Everyone continued to look confused at Luigi's sudden request.
"Wait, you want us to announce the first fighter of this section BEFORE you make your decision?" The Millennium Star asked.
"I know, it has never-a been done before." Luigi said. "But I promise that it is actually related to-a my stage choice."
Tumble blinked twice before looking at his phone to see who was the first fighter. However, once he did, his eyes lit up before showing it to the Millennium Star. The silver star eyes's lit up as well, somehow even MORE than Tumble.
"Well, since you put it THAT way, I think we could make an exception." Tumble chuckled before clearing his throat to announce the next fighter.
Then, all of the lights went out, startling everyone.
"And now, we will announce the first fighter of the section." The Millennium Star's voice announced.
Tumble's face immediately fell as he glared at the Millennium Star. "Oh, wow, we are really doing this, aren't we?"
The party host just continued on as if ignoring Tumble. "She is one you must rival for the Beauty Stamp. She is one who puts the power in flower power! She is one who strikes with charged crystals!"
Luigi gave an exasperated look. "...In hindsight, we should-a had seen that coming."
"I… Present… To you…" The Millennium Star said.
"PRINCESS DAISY!" (SSB)
The yellow-clad brunette princess came out to a decent cheer as yellow petals rained down. Despite having an introduction that was comparable to Captain Olimar's in the Tournament of Kikai, she was too busy being excited, jumping up and waving to the crowd before shaking a few hands.
As she did so, the Millennium Star watched with sparkling eyes. Tumble looked at him in disbelief.
"And you were previously scolding me for fanboying over King Dice." Tumble muttered.
The Millennium Star turned towards Tumble with a confused look. "Oh hey, Tumble, didn't you see there? Were you saying something?"
The die blinked his eyes before closing them. "...Nothing important."
By this time, Daisy was done showboating as she grabbed her dress before rushing down the ramp before doing a big leap.
However, instead of landing in the arena, she lashed at her hand. Suddenly, something that looked like the head of a Piranha Plant shot while being connected by a vine. Said head went toward the platform Luigi was on and bit a corner, resulting in a burst of orange petals. Suddenly, Daisy was propelled toward the platform before leaping up it. Once she did, she wrapped her arms around Luigi, nearly making her stumble off the platform.
"Oh, Luigi, I am SO pumped that we get to enter the same arena together!" Daisy cheered, rubbing her head against her boyfriend. "I got so jealous when Peach and Mario got to double-team in the Tournament of Kikai!"
Luigi chuckled nervously. "Y-Yeah, same here."
"Woah, woah, woah, WOAH!"
The mismatched couple looked down to see Falco stepping over.
"I have been dealing with you Mario folks all of the way in Melee and I NEVER seen ANYONE of you use a Piranha Plant-like grappling hook, let alone Daisy!" Falco pointed out.
"Are you sure? Mario DOES have a lot of games so maybe it is from one of the more obscure ones." Tentomon suggested.
"Dude, if I remember that Mario has to rescue Peach by becoming a literal pinball and hitting them against the SECOND time the series pulled out an Egyptian-theme Koopa, I think I would have remembered that grappling hook!" Falco retorted.
As everyone looked confused by Falco's comment, Daisy just grinned.
"Woah-oh, looks like it is MY turn for an odd announcement!" Daisy boasted, alerting everyone's attention back to her.
She then looked towards a nearby Lakitu and gestured at them to come close. The cameraman raised an eyebrow at this but otherwise obliged.
"Gaming world, no, multiverse, I present to you…" Daisy smirked. "The prince of the Flower Kingdom!"
Everyone looked confused at this. Then, the Lakitu noticed a green dot hop from Daisy's shoulder. He then adjusted his camera to zoom in on it.
…To show on the screens a small green caterpillar-like creature with a red regal cape and a large (at least for them) orange flower-like crown on his head.
"Greetings, multiverse." The caterpillar said before doing a bow. "I am Prince Florian from Super Mario Bros Wonder."
Kao blinked twice before scratching the side of his head (earning a grumble from the Eternal Gloves.) "Um, what?"
"Oh, I have no doubt you never heard of it." Florian chuckled. "It has been announced AFTER the invitations for this tournament have been sent out."
"Wait, so you are from an unreleased game!?" Sabrewulf gasped with his eyes bugging out. "Are you even allowed to be here!?"
"I mean to be fair, if he wasn't, Daisy wouldn't be able to buy the items of said game from our shop." Knuckles shrugged.
"Wait, really?" Vivi asked, surprised.
"Yeah, for Mel, it was a little harder than usual but she managed to said items." Knuckles explained.
"Um, okay, what but the flark does that have to do with Daisy?" Rocket asked.
"Because I am a playable character in Wonder!" Daisy smirked.
Everyone's eyes bugged out at this.
"Woah, really!?" Gemini gasped.
"That's right! Besides the mobile game, Super Mario Run, this is my first official appearance in a platformer!" Daisy grinned.
"Woah, congratulationsssss!" Moe smiled. "Never thought I would see the day!"
"So yeah, I was taking a huge risk with this, especially on such short notice!" Daisy grinned. "So I decided to rush to the item shop and ask them if they could get the items from the game since I had a late draw!"
"Okay, but what does that have to do with Florian?" Vulcano asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It is rather simple. I am more or less part of the main gameplay gimmick of Wonder." Florian piped up. "Let me show you."
With that, he bowed his head and once he did, the Lakitu's camera showed that there was something in the middle of it. A picture of a Piranha Plant vine.
"I could equip Badges in my crown. Regrettably, I am too small to properly use them, but if I am riding on the shoulder of a character, in this case, Daisy, THEY will get the benefits." Florian explained. "In this case, the badge is Grappling Vine."
"Think of-a him as F.L.U.D.D. and Cappy for Mario or Perry for Peach." Luigi smirked.
Daisy's smile vanished. "Wait, didn't Peach have a second ally?"
"She does, but unlike-a you, she had an early draw, remember?" Luigi frowned.
"True, that's right." Daisy said before sighing. "Well, there is always the next UVR tournament for her."
Everyone just looked at each other in confusion at this.
"Well, I think this goes without saying, but for this section, we will be having a Super Mario Bros Wonder-themed section?" Sailor Jupiter asked.
"But of course! Though just-a having the items and badges isn't enough." Luigi smiled. "I want to involve the last gameplay part of Wonder: The Wonder Flower!"
Sabrewulf frowned. "...Why do I have a feeling that I am not going to like this?"
"Basically, in every level, there is-a one and whenever a player touches, the level changes drastically!" Luigi grinned. "Sooo, I was thinking of having a Wonder Flower level-effect!"
"After every elimination!" Daisy beamed.
Everyone's eyes bugged out at this.
"That's-a right. After every elimination!" Luigi nodded.
He then did a double-take.
"Wait… WHAT!?"
"After all, even though it is only one third of the last section, it was ruined by Barbatos' presence!" Daisy frowned. She then brightened back up. "So to make up for lost time, the gimmick will go on from start to finish!"
