Author's Note:
...yeah, I got nothing to say for this author's note. So...enjoy?
Episode 410: CourtTrial
Waluigi has been doing time in jail since the events of episode 402 when he stole Jacky Bryant's car and went on a joyride. (While masquerading as Batman nonetheless). Unlike his buddy Wario, who had Kazuya break him out of jail, Waluigi had no one willing to give him back his freedom.
Given that Waluigi was the de facto man of the tower, many might assume that the tower was in disarray without their leader. As if. Life at the tower remained the same without Waluigi in the fold, and some of the assist characters even felt relieved that the lanky man was nowhere in sight.
The freedom that many of the assist trophies enjoyed was set to come to an end today, as Waluigi had a court trial according to Isabelle. No one knew how Waluigi was able to afford an attorney, or why said attorney would stake their career on proving Waluigi's innocence. But a majority of his peers hoped that the lanky man would be further convicted and spend the rest of his life behind bars. At least that's what Shadow wanted, for his sanity.
"Remind me why I'm here again?" Shadow grumbled with his arms crossed, as he stood in Crazy Hand's office. Actually, it was a bedroom, but Crazy Hand often called it his office because in his mind it made him look professional.
"Because, Shadow, Waluigi is on TRIAL today!" replied Crazy Hand, as Shadow was instantly reminded of Waluigi's court date. He had been trying to forget about it for the longest time. "I am asking you to serve as my WITNESS!"
"So I'm forced to watch Waluigi defend himself in court? What a waste of time." If there was a guarantee that Waluigi would be sentenced to a lengthy time behind bars, only then would Shadow oblige to attend the trial.
Shadow: Nothing of value would be gained if Waluigi were to return to the tower. Nothing of value would be lost either. My peers personally can't stand Waluigi sometimes, but I've become so indifferent to the man that I have a "meh" feeling towards him. That's the perfect word to describe Waluigi. "Meh".
"Ah, but it's a MEANINGFUL waste of time!" Crazy Hand implored Shadow, who had heard enough as he stormed out of the office...bedroom. Crazy Hand was hot on Shadow's heels. "Shadow, hear me out!"
"Find somebody else, I'm not going," Shadow said aggressively to Crazy Hand, as he neared the front door. When he opened the door, he saw Layton and Luke standing by, and Detective Pikachu on Layton's shoulder.
"You don't look so happy, Shadow," Layton said to the black hedgehog, who barely acknowledged Layton's presence as he brushed past him and left the tower. Shadow did stop, however, and look back at Layton.
"When have I ever looked happy?" Shadow would stare at Layton for a few more seconds, before storming off in a huff. Layton and the others were left befuddled by Shadow's small tantrum.
"For a guy who doesn't wear underwear, he sure has his undies in twist!" remarked Detective Pikachu, before looking at Layton and Luke for their approval. "See what I did there? That was a British saying I used."
"Gentlemen! We have a PROBLEM!" Crazy Hand alerted Layton and company as he showed up at the front door, while Detective Pikachu was still looking for approval. "Shadow REFUSES to attend Waluigi's court trial in my steed. I need you fellas to..."
"...speak with him and sway his mind?" Layton would finish for Crazy Hand with a smile, as he adjusted his top hat thoughtfully. "A worthy challenge, if I do say so myself."
"We came by to ask if you wanted anyone from the tower to attend Waluigi's trial with us," Luke said to Crazy Hand, blissfully ignorant of how much of an unpleasant company Shadow was. "We'll do our best with Shadow, won't we professor?"
"Absolutely, Luke." So it was settled - Layton, Luke, and Detective Pikachu were going to speak with Shadow, and convince him to attend the trial. And Detective Pikachu was still looking for approval from his British companions.
Because Master Hand put them up to it, Champion Link and Zelda were also going to be among those in attendance for Waluigi's trial. Master Hand needed a few "eyewitnesses" since he wasn't in the mood for scaring anyone with his presence. Or maybe he was just banned from being inside the courtroom; perhaps he and Crazy Hand were in the same boat. Champion Link and Zelda needed a lift, so they planned on asking Fox and see if he was game.
"Uh oh...I think we came at the wrong time," fretted Champion Link, as he and Zelda heard a shouting match between Fox and Krystal while standing outside Fox's house. It was hard to tell which spouse was the loudest.
"This is probably a nothing burger," assumed Zelda, who was so used to the neighbors arguing with their spouses that she eventually became numb to it. "Whatever they're arguing about might be Fox's doing."
"Why yes, Krystal, I do prefer to sit on the toilet," Fox was heard shouting at his wife, as Champion Link and Zelda were both making amused faces. "Sometimes I just miss the toilet, okay?!"
"That is not the problem," stated Krystal - it was a miracle that Marcus wasn't a crying mess with all the quarreling going on. "What is the problem, however, is you leaving behind your...butt crumbs."
"Butt crumbs? Butt crumbs? That just sounds suspect. And what exactly do these 'butt crumbs' look like?"
"You should know if you cared to check the toilet. Do you not know how to wipe your bum properly, Fox?"
"I'm offended that you asked that. And what does that have to do with these butt crumbs you speak of? I'm so lost..."
"Try ringing the doorbell," Zelda suggested to Champion Link, as Marcus was heard crying in response to his parents arguing. Took him long enough. "That ought to get them to stop."
"It's worth a shot," Champion Link shrugged as he rang the doorbell - and just like magic, the arguing stopped. Fox sheepishly answered the door as he saw the company that was present.
"Oh, hey..." Fox greeted Champion Link and Zelda, trying to play it cool as he scratched the back of his head. Albeit awkwardly. "...you didn't hear anything about butt crumbs, did you?"
"We heard everything," replied Zelda as her response got Fox all flustered, making the pilot want to disappear into thin air. "But don't worry, you don't have to go about this alone."
"We're here for you," Champion Link assured Fox as he placed a comforting hand on the pilot's shoulder, only to take it away when Fox frowned. Way to show that you care, Champion Link.
Fox: Butt crumbs...the nerve of that woman. I'm willing to bet she made that up just to make me look bad. She sure loves to throw me under the bus when the neighbors are just outside our house. Almost like she's trying to soil my reputation. Wait until I tell Mario about how she leaves behind skin flakes in the shower...yeah, that'll show her. Even though I kinda do the same thing.
"So, what's up? Need something?" Fox asked the Hylians after his humiliation faded away, hoping that Champion Link and Zelda weren't around just to hear him being put on blast. He'd be a bit more forgiving had it been Falco instead.
"Yes we do, in fact," replied Zelda, with a high amount of suspicion that Fox would say no to her on the spot. "Waluigi has his trial today, and we need you to give us a ride to the courthouse."
"Haha, that's a good one." Fox at first laughed at Zelda's offer - and then looked confused as the princess and Champion Link remained at the doorstep. "You're being serious, aren't you?"
"Crazy Hand's orders, I'm afraid," replied Champion Link, and Fox did not like what was asked of him as he pinched the crown of his nose. Anything remotely involving Waluigi, Fox seldom wanted any part of.
"You know, I was kind of enjoying Waluigi being gone for a while..." Knowing that he had no choice in the matter, Fox sighed as he went back inside the house to get something. "...let me go get my keys."
"We're riding in the Landmaster, correct?" Champion Link asked Zelda, as Fox could be heard speaking with Krystal from inside his house. "Why does Fox have car keys for the Landmaster?"
"Who knows," replied Zelda, only to be alarmed by the sound of a La Cucaracha car horn from Fox's backyard. Champion Link and Zelda ran to the backyard and saw Fox standing outside his Landmaster.
"Added a car horn to my Landmaster!" Fox happily informed Champion Link and Zelda, grinning from ear to ear as he was very proud of his accomplishment. If you wish to call it as such. "You like?"
"Fox, you make some of the worst cosmetic decisions ever," Zelda offered her two cents, although Fox was largely unfazed by the princess's critique; he knew Zelda to not be a stickler for fun.
"Says the chick who was against me hanging up fuzzy dice in my Landmaster...which I already did. And for the record, I like it."
"But does Krystal like it?" questioned Champion Link, and the longer Fox opted to remain silent, the more obvious the answer was.
"Her opinion only matters roughly fifty percent of the time. Sometimes even lower. But when you're ready to board, just give me a shout."
Ryu successfully convinced Chun-li, the Mortal Kombat fighters, and many others that the mochi dance that was caused by Percharunt was invented by him. As he tried to take credit for the dance, he had to dodge several questions - questions such as those purple eyes present when someone danced. There were also questions about how and why the dance fad stopped, and that gave Ryu enough motivation to bring those concerns to an end.
"Vending machine's all yours, my man," Shulk offered to Louie, as he kindly stepped to the side. But Louie, who came to the mansion from Omnis Adest since the vending machine snacks there was "mediocre", wasn't moving an inch.
"You know what I want - the usual," stated Louie, expecting Shulk to do his order for him as he snapped his fingers. Whenever it came to food, Louie was quite bossy.
"But I don't know what you want." Shulk was eyeing around the vending machine room, as Louie found himself gravely disappointed with the Homs.
"Yet you claim to 'see the future', and all that jazz...I can tell that you're a fraud." Forced to get his "usual" himself, Louie approached the vending machine and ordered some beef jerky before leaving the room.
"Seeing the future and mind-reading are two different things!" Shulk called out to Louie, who waved off the Homs as he went down the hallway. Sighing and shaking his head, Shulk turned around...and came across King Dedede.
"What's a good way to break up with your girlfriend?" King Dedede asked Shulk out of desperation, the anguish palpable in his eyes. The fat penguin was going through it.
"Woah, woah! Settle down, big guy! I-No likes you a lot, why ruin a good thing?" Just the mention of I-No's name bothered King Dedede, who sat down on the floor in even more anguish.
"Because...she's a street rat! She can't be trusted!" King Dedede looked like he was about to cry, but then Shulk got down on one knee and placed a comforting hand on the fat penguin's back.
"Look, man, it's all just in your head. I-No doesn't seem as bad as she looks! You just need something to take your mind off things. A reprieve, if you will."
King Dedede: Nothing I do seems to work. I told I-No via text that I was going to break up with her, and I even called her as well. Now she thinks that I'm a comedian! Why is that woman so stupid? Yet she's supposed to be from the streets...definitely not street smart.
"King Dedede! Shulk!" Ryu called out to the fat penguin and Homs, waving to the duo as he was heading in their direction. Whereas Shulk was open to talking to Ryu, King Dedede wanted nothing to do with the fighter.
"Oh no, not Ryu!" panicked King Dedede as he almost shuddered in fear when Ryu drew near, believing that the fighter had an ulterior motive. "What brings you over here? Came to rain on my pity party?"
"I'm afraid that I have a pity party of my own." Ryu looked to the side, as King Dedede eased up a bit to hear Ryu's story in full. "Hardly anyone believes that I started the mochi dance trend."
"Not exactly what I'd call a pity party," remarked Shulk, who had seen his best friend Dunban do the infamous mochi dance. Equal parts entertaining, and equal parts disturbing. "And we should care because...?"
"This is my one chance to prove to everybody that I'm cool and hip. Especially The Mortal Kombat fighters. Chun-li is slowly coming around, but Scorpion and his friends are still a work in progress. They must love my dance!"
