Pay attention to the two of them, especially our Walter. Notice anything different about him?
....He looks a bit more confident now. His technique's improved a bit compared to the start of their fight. But...
His jacket.

Rambo looks back to the one who commented- being Segata- intruiged. Cena does as well, but with a knowing look rather than a confused one.

He's not wearing his blue coat anymore. Oruta-san is now only fighting with a single T-shirt on.
I did notice that... but what's that got to do with his performance?
It's not easy to tell when his base power is ludicrously high regardless-- but that jacket he was wearing was actually a form of weighted clothing. All this time, he's been fighting with his full power and speed suppressed.

---

---

In other words... any leverage he has over Darker over there is temporary. At best, they'll return to another deadlock.

This time, John, Rambo, and Segata turn their heads, looking over at Will Smith.

I'm... fine now. I needed a minute to gather my thoughts after Chris... but I'm doing better.
Ah. That is good to hear...
And not a moment too soon. We need a plan to deal with'ose punks when the time comes.
....

Will Smith nods.

I may have a few ideas.

---

Event Horizon (Space/Impact)- Walter bends the vaccuum of space in between his fist and the target (usually a face), amplifying the impact and usually nullifying any range. Does damage as if it were a super-effective blow.
Eye Lasers (Laser)- Walter shoots a ray beam of concentrated laser-energy from his eye-sockets at the respective target. All-piercing (except for a few exceptions)

♫ Unforeseen Circumstances ♫

Hey... what's the holdup? Let's get back to it. I know you're not this weak. Or am I too strong?
...
You want this fight just as much as me, don't you? So get up. I'll even sweeten the pot and give you the next hit! Come on, fight!... Pretty please?

Walter begins to move on the ground. Albeit slowly, he goes from being on his belly to on his his hands and knees... and then finally, onto his feet.

...
Hahahahah! I knew there was more fun to be had than this!

Walter takes up a fighting stance. Dark Walter bursts with excitement at the sight of this.

Get ready! We're about to take this fight to a whole 'nother le

Walter collapses.


....
.....You disappointed me... again. Why do this to me? Tired of being disappointed. Tired....
TIRED!!!!!!

Dark Walter's infuriated voice echoes, traveling from across to beyond the island. Despite that, Walter himself is not moved.

ALL I WANT IS A GOOD FIGHT!!! WANNA KNOW HOW STRONG I AM!!! TIRED OF NOT FINDING OUT!!! KEEP!!! GETTING!!!! DISAPPOINTED!!!!
IF NO ONE FIGHTS ME... I FIGHT EVERYONE!! I HURT EVERYONE!!!! HURT UNTIL I GET SOME FU--


Dark Walter is caught by surprise with an unsuspecting strike to the jaw. He goes soaring from the shattering impact of the punch, as the one responsible for ambushing him comes to a screeching halt, being....

Heh. Like I'd be down for the count that easily.

From behind him, Dark Walter teleports back into the area.

Cheap shot...

Walter turns around, facing Dark Walter yet again.

You said you'd give me the next hit for free, remember? All I did was take your offer.
Besides that, there's no way I'm gonna let you stand there and threaten other people lives, just for your own entertainment. I like a good time as much as anyone, but there's such a thing as going too far. This is between us. Not anyone innocent.
....You're silly. Silly guy. This is all we have!
I still don't under--and we're fighting again!

As soon as Dark Walter is finished sprinting towards Walter. The two rapid-fire their fists, clashing while releasing their biggest sonic booms into the air thus far as collateral. Several thousand punches, an uppercut from Walter blows Dark Walter's fists into the air with his body open. Walter takes the opportunity to double up, sending another punch to the to the torso, and blowing him upwards as he twists away with a Corkscrew Punch!

Ghk!!... That's more like it!

Floating over, Dark Walter flies over and SPEEN-Kicks at Walter, who is already gone by the time he tries it, inflicting a kick to his side. Dark Walter tries to retaliate once more with Event Horizon but his light counterpart is not there to be hit. Dark Walter spins his head an entire 360 degrees, all the while shooting Eye Lasers. No target to hit home... besides one of the rocks HighTower is stuck between.

---

Coulda sworn he was losing a minute ago... now he's beatin' that phony up for a loop!

Dark Peach smacks the turnip she previously Peach Bombed away and towards Peachette, who Flying Slaps it back towards her. Dark Peach quickly initiates a Dodge Roll, avoiding the attack. But by the time she's up.... Peachette is gone. Dark Peach hears a voice behind her.

I learned about a cool little trick a while ago! But it didn't really matter back then, because I can't use it in my normal state...
Y-you!? Just what are you--!!?
Just a heads up, this gonna hurt a lot! Normally I'd feel somewhat bad, but you basically set yourself up for this by being the bad guy, so...