"Y-Y-Yes, I guess that KINDA makes sense but…" Luigi frowned.
"Kinda ambitious, but hey, if you insist." Tumble said before putting up the phone. "I will go look up all of the possible Wonder Flower effects for now so can you go solo announcing the rest of the fighters?"
"Sure, but first things first, let me clear the arena." The Millennium Star admitted.
"W-W-Wait a minute! I have second thoughts about…" Luigi sputtered
Unfortunately, the Millennium Star had already started to spin around, surrounding the arena with his light. When it cleared, the arena was back to its usual state, turning the turnbuckle that was destroyed by Pit's Purple Frenzy.
"Now Daisy, Luigi, Florian, Tumble are busy trying to research the Wonder Flower level outcomes and even then it is better to introduce the new fighters first." The Millennium Star said, lowering the star platform to the ground.
"No, that's cool. I am sure that it is worth the wait when the final fighter comes in!" Daisy grinned.
Moe rubbed his chin. "Hmm, I think I know why you failed the firssssst time, Falco. You weren't a girl that was excited by the chaosssss."
"For some reason, I am more angry at OTHER things than that whole exchange." The pilot spat.
With that, he, Rocket, Sabrewulf and Knuckles glared at Luigi and Daisy. The princess didn't notice, but the plumber did and gulped.
"Isn't this great, Luigi!" Daisy grinned. "Now people will want to play Super Mario Bros Wonder when this section is over!"
"Yeah, I am-a sure that NO ONE will let us live this down." The green-clad man groaned.
"CODY TRAVERS!" (SFAS)
(Bring the beat back!)
The well-dressed blond mayor of Metro City adjusted his tie before smoothing through his hair as he walked down the ramp while his theme from Street Fighter V played through the speakers.
"Poison didn't make it. Not going to lie, I would have actually double-teamed with her." Cody lamented. "She is one of the few Mad Gear punks that is actually trying to clean up their act. Well, at least mostly."
Once he stepped in, Rocket raised an eyebrow before walking over.
"So YOU are the Cody that Haggar has been blabbing about." Rocket noted.
The former criminal raised an eyebrow. "And you are the Rocket that HE told me about from his time in Marvel VS Capcom."
"You know, he has been thinking of how much he wanted to save you and bring you a life from crime or some crap." Rocket said before shaking his head. "Personally, I don't see the appeal."
"Oh, you don't, don't you?" Cody said with a small smirk. He then got out a knife. "Well, you know what they say, seeing is believing. How about I show you when Haggar has so much faith in me?"
Rocket shrugged before reading his gun. "I probably still not be impressed, but eh, as long as you don't bore me too much."
"BILLY KANE!" (KoFAS)
Everyone was surprised to see the British blond pole-fighter coming out of the Ready Room while wielding his iconic red staff while his version of the London March played through the speakers.
"I know Lilly wants me to take it easy and I do not want to worry her anymore than I already did." Billy said, looking at his free hand. "Still, I don't want people to see me as a victim."
Taking a deep breath, he decided not to overexert himself for now and simply walked down the ramp. As he did so, the Millennium Star watched with wide eyes. Tumble noticed this and frowned.
"Yeah, I feel the same way." Tumble said.
The Millennium Star broke out of his shock before looking at Tumble. "H-Huh?"
"Billy has literally been killed and apparently in the most horrific way possible." The die explained. "Especially considering that Xehanort and Marie were both killed in the Tournament of Kikai and spent the entire night dead."
The Millennium Star paused. Tumble blinked twice.
"Um, MS?" Tumble asked.
"I… Think things have gotten more complicated." The star said. "But I genuinely don't think Billy is going to collapse in the arena anytime soon so technically it is a GOOD kind of complicated."
"Um, yay?" Tumble frowned.
When he stepped in, Billy looked around to see the fighters staring at him, though they immediately looked away when they saw him looking. He scoffed before making his way over to Sailor Jupiter.
"Yo, wanna scrap?" Billy asked.
"Are you sure?" Sailor Jupiter frowned. "I wasn't there, but you literally just died earlier tonight."
"And you currently have the silver prize for most overall eliminations in a low-scoring tournament?" Billy shot back. "What's your point?"
Sailor Jupiter paused, realizing that she would be a hypocrite to continue to deny it because Pit tried to do the same for you before sighing.
"Alright, let's see what you got." Sailor Jupiter said in defeat.
Knuckles and Moe watched the two from afar. Suddenly, something started to glow inside of the latter's robe. Pulling it into his pocket, he pulled out his Star Piece to see it shining brightly.
"Woah!" Moe gasped.
"Huh. Looks like our fighting is really collecting a lot of stardust, huh?" Knuckles smirked.
"Um, yeah, but I don't think we were fighting THAT good. Or at leasssst in the others in our group." Moe admitted.
Knuckles' smirk vanished. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"I don't know. Star Pieces aren't sssssupposed to shine THIS much unless under the Stardust Extractor." Moe insisted.
Knuckles blinked twice. "If that is the case, then why…"
"POWDERED…"
"POWDEREDDDDD TOASTTTTTT MANNNNN!"
With that, when the toast-headed muscular superhero zoomed straight out of the Ready Room (while flying backwards).
"Umm, what he said." (NASB)
Powdered Toast Man had continued to fly backwards towards the arena while humming his theme song to himself before landing on top of Knuckles with a mighty slam (while doing a quick fart) that made Moe fall onto his rear.
"Malicious Monitor Lizard!" Powdered Toast Man roared, pointing his finger out at Moe. "Your evil, malnourished ways will not be abided!"
Moe blinked twice. "Malnourished?"
Meanwhile, Knuckles groaned while underneath Powdered Toast Man's heels. He then glared up. "Yo!"
The food mascot looked down at Knuckles. "Ah, fear not, woodland critter! I have come to rescue you from that bully reptile!"
"First off, if you came to save me, then why did you almost squashed me to death!?" Knuckles roared. "Secondly, I am doing well. In fact, we were merely talking."
The Powdered Toast Man's eyes bugged in horror as he dramatically gasped. "Oh no! It is worse than I thought! He has taken advantage of your stupidity to think that he is an ally!"
Knuckles' eyes bugged out at this. "Excuse me!?"
"Fear not, woodland critter! Even though it is your own fault for being so gullible, I cannot let evil fall!" Powdered Toast Man said before getting out a white blade. "You like playing with swords, well, let's see you deal with MY blade!"
Moe eyed said blade. "...Isssss that a plastic butter knife?"
By this time, Knuckles had broken free from Powdered Toast Man's grasp. "Okay, that's it! You are going down!"
"BARK THE POLARBEAR!" (StH)
The yellow-furred polar bear slapped his cheeks together in an attempt to pump himself up for the arena. He then made his way down the ramp.
(In a field of ice)
Bark's eyes widened as vocals could be heard along with his song from Sonic the Fighters could be heard from the speakers.
