Cheadle Yorkshire didn't ask for this treatment. She didn't ask to be put in that horrible position. The things they were saying about her were technically true. Just before Mobius was invaded by the Kremlings, the chancellor decided to go on holiday on Mushroom World. Excuse her for wanting to spend time with Peach's daughter… the child who called her "Dogmom." And she would've been right back on Mobius as soon as she heard of the crisis, if she weren't taken hostage by the Sky God Pirates. And even after escaping from them, she would wind up in the Kremling Krew's klutches. The Animal King, Kroctus Rool, treated her to that ship deck dinner on the poison sea. It was then he broke the proposal. The ultimatum… for Cheadle to harbor an unborn egg, an egg containing Kroctus's DNA… or let the child perish. And denying a child their life, even that belonging to such a criminal, was against her better wishes.
"Chancellor Yorkshire," began President Schnee, "the rumors regarding your 'relations' to King K. Rool have persisted since the war, I'm sure you know. You underwent a leave of absence shortly after the war, and reports say you appeared uncommonly pale and ill."
"First of all, YOU spread those rumors!" Cheadle hissed. "And second, I was sick from the poison of my polluted ocean! Kroctus intended to use me as a hostage, to use my authority, not that I would've ever considered it! And what about YOU, Schnee?! Why are all YOUR troops trespassing on Animal Crossing, Wonderbeast World, even our historical Dinosaur Valley?! Why don't I do to you what I should've done to Kroctus?"
"Goodness! I only wanted to help sweep out the Kremling stragglers! We cannot let those hoodlums go unpunished. Thanks to Gruntilda's intel, I've narrowed down nearly all areas where the Kremlings had a base and am arresting all Kremling affiliates."
"YOU'RE ARRESTING CIVILIANS, TOO, YOU SON OF A-"
"N-Now, calm down, Miss Yorkshire!" Chancellor Phyronix ushered (from Ratchet & Clank). "I'm sure this is just a misunderstanding."
"Personally," replied Councilman Jeremy, a Jamaican man with thick sunglasses and skinny head, "I believe Mr. Schnee should have asked Miss Yorkshire's permission before conducting his patrols."
"Ho, of course you would side with her, Jeremy." Schnee sighed. "She seems as biased to the KND as you are. You know, perhaps that's the reason she abandoned her planet, she hoped the KND could sort out any potential Kremling nonsense, but that clearly wasn't the-"
"And WHO had the Kremlings beaten and arrested?!" Cheadle argued. "Certainly not you all!"
"Well, legally speaking, Mobius's protection isn't really Schnee Dust's concern." Jacques said with a stroke of his mustache. "But King Mickey has proposed we assume a more active role in the universe's protection. A role where our armies work in unison so that our dearest children no longer have to risk their lives."
"Really?" a sweet, soft voice asked. "I think that's wonderful!"
Cheadle lit up at the unmistakable voice of her dear friend. The council members looked to the entrance in gasps. "Queen Peach!" Phyronix beamed. "How nice of you to join us!"
"I was held up watching King Mickey's show." The queen of Mushroom curtsied. "Though, it took an unexpected turn…"
"Yes, it seemed King Bowser decided to drop in." Angella replied. "The operatives present had the moxy to mock Mickey, but not enough to fend him off. Even resorted to relying on that monster, Skaios to flee."
"They wear the guise of heroes, but they only favor their supporters." said the Pumparian leader, Pumpus. "SERIOUSLY?! THAT'S MY NAME?! You put no fricking thought into that!"
"In any case, Miss Peach," Jacques began, "perhaps you could shed some clarity on Chancellor Yorkshire's secret business. After all, you are closely acquainted."
"First of all, the notion that Cheadle would have friendly relations with the Kremlings is ludicrous!"
"Absolutely!" Cheadle smirked, happy for her friend's support.
"Besides, I'm sure she would be delighted to be Mickey's friend instead."
"Absolu…luh?"
"Cheadle, why don't we ask King Mickey to help clear these accusations? He can help get rid of the Kremling remnants and even help the people who are still rebuilding!"
"P-Peach… do you remember what we talked about? About… that ninja?"
"You mean that Sasuke man? The one Mickey sent to infiltrate the Sky Gods? He was making sure we stayed safe, Cheadle." Peach smiled hopefully. "He made sure no harm came to us rulers! Speaking of which, Queen Melia's seat appears empty."
"She couldn't attend today." Phyronix said. "Mira is experiencing mass uprisings and she has to tend to them."
"Peach, Mickey was using him to brainwash us!"
"Cheadle, even if that's true, it felt like a 'hopeful' brainwashing if anything. I met Mickey after Mario and Luigi were injured. He was very kind and supportive."
