(The Arena)
"Um, yeah, I said ice skating." Sailor Jupiter said, not liking where this was going. "W-Why did you ask?"
Drake's grin grew larger. "MS, if you will."
The silver star groaned as he rolled his eyes. He then moved Sailor Jupiter's platform over the Announcer's Booth. He then proceeded to explain to her while everyone else looked confused.
"...Are we REALLY doing this?" Loona groaned, slumping her arms.
"Considering what happened in Section Twelve, yes." Whip sighed, shaking her head.
By the time Drake finished explaining, Sailor Jupiter just blinked twice.
"...I mean it should be less harmful than the last time but still." Sailor Jupiter frowned.
"Aw, come on. Last time was SUPPOSED to be chaotic." Drake said, rolling his eyes.
Sailor Jupiter rolled her eyes. "Typical. Alright, fine. I guess there is no harm."
Drake gave a smile. "Thanks…"
"However…"
Drake saw a stern glare in Sailor Jupiter's face.
"NO stealing other people's items and regifting them as your own!" Sailor Jupiter scolded.
"Good grief, I won't." Drake said, rolling his eyes. "Especially since what happened to the last host."
Sailor Jupiter let out a sigh. "Alright, I am still not 100% but that is my biggest concern."
Drake smiled. "Well, MS?"
"Sure, crack the whip." The star muttered.
Drake's smile vanished as he looked annoyed. "Quit being a drama queen."
The Millennium Star rolled his eyes widened before spinning around and emitting a bright light which engulfed everyone when the light changed, the arena was changed again. Nothing seemed to change that much. EXCEPT the arena was covered with ice as if they were on a skating rink.
What caught everyone's attention was that in the middle of the arena was a large evergreen pine tree in the middle of the arena with blinking multi-coloured lights and equally bright-coloured ornaments all over the tree with a giant silver star on top. Also, the same lights were around the ropes. Everyone looked in awe.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Christmas section!" Drake cheered.
The audience went wild as the fighters slumped their arms in disbelief.
"...Really? We gotta do-a THIS!" Wario groaned.
Brio looked at Wario with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you so surprised? Drake did a Halloween section eight sections ago."
"Besides, compared to the Halloween section, the Christmas section was definitely tamer in comparison." Greymon shrugged. "So this isn't so bad!"
"Speak for yourself!" Loona spat.
Greymon winced. "O-Oh, right… You are a literal hellhound and Christmas is Jesus' birthday."
Loona looked confused. "W-What? No! We residents of hell don't mind Christmas! Some even celebrate it!"
"Really?" June asked in awe.
"Yeah, it is just that Christmas has been so commercialised nowadays that people forget that it is the birth of Jesus so celebrating it would actually seem like an ATTACK to him." Loona shrugged.
Everyone looked on in exasperation.
"No, MY issue is all of theeeeeee…"
SLAM!
Everyone winced as Loona landed on her rear. The goth groaned before rubbing her sore spot.
"...Ice." Loona muttered.
"It IS going to be harder to navigate around all of the ice." Lucario frowned. "You saw how chaotic the ice circus section was. Sure, it was also because of the circus stuff but you saw what happened to the Tales swordsman, Japanese delinquent and seal Digimon."
"True but there is a special gimmick to balance all of the ice." Drake reassured, getting everyone's attention. "Once in a while, there will be presents appearing around the area."
The fighters paused at this. They then narrowed their eyes. Drake rolled his eyes.
"Which the Millennium Star creates instead of stealing from the lockers of the fighters." Drake muttered. "Seriously, did anyone WATCH the recap show for the Tournament of Kikai? I was just as vocal as everyone else about Xero's 'gifts'!"
"Okay, so what are in the presents?" Danny asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Various items from various games to help you out." Drake offered. "What you get varies but they should help you just like they help the respective characters of that node."
Whip frowned. "...You say that but I distinctly remembered how a positive reward of the wheel had NEGATIVE consequences."
"On the OTHER hand, the same could be said for the other way around." Ray added.
"And besides, you know the old saying." Wario piped up. "It is more-a blessed to receive than to give."
Needless to say, everyone looked at Wario with exasperated faces.
"...Dude, it is more blessed to GIVE than to RECEIVE." Jake muttered.
Wario paused. "...I am sorry-a, could you repeat that in English, Japanese OR Italian?
Everyone rolled their eyes. Sailor Jupiter on the other hand blinked twice.
"You know what? The more I see it, the more I actually think that this would be a lot of fun!" Sailor Jupiter grinned.
"Glad to hear it! And thank you again for doing so!" Drake grinned.
Sailor Jupiter just nodded. "Thank you for giving me this chance!"
Even the Millennium Star couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, as long as everyone is happy… And not at our expense."
With that, he lowered the platform to the ground. Sailor Jupiter nodded before taking a deep breath and struggling to keep her balance on the ice. She actually seems to adjust almost immediately, just like Wario, Brio and Greymon. Lucario, June and Whip were not as successful but they managed to not fall down a single time in contrast to Loona, the Inkling and Ray constantly falling on their backs. Danny and Jake just looked while flying above the ice.
Ashley looked at Drake. "Happy?"
The vampire eagerly nodded. Ashley just let out a sigh of relief before giving a small smile. As long as it calms him down for even a moment.
"TOPH BEIFONG!" (NASB)
The crowd immediately started to go wild for the blind Earthbender.
…Only for them to stop when they realised that nobody was coming up.
"Umm… TOPH BEIFONG!"
Still no response. Several people started to talk among themselves in worry. Suddenly, several objects flew straight from the Entrance Curtain and flew straight into the arena. They then splattered, sending pieces and liquid all over and even on some of the fighters.
"Oh, I am sorry! I just remembered that I DIDN'T invite Toph!" Drake exclaimed. "I invited…"
"MELON LORD!"
It was then the dark-haired adolescent jumped out from behind the curtain and let out an evil laugh. Once again, the crowd went wild, seemingly louder because of that stunt. She then smirked before walking down the ground while playing to the crowd.
Meanwhile, June was one of the victims from Toph's Melon Lord act, wiping a bit of melon off of her with a grumpy look on her face.
"I am going to teach that girl some manners." June muttered.
Danny frowned. "Careful, June. Toph may have a huge ego, but most of it is deserved. I think she is genuinely one of the strongest geomancers in the entire multiverse."
"Eh. I faced worse." The adolescent girl said, waving it off.
Danny paused before shrugging. "It's your funeral."
June rolled her eyes before making her way over while trying to keep her balance. By this time, Toph was at the edge of the ramp, about to come in when she heard June coming over.
"Okay, judging from the fact that you immediately came over here before I entered the ring AND the fact that you smell a little like melon, I take it that you want to get revenge on me from my awesome Melon Lord stunt." Toph said.
"Dang straight I want to get revenge. Excuse me for not coming all of the way across the multiverse, which by the way is normally IMPOSSIBLE for me, just to get splattered by fruit!" June spat. "Besides, we are fighting on ice so you are at a disadvantage!"
Toph let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, you poor, naive non-bender. Allow me to show you."
