(The theater. Anthony has come back to the theater, and is watching Nyperold try to find his place on a path unwinding-- er, in that document.) ANTHONY: Hey...that's that MetaMiST you told me about... NYPEROLD: Yep. Ah, here we are. Meta-MiST of Sonic Adventure: The Arcadian Adventure; Part 3, Chapter 10, Stage 14: Relm. You and your Amy had just fused in the actual story... ANTHONY: Prompting a NIGHTs riff, it seems... NYPEROLD: ...and Amy in the MiST made a ... certain riff... that was highly unusual for her. ANTHONY: Tell me about it... NYPEROLD: I... just as unusually... expounded slightly upon it, drawing on my knowledge of the SA2 manual. >.< ANTHONY: So I see... o_O They actually gave Amy a figure in the manual? I have GOT to start reading those manuals... NYPEROLD: Which is why this Amy said that we'd thoroughly covered that, so he wouldn't make the obvious riff on Arcadia-Amy's exclamation of "What's happening to me?". That clarify it? ANTHONY: Yeah. (scans another part of the document) Remind me to ask your Amy why she hates her theme song. That song was cute...like her! NYPEROLD: Speaking of which...I guess we should see what they're doing in there. ANTHONY: Alright...let's find Mario, Peach, Yoshi, and Bowser first. (They leave the theater for the rec room.) (Rec room. Tiff and Box are recharging; the SSBM characters are playing...well... SSBM; Eggman and Knuckles are talking; and Sue, Amy, Sonic, and Shadow are swimming.) ANTHONY: (walking over to Mario, Peach, Yoshi, and Bowser, who just finished a game) Hey, guys! MARIO: Ah! Just a the man we wanted to a see! ANTHONY: Well...I DID owe you an explanation as to why the Bowser of my reality made peace. Actually, the main reason he was trying to capture the princess has to do with his kids... BOWSER: My kids? You mean those seven from the third game? ANTHONY: Yep. Turns out their mother died while laying their eggs... PEACH: ...and that Bowser's motive for capturing the other me, was to get them a mother... YOSHI: Aw...that kind of sweet! BOWSER: Bleah...that wasn't my reason... MARIO: What WAS your a reason, Bowser? If you a wanted the a kingdom, I would have a thought you would a kill the a princess. Why a keep her alive? NYPEROLD: (mumbling to Anthony) Besides keeping it below an E rating... ANTHONY: (nods) BOWSER: Hey...why just have a kingdom when you can have a kingdom AND a hot girl as well? PEACH: >.< Oh, ew... (Meanwhile, at the pool, Rouge and Tails approach the pool, ready to swim.) ROUGE: Clear the deep end! I'm coming in! (All move to the shallow end. Rouge stands near the steps of the shallow end, jumps, and glides over to the deep area before diving, causing a great splash. She emerges with a smile.) TAILS: My turn! (Rouge quickly swims to where the others are. Tails stands where Rouge was, copters over to the deep area, then drops, causing another splash. He emerges with a "WOO!") NYPEROLD: (walking over) Hey, y'all about ready for another 6 chapters? OTHERS: Yeah! ANTHONY: "Y'all"? You channeling Bunnie, Nyp? NYPEROLD: Naw, see, author self just prefers using that for the second person plural, so it shows up in me. It helps that he lives in an area where it's said... (Everybody who wasn't swimming goes ahead to the theater. Everybody in the pool gets out and dries off. The boys simply put on their gloves and shoes; the girls go behind a thick curtain to change from bathing suits to their regular outfits. When they emerge, they go to the theater.) (Theater. Sue once again sits on Nyperold's lap and Amy stops short, looking up at Anthony.) ANTHONY: (looking back at Amy) Before you ask...sure, Amy. (picks Amy up and sets her on his lap) AMY: (laying back) You don't mind? I figured just in case there was another tearjerker scene... ANTHONY: Well, there is. Only they revolve around you, so I was about to suggest the same thing. > Chapter 15 - The Rising Darkness NYPEROLD: Isn't that a Frank Peretti book? > Upon arriving at Area 51, Anthony walked with a hurried pace towards where > Sharpe's office was located. CAPT. FALCON: (as a random soldier) I thought Sonic was a blue hedgehog? > He was glad that he was informed as soon as possible about what happened with > Alec, and hoped it was not as serious as T-Bone made it out to be. Upon arriving > at Sharpe's office, Anthony knocked on the door and entered the office upon > hearing someone say, "Come." > "Mr. Bault," Sharpe said, standing up, "glad you could come." > "Yeah, T-Bone told me," Anthony said. "Is Alec alright? He didn't become sick, > did he?" FOX: (as Sharpe) Naw, just a little Phazon psychosis... > "No, no...He's fine," Sharpe said. "The doctor said he isn't suffering any ill > effects from the overdose. Apparently, his psionics may have provided some > protection from them. We still wanted you to know just in case you wanted to > take a look at him." > "Might as well, since I'm here," Anthony said. "Where is Alec right now?" TAILS: (as a random soldier) Presently upchucking in the toilet, sir! ANTHONY: (as himself) I thought you said he WASN'T suffering any ill effects! > "His quarters," Sharpe said. "The doctor ordered medical leave from all duty > today so we could check his vitals. We're also checking him now that we've > lowered the dosage to below the safe maximum." > "Alright, I'll go check him," Anthony said, and then walked out of the office. DK: (as Sharpe) He isn't even a doctor...he looks like... ANTHONY: (giving DK a look) Watch it... DK: (as Sharpe) ...a techie geek. ANTHONY: Good boy... > He walked towards the officer's quarters and knocked on the door of the room > where he saw Alec last time. To his surprise, the door was already open a > crack, MARIO: Oh a no...he's a moved to a stronger drugs! > and he saw Alec on the bed looking like he was ill. > "Alec!" Anthony said, rushing to his bedside. "You look terrible! What's > wrong?" KNUCKLES: (as Alec, overdramatic) I...I see Elvis... > "I...don't know..." Alec said, weakly. "After they lowered my dosage, I > started feeling weak. I can't even use my powers as strongly as I could > before..." > "Don't try," Anthony said. "You should be getting used to your powers and > should be able to use them without the meds, so don't worry abut it." Anthony > then raised a hand over Alec's body and concentrated to psionically check > Alec's vitals. KIRBY: (as Anthony) Alec...when the heck did you have THAT kind of surgery?!? (gets looks) I'm not saying any more...I'm leaving it to your imaginations! > "Well...I don't sense anything wrong with you besides the fatigue. Maybe all > you need is bed rest and..." > Suddenly, Alec raised a hand up and grasped Anthony's forehead, and Anthony > felt some of his psi energy being drained. NESS: *gasp* He's using... SUE: Don't say it, Ness! You might accidentally activate it again, and that might hurt Anthony! ANTHONY: (to Ness) Were you about to say Psi Magnet? NESS: Yeah...and you guys called it Psi Drain. > Anthony had to restrain Alec after that using a Paralysis power. > "Alec, what were you DOING?!?" Anthony said, shocked. SAMUS: (as Alec) Oh, just taking one of your emotions... no biggie. AMY: I sure HOPE he's not an Emohawk! > "I'm sorry...I didn't know what came over me," Alec said. "I just sensed your > power and went for it like a dehydrated person would to water." ANTHONY: Hmmm...interesting... PEACH: What? ANTHONY: Well, now that I think of it...Alec almost acted like a Succubus. Except, sucking psi energy rather than souls. TIFF: Let's NOT turn this into gothic horror... > Anthony understood. "Well, don't do that again! I recognize that power...I > call it Psi Drain...and that's no way to feel better. All you need is to just > rest and let your body get used to the new power levels." > "Alright..." Alec said. "Again...I'm sorry." > "It's alright," Anthony said, and walked back towards the door. "Just rest. I > need to get back to my students now, so I'll catch you later." > "Alright..." Alec said, and then returned to his rest after Anthony had left. > One thought still permeated his mind, however... > "What's happening to me?" NYPEROLD: Again, let's NOT go there... ANTHONY: >_< PLEASE! >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Jenna and Lars have just returned to Mobotropolis after receiving a tour of > Mobara and Angel Island. They were given the VIP treatment from Queen > Aleena...though were confused why they saw Sonics and wondered who those two > other hedgehog teens were until T-Bone explained that they were the Ani-Earth > versions adopted into the Arcadian Sonic's family. ANTHONY: ...and, again, I call no Brady Bunch riffs. > They also had a bit of an embarrassing scene on Angel Island. Apparently they > had stumbled upon one of the Chaotix and his girlfriend necking... > "Well...that was embarrassing," Lars commented. "Do you think Charmy and > Safron will forgive us?" TAILS: I don't think he'll bee mad for long... (groans) AMY: Oh, brother...Tails... > "I'm sure he will...it was an accident," T-Bone said, "and they were out in > the open somewhat." > "I'm just glad Knuckles was a gracious host while we were there," Jenna said. > "I originally heard he tends to be overprotective of the emerald." KNUCKLES: Hey! That was THEN... NYPEROLD: Speaking of which, Anthony, this might be a good time to ask Amy... AMY: (looks at Anthony) Ask me what? ANTHONY: Well...why do you hate your theme song so much? I think the song's cute...just like the hedgie it's made for! AMY: (blushing badly) Oh, THAT. Well... see, it reminds me too much of my über-fangirl days. >.