"Don't think I didn't see that broadcast the other day! I don't know why, but he was trying to defame the KND, and he used you to help him! He'll even defame your own daughter and her friends, do you want that?!"
"Peach's children haven't set the most exemplary impressions for royals." Jacques said.
"BAN HIM FROM THE COUNCIL ROOM!"
"Frankly speaking, this discussion about the KND will get us nowhere." Jeremy stated. "They are independent from any governments and they will not comply with any government's attempt to enforce laws or bans on them. Furthermore, if we're going to make the argument that children shouldn't be trusted with such responsibilities, I find it even more disdainful that the news is stooping to the level of defaming children by publishing their private matters!"
"Some of them aren't children!" Amazonian Empress Hancock yelled (from One Piece). "They're filthy horny teenagers!"
"The KND have done nothing but help people on a tremendous scale while your armies could do nothing! And now you're criminalizing them over a few mistakes and misunderstandings, or simply for having the same private interests that any person their ages could have? Just what secrets are most of you hiding?!"
"And just what do you mean by that?!" asked President Linkyn of Kateenia.
"I know the Kateenians would be guilty of such things," Hancock said, "but I am pure!"
"PURE?! JUST LOOK AT WHAT YOU'RE WEARING!" Indeed, Hancock's robe was open, exposing the center line of her torso.
"This place is more disastrous than how New Galaxia used to be." sighed Kcalb, King of Alternia (from Gray Garden).
"Toriel, Adamant, what do you think of all this?" Kwing Etihw asked.
"This is making me rethink my morals." The Underground Queen replied with a glare. Toriel was a goat woman in a purple robe (from Undertale).
"Hmm…" Adamant, councilman of the Gem Empire (from Land of Luscious), merely maintained a neutral stance.
GKND
The Kids Next Door were gearing up on their ships, ready to invade the council. "NO, NO, we never agreed to that!" Romeo exclaimed, chasing Maria to the hangar. "Maria, don't get ahead of yourself! Huff, or us!"
"Miss Yorkshire was such a nice lady." Wendy said. "I get how Maria feels, but attacking the council wouldn't make us look any better."
"To be honest, I'm all for it." Nebula agreed.
"Yeah. WAIT, WHAT?!"
"Did someone say we're invading the council again?!" Bender Rodríguez dropped from a high ceiling vent, his arms stretched to support him. "I better get my pirate hat!"
"Bender, what're you doing up there?" Vweeb asked.
"Installing ceiling fan traps!" He retracted himself back up.
"Skaios said that rulers possess the knowledge of Kael inside them, and once we say his name, they'll know about his 'Game' and what's really going on."
"And… you're just going to tell them all?" Cheren asked.
"We need lots of allies and I didn't plan to lie to anybody. With this, they can decide once and for all which side they're on."
"This could potentially lead to some wars between them…"
"Isn't that what this whole thing was?"
"Uh…I guess?"
"Frankly, the best decision they could make is not to pick any side. We'll have neither allies nor enemies, but at least they won't have to get hurt. So, I'm going with Maria. 'Course, before we even get close to the council room, they'll be handful of guards we'll have to fight our way past, so… any volunteers??"
"Chimney, can we go?" Mocha asked. "This'd be a great chance to meet Hancock again!"
"Fine by me!"
"In that case, I'm dropping by and saying 'hi' to Lord Business!" Haylee twirled her wrench.
"You wanna go, too, Morg?" Nagisa asked.
"Sounds like it would be a good exercise." His girlfriend smiled.
"I GOT THE PIRATE HAT!" Bender dropped from the vents, crashing atop Nagisa and rushing to a ship. "I call dibs on all the human guards!"
"Evan, you're a king." Cheren said. "Maybe you'd like to come to?"
"To be honest, I think I'd like to return to Evermore and explain this whole 'Kael' business. But I'm sure my people will lend their support all the same! And I'm sure some of those leaders will, too!"
"Alright then!" Cheren addressed the rest of their operatives. "Well, if anyone else would like to volunteer on this mission, it's up to you. If you're sure you're ready to fight this war, then you'll have to decide your battles carefully."
GAMEPLEIGH UNLOCKED! From here, you can choose between the many Nextgen Kids to accompany you on missions! Some kids will be required for the mission for story reasons; however, choosing the appropriate kids for certain battles will award bonus points!
"In that case, I believe I'll come, too." Weiss raised her hand. "I have a few words for my father…"
Disney Castle
"That was an utter disaster-hoho!" Mickey, Donald, and Goofy stomped into the former's office, putting out a small fire on his ear. "At least we'll be able to spin this in our favor, but golly, Cheren and Bowser have sent me over the edge! The end of June can't get here fast enough."