With that, Toph finally stepped into the ring. Once in, part of the ice wrapped around her feet. June's eyes widened in awe at this.
"While it is true that earthbenders can't usually use their power on ice, that is usually because said ice has water underneath." Toph gloated.
"Oh, right… Avatar probably doesn't have indoor ice rinks." June realised.
"No, they don't! But I don't need to enter one to know that the world's best earthbender could still fight!" Toph smirked. "Now…"
With that, she "moved" forward. However, despite looking like she was controlling the ice, she still managed to stumble a bit while struggling to keep balance. She then shrieked before falling backwards. Then, ice shaped like a cushion formed behind Toph and acted her before she had a painful fall.
"I didn't see it therefore nobody else did!" Toph said, immediately. "Therefore, it never happened!"
"HEIDERN!" (KoFAS)
The blue-clad, one-eyed commander of the Ikari Warriors came out with his hands behind his back in a dignified manner. Ignoring the warm reception he was getting, he made his way down the ramp.
By the time, he stepped into the ring (while making sure he didn't stumble. Didn't want to make a bad first impression), Whip slowly skated over.
"Welcome, sir." Whip said before doing a salute. "I would stand up straight but…"
"No, it's alright. At ease." Heidern reassured. "So how is progress?"
"I can't really say seeing that I missed one section worth but at the moment, our hero group, the security team, Otane's group and the Babylon Rogues are attempting to reach the electrician office or find at least one member from Xuan Dou Zhi Wang." Whip explained.
"I see. I admit that I wanted to have the rest of the Ikari Warriors join the search but the lack of power makes it difficult." Heidern frowned.
"It is alright, sir. We have more than enough people looking." Whip offered. "We don't know what we are up against but as long as everyone in the dome knows who the real villains of this tournament are."
Heidern paused, remembering how upset Whip was before the tournament started. He then smiled.
"Yes, that is correct."
"BIYOMON!" (DRA)
The pink-feathered bird Digimon breathed in and out before looking up at the crowd to see her nodal companions cheering her on. Upon seeing Sora's warm smile, Biyomon smiled before waving back and wrapping her wings to fly straight into the arena. Needless to say, she made her way over to Greymon.
"Biyomon! Good to see that I am long enough to be in the same arena as you!" Greymon grinned.
"I know, right? This is the first time that this has happened!" Biyomon nodded. "Along with being the first type one of us Digivolved."
Greymon let out a hearty laugh. "I know, right! I don't know why it took this long for one of us to do so."
"Maybe it has to do with the fact that the last time someone Digivolved in the arena, a certain someone ended up burning a good portion of the arena and ended up getting eliminated by a normally-meek pegasus yelled at him." Biyomon retorted with a smirk.
Greymon winced at this, remembering what happened with Fluttershy. "Okay, fair enough…"
"But real talk though, while Digivolving gives us a huge advantage, it also puts a target on our back, literally and figuratively." Biyomon noted. "That is why I want to save my Smash Ball."
"Well, you don't have to worry about it at the moment." Greymon chuckled. "I am the mascot of Digimon so I got enough strength for the both of us!"
"And enough modesty." Biyomon said, rolling her eyes.
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number…FORTY!"
"BLIZZARD WOLFANG!" (Megaman X6)
The cryomancer wolf Reploid came out to a mixed reaction. The positive reception was because he had a solid design, tragic backstory and furthermore, he was a Robot-Master styled Maverick boss, something that hadn't heard the light of day in an UVR tournament until now. The negative reception was because he was from X6, one of the most unpopular games in the series (with some saying that it was WORSE than X7). His frustrating stage didn't help.
Regardless, Blizzard Wolfang was more focused on entering the arena rather than the audience reception.
"I am actually relieved that Megaman was eliminated in the last section." Blizzard Wolfang sighed. "Sure, he is technically not X, it would cause an awkward situation."
With that, he let out a loud howl before rushing down the ramp on all fours. Once in the arena, he stood up straight and walked around to see what he should do.
"Are you SHITTING me!?"
Blizzard Wolfang's eyes widened before turning to see Loona on her rear (for the third time), looking pissed.
"Why are you walking around the ice as if it was fucking NORMAL!?" Loona growled as she struggled to get up.
Blizzard Wolfang blinked twice before pointing to himself. "Um, because I am a cryomancer. Walking around ice is kind of my thing."
"Huh. I just realised that unlike the Halloween section in the Tournament of Kikai, the Christmas Mystery Fighters didn't really match with the theme." Lucario mused. "Makes sense. There are more Halloween-themed characters in the multiverse than Christmas-themed."
"You mean we will have not one, but TWO assholes immune to the ice!" Loona exclaimed.
"Um, sorry?" Blizzard Wolfang frowned.
"Fuck your apology! Come here, we are making it a three-way!" Loona spat. She then paused. "The non-sexual one, I mean!"
Blizzard Wolfang blinked twice before turning to Lucario. The Pokemon just shrugged.
"If you don't mind, then neither will I." Lucario offered.
"Um, very well." Blizzard Wolfang said, getting on all fours. "Let's begin."
"KING K. ROOL!" (SSB)
Despite coming out to the Super Smash Bros Ultimate's version of Gang-Plank Galleon and an enormous cheer, the heavyset green-scaled king of the Kremlings let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Thank Sakurai that Pikachu is gone." K. Rool muttered. "I know that I am going to go through the wringer and back when I get back to the Smash Mansion. I at least need some space in the arena."
With that, he slapped his cheeks together to get himself back in the game. He then smirked before proudly marching down the ramp as if he owned the place. He then stepped in before skating towards his target with a surprising graceful form (Donkey Kong DOES have a lot of snow levels). He then made his way over to Greymon and Biyomon.
"Well, well, well, look who has gotten a big head just because they flipped the couch for MVP of their node." K. Rool smirked.
Greymon narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me! You think you are all that and a bag of banana chips!" K. Rool taunted. "While spoiler alert: You are not! Your belly is not THAT big!"
"Oh yeah, well…" Greymon roared.
Then, he and Biyomon paused.
"Wait, what?" Greymon asked.
"You heard me! Your belly is not that big!" K. Rool shot back. He then slapped his own belly. "On the other hand, mine is much bigger and is able to tank hits more!"
Greymon and Biyomon blinked twice.
"So I am going to show you the hard way that just being a dinosaur doesn't mean you are an automatic heavyweight!" K. Rool gloated.
Greymon and Biyomon blinked twice before looking at each other.
"I always knew that K. Rool always loses to the Kongs because he always underestimates them." Biyomon said. "But I didn't think the reason for such arrogance was… Because of THIS."
The Kremling's smirk vanished as he growled. "Why you!"
"GIOVANNA & REI!" (GG)
(I do I, don't be fake)
(Keep it real)
(Keep it real)
The brown-skinned, red-haired agent sat on top of her green spirit wolf companion as the latter walked down the ramp while carrying her master.
"Well, I'll be! Just when I was thinking about how a Christmas section worked and already Santa Drake has a present gift-wrapped in the arena for me." Giovanna smirked.
Rei looked back at Giovanna before giving wolf noises.