< ANTHONY: Ah... AMY: And I look back and I see how it annoyed Sonic and didn't AT ALL accomplish what I intended... ANTHONY: Uh...huh... AMY: So now, it's basically a song proclaiming the thing about me that annoyed my friends the most... my "embarrassing past" song... ANTHONY: (sullenly) Oh...I see... (Amy looks a little depressed. Presently, Sonic gets up and walks over in front of Amy. He smiles in a kindly manner.) SONIC: Amy, rest assured that I don't think you're like that anymore. (Sonic gives her a friendly hug. Amy is surprised, but hugs back.) AMY: Thank you, Sonic. ^______^ (They release, and Sonic goes back to his seat.) ANTHONY: (thinking to self) Might be hope for SonAmy for this reality after all. NESS: (telepathically) *Don't count on it.* ANTHONY: (telepathically back) *Oh ye of little faith...and stop peeking in on my thoughts!* NESS: *Sorry!* BOWSER: Ahhh... (to Anthony) So, similar, but not exactly the same, as it would be if there were a song about you that proclaimed how much you look like... an... well, you know... ANTHONY: *eyetwitch* Yes...I know... > "That was before Anth set him straight," T-Bone said. > "Well, thank you for showing us around, T-Bone," Lars said. > "It was my pleasure, Lars," T-Bone said. "I was glad to meet the two of you, > and..." T-Bone then saw someone approach the three of them. "Hey there, > Anth...we just finished the grand tour of Mobara and." BOX: And WHAT?!? RIFT-ANTHONY: (from the other side of the fourth wall) That was supposed to be Angel Island, but the damn file loader on Fanfiction.net deleted that part! > "Thanks, T-Bone, I appreciate it," Anthony said. "Well, Alec is okay, just a > little weak from having to take a lesser dose of the medication he's taking, > but hopefully he'll get used to the weaker psi power levels." NESS: (snicker) Let's PRAY he does! ANTHONY: I'm telling on you to Paula for that. > "I hope he'll be alright..." Jenna said. > "He will," Anthony explained. "He understands it's a precaution, although..." > "What?" Lars asked. > "Well, he apparently his mind was hungry for psi energy because it wasn't used > to its new condition," Anthony explained. SHADOW: (as Sinistar) I hunger... > "He tried using a Psi Drain power because he felt like a dehydrated person in > need of water. It was purely unintentional, but it was worrying..." > "Well, I'll go tell Major Sharpe to keep close tabs on him so he doesn't try > anything like that again," T-Bone said, and then turned towards Jenna and Lars. > "Well, I've got to return to A51. I'll see you all later." > "Until next time, T-Bone," Lars said as he gave T-Bone a hardy handshake. ANTHONY: ...and a burly Viking laugh to boot! > After giving a similar handshake to Jenna, T-Bone then walked off towards the > portal. > "Well, I hope Alec will be alright," Jenna said. "So...where are we off to > now?" > "Downunda," Anthony said. "Home country of most of the echidnas here on > Mobius." ROUGE: (to Knuckles) So you come from a land Downunda? JIGGLYPUFF: (singing) Where wind it blows and then thunders... (Everyone begins to nod off...) ANTHONY: (awake, but drowsy) Dammit...PURGE OMEGA! (Everyone is cured of the drowsiness, and Anthony glares at Jigglypuff.) JIGGLYPUFF: Um...sorry? ANTHONY: Ness...use your Psi Magnet to drain the PP of Jiggly's Sing attack. I'll do the same. NESS: Can we do that? ANTHONY: Yes...PP uses kinda the same energy as psi and magic. NESS: Alright. (focuses) PSI MAGNET ALPHA! ANTHONY: (focuses) PSI DRAIN ALPHA! (Jigglypuff is drained of its Sing PP.) JIGGLYPUFF: Ooog... NYPEROLD: Well...that should prevent THAT from happening again... > "Including the Dark Legion?" Jenna said, worriedly. > "Well...yes, but they're in hiding right now since getting their butts handed > to them by Ani-Earth's Chaotix and...by the Dark Gamemaster before..." > Anthony said, trailing off after saying that last part. SONIC: A fitting end to their reign, I'd say! (Nyperold and Sue wince.) > "Don't worry about that, Anthony," Lars said. "You beat that dark self of > yours with Amy's help." > "True..." Anthony said, though the mention of the Dark Gamemaster worried him > for a different reason, but he shook that worry off. "Let's get moving. > There's a transit gate to the portal on Downunda..." >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PIKACHU: (as Lars) We have to walk a TIGHTROPE to Downunda?!? > That evening, Alec was having a hard time trying to sleep in his barracks. The > loss of the strength of his powers was getting to him, and he felt like he was > starving to death practically, longing to get his psionic strength back. > Finally, he could take no more. He got up, being as quiet as possible, BOX: Difficult at best, since he was stumbling around like a drunk... (All look at Anthony after that is said) ANTHONY: Not...a...WORD about that one scene at the bar in Station Square... > and crept towards the door. He could sense the guards outside his room, and > decided to take a drastic measure... LINK: (as Alec) 1 liter... 2 liters... > ...in the form of a Hypnosis power. >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The next morning found Jenna and Lars preparing for another excursion on > Mobius. They were with Anthony outside his home, and were making plans for > what Anthony described as their "final exam". MARIO: (as Lars) Is it open book? ANTHONY: (as himself) No. ZELDA: (as Jenna) Open notes? ANTHONY: (as himself) No. FOX: (as Lars) Graded on a curve? ANTHONY: (as himself) No. ROUGE: (as Jenna) Can we take a 50/50, phone a friend, or ask the audience? ANTHONY: (as himself) Do I LOOK like Regis?!? PEACH: (as Jenna) No... why, do I look like Meredith Vieira? > "So, any questions before we leave?" Anthony asked. > "Well...I'm curious...what sort of test will we be receiving?" Lars asked. > "I'm not sure," Anthony said. "Hopefully, the guardian of the Time Stones will > be willing to create a similar test to what I received." EGGMAN: If you want to stay on board, you must be able to pass it! So pay attention, and do as I say! POPO: (as Lars) Okay...but if it's the Hokey Pokey or the Macarena, I am SO out of here! > As they continued to talk, Anthony's communicator began to blare. "ANTH!!! > We've got a problem!!!" It was T-Bone's voice. > "What's wrong, T-Bone?" Anthony said into the communicator. > "It's Alec!" T-Bone said. "He's gone missing after knocking out several of the > guards with a Hypnosis power. One other thing, Anth... CAPT. FALCON: (as Uncle from Jackie Chan Adventures) One more thing... SUE: (as Jade, same show) You're not supposed to be in this fic, Uncle! CAPT. FALCON: (same) DO YOU WANT TO SEE REST OF FIC OR NOT?!? > he's gotten a hold of the trichlorodicathelene...and looks like he took a > larger dose!" > "Oh no...how much of one?" Anthony said, already worried. > "If the docs have it right...he took over 1000 mg at once!" MARIO: In-a other words-a, more than a gram. > "I'll be right there," Anthony said, and then turned towards his students. > "I've got to run..." > "We'll help, cousin," Jenna said. > Anthony nodded and the three ran towards the portal. ANTHONY: And again...the Chrono Trigger parallels emerge... > Chapter 16 - A New Problem > The three Larson Clan members found themselves taking the portal to Neo-Earth > after a quick use of their Past Sight power. NYPEROLD: Which means they could only see about three minutes into the past. ANTHONY: (as Eric Bishoff) Did you say...three minutes? > They soon found themselves outside of