Round 2: Day 2
Mario
Smash Mansion
Residency Hall
Mario and Peach's suite
1000
Mario and Peach woke up from a leisurely sleep. Mario immediately rolled over and saw his alerts. How he slept through all the notifications baffled even him.
The entire Sarasalandian Council had been found dead, according to the headlines, all by apparent alcohol poisoning. Mario frowned. As much as he didn't like to think this way, alcohol poisoning was among one the chief causes of death in Smash City, as even ROB's medical drones had a hard time locating people during alcohol-related medical events. A canned statement had already been put out by Sarasaland Palace.
"Hm," Mario voiced aloud, "Likely Buckenberry's work, judging by the formal writing."
Peach blinked, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Then, her eyes widened, registering what had happened.
"Oh!" she gasped, "It's done?"
Mario simply nodded, the two quietly dressing. Giving Peach a quick kiss on the cheek, he headed out of his suite.
"It is done," declared a dark voice.
Mario's every neuron fired in shock, wheeling to the source of the voice. Leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, was Hubert.
"Mama Mia Hubert," cried Mario, "You scared a-me! And besides, I already knew, the news has been blowing up all day."
Hubert frowned even deeper than usual, "This instant delivery of information this city seems to rely on confounds me. Regardless, The Edestrian Empire thought it polite to deliver the message personally."
"Yeah," Mario's lips parsed slowly, nodding, "So we'll see you at dinner after the tournament tomorrow correct?"
"Edestrian royalty does not falter on appointments," snapped Hubert.
Mario blinked. When his eyes opened again, he was gone.
"How does he…?" Mario asked himself, shrugging and heading down to the Core Machine Room.
On his long journey, he expected to see Luigi and Daisy amongst the throngs of Smashers starting their morning routine. Alas, the couple was nowhere to be seen. Even peeking his head into the Game Room did not yield the location of his brother or future sister-in-law.
Frowning once again, he stepped into the Admin Room, all of the other admins, even Sans, toiling at their computer screens.
"Ya know," Mario said, patting Sans on the shoulder, "I wouldn't have batted an eye if you'd come in late, or even-a took today off, given the late night I had you pull."
"Eh," Sans shrugged, "I got to watching cartoons on my communicator after your bro did the deed and accidentally pulled an all-nighter."
"Mama mia," Mario gasped, "Anyway, any notable movements."
"A typical pre-tournament day I'm afraid," Marth informed him.
Pressing a button, it flipped to a battle between Ike and Ritcher, the former batting away the latter's weapon with his enormous sword.
"Ike has graciously accepted Ritcher's request for training."
He pressed another button. Banjo-Kazooie darted around the combined attacks of Olimar, Fox, and Falcon, the bear, and bird bowling them over with a single Wonder Wing.
"Wow, those two are motivated!" Mario complimented them.
"You're tellin' me," chuckled Shulk, "I'm just glad I'm out now so I don't have to deal with 'em."
"Ditto," Sans cast a thumbs up into the air, flipping the screen to show Pit locked in a sparring session with Palutena and Zelda.
"Pit is taking Ganondorf more seriously than I thought he would."
"And why wouldn't you?" Mikey questioned, "Feller is motivated, much more than he was last time."
"Plus, it seems that being open about their relationship has served to motivate both of them, Pit as a fighter and Palutena as a teacher."
"You know as-a well as I do that being able to openly love who you love without the fear of prying eyes is a great feeling." Mario quopped.
"I do," Marth nodded, "Now, if I may."
Marth pressed another button. Donkey Kong dodged around the projectiles of Samus and Bayonetta, clocking both of them with two extended fists. Marth pressed another button. The screen now showed Chrom, Lucina, and Robin swinging at each other with wooden swords in the Brawl Caves. Another tap revealed Dante and Virgil swinging at each other full pelt.
"Hah," Mario chuckled, "The contrast between those two families is something to behold."
"Well, Chrom would be warm and supportive if his family got eliminated from the tournament. Vergil would be pissed," Sans explained.
" Fair enough." nodded Mario, stiffening as a realization came to him, " Even still! That's all the training that's going on?" he pondered.
"As of this exact moment, yes," quacked Mikey, Otis nodding in agreement.
"The activity is usually lighter the day before. Can you check on Luigi please?"
"Yes sir," Marth nodded, tapping a few buttons.
The sight that the screen brought to light made Mario smile. Daisy, Luigi, Polterpup, and Gadd were all having a picnic in Smash Park.
"Okay," Mario breathed, "Wario said the meeting at King Dice's casino is in half an hour. Tell the Thieves to be there in double time, and triple-check everything with Mewtwo and the shaman."
"Got it," Shulk saluted, tapping into his communicator.
Luigi, Daisy
Smash Park
1002
"WHO'S A GOOD PUPPY?" Daisy squealed, rolling through the grass, Polterpup happily snuggled into her arms.
Luigi could only smile as Daisy giggled at Polterpup's happy yipping.
"When I imagined Smash Brothers training," laughed E. Gadd, "This is certainly not what I deduced."
"The last day before a round is usually a lot more relaxed, trust me," Luigi stated, "From a personal standpoint though, I got enough training to last a lifetime with…you know who."
"Ah, indeed," enthusiastically nodded Gadd, "What about you Princess?"
Daisy let Polterpup go, the puppy happily skipping around the picnic blanket as Daisy rolled to her stomach.
