MA: hey peeps. well, this is a sort continuation to my first two smash bros fics and i hope to make this into a series. i finally had time to work on it in the aftermath of hurricane beryl, which knocked out our power for 9 days. so i hope its something you all enjoy. so with that out of the way, ON WITH THE FIC!

A LETTER FROM MY FATHER

_

"For the love of all that is holy, can you two NOT be all sweet?" Samus Aran snapped as she watched her two closest friends strolling beside her. Or one of them was strolling. "I swear, if i wasn't immune to it, i'd have gotten diabetes."

Princess Zelda giggled at her friend's reaction. "There isn't anything wrong with a friendly walk, Samus."

"It is when you are carrying your boyfriend like a plushie"

Indeed, Sonic was in her arms, grinning like a cat who caught the canary, feet dangling off the ground. Zelda smiled as she cuddled up against his surprisingly soft quills. "I just felt like holding something soft before the matches began. Is that so wrong?"

The bounty hunter rolled her eyes at them. She didn't mind that her two friends found love with each other. She just wasn't one for public displays of affection.

Link chimed in, "Sonic, you're the fastest person in the mansion. Why are you being carried like that?"

"Hey, sometimes you gotta take things slow," the hedgehog answered cheekily. "Besides, who wouldn't wanna pass up being carried by a beautiful princess?"

"Awww, sonic! You're such a sweetheart," said princess gushed upon hearing his compliment. The hero of Hyrule shook his head while his significant other mock-gagged at the sight.

"Come on, guys. No need to be prudish," spoke Fox Mccloud. "You two aren't any better," he gestured towards Link and Samus.

"What the hell are you talking about?" snapped Samus.

"We don't do PDAs, Fox," added Link.

"But you are still very loud behind closed doors." Before either of them could offer a retort, the Arwing pilot pointed to his large lupine ears, hinting that he could hear them, even though his room was a good distance away from either of theirs.

"He's not wrong. You guys are loud when you are all lovey-dovey," spoke the last member of their group, Ness.

Samus gave him a sideways glance. "You shouldn't even be in his conversation, kid."

"I'm a psychic, Samus," the eagle land native replied. "I get psychic impressions like this stuff all the time. Especially from Palutena and Gannondorf. Those two….." the youth shuttered from remembering the thoughts he unexpectedly gleamed from the mentioned pair.

"Well that means Master Hand needs to make the rooms more soundproof by the time he remodels the mansion," said the bounty hunter. "That or you need to stop screaming."

"I do not scream!" exclaimed Link, his face turning beet red.

"Oh really? Guys." she said, motioning to their small friend group.

"DIN'S FIRE." they all said at the same time.

Link's face was awash with embarrassment. He was aware that he often made such exclamations when he and Samus were in the throes of carnal passion but he was certain that he wasn't that loud. At least, not loud enough for anyone else to hear. Those assumptions died out upon hearing his friends parrot his own words back at him. "I'll shut up," he muttered, earning a round of good natured laughs from his friends.

Suddenly, Fox stopped in his tracks as his eyes narrowed to the horizon ahead. "Guys, stop for a second." The group halted their advance upon his suggestion, noting how he seemed to be staring off into the distance. As an expert pilot, Fox's senses were much sharper than most, especially his eye-sight. It was very hard to elude his vision when push came to shove. And right now, that vision was telling him that something was off.

"What do you see?" asked Zelda.

Wordlessly, he pulled out his set of binoculars from his waist pack and brought them to his eyes. "I think there's someone in our spot," he announced. Said spot was a small hill that gave a good view of the smash mansion, topped off by a rather decently sized oak tree. It was the perfect place for their group of friends to meet up and have relaxing talks under the shade of the oak. Fox saw that someone was already there, standing under the shadows of the tree limbs.

"Can you tell who is it?" Samus inquired, her hand inching a bit closer to her security pistol on her hip.

"Can't say," he replied, "Can't see his face. Doesn't look like anyone we know."

"Could be a new smasher. The hand bros don't really tell us anything when they bring new people in," added Link.

"True. but he doesn't look like he's here to fight. Could be a visitor."

"I'll check it out," Sonic said as he hopped out of his girlfriend's arms. "I can get there faster than you guys can anyway."

"Just be careful," warned a worried Zelda, "We don't know what he can do. We don't want a repeat of Sephiroth."

The blue blur gave her his normal, confident smile. "Don't worry, babe. I'll try to be careful."

"Keyword: try."

"I know." and with a crack of air, Sonic was gone and speeding over the mysterious figure. It only took him a scant few seconds to reach the location in question and Sonic was already a bit put off. Normally, new people who weren't aware of him would be a bit surprised to see the sudden appearance of a super fast hedgehog materializing in front of them out of nowhere. But this stranger stood stock still. Unmoving. Unsurprised. This was enough to put Sonic on edge but he had to hide it behind his normal, laid back personality.

"Hey fella!" Sonic greeted with a smile. "You new here? If so, welcome to the smash mansion. I'm Sonic. Sonic the hedgehog."

"I know," was all the man said. His voice was deep and gravelly, as if an old country road suddenly could talk. But Sonic was struck with a sense of familiarity with the man. Had he seen him before? The man didn't wear anything outrageous or out of the ordinary, compared to everyone else. It was just simple dress attire: black coat, white undershirt, matching pants and shoes. Honestly, he looked less like a fighter and more like a pallbearer for a funeral.

"Have we met before?" he asked the man, circling around to see his face. It was a mess of wrinkles and scars. He looked about in his early 70s by Sonic's estimation. A large burn scar marked the left side of his face, as if someone held a hot iron over it. His hair was salt and pepper colored but still had a sense of dignity about it. A rather handsome looking mustache covered the top of his lip. And his eyes were gray and aged, like he had seen too much pain in his life. But still, somewhere in the back of his mind, Sonic still felt like he knew this man. And that unspoken part of him felt a great sense of pity for him.

"You could say that," he replied, stifling a small cough before righting himself.

"Maybe, but you really look familiar."

It wasn't long before the rest of the party joined him at the spot, all attention upon the suited older man.

"Are you a new smasher?" asked Zelda.

The man stifled another rough cough, drier and harsher than the first. It almost seemed like he was trying to cough up a lung. After clearing his throat, he spoke again, "do i look so different to you guys?"

Like Sonic, the gathered group had the same feeling of familiarity with the stranger. Like part of them was yelling at them that they know this man but they were still unsure of anything.

"Am I the only one who has the feeling of having seen this guy before?" asked Fox.

Samus nodded. "Been nagging at me since i saw him."

"Maybe he's a relative of someone." added Link.

The entire time the small group were discussing him, the man said nothing and just watched, a look of longing painting his features. Normally, anyone would've been insulted to have so many people talk about them without talking to them. But this man seemed to enjoy their reactions. Their debating his identity made him feel wistful.

