Chapter 23: Fighting Tournament

"THE WINNER IS PEACH AND YOSHI FROM TEAM MARIO!" Master Hand announced.

"ARE YOU FOR REAL?!" Team Sonic exclaimed.

"YAHOOO!" Team Mario celebrated their unexpected victory.

"THE NEXT BATTLE WILL START IN 15 MINUTES!" Master Hand announced.

"Silver and Tails were dumb. Who argues during a match?" Ike crossed his arms.

"You and I?" Marth asked for him. "And we still end up winning somehow. If they had at least some teamwork in their brains, they would have won no problem."

Roy sat by Miru with a grin. "Fighting with Miru is fun! Blasting bullets away is the way to go. Easy W."

Miru smirked, adjusting the gray collar of his tank. "I told you swords are overrated. It'd be nice to enter the tournament. In similarity, the Faithful Knights take part in battles to determine our ranks."

"Bro! You should totally give us your whole childhood or something!"

"Why?"

Marth nodded. "We're practically friends. I think I told you about myself and how I got here."

"Yeah, same here." Roy nodded.

"I talk for a price," Ike said.

"Nobody asked." Marth smiled.

Miru crossed his arms. "If you insist. I'll tell you a bit about myself. . ."

Ike checked the bag of items he bought, starting with a pair of binoculars. He put them on his eyes, trying to find the VIP section as much as he could from across.

"What are you doing?" Marth asked.

"Looking. . ." Ike answered.

"For what? Your dead dreams?" Roy spatted out in a laugh.

After a few seconds of staring into the binoculars, he placed them back in his brown sag and got back up. "I'll be right back-"

"Ok, me too!" Roy got up as well. Ike gave Roy the stink eye, ignoring him. As the two began to walk out, Miru got up from his seat.

Marth glanced at Miru. "You're gonna follow them?"

Miru nodded. "I think I have an idea of what they're doing. Makato's seat is in the VIP area. Judging by Ike's reaction, I'm assuming she's not back yet."

"The fans sure love her." Marth sweatdropped. "But they're some crazy ones out there. Maybe it's best if I come with you guys."

(oOoOoOo)

Outside of Stadium

Since the main attraction was the ongoing tournament, it grew less crowded outside of the stadium. The security guard used the opportunity to lead Makato to the forest. They walked in silence, hearing only the small rivers and birds along the way.

The security guard stopped in his tracks and turned to Makato. "This is a good place to talk. . . Away from the noises. Just the two of us, alone. . . I like it already."

He then removed his hat, combing his luscious gray hair with his hand. "I told you in the letter we'll be meeting each other very soon."

"M-Mikoru. . ." Makato's heart raced, fixated on his sharp black eyes. She had to control her breathing.

"Makato Dear, have you considered the possibility of us being together once more?" He then asked. "I'm dying to hear your answer."

The way he talked was almost soothing, but luring at the same time. Makato glanced at the grass and dirt below her shoes. Showing emotion toward her ex was something she couldn't control.

"Ah. . . I see. You still have some resentment towards me? I don't blame you." Mikoru let the silence answer for her, taking a few steps. "Forgive me during the Maple Forest incident. It wasn't my intention to hurt you that day, but rather. . ." Mikoru stared at his palm, feeling bits of ice coating his gloved hand. "The ice demon, Tragrallath, I signed a contract with years ago. . . got a bit out of hand for me to control, mentally and physically. The power was overwhelming and sadly, I lost myself."

". . ."

"I turned a. . . new leaf and joined the Faithful Knights. Of course. . . nobody knew about the Maple Forest incident but us, so the Queen never suspected my injuries nor my intent to travel. Just to be more on their good side, I convinced the mercenaries I hired to join the Knights."

Makato looked up with a frown. A confused unsettled look displayed on her face. "Mikoru, I'm glad to hear that you're doing okay. . . but why would you work as a Faithful Knight when you hated being under someone's leadership?"

"Like I said. . . I turned a new leaf. My perspective has changed." Mikoru tilted his head with a smile.

The smile was almost as cunning as his words. Makato kept her eyes back to her boots. "And the mercenaries too. They attacked my friends. . ."

Mikoru scoffed. "My men changed for the better. But enough about that. I want to hear your answer, Dear."

She heard his footsteps closing in until her boots were aligned with his. She felt his hand, grazing her cheek. Cold as ice.

"That letter you wrote. Why, Mikoru?" Makato's voice croaked in pain.

Mikoru cocked his head. "Hmm? Why what?"