"Smash feels so natural to me dude," she smiled, "I got to show my stuff against Peach and everything felt like I imagined it would."
"That's great! It's always a euphoric feeling when one's hypotheses prove correct." Gadd began to yammer happily.
Suddenly, he stopped, his forehead wrinkling, "And you're sure you have no qualms fighting one another?"
"None," the couple declared together.
could only giggle as Polterpup ran over to him, curling in his lap.
"Besides Doc," Daisy rolled to a sitting position, "You saw us in Tokyo,"
"Especially for the medal in karate," Luigi interrupted
"Yeah! We both had bruises for weeks after that."
"Forgive my overly cautious nature," the scientist's voice shivered, "But…Luigi is the closest thing I've ever had to a son, and thus, Daisy to a daughter-in-law. I wouldn't want anyone to go too far and jeopardize things."
"Um, Gadd," Daisy let forth a fake haughty laugh, "You forget, I'm pretty much queen undisputed after the Council's unfortunate accident. I know now that I can make my destiny happen no matter what."
Daisy locked eyes with Luigi.
"And," she continued, "Weegee's been friggin' killing it in training. We're both in our emotional and physical primes, but either way, Sarasaland wins."
"Indubitably," Gadd agreed, "This is the best Sarasaland's fortunes have looked in years, perhaps even surpassing that of the Mushroom Kingdom now, especially when you consider the absence of a fiend like Bowser."
"And don't tell Peach but…"
Daisy looked left, and then right.
"That's the best thing of all time, in my eyes."
Luigi laughed, "I agree. Getting the rare duke over Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom feels very good."
The three laughed as Polterpup happily jumped into the air, all four companions reveling in good fortune.
Phantom Thieves
Smash City
Cuphead Section
Several blocks away from King Dice's Casino
1020
The Phantom Thieves stepped out of the portal from the Mansion onto a cartoonish skyscraper, with other ones identical to it expanding in waves far into the horizon
"Huh," Oracle thought aloud, hands on her hips, "I never noticed, 'cause we always ported on top of the casino, but is this some kind of business district or something? Wouldn't think a world like Cuphead's would have one."
"I've been following the news," offered Noir, "Apparently a lot of these businesses are run by King Dice's minions, given out as a thank-you for being his henchmen."
"Yes," nodded Queen, "And according to my sister, this is all very popular with the criminal elements of every universe."
"Sae's gathering intelligence, why?" Oracle asked.
"She seems to think she'll have a lot of criminal cases to defend after the tournament," Queen stated flatly.
"Hey Panther, didn't Isabelle say the admin team prosecutes and judges all crime?"
"Yeah!" Panther affirmed, "I overheard her say it around the campfire one night."
"Well, that's horrifying," quipped Fox
Joker silently nodded.
"Mannnn," Skull whined, "Where's the…?"
Another portal opened, and Mumbo Jumbo stepped out.
"...Shaman…"
"Eekum bokum," greeted Mumbo, "My name is Mumbo Jumbo, best shaman in all game."
"EEKUM BOKUM!" squealed Oracle.
"Oracle," snapped Mona, "Business face on."
Oracle instantly deflated.
"Right, sorry boss cat," she mumbled.
"I AM NOT A-" Morgana began to rant.
"Boss Mario said you needed my assistance correct?" Mumbo asked.
"Yes," Joker said, "We're going to break a curse."
"Ahh," Mumbo nodded, examining his surroundings, "Mumbo can't jump like thieves."
"No problem bud," Oracle said, "You're riding with me."
Pressing a button on a gauntlet, Oracle and Mumbo were sucked up into her alien saucer-like Persona.
"Alright, let's go!" Joker ordered.
And so, the group expertly leaped from building to building, Oracle and Mumbo trailing behind. All the while. Joker bit his lip. He hoped they weren't too late.
Akechi, Sephiroth,
King Dice's Casino
1022
"WHERE THE HELL IS THE GREEN ONE!" King Dice screamed inches from Wario's face as the rest of the Wa-ffice stood firm beside him, "WE NEED THE GREEN ONE!"
"He tilted his pelvis in our escapades last night," Wario stated in a completely flat tone.
"DON'T YOU MOOKS HAVE A MAGICAL DOCTOR OR SOMETHIN?" bellowed King Dice.
"He's Catholic. He doesn't practice on the Sabbath,"
King Dice's perpetually smiling face twisted into a wicked sneer.
"You know Wario," King Dice stated with an icy calm, "There's a lot of stuff you seem to hide from me."
"Oh?" Wario asked, "Like what?"
"Like your boy Akechi wearing a damn wire?"
"We were supposed to make money together Dice," shouted Wario, "Cursing us, cursing my boys, turning us into minions wasn't the deal."
"The Devil wanted things done his way," King Dice explained, casting a look over his shoulder at his cronies, "Kill 'em."
Just as the casino minions began to advance, a grenade crashed through the bay lighting in the ceiling and exploding. Mister Wheezy, a cigar, immediately erupted into flames, disintegrating into ash almost as quickly.
"WE'VE BEEN HOODWINKED!" cried King Dice.
Boards in the floor erupted, something invisible to the naked eye sliced the boards apart, slicing Pip and Dot, a siamese pair of dice, apart.
"TIME TO DIE!" screamed Queen as she flew through the ceiling.