"On the bright side, the KND really hurt their reputation, hup-gyup!" Goofy chortled.
"Looks like dings didn't go so well for youse guys." A snide and familiar, Flatbush accent spoke.
"Hmm…" Mickey glared at his desk. "Decided to show yourself in, eh?"
The chair spun as a gray and white rabbit propped his feet up on the desk, chewing a carrot. "Well, since we had a change in schedule, I had no other place to go. What's up, doc?"
"Bugs Bunny…" Mickey walked around the desk as the rabbit faced him. "Don't think I haven't caught on to your secret 'underground' business."
"Yeh? Well, what's it to ya?"
"If I turn the other ear and let it slide… I'd like you to work with me on a certain 'project' of mine. I want you to rally your forces alongside mine, so we can crush the KND and Bowser together. …And that includes both KNDs, hoho."
"Hnn…and where is this leading off to?"
"I'll only tell you if you agree to work with me. But if you do, I'll be sure to lend you access to some of my companies and resources. We'll even boost Warner Bros.' fame in the process. And, when this is all done, we'll have a final contest to decide which of us is the best, once and for all."
"Hmm…alright den." Bugs extended a paw. "It's a promise." Mickey smiled and shook. "Now dat I've agreed, what's really on the table here?"
"Would you believe me if I said Supreme Godship-hoho?"
"Yes…" Bugs smirked, "I would."
Coruscant; Galactic Council
The kids dove off their respective ships and landed safely using parachutes, landing on an elevated sidewalk a few miles from the dome-shaped council building. From there, it was simply a calm, leisurely stroll through town. Dropping on the council directly, or even too close, may raise alerts, so Nebula wanted to take the calm approach first. That said, having such a diverse group of kids and teens at her back raised enough alerts from nearby citizens as it is… and she would refrain from remarking that Mocha obviously drew the most attention.
"Reminds me of our little walk before the Tachyon thing started!" Vweeb said, riding Arianna's head.
"And it feels more awkward than escorting a handcuffed madman."
"Hey, Nebula, shouldn't we call Sasha about this?" Makava asked. "She is the chancellor's daughter."
"I tried to call her while everyone was getting ready, but she didn't respond. She was onboard with this whole 'Smash Bros.' game, at least."
"I hope nothing bad's happened." Romeo said. "By the way, there's something I should explain to all of you. Sheila, Dillon, when you were fighting Sector LN, did you notice anything weird about them?"
"Wot was weird is me mates barely scraped out a win! They've been slackin' in their training, they have!" Sheila answered.
"Actually, I noticed those… weird fires in their eyes." Dillon said. "Like that fire affect you often see in anime."
"Victini told me about it. It was called a Rivalry, and it's something that's supposed to be part of this Game. He says that when people are 'challenged' by one of the Candidates' groups, those people are compelled to fight them. When Victini absorbed the Golden Sacred Flame, he awakened this urge inside everyone."
"You know, that's funny." Ciel Phantomhive replied. "During the CP0 incident, when Moonbase was invaded by those delinquents, I noticed such a flare in their eyes. And I suppose you did acquire that flame around then. But weren't Sector LN already on our side?"
"Maybe it's because they weren't completely recruited into this 'Game' by then. I don't really get it, but Victini thinks we'll have to deal with it a lot when gathering allies."
"In that case, I don't think our council visit will go so smoothly…" Nebula said worriedly.
Soldiers armed in tech armor lined the bridge to the council building. Weiss gasped, seeing the two generals standing at the base of the bridge. "Winter…" One was her elder sister, white hair in a spiked bun and eyes sharp as icicles. "And General Ironwood…" A white-suited man with black hair, a beard, and a stern expression. (Both from RWBY.)
"One's a pro icebender," Goombella Tattled, "Level 5,500, the other's an Armament Haki master, 6,000."
"I'll be the judge of that." Maddy fist-palmed.
The two generals immediately drew eyes to the huge crowd approaching the bridge. "WEISS!" Winter yelped, about to approach.
"Maintain yourself, Winter." Ironwood instructed.
Nebula, Weiss, and Maria approached the two ahead of the others. "Fair generals!" Nebula began oddly cheerily. "I am Nebula, Supreme Leader of the GKND! I have urgent information for the council and request passage to see them. I've brought Mushroom Princess Maria and President Schnee's daughter to confirm my info."
"Yes, I see… and you brought plenty others as well."
"Well, being of my position, I need lots of bodyguards. I mean, the council seems to have a fair amount of guards itself. But they'll happily stay outside if need be."
