Chapter 20: A Sweet Determination
May 11th
7:00 A.M.
Halberd
The most important meal of the day, serve it up Smasher's way: breakfast. As the munching and drinking filled in the silent void, Zelda used the time to review the schedule for the day.
"Everyone." Zelda started, setting her orange juice down on the table. "For today's schedule, 11 A.M. is when we'll open up the festival, including the booths. 1 P.M. is when we'll start the Mario and Sonic War, along with a guest introduction."
"Flawless as ever, Zelda," Link smiled.
Quick question: when are the three guests coming?" Ness asked. "And who are they?"
"Good question, Ness." Zelda nodded. "Rosalina and Miku Hatsune will be coming around Noon. As for our other special guest, Naruto, . . . I'm not so sure."
"That's quite the gamble we're putting. . ." Meta Knight commented.
"Master and Crazy Hand wanted someone from Shoeun Jump."
Ike sighed, forking another linked sausage. "Out of all people, we could've gotten someone cooler like Ichigo or Light Yagami. . . How the hell are we supposed to contact some ramen ninja?"
"I'm waaaay cooler than those two, believe it!"
"No one asked for your opinion, Naruto."
"I think he's into. . . whatchamacallit- -Ichiratoo- -Ichirat- -Ichee rat thing? Rat ramen?" Pit asked.
Marth's face went green. "Uh, yeah, nobody eats anything like that!"
"I tried rat ramen when I was homeless for two days," Roy said.
"How was it?" Samus asked.
"Not bad if you dip it in the broth for a few seconds-"
"Eww, who the hell eats that? I'd rather eat those cheap vegan ramen, believe it!"
"Would you cut it with the believe-it nonsense, Naruto?!" Ike made contact with the orange ninja that sat by the potion princess. Three seconds passed, and Ike blinked, realizing Naruto's sudden appearance in the Halberd. " . . .Wait, how'd you get here?"
"NARUTO?!" Everyone stopped eating and turned their heads to the blonde ninja with many various shocked faces. Naruto didn't mind the staring, as he took another bite of his waffle.
"Y-you're here? When? How?" Zelda asked.
"I got bored," Naruto answered. "Then poof! Airport Jutsu!"
"Really, Naruto? W-wait, airport?"
"Yeah, you better believe it. Besides that, I was looking for someone. . ." Naruto stretched his arms, leaning back on his chair. "Might not be worth it now. . ."
"Naruto Uzumaki. . .?" Makato's eyes sparkled for a bit before bringing a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Makato. I played some of your fighting games before."
"Cool! We got fighting games in this world?! Awesome! I bet you like using me as a character!"
"I like your father."
"Ah, way to go, Dad! Stealing the spotlight!"
Roy cleared his throat, entering into the conversation. "Technically speaking I showed her how to play on the PS4. Not the PS5. I'm kinda broke to afford that. . ."
Naruto frowned, shaking his head. "Relatable. I won't be brokes no more once I've become the Hokage!"
"What is a Hokage?" Makato asked. "Pardon me for asking."
"Well, it's like a leader, or king, or a delusional kid with a Death Note that rules a region," Naruto explained.
"Someone's a Hater. . ." Ike eyed him.
"Hey! I met him once and all I got was bad vibes. Ichigo agreed to it. Luffy and Goku too dumb to figure that out."
"Naruto, since you're here. . . very early, feel free to relax," Zelda said.
"I have time, huh? Cool! Time to check out the ramen spots in Smashville!" Naruto weaved his hands and poofed from his chair.
"What the?! He disappeared!" Toon Link squealed.
"We can't have him spoiling the fun if people spotted him," Marth said.
"Popipopipopopipo (^o^)!"
"Did you guys hear a noise?" Peach asked, looking around the Halberd.
"Popipopipopopipo (^o^)!"
"Where is that voice coming from?" Tails asked, cupping his ears.
"Piiiiiiiiii ( ≧∀≦)ノ!'' The voice, the auto-tune. It was almost unbearable, yet familiar. The last note got many heads checking under the table.
Lo and behold, a teal-haired teen drinking a bottle of vegetable juice.