The downward punch was strong enough to stagger a rabbit in a magician's hat, and Panther's follow-up volley with an SMG enough to tear the rabbit to shreds.
Haru was next, effortlessly shattering all three members of the Tipsy Troop with three swings of her axe.
"Phear Lap!" King Dice ordered, "Go up, they're clearly filing in like wooden soldiers on parade."
A ghoulish skeleton of a cow aboard a flying saucer laughed maniacally, flying up through the hole in the ceiling.
"ZORO!" called Morgana
A gale of wind sent Phear Lap crashing down, leaving him open for yet another grenade blast. Ryuji entered the fray next, a single swing of a baseball bat making sure that Chips Bettagan scattered everywhere.
"Why aren't you idiots helping?" shouted Panther, spinning as she fired her SMG to finally put an end to the many poker chips that formed Chips Bettagan.
"They can't you mooks," laughed King Dice. They belong to me."
Queen's persona, Joanna, undercut Pirouletta in the legs, leaving her open to a single killing bullet, "That's not doing you any good, by my estimation."
"You rats!" screamed King Dice, "I'll make sure you pay! Mister Chimes, Mangosteen, do something!"
Two pistols eliminated the symbol-wielding monkey and the sentient pool ball respectively as the last Phantom Thief, Joker, made his appearance.
"CAPTAIN KIDD!" commanded Skull, "HEADBUTT!"
The pirate apparition did as commanded, headbutting King Dice, and knocking him asunder.
"You know what it's time for!" Morgana announced, "An All Out Attack!"
The Phantom Thieves surrounded King Dice, each swiping at him as they passed, their signature weapons extended. Finally, Joker adjusted his glove, and the blood spouted out of King Dice's neck.
Despite the obvious horrific pain, King Dice laughed his Cheshire Cat smile ever-present.
"You mooks think…" King Dice wheezed, "You mooks think you're the bee's knees, regular Babe Ruths at what you do. But I got some news for ya. Da boss, King Conker, has a group of thieves just like you, from some kinda topsy turvy world, where the idiots you put away got gifted yer powers by that psychologist…"
"Psychologist?" demanded Joker, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"That's right," King Dice sneered, "Bossman said there'd be some elements to this circus that you wouldn't recognize, including the girl."
All of the present Phantom Thieves drew their guns on the disgraced casino boss.
"Any last words?" Joker asked.
"You kids might be fancy, but you ain't ready for a bunch of criminals bequeathed with the powers of gods. The Phantom Thieves are screwed the second they come up against Maruki's Thieves."
7 weapons rang out, and King Dice went limp, melting into goop and disappearing along with the remains of his cronies."
"What on Earth could he have meant by a psychologist? Who is Maruki?" pondered Fox allowed.
"Not the time," Mona snapped, "Oracle, bring him in."
Oracle's saucer deposited Mumbo Jumbo, who immediately raised his staff, swaying as a mystical purple aura surrounded him.
"EEKUM BOKUM EEKUM BOKUM EEKUM BOKUM!" he chanted.
Immediately, the Wario Family Wa-ffice snapped from their frozen positions. Sephiroth was the first to chuckle, "I must admit, that was impressive work Phantom Thieves."
"ELON MUSK BE PRAISED!" cheered Wario, "THE-A CURSE IS-A GONE! AND IT'S ALL THANKS TO THE PHANTOM THIEVES!"
Akechi chuckled, "Believe me, this is far from the Phantom Thieves' best work."
"Is that admiration I hear Akechi?" mockingly swooned Joker, a shit-eating smirk on his face.
"Don't wear it-"
Mario stepped through the portal, his fist clenched, his face a beat red.
"OF ALL THE DUMB THINGS YOU'VE A-DONE." Mario screamed, jabbing a finger in Wario's flabby chest, "YOU ENDANGER THESE SMASHERS, AND MY BRO, AND WHY, BECAUSE YOUR ASS IS TOO STUPID TO-A LEARN ANYTHING-A FROM-A THE SUBSPACE WAR?"
"I just wanted to make some more money," Wario pouted.
"THAT'S ALL YOU EVER WANT!" Mario screamed so loud that his voice cracked.
He shoved past Wario, looking at the others.
"Do any of you have any reason why I shouldn't blow up the Subspace Bomb inside with Wario chained to Porky's-a grill?"
"If it's any defense," Akechi said, "He did get the charges cleared in my world as he prom."
"He has been managing my money quite nicely," Sephiroth admitted.
"And the irrigation system is being built as we speak," Ganondorf added.
Ridley gagged, "I would say that you should blow them up for fun, but I appear to have been outvoted."
Dark Samus mirrored Ridley's gag.
"You're lucky we corroborate the things you liars say," hissed Mario, "Or else you'd be eliminated. Understood?"
Wario nodded.
"Speaking of, Mister Minch. We've been monitoring your vitals."
"MARIO YOU SON OF A-" Porky cried.
Mario immediately unveiled a detonator. Pressing the button in its center. The Spider Mech launched into the air. Seconds later, high in the sky, the purple and black swirl of a Subspace Bomb could be seen before it disappeared.
"WHAT?" asked Wario, "WHY DID YOU JUST ICE MY FRIEND?"
"I'm sure you know Mario, but The Phantom Thieves have a creed against killing. You'd best explain yourself, and quickly," growled Joker
"Oh, you didn't know?" asked Mario, "Luigi told me Porky could get out of the Spider Mech."