(I am frozen)
(Like a field of ice)
(Preserved in paradise)
(Freezing cold is upon to the stranger)
"Fairy of A.I.F., ladies, gentlemen and non-binaries! Sang by Bark the Polarbear himself!" Shadow announced from the Sound Booth.
Bark's eyes bugged out as he pulled his beanie over his eyes with the fur of his face turning red while the audience looked in shock. They started to cheer for Bark.
"Dude, what the heck!? You know that I don't like to spread around that I sing!" Bark exclaimed.
Immediately, he ran towards the ramp with Shadow smirking at his success while Astaroth and Aila blinked twice in confusion.
"...Bark sings?" Aila asked.
"Yeah, why do you think that he is the only one in Sonic the Fighters with their stage song having a vocal remix?" Shadow asked.
Astaroth scratched the back of his head. "And the comics constantly portrayed him as mute?"
Once in the arena, he pulled back up his back and looked around the arena for anything to distract him from the reveal. He decided to go over to help Knuckles and by extension, Moe with Powdered Toast Man, but he wanted to wake a bit until he was fully recovered from being embarrassed.
"KOALA KONG!" (CB)
The muscular grey-furred koala came while playing to the crowd while doing a series of bodybuilder poses. However, all he got was a lukewarm reception. Koala Kong frowned at this.
"I don't get why. I am the original muscleman of Crash Bandicoot before Tiny and Crunch." Kong lamented. "Heck, in Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled, my muscles are BIGGER than me! Do you see THEM getting movie gigs in Hollywood or being the bo… Dyguard of fan-favourite, Pinstripe Potoroo? I think not!"
Shaking his head, he made his way down the ramp. While his morale was low due to the lack of positive reaction, he wasn't one to get down so easily so he decided to make people realize by stepping into the ring.
Once in, he saw that Bark was just about to move and smirked before slamming his elbow into his back. The bear fell onto his hands and knees before turning around to glare at the guilty party. Kong just chuckled before doing some more bodybuilder poses. Bark growled before getting up and doing a boxing pose.
However, Kong again laughed before pointing at Bark's arm before pointing at his own in an attempt to compare their builds. Bark rolled his eyes before going to make the first move. The audience felt like they were watching a Tom and Jerry cartoon.
(Videoland; Palace of Power)
In the name of the rule of three, the final existing member of Captain N's gang was getting taught a lesson by their original just like Simon Belmont and Megaman before them.
Said final member was Pit, however, he had red hair with his bangs covering his right eye and being the size of a baby. He merely looked unimpressed as he watched the original struggle to write on a blackboard.
"Okay, so you know how every time you talk you say icus at the end of every sentence?" Original!Pit asked.
"Yes-icus." Captain N!Pit answered.
Original!Pit winced at this. "Yeah, that's right. Don't do that. Because it is not English."
"Oh?" Captain N!Pit asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, because people who speak English don't say Icus at the end of every sentence." Original!Pit said while trying to write on top of the blackboard. "They say… They say… Well, I don't know what they say at the end of every sentence, but it isn't that icus. Here, I will write some examples of proper English sentences."
With that, he started to write on the blackboard. However, he ended up doing nothing, but scribbling.
"Um, like this. This says 'I worship Lady Palutena'." Original!Pit explained "I think… And I think this one says…"
"...You have no idea how to read or write, do you-icus?" Captain N!Pit muttered.
Original!Pit winced at this. "Umm, maybe?"
"Then, why should I, nay, ANYONE take English lessons from you-icus?" Captain N!Pit snapped.
Original!Pit was completely frozen.
…Only to suddenly bolt towards Captain N!Pit's desk and slam his hands on it, startling the latter.
"AND YET PEOPLE WOULD RATHER TAKE LESSONS THAN ME A MILLION TIMES INFINITE BEFORE THEY WANT TO TAKE LESSONS FROM YOU AND YOUR STUPID ICUS PROBLEM!" Original!Pit roared in a disturbing and uncharacteristic amount of rage and fury.
With that, he angrily stomped off with Captain N!Pit watching him with a stunned look on his face. The latter Pit continued to watch his original leave.
…Then, tears formed in his eyes before he started to cry. He then flies from his chair and flies towards his group. Immediately, Simon Belmont and Megaman wrapped their arms around the crying angel with tears in THEIR eyes.
"I… I was so happy! I was so happy to meet my original counterpart-icus!" Pit sobbed. "Why would he… Why would he look down at my schtick and not find it cute!"
"I don't know!" Simon said before sobbing. "Why doesn't he think that I am fashionable!?"
"Or he thinks that I am alright with the mega-colour green?" Megaman cried.
With that, all three broke down in each other's arms, bawling like babies. Kevin, Duke and Princess Lana watched completely stunned.
By this time, Pit had already left the Palace of Power, but even from all of the way, he could hear the three crying. At first, he genuinely felt bad for what he said just now. However, he went about being grumpy as he put his hand on his forehead while groaning.
"...I SO need a floor ice cream." Pit muttered. "At least everyone is having fun with THEIR elimination nodes."
(Mai Shiranui's Elimination Node)
Mai continued to look around the haunted castle she landed in. Despite the eerie atmosphere, she looked more confused than scared.
"Hmm… So nothing tries to jump-scare or attack me so I am not in a traditional horror game." Mai mused. "By that logic, I could count out beat-em-up, platformer, RPG, nearly anything that involves combat. I swear I feel like I would know… ANYTHING if I actually meet someone in this place."
Suddenly, she heard a noise. Raising an eyebrow, she made her way towards the direction of the sound.
There, she found herself in a new area. It was stony with a couple of pillars. However, there was ironically more life in this room. There were a lot of cloaked people all around the place with two of them stirring some kind of red crew in a cauldron. There were also a few knights in armour standing around.
"YIPE!"
What really caught her attention was the agonizing cry of a brown-furred werewolf clad in just blue shorts being sent flying before crashing on his back. Mai just stared down at the dazed werewolf before looking in the direction he flew from.
Her eyes widened when she saw it was ALSO a young brunette dressed in a red, skimpy ninja-like outfit. She gave a cheeky smirk as she looked down at her target.
"Sorry, not sorry, Wolvan. Looks like I am the winner this time." The young woman taunted.
Mai blinked twice. "Oh, I am in a fighting game. You would think that would have been my first guess."
The young woman turned her head towards the direction of Mai's voice and once she saw who she was talking to, her pupils shrank at this.
Before narrowing them.
"YOU."
Mai's eyes bugged out as the young woman finally stomped over.
"You! How dare you show your face here!?" She roared.
Mai jumped. "Excuse me!?"
"You heard me! You stole my rightful spot and yet you have the GALL to show up in MY node!?" She ranted. "I have the right mind to kick your ass for all of the time you took from me!"
With that, she got into a battle stance. Everyone, even the downed werewolf, just looked on in concern. Mai just blinked twice. She then narrowed her eyes.
