Master Moltar wrote this masterpiece in some of his analysis for the Crew during the Summer 2008 Contest.
1: Gift[]
It was a normal day for man we all know as Cloud. As he traveled across the land, he came across all sorts of challenges and obstacles. Today was no different. However, what he came across today would eventually transform the way he thought…forever.
The Setting - An empty field
Cloud: I’ve come across all sorts of opponents in my travels. Some weak, some strong, but something seems different now. The annual Character Battle is approaching, and usually I’m excited for it.
*Cloud looks up at the sky, reminiscing about past battles*
Cloud: The thrill of fighting all kinds of opponents, I used to look forward to it. This year is different though. I feel so jaded and apathetic towards it. Even facing my biggest rival, Link, or my main enemy, Sephiroth, does not excite me in the least.
*Cloud remembers some of his past battles against Link and Sephiroth*
Cloud: Maybe it was the last contest…maybe that’s what made me this way. When everyone was trampled by a block. Or maybe…maybe I’ve just come to the realization that I can’t win these Contests anymore. I remember back in 2003, when I won the second Character Battle.
*Cloud remembers himself beating Link, and then defeating Sephiroth in the finals*
Cloud: I felt so proud, so strong, so powerful and worth something. Since then, I’ve lost every year after that to Link. Last year, I even let a block beat me…what have I become.
*Just then, Cloud hears a faint sound behind him*
Cloud: Huh?
*He turns around and finds a black notebook on the grass*
Cloud: What’s this? It wasn’t here when I arrived.
*He picks it up and turns it over. It reads “Contest Note” on the front.*
Cloud: Contest Note? What kind of book is this.
*He opens the front cover, and reads a line inside. His eyes light up as he reads it*
Cloud: ‘The name of the character written in this notebook will lose.’…this is impossible. This must be some kind of trick or something. It’s impossible to make the result of a contest match pre-determined.
*Cloud continues to stare at the notebook*
Cloud: But if it’s so impossible…why can’t I stop thinking about the possibilities? This notebook could put me back on top, assuming it’s real. It looks like a harmless notebook though. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to hold onto it for now.
*Cloud leaves the field, taking the notebook with him*
*Several weeks pass, and it’s now the first day of the Contest. Cloud walks into a local tavern, which is broadcasting the match. Several other characters are gathered around the TV, watching.*
Cloud: First match of the contest is starting, and everyone around me is excited and eager. Still, I feel so detached from everything else, including this contest. My match isn’t until much later, and I should be able to win it easily…this is all such a bore.
*Cloud hears cheering over the match on screen*
Cloud: The first match is between Cecil, Jade, Wario and Zack. Wario and Zack should win without too much of a problem…perhaps I can see if the Contest Note will affect anything.
*Cloud pulls out the Contest Note and a pen. He opens it and hesitates. After thinking about it for a little, he writes “Cecil Harvey” and “Jade Curtiss”. He then closes the book and looks at his watch.*
Cloud: There. The notebook states that it’ll take 40 seconds to produce the result.
*Cloud looks at his watch and counts down*
Cloud: 3…2…1…
*Just then, a loud commotion is heard from the group, and Cloud peeks his head over to see what happened.*
Announcer: This is a complete shock! Cecil and Jade were putting up a good fight, but then they let their guard down for a moment, allowing Zack and Wario to move on. I’ve never seen anything like this before!
Cloud: *thinking* I can’t believe it! Did the Contest Note actually do that? Is this the real deal?
*Cloud then casually leaves the tavern. As he leaves, someone eyes him from the back of the building.*
*Cloud races back to his home, and slams the Notebook on his desk*
Cloud: It all happened just as the Notebook said it would. I need to test it out more, but from now on, I should keep a low profile. This Notebook could get me in a lot of trouble if others find out about it.