"YES, BECAUSE OF THE CURSE!" squeaked Wario.
Mario shook his head, "We've been keeping a constant monitor on his vitals, like I said, part of the Subspace Bomb stipulation. His vitals were indicating he could move outside the spider mech before the curse. He broke into Doctor Mario's lab at night and stole some of his Megavitamins. "
"Man," Wario lamented, "I wish I could've prevented him from doing-a something so foolish. How did I miss it?
"You're a notoriously heavy sleeper, for once this isn't your fault, but as I was saying," Mario continued "If he'd asked for illnesses he got from time travel I would've given it no questions asked. But the fact that he kept his motives hidden makes me think he planned to detonate the Subspace Bomb when he was far away from the radius."
"The curse," Akechi reasoned, "Would've been an excuse."
"Correct," Mario nodded, "And would've likely been Conker's first move, with all of us standing in the radius of the blast."
The leader of the Smashers sighed.
"Phantom Thieves-a, I understand your reluctance to kill. I think my track record in the Mushroom Kingdom shows that I don't exactly enjoy-a violence, but the fact of the matter is you just played a role in saving your colleague's lives today."
Joker's gaze snapped to the other thieves, who nodded amongst each other.
"We understand," Joker nodded.
"Wario, what you did was incredibly dumb, but the-a difference between you and Porky is you did the right thing in response, whereas Porky continued to cheat and steal despite being given every afford. Let that be a lesson to all you villain types. Dismissed."
Mario turned without a word, his arms folded behind him, lurching back through the portal he had come from.
"Ho-ho-ho holy shit," stammered Oracle agreed.
"Yeah," was all Skull could mutter.
"So, what're we thinkin'?" Wario asked the Wa-ffice, "Drinks? Cause I sure need one."
His awkward chuckle was met with silence.
"You may manage my money, and the Wa-ffice may still be together," growled Akechi, "But we are never doing an all-hands meeting again,"
"Agreed," Ganondorf said, stepping through a portal of darkness.
Sephiroth simply shook his head, flying away.
"You know," Ridley announced, rubbing his maw, "I'll take you up on that. Been dying to show you this pirate dive."
"WA-HA HA HA!" Wario cackled, "That's-a ze spirit,"
Wario, Dark Samus, and Ridley stepped through a portal together, leaving only the Phantom Thieves.
"So Akechi," Skull offered, "Do you…wanna go back to Le Blanc, for old times sake?"
"As long as it isn't a casino or a strip club I'm in," Akechi growled.
"I think that's as affirmative as we're ever going to get," chuckled Queen, "It's…um…good to have you back Akechi-kun, really."
Akechi flashed a million-dollar smile, "It's good to be back, Makoto-kun."
"Mumbo want coffee too," Mumbo blurted
And with that, the complete Phantom Thieves, and Mumbo Jumbo, stepped through the portal.
Red
Smash Park
1100
Red couldn't be in the Mansion right now.
It had been abuzz all day between the deaths of Sarasaland's Council and Porky Minch, and if there was one thing Red couldn't stand, it was gossip. By the looks of things, Red would have Smash Park all to himself, passing Daisy and Luigi as they went into the Mansion, looking pleased with themselves.
But that wasn't the only thing on his mind. His Pokemon had been unusually secretive, chittering behind his back, but clamming up as soon as he turned around. Whatever anxieties bothered them, training had always worked in the past.
"GO!" Red shouted, throwing out all three of his Pokeballs.
Charizard, Squirtle, and Ivysaur materialized before him.
"I don't know what's gotten into you three," Red shouted, "But we're going to train until…"
"No," Charizard snarled.
"I thought you were over this nonsense," Red snapped, a worried tone piercing his veil of authority.
"That's the thing,' a downcast Ivysaur explained, "This is a strike."
"A strike?" Red asked, "What are you talking about?"
"We don't like how you and Green are behaving," sniffled Squirtle.
"It's not like I like how she talks to me either," Red grumbled.
"But that's the thing kid," said Ivysaur, "It's because you aren't listening."
"To her nonsense about Galar-style battles?" Red huffed, "Need I remind you that we are a championship team? Need I remind you how we got there? By battling the way Professor Oak taught us."
"But you've seen Green's new team out there," Squirtle whined, "We're gonna get crushed, and we don't wanna be crushed."
"And you know what? I think Green is afraid of that too?" Charizard stated.
Red's eyes went wide, "What?"
"Boss, she admires you so much," Charizard explained, "Even a hothead like me can see that. So please, just listen to her."
"Okay," Red threw his hands up clapping them back down dramatically at his side, "So let's say that we fight the way she wants us to. Ivysaur takes Intelleon, Charizard takes Rillaboom, and Squirtle takes Cinderace. Even so, their moves are out of this world, at least compared to the stuff we have where we're from.
"We can adapt, boss," Charizard boasted, snorting flames, "Trust us."
"And besides," Ivysaur added, "It's not like you used completely orthodox moves to beat the Champion either."
"Yeah!" Squirtle cheered, "Plus, I wanna brush up on Ice Beam anyway!"
"A fourth-" Red began.
Then it all clicked in his head. The former Kanto Champion gave a sly grin.
"I get what you're saying," Red said, suddenly looking as downcast as Ivysaur had earlier, "But it's not like Green's been a saint in this situation either."
