Author's Note:
Guests reviews...here we go:
"Will you include the Tales of Vesperia chapter next? (Since the remaster came out already) can you also include Tina Armstrong from Dead or Alive for the wrestling chapter with Incineroar? Is Ganondorf using his Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess look? Will Kazuma Kiryu and the other Yakuza cast ever visit the Smash Mansion? And finally, has Lucina and Morgan's fear of roaches been mentioned yet?"
They did a remaster already?! Shoot. I might have to do that one at a later time. I can include Tina Armstrong in the wrestling chapter. There are two Ganondorfs in the mansion now (see chapter 158). Kazuma Kiryu will visit the mansion, one day. And Lucina and Morgan's fear of roaches has not been mentioned...yet. The next review I'm gonna answer, from ScarFlowHanabi, has some possible spoilers, so scroll down at your own discretion...
"Assuming that the leaks are true, here are some inquiries:
1. Ryu Hayabusa: Will the Dead or Alive Universe be part of the universe covered by the fic, meaning appearances from the cast? If he is going in, how is he going to be treated? Will he be part of the ninja crew of the mansion?
2. Steve: Will Alex and Master Chief be separate characters (having Master Chief as a legitimate appearance)? Will mobs be part of the mansion's environment? Big Minecraft arc?
3. Erdrick: Will male an dfemale be separate characters?
1. Only the few characters that I know from DOA will appear. Don't know how Ryu Hayabusa will be treated.
2. Alex and Master Chief will be separate characters, and mobs may be a part of the mansion's environment. As for a big Minecraft arc? Eh...
3. Both male and female Erdrick will be separate characters.
Moving on:
1. A heist episode akin to Ocean's 8
2. An episode inspired by the iCarly episode "iStart a Fanwar"
3. Master Hand trying to send the brawlers to school
4. HEard about that wrestling episode in the works. Say, there's a fanfic online called "The Ketsueki Quadrilogy". You can pick up ideas there.
1. Think I already gave that idea the green light.
2. Hehe...I remember that episode of iCarly...I think. I could do an episode inspired by that.
3. I've been meaning to do that idea for a while now.
4. I'll check it out in my down time.
Up next is PinkKittyRose:
"1. Will Red from Pokemon go back to his younger self like he was in the beginning of the story and in smash?
2. If Red is back to his younger self again, will he and Leaf become a couple and we see a love triangle between Red, Leaf, and Blue in a way?
3. When will Chun-Li make a appearance again?
4. Just curious, but when will we see the next two-parter?"
1. That is still on the table.
2. Ha, I wouldn't mind doing another love triangle.
3. Don't know when Chun-li will appear again.
4. There will be a two-parter to end the current story arc. Haven't decided when that two-parter will be done.
And last for today, GreaterDoomerUKI:
"Let me guess, Infinite is either forcing or working with someone who is the Seattle stalker. Then infinite will team up with Dracula and Marx. After that they will all kidnap bowser and ganoondorf and turn them both into Giga Bowser and Ganon. Oh yeah and infinite mind controlled Adeline so she can see the mansions weak points."
I won't be dispelling any juicy info about the arc, but I gotta say...that's one great prediction you got there. I'm quite impressed.
Episode 161: Guidance
Fox and Krystal were currently going through a rather rough patch in their relationship, and it was taking a bit of a toll on Fox.
It all started two weeks ago, at Crazy Hand's cocktail party - a party in which Crazy Hand ordered Rayman and friends to plan for, despite never being in attendance. It was there that Fox planned on proposing to Krystal, but the two lovers started acting inappropriate with one another and made each other feel uncomfortable.
Feeling some kind of remorse for his actions, Fox sought to redeem himself to Krystal, and write and apology letter to Krystal. The pilot had his struggles with writing said letter, due to Guile's interference, but in due time, he was able to finish the letter...yet he didn't find the courage to reveal said letter to Krystal.
Hoping to get things back on track with Krystal, Fox offered to join Wolf in a Couple Counseling session the mercenary was hosting - which would be done by a married couple, in Alm and Celica. Certainly the experience of those two could prove beneficial to Fox and Krystal, in some way.
"What is Rayman and Barbara doing on this list..." Alm furrowed his brow, as he and Celica were going over the list of couples that would be attending the counseling. "I thought Rayman made it specifically clear that he and Barbara weren't an item."
"Globox asked me to add them to the list," explained Celica, as she was polishing her nails. "Or should I say, practically begged...he might be shipping those two." Rayman and Barbara dating was something Alm had to see to believe.
"And for what reason? Can't he just let the two be friends? You should've told them that only legitimate couples are allowed to attend."
"I tried my hardest, but nothing I said could get through him. So I ultimately gave up...looking back on it, I probably should've tried harder."
Celica: Alm and I were both honored when Wolf asked us to officiate a Couple Counseling thing he had planned...and at the same time we were concerned, since Wolf claimed to be a "romantic expert". To think this whole time, that was Chrom's job.
"How's that list coming along, you two?" Wolf asked Alm and Celica, as he entered his room. Like any true villain, Wolf didn't even knock on the door.
"I'm looking over the names as I speak," replied Alm, before handing the list to Wolf. "Everything has been finalized." Wolf took a look at the list of couples, scratching his chin as he read every name.
"Fox and Krystal? Knew Fox would come around. Link and Zelda? Interesting. Knuckles and Rouge? That's quite a surprise. Marth and Caeda? Okay, I'm down with that. Dark Pit and Flora? Now we're talking! Who's the last couple on the list...RAYMAN AND BARBARA?! What in the world..."
"My thoughts exactly," sighed Celica, the woman who wrote down Rayman and Barbara's names on the list, as requested by Globox. "It was mainly Globox's idea."
"Are Rayman and Barbara even aware of this? Bleh, no matter..." Wolf tossed the list back to Alm, before stepping out of the door. "We'll start around 3 o' clock, in the matchmaking room. Might have to flex the time, depending on when Luigi shows up. That plumber better not be late!"
Unfortunately for Wolf, Luigi might be a little late, for the plumber was suffering from a few sick symptoms - fatigue, dizziness, and vomiting. You'd think Luigi would stay in bed and rest, but the man was busy today.
"I told-a you Daisy, being inside of Bowser makes-a me sick," Luigi told his wife, feeling tired and exhausted as he was moving around in the kitchen. Felt like throwing up at any minute. "Tried to warn-a you guys, but you never listen..."
"Wouldn't it hurt you to stay in bed?" Daisy asked Luigi, who was looking through the cupboard for something to eat. "Can I interest you in some chicken noodle soup? It'll make you feel much better..."
"Daisy I'm a grown-a man, I can eat-a whatever I...I...ah...ACHOO!" Luigi sneezed very loudly, enough to make him jump off of the floor. The plumber wiped his nose with his finger. "Great, now I got-a the sniffles! Told-a you Bowser makes me sick!"
"Really, because Yuffie just sneezed a while ago, and she was looking normal and healthy. You're telling me that she has the sniffles too?" Daisy placed her hands on her hips, awaiting Luigi's response.
"Oh no, I must've passed-a on my illness to her...she has caught-a my cold! Or whatever I have! Why..." Luigi fell to his knees sobbing, acting like he started the bubonic plague and was carrying the virus around the entire state of Washington. Daisy sighed, as she walked away.
"So dramatic..." muttered Daisy, as she left Luigi alone to bask in his own despair. Couldn't cry any longer, because Luigi had to be at the mansion at three...whether he was still sick or not.
Luigi: That whole couple counseling thing Wolf thought of? It was actually Luigi's idea. What happened was, Luigi saw a "glimpse" of Fox and Krystal having tensions with one another, and wanted to resolve issues between the two. Don't ask me what he was so interested for. So, he called Wolf, told him everything, and then...yeah, the rest is history.
"Wolf's Couple Counseling will begin at three o' clock, zzrt!" Rotom floated over to Luigi, to remind the plumber. Luigi stopped crying, before glancing at his watch.
"Oh yeah, that's-a right, it's today!" replied Luigi, as he stood back up on his feet. "Surely everyone there wouldn't mind if I came a little sick...hehehe."
