Hello, my readers, this is Big Red reporting in with the second in-story update. It's been a while, I would gladly say the process of the rewrite is taking longer than expected, as it is more than a simple slight change to the story but quite big overhauls, especially regarding the very beginning. The first chapter is available on a Google document that select few fans were able to see. Those who want to see it themselves can PM me personally for a link to see how the progress is going. It's a taste of what to expect for future chapters, let alone the whole story when it is uploaded to the public in the near future. Don't expect any new chapters for a while as the goal is to stick with the rewrite plan to make the true ideal story I've always wanted now that Sega is in a much better position than they always were. Before we get to the nitty gritty, I will simply do a Q to explain what my plan is and respond to commonly asked questions fans and outsiders may have.

Q: When is the next chapter?

A: As I've stated several times, I work a 8 hour job five days a week, which is important to maintain my personal living and keep my devices for writing. As a result, I am left with less time to produce chapters as often and often very tired. Plus, there's other hobbies I do on my day which will also0 help as important reason that pertains to this fiction. Patience would be much appreciate for those who are truly curious on the rewrite.

Q: Do you have plans to ever make this series M?

A: Targeting older fans that long grew up with these companies is always my focus, but raising the rating isn't in the cards. I prefer to go for a more Smash Bros approach of taking characters that originate from mature material (Bayonetta, any Megaten character, horror characters, etc) and making them gel with the universe naturally where you can feel it could be PG-13/TV-14 max. You will still have your fair balance of serious moments and comedy without being too low brow or vulgar. Fan favorite demon Mara is too big to ignore as character despite ratings issues and he will be treated in an almost subtle way like the many Persona fics I've seen before. Just don't expect any F bombs or extreme pillow talk any time soon.

Q: Will there be any massive changes to the original writing?

A: Yes, which adds to why the rewrite project will take as long as it will. Because it's not easy as just making simple edits to an already old story, but it means adding more to make it feel like an improvement from the past (not counting all the recent edits over the years). I will be acknowedling the greater scope of the Sonic canon universe while also respecting the current lore of countless other series. You will be seeing the IDW original Sonic characters play a bigger role (Whisper, Tangle, Mimic, etc), so many new faces do appear in the games worth acknowledging (Sage, Trip, Ariem, etc), and many new abilities came along that the current cast are capable of (Especially the Main Four themselves). And besides small examples like Xenoblade and alternative existing universes (like the many FE and Pokemon worlds/timelines), there will be more characters who exists in worlds that wouldn't really co-exist with the one I've crafted. This explains the bigger inclusion of Guilty Gear and BlazBlue at hand, while opening the door for stuff like Project x Zone and BlazeBlue Cross Tag Battle. The wait for this will be well worth it once you see how much the world building is improved in due time.

Q: When will X character appear?

A: That character will appear when the story demands it. You already seen what roles the cast were given in the original draft. All Sega characters are arguably eligible, especially those from merge partner Sammy and recent acquisitions (Rovio, Atlus, etc). Some characters in the older draft like Joker will be clearly expanded to have a far larger role than just being a fellow Smash member. Some I'm contemplating changing in the light of Sega's Power Surge revivals, or future ones that may be greenlit. Possibly Kid Chameleon no longer being a member of the Marines and now part of the main group being another example. And that's not going into the slew of original characters I'll add of my own that will help flesh out the world better and having less generic crowds or nameless antagonists. Obviously old ones like Commander Genos and The Tanaka Family are here to stay, but we will have much more while not going too overboard to overshadow the established characters. Some like more "Mobians" to add more to the human/Mobian society in the Sonic universe like Pastor Deerwood and Clutch's newly hired Sweep & Clean Inc employees. There will be more human characters as well that can contribute to the story like a human friend Amy knew from her past and a newly recruited GUN agent who joined since the organization's last loss during the event of Forces. The sky is the limited and I can't wait to share more when the time is right.

Q: What companies outside of Sega will be represented?

A: This will be a tough one to answer. Back when things were simpler, I only went with what characters were planned for previous Sonic & Sega All Stars games (Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft), what crossed over with certain franchises (Tecmo Koei, Disney, Capcom), or what fits like a glove (Konami, Red Road, Interplay). However looking at the scale and scope of the second half, there may have to be some limits. Groups like those that appear in crossovers like Smash, PlayStation All Stars, Kingdom Hearts, Marvel vs Capcom, Capcom vs SNK, Project X Zone (including Namco x Capcom), and BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle are eligible. I wouldn't dive deeper into more obscure ones like Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax nor Nitro BlasterZ. As far as other anime, I wouldn't bet on it due to the massive scope of certain publishers and the countless manga involved. It would be a continuity lockout that wouldn't be fair for non-anime watchers. References are what I can allow, but chances of actual characters than the World War Blue cast are slim.