---

---

In a hurried frenzy, Dark Pead.tilt > d.tilt > f.tilt > f.tilt > f.smsh > f.smsh > d.smsh > u.smsh > grab > d.throw > grab > d.throw > grab > d.throw > grab > d.throw > grab > d.throw > grab > d.throw > d.throw > grab > u. throw > up b > fair > fair > fair > up b > side b
*WOW! INCREDIBLE!*

U-UGH!!

Peachette drops down after delivering the crushing combo-string to Dark Peach, landing gracefully. Dark Peach however, lands flat on her back, devastated by the attacks. Somehow, she still makes her way onto her feet, but the stars above her head are a clear indicator that she's stunned for the time being. Peachette does a small fist pump.

N-nnn... that... wasn't one of my techniques...?
(Alright! That was my first time actually trying that ability myself. If I had more experience, then I probably could have 0TD'd her... but I can still make do with this!)

---

Peach Parasol (Magic/Weapons)- Princess Peach's signature umbrella/parasol, which she often takes with her. Can be used as a melee weapon or as a parachute to glide in the air with.
Parasmash (Magic/Impact)- Princess Peach swings her parasol like a baseball bat at a target. Reverses and cancels out all negative forms of energy.
Vegetable (Nature/Earth)- The user pulls out a turnip from underground, throwing it towards the opponents. Depending on chance, certain turnips will be pulled out. Each turnip besides the standard adds an extra type.
Variants: Standard, Bored (Neutral), Sick (Freeze), Confused (Crystal), Surprised (Swift), Sleepy (Shadow), Happy (Flame), Winking (Electric), Old (Time), Content (Water}, Bob-omb (Explode), Mr. Saturn (Missile)

Frying Pan (Impact/Flame)- The user pulls out a frying pan, using it for close-ranged attacks. Has a 1-in-3 chance of Critical Hitting the target.
Peach Bomber- (Crystal/Swift)- Princess Peach crashes into targets hip-first, dealing more damage the more further away this move was used from. Omnidirectional.
Float - After jumping (or just being in the air) Princess Peach uses her skirt to hover around, posessing the ability to move horizantally as she pleases. Can be held indefinitely or canceled at any time.
Spin Smash- (Swift/Impact)- Princess Peach (optionally) charges up, and then twirls around her, doing damage to all sides surrounding her in close range. The longer this is charged the more guard-breaking qualities it possesses.
Flying Slap (Light/Impact)- While in midair, Princess Peach imbues her hand with a radiant light, slapping the target. Automatically Repels darkness of any sort.
Dodge Roll (RECAP; Original description by Beta Shadow) - (Defense/Swift) The user rolls across the ground to dodge attacks. Usually paired with a Shield.

Turbo Mode (Dimension/Damage)- The user manually changes the settings of reality for themself, giving all of their attacks and movements the ability to be canceled into each other, thus allowing for combos that would never be possible otherwise. Can only be used once per battle.

♫ Cynical Pink ♫

Toadette steels herself for battle as she and Dark Peach stare each other down...

(This would be a lot easier if I knew more about how the Princess fights... being royalty, she's usually not the first one to act in times of trouble herself...)
(...But there's no need to overthink this situation. All I have to do is drag this out long enough for her majesty to recover. Then, things will definitely be in our favor!
You look confident... especially for someone that's only recently acquired the usage of the Super Crowns. Just because you can pull a mediocre cosplay doesn't mean you'll be able to match up to the real thing.

Dark Peach pulls out her Peach Parasol.

But that can be fixed.
EEK!

Dark Peach nimbly dashes in Peachette's direction, with Peachette caught by surprise at the sheer speed of the doppelganger. She barely hops out of the way in time to avoid a heavy swing from the umbrella, nearly losing her balance in the process. Dark Peach takes advantage of the Peach/Toad's poor positioning and prepares to bash her across the head again, but as she's in motion, something behind the back of Peachette grabs her attention.

!!?

Another swing. Dark Peach misses again, but this time on purpose, avoiding the Confused Vegetable projectile that would have hit her square in the head if she committed to her attack.

(She was hiding that turnip ever since she first attacked me from behind. That's clever of her.)
Heh! Bet you didn't expect that one, did you?

Peachette subsequently pulls out a Frying Pan, handling it with two arms and staring down Dark Peach.

Don't get cocky! Because, um... the real fight starts now! Yeah! That sounds cool.
.....This should be good.

This time, both of them attack each other at the same time, as Parasol and Pan meet, crashing dead center into one another multiple times. Dark Peach takes further initiative pressing Peachette with an overheaded swing of her pan, but Dark Peach avoids the heavy attack, which creates a large hole in the ground.

Tch!

While Dark Peach is somersaulting away, Peachette uses the hole she made to grab more Vegetables, this time pulling out three normal ones and throwing two at Dark Peach. This backfires as the shadowy princess catches one and knocks the other into the air as she slams into Peachette with a Peach Bomber, blasting her upwards into the air.

