A/N: Sorry for the slow update. I hope you enjoy this chapter! I don't SSB.
Chapter 56: Michelle's Conviction
Village of Niho
It was dead in the night. Makato's older brother and sister were standing outside of the castle, watching the stars go by.
"Hmm, this day is Makato's birthday. It's been bothering me." Haru stared at the village from afar. Flora turned over to him. "You and I have been sensing the same thing."
"I wasn't invited to her birthday party." He said with a serious tone. Flora rolled her eyes from his answer. He did had a little sister complex, but that wasn't the answer Flora was looking for.
"Besides that, I feel like something is coming. We must tell Mother and Father." Flora turned away from the village and headed back to the castle. Haru followed. A dangerous group lurked from behind the scenes, waiting for Mikoru to give out the word. Yumi and the rest of Group 2 were waiting secretly. Dark Knights, Mike and Jacob, were also waiting. Dark creatures were with them, stretching their wings at some times.
"It's been passed the hour five minutes ago. . ." Mike said glancing at his watch.
"We must wait, no matter what." Yumi said.
Smash Mansion
"Don't make me wait, Sweetie!"
"Sorry, Aunt Michelle, come in."
Michelle entered her room with a large, red present in her hand. Makato closed the door and followed her.
Both sitting on a small couch across from each other and both were between a table that was provided. Michelle set her present on the table.
"Happy Birthday, Makato!" Michelle grinned.
"Thank you." Makato couldn't help but to smile back.
"Open your present!"
"There's time. . ." Makato answered.
"Yes, yes." Michelle nodded her head. "What a fun party! I hope you enjoyed it. Parties like these never end! But everything, eventually, comes to an end, right?"
"Yes, I agree. Especially those. . . who would lie behind their teeths. That should also end!" Makato giggled a little.
Michelle didn't say anything for a moment. "Hehe, of course." Focusing her eyes at Makato, she stared. "Did the food satisfy your hunger?"
"I loved it. Everything, was all just wonderful! I'm very grateful, really!"
"I'm glad you love it. They put their hard work into it!"
As their conversations grew more, Makato's suspicious grew higher. She decided to end the stalling and head straight to the point. With questions. Makato got up and handed her aunt a hot cup of tea, bringing the scent of raspberries and other herbs in the air. "Some raspberry tea, Aunt Michelle?" Setting it right in front of her, she also got herself a cup.
"Yes, thank you." Michelle gently grabbed the cup, showing her gloves that were hidden by her long sleeves. Makato glanced at her gloves and then looked right back up.
"Are you enjoying this place?" Makato asked.
"It's very fun and dangerous!" Michelle answered, taking another sip of her tea.
"I'm curious between you and your relationship between my mother."
"We would talk a lot by mail, so communication wasn't easy."
Makato picked up her cup of tea near her lips. "Aunt Michelle, where did you live?"
"Village of Niho of course. Oh! Are we playing 20 Questions now?" Michelle laughed.
"I just want to get to know you more! You know? Since I never seen you in the castle before. . ."
"I don't mind. I'll tell you all about myself."
"How about I ask you the questions and you answer them?" Makato kindly suggested.
"No, no! Allow me! It's your birthday after all." Michelle smiled. "I was born in the Village of Niho. I was an only child. My parents died when I was ten from a horrible sickness. In my lifetime, I was very poor. I needed money. I started to work at people's homes. Cleaning, cooking, all of that stuff. I later got a job as a maid for a certain rich family. It wasn't easy! Plus, I didn't have that much of an education. So, I was basically trying to raise money for school, food, and shelter." Michelle sighed in between.
"It was hard! I left the mansion at 12. I wanted to go to the Queen and King for money but not even the servants would let me in. Where I was born, was in the rich area of Nihio. It was hard to get work, so I traveled down to a rural area of Niho.
"That was when I met my husband, Kufu. Two years older than me. He only lived with his grandpa. Kufu helped me a lot while I was there! I was able to get food, shelter, and even education from his grandpa. I was very grateful. Kufu wanted to move to the rich area of Niho to become a Faithful Knight. I was 15 at the time. So we moved in a house together and a few years later, we eventually got married." Michelle stood up stretching her arms. Makato watched her movements as she kept on standing.
Michellesat back down. "I went by the last name of. . . Kozuku."
"Kozuku?!" Makato was shocked. That was Miru's last name.
Michelle continued to talk about her life. "We lived in an average house. Seeing my husband go to work everyday made me so sad. Since he was a Faithful Knight, I barely get to see him. More years passed and I was pregnant with a baby boy. Yoriki. And another baby boy, Miru. . ."
"Miru?!" Makato stood up from her chair in a fast motion. "Are you serious?"