"MIKU?!" Everyone who knew the Vocaloid was either happy or annoyed.
"That's r-r-r-right (´ε`*)!" Miku crawled out from the table pushing Ike off his chair, sitting between Marth and Roy.
"You slimy little-!" Ike held his tongue, rubbing his butt.
"Miku!" Roy patted her head.
"Oh, Miku." Marth smiled, sweat dripping.
"I came because M-M-M-M-Miku is bored and lone~~~~ly (/o\)." Miku set her vegetable juice down and pulled out a leak from her sleeve.
"Marth is suuuuu~~per handsome and I'm so glad you look like Kaito (*^3^)/~ ." Miku smiled at Marth.
"Maybe two times better than Kaito." Marth returned the smile.
Daisy rolled her eyes, picking her ear. "Boy, does she sound like a dying rat."
"Your voice has a funny ring to it," Makato commented.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUTO TUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE (ФωФ)!" Miku cheered, which caused some ear damage to a few Smashers.
"Shut it!" Ganondorf said, being one of those victims.
"Can you stop saying your name in third person?" Link asked.
"It's M-M-M-Miku's character. L-l-l-l-let me turn o-f-f-f-f my auto tune ( `ー´)!" Miku clicked a button on her right earphone.
"Ta-da! I'm a regular commoner!" Miku asked.
"Finally my ears can breathe." Samus sighed.
"You don't like my autoooo tuuune- -*cough* *cough*?!" Miku couldn't finish her sentence without the autotune.
After a few minutes of Miku enjoying breakfast, stars began to sprinkle in the air. Mario recognized the feeling of space and galaxies and that was when she appeared with her Luma.
"I hope I am not late." The galaxy princess said dusting her dress of access glitter.
"Mama mia! Rosalina!" Mario smiled.
"Damn. . ." Snake smirked.
"She's so pretty~" Lucas gazed at her out-of-this-world experience. Rosalina walked toward the group.
"Rosalina, hello. Early as well." Zelda said.
"Rosy! Come join us!" Peach pushed her cousin and patted the empty seat.
"What the fuck?!" Daisy growled.
Rosalina nodded, making her way to Peach.
"Want some breakfast?" Link asked, handing her a plate of food.
"The galaxies have provided me with the best Lucky Charms cereal. Thank you for the offer."
(oOoOoOo)
Stadium
Master Hand led Miku and Rosalina to the empty stadium where the Mario and Sonic War would occur.
"Wow! So this is what the stadium looks like!" Miku cheered, running in circles, taking in the view of the miniature seats. "Can I perform a song? Pleaseeee?"
"GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE. I WAS ABOUT TO ASK IF YOU COULD. YOU'LL BE COMPENSATED." Master Hand said.
"Yay! I wanna a duet with Marth!"
"OUR SMASHERS ARE BUSY WITH THE BOOTHS." Master Hand said.
"I can sing with you if you like?" Rosalina offered.
Miku shook her head. "You'll steal my spotlight. . . I need someone cute and-" Miku remembered catching pink buns of a girl sitting with the Smashers.
"Is the girl with the pink buns a Smasher?"
"ONLY AN ASSISTANT. SHE'LL BE A GUEST WITH YOU GUYS AS WELL."
Miku grinned.
(oOoOoOo)
Halberd
"You want me to. . ." Makato trailed, holding a school outfit that was similar to Miku's but highlighted in pink. There were also a pair of headphones, black high socks, and shoes that supported the outfit.
"I want you to sing with me for the Opening Ceremony!" Miku grinned bigger seeing Makato in person. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one! I can hear the muse in you!"
'The amount of lies that are falling off her tongue like a waterfall. . .' Rosalina stood a few inches beside Miku, side-eyeing the Vocaloid.
"Thank you. . .! I'm so honored to sing with you!" Makato smiled. "What's the song we'll be singing?"
Miku froze. "Ooh! I know! I'll tell you in a bit!"
Rosalina furrowed her eyebrows. "There isn't much time-"
"I know! Makato, try it on!"
"Ok." Makato looked for the nearest room and entered it. The girls waited for a few minutes before the door opened.
"Amazing," Rosalina commented.