*Cloud then thought about the endless possibilities with the Notebook, epic music starts playing in the background*
Cloud: Coming into contact with this Notebook could be the best thing that has ever happened to me. It had to have been more than just chance that I found it. It was fate…no! *Cloud stands up, his chair flying back, and a crazed look overcomes his eyes*
Cloud: It was handed to me from the heavens. They saw my plight and boredom, and they rewarded me with this Notebook. They knew that the state of the Contests was dire, and they gave me this Notebook to pass righteous judgment on all those who are unworthy of competing! *Cloud then holds the notebook up as a ray of sunshine enters into the room*
Cloud: With this Notebook, I will restore order to these Contests, and everyone will worship me for it. Today, a new era of contests begins in the world. Today, I have become justice! Soon, the world will see me as Character Battle champion once again, and I will become God!
~*To Be Continued*~
2: Power[]
Previously, Cloud, who was bored of the annual Character Battles, found something to relieve him. He found a notebook labeled “Contest Note” which allowed him to gain control over the results of the Character Battles. Cloud then promised to restore order to the Contests and become god of this new era of Character Battles.
The Setting - Cloud’s home, in his room
Cloud: It’s the final day of Round 1, and so far, everything has gone according to the notebook. With these final two names, I have successfully determined all of Round 1.
???: Hey there.
Cloud: Holy **** who said that?
*Cloud turns around to see a winged creature behind him. He jumps out of his seat, frightened.*
Cloud: Who are you…and what are you?
???: My name is Allen, and I’m a Contestgami.
Cloud: A contestgami? Doesn’t that mean Contest God?
Allen: I guess so, if you want to be all literal like that. *floats over to the notebook* Wow, I see you’ve been writing a lot of names down.
Cloud: You know about the Contest Note?
Allen: Know about it? I’m the one who dropped the notebook into this world.
*Cloud’s eyes lit up after Allen spoke*
Cloud: So you’re the one responsible for giving me this power!
Allen: Well, I didn’t really mean to give it to you. I just dropped it in some random spot, and you were the first to find it.
Cloud: You dropped it?
Allen: Well, I could go into this whole thing about there being a realm above your world where Contestgamis live, and how we all have Contest Notes, and how we’ve all grown bored to writing names in the notebooks so hardly anyone does it anymore, and how I was so bored I decided to drop this Notebook into your world, but I’ll save you the torture.
Cloud: I see…
Allen: So, you’ve realized that this is the real deal, yet still continue to use it?
Cloud: Yeah. *Cloud then picks up the notebook and flips through the pages* I’ve learned a lot about this Notebook over the past month. First, there’s the rule that states ‘The name of the character written in this notebook will lose.’ That’s self-explanatory, as is the rule that states that the character will lose 40 seconds after I write their name down. However, there’s some other additional things about the notebook. The character who I write first loses first, and the character that I write second loses second. Also, I can’t control who takes first or second between the two winners of the match.
*Cloud then puts the notebook back down*
Cloud: I already decided the results for every match in Round 1. I did research on all the competitors, and chose the losers according to that. I also threw in a few surprise upset losers, to keep things unpredictable, but nothing too wild. I even let some of those damn joke characters live, but I will finish them off later.
Allen: Very impressive. However, you’re missing a few other things about the notebook, such as the fact that once you touched it, it became yours, and now you are binded to it unless you relinquish ownership. Also, touching that notebook allows you to see me.
Cloud: Then why couldn’t I see you before?
Allen: I just got to your world.
Cloud: Oh, well then, can anyone else see you?
Allen: Not unless they touch the notebook. Therefore, I hope it’s okay if I travel around with you.
Cloud: Not a problem. Anyway, it’s been a long day, and Round 2 starts tomorrow, so I’m going to head to bed ear-
Announcer: *from the TV* This just in, we’ll be having one final bonus match to celebrate the end of Round 1. It will be a four-way match between Aeris, Yuna, The Dog, and Jinjo!
Cloud: Ugh, this is pitful. Two joke characters who got it over two legitimate characters worthy of being in this contest. It’s not a problem with this notebook though.
*Cloud opens the notebook, writing down ‘The Dog’ and ‘Jinjo’*
Cloud: It was predictable they lose, but I just want the satisfaction of giving them no choice but to bow to the superior characters.
*40 seconds later, The Dog and Jinjo stop fighting, allowing Tifa and Yuna to defeat them with ease. Immediately after the result, the broadcast stops. The video is replaced with a still moving picture with the letters “El” on it*
???: Greetings world, I am El. I am broadcasting all throughout the world to everyone watching the Character Battle.