O-ouch!

Peachette manages to Float before being sent flying a distance any greater than she already was. After Spin Smashing a collection of soldier toads that try to ambush her, she looks back at the pseudo-peach and scoffs.

If this is your idea of a real fight, then you're leaving more than a lot to be desired. I haven't even so much as chipped a nail.
Dgh!? D-don't count me out just yet!
If you say so.

Pinky Kong shakes Lulu's hand with no hesitation.

My birth-given name is Donkey Kong Jr II... however, that tends to get confusing when my brother is of the same name. Pinky Kong shall do.

---

Yuri, that's not real Kyokugen. That's just stealing techniques and calling them Kyokugen.
At least she is training. Finally, away from her. That little girl's snoring is bothering my ears.

Mr. Karate grabs a small, wooden table. Ryo turns around, somewhat miffed.

You're really going to take her side on this one? It's an affront to the traditional fighting style. I beat that Dan guy in 3 seconds, and she's trying to learn from him?

Ryo sits on his knees from behind the table. Across from him, Mr. Karate sits down, criss-cross applesauce style with his arms folded, looking down.

I'm not saying I'm a fan of it. And I'm especially sure your father, Takuma Sakazaki, isn't either. But, you have to look at it this way:

He looks back up at Ryo.

As her older brother, you've been practicing the art of Kyokugen Karate for far longer than she has. You, as well as Robert, have the most experience with this style here. And though I'm probably right to say you'd beat her in a serious fight... the fact of the matter stands, that she is, far, far more talented than you, Robert, or Rodriguez.
....
I'll admit that you have the born-from-labor fruits of hard work and rigorous experience on your side. But if she had the same worth ethic as you did...

Mr. Karate whistles.

She's already mastered one forbidden ancient technique by lollygagging around. Just be grateful she doesn't seem to fully recognize her true potential... otherwise... She'd be too powerful.
....

I was expecting you to do something along the lines of this... simply not this quickly. But it seems you have less integrity than I gave you credit for.
Don't be like that... you know what they say about the highest form of flattery. You should be nothing short of honored.... to have someone with the exact same looks as you, paired with our perfect biological makeup.
...
Should I? Because I'm nothing short of sickened, blighted even. You've proved that you're so much of a hack that you can't even be bothered to forge your own identity. You could never be me, because I'm not some sort of leech.

Scale as soon as he is finished with his words zips to the side, escaping a barrage of Spread Bombs, and does a barrel roll in the air, avoiding contact with a Soaring Strike. Scale drops his own Scale Streaker from above at Dark Scale, but his counterpart moves out of the way beforehand as if to already know what he plans to use.

Nope, just incompetent, just like your attempts at getting in my head. In fact, said incompetence is the reason I'm here.... because you've been beating around the bush with your intentions.

Repulse Torrents from both parties are fired, canceling each other out and blowing both back. Quickly after, they simultaneously use another Soaring Strike to catch the other off guard, but merely end up hitting each other at the same time, forcing distance between them once more.

It's useless. His intel is perfect. And he has just as much freedom over my programming as I have. which means...

...Ultimately, this will simply come down to which one of us uses our reserves of antimatter first, said one being the loser. Although, I won't discourage you from trying to pull another fast one.
...

But this is just a setup to mutually assured destruction. I won't possess the means to guarantee victory under such a situation... no... there is no guarantee.

That would mean my own fate isn't in my hands... I've... been forced into to the whim of foolish external concepts like luck!?

Scale clenches his fists tightly. He punches down more Spread Bombs that are targeted directly at him.

I refuse to accept it.
Wake up and smell the roses. You have to accept reality. Now that I'm outside your reflection, do you seriously expect me to lie down and you'regoingtointerruptmen--
No! There's no way someone as great as me could be trapped in such a pathetic stalemate!

He flies off, past Dark Scale, who doesn't even miss a beat as he gives chase to his original self.

I can't believe you, honestly. You insult me, insinuating I'm not worthy of being Scale. But then you turn tail like a coward. Utterly childish.
...
A shame. I truly did overestimate you... Unless this is more of the same futility at play, but I'd expect you to already know it's no use. Anything you could have came up with, I've already forseen. It's the end of the line for you.

---

Scale Streaker (Flame/Laser)- Scale summons instantaneous radiated lasers which burn through the target. resistant to Immunities and Affinities, and attempting to absorb them results in paralysis.
Spread Bombs (Explode)- Scale's suit (or the body of his robots) fires damaging explosives from his (or their) shoulders. Each use of this doubles the Explode field multiplier.
Soaring Strike (Wind/Electric)- Scale uses his suit to fly forward and deliver an elbow attack. Has greater priority compared to most melee attacks and can be used mid-air or on the ground.
Repulse Torrent (Sound/Swift)- Scale shoots an ultrasound blast of radio waves. Passes through all projectiles, but absorbs and merges its power with other sound ones.

