Author's Note:
Just another holiday chapter, and...yeah, I got nothin'. What do we have, for guest reviews:
"Can you include Ingrid from Capcom Fighting Evolution? Is Poison from Final Fight gonna be a woman or trans? (Sorry for that controversial question) a beach chapter with the DOA ladies and Smash characters? A Crash Team Racing chapter? (Since a remaster just got announced) and finally, what are your thoughts on Mortal Kombat 11 getting a Switch release and the Persona 5 protagonist being DLC for Smash Bros?"
Maybe. Poison will be a woman. I can do another beach chapter. I'll definitely do a Crash Team Racing chapter (CTR was my favorite racing game growing up). And I'm not that big on Mortal Kombat, to be honest, but I'm all for Joker being in Smash Bros. His inclusion makes the possibilities for DLC endless. Another anonymous review:
"Idea: Fox and Falco and or Ness and Toon Link get paintball guns and start annoying everyone"
It would be childish for Fox and Falco to annoy everyone with paintball guns...which is why I can see them doing it anyways. I might give this idea a go. ApoQueenAlice's got some ideas for future arcs for this story:
"1. Shadaloo as villains of a future arc
2. Fatal Frame horror arc (since they're mentioned in the fic)
3. IF you know Street Fighter X Tekken they have this plot involving Pandora's Box.
1. Ooh, very intriguing! M. Bison makes for a great arc villain.
2. Would I give Fatal Frame that much representation in this story? We'll see.
3. Highly doubt I'll do anything with the Pandora's Box.
And GreaterDoomerUKI's got more questions for me:
1. Wouldn't it just be easier to make this a comic than a fanfic?
2. Wait... Marx is the final boss if you play as Kirby for classic mode? Okay you can't ignore this. You have to add Marx to the cast.
3. It's about time you've should of thought of this idea. Make a chapter based off of only character.
1. In a way, yes it would, but I've unfortunately lost my touch as a comic artist. Besides, writing is much easier.
2. If I do add Marx, I'd have to take into account the other boss characters, like Dracula and Yellow Devil. I'll think of something soon.
3. Only one character, eh? Easy peasy.
Next in line is Derick Lindsey:
"So we'll be seeing [Joker] show up soon right maybe in 2 weeks as an early Christmas present for the Smash Mansion? I wonder what else Nintendo has in mind for DLC since I don't know what they'll pick although I would lose my mind if say Sora got in but I wouldn't get my hopes up too early, I wouldn't also mind Crash or Spyro but like I said wishful thinking."
He'll show up in this chapter, actually. I waste no time adding new Smash fighters to the story, as many of you are aware. As for the DLC, I would flip out if either Sora or Crash made it into the game. Crash has a better chance, in my opinion. Last for today is Waddle-Dedede:
"Hey where did Adeleine go? We haven't seen her since chapter 147. Did she leave because she had to or did Kirby tell her to leave because everything was getting out of hand at the mansion?"
We'll just say that Kirby told her to leave because of the mansion's usual chaos. But she'll return in the next chapter.
Episode 156: Hockey
To say that the Piranha Plant being included in Smash was a major surprise would be putting it lightly - mainly because nobody expected it.
Seriously, out of all the people in the world, how many did you know that were like, "Oh man, I would love for Piranha Plant to be in Smash, he's at the top of my list!" It would probably be zero. But somehow, someway, Piranha Plant got into Smash, and it was a mightily unexpected inclusion.
However, no inclusion would be any more unexpected than the newest addition to Smash - the Joker. But no, this wasn't the Joker of DC fame; rather, this was Akria Kurusu, who assumed the Joker code name.
Not wanting to make any haste, Master Hand wanted the Joker in the mansion immediately, after sending him an invite, and expected the Joker to be at the establishment before the end of the day. Master Hand was outside with Isabelle, expecting the Joker to arrive soon.
"He should be here any minute..." said Isabelle, as she glanced at her watch, before seeing a taxi pull up into the mansion's driveway. Said taxi was driven by Kapp'n. "...and there he is!"
Kapp'n would be the first to exit the taxi, as he adjusted his bowtie and whatnot. The turtle then went to the passenger door, opening it, and out came Akira Kurusu, a la the Joker, adorned in all black while wearing his white mask. Kapp'n was carrying Akira's stuff, in a suitcase, and was struggling mightily.
"Ah, back at the Smash Mansion once again..." remarked Akira, as he inhaled and exhaled the fresh Seattle air. "...time to make some new memories. If they're worth making, that is."
Akira: You could only imagine how shocked my friends were, when I showed them my Smash invite - almost made up for how angry they were when I showed up to that award show without them. They were all happy for me, and they knew for a fact that I would represent myself well at the mansion. I know a lot has changed since the last time I was in town, and I can't wait to see how much there is for me to soak in.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Joker!" exclaimed Master Hand; the giant hand might have to start calling Akira that, so he wouldn't get him confused with Akira from the Assist Tower. "Welcome to the Smash Mansion!"
"Master Hand, it is in honor," Akira approached the giant hand, as he bowed down before him. Seeing people showing signs of respect towards him really made Master Hand feel like a little kid. "I take it that you're doing well?"
"You're darn right I am! Usually I would pummel you for asking such a dumb question, but since you're the new guy, I'll let it slide. Now where is that Mario...I thought I told him that you would be arriving!"
"It's fine if he doesn't show up - he doesn't have to be at every important thing. He could be busy with his wife, you know." Master Hand refused to believe this for a fact, as he searched the surrounding area for Mario.
"Heh, you might be right, him and Peach might be arguing over something stupid...but no matter, he'll make up for his absence later. Why don't we take you to your new room? You even got a roommate!"
"A roommate already? Wasn't expecting that. I can't wait to get along with him, whoever he may be." Akira would follow Master Hand and Isabelle inside the mansion, as Isabelle sported a worried face...maybe Akira's roommate isn't what the young man might think it would be.
With Akira's room being on the fourth floor, Akira and company were forced to take the elevator, since Isabelle couldn't really climb up the stairs. Lord knows how she maneuvered around the mansion before the elevators were added. Once Akira stepped out of the elevator on the fourth floor, he ran into Doc Louis, bumping into the boxing trainer.
"Who goes there?" questioned Doc Louis, as he turned around and saw Akira. The boxing trainer furrowed his brow, as he didn't recognize Akria's face. "Boy, who do you think you are, waltzing around like a maniac?! You trying to catch these hands?!"
"Mr. Louis relax, it's me, Akira Kurusu..." Akira said to the boxing trainer, who looked at him funny before letting out a hearty laugh. "...what's so funny?"
"Nice try kiddo - the Akira Kurusu I know has actual class! You're just a lousy pretty boy with a mask, trying to act tough! Why don't you go back to whatever Korean boy band you came from?"
"Doc Louis, stop it at once!" boomed Master Hand, as he and Isabelle came out of the elevator. Doc Louis shivered in fright, after Master Hand yelled at him. "You mean you don't remember Akira, leader of the Phanthom Thieves? He's the guy who brought the chocolate fountain for the Christmas party!"
"Sorry Master Hand, but I don't believe it - this kid is just an intimation of that Akria boy. I mean, why would the real Akria ever..." Suddenly Akira took off his Joker mask, revealing his identity to Doc Louis. The boxing trainer was left stunned, as he pointed at Akira with his mouth agape.
"Are you convinced now?" Akira asked Doc Louis, whose eyes rolled to the back of his head as he fainted unto the floor. Little Mac soon came over, seeing Doc Louis on the floor with his arms spread about.
"Sup Akira, how's it going," the boxer said to the Phanthom Thief, as he grabbed Doc Louis and dragged him away.
Little Mac: Apparently Doc Louis missed the memo about Akira joining us at the mansion. But then again, he always out of the loop when it comes to who's new, so he's constantly picking fights with the newbies for no reason. Sometimes it's funny, but other times it's just...embarrassing.
"He's like that whenever he's without his chocolate, right?" Akira asked Master Hand and Isabelle about Doc Louis, wanting to know how the boxing trainer's temperament worked. It was quite unique, having your emotions controlled by sweets.
"Just don't bother him as much and you should be fine," advised Isabelle, as the three went down the hallway. "Your room is near the very end of this hallway, near the staircase...your roommate should be inside!"
"Must be preparing a special surprise for me, I bet," smirked Akira, who couldn't wait to see who his roommate was. Isabelle, on the other hand, was sympathizing for the Phanthom Thief.
When he got to his room, Akira opened the door, expecting for his roommate to greet him with open arms. But when the Phanthom Thief stepped inside the room, all he saw were plants, littered about. One particular plant was in fact alive, near the window getting some sunlight.