Dr. Light's laboratory and found that the > place looked like a tornado went through it. NESS: (as Anthony) Aw man... Tails has GOT to stop flying through here! > "Oh my God..." Jenna said. "What happened?" > "I happened..." a voice said, and the three of them saw Alec walk out of the > rubble...and wearing the Mastertech armor Dr. Light made for him. > "Alec!!! What the hell...?" Anthony said, with a hand near his Sword's handle, > expecting the worst. PIKACHU: (as Mr. Bumpy) Do your wurst! A little sausage humor there... > "Oh...nothing at all..." Alec said, with a devilish smile. "Just picking up my > equipment. Oh...and if you're worried about Doc Light and the bots, they're > fine...though my Electrokinesis power was like an EMP to the bots and Doc's > erected some kind of force field." ANTHONY: (as himself) Hey...the Force Barrier is MY schtick! > "My God...he's gone mad, Anthony," Lars exclaimed. "The overdose must've made > him go mad!" > "Actually, I'm glad you're all here..." Alec continued. "Since this armor > could use a test...ARMOR ACTIVATE!!!" Alec was soon covered in green tech > armor (Sonic, Knuckles, and Rouge chuckle again.) ANTHONY: WHAT?!? SONIC: Anyone see the Green Ranger parallel here? ANTHONY: >_< Oh, BROTHER!!! > and he then drew and activated the lightsaber that came with the armor. > Anthony, Jenna, and Lars activated their own armors. They didn't want to fight > Alec, but it seemed they had no choice as they also activated their lightsabers. > "Was the test going to be like this, Anthony?" Lars asked. LINK: (as Anthony) Yeah, how'd you guess? > "Not really...it would have been fake," Anthony said, and then turned back > towards Alec. "We don't want to fight you, Alec. We want to help you..." BOWSER: (as Dr. Light) You're on HIS SIDE?!? Traitors!!! > "Then you wouldn't mind giving me one of those Descendancy Medallions," Alec > said. "That will help a lot." > "That's not what Anthony meant, Alec," Jenna said. > "Well then...I guess I'll have to take it..." EGGMAN: The hard way! (Box starts playing "The Hard Way" by DC Talk.) NYPEROLD: Not THAT, Box! > Alec said, and then rushed towards Anthony with speed Anthony didn't expect. DK: (as Anthony) Sonic! Stop helping him! SONIC: (as himself) I'm NOT! > Anthony and Alec engaged in what appeared to be a very fast paced swordfight > as the two continued to parry lightsaber blows. FOX: When DBZ meets Star Wars... KIRBY: (as Raditz as Darth Vader) Kakkarot...I am your brother... POPO: (as Goku as Luke) NOOOOOOOOOO!! > Jenna and Lars were next to attack, exchanging lightsaber blows with Alec. When > Alec managed to knock the lightsaber out of Jenna's hand, she impacted Alec > with her one of her fists, and the sonic wave knocked him back. SONIC: (as himself) SEE? I'm helping Jenna! > Alec responded by letting loose Force Blast powers towards Jenna and Lars. > Jenna and Lars tried to block the Blasts with Psi Barrier powers, but were > still knocked backwards. Alec tried to lunge towards Anthony again, but was > blown away by a Force Blast of Anthony's. > "Well...I see you aren't willing to give it up..." Alec said, getting up. ANTHONY: (as himself in the fic, fourth wall cracking more) Come on...I've been in enough of these fics. You think I'd give up NOW?!? > "But I know where I can get one..." He then used what appeared to be a Teleport power to escape. > Jenna and Lars recovered and got up, and all three of them looked around. > "Where did he go?" Lars asked. > "He must be going after one of the other Companions," Anthony said, and then > talked in his communicator. "Sharpe's office." > "Sharpe here," Sharpe said on the comm. > "Alec may be going after one of the Companions, after failing to grab > Protoman. Can you warn them without alerting Alec?" SHADOW: (as Sharpe, sarcastic) Oh yeah, sure...I have a Deus Ex Machina device to do so... > "You don't have to worry," Light said, walking out of the rubble. "When I > heard of Alec's disappearance, I deactivated the communicator on his armor > before he arrived." > "Alright, good work, Doc," Anthony said. "Take care of the bots, Jenna, Lars, > and I will find Alec." > "Will do," Light said. "Please be careful." > Anthony, Jenna, and Lars nodded in understanding, and ran through the portal > to head back to Earth to report to Sharpe to get people mobilized. NYPEROLD: (as Van Flyheight(sp?)) Mobilize, Zeke! SUE: Aren't you going to ask Author Nyper where that came from? NYPEROLD: Nope. If I have to ask, I know who it came from. > Light turned back towards what was left of his lab and started work on a > currently fallen Protoman...after first deactivating the force field > protecting him. >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPT. FALCON: (as Dr. Light) What the... I thought I shut this thing OFF! > "The other Companions are being protected in case Alec shows up," Sharpe said > while talking to Anthony, Jenna, and Lars in Area 51. "The Mario Brothers and > the Koopa Klan are protecting Princess Peach and Daisy. PEACH: Ironic that Bowser is now PROTECTING my other self after so long... > Link is keeping close tabs on Zelda KNUCKLES: KnowwhatImean...nudge nudge...saynomore... AMY: (brandishing her hammer) ...and you'd BETTER say no more! KNUCKLES: *gulp* LINK and ZELDA: (blushing) > and is keeping her in the palace. The Prower family is currently being kept > inside the Mobotropolis palace under heavy guard. TAILS: (as what could be a SatAM version of him) Aunt Sally? I'm scared... > The Ani-Earth heroes are also getting ready just in case he shows up there for > some reason, and all portal locations are under heavy guard." EGGMAN: ...crushing them. ANTHONY: (as himself) Oh, GREAT!!! > "Good, that's sounds like everybody and everyplace," Lars said. > Anthony nodded in agreement, and then suddenly had a look of horror on his > face as realized something. "Oh no..." > "What?" Jenna said. > "We've got to get to Mobius...we DIDN'T get everybody!" Anthony said. AMY: (as herself) Yeah... ME! > "Who did we miss?" Lars asked. > "AMY! She ALSO has a Descendancy Medallion..." >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > When the three Larson Clan members arrived on Mobius, they heard the sound of > a lightsaber fight and laser blasts. LINK: (as Lars) Oh no...we're in Star Wars! > It was then that they saw Amy trying to fend off Alec, and Amy was seriously > outmatched. > Anthony began to get enraged. "LEAVE HER ALONE!!!" He reactivated his armor > and rushed forward with his retro rockets, tackling Alec to the ground. > After telling Amy to go hide, Jenna and Lars joined in the fight...only to > find Alec trying to escape. > "I have what I want," Alec said. "I'll see you later!!!" He then disappeared > through the use of a Teleport power. NYPEROLD: Too bad that doesn't use up SP... though it might use up PP... SONIC: If you need to use the bathroom, it's across the hall. NYPEROLD: Oh, har, har. > Anthony, still somewhat pissed, punched the ground in frustration. > "Dammit...we almost had him..." He then calmed down and walked towards where > Amy was hiding, and saw her still shuddering. She had already deactivated > her armor and had broken down into ragged sobs. Anthony knelt down and > brought Amy into a light hug, and Amy started to cry on his shoulder. (another round of Awws and gags...Bowser is starting to reach critical mass) BOWSER: Have to...hold it...in... > "Shhh...it's alright, Ames..." Anthony said, trying to comfort the pinkette. > After she calmed down a bit, and as an afterthought, he released the hug and > checked her armor. The Descendancy Medallion was still there, causing Anthony > to be confused. PIKACHU: Hurting himself in the process. JIGGLYPUFF: Wait until he starts Struggling from loss of PP... *urk* ...like me. > "Ames...what happened?" > "I...I don't how he did this, but..." Amy said, still a bit scared from what > happened, "...when he reached out towards me during the fight, my Medallion..." SUE: (as Amy) Started singing "This Is The Song That Doesn't End"! It was horrible! > "Yes?" Anthony said. > "...duplicated itself." Amy finished, and then leant against Anthony again as > Mary ran up to the group. > "Mary..." Anthony said, "take Amy home. Jenna, Lars, and I will go after > Alec." > Mary nodded, and picked Amy up (with some slight difficulty due to the armor) > and carried her home. Anthony then talked with TIFF: ...himself. ZELDA: (as Jenna) Great...he's lost it. > Jenna and Lars. > "We'd better report to Sharpe," Anthony said. "Things just