(The discussion thread is here
)
Welcome to HGS: Another Side Another Story. It is a roleplay spinoff for the Hunger Games Simulator forum game, akin to both the RP's in the Roleplaying section as well as the ITTs in Forum Games. It tells the story of the Hunger Games in the Arena of Panem, the nominators who sent the tributes, the tributes themselves both in and out of the Arena or even other people relevant to the Games. In addition, it also tells their stories beyond the Arena.
You can jump right in with any character, like your nominator self, your tributes, etc. The structure of this RP will be open-world. Don't worry about not being skilled/experienced enough or being new to RP'ing. Finally, ASAS accepts any skill level or RP style. Other than these, there are some important rules to note, which are:
- No godmodding will be allowed or tolerated here. The offending player will be given punishment depending on the severity.
- Please communicate anything important you plan on another player with the said player first. Don't just execute it without their consent.
- Don't be rude to other players, both out and in-universe. This extends to RP offenses like railroading, guilt-tripping, coercing, or other forms of forcing them.
- This RP is related to the Hunger Games Simulation:Beyond the Possibilities forum game. Thus it will have events based from that game, including the tributes. This means if you want to RP as tributes, please nominate them officially on the thread first, with misses not being counted. This has to be done after an incident with a player who hasn't joined the game itself yet.
- Since this RP is Loose Canon in relation to the main HGS thread, the host's interpretation of events isn't necessarily 100% canon. Every player has the right to deviate from what the host says and go with their own interpretations. If multiple players have their tributes involved in the same event(s), please communicate with each other so that you're on the same page regarding how you see them.
- This RP chronicles the lives of the nominators and their tributes behind the scenes. While dark plots are acceptable, the overall tone of the RP should be light-hearted and comedic. This RP is not a Cosmic Horror Story or action story about defeating evil. It is a Slice of Life comedy with some adventure to it, first and foremost. Our previous RP, Convergence, is not representative of the intended tone, and the grimdark tone of that RP is one of the main reasons it was retooled.
- Nominators and tributes alike can transform into Pokemon whenever they enter a Pokemon Mystery Dungeon World (but they can bypass this with certain items/methods or shapeshifting) or via other means outside it such as a season event, Transformation Trinkets, or shapeshifting. The players are free to choose the Pokéforms that best suit their characters and even give them color schemes outside the standard and Shiny colors, but there is a hard rule for this. If you want your character's Pokéform to be a Legendary, Mythical, or Ultra Beast, please ask the RP mods for approval. Outside the Arena, these Pokéforms are still OP, but we want to give leeway for tributes who theoretically can have them such as deities.
- Other rules are covered in the RP guides: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=13414403220A81433600&page=1#comment-1
Other guides to help you can be found below:
Here's my opening RP post:
Detective Gamechanger's Base
A sharp-dressed man in a green suit and yellow tie is standing by the entrance of the base. He is of average height and has whitish skin, though still a bit darker. He is Billy, one of the nominators and the organizer of the party.
Indeed, after the nominators' returned and settled their problems, they decide to have fun with a party. Billy also sent invites for all the other nominators out there, as well as basically anyone else, including tributes, non associated parties, interested nominators who haven't participate yet, or even those who just wants to hang out.
The place itself in the base is refurbished for party purposes. Fancy chairs and tables are set everywhere for people to relax, as well as put food and other objects for the latter. There's also various collections showcased, including those belonging to the Detective, like his classic cars. Various themes to the base are set too, including detective noir as GC would have preferred.
Billy is now awaiting for other guests to arrive. He is also ready to give them a pleasant surprise during the party pertaining to his nation.
Edited by Billy5545 on Aug 23rd 2023 at 12:18:55 AM
Dusty the Mighty
Eye-Sicle's Lair
(Once the season is over, Jared runs down to the triage to see if Miss Ball is alright.) Idun?
(Miss Ball steps out of the triage, alive but dizzy.) Yeah...wow. I guess I got too distracted or something. No problem, though. I'll just have to try again some other time.
(Jared still can't help but hug Ball anyway, though. That season wasn't fun to watch at all.)
(Back up at the tribute summoning chamber, it's about time for nominations again.)
So...which of you fellers wants to go next? (Kenny asks.)
(After a moment, Wanda waves her claw.) Heck with in, I'll go in.
Please be careful, Wanda. (Cleo says.) There is no telling what might happen to you out there.
(As this is going on, Mitzi notices something on the control panel.) Hey, HEY! Guys, check this out!
What is it? (Joaquin asks.)
There's someone in reserve here I didn't notice before. (Mitzi says.)
(Everyone exchanges glances.)
Well, bring 'em in! We've got one more season where it'll be easier to actually HAVE two people. (Wanda says.)
(Mitzi hits the button and all at once the tribute chamber is LOADED with people and creatures of all sorts of shapes and sizes.)
AAAAAAAAH WHAT HAVE WE DONE?!! (Mitzi screams.)
Ooh, this some sorta fancy lab? I'm gonna build me an awesome laser! Bloo, wait!!
This place have any food?
'Scuse me a second while I fix my hair. Hya-hya-hya-hya-hya-ha! Okay, what's the deal...weird...lil critters?
I'll give you lousy adults ten seconds to explain before I call for back-up!
T-That won't be necessary, young man, it's simple, really- (Tay tries to say, but soon enough the situation starts to deteriorate as heroes and villains become aware of each other's presence in the same room.)
Hmm? A dimension lacking MY influence? Let me fix that. (Aku muses, starting to leave.)
You will NOT destroy this timeline, too! (Jack shouts, blocking the evil overlord's way.)
(Fights look ready to break out, but finally Cleo diffuses the chaotic situation by freezing almost everybody in place with her psychokinetic powers for a moment before letting them go.)
Please...calm down. (She says.)
(Meanwhile, Wanda has shrunk down until she is hiding within her hat again and sits there rubbing her temples.) Gosh, this is going to be a disaster...
SR388
(The goons look visibly puzzled at Scipion's rant about wanting to turn Wednesday and Lucian into poop (as he put it), except for Knox whose expression doesn't change and Liv, who makes a bemused expression as though Scipion somehow knew something he shouldn't.)
You're...saying that as though we're here helping these fellows find their runaway comrade WILLINGLY. (Surry says to Garnet.) We're only here because this rogue counterpart of ours forced us to help them. (He motions to Knox and the others.)
Well then there must surely be some way we can help you all..."me" all? My goodness, I am so confused... (Stanford says.)
Enough chattin'! If you can't tell us where they are, then we'll just hafta tail you fellers as you look fer 'em. (Knox says.)
We should join forces? (Eye-Sicle asks. Judging by the tone in his voice, he really does not want to do that.)
(Wednesday starts to panic as he realizes Lucian is starting to shut down and becomes worried that Lucian may pass out...or worse. Despite his own nerves being shot, he attempts to calm the Lycanroc back down by starting to hum an old song June taught him when they were children.)
(Meanwhile, James and Henry insist that Aaron and June go ahead to their friends.) But what if you guys- (June protests.)
Miss June, your friend needs you more! Now go! We'll show this fellow what for! (Henry insists.)
(''June quietly nods and joins Aaron.')
(Sure enough, the Omega Metroid jumps out. James' Snipe Shot has no effect, and soon the monster has them cornered.)
Give me a moment. I believe I can release ourselves! (Henry says.)
(He stomps on the ground and concentrates an Earthquake on the Omega Metroid's location.)
(Meanwhile, June calls out to Wednesday.) (Ozzy! Where are you guys?)
(We're hiding in a hole. Hurry! Lucian's not okay!)
Aaron, they're hidin' in a hole and I think Lucian's hurt! We hafta hurry! (June says.)
"Hey, gimme a minute to get to know everyone, 'kay, Brainy?" "Of course, but please allow me to get a word in, too, bzz."
Space Molly Weasley
SR388, Tower
"So you're his unwilling servants... just like how I was back in Homeworld?" Pearl asks the alternate Stanfords. "I... I'm so sorry..."
"You used to be like them?" asks Bow.
"Yes... all Pearls were made to serve their owners, especially the Diamonds, but I became a renegade and fought for my freedom! No time to explain how I did it, though, it's... personal."
"But should we team up with them? Not sure if we should trust these guys with reaching our common goal, especially Knox."
"I'd say yes on the condition that neither Lucian nor Wednesday are harmed."