"Alright, so where's my roommate?" asked Akira as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. So far, he liked how the room looked, what with the heavy abundance of plants. But what concerned Akira the most was the fact the room only had one bed...
"Your roommate is near the window," replied Master Hand, as he pointed at the living plant - Piranha Plant. Akira thought Master Hand was pulling his tail. "Akira Kurusu, say hello to Piranha Plant!"
"My roommate...is a freaking Piranha Plant?!" It was gonna take hours for Akira to process that. "Master Hand, this is not what I expected. Can I please swap roommates with someone else? This will not do..."
"Nope, whoever you got is what you get. No take backsies. My goodness, you people just love to hate on an innocent plant, who has never done anything wrong..."
"No offense to Piranha Plant, but he shouldn't even be here. It's an absolute joke. How is it that a living plant got his own bedroom?"
"I mean the Duck Hunt Dog has his own bedroom, although he prefers to stay in his doghouse outside. It's the thought that counts." Akira looked at Master Hand with heavy disdain, before grunting as he went to his bed and sat on it.
"Well, at least I get a good look at the lake from up here..." Akira peered out the window from where he was sitting, as he looked out at the lake. Down below, the Phanthom Thief spotted a familiar face. "Hey, I see Mario, down at the lake! Is that a baby he's holding?"
"Oh, so Mario would rather spend quality time with his stupid family, over welcoming the newest addition to the Mansion..." seethed Master Hand, failing to recognize Mario's duties as a family man. Guile oughta teach the giant hand. "...I see how it is. I'll be right back."
Master Hand vanished away, leaving Isabelle alone with Akira and the Piranha Plant. Isabelle walked over to Akira, propping herself on the Phanthom Thief's bed, and sat next to the Phanthom Thief himself.
"Sorry I couldn't warn you about Piranha Plant earlier," Isabelle apologized to Akira, placing a comforting hand on his back. Wasn't tall enough to reach for the shoulder. "I tried to give you a different roommate, but Master Hand wouldn't let me..."
"It's okay Isabelle, you didn't have to apologize," smiled Akira, as he held his white mask in his hands. "It is what is is." Piranha Plant hopped over to Akira, grabbing the Phanthom Thief's attention...and spat out an item on Akira's lap. A wallet.
"Looks like Piranha Plant got you a gift!" exclaimed Isabelle, as Akira placed his mask on his dresser and picked up the wallet. He found eight hundred bucks inside. "But where did he get it from...?"
Wario: *panicking with hands on his head* Ack, I lost one of my wallets! I keep all fifty of them in my closet, and now one of them has gone missing! A missing wallet sure ruins the collection!
What was Mario doing near the lake, you might ask? Fishing for Pokemon, while holding Jennifer and the fishing rod in his hands. Teaching his daughter to fish, at such a young age...if Guile saw this, he would've shed a tear of joy. Too bad he seldom eschewed emotion.
"Let's-a see if we can reel-a in a Gorebyss!" said Mario, tossing his line into the water. A few moments passed, as the fishing bob rested on the water surface...then all of a sudden, Mario felt a tug! The plumber frantically reeled in his catch, and out of the water appeared...
...a Magikarp. Arguably the lamest Pokemon of all. Mario looked disappointed, as he tossed the Magikarp into the pile of Feebas and Magikarp next to him. Jennifer smiled and clapped, and Mario couldn't help but smile.
"Another stupid Magikarp..." sighed Mario, as his quest of catching a Gorebyss was currently at a standstill. "...Villager was right, the Magikarp and Feebas population in-a this lake is absurdly high." During Mario's rant, Cappy slowly turned around on Mario's head, seeing a giant figure above him.
"Um, Mario, you might wanna turn around..." warned Cappy, and Mario did as he was told...seeing Master Hand behind him. The plumber screamed at the top of his lungs, as he fell back and landed on his butt - just a few inches away from the lake.
"Aw phooey, I wanted you to fall into the lake and take your daughter with you," frowned Master Hand, showing off his sadistic side, as Mario stood back up. "Sadly you weren't close enough."
"What, you want my daughter to drown-a or something?" questioned Mario; he would say something along the lines of "I thought you were better than this, Master Hand", but Mario knew the giant hand far too well to say such a thing. "What has Jennifer ever done-a to you?"
"Prevent you from meeting the newest addition to the mansion, Akira Kurusu." That's when Mario realized, as he mentally slapped himself in the face. How could he have forgotten the honors of welcoming Akira to the mansion? "Poor Akira was so sad when he didn't see your face...he was crying his eyes out!"
"Okay, Master Hand, he couldn't have-a been that sad...I must've been in-a my house when Akira arrived. Was looking for a new-a fishing rod. The old-a one I had sucked, but this new one-a isn't any better..."
"Choosing to go fishing over making a Phanthom Thief feel right at home...you're such a monster, Mario. Akira could be depressed, for all we know."
"Hey Master Hand, Mario, is there a way we can get all the fish Pokemon out of this lake? Really don't wanna kill any of the critters, before I freeze this lake!"
Master Hand, Mario, and Cappy looked over on the other side of the lake, and saw Ken standing with the Ice Climbers, Krystal, and a few ice-type Pokemon - namely Walrein, Vanilluxe, and Abomasnow. Ken also had some hockey equipment with him.
"Freeze the lake for what?" asked Master Hand, wondering how much work removing the fish Pokemon would require. Wasn't like he had anywhere for the fish Pokemon to stay temporarily.
"For my hockey match, between Rex and I! Rex agreed to the match last week, and I'm gonna whip him up to shape!"
Ken: My hockey match with Rex will be a little bit of double duty - one half of my effort will be creaming Rex, and the other half will be showing Rex the ropes about playing hockey. If I feel like it. I figured that one-on-one hockey would be too boring, which is why I recommended to Rex that we form teams. Rex will be less exposed that way.
"Wow, I didn't know Rex was THAT interested in taking L's," remarked Master Hand, unaware of the fact that Rex beat Ken at ping pong. Master Hand convinced himself that Ryu and Ken never lost at anything. "You sure you can't do the hockey match anywhere else?"
"I honestly tried my best to convince him," replied Krystal, disgusted that her efforts yielded no results. So much for reasoning with Ken.
"No, this is the perfect spot - we don't want any strangers showing up," stated Ken, who was possibly looking out for Rex and his pride. "Anyone from the mansion to the tower is welcome to attend! And we don't have to worrying about renting a place either! Setup is easy!"
"Um, let us think about it," Master Hand said to Ken, as he led Mario away from the lake. "What are we gonna do? I can't just freeze the lake - where will we put all the fish Pokemon at?"
"We could always-a have the Carpenters build an aquarium-a in the sanctuary," suggested Mario, as Master Hand thought over the idea...only to realize how much work that would require. And how much money would be spent.
"No, we can't do that, we'd have no room to put the aquarium! I would ask the city officials if we could put the fish Pokemon in a local aquarium, but I fear that my suggestion would get nixed."
"Then why don't you have-a Ken remove the fish Pokemon him-a self?" Now that really got Master Hand thinking. If Ken wanted to have a hockey match so bad, then he's gotta work for it.
"So did you two come to a decision or not?" Ken called out to Master Hand and Mario, awaiting an answer from the two. "We don't have all day, you know!"
"Mario and I have come to a decision!" announced Master Hand, floating over to the lakeside. "We'll let you have your little hockey match with Rex...provided that YOU take the Pokemon out of the lake. Deal?"
"Anything for a hockey match!" Ken, all smiles, looked towards Krystal and the Ice Climbers. "Alright you three, let's get started!"
"By 'you three' he was totally referring to the ice-type Pokemon, was he?" Nana worriedly asked Popo, who solemnly shook his head no. "Aw phooey..."
Star Records had a new singer under their belt, in Ribbon Girl. The pop singer, who aspired to continue her singing career with her ARMS career on hold, signed a contract with Star Records the previous week, and was ready to start with the label company.
But first, Ribbon Girl had to do some promotional stuff first, and Fox and Falco had all of that covered. The pilots presented to Ribbon Girl a promotional poster in the Star Records room, which featured the blonde wearing festive stuff. Really, she was dressed up as Miss Claus.
"So, what do you think?" Fox asked Ribbon Girl, who analyzed the poster in its entirety. Had to inspect every little nook and cranny, before coming to a decision.
"It's alright, I suppose...though Spring Man being in the poster is very unnecessary," replied Ribbon Girl, seeing Spring Man's head in the right-hand corner of the poster. Looked like he was taking a peek at Ribbon Girl.