"True. I still have my eye on Leo." The redhead shrugged. "But hey, in a multiversal tournament like this, you gotta spread your net a little wider."
(I do I, get a good vibe)
(Keep it real)
(Keep it real)
Rei then stepped into the ring where Giovanna finally got up. The former then leapt onto her master's shoulder, using her limbs and turning into a spirit. She then made her way over to the conversation between Heidern and Whip.
"Yo." Giovanna said, getting the Ikari Warriors' attention. "Are you thinking of double-teaming?"
Heidern raised a suspicious eyebrow. "We are. Why?"
"Well, if it is not too much trouble, could you hold out on that for a while?" Giovanna asked. "I wanna take on the Big Good of King of Fighters himself."
Heidern paused before looking down at Whip, who just shrugged.
"While it is rare for us Ikari Warriors to enter the arena at the same time, I don't mind not double-teaming. At least not immediately, sir." Whip offered.
"Very well." Heidern nodded before turning to Giovanna. "You have a duel."
"Great. I must admit that I always had my eye on you ever since you appeared in XIV in that skintight outfit." The brown-skinned woman smirked.
"Yes, well, I promise not to…" Heidern said. He then did a double take. "...Wait, what?"
"I mean, don't misunderstand. You were always handsome." Giovanna noted. "But DAMN, that shirt really shows off your muscles. Now if only it went down a little lower."
Heidern's good pupil shrank at this. "M-M-Miss, control yourself! I read your profile! Don't you look for the Secret Service!"
"I am off the clock." Giovanna said, matter-of-factly. "Not that I don't mind overly-serious men. It just makes me more curious what you are hiding underneath there!"
Heidern's face turned red. "S-S-See here!"
"The soldier part of me wants to reprimand her for disrespecting my commander. On the OTHER hand, I am never going to see Heidern act like this again." Whip thought. She then frowned. "Ugh, now I am thinking like Ralf. What a disturbing thought."
(Dome; Bar)
"So you didn't see anything?"
"I am afraid not…"
The group of Horkeukamui, Naesala, Lloyd Irving, Kanji Tatsumi, Claude Von Kiegan and Hibiki Takane went to the bar to ask for any intel about the staff of the restaurant about seeing the cast of Xuan Dou Zhi Wang.
"While I didn't appear in Xuan Dou Zhi Wang, I DID skimmed the characters and I would definitely remember if at least one person appeared in here." King frowned.
The group hung their heads.
"Oh, okay…" Lloyd lamented.
"Do you need any help?"
Everyone turned towards the group to see Dragaux, Larry the Lobster and Vic Vector looking vex while sitting together at a table.
"Thanks for their stupid revenge, I have to close the arcade!" Vic frowned.
"And I had to close the pool! Nagare was really upset!" Larry nodded. He then frowned. "...Well, he didn't LOOK upset. But I know he must be seeing that he loves swimming."
"AND I had to close the gym after I FINALLY cleaned it." Dragaux muttered. "Sure, it is late at night but I know that SOMEBODY would want to exercise."
"I don't doubt it with all of the meatheads here." Naesala said.
"I mean nobody is stopping you but basically we are just wandering around the dome and hotel while looking for clues." Horkeukamui frowned.
"As always." Kanji said, rolling his eyes. "I swear, I am going through what happened in the first Battle of the Luminaries."
"Hm? What do you mean, Kanji?" Hibiki asked.
"Well, when I was on the security team and most of the time, we ended up just wandering around in circles." The bleached-haired young man muttered. "What is worse is we barely managed to actually help in the end by running into Blaze the Cat by mistake."
"...Wasn't that storyline copied and pasted from the first Battle of the Luminaries with Eiji Kisaragi?" Naesala asked.
Everyone looked at Naesala with looks of disbelief.
"...Just saying." Naesala shrugged.
"But yeah, now I found out that we ended up doing the same from start to finish." Kanji muttered.
"Yeah, other than Whip, Ralf and Maxima, none of us have been in a single fight, have we?" Lloyd frowned. "I actually think that OUME'S group fought Otane's group more than us."
"It can't be helped, right?" Claude shrugged. "The leaders of both groups are the Goketsuji sisters so it is only natural that they fought them more than us."
"True…" Kanji sighed.
"Hey, welcome to the club… Again." Naesala muttered. "If it wasn't for Athena, we would have arrested the wrong guy. Or guys in this case."
"Indeed, and while we did end up in fights, Gabe is the only one that got into one related to the villain plot." Horkeukamui sighed. "We were basically on 'Karen Defence'."
"To be fair, most Karens wish they have the same strength of Wario and especially Nine." King offered.
"And when you really think about it, the Big Bad this time around is basically a group of Karens." Lloyd muttered.
Everyone paused.
"...That's… Not wrong." Naesala admitted.
"Karens or not, they are still dangerous." Dragaux scolded.
"Indeed. I don't know if it would help but let me tell you everything about the respective facility we looked after." Larry said.
"Considering that they could be anywhere, I am willing to try anything once." Hibiki sighed.
"Yes, come on, everyone! It is not fair for Athena to do all of the heavy lifting." Horkeukamui offered. "Now it is our turn."
Everyone nodded their heads before they exchanged information. As they did so, the Deadly Six looked at them from a different table.
"...What's a Karen?" Zomom asked.
"Basically Infinite with somehow even uglier hair." Zeena answered without missing a beat.
"Ohhhh…"
Meanwhile, Sora passed the bar and went on his way to the Elimination Seating.
"There you are!"
Sora raised an eyebrow before turning around. His eyes widened when he saw F.A.N.G. running over with a large shopping bag full of ethers.
"Good! I was hoping that I would find you in the Eliminated Seating but turns out, I don't need to go that far!" F.A.N.G. said in relief.
Sora narrowed his eyes before getting into a stance. "And what for?"
"There is no time! We have to go quickly before you-know-who finds me with this bag!" F.A.N.G. insisted. "Come on!"
Sora blinked twice. "H-Huh? What do you… HEY!"
That was when F.A.N.G. grabbed Sora's wrist with his free hand (while making sure not to poison the latter by mistake) and ran off dragging the Keyblade warrior with him.
(Dome; Rooftop)
Guile frowned as he made his way up the stairs to the rooftop. He then opened the door to reveal a certain nodal companion standing on top of it with the wind blowing in his hair. Guile took a deep breath before walking forward.
"Um, I got your call. You wanted to talk with me, Charlie?" Guile asked.
"Yeah, first off, I guess I should apologise for dragging you all of the way up on the roof." Nash said without turning towards Guile. "A part of me wanted to wait until AFTER the tournament but I shouldn't have to tell you how chaotic the dome is right now and I don't know when I would get the chance."
"No, no, it's alright." The family man said, stepping forward. "So what is it you want to talk with me about?"
Nash paused before turning around towards Guile with a solemn look on his face.
"...When this tournament is over, I am leaving the Street Fighter node."
Guile's pupils shrink in pure horror when he says this.
"W-What? Why!?" Guile gasped.
"Isn't it obvious?" Nash asked with a scoff. "My entire story in V was getting revenge on Bison and by extension, anyone who was associated with Shadaloo for all of the pain he put me through."