"Hello, my hot bitches!"

The new voice belonged to the umbra witch herself and one of the most powerful smashers in the entire manor, Bayonetta. All eyes turned towards her as she strutted to the group of close friends. Her attire was as outspoken and grand as her personality: a lovely pearl white dress that hugged her marvelous frame, with slits on either side to show off her stocking covered legs. A pair of matching pumps adorned her feet, which she had no trouble walking in, despite the harsh ground. Long gloves covered her hands and arms as she held an elegant and very expensive looking purse. (she'd have to thank Enzo for "lending" her the money for it). Topping off the attire was a large wide brim hat that obscured most of her beautiful face, a cock smirk upon her lips.

"Well, well, well!" Sonic spoke. "It's Bayo baby!"

"Well hello to you too, rodent," she teased. "And how is your other half?"

Zelda laughed. "She is doing just fine, Bayonetta."

"I should hope so. And how about the freaky couple?" she gestured to Samus and Link. the pair glowed crimson at her words.

"You said you wouldn't keep quiet about that," growled the bounty hunter.

"Only in good company, darling. And Fox dear, about what we talked about last time….."

Fox shook his head. "For the last time, you can't borrow an Arwing. If you wreck it, it will just add on to my debts."

"Oh you are no fun. What Krystal sees in you, I'll never know."

Ness gave an enthusiastic wave to the witch.

Bayonetta smiled and returned it. "Hello, little sweetie," she greeted the boy. "Now, what are you cheeky dear up to?"

"It's about this guy," Link explained, pointing his thumb to the old man. "He seems new but…..we're not sure." unbeknownst to everyone else, the old man had subtly turned his face away from the woman, almost like he was ashamed of his own appearance.

"It can't be that hard," she said, strolling over to the man. "Now then, let's see who you…are…."

The group had known Bayonetta for such a small amount of time but had a pretty good understanding of her personality. She was confident, blunt, seductive, flirty and a total badass. She also seemed to have command of a room as soon as she walked into it, always ready with a quick comeback or comment for any situation. Unflappable in the most literal sense. So it was unbelievably out of character for her to be speechless. And yet here she was, totally at a loss for words upon seeing this nameless man.

Her mouth quivered. Her hands trembled. Her eyes seemed to be on the verge of tears. All as she looked at the man. Slowly, her gloved hand reached up and tenderly touched his face. Mainly the side of it that had the burn scar on it. The man didn't shy away from the intimate action. He should've but he couldn't turn her away. Instead, he turned into the touch and for the first time, locked eyes with the woman. The witch, upon seeing his tired gray eyes, let a single tear escape her eyes and pass her signature glasses.

"Hello, Cereza," he spoke, familiarity spicing his graveled voice.

Everyone couldn't understand the strangely intimate encounter before them. The witch's entire countenance oozed sadness, sorrow, and pity. She seemed to know who this man was and it broke her heart to see him like this. Their wordless question was answered as she uttered a single word.

"...David…"

There was only smasher in the entire manor who had that name, though it was one that he rarely used or that very few knew of. It was a name he shared with only those who he considered friends. They neve really used it around him. They preferred the name he was given when he joined a special OPS unit in his home world. A name that made him a legend. The ultimate soldier. The man who makes the impossible possible.

"...Snake…" Zelda whispered. "By the goddesses…"

'`Kept you waiting, huh?" that was proof enough. Snake always said that line when we reunited with everyone. It was sort of his catch phrase. That sealed it. This old man who looked like he had one foot in the grave was the legendary soldier and their friend.

"Are you serious?" spoke Samus. "Snake..you look so…so…."

"Old," finished Fox.

"Yeah. that kinda happens to people."

"But not this fast!" spoke Sonic. "I mean, I know time passes slightly differently between worlds but…..it hasn't been THAT long!"

"It's just that….i've reached my expiration date," she said cryptically, which didn't give his friends any real answers or comfort.

Just before any could ask anything more from him, a new voice suddenly filled the air. "SNAKE! THERE YOU ARE!"

All eyes found the source of the new voice: it belonged to a man who was running up to them from some distance away. He was dressed in a large overcoat, mauve in color, which covered a proper dress suit with matching pants and shoes. A pair of square rimmed glasses adored his awkward but good looking face. And a mat of long brown hair reached down to his shoulders. No one really said it outloud but they all shared the similar thought: this guy was a nerd. He looked like the stereotypical nerd, glasses and all. But the question also hung in their thoughts: how does a nerd like him know a legendary soldier like Snake?

He finally reached the group, breathing hard as he did. "Geez, Snake," he panted, "you didn't tell me this place was so big."

"Figured you could use the exercise."

"Oh ha-ha, Snake," he said before he noticed the assembled group. "Oh! You all must be friends of Snake." The man proceeded to give everyone a rather polite bow. "I've heard so much about you all."

"And who might you be?" inquired Samus.

"Oh I'm sorry. I almost forgot to introduce myself," he said, adjusting his glasses. "My name is Emmerich. Dr. Hal Emmerich."

The group seemed clueless as to who this man was and his relation to Snake. That is, all but Bayonetta. "Otacon. You're Otacon, aren't you?" she uttered, advancing towards the Doctor.

"Yes indeed. And judging from what I know, you must be the infamous Bayonetta. Am I correct?"

"Indeed you are. David has told me all about you," she said, extending a hand to him.

Otacon eagerly gave the taller woman a handshake. "So has he. He talks about you all the time. I must say, his words don't do you just, madam. Certainly, every bit the goddess he makes you out to be." His words earned him a muted but affectionate grunt from the legendary soldier.

"That's nice and all but someone wanna kindly explain to me what's going on here?" Spoke Fox.

"Oh I'm sorry, darlings," spoke the witch, "I don't suppose you would know. You see, this man is our dear Snake's best friend."

"Wait a second!" uttered Sonic, "You two? Besties?"

The men in question only glanced at each other before sharing a muted laugh. "Hard to believe, eh?" Said Snake.

"Almost too hard," added Link.

"Ok, mr. bestie, " spoke Sonic. "Do you know what's wrong with Snake?"

The question caused the once jovial mood of the two men to falter into a sense of fatal melancholy. Otacon looked like he wanted to say something but was unsure of what to say or how much to say. "Is there some place we can talk? In private?"

_

The group had retreated to a small dining area that was relatively private for their purposes. Snake sat at a small table, with Otacon on his left and Bayonetta sat on his right, holding his rough hand in her gloved one. Zelda, Samus and Link sat opposite of them, with the other electing to stand.

"Ok. This should be good enough," remarked the scientist. "Snake isn't one for letting others know too much about this personal life."

"So what's the deal?" asked Fox, arms crossed as he waited for the explanation to come. "There has to be a cause on why he looks so old."