"I'd like to hear other opinions first," says Garnet.
Outside Alphys's Lab
"Oh! H-Hey there, Chara..." says Alphys, "hope you're having fun! And Azzy, here's the ring as you requested!"
She carefully slips the bangle through his right hand, and Asriel smiles as it.
"Thanks! Now is there something to test its new powers on?"
"Hang on a moment..."
Alphys retreats to her lab, and after a while, she takes out a charred dummy.
"Not a lot of monsters know this, but I once practiced my electric powers with it. Ended up scorching the entire lab before finally hitting it!"
"Golly... I thought you didn't like fighting!"
"I haven't actually used them since... y'know..."
Asriel nods, remembering when she tried attacking him as Flowey just before his final battle with Frisk.
"But anyway, see if you can repair this with your healing lava!"
Alphys props the dummy near the SAVE Point and asks Chara to stand back. Asriel then powers up and shoots the lava at the dummy, and true enough, it becomes good as new.
Dave's Home Base, Warehouse
"I approve of that!" says 6k1, "but there are still a few more functions to be tested, but they'll be quick... or we can skip straight to the final boss after a short break!"
"Oooh, can't wait either way!" says Mimi while Dupe nods in agreement.
Meanwhile, AL receives LY's signal and escapes the monster's grasp to find her. With one minute left, she uses her scanner, whose range was halved from the split, to locate LY, then quickly pulls her away from the other monster.
Are you alright? asks AL.
My framework was partially damaged, but otherwise, I am still in good condition.
Thank the stars! But where's the finish line?
The coordinates are within our vicinity, but reassembling ourselves back into Ally is the most viable method to beat the time limit!
Without hesitation, AL and LY interlock their fingers, and their Tron Lines glow again as their bodies reconstruct themselves back into Ally. She then stops glowing and releases a shockwave to knock out the remaining monsters before running to the goal.
"And you finished it with just five seconds left on the clock!" shouts 6k1 on the intercom one last time. "Congratulations!"
She simulates fireworks above Ally, just when the season ends. As always, 6k1 checks the report, which says that Spamley kept his invisibility but not his time traveling as he prefers being sneaky with his ads than seeing the future. She then has Data KnowsMore resummoned... but cringes upon seeing the sheer number of large group tributes storming the Arena.
Power's Home
"So that's when they were sent to the Arena two seasons ago!"
"Yep, and Susie came back ranting that she was so close to getting Noelle out of her prison room!"
"Talk about a Spanner in the Works!"
"We had to backtrack to watch the season on Queen's computer screen, and boy, weren't we scared for our friends... I hoped that Kris would be okay while Susie yelled at Noelle to get her sh...stuff together."
"Yeah, I was so worried about them, too..." Power folds her ears.
"I get that, but we knew that they'd be fine after the season... because not too long after it ended, they were returned!"
"Not sure if their nominator was even aware of your adventure, but at least they sent them back! How were they after that?"
"Kris was alright! I even hugged them on the swan boat to make sure they're okay! But Susie said that Noelle was still shaking in her room when she got her out of there."
"Oh deer... Apologies for the pun, I couldn't help it."
Ralsei giggles. "No prob. But anyway, after we fought Spamton..."
He tells Power how the final battle with Queen went. Her jaw drops.
"You had a giant mecha battle with her?!"
"You better believe me! But just when we thought we defeated her, she captured us and forced Noelle to open another Dark Fountain! However, she refused, for she was still shaken from the Arena and her service under her, but Berdly offered to open it anyway."
Ralsei makes his serious face again.
"I warned them that doing so would unleash the Roaring and destroy all the Dark Worlds, and surprisingly, Queen didn't know that part of the prophecy and thought that her ruling would make everyone happy!"
"But why didn't you tell her?!" Power gasps.
"I thought she knew already." Ralsei shrugs. "But in the end, we were all safe, and Kris and Susie sealed the Cyber World's fountain and took Noelle and Berdly home."
And the season ends right after he says that.
"Awww, that was great adventure you all had! I hope Noelle fully recovers from her trauma, and good luck in your next adventure, whenever it is!"
"Thanks!" Ralsei smiles. "And before I go... do you still have the White Ribbon I gave you on your birthday?"
"Of course, I do! Why?"
"Is it okay if you return it to me? Because I have something better than that!"
Edited by TroperNo9001 on Oct 11th 2021 at 1:19:25 AM
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
Niiue
Chara raised an interested eyebrow when Alphys mentioned her electric powers, something that they never encountered themselves.
Still, they stood back and watched with surprise as the healing lava worked.
"So healing lava is actually a thing... It is still hard to believe." they sighed with a smile.
"Okay, what's with the stupid faces?" Scipion grunted at the goons upon seeing most of them confused. He blinked several times in realization before bursting into maniacal laughter, mocking them.
"I... believe most of them doesn't know about what Dark Stanford's bracer ability to atomize people... Should we tell them?" Clyde discretely asked Stanford.
Knox then suggested they team up, causing Scipion to cackle like a mad man again.
"Do you think we're stupid? You're just gonna snatch the two crybabies away from us the moment we'll find them! Better to let you cretins rotting here while we keep looking for the others, right?" Scipion asked, not caring at all if they were into the same situation as Wednesday or not.
"Actually..." Clyde pondered
"Oh fuck, don't tell me we are actually going to team up with them?" Scipion roared at the Shuppet and Pearl.
"We do have a common goal and I suppose all of us are aware of how dangerous this planet is, so perhaps teaming up temporarily could work. But on the other hand-"
The group got interrupted as familiar screeches echoed through the fiery cavern.
"Right... Metroids..." Scipion growled.
"It is likely a huge group such as ourselves combined will alert them even more. I believe many of them are coming here right now. If we do have to team up, I suggest we take the decision now before they get here." Clyde calmly said.
Ori said nothing, leaving the others to decide. They still looked suspiciously at Knox and Liv.
The Omega Metroid got closer and closer to the group, Ribbon and Mr. Star's projectiles barely working either. The Earthquake did little to destabilize it as well.
Still, the team's energy convinced the monster that it would be a waste to feed on them all by itself.
The Omega first took care of the Pokémons by grabbing James and Henry before they could react before slamming them against the wall, knocking them out with its huge strenght. Turning towards Mr. Star's group, it let out a triumphant roar as, like with Amethyst and Glimmer, several Larvas suddenly appeared from the darkness and grabbed their head, sucking the group's life force until they lost consciousness, capturing them.
The Omega grabbed the 2 Pokémons as the Zeta's group that captured Amethyst and Glimmer joined them and the aliens retreated into the darkness with their prey. Thankfully, none detected the 4 remaining Pokémons from afar
Much later, James groggily awoke, moaning in pain. It was way too dark for him to see anything.
The first thing he felt was a weird sensation over all of his body, save for his head.
"W-Where...?"
The Inteleon tried to move but gasped in shock when he realized he couldn't. He took a closer look at his body and restrained a scream.
He was upside-down, trapped inside a green cocoon sticking to the ceiling.
GROSSGROSSGROSSGROSS!!! Oh goodness gracious...!! T-This must be a bad dream... I-It has to be! the Inteleon thought, his face becoming green with horror and disgust.
Looking around himself, he felt a familiar presence right behind him inside the same cocoon.
"H-Henry...? Is that you?" he gasped upon realizing his fellow rescuer was also trapped with him.
He then saw other familiar people inside 2 other cocoons. Glimmer and Amethyst were in the second one, Mr. Star and co. in the third (with Kirby having his mouth covered as well, for good measures).
A low, yet loud grunt shook the room. James gulped nervously upon realizing that there was someone else inside the room.
It was something huge, even more, massive than an Omega Metroid. It was too dark to see what it looked like, but the heroes could tell it had a long neck and was quadrupedal. Only its several pair of red eyes could be seen... or rather hers.
The Queen Metroid stared at the prisoners, motionless.
"Lucian is hurt?? D-Damnit..." Aaron answered June, on the verge of panicking.
But then, Aaron heard a familiar voice humming. He went towards a small hole inside a wall where it was coming from and saw...
"O... Oscar? Lucian??"
Aaron ran to the two Pokémons and gasped at their states. Wednesday looked just as terrified as he was when he was shrunk down, but Lucian looked much worse.