Q: Why isn't this character getting more focus on the other?

A: I will make it clear that I am not biased in any way or have preferences over any franchise. I had a mini arc all about Amazing Island, a cult classic Gamecube game I have zero attachment to but felt it was a clever way to add to the series. I understand everyone has their favorite characters or franchises, but I would rather not cater to just one fan or others will feel jealous. Balancing the cast will be done organically and naturally. For example, I am a huge fan of the Pokemon franchise, do not get me wrong. But even I would have limits on shoe-horning too much of the famous monsters and human cast members without ruining the flow of the story. One thing for sure is that Sonic will still have more focus than everyone as he is the headliner of the Sega All Stars crossovers and their mascot. That aspect will not change while everyone else will depend when it fits.

Q: Are you willing to take suggestions from your readers?

A: Yes. I am welcome to all constructive criticism if it's something to be addressed. That's how I can learn and grow as a writer. But if your suggestions boil down to needless whining or harsh criticism of an idea or character you hate, don't be surprised when it isn't taken in consideration. Plot ideas and suggestions that could help with the rewrite will be much appreciated. But again, not all ideas will be given the greenlight if it fully conflicts with my creative vision. But an author still has to appreciate and interact with their fans, something I'll still stand by.

Q: Will there be any romance?

A: Romance isn't close to the main focus of this story, but I'm no Eichiro Oda. All canon couples and implied pairings will be acknowledged. But I will only work things naturally or if they add to the story. So don't expect something like Sonamy to get super serious, but Zobio x Zobiko being a married couple as it canonically happened during All Stars Transformed. As far as crossover ships, it depends if there's enough chemistry or if can benefit the story (Selvaria x Ramirez, Ali x Orta, etc). This applies to all types of pairings, hetero or LGBT.

Q: How strict will you be when it comes to canon or continuity?

A: Like most fan fictions that treat Smash like the characters are themselves and not toys, some that's already an indication of what to expect. Referencing spinoffs as far as any series (ex: every Mario spinoff ever) or other crossovers (ex: Smash) is fair game as long as it doesn't heavily contradict the actual canon of those games. But referencing supplementary material or using characters from other medium isn't feasible. So don't expect to see Oogtar, Rick Wheeler, Escargoon, nor The Freedom Fighters treated like they were always a part of the game canon. At least in this main universe. As far as games with canonical unresolved endings (Xenoblade X and Rhythm Thief for example), they will continue on as if nothing major happened if it doesn't contradict anything. Games that ended in ways where the characters are canonically dead (Persona 3) or ended in a way that can't continue (Mother 3), you will only be seeing those characters as if they were in the middle of their journey, or at least near the very end.

Q: Will I ever make foreign translations of this story?

A: Despite my massive international popularity, the answer is no. I am a novice in the Spanish language and have less knowledge on many others. Such a thing isn't possible. However, I would be fine with people making their own translations if they are willing to contact me and credit me with their own translation. At least as far as the final rewritten story is concerned than this existing one. You can only do so much as a one man author.

Q: Will other artifacts than the Chaos Emeralds play a major role?

A. Other than the Ark of the Cosmos to tie in the Babylon Rogues in a meaningful way and the Master Emerald shards for Knuckles' side story, I am unsure. The Sol Emeralds are a given due to Blaze's connection to them, but I do not see any point in them being a main plot device to collect, but something that Blaze uses as her own arsenal since she protects them constantly as proven by IDW. The World Rings are very unlikely as I have other ways to involve the Secret Rings. The Gaia Manuscripts and Medals are a hard no as it would involve freeing Dark Gaia and thus taking focus away from The Legion. The Paradox Prism's story is done, so the best you can expect is a cameo than any Shatterspaces being created. As far as non-Sega artifacts like the Power Stars or Crystals, they can't be a given.

Q: Are you open to cowriters?

A: The door is 100% open. A cowriter is more than welcome, but preferably someone who was always a long time fan of my work or a close friend. Anyone interested is more than free to PM me for details and we can work out from there.

That will be all I can say on the matter. I hope you all are patient and understand the scale of this project and delivering a far better story the next time when I have an upload of everything. It may take a year or even longer, but my messages are open for those who would like to talk one on one. Reviews are more than welcome still since that feedback will also be in consideration of the rewrite. Thank you all for this opportunity to allow this brief Q . See you all when Pickies fly.