got worse..." PIKACHU: (as Lars, fourth wall cracking anew) MAN! If only I hadn't said those Things You Shouldn't Say If You Don't Want Bad Things To Happen... JIGGLYPUFF: (as Anthony, chunk of wall starting to come loose) Don't be too hard on yourself, Lars... I said a couple of things, too... AMY: (as Jenna, chunk falls off) Well, Amy did tell you... > Chapter 17 - The New Masters MARIO: Mamma Mia! We had a tough enough time-a with just-a the one-a Master! (Several of the group hum Torgo's theme.) > In Area 51, Anthony finished telling Sharpe what happened with Alec. All four > people present were increasingly worried about what Alec could do with a > Descendancy Medallion in his possession. ANTHONY: (as himself) Yes...I DO realize it resembles a ninja throwing star somewhat, but that's NOT the threat... > "Hopefully, Alec won't know how to use it," Jenna said. "From what I heard, > the other Companions knew only because they knew of the original campaign > 1000 years ago." NESS: ...and because their DM told them to take notes. > "True, but Alec did read up on Arcadia before now," Sharpe pointed out. "I > don't think the information told how the Descendancy Powers worked, however." > "So, it's a waiting game," Lars said. SONIC: I hate waiting... SHADOW: Me too. ANTHONY: Why are we not the LEAST bit surprised? > "We'll have to wait for Alec to make the first move, since we don't know where > to find him and the Past Sight power didn't help." > Anthony, who had been silent throughout the discussion, then spoke up. "I have > no choice then...Jenna, Lars?" LINK, PEACH, and NESS: (as Lars, Jenna, and Anthony) IT'S MORPHIN' TIME! ANTHONY: Knock that off! Besides, since there's only three, it'd be more like... (Anthony stands up and does the appropriate gestures to go with what he says next.) ANTHONY: (as a Ninja Storm Power Ranger) ARCADIA STORM...RANGER FORM...HA!!! ROUGE: Which we mentioned earlier... ANTHONY: Yeah, but it was MY turn to riff that! > Jenna and Lars looked towards Anthony, and watched as Anthony clutched his > hand over the Descendancy Medallion on the chest of his armor. Suddenly, a > glow appeared in his hand, and two copies of the Medallion were in it. (Tiff makes copying machine sounds.) > "You two should have these," Anthony said. "I was planning on giving them to > you if you passed a test on the Little Planet...but the situation is dire now." (Box plays Dire, Dire Docks.) > Jenna and Lars took the Medallions and attached them to their own armors. > "Th-thank you, Anthony," Jenna said. "But...how do we use them?" > "Draw all of your power within yourself," Anthony explained, "and focus it on > the Medallion." > Jenna and Lars did so...and suddenly the two students found themselves wearing > copies of the Armor of the Gamemaster. The Armors were even fitted to their > dimensions. SAMUS: Can you imagine...? (as Jenna) HEY! I'm only 2D, now! KIRBY: (as Lars) ACK! 5D! Too... much... for my brain... > "Wow..." Lars said. "The Powers...incredible..." > After looking at the Armors for a while, Jenna and Lars deactivated the powers > and were back in their Mastertech armors. It was at that moment that T-Bone > walked in. > "We have people keeping regular reports on all areas of Arcadia," TAILS: (as T-Bone) But they keep forgetting to double-space them! > T-Bone said, addressing the three Gamemasters. "So far, no one's seen hide nor > hair of Alec." BOWSER: They SKINNED HIM?!? OTHERS: Ewww...BOWSER! BOWSER: Well, that's what it sounded like! > "Great..." Anthony said with a note of worry, and then turned towards Jenna > and Lars. "Guys...I need to check up on something on Mobius. Contact me as > soon as Alec shows up." > "We understand, Anthony," Jenna said, realizing what he was going to do. "Go." DK: (as Anthony) Nah, chess. ANTHONY: (as himself) Actually, Shogi. (Everyone gives him a look.) ANTHONY: What? You haven't heard of Japanese Chess AKA Shogi? NYPEROLD: Yeesh...Gamemaster is RIGHT! > Anthony then ran towards the portal room, leaving Sharpe and T-Bone wondering > what he was up to. "Where is he going?" Sharpe asked. > Lars then spoke up. "He's going to check on a friend..." >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > As soon as Anthony had arrived, Amy immediately ran up to him and grabbed him > in a tight hug. "The sight of Alec attacking her frightened her so..." Mary > explained. "She thought she could defend herself against him, but..." > "I understand," Anthony said, still hugging the now sobbing hedgehog. (Yet another round of awws and gags. Bowser is REALLY reaching critical mass.) BOWSER: Can't...hold down...my lunch. Starting...to...talk...like...Shatner... > "Hopefully we'll be able to stop him. I even gave Jenna and Lars Descendancy > Medallions so they could use Sir Eric's powers." > It was then that Amy broke out of the hug, and reached for the Medallion on > her own armor (which she hadn't removed yet). After removing the Medallion, > she tried to press it into Anthony's hand. ANTHONY: (as himself) OWIE!! SHARP PAIN!! > "Here..." she said, choking back some tears, "I don't deserve it..." > "Yes, you do..." Anthony said, pushing it back towards Amy. "You fought very > bravely against Alec...you were just overpowered by him. Don't doubt yourself > like this..." TAILS: (as Anthony) Doubt yourself like *that*. AMY: (as herself) I don't know if I can... TAILS: (as Anthony) There, now you've got the hang of it. > "You really think I did well...?" Amy asked, looking up at Anthony. > "Of course..." Anthony said. "You've changed much since you've begun > training...and now you're capable of defending yourself quite well." TAILS: I've changed a lot since I started hanging out with Sonic...but I can't depend on him forever. SUE: Aww...but you were such a cute little sidekick! TAILS: Yeah, I know... ANTHONY: With about 10,000 female fans going "HE'S SO KAWAII" to prove it... TAILS: O_O;; THAT...I didn't know... > "I suppose..." Amy said, replacing the Medallion on her armor and then leaning > into Anthony again. "I just wish I didn't give him that Medallion..." > "Don't worry about that," Anthony said. "We'll stop him. Besides, him getting > that Medallion wasn't your doing." > Amy nodded in understanding and leaned back against Anthony, returning to the > hugging position. Anthony continued to comfort the young hedgehog, though his > mind was focused on where Alec could have disappeared to. FOX: (as Anthony) Why am I getting an image of the Guns and Knives Show? KNUCKLES: (quoting Tim Allen from "Home Improvement") Guns and Knives? I thought you wanted Guns 'N' Roses! > He didn't have long to wait, as his communicator began to speak. SHADOW: (as Anthony, fake fear) AHHHHHHHH! IT'S ALIVE!!! > "Anthony, it's Lars," the communicator said. > Anthony released the hug and spoke in his communicator. "Go ahead, Lars." > "You're not going to believe this..." Lars stated. "Alec is in Death > Valley...and he wants to meet with us." ANTHONY: (quoting a riff from "Eegah", Ronald Reagan voice to match) Welcome to Death Valley Days. > "Huh?" Anthony said, confused. "What for?" JIGGLYPUFF: (as Lars) Because that's what he's plotting! Duh! > "Not sure. He contacted Sharpe, apologizing for the trouble he caused, saying > the drugs finally wore off. He wants to meet with you and the other of Sir > Eric's descendants to see if there was any permanent damage, but didn't want > Sharpe around for fear of being arrested without letting him explain." ANTHONY: Knowing Sharpe...he'd probably SHOOT Alec before he had a chance to explain... TAILS: Mmm... a bit of Sharpe shooting, then? > "I see...what did Sharpe say?" > "He said that we should go ahead and see what Alec wants," Lars said, wrapping > up. "Since the three of us are the only ones with Sir Eric's powers, we are the > only ones that can fend him off if he goes crazy again." > "Alright, I'll meet you and Jenna at Area 51. Anthony out." Anthony shut off > the communicator and turned towards Amy. "I have to go. Stay here." > "But...can't I help?" Amy asked. > "No...I want you to stay here. I don't want to risk you getting hurt again." > Anthony then quickly left the home and headed for the nearest portal. Amy > watched in fear, sensing that, despite the situation, something was going > to go wrong. AMY: Fictional Stand-by #65865: Person is told to stay out of the danger that the hero is going into, but doesn't. And it turns out for the best. ANTHONY: You sure you're not psychic like your other self? AMY: Well, I *am* Sega-based, so I