Cloud: what is this i don’t even
El: I am informing you, the viewers and participants, that someone or something is manipulating the results of this tournament.
Cloud: No way! How does he know?
El: I am assuming this because of the results of that last match. Before the match, I informed both Aeris and Yuna to lose on purpose, and I told The Dog and Jinjo both to defeat their opponents and to never stop moving. However, what you saw was the opposite.
Cloud: Dammit, a set-up!
El: This has been happening all throughout the tournament after reviewing the footage. The two losers would freeze for a moment, allowing the other characters to defeat them. Then, in the battle for first, that fight would proceed normally. That is why I believe that these results aren’t legitimate. Still, I urge everyone to continue to watch the tournament and fight as if you want to win. If this message doesn’t scare off the thing responsible for all of this, then they will certainly soon be caught, and punishment will be dealt to them for defiling the spirit of these Contests. This thing…who I will deem “Killa”, will be found and justice will be served.
*The broadcast then returns back to the stadium*
Cloud: …
Allen: Well then, looks like someone is on to you already. What are you going to do now.
Cloud: *with a cold glare in his eyes* This El…he thinks he can find and stop me? He says I’m defiling the spirit of the Contests? He threatens to show me justice? What a damn fool. I’m the one restoring order to these contests! I’m the one giving justice to those who deserve it! El, by threatening me with that message, you have become my enemy. Once I find out who you are…you’re done.
~*To Be Continued*~
3: Discovered[]
Previously, Cloud used the power of the Contest Note to determine all the losers of Round 1. After his judgments, he was met by a Contestgami named Allen, who informed him more about the Contest Note. Then, an additional bonus match was announced, which was only a trap by a mysterious figure named “El” to prove his theory about someone controlling the results of the contest.
The Setting - The Contest Stadium, backstage
Cloud: Well, today is my Round 2 match. I’ve already written down who will lose today, so I’m not worried about losing.
Allen: Still, what happens if something wrong happens…again.
*Cloud stopped and thought about what Allen said.*
Cloud: *thinking* He’s right. In various Round 2 matches, some of my results weren’t happening as I wrote them in the Contest Note. I had those damn jokes, L and Cube losing, but they advanced. It’s strange, because everything worked fine in Round 1. Also, after reviewing the matches, in the ones that had different results, the losers stopped just before the finishing blow was dealt to them. It means that the result was still pre-determined, but-
Announcer: Today’s match will begin shortly!
Allen: Looks like you’re up, big guy.
Cloud: Yeah *He picks up his Buster Sword* I’ll worry about that went wrong later.
*Cloud then heads out to the battlefield, with Allen behind him. He enters the stadium to a loud applause*
Cloud: *thinking* Look at them, they’re all cheering for me. If I revealed that I am Killa, most would certainly shun me now. But soon, they’ll see what I’m doing is right. I’ll convert everyone, even you, El.
*From the top of the stadium, a female with binoculars is peering down onto the battlefield. Her eyes then light up as she spots something, and a big smile stretches across her face*
*The match goes on, and once it ends, everyone heads home, including Cloud.*
Allen: You did well today, Cloud.
Cloud: Of course, another easy victory. I think I’ll get some rest, and continue delivering judgment tomorrow.
*Just then, the doorbell rings*
Cloud: A visitor? At this hour? I’m not expecting anyone…maybe someone is on to me. No, I’m being paranoid, I’ve done nothing out of the ordinary. The Contest Note is safely hidden away, so it wouldn’t hurt to just answer the door.
*Cloud walks over to the door and opens it*
???: Clouuuud!!!
*Cloud is immediately tackled to the ground by a woman*
Cloud: Who the…Samus, why are you here?
Samus: Hey Cloud, what’s up. I was wondering if I could see your Contest Note.
Cloud: *eyes lighting up in surprise, thinking* What!? How does she know about the Contest Note. That’s impossible. I haven’t even talked to her since getting this Note. Could she be El, is that how she knows?
Samus: Hmmm? Where is it?
Cloud: What are you talking about? What’s a Contest Note? *Cloud closes the front door*
Samus: You don’t have to play dumb. I’ve already seen your Contestgami, I have one too! Come in, CJay!”