"Why did you lie to me?"

". . ." He removed his hand from her cheek. "I never lied-"

"The Fumiharu clan have the immunity of possession." She interrupted, glancing back at his eyes. "Tragallath never possessed you. It was all an act. A farce to convince me otherwise. You make demons your pets, your slaves. . . Even now, you're still ordering Tragallath to possess you. . ."

". . ."

"Also, Mikoru. . . You're not a Tachibana, yet you possess a fair amount of the blood. Your ice magic. . . it's not your own." She nodded to herself, frowning. "Yes. . . now that I think about it, you must have used Tragallath to create an even more disturbing power of the ice magic. I've kept quiet on that for a long time since you never mentioned it."

"Sorry, Makato Dear. Talking about the past is a very sensitive topic for me. You know that?" Mikoru faked a smile, tapping his cheek. "I'm only a victim when I got the power of ice. It started back a long time when my father ruled the Dark Knights. . . Since then. . . I knew every Tachibana living in Niho. The ones in the castle, the ones on the streets. . . it was. . . fascinating to feel part of my blood tingle. . . Meeting you especially, changed everything. . ."

"Mikoru. . ." She froze at his words. "Something. . . something happened to you besides the magic. . . Your whole attitude changed after-"

Mikoru sighed as his eyes darkened, changing his mood. "But. . . this is sooo fucking annoying. You managed to figure everything out by one measly letter. I planned to keep that secret with me until the day I married you." He then snapped his fingers. Instantly, the ice particles around his body evaporated into thin air. "I best to punish that demon. Speaking of demons, you have one yourself that you're not aware of, Tachibana. Or. . . should I say. . . half of it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Allow me the pleasure of showing you!" Mikoru stretched forth his hand as a green beam shot out from his palm and straight into her stomach.

"Urgh!" The power of the beam forced Makato off her feet, crashing straight to the nearest tree.

Mikoru adjusted his wrist, staring at her weakened state. "The sole purpose of my trip was to release your true self from bondage. You don't know Makato Dear; the potential you carry as the Princess of Potions. And soon. . . you will."

"Ahh!" The pain was like fire dancing on her stomach and needles stabbing the same spot over and over. She tried holding her stomach to ease the pain, but it was too hot to touch.

"My poor Dear. . . Seeing you in pain does sadden me." Mikoru walked towards her and kneeled. "Do you want Tragrallath to cool you? Or perhaps me?"

"M-Mikoru. . .!" She knew it was a gamble following him, but never expected this kind of outcome. Her eyelids grew heavy to keep open. The magic he shot slowly shut down her body.

She then watched his hand contact her stomach as ice coated her shirt. The fiery pain began to subside, as her eyes closed.

"Have a nice rest, Makato Dear. . . It is tempting to take you with me, but I must see if this would work. . ." Mikoru kissed her cheek and got back on his feet, putting his cap on.

"Mikoru!"

Mikoru froze, turning his back on the four teens before him.

"Oh, if it isn't Miru and friends. You just missed the best part."

"Makato's right there!" Roy pointed.

"This is unexpecting. . ." Marth pulled his sword out, along with Ike.

Mikoru raised his hands. "I'm nothing but a security guard. I'll let you take her for now. She's asleep I assure you."

"I'd be an idiot if I were to believe you," Ike said.

"Then stay stupid." Mikoru chuckled. "I'll take my leave first, but remember I'm always watching. . . I can't wait to see the outcome of this. My. . . Dear Makato Tachibana. . ." Black smoke consumed his body all around for a second, disappearing. The four waited for a bit before approaching the sleeping princess.

"How did you know she'd be here?" Miru asked the mercenary.

Ike kneeled, gazing at Makato. "Call it a hunch."

"That's some hunch you got," Marth commented.

"Yeah, yeah, weirdo." Roy shoved Ike, making him trip on his feet.

"Miru, put her on my back." Roy grinned, kneeling. "My soon-to-be girlfriend needs me to be the hero in this situation."

"You're what?" Marth and Ike said.

"I have no words." Miru did as told, and assisted him with Makato on Roy's back. Roy then got up on his feet, holding his legs to keep her from falling.

"Alright, men! Follow me~!"

(oOoOoOo)

Stadium

The second round began with Daisy and Donkey versus Knuckles and Amy in a Pitcochat stage. The battle started fierce with only two minutes to go.

"Damn! This is taking too long!" Daisy growled.

"Don't worry, Sonic! My hammer of love will lead us to victory!" Amy smiled. "And. . . Knuckles."