"Yes." Michelle answered with a smirk. "The one you called, 'childhood friend.' That is my second son."
'Is she revealing herself to me on purpose?!' Makato thought. 'This woman, is Miru's Mother! But why is she telling me this?! Why is she here?!' Makato grabbed her cup of tea. She felt herself shaking before her presence. Decided to place the cup down, to keep herself from dropping the delicate cup. "If you are Miru's mother, why did you leave him? Your family?"
"Simple really. . ." Michelle got up from her seat. "My husband wanted my sons to be in the Faithful Knights. I didn't want them apart from me! I didn't like it one bit! I wanted them to get better jobs!" Michelle raised her voice. Her face turned very dark and sinister. "I wanted. . . money! So, I left my family behind. . . all for the sake of money! Money, money, money!" Michelle made a small spin, imaging herself in a tender rain of cash and gold coins falling from the sky.
"Many years went by and I was able to get jobs that promised me so many riches! But this month made me never so happy! It was when I met this boy that goes by the name of Mikoru Fumiharu."
Makato was definitely shocked. Her body posture said it all. Frozen like a rock.
"He offered me to be in the New Dark Knights! And he promised me the riches of Niho, if I stand by his side! I couldn't refuse such an offer! He told me my job: infiltrate the Smash Mansion and and a girl, Makato. And on May 31. . . ." Michelle paused, slowly removing her gloves.
Makato just had to move! Something disgusting and evil became more presence as Michelle removed her gloves. Sharp black claws, following by warts and spores, were on her rough and hairy fingers. The hands itself looked like a dead swamp with the bones of fish. The smell itself was gruesome. Makato herself, wanted to open the window. Michelle curled the fingers, now showing it was HER hands.
". . .War will begin on my count! So, how about we start now?"
'She confessed herself and the Dark Knights' plans! Mother was right. . . I am in danger!' Makato had to react fast before she was done for! Makato made a somersault back from the couch to open all of her Stone Soldier potions that were right behind. It was then, Michelle's demon hands stretched forward to Makato's head. Grabbing a stone soldier that was already in its form, Michelle took it as Makato and crushed it with her hand.
If that was her head. . .
Oh, shit. . .
"Oh, I missed. You're sneaky. Don't make this difficult for me." Michelle made a Sebastian's smile.
Makato sweated in fear, trying to relax. She commanded the rest of her stone soldiers. "Attack!" Pointing at the blue-haired woman.
"YES, MASTER!" The Stone Soldiers all charged at Michelle with all force. Releasing the crumbled soldier in her hand. Michelle made devastating crushes to the soldiers, rocks were scattered everywhere. "Aw! Makato, don't leave me behind! You can't forget about. . . your present!"
The present that Michelle brought to her opened so suddenly as a vicious, poisonous snake came out flying toward Makato. Making a hissing sound, the snake wrapped itself around Makato and bind her.
"Ah!" She cried. "This snake, isn't no ordinary snake. . . it's draining my energy! Who would give a snake as a present?!"
"Who wouldn't?! It's great for pets! A man's best friend!" A voice on crack shrieked.
Makato turned to the snake that was in the same height as her, facing it face to face. She thought Michelle said those words, but it was the snake!
"A talking snake?!"
"A talking human?!"
"Fred, get along now." Michelle smiled, as if nothing had happened. The Stone Soldiers were destroyed within minutes! Such effort wasted. . ."Put her to sleep!"
"Aye, Captain! Best friends like us always put each other to sleep!" Fred exclaimed with a silly face.
"No, they do not-!" Makato was interrupted by its poison smoke Fred puffed out. Makato couldn't breathe in its air, coughing harshly.
"Go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep!" Fred chanted happily. Fred was a pretty messed up snake. It's glowing red eyes said it all. Makato finally collapsed on the ground still in bind from Fred.
However, Fred was in serious pain. "AHH! Your heavy body is crushing my delicate lungs!"
"It's time to summon the Dark Knights. Let us go!" Michelle commanded.
Fred lifted her body, still in coil. "Controlling her body is hard enough!" Fred the Snake made her salute Michelle as they head to the roof of the Smash Mansion.
"Ike! Wake up!" Miru shook his arms roughly. Ike ignored him, yearning to sleep more. "Makato. . . Wait, I'm not done yet. . . Come here. . ."
Miru arched an eyebrow, staring at his roommate's face. Miru leaned over to his ear and spoke in his high pitched girl voice. "Makato-desu-chan is here for you."
Ike made a lazy grin in his sleep and wrapped his arm around Miru's neck. Miru made a terrible mistake. "Hey, hey! Wake up! I'm not Makato!"