*Just then, another Contestgami entered the house*
CJay: Hello there.
Samus: See, I knew you had a Contest Note because when you went out for your match today, your Contestgami was with you! CJay told me that Contest Note owners can see other Contestgamis, so that’s how I knew you were the one!
Cloud: Then how come I couldn’t see your Contestgami when you had your match?
Samus: Because I got mine after my match. I just saw a black book labeled on the ground in front of me as I was leaving the stadium. I picked it up, and then CJay explained the rest to me. Since then, I’ve been writing results down, see!
*Samus pulled out her Contest Note and showed Cloud the names*
Cloud: These names correspond to the characters who lost!
Samus: Well duh, that’s what you did in Round 1, right?
Cloud: No, I mean, I wrote down names, but the wrong results were happening. I guess since you wrote down the losers names before I did, your Notebook overruled mine.
Allen: Heh, that makes sense now that I think about it.
*Cloud then shot Allen a glare, angry that he didn’t tell him about this*
Cloud: Anyway, you know we have to keep these secret, right?
Samus: Of course, I’m totally on your side, and I’m hoping this El guy leaves us alone.
Cloud: He won’t. But if we act smart, we won’t get caught. You’ll have to do everything I say though. Also, did you happen to see anyone following you while you came here?
Samus: Um..no, how about you Ceej?
CJay: No, I didn’t see anyone.
Cloud: Alright, we’ll need to stay in close touch, so we’re going to start dating and-
Samus: DATING? YAY!!!!!!!!
Cloud: Calm down, you fangirl. We’re only doing it so no one gets suspicious of us. Also, I’m going to need you to stop writing names in your Notebook. From now on, every name that is written will be decided by me.
Samus: You got it! I trust you know what you’re doing, and I just want to see you fulfill your goal. *hugs Cloud*
Cloud: *thinking* Yes…this could work out for me pretty well now. The numbers are against you, El. I’m going to end up winning in the end, and I’ll use Samus to get me to the top.
*outside of Cloud’s home, a hooded figure walks away*
???: Cloud…I’ve got my eyes on you.
~*To Be Continued*~
4: Captured[]
Previously, Cloud fought in his Round 2 match. After the match, he was confronted at his home by Samus, another competitor in the Character Battle. She revealed that she also had a Contest Note, and had been writing results into it. Cloud decided that it would be best for them to team up to control the Contests and beat El.
The Setting - The Contest Stadium, audience
Samus: I’m so excited, today is my Cloudy’s 3rd match! I won mine, I hope he wins his too!
*Backstage, Cloud is preparing for his match.*
Cloud: Damn, I know I have to keep up my serious demeanor, but I just can’t help but smile. Thanks to the Contest Note, I was finally able to kill L-Block. With two jokes down, there’s only one left to kill, and while I let Cube survive this round, I want to personally end it next round. With the jokes out of the way, nothing will stop me from taking my rightful place at the top.
*Cloud is then confronted by a young boy.*
Sora: Hey Cloud!
Cloud: Sora?
Sora: Yeah, it’s me. I just wanted to wish you good luck today in our match. I hope we can advance together.
Cloud: Oh?
Sora: Well, I look up to you, Cloud. I hope that one day, I can be as strong as you!
Cloud: You can be if you continue to work hard, Sora. Good luck to you too, out there.
Sora: Thanks Cloud!
*Sora then takes off*
Cloud: *thinking* He’s the future. I’m doing what I am because of characters like him, so he can compete in a contest that isn’t a shell of its former self.
???: The foolish kid.
*Cloud turns to see another of his opponents, Squall, standing in the doorway*
Squall: We all have a limit in these contests. I’ve nearly hit my peak, and that kid is soon going to hit his.
Cloud: You’re wrong. There’s always a chance to get stronger, even for us veterans. Sora’s got a bright future ahead of him.
Squall: Whatever, the future is hopeless for all of us Cloud. You should know better than anyone, just accept it already.
*Squall then leaves the room*
Cloud: *thinking* That Squall…now there’s a jaded fool. He’s already given up. He thinks things can’t be changed. He’s a bad example of what I envision the future to be. His name is already in the Contest Note, but unfortunately, so is Sora’s. I can’t allow for any other Square characters to hold me back from my goal. Mewtwo will be easy enough to take out.