"I know right?!" Miku squealed, hugging her body. "Now we're twinsies!"
Roy was about to pass by, but stopped, seeing Makato in yet, another costume. "Makato! You look super cute! You're Miku's twin! Wait till I become a twin for one of my favorite idols!"
"A-ah, thank you." Makato blushed. It wasn't as enduring as the bunny costume.
Miku took a quick snap of Makato's outfit with her Polaroid camera and stuffed it in her pocket. "Maybe I should have your hair in twin tails like mine-"
"Nah, that's weird." Roy shook his head.
"Aww~! Meanie~!" Miku pouted. "Ah! I have the perfect song for our duet! World's End Dancehall! We can dance as well! Are you a quick learner?"
Makato blinked a few times. "Ah. . . a dance as well in such a short amount of time?"
"A duet? Ohhh~" Roy grinned. "That's why you're dressed like a Vocaloid."
"Noooo shi~~it!" Miku smiled.
Roy raised his hand like an eager student. "I can teach you, Makato! I'm really good at learning J-pop, K-pop, and S-pop dances!"
Makato turned to Roy and frowned for a bit. "If only I had the ingredients to make a memory potion. . . Thank you for the offer, Roy."
Miku looked at Roy and back at Makato. "Makato, let's change out of your outfit so we won't get it ruined for our rehearsal."
"Understand." Makato excused herself, entering the same room. After the closed behind her, Miku gave a mischievous smirk at the redhead.
"W-what do you want?"
"You likey~" She whispered.
Roy let out a nervous laugh. "The fuck you talking about likey~~? I hate everyone here."
"Mhmm~" Miku smirked. "If you need my help, all you have to do is ask."
"I don't need your help!" Roy blushed. "Remind me who killed Kaito in that one song?"
Miku gasped. "We don't speak about that! If you don't need my help, then you don't help Makato with dance practice!"
"Not fair!"
"Fair too!"
Roy sighed in defeat. "Fine! Don't expect me to say some cheesy bullshit!"
Makato left the room in her white blouse, brown short skirt, high white socks, and brown shoes. Miku and Roy shot a quick look at Makato as if they'd been spotted out.
"I. . . I'll be right back before we practice," Makato said. "There's someone I need to speak with. . ."
(oOoOoOo)
The search took a while, but with determination, Makato spotted Elise in a different part of the ship which was more empty and less crowded. Elise glanced at who was walking her way and gave a pale look.
"Elise, I've been looking for you," Makato said.
". . .W-why?" The princess muttered back.
Makato stared at her. "Why not? I wanted to know how your stay here was going-"
Elise scoffed. "Didn't anyone tell you?"
Makato tilted her head. "About what?"
"I literally sold you to pirates! Don't you hate me so much that you want to tear me apart?"
Makato went silent for a bit, trying to connect her statement. Pirates. Water Land. Oh, that made sense. Sleeping gas. . . it was all coming back to her. The pirates and their stench, the ice cold water. . .
"Oh. . . so that's why Sonic told me to talk to you when I had the time. . . You were the one responsible." Makato lowered the tone in her voice.
Elise sweatdropped. "Y-yeah. . . I was. I'm. . . sorry."
". . ."
". . ."
The anger inside her built up for a bit before it faded. As if it was sealed inside of her. Makato took in a deep breath.
"I suppose I should forgive you. . . but you'll have to take part in my experiments as my guinea pig," Makato said.
Elise eye's widened. "That's all? Just. . . a tap on the wrist?"
Makato smiled. "It's almost common that I get kidnapped from time to time. . . So, it's alright. I could tell by just looking at you, you're feeling such heavy burden."
It was scary how she put it, as Elise felt her spine shiver.
Elise curled her lips and sniffed. "Thank you, Makato. . ."
(oOoOoOo)
Miku and Makato along with Roy did a quick rehearsal in the Halberd. A crowd was gathered to watch their rehearsals but slowly died down when they completed their one-time dance practice.
Miku wiped her forehead. "We'll do some simple dances and call it good!"
"Sounds good to me." Makato nodded, wiping her cheek.
Roy and Pit clapped. "That was awesome!"