"Makato. . . don't lie to me. . ." The sleeping mercenary answered.
"Just what were you dreaming, you pervert?!"
Ike shot up from his bed and grabbed Miru's blue collar. "I am not a pervert." He glared at him.
Miru sweat dropped, "You woke up just to say that. But anyways, I'm getting this bad feeling."
Ike combed his hair with his hand. "In the middle of the night?"
"In the middle of the night."
Ike released his collar, staring at his eyes. Miru made a slow nod, thinking he was seeing right through him. Ike got out from his blankets and made a loud yawn. "You're probably just having a bad dream." Ike answered, scratching his arm.
"No! I'm not talking about dreams! I'm talking about Michel-!" A loud siren rang through Ike's room. It wasn't just his room, but the whole mansion. Some people woke up screaming. Others tried to sleep through the noise. Usually the siren would mean some kind of big emergency.
"Looks like your bad feeling came true." Ike got up from his bed to put on his regular clothes on. After that he grabbed his sword that leaned against his night stand.
"Of course it did!" Miru snapped.
"And here I was having a good dream. . ." Ike muttered. Miru heard what he said. "What kind of dream?"
"A dream that is none of your business."
"ATTENTION ALL SMASHERS! THERE IS AN EMERGENCY THAT'S BEYOND TABUU LEVEL!" Master Hand spoke through the intercom. "THERE IS A THREAT INSIDE THE BUILDING. EVERY SMASHER MUST GET OFF OF THEIR ASSES TO STOP THIS THREAT! RIGHT NOW! THAT INCLUDES YOU, KIRBY! THIS AIN'T SOME KINDERGARTEN LOCKDOWN SCHOOL SHIT! THIS IS REAL LIFE!"
"Damnit!" Kirby threw his poop emoji pillow hard to the ground.
Thunder and roared from the outside of this dark night. Heavy rain poured on top of the roof of the Smash Mansion. It wasn't long enough that a portal was created for the Dark Knights to come out, by Michelle. Which caused the loud alarm to go off.
Mikoru was the last person to come out of the portal, while the rest of the Knights sticked to the original plan. Before Mikoru did anything else, he contacted Yumi to start the invasion in Niho.
Michelle watched him and his dark, princely outfit. Midnight gems on his black cape. The iron shoulder pads with breast armor, all near the same shade as his gems. His outfit was similar like Marth's, but there was only evil and hatred that was made onto the outfit. The symbol, 'DK' was imbedded onto his cape. Just like the rest of the Dark Knights' cloacks.
His gray hair was a little more stylish than it was before. More flipped up, with the finest gels. Even the rain didn't ruined it.
"Michelle, this took you very long. . . How come?" He made a step to Michelle.
Michelle bowed. "Forgive me, I have no excuses. But I have Makato here, just like you wanted." Michelle presented the sleepy princess to the evil lord. It sparked his interest to hear that Makato was already caught.
"Yes, Lord Mikoru, she put up a fight, but failed miserably!" Fred laughed. As she was still bind, Makato slept on her knees, with her night gown still on, getting soaked quickly as the night went by. Mikoru stared at her body. Her clothes started to become more transparent as the rain gave her a midnight wash.
Fred slipped out of her body as she fell on the rain. Mikoru reacted by running up to her, kneeling on one knee, not caring if his pants get wet from the rain. He lifted her body and hugged her. Makato felt arms around herself and opened her eyes.
"Oh, my Darling, it's been awhile since I last saw you." Mikoru stroked her soaked front hairs and kissed it. Thunder struck again and she woke up from its booming noise. Makato's heart almost stopped when she first recognized the face that brought her misery and pain. One of his arms, still wrapped around her back.
"Unhand me. . ." What the snake, Fred, had done to her, she couldn't move an inch. It was like there was some kind of paralyze gel on her body, sucking her energy dry. Mikoru let a chuckle out.
"Release me!" Makato repeated.
"I shall not." He answered.
"Why not cast me under your spell? You have already caught me." Makato was able to say. Mikoru then released her and Fred tied himself back onto her. He faced his back from her and walked away.
"I'm not that big of a loser." He answered. He then turned around and walked toward Makato once more. "I want to see you, through and through."
". . ."
"Plus, I feel like you're hiding something from me." He added. Makato tried not to make a reaction from what he said. "I'm going to destroy everything that lies here in this mansion."
The Smashers ran through the hallways, searching for this threat. It wasn't long till they heard the sound of footsteps coming closer and closer. Actually, that was a lie. Their footsteps were too loud to hear a stranger's.
"Where's this threat? I'm sooo tired!" Roy ran along with Marth, Miru, and Ike that were next to him.
"Who knows!" Marth panted.
