"Learning Curve" MSTed by Nyperold and GameMaster Anthony Original story by Anthony Bault PART TWO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Rec room. Nyperold is in one corner of the pool with Sue, Sonic and Shadow are having swimming races across it, and almost everybody else is watching a game of unmodified SSBM... except Ness, who is reading the primer. Anthony, after removing his armor so it could recharge in a nearby socket, was playing against Mario, Link, and Capt. Falcon. Anthony was playing as Mewtwo while the others played as themselves.) PIKACHU: This is one heck of a game! JIGGLYPUFF: Yeah...we get to see the Gamemaster do what he does best. AMY: The others are missing out! ANTHONY: (manipulating the controls to do something...interesting) Especially since this will be over soon... MARIO: Are you a so certain? (Anthony watches as the others gang up on his character...and then launches an attack which manages to knock all three out of the arena.) MARIO, LINK, & CAPT. FALCON: O_O;; ANTHONY: Definitely. I didn't need my psi to see you guys getting ready to gang up on me. LINK: Yeah...I guess that WAS obvious. (Sonic and Shadow climb out of the pool and begin to dry off. They, as well as Nyperold, Sue, and even Ness rejoin the group. Ness is wide-eyed in shock and looking at Anthony.) NESS: Remind me...NEVER to get into a psionic battle with you! TAILS: Is he that powerful? NESS: You kidding? His list of powers looks like a combination of mine, Paula's, AND Poo's...and with a few extra to boot! SONIC: O_O Whoa...well, now that we're all here, Anthony, let's hear it. ANTHONY: Hear what? SONIC: The multiple Sonic thing? ANTHONY: Ah...well, there's the Sonic you guys all saw in that fic with me...the one that's a combo of the games, both comics, all three cartoons, and several fanfics. Which means that he's one of three triplets, and a prince at that...is in love with Princess Sally Acorn...is friends with Sara, the daughter of President Thaddeus Freedom of the South Islands...and may end up having a Mr. David Kintobor as a brother-in-law in the fut... NYPEROLD: *shudders* I'm still reeling from the fact David is real on your world... ANTHONY: Well...that's Arcadia-Mobius. The next one I had to deal with is on a world connected to Rift-Earth, the version of Earth where the fanfic author version of me exists. A friend of mine, Jeff VanVranken, who has the ability to create rifts between realities... SAMUS: Hey! Maybe he can get you back! ANTHONY: Can't reach him...he's went to some other world with his friend, Holly, and we can't reach him. (Co-Author's notes: In the timeline of when this MiST takes place, he'd be on the world of Valkyrie Profile or Stargate SG-1.) ANTHONY: Anyway...that world is connected to a version of Mobius we dubbed Rift-Mobius. This Mobius follows the timeline of SatAM...with one MAJOR exception. The Freedom Fighters, rather than being weaponless, were all packing. Even that version of Tails brandished a couple of blaster pistols! KNUCKLES: I'm guessing by the past tense that THAT world is free now... ANTHONY: Yeah. They know of us, but I haven't met them...yet. SONIC: Gotcha. Next? ANTHONY: Ani-Earth. AS you saw, that has anime out the wazoo as well as the Marvel and DC comic characters...as well as Kirby, Starfox, Metroid... FOX and SAMUS: O_O ANTHONY: ...Toonami, MST3K, Power Rangers... NYPEROLD: ...okay, basically "all of the above". ANTHONY: Right. This world has a version of Sonic that follows the timeline of the games...just like the group here! ROUGE: Cool! ANTHONY: BUT...not all was well with SEGASonic (which he nicknamed himself after he learned of the games) on that world. After the events of what would have been the first game, Eggman got revenge by killing Sonic's parents! This was also SECONDS after they had just learned that his two siblings were still alive somewhere! EGGMAN: I'm glad I was NEVER like that... ANTHONY: It gets worse...Sonic was also trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center bombing... AMY: *gasps* Oh my gosh... (Sue begins to hug Nyperold closely) ANTHONY: He was rescued, but those two events ate at his sanity. He actually grew closer to Amy as a result, and the two are officially a couple. When Arcadia came into the picture, Queen Aleena even helped by adopting SEGASonic...so he could have a family to turn to. SHADOW: She could handle two Sonics as sons? ANTHONY: Actually yes...and she even adopted his two siblings when they were found later! LINK: O-kay...two sets of three siblings. Why am I reminded of the Brady Bunch? ANTHONY: You weren't the only one. Finally...there's Ani-Mobius. NYPEROLD: Wait...Ani-Mobius?!? ANTHONY: Well...before Arcadia came into the picture, Washu had a mishap with her portal maker... BOX: *snicker* Mihoshi again? NYPEROLD: Okay, you're definitely working off of the other author's knowledge base. ANTHONY: Not this time. This mishap caused THREE different Sonics and Robotniks to appear. Thankfully, they were sent back to their own realities. But...not completely. See...one of those worlds was a version of Mobius which followed the Archie comic series...up to a point. YOSHI: What difference this time? ANTHONY: Well...do you remember the incident when Mina was kissing Sonic, and Sally saw? (The group nods...and Anthony continues) ANTHONY: Here's where the difference starts. Instead of just moping...Sally ATTACKED Mina! (Several gasps are let out) AMY: That's AWFUL! ANTHONY: I know. As a result, Mina asked to stay on Ani-Earth rather than return. She even freaked when she met OUR version of Sally...until Sally convinced her she wasn't the bad guy. Later, Mina asked Arcadia to help remove their Robotnik problem... MARIO: ...which you guys a did... ANTHONY: Yep...and afterwards, I helped Mina with her Sally problem. FOX: How so? ANTHONY: With Mina's help, we arranged for her and Sally to meet privately. When Sally tried to attack her again, the trap was sprung...in the form of King and Queen Acorn and Sonic catching her in the act! That Sonic dang near broke up with Sally as a result... ZELDA: He didn't?!? ANTHONY: He almost did...but when Sally saw how angry Sonic was, she realized just how bad her jealousy was and apologized to Mina. Sonic forgave her afterwards. SONIC: Whoa... ANTHONY: (quietly laughs a bit) Welcome to Arcadia...the realm of alternate realities out the wazoo. NYPEROLD: Well...now that THAT'S done. Let's get back to the MiST! ANTHONY: (pulls Amy aside as the others walk back towards the theater) Ames? AMY: Yeah? ANTHONY: Maybe it'd be best if you were in your own seat this time. You were getting a little TOO cuddly there from the scenes where I'm being nice to Amy... AMY: (blushes) Sorry... ANTHONY: ...and besides, when you jumped in my lap, you landed in a certain...sensitive...spot. AMY: O_O;; VERY sorry... ANTHONY: Don't worry about it, I'm fine. Come on...let's join the others. (The theater. This time, Sue sits in Nyperold's lap, and everybody else sits one to a chair, except the 'bots, who are in front on the floor.) > Chapter 6 - Foregathering PEACH: But... there were more than four gathering... weren't there? ANTHONY: (buzzer sound) DEMERIT! You took that riff from MY group! > That evening, as the various elders of the clan were beginning to gather in the main hall of the clan home, FOX: (as a grizzled old veteran) Why in my day... ANTHONY: Not elder like THA...well, with a couple of them, it's close. > Anthony was taking stock of his appearance. JIGGLYPUFF: It closed at +2 last time he checked. > He was wearing one of his best dress shirts and dress slacks for the occasion, > but wanted to make sure his appearance would be presentable to the elders. He > originally thought about wearing his armor and some of his usual day clothing > that he wore with it, but decided against it, feeling it would have been a bit > pretentious for the dinner. SAMUS: Not to mention it would chafe like heck. PEACH: Speaking from experience? SAMUS: Dang skippy! > After feeling he was set to meet the Clan, he walked out of the room and saw > the three Mobian ladies already waiting in the hallway. All three appeared > to be dressed as if they were going to an opera or other show. ANTHONY: Yeah..."Man of La Mancha". I swear...someone should TRY to convince Dulcy that the "Dulcinea" mentioned in the song isn't her! > Even Amy was wearing a black dress and black dress shoes rather than her usual > red clothing. NYPEROLD: Why am I picturing her looking like she did in that one Archie comic? ANTHONY: You mean the alternate timeline where Sally was dead and she had a bouquet ready to place on her grave? NYPEROLD: That's the one! ANTHONY: Actually...now that you mention it, it DID look like that! (Nyperold looks at the wall.) AUTHOR NYPEROLD: Yep. Him again. > Amy also wore the Descendancy medallion, which stood out against the dress. LINK: (as the medallion) En garde, thou black attire! > Anthony approached the ladies and addressed them. "Ready, ladies?" All three > ladies nodded and Anthony escorted them downstairs towards where the dining > room was. There they met Olaf as he was giving final instructions to Alison. BOWSER: (as Olaf) Now remember...you do NOT have to translate the word "Lutefisk"... > "Ah, Anthony," Olaf said as he finished with Alison. "The elders are all > gathered inside, and I'll be introducing you before you come in. One > thing you should know..." > "What's that?" NESS: (as Anthony) The pellet with the poison's in the flagon with the dragon; the vessel with the pestle has the brew that is true. > "Your two students are going to be a little late. I was told before you came > down that they had some trouble with their car, MARIO: (as Olaf) I told my niece not to buy a Pinto, but NOOOOOOOO... > but they were able to find out what was wrong and should be able to make it a > little later during the dinner." > "Good..." Anthony said. "You may proceed with the introductions then." > Olaf entered the dining hall and Anthony listened as Olaf made the > introductions to the elders as Alison translated to Norwegian for those that > could not speak English. > "Fellow members of the Larson Clan...welcome to this momentous occasion. EGGMAN: (as a rather rowdy member) Forget that...WHERE'S THE BEER?!? > As you know, our clan has recently been made famous due to one of our > ancestor's efforts in the recently rediscovered worlds of Arcadia. > Tonight...the descendant of that man, one who has helped reunite our world > with those worlds and who is now the current Gamemaster of Arcadia, FOX: (as one elder) Keven Keene's here? TAILS: Hey...I thought we were stifling those! > joins us as the greatest of our clan." > Anthony rubbed the bridge of his nose and said to himself, "Oh lord...I'm > going to be in the spotlight all night..." CAPT. FALCON: (as Anthony) I shouldn't've worn black... I'm ALREADY baking... BOX: (as Anthony) Simon's going to hate me...I just know it... > "But first," Olaf continued, "we have some other guests who are with us > tonight. Visitors from the world of Mobius, two of whom are telepathics > students of the Gamemaster. First, may I present...Sasha Prower, cousin > to Tails, and one of the Gamemaster's students..." > Sasha was led into the room by one of the staff and helped to one of the > chairs opposite where many of the elders were seated. An applause that > accompanied the entrance then died down, LINK: ...and many began to mumble about why Sasha had only ONE tail... > and Olaf continued... > "Next...we have a true celebrity with us. May I present Amy Rose, the other of > the Gamemaster's students, and her mother, Mary..." > Amy and Mary were led into the room to the sound of applause by the elders. > Amy blushed slightly at this, still not used to being treated like a > celebrity even though the games of Earth did make her popular. AMY: Among some, anyway. SONIC: Well... the games do kinda show your annoying fangirl days... but you're beyond that, now! > "And now..." Olaf said, getting the attention of the elders, "I have the > distinct pleasure of finally introducing the man who helped bring us to where > we are now. A descendant of Sir Eric, who was considered one of the greatest > of our clan, and one who I am truly proud to call a clansman. ANTHONY: (as himself, stepping over the remains of the fourth wall) GET ON WITH IT! It's only a half hour episode! > My fellow clansmen, I give you...the current Gamemaster of Arcadia...Mr. > Anthony Bault." > As Anthony was led in, he was met by a standing ovation and loud cheer by the > elders. Anthony quietly said thank you to the group as he walked in, ANTHONY: (as Robin Williams in "Good Morning, Vietnam") God...this could get very ugly... > and was met halfway by one of the elders, who he recognized immediately... > "DAD?!?" Anthony said as he recognized him. "You're the elder of the Bault > family?" TIFF: In all honesty...you should've expected that. ANTHONY: True. > "That's correct!" Anthony's father answered. "I was told I was chosen as the > elder for the Bault family for the clan since I was the father of the > current Gamemaster." > "That's awesome, Dad," Anthony said, and then the two went to their seats as > the applause died down. Olaf then stood up and raised a glass in toast... YOSHI: Mmmmm... raisin toast... ZELDA: Mario...you were supposed to feed him before we came in here. MARIO: I a-did! But-a you know he's a bottomless-a pit! > "Fellow clan members...to the Larson Clan and to Arcadia." PIKACHU: (as a random elder) Alright! To the portals, everyone! ANTHONY: (quoting Joel doing a riff from "Hellcats") We're going to Dairy Queen! WOOOOOOO! > All present raised a glass to return the toast, and then the feast > commenced...though not much eating was done. CAPT. FALCON: They found out Julie-Su did the cooking. > Most of the evening was spent in conversation, and Anthony found himself > spending half the time talking with the Clan elders about his adventures > in Arcadia. LINK: (as a random elder) So...is Zelda as hot in person as she is in the games? ZELDA: (blushing BADLY) LINK!! > The other half of the time was spent introducing