*Cloud then heads out to the stadium. As he is on his way out, he passes up a hooded man. Cloud looks over at the hooded man, but doesn’t say a word. The hooded man watches Cloud as he passes by.*
*Cloud then enters the stadium to a loud roar from the fans.*
Samus: Yeah! Go Cloud! Go-
???: Excuse me, Samus.
Samus: Huh? Snake? What are you doing here?
Snake: I’m going to need you to come with me.
Samus: But Cloud-
Snake: I wouldn’t restrain if I were you. This is a direct order from El.
*Samus’s eyes lit up in shock and fear*
Samus: O…okay. I’ll go.
*The match begins, and Cloud and Mewtwo win. Cloud then heads backstage, but is met by a hooded man along with several other guards.*
Cloud: What’s this about?
Hooded Man: Cloud, you need to come with us. You are under suspicion of being Killa, and El has ordered that we capture you and take you to him for questioning.
Cloud: *thinking* What the hell? I haven’t made a single bad move. How does that bastard know? No…calm down. It’s not too surprising he’d suspect me. Anyone with much contest wisdom and experience could be Killa. I’ll just answer his questions and clear myself.
Cloud: Before I go, I want to know who you are.
*The man pulls back his hood, revealing a face Cloud was all too familiar with.
Cloud: Sephiroth? You joined with El?
Sephiroth: Yes…I am against what Killa is doing. I want to see him stopped.
Cloud: *thinking* Does he think I’m stupid? Sephiroth wouldn’t willingly help out El without a good reason. El probably told him that Killa would make him lose in the later rounds because he follows past Character Battle trends.
Sephiroth: Now, let’s go.
Cloud: Fine then
*Sephiroth and Cloud, along with the guards, leave the contest arena. A helicopter then comes down, and Cloud is then blindfolded by one of the guards. They lead him onto the helicopter, and he is seated.*
Samus: Cloud? Is that you.
Cloud: Yeah, it’s me.
Samus: I’m scared, where are they taking us?
Cloud: Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. We’ll just answer some questions and be out of there in no time.
*The helicopter then takes off and heads to El’s Headquarters*
~*To Be Continued*~
5: Test[]
Previously, Cloud admitted that he had made L-Block lose in Round 3 by writing its name down in the Contest Note. Then, shortly after his Round 3 match, he and Samus were detained by Solid Snake and Sephiroth, which they had done under orders of El. They were then taken to his Headquarters for questioning.
The Setting - El’s Headquarters
*Cloud and Samus are still blindfolded, and are now sitting back to back in chairs, tied up. They are in the midst of El’s Headquarters.*
Samus: El! Where are you! You can’t do this to us!
El: Sorry, dear. I need you both here for just a little longer. Besides, I let you compete in your match a few days ago, and I let Cloud leave yesterday for his match.
Cloud: So why are you keeping us here under 24-hour surveillance anyway?
El: Hmm…I guess it wouldn’t hurt to tell you now. I’ll get all my answers soon enough. I am a huge fan of these contests, and I love competing in them. On the first day of the Contest, I noticed something was strange.
Cloud: You mean the losers freezing before they lost?
El: Correct. I’m not surprised a veteran like you picked up on it. A lot of other characters did as well. On that day, Sephiroth confronted me, in what I thought to be an odd move on his part. He said he had seen you earlier that day, and couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
Cloud: *thinking* Sephiroth…he probably just wanted to frame me. He got lucky.
El: I brushed it off for then, but he then noticed you took up a routine. Every time the matches started, you were at your home by then.
Cloud: Of course, I prefer to watch the matches at home and analyze them there.
El: Understandable. Anyway, as Round 1 progressed, it was clear to me that whoever was tampering with the results had much contest experience. He chose the losers based on past contest results, wins, losses and even upsets. I came to the conclusion that this person could only determine the losers, as they were the only ones who froze before they lost. The top two characters battled normally for first.
Cloud: So the bonus match at the end of the round, what was that for?
