carly stared for a bit and glanced at a cloud. "Hmm. . . So you want to take that route, huh? I really really hate my family~!"
"Just answer the damn qu-"
"One sister," Carly responded swiftly. "One little sister whom I wanted to kill. Can you guess who?"
Was it that obvious of a question that made Carly ask Ike to guess? Maybe so. Ike kept silent, as sweat dripped down his forehead.
Carly then turned to Ike with widened eyes and dilated pupils as if a light switch changed his whole expression. Ike furrowed his eyebrows and kept his hand to his plate, keeping his composure.
He grinned uncontrollably, showing his teeth. "Ding, ding, ding! Makato!"
Ike froze, unable to digest his answer. "Wait. . . This can't be. . . but-"
Carly criss-crossed his legs and swung back and forth. "Aww, why are you so surprised? You mentioned her name. That piglet of a girl also said her name when she saw me. Are we that similar in looks? I'm only a few years older than her. Tell me, how do you know her? Are you her lover or something?"
'That's her brother?! But what about that incest freak and Flora? Aren't those her siblings? But he looks just like Makato and their father. Was he also part of their family?'
Ike shook his head. 'No that's impossible. . . according to him, he said he killed his mom. . . And the queen is still alive. . . Something's not adding up.'
He didn't want to say much, just in case. It was too early to trust a murderer that yet alone killed his mom. Ike opened his lips before his brain burst. "I met her a few times as a mercenary. . . Just another client."
". . ." Carly squinted his eyes and stretched a smile. "Hehehee~! I see. . . Well, she must be all grown up now! That little worm was so cute as a baby! I want to make her into a bloody pie!"
A worm? Bloody pie?
Ike opened his lips. "Your mom. What's her name?"
Carly blushed and curled a cat's smile. "Wahh~! I'm so delighted you asked! My Mama's name was Lydia."
This was strange.
Ike kept silent for a few seconds and turned to the sand. 'Makato's mother isn't the Queen Rosalinda, but a woman named Lydia? But she- -they looked so much like the King! Does Makato know about this? No. . . She never knew her siblings. But what about Carly?'
This was too much new information.
"Why. . . Do you hate Makato so much?" Ike then asked. "You only knew her as a baby."
"Mama wanted a girl, not a boy. She wanted a daughter that inherited potion making, not gravity. I love my Mama. Mama doesn't love me; she loves my sister. And so I want to kill my sister so Mama can only love me." Carly kept his smile.
What a psycho.
Ike ran his hand through his hair. He couldn't say much. He didn't know how to respond to a brother who simply hated Makato because of her existence.
"You surprised me when you found a way to get the neckbands out. You looked. . . like a normal kid."
Carly lifted his hand. "I have gravity powers. Up and down the guards went! Sploosh like watermelons! Bullets can't touch me when I use my powers!"
This guy was insane.
Ike curled his lips. "Who's your dad?"
Carly shrugged. "I don't know. Mama said I killed him when I was two. Maybe that's why she turns me into a rat as punishment! Heheheee~!"
The young teen got up from the sand and wiped his dress. "Are you done with the questions?"
"One more." It bothered Ike that both Carly and Makato had the same pink hair and ocean eyes as the King. Maybe that was their father? The King got remarried to Queen Rosalinda after Lydia died. Seemed logical to conclude. But he had to ask.
"Your hair and eyes. I met the King a few times and you look just like him. Aren't you related to the king?"
A simple yes would be a reasonable answer. It would mean Makato had a stepmother and two step-siblings. Or cousins since they were distant relatives.
Carly shook his head. "Nope. Only an Uncle."
"Uncle? Are you serious?" Ike felt like he was failing some kind of exam.
"Don't get the wrong idea. Me and my sister had my Mama's looks. Hair that is white as snow and lavender eyes. The King sealed our current looks away because that was what my Mama wished for."
"Why was that?"
"Go ask the King~!" Carly winked, getting up on his feet. "I'm done with these family feud questions."