the Mobians to Norwegian > cuisine... > "It's called lefse. It's kind of a potato pancake that's eaten with meals > where other meals would serve bread. I usually eat it with a little > butter and sugar when it's served during the holidays at my home..." > Amy was impressed by Anthony's knowledge of Norwegian culture. "Must be that > connection to the Larson Clan you have..." > "Well, it's more the fact that my family tries to serve a lot of food from our > heritage. You should try my family's kringlas when Christmas comes, Amy..." ANTHONY: She did...got hooked...got a stomachache when she ate too much. BOX: Did she puke afterwards like she did in "HOA-TGL"? ANTHONY: No, but...wait, you read that? NYPEROLD: Your author self posted it on ff.net. ANTHONY: Ah... > "Kring... huh?" > "It's kind of a pretzel made of sweet bread dough," Anthony explained, SUE: Must be Pac-Man's favorite. > then turned to his father and ad-libbed. "Maybe you should have made some for > tonight, Dad." BOWSER: (as a director) CUT! That wasn't in the script! > Anthony's father laughed and said, "I think they had enough cooks in there, > son." TIFF: I call no "too many cooks" riff! OTHERS: Awww... > Olaf laughed to himself at the exchange, and seemed to sense Anthony finally > relaxing a bit, even though he was without Anthony's powers... SHADOW: (spooky voice) Or so he thought... >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > As the main course of the dinner was served, which included everything from > fresh caught codfish to kjottkaker (meatballs in sauce), ROUGE: No lutefisk?!? I'm shocked! ANTHONY: Don't be. That's more of a Minnesota thing. > a servant whispered something to Olaf, and Olaf nodded in response. He then > walked up to where Anthony was and talked to him. "Anthony...I was told > your two students have just arrived. Would you like to meet them yourself > before I announce them to the group?" > Anthony nodded, got up, and walked with Olaf to the front door. As the two of > them approached the door, Anthony noticed two individuals being helped with > their coats. > One was a very beautiful looking girl, possibly in her early to mid 20's, with > short blonde hair and an average build. ALL BUT ANTHONY: *gasp* MARRISSA?!? ANTHONY: *snicker* Not her, guys! > The other was a tall and broad shouldered man, possibly in his early 30's, who > had a full beard and dark blond hair that was short, but still somewhat long > in the back. KNUCKLES: Okay...THIS guy has Renaissance Festival written all over him. ANTHONY: Uh...you're going to regret saying that. > Olaf walked up to the two of them, and was immediately hugged by the young > lady. > "Uncle Olaf," the lady, who Anthony recognized as Jenna, said as she hugged > Olaf, "it's so good to see you. It's been ages..." ZELDA: (as Jenna) Why, the glaciers had barely crept into Minnesota last time I saw you... > "So I can tell," Olaf said, and then releasing the hug. "How was the drive > over after your car was fixed?" > "Not too bad...though the car was still running a little rough," the man, who > Anthony figured was Lars, explained. EGGMAN: (as Lars) This is the LAST time I buy a car from a Mr. Swindler! > "I'll have to have a mechanic look..." He then stopped as his eyes fell on > Anthony. "Is...is that...?" BOWSER: (as Lars) ...our new accountant? ANTHONY: (whispering) Pyrokinesis Alpha (Bowser gets a small hotfoot) BOWSER: (grabbing foot) YEEEOWWW!!! ANTHONY: (looking at Bowser) Next time...it'll be Beta. > Olaf looked towards where Lars was looking and smiled. "He is, indeed, Lars," > Olaf said as Anthony stepped forward. "Jenna, Lars...meet Anthony Bault, > Gamemaster of Arcadia." > "A pleasure to finally meet my new students," Anthony said as he extended his > hand towards the two, and was surprised at how strong Lars's grip was. (all make cracking sounds) ANTHONY: (as himself in the fic) *urk* My sword hand! > "It is truly an honor, cousin," Lars said. "I heard about your adventures in > the worlds of Arcadia, but never thought I'd meet you for real! I also never > thought I'd be chosen to be one of your psionics students!" ANTHONY: He then gave this BIG burly Viking laugh... SUE: So...this guy IS like a modern day Viking? ANTHONY: Yep. SUE: COOL! > "Well, I'd never thought I'd get these powers in the first place, Lars, so I > know how you feel," Anthony said. He then turned towards Jenna, and was even > more surprised when Jenna drew him into a light hug. YOSHI: How you hug with light? FOX: Yosh...that was so far out in left field, I think it ended up in a ball park on Anthony's Earth. > "Welcome home, cousin," Jenna said, releasing the hug. "It must be wonderful > finally meeting all this family you never knew you had." CAPT. FALCON: (as Anthony) Not really...sending out all those Christmas cards will be HELL now! > "Yeah...it's definitely something..." Anthony said. "But we can talk about > that at the dinner. Come, the other guests are probably waiting for all of > us to reappear...and I'm sure you'll want to meet your other students." BOX: He then drew on a Teleport power... > Both Jenna and Lars gave Anthony a confused look. "Other students?" Lars > asked. > "That's correct," Anthony explained. "Two Mobian telepaths to be exact. ANTHONY: (as himself in the fic) They're members of something called Psi-Corps. > I'm teaching them some other telepathic psionic techniques, so they will be > joining us as I give you your lessons. You'll even recognize one of them..." ROUGE: (as Jenna) Oh, I hope it's Rouge... SHADOW: (as Lars) I'd prefer Shadow, actually... SONIC: (as Olaf) Actually...it's David Kintobor. ROUGE and SHADOW: (as Jenna and Lars, respectively) NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! > After Olaf gave the introductions, Anthony led his two new students into the > dining hall and towards their chairs. As Jenna and Lars passed by where the > Mobians were sitting, their eyes widened as they noticed the pink hedgehog. > "OMIGOSH!!!" Jenna said in surprise. "Is...is that..." PEACH: (as Jenna) SONIA?!? AMY: HEY!! > Anthony noticed their reaction and made the introductions. "Indeed it is, > Jenna," Anthony said as Amy turned around. "Jenna, Lars...meet Amy Rose, one > of my students." > Anthony smiled as Jenna and Lars met with Amy, as well as with Sasha and Mary, > and realized this was going to be more interesting than he first thought... ANTHONY: (quoting Peter Ustinov as Poirot from "Evil Under the Sun") It is more interesting than at first I thought... > Chapter 7 - The Ties That Bind SUE: Hmm... that just might make a good song title... almost... (Author Nyperold steps over the atom-sized fourth wall and looks.) AUTHOR NYPEROLD: O_O SUE: What's up, Author Nyper? AUTHOR NYPEROLD: By some strange coincidence, my dad has the same name as the man who wrote the song you're talking about, Sue! > That night, after the festivities had died down, the elders all left, and > everyone had gone to bed, Anthony still found himself not able to sleep. ANTHONY: (as himself in the fic) This is one of those times I wish I was NOT such a caffeine addict... > He hated to admit it, but though he was confident that the teaching sessions > might go without a hitch, he was still worried about Jenna and Lars. TAILS: Oh yeah, that's pretty confident. It "might". ZELDA: Well, I would assume there were *some* problems... ANTHONY: You'll see one such, and rather humorous, problem later... > He wondered whether they knew what they were getting into...he knew they were > told they would become Gamemasters, but wasn't sure they knew what that > position might involve. SAMUS: Fighting King Hippo, the Eggplant Wizard, and the Mother Brain, perhaps? LINK: Got a question. NYPEROLD: Shoot. LINK: WHY a character from a boxing game? NYPEROLD: Back then...I would be surprised if it was because Mike Tyson used his contacts. POPO: (as Don King) I INSIST a character from my boy's game be in this! ANTHONY: I got an even better one. LINK: Yeah? ANTHONY: If this guy was such a game expert...why in the name of phrack did that initial, real world scene show him not showing ANY clue of it? I mean...he was fighting King Hippo the WRONG WAY! > As it turned out...he wasn't the only one having a restless night... >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Amy was running...from those she originally considered her friends... > She saw the hateful look in their eyes, afraid of what she had become and what > she might do to them... SAMUS: I'm reminded of X-Men...WHY?!? > She ran into an alley and found herself trapped. She watched as the leader of > the mob, who was her friend, Wendy Koopa, BOWSER: O_O ANTHONY: Yep...she and Wendy became friends after my version of you made peace with Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom. MARIO, PEACH, and BOWSER: O_O NANA: Well...there goes any chance for any FUTURE Mario games... MARIO: What about-a Tatanga, Wario, that shadow Mario character, Wart... NYPEROLD: Hmmm... Wart in 3D... that'd be interesting... > look her straight in the eye and said, "We have you now, freak! Bet you didn't > see this coming..." > She then watched in horror as the people grabbed her, and Wendy raised her > wand to attack... AMY: (as herself) ... Peppermints?!? Ha! Some attack! ANTHONY: Huh? I thought those were bracelets? (Nyperold shows Anthony page 34 of the SMB3 strat guide.) NYPEROLD: Sue? SUE: (as Wendy) "Hey Mario! Try some of my candy rings, I think you'll be surprised how they taste!" > ...and then gasped in fear as she woke up from the nightmare. > Amy looked around and found she was still in the bed chamber at the Larson > Clan home. Her mother, who was sleeping in the bed next to her and heard her > awaken, got up and walked to her bedside. "Amy?" Mary asked. "Are you alright?" > As soon as Amy hugged her mother tightly and began sobbing, Mary realized that > she wasn't... PEACH: Yeah, that's a pretty good clue... AMY and TAILS: (as little kids) A clue! A clue! CAPT. FALCON: (as Steve) Did you see a clue? Where? >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Anthony also sensed something was wrong as he laid awake in bed. He sensed > what seemed to be a mixture of fear and sorrow coming from the bed chambers > next to him, and a quick Clairvoyance power showed him the image of Amy crying > in Mary's arms. PIKACHU: ...and THIS coming from the guy who told AMY not to be a voyeur... ANTHONY: This was different. > "Amy must've had a nightmare," Anthony thought as he deactivated the power and > laid back in his bed. Just as he was about to try to go back to sleep, he picked > up a telepathic message from Amy... (Box makes the AIM sound) > *Anthony...can you hear me?* AMY: (as herself in the fic, pausing briefly) Good. (several of the group snicker) DK: Ironic that you do that, seeing as how the guy kinda looks like the Verizon guy. ANTHONY: Ugh...I didn't need that comparison... > Anthony became worried. Did something upset Amy THAT much? > *I hear you, Ames. Is something wrong?* > *Can...we meet out in the hall? I...I need to talk to you and it's hard to > tell you with telepathy.* ANTHONY: ...seeing as how emotion can disrupt psi. NESS: I know what you mean. I get homesick...and I can't even use a simple Lifeup Alpha power! > *Alright...I'll be right outside your door.* > Anthony got up and walked out into the hallway, hastily putting on a robe en > route. ALL: THANK GOD!! > He didn't have to wait long as a familiar pink hedgehog walked out into the > hall. Anthony could tell she was very upset over something. > *Amy...what's wrong?* Anthony asked, speaking telepathically so no one was > awakened. *Did you have a nightmare?* KNUCKLES: Is this a dream? It's more like a nightmare! > Amy said nothing as she felt more tears well up inside her. Anthony noticed > she looked like she was about to cry and knelt down MARIO: Bless me father, for I have sinned... > to try to comfort the young hedgehog. As Amy hugged him tightly, he heard her > whisper, "I'm a freak..." > "Wha...?" Anthony said quietly, releasing the hug and looking straight into > Amy's eyes. "Who says?" AMY: (as herself) Well... nobody, yet, but I can sense it coming... > "No one...I just am..." Amy said, trying to fight back another wave of tears. > "I wish I never got these powers now..." > "Amy...these powers don't make you a freak, they're a special gift just like > Tails's ability to fly with those twin tails of his," Anthony said, trying to > calm Amy down. "I mean...you don't think I'M a freak, do you?" PEACH: (as Amy) Well, yes...but not for that reason... ANTHONY: HEY!!! > Amy looked at Anthony after hearing that. "Of course not! But, your race..." > "Amy, just because my entire race has a latent psionic ability doesn't mean > being able to control them is 'normal'. I mean...I'm still getting used to my > powers, but I hardly consider myself a freak." Anthony placed a hand on Amy's > shoulder before continuing. "Besides, Earth accepted me despite my new powers... SHADOW: Thus blowing any chance of an X-Men style storyline... ANTHONY: Ironic you should say that...seeing as how I was called "Professor X" during the time I was recovering after the final battle with Robotnik. SONIC: How so? ANTHONY: Well...they put me in a hoverchair for a couple of weeks and... SONIC: So THAT explains the hoverchair riff in that MiST of yours! ANTHONY: *blush* Embarassingly...yes. > and I know your friends on Mobius think your powers are cool, otherwise > Bowser's children wouldn't have dared you to use that one power on them." > Amy began to feel better and chuckle quietly a bit at that last part. > "Yeah...I guess you're right. I guess, I'm still scared..." > "That's understandable," Anthony said, then kissed Amy on the forehead and > motioned her towards her room. "C'mon...you'd better get back to bed." > As Amy reentered her room, Anthony started to walk back towards his, but > paused (Tiff makes the pause button sound from Captain N) ANTHONY: Not THAT! > and looked back towards where Amy went. Amy feelings of being a freak began to > worry Anthony, and brought back some of the doubts he was having before