Round 5
Luigi vs. Ganondorf 1
One by one, the Lumas flicked on like lightbulbs, finally illuminating the room in which Rosalina and Quinn had curled up together.
"Hell of an alarm," Quinn grumbled.
"You'll get used to it," Rosalina said, sounding completely awake already, "I find the light of my Lumas to be more inviting than the electric lights."
"Yeah," Quinn nodded, shifting out of bed.
Heading to the bathroom, he fumbled for his overnight bag as he flipped on the light. As Quinn admired the tidy bathroom, and the veritable army of products, from hair to skin care, that lined the shower, he began to brush his teeth.
"Yo babe," Quinn grunted through a mouthful of toothpaste, "What time is it?"
"545 hours exactly," Rosalina answered back,
Quinn did the math in his head as he brushed. ROB should be sending out the breakfast message by the time he got dressed.
Spitting the water in the sink, he gurgled some water before spitting it out too. Then, reaching into a second compartment of his bag, he unwrapped his gi, the bundle containing his signature sunglasses.
Quickly getting dressed, Quinn ambled out to the main room of the suite to find Rosalina changing from the nude into a trademark sky blue dress with a wave her wand.
"Think you can teach me that?" Quinn smirked.
Rosalina playfully smirked back, "It's honed over years of practice, years of giving one's soul to the dark arts,"
There was a beat of silence, and the two began to laugh.
"It's a relatively simple spell," she said, "Besides, it'll give me an opportunity to see you…"
On cue, their communicators buzzed.
"And so," Quinn said overdramatically, "The herd begins its march."
"Yes," nodded Rosalina, "At least there's some delicious Power Pellets at the end."
Hand in hand, the two exited the room, immediately joining Luigi and Daisy, the former of whom was noticeably limping.
"Are you alright Luigi?" asked Rosalina concernedly, "You're limping."
All it took was a sly glance to understand what had happened.
"Bebop got my heart pumping," Daisy shrugged, "What can I say?"
"And look," Rosalina said, jerking a thumb behind her, "You aren't the only one walk of shaming today."
Sure enough, Isabelle stumbled out of Sonic's room, wearing nothing but a t-shirt that bore 16-bit pictures of Sonic and Knuckles, the words "The Best" blasted in gaudy 3D text over that.
Despite the snickers the princesses and Quinn, Luigi didn't seem to notice.
"And it's the last time I'll be feeling good for a while," Luigi moaned, "I've got Ganondorf."
"Yeah," Quinn said, rising in volume as the rest of the Smashers filtered out of their rooms, "You've got it though. You've been training."
"Yeah," Luigi shuddered as he moved to push open the door to the grand staircase, "But he's been stewing since Mario grounded him, and he's pissed."
As soon as the doors opened, they could hear Wario bellowing from the roof.
"YOU ARE ZE TOP DOGS-A, ZE BOTH OF YOU!" Wario's voice boomed, "YOU WILL GET YOUR MONEY, AND WITH ZE INFLUENCE AND RESPECT YOU WILL GAIN, YOU WILL BE LEFT ALONE, ALL YOU MUST-A DO IS DO THINGS EXACTLY AS I TOLD-A YOU TO ELIMINATE THAT BILGERAT-A LUIGI! DO-A YOU-A UNDERSTAND ME!"
"Speaking of the Magmaargh," Luigi sighed, "Mama Mia,"
"That's my word," King K. Rool mumbled from somewhere in the massive crowd.
Minus the administration team and Wario's trio, the occupants of the Mansion sat down for the usual Power Pellet breakfast. The silence was broken by Mario's cold, firm voice echoing down the empty hallways.
"If there are any shenanigans from you three," Mario hissed, "You'll all meet Porky's fate, and I'll make it a spectacle for the entire city to see. Do you understand."
"Yeah loser, holy shit," Wario stammered, "I JUST WANT TO SUPPORT BEATING THE SHIT OUTTA YOUR BROTHER! WAHAHAHAHA!"
Luigi gulped as the administration team came in, followed by Wario, Ganondorf, and Sephiroth, all of whom took their assigned seats.
"You know the procedure Smashers," Marth said, "Luckily, there are only six interviews to do today, so this will be more leisurely than usual, but we do lift off at 1200. The only change is that you'll have a cornerman allowed in your personal healing room with you between matches."
"Can I do my preamble stuff first?" asked Quinn, raising his hand, "It doesn't help me to be waiting around practically all day."
"Of course," Marth nodded with a polite smile, "Who's your cornerman?"
"Ken," Quinn blurted.
As Quinn began to wolf down his Power Pellet, Luigi spoke up, "I…um…fell out of bed last night and tweaked my leg something fierce. Can I get one of Doc's pills for it?"
Luckily, Quinn was up and headed towards the conference room, having his back to the dining room table concealing his laughter as he left.