"It's that woman, Michelle! I'm sure of it!" Miru ran a little faster than the three.
"How can you be so sure?" Ike asked.
"I just know. . ." Miru answered.
"Everyone, STOP!" Mario shouted, being the leader of the race. The giant crowd of Smashers had a hard time stopping since most of them were sprinting. This caused a giant commotion of some of the Smashers falling on top of each other.
"I shake my head." Mario shook his head, disappointed.
"Why did you tell us to stop, Mario?" Pit asked, rubbing his temple.
Mario pointed to the mysterious person right in front of them. In such a distance, the being was covered in a dark cloak and only its wavy and grayish hair showed. Chatter rose about the mysterious being.
"Is that Mikoru?" Marth asked Miru.
"No." He answered, catching his breath. "He looks a little. . .shorter. . ."
"Let's just kill him and get this night over with." Ike lifted his sword.
The mysterious being's body was rather human-like, but something was transforming him. He grew larger and larger by the second.
"Wait, what's happening?" Lucas asked, confused.
"I'm getting scared!" Popo cried. So did Nana.
Marth's eyes widened. "Wait, I seen something like this before. . . whatchamacallit. . ." He thought for a second. "A. . ." Everyone focused their eyes on Marth, for he may have a solution.
"A. . .!" It was on the tip of the prince's tongue, just then, the mysterious being turned into a blue and white dragon! Some of the Smashers shrieked from its scary form.
"A Bakugan!" Marth shouted.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Everyone shouted back in anger.
"He just turned into a dragon!" Ike exclaimed.
"He's going to eat us alive!" Kirby cried.
"Wait, how do we know that thing is a he?" Link thought outloud. Everyone looked back at the ferocious creature. Its wings flapped viciously, its breathing was like a 20 mile wind.
"MY PATH SHALL BE CLEARED!" The deep voice of the dragon roared.
"Ok, it's confirmed. That dragon is a male." Link said.
"Ok, Mario. What do we do? Should we all attack that thing at once. . . or should we just run for it?" Pit asked the red plumber. Mario stroked his mustache. "I mean, we fought Tabuu before, I'm sure it's no difference!" Mario pointed his gloved finger at the large creature. "Everyone, CHARGE!"
The Smashers made their battle cries, sprinting toward the dragon. Just even before Sonic could make a hit, the dragon spat out a flood of raging waters from its mouth. Mario stopped just at least half way from the dragon. Sonic became the first to sprint back.
"Water!" He shouted.
"That water is going to drown us all!" Luigi cried.
"Everyone, RUN!" Mario commanded. And so they obeyed. It's not like they had any other choice. The water was coming for them. Fast and furious. It even drew in some of the Smashers that were desperately trying to escape.
"BLUR BLUR BLUR!"
"ARUHGH!"
"I CAN'T SWIM!"
"ME TOO!"
"YAYA! DROWN BUDS!"
"SOOOO LIT!"
"I'M GOING TO DIE IF YOU SAY LIT ONE MORE TIME!"
"BUT THE WATER IS ALREADY DROWNING YOU-BLUR BLUR BLUR!"
"MAKE SURE YOU LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!"
"FOLLOW AND TWEET!"
Kirby became their savior when he swallowed all of the water the dragon had created. He turned into Water Dragon Kirby. Not Water Kirby. Water Dragon Kirby. The bigger dragon growled in anger.
"Awesome! Go, Kirby!" Pit cheered.
Besides the dragon in front of them, the Smashers heard explosions from above and below! Little of the roof began to crumble. The rumbling wasn't stopping.
"Why do I hear explosions?!" Lucas cried.
"The ground is shaking!" Fox said.
"How about we all split up so we all won't die?!" Zelda exclaimed.
"Good idea!" Everyone responded.
"Some go check the basement, some go to the roof, others, stay here and fight this guy! Everyone be careful! Their magic is sky high!"
Everyone made their ways and splitted. Some head for the roof, others to the basements, most in the hallways. The main warriors however, stayed in the very same spot. Mario, Pit, Link, Yoshi, and Kirby. Against. . . a water dragon.
"Surrender and live!" The dragon roared.
"I believe you should be the one to surrender, dummy!" Kirby snorted. "Foolish creature, you don't know who you're dealing with!" And the transformed puff ball was right. The dragon boy was brand new to witness Kirby's wrath.
The sounds of a marching band paraded all over the Smash Mansion. Everyone was a twin. The same dark capes, the same sense of magic. Evil began to flow through and through.
Those in the Smash Mansion were the Five Warriors, Lucario, Pikachu, R.O.B, Olimar, Jigglypuff, Pokemon Trainer, Toon Link, Ness, Lucas, Ice Climbers, and Luigi fighting off the army that came through.