coming > to the Clan home. As he walked into his room, he noticed Jenna and Lars were up > and were looking at him. NESS: (as Anthony) Oh no! Not you guys, too! > "Anthony, is something wrong?" Lars asked. FOX: (as Anthony) No...but SomeONE is offended! > "Well...Amy apparently had a nightmare where she thought she was a freak > because of her newfound powers, but I managed to calm her down," Anthony > explained and then sighed before continuing. "Poor girl...first Robotnik, now > this..." > Jenna could see something in Anthony's eyes from that statement. "You...really > care for that young hedgehog, huh?" ANTHONY: Uh oh...adoption ref coming again! BRACE YOURSELVES! > Anthony nodded. "If I wasn't able to find her mother like I did...I would've > adopted her. NYPEROLD: And again... > Those feelings haven't changed...and Amy is still like family to me..." > Anthony then looked up towards Jenna and Lars. "And because I'm so concerned > for family...I don't think I can go through with teaching the two of you..." YOSHI: (as Lars) I came here for NOTHING?!? > Jenna and Lars looked at each other and then back at Anthony. "Why not, > Anthony?" Jenna asked. "What are you afraid of?" > "You probably know that you might have to act as Gamemasters if I'm > unavailable, but...if you had experienced what I had been through, you might > not want to take that role..." Anthony explained, then looked sternly at the > two of them. TAILS: ...and then the two "bow"ed. CAPT. FALCON: Can we stifle those riffs? I'm "poop"ed. TAILS: What? And leave an obvious riff like that "adrift"? JIGGLYPUFF: If you evil punsters are QUITE finished... >"If either of you have any doubt at all..." > "Anthony..." Jenna said, trying to calm Anthony. "We knew what we were getting > into when we were chosen. We think it's an honor to be chosen for this..." > "Yes," Lars said. "In fact the patriarch told us as much and even said we > could refuse. We didn't refuse, as you see." > Anthony nodded in understanding, and then Jenna walked up to Anthony and > kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Don't worry, cousin. We won't let you down." > "I know you won't..." Anthony said, ANTHONY: (as himself in the fic, near the ruins of the fourth wall) It wouldn't be much of a story if you did! > and then turned back towards his bed. "We'd better get back to sleep..." > All three of them returned to their beds and went back to sleep. Anthony even > managed to calm down enough to finally fall into a deep sleep. >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MARIO: Yikes! They-a flat-lined! > The next morning, Anthony woke up to find himself the only one left in the > room, EGGMAN: (as Anthony) Didn't think my snoring was THAT bad... ANTHONY: Oh, leave me alone! (everyone gets up and starts to walk away) ANTHONY: GET...BACK...HERE! That's not what I meant! > since it seemed Jenna and Lars had awoken earlier. Since each of the rooms had > their own bathrooms, Anthony took a quick shower and got dressed, then made his > way downstairs. ANTHONY: Okay...apparently I had to draw the path downstairs. I'm either in one of those Purple Crayon books, Chalk Zone, or Xanth. NYPEROLD: Good...ness ...just how extensive IS your knowledge base?!? NESS: Mine? (fourth wall cracks some more) Depends on which author's speaking through me... NYPEROLD: Not you! > As he waved goodbye to Alison Trasin, who was leaving to take the next plane > to London since her job was finished, he found Jenna, Lars, and Olaf all talking > in the main sitting room. A small breakfast buffet, complete with rolls, muffins, > fruit, coffee, and juices, was set up. TIFF: ...though, for some odd reason, they were on a serving cart that said "Hilton". > Anthony took a cup of coffee and a muffin and walked towards his fellow > clansmen. > "Ah, Anthony..." Olaf said as Anthony sat down. "Jenna and Lars were telling > me what happened last night. Is young Amy alright?" > "She's fine," Anthony said, "just a little scared of her abilities." ROUGE: (as Terra) Look, why are you helping me? Is it because of my...abilities? ANTHONY: Heh...you aren't the first to make a Final Fantasy comparison... ROUGE: Oh? ANTHONY: Yeah...and actually, I made a Chrono Trigger comparison when I read my author self's first fic. NYPEROLD: How so? ANTHONY: I was going through portals and at one point, when I was fighting Swatbots alongside Amy, it was essentially a guy with a sword and a girl with a crossbow doing the fighting. > "...and, it would seem she's not the only one scared," Olaf said, looking > straight into Anthony's eyes. > Anthony sighed, realizing Olaf was told the entire story. "Yes..." he said, > almost with a guilty tone in his voice, and then turned towards Olaf. "After > seeing how scared Amy was, I became even more afraid of how Jenna and Lars would > take to the instruction." > Olaf nodded in understanding. "Yes...I guess you would be afraid, MARIO: (as Olaf) ...a man in your position WOULD be a bit paranoid... > especially considering the fact you'll be teaching a power that is, in a sense, > new to our entire planet. KNUCKLES: Not entirely...if you count Kreskin and Ms. Cleo. > Still...if the way you calmed Amy down is any indication, I'm sure you'll do > fine. You have Jenna's and Lars's full confidence...as well as my own." > Anthony smiled at that, beginning to feel better. "Thank you, Olaf," he said, > then quickly finished his breakfast and stood up, addressing Jenna and Lars. > "Jenna? Lars? Why don't you meet me outside in about an hour? I'll show you some > of the powers you'll be using as well as give you some initial training before the > actual lessons start." ANTHONY: (as himself in the fic) It will involve a cupi doll, a chainsaw, a taxicab, and some electroshock therapy. I will say no more. > Jenna and Lars nodded in agreement and Anthony left the room. The two of them > then began talking with Olaf. About half an hour later, Sasha, Mary, and Amy entered > the room and joined the three of them. > "Ah...good morning, ladies!" Olaf said, greeting the three Mobians, then > turning towards Amy. "Anthony told me about your nightmare last night, Amy. Are you > alright?" > Amy nodded sheepishly, a bit embarrassed. Mary then spoke up. "I'm terribly > sorry if we caused a problem, Patriarch..." > "Oh, it's quite alright, Miss Rose...no need to apologize..." Olaf said. "This > is a home for family, things like this are to be expected from time to time. I should > tell you about the family reunion we held one time and had several rooms filled > infant children." EGGMAN: (as Olaf) For most of 'em, one bedroom was enough, but hooo! This one kid wasn't full until he'd had the kitchen, the dining room, *and* the drawing room! ANTHONY: Grrr...that's supposed to be "filled WITH infant childr"...excuse me. (walks across the ruins of the fourth wall and drags Rift-Anthony back to show him the segment) See? THAT is why you have to proofread, you near-sighted doofus! RIFT-ANTHONY: Well...EXCUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSE ME! I was working on a deadline, and my fans were impatient! (makes Anthony let go and walks back) > Olaf giggled at this as he remembered the fiasco, with children crying at > different hours of the night. > Amy, Sasha, and Mary giggled as well. After talking about twenty minutes, > Sasha spoke up. "Is Anthony awake? I didn't see him this morning..." > "He's outside...probably readying himself for some preliminary training he's > going to give us," Jenna explained, then peeked out the window. "Lars, you and I > should head out. It's about time." LINK: (as Lars) Well...then we have a problem. I subscribe to Newsweek. > Lars nodded and followed Jenna as she headed outside. Sasha also followed them > out, deciding to see what Anthony was going to do, but as Mary and Amy stood up to > do the same, Olaf spoke up. "Mary, Amy...can I speak to you for a moment? I'd like > to ask you something..." JIGGLYPUFF: (as Olaf, singing) Do you know the way to San Jo-- ANTHONY: (quickly) ACK!!! PSI BARRIER SIGMA!!! (A psionic shield covers the group, preventing them from falling asleep, and Bowser clamps Jigglypuff's mouth shut with a paw.) ANTHONY: Whew... NESS: I'll have to remember that. > Mary and Amy looked at each other in confusion, and then sat back down, > looking at Olaf with great interest... >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > As Jenna and Lars walked outside, they noticed Anthony sitting near a cliff > which overlooked the mountainous regions near the clan home. ALL: RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICOLA! > He was wearing his armor, was sitting down in the grass, and had the Sword of > the Gamemaster stuck into the ground in front of him. As they approached, Anthony > did not stir, but just stayed still. > "What do you suppose he's doing, Jenna?" Lars asked. SAMUS: (as Jenna) Working up enough midichlorians to move the sword, I guess. > "Not sure..." Jenna replied. "But it almost looks like he's...meditating." > As soon as the two came close to where Anthony was sitting, Anthony stood up, > pulled the sword out of the ground, and replaced it in its scabbard on his back. > He then turned towards the two of them. > "Ah, good..." Anthony said as he addressed the two of them, also noticing > Sasha approach. "I see Sasha came as well. Um...Sasha, if it's alright, do you > mind if I talk to Jenna and Lars alone?" > "Oh...of course," Sasha said, and then started walking back. AMY: (as Sasha, grumbling to self) Leave me out of the loop just as it was getting good...this bites... > As soon as Sasha started heading back, Jenna said, "So, cousin...did I see you > meditating just now?" ZELDA: (as Jenna) Because it's just SO last year! > "Yes, you did..." Anthony explained. "A regular regimen I've started to keep > my emotions in check, ever since the incident with the Dark Gamemaster." > "Yes...we heard about that..." Lars said. LINK: (as Lars) You DO realize you were stealing Link's schtick, don't you? >"...and something I don't want to see either of you turn into," Anthony said. > "Thus the training. Even though you will have full control of your psionic > powers once they are unlocked, you'll still need to be taught how to properly > use them." > "We understand," Jenna said. "So...what initial training were you going to > give us?" > Anthony smirked and gave an interesting look towards his soon to be students. > "It starts with...a demonstration..." > Anthony said, and then his eyes began to glow slightly. ALL: THUNDERCATS! HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! > Jenna and Lars realized they were in for something exciting... NESS: Not if he uses Hypnosis Omega... >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > "Anthony seems to care a lot for you, Amy," Olaf said to Amy as she and Mary > continued to talk with him. "I'm curious...how do feel about being his apprentice?" > "It's...unbelievable," Amy answered. "I thought he would choose one of those > two that just left as his apprentice." > "Understandable..." Olaf said. "I'm also curious about something else...and > you don't have to answer this..." > Amy gave Olaf a confused glance. "What?" > "When Anthony said he was willing to adopt you...would you have accepted if > Mary wasn't found?" ZELDA: (as Amy) ...and have a celebrity as a father? Darn skippy I would! > Amy looked towards her mother, and Mary simply said, "It's alright. Just say > what you feel..." AMY: (as herself, singing) I feel pretty... > Amy then turned back towards Olaf and said, "Yes...yes I would have..." > Olaf nodded in understanding and then said, "In that case...I have a question > to ask of both of you..." > Amy and Mary listened intently as Olaf explained... >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Outside, Jenna and Lars felt that they were watching a magic show, except what > they were witnessing was real and not an illusion. Anthony had demonstrated > several psionic powers, from simple telepathic communication to a display of > pyrokinetic ability. After he was done, NANA: ...the two of them called out for more! ROUGE: (as Jenna) Come on! Make the Statue of Liberty disappear! Walk through walls! Pull a rabbit out a hat! SONIC: (as Anthony) No way! Bunnie was TICKED when I pulled her out of the hat! > Anthony began to talk again. "Those powers are just a small fraction of what > you will learn to control. When your powers are unlocked, you will actually > have full knowledge of a wide range of powers, but I will still teach you how > to best use them." NESS: (as Anthony) ...as well as their PP costs. > "Amazing..." Lars said. "These powers actually exist amongst our entire race?" > "Yes..." Anthony explained. "In fact, it's how game makers, comic book makers, > cartoon makers, and fanfiction authors have been able to see the worlds of > Arcadia. Though...I'm still unsure how psionics can breach realities..." TIFF: (as the woman from the Iron Gate level, SA2) Level 1 Security Door breach! > "Maybe the existence of the portals, even dormant, was key to that..." Jenna > said. > Anthony nodded in understanding. "That's possible...but we'll have time to > debate that later. CAPT. FALCON: AGAIN with the debates! What are you...a politician?!? ANTHONY: I'd lynch myself before THAT happens... > Now...for a very important part of the pretraining..." > "What's that?" Jenna asked. > "Simple..." Anthony said, and then sat down in the grass near to where the > other two sat. "I'd like to know a little bit more about you two. It will help > me to better understand you two plus...you ARE family, after all." > Lars and Jenna smiled at that and then Lars said, "Ladies first..." POPO: (as Lars) ...but since there's none here... NANA: (as Jenna) HEY!!! > "Very well..." Jenna said, then started talking. "I actually come from St. > Paul, the twin city to your hometown of Minneapolis, Anthony. I came to Sweden > on an exchange student program to better help with my studies on world > economics...especially with all the talk of the Euro. Though...the real reason > I asked to study abroad was somewhat