Miku turned to Roy and hopped her way over to her. Roy dragged Miku away from the two and took in a deep breath.
"Alright. . . how do I get Makato to fall for me?" Roy gave a stern look.
"All written here!" Miku's nose grew long from her pride, and she handed the small piece of paper. Roy's eyes lit up. "Ooh~!" Taking a quick scroll on the paper, Roy's face scrunched up like a sponge. "I told you not to do anything cheesy!"
"It ain't sliding easy if it ain't cheesy~" Miku stuck her tongue out. "Hurry! This worked with me and Ren before Canterella! Now, go for it!"
"What's that supposed to meeeean- -ahh!" Roy was pushed back to Makato, crashing against her back.
"Ah!" Makato winced.
"S-sorry!" Roy bowed a few times, clenching the piece of paper in his hand.
"It's. . . alright." Makato covered her pain with a half-smile. Roy straightened his posture and looked at the paper.
"Makato, I wrote you. . . a little something while thinking about. . .you." Roy showed the small paper up. "Please listen. . ."
"Sure," Makato said.
Roy memorized the first sentence and looked back at her ocean eyes. Now would be the time if there was anything better to stop his beating heart. His fingers shook from her gaze and he decided to look back at the paper instead.
"Dearest, Makato. . . A-as I sit down to write this letter, my heart. . . dances with the joy of knowing you." Roy's face burst into a tomato. "You are- -oh my God help me- -the sun that brightens my darkest days, the moon that guides me through the night, and the. . . stars that twinkle in my dreams."
Makato blushed. "Roy. . ."
"Huuuuh?!" Pit overheard Roy's first sentence and sneaked behind the fiery redhead.
Roy scanned the next paragraph and took a deep breath. "From the moment our paths crossed, I knew I had found something truly special. Your smile, Makato, is like a burst of sunshine on a rainy day, and your laughter, like the sweetest melody, fills my life with happiness."
". . ."
Roy glanced at her and froze in fear. She too was also catching the embarrassment of the letter. Or maybe she. . . she felt the same way? Her eyes were facing the ground.
'I can do it! Without the letter!'
Roy tossed the letter and took a few steps toward the potion princess. "Makato, there's something I need to tell you!"
Makato looked up with a flustered look. ". . .What is it?"
His heart was blasting from his chest. Deer caught in the headlights he stood. Roy attempted to speak, but a dry throat came out. Makato watched the constant pattern and relaxed her shoulders.
"Are you ok, Roy?"
"I'm f-f-fine. . . You fucking puta! Spit it out already! She's right there! Don't let that hard work of a letter go to waste!"
Miku was eating popcorn as she watched from afar. "You can do it, Roy!" Miku cheered. A small crowd was forming due to Miku's cheer.
Roy looked around, seeing Smashers watching the shaken-up swordsman. 'Miku! Why did you say that? Do you want to be my 13th reason?!'
Makato glanced around and leaned closer to Roy. "Perhaps. . . we should talk somewhere more private-"
Roy shook his head like a madman. "No, I need to say it! I. . .! I. . .! I've always loved-!"
"-Nutella!" Pit finished the sentence for him, elbowing Roy's back.
"WAH!" Roy lost his balance while trying to recover, but only fell on his stomach.
"Wow! Me too, Roy! I love Nutella!" Pit cheered.
A vein popped out from Roy's head, facing his attention to the angel. "Wow! You took the words right off my mouth!"
Pit smirked, leaning over to Roy's ear. "As if I'd let you do something like confess your die-hard feelings! Watch how it's done-"
Before Pit walked toward Makato, Roy grabbed a hold of Pit's ankle, tripping him on the metal flooring of the Halberd.
"Heey!" Pit whined from the pain.
Roy slowly got up, dusting his kneecaps. He drew his sword. "Get up."
Pit did as told, also pulling his weapon out. They gave each other space to commence their duel.
Makato took a few steps back, confused at the outcome. "Guys, there's no need to fight-"
"We'll talk later, Makato." Roy glared at the angel. "Right after I pummel this damn angel six feet under!"
"Try it!" Pit laughed.