Guile frowned. "Look, I understand you are upset that you didn't get your chance at Bison. Chun-Li and I are just as upset but…"
"But what? Ignoring the fact that in 6, both Bison AND I are canonically dead, can you really call Bison the same threat that terrorised our node!" Nash shot back.
Guile winced. "That's…"
"He entered the tournament DRUNK, Guile." Nash pointed out. "It is one thing if he is someone like F.A.N.G., but this is the man who has literally ruined my life. And even if I DO finally get the chance to kill him, what good would that change?"
"Hey, come on… You know how dangerous Bison is." Guile scolded.
"Again, maybe if he was still canonically alive in 6 but he isn't and he pretty much turned into a huge joke when he sang a meme J-Pop song." Nash added. "Even if he wanted to, how would any self-respecting villain trust to follow him willingly? I think even Balrog and Vega would have second thoughts of following him."
Guile winced. "Um, well, that's…"
"I am DEAD, Guile. There is no reason to stay around. Especially since just being in my node will bring bad memories of what happened to me and what I witnessed tonight." Nash spat.
The family man frowned, trying to keep a way to convince him to stay. Sure, obviously he can't technically "live" in his node anymore but still, he couldn't just let Nash go.
"...But where would you go?" Guile asked.
Nash paused for a moment before looking to the side.
"...Cannon Spike."
Guile looked up in surprise. "H-Huh?"
"I was thinking of moving to that node." Nash repeated.
Guile paused before blinking twice. "But… Why?"
Nash took a deep breath.
"Because my fights against that spider-themed assassin and Megaman made me realise something." He said before looking at the sky. "It made me realise how much I love being in that game."
Guile stayed silent as Nash continued.
"Sure, shooting enemies while riding on rollerblades was silly, but it gave me a sense of adrenaline that I haven't felt since… Well, since I died." Nash admitted. "Darting around my opponents while firing on them. Using my moves to finish them off. In fact, it is BECAUSE of said skills that I was able to get an elimination, when I was an early elimination in the Tournament of Kikai."
"...Do you think the original characters of Cannon Spike will mind?" Guile asked.
"Well, I obviously have to ask them first. But I am 80% sure that Shiba and Simone wouldn't mind one of their old teammates coming back." Nash explained. "Besides, if I somehow come back, it would be in some kind of non-canon death match or even a crossover match."
"True…" Guile said.
"You know it is weird. I basically lost my chance to have a satisfying revenge against Bison in our node AND here and I am basically doing the equivalent of running away." Nash frowned.
He then looked at his hands.
"And yet… And yet I feel like this is the first time in a while where I could finally breathe." Nash admitted.
Guile paused for a moment. He then smiled before walking over and putting a hand on Nash's shoulder. The latter looked up in surprise.
"That's because it isn't the end. It is just a new beginning." Guile offered.
Nash paused for a moment. He then gave a small smile.
"Yeah… You are right…" Nash said.
"Look, I know you don't want to be in our node anymore. But if it is not too much trouble, can I visit YOUR new node sometimes?" Guile asked.
Nash actually looked surprised. "Are you kidding? If there are any regrets about leaving my node, it is that I would be leaving YOU!"
Guile's eyes widened. "Wait, what…?"
"After I die the first time, you are willing to go all out to avenge me." Nash said. "Even when I attacked you, you never gave up on me. I kept going back and forth because I didn't want you and by extension, your family to go through all that again."
Guile paused for a moment, realising that these weren't just the words of the surly, cynical anti-hero that appeared in V but the heroic and brave man he knew from the Alpha series.
"Charlie… Thank you." Guile said with a small smile.
"Trust me… If there is anyone who should be thanking somebody, it should be me." Nash chuckled.
(The Arena)
"PALUTENA!" (SSB)
The green-haired white-clad goddess came out to a warm reception. She just smiled warmly before waving at the crowd with her free hand while holding her staff with the other hand. She then decided to enter the ring in style.
"Lightweight!"
With that, she zoomed down the ramp at the speed of Sonic the Hedgehog before descending slowly into the ring. Because she usually floats a little bit off the ground when she moves, the ice never bothered her. By this time, Whip raised an eyebrow before frowning and skating over (while giving the awkward exchange between Heidern and Giovanna one final look).
"So you are also using custom moves from Smash 4?" Whip asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"But of course." Palutena noted. "Besides Megaman, I am the only one with unique Custom Specials."
"Yeah, but while I could 100% understand Megaman, why do YOU get that privilege?" Whip challenged.
Palutena just smirked. "Easy. Because I am a goddess so theoretically I could have ANY power so that is why Sakurai gave me the moveset."
"Ugh, I KNEW you would say something like that I am STILL annoyed." Whip muttered. "This is why I have a low opinion on angels and gods. People worship you thinking you could do all that and yet people like me and my friends have to fight WITHOUT your so-called protection."
"I sense a bit of bitterness there." Palutena noted before shrugging. "Very well. If you think I am unworthy of having twelve unique specials, then maybe you should prove it to me and by extension the world."
Whip narrowed her eyes. "Oh, I intend to."
"CHRIS!" (KoFAS)
The brown-haired boy in his early teens came out to a mixed reaction. However, he paid it no mind as he used his hand as a visor, eyeing the competition with a sweet-looking smile on his face. He then skipped down the ramp while humming a jovial theme to himself.
Once he was in the arena, Wario immediately made his way over, nearly slipping but he quickly kept his balance. Chris just raised an intrigued eyebrow.
"May I help you, Mr. Wario?" Chris asked.
"You are-a the host of Orochi, one of the hardest bosses in SNK history!" Wario exclaimed. "If I beat you, it will-a show that I am stronger than a SNK boss."
Chris paused in disbelief at Wario's logic. He then smiled and chuckled.
"Must be nice to have a small brain." Chris said, speaking with a warm tone. "Gives more room to have a more vivid imagination!"
Wario's smirk vanished as he growled. "Why you…"
With that, he lunged his fist at Chris. However, the teenager just zoomed to the side at an alarming speed, not only to avoid the attack but also trip Wario and sent him onto his face. Then, Chris scratched the back of his head with a confused look on his face.
"Wait, I am confused. I thought you wanted to show that you could beat a SNK boss?" Chris asked. "Why would you do that if I sent you on your face in the literal few seconds."
Wario propped himself on his hands and turned around to glare at the guilty party. "You are-a pushing your luck, boy!"
"DORIS!" (SSS)
Most of the crowd looked confused at the brunette purple-clad "ugly" stepsister. Not only people didn't know about her as she actually had a couple of notable scenes in 2 and 3 but rather, she was not part of the roster of Shrek Super Slam.
Despite that, she looked on with an excited look on her face. She then ran her way down the ramp while holding her dress up before getting in while trying to keep her balance. Sailor Jupiter raised an eyebrow before making her way over.
"Um, hey?" Sailor Jupiter greeted.
"S'up." Doris said, startling Sailor Jupiter with her deep, masculine voice.
"Um, excuse me, but why are you here?" Sailor Jupiter asked. "Isn't the roster for your node based on the platform fighter?"