El: It was to determine something. I had to know what motive Killa had for tampering with the Contest. I assumed that since Killa was a Contest Veteran, he would also be against the joke characters. Therefore, making that match, two legitimate snubs against two joke characters who got in, would prompt Killa to using his powers to make the joke characters lose. It was a stretch to think that, but then again…it’s becoming less of a stretch to assume your Killa.
Samus: If you’re so sure he’s Killa, then why am I here?
El: Aren’t you dating him?
Samus: Well…*blush*
El: That’s not why though. The night you came to his house was extremely odd. Since Sephiroth had been monitoring Cloud, he saw you arrive at his house. Since then, the two of you have been pretty close. We have to assume that since she’s the closest person to you, she’s in on it at the moment.
Samus: That still doesn’t answer why we’re here!
El: I’m getting to it, just relax. Anyway, after that night, I asked Solid Snake to keep an eye on you, Samus. Like Cloud, your actions became very routine after that night. One possible explanation…Cloud told you to change your routine. It may be a coincidence though, so I won’t rule out the fact that you may be innocent in all this...anyway, it’s almost time for today’s match.
Cloud: Today’s match…
El: Yes, and that is when everything will be answered. You see, I intentionally had Sephiroth and Solid Snake take you two in immediately after your Round 3 match. We’ve also been monitoring your every action since then for a reason. Since your Round 3 match, the losers of the matches still froze right before they lost, meaning they were forced to lose by Killa. That means nothing, as you could have just planned out the losers in advance after the matches were decided. However, there was no way you could have known what today’s match would have been before I took you in. That way, if the losers freeze, you’re clear. If the losers don’t freeze…then that will be enough evidence.
Cloud: …
Samus: *thinking* Cloud…
*The match between Kirby/Dante/Sephiroth/Sonic begins*
El: This is it…
*Sephiroth moves in towards Dante, and Dante goes to defend. Just before he can fully defend himself, he freezes.*
El: What?!
*Sephiroth then attacks Dante, defeating him. Sonic also freezes momentarily before Kirby defeats him*
Snake: El…they froze.
Cloud: *holding his head down, a big smile crept across his face, thinking* JUST AS PLANNED.
Samus: *thinking* He really did it!
Cloud: *thinking* El, I’ve outsmarted…no, I’ve beaten you. I figured you would come after Samus and I eventually, that’s why…I gave away our Contest Notes at the start of Round 3.
*Meanwhile, in another location, another character sat in a dark room. In his hand, he held a pen, and on the desk in front of him, sat a TV and a Notebook.*
???: Dante, Eliminate! Sonic, Eliminate! Killa, I will deliver your justice!
Allen: Ha ha, you really seem to like Killa.
*Back at El’s Headquarters*
Cloud: *thinking* Yes…Crono! I’ve known Crono for years now, and the two of us are good friends outside the public eye. We’ve shared the same beliefs on a lot of things, and I know he hates the jokes as much as I do, and both of us want these Contests to return to their former prestige. That’s why I chose him. He will continue my mission.
*Back at Crono’s room*
Crono: *reading a note from inside the Notebook* With this Notebook, you can change the shape of the Contest as I did. I am putting this in your hands now. *closes Notebook* Killa…I think I know who you are. If that’s the case…then we’ll be victorious together in the end.
*Back at El’s Headquarters*
Samus: So, now that we’re innocent, can we go now?
El: …I suppose so. Snake, untie them.
*Snake unties Cloud and Samus*
Cloud: Samus, go on ahead. I’ll be out in a little.
Samus: Okay, bye Cloud!
*Snake escorts Samus back to the helicopter*
Cloud: Before I go, I want to make a request, El.
El: A request for what?
Cloud: A request to join you on your goal to catch Killa! As you said before, I am a Contest Veteran like you. I hate to see this Contest being tampered with by Killa. Together, I know we’ll be able to narrow down this person.
El: Hmm, this may work well. Even though you’re innocent for now…I still don’t trust you completely. I could still monitor you from here, and have a helping hand on this case.
Cloud: So, is that a yes?
El: Before we make an agreement, I want you to know my identity. Please, remove your blindfold.
*Cloud takes off his blindfold. His vision is affected by the light for a few moments. Shortly after, the person in front of him becomes clear.