Now it was Squirtle's turn to grin mischievously, "Green's getting talked to too."
Red felt an uncharacteristic cold blast go up his spine. That could only mean…
Green
Smash Mansion
Conference Room B
1100
"I suppose you're wondering why I called you in here Miss Green," Peach began.
"Am I in trouble?" Green asked.
"I don't foresee that. What I do foresee, however, is us talking maturely, woman to woman, about your behavior."
"Is this about Red?" asked Green.
A grin tugged at Peach's well-manicured lips. As soon as it had appeared, it was gone, her expression deadly serious again.
"As perceptive as ever, dear," Peach nodded.
"Look," Green put her hands on her hips, "Red's only in his twenties, but he acts like some old codger from a generation ago. While he's been resting on his laurels, doing household chores for Professor Oak, I've been training, going from region to region to actually be…"
"The very best there ever was," Peach interrupted, "Yes yes, I know. But in doing so, you've neglected your family."
"Family?" an unsure expression crossed Green's face.
"Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard consider Red and yourself to be the heads of their found family. Surely, you understand there's more to life than battle and competition?"
"Of course I do," Green shouted, "But when Red advanced further than I did the last tournament, I had to change my strategy. I've been so excited that I want Red to implement it. He really could take the world by storm if he was more adaptable."
"I agree darling," Peach said, "And I believe Red's Pokemon do too. They're always happy to learn new things."
"Ivysaur and Squirtle definitely are," Green nodded in agreement, "Charizard takes some coaching but he can be convinced."
"So you are an adept listener, you're just choosing not to be because you're upset?" snapped Peach.
"I…"
"That isn't to say Red is listening either," the princess added, "But it is a childish behavior all young people, especially ones of your stature and responsibility, must leave in the past."
"I…" Green nodded, "I understand."
"Very good," Peach clapped her hands, "And Red will too, as his Pokemon are talking to him about it. I just wanted our conversation to be a woman-to-woman one considering the feelings you and Red have for each other."
Green blushed, "Do you think they're mutual?"
"I do," Peach explained, "Daisy and her brother, the Seven Stars rest his soul, acted the same way around suitors that you and Red do around each other. It's quite adorable if I do say so myself."
"Yeah," Green blurted, coughing, "But this battle…do you think Red will do what I've been asking?"
"Red is much more adaptable than you give him credit for dear. When he listens to his Pokemon, there's not a more unpredictable machine than that team."
Once again, Green nodded, "Thank you, you're right."
"Anytime!" Peach cheerily smiled, "Mentoring the young people, especially the young ladies, is something that I very much enjoy doing. Now, dear, please help yourself to a scone."
So terrified of this meeting had Green been that she did not notice the box of scones on the table.
"I'll take one," Green announced, grabbing one, "But I'm going to get some rest. This is a lot."
"I'm sure it has been. Do take care of yourself, Miss Green," Peach waved.
Green waved back, exiting the room.
Wolf
Smash Mansion
Stage Floor
Wii Fit Studio Stage
1110
"Well lookee here," Wolf purred, looking at the all-staff text he received, "Free scones in Conference Room B. Now if you'll excuse me…"
The most feared pilot in all of Lylat uncrossed his legs, standing up to leave, but a smooth hand grabbed his pant leg. Wolf looked down. Miss Trainer had broken from her sitting crosslegged yoga pose to reach out to him. The darkness that seemed to hover over the instructor's facial features indicated he should get back into position.
"So, tell me," Miss Trainer asked, "What are the reasons why people's postures are worsening?"
"Lack of exercise and weakened muscles cause disharmony between our upper and lower halves.
"You're quite astute! What's the other reason?"
Wolf used his good eye to give Miss Trainer the most brutal stink eye in the galaxy. Even when faced with that, she did not flinch.
"Our lifestyles also lead to bad posture," Wolf grumbled
Miss Trainer smiled, clapping her hands together gleefully, "Correct! I've noticed it, especially in you spacefaring folk. Now, as it is your first day under my tutelage, we're going to take a simple balance test…"
"Listen," Wolf demanded, "What do you know about Aura?"
His companion shrugged, "Nothing, except that the control of one's Aura and Yoga are intertwined."
"You're useless," Wolf spat, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it, "This powwow is over."
Smoking his cigarette, he began his journey back to the mansion.
"Well," Miss Trainer said to herself, "Easy come easy go. This opens up my afternoon,"
Humming happily to herself she stood and assumed the Tree pose.
Master Chief
Smash Mansion
Residency Hall
Master Chief and Bill Rizer's room
1900
"So I said to the smokeshop guy," Bill Rizer continued.
Master Chief snapped back into reality. He wasn't usually the type to zone out, but Bill's umpteenth story about exploring the nightlife of Smash City had lost its luster. Were it not the ballad of an imprisoned man tasting freedom, Master Chief may have pulled rank.
"I told 'em, 'why you gotta be mean to a kid who wants to buy a bong? It's not like weed ain't legal here, by makin' him call it a water pipe you're just being a maggot. So that shut up old hipster civvy, and me and the young man with the bong got to takin' hits and you'll never guess what his name was."
"What was it?" asked Chief, feigning interest.
"Dick Wood!"
Just as Bill began to chuckle at the punchline of his inane tale, Cortana's figure superseded his armor's UI.
"I found it," she declared.
"Is that why you've been cozying up to ROB? To get that?" asked Master Chief.