"Apologies, Miss Nebula, but we've been ordered not to allow any KND affiliates into the building. Chancellor Phyronix's orders."
"The chancellor?"
"Yes. Even his own daughter has been momentarily 'grounded.' It's a difficult time right now."
"Winter, I need to speak to Father! He's trying to humiliate Chancellor Yorkshire over his own biases, you know that!"
"Of course I do, and it sickens me. But they're not the only ones in an awkward position. You all are, too. Just what do you have to tell the council, anyway?"
"It's… something complicated." Nebula answered. "Something that only the world leaders should hear."
"Well, considering this meeting is being televised, perhaps now is not the best time." Ironwood replied.
"Then tell them to cut the cameras!" Maria shouted. "You shouldn't be embarrassing Dogmom on live TV, anyway!"
"I'll say it one more time: the KND is not allowed in the building. Leave these premises at once…" The soldiers lined up, "or we may have to put you in juvenile detention."
Nebula sighed. "Okay… I hear you loud and clear." She turned around. "I'll respect the chancellor's wishes and, bend them."
"AYIP!" Bender suddenly rolled to the front of the group and quickly stretched his arms to grab and bend the soldiers' guns. Winter shot an icicle path at him, but Weiss stopped it, while Ciel flipped to kick the sister in the chin. Ironwood threw his hardened fist at the Earl, but Maddy easily grabbed it in her palm. She spun Ironwood like a sideways screw before chucking him away. "And where'd you get the name 'Ironwood'?" Maddy wondered. "In bed?"
"Weiss, would you permit me to hold off Winter?" Ciel asked, sniping Antikill bullets at her. "I'm owed a little payback for destroying my butler!"
"Your butler?" Winter questioned, shooting quick icicles from her sword.
"Sebastian! He was forced to attack your manor under Miyuki's control. He takes for-flipping-ever to respawn, you know!!"
"Is this revenge for murder or inconvenience?!"
"Sorry, General, but we're changing our formula up a bit." Nebula said. "KND, it's crowd control time! You know the drill!" (Play "Atrocious Raid" from Cold Steel IV!)
Invasion 1: Galactic Council
Mission: Tell the councilmen about Kael!
Bender's request was fulfilled as the robot stretched his limbs to sweep down hordes of Town Troopers, but they could plainly see the Amazon Warriors upcoming on the bridge. They wouldn't be reaching their level as a chunk of the bridge retracted, while cannons extracted further up to blast them. Sheila punched Light Spheres to explode the ammo out of the air, but it seemed a cannon on the other end of the divided bridge was shooting Bullet Bills. Maria threw her hat to possess one of the Bills, flying to the other side, ramming the cannon, and flipping a lever to return the bridge to normal. The Mushroomian jumped and thwacked the surrounding troops, her friends hurrying to assist her. By then, the Amazons were charging to stomp the intruders, but Mocha and Morgiana would topple them first. "That girl!" one of the warriors gasped. "Isn't she…"
Their next step would be traversing the Senate Plaza, where statues of past chancellors lined the direct road to the entrance, and numerous flags representing the various planets dotted the field. Amidst dodging swarms of gunfire, they would realize an energy barrier sealed the entrance, with five different-shaped slots lined before it. "Wait, my dad told me about this mechanism!" Nebula said. "We have to find the right flags that correspond with these slots."
"So, their public security is dependent on a quirky children's puzzle?" Dillon asked. "Man, if only they had it up before, Palpatine wouldn't have won."
The symbols were a Mushroom, which was obvious to Maria; a squid with two sword tentacles, Glomour; a Lego shape, Legola; an Egyptian pose, Osiris; and a rose shape, Flora. Of course, it helped they were also color coded. The kids divided and tracked the flags down: the Osirin flag was guarded by three cannons, but after Sheila crushed them, the Pirate King hoisted the flag up with her superb strength and returned to the barrier. Mocha picked out the Floran flag as easily as a stick in the ground, after kicking down the Lego blockades like a playroom bully. Team Vweeb kicked their way past the Kateenian squadron guarding the Glomour flag, in which Arianna used some brambles to lift it out. Romeo's improved Rainbow Fire made taking down the Avalaran mages a breeze. He threw Maria up to "possess" the Mushroom flagpole and bounce her way over to the slots. Morgiana kicked down a band of Glomourian fighters before lifting out the Legoan flag.
When all five were inserted, the barrier deactivated. However, two Amazons had come out to guard the council entrance: Boa Marigold, an obese woman with wavy orange hair and curls on top, and Boa Sandersonia, a skinnier, green-haired woman with a dangling snake tongue. "Supreme Leader Nebula, and Honorary Mocha… I never thought we'd meet again under these conditions."