Cloud: You?!....It’s you?! Link!
~*To Be Continued*~
6: Revelation[]
Previously, Cloud and Samus were held at El’s Headquarters. El told them why they were under suspicion of being Killa. He had planned to monitor them and watch the contest to see if Killa had stopped affecting results. However, the forced losses hadn’t stopped, as Cloud had given away the Contest Notes at the start of Round 3. One was in the hands of Crono, who was the one that continued to write names in the Contest Note. El had no choice but to free Samus and Cloud, but before Cloud left, he asked El if he could join him. That’s when El decided to reveal his identity, that he was Link, to Cloud.
The Setting - El’s Headquarters
*Cloud and Link, Killa and El, were currently working on finding out Killa’s identity*
Link: There’s only 2 matches left…you should be leaving for your match.
Cloud: Yeah, wish me luck out there.
Link: You won’t need luck…I’ll see you in the finals.
*Cloud then gets up and leaves*
Cloud: *thinking* Of all the characters El had to be…he’s my toughest rival. This couldn’t have been more perfect. Now I can crush El and Link at the same time, and Killa’s reign…my reign will finally begin. Today, Crono will have written Kirby and Sephiroth’s names in the notebook. Tomorrow, Crono and Snake…you two will fall as well. Then, I’ll finally get my long awaited showdown with Link. I’m going to win this, and it’s too late to stop me now.
*At the stadium*
Announcer: Well folks, we have a great match today. Cloud Strife vs. Solid Snake vs. Sephiorth vs. Kirby! Let the battle, begin!
*As soon as the battle started, both Snake and Sephiroth went after Cloud*
Cloud: What’s this? *He defends himself from both of them. Meanwhile, Kirby hops into the fray.*
Cloud: *thinking* Both are after me? What for…El, you told them to do this. Dammit, you still think I’m Killa. You’re going to see if you can reverse the results of the Contest Note, or perhaps you want to see if I will stop myself from losing to them by using the Contest Note. I can’t just stand back and do nothing either, as that would hurt my image as the second strongest character in these battles. Damn you, El.
*Cloud valiantly fights off both Snake and Sephiorth, but even with Kirby’s assistance, it proves to be too much. Cloud is able to get Snake away for a moment, leading to a showdown with Sephiorth.*
Cloud: Sephiroth…
Sephiorth: Cloud…
Cloud: *thinking* It’s all your fault. None of this suspicion would be on me if it wasn’t for you. Now, you lose here!
*Cloud rushes towards Sephiorth, who freezes before he can defend himself. This allows for Cloud to defeat him. Snake also defeats a frozen Kirby. The battle between Cloud and Snake continues, but Cloud is too weakened from the double-team earlier to finish off Snake and takes second.*
Announcer: What an upset!
*The crowd is left stunned.*
*A little later, backstage, Cloud sits in the back alone*
Cloud: *thinking* Dammit. Dammit! Dammit!! Link, because of you, I lost today. I no longer care to face you in the end. I want to write your name down in the Contest Note myself! I want to see you frozen and helpless before I deliver that final blow. Snake, you will meet the same fate. After this embarrassment today, it will be the only way for me to redeem myself in the public eye!
*Samus appears backstage*
Samus: Cloud…I know I had to lose to Link and Crono…but if you lose, then your dream will be shattered. You can’t give in now, not when we’ve come so far.
Cloud: You’re right. Samus, I need you to give Crono a message from me…
*Back at El’s Headquarters, once Cloud returns*
Link: Competition tougher than you expected?
Cloud: *thinking* You smug bastard. You’ll fall soon eventually.
Link: By the way, there was an interesting development while you were gone. A competitor found something outside of the stadium and wanted to see me personally about it. Guards, bring him in.
*Two guards came into the area holding a blindfolded boy*
Cloud: Sora? What are you doing here? Let him go!
Link: Calm down, Cloud. This is what he brought me. *holds up a Notebook labeled ‘Contest Note’*
Cloud: Is that…a notebook?
Sora: Cloud, I didn’t do anything with it. I just found it! I swear!
Link: No one accused you of anything, Sora. Take him away now.