Mario and Impa were seemingly getting along better, after the two danced their butts off at the Christmas Ball. (Okay, so Mario might've been carrying Impa, but you gotta give the two equal credit.) Impa did not dare to criticize Mario for anything he did, and in turn improved the plumber's decision making. Not only that, but the Sheikah was acting more affable now, as Lana and Linkle were able to get along fairly well.
With Lana and Linkle doing some investigative work with a few of the Phantom Thieves, Impa would travel with Mario, Spyro, and Hunter to the Yiga Clan hideout, to let the mercenaries know about the Seattle Stalker. And also show a picture of what the stalker might look like to them, provided by Hunter.
"Remember guys, if you see this creep around anywhere, don't hesitate to call for help," Hunter warned a few Yiga soldiers as he showed them his drawing of Bum Swanson from the previous episode. Mario and company were standing a comfortable distance away from Hunter, for obvious reasons.
"Well we're dangerous mercenary dudes, so...I think we can handle this Bum Swanson guy ourselves," stated one Yiga soldier, as a few others nodded in agreement. "We got it all covered."
"Oh okay, got it! But still, you should call for help - you should always call 911 whenever you need to. In fact, why don't I just give you a number instead? It can come REALLY handy in the future."
"Does the Yiga Clan use cellphone devices?" Spyro asked Impa out of curiosity, as Hunter looked around for something to write on. As well as something to write with, the latter being the more important material.
"No they don't, but they should if they want to feel more 'modernized'," replied Impa, as Hunter wandered aimlessly into a nearby tunnel. What followed afterwards was very loud screaming, and Hunter running out of the tunnel while covering his head.
"How dare you intrude upon me during my bathing time!" shouted Master Kohga, as he chased after Hunter with his scrubbing brush. He was only wearing his mask and his towel, around his waist. "Have you no shame, you dumb cat?!"
"Master Kohga!" Mario called out to the leader of the Yiga Clan; Master Kohga stopped and turned around, spotting Mario and company.
"Ah, it's you folks again!" Completely forgetting about Hunter - who took the time to recuperate from the hits to his head - a now delighted Master Kohga walked over to Mario and company, happy and jovial. "I cannot thank you enough for helping us prepare for our first Christmas. It was truly a blast!"
"And it never would've happened if it wasn't for Mario..." remarked Impa, giving credit where it was due, as Mario smiled. A couple of episodes ago, Impa saying that would be nothing short of shocking. "...did you ever celebrate New Year's?"
"New Year's? We're in a new year already? Someone have a calendar?" a Yiga soldier approached Master Kohga, with a calendar, and Kohga took a good look at it before wailing and falling to his knees. "NOOO, WE FORGOT TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR! What fools we are..."
"I guess-a Master Hand never gave them the memo," Mario said to Spyro and Hunter, as Master Kohga was acting like the end of the world was imminent. He really had a flair for the dramatics.
Master Kohga: The first holiday of the year, and it swept right under our noses...but whenever there's an opportunity, there's always a chance for redemption. Better luck next year.
"Um, Master Kohga, I don't mean-a to rain on your parade..." Mario walked over to Master Kohga, who was still overreacting to his failure as a leader - dude was banging his fist on the ground at this point. "...but have you heard-a of the Seattle Stalker?"
"The Seattle Stalker?" Master Kohga perked up, as he regained his composure and stood back up. "Who is this Seattle Stalker you're talking about? He's not stalking us, is he?"
"Mario said that it's just some weirdo who sends people random, threatening messages," one of the Yiga soldiers explained to Master Kohga. "Said that his wife got a note from him a few weeks ago."
"I also drew a drawing of what the stalker might look like!" added Hunter, as he revealed his drawing to Master Kohga - who did not care in the slightest. Like anyone was supposed to care.
"If this stalker poses as a threat to the Yiga Clan, then we shall band together, and put an end to his madness. I can't let anyone interfere in the affairs of my clan, not by any means. So why don't we shake on it?" Master Kohga extended his hand to Mario, who shook it.
"We got your-a back, and you got ours," replied Mario, establishing a sense of solidarity between the Yiga Clan, and everyone living within the mansion's vicinity. With the Yiga Clan in tow, the Seattle Stalker could go down at any minute.
"You want this drawing of the Seattle Stalker, just for future reference?" Hunter asked Master Kohga, holding up his drawing high in the air. Master Kohga had every right to judge the cheetah.
Because a few Yiga clansmen were doing constructive work on the entrance to their hideout - make it so that folks like Mario are allowed to enter while unwanted guests are forbidden - Mario and company were forced to take the long way back to Mario's house, leaving the hideout from the back way. A way most Yiga clansmen told Mario and company was "dangerous".
"A lot more woods back here than I expected," analyzed Cappy, as he observed everything in sight. Saw a bunch of trees and shrubbery, with greenery filling up every square inch of the surrounding area. "So 'dangerous', amirite you guys?"
"I don't see what's so wrong with this area, seems pretty tranquil to me," remarked Impa, before stopping in place when she heard some nearby commotion. Everyone else would stop as well, when Impa held out her hand. "Where is that sound coming from..."
Impa and company looked around for the source of the sound, and eventually came across a camper, in the middle of the woods. A lot of flashing lights and loud noises came out from this camper, as Impa and company drew closer and closer.
"Ha, take that loser!" someone from inside the camper shouted - sounded an awful lot like Pit's voice. "Get a load of this! TRIPLE DELUXE HYPER COMBO!" What followed afterwards was extreme button-mashing that would make a pro Melee veteran proud.
"For the last time kid, there is no such thing as a 'triple deluxe hyper combo'..." a second voice said to Pit, one that was either disinterested or irritated. Pit had a strong tendency to turn anyone weary - provided that was Pit in the camper. "...not in this game, at least."
"Hurry up and beat the game already, we gotta head back to the hideout!" said a third voice, evoking impatience, and judging by what was said that voice probably belonged to a Yiga clansmen. "Master Kohga's gonna kill us..."
"Alright-a you guys, on the count of three, we burst-a inside that camper and see what's-a going on," Mario gave his game plan to the others, before getting in a readying stance. "Everyone-a ready? On the count of three..."
"THREE!" shouted Spyro, refusing to wait not even for a single second, as he knocked the door to the camper down by ramming into it. The dragon expected to roast baddies left and right, and make them cry for their mommies...
...but all he saw was Pit, Kirby, two Yiga clansmen, and a dude with sunglasses seated around a television playing video games. Everyone outside would join Spyro inside the bunker, seeing the five gathered around the television as they grabbed their attention.
"Sup guys, you finally made it!" Pit called out to Mario and company,who were in awe by what they were seeing - lots of lava lamps and a boombox playing rave music out loud. "Wanna play some Hotline Miami with us?"
"Please don't tell Master Kohga we were ever here..." one of the Yiga clansmen begged to Mario and company, with begging hands.
"Been a while since I had new guests show up to my camper," the dude with the sunglasses grinned, as he got up and walked over to Mario and the others. "Other than Mr. Winged Boy and his pink balloon thing. Lemme introduce myself...you can call me Travis Touchdown."
Travis: So, what's a guy like me doing out here in the middle of the Pacific Northwest? Long story short, I was supposed to be chilling inside my camper in the southern United States, when this bad guy named Badman (yes, that's his preferred name) infiltrated by hideout wanting to extract some revenge on me for killing his daughter, Bad Girl. Don't know why he was so mad for, that skank was a pain in the butt! We had our little spat, got into a fight, got sucked into a demonic video game console, and now, here I am! *nods his head* My story sounds like a legit anime plot, when you think about it...
"Travis...Touchdown?" Cappy furrowed his brow, finding Travis' last name to be very interesting. Maybe his real surname was too embarrassing to bear. "Your name is Travis Touchdown? What, are you friends with some guy named Herbert Homerun?!"
"If you preferred to be called Travis Touchdown, can I call you Jack?" Hunter asked Travis, who looked at the cheetah like he was crazy. Which he was. "You kinda look like a Jack to me, in my eyes."