"You talkin' to your AI again Chief?" sneered Bill, "Alright, I'm just gonna hit the bar again."
Bill left the room, while Cortana spoke, "No. I'm genuinely interested in him. We can trade work woes, practically living in the infrastructure, and he's really humble and nice despite the crap he's been through. But, snagging some communicator footage for my partner in crime is just part of the fun."
The images went through his helmet. Travis exchanged swords with a black woman with wild silver hair. In the next scene, Travis desperately blocked the baseball bat blows of a blond in a lolita outfit. The last scene showed Travis grappling on a mat amateur wrestling style with a man in a strange mask.
"So," Master Chief deduced, "He's practicing outside of the mansion with his usual entourage. There's something to be admired about the simplicity of that, considering all we had available."
"Yeah," Cortana nodded in agreement, "Oh, by the way, five guesses as to what Dante's been doing since he trained with Virgil earlier in the day."
"Video games? Pizza?"
"Both," Cortana announced, "With Star Fox and the bear and bird."
"Ah," Master Chief nodded.
"Not weirded out that he's not training?"
Master Chief shook his head, "No. The object of the game will be to let the two friends get in each other's faces and knock out each other."
"Oh, so when I tell you to sit out a fight, you don't and almost get both of our asses cooked, but when you're calling the shots…"
"I am capable of learning you know."
"Heh. says you."
Chief put the armor into sleep mode. He knew he'd hear it from Cortana for neglecting to tell her goodnight, but Bill had already used up the Spartan's words for the evening.
Quinn
Smash Mansion
Residency Hall
Quinn, Sans, and Altair's room
1900
Quinn felt the warm water cascade off his back. He'd been in the fetal position for about an hour now, but would any sane person blame him? He'd spent the day going round after round with both Dudley and Fei Long. Reflecting on the day further, Quinn didn't know what was more brutal, that, or Honda's endless lectures on sumo technique.
At least I washed up before I decided to just hang out in here Quinn sighed, even the thought of hacking anxiety sending a pang of relief to his brain.
Finally turning off the water, Quinn got dressed quickly, brushing his teeth with gusto, and walking out the door, only to find Altair tying his boots, his foot propped on the back of one of the lounge chairs in the living room.
"Ain't it a little late for you boss?" Quinn joked.
Altair grunted in acknowledgment, securing his boot and turning to face him.
"Normally it would be," admitted the assassin, "But Daisy has asked for my assistance in perfecting a traditional wedding dish, as we'd been speaking about our respective homelands. In this venture, we found that our cuisines were similar."
"A wedding dish?" Quinn asked, "Does that mean she's going to…?"
A soft knock at the door ended that line of questioning.
"You heard nothing," whispered the assassin, "Especially not if your date tonight asks,"
Casting Altair a thumbs up, Quinn answered the door. There stood Rosalina, in a flowing, sky blue tennis outfit, complete with visor.
"Oh, hello Quinn," she greeted, blushing.
"Are you…alright?" he asked.
"Yes but," Rosalina stammered, "It occurred to me that I haven't seen you out of your karate uniform."
Quinn looked down at his outfit, a tattered Wario Steakheads jersey he'd bought on the outing with Sans from a second-hand jersey salesman, sneakers, and a pair of grey shorts.
"It's nothing to write home about…" quietly insisted Quinn.
Again, Rosalina warbled over some attempt at words before finding herself again.
"I mean, I wouldn't have expected you to be wearing a Steakheads jersey of all things."
Quinn shrugged, "I thought the name was funny, that's all."
The smallest, most begrudging of grins formed on Rosalina's lips.
"So it is," Rosalina said, fiddling with her communicator, "So if I understand correctly, the tickets Ken gave us are baked into our communicators now that we both attached the proper link, and now all we have to do is…"
Quinn nodded, following Rosalina's instructions, and clicking the ticket. Two portals opened at both of their feet, and suddenly, they found themselves in a corporate box at a basketball stadium. Ken Masters stood in front of them, wearing an all-white suit with his tanned chest exposed, and an outfit that by Quinn's estimation, was several decades out of date.
"Yo! Quinn, Rosa! You met Haohmaru?" asked Ken.
It was then Quinn and Rosalina noticed who Ken was talking to, a wild-haired man in samurai robes.
"We haven't," Rosalina said, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Ah, the new karate fighter and the goddess from the stars," nodded the man, "I have been watching your career with great interest. Bogard-san speaks highly of you in the…what is the name of that technology Masters-san?"
"Group chat," Ken blurted.
"Ah, yes, the group chat."
Quinn felt a clap on his shoulder. He wheeled around to see Terry, his other arm occupied by Corrin being wrapped around it. She also wore a Wario Steakheads jersey.
Rosalina laughed, "You guys look like twins!
"Fancy meeting you here kiddo." Terry said, " And great minds think alike!"
The four Smashers shared a laugh.
"But anyway, how goes the training with the Street Fighters?" asked the man in the red cap.
"More martial arts based, which is my speed,"
"Good! You givin' rich boy and Ryu the runaround?"
"You would like that wouldn't you?" Ken laughed, "But he's a good kid, as good a student as you could possibly ask for."
"Heh, could he survive the Shiranui clan training?" laughed a new voice.
Terry's smile wavered as Mai Shiranui butted into the conversation, Travis on her arm.