different..." ROUGE: (as Jenna, in a loud whisper) You see, I'm actually an international spy, and not *really* related to anybody here... (Sue begins humming the theme to Kim Possible) > "How so?" Anthony asked. > "Well...at the school I was currently attending, there was a problem with a > local gang of toughs. When they were chasing this one underclassman to let off > some steam, they ended up running into me...and I had to stand up to them..." > "Oh my god...what happened?" > "Well, nothing...at least to me. See, they didn't know I was studying martial > arts as one of my classes. I was stopping them from chasing after the students > and when they tried to attack me...well, let's just say the bruises and the > broken noses didn't look too good on them." SAMUS: (as Jenna) ...and that was just with one punch! > "Whoa..." Anthony said, amazed. > "Naturally, the school found out about the incident. The underclassman, as > well as several other students, demanded that the dean expel the lot of the > toughs. He did...though he nearly did the same to me, saying that my actions > might encourage other violence. NYPEROLD: Yeah, naturally, the schools don't want to give the impression that it's alright to defend somebody else *from* violence... they hardly want you to defend *yourself*... meh. > Since other schools in the area might hear about this, I asked about studying > abroad, remarking that another country might NOT hear about this incident. > So...here I am..." > "I see..." Anthony said, deciding not to press further into what might be > considered a sensitive topic, and then turned towards Lars. "How about you, > Lars?" > "Well, I live in Shakopee, as you probably heard. I work at a small metal shop > in that area. During the time that it's open, I even work at the weaponsmith's > shop at the Renaissance Festival." KNUCKLES: GAH! I see what you mean about the RenFest riff... NYPEROLD: (snickering) Y'know, whenever I hear that term, I always think of people going around saying "STEEEMPY, YOU EEEEDIOT!" and singing the Happy Happy Joy Joy song... > Anthony suddenly realized something. "I THOUGHT you looked familiar!" > "Yes...and I think you really freaked out Puke and Snot when you took Amy > there that one time!" SONIC: And with names like that, that's saying something! ANTHONY: That's the name of a comedy team, Sonic. (quoting, first as Puke) I was once known as the Prince of thieves! (now as Snot) You mean you're...? (Puke) Yes! (Snot) DRACULA! (Puke) That's the Prince of Darkness, you idiot! (Snot) Well, I was wondering what you were doing out in the daylight! (Puke) You know...sometimes I look at him and think "What a sad waste of food and oxygen..." > Anthony laughed at that, remembering how they actually improvised a scene for > Amy's benefit. AMY: What did they do? ANTHONY: They walked up to her, handed her a rose, and Puke said "This bud of love by summer's ripening breath will be a beauteous flower when next we meet. This bud's for you." Amy then gave Puke a kiss on the cheek. (several awws and gags) > He then got back to the discussion. "I also hear you have an interesting > bloodline besides Sir Eric's." > "Ah, you heard about my Viking heritage," Lars remarked. "Yes...though I'm not > sure if the rumors of my lineage to Eric the Red are true, I have used that > heritage at the Ren Fest as well. During their Norse weekend, I've actually > taken part in play acting duels, demonstrating various weapons used, while > playing the part of a Viking warrior." BOWSER: (as Lars) Though secretly...I wasn't playing! > Anthony then began to understand. "So that's why you two were chosen...not > only are you two of Sir Eric's bloodline, you also know how to fight!" > "Which is why we weren't worried about being asked to go into battle if the > need arose," Jenna explained. > Anthony nodded and said, "Well, let's hope that you never have to see combat. BOX: (as Anthony) It's really blocky, and that one type of plane is a pain to control! ANTHONY: Wrong Combat...and I didn't think ANY of the planes were a pain to control! > Now..." He then saw Amy and Mary approach the group, followed closely by Sasha > and Olaf, and Amy appeared to be excited about something. "What the...?" > As soon as the two hedgehogs got near, Amy spoke up. "ANTHONY!! You won't > believe this! It's..." KNUCKLES: Time for something completely different? ANTHONY: No no...first it's "And now for something completely different..." and THEN the tattered guy says "It's..." > "Whoa, calm down, Ames..." Anthony said. "What's up?" > "Allow me, Anthony..." Olaf said. "It has always been a tradition within the clan to allow new families into the clan who >share a close connections with at least one of its members..." > Anthony's eyes widened. "You mean...Amy and Mary...?" > Olaf nodded. "Yes, Anthony. Because of the bond you share with young Amy here, > I felt it was only appropriate that the two of them be admitted into the clan." > "That's great, but...what will the other elders say?" Anthony asked. > Olaf smiled. "Nothing. I have the final say regarding all new entries into the > clan." BOWSER: (as Olaf) Besides... dead men don't talk... > "That's great!" Jenna exclaimed. "Congratulations, you two!" > "Yes, especially considering you are the first Mobians to be admitted!" Lars > pointed out. PEACH: (as Jenna) Wait...does this mean my great-great uncle John wasn't a Mobian then? BOX: (as Olaf) No...he was just a REALLY hairy guy. > Sasha then spoke up. "I don't think Amy cares about making history. Look..." > All eyes turned towards Amy, who at the moment was hugging Anthony tightly > with a huge smile on her face. AMY: I think we could all see that coming. SONIC: Yeah, it was fairly obvious. ANTHONY: No kidding...she's like a Mobian Shampoo. > Chapter 8 - Getting Connected > The next morning was full of activity at the Larson Clan home. Jenna and Lars > were busily practicing their martial arts and swordplay, respectively, in > preparation any fighting lessons. BOWSER: Is this also what is known as "Minnesota Nice"? ANTHONY: Not respectively in THAT regard, Bowser. > Sasha was practicing some of the telepathic techniques Anthony taught her. As > for Anthony, he was busy talking on the phone with Major Sharpe... >"You're kidding! CAPT. FALCON: (as Sharpe) I don't kid, sir. I'm not allowed. KNUCKLES: (as Anthony) Don't call me "sir"! I'm expecting Dubya again because of that! > When?...Alright, I'll inform the Patriarch, Major. How is Alec > progressing?...Really? That quick? And no side effects?... SONIC: (as Sharpe) Well...there was this incident where he thought he was Dr. Strange, but other than that... > Excellent! Is he being trained in swordplay?...Yes, I realize the military > doesn't engage in melee fighting now that we have machine guns, EGGMAN: (as Anthony) ...but if that soldier's played "Half-Life", he should know how useful a melee weapon is. > but...Oh, so you ARE training him anyway. Good...I'll be awaiting that delivery > then. I'll see you when I arrive at Area 51." > Anthony hung up the phone and approached Olaf, who was busy looking at one of > the histories of Arcadia given to him by Anthony. In this case...he was reading > Adaman's account of the Companions' campaign. ANTHONY: Which was difficult, since it was a bunch of ones and zeroes... TIFF: Huh? ANTHONY: Of the Companions...Adaman is a golem that is technically Protoman's descendant. TIFF: Ah... > Olaf looked up just as Anthony approached... > "Anthony," Olaf said, "I have to admit...I didn't realize Sir Eric was held in > such high regard...even by an artificial being such as Adaman." > "Olaf...after all that's happened to me, nothing tends to surprise me that > much anymore..." Anthony said. ANTHONY: ...except for the fact that Sasani and Tymes were RIGHT! NYPEROLD: Okay, I read the MiST where you found out *Tymes* was right, but Sasani...? > "Anyway, I just got off with Major Sharpe. LINK: They've been fighting for a while and finally made up. > Apparently, he's also got a gift for the clan from Arcadia..." > "Oh? What's that?" Olaf said, curious. NESS: (as Rod Roddy) A neeeew caaaaaarrrrr! > "It seems...Arcadia felt fit to provide the clan with full access to the > portals. A transport is arriving with the equipment need to set up transit > gates to the portal locations." > Olaf's eyebrows raised at this. "That's wonderful! Did Sharpe say why?" > "Apparently, the leaders of Arcadia felt...obligated to do so, seeing as how > both Sir Eric and one of his descendants were responsible for helping with > Arcadia's protection," Anthony explained. POPO: (as Anthony) That, and the fact that the other Companions owed Sir Eric about $500, and after 1000 years of interest... > "I see...oh, and speaking of descendants, how is that young lieutenant > faring?" Olaf asked. NYPEROLD: (as Anthony) They're hoping to use him as a Phazon Elite and... (Samus glares at him.) > "Alec is doing well," Anthony explained. "Apparently...he's progressing well > with his psionic training, and has managed to use quite a few powers. It'll > be great to see how he finishes up, and how my students compare." NYPEROLD: Ooh...I sense a friendly rivalry here... ANTHONY: Um... > "Yes, indeed," Olaf remarked, then looked towards where the stairs were. "I > wonder what's keeping your young apprentice and her mother? I thought they'd > be up by now..." NANA: (as an announcer of sorts) But what they didn't know was that a tape of the drone of airplane engines was placed near Amy's bed... SAMUS: (as Mary) Darn it...why won't you wake UP?!? AMY: (as herself, as though talking in her sleep) Da plane, da plane... > Anthony was wondering this too, but stopped when he heard footfalls on the > stairs. "Looks like we'll find out soon, Patriarch..." > Mary was the first to enter the room where Anthony and Olaf were talking. > "Good morning, Anthony. Sorry to keep you waiting, but I was helping Amy > with something upstairs..." > "Oh? What's that?" Anthony asked. ROUGE: (as Mary) Her bra. Why did she have to have a growth spurt NOW of all times? NYPEROLD: >.< > "Look for yourself. Amy? Show Anthony!" > Amy walked out, appearing to wear a uniform of sorts. Instead of her usual red > dress, she was wearing a white short sleeved shirt with a red vest over it, > along with a pair of blue shorts. AMY: (as herself) Alright! Now people can't see up my dress like they can in the SA games! > The Descendancy medallion Anthony gave her appeared to be attached to the vest. > She still had her gloves and red boots, and had her crossbow strapped to her back. NYPEROLD: Hmm... (to Anthony) what does her medallion look like? ANTHONY: Same as mine...if you saw it on my armor. NYPEROLD: Ah. (pulls out pencil, paper and a clipboard and begins sketching) > Anthony raised an eyebrow at this, looking down at his own white shirt, blue > jeans, and red armor breastplate with the Descendancy medallion attached to it > and the Sword of the Gamemaster strapped to the back. "OK...that's just too cute..." > Anthony remarked. AMY: (as herself) Yeah, you might as well say it out loud this time... > "I figured you'd like that, Anthony," Mary said. "Since my daughter was going > to be your apprentice, I put that together so she could look the part." > "That wasn't necessary, Mary," Anthony remarked. "Yet...it does seem strangely > appropriate..." > "So..." Amy said, speaking up. "When are we heading out?" > "As soon as a delivery arrives from the UN," Anthony answered. "As thanks to > the clan for what Sir Eric and I did, they're > going to set up transit gates here to the portal locations." > "COOL!" Amy said. NESS: (as Anthony) Yes, one location is the Phendrana Drifts. Watch out for Sheegoths, though... > "What's cool?" Jenna asked, walking into the room and then focusing on Amy. > "What the...?" she said, and then giggled. > "OK, are you going to call her 'Mini-Me' now, Anthony?" ANTHONY: (as his author self, narrating) Anthony then smiled evilly and placed his pinky finger near his mouth in a sinister manner... > "Mary's idea, since she's my apprentice," Anthony remarked. "Anyway, what she > remarking to was the fact that transit gates are going to be set up here on > the clan grounds so the clan has access to the portals." > "Excellent," Lars said, coming into the building. "I'm guessing as thanks to > the clan for aid to Arcadia?" > "Got it in one, Lars..." TAILS: (as Anthony, turning his head) Now, is there anybody else entering who needs all that said again? Anybody? No? Good! > Anthony said, then turned his head as he heard what sounded like a helicopter. > "Sounds like they've arrived..." (All start humming "Suicide in Painless", the M.A.S.H. theme song) > The six clan members, plus Sasha, walked out to greet the helicopter. As it > descended, Olaf motioned for where it should land, SHADOW: (as Olaf) No...over there! Over...THERE! ACK! Not in the flower bed!!! > directing the pilot to land in a wide field. As soon as the helicopter landed, > a figure came out to direct the unloading of the gate equipment...a figure > that Anthony knew. BOX: (as Anthony) VanVranken? Is that you? > "Alec?!? What are you doing here?" Anthony asked. > Alec looked towards where Anthony was and walked towards him. "Morning, > Anthony! Looks like the gang's all..." He then noticed Amy and his eyes > widened. "Is...isn't...isn't that...Amy Rose?!?" > "Yes she is, Alec," Anthony answered. "My apprentice in telepathics. But I > think you will want to meet these two more," > Anthony said, motioning for Jenna and Lars to step forward. AMY: (as herself in the fic, faking pouting) I'm not special enough... *sniff* > "Meet your fellow clansmen and my two students, Jenna Larson and Lars Olson." > "A pleasure," Alec said, shaking both their hands. "Lt. Alec Johnson, chosen > for Project Gamemaster 2." > "We heard," Lars said. "Welcome to...well...your homeland, cousin!" CAPT. FALCON: (as Alec, overpatriotic) WHAT?!? I'm an American, and don't you forget it! ANTHONY: (as himself in the fic) Stifle it, Soldier Boy! You know what he meant! > "Thank you," Alec said, then turned his attention towards Amy