Fury burned their eyes as they sprinted towards each other, clashing their weapons again and again.
Miku sweatdropped, picking another piece of popcorn. "Wah~! Such unexpected events! The two love birds duel it out to see who will become the lonesome victor!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Ike gave a weird to the Vocaloid, approaching her with Marth behind.
"Mar-Mar~!" Miku waved.
Marth's smile twitched. "Please don't call me that." He then looked over to Roy and Pit. "Guys, stop fighting! People are coming as we speak! We need to get ready!"
"Shut up!" Roy spat.
"Did. . . did he just tell me to shut up?"
"Looks like your baby's all grown up now," Ike said.
"Ike, do something! I'm not about to ruin my hair over some measly catfight!"
"Ok, ok, Princess." Ike drew his sword and took his time walking towards the battle. Before getting closer to the yells and slashes, his foot bumped into a crumbled paper. Curious, he picked it up, setting his sword down.
"What is this-?" He quickly unraveled it, scanning the words in the middle. "From the moment our paths crossed, I knew I had found something truly special. Who the hell wrote this piece of cringe? Your smile, Makato- -Makato?" Ike arched a brow searched his surroundings and spotted the potion princess. Her attention was on the battle, along with a few spectators.
Ike walked around the battle and went up to Makato. "Hey."
"Oh, Ike. . ." Makato glanced away for a bit. It was the first time they had spoken to each other since the boat ride.
Breaking the awkward tension, Ike showed the crumbled paper. "Do you know who wrote this?"
"Roy was speaking those words from that letter. . ." Makato said.
Ike glanced back at the battle behind him. He then looked back at the paper. "No way he writes like this. . . But, impressive-"
"Give that back!" Roy's attention went to Ike, now aiming his sword toward the mercenary.
"Heyheyhey! Son of a-!" Ike cursed, dashing for his sword he left a few feet away. Grabbing it in time, he was able to block Roy's attack in a nick of time. Dragged into the battle, it came a three-man brawl.
"It seems they're all fighting for you." Elise smiled, standing right next to Makato.
Makato shook her head. "D-don't be ridiculous. . . It's nothing like that."
"Things have gotten quite out of hand. . ." Rosalina giggled.
A smoke cloud appeared right next to Rosalina, appearing an orange ninja. "What's up! Ohhh! A fight to test our strengths for the fighting competition?!"
"I don't think that's the case-" Rosalina was cut off by a dash of wind that bolted into the air. A giant blue and translucent orb formed a high speed from Naruto's hand.
"RASEN-!"
"What the?!" Marth choked, catching the orange ninja skydiving for his attack. The prince watched a few episodes of Shippuden but recognized the infamous attack. And none of the Smashers were ninjas, let alone fought someone with chakra.
"Naruto! Stooop!" Marth waved his arms frantically. "You're gonna kill them!"
"Kill who now?!" Roy, Pit, and Ike stopped their fight and turned to the pretty blue ball in Naruto's hand.
"Is this a canon event?!" Roy's face paled, breaking off into a sprint.
"Ah, shit. . .!" Ike also did the same.
"Wait for me, guys!" Pit flew in a panic.
"We're not fighting?!" Now Naruto panicked, ready to crash into the ground with his attack.
Seconds before landing a direct hit, Crazy Hand slapped Naruto's body, sending him off outside of the Halberd. The explosion was made and everyone watched.
"I WANNA THIS TO BE SOOO CANON! BUT A HAND'S GOTTA DO WHAT A HAND'S GOTTA DO!"
Master Hand also came into the scene. "IT'S ALMOST TIME. LET'S GET READY!"
"Yeah!" Everyone cheered.
"Believe it. . ." Naruto coughed outside from the ship.
(oOoOoOo)
11:00 A.M.
At the appointed time, hundreds of people were already at the SSBB Park while the numbers continued to grow. The majority headed for outside of the stadium where the first part of the Opening Ceremony would commence. Master Hand and Crazy Hand held a long yellow ribbon that was the entryway to the stadium. The white bunny, Makato, had a giant pair of red scissors in her hands for the opening.