---

---

---

---

Not looking back a single time, Kasumi continues walking away from the Kyokugen Dojo, the fight she had just watched occupying her thoughts.

(Ryo Sakazaki... so that's what you're capable of... and more than that, I'd wager... if I was a wagering woman.)

---

---

(If Takuma Sakazaki is as proficient as his son... or even better... then there's no questioning why I lost. As I am now, I can't defeat him....)

Kasumi smiles to herself as she continues walking away...

I'll just have to work harder and harder until I can beat the Kyokugen-style head-on. I'll fulfill the promise that was made one day, and make my father proud!

While she distances herself from the dojo, a man sitting on the roof strokes his chin, looking down at her, next to an incapacitated tied up litle girl.

O-ho! What an interesting development... it seems this generation may not be such a wash after all.

---

Hien Shippu Kyaku (Swift/Impact)- The user leaps forward into the air to perform a spinning kick onto their target. Passes through projectiles.
Marco Variant - different timing with flame properties.
Ryuusen Ken (Impact/Ki)- Marco charges his fist up, before releasing it in the form of a powerful attack. There are five stages to the technique and the higher the stage, the more powerful yet more time is needed to charge.
Variants: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 Shin: Level 5
Tech Roll (Earth/Defense)- Just as the user is about to hit the ground, they enter a rolling state as they get back up. Passes through attacks until tech roll is over.
Zanretsuken (Swift)- The user throws multiple, precise super-speed punches at a target, and then optionally ends the combination with an strong uppercut
Ko'ou Ken (Ki/Energy)- Using their spirit energy, the user fires a strong blast releasing it from one hand. from their hand. Accumulative direct hits can lead to extreme damage as well as stun.
Ko'ou Geki - Crashes down from below, and can be used as many times as possible until the user hits the ground.
Kohou (Impact)- The user jumps into the air with a leaping uppercut. Travels past projectiles.
Mouko Raijin Setsu (Wind/Cutter)- Ryo leaps into the air and attacks the target with an overhead karate chop, splitting through blunt attacks. If used while in midair Ryo will drop downwards with the attack.
Kohou Shippuu Ken (Defense/Impact)- Ryo auto-dodges an melee attack, dashing backwards, before retaliating back with a strong punch of his own that uses the target's momentum.
Kyokugenryu Renbu Ken (Impact)- Ryo attacks with three body blows. Flip five coins. If two or more are heads, Ryo attacks wth three more. Cannot be interrupted and repeats until unless one coin or none is heads.
Joudan Harai (Defense/Impact)- Marco deflects a mid or high-targetting attack, attacking with a counter of his own.
Jyoudan Uke (Defense)- Parrying technique exclusive to Ryo. Allows him to parry mid/high-hitting abilities regardless of their property or priority, so long as Ryo himself times it correctly. Can cancel into any move in Ryo's arsenal.
Tenchi Haoh Ken (Impact)- Special Kyokugen Technique. Ryo draws his left fist back, and then using the rest of his body's momentum unleashes an incredibly powerful Critical Hit punch. Causes hard knockdown with a 50% chance of Stun.
Haoh Shokoh Ken (Ki/Energy)- A supe-ified version of the Ko'ou Ken and a fatal Kyokugen Technique. The user charges up energy with both hands to shoot a roaring round Ki blast at their target, doing brutal amounts of damage.

(A powerful blow!... If that were me...)
...
D-damn...

After seconds of silence, Dark Marco steadily returns to his feet, noticably dizzy. Ryo takes the time to talk to him.

I'll give you one last chance...
To h-hell with your.. chances..

After recovering abit, Marco holds his fist up yet again, in a new stance. The blue aura from one of his initial attacks before returns...

This ends here and now. I won't let myself get beaten so easily! I worked hard to get where I am now!
Hard work doesn't always equal an immediate payoff. But have it your way...

Ryo stretches back, cupping his hands as a blue, sizzling ball of ki begins to envelop in between his hands...

Haoh...
Shin...

The ball of energy Ryo holds gets larger, and larger, turning into something twice the size of a beach ball, but infinitely more powerful. Meanwhile, the color of Marco's fist has converted from a flame of blue to that of a sparking red. Tension is in the air as the two final attacks of the bout are to be launched...

...
...
...Haoh Shokoh Ken! |  ...Ryuusen Ken! Level 5!

Dark Marco lunges at Ryo, red-blazed arm trailing straight for him... and at the same time, Ryo let loose his supercharged fireball. The two techniques created a sparkling, dazzling lightshow all over the room. Darko's fist pushes back and forth between the projectile before him.

Level 5, eh? So you actually managed to improve this technique even beyond it's limits... I thought it could only go up to level 4. Though so far, it doesn't seem too different... just stronger.
"Just" stronger?