The Lucario noticed that something was wrong as Lucian didn't react to his, or June's presence. He didn't even seem to hear Wednesday, though at least his convulsions have stopped and his heart slightly slowed down thanks to the small song.
"Lucian! Lucian!! Oscar, what happened to him??" Aaron asked Wednesday. Upon a closer look, he noticed that Lucian's left back leg didn't move. He put a paw on it to scan it with his aura and heard Lucian moaning a bit.
"His... His leg..." Aaron muttered in shock, realizing how serious the injury was.
He couldn't imagine whatever was going through Lucian's head right now.
Aaron teared up and tried to help Lucian the best way he knew. He hugged tight his paralyzed friend, holding him close.
"L-Lucian... Please say something... I-I beg you..." he whimpered near his friend's ears.
Then Lucian blinked as if that specific hug coupled with his friend's gentle voice triggered something in him.
"A... Aaron..." he chocked out
"Lucian...!" Aaron exclaimed.
"A-Aaron..." Lucian repeated.
"Yes that's me. I'm with June and Oscar." Aaron gently said.
"June... O... Oscar..."
"Lucian... How do you feel?" Aaron kept whispering.
"M-My leg... M-My heart... I-It hurts... It hurts so much...! I-I don't want to die... I'm scared... I want to go home..." the Lycanroc muttered, finally gripping Aaron as he regained slowly his consciousness.
"It's okay. You are going to be alright... E-Everything is going to be alright." Aaron whispered, trying to reassure his friend.
"N-No..."
Aaron felt Lucian gripping him tighter.
"I... I lied to you... I-I should have done as you t-told me... C-Colby... H-He... H-He killed himself f-f-for us... O-Oscar is going to d-d-die b-because of m-m-me... I... I'm pathetic... I c-c-can't even..." Lucian said, his voice shaking more and more.
Aaron noticed the time on Wednesday's bracer. He sighed as Lucian was blaming himself for everything, knowing full well how horrible it felt. He also remembered how his best friend was bullied by an enraged Lisa and how he met with him, having found him in a similar (though less intense) state.
In truth, he was a bit angry at how Lucian lied to him and made him so concerned. But on the other hand, he knew he would have likely done the same thing if he was in his friend's paws. And the last thing Lucian needed right now was someone to shout at him. He looked traumatized.
"Lucian... There is a lot of things I want to tell you. I was so, so worried about you. But... I am not mad at you. Not at all. I promise you that." Aaron said, gently stroking Lucian
Lucian stammered, overflown with emotions, and trying to speak.
"Hey, it's okay to be so nervous. It's who you are, no one can change that. You already overdid yourself a lot for Oscar... I'm proud of you. I really am." Aaron muttered with a comforting smile.
Lucian couldn't take it anymore and shut his eyes. He finally broke down and loudly wailed, releasing all of his stress at once while gripping Aaron to death.
Aaron shut his eyes and returned the favor, doing the best hug he could. The Lucario tearfully looked at Wednesday and June, pulling them into a group hug too, knowing they needed it as much as he and Lucian did.
Edited by Scipion3 on Oct 10th 2021 at 12:17:37 PM
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
Space Molly Weasley
Outside Alphys's Lab
"Good to know that it's working as intended!" says Alphys.
Asriel then depowers himself.
"However, that new power of yours won't work in the Arena because it was reverse-engineered from your data clone's run... unless you somehow get into that event again."
He nods in understanding.
"Anyway, we shall continue traveling the Underground! See ya!"
"Have fun, and don't forget the closing ceremony tonight!"
Alphys takes the dummy and retreats to her lab.
"So where do we go next?" Asriel asks Chara. "Shall we walk to Waterfall or take the boat there? We can go to Snowdin faster if the latter, or we can just go straight there, but I wanna look at the 'stars' like old times."
SR388
"I still stand by my decision to team up with them," says Pearl.
"I'd rather not," says Bow. "As rude as he is, Scipion's got a point."
"That's a valid concern," says Garnet, "but I agree with Pearl on this unless Robin's team has other opinions. I won't go easy on you if you harm our rescuees," she says to Dark Stanford's minions sternly.
Meanwhile, Amethyst and Glimmer slowly open their eyes and try shaking the cocoon. It barely moves, so Glimmer tries teleporting herself out, but nothing happens.
"Ugh... my magic's not working..."
"Lemme try busting ourselves outta here..."
Amethyst shapeshifts into a tiger and tries slashing the cocoon open, but she only manages to break one of its several thick layers. She growls and turns back to normal, then she and Glimmer huddle each other when the Metroid Queen shows up.
Power's Home
Power goes to her local post office to return the White Ribbon to Ralsei. She looks outside and watches the sun almost setting, and after a while, the mailpony wraps up Ralsei's gift and gives it to her. She pays and thanks them, then returns home and reads the note.
I had Malius fuse your White Ribbon with the Pink Ribbon that Kris found in Cyber City to make the Twin Ribbon! Not only is its defense slightly stronger than the White Ribbon alone, it also generates a magic field around you when projectiles move close to you! This field will produce Tension, which recharges your magic! Just be careful not to get TOO close to the bullets or you'll get hurt! Hope you like it! ~Ralsei
Power opens the gift and ties her mane
◊ in pigtails
◊ with it. She thanks Ralsei and then shows it to Ichi and tells him about his adventure.
Light and Hope
SR388
Knox, however, makes an unexpected offer: a temporary alliance. Robin and company are very much tempted to refuse, but with the Metroids closing in, the Grandmaster realizes that he's facing a crossroad.
"As much as I wish I could, I cannot trust you, in part because it is my duty as Princess Zelda's appointed knight," Link decides, "I'm afraid I will have to consider her safety before mine."
"Link, I understand your concerns, but perhaps this temporary alliance can be beneficial in the long run."
"To our enemies only, likely. But...."
"We're running out of options, and time is not on our side. If we must team up for the time being, I will accept it, as long as our friends remain safe. Just know this: I have always kept my friends close.... and my enemies closer. Rest assured, a renegade against the deal on your part will face swift retribution."
In the shadows, the woman continues to watch the standoff curiously. What, exactly, are they planning to do, she wonders.
Dave's Home Base
"Whatever you feel is best, sis," Dave replies.
The maze trial ends just in time for the nominations, and Hans already has one in mind: the final roster of Smash, which he clones and sends into the Arena.
But then he notices the multiple switches of tributes, the sheer number of large group tributes.... and the amount of tributes that are absolutely unshippable.
"Oh boy, this ought to be something," he dryly remarks.
Hope: "Let's go. We'll be together." Lightning: "I only know... that soon, we'll be together."
Dusty the Mighty
SR388
(Stanford is about to answer Clyde when there is the sound of more Metroids approaching. Marv lets out a terrified squeak.)
Dammit, fine, but don't think we'll go easy on you if you step outta line! We've got some strong people here! (Eye-Sicle says.) We gotta get outta here before those things get here!
Then let's go already! (Knox says, swaggering ahead of everyone.)
(As the party gets ready to leave, the other Stanfords hang back behind Dark Stanford's group and start muttering to each other in hushed voices. A moment later, they call "our" Stanford over to them.)
What is it? (Stanford asks.)
We're still working out how, but we're going to make sure you all leave with Wednesday instead of them. (Stasia says.) What do you have?
Oh, erm, my bowtie enables me to turn into another species for a limited time. (Stanford says. He is still a bit unsure about being around so many different alternate versions of himself.)
Great! Maybe we could figure out a way to make that work... (Stasia says.)
Ozzy!! (June exclaims, immediately wrapping her friend up in the tightest hug Wednesday has ever felt, tears streaming down her face.) Oh, Ozzy, I'm so glad you 'n Lucian are okay...
(Lucian mentioning Colby and his fate causes Wednesday to completely break down as well. He still can't shake the guilt of Colby sacrificing himself to let he and Lucian escape.) Colby...
Ozzy, I'm sure Colby would be proud of how far you guys have gotten so far! I know I sure am.... (June says as all four of them share a group hug.) Now howzabout we finish this together and get that thing off 'a ya? If that's a timer, then I don't like how low it's lookin'.
(Wednesday looks at it and gets anxious.) R-Right. We have to keep going...where's everybody who was with you?
They should be comin'. (June says.) I hope...
(Henry is grabbed along with James, and before he can react, everything suddenly goes black.)