might very well be... but I don't need to be psychic to see *that* coming! You've seen a lot of TV shows and movies... wouldn't you say it's something that stories have a noticable percentage of the time? ANTHONY: That's true. AMY: And with the foreshadowing, it's kind of obvious. ANTHONY: ALSO true. >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Anthony met Lars and Jenna near the outskirts of Death Valley, and all three > soon rode their jet sleds towards the location Alec had indicated. Eventually, > they reached a clearing where they saw Alec waiting, and Alec looked towards > their direction. NYPEROLD: Oh...this reeks of "boss area"... > "Good...you've come," Alec said as soon as the three of them had deactuivated > their jet sleds. NESS: (as Anthony) Device 2, DEACTUIVATE! Hey, nothing happened... > "What's going on, Alec?" Anthony said, still worried about what Alec was > planning. > "Like I said...I want to make amends," Alec said. "I was chosen to be a > Gamemaster for the military, and I don't want to change that." > "You do realize you still have to answer for the attack on the base and on Dr. > Light's lab..." Lars said. > "...as well as that attack on Amy..." Anthony said, trying to control his > rage. BOWSER: (as the voice from Primal Rage) RAGE! ZELDA: (as Fujin from Final Fantasy 8) RAGE! > "I intend to, since that was the medication acting and not me..." Alec said, > and then turned away from the three of them as if in thought. "But I need to > do something first..." > "What?" Jenna said, worried. LINK: (as Alec) Dye my hair white, dress in a long black trenchcoat, and get a really badass sword... > "Well, those attacks were because I was turned crazed from the medicine," Alec > explained. "I had no control...but now that I have control again, I realized > that if I'm going to become a Gamemaster...with my power there's just no need > for another..." CAPT. FALCON: Ah, the old "No need for others, so kill them" plot. Damn unoriginal... > "What are you saying?" Anthony said, sensing evil intentions from Alec and > gripping his sword. > Alec said nothing, and to the surprise of Anthony, Jenna, and Lars he suddenly > transformed into a figure wearing a suit of armor...an ebon colored suit of > armor. LINK: O_O I was kidding...I really was... > He then turned around and said, "I need to get rid of the three of you..." > "Dear God, he's still mad!" Jenna said, drawing upon her Descendancy Powers. TAILS: (as the Cheshire Cat) We're ALL mad here. > "It's worse..." Anthony said, as he and Lars drew upon their Descendancy > Powers. "He's become a Dark Gamemaster..." > "I don't care if he is kin..." Lars said, "we need to take him down." PIKACHU: Lars used TAKE DOWN! > Alec grinned evilly and drew his own Sword of the Gamemaster, which > materialized when he transformed. "Try...if you can..." > Suddenly, all four Gamemasters advanced, ready to fight... > Chapter 18 - Domestic Dispute ANTHONY: (as a cop, talking into a CB) Uh...1-Adam-12...we have a domestic in progress... > Amy paced nervously in her room, worried about what was happening with > Anthony. She couldn't relax even for a second...and continued to pace. LINK: Made in San Antonio, by folks who know what salsa should taste like. CAPT. FALCON: This stuff's made in New York City. NYPEROLD, NESS, and LINK: NEW YORK CITY?!? ANTHONY: (under his breath) Get a rope... > "Amy..." Mary said, peeking into her room. "You should calm down. Anthony and > his students know what they're doing." ZELDA: (as Amy) That's what worries me! > "I know, but I'm still worried..." Amy said. "Alec is so powerful...Anthony > even mentioned how Alec was more powerful than he was..." > "True, but he doesn't have Anthony's experience," Mary said. "Plus, he's > outnumbered. It's three Gamemasters against one." > "I guess..." Amy said, and then sat down in a chair and looked out the window, > lost in thought. SUE: (as Amy, lost in thought) Uh...hello? Where am I? > Mary took this as her cue and sat down next to her, placing an arm around her > daughter to try and comfort her. >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AMY: O.O That's one long arm! SUE: (as Amy) You never told me you were a cop, Ma! > Jenna and Lars were surprised at the power Alec had. Despite the fact that > they and Anthony were also drawing upon the Descendancy Powers, Alec was > still managing to overpower them. SHADOW: (as Alec) Strike me down, and I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine! SONIC: (as Anthony) You should never have come back. (normal) Ya know...that's actually backwards... NYPEROLD: He's sure not Sir Alec Guiness... > The battle was fought mostly with swords, and Alec was moving with a speed > that could have rivaled Vegeta. BOWSER: (as Vegeta, darker than usual) Oh, DID he now? > He managed to block every sword slash from the three other Gamemasters. He also > used Force Blasts to knock them off balance. > When Alec rushed towards Anthony for another attack, Anthony tried to stop > Alec using a Paralysis power. Alec merely laughed and backhanded Anthony to the > ground again. EGGMAN: (as Alec) FRESH! > "Really...were you trying to do...this?" Alec asked, and then Anthony began to > feel numb as he was hit with Alec's Paralysis power. "So long...accountant..." JIGGLYPUFF: Oh, HE'S dead now! > Before Alec could strike, he was hit with simultaneous Cryokinesis blasts from > Jenna and Lars, which froze his sword arm in place. Alec broke out of the ice > and sent a powerful Hydrokinesis blast which knocked Jenna and Lars down. KNUCKLES: ...and excited Jenna for some rea... OTHERS: KNUX!! > Before they could get up, he then fired a Cryokinesis blast of his own which > froze the wet ground beneath them and caused them to slip and slide as they > tried to get up. LINK: SliiiiiIP! Slip-and-Slide! NYPEROLD: (as Mr. Freeze) There might be some momentary discomfort... > "So much for them..." Alec said, turning towards Anthony. "Now for..." But > before he could finish, Anthony used an Insight Flash power which blinded Alec > momentarily. Anthony then fired a Pyrokinesis power towards the frozen ground > so Jenna and Lars could get up. > "Damn you, Bault!" Alec said, using a Purge power to recover from the > blindness. "Try THIS on for size!" He then punched the ground and sent psi > energy through the ground which caused a small earthquake which knocked all > three back down. DK: Sounds like one of MY attacks! MARIO: (as Juggernaut from the Capcom games) JUGGERNAUT...PUNCH!!! >"I call that 'Geokinesis'." > The three of them recovered quickly and Jenna quickly ran up to send a flying > kick to Alec's face. Unfortunately, she was blocked by a Force Barrier and > sent to the ground. Alec then put his Sword in Jenna's face. > "Normally, I wouldn't harm a lady...put that was hardly ladylike," Alec said, > and readied himself to stab Jenna. PEACH: You're a real gentleman, yourself. > He was then met with a Force Blast in the face from Lars and Anthony pulled > Jenna to safety. > "Nice try, Jenna," Anthony said. All three then readied themselves for another > attack, but noticed Alec doing something else. He appeared to be gathering a > lot of psi energy... > "Oh, SHIT!!!" Anthony said. SUE: HEY, LANGUAGE! (covers ears) ANTHONY: Sorry! KNUCKLES: Um... no, that's not what psi does... > "RUN!! He's going to use the Final Power!!!" > The three of them bolted in different directions, just as Alec let loose a > powerful blast that headed in Anthony's direction. The explosion rocked the > area, and Anthony was nowhere in sight. > "NO!!!" Jenna said. > "Excellent..." Alec said, but his smile turned into a frown when he was > punched from behind. He looked and saw Anthony standing there. YOSHI: (as Nelson) HA HA! > "Your own trick," Anthony said, looking down at Alec. "Now give up!" EGGMAN: It's no use; give up! > "Never..." Alec said, and sent an Electrokinesis power through the ground > which shocked all three and caused them to collapse to the ground. PIKACHU: Uh, wait...electricity doesn't work against ground! ANTHONY: Okay...then explain to me how you were able to Thundershock a Marowak that one... PIKACHU: That was just in the CARTOONS!!! > As Alec began to compose himself, Anthony realized, based on the power he > felt, that this was going to be more difficult than he thought. NESS: (as Anthony) What is that? Musikinesis? NYPEROLD: Not THAT kind of composing! >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Amy continued to look out the window, anxious to hear