"...Who the hell are you?"
The woman's eyes bugged out at this. "What? You DON'T know who I am!?"
"Um, how could I? I can't remember every person who copied my look." Mai shrugged.
The woman looked offended at this.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Everyone held their heads in pain when the woman let out a loud shriek.
"Dang, are you trying to blow out my eardrums, woman!?" Wolvan snapped.
"How fucking dare you!? How dare you just assume that I am just a cheap cosplayer!" The woman roared. "When it is YOU who is the cheap cosplayer!"
Mai jumped at this. "What!?"
"That's right! You are looking at Ranmaru of Battle Master: Kyuukyoku no Senshitachi!" The woman announced.
Mai blinked twice. "...Sorry, no, still not drawing a bell."
"I can't believe you!" Ranmaru roared. "I am the ORIGINAL!"
"W-Why? What year did your game come out?" Mai asked.
"1993!" Ranmaru answered.
Mai paused at this. She then looked bored. "Wow, you don't know what the meaning of original is, do you?"
"Why because Fatal Fury came out in 1992?" Ranmaru asked, sounding like she was making some kind of point.
Mai blinked twice at this. "Yes!"
"Okay, maybe you erased it from your memory because it is too inconvenient for you! But I will NEVER forget it!" Ranmaru snapped. "Believe it or not, we actually tried to have your game be published by SNK!"
Mai's eyes widened as Ranmaru continued.
"My company tried to make their pitch, even knowing the presentation and pictures of the game, but you said no because SNK didn't consider third-party development!" Ranmaru ranted.
"So?" Mai asked.
"So despite saying no, SNK still had our papers! They saw the picture of ME and used it for YOUR design!" Ranmaru roared.
Mai narrowed her eyes. "Okay, THAT is a bit of a stretch…"
"Is it? Wasn't it true that you were almost a MAN!?" Ranmaru retorted.
Mai winced as everyone else looked shocked at this.
"Wait, really? One of the most iconic fighting game women in history was supposed to be MALE!?" Wolvan exclaimed.
"That's right! The reason Mai has gotten so far is because of MY design!" Ranmaru roared.
"Now, now, now hold on. Even if you guys DID go to SNK, there is no way to confirm that they used your design!" Mai insisted.
"Oh, you wish that would be the case!" Ranmaru spat. "So it is a coincidence that you are plastered all over not only Fatal Fury but also King of Fighters and other fighting game crossovers and cameos!"
Mai growled. "Except Super Smash Bros because apparently I am not for 'good boys and girls' yet when people like Bayonetta and Pyra &..."
ZZZZZAAAAAPPPPP!
Mai's electric collar activated, zapping her. After crying out in pain, she glared down at the collar.
"Oh, come on! I am not in the arena anymore!" Mai snapped. "I don't need to have this collar on any further!"
"That should have been me!"
Mai paused before looking at the still-angry Ranmaru.
"That should have been ME who was being forced to wear electric collars to force me to limit my ranting about Super Smash Bros!" Ranmaru said.
Mai, including everyone else, blinked twice.
"...Wait, I am sorry… What?" Mai asked.
"I want ALL of your privileges!" Ranmaru snapped.
"Privilege!? I am the biggest joke in terms of the Super Smash Bros fandom!" Mai said, slumping her arms in disbelief. "People argue that Waluigi is a bigger joke, but you more or less see HIM in the…"
That was when her collar activated again. However, Ranmaru took this as a chance to butt in.
"That is because the humiliation you received is BECAUSE of your huge appearance in video game history!" Ranmaru countered. "That mark is still a part of your legacy!"
"How… How does THAT even work!?" Mai said in disbelief. "I had to take out part of my frustration by showing up in as many mobile games as I can!"
"So you are gloating to my face that you have appeared in even MORE games that I ever heard of!" Ranmaru exclaimed.
"Okay, are you sure you are not a scrapped character idea from Xuan Dou Zhi Wang because you are sounding exactly like them right now!" Mai snapped.
"Oh, you are trying to gaslight me now!?" Ranmaru roared. "Okay, that does it! I am going to kick your ass right here, right now! And show the world that I am the original and you are nothing but a fake who has gotten this far because of MY design!"
With that, she got into a fighting stance. Mai blinked twice before getting out a fan and getting into a stance.
"...Do I really sound like that?"
(The Arena)
"MARTH!" (SSB)
The blue-haired prince of Altea and poster-boy for Fire Emblem came out to a loud cheer from the fangirls. However, he merely scratched the back of his free hand in embarrassment before politely waving to the crowd. He then made his way down the ramp in an elegant fashion you would expect from a prince.
Once he was in the arena, he looked around at his nodal companions.
"It is clear that Luigi and Daisy wish to focus on being a Battle Couple and knowing Falco, he wants to fly solo until further notice." Marth mused before sighing. "It seems that I have to go myself until further notice.
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number…FIFTY!"
"DIXIE KONG!" (Donkey Kong Country)
Marth's eyes widened before looking up to see that it was indeed the small, brown-furred pink-clad with her iconic long ponytail. She eagerly looked up in the Eliminated Seating and excitedly waved at Donkey Kong who eagerly waved back. She then got out an electric guitar and played her victory theme from Donkey Kong Country 2, much to the roaring approval of the crowd.
When she was done, she ran down the ramp and when she was halfway there, she jumped up into the air and spun around, using her hair as a helicopter to propel herself into the arena, right next to Marth.
"Oh, wow, even now Mystery Fighters have been finding a way to take me by surprise after all of this time." Marth said in awe.
Dixie proudly pumped her fist against her chest.
"I must admit, seeing you here made me remember that we could have always been fellow Smashers all of the way in Brawl." Marth said in awe.
Dixie's smile vanished as she pouted. Marth frowned.
"Sorry, sorry, I should have known better, that most likely is a sensitive topic for you." Marth lamented. "I know how much you would have loved to join Diddy as a duo fighter."
Dixie merely pouted.
"Say, I was just lamenting about not being able to double team at the moment and unless there is a villain, any friend of a fellow Smasher is a friend of mine." Marth smiled. "So what to team up for now?"
Dixie paused for a moment. She then smirked before getting out a gun that looks like a mixture of a gumball machine.
Marth smiled. "Splendid. Let's go."
"CHARLOTTE CHRISTINE DE COLDE!" (SS)
The blonde Frenchwoman held her rapier with one hand and a rose with the other. Giving a noblewoman's laugh, she threw the rose into the crowd (which resulted in a bunch of men and lesbians fighting over it). Rolling her eyes at the scene while smirking, she elegantly made her way down the ramp.
"So apparently Shizu has literally been kidnapped from Haohmaru's elimination node to hurt him." Charlotte said, narrowing her eyes. "If things weren't so chaotic to try to investigate, I would have gone after any and all people who were working to do that to him!"
With that, she stepped in the ring and ironically made her way past Koala Kong who was fighting with Bark. Vulcano raised an eyebrow before making his way over.