"Maybe if I show how bad of a dancer I am, she'll break up with me in no time!" theorized King Dedede, talking to himself as Shulk looked at Dedede and then at Ryu. Recollecting what he said to King Dedede earlier, and taking Ryu's story into account, Shulk had the perfect idea...
"I have an idea! What do you say we start a flash mob right here in Seattle?" Shulk proposed to Ryu, believing that his idea would help Ryu beat whatever allegations were thrown at him. "A Mochi Dance Flash Mob!"
"A flash mob? What exactly would we be doing in this...flash mob?" an intrigued Ryu asked Shulk, his line of questioning revealing that he still had a lot to learn during his quest to become "cool and hip".
"Oh, you know, just some synchronized dancing. And maybe a little bit of singing, if you're up for it. It'll be a blast!" The idea sounded more alluring to Ryu, as he scratched his chin in thought.
"Ah, screw it...count me in," volunteered King Dedede, no longer in his feelings as he rose to his feet. "On the off-chance I-No that sees me dancing, she'll decide not to be with me anymore. We killin' two birds with one stone, baby!"
"Happy to have you on board!" Shulk grinned at King Dedede, pleased to know that he was able to sway the fat penguin on his side. But even with the extra participation, one question remained. "Where shall we do this flash mob, Ryu?"
"Why not Omnis Adest? A whole bunch of naysayers over there," replied Ryu, only bringing up Omnis Adest because of the Mortal Kombat fighters. Wanted them front and center to see him do the mochi dance.
"I was thinking of doing it at a place with more 'inexperienced' folk. There's gotta be somewhere in Seattle where we can perform!"
Thanks to Pit checking in on Link, both Mario and Cloud learned that Link was staying at Phoenix Wright until his name was cleared. The two friends wanted to visit Link, so they stopped by the apartment where Phoenix and his daughter Trucy were staying. When they arrived, however, on the front door was a note.
"'Back in five minutes," Mario read the note out loud, before admitting defeat as he snapped his fingers in disgust and walked away. "Well, Cloud, I guess we missed-a our window of opportunity."
"The note is definitely a ruse," stated Cloud as he grabbed Mario's collar, preventing the plumber from leaving. Almost yanked Mario's head off with the move.
"Are you saying...that we should infiltrate-a the apartment? Even if it's unoccupied?" The very idea made Mario uncomfortable - who knows what secrets of Phoenix he and Cloud would stumble upon.
"No, I mean...have you ever left your home for five minutes or less? Is that even note-worthy?" The that fact Mario appeared to be in full disagreement was worrisome to Cloud.
"Looks like someone doesn't know what it's like to run errands. Maybe if you lived-a out on your own, you would understand-a the struggle."
"I have lived out on my own, thank you very much..." Cloud watched as Mario went to Phoenix's door and attempted to open it, sticking a hairpin inside the keyhole of the doorknob. "...what are you trying to do?"
"Opening the door, obviously. Since you wanna enter the apartment so bad..." Suddenly Mario stopped wrangling with the doorknob, as he heard someone twisting the doorknob on the other side. "...uh oh."
"Better stand your ground." Cloud remained vigilant, and Mario took a jump back as the door was opened...by Trucy Wright. Mario and Cloud went from being on edge to finding slight relief in a flash.
"Hi Mario, hi Cloud!" Trucy greeted the plumber and swordsman, seeming delighted to have some visitors. Especially those that her adoptive father was pretty close with. "Sorry, but Dad isn't home."
"Oh thank goodness, it's just-a Trucy..." said Mario as he caught his breath...only for his eyes to go wide when he sensed that something was off. "...Mama Mia, it's just Trucy!"
"Yes, that's me, what's the big...deal?" Trucy was caught by surprise when Mario ran up to her and embraced her in a hug, hugging her like a young girl hugging a lost kitten.
"Oh, you poor-a thing...Phoenix left-a you all alone!" Mario sympathized with Trucy as he kissed her (lightly) on the cheek, hoping that his hug soothed Trucy's loneliness. But Trucy didn't seem that bothered.
"I just turned thirteen - I'm just fine by myself." Having enough of Mario's hug, Trucy gently pushed the plumber away as she was later approached by Cloud.
"Hey, Trucy - do you know where your dad is?" Cloud asked the stage magician, who kept her lips pursed as she hesitated to answer at first. Who knows what that girl was hiding?
"He and Link went out...to do some stuff! I mean, he went out to do some stuff. Link wasn't with him, silly me..." Didn't matter how much Trucy attempted to switch up; Mario and Cloud already knew the truth.
"Well, that sucks. We were hoping to chat with him." Cloud showed how disappointed he was as he looked down at the floor, and it was enough disappointment to guilt-trip Trucy into a compromise.
"Dad is quite the busy man, even in his post-lawyer life. But if you want, I can let you crash the place until he comes back!" That offer re-energized Mario and Cloud, who both looked up at Trucy with renewed hope.
"So you'll let-a us hang?" Mario asked Trucy, who nodded her head with a smile. Mario let out a "Yippee!" as he jumped inside the apartment, not knowing what to do with himself.
"Let's try and keep it down," Cloud advised Mario, who got himself comfy inside Phoenix's apartment as he sat on a living room couch...only for the couch to suddenly fall backward. "So much for that..."
"Erm...where's-a the TV remote?" Mario asked Trucy, his voice indicating that he was in some slight pain. And perhaps even more. "Can't feel my back for some-a reason..."
In the last episode, Blaze learned that Robin was dealing with hypothyroidism. It was thanks to this medical condition that Robin was unusually sluggish and fatigued. Every day Robin would go to the gym at Omnis Adest to keep his energy up...but it was no use.
"Might wanna put that treadmill on the lowest setting, buddy," Claude C. Kenny advised Robin, who was running on a treadmill next to the young man. Robin was almost out of breath.
"No...I must push myself to the limit!" shouted a determined Robin, excess sweat running down his face as he ran the hardest he ever ran in his life. Eventually his legs gave up, and Robin collapsed unto the treadmill before rolling off the device.
"Tried to warn ya." While Claude kept running on the treadmill, Robin was sprawled out on the floor completely exhausted. Robin being in his weakened state made him ripe for a pickpocket...which was exactly what happened.
"Alright guys, let's get him!" Bowser Jr. was heard shouting, before he and the Koopalings ganged up on Robin and ran his pockets. Bowser Jr. and company came away with a few stolen items, as Claude was left stunned.
"Tell anyone about this and you're next..." Roy Koopa threatened Claude, who wisely kept his mouth shut as Bowser Jr. and his Koopaling siblings left the crime scene. Robin was now in even more distress than before.
Bowser Jr: Yeah, my siblings and I like to gang up on people when they're at their lowest - that's why Robin has recently been our easiest victim. For anybody else, doing this kind of stuff would be considered a crime, but for us...it's just good business.
"Sup Robin!" greeted Sonic as he and Blaze were both at the gym, approaching a still exhausted Robin whom Claude kept company. "Looks look you're still not feeling too hot."
"For the record, I am hot," asserted Robin, attempting to destroy the preconceived narrative about him as he helped himself up to his feet. Albeit struggling. "Lucina tells me as such every day. Or maybe I force her to."
"...yeah, uh, keep that to yourself. Anyway, I told Blaze about your little condition, and so we are here to help!" Judging by the look on Robin's face, the mage didn't want any help from anyone.
"Thanks, you two, but I'm taking some medication. Doctor's orders. Long as I do that, I should be fine..." But Robin was not fine, as he collapsed back to the floor in an instant. Claude helped the mage down to avoid potential injury.
"Woah, take it easy!" Claude warned Robin as he eased him down to the floor, with Robin taking a few deep breaths. Poor Robin couldn't even stand up without tiring himself out.
"Well, I've done some research in my spare time," stated Blaze as she stepped forward, eager to get Robin fit and back on the right track. "You need a balanced diet and some gentle exercise. How's your diet looking?"
"Some days I barely have the energy to fix myself a meal, so I just get whatever Pigma gets me from the vending machines." Didn't sound much like a diet, and the fact that Robin depended on Pigma for grub was a huge concern.
"Doesn't sound...ideal, but we can fix that in the future. For now, let's just focus on getting you back in shape."
"I appreciate it, you two. But I've never been much of a runner...don't know why I bothered with the treadmill." Robin knew the activities that Sonic and Blaze had in mind for him, as he glanced at the treadmill he was on. And if his performance on the treadmill was any indication...
"Whoever said we'd be using a treadmill?" questioned Sonic, knowing that Robin just wasn't cut out for treadmills. Even if he worked up to that point, Robin would still be way out of his depth. "We'll start slow. How about a light jog outside?"
"I'll be your personal coach," Claude offered to Robin, placing his hands on the mage's shoulders; left with no choice, Robin sighed and nodded.
It was confirmed: the trio of Layton, Luke, and Detective Pikachu was going to be at Waluigi's trial, and Shadow was tagging along with them. For what reason, Layton and company didn't know. But it made the three under the guise that deep down, Shadow unironically missed having Waluigi around and wanted to see his faithful leader brought back to the fold.
"I...am HIM!" proclaimed Owain, showing off his might as he was chopping down a tree with an axe. Watching Owain go was Elora, who was holding several pieces of wood.
"You're literally just chopping a tree," stated Elora, as Owain made sure that every swing of the axe came with the highest amount of vigor. "Now can you please speed this up? I don't have all day."
"As you wish, my fair lady. Him powers, activate!" Owain picked up the pace, chopping the tree at a faster rate that Elora was content with. Layton, Luke, Detective Pikachu showed up, amazed by Owain's moxie.
"Psst, is she a goat, or a deer?" Detective Pikachu whispered into Layton's ear, as he was perched on the detective's shoulder. Layton kept his lips pursed, not confident enough to answer.
"That, my friend, is a conversation for another day," Layton whispered back, before approaching Elora and clearing his throat to get her attention. Elora looked over at Layton. "Pardon me, ma'am, but have you seen Shadow the Hedgehog anywhere?"
"Why aren't you looking at me?!" Owain shouted at Elora as he stopped chopping, his audience of one momentarily distracted. "I am HIM, darn it!"
"Funny you should ask - he's right over there, at the lake," Elora informed Layton as she pointed at a small lake, with Shadow sitting at the lakeside. Indubitably by himself.
"Oh, Shadow...always the loner," Layton smiled as he shook his head, before tipping his hat to Elora. "You have my thanks," Layton thanked Elora, and he and the boys headed to the small lake as Owain resumed chopping the tree...once his audience of one brought her eyes back to him.
"You go in first," Luke whispered to Layton, nudging the detective forward as Detective Pikachu hopped down from Layton's shoulder. Taking a deep breath, Layton bravely approached Shadow.
"Excuse me, Shadow," Layton began, speaking politely as he sat next to the black hedgehog. Had to act right or risk a Chaos Control to the face. "My young apprentice and I couldn't help but notice that you seem rather...preoccupied lately."
"What's it to you?" Shadow rudely asked as he crossed his arms and looked the other way, wanting nothing to do with Layton. Forced to bring in the big guns early, Layton beckoned Luke and Detective Pikachu to come over.
"We were just wondering if perhaps you're missing someone," Luke said to Shadow, a growing pit in his stomach as he feared retaliation from Shadow. One false move and it would be the end for Luke.