"Eh, for what it's worth, Spring Man practically begged us to include him in the poster," stated Falco; it was safe to say that Spring Man was really all about Ribbon Girl's singing career. "Don't be so hard on the guy - he wants to be a part of the ride too!"
Ribbon Girl: Is it just me, or is Spring Man like those types of dads that has to interfere in their child's hobbies, like soccer? Like those dads that constantly yells at the refs, and berates pretty much anyone around him. I really don't want Spring Man to be that kind of person...I mean, he's not even my dad!
Spring Man: Ribbon Girl's debut single with Star Records is gonna be so hype, I'm telling you...it's gonna be a holiday single, a cover of a classic Christmas song. Don't know what the song is yet, but from what I've heard, it's gonna be sung at some Christmas ball at the mansion, where everyone is invited. Ribbon Girl's gonna kill it, calling it right now!
"Ah, figures...I've never seen Spring Man care so much about my singing career before," remarked Ribbon Girl, wondering what changed for Spring Man. Just then, Itsuki entered the Star Records, coming along with another person.
"Hello everyone - I see the promotional poster's all done," the young man said, taking a sip from his water bottle. "I've brought a friend along; Fox, Falco, you might remember him. He's a friend of Professor Layton." Itsuki's friend was none other than Akira, who was wearing his Joker mask.
"Bro, who the heck are you?" Fox questioned Akira, who sighed deeply as he took off his Joker mask. That's when Fox and Falco got excited! "Aw snap! Akira! What's up, dude!" Fox ran up to Akira and gave him some dap, although Akira didn't oblige.
"We totally forgot you were joining the mansion today," said Falco, as he came over to greet Akira. "How you been doing? Also, what's up with that mask?"
"I'm been doing just fine, thank you for asking," replied Akira, as he held up his Joker mask. "As for this mask, it's something that I have to wear to unlock my Persona. All my friends have a mask too."
"You know, that mask would be perfect for the Christmas ball we're having in the ballroom," remarked Itsuki, as he was stroking his chin in thought. "I do believe we have to dress up for the occasion, if I'm not mistaken."
"Yeah, Master Hand mentioned something about the ball in the Smash invite he sent to me, at the very bottom. I would love to invite my friends, if they feel like attending. Which I know they will."
"They better show up, especially Makoto - I'd love to see her smiling face again," Falco blurted out, as everyone looked at the avian pilot with strange looks. "Because she has a great smile, obviously...not like I like her or anything. I'm still faithful to Katt, ya know..."
"I dunno, sometimes it's pretty hard to tell..." said Fox, before turning towards Ribbon Girl. "The ball would be the perfect opportunity to debut your song. Wish we could do another holiday concert, but sadly Master Hand has nothing planned..."
"Whoever said it was too late to plan a Christmas concert?" asked Akira, with a smile exuding with confidence. The Phantom Thief then took out his cellphone, ready to dial some numbers. "We've got it all covered..."
Another Christmas concert was on its way...and this time, it was Akira planning the whole shindig.
Rex was in full desperation mode - desperate to put a squad together that would best Ken's squad. According to Ken, Rex would need five people - two forwards, two defenders, and a goalie. And Rex would find one of his five in the gaming room, losing at darts to Kirby.
"Sure Rex, I would love to join your hockey team!" exclaimed Pit, as Kirby threw a dart at the target in the far distance, nailing the center. While the puffball's darts were actually on the target, Pit's darts were all over the wall. "How much do I have to pay?"
"You don't have to pay for anything, Pit - it's all free," stated Rex, who figured that Pit wouldn't have much money anyways. The angel didn't have the brains to manage his funds. "How would you like to be the goalie?"
"Oh yeah, I would love to be the goalie! Can I wear a scary mask while doing it, pretty please? I wanna make the opponents scared and wet their pants!"
"As long as it's appropriate...there may be people in attendance, after all. Including Viridi, for instance. Try not to embarrass yourself..."
Rex: I'm not looking to preserve my pride...I'm just looking for a way to (somehow) come away with another victory over Ken, and hopefully make it out of the hockey game alive. Sonic told me that men always hit hard in hockey, but we're just skating on a frozen lake so I shouldn't expect too many bruises... *gulps nervously*
As Rex moved on from Pit, continuing his search for teammates, he suddenly found Shovel Knight, playing golf on the golf simulator. The knight swung his club, with all his might, and eventually got a hole in one - on his first swing, nonetheless.
"Good to see that my swing is still in tip-top shape!" gleamed Shovel Knight, as he held up his golf club in victory. Rex from approach the knight from behind, tapping him on the shoulder to get his attention. "Hello, young lad! Art though interested in playing golf with me?"
"No thanks, Shovel Knight - I always end up breaking the golf club every time," Rex sheepishly smiled, scratching the back of his head. "I was wondering if you wanted to join my hockey team. I'm going up against Ken's team, later in the day."
"Ah, so that's why we've recycled too many golf clubs...but yes, I shall join you. We shall beat that Ken Masters to the ground, together!" That's the kind of spirit Rex wanted to see - the competitive spirit.
"Man, I sure hope so. Getting another win over Ken would look pretty good, for me. I'll see you outside at the lake!" Shovel Knight gave Rex a thumbs up, as Rex smiled and turned around...only to bump into a certain prince. Named Chrom.
"Hi Rex..." Chrom greeted the swordsman in an almost menacing manner, enough to make Rex afraid. "What were you discussing with Shovel Knight there?"
"I was, uh, recruiting him to my hockey team," replied Rex, as he nervously rubbed his arm whilst hiding his nervousness. "W-Why do you care?"
"Because Ken asked me to be a part of his squad." Hearing that made Rex gulp nervously - it was the biggest gulp he ever did. "Recruited me, Heihachi, Bowser, Guile, and Zero to his team. Other than Shovel Knight, who's on your team?"
"Uh, let's see...I got Pit, Corrin, Crash, and um, Lloyd." Chrom really wanted to feel sorry for Rex - those three bums would never win in any competition. Rex and Shovel Knight would definitely have to carry the team.
"My goodness, are you trying to make your team intentionally bad for something? I've never heard of a worse assembled squad since...I don't even know when! But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, I suppose...let's have a good match!"
Chrom held out his hand to Rex, who saw it as a kiss of death. Rex knew that Chrom was playing mind games with him - he just didn't know what kind. But he did sense Chrom's affability being somewhat fake.
"Yeah, really looking forward to it," Rex shook Chrom's hand, as Chrom felt the sweat in the palm of Rex's hand. He already knew Rex was going to be embarrassed out there on the ice.
"See you then..." Chrom gave Rex the two finger salute, as he exited the gaming room with a smirk. After Chrom left, Rex saw Coco sitting on a couch, typing away on her laptop, and approached her.
"Hey, can you do me a huge solid?" Rex asked Coco, who looked up from her monitor. "It's just a big favor...with some, erm, pride on the line..."
As Chrom walked out of the gaming room, still smirking, Lucina caught her dad smirking to himself and wondered what the dealio was.
"Father, why are you smiling for?" the princess asked Chrom, who stopped smirking when he saw his daughter. "You weren't messing around with Rex, were you?" How did Lucina assume such a thing? Chrom pondered over this for a brief moment.
"No I wasn't, I was...just smiling at a joke Shovel Knight told. An inside joke. Feels great to finally be a part of one, you know?" Chrom continued on his merry way, whistling innocently, as Lucina felt very suspicious and weary.
Lucina: It's clear as day that Father wants to make Rex feel miserable, because of that whole hair incident...and he won't stop until Rex is faced with total humiliation. Having Raven come over could really straighten Father out.
Chrom: I only agreed to the hockey match because I knew it would be my last moment to humiliate Rex, before I humiliate him once and for all by shaving his head off. Yes, it sounds childish, especially for a prince like myself, but...an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. And a hair...for a hair!
As suggested by Mario, Impa and her allies - Lana and Linkle - went down to the Yiga Clan hideout, to help the thievish group become more acclimated to modern times. The clan tried to get a head start by celebrating Thanksgiving, before their stolen turkeys were...well, stolen, and were now trying to regroup by celebrating Christmas. Impa nor her accomplices knew that much about Christmas, which was why Link and Champion Link offered to come along.
"Just for the record, I'm only here just to get my Paraglider and Sheikah Slate back," stated Champion Link, as the group entered the hideout. For safety purposes, both Links were wearing a mask, and different clothes, just to conceal their identities.
"Yeah, yeah, you probably don't need those items anyway," remarked Impa, once the group went through the tunnel. They planned to speak with the leader of the Yiga Clan, Master Kohga. "You're well enough alone without them."
"Excuse me Impa, but those items belong to Princess Zelda. MY Princess Zelda. She would absolutely freak if the Yiga Clan held them hostage." Champion Link suddenly sniffed, as a delicious scent penetrated his nostrils. "Is that ham I smell?"