(After some time, he hears James calling out to him and wakes up.) Mmf...ah, James, I was having the most wonderful dream, where- (He stops once he realizes he's stuck inside some sort of green gooey cocoon...and the Queen Metroid is staring them down.)
(Henry's typical bravado evaporates completely and he looks scared out of his mind.) Eep!! Y-Your majesty...? (He squeaks in a tiny voice.)
"Hey, gimme a minute to get to know everyone, 'kay, Brainy?" "Of course, but please allow me to get a word in, too, bzz."
"Hoo boy... sounds like it was a heckuva wild ride."
Niiue
Outside Alphys's lab
"Right, I remember... I will be honest, I want to look at the 'stars' as well... like old times indeed." Chara sighed.
SR388
The Tower
"Fine... But I'm with Eye-Sicle on this one." Scipion grunted, reluctantly following the others' advice. Clyde stared at Scipion, making him uncomfortable.
"Okay fine, not the Stanfords." the Zoroark conceded, following Ori and the others.
"So. Where the fuck are we supposed to go now? Deeper?" Scipion asked.
"Probably not. Our enemies must have anticipated our move and already infested the deeper part of SR388. I noticed however a cavern that was likely dug by some Metroids not too far away. It would be safer to go there." Clyde suggested.
Before leaving, Clyde turned towards some shadows where the mysterious woman was. He was too far away to see her, but his horn detected seriously negative feelings coming from her spot.
He was about to inspect where she was hiding when the Metroid's screeches became closer.
"Hurry the fuck up if you don't want to die a second time!" Scipion roared at the Shuppet.
Clyde reluctantly sighed and looked suspiciously one last time at the spot before following the others before the Metroids would gather around them.
The Nest
It took much longer than Wednesday for Lucian to more or less calm down. He was still sobbing, but he felt better thanks to his 3 friends.
The Lycanroc shyly looked at the ground when June congratulated them for making it this far. But Aaron felt his friend feeling bad when June and Wednesday realized that no one was coming yet.
"Hey, hey, hey, it's not your fault. They told us to get here before anything." the Lucario reassured, not letting Lucian go for one second.
"I... I-I'm trying to agree but s-still..." Lucian muttered, still shaking and snuggling against his friend's body.
Aaron looked at the bracer too and frowned. There was only 1/4 of the time left.
"You're right June. We have to hurry. But I'm afraid we'll have to move on our own..." he sighed. Lucian tightened his grip in response, looking terrified.
"Sigh... It wasn't easy for you by yourselves, wasn't it?" Aaron asked, petting his friend carefully.
"Y-yeah... This place is so scary... I-I even had another breakdown earlier... B-But Oscar always d-did his best to protect and reassure me... H-He even saved me from an Alpha Metroid." Lucian said.
"Really?" Aaron exclaimed in surprise. He then turned towards Wednesday and pulled him into a tight comforting hug as well.
"Oscar... I can't thank you enough for everything you did for Lucian. I owe you a lot. I swear we are going to find the artifact that will save you and I swear we are all going home, safe and sound. Alright?" he promised, the Thievul having definitively gained his trust.
"Say... What exactly are you looking for?" he asked the 2 shy Pokémons.
"W-Well... The original S-Scipion said t-to look for something that rules over this planet... and... bites a lot?" Lucian muttered, still not very sure of those enigmatic words.
Aaron however, quickly remembered what he has been told about the Metroids' hierarchy and how they were the dominant species of SR388.
But that means...
"Holy... I-I don't know why, but I think I know what he meant... We have to search for the Metroid Queen." Aaron said, gulping nervously.
"Q-Q-Q... Queen??? B-But... t-t-this is s-s-s-suicide!! A-And she's an alien, not an artifact!!" Lucian stammered at the thought of something even worse than the Omega that almost killed him and Wednesday. He was about to stammer more when he howled in pain from his leg.
"Careful..." Aaron said, immediately pulling Lucian into a hug again.
"I don't know what to do... I-I really don't want to leave Oscar, I really don't want to let him... y-you know... b-but I'm so scared... W-What if I break down again and... and someone gets hurt because of me?" Lucian whined, crying again.
"I... I don't like this idea either... M-Metroids are terrifying in their own rights. But you are right. It's better to try that theory than doing nothing and leaving Oscar at the hands of Dark Stanford. But I promise you that no one, no one will ever touch you again." Aaron muttered, causing Lucian to sob again.
"That's the same thing for you, Oscar. I and June will protect you too. And we will all stay together... e-even if the worst had to happen." the Lucario promised to the Thievul.
After several minutes, Aaron slowly got up and took another look at his leg. He was heartbroken to see how pitiful it looked.
"D-Don't mind me... I-I'll be fine" Lucian weakly said, trying to get up.
"Lucian, careful. You're wounded." Aaron warned, preventing Lucian from getting up.
"O-Oscar... I-If we don't hurry O-Oscar is going t-to..." Lucian stammered, shakily pointing at Wednesday's bracer. Aaron sighed. Lucian looked terrified and his leg was obviously hurting like hell, but Aaron, June, and Wednesday's presence revitalized his inner bravery.
"Alright... But you're in no position of walking, not with your broken leg. And you're tired, I can feel it. Climb on me." Aaron gently said, kneeling down to Lucian's level and preventing him from hurting his leg. Lucian shyly nodded and climbed on Aaron's back, holding him from his upper chest.
Lucian sobbed again as Aaron petted him.
"I... T-Thank you for not letting us down... I missed you a lot..." he said, sniffing.
"I missed you too." Aaron kindly giggled, allowing Lucian to nuzzle him.
"T-Thank you too, J-June..." the Lycanroc muttered.
Unknown Location
Two smaller growls were heard as 2 other Metroids entered the room. They were more familiar since they belonged to 2 Zeta Metroids.
The Inteleon looked at Henry trying to resonate with the Queen despite how terrified he looked and remembered the Flygon's idea to try talking to her, even though it was silly.
"G... G-Greetings your m-majesty. I-I have to say this is t-truly an honor to m-meet you in pers-" the Inteleon nervously asked, trying to smile at her.
Needless to say, the Inteleon quickly regretted his decision when the Queen Metroid suddenly turned towards his and Henry's cocoon and roared in their faces, causing him to soil himself in fear as he tightly gripped Henry inside the cocoon, especially upon witnessing her huge jaw filled with teeth.
"C-C-C-Calm down... L-L-Let us calm down... W-We are r-r-rescuers, w-w-we w-w-will get out of this s-s-situation... S-S-She did spare u-us after all..." he whispered to Henry in a high-pitched voice.
The Queen slowly backed down and stayed still as... disgusting noises were heard in the room. James instinctively shut his eyes tried to move his arms to cover his ears, but it was useless.
Eventually, the strange noises stopped. The Inteleon adjusted his vision... and gasped in horror.
The Queen just laid dozens of eggs that the Zetas quickly grabbed. The workers carefully dropped some of them in front of each cocoon before exiting the dark room with the others while the Queen was watching them.
The Inteleon realized why they were spared. They were going to be the newborns' food the moment they will hatch.
James started to panic and tried to use a Pokémon move to free himself... But it was useless. The green substance the Queen stuck on the prisoners was acting like a sort of fridge, keeping their energy intact while preventing them from using it, allowing the future hatchlings to suck them dry at will.
"Oh gods... T-This must be a sick joke...! R-Right?? P-Please tell me this is a prank!!" James stammered at Henry, losing his cool and desperately trying to move.
Ignoring the prisoners, the Queen's eyes flashed as she focused. She couldn't tell their exact location yet, but she could feel the rest of the intruders approaching.
All threats to her hive will be exterminated.
Edited by Scipion3 on Oct 11th 2021 at 8:33:12 PM
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
Space Molly Weasley
Power's Home
"And I think his next Dark World adventure will be wilder than that! Anyway, this'll be the last season where tributes are guaranteed to go in pairs, right? Well, large group tributes and many swaps aside, I'm glad 6k1 adjusted to the new rule well."
Outside Alphys's Lab
"So are we taking the boat to Waterfall, then? That leads us straight to the telescopes, but if you want to take the long way, that's fine, too! I think we still have time before the ceremony begins!"
SR388
Bow groans when majority decides to ally with the enemies, but he follows them nonetheless. He wonders where Clyde had gone, but Garnet tells him to focus.
"To the cavern!" she says.