"Well, someone is the definition of a rose." Vulcano smirked.
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. "Pretty desperate to use a fighting tournament as a way to go skirt-chasing, huh?"
"Ah, forgive me. I didn't mean to sound like that." Vulcano apologised. "I have a tendency to say what I see."
"Well, technically you ARE right. I am as beautiful but I am also just as deadly." Charlotte announced proudly.
"Well, will you come to demonstrate with me?" Vulcano asked. "Thanks to Hayate and ESPECIALLY Garuda, I more or less have experience fighting with blades."
"Oh, like I ever hesitate in a chance to show off my stuff." Charlotte smirked.
"IRON TAGER!" (BB)
The huge, muscular aptly-named Red Devil stood outside of the Ready Room before adjusting his sunglasses. Despite just exiting it, he already had a target and mission in mind. Stepping down the ramp slowly, he eventually made his way into the ring. Once in, he activated the large gauntlets on his hands which started to emit electricity.
This had made Sailor Jupiter fly towards him, making her shriek and Billy yelped. The Sailor Scout was then attached to the gauntlets like a magnet.
"Gotcha." Tager said.
"Oi, that is MY opponent!" Billy roared before charging over. "Get your own!"
"I was trying to steal your opponent." Tager insisted. "I am just trying to make sure you don't go over your head."
At first, Billy was confused by this. Then, his eyes bugged out in realisation before looking annoyed.
"Let me guess. You are the nodal companion Litchi asked to look after me?" Billy asked.
"That is correct." Tager nodded. "And I am 100% understand her concern. How bullheaded do you have to be to enter a fighting tournament after literally DYING?"
"Hey, I am alright now, aren't I!?" Billy roared.
"No, you are alright to be conscious. It is a miracle that you are even walking, let alone making it all of the way here." Tager pointed out.
"Miracle or not, I am still here." Billy shot back.
Tager shook his head. "At this point, I think your death even affected your brain."
With that, Tager and Billy continued to yell at each other. Sailor Jupiter just grumpily laid on Tager's gauntlets while crossing her arms.
"So are you just going to ignore me?" Sailor Jupiter muttered. "Okay, cool, fire."
"RISE KUJIKAWA!" (P4A)
(Shout friends!)
(Just those words you really mean)
(And let your voice be heard all over the world)
The copper-haired idol came out while singing into a mic stand. Though unlike previous singing performances, people don't seem to mind seeing that it would be even more surprising if an idol DIDN'T make an appearance with a song.
(Stand up!)
(When you heard the knock on the door)
(It's me, come on out!)
(Get ready for your True Story)
After singing True Story, Rise breathed out before cheerfully waving to the crowd. "Thank you, Battle of the Luminaries for having me, Rise Kujikawa here!"
The crowd, especially the idol fandom went wild at this.
"I am sorry that I can't properly come out here as Risette, but I promise that I will give you a show!" Rise cheered.
With that, she walked down the ramp while actually carrying the mic stand with her before stepping in. Once in, Marth and Dixie looked at her before looking at each other before making her way over to Rise.
"Forgive me for being nosy, but aren't you a Mission Control and not a fighter?" Marth asked, Rise's attention.
"Oh, I am! In the main game. But this is Persona 4 Arena where my Persona is actually combat-based!" Rise explained.
"Huh. Well, that isn't the craziest thing I've seen at these things." Marth smiled.
"Oh, seeing that you guys are both here, could you wait with me until the end of the section?" Rise asked.
Marth blinked twice. "Um, why?"
"Don't worry, it makes sense at the end. Plus, you two look like you are looking for something to do anyway so it all works out for everyone!" Rise beamed.
Marth and Dixie paused before looking at each other. Dixie just shrugged, promptly Marth to look at Rise.
"I mean there is no harm in doing so." Marth admitted.
"DR. COYLE!" (A)
The green-clad mad scientist came out to a mixed reaction. However, while both the positive AND negative side of the crowd made her smirk, she was too busy being focused on the arena.
"Hmm… Can't say that there are a lot of outstanding test subjects, but I would be very happy if there are a few that I could make work." Coyle mused. "Regardless, I have already selected my test subject. If somebody dares get in my way, I will deal with me but until then."
With that, she walked down the ramp and stepped into the ring. However, the moment she did, she instantly vanished. At first, everyone was startled, but then they remembered Max Brass mentioned that Coyle could turn invisible when fighting Reptile so unless someone could sense invisible people, it seems that her first target would not know what would hit her.
(Dome; Security Team Room)
In contrast to how they were acting earlier, the captured Xuan Dou Zhi Wang members were actually being quiet with Linn, CoolB and Prayuth looked away in shame while Yan and Claire just looked annoyed.
Benimaru Nikaido angrily glared at the cage while crossing his arms with everyone else looking concerned for him.
"...I don't even know where to begin with you a lot." Benimaru said, shaking his head in disgust.
"...We wouldn't have done it normally, but Drake forced our hand." Claire spat without looking at Benimaru.
"Forced your hand!? So when you hospitalised three vampires, betrayed and murdered Terry Bogard, framed Dingodile and Komodo Joe for said murder, teamed up with a serial killer, mind-hijacked Snoopy and now kidnapped Drake!" The electromancer roared. "At what point did they force your hand into anything?"
"...We were just getting back what is ours." Yan added.
"How is this going to get you invited to ANYWHERE!?" Benimaru roared. "If anything, you will be blacklisted from every UVR tournament in history!"
"Like we wouldn't be invited anywhere." Prayuth said.
Benimaru slumped his arms in disgust and disbelief. "What's wrong with you guys? You were never like this."
"If they didn't care that we were heroes before, why would they care now?" Yan asked.
Benimaru shook his head in disgust. "I… I…"
Lloyd let out a sigh. "Sorry, man, I thought having you here would convince you that they were wrong."
"If it didn't work for Terry…" Claude frowned.
"I… I can't believe that someone would destroy not only their own chances but their own reputations." Benimaru said, shaking his head.
"Benimaru, forget these hasbeens. We got everything we needed from them anyway." Kyo spat.
"More or less. But CoolB and Linn said that their group left the electrician's office BEFORE the others stormed it." Gabe frowned. "Wherever Xuan Dou Zhi Wang's new hideout is, they don't know about it."
Suddenly, they heard a phone hearing. Gabe got out a phone and put it to his ear.
"Hello?" Gabe asked. His eyes bugged out at this. "Wait, what!? Are you sure!? Well, be careful and good luck."
With that, he hung up and everyone looked worried.
"What is it?" Horkeukamui asked. "They found Drake's location, but Xuan Dou Zhi Wang isn't making it easy for everyone to save him."
Hibiki's eyes widened. "Wait, really?"
"Then, what are you waiting for!?" Kanji said, punching his fist.
"It's… A little more complicated than that." Gabe frowned.
Everyone frowned before looking at each other.