"Marigold and Sonia!" Mocha gasped.
"Boy, you ladies still look great!" Aisa grinned.
"Hm hm, thank you~" Sandersonia smiled.
"We have important information for the council." Nebula said. "Your sister needs to know it, too."
"We have orders not to let the KND pass." Marigold said. "I don't believe you would try to harm the council, so I wouldn't mind letting you pass. And yet…" Fire burned in both of their eyes. "I hoped for an opportunity to challenge you again. Perhaps you'll have time for a small test." The larger sister withdrew a spear, and both began to morph into snakes: Marigold a King Cobra and Sandersonia an anaconda.
"Their eyes!" Romeo gasped. "It's another Rivalry!"
"And those are Snake-Snake Fruits!" Goombella exclaimed. "But both are Level 4,000. Marigold's an Armament Haki specialist while Sonia's is Observation; they can also use the Life Return technique."
"Hey, Mocha, why don't you let me have a go at them?" Aisa smirked, stepping forward bravely. "That should make it an even fight."
"It'll be even if I help, too." Morgiana said. "I'll take Marigold. You'll be better suited for Sonia."
"Hey, Mocha, why don't you let me have a go at them?" Aisa smirked, stepping forward bravely. "That should make it an even fight."
"It'll be even if I help, too." Morgiana said. "I'll take Marigold. You'll be better suited for Sonia."
"Very well!" Sonia hissed. "We're always happy to face new warriors!" She turned her hair into snakes with Life Return, gnashing at Aisa from several directions, but the Shandian's Observation made for quick evasion. She ran and jumped her way up the bending hair strands and swung her iron-hard Conache Pumpkin. Sonia dodged, but Aisa slapped on a Jet Dial to fly left, putting the pumpkin at an angle where she could haul the rope down and bash Sonia's head. Marigold swung her hardened tail at Morgiana, who pushed back with her strong legs to cease her swing. She leapt on the tail and dashed to the torso, jumping as Marigold swung her spear. Morgiana leapt up and kicked Marigold's head, knocking her down despite her Armament defense. "?!" The sisters realized the other operatives were charging into the building. "Where are you going?!"
"We don't have time to watch your fight, we're on a tight schedule!" Nebula stated. "Good luck, Ais and Morg!"
Zathurian soldiers guarded the lobby, throwing Catch Cards on the ground that released Sproing-Oings and Longadiles. Dillon stretched Shade Fists to combat the stretchy creatures while Maria matched the bouncy enemies. "Say, Nebula, didn't you 'design' New Zathura?" Dillon asked. "Shouldn't you be a god to these people?"
"Shouldn't you be a god to the Superbians?"
"Good point." While the others dealt with the soldiers, Nebula saw a Grav Path along the wall to the ceiling. She flew onto it and walked up to press a ceiling switch, unlocking the next door. They entered a corridor with Avalaran giant soldiers, which Sheila and Mocha were tasked with toppling. In fact, the force of Sheila shoving a giant against the back door was the key to breaking it down. They entered a "lounge" room of sorts with tables and stairs leading to an upper layer. Legoan soldiers constructed bazookas and fired explosive, blocky ammunition. "Hey, it's my people!" Haylee built a shield with a stretched, suspended construction tarp in the center, using it to bounce their ammo back.
The ops traveled up the stairs, having to KO more Legoans guarding another sealed door. Seeing the chandeliers hanging by this floor's railing, Sheila jumped them using her propeller tail. She found a hidden card key on one and brought it to her mates. The following room seemed empty, but had a glowing switch panel. Nebula stood on it, and a solid holo-panel would appear a few feet in the air. Maria jumped on it, and the panel would quickly dissolve and reform further up. An unprepared Maria fell off, but she could try again. The panel would also shift vertically several times in a row, making a forward Wall Jump segment. It also sloped into a steep slide once, so when Maria jumped off with momentum, she would land on its next position. "This place sure has quirky intruder methods." Makava commented.
Maria pressed a switch on top, forming a proper staircase for the others. They would afterwards have to ascend a tower with a ladder path, along with floating searchlight drones. Sheila was about to- "Sheila, don't punch those." Nebula said. "Hitting one will send them all at us, and they have crazy shock rays."
"Sounds like it's stealth time." Dillon smirked.
"Hey, take me with you!" Maria chirped. "Maybe I can possess on and attack the others."
"Yeah." Nebula agreed. "They might not know how to act if they attack each other." With that, Dillon and Maria began climbing the ladder, using his shadowbending to Veil whenever the searchlights rotated past. Unfortunately, the drones seemed to be wearing hats, so Maria couldn't catch them; one had a top-hat, another had a sombrero, one a tribal hat, and the 4th a false nose and mustache mask. However, the 5th drone was bare, so Maria tossed her hat and possessed. She floated down and zapped the others, eventually making the drones turn on each other. She escaped before they all exploded. The others could safely ascend the ladder.