"Yeah...keep that to yourself, buddy," replied Travis, nervously grinning as he backed away. "Can I interest you guys in some Hotline Miami? We could all play together, but unfortunately this game is a single-player campaign."
"We would, but we were just trying to get back home," replied Spyro, as Mario inspected the gaming console Travis was playing - letting out a deep sigh of relief when he saw that it was a console neither made by Microsoft or Sony. "Have you noticed anything suspicious afoot lately?"
"Not really, I pretty much isolate myself in this camper all day, every day. Try not to bring much attention. Although Pit keeps killing the vibe by bringing those stupid lava lamps...and don't even get me started on the music."
"The Seattle Stalker, have you ever heard of him?" Travis looked at Spyro with intrigue upon hearing the dragon's question, as his interest was piqued.
"I wouldn't know, given my current lifestyle...but this Seattle Stalker sounds like a pretty bad man." Travis flashed a grin, because dealing with bad men was kind of his specialty. "He must look pretty tough!"
"Frankly we don't know-a what he looks like," Mario said to Travis, after he was done inspecting the video game console. "All we know is that he's-a been sending threatening messages on slips-a of paper, and it's causing quite a ruckus."
"Oh really? In that case, you could do what any normal person would do, and call the police. Or..." Travis unsheathed a beam sword, as Pit got all giddy, like a kid in the candy store. "...I can deal with the stalker guy, and give him a fitting end."
"Woah, woah, hold the phone!" said Hunter, as he held his arm in front of Travis. Travis looked at the cheetah like he wanted to impale him with his beam sword. "We're not going to KILL the Seattle Stalker, are we?"
"We can't kill him if we don't find him first," stated Impa, as Hunter sighed in relief and wiped off his forehead. "But under dire circumstances, death would have to be necessary." And then Hunter got all nervous again.
"I think we should hold-a off on the whole killing thing," Mario advised Impa, before turning his attention to Travis. "How would you like-a to track down the Seattle Stalker for us, Mr. Touchdown?"
"Like you even had to ask..." grinned Travis, as he wielded his beam sword once more. "Whoever the heck this Seattle Stalker is, he's going DOWN! But before we get to the nitty gritty...why not go out for a bite to eat?"
"I don't think that would be necessary," remarked Spyro, before Travis' stomach growled loudly. The man must be feeling very hungry. "On second thought..."
"Yeah, I haven't really been eating much in that camper, other than Ramen noodles. The microwavable kind. You know, the college student diet. I could really kill for some a steak, or even a burger!"
"Fine then, in that-a case...we shall feast!" announced Mario, as Travis smiled and excitedly rubbed his hands together.
Sonic: Shadow has been driving me crazy, man...won't stop talking about the Seattle Stalker. He's been bothering me about us two teaming up, and taking the stalker down, but everyone knows the Seattle Stalker is just a fraud. Those notes? Yoshi is secretly writing them, just to mess with us. It's his way of seeking revenge, after we bullied him for writing that awful fanfiction of his.
Sonic wanted to do an activity that would keep him as far away from Shadow as possible, and one thing the hedgehog had in mind was charming Aerith before she returned to her universe. How did Sonic wish to achieve that? Well, to put it bluntly, he didn't know how, which is why he called his girlfriend Amy over.
"Wow Sonic, I still can't believe you agreed to go flower shopping with us!" Amy smiled at Sonic, who sported a giant frown on his face as he and Amy walked down the hallway. "And everyone keeps calling you a jerk..."
"When you suggested that we should do one of Aerith's hobbies, I imagined that we would be out skydiving," stated Sonic, as Amy wondered what possibly led her boyfriend to think that. "But flower shopping? Are you kidding me?!"
"Aerith loves flowers, Sonic - if you don't like it, then you should go speak with her. Oh wait, you can't - you agreed to stick with Aerith until the end of the day! So you're stuck with us!"
"Why couldn't Aerith like more manly things instead..." whined Sonic, as he and Amy walked down the stairs and to the foyer. There, they saw Cloud, Aerith, Olimar, Alph, and Viridi hanging out together.
"About time you two made it, we've been waiting!" Aerith smiled at Sonic and Amy, as Cloud stood next to her with his arms folded. The swordsman couldn't accompany Aerith to her trip, for he had important business to take care of. "You both ready?"
"The sooner we get this crap over with, the better," replied Sonic, who was really craving for a chili dog right now. Amy walked away from Sonic, not wanting to bask in her boyfriend's apathy.
"Why is Sonic coming with us again?" Viridi whispered to Amy, while Sonic continued to sulk. "He doesn't girly things, like flowers. Don't know how that can be considered girly, but in his eyes..."
"This is just his way of getting away from Shadow," Amy whispered back, letting Viridi know that Sonic's reasons for tagging along weren't all that genuine. "Poor Sonic had no idea what he was getting himself into!"
"Ha, serves him right..." smirked Viridi, as she now found Sonic's behavior amusing. Meanwhile, Olimar looked outside the window in the foyer, as he spotted Kapp'n pulling up his taxi into the driveway.
Kapp'n: Aerith wants a ride to the floral shop downtown, so I had to oblige. Aerith's situation has practically rendered me and everyone else into being yes men. Gotta keep her happy. But if I'm down at the floral shop, how will I keep spying on...erm, I mean, analyzing Link and Zelda? I'm telling you, couples-watching is the newest craze on the block - everyone will be doing it.
"Ride's here, everyone!" Olimar notified those in the foyer, as he and Alph grabbed a few flower pots. "Let's get moving! Gonna get some spanking new flowers for the garden, Alph!"
"So...heavy...legs...feeling weak..." muttered Alph, struggling to lift up the flower pots, as he and Olimar carried said flower pots out of the front door, with Sonic, Amy, and Viridi following after them. Aerith would be the last to leave.
"Sure you don't want to come with us?" the flower girl asked her boyfriend, who was perfectly keen with staying at the mansion. "I've been to the flower shop before, it's one of the best spots in town!"
"Thanks for the offer, but I got my hands tied with Chrom and Sora," replied Cloud, as Aerith widened her eyes. She did not expect Cloud to namedrop Sora's name so casually - he typically said Sora's name with disdain. "They're gonna get me prepared for a..ah..." Cloud miraculously stopped speaking, just in time.
"Get you prepared for what, exactly?" Aerith smiled as she leaned in close to Cloud. She tended to do this to pry an answer out of Cloud, and it always worked to perfection, one hundred percent of the time.
"For a...an episode on Microwave Idol Mamorin."This was news to Aerith, as Cloud never told her this information before. Then again, Cloud seldom told Aerith anything she wanted to hear. "First time being on there!"
"Good for you! I know that you'll have a lot of fun!" Suddenly Kapp'n honked his horn from outside, expecting Aerith to come outside. "That must be Kapp'n, I should be going now. Have fun on the show! Don't be too dull - you'll bring the mood down!"
"I'll try my hardest not to," assured Cloud, waving to Aerith as the flower girl left the mansion. With Aerith gone, Cloud walked away as he went to go meet up with Chrom and Sora, wherever they were. The swordsman had a sneaky feeling that he might be roped into a dating simulation, like the one from episode 38 - luckily there was no Link to make the atmosphere uncomfortable.
But little did Cloud know that a dating simulation was what Chrom and Sora had in mind, as the two were setting up things in the ballroom. Chrom was trying to recapture the feel and atmosphere from the practice date from episode 38, remembering every little detail - from the fancy restaurant exterior, to the musical stage which had K.K. Slider, Toon Link, and Young Link armed with musical instruments.
"When are we gonna begin?" K.K. Slider asked Chrom, who was adjusting some white tablecloth on the table Cloud would be sitting at. It was the only tablecloth Chrom was interested in adjusting.
"We'll begin whenever Cloud shows up to the ballroom," replied Chrom, as he finished tidying up the tablecloth, stepping back to make sure it was perfectly placed. "I've sent Crash to bring Cloud here."
"If Cloud starts acting a fool with whomever this 'practice girlfriend' is, we'll jump him at the most opportune moment," Toon Link said to Young Link, refusing to go off-duty even if it was for a musical performance. "The moment he raises his voice, we'll pounce!"