Doris just sighed. "Yeah, I get that a lot. Shrek Super Slam actually had ports for the GBA and the DS and while I wasn't in the main console version, I was in both ports."
"Um, okay, that's cool. But doesn't that mean you don't have the same shared skills as your nodal companions." Sailor Jupiter frowned.
"Oh, don't worry about it. I actually asked Fiona to teach me." Doris reassured. "She helped me learn the Super Slam from her human form."
"Huh. I WAS wondering why your node had twenty fighters when both of Fiona's forms are in the main roster." Sailor Jupiter mused. She then smirked. "Well, I am convinced. Could you show me what Fiona taught you?"
Doris returned the smirk. "Could I? I've been waiting ever since I got the invitation for someone to ask me that!"
"NECALLI!" (SFAS)
The Aztec dreadlocked warrior let out a loud, primal roar as the crowd gave him a mixed reaction. However, it paid no mind before he ran down the ramp like a wild animal. He then leapt into the arena with a single leap and…
SLAM!
Necalli fell straight onto his face with a painful fall. He groaned before propping himself on his hands with an unsightly bruise on his face. He then tried to get up on all fours. Suddenly, said limbs started to go all over the place due to the slippery ice and he ended up falling and crashing on his face again. Several people watched him in disbelief as he struggled to get up.
"...Once again, Necalli has proven to be a jobber?" Doris muttered.
"To be fair, in this case, I think it is understandable?" Sailor Jupiter asked, scratching the back of her head.
Doris raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Think about it. When you think of Aztec, you usually think of the OPPOSITE of cold things." Sailor Jupiter pointed out. "I don't think Necalli has ever fought on ice before."
Doris blinked twice. "But he should had fought Gill and Kolin at least once."
"Well, while their cryomancy is strong, they didn't exactly freeze the entire area." Sailor Jupiter shrugged.
"Dang… Now I genuinely feel bad for the guy." Doris frowned. "Even if he was the least bit competent, he would literally eat anyone who stands in his way alive."
"Yeah, let's leave him be." Sailor Jupiter sighed. "Don't wanna hurt somebody who is literally unable to hurt anyone else."
With that, the two made their way away from Necalli who fell onto his face for the fifth time.
"LABRYS!" (P4A)
(There are miracles waiting for me)
(On the weathered road that I will tread)
(And these wonders one by one will become just a part)
(Of me I know)
(Now I know!)
The white-haired android came out wielding her giant, unorthodox and futuristic axe and the ending theme to the first Persona 4 Arena game. She tapped her weapon with a big grin.
"In a weird way, I am glad dat the second Battle of de Luminaries wasn't my UVR debut." Labrys noted with her thick Brooklyn accent. "I was still new to tuh de gaming wurld at the time so at least mawh people will know me."
(There are crazy hazards ahead yet)
(I don't really fear them as I should)
(Not that now I have unshakeable faith that inside)
(Of me the sky is shining bright)
(Just because now I know)
Being an android, Labrys stepped into the arena easily without the ice affecting her. She then made her way over to Danny and Jake.
"Heya, boys! Howahrya all doin'!?" Labrys grinned, getting their attention.
Danny blinked twice as Jake's eyes lit up.
"Ooh, is that a Brooklyn accent!?" Jake grinned.
"Oh, dis? Well, hate tuh get your hopes up but…" Labrys frowned.
"You are not an actual New Yorker but just have a Kansai accent in the Japanese version?" Jake said, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, I kinda figured it out because you are an animeish game."
"Well, as long as we get THAT out of de way." Labrys said before smirking and reading her axe. "I saw your match against de mummy, okay. Nawhmally, I try tuh hold back seein' I hit hard. A lot. But YUH look like yuh could take it, you hear me?"
Jake returned the smirk. "Oh, I hear you, alright! Yo, Danny, looks like you are going solo for a while."
Danny suddenly jerked up as if he was shaken awake from a nap. "H-Huh? Oh, sure."
Jake's smirk vanished. "Um, are you okay, man?"
"Oh, yeah, don't worry about it. Just got distracted for a moment." Danny reassured. "Just go on with your fight."
Jake and Labrys looked confused before looking at each other and shrugging. They then went off for their fight. Suddenly, Danny frowned before looking at the nearest Lakitu.
"What kind of robot engineer gave their creation an accent THAT thick!?" Danny exclaimed.
"TAKA-ARASHI!" (VF)
The heavyset Japanese sumo wrestler raised his right leg up before slamming it down on the ground, resulting in a huge tremor on the ramp. Letting out a hearty laugh, he slapped his large stomach before making his way down the ramp while traditional Japanese music played through the speakers.
Once in, he leapt in the arena with a mighty slam, making EVERYONE, even the likes of Blizzard Wolfang and Labrys fall onto their rears. Taka-Arashi then smirked before making his way over to the downed K. Rool and Greymon (with Biyomon flying looking down at her nodal companion in concern).
"I noticed that you boys are having a heavyweight duel." Taka-Arashi smirked. "Let's make it a three-way!"
K. Rool just scoffed. "Spare me. How could a normal human match the natural bestial strength of us?"
"How could I match you guys!?" Taka-Arashi asked with a laugh. "I was the only Virtua Fighter character besides Siba to get taken out of the game!"
K. Rool, Greymon and Biyomon blinked twice at this.
"Um, what kind of boast is THAT?" Greymon asked.
"Well, the name of the game in Virtua Fighter is doing juggle combos on your opponent." Taka-Arashi said.
"So?" K. Rool spat.
"So there is also a weight system. The lighter you are, the easier for you to be launched." Taka-Arashi explained.
K. Rool's good eye widened in realisation. "So that means…"
"That's right! I was taken out for being TOO much of a heavyweight!" Taka-Arashi boasted. "I was in a weight class all on my own!"
K. Rool paused before scoffing. "Your belly is still not as grand as me. Regardless, I suppose you DID get my interest. Come on, Greymon!"
Biyomon blinked twice. "Um, yeah, I see that you are busy at the moment, Greymon. I'll leave you alone for a bit."
With that, she flew off. Greymon's eyes widened in horror as he watched his nodal companion escape. He then growled.
"...Traitor."
(Dome; Item Shop)
Mel gave a small smile as she handed up a box. "Here you go, Miss."
Princess Daisy grinned as she accepted the box. "Oh, wow, you are a real Superstar! You have NO idea how worried I was that my package will not make it!"
"Indeed. I had to pull a lot of strings to get people who sort the items of Nintendo to give me the items of a late game." Mel offered. "But when I negotiated that you had a late-ish draw, they agreed to let you have the items."
"Thanks! I am also concerned that the blackout may complicate matters." Daisy added.
"Well, to be fair, this item shop is probably the ONLY place in the dome and hotel that doesn't use the main power source." Mel offered.
"Well, my draw is still a good way away but I still want to get ready ahead of time." Daisy said with a smirk. "Can't waste an opportunity like this."
Mel giggled. "Well, don't let me stop you."
Daisy nodded her head before walking her way to the door. Knuckles smiled before opening the door for her.