Rose, who was > walking up to him. "I'm definitely honored to meet you, Miss Rose!" Alec remarked. ZELDA: (as Mary) Thank you! YOSHI: (as Alec) The OTHER Miss Rose, Miss Rose! ZELDA: (as Mary) Oh... > Amy giggled. "You can just call me Amy, Alec!" SONIC: (as Alec) Okay, Amyalec! An odd choice of moniker, but to each her own! > "So, Alec," Anthony said. "When will the gates be ready?" > "Should only take a few minutes," Alec remarked. "The hardware's already put > together, and they just need to be hooked up and tested." > "Power source?" Sasha asked, walking up to join them. TAILS: Check out this power supply! SONIC: That's a... Chaos Emerald! > "Neo-Earth in origin, Miss Prower is it?" Alec said. > "Yes...you can just call me Sasha," Sasha said. > "Anyway," Alec said, continuing, "the power source connects to any standard > electrical power supply, but can convert it into the needed energy without > draining the power too much. Patriarch," Alec said, turning to Olaf, "where > do you want us to hook it up?" > "You can set up over there," Olaf said, pointing to a what looked like a > recreation field. KNUCKLES: (as Olaf) Just set it up next to the Port-A-Potties and the beer vendor. ANTHONY: (FLAWLESS Wally the Beer Man) Heeeeeeey....cold beer here. NYPEROLD: Uh, Anth? Who in the world...? ANTHONY: Minnesota thing...Wally's kinda a celebrity at the Metrodome. > "There are several outlets set up over there, and there should be more than > enough room for the gates." > "Alright," Alec said, then turning towards the helicopter. "Alright, let's > MOVE OUT!" he ordered to his men. (Everybody except Nyperold and Anthony start to leave the room.) NYPEROLD: Hey! He didn't mean us! >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > As the soldiers set up the transit gates, with Lars, Jenna, Sasha, and Amy > watching in anticipation, Anthony talked with Alec. > "So, how's your training coming?" Anthony asked. > "Pretty good! I'm amazed some of the powers I'm discovering...though they'd be > no surprise to you." KNUCKLES: (as Alec) They're also starting me on a regimen of... Phazon, I think they call it? (Samus covers Knuckles in Silly String from her portable cannon.) > "Yeah, well I had my powers unlocked...say, did you want us to unlock your abilities as well?" > "That's not necessary," Alec replied. "Actually, we've been discovering that > if the powers are 'taught' rather than 'unlocked', they tend to be a lot stronger." > Anthony was surprised at this. "Really?" LINK: (as that guy from the Tostidos commercials) Nooooooooo...not really! > "Yeah, in fact...let me show you a new power I've discovered from my > training..." Alec said, and then aimed a hand towards the ground. Suddenly, a large > spray of water came pouring out of his hand. FOX: Cool! He can pee in another direction! SUE: Ewww... FOX: Sorry! > He then turned towards Anthony and said, "I'll let you name that." EGGMAN: (as Anthony) I'd say... Chaos? KNUCKLES: PFOOO! Hey, get me out of this! ANTHONY: Sure. Hydrokinesis Alpha! (a spray of water sprays out of Anthony's hand and washes the silly string off) KNUCKLES: Thanks! SHADOW: Well...now we know what that power is called. > "Might as well call it 'Hydrokinesis'," Anthony said. "How'd you do that?" > "I combined the Pyrokinesis and Cryokinesis powers you already know," Alec > explained. > "Nice..." Anthony said. "I'll have to try that myself." He then aimed a hand > towards the ground, but managed only a light trickle. "Ah, crap... FOX: No, that's... OTHERS: FOX! FOX: Alright! Sheesh! > guess I need to practice." He turned back towards Alec. "Excellent work, Alec! > Can't wait to see how you'll turn out when your finished. Heck...you might even > be more powerful than ME!!" > "True, but you still have the experience," SHADOW: (as Alec) I still have to level up some. > Alec said, then noticing the work crews. "Looks like they've finished. Let's > go check it out." > The two of them walked over towards where the gates were set up, and Alec > pulled out a communicator from his pocket. "OK, send the test object through." BOX: (as a voice from the other end) Okay...sending Penders through now. JIGGLYPUFF: (as Penders, gagged) MMMMMMMMMMMFFF!!! > The gate that was set up for the Mobius portal was activated, and then a small, > spherical shaped object came through it. Alec picked it up and spoke into his > communicator. "Got it. Looks like the Mobius gate works. Activate the other four > gates." > As the other gates were activated, Anthony took a closer look at the object > that was thrown through and raised an eyebrow. > "A Pokéball?!?" NYPEROLD: (as Anthony) Wow! He even bothered to put an accent mark on it! PIKACHU: Was there a Pokémon in it? ANTHONY: No...it was empty. (reaches into his pocket and pulls out a Pokéball) I actually kept it afterwards, since I was thinking of capturing my own... (pauses, and looks towards Pikachu and Jigglypuff with an evil grin) Hmmmm... PIKACHU and JIGGLYPUFF: DON'T...EVEN... ANTHONY: (laughs) I'm just kidding... (pockets the Pokéball again) I'm waiting until I can capture a Psychic type...for obvious reasons. > "Yeah," Alec said, grinning mischievously. "I read up on one of the heroes. > Watch..." After sending the Pokéball through the Hylas, Neo-Earth, and Ani-Earth > gates and getting it back, he then sent it through the Gardenia gate. On his > communicator, Anthony heard what sounded like Mario screaming and Alec started > laughing quietly. MARIO: Mama mia...was this a because of his a hatred...? ANTHONY: Yes. MARIO: That other a me has GOT to a lighten up! ANTHONY: Hey...come to Arcadia and tell him! He's sure to listen to...himself! > "So I see..." Anthony said, laughing himself. Amy and Sasha were also laughing > at what happened, and Lars and Jenna looked confused. Anthony then explained. > "Mario hates Pokémon, ANTHONY: ...and ironically, his brother's a fan! NYPEROLD: Yeah! I read that MiST where he said that. ANTHONY: (looking at Nyperold) Oh...you read those, huh? NYPEROLD: Well, the ones on MarvinMan's site... *before* the MiST authors' pages got replaced with Zerocatch's 404 redirection... but at least it's at nfiction.com now! > and it seems he was waiting at the Gardenia portal location." Jenna and Lars > nodded in understanding and started laughing as well. > "Well, looks like the gates are ready for the Clan to use," Alec said. "This > should aid you with transportation to the worlds, Anthony. AMY: Whoa. And here I thought there was just one..."The World". TAILS: (as Tsukasa) I...think I'm lost... > I assume you're going to give Jenna and Lars the grand tour of Arcadia?" > "Yes...and there's no time like the present to start," Anthony said, turning > towards his four students. "OK...first stop will be the Mushroom Kingdom Palace. PEACH: (as Anthony) Unfortunately...our princess is in another castle. (all laugh at that classic reference) > Jenna, Lars...this is where your powers will be unlocked. Oh...and this will be > your first time using the portals and gates, so don't be surprised if you feel > disoriented. Are you ready?" CAPT. FALCON: (as Mills Lane) LET'S GET IT ON!!! > "Of course!" "Definitely!" Jenna and Lars said, respectively. > Anthony then led his four students through the gate. AMY: (as Tikal) The wind is making an invisible path. Dont be afraid. Go through the gate. > Chapter 9 - The Psionics Session > After a couple of gate jumps and a portal jump, Anthony's group found > themselves in the basement of the Mushroom Kingdom palace. MARIO: Hey look! There's a that treasure chest you have with the a P-Wings, Peach! ANTHONY: Oh lord...you SAW that cartoon? > Anthony then led them out towards an open courtyard where the Mario Brothers, > Princess Peach Toadstool, and another princess were waiting. LINK: Tiger Lily? ZELDA: Interesting that the one dressed in *green* says that... LINK: Well, I always think happy thoughts with you... ANTHONY: Link...you gave a Disney ref and you're an RPG chara. I see you as a "Kingdom Hearts" fan for some reason... > "Hi there, Peach," Anthony said. "Is that Princess Daisy?" > "Yes, it is," Daisy said, approaching Anthony. "I'm honored to finally meet > you face to face. My sister has told me much about you." SAMUS: (as Daisy) You really DO look like an accountant! KIRBY: (as Anthony) HEY!!! > "So, I've guessed..." Anthony said, then motioning for Jenna and Lars to step > forward. "These are my fellow clansmen, Jenna Larson and Lars Olson, descendants > of Sir Eric." > "The honor is ours, your highness," Jenna said, bowing towards Peach. PEACH: Please, it's just "Peach" among friends... > "Please, call me Peach," Peach said. "Relatives of Anthony are friends to us." PEACH: See? > "With the a exception of whoever a used that Pokéball as a test object," Mario > said, still bitter. MARIO: Just-a be glad it-a didn't open! > "Bro...you have a GOT to get over a that!" Luigi said. "So what if a Pokémon > has such a following! Blame a the popularity of anime!" > "Hmmf...I'd a rather blame Game Freak..." Mario said, still bitter. ANTHONY: No...blame the popularity of bug collecting in Japan, since that's what the game is based on. DK: Hmmm...in that regard, it might be interesting if all the Pokémon were bugs. Could you imagine Pikachu and Jigglypuff here as insects? SUE: Why not? They bug us! PIKACHU and JIGGLYPUFF: HEY!!! SE: *giggle* I'm just kidding, guys! > Luigi sighed, and walked up to Jenna and Lars. "Never a mind him. I'm a Luigi. > It's a nice to a meet both of you." > "Same here," Lars said, "and congratulations on getting your own game on > Earth!" NYPEROLD: Now, if I'm remembering correctly, in that reality, the game known as Super Mario Land actually starred Luigi, but they still had "Mario" in a few places instead, including the coins of 2-3? ANTHONY: Yeah, and BOY was Luigi ticked, let me tell you... > "Thank, but I a had nothing to do with a that," Luigi said. "It's a too bad > Wario and a Waluigi aren't a here, they'd a probably want to a meet you." > "Probably on some treasure hunt again," Anthony said. ROUGE: (perking up) Oh REALLY?!? Stealing my schtick, are they? > "Anyway, let's get to unlocking Jenna's and Lars's powers. Peach, what do you > need done?" PEACH: (as herself) Well, I need an eye of a newt... no former Speakers of the House, though... BOX: (as that one guy from Monty Python and the Holy Grail) Oh...she turned me into a newt! ANTHONY: (as Sir Bedevere, same movie) A NEWT?!? BOX: (same guy) I got better... > "Jenna, Lars," Peach said, getting the two's attention, "if you would follow > Daisy and I, we'll take you to our medical wing. You can lie down comfortably > there while we perform the necessary incantations." AMY: (as Raven) Azarath...Metrion...Zinthos! > Jenna and Lars followed the two princesses into the castle. As they walked > inside, Anthony turned towards Sasha and Amy. > "Alright, while they're getting their powers unlocked, I'll teach you two a > couple of advanced telepathic techniques..." NESS: (as Anthony) Now this is called Psi Barrier Omega... >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Jenna and Lars were looking in amazement at their surroundings. As they were > walking, were finding their entire situation harder to believe. PIKACHU: (as Lars) Look! You can actually see the pixels! JIGGLYPUFF: (as Jenna) Uh, Lars? That's a mosaic... PIKACHU: (as Lars) Oh... > "I can't believe I'm really here!" Lars said. "The Mushroom Kingdom...the > palace..." > "I know what you mean, Lars," Jenna said. "To think we're actually in the > world of what we first thought was just a video game..." ZELDA: (as Jenna) ...and if you THINK of calling me "Lana", you die. > "You'll get used to it," Daisy said. "After all, the two of you will be able > to visit the worlds on a regular basis now. Anthony actually felt the same > way when he first came to our world as well, but he got used to it. ANTHONY: Yeah, right... > Ah...we're here..." > The four of them entered the medical wing of the palace and Peach and Daisy > directed Jenna and Lars to two of the beds. After they lied down on the beds, > Peach said, "Now just relax...the incantation won't take long. You might feel > lightheaded afterwards, TIFF: (as Jenna) Yeah, but that's normal for Lars. FOX: (as Lars) HEY!!! > but you'll also have knowledge you've never known you had before. Are you > ready?" > "We're ready," Jenna and Lars said in unison. > Peach and Daisy began to chant the incantation, ANTHONY: Ia Ia Cthulu Ftang... (gets looks) Kidding! > and a slight glow appeared over both of the Larson Clan members. After a while, > the incantation was ended and the glow subsided. > "It's done," Peach said. "How do you two feel?" ZELDA: (as Jenna) With our fingers, usually... > Jenna and Lars sat up and looked around. They then saw a shelf with various > bottles and vials. The two of them outstretched their hands, and then two of > the bottles floated into them. ANTHONY: Whoa! Deja vu! EGGMAN: Shadowgate? Uninvited? ANTHONY: Not THAT!!! > "Wow," Jenna said, "I feel incredible." > "As do I..." Lars said. "So these are the powers Anthony has..." > "Yes, indeed," Daisy said. "Come...let's get you back outside for the rest of > your training." > Jenna and Lars nodded, and followed the two princesses back outside. As they > walked, Lars thought, "So it begins..." SHADOW: ...with thi... NYPEROLD: You already did that riff, Shadow. > "So what begins, Lars?" Jenna asked. > Lars looked at Jenna said, "I accidentally said that telepathically, didn't > I?" AMY: (as Jenna) Naw, I think you just thought it, and I *read* it... > "Yep," Jenna answered. > Lars then shook his head and said, "Something tells me we're going to need a > lot of practice..." >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > "Mario, are you alright?" > Anthony was busy helping Mario up from the ground. He had agreed to help with > the training by becoming a "target" for the powers. MARIO: DON'T-A BREAK-A THE TARGETS! > "I'm a alright," Mario said, "but, what a was that power Amy a used on me?" > "I call it 'Insight Flash'," Anthony said. "It directly attacks the neurons > and can cause