(Dome; Gift Shop)
A large portion of the heroes were making their way towards the gift shop of the Crossover Dome. Surprisingly, K. Rool of all people was leading the charge.
"Come on, come on, come on, come on, COME ON!" K. Rool exclaimed. "Who knows what those… Things are capable of!"
"Don't need to be told that by YOU!" Carmelita snapped.
"I don't get it though. Why the gift shop storage room?" Nine the Phantom asked.
"It is actually one of the biggest rooms in the dome!" Carmelita corrected.
Maxima raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah, because there are so many fighters invited to these things, there is a lot of merchandise!" Naesala explained.
"Huh. That makes sense." Kula noted.
"I wonder if there is any merchandise of me?" Pepper mused.
"...You have fans?" Naesala asked.
"Naesala, you are so lucky we need everything we could get!" Pepper growled.
"Will you two shut up!? We need to…" Carmelita roared.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Everyone jumped as they looked in the direction of the noise to see the gift shop. However, it was unmanned at the moment. Suddenly, the door behind it slammed open before a blue-and-green large blur crashed out of it. Said blur angrily got up to reveal to everyone that it was a blue muscular crocodile-like anthro wearing camo clothes.
"Aw, come on! I totally had it that time!" He roared.
K. Rool blinked his good eye twice. "Krusha?"
Krusha raised an eyebrow before turning around. His eyes widened when he saw his king, along with the rest of the group. Immediately, he stood up straight and saluted.
"Your Majesty!" Krusha said, trying to sound professional.
"At ease." K. Rool reassured.
Krusha put down your hand before frowning. "Sorry if you came all of this way just to buy something. I am having problems with the storage room."
"So we gathered." Nine snarked.
"What happened?" Whip frowned.
"I don't know. For some reason, the Map Bots have all gone haywire and taken over it!" Krusha said, jerking his thumb behind the door. "And whenever I tried to go into it, if they saw me, they would jumpscare and somehow drag me out of the room!"
Ralf's eyes widened in pure horror. "They reprogrammed the MAP BOTS!? The animatronics that are actually scarier than the ACTUAL ones trying to kill you!?"
"Yeah, I have tried to go in and find a way to free the storage room many times." Krusha said. "The first times were very scary, but now it just got annoying."
"FNAF playthroughs in a nutshell." Pinstripe snarked.
"...Huh. I knew that they wouldn't make it easy for us, but to think that they would make it THAT kind of challenge." Carmelita mused, rubbing her chin.
Krusha blinked twice. "H-Huh? What challenge?"
K. Rool sighed. "We have reason to believe that Xuan Dou Zhi Wang is keeping Drake in the storeroom."
Krusha's eyes widened at this. "What!?"
"Yeah, Ashley told me that he recognised the room and the last announcement from Xuan Dou Zhi Wang was in." Carmelita nodded.
"So what is the plan? Storm in?" Veemon asked.
"NO!" Krusha shouted, startling everyone. "I know that the Map Bots may seem weak but they are stronger AND faster than they look! No matter how much I tried to fight them, they quickly overpower me as if I am nothing."
"Oof, and strength is the only thing you are good at too." K. Rool winced.
Rosalina glared at K. Rool. "And you wonder why people look down on you as a king."
"Well, it can't be helped." Carmelita mused. "If the Map Bots cannot be defeated, then the next best thing is to go around them. I'll go on ahead."
"Um, no."
Carmelita turned to see Solid Snake stepping forward.
"In case you forget, Metal Gear Solid is the most iconic stealth-like game of all time." Snake scolded. "I should go."
"Actually, I argue that Sly Cooper is the most iconic one." Carmelita said, crossing her arms.
"Okay, let's assume that your wrong opinion is actually right." Snake challenged. "I am still the most iconic character from my franchise while you are merely the foil for your protagonist."
"Hey, I may be more hands-on than Sly, but I can be sneaky too!" Carmelita scolded.
"Um, guys?"
Snake and Carmelita turned to see Cole MacGrath stepping forward.
"It doesn't matter how sneaky you guys are because regardless of how well you can manoeuvre around the storeroom, we still need to rescue the Map Bots." Cole frowned. "To say that they are better as allies than enemies is an understatement."
Snake frowned. "That's… A good point."
"And I assume that YOU can do so?" Carmelita asked
"Yeah, I am a bit of a technopath. So I should be able to free the Map Bots." Cole said before frowning. "The bad news is I have to do so directly."
Snake and Carmelita paused before looking at each other.
"...As much as I hate to admit it, this is going to take more than one stealth expert." Carmelita frowned.
"Especially since no matter how confident I am in my skills, I don't think I could sneak around someone who fights as non-subtly as Cole around." Snake nodded.
The electromancer's eyebrow twitched. "Um, rude?"
Carmelita merely ignored him before looking at the others. "Us three will go in. The rest of you stay guard in case anything happens."
Oume merely shrugged. "Okay."
"Just be careful." Krusha offered. "That room is like a maze. I actually got lost FIVE times before finally knowing the way."
Everyone looked at Krusha in disbelief. Bowser then glared at K. Rool.
"He is YOUR minion. He certainly isn't MINE." Bowser said.
K. Rool just rolled his good eye. Snake, Carmelita and Cole shook their heads before turning towards the door.
(Dome; Gift Shop Storage Room)
Unknown to everyone, they were being watched from a tablet. Tsugumi Shirogan's despair clone raised an eyebrow before looking to the side.
"Hey, Harley, they are finally here!" Tsugumi called out.
The jester squealed before skipping over. "Talk about perfect timing! I was actually getting bored of watching that big lug trying and failing. So they are going to charge through."
"No, they seemed to be going with quality over quantity." Tsugumi mused. "Two sheath experts in Solid Snake and Carmelita Fox and someone who could potentially undo the reprogramming we did on the Map Bots."
"Oof. Personally, I think B-man got all three of them shot, but he is not here so we have a greater chance!" Harley grinned.
"Yes, we could potentially have ALL of the Map Bots charge and easily keep them out of the storage room." Tsugumi noted.
"Yeah, I genuinely believe that those cute little boltbuckets could even make B-MAN sweat!" Harley added. "We would win right there, right then!"
Tsugumi and Harley then smirked before saying the same thing in unison.
"But where would the fun in that be?"
(The Arena)
"ROBERTO MIURA!" (RS)
The brown-haired half-Brazilian, half-Japanese soccer player kicked a ball to himself a few times before catching it in his hand. He then started to walk down the ramp while looking ahead (through it was hard to tell with his visor covering his eyes).
Once in, he looked ahead for a moment, putting his hand on his chin in thought. Gemini saw him and walked over out of curiosity.
"Ah, what's wrong? You look like you are lost in thought." Gemini said, getting Roberto's attention. She then paused. "Well, at least I THINK you are."
"Um, kinda. I wanted to fight one of those two, but it is clear that they are inseparable at the moment." The soccer player said.
With that, he pointed to the side. Gemini turned to see Luigi and Daisy.