"Ok, Amy go for it. . ." Sonic muttered, yawning.

"Well, she is your girlfriend isn't she?" Tails asked.

"No, she's-"

"I'm Sonic's girlfriend." Sally interrupted, hugging Sonic.

"I believe you are wrong. Sonic and I have an intimate relationship together." Elise countered.

Amy's love radar was at max when she sensed her competition clawing their fangs at Sonic. She glared below at Team Sonic seeing Sally and Elise holding Sonic's arms.

"SONIC! Are you cheating on me already?!" Amy swung her hammer round and round, creating a flying boomerang toward the girls. Sonic sped away before the hammer could come into contact, and the girls took the hit.

"Are you trying to kill us?!" Silver shouted.

"No! Just Sonic!" Amy said.

"DISQUALIFIED FOR ATTACKING THE AUDIENCE!" Crazy Hand announced, appearing right above Amy. "YOU'RE FUCKING OUT OF HERE!"

Amy jolted from the surprise and waved her hands. "Wait! I'm sorry! Can you please excuse this- -ahhh!"

Her pleading was ignored from Crazy Hand shot her back towards Team Sonic, crashing with the girls she just attacked with her hammer.

"Great, she just had to pay attention to Sonic of all times!" Knuckles sweatdropped.

"This is our chance! She should have done that before the match like I did!" Daisy smirked, pulling her heel from her foot.

"Ugh, not that thing!"

Daisy lifted her heel, ready to be the all-star for Mario Strikers when a random wall stood between Knuckles and Daisy.

"Oh sh-!" She threw her heel at the same time the wall appeared as it ricocheted, knocking Daisy out of the stage.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Daisy screamed, plumping to the safety cushions.

Knuckles smirked. "And then there were two."

"Ooh-ah!" Donkey Kong pounded his chest. The wall drawing was erased, and Donkey Kong galloped his way over to Knuckles. Hand to hand, they both grasped onto each other and it became a push war.

"Hurry up, Knuckle Head! Ten seconds!" Sonic shouted.

"Shut up!" Knuckles grunted.

"Nine! Eight! Seven! You're so slow!"

"I said-!" His anger transferred to his fist, pushing Donkey Kong toward the edge from pure rage. "Shut uuuuuup!"

"WINNER! KNUCKLES AND AMY FROM TEAM SONIC!" Master Hand announced. The crowd cheered and chanted Knuckles' name. The echidna grinned, flexing his muscles.

"That's right! Haha!"

Later the next stage was set, preparing the final round of the Fighting Tournament.

"FINAL ROUND WILL BE A SUDDEN DEATH MATCH TO DETERMINE THE OVERALL WINNER FOR POINTS! BOTH TEAMS CHOOSE YOUR TWO FIGHTERS TO TAKE ON THIS MATCH!" Master Hand said.

"It's obvious who we should pick! Sonic and Shadow!" Tails suggested.

"I agree!" Charmi said.

"Me too!" Chris said.

"HEY WHAT ABOUT US?!" Knuckles, Meta Sonic, Vector, and Silver questioned, offended by the comment.

"It's the quickest way to win," Blaze said.

Sonic shrugged. "Sure! As long as Shadow doesn't get in my way!"

"Hmmph." Shadow shook his head. "How foolish. All a pointless battle. . . when they shall taste true despair."

Team Sonic confirmed their two fighters for the final round, while Team Mario. . .

"I vote Bowser and Donkey Kong!" Peach raised her hand.

"I just fought!" Donkey Kong said.

"We should just give up! Hahahaa!" Daisy laughed. "Two slow pokes versus two speedy rats! Impossible!"

"Hedgehogs. . ." Luigi corrected.

"I'll go then," Mario said.

"What difference does it make?! We're fucked! Waa!" Toad cried.

"Get out there and break a rib!" Daisy cheered.

"This will make a perfect headline, Honey," Birdo said.

"I agree!" Yoshi said.

Team Mario confirmed their two fighters and both teams got on the stage. Temple.

"Well, this is going to be an easy battle, knowing that Sonic and Shadow are fast," Zelda said.

"I know." Samus said, drinking her soda.

"MARIO AND BOWSER VS SONIC AND SHADOW! BEGINI!"

"What in the plot is this?" Sonic stretched his arms. "I see you, Mario! He's such a creative guy!"

Shadow stood still with his arms crossed. "Finding them in this place will be nothing but child's play. Don't get in my way."

"Nah, don't get in my way!"

