Beta Shadow is enjoying one of his Dr. Peppers*, when suddenly...

...I sense a dark disturbance in the force. Something evil is being conducted in the shadows... Something... Familiar...
...
Eh, it's probably nothing.

Beta Shadow resumes to his Dr. Pepper.

---

At the mere mention of an attempt to revive Beta Devil, two figures quickly stand up, leaving their drinks behind and leaving the establishment... After leaving their pay on the counter, of course.

---

*Recap: During the Regulus Arc, Beta Shadow- out of stress and frustration over the weight of his past mistakes- shattered his physical form (Chaos Zone Part I, Page 158, Post #17, and is coaxed out of this state with a lifetime supply of Dr. Peppers (Part I, Page 168, Post #19.

After some time, Boyfriend and Girlfriend finish eating their meals.

You know, that wasn't half bad.
Eh, I still have my preference*. But I suppose this can be considered a close second.

The two pays, then leaves the establishment. Meanwhile, Beta Shadow is heading for his office when he notices a rather nauseous Reggae in the corner, drinking what appears to be fresh lemonade.

...Uh-
I don't wanna talk about it.

Beta Shadow shrugs, then moves on.

---

Two figures wait around, as suddenly, a third figure wakes up slowly.

...Urgh... The hell...?
Good, he's finally awake...
The question is, is he finally SANE?
Of course I am. The hell kinda question is-

Ninja Ghost suddenly remembers what happened right before he was knocked out.

...On second thought, don't answer that.
Well, you certainly seem like you've toned down the crazy. Which is good...
...Because there is a LOT that needs to be discussed. Right here, right now.

---

*Apparently, Boyfriend specifically likes pizza from Domino's.

A waiter arrives, handing Yoyo, Boyfriend, and Girlfriend their orders.

---

Two figures- one of which wearing a white traditional martial arts gi, and the other seemingly basic- battle within the field. After a flurry of blows, the basic-looking individual defeats the other figure. The victor then lends a hand to help its opponent get up, before the two bow towards each other in respect.

あなたのスキルは顕著です！ 私はむしろ感銘を受けました！
Sincerely, thank you. You were a worthy opponent, yourself...
...And I must say, your quest for "true power" is a rather honorable and respectable one... A path that I, among many other martial artists, seek to obtain, as well.
...
真実は言われる、私はこの戦いが私をその目標に近づけることを望んでいました...
...しかし、第二次世界格闘トーナメントでの私の勝利と、究極のスマッシュトーナメントでの私のかなり支援的な役割でさえ、私はまだ私の答えを見つける.



...The path to "true power" is not one that lasts 23 years**. I was around for 22*** myself, after all. But one thing I know for sure is this...
...Even if you find this "true power", a TRUE martial artist must aim to ALWAYS improve, even beyond what most would believe to be "the peak".

---

Your skills are remarkable! I am rather impressed!
Sincerely, thank you. You were a worthy opponent, yourself...
...And I must say, your quest for "true power" is a rather honorable and respectable one... A path that I, among many other martial artists, seek to obtain, as well.
...
Truth be told, I was hoping this battle would lead me closer to that goal...
...But even with my victory in the second World Fighting Tournament, and even with my rather "assistive" role in the Ultimate Smash tournament*****, I still have yet to find my answer.
...The path to "true power" is not one that lasts 23 years. I was around for 22 myself, after all. But one thing I know for sure is this...
...Even if you find this "true power", a TRUE martial artist must aim to ALWAYS improve, even beyond what most would believe to be "the peak".

---

*Reference: Dragon King: the Fighting Game
**The amount of years since the release of the original Virtua Fighter Arcade game.
***The amount of years since the beginning of the original Super Smash Bros.'s development (relatively speaking).
****For those not in the know, Dragon King: the Fighting Game was the prototype version of the original Super Smash Bros., created before the decision to use popular Nintendo Characters. This character, who has no official name, was used as the only character in the game, seemingly as a placeholder.
*****Reference: Akira's canonical victory in Virtua Fighter 2, and his appearance as an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, respectively.

X(Cross) goes completely unnoticed by Bass.