Otacon cast a glance at his best friend, almost as if asking him permission to reveal what he needed to say. The old soldier gave him a small nod. Otacon had to be impressed. He almost didn't believe in the existence of a place such as the Smash Mansion, or the fact that so many warriors were brought together for the purpose of combat, via a giant disembodied hand. But what surprised him most was the fact that he had actually made friends and the fact he found a girlfriend. Seeing Bayonetta's picture did her no justice. He was almost jealous that he could land such a beauty as her but now wasn't the time for such things. These were Snake's friends. And they deserved to know the truth. He started "Exactly how much do you know about Snake's past?"

The group shared a few looks and made some comments about what they knew of him. Snake then said, "They don't know much. Cereza is the only one who knows the whole story."

"Well this will make this all the more easier."

"Just tell us what's wrong, dr. Emmerich," spoke Samus.

"I will. And Please, call me Otacon, miss Samus." he settled into his seat before he spoke again. "In order to fully understand Snake's….condition, you have to understand something about our world and Snake's nature. You see…..Snake is…..a clone."

"WHAT?!" Sonic, Fox, and Samus exclaimed in unintentional unison. Only Zelda, Link and Ness seemed to be in the dark as to what he said.

"Clone?" Zelda said, tasting the word on her lips but still nothing understanding what it meant.

Seeing her confusion, Otacon explained, "A clone is, in the most basic sense, a copy of another person. Like taking a clipping from a flower and using it to grow another flower. On a genetic level, it's an exact copy of the original but totally separate from the original."

"It…sounds unnatural," Link commented, not particularly enjoying the thought.

"It isn't. Cloning isn't exactly the most…..approved of sciences. Though I see some of you are familiar with it."

Sonic nodded. "Eggman dabbled in cloning a while ago. Tried to clone Shadow a bunch of times. After the Black Shadow incident, he just gave up on it."

"Both the space pirates and the federation did secret cloning projects. Mainly just trying to clone metroids," added Samus.

Fox added, "Cloning was the least of what Andross did back then. He's the reason cloning is outlawed in the Lylat System."

"Good to know," Otacon spoke, "You see, our world was under the manipulation and control of a secret organization called The Patriots. They were manipulating nearly every aspect of our world from the shadows for over half a century: politics, military actions, economic structures, and science discovers. All of it was dancing to the tune of The Patriots."

"Wow," said Fox. "These guys sound insidious."

"You don't know the half of it. They had agents and splinter organizations all over the world in nearly every nation in our world but the core members only numbered 6. the 6 founding members. And one of them was a man who was widely considered the greatest soldier of the 20th century. A legend on the field of battle and an icon of the age. He was the man who had the codename of "Snake" before our Snake."

"Big Boss," finished Snake.

"You mentioned him before," said Zelda. "He was the man who trained you. And the one you killed, right?"

"Yep," he answered.

"So this Big Boss guy was running the world with these patriot guys, as well as training you?" asked Sonic.

"To a point, really," answered Otacon.

"The true leader of the Patriots was a man named Major Zero," Snake explained. "All the members had authority within the group but Zero was its leader. He was also Boss' C.O. during his time as a rookie. They were…...friends. That is until the split happened."

"The split?" Asked Ness.

"Both Boss and Zero had the same overall goal: the unification of the world. But had different ideas of how to do it. Zero believed in manipulation and control over the populace from the shadows. Big Boss believed in a world where soldiers always have a place. A place where they aren't used and discarded by those in positions of powers. This led to the deterioration of their relationship, both professional and personal.

"Big Boss wasn't just a soldier. He was a icon, designed by Zero to be a symbol for the people to believe in and rally behind. But this schism threatened to end that idea. Zero was scared of Boss leaving the Patriots or even worse, using his status as an icon for soldiers to rally a force strong enough to oppose or even destroy him. So he started a project. A project that would put an end to that relationship."

"Les enfants terribles," continued Otacon. "It's French for 'the terrible children'."

"Not exactly a name that makes one feel good," said Sonic.

"Not that all, Sonic. The core of the project was the understanding of genes. Genes are the building blocks of life. Everything we are and could be is decided by our genes: eye color, hair color, height, weight, etc. but one of the Patriots, a scientist named Dr. Clark, made a radical theory: what if all the attributes that make one a great soldier could also be a result of your genes? How strong you were in battle, how well you fought under pressure, your survivability, your mental and physical toughness. And who better to test this theory on than the god of the battlefield?"

Samus absorbed all the info, probably the only one of their little group who came closest to understand what he was talking about. "I think I understand what this doctor was talking about. The chozos who raised me had a similar thought that a warrior did have warfare in their blood. At least that's what they told me."

"Sounds like those chozo knew a thing or two about genes," complimented Otacon. "Anyway, the project was set. Big Boss was sterile. He couldn't have kids at all. So they took a sample of his cells as a base. They combined it with the ovum of a japanese assistant of the good doctor. The resulting embryos were implanted in a surrogate. One of the other members of the Patriots."

"Eva," Snake said with a hint of sadness in his gruff voice. "For all intents and purposes…..she was my mother."

"Did…..did you ever meet her?" Asked Bayonetta.

"During my last mission," he answered. "We met. I didn't know who she was really until she told me. didn't get much time with her before she died."

"Aww man, Snake," said Sonic, voicing everyone's thoughts on the matter.

"From their experiment bore fruit: two twin sons. But they went even further than that. One twin was given all of Big Boss' dominant traits and the other given the recessive ones. The one who got the dominant traits was the boy who was named Eli. he'd grow up to take the code name 'Liquid Snake'. The other, as you call probably guess, was named David, aka, Solid Snake."

"And you didn't know until you two met in Shadows Moses as I recall?" asked Fox. Snake just nodded. "So what about Big Boss? What did he think of the project?"

Snake gave a small snort. "He hated it. He only found out about it when it was already underway. For him, that was the last straw. He left the Patriots after that. He created his own military force to see his dream come true. An army without borders. One that would fight for any nation and flag that would have them. The divide between him and Zero couldn't be further apart."

"Alright. I think I get everything now," spoke Link. "So what does any of this have to do with what's happening to you, Snake?"

Snake stiffled another rough cough before she spat out," as i said before, I just reached my expiration date."

Everyone was left clueless by his rather cryptic statement. It was Otacon who decided to elaborate. "The Patriots saw the twin snakes as more than just replacements for Big Boss. They were fail safes in case he decided to openly go against Zero and the Patriots. And as such, they were altered in more ways than one. For one thing, Liquid and Snake couldn't have children. That trait was erased from their genetic make-up. can't have your weapons thinking their human and spreading that 'precious' Big Boss gene everywhere."

"That's horrible!" exclaimed Zelda, nearly jumping out of her seat in outrage. "How could they just take that away from you?!"

"They didn't see us as people. Just weapons. And weapons…...don't need to have kids." Bayonetta squeezed his hand supportively as those words came out of his mouth.