Those in the basement of the Smash Mansion were Zelda, Wolf, Falco, Fox, Snake, Samus, Ganondorf, Wario, Sonic, and Bowser. They were all hiding in spots before they launched an attack. "There's something dangerous about these intruders. . . I sense a major power." Zelda whispered over to Snake. "We must be careful. . . Do not underestimate them."
"Well, too late for that." Snake loaded a heavy lead bullet into his machine gun. "I always underestimate my enemies."
"At least be smart for once." Wolf glared at the rated R man. Snake rolled his eyes and loaded another lead bullet.
Those in the roof were Ike, Marth, Roy, Miru, Meta Knight, Captain Falcon, King Dedede, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong. There was a thunderstorm that occurred. But that didn't bother them. The whole rooftop was filled with black hooded people.
"What is this? Some kind of occult party?!" Roy exclaimed. Staring at the distance.
"Is this some kind of prank?" Donkey Kong said outloud.
"No, pranks don't go THAT far." Marth drew his sword out and pointed at the dark figures. The dark figures held out some type of magic weapon, preparing to attack the group of Smashers.
"So, they're magicians. . ." Ike smirked pulling his sword out as well.
"That can be a problem. . ." Miru set up his guns that he carried and pointed to the large crowd. King Dedede gripped onto his hammer tightly and groaned. "Let's make this quick. I do not want my clothes to get a soak. . ."
"I can relate, let's go!" Marth pointed his sword and with his swift speed, he charged at the intruders. The rest did the same, the occult party charged at them and the fighting began. Sword clashing, hammer bashes, hot, fiery peanuts, knuckle punches, swift bullets. Yet, the Smashers felt like the battle was going nowhere.
They were all struggling amongst the black hooded soldiers. It was like they were reading their moves.
"Why can't I land a hit? Have I gained weight?" Marth huffed.
Meta Knight shook his head. "I believe they're faster than us. . ."
The circle was closing in, Ike, Marth, Meta Knight, Roy, Miru, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Captain Falcon were surrounded in different spots on the roof top.
Ike scoffed, "Heh, this is child's play."
Mikoru stood there, staring at Ike, even from all of his soldiers, he could see the mercenary. Makato watched Mikoru from the side.
"Even from the water bath they're still able to move. . . But no problem. There's always a part two." Mikoru walked up to his army and the Smashers combined. "STOP!" Mikoru's voice was brought to the Dark Knight's ears over their hoods and they immediately stop. Mikoru told them to apart and they did exactly as told. Half of the Dark Knights were in each side, only showing the Smashers and Mikoru in the middle from each end.
"Mikoru! So this was your doing!" Miru angrily shouted at Mikoru.
Mikoru flipped his hair and put his hand on his waist, "Well, of course. There's nothing wrong with revenge. . . and war."
"There is something wrong with war. People die." Marth glared at the evil lord. Mikoru frowned and closed his eyes. "Isn't that what war is? The rise of death. Right now, the other half of the army is destroying Niho." Mikoru opened his eyes and smiled. "Now, imagine this army, times two! Just beautiful, isn't it?"
"I couldn't agree more, Lord Mikoru." A woman's voice laughed behind Mikoru. She walked right next to Mikoru, covering her hands once more. The Smashers were shocked to see Michelle right next to him, as if she was an allie to him
"Wait, Michelle? Why is she with him?" Marth said.
"Because she's an evil being." Miru glared at the tall woman. Michelle just smiled. "Ah, Miru, how have you been?"
"Shut up! You're gonna pay for meddling in Makato's life!" Miru gripped tightly to his far ranged weapon.
"She's not Makato's aunt then." Meta Knight said.
"Miru. . ." Makato heard Miru's angry voice. Just like in the past. There was just so many people. She could barely see, but hearing Miru's voice made her know she wasn't the only one up here. Makato recalled hearing Mikoru saying his army being in Niho. It reminded her of her family, and her siblings she'd rarely seen in her life.
"Lord Mikoru, leave Miru to me." Michelle offered. She pulled her hands out of her sleeves, and her demonic hands appeared once more.
"Her hands. . ." Roy was speechless to see her hands weren't like any other human's.
Mikoru nodded. "You have my permission."
"Miru, are you sure you want to fight her?" Captain Falcon asked. Miru smirked. "It's something I've been dying to do. . ."
It was getting colder by the second. The rain kept on pouring. The soldiers kept still, silent like a statue. Mikoru drew his demonic sword out from his sheath. Swinging it a few times to the air. He walked the opposite direction away from the Smashers. They still stood there, waiting for his next move.
Ike stared at his diabolik sword. "I want to fight Mikoru, alone."