1200
The Smashcraft ride to Smash Stadium should be a relaxing, familiar journey, Quinn thought. But instead, all he could do was shoot glances at Red, who stared straight ahead.
This guy's been a champion since before he hit puberty, that's why he's so calm Quinn's inner voice fretted.
Next, he shot a glance at Ken, Ryu, and Chun-Li. Ryu shared a row with Miss Trainer, the two in some sort of meditative trance. Ken and Chun talked in whispers to each other, the two sharing a giggle at some joke Ken had told.
Maybe that's where I need to be, Quinn fretted Cool and casual. Joe Cool baby
Quinn glanced at his seatmate, Ridley.
"Hey Ridley,"
The winged lizard stared down at him, "What?"
"So….who do you think advancing?"
"Do I look like the Phantom Thieves' computer gremlin to you?"
"You've got a lot of nerve calling someone else a gremlin," Samus muttered, crossing her arms.
"And you have a lot of nerve getting mouthy with me girl," Ridley snapped.
From across the isile, King K. Rool bellowed, "Answer the question!"
"Certainly not the boy," Ridley cackled, "Sephiroth takes this entire thing in my opinion."
The rougher Smashers clamored in agreement.
"I'm no boy, first of all. I'm 22," Quinn barked, "And second of all. I've got tricks up my sleeve that you can't even imagine."
Smugly, Ridley opened his maw to speak, but suddenly paused, closing it with a perturbed scrunch of his snout.
"What, just about to use Samus as an example and then you realized you get your ass kicked by her all time?"
Ridley only grumbled, but Ness peering over his seat in the front row and casting him a thumbs up was all he needed to know. Chuckles permeated the Smashcraft as Smash Stadium came into view. Suddenly, Quinn was feeling very good about this, reclining into his seat with his hands linked on the back of his head, and a smug grin teasing at his lips.
Smashcraft KH
The television coverage of the event showed people filing into the monolith that was Smash Stadium, the talking heads making sure to bring up how grandiose an event this was, each competitor going to best of three to punch their tickets to the semi-final. Sora's foot thumped as he eagerly watched the big screen that all of Smashcraft KH's occupants had their eyes glued too.
"Wish you were among 'em eh?" Donald said with a knowing grin.
All Sora had to do was sigh. The duck knew him better than anyone.
"I wish we could be more active in the city too,' Mickey said, "But orders from up top say we can't, somethin' about what they need ya for Sora."
"And we're better of for it, I think," Axel announced, his grip on Roxas' hand tightening, "Reminds me too much of Twilight Town."
The Birth by Sleep trio murmured in agreement.
"I've seen enough crowds in my life, I wouldn't want to be there," Aqua delivered the trio's verdict.
The room quieted for a second before Goofy spoke up, "Gawrsh, do ya think Cloud's got this?"
"If anyone can beat Sephiroth, it's him!" Donald boasted, "Especially with what I taught him!"
"We can only hope," Queen Minnie's voice, "I'd hate to see that horrible Sephiroth anywhere near the winner's circle."
"Yeah, you're right darlin'. But like Donald said, if anyone can take him out, it's Cloud."
"What about Luigi?" offered Kairi.
"What about that stringbean?" Donald snapped.
"All of the people on TV have been saying he's been training," said Kairi.
"I'm not so sure how much good that'll do him against Sephiroth," Riku offered.
"Yeah," Namine agreed, "Donald's right."
"I'm always right!" shouted the mage.
"Guys, it's starting!" Sora announced.
Smash Stadium
To the cheers of the millions in attendance, the video screen flared to life
Awake and running the distance quicker
"AND LUIGI PUNCHES HIS TICKET TO THE NEXT ROUND!" 9-Volt hollered as Luigi flailed punches in the Smash courtyard
This road is nearin' the end
"HA!" the pre-recorded voice of Cranky laughed as Ganondorf celebrated, "I told ya kid, dreams don't come true."
The wheel keeps turnin'
"And like a Youngster out of Pallet, Red sweeps the blowhard Wolf O'Donnell immediately," Cranky announced as Red stood posed with his trio in the courtyard.
This heart is on fire
"Quinn pulls this one out by the skin of his teeth, he advances to fight Red!" 9-Volt cheered as Quinn shadowboxed.
A clip of Wonder Wing and Omnislash clashing played, before it cut to Cloud in the Courtyard announcing, "Today's just not your day!"
An abrupt shot of a grinning Sephiroth surrounded by a wall of fire appeared on screen.
I'm burnin' up high speed when I win
"Six remain, three advance," the announcer growled, "In Round 5 of Super Smash Bros: The Ultimate Tournmaent!"
Pyrotechnics erupted on the outer rim of the stadium and at both entranceways. The camera was on Cranky and 9-Volt, sat behind their usual desk overlooking center stage.