"And here is where we come to it," Otacon said with a sigh. "The aging started a while ago. It was subtle at first: a few extra gray hairs here. Some achy joints there. But then it just started getting worse and worse. At first we thought it was some kind of disease doing it. But later thanks to a….friend….." the scientist appeared for the briefest of moments as he was about to break down and cry but somehow, he was able to toughen it out and continued his explanation. "...we learned the truth. Snake's cells were breaking down and aging him by design. The Patriots programmed in that his, and Liquid's if he lived long enough, cells to break down once he reached a certain age. This…..was always going to happen. Snake is in his late 30s but he looks far older. He was never going to live past 40."

There was a hard silence in the room as his friends and girlfriend absorbed what they were told. First and foremost, they felt rage against these so-called "Patriots' 'for what they did to their friend. They felt pity for Snake. He had put his life on the line to take his world and all worlds during the various conflicts that he faced alongside them. But most of all, they felt sadness for Bayonetta. They knew, despite her flirty and flighty nature, that she adored Snake. Her interactions with him through this whole mess was enough to show that her feelings for him were real.

But there was one thing that hung in the air. A question they all wanted to ask but didn't want the answer to. A question, if asked, would pull the final nail in this mess and tell them all one thing: Solid Snake was dying. In the end, it would be the one who cared for him the most who asked. "How…..how long?" asked the umbra witch.

"…...a year. Maybe two, if I'm lucky."

"There…," started Sonic. "There must be something you can do. Or any of us can do. I mean, I could browbeat Eggman to help. He always says he's the smartest guy in the world. I say let's put him to the test!"

"I still have some friends in the federation," added Samus. "I'm certain it couldn't hurt to ask around and see if anyone can help."

"And Slippy's dad is the best scientist in the whole of Lyat," spoke Fox. "I'm sure he can come up with something to help you, Snake." One by one, his friends offered aid and solutions to help him. Honestly, he was touched. Despite their different backgrounds, skillsets and even species, they were still trying to save him with all they had. But while snake was optimistic, he had to be in his line of work, he was also a realist.

"I'm sure if we all work together, he can heal Snake and save his-" started Zelda.

"NO!" he grunted out, silencing the people around. "just….no."

"But Snake, you can't give up!"

"It's alright. I'm done. I've already done all I needed to do. I've accepted it. I came here because….i wanted to say goodbye. I feel like I owe you all that."

"But Snake!" said Sonic.

Snake shook his head. "I've already made my peace with it. it's time for you all to do the same."

Bayonetta wiped a few tears from her lovely eyes but seemed a bit more accepting of it. "Well, there goes my surprise. You sure know how to bring down the mood, David."

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"I was gonna surprise you with a gift."

"You can still give it to me. I'd take anything you give me, Cereza."

"Oh trust me, darling. I'll be giving it to you in more than one way." With that, the witch took Snake's hand and placed it on her stomach.

"What are you…?" he stuttered up.

She merely smiled lovingly at him. "You've got one more good reason to live….."

some time ago…..

"You want me to do what?" Rodan yelled as he looked across from his friend and best customer. Bayonetta sat at his bar, casual as ever but very serious in her request of him.

"You heard me," she said, sucking on one of her favorite lollipops. "I want you to help me get knocked up."

The bartender gave a rueful chuckle. "Look here, Bayo. I like you well enough but don't ask me to screw you or something."

"Of course not, Rodan. Not asking you to fuck me. I just need your help to do it."

"Don't see how I can help with that. What about soldier boy?" he asked, referencing to her significant other. "He not up for the task?"

"Trust me, dear," she said with a catty smirk, "David is MORE than capable to do it."

"Then there's got to be more to it."

"Indeed. He…...doesn't have what you'd call a 'natural origin'."

The dark skinned mage arched an eyebrow behind his shades. "Genetic manipulation?"

The witch then reached into her purse and removed a small vial of red liquid that Rodan assumed was blood. "See for yourself."

Rodan took a hold of the vial and opened the top before taking a sniff. Almost instantly, he recoiled in disgust, as if someone had placed a plate of dog shit under his nose. "WWOOOOO!" he grunted out. "You weren't kidding, Bayo!" he took another cautious sniff and again, shied away from the liquid. "I don't know who it was but they did a number on your boy. I'm smelling all kinds of genetic mojo. Genome blockers. Cell mods. nanomachines. And I'm smelling a bunch of shit that I can't even ID."

"What do you think?"

He re-sealed the vial and placed it on the bar, heavy in thought to her request of him. "It's…..possible."

"That's your answer?" she asked incredulously. "Only 'Possible'?"

"Best I can do," he answered. "This is human science. A bit out of my wheelhouse. If this was something to do with Inferno or Paradiso, it would be pretty easy. But this human bullshit? I'd just be making a mess of myself."

"What would it take?"

Rodan thought for a moment, scratching his chin with his hand. "Hmmmm. The equipment would be a bitch to get."

"Enzo can handle that."

"Thought as much," he said with a smirk. "But first and foremost, I'd need some help. Someone who knows something about mojo like this. Would be even better if that person had some experience with cloning and such."

"Well, fortunately for you, I happen to know someone who knows a thing or two about cloning. Oh Mewtwo! That's your cue, darling."

And on cue, the legendary Pokemon teleported into the barroom, floating several inches off the ground. "I am here and I have heard everything," he said with confidence.

"And what do you think?"

"If mr. Rodan is as good as you said about him, then the endeavor will be more likely to succeed."

"In other words, we got this shit!"

"Excellent. I knew I could count on you two."

"This Is gonna cost a LOT of halo, Bayonetta."

"Well, then," she said as she stood up from the barstool, preparing to summon her pistols. "I go make a withdrawal."

"Hey," he called out to her as she started to strut out of the bar. "Is this guy really worth all this trouble?"

The witch stopped in her tracks and turned back to her old friend with a look far more gentle than he had ever seen. "He's more than worth it."

Present time….

"What are you saying?" uttered Snake, not able to believe what she was implying.

"Congratulations, David," she said with pride. "You're gonna be a daddy."

to say everyone around them was shocked would certainly be an understatement. There were gasps, a few laughs and some cheers. Otacon leapt out of his seat that would give Mario pause. "Is ... .is this for real? you're not joking?"

"Nope. Confirmed it with Dr. Mario. I'm 3 weeks along."

Otacon let out a loud cry of joy as he gave his best friend a hard hug from the side. "Snake! A father! you're gonna be a father!" he cried.

Snake seemed to be flabbergasted. He had always wanted to be a father. Like a proper father. But he had learned early on that he wasn't able to have kids. Hence why he and Meryl didn't work out. And yet here he was, at the end of his life, now being suddenly told that he was going to be a father. "Is.…..is it….?" he muttered, pointing to himself.

"Yes," Bayonetta reassured him. "You don't need to know the specific. Just know that this child is ours. Yours and mine. How do you feel?"