Well, grabbing a few items for Weapon and Life Energy recovery might not sound like a bad idea... Especially the former. The last thing any of us would want is to need to use a strong move but not have the Weapon Energy to do so.
As for your dog's question, I kind of have cities like this. Perhaps slightly more advanced, and I would suppose a little more lively.
...Then again, I never really paid any mind to the people in my world. I was mostly focused on a battle of attrition, and... Honestly, never really cared enough to find any other interests or hobbies.
...I suppose that's why things have been rather dull for me after I finally won that battle... Mostly, anyways.

What is your speed stat in comparison to Cut Man's? If Cut Man's speed is higher, then that should explain why he always attacks first.

...
...Come on, Mr. Mario! Surely, you don't actually believe what Peach told you! Toadbert did say she was acting odd, after all...
Odd? You think she was simply acting odd? I'll admit I don't actually know the princess, but what we've just heard goes WAY beyond odd! It's like she's a whole different person!
That's-a because she IS.

---

---

...That-a Peach was a fake... And-a I'd assume it's easy to not only figure out-a who created the fake... But also what could've happened to the-a REAL Princess.
...Wow. That's... very deductive of you.

Luigi rubs his nose with his finger.

Heheh, well. The-a person I've been training under has-a had a long history of-a unmasking villains**, so I've-a picked up on a few things, like when someone is-a playing pretend...
...Isn't that-a right, brother?
...Ha... Hahaha...

Mario suddenly bursts into laughter for a moment.

Ok, ok, you've-a got me! I-a ALSO knew that she wasn't the-a real Peach.
Huh? So, wait... You were just FAKING being upset?

Mario nods.

I-a wanted to ensure that the-a fake Princess couldn't realize that I-a was onto her.

---

---

...Besides, why would I buy any of-a that "cycle" stuff? I'd-a have to be some pretentious idiot, or... well, I-a guess just an idiot.

---

---

*Reference: New Super Mario Bros. Wii, World 1-1; Credit to Walter for the name.
**It has been stated back in Part I of Chaos Zone, on Page 186, Post #10 that the legendary Green Thunder, Mr. L, has been training under Shaggy as his most prominent student. ...How this relates to Luigi's statement, I am unsure.

...I... I-a see. If this is-a what you wish, then... I-a will respect your decision.

Mario turns around rather solemnly.

...Come on-a Mario, you don't-a really-
Let's-a go, guys. There's-a nothing more we-a can do here.
...

The four proceed to leave the castle.

---

A figure appears to be looking around for something... And then stops suddenly when looking behind a bush.

...I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE FOUND YOU.

Two other figures emerge from the bush.

Wow, you're very good at this game!
Chao chao!

...Okay, I think it's my turn this time!



Chao! Chao!



...AS MUCH AS I WOULD ENJOY ANOTHER ROUND OF HIDE-AND-SEEK, I'M AFRAID I MUST ASK OF YOU AND CHEESE TO HEAD INSIDE.
Huh...? Is something wrong?
EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE. BUT PLEASE, GO INSIDE, AND DO NOT COME OUT UNTIL I TELL YOU IT'S ALRIGHT TO COME OUT.
...Ok... I trust you, Mr. G-merl.
Chao!

Cream and Cheese go inside the house. The figure, however, stands firm.

...I DETECT THAT YOU ARE A CREATION OF THE DOCTOR'S. I SUGGEST TO YOU THAT YOU LEAVE THIS PLACE AT ONCE.

Another figure looms above, flying down in front of the other.

...YOU HAVE QUITE THE KEEN SENSE. A MACHINE AS... ADVANCED AS YOU ARE SHOULD BE MORE THAN A MERE BABYSITTER TO A CHILD SUCH AS THAT RABBIT.
...I SHALL REITERATE: LEAVE THE PREMISES AT ONCE.
AH, AND A COMEDIC GENIUS, AS WELL. MY QUARREL IS NOT WITH YOU. SO, IF YOU DON'T MIND STEPPING OUT OF MY WAY...

As one figure moves towards the house, the other steps forwards as well, blocking the path.

...THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING: LEAVE NOW, AND NOBODY WILL NEED TO BE HARMED.



The figure simply stares directly at G-merl.

...MAKE ME.

G-merl responds with an electrified fist, which pushes the intruder back a good distance.

...HMPH.