Meanwhile, Glimmer and Amethyst freak out at the workers making them the hatchlings' next meal. Nothing much they could do but wait for the rescuers...
Dave's Home Base, Warehouse
"Ohhhhh boy..." 6k1's eyes quiver. "Have the noms been indecisive lately? I'm getting a headache just looking at all these crowds..."
She sighs and turns the simulation room back to normal again.
"As for those other functions, I've already logged their stats such as Ally's top speed (200 km/h), but for shapeshifting... she can do that but it's limited because she's not designed to be that flexible."
"Then what can she do with it?" asks Mimi.
We could perform that penultimate trial before I face the final boss, but it is not my preferred fighting style, says Ally.
"It's worth a shot though," says 6k1, "let's see about it after the break!"
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
"Why are there so many huge group tributes and tribute swaps this season, anyway? Is there somethin' goin' on I don't know about or is it just a big prank on Six?"
Edited by IchigoMontoya on Oct 11th 2021 at 12:59:49 PM
Space Molly Weasley
Power's Home
"Why don't you go ask KnowsMore after this? But if Sakurai flipping us all off's any indication, then it seems the nominators wanted to cash in on the Smash hype. Or maybe some of them did want to troll not just 6k1, but also the Gamemakers, by switching their 'safe' tributes for absolutely 'unshippable' ones. Guess that No Hugging, No Kissing policy for select seasons going forward was for the best."
Edited by TroperNo9001 on Oct 12th 2021 at 2:57:13 AM
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
Kirby
SR388
Kirby and co. try to attack the beast, but failed. Eventually, Metroids appear and sucks on their life force.
Later, Mr. Star awakens in another place, this time mostly trapped in a cocoon, along with Kirby and co. All of which attempt to shake around, but cannot. And Ribbon saw, in front of them, the Queen Metroid.
The Queen then laid her eggs, and had them placed near them.
"What's it doing?" asked Ribbon.
"I think... we're going to become lunch..."
Ribbon then shakes some more, as does Kirby.
"The second reason seems a tad petty to me."
Light and Hope
SR388
Robin's team nod in unison, and one by one they proceed through the cavern. However, the Grandmaster notices Clyde turning elsewhere in apparent concern, only for Scipion to call them over; their pursuers are getting closer.
"Is something the matter?" Robin asks the Shuppet after they both have entered the caverns. "You seem very concerned about.... whatever it is that you sensed."
Meanwhile, the woman keeps her cool, despite her near discovery. Deciding that it wouldn't be safe to show herself yet, she summons a portal, and leaves the Tower. She'd return soon enough.
Dave's Home Base, Simulation Warehouse
"This crowd is certainly something. Though if I have to hazard a guess, most of them are likely just inspired by the hype. Though there is something amusing at the fact that Sakurai is flipping us off."
The simulation is stopped for a break.
"Shapeshifting, huh? I don't use it that much myself, but they definitely come in handy when I need them. I'd like to see what she can do with it, but if you'd prefer to skip ahead to the final opponent, then that's fine by me."
Edited by dave_the_assassin on Oct 12th 2021 at 10:42:10 PM
Hope: "Let's go. We'll be together." Lightning: "I only know... that soon, we'll be together."
Dusty the Mighty
SR388
(Everyone scrambles for the tunnel.)
Gosh, this sucks... (Bamboozy groans as she squeezes herself through the tunnel entrance behind everyone.)
You did, Ozzy?? (June says. She ruffles Wednesday's face fluff.) Ooh, and Ercole always called you a scaredy cat! If only he could see ya now, standin' up t' the scary monsters and protectin' Lucian like that...
Heh heh, yeah... (Wednesday chuckles.)
(Then Lucian fills Aaron and June in on where they need to go...and the realization hits that the original Scipion wants them to go to the Queen Metroid!)
(Wednesday starts to tremble when he realizes this.)
Hey, don't worry, Ozzy. Think we're all kinda scared at this point, but we're gonna stick together and getcha guys through this! (June reassures him.)
A-Alright... (Wednesday says. He looks at his bracer and sees time running out. At this point it's now or never.) ...We need to go.
(As they get moving, June tousles Lucian's head.) No problemo, Lucian! We've gotcha guys' backs.
(Once it dawns on him what's going to happen to them, Henry emits a feeble:) ...Mother! (Before struggling to get loose as well, to no avail.)
Oh, it's hopeless! We're going to be her babies' first meal and there's nothing we can do! This is the end of meeeeeee! (Henry exclaims.)
Dark Stanford's Lair
(Greta, Veena, and Sticky still haven't had any luck trying to contact Wednesday, having tried to contact him again while he and Lucian were hiding from the Omega Metroid (and was obviously in no position to answer).)
I REALLY have a bad feeling about this...no Knox, no Colby, no Wednesday... (Greta groans.)
Should we go after them? (Veena asks.)
Well, kumpel, for one thing, we don't know where any of them are, and I don't expect the others would be willing to tell us where they are either. And on top of that, our Stanford must have told us not to go with everyone else for a reason. I worry about what might happen if we step out of line. (Greta says.) I especially don't want anything to happen to you, dear.
But I don't want to just sit idly by while everyone else could be in trouble. There has to be SOMETHING we can do... (Veena sighs. Sticky nods in agreement.)
(Greta sits back and thinks for a moment. If she's honest with herself, she doesn't want to just sit there doing nothing to help either, but IS there anything they can do right now?)
"Hey, gimme a minute to get to know everyone, 'kay, Brainy?" "Of course, but please allow me to get a word in, too, bzz."
Niiue
Outside Alphys's lab
Chara looked at the Hotlands's entrance with a pensive look.
"Hmmm... I think I would like to go on the boat." they said.
SR388
Main team
"I felt a lot of hostile emotions coming from one direction. It is possible that whoever was there is linked with the summoner that attacked us earlier." Clyde answered Robin. The young Shuppet raised his eyes, thinking internally.
"I suppose it is safe to leave this matter to you if those fellow undeads came from your world. Whoever it is may have some links with it, one way or another."
As the team progressed, Ori got in front as it became darker, willingly volunteering as the team's flashlight. They stopped when they stumbled across a gross sight.
That was the corpse of a strange alien
, whose main characteristic was that it lacked eyes. Its chest was opened up, revealing green blood.
Ori carefully tried to approach the dead alien and waved at the group in alarm, warning them to be careful around it. Bow's tracker pad beeped and indicated this:
Genesis. An ambush predator. This blind animal has adapted to hunt in the dark, relying on specialized senses to stalk prey. Its body offers little protection and will attempt to conceal itself in the shadows as a result. Its acidic blood is used as a projectile via autohemorraging.
The Genesis naturally hunts in groups, making it a highly successful species with little need to evolve; Its DNA suggests it belongs to the oldest living lineage on SR388, granting its name.
"So those things hunt in packs... But where are the rest of them?" Scipion asked.
"I assume that Metroids made short work of them." Clyde said, deducing that the wound came from a large claw, likely from a Zeta or an Omega, that the team had yet to face.
"Metroids? But they didn't even eat the guy! Did they do it for fun?" Scipion exclaimed.
"I don't think so. Metroids aren't sentient enough for that. Perhaps they are... protecting this area." Clyde said, frowning.
"You mean we're actually getting close to their lair?" Scipion grunted, frowning back.
"It is possible, yes. It is a good thing that it is dead, however. This place is very dark and if those creatures ganged upon us, we would be at a serious disadvantage. Only Ori here could counter them because they are made of light." the Shuppet said.
Scipion crossed his arms and looked at the Genesis's corpse again.
"You think the 2 idiots are searching for something there?" he grunted.
"I hope not. Their chances of survival would be dramatically low if that is the case." Clyde answered.
"And now that I am thinking about it... We have no words from the searching team either..." the Shuppet remembered.
"You think that they're... you know... dead?" Scipion asked.
"I... do not know." Clyde sighed, shaking his head.
Searching team
"L-Let's think positive...W-We are not dead yet so maybe there is still hope. A-And at least we shall be remembered as glorious martyrs that have bravely sacrificed ourselves for the greater good! People shall praise our heroic names across ag-" James proudly proclaimed to everyone with tears in his eyes, like if it was his last speech.
But the Inteleon quickly shut up when the Metroid Queen stared at the Pokémon duo's dramatic reactions, dangerously getting close. Normally she wouldn't care at all about them, but the 2 pompous Pokémons somehow succeeded at annoying her.