One last stairwell would lead to the Council Hall, guarded by four Irken SIR Units and large mechs. The SIRbots were swift, so Sheila matched them with her own speed and used curving Light Fists to take them down. Romeo shot fire to destroy the large mechs' cannons, leaving Bender to use his titular art and bend their spines backward. (End song.)
Outside
Bringing Ironwood to one knee was a cakewalk to Maddy. She didn't doubt his skill in Haki, able to focus his hardening to condensed areas to negate damage, but since her Gold Haki was designed to penetrate iron Haki in the first place, it didn't help much. On the other hand, Ciel had only gotten started with Winter, a graceful skier with icebending as she evaded the demon boy's swift chops and kicks. She was able to erect a large ice pillar with him on top, freezing his torso to it.
"I'll admit that your Haki's decent, but I wouldn't call you a master at it." Maddy said.
"Well, the title of 'master' is often used loosely." Another man's voice said. "No matter how skilled you are, there will always be someone greater."
Maddy sensed two presences behind her, and Ironwood seemed taken aback in shock. Just as the Murphy turned, a gust of black wind struck her face, blowing her several feet back as she felt her nose dent. Looking up, Maddy saw her attacker: a man with light-tan skin and brown hair brushed back in spikes. He wore a turquoise-blue, open coat with white edges, a black shirt underneath, white pants, and brown combat boots. He twirled a three-pronged spear.
"Vice-Admiral Bardias!" Ironwood gasped. "And… Admiral Aurelia."
Behind Bardias was a woman with silver-white hair, wearing a blue uniform with gold buttons and a purple cape with gold edges. She wore black stockings and white high-heels. A large sword with silver edges, a red center, and gold hilt with a green gem was slouched over her shoulder. "Who are…" Maddy could sense a strong aura within these two, particularly the woman. (Both are from Cold Steel.)
"When we heard the KND were attacking, I thought it was worth a visit." Aurelia said, her voice strong and dignified, but her smirk radiating with confidence. "It's an honor to meet you… Maddy the Conqueror."
"You know me?"
"The Earth KND are legends, especially to governments and militaries." Bardias answered. "And we've heard some impressive things about you."
"A prodigal Haki Master who exchanged fists with the Animal King himself."
"O…kay?"
"You seem confused." Winter said. "Allow me to make things clear. This is Vice-Admiral Wallace Bardias, the Black Whirlwind. He grew up as a farmer in Hyrule's humble Ordon Village. Behind him is Admiral Aurelia Le Guin, the Silver Rakshasa, a woman of Coruscanti nobility. As for the rest… words wouldn't do them justice."
"Heh, putting all the work on us, eh?" Bardias smiled coolly. "Well, I guess you two are having a spot of trouble, anyway. Apologies, Miss Murphy, but we've been ordered to arrest you kids for breaking and entering." Bardias spun his spear, stirring a black whirlwind around him. He cast the wind at Maddy, who dodged the first few gusts before one dented her face again.
"You're mixing Haki with airbending?!" And not only that, his chi possessed much more force than Ironwood's. She hardened herself and charged through the wind, but could still feel the force behind it. Wallace jumped high in the air when she threw a punch, blowing a powerful gust against the ground to blow Maddy away. She regained herself and forced her way through the gust. She thrusted her fist upward and shot a burst of chi, punching Bardias' face. The vice-admiral dropped down, but as Maddy ran for the next strike, he spun a black whirlwind around himself, deterring her fist. He quickly jabbed his spear, Maddy hardening her waist to withstand it. Bardias leapt backward and shot juts of wind from his thrusting spear. Maddy dodged her way up to him, but as Wallace spun another whirlwind shield, it became like trying to punch against a high-powered fan. However, Maddy's fist didn't need to reach him to hurt him with ranged Haki, Bardias' insides compressing. One more punch flew him clean backward, the vice-admiral flipping upright and sliding on his boots from momentum.
"That's enough of a demonstration." Aurelia said. "Show us your full power, Madeline." As the admiral stepped forward, her entire sword turned black with Haki. Except… the very edges and middle lines were gold.
"You… can use Golden Haki, too?!"
"Ever since I learned King K. Rool could make his Haki gold, I knew there were heights I had yet to reach in my art. And I know you are the same… but unlike me, you had the honor of fighting him."
"Well, it's not like your armies did anything to help in the Pirate War."