"WELCOME TO THE SSBB FESTIVAL! PREPARE TO HAVE THE UTMOST FUN OF YOUR LIVES!" Master Hand said in his grand voice.
"WOOOOOHH!" People cheered and whistled.
"LET'S START A COUNTDOWN ON THE COUNT OF FIVE! READY GUYS AND GIRLIES?!" Crazy Hand said. "GO!"
"FIVE!"
"FOUR!"
"THREE!"
"TWO!"
"ONE!"
The white bunny snipped the yellow ribbon and the crowd went wild. Kids cheering, and seniors were smiling; everyone was already happy and excited to check out the new event the Smashers started.
"ENJOY THE SSBB FESTIVAL!"
"OUR HOT DOGS ARE ONLY $1.50! LIKE COSTCO'S!" Crazy Hand said.
"LIKE COSTCO'S!" The crowd went even crazy after hearing the price.
Makato sweatdropped in her costume, lowering her scissors. "I can't tell if they enjoy the quick ceremony or the announcement of the hot dogs. . ."
(oOoOoOo)
Booths
Right after the ceremony, many people went to the booths located a few minutes from the stadium. Food, clothes, merch, and more were created by the Smashers. There were also food carts and merchants to make it more fuller and pleasing for the people.
Ocarina Test
"What the heck is this?" A man asked, looking at Link, Zelda, and Toon Link. Ganondorf didn't take part in the booth.
"Didn't God give you eyes?" Toon Link said, pointing to the sign above them. "It's the Ocarina Test!"
"Rude!" The man said. He only stayed because Zelda was his favorite Smasher. "What the heck is an ocarina?"
"It's a wind instrument," Zelda said, holding the ocarina. "A type of vessel flute."
"Ooooh!" The crowd said.
"For 10 bucks, you can enter your past for 2 minutes!" Link said. "Sounds pretty cool, right?"
"It's completely safe, and we have Toon Link to accompany you. He holds the Future Fan to smack you in the head when your time's up," Zelda said.
Toon Link snickered, waving his fan. "Who's going first?!"
The man looked at the customers behind him and pointed at himself. "There is something I wanna say to my ex-buddy, Tyler, that ate my fucking pizza." He then pulled out his wallet, handing the money to Link.
"Great doing business!" Toon Link dragged the man and sat him on a chair. Zelda walked toward him with the ocarina and placed it against her lips.
"Only those that sit in this seat connect to the sound of the ocarina. That's how we won't get scammed." Zelda explained. "Are you ready, sir?"
The man blushed. "C-can you call me by my name? Ryan?"
Zelda smiled. "Ryan?"
"Ah! Yes, Zelda!"
"Alright, close your eyes, and think of the past event that resonates in your mind."
Once Ryan closed his eyes, Zelda played her original tune, Zelda's Melody. To the crowd's surprise, the man began fading away, along with Toon Link who held onto Ryan's shoulder.
Alien Food Test
"Hmm. . . they all look so good." A girl in a yellow dress gazed at the unusually colored tentacles, the eyeballs in a sub, and the black-colored fries. More items were laid behind the glass screen. Her boyfriend shivered from the presentation.
Samus crossed her arms in her chef's uniform. A white-fitted uniform that attracted mostly horny teens and older men. "Can't make up your mind?"
"Are you sure this is alien food? Well, I mean, are you sure this has like, you know, alien parts or something?" Her boyfriend asked.
"100% Uncaged organic aliens," Samus said. "I prepared them myself."
An older gentleman kept his eyes on Samus' chest. "Ehehe! I see. . .! I love me some organic!"
"I made my mind!" The yellow-dressed girl said. "One tentacle hot dog- -actually, make that two!"
"Babe, I'm not eating that!" The boyfriend said.
"It's for me! Also, Samus, can you add the space fries with some acid sauce?"
"Sure." Samus placed the order on the register. "Anything else?"
"A slime shake and a pound of alien sweet eyes!"
"Ah, sweet alien eyes are a great dessert on the go," Samus said. "That'll be 45 dollars. Which currency are you using?"
"Smash Coins!" The girl said, holding her debit card.
"You. . . you guys are crazy. . ." The boyfriend covered his mouth in case of an incoming barf.