In retaliation, Metal Knuckles activates a jet booster, launching himself at G-Merl. G-Merl creates a red energy field to defend from the attack, only for Metal Knuckles to immediately break through the shield, knocking G-Merl back.

GRK-!

G-Merl manages to land on his feet, staring back at Metal Knuckles. The two proceed to go into fighting stances.

...I'm sorry if I upset you, but I do believe that the history lesson is not over yet.

Coda, in retaliation, blasts Copy X off of him, before dusting himself off.

...Though, clearly, you don't like to talk about him, so I'll try to make this short: He rebuilt you, tried to capture Dark Elf, used you as a tool, blew you up with a hidden bomb when you used your Armed Phenomenon against Zero again, took over Neo Arcadia, and attempted to control all Reploids with Omega and Dark Elf. Omega was revealed to be Zero's original body and was destroyed by Zero, Dark Elf was purified back into the Mother Elf, he became a dictator, and people begun to flee to Area Zero. Enraged, the scientist tried to destroy Area Zero, and ultimately failed. However, in an attempt to kill the doctor, Neo Arcadia was destroyed. People who survived the cataclysm took what they could and tried to reestablish a more peaceful society in Area Zero.*

...Or supposedly, at least. But apparently, something ELSE happened that caused both you AND Neo Arcadia to remain alive. Which raises the question... How is that even possible?
...As I have said before. You will not receive ANY information on that regard from me.
...
...You know, I have already revealed that I know so much about your history. We might as well learn the rest, right?
Who even is this "we" you speak o-
I'M NOT DONE!

Coda takes a breath in and out.

...
...Heh heh... It's kinda funny, you know. You got angry at me, and now I'm getting angry back, causing you to be MORE angry... It's kinda a vicious cycle, isn't it? ...I guess ol' Diablo had a point, after all. Just slightly, though.
...But as I said before, I'm not doing this for me. And, in terms of whether or not you will answer these questions... Well...

Suddenly, the ground shakes as Coda begins releasing bursts of energy... Before being surrounded in a powerful glow.

...I'm afraid that you have no choice in the matter.
Grrk... What... What is this...!?
This is a new form I have been working on... A shame that nobody will be able to see it until I allow them to, when the time is right.
Now, then... Will you be answering that question?
...Tch. Very well.

Coda reverts to normal.

Glad we could reach an agreement.

...To be honest, how I was brought back, I am uncertain. However, what I do remember was seeing Neo Arcadia in ruins.
Wanting to rebuild it, I sought out any survivors, and eventually found Area Zero.
...And then, I found someone trying to slaughter everyone there.

---

...Why...? Why do you do this...?
...The taste of blood... The dripping fluids from my opponents' wounds, and from my own blade... the screams of the weak, dying by my hands... There is truly nothing more satisfying for a warrior like myself.
War is nothing but a TOOL. Good? Evil? To protect, or to destroy? In the end, none of that matters for a warrior. A true warrior has no need for such tools. In other words...
...Dying has made me feel more alive than I ever possibly could. Why should I have a reason to kill, now that I am finally free from my strings?

---

*Reference: Mega Man Zero 3 and 4.

...Right. Question 2... Where did you- and Neo Arcadia, for that matter- come from?
...You of all people have no right to have that question answered.
Believe me... I'm not asking any of this for myself.
That is unfortunate. Because I would rather DIE than explain our history to the likes of YOU.
...



Suddenly, a blue blur slams Coda into the wall.

Enough. If you have any sort-of respect for your own life, you will stop talking right now... ESPECIALLY about that man.
...

---

*Reference: Mega Man Zero 1-3

(Green 'Stache!? Isn't that-a...)
Good-a evening, Princess. We're just-a here to... Apologize. I know that-a recent events have made us rather... Unavailable, or-a completely unhelpful. But multiple things just-a came up, and...
...Well. I-a just want you to-a know that, for ANYTHING that-a may happen in-a the future... We-a WILL be here to-a help. No more distractions, and-a no more disappearances.

---

A figure sits alone in a throne. Everything is silent... Until suddenly, the figure speaks.

...So, you've managed to find your way here, too. Was trying to kill me- was DESTROYING my peaceful home for Reploids- just ONCE not enough for you?*

Another figure approaches.

...Oh, relax. Trying to destroy you or your rebuilt city NOW wouldn't help me to gain ANYTHING. I am simply here for... pleasant conversation.