Like a firecracker, the Ryuusen Ken; Level 5 detonates, canceling out the Haoh Shokoh Ken entirely!

That's impressive... to break through that special move. You really are better than I gave you credit for...

Ryo clenches his right fist...

Still, doing so broke your form! you're wide open!

Dark Marco's Ryuusen Ken; Level 5 trails above Ryo, successfully grazing and taking a few strands of hair off of him, though not enough to lay any damage. Before the duplicate Rodriguez has time to ensure his own safety, he's met with a freakishly strong Kohou right to his chin, knocking him upwards and out of the ceiling... and then plummeting back down, this time for the count.

....

Ryo looks at the newly defeated Dark Marco for a second... and then turns back to the real deal himself.

....
.....Word of advice, Rodriguez. As the Invincible Dragon of Kyokugen, I'm destined to fill the old man shoes, and yet I'm not even close to fully realizing Kyokugen's real potential. If I slack and he kicks the bucket, the martial art's best kept techniques only he can execute will go with him.... forever.
All of this is to say... don't try and think such naive thoughts like you having already learned enough. The road to self-fulfillment is as long as life itself.
...I'll admit... part of me thought the same thing as this... weird imposter. But I think I learned a lesson from all this.

I hope so. You still have a long way to go. All of us do.

Ryo looks over to Kasumi.

Sorry about that, I had to--

Only to realize she is no longer present.

........

Ko'ou Geki!

Ryo unleashes several Ko'ou Ken like projectiles downwards at Dark Marco as he's in the air, the later not wavering up in the slightest despite the quantity of the barrage.

Ossu!

Without hesitation, the larger karateka dashes through the downpour of fireballs, parrying some, but evading most. He abruptly stops and as he finds himself below Ryo instead spirals into the air, shooting upwards with a Kohou uppercut right below his adversary.

How many times do I have to tell you these tricks won't work on me before you accept it!?

Mouko Raijin Setsu!

Ryo releases an open chop within his descent, clashing with Dark Marco's uppercut. after a few second of two Kyokugen techniques pushing against one another, Ryo's breaks through, overpowering the crude clone of Rodriguez.

!?
Paper beats rock!
The force has the bigger opponent tumbling, though he quickly makes his way back up. He looks forward just in time as Ryo is sprinting in his direction.

I'll show you what it really means to discipline yourself to this martial arts!

Waiting right until Ryo is in range, Darko-Marko quickly unleashes a side-kick, but is befuddled by the lack of an appropriate target as his leg passes through thin air. A Kohou Shippuu Ken quickly knocks on the door of his midsection, winding him.

Nrh-!
(Aggressive Defense... That Rodriguez kareteka doesn't seem to be able to keep up with Sakazaki's arsenal anymore...)

Still in close-range, Ryo gestures towards Dark Marco.

Plenty more where that came from.
This ain't over til the fat lady sings! You can bet this thing won't end on your terms!

The shadowy Marco grabs Ryo by his gi's shoulder's, and unleashes a mean headbutt!

Hyaaagh!
!!?

...At least, it would have been, had Ryo not used the both of his forearms to block.

An amateurish maneuver at best. Orah!

Dark Marco is harshly compensated for his failed counter in the form of painful strikes of the Kyokugenryu Renbu Ken decking him over and over. Despite his attempts to block, the techniques still hit him with remarkable precision; yet, in his field of view, as he sees one more strike headed his way....

Gotcha.

Dark Marco steps in closer, deflecting the attack with Joudan Harai and preparing a counter-strike of his own... one that Ryo stops himself with his own Jyoudan Uke, canceling said parry with...

YAH!!!

The blonde Sakazaki hits Dark Marco senseless with a Tenchi Haoh Ken, flooring the larger fighter in an instant!

....
Alright, Marco... Marcos... explain what's going on here. Why are there two of you?
Tch... I dunno what's goin' on myself, Mr. Ryo. I saw this thing fly by me, and the next thing I know... I'm starin' down a damn reflection! Before I could even tell what was happening, he blindsided me.
Hnh. That's what you get for bein' a sorry chump. If you end up flattened because you can't see through the enemy, then that's your fault.

Dark Marco stares at his original, and then redirects his icy glare towards Ryo, who has his arms crossed. He snarls.

As for you... Ryo Sakazaki. I'm sorry to say, but I think I've learned just about everything Kyokugenryu has to offer. In a sense, I've graduated. And that inferior sitting sitting slumped down on the wall knows it, too.
.....I see. In that case, I don't really mind. If you feel like you've learned everything you need to learn, then there's nothing more for us to do.
Sakazaki--?!

Ryo straps the sash on his dogi tighter than it already is. He smirks.

But, you know... we can't officially call you a master until you've had your graduation ceremony... you know what I'm getting at, right?
Heheheh... Alright, but you'll be sorry you asked for this. I'll beat you to a pulp in the blink of an eye.
....