"N-Nick...! A-Arthur...!" the Inteleon whispered his boyfriends' name in fear, having a death grip on Henry.
Fortunately, the Queen left them unharmed for now. But she seemed more and more agitated. The Inteleon sighed and looked at the eggs again, swallowing. He didn't dare to raise his voice anymore.
"If... If this is truly the end... It has been a great honor knowing you and your fellow rescue team, d-dear Henry... W-We will face death with dignity together." James whispered to the Flygon as quietly as possible, even though he was shaking like a leaf. He looked at the other prisoners, an idea forming in his mind upon seeing the Queen being annoyed by them.
"S-Still... As a last glorious and heroic act, we should help our teammates to find a way to escape this gruesome fate by distracting this monstrous queen..."
Pokémon team
After leaving the Nest, the trip went more peacefully for the Pokémons. The small team had to go upwards this time, traveling through empty caves filled with waterfalls. The water's noise was the only thing that they could hear, though Aaron didn't lower his guard for a second.
Lucian was silent the entire time with an empty expression.
"Lucian... How's your heart?" Aaron asked.
"It... s-still hurts... b-but it's slowly calming down. B-But my leg hurts even more..." Lucian moaned.
"We need to see a medic after we're done here. I've heard there's a small, but very efficient nursery that opened up near the Expedition Society HQ. I'll take you there to treat your leg, and maybe Oscar as well to see if you guys have other injuries." Aaron reassured.
"O-Okay... Y-You'll stay with m-me... r-right? P-Please tell me y-you are not going to leave me alone there." Lucian begged.
"Oh, Lucian..." Aaron sadly muttered, hugging the Lycanroc tightly.
"I-I'm so scared... I-It... I-It's going t-to come for me again...! D-don't leave me, please!" Lucian whimpered, still traumatized by the Omega Metroid's ambush.
"Mark my words. I won't leave your side for a moment. Not until you've completely recovered from all of this." Aaron promised, gently stroking Lucian. The Lycanroc sniffed and shakily took a deep breath.
"Do you want June and Oscar to stay with you as well?
"I-If they c-can, y-yes..." Lucian muttered.
Eventually, the group reached a lake, likely from where the waterfalls were coming from. Above them was a strange structure and in the background, what seemed to be a Chozo settlement. Wednesday's bracer said this:
Suspended above an abandoned city are the remains of a laboratory. Scanners confirm there was extremely sophisticated equipment to be found, along with scientific data of incalculable magnitude. Only stasis tanks are left. Organic traces within suggest genetic research and DNA manipulation. Biogenic substances of an unknown age coat the laboratory's walls.
A... laboratory? Why would the Metroids choose a laboratory for their lair? Aaron wondered.
After some climbing, the team arrived at the Genetics Laboratory's entrance, the place where the Queen was. There was a broken Chozo statue greeting them.
Wednesday's bracer strangely scanned it and what it indicated was even stranger as it was written in Chozo language.
Inside, the blue organic background walls were also creepy, somehow beating like a sort of heart.
Needless to say, Lucian was terrified and buried his face behind his best friend. Even Aaron was creeped out as he gripped June's hand. Fortunately, there weren't any Metroids to greet them... yet.
"T-This is it... Come on, we have to do this... R-Ready?" he asked.
Lucian didn't dare to speak, but Aaron felt him nodding from behind.
Edited by Scipion3 on Oct 12th 2021 at 11:58:19 AM
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
Space Molly Weasley
Power's Home
"Well, what can you do if the only rule about tribute swapping is that your tributes are locked in once production is underway? But enough speculating. How was Omni-Man's visit to your bunker last Battle Royale? And how did your android clone find Zan's base? Did he want to check on her after a possessed 6k1 forced her to train under her last Nom Games?"
Hotland —> Waterfall
"Sure thing!" says Asriel.
And so they take the boat to Waterfall. They arrive in front of Gerson's shop, then Asriel turns left. He takes a peek at the neighborhood and sees some monsters putting their bets on Napstablook's snail race, then he goes to the dock.
"This bird can take us to the other side, but only one at a time, so wait a while!"
The bird flies onto his head and lifts him with its feet, and it flaps with all its might to carry him across the disproportionately small gap. He lands on the other side and waits for it to transport Chara, too.
SR388
Garnet and Pearl also shine a light from their gemstones as they explore the cavern, but Bow freaks out and gags at the sight of the Genesis' corpse.
"I think I'm picking up a signal..." he says, "we are getting closer, but none of the search party's icons are on the map!"
"Oh my stars!" says Pearl, "are they going to be alright?"
"I hope so," says Garnet, "but we're about to face stronger Metroids, and they might be facing the same, too!"
Meanwhile, Amethyst cheers for James and Henry as they try to distract the Queen, but Glimmer quickly shushes her and covers her mouth. Amethyst tries removing Glimmer's hand from her, but she just mumbles and looks at Kirby and Bandana Dee.
"Ya think they'd rather be in the Arena than be stuck in here?" she whispers.
"I don't know, but I'm not giving up on this mission yet!"
Dave's Home Base, Warehouse
"Well, according to the data I gathered, some seasons have a disproportionate number of tributes from certain universes, such as the influx of Underground and Dark World/Hometown tributes in S181," says 6k1. "That was around the Underground's 6th Anniversary and the day the Delta Warriors explored the Cyber World, so some seasons do reflect the Earth Prime trends of the time."
That is an insightful observation, says Ally while recharging.
"And on second thought, I think you're ready for the final boss. Based on my calculations, your shapeshifting isn't as instantaneous as a real Gem's, so there's the risk of the enemy hitting you during it."
That is a valid justification. There are other ideal scenarios to utilize it, but I am prepared for the final challenge.
"Good luck, sis!" says Mimi while Dupe gives her a thumbs-up.
Edited by TroperNo9001 on Dec 21st 2021 at 8:32:43 PM
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
"Things with Omni-Man went pretty well. He was mostly interested in how much I knew about the Viltrumites. The android, I'm guessin', prolly missed Zan."
Edited by IchigoMontoya on Oct 12th 2021 at 12:59:33 PM
Space Molly Weasley
Power's Home
"Good to know those meetings went well! Wish they happened more often than rogue tribute attacks, though. But anyway, looks like the season has started, so see ya!"
And with that, the season begins, and Power watches Data KnowsMore befriend Gayle by challenging her to a cup-shuffling game and then inviting her to an evil laugh contest hosted by Fuzzy and Wuzzy, of all tributes.
"Well, that's an unusual way to bond with your new friend..."
Edited by TroperNo9001 on Oct 13th 2021 at 4:20:46 PM
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
Niiue
Outside Alphys's lab
Chara rolled their eyes when the bird carried Asriel like it was its more important task ever over such a small gap. They could just teleport directly at the other side, but they decided to play along for their brother's sake, letting the bird grabbing their head.
SR388
"Ah! Pussy! Even Ori is fine and they're a fucking kid!" Scipion mocked Bow for freaking out at the Genesis's corpse. He then looked at who his partners (likely Morgan since Onox was probably not bright enough to nominate by himself) nominated and groaned at Mother Brain's death.
"Wow... That's the third fucking time that crappy AI dies at the Bloodbath. I gotta stop cloning her..." Scipion growled.
Soon enough, the team reached another entrance to the Genetics Laboratory, with another broken statue. Bow's tracker pad indicated the same 2 logs about them.
"So they are still alive... I also have the feeling that Lucian and Wednesday are somewhere there as well." Clyde said about Bow's tracker pad.
Suddenly, a loud roar from afar shook the caverns, causing the group to stop. Back in the prisoners room, James grimaced and shut his eyes tight as the Queen furiously roared. The Pokemons also heard it, causing Lucian to yelp in fear while Aaron huddled with June and Wednesday.
"Oh god... Don't tell me that whatever made that sound is what we are looking for?" he exclaimed, still trying to think positive.
She felt where the main intruders were at last.
"...What the fuck was that?" Scipion grunted.
Just then, as if it was to answer the call, Bamboozy, being the last in line, felt a cold claw slowly getting on her shoulder.
When she would turn behind, she would see an Omega Metroid right behind the group, with its mouth wide opened and dangerously glowing, as it was about to breathe fire at her.