Young Link: Here at the Smash Mansion, we take romantic relationships very personally. If we see anyone acting like a fool, you can guarantee that we'll be all over that person like hardwood glue.
Toon Link: Pinching a woman's butt? Easy arrest. Smooching a woman without her consent? Easy arrest. Nudging your girlfriend while playing video games, and making her mess up in the process. Heck, that's the easiest arrest in the book!
Young Link: Fortunately, Starsky and I know the abusive signs of a relationship whenever we see one. We got eagle eyes, when it comes to that boyfriend-girlfriend stuff. Abusive boyfriends (and girlfriends) fear us like how they fear the monsters underneath their bed!
"And if we leaves his napkin unfolded the entire time, we'll pounce on him as well," said Young Link, as Toon Link nodded his head in agreement. Just then, Cilan waltzed inside the ballroom, with a smile on his face.
"Sorry if I'm interrupting you guys, but I've got some fabulous news!" the connoisseur exclaimed, as not a single person in the ballroom reacted. Seemed like most of them were trying to ignore Cilan.
"Nobody gives a crap about your meatloaf Cilan, we know it's still a work in progress," responded Chrom, who was adjusting a few flowers in a flower pot. Yes, said flower pot was on the table Cloud will sit at.
"Pfft, it's not about the meatloaf...and besides, it's already done. It's about the fact that I'm on jury duty!" This was certainly news to Chrom and company's ears, as they looked at Cilan with shock.
"Don't you have to be a naturalized citizen to serve on jury duty?" Sora asked Chrom, wondering what kind of criteria Cilan met to become a juror. Like an outsider like him had the right to ask that question.
"The court case won't take place in the mansion's courtroom, but rather in an actual Washington state courtroom! Even better, the court case is a high-profile one! I could be a part of history!"
"Well what kind of case is it, Cilan?" Young Link asked the connoisseur, wishing he and Toon Link could be invoked in a high-profile court case.
"I can't really talk about it as much out in the open, but just know that it's a very high-profile case. Perhaps one of the biggest cases in a long while."
"Is it a criminal?" asked Chrom, as everyone was pressing Cilan for answers. However, the connoisseur would remain as tight-lipped as possible.
"Yes it is indeed a criminal - a very dangerous one at that. To think that I'll be one of the many people to bring him sweet justice!"
"Have we heard of this court case before? Excuse me for my ignorance, I haven't really kept up with the local news lately."
"How am I supposed to know, I can't control the mass media that you consume. You might've seen in on TV, but forgot about it."
"Is it the kindergarten teacher who tried to turn her foreign exchange student into a child slave?" asked Toon Link, as Cilan cringed at the Hylian's question.
"Come on now, Toon Link, that's just ridiculous! Granted we are living in some strange times, but think before you speak for once!"
"Ooh, ooh, was it the door-to-door salesman who peed into every one of his packages?" asked K.K. Slider, excitedly raising his hand. Things were getting ridiculous up in here.
"Guys, it's a really big deal, I can't be talking about it much..." And that's when it hit Chrom, as Cilan nervously rubbed his neck.
"High profile case...a very dangerous criminal..." said Chrom, trying to put the puzzle pieces together. "...the case must be centered around the Seattle Stalker!" the prince exclaimed, in a sort of "Eureka!" moment.
"I can neither confirm or deny this," stated Cilan, as he was about to leave the ballroom. Evidently Chrom knew too much. "Let's just say I'll be up to my neck in jury duty. Whenever that is." Before Cilan could leave...
"YOU'RE GOING ON A COURT CASE INVOLVING THE SEATTLE STALKER?!" boomed Master Hand, as he appeared in front of Cilan along with Crazy Hand. "Did you hear that, Crazy Hand? Cilan of all people will be a juror for the Seattle Stalker's court case."
"How PREPOSTEROUS, the judicial system must be DESPERATE!" replied Crazy Hand with heavy disdain, making Cilan feel some kind of way. "They must LOVE to scrape the very BOTTOM of the barrel!"
"What are you two trying to say, you think I'm not qualified enough?!" frowned Cilan, putting some respect on his name. "I am a man, living in America, with life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness! That gives me enough..."
"First off, Cilan, you're not even an American, you're a guy from Unova. Second, you can't just recite the Declaration of Independence to prove a point. Three, you're a stupid idiot; and four, you have no experience in law whatsoever."
"You don't have to be in law school to be a juror, Master Hand - you just need common sense and logic to make decisions. Decisions that will make or break the plaintiff!...The plaintiff is the person being sued against, right?"
"Exactly my point..." Master Hand floated away from Cilan, not wanting to be associated with such an ignorant mind, and Crazy Hand would follow suit. "If it were someone like Mario, Snake, or even Alucard, the Seattle Stalker would never see the light of day again. But you? YOU?"
"NO WAY Cilan will let the Seattle Stalker get punished, he's too NICE!" cackled Crazy Hand, triggering Cilan with that stigma. Cilan had no chance to fire back and defend himself, as both hands disappeared from the ballroom. The only thing that Cilan could do was to prove himself.
Crazy Hand: Anyone who thinks that I don't BELIEVE in the Seattle Stalker being real, just because I LAUGHED in Shadow's face when he asked me about it, is obviously FOOLISH. I was merely LAUGHING at a joke Rodin told me. Had no idea Bayonetta and Jeanne were such SKANKS! As for the Seattle Stalker, I won't care about him UNLESS he's tortured, maimed, and thrown into a fire. To listen to his painful cries for help will be DELICIOUS!
Cilan: The trial won't be a few weeks from now, but I'll be fully prepared by then and deliver justice the best way I know how! The Seattle Stalker will tremble in fear when I law down the fist of justice upon him, and his lawyer will tremble as well! *pauses* The Stalker will have a lawyer, right?
Alm and Celica were in Wolf's matchmaking room, with a few couples already present in Link and Zelda, Itsuki and Tsubasa, and Knuckles and Rouge. Fox was there, but was sitting by himself. As a request, Alm and Celica wanted the light on in the room, and Wolf would begrudgingly fulfill the couple's request.
"I'll be back in a few," Wolf said to Alm and Celica, as he departed from the room. "Pigma got stuck in the oven again. Leon and Andrew can't pry him out. Those stupid weaklings..."
"Take your time," Alm advised Wolf, before turning to face Celica once the mercenary was out of sight. "You ready to give this couples therapy thing a shot, my love?" the king asked his wife, looking into her eyes lovingly.
"I'm about as ready as you are..." replied Celica, as she kissed Alm on the cheek. Link witnessed the kiss, nodding his head like he was taking some mental notes.
"Why are we here again, Link?" Zelda asked her boyfriend, who immediately stopped what he was doing. "It's not like we have any relationship problems going on between us. Same could be said for Itsuki and Tsubasa..."
"I know, I know - but I want the other couples to give us a progress report on our relationship," replied Link, as Zelda looked at her boyfriend like he was crazy. "Their critique could give us a whole new perspective."
"My goodness, you can be so full of yourself sometimes..." Zelda folded her arms as she smirked, shaking her head in disbelief. "If you want to know so badly, then why don't you ask someone like Cloud?"
"Because I asked him already. He was all like, 'Oh yeah, Link, you and Zelda are doing just fine...' it's not enough, I tell you, I need substance!"
Zelda continued to smirk, rolling her eyes as Luigi entered the matchmaking room. He was still suffering from a cold, as he coughed into his arm. He was also still dealing with the sniffles.
"Good-a thing I arrived before you got-a started," Luigi said to Alm and Celica, who were wise to keep their distance from the plumber. Luigi let out a loud sneeze, alarming everyone in the room.
"Luigi, are you sure you wanna be here?" asked a concerned Celica, as Luigi wiped his nose with his index finger. Too lazy to even use a clean tissue. "You look mighty sick...we don't want you spreading any germs."
"I'm just fine, it's nothing but a few-a symptoms! You're just acting paranoid...ah...ah...ACHOO!" Luigi sneezed once more, enough to lift himself off the floor. Alm and Celica, not wanting to take any chances, stepped away from the plumber even further.