Not quite sure how to feel about the situation, Kasumi looks behind her and back at Ryo.

Should I... leave? This seems like more of a personal matter than--
Nah. It's fine.... more people makes for a more memorable occasion. Wouldn't you agree, "Marco"...?
If you're tryin' to humiliate me in front of more people, then I'll have to disappoint you. My Karate is on an entirely different level now!
(.....It's underhanded, but I do want to see Ryo Sakazaki fight. Showing his cards would give me a better chance at forming a strategy around him later on.)
I won't hold back.
Fine by me... you can get as serious as you want.
Mr. Ryo... be careful...
Hien Shippuu Kyaku!

Dark Marco lets his legs fly as he leaps towards Ryo with a leg and then a knee combo. Steady, Ryo manages to sidestep the attack. Spinning his heels around, Darko follows Ryo's dodging motions and lashes out with an overhead elbow, which Ryo grabs and holds in motion. Neither Dark Marco nor he budge the slightest, even as the floor beneath Ryo's rear leg shatters.

What's wrong? You, who's already graduated the Kyokugen style of karate, can't even bother to move someone that's even smaller than you?
I know just as well as you do the lie that brute strength matters more than anything.

The darker Marco quickly uses his other open arm, clenching it. With force rippling through his arm, a blue ki forms as a Ryuusen Ken; Level 2 Comes straight for Ryo. The orange-clad fighter dips his neck to the side as the torrent from the deep-blue punch flies past his head, using the opportunity to grab Dark Marco's other arm with the two of his, and toss hurl him in a different direction.

Aside, big guy!

Hmph!

Darkriguez Tech Rolls immediately; and as soon as he's on his feet, he is at work parrying a Zanretsuken from Ryo. As the combination wanes, Dark Marco quickly retaliates with his own Zanretsuken, which Ryo manages to parry just as easily, jumping backwards into the air as the doppelganger unleashes the final blow.

...
The blue-haired girls eyes open slowly, as the first thing she sees is...

You okay?

Startled, Kasumi slaps Ryo's hand away, rather upset.

Get away from me!
Hey, don't be like that! I check on you and that's the kind of treatment I receive?

Kasumi stops, regaining her bearings. After a few seconds she seems to have realized where she is.

....You're right. I have to apologize... but it seems like the sting of defeat weighs heavy on me. I... didn't get the chance to make good on our promise. It seems like I'm still weak...
......

Ryo sighs, rubbing the back of his head.

You shouldn't be too hard on yourself... "Mr. Karate" back there is inhumanly strong, even for this screwed-up world's standards. Even as a martial artist... I can't lie that even the thought of fighting him myself is... daunting.
?
You'd think with age, his strength would falter, right? But it's as if when he puts on that mask, he gets rejuvenated... No, he gets even stronger than he should be...
That must be a sign of good fortune, is it not? It should be well that Mr. Sakazaki is still strong. My father himself is beginning to wane in strength and speed. A sign that his best years are now behind him...
Maybe. But at times it feels... wrong... of my old man to be this way. And sometimes it's like I'm talking to another guy... one that's not my father.
(Like what that crazy little girl said...)

---

---

(And like that time I fought with Dan Hibiki... that guy was a joke, but could sense dad during his fight... and he let out a ridiculous power.)
But, I'm being selfish. Kasumi... trust me when I say you are strong... and that whether you believe it or not, you're still my rival... well... besides Robert... maybe Terry Bogard... and I met this 'Ryu' guy that's actually pretty good...
...

Letting out a slight smile, Kasumi begins to stand up. She dusts herself off as Ryo makes room.

I haven't sunk so low I need you to patronize me... and the next time we do battle, I will defeat you, and reclaim what's mine! I'll prove that I'm a real worthy opponent, not just some sort of joke!

---

Lost somewhere, Ryoga looks up at the sky.... then down at the ground.

I don't know why, but I'm feeling a heavy sense of contempt right now...

---

I look forward to the challenge. But don't think I'll go easy on you, either. I'll crush you as soon as I find an opening!

Ryo stretches a hand in front of Kasumi. She grabs it with one of her own, and squeezes it along with him.

Then it's settled. We'll fight again, Ryo Sakazaki. Until then... farewell.

Dusting herself, Kasumi prepares to make her way out of the dojo.. until a blur comes crashing in to the walls from behind,. causing both Ryo and her to turn arund.

!?
Ouch... man, I let my guard down....
Marco! What the heck!?
There's someone else!

Out of the whole created by Marco, another, large individual walks through....

...

---

*Otherwise known as "Khushnood Butt" in international versions of his debut game, but that sounds stupid, so I'm using the original.

Two fists cross each other... but only one connects to the other person's face, that being Dark Walter.

C'mon, man! I know this isn't all you have to offer!
....R-rgh.. heh. I thought we were evenly matched at first... but this...