"Our militaries are more complicated than you might think." Bardias replied. "Not only is there a lot of official paperwork involved, but whenever big crises like the Pirate War spring up, it inspires riots, and riots pave way to terrorist revolts. You'd be surprised how many criminals we've had to deal with because of these things."
"And because of that, I've had no opportunity to perfect my craft." Aurelia said. "Only now can I barely sharpen the edge of my blade. And now… you're here, Conqueror Maddy. I ask you…" A silver aura ignited around her. "Help me refine this rugged chi of my mine. Polish my iron, my silver, into a luscious gold."
Maddy's muscular arms blackened, her fingers coated gold. "If you say so." She greeted Aurelia with an uppercut, but the admiral fell back to meet it with her blade. The impact of powerful Haki generated a shockwave, causing Winter's pillar to shatter. Ciel dropped and immediately lashed kicks and arms at the unexpecting general. Aurelia slashed more blows that Maddy dodged, even having to push the sword off course at one point; but even then, she could feel her palms bruise. She had a clear shot at the admiral's stomach, but Aurelia could likewise throw a punch at Maddy's jaw, so both ladies suffered a painful blow.
Council building
The councilmen's guests and associates watched the meeting from the building's cafeteria. Among them was Police Chief Bogo, a bull Mobian, who could only snarl at Cheadle's treatment, sitting alongside Lord Business's henchman, "Bad Cop."
The most eye-catching person in the room was, by far, Princess Clematis, the younger sister of the current King Croacus V. "The Kids Next Door ended the accursed reign of both Viridi AND the Irken Empire." The camera focused on Croacus himself, a yellow-faced rose with thick red lips (from Paper Mario). "Er, no offense, Zim."
"None taken at all." The Irken Tallest smiled (from Invader Zim).
"And I heard a rumor that the KND have made Viridi their ally, as much as that monstrous Skaios." Angella argued. "What do you make of that?"
"Puh. When's this bloody conference going to end?" Clematis scoffed. She was a soft white flower with sharp petals, but even sharper eyelashes and pure red lipstick. "It doesn't matter what you say, you pampered old fool. You won't be sitting in the royal pot for long."
"Apologies, everyone." A guard alerted them. "But I'm afraid we must put this room under lockdown. There are intruders inside."
"Bloody fantastic. …Hm?" Clematis cocked a brow at the screen.
…
"I won't hear another word of this." The High President of Osiris banged his staff. "My people once lived under the tyranny of a corrupt pharaoh, but Supreme Leader Nebula liberated us and took the pharaoh far away! …AAAH!" He jumped in his seat in panic. "THERE HE IS NOW!"
"WHAT UP, COUNCIL JERKS?!" Bender sprung into the Council Hall. Nebula and the other operatives were soon to follow.
"NEBULA?!" her father exclaimed.
"MARIA?!" Cheadle and Peach screamed.
"DOGMOM!"
"Well, this is an unexpected surprise." Phyronix chuckled. "I don't suppose you're the ones behind that commotion outside?"
"We have urgent information the council needs to hear." Nebula answered. "Unfortunately, we had to get a bit aggressive with the guards."
"I see." Empress Hancock replied. "Only you could have gotten past my sisters, Mocha."
"Hi, Miss Hancock!" Mocha beamed. "And, sorry to disappoint, but my fellow tribal girls are handling your sisters now."
"Well, since you've shown yourselves in, I urge you to speak." The chancellor requested.
"Hmm…" Jacques glared at the group, worriedly and knowingly.
Nebula took a breath and professed clearly, "Kael's Game has begun."
The rulers merely stared at her in confusion… until thoughts sparked in their minds. "W-What?!" the Osirin President gasped. "How do I know this?!"
"Goodness, what insane thoughts have infested my brain stem?!" Croacus exclaimed.
"You don't mean the…" Cheadle began.
"The Game of Thrones?!" Peach gasped.
"He called it the Super Smash Bros.!" Maria exclaimed.
"It can't be!" Kcalb stood. "That is an ancient legend known only to our world! How do you all… and, why are these thoughts…"
"The Game to decide the Supreme King of the Cosmos." Etihw rose beside him. "The Game where all kings bow to one. And you're saying it's begun?"
"Yes." Nebula nodded. "And the three players are King Bowser, King Mickey, and us Kids Next Door."
"Unbelievable…" Phyronix said in a low gasp.
"The reason Mickey was making those broadcasts about us is to turn people against you. And it seems he has you all bickering over us as well. I only wanted to offer you the truth, so you could decide your allegiances once and for all."
"But don't you realize this is being broadcasted?!" Toriel exclaimed. "Now, other rulers and even civilians will know! This could cause all kinds of riots!"