"I miss Maria Robotnik if that's what you're asking." Shadow hated the fact that he was reminded of Maria, as he couldn't shake off her tragic passing. Haunted him to this very day.
"We're not talking about Maria," stated Layton, keeping his cool as what he was about to say next could make or break the ongoing conversation. "We were asking if you were missing...someone else?"
"Missing someone else?" Shadow gave Layton and company his full attention, turning to the trio with a gruff yet suspicious look on his face. "What are you talking about?"
"It's practically written all over your face!" replied Detective Pikachu, almost wanting to chuckle as he had never seen Shadow so discontented. "You secretly miss Waluigi, don't you?"
At the mere mention of Waluigi's name, Shadow's typically stoic facade faded. His expression eschewed a hint of uncertainty, as Layton and company had Shadow right where they wanted him.
"Waluigi? Why would I miss that...that...that loser?" Shadow stammered, his demeanor shifting from wary to incredulous in a hurry. The smiles he saw on Layton, Luke, and Detective Pikachu weren't making him feel any better.
"Come on, Shadow. Admit it," Luke grinned mischievously at the black hedgehog as he nudged him playfully. Way to poke the bear. "You miss having Waluigi around, trying to be something he's not. You have to admit that he's very entertaining!"
"Well..." Shadow hesitated momentarily, his internal struggle evident before he finally made his big confession. "...maybe just a little." Shadow was on record saying he missed Waluigi - and he did it in the form of a whisper.
Shadow: Yeah, Waluigi and I are close...for better and for worse. Though that's only because we missed out on being fighters in Smash. He finds it "relatable". Waluigi thinks so much of our bond that he had the gall to give me a "Brother From Another Mother" shirt. Multiple ones. The shirts have either been burned up in a fire, sold on Craigslist for literal pennies, or given away to Rex. Speaking of Rex, he's a stupid idiot for not cutting off Waluigi sooner.
"There's no shame in missing a fellow contemporary, Shadow," Layton said to the black hedgehog, pleased with the progress made as Shadow felt embarrassed beyond measure. "The Assist Tower isn't quite the same without Waluigi, their faithful leader. He is iconic, dare I say."
"I suppose you're right," Shadow admitted with a reluctant nod, begrudgingly acknowledging the truth in Layton's words. Just then, a vehicle pulled up to the small lake, and it was a Ford F-150. Which came with technology...and stuff.
"Hello!" greeted the driver of the truck, Lloyd Bannings, as he rolled down his window. Noel Seeker was seen riding in the shotgun - holding unto the door handle for dear life. "Heard you boys needed a lift to the courthouse. Need a ride?"
"One of you has to ride in the cargo bed," Noel called out to Layton and company, as they looked at one another wondering who the odd man out would be. Neither man was willing to step up.
"I can ride in the cargo bed if no one's interested," volunteered Detective Pikachu as he raised his hand, taking one for the team.
Pit felt bad about spilling the beans to Mario and Cloud, telling them about how Link was doing and stuff. To make it up to Link, Pit would tell folks at Cafe Leblanc about Link...and how he was down bad. Down in the mud. Or even worse.
"Link? Yeah, he killed himself," Pit casually said to some of the patrons at the counter, alarming them as he spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "Saw the noose around his neck and everything."
"You showed me a selfie you took with him on your phone," stated Tifa, as Pit recalled the very moment and mentally slapped himself. Pit couldn't afford to let Tifa make him look bad, so he had to pivot, and fast.
"He just wanted one last selfie before he ended it all. For the memories. Link was a great man." Pit looked around and saw that hardly anyone believed his tale, and it made him certain that his plan was working.
"We all know he ain't dead," stated Knuckles, as he and everyone else with a brain was able to see through Pit's tell-tale. No one could be fooled that easily, and by Pit no less. "Tell us what really happened with Link!"
"Okay then, I'll tell you the big news..." Pit spoke solemnly as he lowered his head, and he couldn't help but smile during his moment of gravitas. Joker was among the first to spot Pit's sly smile.
"What news, Pit?" Joker furrowed his brow at the angel, who was unable to shake off the smile. Pit was left with no choice but to tell everyone the truth.
"Link...Link enlisted in the U.S. Army!" Pit blurted out, barely able to contain his excitement. Sadly for him, he didn't get the desired reaction as the baristas and patrons alike exchanged puzzled looks.
"The U.S. Army? Pit, Link is from Hyrule!" Viridi reminded Pit, as she couldn't imagine Link being in the military. The mental image of Link holding an armed rifle gun did amuse the goddess of nature, though.
"Even if he was in the army, he wouldn't last a day," said Guile, a tried-and-true U.S. veteran as he kept it real about Link's military prospects. "He could never survive the hazing..."
"Hazing in the army is still a thing?" Tifa asked Guile, who had the strongest thousand-mile stare known to man as he shuddered deeply. "Guess so..." Tifa left Guile to shudder, as she took a sip of her curry.
"I know, I know, it sounds crazy...but I caught Link signing up at the recruitment office," Pit continued, his overall excitement dying down as he returned to being solemn. "He even traded in his Master Sword for an M16!"
"And where was this recruitment office?" asked Andy of Orange Star, as he challenged Pit to back up his most recent tale. Pit's silence told Andy all that he needed to know. "Yeah, exactly!"
"Well, how was I supposed to know? I'm not that smart, in case you weren't aware." Pit was proud of admitting the fact, and for him to say it in the first place caused everyone in the cafe to gasp.
"So he finally admits it..." uttered Alph, dropping his cup to the floor as it immediately went silent in the cafe. Perplexed by everyone's shocked faces, Pit looked around at the cafe as he scratched his head.
Joker: Pit has never admitted to being unintelligent before... *gasps* ...he's becoming more self-aware! This must be Sonic's doing. Would it be too much to ask Sonic to work behind the counter?
"But for real though, what's Link up to these days?" Knuckles asked Pit, as he and the other patrons were dying to know about Link's current whereabouts. Pit had to throw them off his scent, and fast.
"True story - Link's gone into hiding," replied Pit, having everyone's attention as he was building up anticipation for the bombshell. "Because he's enrolled in the Witness Protection Program! Mainly for the food stamps." Pit spread his wings for added effect, as the patrons...were all nodding their heads and talking among each other.
"Okay, now that one sounds legit," Terry nodded his head, as the patrons agreed among themselves that Link was a part of the Witness Protection Program. Pit took solace knowing that he had done the deed...and that Link would thank him later. If he wanted to.
"Things must be looking grim for Link if that's what he chose to do," said Cuphead, certain (and fearful) that no one at the mansion would ever see Link again. Some folks even made up their minds on the matter.
"Just remember, we've got to keep a low profile until this whole thing blows over," Joker informed the cafe patrons, as a satisfied Pit went back to while patting himself on the back. "Surely this charade will end soon."
Once they were ready, Champion Link and Zelda took a ride in Fox's Landmaster. The Landmaster pulled up to the courthouse where Waluigi's court trial was set to take place. Little did anyone inside the Landmaster know that someone from the mansion had already beaten them to their destination - and it was an individual who happened to pilot an Arwing. He was standing outside his ship, eating some buttery popcorn.
"Phew...first one here," this individual celebrated, and it happened to be Falco as he was eating popcorn out of a bag. Falco watched as the Landmaster made its landing, with the hatch door eventually opening.
"Falco?" Fox uttered his friend's name as he was the first to emerge out of the Landmaster, spotting Falco munching away. While also standing in the middle of the street, strangely enough. "What are you doing here?"
"What's it look like, I'm here for the trial." A car driving down the road had to swerve past Falco, nearly crashing into a street light as it narrowly dodged the avian pilot. "Oh, and I got some popcorn."
"Falco? Really?" said Zelda as she and Champion Link exited the Landmaster; Falco was the last person Zelda expected to see for Falco's trial. "Have you come to find out what will happen to Waluigi?"
"Not really, I'm just here for the show. For the drama." Falco grabbed a handful of popcorn and stuffed it into his mouth, his beak smothered in butter. "I hope there will be drama."
Falco: Waluigi is gonna be on trial today, so you know there's gonna be some entertainment. Dude is a natural-born entertainer. I could see it now - the judge is gonna dish out a jail sentence or something, and Waluigi's gonna hop on the witness stand and plead his case. Better yet, he'll strip down his clothes and then security will be forced to drag his butt out of the courtroom. If none of that happens, I will be very disappointed. But at least I got popcorn, though. *eats a handful of popcorn*
Falco and company were soon joined by a sharply-dressed man, one who was easily recognizable in his maroon suit. The group was surprised to see this man making their way towards them, looking more exasperated than usual. While his attire was impeccable, it sadly didn't line up with his current mood.
"Wait a minute, I know you..." Zelda said as she pointed at the sharply-dressed man, who ruefully looked up at the princess looking done with life. "...you're Phoenix's rival. Miles Edgeworth!"
"Yes, that's me," admitted the man, the prosecutor known to many as Miles, as he got a good look at who was in his presence. It wasn't enough to make him feel any better. "Nice meeting you all."
"Sure got a long face," Champion Link greeted Link with a warm but concerned smile, making note of the prosecutor's failing body language. "You must be in some kind of predicament."
"Predicament doesn't begin to describe it, my Hylian friend..." Miles rubbed his temple, knowing that the others would soon take sympathy on him once he explained his story. "...I'm the one defending Waluigi in court. It is akin to trying to explain logic to cow dung."
"Oof...I feel ya on that," Fox sympathized for Miles, as he wouldn't wish Miles's dilemma on his worst enemy. Even with his faults, Waluigi was a handful. "Is it that bad?"
"You have no idea. Yesterday, he insisted on wearing his tennis outfit to court because he claims it's his 'lucky charm.' And he refuses to answer any serious questions without bursting into some ridiculous dance!"
"It's just as that one guy said - when black people get desperate, they either rap or dance," Falco stated matter-of-factly, leading to some weird looks from the others - Miles included. "But Waluigi isn't black though...uh, never mind."
"So, what's your strategy? Plead insanity?" inquired Fox as he leaned forward, evidently enjoying the plight that Miles found himself in. Some things were more fun that way as a spectator.
"If only it were that simple," replied Miles as he forced a tired smile, wondering why the forces of the universe were against him. "Waluigi apparently believes that he's a misunderstood genius, and that his 'ingenuity' will turn the jury in his favor."
"If anyone can pull this off, it's you," Zelda reassured Miles as she placed her hand on his shoulder, brightening up the prosecutor's mood but only slightly. "But you might want to bring some extra aspirin."
"Appreciate the vote of confidence; I'll need it."
"Waluigi's persistent, if nothing else. But you'll make it through."
"I'll take your advice to heart. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go inside and scream at the bathroom mirror to get it all out of my system." Feeling slightly more buoyant thanks to Zelda's support, Miles went inside the courthouse.
"To Miles Edgeworth, the bravest man of all..." remarked Falco as he raised his imaginary cup in a mock toast. "...for facing the ultimate challenge: defending Waluigi in court." The others shared a laugh, as Falco held his imaginary cup up high.
Ryu was committed to making the mochi dance viral via a flash mob, but he didn't know the right place to perform one. Ideally, a flash mob was best done in a place where people would congregate and pass by. Quite frankly, Ryu didn't know any such place in town...and that's where a guy like Shulk came in (and King Dedede, too).