Walter goes for a five billion hit combo, but Dark Walter parries all of the hits, andW-what's the deal here? He said he was just like me, right?
Intercepts with an I'M NOT GONNA SUGARCOAT IT amplified elbow. Before Walter can go flying from the force of the attack, he is captured by a Psychic Control, flinging him back forward and intoSomething's not right. The way he moves...
Dark Walter claps at Walter's ears. Walter tries to defend himself with a quick fake-out sucker punch, but is negated by Nuh-Uh, and How fast he reacts, and his skill... I should be capable of the same thing...
knocked backwards yet again. Blueminescent Beams head straight for him as he attempts to parry the thousands headed straight for him. Despite his efforts to deflect every oncoming attack, he yet still mistimes him self, executing the parry too early and ending up pelted by one, leaving him open for every other toSo why...?
Being beaten, Walter vaguely sees an open hand coming straight towards him. He tries raise his arms up to defend himself, but instead... He is struck clean in the torso with a Force Palm from Dark Walter, Paralyzing him as he falls downwards from the sky...

Why...

---

I'M NOT GONNA SUGARCOAT IT - (INSERT INPUT) (Damage)- Stringing together a move or a devestating combination of moves, every attack adds once to a "DAMN! Counter"; The damage of every additional attack is multiplied by the DAMN! count squared. Disappears after getting the user gets hit.
Psychic Control (None)- The user taps into their psyche and taps into telekinetic force capable of summoning barriers, controlling objects, and attacking with constructs.
Blueminescent Beam (Light/Shine/Ki)- Walter fires a blue wave of powerful energy. Invulnerable and interrupts other moves, regardless of priority, and destroys defenses before damage calculation.
Force Palm (Impact)- The user is attacked with a hand-like shock wave, doing powerful physical damage. Has a 30% chance to leave the target in Paralysis.

---

!!?

Pac-Man makes a mad break for the direction ahead of him, attempting to make as much distance between himself and the explosive-looking creature as possible.

---

Pinky Kong returns to normal.

...I'm still not sure if this is something I should use. It could be to my detriment just as easily as it could my aid. It's times like these where I wish I could consult my father...

Pac-Man attempts to creep past the prickly ghost-like individual (or thing), while keeping his sights on Miru.

Will Smith sighs, watching the Dark fights....

I can't believe this... it's like whenever we try to take preactive measures, it automatically makes things worse. First Hypertime, now this? It's startin' to piss me off, man.
Well... it can't all be that bad. We could always visit every place where Dark counterparts are running amok, take 'em out, bada bing, bada boom.

One of the moniters seems to respond to Will Smith almost instantly.

Problem with that.
That voice...!?
Huh? What's the matter, Smith?

A single figure in said monitor walks closer, stepping from the shadows until it becomes clear who he really is...

Take a guess.
Segata, John Cena, and Rambo all look at Will Smith, who seems just as puzzled and put off guard by this development as the three of them.

Don't tell me you didn't see this coming. You shoulda known full well that your actions would bite you in the ass one day.
I apologized! I've tried to talk to you?! All I've wanted is some damn closure between the two of us, okay! I've already been banned from the Oscar's! Basically blacklisted from Hollywood! You have the right not to forgive me, I admit, but this!? it's nothin' but selfishness!
Don't give me that. Don't act like this is all said and done. You know just as well as I do this is just a slap on the wrist on Hollywood's part to save place. As soon as the masses forget and it's not so convenient to hold what they did against you anymore, everyting will return to status quo.

More footsteps. Another person walks up from inside the monitor they are staring at.

So these are the onlookers you mentioned. Is that right....?
MakuDonarudo Ronarudo!
In the flesh.
Wait. But... he shouldn't be here right now... I thought he was--
He beat Pepsiman, fair and square. Of course, this meant that his idea of returning to an alliance was now shot down... until he met with us.
"Us"!?
It's true. Loathe as I admit.. I had to fool that persistent Pepsi-Man into drinking a fake Pepsi that contained the Grimace Shake. But I'm far beyond him at the present... now, I've found access to a true power like never before!
Hold on a minute... there's footage that presents evidence that The General was the one who took the Dark Mirror. So if you're showing up all of the sudden... does that mean you guys have some sort of relation to him as well?
.....Heh. Hahahah. You'd like to know, wouldn't you?! But we've already told you more than enough... though you're right that it isn't just me and McDonald you have to worry about.
Just know that the odds are stacked against you fools now. So the next time you and your meatheaded friends try to butt in, you'd best be prepared for consequences that'll hit you like hurricane... one that will give you that "closure" you begged for so badly. That's a promise.

Cut to black. The live feed plays Wario, Waluigi, and Petey Piranha at the Wario Estate. After such an encounter four are silent... but among their faces, Will Smith's seems almost enraged.

DAMN!