"Well, this wouldn't be the first time. Remember when I shrunk the planets?"
"Chancellor, I think these children have intruded long enough!" Jacques said. "We must arrest them posthaste! And as for you, young lady," he narrowed on his daughter, "you and I are going to have a serious talk-"
"YOU'RE the one who needs a talking to!" Weiss stomped. "You're humiliating Miss Yorkshire and encroaching on the Mobians all over your racism! Chancellor Phyronix, he needs to be removed from the Corporate Presidents!"
"How DARE you!"
"Ahem, I have no authority over Corporate Presidents' membership. Adding or dismissing members is something they decide on their own. And, even so, Mr. Schnee is patrolling Mobius on King Mickey's request. He certainly wouldn't let him do anything heinous."
"You know, Chancellor, why did you ask the army to forbid us from entering?" Nebula wondered. "Did Mickey get to you, by any chance?"
"Is it true?!" Cheadle gasped. "Were you brainwashed just like Peach?!"
"Brainwashed?!" Maria gasped.
"Now, Maria, Cheadle is just being paranoid." Peach smiled. "She's shaken up over the K. Rool incident, so she's accusing Mickey's allies of being invaders, too."
"What?!" The dogwoman flared up. "Peach, have you completely forgotten everything Schnee's done and said?!"
"Th-That's not what I…"
"The fact Mickey would even work with a man like Jacques is proof he can't be trusted!"
"So you say…" Angella rose, "but I trust the KND even less. I've never disapproved of my daughter's branch in the organization, but you kids have shown you aren't fit to rule with that kind of power."
"For your information, we weren't planning to do anything with that power!" Nebula argued. "We only want to keep it out of the hands of anyone else. If we win this Game, if we win the right to Kael's Throne, then we'll break this curse! But what Mickey will do is remove everyone's freedom."
"But King Mickey could rid the universe of evil and war…" reasoned Lord Pumpus, who had a small antenna and puffed, round cheeks, "WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU?!"
"That may be," Jeremy reasoned, "but I do not believe that is morally ethical. The existence of 'good' and 'evil' is a symbol of freedom and individuality, and to remove such things-"
"First of all, you're biased to your daughter," Jacques said, "second, no one asked for a philosophical lecture."
"I don't know if this whole Game is real or not," Lord Business followed, "but I don't agree with Mickey's plan if that's the case. The KND taught me the beauty of creative freedom. They taught me why I shouldn't stick everything in place with a giant glue bottle. So, I'm siding with them in this so-called Smash Bros.!"
"YAAAAY!" Haylee cheered.
"And we of Osiris will do the same." The president rose. "…Provided Pharaoh Bender stays away from the Throne at all costs."
"I stole, like, 40 thrones in my life." Bender blew a cigar.
"You have the support of the Floro Sapiens as well." Croacus assured.
…
"As if we will." Clematis scoffed. "Still, if this game is real… it's no wonder he made that offer."
…
"And you have my support just as well." Cheadle smiled. …She cast a reproachful glare at Peach.
"Um…I-I…I choose to side with Mickey."
"W-what?" Hurt flooded Maria's eyes.
"I…I really think you should trust him, Maria. With him, you'll never have to worry about Bowser hurting anyone again."
Maria jumped up the council seats until she reached her mom's. …The chamber echoed with gasps as she slapped the Mushroom Queen. "Bowser never hurt me as many times as you!" She leapt to Cheadle's platform, leaving her distraught mom at her back. "Dogmom, let's get out of here!"
"Not so fast!" Zim proclaimed. "Tallest Zim has not decided."
"Decided what?" Vweeb asked. "Why wouldn't you side with us? Didn't the KND liberate your people?"
"That is true… and yet, Zim regrets that he was never given a proper meeting with the legendary operatives." The Tallest stood, flames in his eyes. "Zim would like to test the KND's convictions."
"I do as well." Hancock rose, her own eyes flaring. "Mocha… I would like to see the how far you've gone in your training."
"Hancock… I had a feeling you'd say that."
"In that case…" Kcalb and Etihw's eyes lit up, "we'd like to see what you're capable of."
"Them, too?!" Dillon gasped.
"Even the Council are under the Rivalry spell." Romeo said.
"Ooo-wee-ooo~" Croacus drawled. "In that case… perhaps I'll draw in on the fun." His eyes burned.
"Alright…" Nebula smirked. "If that's the only way you'll decide, so be it."
"Zim will accept nothing but the finest opponent." The Tallest declared. "I will accept nothing less than an Uno."
"Perhaps some exercise is just what we need after all this strife." Phyronix smiled. "Very well. Council, we adjourn to the gymnasium! …After a quick trip to the cafeteria!"