"I'm…...not sure," he tried to explain, "I'm…..happy…..."

"But….?"

"But ... .what can I do for it?"

"What do you mean, Snake?" asked Otacon.

"I may live long enough to see it born but.…..I won't be able to raise it with you, Cereza. A child needs a father. And what good can a dead man be?"

"Don't think that way, Snake," said Otacon, "Just be glad that a piece of you will be out there in the world. That's more than enough."

"Maybe but..…..i want to leave something for them. Something to teach."

"You could write a letter," suggested Bayonetta.

"I'll do you one better," spoke the bounty hunter. "How about a holo-message? Beats pen and paper."

"Wait a second," said Otacon, "You have access to holographic tech?"

Samus simply nodded. "It's pretty common where I'm from."

"Wow. I'd like to study it sometime," he said, letting his inner nerd come out for a brief moment. "But I guess that can wait."

"What do you say, David? let's give our little one a message from daddy."

"Hmmm," he grunted. "Suppose it's better than nothing." There was a small chorus of cheers as they found some light of hope in Snake grim future.

"Hard to believe he's not gonna be here anymore," Sonic said as he relaxed on his favorite spot in the complex: Zelda's lap. They sat under their tree, enjoying the sun, with Sonic's head resting comfortably in his girlfriend's lap. There would be some time before everything would be set up for Snake's message so they decided to relax and process everything that happened. "Still can't wrap my head around it."

Zelda lazily stroked his azure quills. "I understand. I always thought that Snake would be too tough to die. And we learned more about him today that we have in all the years he's been here," she lamented.

"To think he was a clone and treated so poorly too."

"If those monsters who created him were still alive….." she said with an unusual level of venom in her voice.

"Never seen you be so...vindictive, Zelda."

"I know. it's just...its not fair. Snake's a hero. He didn't deserve to have his life cut so short."

"I know what you mean. I mean, dealing with Eggman is one thing but I'd still deal with ol' widebutt than those so-called Patriots. At least not without giving them a proper beating for all they did to Snake."

"Now who sounds vindictive?" she joked.

"Just sticking up for a friend, babe."

the princess let out a sigh. "And to think they would take away his ability to be a father."

Sonic shook his head. "Cruel bastards."

"Everyone should at least have the choice of being a parent or not. No one deserves to take that away from someone."

"Just another reason I need to give those Patriot bastards a good clobbering!" he said, swinging his gloved hands in the air, causing his royal lady to laugh, which she greatly needed. That's why she loved him so much. He knew just what to do or say to lighten her mood.

"Have you ever thought about it?"

"What?"

"kids. Being a parent?" she asked. She wasn't trying to force the issue. She was merely curious since the topic never came up.

Sonic took a contemplative gesture. He never really considered the question before. "Hmm," he muttered. "Never really thought of it. Always been on the move, you know? Going from one place to the next. Seeing where my speed takes me. And kicking butt. But you know...….that doesn't sound too bad. Having a little version of me running around. But I'd have to be in the right mood and..." he looked up at her lovingly. ".….and the right woman."

"Oh really? So you wouldn't mind if said lady was.…...Amy?"

"That's not funny, Zelda!" he said, holding his stomach in laughter.

"Come on! Think about it! Nice pink and blue hedgehog kids."

"Stop!" It was her turn to make him laugh and she was glad for it. Zelda wanted to do something for his mood as she had done for hers. "Ok, princess smartass. What about you? Want some kids yourself?"

It didn't take her nearly as long as him to decide. "I'm royalty. It's my duty to not only lead my kingdom but to also keep the royal bloodline going. So having kids is something I'm expected to have. Not that I haven't offer it before."

Sonic arched his eye. "Offered? Someone tried to get with you?"

"A few members of the hylian nobility," she answered, "Mostly men who were old enough to be my father or stuck up snobs who think they can become a future king by just being male and noble," she said with a ting of hostility in her voice.

"I could always come to Hyrule and tear up their stuff. They wouldn't be able to catch me," the hedgehog offered, getting another laugh from the girl.

"No, that's ok. I've dealt with Gannondorf for many lifetimes. I can deal with some stuffed shirts. But there is one way to get them off my back."

"Do tell, my princess."

"Well...….." she stared down at the person who caught her heart and ran away with it. "I could always take a consort."

"What's that?"

"It's like a...…...royal lover. They wouldn't be king or anything. But they would be the father of my children, if it came to that."

"Really now?" he asked, as she gently stroked his stomach. "And what does one do to become a royal consort?"

"I'll tell you one day."

"Now that's just not fair," complained Fox as he watched Ness moving some of the heavier holo-equipment with his immense psychic power.

"Work smarter, not harder," the kid said to the ace pilot.

"Don't complain," said Samus, as she and Link carried other pieces of the needed equipment. "Just be glad you aren't carrying it yourself."

"I know. Makes me wish I had psychic powers."

"What about krystal? Could she lift some of this stuff?" inquired Link.

Fox shook his head. "She's not the same kind of psychic as Ness and Mewtwo. She's more about feelings and impressions than moving stuff around. Falco asked her a bunch of times to 'learn to move shit'. She kicked him in the balls for that."

The others guffawed at the mental image of the legendarily arrogant bird pilot being humbled. "Wish I could've been there to see," said Samus.

"Yeah. Me too. I needed that laugh," said Link. "Especially with what we have to do."

"I hear ya, link," said Fox. "Solid Snake a clone. And dying. Just when I thought I'd seen it all."

"I just hate that Snake went through all that."

"That's just it, Link," spoke Samus, "People who dabble in that stuff rarely care about the beings they create. Just results. In some ways, the federation and the pirates are alike."

"Sounds like you've had first hand experience," said Fox.

The bounty hunter nodded. "Found a secret clone lab at a research station during a mission. They were cloning metroid. Even though cloning was illegal in the federation."

"Dirty business all around."

"But at least Snake gets to be a dad," spoke Ness. "That's a win right there."

"True. But it's a shame the kid won't have their father around," said Link.

"That's why they will have us," offered Fox. "A child should have a good support system. Especially….when they lose their parents."

"Yeah," Samus added. It was clear that this was a shared feeling between the two of them, what with Samus' parents being murdered by space pirates and Fox's father being betrayed by one of his own teammates. They had both secretly made their minds up to help Bayonetta raise her child in place of Snake, as a favor to them both.

"Say Fox," spoke Link, "You ever want to be a dad?"

"Of course," he answered. "I've always wanted a family. At least after pay of the Great Fox and retire from this merc work and all. Maybe become an instructor or something."

"With Krystal I expect?" asked Samus.

"...…...if she will have me," he answered, somewhat unsure of it himself. He did care a great deal for the Vixen but part of him worried that he might be unworthy of her, even if everyone around him felt different. "What about you, Link?"