"Must be coming from that room up ahead," assumed Link, as he heard a lot of sounds coming from said room. Link and company took a peek inside the room, and saw a Yiga Blademaster, cooking some ham on a kettle over a fire.
"Doo-doo-doo, doo doo..." the burly man sang to himself, as he shook some seasoning over his ham. The group pulled away from the doorway, unsure what to make of what they had witnessed.
"At least he wasn't cooking bananas..." remarked Linkle, before an idea popped up in her head. "...speaking of bananas, we should ask Master Kohga to give Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong their bananas back!"
"No can do, the Yiga Clan practically worship those bananas. Asking Master Kohga just to spare one single banana will make him flip out and throw a fit. We'll just 'steal' the bananas when he isn't looking."
"I think we should have the weakest link take care of that," suggested Impa, before the two Links looked at her. "And no, I'm not referring to to you, I was referring...to Lana. She should do the honors."
"Hey! How come I'm the weakest link?!" Lana frowned at Link, with her hands on her hips. "What have I done to be at the bottom of the totem pole?! You think I'm not good enough?!"
"Your hair is blue...blue hair is a sign of weakness. Just ask someone like Marth or Alm, or even Ike." Impa thought to herself, forgetting how strong Ike was. And how much muscles he had. "...actually, don't ask Ike. Ask Chrom instead."
"Why do I hear arguing..." a voice called out, as Master Kohga showed up in the tunnel, joined by his Yiga lackeys. "Oh, who is this? Impa, a fellow Sheikah? What a quaint surprise! Having you here is a momentous occasion!"
"But sir, her and her friends stole our turkeys!" one of the Yiga lackeys whispered to Master Kohga, although Kohga apparently didn't mind. "They were the ones who ruined our Thanksgiving!"
"I'm sure they didn't mean it - they must've been desperate or something." Master Kohga redirected his attention to Impa. "So, Impa, how have you been?"
"Been doing...well, actually," replied Impa, as her left eye twitched. She wasn't expecting Master Kohga to be this affable around her. Unless this Master Kohga was an imposter, and the real one was planning a sneak attack.
Master Kohga: Yes, I realize that Impa is from the rival Sheikah tribe, but there's a saying in my book that goes, "once a Sheikah, always a Sheikah". Impa and I, we may disagree on a lot of things, but she's a well-respected Sheikah, so I show her some respect...as hard as it can be sometimes.
"So what brings you and your...friends, here?" continued Master Kohga, pausing for a brief second before saying "friends". Having Hylians such as Lana and Linkle and the Links (whose ears were hidden) in his clan disturbed the clan leader.
"Master Hand said that you guys wanted to be more modernized," explained Impa, making sure to give Master Hand credit. The Sheikah knew the giant hand would eventually thank her later. "So we came to help you in that regard."
"Modernized in what way? Like celebrating Christmas and stuff? We've been trying to do that since Thanksgiving, and Mario really helped out a ton! I don't think you could do a better job than him, but..."
"Believe me, I could do a much better than Mario." Lana, Linkle, and especially the Links looked at Impa, after she made that remark - sounded like she wanted to one-up Mario. "Let us show you how it's done."
"Oh la la, I'm loving that ferocity! No wonder I respect you so much, despite my urge to hate you! Follow me, I'll show you guys where you can get started!" The group followed after Master Kohga and his lackeys, as Link leaned in close to Impa.
"Making Mario look silly, aren't we?" the Hylian whispered to the Sheikah, in an almost scolding manner. Impa could only smirk.
"I'm just going to gloss over any mishaps Mario might've made, that's all," replied Impa, as Link pulled away from the Sheikah. The Hylian oughta keep a close eye on Impa, just for good measure.
Being the dutiful hedgehog that he was, Sonic continued working on the machine he started on in episode 154, as he desired to know what its use was. Curious, Sonic brought his machine with him to the Assist Tower, to ask Knuckles about it.
"Why do you think a know a thing or two about machinery?" Knuckles questioned Sonic, as the hedgehog met him in his room. Shadow was chilling out on his bed, trying to tune out the conversation. "I destroy machines, not make 'em!"
"You knew how to operate that giant ray gun used to paralyze Marth," stated Sonic, recalling the whole Marth paralysis thing back in episode 69. "It was your way to get revenge on the dude, for making Birdo fall in love with you!"
"True dat, but that was more of Robin's doing than anything. And he had Rouge at his side. Rouge arguably has more experience with machinery than I do."
"Aight, if that's the case, then you should give Rouge a call and tell her to bring her butt over to the tower." Knuckles quickly decided against this, as the echidna was left blushing, his cheeks red.
"I can't do that...she, uh, might be busy robbing a bank or something. Probably stealing jewels from a museum. Don't really wanna interrupt her on her day job!"
Knuckles: Should Rouge come over and know how to operate Sonic's machine, it'll make me look weak in comparison. By weak, I mean dumb and utterly unintelligent. My slightly fabricated tough guy persona can't take any damaging hits.
"What a wuss..." Sonic shook his head, before spotting Shadow resting on his bed. Certainly he had Rouge's contact information. "Hey Shadow, you know Rouge pretty well - why don't you call her?"
"Not interested, I have Rouge's number blocked," replied Shadow, as hearing Rouge's name mentioned over and over again made him very displeased. "That bimbo is dead to me, for all I care."
"Rouge is NOT a bimbo!" Knuckles stood up for his woman, as he confronted Shadow. Gotta wonder how many times Knuckles and Shadow had fights concerning Rouge. "She just...she just makes mistakes!"
"She allowed herself to be manipulated by a butler who was working with Dr. Eggman and conspiring against the mansion at the same time. The fact that you gave her a second chance is almost baffling."
"Almost baffling as you thinking that Rouge would even be in love with you! I mean, what's there to like about some edgy, emo hedgehog who acts all lonely and aloof, and hates every little thing - including himself?"
"Calling me and emo, just because I prefer to keep to myself...now I see what Cloud has to go through. So many stupid people on this earth..."
Not wanting to be involved in Knuckles and Shadow's constant arguing, Sonic took his machine and got out of the room in a hurry, before the arguing reached a boiling point. Not long after he left, he ran into Gray Fox, in the hallway.
"Nice machine you got there..." Gray Fox said to Sonic, creeping the hedgehog out with his manner of speaking. A voice so low, it'd be absolutely perfect for ASMR. "...what's it for, what can it do?"
"I haven't quite figured it out yet," replied Sonic, letting Gray Fox have a good look at his machine. "But some mystery person has been egging me to complete it; he's been sending me parts and whatnot."
"I see...why don't you come over to my room, and we'll look at the machine together? We can find out about its function and capabilities...together." To Sonic, Gray Fox really sounded like a creeper when he said that.
Fox, Falco, and Itsuki were told to go to the lecture hall, and be the stage for some "preparations". Nobody knew what that meant, but it didn't stop them from showing up anyways.
"Has Akira texted you back yet?" Fox asked Itsuki, who was taking a look at his cellphone. Itsuki furrowed his brow, scrolling through a list of messages.
"No, not one single response," replied Itsuki, as he placed his cellphone back in his pocket. "Akira's been out for a good while - shouldn't take him this long."
"Oh guys, I'm back...and I've brought some friends along. You remember some of them from the last time they were here, do you?"
Akira showed up in the lecture hall, arriving with his group of friends - known as the Phantom Thieves. Everyone was here - Ryuji Sakamoto, Morgana, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, Makoto Niijima, Futaba Sakura and, Haru Okumura, they were all here.
"About time you came back Akira, we were worried for you..." Itsuki said to the teenager, who walked his friends down the aisle to the stage. "...well, I was worried for you. Fox and Falco didn't seem to care."
"Sorry for the long wait, it was my first time using that teleportation device," apologized Akira, as he walked his friends up the stairs to the lecture hall stage. "Geo Stelar was absolutely no help at all..."
"Ooh, who's the furry fox?" Haru asked Akira, her eyes glued to Fox. The heiress ran up to the pilot, rolling up his sleeve to stroke his furry skin. "Your skin, it's so soft...and even cuddly..."
"Hands off the merchandise, chick," Fox slapped Haru's hands away, as Haru backed off from Fox, holding her hand like it was bleeding profusely.
"You've...never met her before, haven't you Fox?" asked Akira, as Haru backed away from Fox to realign herself with her friends. "That's Haru Okumura - she's the heiress of Okumura Foods. It's a burger restaurant chain."
"I've never heard of it before; it must really suck," Fox whispered to Falco, who felt compelled to nod his head in agreement - which he eventually did. Itsuki looked at the two pilots, shaking his head with a smirk on his face.