A table materializes in front of Coda, complete with two cups, two plates, and some tea.

Care for some?

The figure just stares intensely at Coda.

...Yeah, you're right. I still don't have any sort-of chef in my crew, and the last time I made some tea, it ended up not being that good-

The figure then destroys the entire table with a Charged Shot.

Do not play any games with me. Tell me why you are here, or you will be destroyed.



...Wow. You have absolutely no chill.
Fine, fine... The reason I'm here is because I wish to address a few things.

First off, it was stated before that you were able to watch Reguhalla's development because of a... hidden camera drone. To address the BIGGEST problem with that... How could you POSSIBLY manage to get past any censors that would naturally keep it OUT of Reguhalla?
...Pardon?
...It had censors. Made specifically to keep ANYTHING out. How did you possibly get the drone IN Reguhalla to-
Let me stop you right there. I never even mentioned once how I was able to watch Reguhalla, and I never had a single intent to tell. ...But since apparently you DO know, I'll get this one thing straight:
I sent the drone to watch the CITY, NOT the people within it. Whatever gave you the idea that the drone was directly WITHIN Reguhalla borders, tell the source of your information that I am not a damn FOOL; I know what I am doing.
...Well. That answers that, I guess. (At least until Walt tells us that there's some mystic veil or something that would prevent us from seeing the city from the outside, anyways...)

---

*Recap: (Grey Matter Arc) Replicapture traveled to Neo Arcadia to claim Copy X as his host, only for Copy X to defeat him. However, as a last-ditch effort, Replicapture activates a bomb within Neo Arcadia's Reactor, threatening to destroy all of Neo Arcadia, and everyone in it. An attempt to defuse the bomb was made, but the people in charge of doing so were killed by Coda, as a means to lure Copy X to the core to be destroyed himself. Neo Arcadia is destroyed, alongside Coda's original body (though Coda himself manages to escape as a ball of consciousness, later becoming Coda Zenith). Copy X, however, manages to survive due to transforming to his Armed Phenomenon state at the last moment.

@RedBomber : haha lol

In all seriousness, though, this is the wrong place for this topic. I shall be moving this to general discussion.

What, do you ACTUALLY think we didn't already know that!? Don't you think that, if we actually WANTED to leave the group, we would've done so by now!?
You not only saved me from the clutches of AOSTH Robotnik and RS Wily*, but you opened my eyes to the lies that my Wily has fed me for years. And for that, you have my gratitude.
You might've been a bad person in the past, Mr. Jazz, but I still remember the day you decided to upgrade me, like you did with Orchestra.

---

...Right. Could use a few tweaks, but it would seem that this new body has been a success. Time to search for more random treasures, and then-

Jazz suddenly hears a faint sound.

Hm?

Jazz searches around for the source of the sound... Until he sees a figure in the distance.

...Is that...?

Jazz approaches the figure.

---

...Let's see... If I were Master Missingno...



Well, now, what do we have here?

Returning Techno turns to Jazz.

Oh! Hello there, mister. Is there something I can help you with?
(Ah, that's right... He's never seen me as Jazz Hands before, so he doesn't recognize me without my helmet...)
It's me, Jazz. I had a bit of a change in appearance.
Oh! Well, Mr. Jazz, have you seen Master Missingno. anywhere? Last he told me he was helping Mr. Surge with something**, and then I stopped hearing from him...
...
...Missingno. is... gone. He and I had a bit of a fight, then one thing led to another, and...

Techno is left aghast.

...Y-you... You what...?
Oh, come one, don't- ...Don't look at me like that, I... He wasn't even a good person to you.

Jazz tries to ignore Techno... But in the end, he couldn't help but feel pity for the lonely robot.

...L-look, I... You can join us. Er, me and some other guy that I can introduce you to later. I'll even upgrade your body, and maybe find some way to fix that scar of yours. That sound alright?
You would really do that...?
Yeah, sure, whatever. A rule of 3 isn't really a bad idea, anywa-

Suddenly, Techno proceeds to hug Jazz.

Thank you, mister! I promise I won't let you down!
...

Jazz sighs, patting Techno on the head.

...Come on. My base of operations isn't far.