"Yo kid," waved Travis.
Quinn waved back.
"Ninja training is a whole different beast Mai, you know that," Ken countered.
Mai waved her hand dismissively, "If he was worth his salt, he'd be good at it."
"Get serious!" Terry balked, "All that's ever resulted from your training is sexually harassing my bro."
"Why you-" Mai's voice quivered in anger.
"She just…loves hard," came Travis' whiny defense.
"This man gets it," Mai said, smooching Travis on the cheek.
Terry rolled his eyes"Sure he does,"
Atten-hut!" Guile's voice boomed from the box's private stands, "The game is starting.
The Capcom and SNK crew filtered to the stands, watching the basketball game.
"So Ryu," Charlie laughed, "How many of these people have you fought"
"CHARLIE!" shouted Ken and Chun-Li.
Travis snorted, "Real Peter Griffin Bird is the Word type shit."
"What?" Quinn asked.
"I'll send you the video later," Travis said.
"I've fought him too," Ryu announced, pointing in Travis and Quinn's direction.
As the rest of the attendees laughed at Ken burying his face in his hands, Quinn leaned over to Rosalina, "He really does wear that gi everywhere. When we were in the mansion I assumed we just caught him after training but..."
"Yeah," Rosalina nodded, her voice a whisper "It was off-putting for most of us when we realized. Peach almost had a conniption. But, he is very prudent about doing laundry and keeping it clean, even if that does mean occasionally walking in..."
"On him naked? Yeah, that happened to me when I was washing my stuff," Quinn admitted, "Again, I just kind of assumed he liked to do laundry naked."
Rosalina snorted in laughter, cov
The game had barely started when his communicator vibrated. Quinn immediately thumbed through the options to get to his texts. His most recent text was a new one from Joker.
From one DLC to another, Mac and his crew are hitting the town. Haven't watched any footage or anything.
Quinn read the text over again. Slowly, he typed out his response.
You know this how?
Immediately, the 'is typing' symbol appeared, and seconds later a new text appeared.
Futaba.
That's all Quinn needed to know.
Turning his communicator on silent, he felt Rosalina hovering over him.
"Who are you texting?" he asked.
"Joker's keeping tabs on \Mac."
Suddenly, Quinn zoned out.
"I have also fought Larry Byrd. He is a great warrior," Ryu rambled.
"OKAY!" Terry declared, "That's six shots, count 'em, six."
The megalomaniacal laugh of Iori Yagami erupted over the stands as he sloppily took a shot.
Rosalina's sighed, frustratedly. That was enough to bring Quinn back to reality.
"What's the matter?"
A basket was scored, and the stand erupted, Zangief especially.
"Such an astounding vertical leap!" he cried, "As good as ze bears I train with."
"That's fuckin' bullshit man," slurred the man Quinn knew to be Benimaru.
"Naw man, he does. You remember when we got into that trouble in Tokyo?" laughed Kyo.
"You King of Fighters folk. You don't know discipline," snapped Ryo.
"Gotta disagree bud," said Robert Garcia next to him, "That sounds fun!"
"I mean, he's right," said Ryo's sister Yuri.
Ryo hung his head, "Not you too."
"Quinn," Rosalina barked.
Again, he was brought back to reality.
"See," Quinn said, hanging his head, "This is why I don't go out. Too much noise pollution."
Another score, more cheers.
"And yet you check your communicator," Rosalina quipped, "Please, Quinn, just relax, everything will be fine."
She placed her hand in his. They locked eyes.
"Ah, I've fought this replacement player as well. He is a great warrior." Ryu continued to ramble.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" Ken screeched to the laughter of Choi, Chang, and the Todoh family, "HE'S PLAYED ONE GAME!"
"Why are you shocked by this," Travis shouted to Mai's giggles, "Ryu's interdimensional bullshit knows no bounds."
Rosalina and Quinn watched more of the basketball game, their hands still intertwined.
"Do you ever think about that Quinn?" Rosalina asked.
"Think about what?"
"Interdimensional travel," Rosalina shrugged, "I've been traveling the universe for so long, it's time to see some new things you know? Plus it seems like it would be something you'd be interested in, considering all the research you've done into these King of Fighters people."
"You'd have me along?" Quinn gasped.
"Of course. As I said, you've got an inquisitive attitude that would be great for it."
"Well yeah, dimensions coming together simply means new people to fight," Quinn stated absentmindedly, "Same with traveling of your own volition I guess.
Rosalina giggled, "Differences in desire aside, it would be nice to have a traveling partner."
"Yeah, and I can find my parents too," Quinn once again nodded, "Everybody wins."
"Yes, almost certainly."
As the basketball game continued, the two rested in each other's arms, nuzzling. Completely unknown to them, Karin and E. Honda sat behind them.
"So Honda," Karin said in a low voice, "You trained the rookie. Do you think he's ready!"
Honda flashed his signature wide, goofy smile, "He learned as much sumo technique as he was ever gonna learn in 12 hours. Just enough!"
"I never would have thought you to speak so glibly about your art," Karin raised an eyebrow.
"He knows as much as he needs to know in a fight with a boxer."
"I'll trust your judgment. However, I like it when my investments pay off, you understand?"
"Of course," bellowed a completely unphased Honda, "Everyone does!"
Karin nodded, "Quite right. However, I only did this as a favor to Sakura, who in turn made the pitch on Ryu's behalf."