any number of effects, including temporary blindness, temporary > amnesia...or in your case, unconsciousness." NESS: In other words...it's like my Psi Flash, but with a different name. > "I'm sorry, Mario," Amy said. "I guess I don't know my own strength!" > "Nothing to do with strength, Amy," Anthony said. "Sasha could be considered > the stronger of the two of you, and yet all she managed to do to Luigi was > temporarily blind him." > "Speaking of a which," Luigi said, still squinting his eyes, "canna someone > cure me?" BOWSER: Well...we need some Ted Nugent-esque looking prophet in a white flowing robe to get some clay to put in his eyes, and then instruct him to wash it out... EGGMAN: You're the LAST person I expected to know a Biblical reference, Bowser! NYPEROLD: Sure, but it'll just raise your HP... BOX: Not CURE from Murkon's Refuge! ANTHONY: You guys have GOT to show me what you're talking about. (Nyperold taps a few keys, then shows Anthony the main page of Murkon's Refuge.) > "Will, do, Weege," Anthony said, and then he placed his hand over Luigi's eyes > and used a Purge power to remove the blindness. > "Thanks, Anthony," Luigi said. AT that point, the entire group saw Peach and > Daisy lead out a very bewildered Lars and Jenna. > "How do you two feel?" Anthony said. SONIC: E- NYPEROLD: Nix that, Sonic! Not only would that get you a demerit, but it's not... appropriate. SONIC: Okay, okay... > "My God, cousin..." Jenna said. "I can't believe the powers I know now. Can > all of Sir Eric's line learn these powers?" > "Yes...and no doubt Alec is learning them as well," Anthony said, and then > turned towards Peach and Daisy. "Are the targets ready for kinetics practice?" > "Yep," Peach said, and then cast a spell towards the nearby field, causing > several wooden targets to appear. BOWSER: And as before...they look like goofy cutouts of me. *grumble* ANTHONY: Actually, for some reason they had Toad's picture pasted on them... > "Alright," Anthony said, and then turned towards Jenna and Lars. "Okay...what > these targets are going to be used for are to practice with your kinetic powers..." > "You mean like this?" Lars asked, and then launched a Force Blast power >towards one of the targets, reducing it to splinters. PIKACHU: (as Splinter) You have done well, my students, but you still have much to learn... > "Er, yes, Lars," Anthony said, "but you must learn to use your powers for more > than just fighting." Anthony then motioned for Jenna and Lars to come towards him. > "Come, I'll show you what I mean..." >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > As the lessons were taking place on Gardenia, on Earth, Alec found himself > learning more about his own powers, and was surprised at how easily he was beginning > to manage them. KNUCKLES: His hair was even starting to get pointy. SONIC: Huh? KNUCKLES: No...not quills, Sonic. I was referring to the boss from "Dilbert". SONIC: Oh... > He was even practicing something new...kinetic flight...allowing him to fly > using his kinetic power. TAILS: RIPOFF!!! > As he landed from another practice flight, Sharpe came into his training area. > "Alec," Sharpe said, getting the attention of the soldier. > Alec immediately snapped to attention. "Sir!" > "At ease, soldier," Sharpe said. "I'm just here to monitor your progress." As > Alec took a more relaxed pose, Sharpe said, "How are you progressing?" > "Very well, Sir," Alec answered. "I've even learned how to fly using my powers > now." > "Excellent," Sharpe said. "Have you felt any side effects from your > treatments?" KNUCKLES: (as Alec) Well sir, there's this persistent voice that says "KILL KILL KILL", but so far, I've been able to ignore it... SHADOW: (as Alec) I have this sudden craving for cheese, sir! AMY: (as Cream) Stay away from my Chao! SHADOW: (as Alec) Wrong Cheese, Cream! ANTHONY: I'm reminded of "Diamonda Mask", WHY?!? NYPEROLD: Well, let's see... eating chao; a rabbit... (gapes) I think I just figured out what NR meant... oh well, at least it isn't another food name... poor kid... got a dad who isn't interested in the small and cute... > "Not yet, Sir," Alec answered, "and hopefully I won't." > "Good," Sharpe said. "Anything else to report?" > "Well, Sir," Alec said, "I was curious to know when I would start sword > training. After all, if I can use Anthony's powers, I'll need to know how to > use the Sword of the Gamemaster." > "Soon," Sharpe said, and then looked at his watch. "In the meantime, looks > like it's time for your next treatment. Report to the medical wing." > "Yes, Sir," Alec said, saluted, and then walked off towards the medical wing. CAPT. FALCON: (as Sharpe) Soldier...that's the ZERO Wing! FOX: (as Alec) Sorry, Sir! I thought someone set us up the bomb, Sir! > As Sharpe was walking back to his office, he saw T-Bone looking at Alec's > departure and walked up to him. "Something on your mind, soldier?" JIGGLYPUFF: (as T-Bone) Well, sir, this old sweet song-- NYPEROLD: (clamping paw over Jigglypuff's mouth, singing) --keeps Georgia on my mind... (normal) Willya stop singing? Yeesh... ANTHONY: (showing Jigglypuff the Pokéball) I can and will use this if you won't behave. NYPEROLD: Ahhh, my favorite SSBM item. > T-Bone snapped to attention and said, "Just curious to see how he was doing, > Sir. I'm surprised that he's managing to use powers that Anth can't." > "Yes, it is interesting," Sharpe said. "Alec even told me that the techniques > he used were more powerful than the Gamemaster's." > "Doesn't that worry you, Sir?" T-Bone asked. "I mean...Alec may want to take > over..." EGGMAN: Him? NAAAAAAAHHHHH... > "I doubt it," Sharpe said. "Alec may have the power, but Mr. Bault still has > the experience. Besides, Alec's duties will limit him to Earth, while Mr. > Bault will be travelling through all six worlds." > "I see..." T-Bone said. "Sir, with your permission, I'd like to give Anth an > update on his progress." > "Of course," Sharpe said. "In fact, I'm putting you in charge of giving Mr. > Bault regular reports on his progress. I believe he's at the Mushroom Kingdom > palace giving his students their psionics lessons, if the tentative schedule > he gave me was accurate." POPO: (as T-Bone) Actually...I think he owns a Sentra, Sir! MARIO: (as Sharpe) ACCURATE...not Accura! > "Alright, Sir, I'll report to him immediately," T-Bone said. He then saluted > and headed towards the portal room. >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > "Blast it...why can't I AIM with this power?!?" AMY: Because AOL doesn't have Telepathic capability out of Beta yet? > Jenna, like Lars before her, was having trouble hitting a target with an > Electrokinesis power. Several of the other targets were scorched, frozen, > and knocked down from use. > "Anthony," Jenna asked, "why does this power act so erratically?" TIFF: Hey, it's like Elec Beam! > "It's electricity," Anthony said, "and if you've ever seen a thunderbolt, you > know how erratic IT acts!" ANTHONY: ...as well as how it wreaks havoc on psi powers. NESS: So...why are our powers still working in here? ANTHONY: We're indoors...and the walls are insulated. NESS: Ah... > "He's got a point," Lars said. "So, what's next?" > "Telepathic powers practice," Anthony said, and then turned towards Sasha and > Amy. "In fact...I'd like all four of you to practice together. Amy, Sasha...you > might consider this your final exam." LINK: (as Anthony) ...worth 40% of your final grade. > "Cool!" Amy said, and then joined the rest. > "Alright," Anthony said, addressing all of his students, "you've all got > knowledge of how all the telepathic powers work, since I've just taught Amy and > Sasha the last of them, and now you're going to practice in a series of what are > called Mental Duels. TAILS: (as Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh) It's time to D-D-D...D-D-D-D-DUEL!!! > Basically, you use your powers to both try to immobilize your opponent, as well > as protect yourself from their telepathic attacks. For attacks, you will only be > using the Hypnosis, Amnesia, and Insight Flash attacks, no Kinetic attacks at all. > I'll let you pair up for this..." BOWSER: How... exactly.. could Amnesia immobilize someone? Do they forget how to move, or what? ANTHONY: Actually...that's close. The victim essentially forgets what they are doing, and stop dueling as a result. > As the four students paired up, Anthony noticed T-Bone approaching him coming > from the portal area. Anthony walked up to him. "What's up, T-Bone?" FOX: (as T-Bone) Some clouds, the sky...Star Road, from what I heard... ANTHONY: (as himself in the fic) Not THAT, wiseass! > "Just giving you a report on Alec's progress," T-Bone said, "which I'll be doing from now on." > "Cool! How's Alec doing?" > "Pretty good! I just saw him flying before coming here, so it looks like he's > progressing quickly!" PEACH: Was he equipped with an Exp.Boost? > "Excellent!" Anthony said. "Any news on his weaponry training?" > "Soon, that's all Sharpe said," T-Bone said. > Anthony then noticed a look of concern on T-Bone's face. "What's wrong?" > "Anth, I'm worried," T-Bone said. "Alec looks like he's becoming more powerful > than you..." > "...but still lacks Arcadian experience," Anthony pointed out. "Besides, he's > being trained for Earth security...Arcadia's still my beat, and will soon be my > students' beats too..." It was then that Anthony noticed something. "Oh no...what > the hell happened?!?" > All four of Anthony's students were on the ground, and appeared to be > sleeping. Mario and Luigi, who were watching the event couldn't help but laugh. > "Well..." Mario said, "it a seems that they started without preparing themselves, > and all used a Hypnosis a power on each other..." ALL: (muted trumpet sound) Wa! Wa! Wa! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! > "So I see..." Anthony said, and then turned back towards T-Bone, who was on >the verge of laughing. "Not one word outta you, Wolfman Jack..." ANTHONY: (as Wolfman Jack, the radio persona) Hey...this is Wolfman Jack... (howling) HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWL (normal)-ing at 'cha! >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > That evening, after a long psionics session, Anthony and his students returned > to the Larson Clan homestead to rest. Since it had gotten cold, Lars walked over > to the fireplace in the sitting room to build a fire, using a Pyrokinesis power to > get it started. All four of Anthony's students looked exhausted. > "By Odin, Anthony," Lars said, "I've never felt so tired..." YOSHI: Well then, guess you'd better go over by Odin... > "Well, you've expended a lot of psi energy today, Lars," Anthony explained. > "With practice you will eventually be able to use your psionics without tiring as > easily. Don't be surprised if you sleep for a longer period this evening." > As soon as the group started to get comfortable, Olaf and Mary came into the > room to greet the group. Mary even walked up to her daughter and gave her a hug. > "So, how was your lessons today?" Mary asked the group, Amy in particular. AMY: (as herself) Well, mom, I learned something about subject-verb agreement... > "Pretty good," Amy said, stifling a slight yawn. "Anthony even said Sasha and > I are done with our lessons and passed." > "Really?" Mary asked, surprised. > "Yes, indeed," Anthony said, and then addressed the group. "I must say, you > all performed wonderfully today. Especially you, Amy and Sasha, despite the fact > you had to be taught from the ground up instead of having your powers unlocked." AMY: (as herself in the fic) Well, if you hadn't lost the CD Key... > "Thank you, Anthony," Sasha said. > "Well, this will be interesting," Olaf said. "I'll have to get used to a > building full of psionicists now." > "Hopefully, in time, you'll have to get used to a planet of them, Great > Uncle," PEACH: Frankly, that would be scary, although as long as the good ones can keep the not-so-good ones in check... BOX: The X-Men parallels are returning... > Jenna said. It was then that she noticed Amy shivering and rubbing her arms, > even though she was right near the fire. > "Amy? Are you alright?" > "Just a little cold," Amy said. "Mobotropolis is in a warmer climate than > this...I guess I'm just used to that." > "It is a bit drafty in here, too," Anthony noticed. "Anyone know...?" > "Already on it, cousin," Jenna said, using a Telekinesis power to grab a > blanket from a nearby cupboard. Mary took it from her and wrapped Amy in it. > "There," Mary said, after making sure her daughter was snug. "Better?" > "Yeah," Amy said, and sat down next to the fireplace. > "Hmmm...I think some hot chocolate is called for," Olaf remarked. "Have you eaten yet?" LINK: Man! Is it so cold, it freezes the hot chocolate before you can take a drink? ANTHONY: Thankfully, no...but being in the Arctic Circle doesn't help things much... > "We had dinner at the palace," Anthony said. "Princess Peach Toadstool insisted." > "Dinner? Cousin, that was a FEAST!!!" Lars said. > "Hey...pays to have friends in high places, Lars," Anthony said. > "I'll go get the hot chocolate," Olaf said, and left to allow the rest of the > group to talk. > As the group began to talk about their lessons, Anthony noticed that Amy was > doing nothing more than looking in the fire. Anthony could also sense that > Amy was thinking about something. > "Amy?" Anthony said, sitting next to her. "What's up? You seem...distant." NYPEROLD: (as Anthony) ...and you KNOW how expensive those charges are! > "Anthony..." Amy said, almost with a curious voice, "am I done being your > apprentice?" > "Well, technically yes, since you are done with your lessons," Anthony > explained, and then realized what Amy was getting at. "You were hoping to be > with me as I continued to teach the others?" SUE: (singing) Well if you wanna be, you can be-ee with me... > "Well...yeah," Amy said sheepishly. > "Who says you can't?" Anthony said. "You and Sasha are more than welcome to > join me as I give Jenna and Lars the rest of their training." > "Really?" Amy asked, looking at Anthony. > "Of