"Oh, right. Because both of them were in the Striker games." Gemini mused. She then brightened up before beating her fist against her chest. "Then, I will be your ally!"
"Really? You play soccer?" Roberto asked.
"No, I am also a baseball enthusiast." Gemini explained.
"Heh, Shoma would have loved to hear that." Roberto chuckled. "But yeah, a mixed sports battle seems like fun."
"Then, what are we waiting for!? Let's go!" Gemini grinned.
With that, they approached Luigi and Daisy. Florian, on top of the latter, saw them coming.
"Looks like you have challengers." Florian piped up.
Luigi merely sighed. "Well, at least-a they don't look as scary. I take it that you want a fight."
"Pretty much." Gemini said, getting out a baseball.
"Ooh, a soccer player AND a baseball player! This night gets better and better!" Daisy grinned, getting out her bat. "I hope your Strikers skills aren't rusty, Luigi!"
Luigi merely shrugged. "Well, let's see what you guys got."
"Oh, I promise you two, you will NOT be disappointed." Roberto reassured with a smirk.
"HALT! WHO GOES THERE!?"
Everyone jumped before looking towards the Entrance Ramp to see the Millennium Star glaring down at it for some reason. At first, everyone was confused, but the people closer to the ramp saw that there was some kind of brown furry-like action figure standing in the middle. Said action figure spoke.
"Greetings, I am Archer, Emissary of the Gorgonites."
The Millennium Star then started to spin, sending its sparkles onto the action figure.
"And now, Mystery Fighter… Number…FIFTY-ONE!"
Then, the action figure had suddenly started to grow.
"ARCHER!" (Small Soldiers)
When the brown feline-like Gorgonite grew to the size of a normal human, there was a decent cheer from the crowd, though most of it looked confused. Despite this, he looked content with people cheering for him at all as he politely waved to the crowd. The Millennium Star nodded before floating up back with Tumble, letting Archer walk down the ramp with his wristed crossbow.
Once Archer stepped in, Tentomon started to fly towards him.
"Um, why did you exit the Ready Room literally smaller than a baby Digimon?" Tentomon asked.
"Oh, because my default size in Small Soldiers is the size of… Well, an action figure." Archer said with a shoulder shrug.
"Okay, but why didn't you show up just like Woody and Buzz Lightyear in the Tournament of Kikai?" Tentomon asked.
"Ashley said something around the lines 'Well, in VG Central, I saw the people from the game 'Army Men' being the size of humans." Archer shrugged.
"Yes, I think I remember seeing this said Army Men when me and my node visited VG Central for the second Battle of the Luminaries." Tentomon admitted. "Okay, next question: Aren't you a pacifist?"
"I am. But 1. This tournament is more for fun rather than to solve problems." Archer admitted. "And 2. And my node actually has a video game where I am actually more proactive in combat."
"Ooh! So you want to show it to Woody and Buzz about how toys are SUPPOSED to fight!?" Tentomon exclaimed.
Archer blinked twice. "Um, I do not wish to show it to… Anyone. Especially since what kind of toys have firepower like…"
"Oh, wow, I HAVE to see it in action!" Tentomon exclaimed before holding his claw in the air. "Tentomon will be your first opponent!"
Archer just looked stunned. "Um, alright, I will accept your challenge."
"N. TRANCE!" (CB)
(Biggie, Biggie, Biggie, can't you see?)
(Sometimes your words just hypnotize me)
(And I just love your flashy ways)
(Guess that's why they broke, and you're so paid)
(Uh)
The short, egg-like cyborg gave a mischievous chuckle as he hopped down the ramp by extending his cybernetic legs to do a short hop the entire time all while Hypnotize from the Notorious B.I.G. played through the speakers.
(Biggie, Biggie, Biggie)
(Can't you see?)
(Sometimes your words just hypnotize me)
(Hypnotize)
(And I just love your flashy ways)
(Uh-huh)
(Guess that's why they broke, and you're so paid)
Soon, he finally hopped into the arena. Once in, he gave a dark smirk before looking around, wondering who to use his… Talents on first.
…Only to suddenly fall onto his side as if he was struck. N. Trance groaned while getting up (while making sure that his literal egg head didn't fall out). He then looked to see Dr. Coyle reappearing.
N. Trance narrowed his eyes. "Hey, why are you trying to get yolk on your face!?"
"Oh, I am sorry. Do you know who I am?" Coyle asked.
N. Trance blinked twice. "Um, yeah, you are the Dr. Coyle, potential final boss besides Max Brass who is your rival and the creator of Hedlok, Helix and Springt…"
With that, his eyes bugged out in horror. Coyle's smirk has grown bigger.
"I see that you put the pieces together. As you remember, your nodal companion has reprogrammed Springtron, along with Byte." Coyle said.
She then landed her Lokjaw ARM on the ground, creating a small explosion making N. Trance jump.
"...I did not appreciate that." Coyle explained.
"Um, then shouldn't you focus on N. Gin?" N. Trance asked.
"Oh, I will. AFTER the tournament." Coyle said before narrowing her eyes. "But until I get my revenge, I am 100% biassed after people who fight by brainwashing others to do their work for them. Sorry, not sorry."
N. Trance winced before glaring up at the Eliminated Seating in hopes of finding his nodal companion.
"Thanks a lot, N. Gin. First, you saw MY gimmick and now I am getting punished for YOUR crimes!" N. Trance roared.
"Sucks to suck." Coyle sneered before sending an ARM forward.
"OMEN!" (KI)
The dark blue demonic entity gave a dark chuckle before summoning demon wings on his back before getting ready to fly into the ring.
However, that was when he noticed a familiar star flying towards him. Giving a big smirk, he eagerly waited for the star and descended into him resulting in a warm glow.
"Congratulations, Omen. You are the special Big Guy of this section!" The Millennium Star was announced.
"Ooh, so I am officially on the same level as Gargos?" Omen smirked, rubbing his hands together. "Sweet! Trust me. I am going to make sure that you DON'T regret this."
With that, he flapped his wings and went into the arena, making his way over to Sabrewulf.
"Hey, Sabrewulf!" Omen said, eagerly.
The werewolf merely crossed his arms. "Hey, Omen. You seem to be in a good mood."
"How could I NOT be, not only am I the special Big Guy of this section!" Omen chuckled. "Hey, as long as we are here, wanna double team?"
Sabrewulf jumped at this. "Excuse me!?"
Omen's grin vanished. "What's with the double take?"
"Dude, why would I side with you after what you possessed Jago?" Sabrewulf asked.
"Yeah, but it is ironic BECAUSE I did it, I realised that I didn't want to be Gargos' puppet anymore." Omen admitted.
"Convincing." Sabrewulf snarked.
"Come on, I helped in the fight against Gargos, didn't I?" Omen asked.
"Omen, ARIA and KAN-RA joined the fight against Gargos. And in the latter's case, it is after failing to control him!" Sabrewulf retorted.