"Me?" he said, glancing a bit at Samus as he thought about the question. "well...…...maybe...….i mean..…... .i wouldn't be opposed to fatherhood. But really, I'm not sure if I wanna think about it right now."

"Makes sense. And you, Samus? Wanna be a mommy someday?"

Now, Fox and Ness were facing forward so they could see her face but Link surely did. He noted the look of longing that arose on her face. A terrible sadness filled her eyes, if only for a moment. She was normally tougher and more reserved than this but any kind of mention of motherhood brought out this reaction from her. On reflex, her hand gripped her right arm. It was in that arm she was given the metroid vaccine that allowed her to combat and defeat the X parasites. The vaccine was made from the last remaining cells of a metroid. But not just any metroid. It was the baby. It had no name. She just knew it as "the baby". It was the closest she had ever come to being a mother. And losing the baby had affected her more than often let on. Twice now, the baby saved her life and she regretted never truly being the mother it needed before dying. "I...….don't know," was all she uttered. Fox glanced back to inquire more but Link caught his attention and silently told him to not press her any further.

"Fair," was all he said, respecting the privacy of a fellow space merc. "And you, Ness?"

"Don't really think about it. Once I'm older, I'll tell you," he replied with his normal optimism. The others were always in some kind of awe of him. He was the youngest smasher, gifted with immense psychic powers and faced horrors that would cause most of them to go insane. And yet he has remarkably remained normal and sane. He was probably the one person none of them had to worry about him or his future. It was enough to brighten their mood as they made their way back to the mansion.

"Kids are the future, right?"

Solid Snake was not having a good time.

By the time the gear was set up for his message, he was sadly in the midst of one of his now normal coughing fit. Bayonetta sat next to him, patting his back as he cough harshly. It was rather disturbing to them all. They never seen Snake sick since he had been going there. He was always this stoic wall of professionalism and hardened strength from a lifetime of service. And here he was, dying and sounding like he was about to upchuck a lung.

"There, David. Just cough it," Bayonetta whispered in his ear, offering her own support during this time.

Just then, Otacon came rushing back into the room. "Hang in there, Snake!" he said. In his hand, he had a small gray syringe which he jabbed into his friend's neck without hesitation. After a few moments, Snake's horrid cough slowly began to peter out and soon all but stopped. It was replaced with Snake's heavy breathing, as he tried to catch his breath. Otacon wiped his forehead in relief. "Thank goodness."

"What is that?" asked Zelda, pointing to the syringe.

"A special type of enzyme that interacts with the nanomachines in Snake's blood. it's the only way we have to stabilize his condition. But….it's becoming less and less effective over time. Soon, it won't be able to help him at all."

"Is that all?" asked Samus.

"What do you mean?"

"If that's all you need to do to keep him from coughing, then I might have something back in my gunship. It's part of basic first aid kits in federation marine units. It's mainly used to help deal with exposure to planets with hazardous atmospheres."

"Samus, I…..told you…." Snake gasped out.

"I know you said you didn't want us helping you find a cure but I can at least make your life a bit easier. And don't give me that stoic soldier bullshit, Snake. I'm not gonna sit back and just let you suffer like that. You get me?"

Link smiled to himself. Samus may seem like she's cold and distant but really, she does care for her friends deeply. It's part of why he loved her so much. Snake wanted to say something back to her but the bounty hunter wasn't going to let it drop. And neither was anyone else around him. "Fine. I guess I could try it."

"Good boy," said Samus.

"Well, it's certainly gonna be some weight off my shoulders," Otacon said. "So are we ready?"

"We can wait until he gets his air back."

Snake felt like a metal gear was sitting on his chest. His pride wouldn't let him say it outright but he was glad for her suggestion. His lungs were on fire and his heart felt like it wanted to break out of his chest. In a word, he felt like crap and he wasn't sure he could go through with it. But seeing so many support him gave the soldier the strength to push through. Plus, he wanted to look as strong as possible for his child to see. It was bad enough that he was gonna look so old to them. He didn't want them seeing him all kinds of sick.

"Otacon….."

"Hmm?"

"I…...have a favor….."

The scientist grinned. "I think I have an idea about it."

"Hmmmph. Think you know me so well?"

"Well, I'd have to, you know. Who else could deal with your stubbornness?"

Snake pulled out his own smile. If you told him all those years ago that that lovelorn nerd who pissed his pants on Shadow Moses would become his best friend, he'd say you were insane. Even though they had very little in common, they were able to connect with each other on a personal level. Snake couldn't honestly say he would've been able to do the things he does and has done without Otacon at his side. "Still, I wanna say it. Otacon….can you looking for my kid? Keep an eye on them. If they are gonna be anything like me…..they are gonna need someone like you."

"Snake, on the soul of my sister, I do whatever I can for your child," he punctuated his promise with a pat on his shoulder. Snake knew how much Emma meant to him, so he knew he was serious about it.

"And what am I, chopped liver?" quipped Bayonetta.

"Nope. you'd be hamburger. Tasty and all."

The witch smiled at his joke and gave him a tender kiss on his scared, wrinkled face. "Such the charmer, David. it's no wonder I let you slide up in my guts."

Snake gave a grunted laugh. "Just being myself. Just wanted to say…...thank you. For doing this for me. And just…..sticking around this old killer for as long as you have."

"Well we killers have to stick together. And I don't plan on leaving your side for a good long time."

"That goes for all of us, Snake," said Sonic, as the other nodded in agreement. Whatever time he had left, he was gonna be around friends and loved ones.

"I think I'm ready."

"Good. let's let him have the stage, Dr. Hal."

the pair left Snake alone in his seat, as he sat up straight and strong, praying and hoping that his fits were done for now. As he watched Samus and Fox program and prep the holo-gear, he began to wonder about what he was going to say. Here was a man who had fought giant walking tanks, vampires, super soldiers, robots, tanks, fought his father and brother, and saved the world on more than one occasion. And yet, he never felt so nervous from simply recording a message to a person who wasn't born yet. He always fought for the future and now he was going to talk to the future.

"Ok, Snake," said Samus. "We're ready."

"Ditto."

And with a pointed finger, she signaled that the recording had begun.

Hey, kid.

My name is david. But everyone calls me Snake. And I'm your father.

And I'm sorry to say this but by the time you see this, I'll be long dead. I'll probably see you come into this world but…...i won't be able to see the rest of it. I won't hear your first words. See your first steps. Help you learn to ride a bike. Or see you open presents on your first christmas. I won't be able to do all the things a father is supposed to do for their children. And for that…..i'm sorry. You may hate me for that and I accept it if that's what you feel.

I…..didn't have a regular childhood. I didn't have parents who loved me. Or wanted me. So I know how it feels to not have that presence in your life. So I'm making this recording to let you know something. Something that I wished someone would've told me when I was growing up.