"The location of our flash mob must be perfect," Ryu stressed to Shulk and King Dedede as he adjusted his headband, keeping his eyes peeled for a busy place chock full of people. "Somewhere with a lot of foot traffic."
"I've seen it in a Vision," said Shulk, who did some looking into the future before heading out. Planning stuff ahead, that was the way to do it. "The mall will be packed. It's the perfect spot!"
"But which mall?" Ryu desired to know the exact location, but Shulk was keeping his lips sealed and leaving Ryu wanting more info. "I do not like how vague your answers are..."
"Whatever mall it is, I-No had better be there...or else," stated King Dedede, munching on a giant drumstick and getting crumbs all over his face. Shulk frowned at the fat penguin since he was smacking loudly.
"Please tell me you paid for that drumstick," Shulk said to King Dedede, who looked guilty before eating the entire drumstick whole. And yes, that included the chicken bone.
"I've been practicing the mochi dance in secret," admitted Ryu, having done his dance practice in the privacy of his own bedroom. With the door creaked slightly open for anyone to see, preferably Chun-li. "I've added my own personal touch to it that could really wow the crowd."
"What about the music? We'll need some music to dance to." A flash mob would feel incomplete without music, and Ryu's mind was drawing a blank after Shulk made his suggestion.
"Two words...'Darude Sandstorm,'" King Dedede recommended to Ryu and Shulk, as a certain gym leader poked their head from behind a blue UPS mailbox on the sidewalk. "People can perform any sort of dance move to that song. The Charleston, the Waltz, the Macarena, the Soulja Boy...well, maybe not the Soulja Boy..."
"Okay, big guy, we get it!" Shulk grinned at King Dedede, as he and the boys were unaware that the unnamed gym leader was lowkey spying on them. "Darude Sandstorm it is, then."
The trio of Sonic, Blaze, and Robin set off for the park at Omnis Adest, with Sonic and Blaze looking to get Robin back in tiptop shape. Joining them was Claude C. Kenny, who offered to be Robin's coach/personal trainer. Sonic had Robin running laps, effortlessly zipping past the mage while Blaze kept a steady pace beside Robin.
"Keep it up Robin, you're doing great!" Claude cheered on for Robin, acting like a dad at a little league baseball game as he was clapping up a storm. Sonic was lapping up Robin, showing no signs of slowing down.
"Sonic can you please slow down?" Blaze asked Sonic, having to call out to the blue hedgehog - a huge indicator of how far ahead Sonic was. "Robin has to keep up!"
"I can't slow down - it must be the shoes!" Sonic replied with a shrug, before upping the ante as he sped off - running so far, it seemed as if he vanished. Blaze sighed, before looking encouragingly at Robin.
"You're doing a good job, Robin," Blaze commended the mage, who had yet to stop and catch his breath. A big accomplishment, all things considered. "We'll keep it up, and you'll feel better in no time."
"Look what I got! Some snacks!" Sonic returned to Blaze and Robin a few seconds later, holding a bunch of fruits and vegetables that he hopefully paid for. Unlike King Dedede, who couldn't be expected to do the same.
Beedle: The most amazing thing happened...King Dedede came to my shop, my shop, to buy some grub! But what wasn't so amazing was that he got a chicken leg and didn't pay for it. Sonic, on the other hand, purchased my goods and even left behind a tip even though he didn't have to. If I have to make my income from the locals, and not royalty, then I'll never cut it in the outdoor restaurant industry...w-why are you laughing? What's so wrong about dreaming big?!
"You never cease to amaze me, Sonic," chuckled Robin, as he and Blaze settled down for a break. Then, to Robin's surprise, Sonic handed him a drink. "Is this a smoothie?"
"You betcha! It's packed with nutrients," explained Sonic, as Robin expressed his interest in the smoothie. "Also has berries in it." After hearing that factoid, though, Robin became skeptical.
"Berries? Oh no, I can't have this...I'm allergic to berries." Robin decided to hand the smoothie back to Sonic, not affording to take a sip. "Doctor said as such last month. Didn't say what berries, specifically."
"Allergic to berries, huh? Well, you know what they say...no pain, no gain!" Sonic made a convincing smile to sway Robin's mind, but it wasn't working.
"But if I drink this, I'll get an allergic reaction." As Robin's fading interest became palpable, Sonic gestured to Blaze to say something. When Blaze chose to keep silent, that was when Claude stepped in.
"You heard the man, no pain, no gain!" Claude shouted at Robin, who was left with no choice but to hear out his personal coach. So Robin, gulping nervously, opened up his smoothie and reluctantly took a sip.
"Feel like I'm violating myself for doing this, but...the doctor won't ever know," remarked Robin, and one sip was enough for the mage as he fastened the smoothie cap back on. Sonic and Claude were both proud.
"That's the spirit!" exclaimed Sonic as he aggressively smacked Robin on his back, so hard that he could've given the mage whiplash. "Maybe we can also sneak in a chili dog into your diet."
"In moderation, Sonic...moderation," Blaze said sternly as she shot a disapproving look at Sonic. Soon a jackal arrived at the scene, and nobody noticed him except for Claude.
"You must be Claude C. Kenny," the jackal quietly said to Claude, who instantly knew who this dark individual was thanks to a briefing by Master Hand. "Pleasure to meet you...you may call me Infinite."
"Um, guys, we have company!" Claude alerted Sonic and company, but they were already preoccupied as Robin was eating the snacks Sonic provided. Not a single one of them paid Claude any mind.
"My bad - this smoothie has nuts in it, not berries," Sonic confirmed after reading the smoothie label, as Claude frantically waved his arms to get the blue hedgehog's attention. "Man, I can't read!"
"I hope you are not involved with recuperating Robin," Infinite said to Claude, recognizing the effort that Sonic and Blaze were putting. "Robin is nothing but a lost cause."
"And how would you know that?" Claude questioned Infinite, before trying to get Sonic and company's attention one more time as he was forced to shout. "Guys, come quick! Guys!"
"No feeding him chili dogs while I'm gone..." Blaze warned Sonic, keeping her eyes on the blue hedgehog as she went over to Claude to see what the young man wanted. "...yes, Claude?"
"Phew! Glad you came, Blaze. Because this guy was..." Claude was about to single out Infinite...but the jackal was gone, making Claude do a double take. "This guy...he was here..."
"I'm sure he was. Stop gawking, you should never have your mouth open like that in public." Blaze closed Claude's mouth as she returned to Sonic and Robin, as Claude was left stunned. "Sonic, why do you have that chili dog in your hand...?!"
Thanks to Pit's telltales, Cafe Leblanc patrons were convinced that Link committed suicide...or enlisted in the U.S. Army...or joined the Witness Protection Program just to collect food stamps. Or so they would have believed if they were gullible. Anyone had yet to believe that Pit was telling the truth, but it was only a matter of time.
"Link said that you're very handsome and an ideal husband," Pit said to Bowser, who was beaming with joy as he felt his ego being soothed. "That's what he's always thought about you."
"That's what I kept trying to tell him!" exclaimed Bowser, about ready to tell his kids that Link saw him as valid in his eyes. "Glad that he finally saw the light."
"He never wanted to admit that because it was already obvious. Anyway, here's your curry!" After Bowser received his bowl of curry from Pit, the Koopa King went to his seat as Big the Cat and Midna entered the cafe.
"Sweet Hylia, this place smells funny..." grimaced Midna as she held her nose when a foul aroma reached her nostrils. "...could be whatever grotesque curry Pit cooked." Terry took sight of Midna, as she had a pressing question to ask the imp.
"Link, is he okay?" Terry asked Midna, catching the imp off-guard with his question. "You always know where the guy is. Did he really enroll in the Witness Protection Program?" Midna blinked at Terry in confusion, before shaking the confusion off her face.
"What? Link enrolling in the Witness Protection Program? As if! And I honestly can't tell you where in Hylia's name Link is. Your guess is as good as..."
"oh, so you're saying that you never truly cared for link," Sans said to Midna, trying to stoke some flames - and it was working too as he had Midna scowling. "not enough to be with him when he's going through a bad time."
"I don't see you nitwits having the same energy for Zelda." Losing her appetite - provided that she had one, to begin with - Midna was forced to exit the cafe as she floated away. "The nerve of you..."
Midna: Yeah, I could check in on Link and see what he's up to, but he doesn't need me anymore. He can do just everything by himself. *pauses* Except using the dishwasher. You should've seen him try to use the new dishwasher, he somehow managed to break ALL of the dishes. Plastic Tupperware included.
"I cannot wait for our big lunch, Froggy!" Big said to Froggy, sitting down at a table and placing his frog companion atop the table along with a ham sandwich. Sliced in two halves, all in the name of friendship. Pit saw Big, as a mischievous plot formed in the angel's mind.
"Pssst, Big!" Pit whispered to Big, beckoning the hefty feline over. Taking a quick look around, Big got up from his seat leaving Froggy alone as he ventured over to the counter.
"Hey there, buddy! What's up?" Big asked Pit, who shushed the feline and instructed him to keep a low profile. Fortunately for Pit when he looked over his shoulder, he saw Joker speaking with a customer, Louie.
"For the last time, you do NOT have a regular," Joker tried to explain to an incensed Louie, steadily losing his patience as he wanted to pull on his hair. Incineroar stood behind Joker, ready to play mediator if needed. "You order a different brew every time. Every time!"
"I've got some shocking news," Pit informed Big, leaning in close amidst a shouting match between Joker and Louie. Incineroar was just waiting to step in. "You won't believe it, but Link...Link is dead."
"What?!" exclaimed Big, no longer able to keep a low profile as his eyes widened. His jaw dropped instantly in disbelief. "No way! How?!"
"I saw his body on an island, so lifeless with his Master Sword and shield in hand." Pit was nodding his head gravely, leaving Big convinced while Incineroar was holding Joker back from Louie in the background. "He fought hard, but alas, he couldn't overcome...uh, whatever he was fighting."
"Oh, poor Link! He was such a good man. To think I was gonna ask him to renew Froggy and I's friendship vow." Big's voice was trembling, and Pit kept an eye on the feline as he smiled slyly.
"Yeah, it's quite the tragedy I'll say." Pit fought to contain his laughter as he watched Big's reaction, while Viridi and Kirby looked on perturbed by how gullible Big could be. "But hey, at least he's in a better place, right?"
"Yeah...yeah, you're right. Link's probably up in the sky with Hylia right about now." Big nodded slowly, wiping away a tear with the back of his paw as he returned to his table in a depressed mood. "Thanks for telling me, Pit. I need some time alone to process this..."
"For the record...my regular is 'Surprise Me,'" Louie informed Joker, his quarreling with the young man coming to an end as he stormed out of the cafe in a huff. Joker was relieved that Louie was gone, as Incineroar let go of his arms.
"That doesn't even make any...sense," responded Joker, only to later trail off when he saw Big exiting the cafe with Froggy while holding back tears. "What's up with Big?" Joker asked his fellow baristas, as Big's sandwich was left unattended.
"Beats me," replied Kirby as he was covering for Pit...who was in the corner laughing to himself. Pit couldn't hold in his laughter much longer.