"The blue-haired guy is Yusuke Kitagawa, I know you haven't met him either," continued Akira, as Yusuke kindly waved to Fox and company. "He's a bit of an artist - he's in our school's fine arts department."
"A pleasure to meet you three," Yusuke greeted the Star Records trio, eschewing elegance and affability in his response. "Akira has said many great things about you all!" Akira better, otherwise Fox and Falco would've given him the hands.
Yusuke: All the paintings I saw on my way to the lecture hall... *squeals, with his hands on his face* ...there were so many of them, I could just collect them all! But alas, I had to keep my hands to myself, though the urge was too hard to resist...THAT PAINTING OF JOKER I SAW LOOKED SO GOOD, WHY CAN'T I HAVE IT?!
"Fox, Falco, and Itsuki here are going to help us develop a plan for the holiday concert this year," Akira explained to his friends, who were completely on board. Especially Makoto; she would do anything over conducting another investigation during the holiday festivities. "Have you three done any planning while I was away?"
"You talking to us?" asked Falco - it was clear that no planning was done. "Uh, yes we have, uh...we were talking about some performers we'd have for the concert. A lot to choose from."
"Performers such as..." Akira leaned in close to Falco, wanting to know who these performers were. Naming the idol singers would be too predictable for Falco, who was sweaty from his nervousness.
"Performers like...K.K. Slider! He knows some good holiday tunes." Akira looked bummed out, just like the rest of the Phantom Thieves. "And uh, Sonia Strumm, she can play a wicked mean guitar solo!"
"Sonia Strumm...Sonia Strumm...now that's a name I could get behind. What do you guys think about that?" Akira turned to face his Phantom Thief buddies, who mused over Sonia Strumm performing at the concert.
"She would be a great musical act to have for the concert," replied Makoto, thinking to herself with a finger underneath her chin. "Though we have no way to gain her contact information. And we don't even know what her schedule is like!"
"We could have Futaba do some heavy digging on a computer to find out Sonia's contact info and such. It's gotta be on the Internet data banks somewhere." Akira turned to Ann, who was ready to be assigned a task. "Ann, why don't you and Yusuke put some holiday outfits together?"
"We got it all covered!" replied Ann, as Fox and Falco looked at one another in confusion. Holiday outfits? What did Akira possibly mean by that?
"Whoever said that we were making holiday outfits for the concert?" Fox asked Akira, taken back by how fast Akira was moving in regards to his plan-making. "We haven't even found a musical act yet!"
"At ease Fox, I've got it all covered," assured Akira, leaving Fox with no choice but to trust the teen. "You did give me jurisdiction in planning the concert, after all. Just let me play things out, and you won't regret it..."
Having removed the fish Pokemon from the mansion's lake - with the help of the Ice Climbers and Krystal, who begrudgingly lent a helping hand - Ken had his helpers freeze up the lake, until it was ice solid. Mario and Master Hand were present near the frozen lake, as Polar Bear checked the ice by stomping on it multiple times.
"Yup, this ice is perfectly safe for skating on," the bear confirmed, after testing the strength of the ice multiple times. Ken excitedly pumped his fist, as the Ice Climbers and Krystal were relieved that their task was done with. "Shouldn't break for any reason whatsoever."
Polar Bear: The fish Pokemon? Yeah, Master Hand found another lake close to the mansion, and just threw all the Pokemon in there for the time being. Nobody checked the lake out to see if it was safe, the lake could be acidic for all we know...but that's Master Hand's problem, it ain't mine...
"Do any of the guys playing hockey today know how to skate?" Polar Bear asked Ken out of curiosity, just when Ken was about to set up the hockey nets. "Just wondering what their skill level is."
"I never asked them, personally, but they'll get the hang of it eventually," Ken replied confidently, as he placed a hockey net down on the ice. "Hey Popo, why don't you get me the hockey sticks and pucks from the shed?"
"It would be easy, he said...it won't take as long, he said..." grumbled Popo, walking to the garden shed, as Nana followed after them. Seeing that she had no use anymore, Krystal returned to the tower.
"Got a bad feeling about this hockey game, Mario..." Master Hand said to the plumber, who looked up at the giant hand. "It could be like that football game we had last year - everyone gets hurt, including the referee!"
"Nothing to worry about, Master Hand, Jakob is nowhere-a to be found," Mario assured Master Hand, who still had some lingering suspicions. "There's no evil intent-a whatsoever. It'll be a clean-a game."
"True, but I still feel like someone's gonna screw someone over...can't tell if it'll happen to Ken's team, or Rex's team. Who's on Rex's team, by the way?"
"From this text-a I randomly received from Pit...it's Pit, Lloyd, Corrin, Crash, and-a Shovel Knight." The lineup for Rex's squad made Master Hand laugh hysterically, nearly inducing the giant hand to tears.
"No wonder I got that uneasy feeling...someone's trying to practically throw the hockey game away! And that someone is Rex, of course! It all makes sense now! No way I'm gonna watch a one-sided hockey game - you're on your own, Mario."
"Later," Mario waved to Master Hand, who vanished away in plain sight. Being left all alone, Mario patiently stood in place, until he saw Cloud walk by with his pet Chocobo, Cloud Jr. The swordsman was minding his business, when he caught Mario with the corner of his eye.
"Oh no," uttered Cloud, when he saw that Mario had his eyes deadlocked on him. The swordsman tried to walk away, but Mario was hot on his heels.
"Cloud, wait up-a my man!" Mario soon caught up to Cloud, grabbing his leg. "Hear-a me out. How would you like-a to watch a hockey game, with-a me?"
"No thanks, I'm not a sports guy. Besides, I got some catching up to do with my pet Chocobo. Watching some stupid hockey game will be a distraction." Cloud tried to walk away, but Mario was still holding unto the swordsman's leg.
"Why not kill-a two birds with one stone? You can play with-a Cloud Jr, while serving as my eyes-a and ears at the same time. You can look out-a for shady stuff that I would-a never detect!"
"Aren't Spyro and Hunter available? Please let me go, Mario, I've got no time this..." No matter how hard he tried, Cloud still couldn't get away from Mario, who was still holding unto the swordsman's leg for dear life.
"Please Cloud, I need-a you. Not badly, per se, but with-a Master Hand gone, I'm all-a by myself..." Cloud sighed, as he looked up at the heavens. Mario was going full desperation mode, like how he was in episode 154. And Cloud couldn't take it any longer.
"Fine, I'll watch the stupid hockey game with you, got it?" the swordsman said to Mario, who squealed as he let go of the swordsman's leg. All that begging really worked in Mario's favor.
Cloud: I'm not staying for the entire game, obviously. If Ken's team is up by 2-0 or something, I'm getting outta here. I'd be extremely surprised if Rex even gets a single point today.
Over the past week, the Yiga Clan managed to find - or steal - a bunch of Christmas decorations, and had planned on decorating them around their lair. Such decorations included greenery, snowmen, and even pine cones. Impa and company were down in the hideout, decorating the lair with said items.
"A little higher, Lana..." Impa instructed the blunette, who was standing atop a ladder hanging a Christmas wreath above a doorway. "A little to the left...there. Perfect spot." Lana would hang up the wreath, but something was wrong.
"Um, Impa, I don't have a nail to hang the wreath on," the blunette informed the Sheikah, who grunted in frustration. Lana was doing so well, following every one of Impa's commands like a G.
"I thought I told you to bring a nail with you to the top of the ladder..." Impa facepalmed, and after she was done, she looked down on the floor and saw what? A nail, as the Sheikah picked it up. "I take it this is the nail?"
"Yeah, that's the one, knew I left it somewhere!" Lana got off the ladder, to retrieve her nail, but in doing so, she fell unto the floor bringing the ladder along with her. Lana faceplanted unto the floor, as Linkle came over to Impa.
"The Links are speaking with Master Kohga as I speak," the blonde Hylian informed Impa, who was too busy looking inquisitively at Lana. "Champion Link's dead serious about getting his belongings back..."
"I couldn't care less about those two, they weren't supposed to come anyways." Done looking at Lana, Impa turned around to face Linkle. "How are the Christmas lights coming along? Do they turn on?"
"Yeah, about that...I can't seem to find an outlet anywhere. This place is just so...old-fashioned. But not in a bad way, of course. It's a cave, after all...with no electricity..."
"Go find a way to turn those lights on, or else!" Impa yelled at Linkle, who nodded out of fear as she ran away. Impa quickly returned to looking at Lana, giving her the same inquisitive look as before. "What could those Links possibly be discussing with Master Kohga..."