Daisy: Did my best to keep Luigi home, but nothing I did to stop him seemed work. I couldn't entice him enough with the chicken noodle soup...should've replaced the label with a mushroom soup or something. Luigi would've definitely stayed put then.
"I'm not going to let you or anyone else get sick from Luigi," Alm whispered to Celica, as Luigi wiped away his nose...with his sleeve. Seriously, couldn't anyone just get up and grab the man some tissue? It wasn't that hard.
"We can just sit him at the back of the room, he's only here to observe and soak everything in," suggested Celica, before motioning to the lone chair seated at the back of the room. "This whole couples therapy thing was kinda his idea..."
"Oh snap Luigi, you're in this couples therapy thing too?!" asked Rayman, who begrudgingly showed up to the matchmaking room with Barbara. He and Barbara were standing quite a distance from one another. "You and Daisy going through some motions? Not gonna get divorced, are you?"
"Good heavens, no! I'm just a mere-a observer," replied Luigi, sniffling from his cold. Both Rayman and Barbara remained wary. "This whole couples-a counseling session was my a..ah...ah...ACHOO!"
Luigi sneezed once again, so loud that he could've broken a window if there was one in the room. Not wanting to take any chances, Rayman and Barbara quickly hurried to their seats, as Luigi sniffled.
"What on earth was that sound..." a certain vixen wondered, as Fox suddenly had a panicked look on his face. "Oh, it must've been you, Luigi," said the vixen, named Krystal, who looked past Luigi...and saw Fox, who looked up and froze in place.
"Hey babe...I gotta go...to the bathroom," Fox said to Krystal, smiling nervously as he got up and left the room. Krystal stared at her boyfriend inquisitively, as she went over to the chair seated next to Fox's and sat in it.
"What's the matter with Fox?" Krystal asked Knuckles, who was seated next to the vixen. The echidna was busy checking out his...erm, knuckles, when Krystal spoke to him.
"I wouldn't know, I was hardly paying any attention," replied Knuckles, as he quickly went back to what he was doing. Krystal sighed, sitting back in her chair.
Wanting to treat their guest, Mario and company took Travis to a well-known restaurant in town, named Canlis. Travis was eating to his heart's contents, devouring plates of food with no regard for Mario's credit card.
"I don't mean to judge you Mario, but why eat a salad at a restaurant such as this?" Impa questioned the plumber, who was eating a salad. Remarkably, this was the only time the Sheikah ever criticized Mario ever since episode 157. "You could literally eat a salad at home!"
"True, but this is a house-a salad...big difference," replied Mario, stuffing several leaves of Romaine lettuce into his mouth. Impa would leave Mario alone, as she resumed eating her ribeye steak.
"Hey Mario, you mind if I order another plate?" Travis asked the plumber; Mario would've obliged, if he didn't see the five plates stacked on top of one another, next to the plate Travis was eating from.
"No, Travis, this isn't an all-a you can eat buffet. Can't let you ramp-a up our bill. I may-a be the famous Mario, but I ain't-a no Big Money Grip!"
Travis: Who does that Mario think I am, huh?! He thinks that because I've been living in isolation for so long, that I don't deserve to eat until my stomach explodes? Surviving on those Ramen noodles only lasted me for so long...I'm surprised I haven't gotten a stroke yet. *looks behind himself when door opens, only to see a couple enter the restaurant* Phew, thought that was Badman...Yes, Badman is his name, no question. I don't pick my enemies' names, people.
"There you are, Mario, I've found you!" boomed Master Hand, as he and Crazy Hand appeared in the Canlis restaurant. Many of those inside Canlis shrieked when they saw the two giant hands, with customers a many running out of the restaurant. "We have some good news...and some bad news."
"Where on earth are my customers running off to?" the head chef at Canlis walked out of the kitchen, analyzing the scene...before seeing Master Hand, and angrily pointing his spatula at him. "You again! Came back to steal more of my Italian dressing?!"
"Begone, you FOOL!" Crazy Hand said to the head chef, flicking him away with his fingers and sending him back into the kitchen. With the chef gone, Crazy Hand returned to Mario and company. "Boom, crisis averted."
"These dudes look unlike any final boss I've fought in any game ever..." grinned Travis, as he unsheathed his beam sword, eyeing down Master Hand and Crazy Hand. "...which one of you wants to go down first?"
"Back off man, we're not evil!" Master Hand defended himself, but Travis was still looking for a fight. His bloodlust was rising. "We're just...we're friends of Mario." Travis found this hard to believe, as he looked back at Mario in shock.
"Mario is close friends with you dorks?" Travis put away his beam sword, triggering Master Hand and Crazy Hand with his remark. "Eh, it's a good thing he's married, then. So, what is this 'good news' that you speak of?"
"It's kinda meant for Mario and the others, but I suppose you can listen along...the Seattle Stalker, the guy everyone's making a fuss about, is going on trial soon." Mario and company were most surprised. "That's the good news. We'll learn the identity of the stalker."
"And what's the bad news?" inquired Cappy, as Master Hand let out a deep, heavy sigh. Crazy Hand would also share in the giant hand's disappointment.
"Someone from the mansion was selected as a juror, and that person, I'm afraid...was Cilan." Master Hand expected Mario and company to give outcries, to be complaining and bickering...but instead, everyone was mostly chill.
"Well, aren't you all going to SAY ANYTHING?!" questioned Crazy Hand, desiring to know why nobody hasn't voiced their complaint yet. "Flipping CILAN is going to be on jury duty, during the Seattle Stalker's trial!"
"Okay, Crazy Hand, we got it the first time," replied Impa, befuddling the giant hand with her strong lack of disappointment. "Cilan being a juror won't be the end of the world. What's the worse he could do?"
"He has no law experience, which means he'll give the Seattle Stalker the benefit of the doubt," stated Master Hand, as Impa rolled her eyes. "Cilan's so nice, he would give Ted Bundy a second chance. The Seattle Stalker, he doesn't deserve second chances!"
"Is there some-a thing you want me to do about it, Master Hand?" asked Mario; if Master Hand had a request, Mario was the first guy the giant hand expected to carry said request out.
"Alas, there's nothing we can do, can't interfere with the judicial system...but what you can do is attend the trial with Peach, whenever the trial takes places, and recount everything that's happened and disclose the Seattle Stalker's full identity. That way, we'll all be in the know."
"Don't know why Peach-a has to come along, but whatever floats-a your boat." Mario looked over at Travis, who stealthily ordered another plate of food when the plumber wasn't paying attention. "Travis!" Mario scolded the man.
"What, I said I was super hungry!" Travis snapped, slamming his fists on the table. That's what he gets for living in isolation.
Master Hand: I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would want to attend a court trial, without being forced to; it's just so boring, and it's not like you contribute to the victim's torture and punishment. (I tend to call everyone suing or being sued against victims, I like to call it fair opportunity.) But I need to know the Seattle Stalker's identity, and I know Mario will come through.
It took him a while, but Crash followed Chrom's orders, and took Cloud to the ballroom...albeit with Coco's help. Crash and Coco took Cloud to the ballroom, with the swordsman now standing in front of the ballroom door.
"This is some kind of dating simulation, is it?" frowned Cloud, getting the vibe of what was going on behind that ballroom door. It seemed almost too perfect to not be a dating simulation.
"Nonsense, Cloud, you can't just assume that!" replied Coco, trying her best to turn the swordsman's frown upside down. "Also, if this was a dating simulation...wouldn't you do something like that online?"
"Sure, maybe, but I know what Chrom and Sora are cooking up, if you took me here. I can hear a lot of commotion going on from inside..." Cloud leaned in close to the ballroom door, only for Crash and Coco to pull him back.
"You don't know that, those voices could be...coming from inside your head!" Cloud gave a skeptical look at Coco, who grinned nervously. "You have a case of that, don't you? Voices inside your head? Pretty sure that's an actual medical ailment."
"I have no time for this..." Cloud would let go of both Crash and Coco, as he walked towards the ballroom door. Neither bandicoot was gonna stop him.