After spending some time traveling through the city, Ryu and company finally decided which Seattle shopping mall they would do their flash mob at. Shulk had a lot to do with the decision-making, but a destination was selected regardless.
"Here we are, fellas...the Westlake Southcenter!" Shulk announced to Ryu and King Dedede as they stood in the middle of the shopping mall, with shoppers aplenty bustling past them. "Biggest shopping mall in Seattle."
"And no signs of I-No...yet," added King Dedede as he looked at every female shopper that walked past, unnerving some when he locked eyes with them. For just today only, King Dedede hoped to see I-No.
"Seems pretty busy today, which will make our flash mob all the more grander!" Shulk had high hopes for the flash mob, as he expected a full amount of participation from the shoppers. "Ryu, are you ready to..."
"Alright, everyone, gather around!" Ryu called out to the shoppers, raising his arms in enthusiasm. A few curious bystanders glanced over at the fighter, intrigued yet confused. "Come on, join me! Let's show the world what we got!"
"Excuse us for a second!" Shulk apologetically said to the bystanders, before pulling Ryu to the side. King Dedede, refusing to be left out, joined in on Shulk and Ryu's private conversation. "What are you doing?" Shulk whispered to Ryu.
"What does it look like, I'm trying to start the flash mob!" Ryu whispered back, wanting to strike while the iron was hot. That iron was looking pretty lukewarm, though.
"That's not how you start a flash mob..." Shulk tried not to let Ryu frustrate him, frowning as he pinched the crown of his nose. But the Homs made his bed, and he had no choice but to sleep in it.
"Okay then, Mr. Smart Guy, I'll let you take the reins. Show me how it's done." Ryu gave the floor to Shulk, leaving the Homs to start the Mochi Dance Flash Mob. The right way, that is.
"Alright, it's very simple. All you have to do is start dancing, and eventually, everyone around you will follow your lead!" Seemed like simple instructions, but Ryu didn't seem to comprehend.
"And what if they don't follow your lead?" inquired Ryu, as he imagined how awkward it would be to be the sole person dancing in a congested public space. "Would that make you look stupid?"
"No, it would mean the others are stupid," replied King Dedede, as Ryu nodded his head in full understanding. Everything was starting to make sense for Ryu.
"I see. In that case, take it away Shulk. Show us how it's done!" Ryu was ready to learn from Shulk's example, and if he got everything down pat, the flash mob would be a breeze.
"Can't guarantee that it will be a success, but we'll see how it goes!" responded Shulk, as he chose a spot in the shopping mall to dance. The spot he selected was a few feet away from a mall fountain.
Fiora: Shulk told me that he was going to be busy today. Apparently, he's going to start a flash mob...and for some reason, Ryu is involved. If it has anything to do with that dance... *giggles, then covers her mouth* ...I'm sorry, but I can't bring it up without mentioning this. *pulls out her phone, and plays a video of Dunban doing the Mochi dance* I promised him that I'd delete the video forever, but it could never stay in the trash folder for more than one day.
Shulk started doing the mochi dance, flapping his arms and moving his feet as if he were the funky chicken. So far the crowd remained mostly indifferent, going about their business without a second glance. But lo and behold, one person started to follow Shulk's lead.
"I think it's working..." King Dedede whispered to Ryu, but after doing a double-take...Dedede saw that Ryu was no longer around. Where on earth could Ryu possibly be?
"Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!" Ryu shouted as he joined Shulk in doing the mochi dance, hoping to catch the attention of passersby and inspire them to join in the fun. "Oh wait, that's not the right word...MOCHI, MOCHI, MOCHI!"
"Ryu, I didn't say you could dance yet!" Shulk shouted at the fighter as a few onlookers stopped to watch, before simply continuing on their way. The shoppers were greatly oblivious to Ryu's efforts, and Ryu felt a bit discouraged.
"Come on, everyone! Let's do the Mochi dance together! MOCHI, MOCHI!" Wiping the sweat off his face, Ryu exerted himself as he performed the mochi dance more vigorously. But instead of joining in, the crowd simply stared in confusion.
"Mom, what is a mochi?" a girl asked her mom, unsure of what to make of the strange spectacle unfolding before her. At the very least she was slightly enthralled by the dance...her mom, not so much.
"I don't know, sweetie...but this is exactly why you should never do drugs," the girl's unnerved mother replied as she took her daughter away from Ryu. As Ryu's attempts at starting a flash mob continued to fall flat, disappointment slowly settled in.
"Hey, Ryu! What are you doing?" a voice called out to the fighter, as a familiar voice rang out from the crowd. Looking over, Ryu saw his friendly rival Ken standing with Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade.
"Yes! Johnny and Sonya!" Ryu rejoiced upon seeing the aforementioned couple, as one member of the couple was more stoked about Ryu than the other. "You're just in time. Care to join me in this dance?"
"No thanks, but keep doing your thing!" replied Johnny, giving Ryu his seal of approval; Sonya groaned at her husband, much to Johnny's chagrin. "Babe, one of these days you have to stop hatin'..."
"If only there was something actually worth hating on," remarked Sonya, as the unnamed gym leader from earlier poked their head from behind a frame sign. And for those asking about this gym leader's appearance...let's just say that they're wearing an oversized yellow jacket. Ring a bell?
Waluigi's trial had yet to to start, but folks were filing into the courtroom to take their seats. Champion Link, Zelda, Fox, and Falco were chilling outside the courtroom, waiting for the big event to start.
"Should you be eating that indoors?" Zelda asked Falco,, who was still eating from his bag of popcorn. Falco angrily shushed Zelda while also being on the lookout for security.
"Don't be jealous you have nothing to snack on," replied Falco, as the avian pilot and others were soon joined by familiar company - namely Layton and Luke, as well as Detective Pikachu. But there was a fourth individual with them...Shadow.
"Good afternoon," greeted Layton, before looking at Shadow; much to everyone's surprise, Shadow was looking pretty neutral. "Guess who decided to attend Waluigi's trial today..."
"Before anyone gets it twisted, I'm doing this as a favor for Crazy Hand," stated Shadow, not wishing for anyone to think that he and Waluigi were friends. Just thinking of that guaranteed a Chaos Control at the hands of yours truly.
"We're kinda in the same boat - we're attending on behalf of Master Hand," said Zelda, surprised that Shadow even showed his face at the courthouse today. That talk earlier truly worked wonders.
"I have popcorn," Falco said to Layton and company, as he wanted to make this fact known. Just then, Shadow saw from a distance a lanky man exit the restroom...and it was Waluigi!
"I'll be right back," Shadow notified the others, before making his advance to Waluigi. The black hedgehog brushed past several folks as he reached Waluigi, who was obviously excited to see his "brother from another mother".
"Shadow! You came!" Waluigi squealed with joy when he saw Shadow, as he proceeded to hug him. Shadow felt uncomfortably being hugged, especially when everyone could see him.
"Let go of me if you truly value your life." Since Waluigi obviously valued his life, he ended the hug before Shadow had the chance to fatally harm him. "I hate that I'm asking this, but how are you feeling?"
"I'm worked up over the trial, man...what if I get kicked out of the tower if I'm found guilty! I'll never be taken seriously again!"
"To be fair, joyriding in Jacky's car as Batman wasn't a smart move...but you've got to own it and show them you're more than just causing trouble."
"But what else can I do?" Waluigi threw his arms up in exasperation, on the verge of losing it. "Everyone sees me as the bad guy. Nothing I can do to change that!"
"Then catch them by surprise. Make your case."
"Easier said than done...I'm no good with words. Only mischief."
"Turn that mischief into something positive. I'm sure you can do it." Just then, Shadow and Waluigi were joined by the man who would be defending Waluigi in court, Miles Edgeworth, as Shadow did a double take. "Is this the man who will be defending you?"
"Yes, I am the one...for better and for worse, but mainly worse," replied Miles, who was just finished with screaming his head off in the restroom. Also accrued a noise complaint or two.
"Miles will make me an innocent man, you heard it here first!" Waluigi said to Shadow, who took the lanky man's word for it as he returned to the group. Shadow was acting sheepish when he saw Layton and company looking at him curiously.
"...you all saw nothing," Shadow said to everyone in a threatening tone, pressing on to keep himself from feeling even more sheepish. Layton looked on with a smile on his face.
Mario and Cloud were encouraged by Trucy to stay at Phoenix Wright's apartment and hang around until Link and Phoenix returned. While Cloud was taking it easy and lying on the couch watching television, the ever-curious Mario was taking a gander around the apartment looking to see what he could find.
"Ooh! Phoenix's personal diary," exclaimed Mario as he held up the diary in question after snatching it from the living room table. The plumber, who was about to open the diary, saw something in his way. "Why does-a it have a lock?"
"Guess that's why they call it a 'personal' diary," Cloud replied as deadpan as possible, using the TV remote to switch the channel. Given that he had his shoes resting on the couch, Cloud had no room to criticize Mario for his lack of morals.
"I would pry this bad-a boy open, but...maybe another time." Mario placed the diary back where it was, as his eyes drifted to something else - a men's fitness magazine, with a chiseled man on the cover. "Why does Phoenix read-a Men's Fitness, he's not built for that kind of stuff!"
"Attorneys work out too - ordained or not." Suddenly Cloud was on high alert, as he heard someone twisting on the doorknob. Playing it cool, Cloud turned off the television to avoid suspicion.
"Why turn-a the TV off? What happened?" an oblivious Mario asked Cloud, who shushed the plumber as he jumped behind the couch for cover. Still oblivious, Mario watched as the front door was on the verge of being opened.
"Quick, hide!" Cloud whispered to Mario as he poked his head from behind the couch, but Mario remained his still. Counting his losses, Cloud retracted his head as the front door was opened...
...by Trucy, who was carrying a "Thank You!" bag that was presumably carrying food. Whatever was in the bag obviously smelt good, as the scent from the bag reached Mario's nostrils and almost made him smile.
"Mario! Why are you standing like that?" Trucy asked the plumber as she closed the door behind door, perplexed by how Mario was standing alone in the living room by himself. "And where's Cloud?"
"Cloud hid behind-a the couch, for whatever reason," replied Mario as he outed Cloud, who could be heard groaning behind the couch. No doubt Cloud also threw a facepalm in there. "I think he wants to play hide-a and seek."
"In this apartment? Okay...you did tell him that I was heading out, right?" Clearly Mario did not, as the plumber showed his guilt by whistling innocently. Someone had some explaining to do.
"I was gonna tell-a him...but then I had to use-a the bathroom. I was sitting on-a the toilet for so long, that I must've forgot to tell Cloud. My legs even fell-a asleep!"
"For the record, you're all out of bathroom spray," Cloud informed Trucy, as Mario felt deeply embarrassed when this fact was mentioned. Cloud considered it slight payback. "The evidence is in the trash can."
Mario: No, I didn't leave any "butt crumbs" on the toilet. For you to even ask-a me that is insulting. Peach would get on me for...Wait, you're saying that Krystal gets on Fox for that, too? Is this whole "butt crumbs" concept a guy thing? Why can't women-a do the same?
"Ah, made it home safe and sound," a voice was heard coming upstairs - and it sounded a lot like Phoenix! Now both Cloud and Mario were on edge. "Can't believe I left home without my wallet..."