"Good luck, Daisy. And who knows? Maybe we will show up together and I will see the new items in action." Knuckles said.
"Yeah, maybe." The yellow-clad woman said. "Till then, Knuckles!"
With that, she exited the room. Knuckles closed the door behind her, walking towards Mel.
"I can't believe she is actually going to use items from a game that wasn't even heard of at the time of the tournament start." Knuckles said in awe.
"Oh, it is not THAT odd." Mel shrugged. "A lot of that happens at these things. In fact, the same could be said for YOUR node."
"Yeah, touche." Knuckles noted. "I am still curious how they will deal with a certain jerboa's name when he eventually gets announced."
Mel nodded at this. She then frowned.
"Hey, Knuckles?" Mel asked.
The echidna looked up.
"What do you think HE is doing right now?" Mel asked, looking worried.
Knuckles frowned. "I WANT to say that he gave up but that's wishful thinking."
"That's because it IS wishful thinking!" Mel shot back. "According to the Behind-The-Scenes DVD for the second Battle of the Luminaries, he prioritises going after my item shop despite realising that Veigue Lungberg has Soul Calibur and knowing full well of the consequences!"
"Yeah, you would think that attacking Veigue's allies at the time would end up badly for him." Knuckles groaned.
"Knuckles… I am scared…" Mel frowned, rubbing her arm.
"Mel, don't worry. Relax." The red-furred animal reassured. "We never even heard of Barbatos after Ripper and Hopper entered the shop."
"But you know the saying: The calm before the storm?" Mel reminded.
"To be fair, the storm was most likely going there. Just… Away from us." Knuckles said with a shrug.
Mel gave a bored look. "Oh, wow… I feel SO much better."
Knuckles chuckled nervously. "Look, I don't know what to tell you. Barbatos has found us once. JUST once. Even though he may have figured that we are teleporting to the item shop all over the place."
"I don't know… For better or for worse, when Barbatos has his eyes on a goal, he is actually one of the most determined people in the entire multiverse." Mel said.
"Yeah, but determination and nothing more is pointless." Knuckles shot back. "Just look at me during the Roger Craig Smith era."
Knuckles' pupils shrank as Mel blinked twice. The former then sheepishly coughed into his large fist with a blush.
"Moderately speaking." Knuckles admitted.
Mel giggled at this. Knuckles heard this and let out a sigh having mixed feelings about said reaction.
"Look. As long as we keep doing what we are doing, we should be fine." Knuckles offered before narrowing his eyes. "Besides, while Barbatos is obviously the biggest threat to YOU, let's not forget that he is not the ONLY threat in this tournament."
Mel winced. "Yes… Sorry…"
"Nah, it's alright." Knuckles sighed. "I saw what he could do in the arena. Regardless, as selected item shop owner of the Battle of the Luminaries, it is up to you and by extension, me, to make sure that this tournament is running ship shape. Especially with the blackout."
Mel paused. "Right…"
"Now come on! Even though I doubt that anyone else will ask for as many ethers like F.A.N.G. did, that doesn't mean we shouldn't restock them." Knuckles scolded.
"Yeah, that is correct." Mel nodded. "...I wonder why he needs so many. Street Fighter is a Fighting Game so they don't need MP items."
"A part of me thinks that he is up to something but considering that I heard from the grapevine that that Bison and Vega has been drinking all night before entering the arena, I don't think he is involved in a villain plot." Knuckles winced. Mel chuckled nervously. "In any case, let's restock." With that, she walked off. However, she was still looking nervous. "What are you doing right now...?"
(Dome; Eliminated Seating)
Nana's eyes lit up. "Oh, wow… I am SO jealous of everyone right now!"
"Yeah, this Christmas section looks more fun!" Popo nodded.
"Yeah, if you are decent on the ice." Kazooie smirked. "Some of the people are clearly not having a fun time right now."
"Well, I hope that Drake is serious about having the Millennium Star create gifts instead of stealing them." Peach said, rolling her eyes. "I still haven't forgiven Xero for ruining Mario's birthday present."
"I still can't get over the locker rooms now that have locks mainly to protect our stuff from the MAIN HOST." Ness muttered.
Bowser was about to give his own two cents. Suddenly, he felt a vibration. Getting out a phone, he examined it. A second later, his eyes lit up.
"Yo, Mewtwo, could you look after Lemmy for a moment?" Bowser asked.
"Sure, Bowser." The legendary Pokemon shrugged.
The Koopa King got up, Eduardo blinked twice before looking down at Vivian.
"Um, why is Senor Bowser asking Senor Mewtwo to babysit?" Eduardo asked. "Like, wouldn't it make more sense to ask Senorita Peach or Senor Chrom."
"Wait for it…" Vivian offered.
As if on cue, Lemmy got excited in his seat and leaned forward. However, he ended up leaning too much and fell over the railing. That was until Mewtwo held out his hand and prevented Lemmy from falling into the portal below with his telekinesis. Despite this, Lemmy continued to look on excited as if oblivious to what almost happened to him. Eduardo blinked twice.
"Ohh…"
By this time, Bowser had already exited the Eliminated Seating and made his way around the corner while humming "Peaches" to himself.
However, the moment he turned the corner, his smile vanished as his eyes widened in pure horror.
There was Barbatos Goetia standing in the middle of the hallway with a huge and very dark sneer on his face. In each of his arms were an unconscious Asgore and Bowser Jr. each. Bowser continued to look in horror for a while before narrowing his eyes.
"What have you done to my son and boyfriend!?" Bowser exclaimed.
"What, me? Oh, nothing. I just literally punched their lights out." Barbatos reassured. "My strength is kinda a big deal and I was able to do it easily even to a big guy like Asgore."
Suddenly, Barbatos' smirk vanished.
"...Why? What do you think I did to them?" Barbatos asked. "Could it be what you think I did… THIS?"
With that, he threw Bowser Junior into a wall like a ragdoll, making Bowser's pupils shrank.
"JUNIOR!" Bowser gasped.
"Or this?" Barbatos asked.
With that, he dropped Asgore to the ground and proceeded to stomp on him multiple times, striking him with bolts of electricity several times.
"ASGORE!" Bowser exclaimed.
"Or maybe you thought I'll do…" Barbatos sneered.
Barbatos didn't get to involve the Rule of Three as Bowser immediately charged at him like a freight train, hitting with all of his might and sending him flying backwards towards a wall before crashing into it, leaving an unsightly mark in it. He groaned before peeling off of the wall.
Only for Bowser to body slam him into said spot, making the mark bigger. Bowser then proceeded to punch Barbatos' face multiple times with a look of controlled rage on his face. Barbatos grunted in pain before kicking his foot and catching Bowser in the stomach, knocking the Koopa away from him. Despite this, he stood up straight, ready to charge again.
"I. WILL. DESTROY. YOU!" Bowser roared while spitting out spurts of fire.
Barbatos paused before getting into a stance.
"Okay, so far, so good. But here is where the hard part starts."