"Yep, that's about how this circle works, especially with all of us contributing."
"Like herding cats," tutted Karin.
"Again," Honda trailed off intentionally, gesturing to the group around them, all cheering as another basket was scored.
"And I reiterate, this had better pan out."
"Trust me," Honda winked, "Zangief doesn't exactly go around slapping his endorsement on every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there. He invested in your girl Rainbow Mika, and he invested in the kid. Look how Mika turned out!"
"She's not my girl," indignantly hissed Karin.
"Oh, c'mon boss. We all know your crew is a bisexual firestorm. We can all see you checking each other out. And that's not even counting. Sakura and Ibuki's barely contained lust for Ryu"
"Be that as may, this is more of a chaotic process than I'm used to."
Another basket was scored. More cheering.
"And part of being a World Warrior is learning to trust that process."
Karin tapped her chin, "I suppose you're right."
Newly satisfied, the financial arm of Project World Tour reclined in her seat, smiling warmly as Quinn and Rosalina cuddled even closer.
Cloud
Happy Turtle
Final Fantasy 7 Section
2200
Oh the joy and cheer that await at the Happy Turtle
Think of all the fun you will have at the Happy Turtle
Cloud could barely concentrate as the music pounded throughout the bar. He preferred the noise of fans that had hounded the private booth at the beginning of the evening to the bastardization of Wutanian music. Even the background noise of the three ninjas, an extremely begrudging Hayabusa and Greninja lead by an enthusiastic Yoshimitsu in a routine of ninja parlor tricks which entertained the rest of the bar was preferable to the sound of a Chocobo being plucked alive that was the Happy Turtle's signature theme music.
"First round of shots let's gooooo," cheered the voice of Yuffie.
Lightning-fast, shots of a yellow liquid appeared at each spot on the table.
"Premium Wutai Sake baby mixed by yours truly."
"That's concerning," Aerith said bluntly, staring down at the drink.
"It's fine Aerith," Tifa guffawed, "She's been supervised by me, guest bartending with me at the new Seventh Heaven."
"Well, that's good I guess." Aerith nodded, slightly less worried.
"You're too worried babe," laughed Zack, "It's hard to mess up good old Wutai booze."
"Heh," was Reeve's only response.
"Whaddya mean Shinra suit?"
"Thanks, Zack-y boy. Now, bottoms up!"
The table took their shot. Other than Cid and Vincent, the rest of the table coughed.
"Oh Bahamut," choked Zack.
Barrett laughed, "It's like my mama used to say, mess around and find out."
"Hey," Yuffie bashfully muttered, "Cid and Vinnie got in on it."
"Because Cid can't taste because of the cigarettes," Jessie snapped, still choking down the burning alcohol, "And Vincent drinks with Yuffie regularly."
"That sounds like a you problem," Yuffie whined.
"Perhaps," mulled Red XIII thoughtfully, laying underneath the table, "We could solve the problem by drinking with Yuffie regularly.
"No, because she wins!" Wedge shouted.
"I'd rather go up the plate again," moaned Biggs.
Barrett pounded the rest of his shot, reaching over to his left, grabbing Aerith's shot, and drinking it. "Ain't funny,'
That silenced the rest of the table for a few deeply uncomfortable seconds. A waiter in a full turtle costume came over, Tifa wordlessly beckoning more shots.
"But let's move on to greater things," Tifa began, "We are here to celebrate Cloud's getting farther in the tournament."
"Hell yeah!" Cid cheered, "Making me hella bank there kid. You just keep winning,"
"Agreed," cheered Wedge, Biggs, and Jessie together.
"Nice to know I'm you people's cash cow," Cloud rolled his eyes.
"You've always been the lifeblood of this team Spikey, whether you're savin' our asses from Ruby Weapon, or paddin' our bank accounts."
"And as lifeblood," Yuffie declared, "YOU MUST GIVE A SPEECH!"
The original Avalanche Three started pounding the table, chanting "SPEECH," Yuffie joining, then Zack.
"Bahamut, if it'll stop you guys from acting like kids in a goddamn restaurant," Cloud moaned.
He cleared his throat, and the nonsense stopped
"I often think about where I was when this whole thing started versus where I am now. You all pushed me to improve. Simply put, I would not be where I'm at without you all. Even in your absence at the last tournament, you pushed me. Thank you all so much."
The turtle suit-clad waiter appeared with the shots as the group clapped.
"Oh," said the shy foppish man, "I'm glad you're pleased with the customer service."
"I mean, we are," said Tifa, "But we're doing a thing here."
"Yeah, I can tell," said the waiter, setting the shots down, "My name is Geoff and Cloud, good luck. You're making our dimension proud."
Cloud simply nodded with a grin as Geoff disappeared back into a crowd of people.
"See Cloud?" Tifa gestured to where Geoff had been earlier, "You're an inspiration to us all."
"It's a mutually beneficial relationship, you might say," Reeve chuckled.
"You and your business talk," grumbled Cid.
"You can say that again," mumbled Barrett.
"But that's not the point here," Tifa said, "Everyone, take your shots."
The rest of the crew took their shot glasses, Reeve passing a shot down to Red XIII.
"To Cloud, our hero," Tifa cheered, holding up the shot.
"TO CLOUD!" cheered the rest of the table.
The shot the crew took that night was a fraction of the amount of booze they consumed that night.