Toadette... I'm glad you were nearby. For now, I'll need your help.

Why? And what exactly is going on here?

---

I myself am not quite sure.... I hate to ask you to do so much as fight my battle... but I need time to recover. Until then, I need you to keep that doppelganger occupied. You are the only person I can rely on right now.

---

I don't know if I can do it, but I'll do anything I can! I promise!

You don't need to defeat her. Buying enough time is more than enough. Besides that... I believe I have an idea.

---

She should have went all out when she had the chance. Now, the one and only heir of the Mushroom Kingdom is me. and I'll make sure everyone recognizes the respect I deserve, or receives due punishment.... like a true monarch should. The age of Princess Peach is over!
Hiyaagh!
!?

A shoe suddenly hits Dark Peach from behind, making contact directly with her spine. She tumbles from the force of said attack, but eventually stabilizes, standing straight in front of her adversary.

Goody. I always wanted to break you of all people... and now that can finally become a reality.
Don't be so sure...
I have more than one trick up my sleeve, and if you think I'll let you harm me or anyone, you're dead wrong!

---

Mega Bob-Omb (Explode)- The user summons a Bob-Omb greatly amplified in size and potency by a mysterious, mystic power that gives it nuclear properties. Harshly lowers all target's stats and sharply raises the user's before damage calculation, and resets back to default after.

Toadsworth walks along with an above-average Toad... or rather...

Haven't been able to see much of Blue Toad or Yellow Toad lately... Do you have any idea what might've happened to them?
Yes... and I can't guarantee you'll be pleased to know.

---

Bouncing off trees, two small blurry silhouettes, one blue and one yellow, ricochet to and fro, bouncing back toward's each other back and forth, but barely missing. One of the figures manages to kick the other into a tree, forcing them still.

After being unable to prevent her highness from being captured, the two were quite discouraged. They took it upon themselves to seclude themselves in training in order to prevent such matters from happening again.

They try to follow up with a punch, but the other figure moves out of the way just in time... as the tree is left to be hit instead, causing it to fall over from the sheer force.

...You've gotten faster.
And you stronger. A hit like that, and I might have been a goner!

Only a strict few were given permission to know of their whereabouts, myself included.

---

Okay, but... well, they're still the strongest Toads in the Mushroom Kingdom. Why do they need to train so badly all of the sudden? It's not like either of them are weak!
It's not about being weak or strong. The fact of the matter is that they simply weren't enough to stop her Majesty from being captured. They need that to change. Otherwise, whatever power they have is worthless... to the Princess, and themselves.

Letting the elder Toad's words sink in, Toadette lowers her head...

....Yeah... I understand. I guess it just feels lonelier nowadays. It wasn't long ago that we were all partying and karting and playing golf...
Now, now. Those two certainly won't be gone forever. I'm sure it won't be lo--... I'm sure it won't be too long before they return again.
Hmmm... well, if you--
*SMASH!!*

!!?

Toadsworth and Todette both looked up in the air behind them, seeing an all-too familiar pink blur speeding higher and higher through the air, in an almost rag-doll like fashion. An even bigger, round, black blur catches up to it in midair, colliding with her to create a big
*BOOM.*
They turn again in the direction she's rocketeering towards, as she rapidly descends into an unforgiving thud that even they can hear from miles away. Several Toads in the area look amongst each other in great surprise and confusion as well.

That was...!?
The princess...
She couldn't even handle a simple love tap? Shameful.

Toadette, Toadsworth and several others' heads turn yet again, seeing a dark shadow stand on top of the very kingdom. Dark Peach looks down on everyone else.

What a disgrace. Ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, but all too eager to take advantage of people to protect for her.... why I'd ever feel the need to aid these putrid things is beyond me.

Toadsworth. Hearing a voice, the aforementioned does an exaggerated double take in surprise as Dark Peach float-jumps away...

Your highness!

I sensed you and Toadette as I flew by. Both of you must listen very carefully. Toadsworth, you get all the other Toads to evacuate. The guards can stay if they choose, but they won't be able to take on anyone of this magnitude.

I understand... B-but, to abandon you--

Do not worry about me. This is an order, not a request. I ask of you to respect my decision.

...Very well.

Toadsworth takes off in the opposite direction.

...

Now, in his weaker, standalone Titanium state, it takes Pac-Man a few seconds to process what just happened.

....WAKA. (Crap.)

Pac-Man bolts after Miru in an attempt to catch up to her.

WAKA-WAKA WAKA-WAKA! (What the heck? Wait up!)

Pac-Man looks at the other Pac-People next to him, and shuts his eyes, sighing... and then gathers his focus back on the Pac-Dots.

....WAKA-WAKA WAKA-WAKA. (....Fine. I'll play your game, Spooky.)

Quickly, he begins swallowing them one by one.

Faster than the speed of light, Pac-Man looks all over, searching for the voice of Spooky.