The two Links - Link and Champion Link - were talking about Master Kohga's favorite thing of all, bananas, with the leader of the Yiga Clan himself. They held this discussion in a room chock full of bananas - enough to make the Kongs blush.
"Really, you can make the greatest banana split known to man?" Master Kohga asked the Links, who were stuffing the bananas from the room into their sacks. Ready to return said bananas to the mansion.
"That's right - we're true banana experts," replied Link, as Master Kohga let out the happiest sigh ever sounded. Must pleased him so, being in the presence of so-called "banana experts". So gullible. "Just let us take as many bananas as we wish, and we'll return with a delicious treat!"
"Oh, please, take as many bananas as you like, I don't even care! You can take all the bananas in this room if you want to! It'll only make the banana split even bigger...and I'll have it all for myself!"
Champion Link: Wow, Master Kohga is a lot greedier than I expected him to be...and fatter. Must be from eating too many bananas. But I thought bananas only gave you potassium...?
"Master Kohga, I've been meaning to ask you..." Champion Link said to the Yiga Clan leader, grabbing his attention. "How did you get here, all the way from Hyrule? Was it by means of time travel, or..."
"Silly boy, there was no time travel involved!" replied Master Kohga, like Champion Link was the dumbest person he had ever seen. "It was via teleportation - Master Hand reached out to us from his teleportation device." Champion Link frowned when he heard that. "Really changed the clan's view on technology."
"Did you say that...Master Hand brought you to this city?" Champion Link could feel his eye twitching, while his brain was trying to process Master Kohga's words. Link rested his hand on the Hylian's shoulder, wondering if he was okay.
"Yes, that is...what I just said. Used his teleportation device to bring us here, me and my entire clan. We're kinda indebted to Master Hand, in a way..." Champion Link was breathing heavily underneath his mask, concerning Master Kohga. "You okay, my friend?"
"Master Hand...Yiga Clan...teleportation device...Master Hand...Yiga Clan...teleportation device..." Champion Link repeated those very same words repeatedly, seemingly stuck in a trance. Link grabbed his friend, and escorted him away.
"I'm terribly sorry you had to see that, Master Kohga," the Hylian would apologize to Master Kohga, as he escorted Champion Link out of the room. Master Kohga was left confused by the whole situation.
"You boys are still making that banana split, right?" the leader of the Yiga Clan called out to the Links, hoping for a response.
Over at the tower, Gray Fox, who was dying to get his hands on Sonic's machine, was holding the very machine in his hands as he gave it a good look. Sonic sat on Gray Fox's bed, awaiting a response from the mercenary.
"You've been checking out that machine for a while now," the hedgehog remarked, before letting out a sigh. "Man, at this point you should just marry that thing!"
"I sense a lot of evil radiating from this machine..." stated Gray Fox, holding the machine upside down so he could get an even better look at it. "...would be a shame if it well into the wrong hands."
"Soooo do you know what it does? I'd hate to be working on a machine that can't do anything! All that time wasted could've been spent with playing catch with Shaymin! You know how hard it is, to kill two birds with one stone?"
"Aha, it seems like I found an on switch!" Gray Fox looked at the back of the machine, spotting a red button. A button Sonic possibly never saw before. "This should be able to turn the machine on."
"Well I hope it would turn it on...what are you waiting for, press it! Didn't sit around on your bed just so you could ogle that machine..."
Heeding Sonic's command, Gray Fox pressed the red button, expecting the machine to do something. And it indeed did something - the machine suddenly opened up, releasing a black hole of sorts. This black whole took up the entire center of the room, as the winds from it thrashed everything around. Including Sonic and Gray Fox.
"The heck is going on?!" Sonic asked Gray Fox, as the hedgehog was holding unto the end of Gray Fox's bed for dear life. Gray Fox was holding unto the bottom area of the bed frame.
"I must've triggered some kind of black hole!" replied Gray Fox, as the items within the room were circling around the summoned black hole. "If we don't act soon, all of my belongings will be sucked in! And Alucard's too!"
"What is that mysterious wind sound?" questioned Alucard, as he walked into the room. He saw the black hole in the room, and held his black cape to his face, to block the wind. "Gray Fox, what have you done?!"
"Sonic and I were just fiddling around with a machine!" replied Gray Fox, who didn't know if he could hold unto the bed frame any longer. That black hole was ready to suck him in. "You see that machine on the floor? Turn it off, quickly!"
"You mean that black piece of junk?" Alucard walked over to the machine in question, braving through the black hole's winds, and pressed the red button. In a snap, the black hole went away, taking the vicious winds along with it.
"Whew, that was a close one, thought we were goners," remarked Sonic, wiping off the sweat on his forehead, as he was back on the floor. Gray Fox got up from the floor, and inspected himself to ensure that he was fine.
Gray Fox: As I expected, that machine was pure evil...Sonic should do himself and everyone else a solid, and destroy that machine before it actually kills someone!
Sonic: Can't believe that machine almost killed me...does that mean I'll stop working on it, and throw it away? HA! As if!
"Gray Fox, what on earth is this contraption?" Alucard questioned his roommate, as he picked up the machine from the floor. The machine was closed, and was likely in hibernation mode.
"It's just some machine Sonic has been working on, for a few weeks," explained Gray Fox, before turning towards the hedgehog. "And he's going to dispose of it before it kills someone, right Sonic?"
"Uh, sure, whatever you say my guy!" Sonic nervously replied, eyeing around the room. You know he wasn't gonna give up working on the machine all willy nilly.
"Screw that - I'm taking this device to Master Hand, so he can see how potentially dangerous it can be," asserted Alucard, before walking out of the room. "We must keep the device in the right hands."
"And, by right hands, you're talking about me, right?" inquired Sonic, as he followed Alucard out of the room. "You're gonna give me back that machine after you show it to Master Hand, are ya?"
With Alucard and Sonic gone, Gray Fox was left with the task of cleaning up his room...a very arduous task in itself.
It was now time for the hockey match to begin, starring Rex's team vs Ken's team. First team to score ten points wins. On one side you had Ken, standing with his manly men - Chrom, Heihachi, Guile, and even Zero - and on the other side, you had Rex, Shovel Knight, and a couple of bums - Pit, Corrin, Crash, and Lloyd. Many folks were in attendance; who knew that a potentially one-sided hockey match could draw such a crowd?
"I'll never understand how Rex even gets roped into these kind of situations..." said Mythra, who was at the frozen lake with Pyra, Nia, and Dromarch to give Rex all their support. Pyra and Nia would be the ones supporting Rex anyways.
"Maybe Rex just wants another win over Ken, to rub it in to Ken's face," shrugged Pyra, as Rex was skating around nervously on the ice with his hockey stick. First time the swordsman was skating - a true first for everyone else on the ice. "If the ping pong game was any indication, I don't expect Rex to win with any actual skill..."
"You're gonna do great out there, grandpa!" Marc, standing next to his twin sister Morgan, called out to Chrom, who smiled gave his kids the two-finger salute. Morgan and Marc were standing with Lucina, who was keeping a close eye on her dad; Robin was about to join Lucina, until he saw the twins and turned away.
"Now where do you think you're going?" Lucina called out to Robin, who was trying to sneak away without being unseen. Luckily for him, neither Morgan nor Marc paid the mage any attention.
"I, uh, left my tome in the washer machine again," Robin made up this obvious excuse on the fly as he returned to the mansion. Lucina rolled her eyes as she reverted her attention to Chrom, who was skating on the ice like he had no ulterior motive up his sleeve.
"Better not pull anything funny, Father...got my eye on you..." If Chrom did pull something funny, you know Lucina wouldn't hesitate to act very quickly.
Lucina: Father is going to mess with Rex, it's clear as day. How he plans on messing with Rex begs to question. Believe me, I'll call out Father if he even makes the slightest move on Rex. I'm not entirely above shaming Father; I've shamed him plenty of times during the war.
"Pit, please don't embarrass yourself out there!" Viridi called out her boyfriend, who was standing in front of the hockey net, as the goddess was standing close to the ice with Kirby. "Just look and play at least semi-competent, okay?"
"What she said, Corrin - play out there like you're representing the royal family of Nohr!" Kamui called out to her brother Corrin, nervously skating on the ice. Heihachi - the goalie for Ken's team - heard these remarks, and was left disgusted.
"How sickening...how come those punks get words of encouragement and I don't?" the fighter asked Guile, who was working on his ice skating skills. "I have every right to feel motivated, too!"
"It's because you have no family present to cheer you on," replied Guile, as Heihachi thought over what the major had to say. And the Japanese fighter had to agree.