"Mama Mia, he's here!" Mario quietly panicked, before looking around for a hiding spot. When he couldn't find a good one, he decided to hope behind the couch and hide with Cloud, much to Cloud's chagrin.
"Get your own hiding spot!" Cloud frowned as he grabbed at Mario, and soon enough the two were tussling with each other. The tussle spilled out from behind the couch as Phoenix opened the door, and the first thing that Phoenix saw was Mario and Cloud nearly throwing hands.
"Wh-what are you two doing here?!" Phoenix shouted at Mario and Cloud, his eyes widened in shock; Mario and Cloud ended their struggle as they both looked up at Phoenix, slightly afraid.
"Uh, hey there, Phoenix!" Mario sheepishly stood up from the floor, flashing a grin, while Cloud did the same...albeit with no grin of the sort. "We were just, uh, admiring your...decor?"
"Yeah, we never really visited your apartment before, so we wanted to check out your digs," added Cloud as he stepped forward, trying to smooth over the situation. While Phoenix could believe Cloud thanks to the swordsman's hardly-changing visage, he could easily see through Mario's nervous face.
"They just wanted to hang out and crash this place," Trucy explained to Phoenix, who was not amused as he crossed his arm. Phoenix's current expression was one of irritation, although the former attorney did look amused.
"Well, how about you give me a heads up next time instead of breaking into my apartment?" Phoenix asked Mario and Cloud, before shaking his head and pinching the crown of his nose. "Honestly, you two..."
"We didn't exactly break-a into your apartment, Trucy was here..." Mario tried to explain, only for Cloud to instinctively cover the plumber's mouth. Cloud felt more guilty than Mario did.
"Sorry, Phoenix; we got carried away," Cloud apologized to the former attorney, who couldn't help but notice that his personal diary was slightly misplaced after scanning the living room. "Really, we just wanted to see Link."
"Just promise me you won't do it again," Phoenix responded with a sigh, shaking his head in disbelief a second time as he went to his office. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get my..." Then suddenly, Phoenix stopped as he looked at Mario and Cloud. "...did you just say you wanted to see Link?"
"That's why we came-a by, to see him," replied Mario, as he was now coming clean; Phoenix held his finger underneath his chin as he flashed a grin. "We were told that he was staying with you."
"I can tell you this...Link is doing just fine. Very much in happy spirits." Hearing that was a relief for Mario and Cloud, as the men had no idea what to think after hearing Pit's recollection. Or Colonel Radec's.
"He is?! Wahoo!" Mario leaped for joy, and Cloud would express his joy...by doing a simple smirk. That Cloud, he was never that expressive. "But wait, if Link is with-a you, then where is he?"
"Let's just say that he went out to get some alone time. But now that he has a phone, finally, let's give him a call. Hopefully he knows how to video chat..."
Much to Mario's delight, Link was alive and well - no longer emotionally wrecked by the investigation that smeared his name. However, one person was convinced that Link was dead, and he was so convinced that he went to the printing room to print out obituaries. One could imagine Zero's reaction when he took an obituary out of a printer, with a portrait of Link on the front with the words "In loving memory..." written above.
"This is...something," remarked Zero as he took a gander at the freshly printed obituary in the printing room. He was later joined by Big, who was holding several copies in his hand, as Zero turned to face the feline. "Hey, Big - any reason why funeral music is being played here in the printing room?"
"I take it that you have learned the bad news," Big said to Zero, speaking solemnly as he noticed the obituary in the robot's hand. "Link...is gone." Big lowered his head, while Zero was understandably left with a myriad of questions.
"Gone? What do you mean, Big?" Given who he was learning this information from, Zero had every right to be skeptical. If Big claimed that it was going to rain today, Zero would have to ask someone else for confirmation.
"I'm printing out obituaries for him. It's the least I could do to honor his memory." Big went over to the printer that Zero stood at, as the print job was nearing full completion.
"But Big, are you sure he's...you know, gone?" Zero was unable to process the news, as Big scooped up all the copies of the obituary and neatly stacked them.
"I'm afraid so. I've been printing these out once Pit dropped the bomb on me. Poor Link..." And that was all Zero needed to hear...Pit feeding Big false information. Zero frowned as he clutched the obituary in his hand.
"So this was Pit's doing, huh?" While Big stayed in the printing room, the most somber that he had ever felt before, Zero marched out of the room to go speak with Pit. But then, he came across the buddy cops.
"Planning on reviving Link from the dead?" Toon Link asked Zero when he saw the obituary in his hands, befuddling the robot. The buddy cops were as somber as Big was. "It's not worth it. What is done is done."
"Not only that, but necromancy is illegal," added Young Link, before snatching the obituary away from Zero. All in the name of discouraging the robot from practicing the black arts. "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."
"Weren't you boys in favor of necromancy a few years ago?" Zero justifiably asked the buddy cops, only to be left unanswered as Toon Link and Young Link walked away. Shaking his head, Zero pressed onward.
Ryu was still committed to his mochi dance flash mob, and Shulk and King Dedede were each doing their part. King Dedede tried to do the mochi dance, but since he had no legs to speak of, it was hard to determine what kind of dance he was performing.
"Are you...dancing?" a random shopper asked King Dedede, who was exerting so much during the dance that he was sweating buckets. "Seems like you're just flapping your arms?"
"Don't hate, appreciate!" replied king Dedede, as the shopper carried on with their business. Just then, King Dedede saw I-No heading his way as he smiled. "Now's my chance..."
""Not allowed to play guitar in front of a Build-A-Bear Workshop...'" I-No muttered to herself, repeating what a security guard told her. "...this mall seriously needs new management. Like entertaining the little ones is a crime." The closer I-No got to King Dedede, the happier Dedede got.
"I-No! Check this out!" King Dedede called out to I-No once she got close enough, as Dedede completely phoned in his mochi dance. Looked even worse than what the random shopper witnessed. Surely I-No would be disgusted by Dedede's dancing and be compelled to break up with the fat penguin...right?
"Nice moves, Your Majesty." I-No was apparently impressed, smiling as she clicked her finger at King Dedede. The guitarist then kissed the stunned Dedede on the cheek, as King Dedede stopped dancing and fell to his knees.
King Dedede: *deep inhale* NOOOOOOOOOOO!
"Well, nothing is working," Shulk said to Ryu, done with the mochi dance whereas Ryu was still dancing to his heart's content. "The dance doesn't seem to be catching on."
"Then all these shoppers must be dumb," assumed Ryu, applying King Dedede's earlier logic as he watched shoppers pass him by. "Once the more intelligent shoppers arrive, we'll get the ball rolling!"
"Uh, sure...I'll go get a drink, you keep doing your thing." So Shulk went to the nearest vending machine he could find, while Ryu kept on dancing. Nothing could deter Ryu at this point.
"Get me some Gatorade!" Ryu called out to Shulk as he danced, as the unnamed gym leader that was spying on Ryu all day long drew near. She had a big smile on her face as she wore her oversized yellow jacket.
"Ello, 'ello, hola! Ciao and bonjour!" the gym leader greeted Ryu, who was stunned to see Iono standing in his midst. Ryu yelled as he fell on the floor, landing on his back. "It's me, Iono!"
"You fool! You're interrupting my flash mob!" Ryu got back on his feet, before cautiously looking around for any signs of a Rotom Phone. "You're not...doing a livestream, are you?"
"Not yet, but I can't help but notice your fly dance moves!" Iono was all smiles as she wrapped her arm around Ryu, her bubbly nature infectious. "What do you call it, friendo? The mochi dance?"
"Erm, yes, that is the name!" Ryu was now looking confident, under the guise that he had Iono completely hooked. "I was the one who started the dance!"
"I KNEW IT! 'Cause I heard Chun-li talking about you doing the dance, and I was totes intrigued! I also saw everybody at Omnis Adest doing the dance, and I was salty that they left me out of the fun!"
"Not very nice of them, I'll say. But yes, I was the one who created the mochi dance. I'm trying to start up a flash mob to make the dance a viral hit, but these shoppers won't get with it! They're lacking in intelligence."
"You'll need more than a silly flash mob if you wanna go viral..." Iono pointed at Ryu, poking her finger in the fighter's chest. "...you'll need something bigger! Where is a good place we can talk?"
The minutes and hours passed, and with Sonic and Blaze's help (and some of Claude's encouraging), Robin began to feel more like himself. They continued their exercise routine, and Robin seemed to regain his full vigor, almost. He wasn't exactly at a hundred percent, but he was getting close.
"I have to say, I feel much better," Robin said to Sonic, Blaze, and Claude after a jog, as the mage took the time to catch his breath. "I couldn't have done this without you two...and you as well, Claude."
"That's what pals are for!" grinned Claude, giving Robin a thumbs-up; he was awfully confident that his cheerleading from the sidelines motivated Robin and then some.
"We're glad to help, Robin," Blaze smiled softly, as a certain jackal from earlier slowly made his descent. "It's all about...balance." As Blaze turned her head, she saw Infinite staring at her and the others, menacingly as always.
"Infinite!" Sonic uttered the jacket's name, as he was looking for a fight. Well, only him, Blaze, and Claude were looking for a fight...Robin would have to sit this one out.
"We meet again, hedgehog," said Infinite, before noticing that Robin was done catching his breath. "I take it that you are involved with recuperating Robin. I can assure you that getting him back at full strength will be fruitless. Best to quit now while you're ahead."
"That's what you think!" Sonic pointed defiantly at Infinite, as he was raring to deliver a Spin Dash. "I bet you were the one who caused Robin's issues in the first place, weren't you?"
"I won't say that I was responsible. But riddle me this, Sonic...do you have a legendary Pokemon on you? Terapagos, by any chance?" Infinite held out his hand to Sonic, who hesitated as he looked down at his imaginary pocket. "Hand it over, and I'll leave you and your friends alone."
"Give us a second..." Blaze said to Infinite as she pulled Sonic aside, speaking with him in private. Robin and Claude looked on as Sonic and Blaze had their little discussion, before adjourning as they bravely faced Infinite.
"Fine, Infinite - I'll give you Terapagos," Sonic conceded, reaching into his imaginary pocket and pulling out his Poke Ball. Robin gasped as Sonic reluctantly tossed the Poke Ball to Infinite, who caught it with his hand.
"A wise choice you have made," Infinite commended Sonic, feeling powerful as he held the Poke Ball in the palm of his hand. "You have left me satisfied..."
"Wait, before you go...can you at least confirm that you have the right Pokemon?" Blaze asked Infinite, who was open to the idea; knowing Sonic, he would've switched that Poke Ball out with one containing a lame-duck Pokemon, like Magikarp.
"I shall. Terapagos, come forth!" So Infinite held out the Poke Ball, as he summoned Terapagos. Only problem though, he didn't send forth Terapagos...
...instead he sent out Pecharunt, the subjugation Pokemon that sparked the mochi mayhem. Infinite was befuddled, realizing that he just got played.
"Percharunt, Toxix Chain!" commanded Blaze, as Pecharunt summoned a bunch of toxic chains to bound Infinite with. Robin and Claude were both cheering as Infinite struggled to break free.
"Let...me...go!' Infinite demanded Pecharunt as he tried to break out of the toxic chains, but to no avail. "Whose side are you on?!"
Blaze: It's funny - after I caught Pechaurnt, it slowly became more obedient over time. Which I find odd since it was under Giovanni's control. It must've never respected Giovanni...not that I blame it in the slightest.