any news about Anthony, > Jenna, and Lars. She saw several of the Earth workers walking around talking > their heads off ANTHONY: And you what kind of workers have no heads, right? TAILS: What? ANTHONY: "Roughnecks"! (groans come from the others) > about a fight taking place in Death Valley and of rumors of explosions taking > place. > She had had enough of being afraid, and realize she had to do something. She > quickly put on her armor and activated it, and then rocketed off towards the > Earth portal. Mary ran out after hearing the rockets. PEACH: (as Jessie) Prepare for trou... PIKACHU and JIGGLYPUFF: NO!!! > "AMY, NO!!!!" ALL: GYAH!!! > Mary said, running after Amy but realizing she wouldn't be able to catch up. > She then collapsed to the ground, teary eyed, and said, "Great Destiny...protect > her..." NYPEROLD: AMY gains 4 AC and keeps it until she comes to a town! BOX: Not the spell, Nyper... >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > As Anthony, Jenna, and Lars tried to regain their composure, Alec walked over > to Anthony and stuck his Sword in Anthony's face. "Well, well...how the mighty > have fallen..." Alec said with a mocking tone in his voice. "You've done good > work for Arcadia, Anthony... KNUCKLES: (as Alec) Expect a bonus in your paycheck... > but your time has come..." > But before Alec could strike, he was punched in the face by a metallic fist > and knocked backwards. Anthony looked up and saw Amy in her armor, hovering > near him and looking towards Alec with her blaster at the ready. > "Amy!" Anthony said, standing up. "Get out of here! It's too dangerous!" > "No...we have to stop him..." Amy said. "Besides, looks like you could use the > help..." AMY: I'm an Office Assistant, now? (beat) NOOOOOOO! > Anthony realized she was right, and used a Biofeedback power to heal himself, > Jenna, and Lars while Amy kept a blaster trained on Alec. ROUGE: And after the blaster gained a few levels... JIGGLYPUFF: Not THAT type of training! > The four of them then readied themselves for Alec's next attack. > Alec stood up, using a Biofeedback power on himself to heal his sore jaw, and > looked angrily towards Amy. "This doesn't concern you, hedgehog..." He then > let loose a powerful Force Blast (nearly everyone makes fart sounds) ANTHONY: Not THAT!!! > which knocked the four of them to the ground and caused Amy's armor to short > out and deactivate. > "Oh no..." Amy said, looking nervous. > "Should've listened to Anthony, kid..." Alec said, advancing on the group. > "Now you can die with them..." > Amy looked at Alec nervously, and in a feat of desparation decided to use her > Descendancy Medallion to draw upon whatever powers she had. AMY: (as herself) STORMING HEARTS! > A bright light engulfed her as she drew upon the Descendancy Powers, causing > the other four to turn away. As soon as the light faded, all four looked at > her in awe... ALL: Awww... CAPT. FALCON: (as the George of the Jungle narrator) No, AWE! A! W! E! ALL: Oh... > "That's impossible..." Anthony said as he saw what Amy was wearing. > ...for Amy was wearing the Armor of the Gamemaster. TIFF: Her class doesn't allow that! ANTHONY: (holding up the instruction book to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance) Well, she may have done a class change... NYPEROLD: Oh, put that away! > Chapter 19 - The Master's Apprentice > Anthony was confused by Amy's transformation. PIKACHU: Wait a minute! TRANSFORM doesn't cause confusion! And is she a Ditto? ANTHONY: Well, considering she's one of two Amys that exist... *looking at Amy, still in his lap* Well, THREE now. > There was no way Amy should be able to use Sir Eric's powers since she wasn't > related by blood. Yet...there she was, wearing the armor of Sir Eric like the > others present. ANTHONY: (as a flustered DM) You took advantage of the new 3rd edition rules, DIDN'T YOU?!? > Amy was just as surprised, but didn't bother to react to that surprise as her > attention was still focused on Alec. She also sensed that she had other > powers to her disposal. FOX: She got rid of them? AMY: Wrong kind of disposal. FOX: Oh... > "Nice trick, kid," Alec said mockingly. "Trying to be like your surrogate > daddy there?" He then pointed at Anthony, causing Amy to respond with a > Force Blast to Alec. > "DON'T...make fun of my teacher..." Amy said. NYPEROLD: The sound you hear is a can of Whoop-Up-On-'Im slowly being opened... ANTHONY: Oh, just say it! There's nothing wrong... NYPEROLD: A-hem. (points at Sue) ANTHONY: Oh...right...sorry! > As Alec was getting back up from the blast, Anthony, Lars, and Jenna finally > recovered and readied themselves for another attack. Alec seemed to be > weakening from the attacks, but refused to give up as he rushed forward. (all make a sound of football players crashing into each other) BOX: (makes a ref's whistle sound) FIRST DOWN!! > Alec was soon met by rapid fire punches and kicks from all four, but he > managed to block them with arm blocks and Master Barriers. The fight continued > between the five for what seemed to be a long time, and then Alec fired a large > Force Blast towards the ground which rocketed the four other Masters KIRBY: All of a sudden...it's that new He-Man cartoon. > in different directions and sent him flying skyward where he began to hover. > "Maybe I should make another example of you..." Alec said, and then began to > build psi power again. > "Another Final Power?" Anthony thought to himself as he and the others tried > to recover. "He should be unconscious from that last one!" DK: (as Anthony) He's Powergaming! STOP THAT TWINK!!! >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Sharpe and T-Bone finally managed to gather a small army together to take Alec > into custody after hearing where Alec was. As soon as they reached the area, > they saw Alec building up his power, and realized what it was. LINK: Not a Kame... yamaha! ANTHONY: Kamehameha. LINK: Thank you! > "Aw man...not the Final Power!" T-Bone said, mostly to himself. "Get out of > there guys..." CAPT. FALCON: (as Sharpe) They can't hear you, soldier! SPEAK UP!! > Sasha, who had come along to provide first aid if necessary, also sensed the > power being created. She, like the others, feared the worse as well... >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The four Masters on the ground finally stood up to face Alec, and Jenna and > Lars created Psi Barriers to try to fend off the attack. > "NO, you won't be able to fend off the Final Power!" Anthony said, fearful for > Jenna and Lars. "We must get out of here!" > As the four began to run, Amy looked back towards Alec and came up with an > idea. She then decided to run back towards Alec. > "AMY, NO!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?" Anthony said, as he ran back to try to > protect Amy. (Anthony starts to hug Amy a little tighter) AMY: Anthony? Are you alright? ANTHONY: Yeah...but I hated this part. GOD, did Amy scare the phrack out of me! > Amy didn't listen and jumped up towards Alec. She then outstretched an arm as > if to release a power. Just as Anthony reached the area, a bright flash > covered the area. PEACH: Which proceeded to play the Badger Badger Mushroom song at them. TIFF: (starts singing that song, only to be stared down by the group) > "AMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!" Anthony said, YOSHI: (as Kaneda from "Akira") TETSUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! LINK: (as Tetsuo from "Akira") KANEDAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! MARIO: (as Shatner) KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!! > as he shielded his eyes from the flash. When it subsided, what he saw made him > gasp in surprise. > Amy was standing over the prone body of Alec, knocked unconscious from the > application of an Insight Flash power. Amy was also panting heavily. > "Amy...oh, thank God..." Anthony said as he ran up to Alec's body. He then > noticed Alec starting to stir... ZELDA: Hot chocolate! All: Mmmmmmm... > "Not this time..." Anthony said as he placed a hand on Alec's head. Alec began > to convulse as Anthony began to concentrate. ANTHONY: (as himself) I'm getting images of him...and Zelda...and they're...OH MY GOD!!! (Anthony is suddenly jumped by the entire group and thwapped) ANTHONY: (shielding himself in a Force Barrier) AAH!! I'm sorry! It was a joke! > Jenna and Lars ran up as Anthony was doing this, and watched as Alec continued > to convulse. Suddenly, Alec began to stop moving, and eventually