---

...You might've done bad things in the past... But the very fact that you chose to fix and upgrade us- when you very well could have just left us alone- PROVES that you aren't the same Jazz who did all those things. And I want to help you see that.
We are the Jazz Armada. And wherever you go, and whatever you do... We'll be right behind you.
...

---

*Refer to Orcheggstra, Chaos Zone Part I, Page 73, Post #14
**Reference: Chaos Zone Part I, Page 40, Post #20 and Page 41, Post #19 - Missingno. arrives to help Surge Man with the barrier around his tower not functioning properly. After the work is completed, however, Surge Man strikes Missingno. down, locking him up with Jazz MK-X.

Mario and the others follow Toadbert to Peach's room.

---

Jazz, Techno, and Orchestra are simply hanging around, waiting for Missingno. and Mark-X to arrive.

So, I'm guessing we'll be returning to Shiver Star*, right?
...It would be unwise. In the midst of our battle against Beta Diablo, planet Pop Star was... Destroyed. And even if we were to assume that there's still a Shiver Star to return to... The mere fact that Pop Star was destroyed merely proves that remaining anywhere in that galaxy would be completely unsafe.
O-oh... Then... Where WILL we be going, then?
...

Jazz sighs, turning away from the others.

...Look. I'm going to be honest here, and ask a bit of an important question...
...I know we've been through a lot together, but... You guys DO realize you don't have to follow me, right?
Wait, what? |  Come again?
Look. I built this team on the grounds of being "rejects" that nobody could trust. We are a team centered around self-preservation. The only reason I made the decision to fight Beta Diablo alongside the others was because he was a threat to ALL of us.
...But, you two? None of the bad things you did were of your own free will; You were controlled by someone else. In other words, you two have the luxury of not being us. You are able to live your OWN lives. You are free to remain here, become your OWN people, and make new friends.
That is a luxury I have lost long ago, when I became Jazz MKII. You have no obligations to follow me, and throw away your chances of living a normal life, without being recognized as a villain.
...And if you so desperately want to leave the group to do so... Then you may feel free to leave at any time.

Techno and Orchestra are left speechless for a moment. After a minute of silence, Orchestra walks up to Jazz.

...Listen. I know it must've taken a lot of courage to say that, and I respect that. But, allow me to just say...

Orchestra suddenly turns Jazz around, then smacks him in the face.

ARE YOU CRAZY!?
Huh!?

---

*Revealed to be the planet the Jazz Armada was living on, as seen in Chaos Zone Part I, Page 282, Post #13.

I've been hankering to make yet another Smash fighter, so... Here's Missingno.! And, here's a twist you probably weren't expecting: It's actually the REAL Missingno. rather than the one I use for roleplays!

Name: Missingno.
Archetype: Technical

Moveset

Gimmick: Missingno. will change forms depending on the command input: Up for Fossil Aerodactyl, Side for Ghost, and Down for Fossil Kabutops.

Jab: Rapid attack w/ Tendrils made of Static
Up Tilt: Lunges upwards and bites
Down Tilt: Strike ground with Scythe
Forward Tilt: Swipes with Ghostly Claw
Dash Attack: Dashes forwards with ghostly energy

Forward Smash: Scary Face (Stuns opponents before launching a short distance)
Down Smash: Spins around with both scythes
Up Smash: Strikes upwards with bony tail

Neutral Aerial: Scatters pixels
Forward Aerial: Multiple scratches with ghostly claw
Back Aerial: Scratches backwards with claw
Down Aerial: Downwards strike with scythes. Spikes at the tip
Up Aerial: Upwards strike with Wing Bones

Grab: Grabs with vortex of static
Pummel: Squeezes opponent with vortex
Up Throw: Grabs with mouth and throws upwards
Down Throw: Throws to ground and strikes with scythe
Forward Throw: Eats the opponent, then spits them back out
Back Throw: Makes the opponent disappear, then makes them reappear flying backwards

Normal Special: Water Gun - Charges up a spray of water that deals moderate damage and slight knockback.
Forward Special: Lick - Licks opponents with a small tongue to paralyze them.
Down Special: Earthquake - Strikes the ground to make a quake around itself. Those caught in the attack (which only affects those who are grounded) buries the foes.
Up Special: Sky Attack - Dashes across the sky in a selected direction whilst shrouded in a bright light. Has a slight buildup with super armor.