course," Anthony said. "Heck, I was expecting you to join me anyway. As my > apprentice, you might learn something from observing their training...even > though you can't become a Gamemaster." AMY: But she can wear the Armor... ANTHONY: She doesn't learn that until LATER. > "I guess..." Amy said. She then began to slump forward from fatigue, and > Anthony allowed her to lean onto him. (Awws and gags... you know the drill...) > "I think you should go to bed, Amy," Anthony said > "I'll be fine..." Amy said drowsily. > "Yeah, right..." Anthony said, and then turned towards Mary. "Mary, should I > bring Amy up to bed? She's close to out cold now..." > "She should be fine," Mary said, noticing Olaf walk in with a tray with six > steaming mugs of cocoa, "especially now that the cocoa has arrived." AMY: What, is she gonna drink it all and be up 'til morning? > "So I see," Anthony said, grabbing two of the mugs and handing one to Amy. > "Here you go, Ames." > "Alright, I need this," Amy said, perking up and taking the mug happily. YOSHI: Perking? Is that coffee? AMY: (as herself in the fic) YUCK!!! (makes a spitting sound) > Chapter 10 - The Fight Session ANTHONY: (as that guy from Fight Club) First rule about the fight session...is that you cannot tell anyone about the... > The next morning found the entire Clan household eerily quiet. NYPEROLD: You weren't snoring this time, Anthony? ANTHONY: HEY!! > Only Olaf, Mary, and Anthony were awake and talking in the sitting room, with > Anthony's four students still snoozing peacefully in their beds upstairs. > Anthony wasn't surprised, since he knew all four of them were tired from using > their psionics. > "Looks like I tired them out more than I thought," Anthony remarked. NESS: (as Anthony) They even took a nap during class... > "Well, it was to be expected," Olaf said. "They are getting used to powers > they haven't used before. I must say, after the display I saw just last night > with my grandniece using that...telekinesis...I'm somewhat edgy." EGGMAN: (as Olaf) Well, I still...AAAAAAAAAH! What was that flying?!? ROUGE: (as Mary) Olaf...that was a bird. EGGMAN: (as Olaf) Oh... NYPEROLD: I'm reminded of Chalcon for some reason... > "These powers exist amongst our entire race, Olaf," Anthony said, "it's > nothing to be afraid of. This is especially true since the people being trained > to use them are being trained to control them as well." > "Yes, I heard about that young lieutenant being able to fly now," Olaf said, > and then decided to change direction with the conversation. "So, what is next > on the agenda?" > "Fighting training on Ani-Earth," Anthony said. "I have four trainers waiting > to teach them how to fight. PIKACHU: (as a trainer) Choose a Pokémon to send out based on type, relative level, and current HP. > Hopefully, they won't have to...but it can't hurt to be prepared." (Box plays a bit of "Be Prepared" from "The Lion King".) > "Will Amy be joining you?" Mary asked. NESS: (as Anthony, fourth wall is a quark) Yes, but not for a few fics yet. FOURTH WALL: (as Quark from Dangermouse) I am Quark, and your planet will be mine! Hey...Grovel! BOX: (as Grovel) I'm sorry...I'm sorry, Master! FOURTH WALL: (as Quark) Oh no...GET UP! ANTHONY: Wai...WAIT A MINUTE! How did the fourth wall become sentient?!? RIFT-ANTHONY: (stepping across the reality threshhold) Sorry...since the fourth wall was now a quark, I just went with it. ANTHONY: YEESH!! > "She and Sasha are welcome to come along," Anthony said. "Their training is > complete, but I'm sure Amy could learn a little more from observing the > training Jenna and Lars go through. She IS my apprentice, after all." BOWSER: A statement which will more than likely be said a few more times. > "I see..." Mary said, and then noticed Amy and Sasha walking into the room. > "Good morning, Amy. Did you sleep well?" SUE: (as the Count) Slept? Who slept? > "You kidding? I slept like a stone, Mom!" Amy said, and then sat next to her > mother. KIRBY: A stone? Hey, no stealing my schtick! > "I've never slept so well," Sasha said. "I wonder why?" > "Probably because you were unconscious," Anthony said. "All that psionics > practice yesterday knocked all four of you out practically." > "I guess..." Sasha said. "I could hear Lars still snoring up a storm as I > walked down." NYPEROLD: Hey! He's stealing your schtick, Anth! ANTHONY: WATCH IT! > After a while, Jenna and Lars joined the group. "Good morning, everyone," > Jenna said. "I can't believe I slept for twelve hours..." > "Well, considering the powers you were using, I'm not surprised," Olaf said. > "So, after we all get ready, where are we headed next, Anthony?" Lars said. LINK: DisneyMension Arcadia, why? > "Ani-Earth, for fighting training," Anthony said. "And you are going to be > surprised at who your teachers are..." CAPT. FALCON: (as Lars, to himself) PLEASE don't let it be the Power Rangers! ANTHONY: I'll tell Tommy you said that...seeing as how he's a Heroes Council member now. OTHERS: O_O > "Well, I for one am getting used to surprises," Jenna said, levitating an > apple from the breakfast cart to illustrate the point. Olaf was still finding > the sight of seeing psionic powers hard to believe. >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > A couple hours later found Anthony and his group exiting a transit gate near > the Masaki Shrine on Ani-Earth. The group was then led by Anthony to a lakeside > residence which Jenna recognized. > "Ohmigosh...isn't that the Masaki residence?" Jenna said. > "Yep," Anthony said, and then noticed Washu and Sasami approaching with > Ryo-Ohki following close behind. PIKACHU: Oh-KI! > "Ah, good, you're all here," Washu said, and then noticed the apprentice > uniform that Amy was wearing. "Um...Anthony? Have you been experimenting with > cloning like I have?" ANTHONY: (as himself) Very funny, Washu...Washu, step AWAY from them with that specimen jar! > "Huh?!?" Anthony said, and then realized what she was talking about. "Oh...Her > mother made that 'uniform' for her, Washu." > "Looks cool!" Sasami said, and then looked towards Amy. "Amy, what say we go > show Goten, Chibi-Trunks, Yugi, and Rini what you're wearing? They are going > to love it!" > "Okay!" Amy said, and followed Sasami and Ryo-Ohki back to the house. > Anthony smiled at the kids' departure, and then noticed the bewildered looks > on Lars's and Jenna's faces. "What is it?" > "Goten? Rini?" Lars asked. "This world has Sailor Moon, Tenchi, and Dragonball > Z characters?" > "It has quite a few animes, Lars," Anthony said, "including Digimon and Outlaw > Star. ANTHONY: ...and Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh, and Hamtaro, and Inuyasha, and... TIFF: Thank you, that's enough! >There are also Marvel universe characters and the pure Sega versions of Sonic > and company here too...so, don't be surprised if you see two Amys at one point." KNUCKLES: That's nothing. I've seen three Amys at once a few times! NYPEROLD: Oh? When? KNUCKLES: When Amy was playing her Twinkle Park level. NYPEROLD: Amy? You play your own game? AMY: Well, yeah! How often do you get to play a game you co-star in? NYPEROLD: But I thought you hated your theme song? AMY: I do! But I mute the tv when I know it's coming on. NYPEROLD: Ohhh... > "Alright," Jenna said, "and...I take back what I said earlier...I don't think > I'm quite used to surprises yet." NANA: (as Jenna) Like the fact that this place isn't a giant CRATER by now... > "Wait until you meet your fight instructors," Anthony said, and then turned > towards Washu. "Have they arrived yet?" FOX: (creepy voice) They're...heeeeeeeeeere. > "They will soon...ah, here they come," Washu said, looking skyward. > The rest of the group looked up and saw two men flying towards the area with > two women in tow. Anthony recognized them right away, and Jenna and Lars > looked at them with mouths gaping...a sight which caused Sasha to giggle. > Gohan and Trunks came to a landing and set Rei and Lita, AKA Sailor Mars and > Sailor Jupiter, down. Gohan, who was still in his Great Saiyaman outfit, walked > up to the Larson Clanners. "Ah...these must be the two lucky Larsons. Greetings, > citizens! I am the Great..." TAILS: PUMPKIN!! > Gohan said, and then did a few poses before finally saying, "SAIYAMAN!!!" > Anthony, for the first time after seeing the Ani-Earthers do it, facefaulted. ANTHONY: (under his breath) Goku...I'm sorry...but your son is SUCH a dork! > After getting back up, he then asked Gohan, "Gohan, WHY are you in that > getup?!?" > "Just trying to make a good entrance for our guests here," Gohan said, taking > off his helmet. > "You mean making a fool out yourself," Rei said, and then said to herself, > "Honestly...and I thought Serena was annoying sometimes..." SUE: (as Elleno) Hey! You take that back! NYPEROLD: Wrong Serena, Sue... and you read "Heart of a Chao"? SUE: Only to where it got scary... (snuggles closer to Nyperold) ZELDA: (as Lita) JUST sometimes, Rei? PEACH: (as Serena, off to the side) I HEARD THAT!!! > "Anyway," Anthony said, getting everyone's attention, "Gohan, Trunks, Rei, > Lita, these are Jenna Larson and Lars Olson, my two students." > "An honor to meet you," Trunks said, bowing slightly in Jenna's direction. "I > even hear you already know some martial arts, Jenna, is that correct?" > "That's correct," Jenna said. > "Well then, you'll be starting with Gohan and myself," Trunks said, "while > Lars will receive some beginning training from Rei and Lita. Isn't that right, > Lita? Um...Lita?" > Lita was just staring at Lars and going, "He's so dreamy...he looks like my > old boyfriend..." NESS: (as Anthony) Now don't *you* go pulling a Brock! > Rei then yelled, "LITA!! Snap out of it!!!" > Lars then sent a telepathic message to Anthony. *Anthony, how many old > boyfriends did she use to have?* > *Something tells me we don't want to know, Lars,* Anthony answered back. ANTHONY: I'd make a comment right now...but with Sue here, it'd be WAY inappropriate! > "Don't worry about her," Rei said, "I'll keep her under control if necessary." > "Thank...God..." Lars said. > "We'll take care of things here, Anthony," Gohan said. "Why don't you and > Sasha relax inside? The bay window of the house will allow you to watch your > students' progress in comfort." > "Sounds good," Anthony said, and then led Sasha inside the house. >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOX: No "Family Circus" references, please! > As soon as Anthony entered the house, he and Sasha heard a snippet of a > conversation that was going on... > "...and so, my mom made me this outfit so I could look more like an apprentice > to Anthony." > Anthony realized that was Amy, and decided to eavesdrop on the conversation, > using an Emote Barrier to make sure he and Sasha wouldn't be sensed. SONIC: ...and AGAIN we see Anthony being a voyeur despite his saying to Amy not to be one. > He watched Amy talk to the Ani-Earth kids, which included Chibi-Trunks, Goten, > Sasami, Yugi, Rini, and the Ani-Earth versions of Tails and Amy. > "Must be exciting, being Anthony's apprentice," Sasami said. > "Though considering he's like a Jedi, I'm surprised he hasn't called you a > Padawan," Chibi-Trunks said. > "Trunks!" Goten said, not believing Chibi-Trunks actually said that. TAILS: (as Goten) You KNOW we've hit quota on that riff! > Giggles permeated the group, and even Sasha and Anthony had to stifle their > own to avoid being noticed. It was then that Arcadia Amy took a more serious > look. "It is exciting," she said, "but...I feel something else from being his > apprentice." > Anthony raised an eyebrow at this, and then listened intently as she > continued. "After all he's done for me...and for Mom...I almost feel like I > actually did get my father back..." (Awws and gags...again. But this time...) AMY: Oh my... (starts tearing up) That's so sweet... (begins crying a bit) ANTHONY: Aww... (pulls a hankerchief out of his pocket and hands it to Amy) Here ya go. AMY: Thank you... (wipes her eyes) NYPEROLD: You going to be alright, Amy? AMY: Yeah... (finally calms down) ANTHONY: Better hold on to that hanky, just in case. AMY: Alright. ANTHONY: (looking back towards Amy again) Alright...maybe just this once... AMY: Huh? (gets picked up by Anthony and given a comforting hug) Aww...thank you... (Awws and gags again...and Bowser REALLY looks like he's gonna blow chunks) > Several of the kids got misty eyed from hearing that, and SegaAmy was on the > verge of crying. ALL: GYAH!!! ANTHONY: Rather interesting parallels... > Even Sasha got somewhat misty eyed from hearing that. BOWSER: Funny, as we've been MiSTy-eyed since the start of the story! > "Geez..." Anthony said to himself, "as if they didn't think I was enough of a > sweetheart..." ANTHONY: (as himself) Any more of a sweetheart, and I'll turn into one of those Valentine's candies! > "So, why aren't you being trained with Jenna and Lars?" Tails asked. > "My training is done," Amy explained. "I was only being trained to control my > telepathic abilities...Jenna and Lars are being trained to be Gamemasters." > "Yeah, but you could still be trained," Goten said, and then jumped up. "Hey! > Trunks and I can teach you to fight! It'll be a start..." > "No way!" Anthony said, making his and Sasha's presence known. > "Anthony?!?" Arcadia Amy said. "How did you get here without me sensing...? Oh > wait...Emote Barrier..." FOX: AKA Plot Device #327 > "Right," Anthony said, and then turned towards Goten. "Guys, I doubt Amy's > mother would want her learning how to fight, especially since Robotnik is gone > and there is no reason for her to fight! Besides...you and Trunks are > Super-Saiyans..." > "Anthony, we wouldn't hurt her!" Chibi-Trunks said. "We even fought in that > tournament without injuring anyone!" > "Still...I don't think..." TAILS: (as Goten) Well, we knew that! (normal) Kidding! > "Anthony," Arcadia Amy said, interrupting Anthony. "Why can't I? I mean...it'd > be better than doing nothing." > "...and what would your mother say?" Anthony said, looking straight at his > apprentice. "I doubt she'd approve." EGGMAN: (narrating) She