"Pecharunt's on the good side now!" declared Sonic, taking advantage of Infinite's plight as he Spin Dashed the jackal multiple times. The toxic chains were broken, as Infinite was left dazed and confused.
"Grr...that Terapagos will be ours, Sonic. Mark my words," Infinite vowed to Sonic, admitting defeat as he teleported away. With Infinite gone, Sonic, Robin, and Claude, celebrated by exchanging high-fives and whatnot while Blaze stayed out of it.
"For a novice Pokemon trainer, you're not so bad!" Robin commended Robin, as he had the purple cat smiling and blushing. It amused Sonic, as he rarely seen Blaze blush that often.
Waluigi's court trial was about to begin, as the jury and others were sitting in the courtroom. Everyone was chatting among themselves, as Layton, Luke, and Shadow were sitting in the front row with Champion Link and company.
"This court is now in session," the judge announced as the trial began, with the judge called the court to order by smacking his gavel. "We are here to determine the guilt or innocence of Waluigi for carjacking Jacky Bryant's car. Mr. Edgeworth, you may begin."
"Throw the book at him!" shouted Jacky, only to hush when he recognized how inappropriate his behavior was in court. Piping down, Jacky sat back in his seat as Miles stood up. Albeit with fake composure.
"Thank you, Your Honor," said Miles, looking all professional in his maroon suit as he adjusted his cravat. "I will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that my client, Waluigi, is innocent of these charges...if so God help me."
"Hey, Edgey..." Waluigi whispered to Edgeworth with a mischievous grin as he tugged the prosecutor's suit, before leaning in close to him. "...make sure to mention I wasn't even near that car. It was my evil twin in a Batman suit!"
"Yes, Waluigi, I am aware...it was your evil twin," Edgeworth sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and then looking up at the heavens. "Why on earth am I doing this to myself."
"Your Honor, I saw Waluigi with my own eyes, messing with my car!" Jacky said to the judge, having spent the entire pre-trial proceedings glaring at Waluigi. "He was dressed up as Batman while doing it!"
"That was somebody else dressed up as Batman," insisted Waluigi, only to pipe down when the judge smacked his gavel. Falco ate his popcorn, eagerly awaiting another random outburst from Waluigi.
"Thank you, Mr. Bryant," the judge nodded, before turning his attention to Miles. It was about that time for Miles to earn his bed. "Mr. Edgeworth, do you have a response?"
"Your Honor, the defense would like to call its first witness to the stand: Wario," replied Miles as he stood tall, his confidence low yet unwavering. Wario was called up to the witness stand, wearing a suit that was busting at the seams.
"If I see any of you posers laughing at me, you'll be very sorry!" Wario address everyone in the courtroom, conscious of how ill-fitting his suit was. It wasn't until he saw Mona in the crowd that the fatso softened. "Except you, Mona, you get a pass..."
"Took the photo, right?" Fox whispered to Falco, who nodded his head with a smile as he had a picture of Wario entering the witness stand on his phone. Even got some butt crack for good measure.
Wario: This was the cheapest suit I could find at Walmart, and it only ran me twenty bucks. Even by Walmart standards, that's pretty high for a stupid suit!
"Wario, can you tell the court where you saw Waluigi at the time of the carjacking incident?" Miles asked the fatso after clearing his throat, as Wario now had the floor.
"Yeah, I was inside when the stunt occurred," replied Wario, and Jacky could tell that Wario was lying though his gigantic teeth. "He never even got close to Jacky's car. Too busy being some masked caper, which I would've done a better job at..."
"False! Now that I remember it, Wario took my car on a joyride too!" shouted Jacky as he jumped to his feet, with many folks murmuring among themselves. "He should be put on trial too!"
"Order in the court! Order in the court!" the judge boomed as he smacked his gavel, bringing the noise level in the courtroom to zero. "Mr. Edgeworth, anything you would like to say about this matter?"
"I do, in fact," Miles replied with a half-hearted smirk. "We have no video evidence of the alleged incident." This was a big blow to Jacky, who looked down at the floor grunting.
"Mr. Bryant, do you have any concrete evidence that Waluigi was near your car?" The judge looked at Jacky, then at Edgeworth, as he expected the former to present anything to counter Miles's claim.
"No, Your Honor, but I know what I saw!" Jacky shook his head after a brief moment of hesitation. "There's no way the mansion's security cameras were off when Waluigi took my car!"
"Wah! That's right, since I turned off the security cameras just in case!" exclaimed Waluigi, unable to contain himself as he inadvertently spilled the beans for everyone to hear. "I'm innocent!" The so-called innocent Waluigi proudly folded his arms, as everyone gasped at the lanky man.
"Stupid idiot..." Shadow mumbled as he facepalmed at Waluigi, with the judge banging his gavel in response to Waluigi's outburst. It wasn't until later that Waluigi realized he goofed up...
"Order in the court! Mr. Edgeworth, is there anything else you'd like to say about Waluigi's confession?" the judge asked Miles, who was sweating buckets after Waluigi put him and his prosecutor in a bad spot. Miles's behavior before the court trial was now validated.
"I'm afraid not, Your Honor...I have nothing to say," admitted Miles, as Waluigi's face turned red with embarrassment. "Surely this means the nightmare is finally over..." Miles muttered under his breath, as the judge banged his gavel once more.
"Then, in light of Waluigi's...erm, confession, I hereby declare him guilty of all charges. Court is adjourned!" The judge banged his gavel once more, as Miles was slightly exasperated but now relieved. Same couldn't be said for Waluigi, quite frankly.
"Wah! I was supposed to be innocent!" cried Waluigi, falling over on the Defendant's table as he banged his fist. All the folks who were asked to attend - Champion Link, Zelda, Fox, Falco, Layton, Luke, Detective Pikachu, and Shadow - all had front-row seats to Waluigi's crying fit.
"Has he always been this pathetic?" Detective Pikachu whispered to Layton, almost wanting to feel bad for Waluigi - if only the lanky man didn't present himself as embarrassing.
"He has his good days...rarely," Layton whispered back, as Shadow was looking on shaking his head at Waluigi. Shadow's opinion on Waluigi likely didn't change after the ruling.
Louie was heated after his bickering with Joker - so heated that he even thought about burning Cafe Leblanc down. But the astronaut got his feelings in check, and returned to the cafe to ask for his usual. And much to his surprise, and delight, Joker obliged.
"French Vanilla Frappuccino, my favorite brew!" Louie sighed happily after sipping some of his coffee, as Joker looked at the astronaut with a disdain never held for any other customer. "Joker, you know me far too well."
"...I wish I didn't," muttered Joker, as Zero showed up at the cafe standing in the entrance. Joker assumed that Zero wanted some oil, but the angry look on Zero's face suggested otherwise.
"You!" shouted Zero as he pointed at Pit, who felt oddly honored as he held his hands over his chest. "You're coming with me!" Zero marched over to Pit, grabbing the angel by his arm.
"Did I win a prize? Am I going to Disney World?" Pit asked Zero, who took the angel from behind the counter and dragged his butt away. "I'm not going to Disney World, am I? Joker, Viridi...save me!"
"No thanks," Joker called out to the angel, watching as he was taken out of the cafe. Joker was even smirking as well, knowing what was in store for his co-employee.
The dust was settled in the courtroom, as Waluigi was charged a guilty man. As punishment for joyriding in Jacky Bryant's car, Waluigi was slapped with a hefty fine and numerous hours of community service. Waluigi sat alone in the empty courtroom, lamenting, Shadow, Champion Link, and Falco showed up.
"Hey, Waluigi. Tough day, huh?" Champion Link asked the dejected lanky man, who looked up and saw Champion Link and company gathered around. To have such company nearly brought a smile to Waluigi's face.
"Oh, it's you guys," replied Waluigi, who let out a sigh as he continued being miserable. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." The joy that Waluigi temporarily felt was extremely short-lived.
"We've all had our bad days," Falco injected himself into the conversation, as he was eating another bag of popcorn. Better not touch anyone with those buttery hands.
Falco: The judge let Waluigi off easy. He could've easily extended the man's jail sentence, but nope. Slapped him with a fine and endless community service. I wanted the judge to give Waluigi life imprisonment, just so I could get a kick of out of Waluigi's crying. I'd even visit Waluigi at his jail cell, and watch him cry all day long. Would've been the best entertainment ever.
"Want to talk about it?" Shadow asked Waluigi at he sat down beside the lanky man, leaning back with a sigh. Waluigi felt honored, never expecting Shadow of all people to do such a manuver.
"I just wanted to take me seriously," admitted Waluigi, letting out an exaggerated sigh as he was forced to reflect upon his past actions. "I thought the Batman suit would've helped some, but now I'm probably the butt of everyone's jokes!"
"No one took you seriously enough to even make you the butt of jokes. But why the Batman costume?"
"I thought it'd be funny. And people take Batman seriously, so I thought, why not?"
"Understandable - I dressed up as Batman once, and the kids and their parents feared me," Falco interrupted the conversation, bragging almost, and the avian pilot backed down when Shadow frowned at him.
"It's okay to feel down; everybody makes mistakes, even me," Shadow assured Waluigi as he placed a hand on the lanky man's shoulder - and boy did it make Shadow feel madly uncomfortable.
"Really? Even you mess up sometimes?" asked Waluigi as he perked up a bit, curious; if he learned that Shadow dressed up as a superhero and joyrided in another man's car, it'd make Waluigi feel so much better.
"Hate to say it, but yes. The key is to learn from your mistakes." Unable to keep his hand on Waluigi much longer, Shadow quickly retracted his hand.
"Yeah, you're right. But I just can't win with my peers! Everyone always sees me as the bad guy, the loser, the one who messes things up."
"It's not about being perfect..." Shadow looked Waluigi in the eye, and the black hedgehog was as serious as ever. "...it's about finding your place in the world and doing what you do best. You've got your own style, Waluigi. Own it...but be smart about it."
"You really think so?" To hear that from Shadow, Shadow, of all people, made Waluigi brighten his eyes with overflowing joy.
"Absolutely. And if you ever need suggestions on how to make people take you seriously, I'm here for you."
"Thanks, Shadow!" Waluigi overstepped his boundaries as he gave Shadow a big, fat hug while grinning profusely. "You're not so bad for a brother from another mother."
"And you're not so bad for a stinking troublemaker." Shadow patted Waluigi on his back, while ruefully looking at Champion Link and Falco expecting the duo to break up the hug. Neither man budged.
"Hey, Waluigi - I see you and Shadow are having a fine conversation," Layton smirked at Waluigi as he entered the courtroom, with Detective Pikachu no longer on his shoulder. Waluigi ended the hug much to Shadow's relief.
"Hello, professor - I'm decided to turn over a new leaf," said Waluigi as he stood up, puffing out his chest. "After my community service is done with, you'll see a new and improved Waluigi!"
"I'll believe it when I see it." Hearing that made Layton smile, as the detective turned to Shadow and tipped his hat to the black hedgehog. "Told you spectating the trial wouldn't be that bad."
"My fault for having low expectations," shrugged Shadow, only to frown when he felt Waluigi grab his shoulder. Waluigi was overstepping his boundaries again. "What is it now, Waluigi?"