"Hmm, you got a point there..." A few seconds later, Heihachi turned to Guile again, needing to ask him another question. "...were Pit and Viridi related, this whole time? Sounds gross, but it does explain a lot..."
After pregame preparations were over with, the two teams met at center ice, joined by the referee handpicked by Ken. That referee was Olimar, who was holding the puck in his hand.
"Anyone wanna do a coin toss?" the astronaut asked the players, with his assistant ref Alph chilling in the background. Nobody said a single word. "Good, because I forgot my coin on the way here."
"Remember, Cloud, you're supposed-a to be my eyes..." Mario said to the swordsman, who nodded his head. "...be on the look-a out for anything-a suspicious!"
"Eh, I'll try my best," replied Cloud as he held Cloud Jr, ensure if he'll give his one hundred percent to this whole watch duty thing. He just wanted it to be over with.
Once Olimar placed the puck on the ice, it was game on. Ken, the captain of his team, struck first as he hit the puck with all his might. He hit it at such an angle that it was sent flying towards Rex's net...and Pit, slacking off on the job, watched as the puck flew right past him.
"Wow Ken, that was a nice score!" the angel commended the fighter, who grinned as Rex and especially Viridi groaned. What a telling sign for what might become a blowout of a hockey game.
"Ken's team scores again, and I'm outta here," Cloud said to himself, hoping Mario didn't hear him. The plumber would throw a fit if was eavesdropping.
Once the goal was counted, play immediately resumed. Rex was handling the puck with his hockey stick, when he saw Chrom coming towards him in his rear view, ready to attack. Out of instinct, Rex passed the puck to the nearest teammate, Corrin...who soon got body-checked by Crash. That allowed Bowser to intercept the puck, when the opportunity was nigh.
"Ha ha ha, suckers!" the koopa king taunted, as he sent the puck flying towards Rex's net. Like before, Pit was slacking off, as he was too busy observing a butterfly to pay attention to the puck that landed in the net behind him.
"Wait, why do I hear cheering?" Pit questioned, as Bowser was celebrating his goal with Ken and the others, while Rex was left shaking his head. "Did Ken's team score again? Why didn't anyone tell me?!"
Viridi: Pit allowed two extremely goals...within less than a minute...but it could've been worse...so much worse...excuse me, I think I need a moment... *walks away teary-eyed*
"Rex, did you see that, Crash deliberately tried to kill me!" Corrin said to the swordsman, as he and Crash spoke with their team leader. Crash looked confused, like he did nothing wrong. "Crash is a double agent!"
"I'm sure that was just an accident - you two were too skating close together," responded Rex, as he looked back at Pit. The angel seemed more dedicated to being an actual goalie than before. "Just pass the puck to Shovel Knight and I, and we'll just carry the team..."
"Welp, it's 2-0 already, no point in watching anymore," stated Cloud, knowing how the hockey match would turn out, as he walked away from the premises. "It was fun while it lasted, I guess." Cloud wouldn't get that far, when Mario grabbed unto his leg.
"Just a wee bit-a longer?" the plumber implored Cloud. Why wasn't Cappy serving as Mario's eyes and ears? He wasn't on top of Mario's head for no reason! Perhaps Mario wanted to boost his friendship with Cloud.
"Fine, if it's ten to zip then I'm leaving for good." Cloud returned to his original spot, expecting to leave in a minute or two given how poorly Rex's squad was playing.
With some assistance from Akira and the Phantom Thieves, the Star Records trio decorated the lecture hall stage with Christmas decorations and whatnot, so that it would be readily prepared a week in advance for the Christmas concert. Akira stood a fair distance from the stage, to see how it looked from his perspective.
"Akira Kurusu, you've really outdone yourself..." the teen said proudly to himself, seemingly taking credit for all the decorating. He looked to his right, and saw his preppy friend, Haru. "What's up, Haru?"
"This stupid plant followed me on the way back to the lecture hall..." replied Haru, stepping out of the way to reveal the plant in question - Piranha Plant. It was all smiles when it saw Akira. "...I think it likes me."
"Or maybe it likes you because you carry my scent. That Piranha Plant is apparently my roommate." Haru couldn't believe Akira when he said this, looking at his best friend like he was on crack.
"You're roommates...with a living, sentimental plant? Are you for real right now? Sure you aren't kidding?" Akria felt pretty ashamed to admit it was true, as he held his head down low.
"Alas, nobody wanted to take a chance with Piranha Plant, so I was its designated roommate by consequence. So far, it was treated me well...granted it can't do much of anything, aside from biting people."
"Oh, Akira, look what Ryuji and I found!" shouted Ann, as Akira turned around and saw his two fellow Phantom Thief buddies holding some festive costumes. "We found these costumes in some random closets around the mansion. How's that for putting holiday costumes together!"
"Nice job, you two, now all we have left to do is find some musical guests to perform, and we're all set. Futaba's got that covered. I hope..."
"Yeah, this concert's gonna be better than last year's - it's gonna be the bomb!" exclaimed Ryuji, as he pumped his fist excitedly. Just then, Master Hand appeared in the lecture hall, after Ryuji's comments were made.
"Did I just hear a bomb threat just now?" the giant hand questioned, before looking down and seeing Akira. "Hello again, Akira! Hope your first day at the mansion's going well. Say, do you mind if I call you Joker, from now on? Just so I won't confuse you with the Akira over at the Assist Tower."
"Fine with me - most of my friends call me Joker anyways," replied Akira, who will now go by Joker from now on. Everyone else will have to adjust. "The residents will just have to call me Joker as well..."
Ryuji: Honestly, I prefer the Joker name for Akira - it makes him sound cool! Makes up for a lot, since Akira was never that cool in the first place. *pauses* ...just don't tell Makoto that. Or that high school teacher Akira chills out with in his downtime. Apparently, that teacher works a second job, as a maid...Japanese nightlife sure is strange.
"I'll send a mandate to the others so they'll know what to call you by," confirmed Master Hand, before taking a good look at Ann, Ryuji, and Haru. "Also, what on earth are you friends doing here? Inviting friends to the mansion was not outlined in that letter!"
"I only brought them over from Japan to help me and the Star Records crew prepare a holiday concert, in this lecture hall," explained Akira...erm, Joker. Master Hand didn't seem that interested in the whole concert thing. "We've yet to find any musical acts for it."
"I mean, it'd be hard to top last year's concert - because I planned it, obviously - but, if your concert turns out to be greater than mine, then maybe, just maybe, I'll let your friends stay at the mansion."
"Then it's a deal, I'm always up for a challenge." Master Hand was surprised that Joker agreed to his terms, and Joker's friends were surprised as well. "That should make us more motivated to make our concert top notch."
"Welp, me and my big mouth...well I'll leave it to you. Do your best, or something. Man, why did I even say that..." Bitter with the offer he made with Joker, Master Hand vanished away from the lecture hall...
...and returned to his room, were half-vampire Alucard was waiting on the giant hand's return. In Alucard's hands was the machine Sonic was working on.
"About time you made it back - Sonic was starting to get on my last nerve," Alucard said to Master Hand, as the sound of Sonic yelling and banging on Master Hand's locked door was heard.
"Sorry about that brief interruption, it was just a false bomb alarm," apologized Master Hand, before focusing his attention on the machine. "Remind me, what does that machine do again?"
"Summon a black hole of sorts whenever this red button is pressed. The black hole is seemingly capable of sucking anything in. Would be wise if we kept this device away, so nobody will mess with it."
"I'd suggest putting that thing in the attic, hardly anyone goes up the attic these days. But put it in a secret hiding spot, just for good measure..."
The hockey match between Ken's squad and Rex's squad...was pretty close, much to the surprise of every spectator. Rex's squad was trailing 5-4, and they were only doing better because Rex and Shovel Knight were in the right spots to score.
"Serve's up!" shouted Lloyd as he passed the puck to Rex, who zipped past Zero to send the puck flying towards Ken's net. The puck zipped past Heihachi's feet, as Rex made the score to tie up the game.
"And you said-a that it would be ten-a to zip..." Mario sneered at Cloud, who was grumbling as Rex and his teammates celebrated the goal. Looks like Cloud was gonna stick around for a good while...
"Nice shot there Rex, you're really stepping up," Lloyd said to the swordsman, bumping fists with him. "Just gotta keep on feeding you and Shovel Knight the puck, and we'll have opportunities to score!"
"Yup, that's the game plan!" smiled Rex...and as he skated on the ice, he saw Chrom, staring menacingly at him. The prince even licked his lips at Rex, making the swordsman feel all sorts of nervous.
"Is it just me, or is Chrom trying to intimidate-a Rex?" Mario asked Cloud, making sure that he wasn't seeing things. Rex and Chrom would pass by each other on the ice, with the former scared for his life.