"Look, okay, I admit that I got off on the wrong foot with you guys." Omen sighed. "Just give me a chance in the arena."
Sabrewulf paused. "I… Suppose I see more unlikely heroes. Besides, I was thinking of fighting that black mage and kangaroo seeing that they are willing to form an alliance."
Omen turned to see that indeed Vivi and Kao were talking.
"Makes sense. It seems that the kangaroo's gloves could absorb elements which the mage could release in his sleep." Omen mused. "Alright, then what are we waiting for? Let's get this party started!"
With that, he sent out his hand, sending a dark fireball forward. However, it then fell short in front of Vivi and Kao. At first, the two jumped at this. But they then looked down at the dark fireball before looking up to see Omen who was still in his pose.
"Um, what just happened?" Kao asked.
"I think we almost got attacked." Vivi answered.
Sabrewulf paused before smirking. "Well, it is a good thing I was more concerned about your alignance and not your strength, otherwise you would have lost me completely."
Omen glared at Sabrewulf. "Wolfboy, if you don't shut up, I will give you a reason to think that I am still a villain!"
"OLAF!" (PI)
The well-dressed, dark-haired bodyguard of Princess Sissy gave a frown before holding his wrist.
"I have got to stop injuring my arms before entering major fighting tournaments." Olaf muttered. "Even if I don't need to punch to fight, at this point, this is getting ridiculous."
Letting out a sigh while shrugging, he adjusted his sunglasses before stepping in the ring. Once in, he approached the only one without an opponent: Falco.
"Ah, Mr. Lombardi, it seems that we are the only ones by ourselves." Olaf noted, getting the avian's attention.
"Looks like it." Falco said before crossing his arms.
"I must say that I am glad that my first opponent is someone with metallic legs." Olaf smiled.
Falco raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"I fight almost solely with kicks so I wish to see how well my kicks would do against yours." Olaf said.
"Well, mostly kicking is more Fox's thing nowadays, but sure, why not?" Falco asked. "Better not cry if you break your leg on mine."
With that, he kicked his leg out. However, without putting a hand from behind his back, Olaf gave his own kick. Despite the latter's own was made of flesh, it managed to clash against Falco's own perfectly. Falco looked stunned while Olaf just smirked.
"Don't underestimate me too early, my feathered friend." Olaf taunted.
Marth, Dixie and Rise watched the exchange from afar.
"So I take it THIS is when your event is going to start?" Marth asked.
"Yep, it should more or less start through the speakers any time now!" Rise grinned.
As if on cue, music started to play through the speakers. Marth's eyes recognized the one being a remix from Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
"And now, the final fighter of this section…"
"ATHENA ASAMIYA!" (KoFAS)
(Athena's name is magic)
(Mystery is what you see)
(Her crystal is the answer)
(Fighting fair to keep us free)
The crowd went wild for the purple-haired psychic idol singer as she sang her theme to the remix from Super Smash Bros Ultimate, just like Rise did just now.
(She's just a little girl with power inside, burning bright.)
(You'd better hide if you are bad)
(She'll get you)
(She'll read your mind and find if you believe in right or wrong)
(FIRE! FIRE! PSYCHO SOLDIER!)
(FIRE! FIRE! PSYCHO SOLDIER!)
When she was done, she eagerly waved to the crowd as she made her mic stand disappear in pink energy before happily walking down the ramp.
"Thank you, everyone!" Athena smiled. "I promise that Athena will give just as much as a show in the arena, just like on the stage!"
With that, she spun around, summoning pink energy around herself which made her vanish. She then appeared in the arena right next to Marth, Dixie and Rise. While the Nintendo duo were startled, Rise just smiled.
"Hey, Athena, I think I found some potential opponents for our fight!" Rise grinned.
"So I see!" The Psycho Soldier realised. "The guitarist monkey, Dixie Kong herself and the face of Fire Emblem! Perfect for a two-on-two against two idols!"
Marth blinked twice. "Um, forgive me, but I have to ask. What does my franchise have to do with idols?"
"Isn't it obvious? Tokyo Mirage Sessions which is one half Fire Emblem-crossover." Rise reminded.
Marth merely frowned. "T-True… But technically me being in that game is more of a costume."
"Oh, don't be so modest! You Fire Emblem guys would probably have decent idol potential!" Athena reassured. "If you didn't, then why would a Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tenshi crossover be so focused on idols?"
"That's… Not wrong." Marth admitted.
"Well, what is the big deal?" Rise smiled. "Between the four of us, we can put on a show that the Battle of the Luminaries would never forget!"
Marth paused before smiling. "You know what? You win. We should give our fans a fun time."
Dixie eagerly nodded.
"Then, what are we waiting for?" Athena cheered. "Athena…"
"Rise…" Rise smirked.
"Marth…" Marth smiled.
Dixie then chirped happily before the four spoke in unison.
"ON STAGE!"
Suddenly, they saw a light from the side. Turning their head, they saw a blue flower with black beady eyes with an aura around it.
"It's hereeeeeeee." Rocket winced.
"Ladies, gentlemen and non-binaries, the Wonder Flower!" The Millennium Star announced.
"Oh boy! Here it comes, Luigi!" Daisy grinned, putting her hand on her boyfriend's shoulder
"Funnnnnnnn." The green-clad man winced.
Then, a wave of light had watched over the arena. Suddenly, green pipes had started to pop out of the ground. Everyone then blinked twice.
"Um, okay, that doesn't seem TOO bad." Roberto mused.
Suddenly, all of the pipes had grown eyes before they started to move up and right with a couple of them literally crawling across the ground like inch-worms.
"Whoops, jinxed it." Roberto sighed.
"It looks like the first Wonder effect is the one in the first level." Florian mused. "Yes, that seems about right."
"Aka the calm before the storm." Cody sighed.
Indeed, Super Mario Bros Wonder was notorious for its weird stage gimmicks based on the Wonder Flower and with a stage Wonder Effect happening after EVERY elimination, then things would be chaotic from start to finish.
(Unknown Location)
Celica's group ended up inside of a new location. However, it seemed to be some kind of ghost town with the sky completely pitch black. No stars. No moon.
"Well, another ten minutes, another elimination node." Leon sighed, putting his hands on his hips.
"Which one is it this time?" Zoro asked.
Linkle then noticed a sign. "Look, a sigh. Maybe we will find out where we are."
With that, the five aka the Bad Directions team, walked over to it and read it. However, once they did, they all frowned.
"Um, I don't suppose that any of you know what this means?" Celica asked.
"I do not have the foggiest idea." Azusa frowned.
"It is always worrying when we don't know which node we are in." Leon sighed.
The five then sighed in unison.
"...Well, even though we don't know which node we are in, that has no reason to not look around." Celica said.
"Yeah, who knows? Maybe we'll find something that surprises us." Zoro shrugged.
With that, the five went into the town while passing the sign, completely unsure by what it said.
"Welcome to Night Town of the Necropolis Continent."