Edited by Scipion3 on Oct 13th 2021 at 12:23:42 PM
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
Dusty the Mighty
Season 184
(Jared and Miss Ball (a bit understandably) decline to watch the current and simply go down to tribute quarters to relax.)
(As the season starts, Wanda breaks off from the huge crowd she came in with and grabs a small laptop as she hurries off.) ...Yeah, uh, I dunno how this'll help me, but whatever.
(Meanwhile, as the folks from the best place for cartoons get going, Aku, clearly eager to run rampant through the arena, cackles:) KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM!!
(Jack pointedly sheathes his sword. Bloo elbows Mac and crosses his eyes, making a "loopy" gesture with his nubby hand while pointing at Aku. The Powerpuffs look at him blankly. The only ones who don't seem visibly bothered by Aku's suggestion are Vilgax and HIM (and Mandy).)
You know, if there's anybody here right who probably needs to be killed- (Buttercup starts to say before Blossom shushes her.)
Yeah, big scary man, I ain't here to kill nobody. I'm just here to (hya!) look good. (Johnny Bravo says, striking a pose.)
Weak. (Vilgax scoffs.)
(Later on, Wanda has a seat outside where she's set up camp and spots Y'shtola wearing a shirt that reads: "Wanda Has Forgotten How To Dance".)
(Wanda's inability to dance well is a bit of a sticking point for her and she has no idea how Y'shtola found out about it. Wanda casually gets up, walks over, and "accidentally" trips Y'shtola. Y'shtola lands face-first in some mud with a splat.)
And someone's forgotten to mind their own business. (Wanda snorts as she walks off.)
That sure seemed to bother her. Think there's somethin' 'bout dancin' Wanda hasn't told us? (Kenny asks the others.)
It would not be the first thing she hasn't told us about herself. (Cleo remarks. It seems this young dinosaur is positively teeming with secrets.)
(Just then, a loud:) NOOOO!!! (rings from the screen. It appears that the CN folks evidently dropped all of their supplies into the water (given the massive amount of bookbags floating and sinking into the water) and Dexter in particular is very distraught as Grim tries to calm him down. Meanwhile, Captain Planet is fishing the (now ruined) bags and their contents out of the water, mentioning something about sealife potentially being harmed.)
These guys all have butterfingers or something? (Kay asks no one in particular.)
SR388
Eh, if the fox guy's dead, makes our job a heck of a lot easier. (Harry remarks.) Might be hard to explain to the boss, though.
(Marv and Chip are too scared out of their minds to comment. Bamboozy simply emits a disgusted cringe while Liv rapidly writes down notes.) Amazing...!
(Meanwhile, Knox bristles at the thought of something else getting to Wednesday and Lucian first before he does.)
(Stanford gets very worried at the possibility that they may have lost the rest of their crew, especially the happy-go-lucky June. A million horrible different scenarios that could have befallen her and the others run through his mind.)
(Tenn notices Stanford's expression and gently nudges him, shaking her head before motioning for everyone to keep moving.)
Don't lose hope, Stanford. I'm sure they can't be far. (Stasia tells Stanford as they get moving again.)
(It's when they get to a strange lab (the same one Wednesday and the others are in) that Stanford finds himself able to breathe easily again after Bow's pad confirms that June and the others are currently still alive (for now, anyway).)
(But then there's a not-too-distant sounding roar, causing everybody to instinctively draw close to each other.)
...Wish I could say that was just my stomach. (Eye-Sicle says.)
(Just then, Bamboozy feels a hand on her shoulder that clearly doesn't belong to anyone else in their group. She takes one look behind her, then lets out a loud screech before scrambling away back toward everyone else, bamboo shoots (unlikely to impede the Omega Metroid in the slightest) inexplicably popping up from the ground behind her as she does so.) SCREEE!! GET AWAY FROM ME!! (She has a visible large scratch on her shoulder from how quickly she peeled out, exposing plant tissue.)
C-Company!! (Shelley shouts.)
(Henry seems on the verge of tears, knowing full well he may not see his two friends, his sibling back home, or anyone else ever again. Still though, the least he can do is make sure June, Tenn, Shelley, and everyone else with them don't share this same fate.)
(Something clearly just upset the Queen Metroid. Feeling there's no better time to distract the monster than now, Henry does the first thing he can think of:) 🎵 Ohhhhh I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves! I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves! I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, and this is how it gooooooes: I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves... 🎵
(Given how much time Henry took before working up the nerve to do so, however, his attempt to distract the Queen Metroid may be a fool's errand at this point.)
Don't worry, Lucian, we're not leaving. (Wednesday reassures Lucian.)
Yep! We're finishin' this together! (June adds.)
(They keep moving. They end up in a comparatively peaceful-looking lake with a peculiar building up above. But it doesn't stay peaceful for long. Going inside the building, the walls seem to be made of an eerie organic looking material.)
My gosh, this place is icky...looks like somethin' outta a bad dream I had once... (June says anxiously.)
I hope what the bracer tried to tell me wasn't anything super important...I couldn't understand it. (Wednesday says, staying close to the other three.)
(A roar echoes through the part of the lab they are in. Wednesday shudders.)
...I-I guess we're REALLY close now. (June says, putting her free arm around Wednesday.)
"Hey, gimme a minute to get to know everyone, 'kay, Brainy?" "Of course, but please allow me to get a word in, too, bzz."
Light and Hope
SR388
"I see. I'll keep that in mind," Robin assures Clyde.
The group encounter a corpse of a Genesis, which brings ill tidings. And with no word from the searching party....
"I wouldn't be so quick as to give up."
"Yes.... we must press on. Our enemies may become stronger, but together I believe we can save our missing friends."
"Goddesses, I hope so."
Soon enough, they reach the Genetics Laboratory.
"This place is giving me the creeps," Zelda says, shuddering. Link nods, agreeing with her sentiment.
And that's when an Omega Metroid shows up and ambushes Bamboozy. "Arcthunder!" Robin shouts, firing multiple bolts of lightning from above the Metroid in the hopes of distracting it.
Dave's Home Base, Simulation Warehouse
As 6k1 and Ally discuss, the Home Base family decide to watch the season. They cringe at Sakurai getting stoned.... literally.
"Damn, poor Sakurai. He didn't deserve that.... I mean, he was flipping us off, but still."
6k1 and Ally then announce that the latter is ready for the final challenge.
"Very well, then. Let us proceed."
Taking hold of the tablet, Dave presses a few buttons, and the area changes once again. Ally is now standing on a square platform with a circular pane of glass at the middle, in what appears to be a series of power reactors
◊. The others, meanwhile, are standing on a higher area, separated from the Databot's arena by a large chasm and invisible barriers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the city of light, Radiant Garden. What she's about to face are three enemies rolled into one. Three young Keyblade bearers once fought against it, and together they defeated it.... but their paths diverge once more from the revelations they found after the battle, leading to a doomed future. This battle changed everything for them."
Battle music
And that's when the final boss comes in. Three large Unversed enter the area right above Ally. The β and γ Armors quickly transforms, and merges with the α Armor as the torso, which then changes the appearance of its head.
"This.... is the Trinity Armor. Now remember this: when facing an enemy like the Trinity Armor, I recommend that you take out the limbs first."
The Trinity Armor then begins attacking by shooting fireballs into the air which scatter across the arena when they land, before launching a one-two punch against Ally.
Hope: "Let's go. We'll be together." Lightning: "I only know... that soon, we'll be together."
Space Molly Weasley
Dave's Home Base, Warehouse
6k1 watches the first and second parts of the season and takes note of Sutton's reply to the fan about Sakurai's death.
"Well, some events are fatal even if they weren't in the universes they were from for dramatic effect, but variants that are more accurate to their original portrayals are highly requested. But anyway, time for the final challenge!"
She, Mimi, and Dupe stand by as Dave recreates Radiant Garden. Ally goes in her fighting stance as the Trinity Armor assembles itself. She switfly dodges its fireballs, though one nearly hits her, then she activates her gauntlets and enlarges them to block its punches.
Waterfall
Once Chara has arrived on the other side, Asriel leads the way. He notices some ketchup on the first telescope's lens and passes it, then stops at the next SAVE Point.
"I'll go leave a message for our family on this Echo Flower in case they drop by here!"