Before Carly walked away he looked at Ike one last time.
He tilted his head. "You ask so much about my family when we're only strangers. Have you fallen for me, Mama~? Do I look like a cute girl?"
"Cut the crap."
"Or. . . maybe you knew my sister and want to milk me out of information."
". . ."
"Of course not! I trust that you're not lying about your relationship with that bitch~!" Carly giggled for a second before looking up at the sun. After that, he walked away.
Ike sighed through his nose, rubbing his hair once more. "This shouldn't concern me. . . "
(oOoOoOo)
As everyone began to pack, Robin glanced at the hillside, still seeing Ike watching the sun by himself. She took the opportunity to talk to him while they were alone.
"We're about to get going," Robin said to Ike. She gained his attention when he turned his back.
"Our only way of transportation is by renting a car. So, once we get out of this desert, we'll be good to go." She added.
"Cool."
He sounded not as motivated as she wanted him to sound. Robin sat by his side, also watching the sun. She began fiddling with the ring she wore on her finger, taking in a deep breath.
"Carly. That feminine boy. Does he. . . remind you of her?"
"Who else wouldn't be reminded? That's her brother." Ike said.
"Really? Ah, that's sad. . ." Robin frowned. "He must be a deadbeat of a cis-male if he's putting himself in jail."
"He never told me when he was put in jail. . . only saying he had ten more years left."
Robin nodded. "Before we came here to break you guys out, Makato approved of us. . . if you. . . uh- -so want to pursue a new relationship."
"So, she moved on that fast, huh?" Ike made no reaction. "I did break her heart."
Memories of her tears filled his head. The rainy night on the rooftop. The dream. . .
"Ike!"
Ike broke from his daze from Robin's voice. "Ah. . . sorry. . ."
Robin reached for his shoulder. "I think. . . you should let go of her. Because there's someone out there that loves you just as much as she did."
"What are you talking about?" Ike half-smiled. "Are you saying you have a crush on me or something?"
"I. . . I do!" Robin exclaimed, blushing.
There was a long pause. A long awkward one. The wind and early birds tried to make it work somehow, but catching Ike's shocked expression made them choke.
Ike's eyes widened. "Huh. . .?"
Robin leaned toward Ike and planted a kiss on his cheek, proving more of her point. She parted and jumped on her feet turning her back on Ike.
"I won't hurt you like she did. I'm not a complicated person, but I will treat you well. I expect an answer soon."
"Wait, Robin," Ike called out, also getting on his feet.
"We need to get going before the news gets out!" Robin only hurried her steps toward the others.
Ike touched his cheek, lowering his eyelids. "This is gonna be awkward."
Once camp was packed, it was time to leave the desert. Six more days until the appointed time to get back to the Smash Mansion. September 6th. It was enough time to get back to the mansion and stop Kazuya.
(oOoOoOo)
A Few Days Later
September 4th
New York
'It's dark. . . very dark. If I still have the ability to process my thoughts, then my plan must have worked! Yipee! Oowowoo~! Boo ya! The worst-case scenario would be the doctors harvesting my organs. Ladies and Gents, we have stupidity at its finest! I made sure my immune system was presented to be of a 50-year-old chain smoker.'
M. Robin lifted his head but only managed to hit the roof of his dark place. A very short roof. He tried squiggling his way to feel his surroundings, only feeling bound to the space that shaped his body. Then it hit him.
"I'm in a coffin?! People think I'm dead! My luck hasn't dried out!"
(oOoOoOo)
Smash Mansion
"Breaking News! The Gay Conversion Prison has been destroyed by what seemed to be a meteorite! Scientists did not predict that this strange phenomenon would happen and it sure did! Police and investigators only concluded that the meteorite wiped out not only everyone that was in the building but their entire existence due to the blazing fire that lasted for almost a week! Not even ashes remain in the tragedy. This is Tallin Onyuu with Smash News. Back to you Iyeda Ho."