Marth turned to him and sweat dropped. "Ike. . . you're kidding right?"
"I want to test if he's broken or not." Ike answered.
"Ike, that's just ridiculous!" Donkey Kong exclaimed. King Dedede nodded in agreement. "You're stupid if you want to fight him alone."
Ike swung his sword. "Mikoru for Smash! You never know who your enemies might be! Best to kill the bastard now than later. . ."
Mikoru walked over to Makato, enough for she could hear what he said. "I want to eat sushi with Ike's blood on it."
"Ew. . ." Makato murmured. Mikoru turned around and smirked straight at the mercenary. "Let's fight, Ike."
"I couldn't agree more." Ike walked up to him. Before Ike realized, Mikoru brought Makato up to her feet, still in coil from Fred the Snake. Makato's eyes met Ike's, both in shock to see each other. So she was here this whole time. Ike stopped walking.
"Makato!" Roy noticed Makato as well as the others. They all caught up to Ike and stood as well. As for Miru, he was fighting Michelle.
Mikoru walked behind Makato and began to wrap his arms around her neck. It was similar to how Ike did to same to Makato, after the stone soldier crisis.
"This is only a guess Ike, I bet you did something like this. . ." Mikoru smirked. The ex-boyfriend placed his cheek against her, encouraging him to get angry.
"Release her, now." Ike demanded. He pointed his sword at Mikoru, showing no mercy if he were to repeat himself.
"And who are you to tell me?" Mikoru replied. He placed his hand on her cheek, still behind her. "She's soon to be my bride. Isn't that right, Darling?"
"Sh-shut up. . ." Makato muttered under her breath. Mikoru smirked from her answer and kicked her to the ground. "Behave well, you hear?"
"He's gonna pay. . . twice as much." Ike growled. Marth walked up right next to him. "For almost destroying the mansion?"
"That's the least of my concerns." Ike rolled his eyes. "For kicking Makato, of course!" Ike made the first move and ran toward him with a charge attack. Mikoru countered his attack with his sword.
"Don't let anyone stand between Ike and me!" Mikoru yelled at the rest of the Dark Knights.
"YES, MILORD!" The dark lines began to move and head for the rest of the Smashers.
X_X
The Village of Niho
It was past the midnight hour. Another war was being held at the Village of Niho. The Faithful Knights fighting against the Dark Knights. Explosions were off every other second. Burning shops, houses, trees, anything of Niho property was dying. The villagers were running, seeking the safest shelter possible.
"Everyone, to the emergency shelter!" One of the Faithful Knights led many people to the emergency shelter. Woman and children and the old were the first to go in. The Faithful Knights fought the Dark Knights that tried to bring chaos to them. Faithful Knight, Kevin, a young man in his 20's, noticed something strange about each villager that entered the emergency shelter.
"Something's protecting them. . . like a barrier or something." He spoke to Faithful Knight, Azai.
"Yea, it's the potions from Princess Makato. She sent a whole case of barrier potions and stone army potions and other stuff." Azai smiled.
Kevin turned to the night sky and the fire that glowed in the night. "Well, let's just hope it would last for some time. . ."
The Queen of Niho watched from the open view of the whole village in war. Horrific screams, the scent of dried blood, flying demonic creatures, No one could ever sleep tonight.
"Just as Miru predicted. . ." Queen Rosalinda spoke to herself. The Faithful Knights, Yoriki and Kufu ran up to the Queen, just some space away.
"Milady, we must evacuate!" Miru's father, Kufu, was out of breath when he reach to the main chambers of the castle.
Rosalinda still stood in her place. "Kufu, and I'm guessing Yoriki is with you. I want you guys to protect the outer walls."
"But, Milady. . ."
"I too am a Tachibana, am I not? Besides, my husband is here with me. Now, go."
Kufu and Yoriki turned to each other. "You heard the Queen, Boy." Kufu patted his shoulder and ran out of room, as well as Yoriki. Minutes later, the King of Niho entered the same room, closing the door. Another explosion came, and it was near.
"Honey, it's dangerous." King Utora warned.
"Mikoru's army are likely to be after us. . ." Rosalinda said. "I will stay here to the end."
"Honey! Have you gone mad?!"
"He's right, have you gone mad, my Queen?" A young girl's voice spoke darkly, along with a chuckle. They both turned quickly to the voice to see a teenage girl with crow colored, long hair.
"A girl! No, a Dark Knight!" Utora protected Rosalinda in advance, if she were to do something. Two people were standing right next to her.
"They passed through our guards?!" Utora was shocked.
"Of course! We have flying animals!" Dark Knight, Mike, laughed.