"Do you fellas mind leaving?" Waluigi asked everyone not named Shadow, making Shadow wary about what he wanted to do with him. "Gotta tell Shadow something in private."
"As you wish," Champion Link obliged as he, Falco, and Layton left the courtroom. Shadow nervously watched the three men leave, as Waluigi sat back down in his seat.
Zelda: Professor Layton forced Shadow to give Waluigi a heart-to-heart. I don't know if what Shadow said was genuine or not, but judging by Layton's smile when he exited the courtroom I assume he got through to Waluigi somehow. *turns her head as she hears Shadow screaming* Now I hear screaming...
Mario and Cloud were gathered around Phoenix, who was trying to do a video call with Link. Much like Cloud calling the Turks, Phoenix had yet to have his call answered. But after multiple failed tries...guess who decided to call Phoenix back?
"It's him, it's-a him!" Mario squealed when he saw Link's caller ID, as Phoenix's phone was ringing in the palm of his hand. The plumber was arguably excited and he simply couldn't hide it.
"Calm down, people can probably hear you down the hallway," Cloud said to Mario, who kept his emotions in check as he held his hand over his chest. With the swipe of his thumb, Phoenix returned Link's call, as the video chat started.
"Link! Link, can-a you hear us?" Mario shouted into the phone, as Link was seen chilling at a beach. Link was situauted under a palm tree as he tried to get his phone camera situated.
"Back off, will you..." Phoenix frowned at Mario as he pushed the plumber away, before looking at Link with a big smile on his face. "...hiya Link! Hope I'm not disturbing you or anything. Some friends of mine came by to visit."
"Friends? What friends?" inquired Link, and that was Mario and Cloud's cue to join in on the video chat. Link beamed upon Mario and Cloud's faces. "Oh, hey guys! It's been a while."
"I'll say. Where the heck are you?" Cloud asked Link, under the guise that Link went on a secret vacation. If so, then Phoenix was awfully chill of the fact.
"At this place called Blood Edward Island. I came here to explore myself a little." Link got a good look at his surroundings, soaking it all in. "Kinda reminds me of Prince Edward Island."
"No one ever speaks-a of Prince Edward Island..." uttered Mario, with a thousand mile stare, as Cloud and Phoenix both looked at the plumber before exchanging glances. Whatever happened on Prince Edward Island, stays on Prince Edward Island.
Isabelle: The mansion had a brief excursion at Prince Edward Island many years ago. It was the best of times...but mainly the worst of times. We're pretty much forbidden to speak of our experiences there, according to Master Hand.
"Mario! How's everyone at the mansion been doing?" Link asked the plumber, snapping him out of his thousand mile stare. Mario shook his head, quickly coming back to his senses.
"They're doing just-a fine," replied Mario, as the mochi mayhem two weeks ago was the only major incident that he could think of. "Champion Link is filling in for you as I speak."
"And he's being useful for a change," added Cloud, as Link was very happy to hear that. Link was well aware of how much more involved Champion Link wished to be.
"Great - now he can shut up about being helpful," remarked Link, hoping to hear a good report about Champion Link when he returned. Otherwise, he'd have to reconsider his friendship with the Hylian.
"Nice tan, by the way," snickered Mario, noticing that Link's face was a bit darker than usual. Link got panicky real quick as he checked to see if he left his sleeves rolled up.
"Was that some kind of joke? Not very funny, Mario..." Link was left with a frown, as Mario and Phoenix laughed. Cloud, in typical Cloud fashion, just smirked.
Believing that he did a slam dunk job with Link's obituary, Big wished to show off his final product to Master Hand and Isabelle in Master Hand's room. Master Hand had no clue as to what the current status of Link was, mind you, so he was halfway convinced that the Hylian legitimately killed himself in response to the allegations.
"Let me see the inside, Isabelle," Master Hand instructed Isabelle, who unfurled the obituary and revealed its contents. Master Hand was lightly impressed. "Huh, looks better than expected..."
"Don't mind if I ask, but why is Pikachu doing the eulogy?" Isabelle asked Big, as she skimmed through the details of the obituary. She didn't imagine that Link and Pikachu were that close.
"He's just a placeholder name," Big replied with a shrug, as Isabelle took a second glance at the obituary and noticed that Ryu had a singing solo. Looks like someone was buying into the "Ryu can sing" hype.
"Big, is this some kind of prank?" Master Hand said, trying to keep a straight face as he and Isabelle were looking through the obituary. "This obituary can't possibly be real."
Master Hand: I can't imagine Link ever killing himself over the investigation. Maybe he couldn't get over the guilt that he was faced with. Therefore he was forced to pack it all in. That's it, that's my personal headcanon. *pauses* If Link actually killed himself.
"I'm sorry, Master Hand, but it's the real deal," affirmed Big as he took the obituary from Isabelle after she and Master Hand had seen enough. "Link is truly dead. Technically, this is all your fault."
"Trust me, Big - Link is surely alive and well," Master Hand assured the feline with a chuckle, although Big was not entirely convinced. "Probably in therapy as we speak!"
"So Link didn't die battling an evil foe?" It seemed that Big was on the cusp of figuring it out - he was so close to nailing the alley-oop. "Are you saying that the therapist killed Link? Wonder what kind of drug they used."
"Master Hand, you have a visitor!" Zero announced to Master Hand from outside, just when Master Hand was about to faceplant onto the floor. Zero entered the room...and he was dragging Pit inside.
"Darn it, Zero! You never said if it was a good visitor or a bad visitor," Master Hand scolded the robot, his expectations greatly lowered when he saw Pit being aggressively held at the arm by Zero. "Could've given up my hopes up!"
"Yeah, whatever." Zero turned to Pit, who was looking like the guiltiest man alive. "Something that you wanna say, Pit?"
"I did, but I forgot what it was," replied Pit, who broke free from Zero and tried to rush back to the cafe. But Zero grabbed the angel and kept him in place, not losing his grip.
"Out with it!" Zero smacked Pit on the back of his forehead, causing him to wince in pain. Rubbing his neck, Pit had no choice but to admit his fault.
"Got a big announcement to make...Link isn't dead," announced Pit, confirming what everyone already knew...except Big, whom Pit slowly turned his head to. "I made it all up. Sorry, Big."
"You...you...you...you lied to me!" Big pointed at Pit, his eyes widened in disbelief as his finger trembled. Shame on him for taking Pit's word as fact.
"Also, Link never enrolled in the Witness Protection Program. Nor is he on any food stamps. Not that I know of. Everything that I said about Link today, I made it all up."
"Nice of you to admit your fault," Isabelle commended Pit, as a foolish Big dropped the obituaries onto the floor and left the room. Zero released his hold on Pit, as the angel was now free to go.
"So these obituaries were part of a prank!" exclaimed a certain Master Hand, as Isabelle was unsure of what to do with the copies left on the floor. A guy like Tiny Tiger could use some new toilet paper...
"No, Master Hand - it was just a misunderstanding," affirmed Pit, who slowly backed out of the room before the thought of punishment ever crossed Master Hand's mind. "Let's just pretend that this never happened..."
Sonic went back home to the mansion an accomplished man, as he not only helped Robin get back to his normal strength but got one over Infinite. As stated earlier, Robin wasn't a hundred percent but he was on the road to making a full recovery.
"Haven't caught my breath that much ever since we did that jog," Robin discussed with Sonic in the foyer, as Sonic saw Lucina coming down the stairs. "So I thank you for..."
"Your wife's here," Sonic alerted Robin, as Lucina came to a stop wondering why Sonic called her out. "Gonna force her to call you hot?" Sonic was smirking as Robin quickly tensed up.
"Why would he do that? What is this about, Robin?" Lucina crinkled her nose, and Robin was fully embarrassed as Sonic stifled his laughter. No one would be calling Robin "hot" tonight.
"N-Nothing, Lucina! Let's just go..." Robin hastily ran over to the frowning Lucina and took her away, as Sonic burst out giggling once the coast was clear.
"See ya, hot stuff!" Sonic called out to Robin, as he brought his giggling fit to an end. The blue hedgehog was later joined by Ryu, who was back from the mall...and smiling. "Sup Ryu - what are you smiling about?"
"Iono and I had an agreement...we will be doing a Super Bowl commercial!" declared Ryu, as Sonic was shocked; Ryu collaborating with Iono for a commercial was not on Sonic's 2024 bingo card. "At last, the masses will know the mochi dance that I invented, and it shall be a viral hit!"
Shulk: Our flash mob was a no-go, but it's all good though! Wanna know why? Ryu told me about his plans to shoot a Super Bowl commercial with Iono to popularize the mochi dance, and I gave him my approval. So I will be on board, and King Dedede...I don't know about him. He's too busy crying, so I never got the chance to speak with him.
"About that..." Sonic spoke up as he was about to burst Ryu's bubble, only to hold his tongue when he saw how determined Ryu was. "...you know, you just do you, man."
"Do me, I shall! Onward I go!" shouted Ryu as he ran off to...well, who knows. Sonic ruefully shook his head at Ryu, as he heard the front door coming off its hinges by a big blast.
"Oh, hey Shadow," Sonic casually greeted the black hedgehog, who was standing on the mansion porch looking like a lump on a log. "Why the long face?"
"I only came here just to vent," explained Shadow as he stepped inside the foyer, walking over the fallen door. "Waluigi did something very stupid."
"Oh that's right, Waluigi had his trial today! What did he do that was so stupid? Tear his shirt off? Crowd surf the jury? Shook his butt in the judge's face?"
"Even worse than all those things you mentioned...he had the audacity to name ME the interim man of the mansion."
Shadow's eye twitched after he made this announcement, as there was a profound silence in the foyer. Sonic was momentarily speechless, unsure if Shadow deserved his sympathy.
"That's rough, buddy," commented Sonic, and Shadow found that word to be the understatement of the century. If not the entire millennium. "Did Crazy Hand approve of this?"
"Apparently he did when I told him," replied Shadow, whose opinion of Crazy Hand was drastically lowered. Not to say that it was ever high to begin with. "Why he couldn't say no is beyond me."
"Sucks for you, I guess. But you'll do a good job, I bet!" Sonic comfortingly patted Shadow on his shoulder, before leaving the foyer. Shadow had a thousand-mile stare going on as he contemplated his existence.
Shadow: After Waluigi named me the interim man of the mansion... *shudders* ...he also asked me to tell the others about the results of his trial. So that way they can learn from his "example". What example...
"Biggest lie I've ever heard..." Shadow muttered under his breath, as he was joined in the foyer by Master Hand. Master Hand, who had yet to hear about Waluigi's trial from Champion Link and Zelda, was delighted to see Shadow.
"Ah, Shadow! I heard that you went to Waluigi's trial," Master Hand said to the black hedgehog, hoping to hear some juicy details if there were any. "So what was the verdict? Guilty as charged?"
"Why don't you ask someone else..." Shadow was in a mood, so much so that he left the foyer without answering. Master Hand was left befuddled.
"Pfft! Who am I kidding, it's Waluigi! Of course, he's guilty..." Laughing to himself, Master Hand floated back to his room as he regretted asking what he believed was an asinine question. "...I've wasted those Hylians' precious time."
Shadow, the interim man of the mansion...that's gonna be hard for anyone to take in. Including Shadow.