could feel the invisible presence of her mother staring down at her... > Arcadia Amy stood there speechless, and then looked down sadly. "I > understand..." > "C'mon," Rini said, "let's just go play." The kids then all stood up and ran > off. > As Anthony and Sasha headed towards the bay window area to observe the > training, Anthony was soon stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder preventing > him from going any further. He then sensed who it was... YOSHI: (as Anthony) THING?!? You don't even belong on this reality! Get lost!! > "Alright...what do you want, Veggie?" Anthony said, turning towards the face > of Vegeta, who was giving Anthony an interesting look. BOWSER: (as Vegeta) Oh, just some help with my ta-- NYPEROLD: (smirking) Oh, Bowser, AREN'T you warm enough? Do you need somebody to turn up the heat for you? BOWSER: (looking at Anthony, presently creating a small pillar of flame above his hand with Pyrokinesis) Uh... no! > "Oh, nothing much..." Vegeta said with an interesting smile. "I just figured > that as long as your two students are learning how to fight like the Saiyan, that > their teacher could use a few lessons..." > Anthony's eyes widened when he realized what Vegeta had planned. > "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH no, Veggie! I know what you're planning, and the LAST thing I > need is a beating from you!" BOWSER: (as Vegeta) Not even a...? ANTHONY: (as himself) No. BOWSER: (as Vegeta) It's just... ANTHONY: (as himself) No! BOWSER: (as Vegeta) But.. ANTHONY: (as himself) NO!!! BOWSER: (as Vegeta) *whine* > "Come now, Accountantmaster," Vegeta said, causing Anthony to sneer slightly. > "We may not see eye to eye, but I still respect your tenacity as a warrior. > Besides...I doubt your students should be more powerful than their teacher." > "Hmmm..." Anthony said, thinking about this. "Well...I suppose I could use > some fight practice myself. But if you're going to be the guy training me, we'll > need..." > Almost on cue, Vegeta held up a bag filled with beans...Senzu Beans to be > precise. "Perfect," Anthony said. "Alright, lets get some training equipment..." NYPEROLD: (tapping a few keys on a nearby computer) Ah, so they're like RESTORE in bean form. Got it. ANTHONY: Or Full Restores in bean form, if you want to make a Pokécomparison. > As the two heroes went to get ready, Sasha sat down near the bay window to > watch all that was to take place. But regarding Anthony, she couldn't help but > think, "What is he THINKING?!?" ZELDA: (as Sasha) He has that barrier up again! >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ZELDA: See? > A couple hours of moves training found Lars learning all types of fighting > moves he never knew before. In fact, after some sparring with both Rei and Lita, > it became apparent that Lars wasn't going to need much more. > "Excellent work, Lars," Lita said, after Lars had successfully managed to fend > off several attacks. "Are you sure you haven't taken any martial arts lessons?" > "Well, my weaponry training probably aided with that," Lars said, "plus the > fact those new metabolic powers I learned aided with my agility." NYPEROLD: (as Lars) Now I can ambush monsters, get first strike, dodge attacks more often-- BOX: Oy... see what I have to deal with? ANTHONY: Could be worse...I heard my author self is planning a D20 game based on Arcadia, and if Nyperold ever gets into D&D... > "I see," Rei said. "Well, I think you know the basics now. Once Trunks and > Gohan are done with Jenna, we'll let them take over." > "Alright then," Lars said, and then turned towards where Jenna was training. >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Jenna was amazed at how fast she was moving. Her martial arts training allowed > her to move fast, that was for certain...but the Quicken and Strengthen powers > she learned when her psionics were unlocked were allowing her to move like she > never had before. Even Gohan was impressed...and for a Saiyan, that's saying a > lot. > "Nice work, Jenna!" Gohan said. "Looks like those psionics of yours improved > your reflexes! I've haven't even seen Videl move as fast as you did!" PEACH: Not surprising, as he was a novelist rather than a fighter... NYPEROLD: That's Gore VIDAL, Peach! LINK: (as Gohan) Actually, I've only seen Vidal move that fast once, but that was... ANTHONY: (sensing what Link was talking about) ACK!!! IXNAY!! IXNAY!! > "Thanks," Jenna said, gasping for breath. "Anything else you need to teach > me?" > "I don't think so," Trunks said. "Normally, we'd teach you how to control your > energy...but your psionics training took care of that. Heck, you even teleported > to avoid an attack!" YOSHI: (as Gohan) That's OUR schtick! > "Okay..." Jenna said, and then noticed Lars, Rei, and Lita approaching. "Hey, > Lars! Done already?" > "Yeah," Lars said. "Apparently, our psionics are giving us an edge." AMY: (as Jenna) But I don't want to be two-dimensional! KNUCKLES: (as Lars) Not THAT! > "Something Anthony must've experienced," Jenna pointed out. "Well, I'm done, > Lars, so you're next with Trunks and Gohan." > "Alright," Lars said, and then walked up to Gohan. "So...what do we need to > do?" > As Trunks and Gohan described what was to be done, Jenna noticed Anthony and > Vegeta walking out towards another area of the Masaki grounds. Rei and Lita > noticed the same thing. > "Strange...what are they doing?" Rei asked. > "Let's go find out," Jenna said, and the three girls headed over towards their > location. >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > As Anthony and Vegeta readied their fighting gloves and foot pads, Anthony > looked warily at Vegeta. LINK: (as Anthony) Why do those boxing gloves look like Knuckles's...spikes and all? KNUCKLES: I, actually, wouldn't put that past Vegeta... > He was worried that Vegeta had more in mind than just fighting > lessons...especially since they've been at ends at certain > times. ROUGE: ...and never at the beginnings or middles! > "Alright, Anthony," Vegeta said after they both got ready. "Are you ready to > fight?" > "Yeah...just as long as you tell me the REAL reason you're doing this," > Anthony remarked. TIFF: (as Anthony) ...and not the MediaPlayer... ANTHONY: Did that riff come to you in a Flash? (multiple groans) > "Well, as I said, I figured you could use some fighting training as well, > since you probably don't want to be weaker than your two students," > Vegeta said. "Besides...it's the perfect way to release some steam from > the disagreements we've had." > "I KNEW it!" Anthony said. > "Don't worry, I have no intention of permanently maiming you," TAILS: (as Anthony) Yeah, but it's a long way to temporary! ANTHONY: (looks wide eyed at Tails) TAILS: What? ANTHONY: Good lord...that's a spoof of that song that my DAD uses! TAILS: ... Really? And if I'm a lord, does that mean that the serf's up? (Others groan.) NYPEROLD: Methinks he's turning into more of a punster than I am... I've restrained myself so far... TAILS: Resistance is feudal, Nyp... > Vegeta said. "Now...shall we get started?" > Anthony nodded and stood in a fighting stance as Vegeta also got into a > fighting stance. Before they got started, they heard SHADOW: (REALLY deep voice) Round one! FIGHT!!! > Rei's voice. "WAIT! What are you doing?!?" > Vegeta turned towards the source of the voice, seeing Jenna, Rei, and Lita > approach. "Do you mind? I'm about to train..." > "You'll KILL HIM!!" Lita said. > "I HAVE NO INTENTION TO!" Vegeta said. "Besides, I brought Senzu beans, just > in case." ROUGE: (as Rei) But shouldn't *he* have some on standby, too? > "Don't worry, guys," Anthony said. "I've faced him before...though it wasn't > much of a fight since I paralyzed him." > "Don't remind me..." Vegeta said. "I take it you won't be doing that trick > again." > "Nah...I'll fight fair this time," Anthony said. "Now...let us begin..." > Jenna, Lita, and Rei stood back to give the two warriors plenty of room. > Anthony and Vegeta then rushed towards each other with fists clenched... FOX: (as Michael Buffer) LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLET'S GET READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLE!!! >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PEACH: Hey! There's the line they drew in the sand! > Although Lars fared well in his training with Gohan and Trunks, he didn't do > as well as Jenna did. He did manage to fend off the attacks sent towards him, > but wasn't as fast compared to Jenna. NYPEROLD: She probably had a higher DEX score than Lars did. > "Alright, Lars," Gohan said, seeing an exhausted Lars, "great work! Not as > fast as your cousin, but you did quite well!" > "Thanks," Lars said, panting heavily and then looked over to the side, > noticing a small commotion. "Hey...what's going on over there?" > Trunks looked over where Lars was, and saw Anthony and Vegeta fighting. "What > the...what is Dad DOING?!?" POPO: (as Trunks) Looks like... the Macarena?!? What on Ani-Earth...? > "Whoa! I didn't know Anthony could move that fast!" Gohan said. > "C'mon, Gohan, we've got to stop them before we're short one Gamemaster!" > Trunks said, and then the three ran over to where the fight was. >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Vegeta was surprised at how fast Anthony was moving. Apparently his psionic > ability, combined with his experiences from the adventures he had previously, > gave him incredible fighting ability. Of course, Anthony had yet to land a > single punch, since Vegeta was just to fast. NANA: He wasn't eating, then? > Anthony was also surprised...that he was able to block many of Vegeta's > attacks like he was doing. However...his arms and legs were getting very sore > from blocking Vegeta's attacks, ANTHONY: ...and the bruises lasted for WEEKS too! *winces* > and he was feeling exhausted because he was pushing his psi ability to the max. > Eventually, Anthony asked Vegeta to stop. Vegeta backed off and Anthony > collapsed on the ground from exhaustion. Vegeta handed Anthony a Senzo bean, > which Anthony ate, but Anthony remained seated on the ground taking deep > breaths. It was then that Anthony looked up at Vegeta...and the two of them > smiled at each other. EGGMAN: (as Vegeta, OOC as a sensei) You have fought well, grasshopper. > "Man..." Anthony said, "that had to be the BEST workout I ever had!" > "I'm quite impressed, Accountantmaster," Vegeta said. "Perhaps we should spar > on a regular basis...you certainly have potential." SHADOW: (as Anthony) Yeah...potential to get myself KILLED if I keep this up... > "Dad, what were you DOING?!?" Trunks said, running up with Gohan and Lars. > "It's alright, Trunks," Anthony said. "Vegeta and I were just sparring...and I > must say I'm surprised I could move like that..." > "I'll say!" Gohan said. "I think you outdid both Jenna and Lars!" > "Speaking of which," Anthony said, changing the subject, "how did Jenna and > Lars do?" > "Passed with flying colors," Trunks said. "I think they're ready for the next > step..." KNUCKLES: Just as long as it's not David McIntyre's "The First Step"... ANTHONY: You read that too, huh? > "Excellent," Anthony said. "Okay, I'll go get Amy and Sasha and..." > "ANTHONY!" > All present turned towards the source of the yell, and saw Yugi running up > towards the group. "Yugi, what's wrong?" Anthony asked. JIGGLYPUFF: (as Yugi) I lost all my cards! ANTHONY: Wrong Yugi...though that Yugi ALSO is on Ani-Earth... > "It's Arcadia Amy," Yugi said. "She decided to have Goten and the other Trunks > show her some moves despite what you said, and she took a bad hit to the face!" PIKACHU: (as Yugi) ...and it actually IMPROVED her looks! AMY: HEY!!! (wallops Pikachu with her hammer) PIKACHU: (dizzy) Pidgeys... (faints) ANTHONY: Uh oh...anyone got a Revive or Max Revive? NYPEROLD: Hmmm... No, but I have some Zinc! TAILS: Told ya. NYPEROLD: D'oh! > "Dammit, why didn't she listen?!?" Anthony said, and then turned towards the > group. "Lars, get Sasha in the house, we may need her healing magic. Vegeta, > bring those Senzu beans." > Everyone, save Lars, ran towards where the kids were. They saw Arcadia Amy > pressing an ice pack that Sasami got to her cheek, and Anthony knelt down next > to her. > "Amy, let me look," Anthony said, and carefully removed the ice pack from her > face. He saw a large bruise covering her entire cheek. "Alright, now just hold > still..." Anthony said, and carefully placed a hand on her cheek and used the > Biofeedback power to heal it. NESS: Amy's HP are maxed out! > Eventually, the bruise disappeared. > "There...that's better," Anthony said, and then took a more serious tone. > "Amy, what were thinking?!? I thought I said..." > "I...I know, it's just I was curious..." Arcadia Amy said. BOX: (as Anthony) Am I going to have to start wearing a yellow hat? > Gohan and Vegeta immediately took Goten and Chibi-Trunks by the arms. "You two > are coming with us," Gohan said. "I think your mothers will want to have a talk > with you." The four Saiyans then flew off into the sky. TIFF: (as Chi-Chi) No going Super Saiyan for a month! TAILS: (as Goten) Aw...mom! > Trunks then said to the group, "I'd better go too. Just to make sure father > doesn't kill my younger self and so I don't cease to exist." > Anthony shook his head and noticed Lars and Sasha approaching. "Anthony, is > Amy alright?" Sasha asked. > "She'll be fine," Anthony said, and then looked towards Arcadia Amy with a > stern glance. "We'd better go back to the Larson Clan home now. I think Mary > will want to have a little talk with her daughter..." SUE: (as Mary Rose) No hammering anyone for a month! AMY: (as herself) Aw...mom! PIKACHU: (better) Owies...wish that could've been said sooner. > Anthony said his goodbyes and thanks to the Ani-Earthers, and then he and his > students headed towards the Masaki Shrine and the portals. NYPEROLD: While we...head to the rec room! Break time! (All head for the rec room. Anthony is carrying Amy.) AMY: *giggle* Anthony, you don't need to carry me! ANTHONY: Sorry...force of habit, since my Amy is like a little sis to me. (puts Amy down)