"No, wait Cloud, you can't just barge inside the ballroom like that!" Coco called out to Cloud, but Cloud didn't listen as he barged inside the ballroom...
...and was taken back by what he was seeing. There was a restaurant feel to the entire ballroom, with K.K. Slider and the buddy cops playing instrumental music, and tables with white tablecloth everywhere. Many couples were seated at these tables - Touma and Eleonora, Lucario and Lopunny, and Robin and Lucina.
"I believe that you're here for a date, kind sir?" the avian pilot asked Cloud, alarming the swordsman by how formal he was speaking. Formality was hardly ever Falco's strong suit.
Falco: Fox is doing Couples Counseling with Wolf, which means that I'm flying solo for today... *looks down distastefully at his waiter attire* ...probably shouldn't have said that around Chrom and Sora.
"Uh, I think so, didn't expect any of this," replied Cloud, as he checked out Falco's attire. Chrom and Sora were nowhere to be found, much to the swordsman's general dismay.
"Figured you'd say that!" responded Falco, with some jolly laughter that sounded unfitting for Falco. "Follow me sir, I'll take you to your table...and your date." Cloud reluctantly followed Falco, as the avian pilot guided the swordsman to his table..
...where someone was already seated. Cloud took a chair and sat in it, looking across at the person - who was strangely wearing an Aerith mask on his face. This person was short, with a head larger than the mask itself!
"Eee hee hee hee, so glad you could make it, Cloud!" the mystery person greeted Cloud in a girly tone, who cringed in fright. The person behind the mask was Cortex - a very odd selection by Chrom and Sora. "Ready to have a fun time?"
"Dr. Cortex, why are you posing as Aerith?" questioned Cloud, ready to turn back at any minute. "Shouldn't a woman be doing your job instead? It would make more sense, if you ask me."
"For your information Cloud, I'm Aerith's roommate!" Cortex had to let Cloud know what's up, as he took off his Aerith mask and scolded the swordsman. "I know her just as much as you do!"
"That's debatable," Cloud scoffed, as Cortex placed the Aerith mask back on his face. The mad scientist looked at Cloud, in an almost unnerving way. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Well aren't you going to say anything, Cloud?" asked Cortex, speaking in a very girly voice. "Aren't you going to tell me how great your day was?" Cloud knew this whole practice date was for his own benefit, so he had to play along.
"If you must know, my day was...alright. Rested a little, hanged out with Link, the usual. Nothing to be excited about." But Cortex was excited, giggling in a way that would make Aerith proud. Making Cloud extremely tempted to leave.
"I'm sure that's an extremely exciting day for a guy like you!" The more Cortex spoke, the more girly he sounded, and Cloud didn't know how much he could take. Just then, a waiter showed up to the table...and that waiter, was Sora, dressed formally like Falco.
"Can I take your order?" Sora asked Cloud and Cortex, as Cloud looked down at the table and spotted a menu, which he somehow didn't notice before. That Sora, not even giving Cloud some time to choose his food...
"I'll take one grilled steak, please!" replied Cortex - the mad scientist might be posing as Aerith, but at least he and Impa knew how to eat out in public - unlike Mario.
"Eh, I'll just take whatever's on the house," replied Cloud, before leaning in close to Sora so he could ask him something. "Why is Cortex posing as Aerith for?"
"We had another candidate in mind, but unfortunately she couldn't make it," Sora whispered back, before pulling away from Cloud and reverting back into character. "What would you two like to drink?"
"One glass of pink lemonade, filled to the very top!" replied Cortex, before laughing in a girly manner.
"...just give me some water," replied Cloud, looking at Cortex in an inquisitive manner.
Fox: Couples Counseling is about to start, so I gotta get in the groove... *closes his eyes, then throws a flurry of punches, Little Mac style* Oh yeah, I'm feeling it, I'm really feeling it! Got a good rhythm going!
Shulk: *approaches Fox, with a frown on his face* Really Fox, you too? Thought "Shulk Impersonation Day" was yesterday!
Fox: *stops punching, then looks at Shulk* Oh, no, I wasn't mocking you, I was getting ready for some couples therapy...
Shulk: Likely story, Fox, likely story... *walks away, still frowning*
Fox: *looks nervously at the camera* I didn't...punch anyone by accident, did I?
It was now time for Couples Counseling, with the participating couples gathered in the matchmaking room. Alm and Celica were at the front, with Luigi and the Star Wolf crew in the back, merely observing.
"Welcome everyone, to our first (and likely only) Couples Counseling!" Alm kicked things off, with a smile on his face. Fox looked nervously at Krystal, seated a few feet away from the vixen. "Glad you all could make it. I know that most of you are going through some rough patches, but I can assure you..."
"ACHOO!" sneezed Luigi, interrupting Alm, before the plumber sniffled and wiped his nose. Pigma and Andrew, who were seated close to Luigi for reasons unknown, cautiously moved away from the plumber.
"...I can assure you that after today, everything will go perfectly in your relationship! So, who wants to start first? Any volunteers?" Alm scanned around the room, until Link raised his hand up high.
"Zelda and I will go first," the Hylian volunteered - always took a ton of bravery and courage, to be the first one to volunteer for anything. Link wore bravery lie a badge on his chest.
"Excellent!" exclaimed Celica, wondering why Link and Zelda were present in the first place. "Though I don't know why you and Zelda bothered to attend, everything seems to be peachy with you guys..."
"You're definitely right about that, Celica - me and Zelda, we just wanted you guys to tell us how awesome our relationship is." Alm, Celica, and many others frowned at Link, while Zelda facepalmed, pinching the crown of her nose.
"Can Barbara and I go first?" asked Rayman, raising his finger so he could be noticed. Alm and Celica looked at the limbless hero, noticing that he had something to get off his chest.
"You can go ahead Rayman, you have the floor," replied Celica, as Rayman stepped forward so he could be noticed by everyone. Taking a deep breath. Rayman belted out the following...
"BARBARA AND I ARE NOT A COUPLE! I REPEAT, NOT...A...COUPLE!" Rayman hyperventilated after he made his announcement, as Barbara got up and escorted Rayman out of the room.
"It's okay, loverboy, this was all just a figment of your own imagination..." Barbara assured Rayman, as she was holding the limbless hero's hands. Rayman didn't like this, as he pulled away from Barbara.
"Please don't call me that in front of the others..." the limbless hero ordered, as he and Barbara exited the room.
Globox: Are Rayman and Barbara a couple? *shrugs* Globox doesn't really know either - that's why he asked for Rayman and Barbara to go to couples therapy, so they could figure out the answer themselves. Globox will know the answer by the end of the day.
"Well that ended in a very unexpected manner..." remarked Alm, as he regained everyone's attention in the meeting room. "But for real though, does anyone wish to go first? Do it now, or forever hold your piece..."
"ACHOO!" sneezed Luigi, with mucus firing out of his nose. Poor fella definitely should've stayed at home.
Cloud's practice date with "Aerith", a la Cortex, was going well so far - Cortex was eating his steak, which was just lunch meat, whereas Cloud was eating from a plate of malasadas. Very filling meals. Cortex glanced at an index card in his hand, titled "Talking Points with Cloud Strife".
"So Cloud, who's your role model?" Cortex asked the swordsman, speaking once again in a girly voice. Cloud thought long and hard about this question, as there wasn't that many people for him to choose from.
"Wouldn't say that I have a role model...but one person that I looked up to was my friend, Zack Fair," replied Cloud, after giving much thought. "You know who Zack Fair is, do you Aerith?"
"How would I know, I lived near some silly castle in a town with Scrooge McDuck!" Cloud was about to correct Aerith, before realizing that Aerith was from an alternate dimension. Sora must've fed Cortex some vital information.
"Compliment 'Aerith' on her hair," Sora whispered to Cloud as he walked by; Cloud didn't see anything worth complimenting, as Cortex wasn't even wearing an Aerith wig. And his own hair hardly deserved praise.
"You, uh, have some very lovely hair today, Aerith," complimented Cloud, as Cortex giggled in delight. A compliment that was short and simple, yet very effective.