Yumi pointed her staff at the two royals. "Surrender now!"
"How about we give you our riches? Now that sounds like fair to me!" Utora grinned.
"Haha! You're funny, old man!" Mike laughed. An odd crashing sound came from the roof of the main chamber. The eldest siblings appeared in aid for the Queen and King.
"Are we late, Mother, Father?" Flora stared at her now enemies as she spoke. She was dressed in yellow armor, holding her long heavy spear in her hand.
"Kinda. . . you could have used the door!" Utora exclaimed.
"It's all about the cool entrance you make, Father. Ain't nobody got time for the door!" Haru smirked. Haru wore a black cape with a black sleeveless shirt, saggy brown pants and tight, long, brown boots. He had twin blades in each of his hands.
Dark Knights, Mike and Jacob were shocked to see who they were facing. They both sensed strong magic from them. Fire and Lightning. "Seems we are dealing with Tachibanas. . ." Mike elbowed Jacob in a low voice.
"Interesting. . ." Jacob quietly said.
Yumi adjusted her Crescent Moon Staff in her hands. "Let's not waste time. Let's do this for Lord Mikoru."
Haru counted the number of Dark Knights in the room and then counted his family members. The ones who could fight that is. . .
"Father, you have to help us. Three against two isn't a fair match."
"No, Father needs to protect Mother." Flora glared at Haru.
"Shall we fight, Milady?" Mike asked Yumi.
"Yes. Jacob buff us. . ."
"I'm on it." It wasn't his own magic, but the magic he learned from the Dark Knights. Special increase on damage, speed, and evasion as he stretched forth his hands toward Mike and Yumi. Flora and Haru made their fighting stance. "I got the girl." Flora said.
"Aw! I wanted to fight her! She's cute!" Haru sighed in disappointment.
"I got your backs, Flora, Haru." Utora stretched forth his hands to them, giving them special increases on their magic powers.
"NOW, GO! FOR NIHO!" Utora shouted. His words brought energy and courage to Flora and Haru as they sprinted toward their opponents. It was the loudest explosion of all so far.
The soon-to-be extinct Smash Mansion
"Ike, do you remember our first fight together?" Mikoru breathed heavily, as well as the broken mercenary. The rest of the army and Smashers were fighting against each other in the background. Makato only watched Ike and Mikoru with her tired and frail eyes.
"Sorry, I don't want to remember things that'll give me brain cancer." Ike smirked.
Mikoru threw a surprise kick at the bluenette and just in time, Ike blocked his kick with his arm. "I don't hate you. I just don't appreciate your existence." Mikoru spoke in a half-heartedly way.
"Then how about you take a trip to the moon." Ike pointed to the sky, still pelting with rain. Roars of thunder here and there. Mikoru smirked.
"I would like it if the moon were to trip on you. Crushing your tiny skull to bits."
Ike returned a glare to the evil teen and threw a punch. Mikoru dodged and made a few steps back.
"Once I make a roundhouse kick to the moon, it'd be hitting straight at your jaw." Ike countered.
"I'll hit the moon right back at you."
"And then right back at you, I'll be hitting it with a tennis racket."
"Fool, the moon would have crushed you, along with your stupid tennis racket."
"Don't underestimate the strength of the Radiant Hero."
Mikoru placed his hands on his hips with a mocking tone. "Bitch, please!"
"Bitch, how about you shut the f up?!" Ike popped a vein so big that it looked like he was ready to destroy anything. Even his own sword. Mikoru chuckled. They kept on dissing each other for a long period of time. Even some of the soldiers wondered what was going on with them.
Their exhaustion grew like their lives. Even the training Mikoru did upon himself, he was still in the same line as Ike's. Mikoru didn't like that one bit. He decided to go with part two from the water bath.
"I hate to be the hacker but, I don't like when fights takes you nowhere." Mikoru clasped his hands together. Ike didn't know what he was trying to do.
In the mansion. . .
The dragon boy was back into his regular form. On the ground, desperately trying to get up. Kirby was right. He didn't know what he was dealing with. This pink puff was more than a monster. The rest of the five warriors were just moral support, cheering Kirby in his water dragon form. The dragon boy's red eyes shot hateful looks at the kawaii puffball.
"You, demon!"
"I could say the same thing! HAHAHAHA!" Kirby barked out laughing.
The dragon boy heard his name through telepathy from the lord himself. Understanding his orders, he talked back to him. "Yes, Master!"
The roof of the mansion. . .