Final Smash: Game Crash - Charges forwards while shrouded in a static-like aura. Those hit by the tackle are locked in a cinematic where Missingno. gathers a bunch of glitch Pokemon to prepare an attack... Before suddenly, the game “crashes”. The act of the game crashing causes a slight repeating damage before the battle resumes, launching the foes.

Taunts

Up Taunt: Becomes Fossil Aerodactyl and roars
Side Taunt: Mocks the opponent as a Ghost
Down Taunt: Sharpens scythes as a Fossil Kabutops

Victory

Animation 1: The Ghost spins around Missingno. before spooking the opponent and laughing.
Animation 2: Flies around as a Fossil Aerodactyl before landing and roaring at the screen.
Animation 3: As a Fossil Kabutops, slashes the air around him.
Victory Theme: Victory! MissingNo. - SilvaGunner: King for Another Day

Alts



Default - Dull Purple/Tan
Alt 1 - Red/Yellow - Pokemon Yellow
Alt 2 - Brown - Kangaskhan
Alt 3 - Dulled Colors - Cubone
Alt 4 - Green - Bulbasaur
Alt 5 - Yellow - Pikachu
Alt 6 - Greyscale
Alt 7 - Gameboy Colors

I also added more Classic Mode routes to the link in the post above. Missingno. will obviously be there, but I will also have a few other surprises... ;)

...Toadbert*? Wow, it's-a been quite some time!
(Do people really still see me as-a Green Mario...?)

Mario turns to Stanley and Imajin.

Oh, I-a suppose introductions are in-a order. Stanley, Imajin, this is-a Toadbert. Toadbert, meet Stanley and-a Imajin. Stanley is an old friend of mine from-a New Donk City, and Imajin is just a friend of-a Stanley's.
Hey, there.
It's nice to meet you, Toadbert. But, uh, you said something about the princess acting a bit strange...?

---

*At least, I assume this is who you meant.

I'll have a pepperoni pizza with milk.*
And I'll have an olive pizza with Cherry Dr. Pepper, please.
Your girlfriend has excellent taste in drinks, blue-haired dude.

Beta Shadow suddenly appears with a few grocery bags, hopping off of Reggae.




Beta Shadow holds up the aforementioned bags of groceries.

Eh, we chose to stop at the market for some fresh ingredients before coming here. Found out where Digit bought that special sunblock, by the way... At least, I think.

The rest of the Little Papa Beta's employees come out to see Beta Shadow and Reggae!

Mr. Shadow! I am-a relieved to see you alive and-a well!











Sans heads off to do... Well, what he does best: Absolutely nothing.

...Why did-a we hire him, again?





You know, I could've sworn I've seen him from somewhere before... I think I probably had a rap battle with him?**

Another figure emerges from the security room.





After relaying the order to Papyrus and Guissepe, Moto takes Yoyo, Boyfriend, and Girlfriend to their seats. Beta Shadow heads off to the kitchen with the fresh ingredients while Reggae either takes Sabata somewhere to recover, or simply goes off to do his own thing, depending on Sabata's current condition.

---

The four turns to the source of the voice.

---

*According to the Friday Night Funkin' wiki (and the Reddit AMA this fact initiated from, Boyfriend's favorite drinks are BRISK Iced Tea and milk.
**Could either be referring to the Vs. Sans mod, the Ink Sans battle from the Cross-X event, or both. Pick your poison.

...Nothing seems too far out of the ordinary...
I don't know... Something in my gut's telling me that something's wrong...
How do we know that strange, purple man wasn't messing with us?
...

Mario briefly flashes back to the vision that Psi gave him.

...His powers are-a no joke. Everything that happened in that vision, down to the-a wind running through my-a 'stache, felt completely REAL. So I-a think that we should take his word that something is- or-a soon will be- going down.

Mario proceeds to recompose himself.

...But first and-a foremost... We should try to-a find the Princess.

The four proceeds to look around for Princess Peach.

---

Oh, you're running from those, too, huh? Yeah, corrupt cops are the worst.



Should he even be allowed in here!?




...W-well... I can't say I haven't had close encounters with crazy killers before... (At least they aren't trying to kill me or beat me in a rap battle... yet.)



Moto turns back to the unnamed customer.