"What's the plan?" Bowser flared his nostrils.

Mario sweatdropped. "We find an opening-"

"What opening?" Shadow appeared right behind Mario, jabbing his neck. The force sent him flying across pillars and walls at an instant.

"MARIOOO!" Luigi cried.

Damn Hedgehog." Bowser glared at Sonic.

Sonic smirked. "Don't take it the wrong way buddy. Call it payback from the forest!" Sonic did his thing, spin-dashing and knocking Bowser like a ping bong until he was bounced against the wall, falling with heavy force.

"WHAT A EASY DUB! SONIC AND SHADOW FROM TEAM SONIC WINS!" Master Hand announced.

"WOOOO!" The audience cheered, applauding the overall battles. The points were distributed on the screen for everyone to see.

Team Mario: 1 Point

Team Sonic: 2 Points

A timer was placed on the screen for a quick break for both teams to digest their first event. People used the time to take restroom breaks, buy more snacks, and whatnot.

(oOoOoOo)

Roy slurped the life out of his lemonade and let out a satisfied breath. "Inevitable from the very beginning,"

"Makato's still asleep. . . I'm kinda worried." Marth frowned, staring at Makato next to Roy. "Earlier, there was a green light, glowing on her stomach."

"I noticed it along the way." Miru furrowed his eyebrows. "It must have been Mikoru's doing."

"Perhaps we should take her to a hospital," Marth suggested. "Then once she feels better, we can escort her back to the VIP area."

"You guys are overreacting!" Roy laughed, hugging Makato. "She's just tired from your bullshit! Let her stay here. It doesn't matter, right?"

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Sounds like a good idea to me!"

"Leave her alone." Ike snapped, getting up from his seat.

Roy arched a brow, staring at the mercenary. "What?"

"I said I don't want your germs rubbing on Makato." Ike pulled Makato's arm away from Roy's grasp, bringing her body to himself.

"You never said that- -hey! Someone who loves children should be the one to watch over her!" Roy grabbed hold of her other arm, pulling Makato to his side.

"You're saying I hate kids? Cut the crap." Ike answered with a tug.

"Ike, don't act like a saint. You hate kids." Marth sweatdropped.

"She's not a doll! Stop pulling the Princess!" Miru said.

"Yeah, you heard him. Let go." Roy smirked.

"I'm trying to save you from embarrassment. You want Makato to remember that cringe of a letter when she looks at your face?" Ike smirked.

Roy blushed and grew flustered, releasing her. "I did NOT write that! Miku did!"

"That's what I thought."

Just when Ike sat her back down on the seat next to Miru, her eyes slowly opened. Makato looked at Ike who stood in front of her and then to Miru who sat beside her.

"Where. . . am I?" The last thing she recalled was Mikoru and the green beam that shot her. After that. . .

Marth smiled. "I'm so happy you're awake!"

"Marth thought you died," Roy said. "But not me!"

"You're at the stadium," Ike said, answering her question.

"Are you alright? We saw Mikoru in the forest when you were asleep. What happened?" Miru asked.

Makato stared at her lap, placing her hand on her stomach. "I'm fine. . . We talked and things just got a bit out of hand. . ."

"Just a talk?" Ike asked.

". . ." Makato sweatdropped. Just a few days before, Ike warned her about Mikoru's evil intentions. She didn't have to look at him to feel his anger seeping out.

"Oh! Speaking of!" Roy fisted his palm, recalling a memory. "Makato, is Tachibana you're last name? That's a pretty name!"

"That Mikoru. . ." Miru sighed. "Refrain from calling her last name in public."

"Hmm?" Marth, Ike, and Roy showed confused expressions.

"In Niho, we don't speak of their last name in public for her and the sake of the family's protection. If outsiders find out about the royal family's name, it can get ugly. . . like it did a long time ago."

"Ok, I think I get it." Marth nodded.

"I'm curious! Is this linked to your dramatic childhood?!" Roy's eye gleamed.

"It's not dramatic. . ." Miru sweatdropped, crossing his arms. "Complicated was more like it. Since we're on the topic. I tell you how I grew up. It's linked to all three of us living together. The Princess, Mikoru, and I."

"Even Mikoru?" Ike asked.

Miru lowered his eyelids and sighed. "Yeah. . . He was like a brother to me before it all went to hell."

A/N: I hope you enjoy this chapter! Thank you AnimeGmr101, Destiny Willowleaf, and Stromixbaby for reviewing in almost every chapter! I appreciated your thoughts about this fanfic! Till next time! ;)