Ike's body stiffened. He tried to move a his muscle, even his pinky toe. Every bone and muscle in his body was frozen. It wasn't moving! Move, dammit! Did his body wanted Mikoru to win? It wasn't just Ike in this awkward stiffness. Marth as well, Roy, Miru, everyone here. There battle cries suddenly became quiet. It wasn't just the Smashers on the roof. Zelda, Samus, Fox, Mario, Pikachu, Ness, Olimar, Sonic, Lucario, everyone was playing freeze tag! But why? Who was the freezer in the game?
Mikoru laughed for a long period of time. His cocky laugh began to suspect Ike. It was his doing then. There was no other explanation. The Dark Knights laughed here and then. Some even cheered. Makato didn't know why Ike wasn't moving his body. She stared at Mikoru. What was he about to do in this recent situation?
Mikoru loosened the grip of his special made sword. "The bath you Smashers gotten earlier wasn't just any water. It was a special water from one of my soldiers. . ."
"Hehe! Well done, Lord Mikoru! That's strike two! Hahaha!" Fred the Snake laughed. Michelle laughed as well. "Aw, cat got your tongue, sweet Miru?"
"Shut up. . ." Miru growled. If he was able to move his body, he would have pulled the trigger to his custom made gun long time ago. The Dark Knights continued this unfair battle, now having a high advantage. Marth was kicked to the ground, taking all of the abuse from a few hundred soldiers. Meta Knight couldn't fight back and so could the rest, receiving the same treatment. Makato hated watching all of this, right in front of her. "Everyone!" She cried out.
Mikoru wanted her attention toward him. "Now, I can take my sweet time on you." Mikoru did some kind of magic to his sword. A thick, purple liquid began to drip from the edge of his sword. Mikoru walked toward Ike with that sword. Makato's face became even more pale. Lightning and thunder made the scene even more dramatic, cheering him on.
"No! Don't kill him!" Makato cried out to Mikoru.
"Kill him!" Fred cheered.
Ike couldn't help but to glance the potion princess' face rather than his enemy. She showed him a terrified expression. Not to him in particular.
But to his incoming future.
He sweat dropped. He couldn't move. He didn't know how to get out of this situation. "Makato."
It wasn't only her, but everyone could see Ike in their broken down position.
Master Hand and Crazy Hand were fighting the Dark Knights as well in the mansion. "This place is going to collapse soon. . ." Master Hand said disappointed. However, Crazy Hand spoke the opposite about the Smash Mansion.
"FINALLY! I've been wanting a remodel! Give that guy, Mikoru, my honorable gratitude!"
Mikoru went face to face with Ike, titling his head with amusement in his face. He smiled, "Any last words? My sword is begging for a taste of your blood."
"Well, shit." Ike murmured. Grinning he couldn't help but to do.
"Ike! Hang it there!" Marth yelled out to him. The prince was on the ground, injured. The Dark Knights stopped the attacking and watched Mikoru. "Whoa! We're about to witness a fatality from the Lord Mikoru!" One of the soldiers said with bliss.
"Heh, you don't even scare me. Even the Black Knight put more of a fight." Ike said.
Mikoru's smiled disappeared. "It's no fight, Ike. Just revenge and total destruction. You can state all of your past enemies who put up a fight. I don't care." Mikoru licked his lips from the rain the recently just landed on his mouth. "I just wanted your head!"
"Ike, if you die, I'm keeping your room!" Roy angrily shouted. Ike's response from Roy was a confused looked. 'So he would be angry if he have kept my room?'
Michelle faced away from Miru, watching as well. "Let's watch the live death of your friend. You don't want to miss it, Miru-dear."
"How many shut ups must I give in order for you to shut up?!" Miru literally was done from Michelle's same hand bullshit. "Ike is not going to die from the likes of him!"
Mikoru was done with the stalling and slowly lifted up his sword. He said his words to Makato this time. "Watch carefully, Makato. I'm about to give a public execution to your friend."
Makato's heart raced. She had to do something! But what can she do? Fred kept on cheering while the Smashers began to scream Ike's name. She was still bind. Makato didn't have that much time. She had to blurt out something to keep Mikoru distracted, or at least occupied.
"No, wait!" Makato then remembered what Mikoru said earlier. . .
'Watch carefully, Makato. I'm about to give a public execution to your friend.'
Friend.
Friend.
"Ike is not my friend!" She wasn't Ike's friend. That word 'friend' spinned in her mind like a bee. So Mikoru wasn't updated on Makato's relationship between her and Ike. What was her relationship with Ike now? Makato didn't know what to say next. Her eyes clutched tightly, her brain couldn't think fast enough. Time was running out. Mikoru pointed the tip of his sword like an arrow. The target was for his neck to spew blood. The jackpot. "He's. . .! He's. . .!" It was at the tip of her tongue.
Mikoru whispered to the mercenary, "Good-bye," And thrusted his sword at him.