I'm…happy that you are alive. I thought that I would never be a father because of how I was created. That is, until your mother came around. She literally moved heaven and earth to ensure that you could come into the world as my child. I had a brother. His only regret was never being able to leave anything of himself behind. I didn't understand what he felt back then but now I do. There is….something special about knowing that there is someone in the world with your blood running around in it. You will become my legacy. Not as a soldier. Or anything like that. But just…...and my child.

And you are gonna have a bunch of folks to care for you. you'll have an aunt with red hair who will tell stories about me like I'm a legend or something.

An uncle who probably can't control his bowels but is as tough as nails.

A teacher who will see that you will not grow up as a weapon and teach you a thing or two about tracking. And maybe the sword if you want.

Another uncle who will seem like a nerd but I love him like a brother. So listen to him as much as you can.

You'll have others to watch for you. And if I'm right, you'll have a bunch of cousins to play with in the near future.

But most of all, you will have a mother who will love you so much. So you watch out for her for me, you hear?

I don't know what kind of world you'll live in but I hope it was a better one that I'm leaving. I fought hard to create a better world for you and those kids to live in.

but if there is one thing you can take away from this message, it's this: no matter what person you grow up to be, just know…...that I love you. Your father..….loves you.

Take care, kid.

_

Francine shut down the holo-message as soon as it ended. And so she sat in the common room of the smash mansion. Given some time alone while she listened to the message from her father, now long dead.

"Pika-pi!"

She looked down through her glasses at the Pikachu who skittered into the room and smiled with her hand out. "Hey Ocelot," she said as he came over and ran his cheek against her gloved hand. "Worried about me?"

"Pi-pi,"

"Thank you."

When her mother told her about this message, Francine, or Franky to her friends, wasn't sure how to react. To be able to see and hear her father was something she had given up on when was around 10. outside of the stories that her uncle Hal and Aunt Meryl had told her, she didn't know him. The stories weren't enough for her. She wanted to know about him as a man. And now, she got her wish and she felt something stir in her. A feeling she was missing nearly her entire life: the love and pride of a father.

She rose from the couch, feeling the familiar feeling of her black and great sneaking suit that was gifted to her by Master Raiden on her 14th birthday. That and the HF blade she practiced with on a daily basis. People often said she took a lot from her mother but that was only in appearance. She had short raven black hair like her mother and a mole under her right eye but her eyes were notably gray, like her father's. But that's where the similarities to her mother stopped. In terms of personality, she was the total opposite of her: reserved, stoic, with a dry sense of humor. Indeed, she was more like her father than anyone knew. And that even including her choice of combat style. She favored CQC over magic spells. It didn't matter much to Bayonetta. She just wanted her daughter to decide her own path in the world, even if it meant she didn't want to be a witch.

"Come on. let's get some air."

"Pika!" Ocelot chirped happily as he followed along behind her as she walked out of the common room. Ocelot didn't belong to Franky in any way, since she wasn't a trainer. He had just grown attached to her over the years and enjoyed her company. So much so that he let her name him. The name was from someone whom her father fought many years ago and based on what she learned about him, she thought he was pretty badass.

Franky exited the mansion and spotted her friends, or in some cases, people she considered siblings. The one thing she was thankful for was all the other kids that she grew up with at the mansion. Her father was right in that regard: she was never lonely.

Her walking was stopped as a familiar gust of wind and azure blue around. All of it heralding the arrival of one of her best friends.

"Franky!" Princess Sonia said, stopping right in her face. "You're back!"

"That was obvious, Sonia," she replied. Sonia was a ball of energy and excitement. Something she got from her adventurer of a father. Her long blue hair made her stand out immediately in the crowd. She was certainly a royal beauty like her mother, The queen of Hyrule but that cocky smile was all her father's. "So? Details!"

"Geez, Sonia. Let her breathe first."

The new voice belonged to Sonia's "little brother", Adam. Which was strange since he was not only older than her by a year but they weren't even related. But as early as she could remember, Sonia insisted on calling him her little brother. It annoyed him at first but he just adapted to it. Fitting since he did inherit his mother's chozo-enhanced genes, thus giving him a strong and fit body. Adam looked much like his father but with longer blonde hair, tied in a high ponytail. "I just want to know what was in the message," Sonia said excitedly.

Even though they weren't alike very much in terms of personality, they were a good count balance with each other. Franky didn't want to be around folks who were just like her. She's serious enough for everyone. She thought for a moment about what she could say about her father. "He was...…... .handsomer than I thought," she said plainly.

"Handsomer?" questioned Adam. "You thought he was handsome?"

"Nothing wrong with a girl thinking her father is good looking. I know my Daddy is the best looking daddy in all the world." Sonia beamed as she thought of her father.

"hehehehehe. The princess has a good point as always."

next to them appeared the most powerful of the children, the demi-god Illandros. He always had a habit of just appearing and vanishing on a whim. It befitted him, given his father was the king of bandits. He also possessed a cunning that wasn't unlike his goddess of a mother. He was handsome in a devilish sort of way, with his tanned skin and long red hair with streaks of emerald. "My mother always said father had a sort of.….evil attractiveness to him," he smirked.

"Your dad was evil, Ill," said Sonia. "How can evil be handsome?"

"You'll just have to ask my mother, my princess." Sonia hated when he tried to be charming with her. Mostly because it was very close to working on her.

Another friend joined the conversation. "So what was he like? And keep the handsome details to yourself." Kitsune "Kit" McCloud stood there, waiting patiently for the details of the message. She had dull red fur, brought on by the mixing of the tones of both of her pilot parents. Our outfit was a modified uniform for the StarFox unit but only with the signature gray jack being wrapped around her waist.

"Well, he was..….gruff. Almost mean in a way. Like a guy who wouldn't tell you his life story if you had a gun to his head. But there was...…...warmth about him. Like he cared too much about people around."

"Sounds like what dad used to say about him," Kit replied. Just then, a small blonde haired, blue haired human child teleported next to her leg. The foxy pilot looked down at him and said, "Care to add your two cents, Switch?"

"My dad shared some of his memories of Snake with me," she said, speaking with a level of intelligence that was in stark contrast to his age and appearance. "His view of him was mostly hero worship. I couldn't make a logical assumption about him. At least not with more data.

Kit grinned at his intelligence as she rubbed his blonde hair. "That's what our resident big brain has to say."

"My dad sparred with Snake a few times." This voice belongs to the second youngest of their group, Kei-long. The aspiring martial artist took a lot after his legendary fighter of a father when it came to looks. The only thing he got from his mother was that his personality was a bit more gregarious and open to others. Franky had never met his mother. From what she heard, she was some kind of cop in his world but she was called the strongest woman in the world. "He's said that his style was similar to uncle William's. Compact, tight and effective."

"That could be taken so in the wrong way, Karate boy," jabbed Illandros.

"Hey. that's not what I meant!"

"Ignore him, Kei. he's just being a jerk today," spoked Adam.