The news played out once Ike, Richter, and the others arrived back from the prison in a short amount of time. Their other prison mates went off on their paths to make a new life for themselves.
"So. . . you're the man that. . . destroyed the whole facility?" Dark Pit sweatdropped. Not only Dark Pit was shakened by the news, but everyone in the mansion with their new attention on a prisoner in drip.
"Sephiroth?!" Marth and Peach gasped.
"Aw, man! Are we gonna get sacrificed?!" Roy cried, holding onto Marth's cape.
"Nah, I ain't dealing with this shit." Daisy shook her head. Cloud gripped onto his sword from the back, not trusting the situation.
"Relax guys! He isn't like the one from the other world you so all preached!" Pit said. "This Sephiroth is different, and he also wants to join us! Is that okay, Mario?"
Mario's mustache sagged. "D-don't look at me! Kazuya owns the mansion now!"
Kazuya smirked. "I'm impressed, you all managed to make it out alive from prison, let alone escape. . ." He separated himself from the bad guys and his woman slave, walking toward Sephiroth.
Sephiroth kept still, standing by Richter and Ike. "You must be Kazuya. I was told to stop you by my. . . fellow friends."
"Friends?" Everyone asked in disbelief.
Link nodded. "That's right!"
Kazuya cocked his head, glancing at the sword he held. "As the deal goes, I won't sacrifice Zelda since you all arrived before my deadline. However, for legal reasons, I own the mansion. Try and stop me but be ready to face the consequences."
"I see. . ." Sephiroth lifted his arm. "But, I don't care."
"Don't tell me-" Cloud gripped his sword even further as he watched from the balcony.
Bayonetta watched as well beside him. "Don't even try, Cloudy."
"Shut it."
"What you saw on the news, allow me to show you in real-time."
"Poyo? Live action?" Kirby asked.
"No, you idiot! Live death!" Ness said.
Kazuya furrowed his eyebrows and let out a grunt. "If it can't be helped. Having this place destroyed would cost me more."
Sephiroth smirked, lowering his hand.
Kazuya pulled out the deed to the mansion and handed it to Mario. "In order to restore my dojo, I require 45% of winnings. Do that, and none of you will be slaves."
"Deal!" Mario nodded eagerly.
"What do you mean, deal?!" Roy exclaimed. "I'll be broke before I know it!"
Many complained but it was a better route for the Smashers.
(oOoOoOo)
September 7th
Niho
Castle
Noon
"Is it safe to go home? For real?" Samus called on the phone, talking to Zelda. "Ah, that's great! We'll be back. . . Yeah~"
Eleven watched her sitting on the couch in a bright yellow dress and fancy white heels. "You seem like you don't want to leave."
"Yeah? And?" Samus eyed him. "Free food? Awesome drinks? Parties? Of course, I'd rather stay here!"
Makato sat with them with a smile on her face. "You guys going home?"
"You're still staying back?" Samus countered back with a question.
"I'll be back before the end of the year." Makato lifted her teacup to her lips. "My father is who I'm waiting for."
"Can't you letter him to hurry up?"
". . ." Makato lowered the cup. "I can wait."
There was an awkward silence, but then the sounds of a harp and the strings lowered the tension.
"I'll be sure to visit again," Samus said. "I'll just say, another sight-seeing adventure. . ."
"Same for me." Eleven gazed at the potion princess' expression. The smile, he could tell it was forced.
"Makato, I hope you take care of yourself. And. . . feel better." Eleven then said. Makato turned her head toward him with widened eyes.
"Whatever. . . are you talking about?" The smile broke for a bit, she formed it back in her face. "I assure you I'm fine."
Dark Makato bawled right behind Makato, hugging her shoulders. "Ahhh! He knows! We can't feel better! Our father stole half of our true selves! Ike broke our hearts! They must pay!"
Makato touched her shoulder, caressing the invisible hand behind her. "It was fun having you guys around."