"Hee hee! Thank you very much Cloud!" replied Cortex; in his mind, Cloud was probably thinking, Aerith would never act THIS girly in public...
"Also, have I ever told you how pretty your eyes look?" In response, Cortex would bat his eyes, making Cloud feel all sorts of uncomfortable. "And your eyelashes..."
"Aren't they the prettiest eyelashes you've ever seen?" Cortex continued to bat his eyelashes, with Cloud doing his best not to pay any attention.
"Can't argue with that, I'm afraid..." Cortex giggled like a little girl once more, leaving Cloud to wonder how much longer this practice date would last.
Back at Couples Counseling, it was Knuckles and Rouge's turn to be asked questions by Alm and Celica. The problem with the two lovebirds? Rouge was still stealing stuff from Knuckles.
"Now Rouge, I know you're a thief, but that gives you no right to steal from Knuckles as you please," Alm said sternly to the bat, who yawned in disinterest. "How does stealing from your boyfriend benefit you?"
"Simple - I get to own his belongings, and he doesn't have to toy around with that Easy Bake Oven anymore," stated Rouge, as Knuckles looked at his girlfriend. Rouge was disclosing some very private information!
"There's nothing wrong with using an Easy Bake Oven," Knuckles defended himself, as Rouge rolled her eyes and chuckled. "I'm just too lazy to cook for real! And I can cook in the comfort of my own room, how about that!"
"Oh please, it's not even real cooking...and you know that toy is only for little girls. A man like you should be flipping burgers on the grill or something."
"Not even real cooking? Why I oughta..." Knuckles was about to confront Rouge, until Celica came in and pulled the echidna back.
"Take it easy Knuckles, violence is never the answer," the very pacifist Celica told the echidna, who grumpily sat back down in his chair, before facing everyone. "What about the rest of you? Have you ever stolen a possession from your significant other?"
"I stole Zelda's heart, does that count?" asked Link, deflating the mood a little as everyone sighed, especially Zelda. "What, was that too cheesy? You guys lactose-intolerant or something?!"
Link: Couples therapy is usually serious and sometimes heartbreaking, and nobody wanted me to brighten up the mood! That was half the reason why Zelda and I came...well, me specifically.
"I stole Marth's tiara once, just to see how it would fit on my head," confessed Caeda, getting things back on track. "Had to give it back, since Marth was making such a big deal about..."
"It's not a 'tiara', it's a crown," clarified Marth, setting his wife straight. The way the hero-king sounded, it was like he had to correct Caeda multiple times. "We've already been through this..."
"Yeah, yeah...call it whatever you want, it's still a tiara to me. Looks like one, so it is one." Marth shook his head in disagreement, letting Alm and Celica know that Caeda was totally in the wrong.
"What about you, Tsubasa - ever stolen anything from Itsuki?" Alm asked the idol singer, who nervously looked at Itsuki. Itsuki flashed a caring smile, not letting whatever Tsubasa would say bring him down.
"I...I took his toothbrush and never gave it back!" confessed Tsubasa, burying her face in her hands in utter shame, as Itsuki's smile was immediately turned upside down. "I dropped my own toothbrush down the drain, and..."
"You know, you could have bought yourself another toothbrush Tsubasa," Itsuki said to his girlfriend, expressing care and thoughtfulness in his response. Itsuki was truly the model boyfriend. "Or are you one of those crazy girlfriends that like their boyfriend's germs in their mouths?"
"No, I'm not one of those crazy people! It was an honest mistake! Please forgive me, Itsuki, I didn't really mean it!" Itsuki flashed a caring smile, resting an assuring hand on Tsubsa's shoulder. Tsubasa looked up, as she turned to face Itsuki.
"I accept your apology, Tsubasa - just don't let it happen again." Just like that, Tsubasa was no longer in dismay, as the idol singer found herself smiling.
"Excellent work, you two, great job!" Celica commended Itsuki and Tsubasa, impressed by how well they handled their situation. "Now for the rest of you, turn to your lover, and apologize to them for something you've done to them in the past. We'll go around the room, starting with you Flora."
"Dark Pit, I'm terribly sorry for breaking up with you at Berkut and Rinea's wedding reception," Flora apologized to the doppelganger - wait, the maid never apologized for that before? "I didn't know what I was thinking..."
"And I'm sorry for using your broom as a backscratcher," Dark Pit apologized to Flora, who glared down the doppelganger. "What, you wanted my back to be itchy forever? Is that what you wanted?"
"Zelda, I'm sorry that you're still unmarried, and that Luigi of all people got married before you did," Link apologized to the princess, who rolled her eyes as everyone let out a collective sigh.
"Okay Link, if you're gonna keep that up, then you better keep your mouth shut or you and Zelda are outta here," Alm sternly told the Hylian, who kept quiet. "Thank you. On to the next person...Krystal, you have something to say to Fox?"
"Actually, I do," replied Krystal, as Fox gulped nervously. Both Fox and Krystal looked at one another, their eyes interlocked. "I'm sorry for how I was acting at Crazy Hand's cocktail party, Fox. I was completely out of my element. Will you forgive me?"
"I, um, er, ah...I'll be right back," Fox nervously replied, as he got up and stormed out of the room. Krystal and the others watched as Fox made his exit, leading them to wonder what was going on with the pilot.
Chrom: So far everything is going well with Cloud on his practice date - I'm watching from a safe distance and observing everything, in a spot where I cannot be seen. Why was Cortex taken over other viable candidates? Well...
"What's your favorite movie, Cloud?" Cortex, in his girly voice, asked the swordsman, who was finished eating his malasadas. Cloud was surprised he even ate them all, especially in just one sitting.
"That Spiderverse movie I saw with Link was pretty nice, I'll say," replied Cloud, resting back in his chair with his arms folded behind his head. "What's your favorite movie?" Cloud would've ended his sentence with Aerith's name, but that would've felt awkward for him.
"Ooh, I love a man with some recency bias! What's my favorite movie, you ask? That's easy - A Cinderella Story! Saw it in the movie room not so long ago!"
"Ask 'Aerith' what she likes to do for fun," Sora walked past by Cloud, whispering into the swordsman's ear. Cloud nodded his head, preparing himself.
"What do you like to do for fun?" In response to this question, Cortex giggled in a feminine manner - the more times the mad scientist did this, the more it made Cloud feel uncomfortable.
"What I like to do for fun? I love to plant flowers in the garden, and go on walks around the beach, and..." Cortex's trace of thought would be interrupted, when Cloud's phone rang.
"C'mon Cloud, you can't have your cellphone on during a date, that's rude!" Sora scolded the swordsman, who hurriedly took out his phone. "So who's it from?" Cloud looked at the caller ID, and saw Sonic's name.
"Ah, it's Sonic...gotta answer the call." Cloud would answer the call, saving himself from a very annoyed (and annoying) Sonic. "Hello, Sonic?"
"No Cloud, it's me, Aerith!" replied the voice on the phone, as Cloud immediately froze. "We're about to head back from the flower shop. Watcha doin'?" Cloud nervously looked at Sora, who had no idea what to do.
"I'm on a practice...game, with uh..." Cloud looked at Sora, who was silently directing the swordsman on what to say. "...with Ness! It's a practice baseball game. Nothing to get terribly excited about."
"Aw, how sweet! Look at you, being more outgoing! Well, we should be back soon...once Sonic stops petting this woman's Labrador. See you soon!"
"Alright Aerith, have a safe trip back home. Goodbye." Cloud ended the call, as he placed his cellphone back in his pocket and let out a sigh of relief. "Phew, that was a close one..."
All of a sudden, a certain Manakete barged inside the ballroom, busting the ballroom door wide open. It was Tiki, who caught the attention of everyone in the ballroom. Cortex especially.
"Chrom, sorry I was late!" Tiki apologized; her mere presence was enough to bring Chrom out of his hiding spot. Tiki looked confused, when she saw Cortex seated with Cloud. "...Chrom, what is going on?"
"Tiki, you actually made it!" Chrom said to the Manakete, as he ran over to greet the woman. Cloud looked confused, while Cortex bit his knuckle in nervousness. "I was worried sick about you!"