"I dunno, it's kinda hard to tell," replied Cloud, too busy fiddling around with Cloud Jr. to pay a single shred of attention. Wasn't that important to him anyways.
"Father is definitely trying to target Rex..." Lucina said silently, furrowing her brow as she paid close attention to Chrom. "...if only there was a way to prevent him from getting away with it..."
Robin: *watches hockey match from window in the foyer, before turning around to face the camera* You gotta admit, this is a much better view than being outside in the cold. *returns to watching the hockey match, before turning back at the camera* ...will you please stop pestering me about my children?
As stated earlier, Champion Link refused to leave the Yiga Clan hideout until he got his belongings back - his Sheikah Slate and Paraglider. They found a Yiga soldier holding said items, inside a safe.
"Here you go, fellas," the Yiga soldier kindly gave the Sheikah Slate and Paraglider to the Links, not knowing the Hylian's identities. Link accepted the items, since Champion Link was too ticked to do it. "What do you plan on doing with them?"
"Sell them to some sap at a pawn shop so Champion Link will never find them," replied Link, leaving the Yiga soldier enthralled. The farther Champion Link was away from the Sheikah Slate and Paraglider, the better. "Poor guy, he'll be helpless without..."
"SWEET MOTHER OF HYLIA, CAN YOU LADIES EVEN DO ANYTHING RIGHT?!" boomed Impa, alarming Link and company as her voice was heard from down the tunnel. In a curious state of mind, the Links took their sacks of bananas and went down the tunnel to do some investigating.
"W-We're so sorry, Impa..." stammered Lana, all teary-eyed as the Links arrived at the end of the tunnel; they saw Impa standing with Lana and Linkle, with the latter holding some broken Christmas lights.
"Sorry isn't going to repair those broken Christmas lights. How do you expect the Yiga Clan to celebrate Christmas without any lights? Are you trying to sabotage their efforts? Explain yourself, please..."
"Oh yeah, well how do you expect us to find an electricity source in this stupid cave?!" Linkle snapped on Impa, surprising the Links and even herself. "You think some outlet's gonna magically appear out of nowhere?"
"Don't you dare talk back to me like that...do you have any idea who you're talking to?" Only a matter of time until someone got fed up with Impa's crap.
"Yeah I know who I'm talking to...only the bossiest woman I've ever had to deal with! Bossing me and Lana around, like we're your packmules...we deserve to be treated better! Isn't that right, Lana?"
"I'm only doing what Mario suggested - to help the Yiga Clan embrace the spirit of Christmas more. How am I bossing you two around, if we're just doing what Mario suggested we should do?"
"Maybe if you weren't so stuck on one-upping Mario and proving your superiority over him...you wouldn't be such a stuck-up twit!" retorted Lana - her remark was savage enough to leave Impa speechless. Nothing but silence in the tunnel.
"Did we miss something, or...?" Champion Link precariously asked, as Impa's face became red with fury. To have her underlings yell at her did not please the Sheikah.
"We're heading back," announced Impa as she went down the tunnel, exuding anger with every step. "Leave those stupid lights here, the Yiga Clan will figure out what to do with them..." Lana and Linkle followed Impa, despite their current beef with her, and the Links would follow after the ladies.
"Good thing we got your stuff back..." Link said to Champion Link, who nodded as the group passed by a few Yiga soldiers, many of whom wondered why they were all leaving. Someone oughta report to Master Kohga soon.
The hockey match was still fairly close, as it was a 9-9 tie. Whoever scored next could win the game. Ken had the puck, skating around with his hockey stick as he kept the puck in his sight.
"Shovel Knight zeroing in at three o' clock!" Zero notified Ken, as he saw Shovel Knight approaching. Ken zipped past the knight, keeping the puck with him as he was speeding towards Pit.
"Here it comes...for the win!" said Ken, as he raised his hockey stick heroically in the air, ready to strike...only for Rex to swipe the puck away in the nick of time, leaving Ken shook.
"Shouldn't have let yourself open like that!" Rex called out to Ken, who could only smile. The fighter couldn't even be mad - he got played, fair and square.
As Rex looked back at Ken, he failed to notice Chrom coming towards him. The prince had Rex in his sight, and was ready to tackle the swordsman into the ice, or the ground...whichever was the closest.
"Rex, watch out!" Lucina called out to Rex, who suddenly looked at Lucina before looking at Chrom. Chrom was coming fast towards him, and out of instinct, Rex moved to the side, causing Chrom to crash into Zero who was nearby.
"Gaaaah!" Zero yelped, as Chrom sent him down to the ice...crashing through in the process. Both Chrom and Zero fell into the freezing water, as karma was served for poor Chrom.
Robin: *winces away from the window* Yikes, that was a nasty spill Chrom took there...had I been there, I would've given Chrom enough moral support to prevent that accident from happening. Too bad my children had to be there, with Lucina...
Polar Bear: That ice wasn't as sturdy as I thought. Knew I should've done a body slam for good measure. Those jumps were weak.
While Guile offered to rescue Chrom and Zero, Rex took advantage of the distraction, as he zipped past a distracted Bowser on his way to the goal. He knew he would have to get past Heihachi first.
"Guile, stop him!" Ken shouted out to the major, who had just rescued Chrom and Zero from the water. Grabbing his hockey stick, Guile skated towards Rex, chasing after the puck, and when Rex felt Guile breathing on him, he hit the puck with all his might, and sent it flying...
...flying into the net, before Heihachi could reach it. Rex's squad had won, ten to nine. Rex and friends were seen celebrating their victory on the ice, while Chrom and Zero were sitting on the ice shivering.
"N-Nice going Ch-Ch-Chrom, you c-c-c-ost us a v-v-v-ictory..." Zero chattered his teeth, as he glared at Chrom. The prince smiled nervously, as Bowser, Guile, and Heihachi all felt bitter about their loss.
"Whuzzat?" uttered Mario, waking up from his short nap. Apparently the plumber was asleep, having missed Rex's epic moment. "Did I miss-a anything?" Mario asked Cloud, who was about to walk away.
"Noooo...totally didn't miss the game-winner or anything like that," replied Cloud, leaving the premises with Cloud Jr. in tow. "Thanks for wasting my time, Mario..."
"You're-a most welcome, Cloud - glad I could spend-a some friendly quality time-a with you!" As Cloud left, Mario let out a happy sigh. "And they say that Cloud is a care-a less friend..."
Over on the ice, Rex and his squad was relishing in his victory with Pyra and the ladies - all of whom were surprised that Rex actually won. Against Ken, no less. Speaking of Ken, the fighter approached Rex, giving the swordsman a thumbs up.
"You did good out there, Rex...did real good!" smiled Ken, impressed by how well Rex performed. "Wasn't expecting such a close game. And your skating...you had less slip-ups than my entire team! What's your secret?"
"I guess these skates...are just magic," Rex shrugged, as he looked behind himself at Coco. He winked at the blonde bandicoot, who smiled in return.
Coco: *holds up an ice skate* Technically Efficient Ice Skate, or the TEIS for short. Keeps your balance on the ice, with no accidents whatsoever. Great if you're wanting to preserve your dignity, like Rex...or if your brother has no idea what terms he agrees to. I don't invent new stuff just for fun, ya know...
Still very cold, Chrom sat in Mario's living room, wrapped in a blanket with Lucina feeding him some chicken noodle soup. Did Chrom learn his lesson? Lucina could only hope so.
"Promise me you'll leave Rex alone?" Lucina implored Chrom, who thought over Lucina's plea. The longer it took, the more frustrated Lucina became. "He did nothing wrong, he was just...manipulated, that's all."
Chrom: I may have cost Ken the hockey game, but one thing's still certain...shaving Rex bald is still on the menu. Now if you excuse me, I have to deal with Robin; he's still running from his kids again.
Mario was in the living room placing some new gifts under his Christmas tree, when Impa and her group returned from their trip. And boy, the ladies did not look happy in the slightest.
"So, how did it go?" Mario asked, only for Impa, Lana, and Linkle to go their separate ways - Lana went to the nursery room, Linkle went upstairs, and Impa went to the guest room, kicking Spyro and Hunter out before slamming the door shut.
"Hey, no fair, I wasn't even finished creaming Hunter at Monopoly yet!" Spyro shouted at Impa, before turning to face a confused Mario. "What's up with her?" the dragon asked out of curiosity.
"You could say the same-a for Lana and Linkle..." replied Mario, as he returned to his duties. "...maybe those-a two had a falling out with-a Impa."
First it was Mario, who went off on Impa, now it was Lana and Linkle...Peach might be next in line!