He talks into it, "Mom, Dad, Frisk! We're gonna see the 'stars' here, and we're having so much fun traveling the Underground! If you're looking for us and we aren't here, then we're just in Snowdin or the Ruins! Don't worry about me, they're being a good sibling as they promised!"
He then tells Chara that the Wishing Room is just up ahead. He steps on the Ferry Monster, who swims to the other side, then they give him 3G and thank him for stepping on him when he gets off.
SR388
The team arrives at the lab and gets the heebie-jeebies from it, especially Garnet, as it reminds her of the Prime Kindergarten's control room where she saw the horrific fusion experiments.
"I can't decipher this message," says Bow, "it's certainly different from First Ones' Language!"
He checks the map again, and this time, the icons appear.
"Good news, everyone! The rest of our team are alive and well!"
"That's great!" says Pearl, "but what's... the bad news?"
He gulps. "Glimmer and Amethyst aren't moving..."
Suddenly, a loud roar shakes the room. Garnet, Pearl, and Bow freeze, but they jump away from Bamboozy's shoots when the Omega Metroid ambushes her. They then fire their usual weapons at it, hoping to strike its weak point.
Meanwhile, Amethyst and Glimmer just close their eyes and think of their friends, hoping that Henry will distract the Queen long enough for them to save them.
Power's Home/The Arena
Power gets startled when Sophie studies at Ichi's School of Strategy, just when a meteor crashes into it.
"Oh Celestia, I know he'll have it repaired in no time, but still!"
She focuses back on Data KnowsMore, who's hanging out with Gayle when Bandana Dee(?) says a forbidden word, causing KnowsMore to shake.
"I've found a million search results with that query, and many of them say that saying that word will put a terrible curse on someone!"
He panics and reports to Gayle and the Punch Time Explosion Fighters about it, and they agree to beat up B. Dee(?) for saying the word. KnowsMore winces at the scene and begs them to spare him, as he only wanted to warn him of its dangers the hard way. They all obey KnowsMore and leave, but Gayle sticks with him, unsure if he's really a good friend to her.
The next day, KnowsMore finds collectible items representing G'raha, Tairitsu, Cerenkov, and Louise, and equips them one by one. He suddenly feels his attack and defense levels rise along with gaining new powers. Perhaps he should try them out on someone, but he has other plans for now.
"Anemone dear, I know you want to be more independent from me, but... please take care, okay?"
Niiue
Waterfall
Chara rolled their eyes when the first telescope turned out to be dirty.
It must be the comedian... He could at least have the decency to clean that up... they thought, crossing their arms at this.
"Why not? It should be safer this way." the fallen child said to Asriel as he decided to leave a message for the others.
Chara also stepped on the Ferry Monster and even game him 3G as well, not that they really cared that much about money anyway.
Genetics Laboratory
Pokémon team
"...Y-Yeah. Hopefully, we will leave this place soon..." Aaron answered June, trying to stay as brave as possible, at least for his friend's sake. He still gently patted Wednesday's head, hoping to reassure him a bit before focusing on Lucian who was still holding on to his back.
The Pokémons stayed close to one another as they very carefully progressed. Oddly enough, there weren't any Metroids around, something that puzzled Lucian and Aaron.
"...Maybe the others are somewhere close and they are focusing on them... Or maybe it is Dark Stanford's group." Aaron guessed.
"W-W-What???!!! D-Dark Stanford's minions are here???" Lucian exclaimed in fear.
"Hey! Lucian, what's wrong??" Aaron said as his friend was starting to panic. The Lycanroc swallowed a sob, trying to stay calm.
"W-We have to hurry, please...! I-I would r-rather be eaten by a M-Metroid rather than l-letting D-Dark Stanford torturing u-us... A-And if h-he catches you and June with us...! I don't w-want that... I really don't..." he begged.
"Of course... That evil fox will never lay his paws on any of us. I promise." Aaron reassured, stroking Lucian's head. The scared Lycanroc whimpered and tried to steady his breath.
Deep down, however, the Lucario had serious doubts about all of this. How the hell were they supposed to convince a surely bloodthirsty alien such as the Queen Metroid to help them?
Calm down... We don't have any options anyway... Oscar and Lucian need you and June to not freak out... he thought, though he still felt seriously anxious as the optimistic Zoroark herself looked just as nervous as he was.
Eventually, the group arrived in a corridor with spikes all around. On the opposite side, was a hole leading to the Genetics Lab's deepest levels.
"G... I guess we should go inside..." Aaron muttered, carefully avoiding the spikes.
Main Team
Bow's tracker pad beeped alarmingly, informing the team of the Omega Metroid's abilities. This time, the Omega only grunted at Robin's attack, but it barely did much.
"Tch... No wonder why it's supposed to be the Apex Predator... It looks strong. Let's get into that damn lab already!" Scipion grunted.
The team immediately entered the Genetics Lab just as the Omega released its flamethrower, only burning the bamboo between them... but the monstrous Metroid was only the beginning.
There were many Metroid Larvas that had already got to the entrance, alerted by their mother's cries. The heroes barely had time to catch their breath that the jellyfishes lunged at them, screeching furiously.
"Oh fuck...! Freeze those pests before they get us first!!" Scipion shouted, moving around as fast as he could and swinging his claws to protect his head from the Metroids. Ori also tried to evade them with their exceptional agility.
Clyde wasn't this lucky. Asides from a very weak Icy Wind that froze the Metroids for mere seconds, it was clear he was outmatched. Despite this, he kept his serious attitude. He looked as Bow's Tracker Pad beeped towards a certain path, as it was leading to the room where the prisoners were.
There was another one to its left, but it was leading towards a hole leading to the same corridor that the Pokémons were about to enter through their own hole.
Search Team
James said nothing for a while, on the verge of tears as well, missing terribly Nick and Arthur (as well as from disgust from the cocoon).
The Inteleon widened his eyes in shock when he heard his partner shakily singing, having actually listened to him. Henry's courage boosted James and he tried to empty his head before singing alongside him, knowing the song as well from his younger years.
O-Oh sweet Palkia... If Arthur was with us, he would have murdered us both. he thought, looking at Henry with a nervous smile, trying to cheer him up.
The Queen looked at the singing duo, unable to focus her sight on the massive group of intruders her children were dealing with because of the cacophony. As such the second wave of Metroids would take more time to arrive to attack the main team.
James squealed when she grabbed the cocoon with her jaw, ripping it from the ceiling. Fortunately, it was strong enough to resist her huge pressure. The Queen then exited the room, leaving the other prisoners alone with the eggs. Scared out of his mind, James shut his eyes though he kept singing with Henry in a high-pitched voice.
However, she did not return to watch over the rest of the prisoners, allowing the main team to go inside.
She just felt a much more urgent problem.
Soon enough, the classy Inteleon heard a splash! and finally dared to open his eyes. He gasped in shock upon finding out the cocoon was now floating on a stream near the Genetics Laboratory.
The duo's song managed to get on the Queen's nerves so much that she threw them out of here.
Needless to say, James burst into laughter, thinking they were safe.
"W-We did it! I cannot believe it worked!! That was an incredible performance, dear friend!! Our plan is working!! W-We might even get out of this horrible planet alive!!" he exclaimed, overjoyed. But that didn't last as the Inteleon noticed the current was going faster.
James's eyes popped out as he realized they were going towards a rather huge waterfall. Even worst, it was too dark to see where it led or how large it was.
"Oh by sweet Cresselia... This looks way more terrifying than in the novels that I have read!" James squeaked, gripping Henry inside the cocoon with all of his strength.
The Inteleon looked around himself, just to make sure no one was looking at them right now as he still cared about his and Henry's reputation. He certainly didn't want anyone to see them in this situation.
"H-Henry? I believe this is the moment where we hold on to each other and yell for our lives." he stammered to the Flygon, gulping.
After what seemed to be hours for James, the cocoon went over the waterfall and the Inteleon completely freaked out.
"AAA-AAAAAAAAAARRGHHHH!!!"
Unknown to them, the two Pokémons' noises caught the attention of a very specific Metroid.
Edited by Scipion3 on Oct 14th 2021 at 8:15:31 PM
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."
Outside Alphys's lab
After Undyne left, Chara followed Asriel to meet with Alphys.
"Greetings. I see Undyne and Frisk managed to see through my disguise. Don't mind me, I am simply tagging along." they calmly said.
"In this insane place, love is all that stands between us and the great beyond."