"100 fighters started, only six remain! Welcome to the show! I'm 9-Volt as usual with the illustrious Cranky Kong on the call!"
"If my Donkey Kong Junior Math is right we're finally in single digits! One of these whippersnappers is your champion, we just gotta find out who!" shouted the old ape.
A graphic of Luigi with his hands clenched in a fighting stance on one side and Ganondorf sneering with his arms crossed on the other appeared.
"The 12 and Melee go head to head one more time while Luigi takes on Ganondorf. Both guys have broken old records and pushed themselves to their very limit, who'll come out on top?" dramatically asked 9-Volt.
Next, Red and Quinn appeared, Red standing stoically, while Quinn was also in a fighting stance similar to Luigi.
"The controversial Mii representative Quinn Marmaduke goes up against Kanto legend Red."
"Will it be another Flare Blitz Party or will Quinn's fists turn out the lights once and for all?" added Cranky.
Cloud and Sephiroth appeared next, both in their combat stances, looking stoically at the camera.
"And for our main event we have Cloud vs. Sephiroth 3! Will tall dark and emo actually pick up a duke or will Cloud pick up the turkey?" Cranky explained.
9-Volt chuckled, "Been bowling lately?"
"Yeah! Me and Takamaru hang out in between rounds! Us forgotten 8-bit icons have to stick together!"
"Why not invite the Ice Climbers or Mach Rider if that's the theme? Maybe put a whole league together?" 9-Volt suggested.
Cranky waved a dismissive hand, "Bah! Mach Rider has a song in Smash, and the parka kids are full fledged Smashers! They aren't as forgotten as they think!"
"Anyway," 9-Volt groaned, rolling his eyes, "Let's go to the first match, and remember that this is best two out of three matches contested under random Stage Morph rules, three stocks apiece."
Luigi's pre-recorded interview was up first.
"What can I say that ain't already been said," Luigi shrugged, "I've been training against the people here who know Ganondorf best. To say that I'm not nervous would be a lie, but at the same time, I'm as confident as I've ever been. Ganondorf, bring it-a!"
Ganondorf appeared next, a smirk on his face, his hand held out to the camera, the Triforce glowing on it.
"What you see before you is the Triforce of Power. It is a greater power than all of your days in the sparring ring and in the gymnasium have bought you. All you can do Luigi, is be ready to lose."
"Strong, concise words from both competitors. Futaba, what're you thinking?"
"Haven't missed this," Cranky muttered.
"I heard that old man," barked the computer whiz, "Anyway, I gotta give it to Luigi to spite ole Cranky. Dreams do come true!"
"Maybe they do in your cushy games with yer save states and easy modes, but in the real world, they don't!" Cranky spat.
"If we could clam it and throw down to entrances that'd be great!" 9-Volt shouted.
Smashers Box
The opening notes of Ludwig Von Beethoven's 5th symphony heralded the arrival of Ganondorf, the Gerudo King marching to the center of the stage alongside Wario, at this, Bowser and the Koopalings all applauded.
"That's the horse your backing huh?" huffed Donkey Kong, "But I thought you trained with Luigi?"
"Hey!" snapped Bowser, "Just cause I want him to lose doesn't mean I can't applaud when my son's favorite Smasher comes to the ring!"
Kazooie snorted in the direction of the Koopalings, "Which one of you idiots likes Ganondorf that much?"
Ludwig raised his claw, "He might have betrayed my father on multiple occasions, but he is one of the few who has good music tastes."
As Ganondorf and Wario stood on their side of the arena, the opening rift of Dare by Stan Bush began to play, Luigi and Daisy walking out hand in hand.
"Now that." sighed Terry, "Is a song."
"Sometimes when your hopes are all but shattered, there's nowhere to turn," sang Corrin along with the music.
"Damn girl!" hooted Terry, eyes wide, "You have pipes!"
"Azura's my cousin," Corrin stated flatly, "Of course I picked up some tricks."
Among the fracas, Mario watched his brother intently. At this, Peach strode over, laying a comforting hand on Mario's shoulder.
"Does he look nervous to you Peach?" fretted the plumber in red.
Peach shook her head, "Daisy being in his corner will likely be the difference. You simply worry to much."
Mario sighed, "Maybe that's it."
By now, Mills Frames had already done his usual introductions. 90 percent of the crowd appeared to be backing Luigi, but a vocal Gerudo/Yiga cheering section served as a stark reminder that the sour king was not without his fans.
"If I could direct everyone's attention to the video board for the first of two stages to be used for the first bout."
Stages new and old flickered by, the video screen eventually landing on.
"UMBRA CLOCK TOWER1" roared Mills, "The second stage will be revealed to you as you fight! Smashers, are you ready?"
Both nodded. Both the Smashers and their corner representatives disappeared.
Stage: Umbra Clocktower/?