(The Arena)
"PRINCE!" (PI)
(Don't you ever)
(Don't you ever)
(Stop being dandy)
(Showing me you're handsome)
The white-haired cosplayer came out dressed like your classic fairy-tale prince. However, unlike said princes, he had an unflattering face which made the audience grunt in disgust. Despite this, he stood outside of the Ready Room with a confident face while holding a bouquet of roses.
"Hey, what gives!? I used Prince Charming for MY title song!" Prince Charming roared from the Eliminated Seating. "He shouldn't have that!"
"Okay, WOW, I know that your personality is as bad as your skills, Ken Masters." Rufus muttered, looking disgusted. "But even I didn't know you were THIS arrogant."
"SHUT UP!" The blond man roared at Rufus.
(Prince Charming)
(Prince Charming)
(Ridicule is nothing to be afraid of)
Prince ignored Prince Charming's request and proceeded to throw roses into the audience from his bouquet. Needless to say, the audience screamed in disgust as they fought over keeping the roses AWAY from them. Prince didn't even notice as he made his way down the ramp and stepped in gracefully.
…Before slipping on falling on his rear from the ice. Prince groaned before rubbing his rear, unknown that Brio was watching him intently. Rubbing his chin, he skated his way over. Prince saw him coming.
"Ah, is there something you wish to do?" Prince asked.
"Actually, there is." Brio smiled. "I wish to knock you down!"
Prince's smirk vanished. "Wait, what?"
Brio then threw a beaker in Prince's face, which resulted in a tiny mushroom cloud explosion which sent Prince onto his back. Suddenly, a flash of light surrounded Prince.
Then, Prince had lost a lot of weight and grew some height. Furthermore, his ugly face had turned handsome as sparkles surrounded. The audience looked in awe at what had happened. Then, Prince got up elegantly. The crowd blinked twice… Before fighting to GET the roses Prince threw into the ground.
"Ah ha! I knew it! Whenever you get knocked down, you turn into what you used to look like a few years ago, albeit only for a few seconds!" Brio grinned.
"Well, on one hand, I am pleased that you did your homework." Prince said before giving an angry look (while still looking elegant and poised). "However, I simply cannot let you attack me!"
"Oh, don't worry! First off, I am going to find out the mystery to your sudden change and then I am going to tell the multiverse, I INVENTED IT!" Brio grinned.
"What a waste… You could have used your skills for more elegant things." Prince frowned.
"GUADUA!" (RoA)
The majority of the audience looked confused a white-and-green-coloured panda with literally tree trunks for arms. Despite this, she let out a deep roar before making her way down the ramp.
"I can't believe one of the people of Xuan Dou Zhi Wang is a fellow PANDA." Guadua said in disgust. "If I ever come across that guy, I WILL kill that disgrace to pandas on the spot."
Then, Ray slid by next to her and landed on his rear. He winced before rubbing his sore spot.
"Ugh, that's it. I am going to try to fly for the rest of the section." Ray muttered. He then looked up. "Um, yo?"
Guadua blinked twice. "Yo."
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Ray said. "Who are you and which node are you again?"
"Well, I am Guadua and I am from Rivals of Aether." Guadua explained.
Ray's eyes bugged out. "Wait, really? I played the game a few times before and I never unlocked you!"
"Yeah, I kinda figured." Guadua sighed. "I am actually from the Workshop."
"Oh, yeah, I nearly forgot about that." Ray noted. "Just like Pomme, Hodan and the others?"
"Um, no, I was never an official character." Guadua frowned.
Ray blinked twice. "Then, why are you here?"
"Well, because I was actually created by Aether Studios so I AM THEIR character." Guadua said. "I… Am just a template to show how complex Workshop really is."
"Ahh… So you are just like Honey the Cat where you have a fanbase despite never being an official character?" Ray asked.
"I suppose you could see it like that." Guadua sighed.
"Well, look on the bright side. Regardless, you are still here!" Ray grinned. "You are still here!"
Guadua paused before smiling. "Yes, I suppose you are correct."
With that, she raised her arms and summoned a bamboo stalk from the ground.
"Now come…" Guadua offered. "Let's see if we could do something about being unknown to the world."
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number… FORTY-ONE!"
"KRAMPUS!" (Tokyo Afterschool Summoners)
Again, everyone looked confused as a large, muscular black lion-like creature with ram-like horns stood outside of the Entrance Curtain. Said lion frowned before hiding his face with his hooded Santa-like coat as he slowly made his way down the ramp, not liking the cold reception.
Biyomon saw him come in and frown seeing his demeanour and reminding him of HER (Or rather the 2020 version of Digimon Adventure). She then flew over to him.
"Um, hey." Biyomon said, getting his attention.
"Hey…" Krampus said.
"You look really nervous here." Biyomon noted.
"Um, yeah, it is a little hard not too." Krampus frowned. "I always had trouble making friends back home and now I have to deal with twenty-nine strangers."
"Oof…" Biyomon said before pausing. "Hey, wanna double-team?"
Krampus raised an eyebrow. "Your nodal companion."
"Um, I am… Too lightweight to help him." Biyomon said with a nervous chuckle. "Regardless, you may need more help."
Krampus looked stunned by Biyomon's kindness. "Um, thanks?"
"So judging by that coat, you are from a Christmas-themed event." Biyomon said.
"Um, yeah, I am from Santa School. It is basically a school that hosts two types of Santas: The first one is the typical Santa that gives presents to good kids." Krampus said before frowning. "The second one is a BLACK Santa that punishes bad kids."
"Oof. Well, considering the amount of spoiled brats in the multiverse, people like you are definitely a necessary evil." Biyomon offered. "Hey, in that case, how about we go up against a villain?"
Krampus paused for a moment. He then smiled. "Yeah… That sounds like a great idea."
Biyomon returned the smile. So far, so good.
"IZANAMI!" (BB)
The purple-haired goddess of death came out to a mixed reaction. However, she paid it no mind as she looked down at the arena with a bored look on her face.
"...I understand why when someone invites a node to an UVR tournament, they usually invite everyone in the node." Izanami frowned. "Even still, how insolent for the hosts for them to assume that I would want a tournament that forbids death. What utterly boring."
As she made her way down the ramp while floating a couple of feet off the ground with her golden rotating ring behind her, Krampus and Biyomon watched her.
"I think… She is the definite Big Bad of Blazblue." Krampus noted.
"Yes, she is even more dangerous than Yuuki Terumi and Relius Clover PUT TOGETHER." Biyomon said, narrowing her eyes. "And if you realise how much pieces of work those two are, that is saying a lot."
Krampus narrowed his eyes. "Come on… The sooner we deal with her, the bigger."
Biyomon nodded her head. By this time, Izanami had entered the arena and noticed the two.
"Judging by the stares in your eyes, I assume that you are foolish to challenge a goddess?" Izanami asked.
Krampus simply breathed in before slapping his cheeks together. He then removed the hood off of his head.
"Ah ha ha…"
Biyomon turned towards Krampus who had his head down while Izanami raised an eyebrow. Then, Krampus pulled his head back.
"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
Everyone jumped before turning to the laughing Krampus.
"Well, well, well, looks like someone's godhood has gone to their head and they think they get to be bad girls without any consequences!" Krampus said with a now-creepy look on his face. "Naughty, naughty, very naughty!"