"What do you mean, you said that I would be Cloud's practice date! Did you not?" Cortex couldn't bear to watch, as he looked away in fear. "You and Sora approached me, and I said yes!"
"While that may be true, we were told that you injured your leg, and had to stay behind and heal. Or at least that's what Cortex told us." Tiki looked at Cortex, who was trying not to look at Tiki.
"Dr. Cortex is it true, did you tell Chrom and Sora false information?" Tiki asked the mad scientist, as she walked over to him. Cortex couldn't bear to look at the Manakete in the face.
"Cortex your plan failed, that Tiki got out of the basement!" Uka flew inside the ballroom to inform the mad scientist. "Those dumb Rabbids couldn't even..." Uka stopped speaking, when he saw Tiki below him. "Oh..."
"Dr. Cortex, did you really trap me just so you could take my spot as Cloud's practice date?" Tiki had her hands on her hips, as Cortex slowly turned to face Tiki with an earnest smile. That smile couldn't wipe the frown off of Tiki's face.
"I was just doing you a solid..." was Cortex's reply; if Cortex wished to win and secure Tiki's heart, then he was surely doing it with the wrong intentions in mind.
Uka: No lie, I kinda let Tiki escape from the basement on her own. I saw her turn into a dragon and squeeze her way out of the exit, and I was like, "Oh well, not my problem".
"Oh really? Because you were doing a solid for Cortex more than anything..." stated Tiki, as Cortex took the time to realize that the Manakete was correct. After making this realization, Cortex turned to face Chrom and Sora, who were both scolding the mad scientist.
"Sora, why don't you teach Dr. Cortex a lesson?" Chrom asked the Keyblade wielder, who eagerly whipped out his Keyblade. Cortex gulped in fright.
"I'll teach him a lesson he won't forget!" replied Sora, as he chased after Cortex, who screamed at the top of his lungs as Sora chased him around the ballroom. Tiki walked over to Cloud, while her secret admirer was being chased down.
"Sorry that you had to go through that, Cloud," Tiki sincerely apologized to Cloud, not at all concerned about Cortex - who might've shot himself in the foot in his quest for Tiki.
"It's no problem, I think I kinda got the hang of this whole dating thing now," replied Cloud, exuding calmness in his response. "I think..."
Couples Counseling happily resumed without Fox, although Krystal longed for her boyfriend to return. Alm and Celica were talking about relationship goals with each of the couples, and how each couple could fulfill said goals.
"I believe that a good goal for Caeda and I is to prioritize our relationship, in spite of how long distance we are from one another," stated Marth, as he looked into Caeda's eyes lovingly. "The stronger we grow while being far apart, the stronger we become as people."
"Still have to lose the tiara, though," Caeda jokingly said to Marth, who was ready to fire back but held his tongue. "I was just messing with ya, Marth!"
"Well put, Marth, nicely said!" replied Alm, before turning towards Knuckles and Rouge. "What about you two, what is a realistic relationship goal you two can fulfill together?"
"I just want Rouge to stop stealing from me, that's all I ever want," replied Knuckles, while Rouge was happily filing her nails. The bat was hardly paying attention.
""I'll just second what Marth said, and make our relationship our number one priority," said Rouge. Just look that that, the bat couldn't even come up with her own original answer!
"Alright then! Dark Pit and Flora, what are some relationship goals you have in mind?" Flora looked at Dark Pit, expecting the doppelganger to provide an answer, and thankfully Dark Pit came through.
"Improving our communication is a goal the both of us have in mind," replied Dark Pit, before looking at Flora. "Isn't that right, Flora?" Flora nodded her head, as Dark Pit looked at Alm and Celica with a cocky smile.
"Yes, communication is an essential part of every relationship. You can't live without it. How about...well look who it is! About time you returned!"
Alm and the others were delighted when Fox returned to the matchmaking room, despite the pilot still looking uneasy. In his hands was a piece of paper...his letter addressed to Krystal, perhaps?
"How are you feeling Fox, you feeling any better?" Celica asked the pilot, who didn't respond as he unrumpled the paper in his hand. Looked like Fox meant business.
"I have a love letter to read...addressed to Krystal," announced Fox, as Krystal was all ears. Fox cleared his throat, before he started to read. "'Dear Krystal...I know that in the past, I have failed you. And embarrassed you. And humiliated you. But believe me when I say, that the way I have acted recently is not emblematic of how I really am." Fox started to tear up, alarming Alm and Celica. "I just wanted to tell you, the best way I know how...that I'm...I'm...I'm...'"
"ACHOO!" Luigi, still seated in the back with the Star Wolf crew, sneezed once more, letting out the loudest sneeze known to man. The plumber literally lifted himself three meters off the ground.
"I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!" Fox cried out in despair, as he dropped his letter unto the floor and ran out of the room. Krystal looked on, feeling for Fox, as Alm picked up the letter.
"Should I continue reading the rest?" the king asked Celica, who sternly snatched the letter out of her husband's hand. "Krystal has to know!"
"She'll just read it on her own time, when it's more convenient," responded Celica, putting the letter in her pocket for safekeeping. Krystal wanted to read the letter for herself, but as Celica, she would have to do it at a more convenient time.
Luigi: I practically came-a up with that whole couples therapy thing, just so Fox and-a Krystal could be on the same page again...but alas, it didn't seem-a to work. Fox and Krystal are still at the same-a place as before. The couples therapy was a waste-a of time...ah...ah...ACHOO!
Daisy: *appearing behind Luigi, with a smile* Sure you don't want some chicken noodle soup? *holds up a soup can*
Luigi: Screw it, give-a me all you got, woman...
Mario: Had a great-a time with Travis Touchdown - granted he ordered lots-a of food and nearly caused-a me to go broke, but I love-a the company of new friends. And speaking of new friends, perhaps I should-a show him around the mansion! It's about-a time he got away from that camper.
Acting as a tour guide later that day, Mario showed Travis around the mansion, showing off everything that deserved to be shown off. They would pass by Fox and Falco's room, and inside they saw Fox, lying face-first on his bed and banging his fist, while Falco comforted his best friend while still in his formal attire.
"Is he gonna be okay?" Travis asked Mario, as the two walked away. Not a very good sight for Travis to see, seeing a resident in such despair.
"Whatever is is, he'll-a get over it soon," replied Mario, without a single shred of confidence. He and Travis would march on forward, before something else caught Travis' attention...it was Cloud, speaking in the hallway with Aerith.
"How would you like to go on a date...with me?" Cloud proposed to Aerith, who was swelling in happiness and delight. You could tell Aerith was happy, even though the way Cloud asked her out was mundane. Cloud wasn't shooting for anything extraordinary.
"Yes, I'd love to! I've been waiting for you to say that!" squealed Aerith, as she happily clasped her hands together in joy. "When will we have our date?"
"Next week, before you and Sora head back to your universe. Want your stay in the city to end on a high note, if you know what I mean."
"Oh, I exactly know what you mean Cloud! Definitely looking forward to our date. Can't wait!" Aerith happily walked away, as Cloud flashed a rare smile. Sora would appear behind Cloud, tapping the swordsman on the shoulder.
"Thought you might need this," Sora handed Cloud an index card, one that was titled "Talking Points with Aerith Gainsborough". It was the card Cortex had earlier, but with Cloud's name scratched off. "It can help ya!"
"Thanks Sora, I really appreciate it," Cloud thanked the Keyblade wielder - an actual first for the swordsman - as he placed the index card in his pocket. Just then, Sonic walked by, with a bored look upon his face.
"Something bugging you, Sonic?" Sora asked the hedgehog, not knowing that he stole one of Sonic's lines. Kudos if you know what game that line is from.
"Remind me to never go to some stupid flower shop again..." mumbled Sonic, looking down at the floor as he walked away. That flower shop trip broke the hedgehog. "Why couldn't we have gone skydiving instead..."
So it was a date - Aerith and Cloud, next week. A very fitting end to Aerith's time at the mansion. Now if only Sora had a fitting end himself...