"BE JOYFUL, MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS!"

that voice belonged to the easily the happiest member of their little friend group. Santino "Sunny" Mario, prince of Sarasaland and world class adventurer, jumped down into the group with his inherited jumping ability. His bright yellow shirt and blue overalls made him as bright and sunny as his nickname. He very much favored his mother in facial features and color. The small clanking of his beloved rapier, bean cutter, preceded his arrival. "It should matter not how or why Francine gets to see her father. It should only matter that she gets to see him at all," he said in his thick italian accent.

"You really think so, Sunny?" Franky asked.

"My dear sister, I can not tell you how to feel. That should be something that you would have to work out yourself. But just know that I and all of your fellow siblings will be here to support you." even the most jaded and hardened among them couldn't help but crack a smile at this. Sunny just had a way to make everyone feel better and happier than they were. It is a gift that even the most social of people would kill to have. "Now then, all of this talk of fathers has made me hungry. We shall feast together!"

Sonia's stomach began to growl. "Huh. You know, I am a bit starved. I could really go for some chili dogs."

"Chili dogs aren't very regal, Sonia," remarked Illandros, getting a raspberry from said princess.

"screw off, twi-dork. I can eat as I want!" she said before burning off towards the mansion's dining room. The child of twilight loved riling her up before lunch. She had such interesting reactions that he enjoyed seeing. He then took to the skies and followed after her.

"Come on now! We can not let them get a head start!" Sunny chirped as he grabbed Kei-long by the color and leapt away.

"I CAN MOVE FINE ON MY OOOOOOOOOOWN!" the martial artist screamed and they soared through the skies, Sunny laughing all the while.

Switch looked up at Kit for a moment. Said vixen snapped her eyes down to him and the two seemed to be having a wordless discussion. Fitting since the two were the only ones of their group who had telepathic powers, so it was very likely they were conversing. Only in their heads. Kit smiled and nodded at the boy before she ran after the others, followed by a floating Switch.

"You coming?" Adam asked.

"You go on ahead. I just need to think about things."

Adam reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder before looking her right in her eyes. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here for you."

a caring smirk rolled on Franky's face as she patted his hand. "I know. And thanks." he gave her a nod before heading off to meet up with the others, leaving Franky alone with Ocelot curled around her leg. Her friends were supportive but this situation was something she needed to sort out on her own. Well, not entirely on her own. There was someone she could talk to. Someone she could always talk to.

_

Franky stepped onto the god floor of the Smash Mansion with respectfulness. Even though Palutena, Rosalina and her mother were not there right now, she always had a healthy respect for the floor reserved for those smashers with god-tier powers. And the one person she needed to talk to would be here, though he would never consider himself a god. "Hello? Are you here?" she called out to a seemingly empty room. After a few moments, she felt a familiar buzzing in the back of her neck. That was the telltale sign that he was there and he was making his presence known.

Mewtwo descended from the starlit ceiling and float down right in front of her. Ocelot shied away from him a bit, still very much intimidated to be in the presence of a legendary pokemon such as he. "Hello child," the psychic type spoke with his own mouth. He knew that Franky didn't really like conversing psionically, so he made a habit of always using his mouth to speak with her.

"Hello, Mewtwo," she greeted.

"Would you care to have a seat?" he offered, pulling over a chair for her to sit in.

"Thank you," she said, sitting in the provided seat.

"Is there something on your mind, child?" he asked as he sat in mid-air.

"How did you guess? Did you read my mind?"

He shook his head. "No. I respect your privacy too much to read your mind like that. I just know you well enough."

Franky laughed a bit. "I suppose you do." Ocelot leapt into her lap and started to relax.

"What's wrong?"

She sighed to herself. "I saw….the message."

It didn't take much for Mewtwo to realize what she meant. "I see. I knew this day was coming."

"Yeah," she said, stroking the yellow fur of the pikachu in her lap. "Seeing dad for the first time. Never thought I'd see the day."

"And how does that make you feel about him?"

"you know….i think I hated him when I was younger. Not just for not being there for me but…...for mom."

"Why your mother?"

"I used to ask questions about him when I was younger. Lots of questions. I mean, who doesn't want to know where they come from. But….when I did, mom would start to tell me about him but then she just got choked up...and started crying. I didn't understand it. I just thought he broke her heart or something. Even when others told about him, all I knew was 'he hurt mom'. And I just…...hated him for leaving."

"But that has changed?"

She nodded solemnly. "seeing his face and hearing his voice. I understand now. Mom still loves him. that's why she gets upset. She…...misses him. And now I see why. He didn't want to die. He didn't want to leave mom…...or me. I know that now."

"And you feel shameful for having such feelings." the girl nodded. "Do not feel shameful, child. There is nothing wrong with feeling anger. It is natural. But it's when you hold on to that anger unreasonably that it becomes shameful. The fact that you let go of that anger once you understood your father shows you are maturing."

"But I still have questions. Like…..would he be proud of me? Of who I am? Of who I became since he recorded that message?"

Sensing her uncertainty, Mewtwo levitated down to her level and touched her cheek with his tail. "Francine, do you know why I aided your mother in your conception?"

Franky pondered his question for a few moments. "because…..you owed her a favor?" she guessed.

The pokemon shook his head. "Because I understood Snake and how he felt. Like him, I am a clone. Created by those who wanted to use me for their own purposes and didn't care about my feelings, or my wants, or my desires. And like Snake, I too am unable to sire offspring. I am Mewtwo, child. I am the only Mewtwo. And once I am gone, there will be no other Mewtwo to follow me. I will have no biological legacy to leave behind. But when Bayonetta came to me with her plan, I saw this as my one chance."

"Chance?"

"To have some say in the creation of another life. To have a hand in siring a child. Even if indirectly. And then you appeared. I watched you learn and grow into the person you are today, with no small amount of pride, like a father. I don't presume to assume such a title as being your father, but…...if Solid Snake feels even a tenth of the love and pride I feel for you, then he loves you very much and is very proud of you."

Franky leaned into his tail and brushed away a few errant tears from under her glasses. she's known Mewtwo for as long as she can remember. He was always a caretaker for her. Almost like a nanny of sorts. She always felt comfort and safety around him, despite how intimidating he looked. She knew he cared for her but to think he felt such parental feelings for her meant the world to her. "Thank you, Mewtwo. For…...everything."

"Think nothing of it, child. Now, would you like something to drink?"

She looked down at Ocelot, who had long since fallen asleep in her lap. With a grin, she answered, "Yes. I think I'd like that."

TO BE CONTINUE IN:

SMASH KIDS: THE RISING DARK

_

so what did you think? what did you think of the children of the smashers? how they sounded creative enough. if you are interested, i actually have pics of them all. not sure how or where i can upload them. but if you want to see them, let me know and i'll figure out a way to do it. so until next time.

LATER FICCERS!