"K-Krampus?" Biyomon asked, looking scared.
While Izanami was just as shocked as everyone else, she quickly went back to her bored look.
"I knew that you would be a fool to face a god but I suppose I overestimated your mental stability." Izanami frowned.
"You think being a god makes you immune from punishment!" Krampus boasted, reading a pair of claws with eerie purple energy around them. "I faced a lot of gods in my home node!"
"The gods of said node are practically lust traps for a particular type of person." Izanami frowned. "Forgive me if I have the gall to think I am better than them."
"Ooh, someone needs a long needed spanking!" Krampus sneered while doing Sentai poses. "Come on, Biyomon! I don't have any coal but I have a lot of punishment to dish out!"
Biyomon just watched with a slack jaw. "...So much for a peaceful section."
Blizzard Wolfang watched the whole thing with wide eyes. He then absent-mindedly looked at his opponents before noticing that Lucario and Loona were giving him weird looks. He then looked flustered.
"I-I-I don't have a secret psychotic side!" Blizzard Wolfang insisted.
"Are you sure? You ARE a Maverick boss, after all." Lucario struggled.
"Not judging because it would unironically be hot if you do." Loona reassured.
Blizzard Wolfang let out an exasperated sigh.
"SHIRASE!" (FEXL)
The monochrome-haired "true" form of Hokuto (also known as Bloody Hokuto in the EX games) stood outside of the Entrance Curtain with a no-nonsense look on her face. She then made her way down the ramp with only one mission on her mind. Kill Kairi: But obviously he was long gone, she had to do the next best thing.
Once in, she gave her way over to Danny who was alternating watching the fight between June & Toph and Jake & Labrys. He then saw Shirase moving forward and frowned.
"Let me guess you do not care for this tournament." Danny muttered, crossing his arms.
"You are half-right." Shirase said.
This took Danny off-guard. "Wait, what?"
"My mission is to kill Kairi so with the no-killing rule, doing this tournament is redundant." Shirase said before raising a finger. "HOWEVER, I am afraid that there are nodes much stronger than ours. So I am able to at least keep up with them, I should be able to kill Kairi easily."
Danny blinked twice.
"Out of everyone, you have the most potential for the biggest threat in the arena." Shirase said before getting into a stance. "So come."
Danny paused before shrugging. "I mean this STILL beats fighting that chronomancer and yokai so baby steps, I guess."
Suddenly, music started to play through the speakers. Several people looked up.
"Hm? Isn't that-a Merry Mountain from Mario Kart Tour?" Wario asked.
"And now… The final fighter for this section…"
"MARIO MARIO!" (SSB)
Wario threw up his hands in frustration. "Of freaking-a course! The one time I decided to show restraint and decided to NOT go after-a my nodal companions, HE comes out!"
"I mean, like it would make any difference." Chris shrugged, earning a growl from Wario.
The red-clad mascot of not only Nintendo but gaming as a whole came out to an enormous cheer. However, something was different about him. He was dressed completely like Santa Claus, complete with the cap and beard. Despite that, he let out a big smile while waving to the crowd.
Suddenly, a pair of eyes appeared on the hat. "I must say, Mario, you are a pretty good sport to agree with Drake's request to put on a Santa outfit as the final fighter of the section."
"I mean I literally-a explored the world in weirder outfits so what is entering a fighting tournament while wearing this outfit, Cappy?" Mario asked.
"Yeah, I suppose you are right." Cappy admitted. He then had a smug look in his eyes. "Then again, no matter what outfit you need to wear, it is up to ME to always help complete the outfit."
Mario's smile vanished as a mechanical device appeared on his back.
"QUERY: YOU ARE ADMITTING THAT YOU ARE A GLORIFIED FASHION ACCESSORY. WHY ARE YOU CLAIMING SUPERIOR UNIRONICALLY?" F.L.U.D.D. asked.
Cappy narrowed his eyes. "Hey! I am more than a fashion statement! I helped Mario a lot with his platforming, didn't I?"
"NOT ONLY DO I DO THAT AND TRAVEL WITH MARIO FIRST, I ACTUALLY HELP MARIO IN BATTLE IN SUPER SMASH BROS." F.L.U.D.D. retorted. "YOU ARE AN EMOTE AND NOTHING MORE."
"Yeah, well, at least there is more representation from Odyssey." Cappy snapped.
"THAT FACT IS INACCURATE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPRESENTATION FROM SUNSHINE." F.L.U.D.D. shot back.
Cappy then gave an unseen smirk. "Yeah, have you been consistent after Galaxy?"
"...CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR BEST EFFECTIVE WAY TO SMACK YOU IN YOUR…" F.L.U.D.D. started.
"Okay, that is-a enough!" Mario scolded. "Look, there is so much going on in not only the arena but also the dome. Luigi has to continue the work on the water on his own at the moment so can I ask-a you two to pretend you are friends for ONE night!?"
Cappy and F.L.U.D.D. paused before glaring at each other but stayed silent. Mario just sighed.
"Mama-mia…" Mario groaned. "I hope for-a Peach's sake that Perry and her newest ally, Stella, don't act like this."
By this time, he finally reached the end of the ramp. He was about to do one of his trademark jumps inside. But then he saw the Inkling struggling to keep balanced on the ice. Suddenly, she looked like she was about to slip and fall. Mario's eyes widened before taking off his hat.
"Cappy!" Mario shouted, throwing it forward.
"On it, Mario!" The hat shouted.
The hat was sent spinning towards the Inkling just as she was about to fall onto her back but instead she fell onto Cappy either, stopping her fall. As the Inkling sat stunned, Cappy retreated back into Mario's hand. The plumber sighed before putting on his hat companion before stepping in and making his way over.
"Are you alright, Inkling?" Mario asked, concerned.
The orange-tentacled girl looked up at Mario and nodded.
"I knew that your kind doesn't deal well with-a water so it only makes sense that you wouldn't do so well on ice." Mario frowned.
The Inkling looked sad before looking down. Mario gave a sympathetic look before putting his hand on the Inkling's shoulder.
"Don't worry, I am here now. Let's double-team for-a while and find an easy opponent." Mario offered. He then looked around. "But where do we start first?"
"Mario… O… O…"
Mario and the Inkling paused before turning to see Necalli trying to crawl towards them with a hungry look on his face.
"You are the face of gaming… So you have the strongest soul… Soul… Soul…" Necalli said, narrowing his eyes. "I will devour it anddddddd…"
That was when he collapsed on his face… For the TWENTIETH time. He then growled before propping himself.
"Okay, that's it!" Necalli roared. "After I devour the plumber's soul, I will devour the Sailor Scout… Scout… Scout…"
Mario and the Inkling blinked twice. The latter then tugged on her nodal companion's arm, getting his attention before pointing to Necalli.
"Yeah, I was thinking about him too." Mario said with a blank face.
Now that all of the fighters have been introduced for the Christmas section, it was only a matter of time before various presents appeared in the arena. They don't know what they would contain but hopefully it would help them distract them from what is going on outside of the arena.