Rules: Best of 3, 3-stock, items high
Music: Gates of Hell (Swing Version) (Bayonetta 3/?
3
Luigi jumped out of the pipe, casting a big thumbs up to the sky.
2
Ganondorf stepped out of a portal of swirling darkness
1
Both assumed their combat stances.
GO!
Both competitors charged, but Luigi was faster, his windmilling punches smothering Ganondorf immediately. Ganondorf instinctively backed away, falling off the edge and grasping on the ledge. Ganondorf pulled himself up with ease, but Luigi windmills became hammer fists, bearing down on Ganondorf's unprotected back.
"New Donk style, yeah!" cheered 9-Volt.
"That's straight up rhubarb pie and you know it!" Cranky huffed.
Ganondorf rolled to the edge, once again grasping the ledge. Luigi backflipped into the air, landing in the center of the stage.
"Need some room old man?" Luigi beckoned.
Sneering, Ganondorf pulled himself up again, only for Luigi to come spinning towards him, his Luigi Tornado technique in full effect!
"Wow!" was all 9-Volt could say as Luigi spun back to the center of the stage.
The two charged, much as they had done to start the fight, only this time a shoulder check from Ganondorf made sure he was the last one standing.
"Wizard's Foot!" Ganondorf roared as he jumped into the air.
Luigi rolled just as Ganondorf's foot connected with the stone, a plunger from his Poltergust bringing him close. Tossing him over his shoulder, Ganondorf flew, lazily landing on a platform that had lumbered underneath the falling clock.
"Lucky!" 9-Volt shouted.
"Hey, what happened to unbiased commentary," teased Cranky.
"Look, if somebody bet on that happening tonight, they're a very lucky person, that's all I'm saying," 9-Volt insisted.
Like a shark surfacing for chum, Ganondorf leaped off of the platform and into the air, catching Luigi with a Flame Choke on the way down. Before Ganondorf could blink however Luigi had already gotten to his feet, executing another Luigi Tornado!
"Ganondorf's flying but he'll recover," announced 9-Volt.
"And the items are in play!" added Cranky.
As Ganondorf reached the ground, Luigi grabbed his first item, the Death Scythe.
"Wizard's Foot!" called Ganondorf.
Just as Luigi began to swing, Ganondorf's boots connected with his jaw. Jumping to get to the ground, Luigi was caught in a downward cleave of Ganondorf's sword. In the air, Luigi righted himself, hunching down into a squat.
"GREEN MISSILE!"
Just before Luigi's signature move made contact, another downward cleave sent the green-clad hero into the Blast Zone!
Luigi: 2
Ganondorf:3
Luigi went back on the offensive as soon as he appeared. Once again bombarding Ganondorf with running windmill punches, Ganondorf staggered just long enough for Luigi to pick up a freshly spawned Assist Trophy, unleashing the Pacman Ghosts. Suddenly, the stage stopped. The ground fell out from under them, replacing itself with a new hexagonal platform.
NEW STAGE: Yggdrasil's Altar
Music: "War Cry" (Dragonquest 8)
As the ancient forest came into focus, the ghosts pummeled Ganondorf, knocking him to the Blast Zone!
Luigi: 2
Ganondorf: 2
"And the Stage Morph pays dividends, Luigi ties up the stocks!" 9-Volt said.
"No, those money hungry ghosts did!" Cranky insisted, "Such superstars of the CRT screen should've never sold their likenesses to be Assist Trophies! It's disappointing really!"
Luigi's concentration lapsed for a second as he watched the ghosts circle around, and that's all Ganondorf needed to pummel Luigi with an electrified stomp.
"And two cleaves of the mighty broadsword for good measure!" 9-Volt winced.
"Cleaves? What, you taking writing lessons from the author now? Maybe if you're lucky he'll teach you the other four words he knows!" spat Cranky.
The stage froze and began to transform again just as a third swing of the sword sent Luigi to the Blast Zone!
NEW STAGE: Umbra Clocktower
Luigi: 1
Ganondorf: 2
The two charged each other, Ganondorf's shoulder tackle once again winning arcing slice of the sword above Ganondorf's head piled on even more damage for Luigi. The plumber in green fought back with a Luigi Tornado, but this time, Ganondorf stood steadfast, with yet another shoulder block and arcing sword slice sending him into the air. A Special Flag dropped from the sky. Ganondorf held it aloft, but Luigi tossed him over his shoulder. Shrugging, Luigi held it aloft, leaving himself wide open for a Warlock Punch, sending him to the Blast Zone.
GANONDORF WINS BOUT ONE
"And Luigi takes the risk knowing he's got two more matches to win!"
"Stupid," sneered Cranky, "Stupid stupid stupid,"
"If you're done spamming a bad word like a five year old," snapped 9-Volt, "We can throw to the healing chambers of both competitors as we take a one minute break."