laid perfectly > still. > "What did you do to him?" Jenna asked to Anthony. NESS: (as Anthony, darkly) You DON'T want to know... > "I managed to sense the damage to his mind caused by the medication and > repaired it," Anthony said. "However...he still has the memory of what he did, > so he won't be happy when he wakes up." NYPEROLD: (as Major Payne) If he's still there...he ain't happy! > Sharpe's group came up to the group and Sharpe ordered two of the men to take > Alec away. "Great work...all of you." > "Thanks, Major," Anthony said, "but Amy is the one who deserves the most > credit..." AMY: (as herself) Great! Then I can do more shopping! Now, should I use my...MasterCard? ANTHONY: Oh BROTHER, Ames! > "She won't be able to take any thanks right now, Anthony..." Lars said. > "Look." > All present looked towards where Amy was, and giggled at what they saw. Amy, > back in her original armor, had collapsed to the ground and was sleeping > peacefully. Anthony smiled and picked up the sleeping hedgehog and walked > towards the vehicles as the group got ready to leave the area. (Awws, gags... yeah.) NYPEROLD: (as Crabmeat, to Eggman) Atomic batteries to power, turbines to speed! EGGMAN: (as Batman) Ready to move out! (normal, to Nyperold) Your voice skills are slipping, Nyperold... that didn't sound at all like Robin! NYPEROLD: That's because I was being Crabmeat! And you didn't have to change your voice; it's just the Archie version of you! You sounded like Adam West! EGGMAN: Well, I knew the quote, but I thought it was a failed attempt at sounding like Robin. Besides, I didn't think you had any Archie Sonic comics... NYPEROLD: Well... I have the Sonic Mega Collection, which has the Firsts issue, containing "Don't Cry For Me, Mobius", "Rabbot Deployment", "The Lizard of Odd", & "This Island Hedgehog"; and covers from Sonic comics #1-110, Knuckles #1-32, Sonic Super Special #1-15, and some form the other series. If you're really curious, you can look at it while we're gone. Other than that... I'm Archie-ignorant. ANTHONY: O_O Well, CRAP! You knew more than I did before I first went into Mobius! I only got a crash course while I was en route to Area 51, where the Mobius portal was on Earth! > Chapter 20 - Graduation (Box plays "Pomp and Circumstance".) > Anthony was talking with Sharpe and T-Bone outside of a medical room where > Alec was currently asleep and hooked up to some Neo-Earth medical equipment. FOX: ...which was keeping him sedated by playing scenes from "On Golden Pond". ANTHONY: Yeesh...those would've slipped him into a coma. > Sharpe was the one doing most of the talking. CAPT. FALCON: ...as any commanding officer should. ANTHONY: Yeah, ri... CAPT. FALCON: (as a grizzled Army sargeant) ARE YOU BACKTALKING, MAGGOT?!? ANTHONY: (as Gomer Pyle) No, sir...Sargeant Carter! > "We had to sedate him after he recovered from the battle," Sharpe said. "He > began crying uncontrollably and was screaming that we should've killed him." KNUCKLES: (as Sharpe) He saw "A Sorcerer, A Demon, and Emeralds", the poor sap. > "Poor guy," Anthony said. "I guess seeing what he almost did got to him. Will > he be alright?" > "Eventually..." Sharpe said. "Madam Prower even offered to provide counciling > and treatment, since she tells me she had to provide that during the Robotnik > wars." SONIC: As in, the Heroes' Council? ANTHONY: No...as in emotional counciling for those who lost family during that war or were nearly roboticized. SONIC: (a bit somber now) Oh...I see... BOX: Ah, then you want "se" instead of "ci". > Sharpe then looked towards Alec and said. "I guess 'Project Gamemaster 2' is > no longer viable..." ROUGE: He can no longer see it? SHADOW: That's "visible", Rouge. > "Yeah," T-Bone said, "I even heard that, unless some way can be created to > prevent this from happening, the teaching of psionics won't be allowed > anywhere." AMY: Guess they got their lessons in just in time! MARIO: (as T-Bone) ...and to a make things worse, some a guy named Bester showed up! > "Well...I have something like in mind..." Anthony said, "...and as such, Alec > can still become Gamemaster 2 if he's willing, since his ability shouldn't go > to waste." YOSHI: Ooh! Yoshi don't mind leftovers! > Sharpe and T-Bone both looked at Anthony with confused looks. "What do you > mean, Anthony?" T-Bone asked. ANTHONY: (as himself) I said I have something planned. Sheesh...you deaf? > Anthony then began to explain what he had planned... NYPEROLD: (as T-Bone) Anth...what the heck do you need the toothpaste and the bicycle clips for? >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > "You'd like to use the Larson Clan home for what?" BOWSER: (as Anthony, WAAAAAY OOC) My own personal palace! I could call it Bault Manor! And about my statue... I was thinking it should be ten times as big, and placed outside near the entrance to the property-- ANTHONY: You know...I gave the other Gamemasters standing orders to have me shot if I ever act THAT OOC. > Anthony was explaining to Olaf Larson what he had planned. "I think the Clan > home should be the place to go if anyone wants to study psionics. After > seeing how well Jenna and Lars performed with their powers, they should have > no problem in teaching others. KIRBY: (as Anthony) My grammar on the other hand... > Plus, they can also train others of Sir Eric's blood to become Gamemasters if > the need arises. Naturally, I want your permission before I even think of > doing this..." NESS: (as Anthony) Which is why I didn't bother to think about it before I told you... > Olaf nodded in understanding and thought for a short while. He then looked up > and said, "Very well...you have my permission." TAILS: (as Olaf) But I'd better get a good cut of the royalties. > "Good," Anthony said. "We can work out the details for that a little later..." > "Oh...speaking of Sir Eric's blood..." Olaf said with a note of interest, "I > heard that Amy was somehow able to draw upon > Sir Eric's powers. How is that possible?" CAPT. FALCON: (as Anthony) It was the will of Rift-Anthony, I guess... ZELDA: All hail the power of Plot Contrivance! RIFT-ANTHONY: (through a newly formed crack in the fourth wall) I am NOT Ratliff, thank you very much! > Anthony smiled and said, "I have a theory about that. Tell me...what's your > definition of family? BOX: Family n (pl families) parents and their children; a person's children; a set of relatives... TIFF: That's ENOUGH, "Data". > If you stick with the definition of people who are related by blood or lineage, > then Amy shouldn't have been able to use them at all. PEACH: (as Amy) uh, Anthony? That's something I want to tell you... ANTHONY: >_< Let's NOT go there...please. > However...if you use the definition of people who all care for each other and > support one another, then the reason becomes apparent. Amy looks up to me like > a father...and I treat her like a daughter at times. As such, there's a real > bond similar to family, so Amy managed to use Sir Eric's powers through ME." > "Amazing..." Olaf said. TAILS: (as Olaf) ME usually crashes when I try to use it... KNUCKLES: Could have been "Unknown from M.E."... > It was at that point that Jenna and Lars ran up to the two of them. "Cousin!" > Jenna said. "Any news about Alec?" POPO: (as Anthony) Yeah...his intelligence doubled, so now he's a smart Alec. (multitudes of groans) >"Yeah...he'll be fine, but he'll need some emotional help," Anthony said. > "No doubt...poor guy..." Lars said. "I wish there was a way we could help." > "Actually, there is..." Anthony said...and began to explain what he had > planned for the Larson Clan home. SUE: (as Jenna) Um...bicycle clips? >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Amy stared at the mirror intently as she looked at herself. AMY: (as herself) Hello, beautiful... > She had drawn upon her Descendancy Powers and saw herself in the Armor of the > Gamemaster...and couldn't believe she could actually use Sir Eric's powers. ANTHONY: SHE couldn't believe?!? I was phracking SHOCKED! > Mary was just as surprised, but at the same time was relieved that her > daughter was safe thanks to these powers. She was worried though, NANA: Mainly because it's in her mother's contract. > mainly because she wasn't sure whether Amy would be tempted to go into > dangerous situations as a result. SUE: (as Amy) Aww...but I wanna! >He thoughts were interrupted, JIGGLYPUFF: ...because the she thoughts spoke up loudly. ANTHONY: (towards the fourth wall) HEY, YOU! RIFT-ANTHONY: (through the fourth wall) I already got rid of the crap computer that did that. Don't worry. > however, when she heard a knock at her front door. She left her daughter's side > and answered it, seeing Anthony on the other side. He was carrying a small package. NYPEROLD: (quoting...forgot the movie) Do you have the item? > "Hi, Mary. Is your daughter in?" Anthony asked. > "Yes, she's upstairs..." Mary said, "looking at herself in the mirror...seeing herself in the Armor of the Gamemaster." PEACH: (as Mary) Never knew my daughter was this Narcissistic... > "Yeah...there's a reason she's able to use Sir Eric's powers..." Anthony said, > and then explained the theory he told to Olaf. LINK: Whew. Looks like he spared us this time. > "Wow...it seems you've done more for Amy than I've thought..." Mary said. > "Still...I'm worried..." > "I understand," Anthony said, "but if it wasn't for her, we probably couldn't > have stopped Alec. I owe her for that..." ANTHONY: (as himself) ...and just my luck, my credit's maxed out. > "Alright," Mary said, and then led Anthony upstairs where Amy was still > staring at her reflection. Anthony then walked up to Amy's side. > "Might want to save on those powers, Ames," Anthony said. KNUCKLES: (as Anthony) I have a Psi-Mart coupon! > "Mind if we talk?" ZELDA: (as Joan Rivers) Can we talk? OTHERS: NO!!! > Amy reverted back to her original form, and her original armor, and turned > towards Anthony. "Not at all. What did you need?" > "Well, I wanted to thank you for your help against Alec," Anthony explained, > "and came up with the perfect way to do so." He then unwrapped the package > he brought, revealing a smaller version of the Sword of the Gamemaster with > its own scabbard. > "F-for me?" Amy said. BOX: (as Anthony, sarcastic) No...I retooled the Kokiri Sword for Link. Of COURSE it's for you! > "It's only appropriate," Anthony said, and then smirked as he continued, "...my apprentice." ANTHONY: (as Emperor Palpatine) My...young...apprentice. > Amy smiled back and said, "Guess I won't need my Piko Piko hammer anymore..." SONIC: Except on versions of me, apparently! No doubt Arcadia-Sonic would rather be hammered than sliced... > "Save that for MiSTs," Anthony said, "since Sonic still has a filthy mind." SONIC: GAH! > Amy laughed and then stood still as Anthony helped strap the Sword's scabbard > to the back of her armor. She then looked at herself, and after a while said, > "Anthony?" > "Yeah?" Anthony said, and then found himself receiving a tight hug from Amy. > He returned the hug and whispered, "Welcome to the Larson Clan...Gamemaster..." (Awws...gags...and as for Bowser...) BOWSER: That's it...EXCUSE ME! (runs off towards the bathroom) > THE END > Special thanks to MysteryNet member chi cerca for helping me find Norwegian > dishes for the Larson Clan dinner... TIFF: What kind of net? NANA: I dunno...it's a mystery. > and SonicVerse Team (http://www.sonicverseteam.com) member Sonic Adventurer for > the idea for Amy's tech armor. > Comments? BOX: // Just this one. TIFF: { And this one. } > Flames? (Bowser comes back, looks up, and issues forth a small flame from his mouth, but one that stays in place.) > E-mail me at baultaw@usfamily.net. RIFT-ANTHONY: (through the fourth wall crack again) Correction...that's awbault@comcast.net. NYPEROLD: And we're done, it looks like. ANTHONY: Alright...I'm going to check on Washu's progress. (Anthony walks off towards where his armor is recharging. After a while, he comes back, wearing the tech armor.) NYPEROLD: Any word on the portal condition? ANTHONY: Yes. The portal's back up and ready to open at any time. AND...as thanks for putting up with me and that fic, you are invited to come visit Arcadia! Anyone want to come? NYPEROLD: Hmm. Well, let's see. I suppose it might be nice to let anybody who doesn't have a duplicate over there go. ANTHONY: Okay...that'll be you, Sue, Box, Tiff, Popo, Nana, Capt. Falcon, and Ness. Fox, Kirby, Samus, DK, and the Pokes can also come since Arcadia's counterparts will probably be on their own worlds. NYPEROLD: Also, since Sue's going, I think this Amy should go, too. Knowing that bunch, they'll need a little extra incentive to stay appropriate for Sue. (grins) ANTHONY: Natch. Uh...how are we going to tell the two Amys apart? NYPEROLD: I considered that. I'm thinking one of these Amys should wear a different outfit so that we can distinguish them easily. (thinks a bit more) Your Amy still have her apprentice uniform? ANTHONY: No...but she DOES have her armor. NYPEROLD: We can be pretty much sure that the one who wears it is Arcadia-Amy. ANTHONY: I'll make sure she wears it then. NYPEROLD: Speaking of which... (appears to be putting the finishing touches on something) Voila! (He holds up a picture. http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/4319205/ Copy into a browser window.) It's my concept of Amy in her apprentice outfit. Considering all I was going by was the description in Chapter 8... ANTHONY: Cute! Spot on, I must say. NYPEROLD: Thanks! I think I'll take it with me... ANTHONY: Okay...shall we get going? NYPEROLD: What do you think about Pikachu and Jigglypuff? On the one hand, if Mario met some actual Pokémon, he might learn not to have such a problem with them... on the other hand, it could just end up with them taking fire damage...and on the other hand, you did suggest that Mario come, so... ANTHONY: Actually...that's not necessary. Ash recently became a member of the Heroes Council after the events on Ani-Earth with AfterAshura. (Read Merc Star's "Ani-Earth Crisis" for info.) As such, since Mario found out Ash is more like the more serious manga version rather than the goofy anime version, he likes him better. NYPEROLD: Okay, so, who's over there? Sounds like we've got characters up the wazoo. ANTHONY: Let's see...various Mario, Sonic, Megaman, Zelda, Pokemon, Digmion, Yu-Gi-Oh, Starfox, Kirby, Metroid, Final Fantasy VII, Kingdom Hearts, Megaman X, Dragonball Z, Tenchi Muyo, Sailor Moon, Inuyasha, Hamtaro, Outlaw Star, YuYuHashuko, Cardcaptors, G Gundam, Power Rangers, MST3K, Marvel Comics, and DC Comics characters to start with. SONIC: O.O Whoa... ANTHONY: Yeah...Captain N...eat your heart out. NYPEROLD: This'll be SO cool! I hope I can meet Mike and the bots! ANTHONY: Also...there are quite a few fan characters that exist there too. David Kintobor... TAILS: O_O;; Davie-kins?!? ANTHONY: Yep. Also, other self-inserts and fan characters, like Knuckles's sisters Chuckles and Eliza... KNUCKLES: Whoa! Eliza? Of "Trapped"? (gets looks) What? I read it during one of the breaks. Nyperold told me about it and showed me some of the artwork of her. Poor kid... ANTHONY: Poor GUY, too! Knux needed to apologize to her for acting like a monster trying to protect the emerald...and was even in tears when he asked Eliza for forgiveness! KNUCKLES: Okay, I definitely want to see her. ANTHONY: I'll tell Knuckles when we get there then. So...let's go! *talks in his communicator* Now, Washu! (A glowing portal appears before the MiSTers, and all those that are going walk through.) SONIC: Have fun guys! MARIO: We'll a keep an eye onna things here! NYPEROLD: Thanks, guys! (walks through) (Suddenly...Amy walks back.) SONIC: Something wrong, Ames? (Amy then walks up and gives Sonic a quick peck on the cheek.) AMY: That's for cheering me up after I was feeling depressed from my theme song. See you later! (Amy walks back through the portal...which closes upon her going through it. Mario looks at Sonic, who presently has a gloved paw on the cheek where Amy kissed him.) MARIO: Heh...you a alright? SONIC: Yeah, but...man... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (The group finds themselves outside a large city that appears to be under heavy reconstruction. The group can see several races, including Hylians, Mobians, Troopas, Mushroomers, and others. The group, save for Anthony, are in awe.) SUE: (almost in a whisper) Wow... ANTHONY: (smiling and addressing the group) Ladies and gentlemen...welcome to the city of New Mobotropolis! *FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH* COMING UP NEXT!!! Anthony here! Uh oh...it's a MiST emergency! Which means only one thing! Anth's and Nyp's groups must band together to tackle yet another Thinkercadia MiST! This time, it's Thinker's final Arcadia fic, "Test of the Time Masters"! But that's not all! This time...we have special appearances by a LOT of new characters! Including characters from both the Dimensional Rift and NetRaptor's forums! See you next time!