*Guard takes Sora away*
Link: Anyway, after I received this Notebook, I compared the handwriting to samples of every character in the contest…and there were no matches.
Cloud: *thinking* Yes! YES!! I have foiled you once again Link. Both Samus and I had Contest Notes. I had relinquished ownership of mine and gave it to Crono. Meanwhile, Samus hid hers in a secret location before Round 3. After she was freed, I told her to update all the results that had happened while we were monitored. Then, she wrote down the losers of Round 5 in it after those matches. It looks like Sora found it, which is just perfect. As for the handwriting, I told Samus to completely change her style when updating the notebook, as well as re-write all the old results with new handwriting. It was perfect and everything went exactly as planned. She did well.
Link: Anyway, this Notebook states that, ‘The name of the character written in this notebook will lose.’ It also contains all the names of the losers of every match so far. From Match 1 to today’s match, Match 62.
Cloud: Wait, were just supposed to believe that a Notebook was what determined the results of the Contests?
Link: We have no other leads, and in order to physically freeze your opponents body no matter who that opponent is…well, it has to be something supernatural, wouldn’t you agree?
Cloud: Yeah, I guess I understand. So Killa just tried to hide it after he wrote down the losers for today? That doesn’t seem right.
Link: I agree. For him to tamper with all the results so far, and then abandon the book before the finals…wouldn’t he have a winner in mind if he came along this far? Plus there’s the fact that Killa been such a challenge to find. He hasn’t slipped up once, so why would he hide this Notebook so poorly, as if he wanted someone to find it? You would think he would want to get rid of the evidence permanently…
Cloud: *thinking* That’s right, Link. Rattle your brain. I enjoy seeing you squirm. Just give up and concede victory to Killa.
Link: However…all of this does make one thing clear to me.
Cloud: What’s that?
Link: ….I believe that there are…two Killas
Cloud: What!? *thinking* How did he…
Link: The results, they seem different after Round 3. Rounds 1 and 2 had a similar pattern of results, but once Round 3 came along, more upsets started to happen. More unexplainable results started to occur. It’s still the work of a Contest veteran, but it’s definitely a different person with a different way of thinking. A second Killa would also explain why this Notebook was abandoned. Killa thought that by giving us this, we would think he’s given up.
Cloud: Yeah…
Link: Also…with another Notebook out there…you’re still not cleared, Cloud.
Cloud: *thinking* Dammit, Link. You’re too good, too smart. I will never confess that I am Killa. I can still defeat you!
Link: Anyway, I should begin preparing for tomorrow’s match. *starts to walk away* The final match of the Contest. Are you excited, Cloud?
Cloud: I am.
Link: Yes…I also have a feeling Killa, whether he is you, Snake, Crono, or even myself, is excited as well. It’s the final showdown. I hope you come prepared, ready to give your all.
Cloud: I will, Link. I will stop at nothing to win.
Link: Good, because it wouldn’t be as satisfying if you didn’t. *leaves area*
Cloud: *thinking* The final match…all the players will be there. Killa, El, the competitors for the match. One side is going to fall in front of the whole world, and that will be yours, El. Once I win, the people will recognize me as God, the one who saved these Contests from its miserable state. Killa will be known as justice.
~*To Be Continued*~
7: Final Fantasy[]
Previously, Cloud competed in his Round 5 match. After beating Sephiroth and Kirby, but losing to Snake, Cloud vowed revenge on Link, who he believed told Snake and Sephiorth to team up on him. Afterwards, Sora came to El with a Notebook he found outside the stadium. It was actually a Contest Note. With this, El realized how the contest was being tampered with, and came to the conclusion that there were two Contest Notes and two Killas.
“Hello world. I am Killa. I am broadcasting this message to all of you who plan to watch the final battle today. Throughout the contest, I have been casting judgment on those who are unworthy. Today, I will cast judgment for the last time in this contest. As all of you have seen, I have eliminated all traces of joke characters, and restored some credibility for these battles, as now only the strongest remain. Without me, this contest would have been a failure and these battles in general would have eventually died, but I saved you, the people, and these contests. Now, with your support, we can begin a new era of Contests, and restore the dignity and enjoyment all of us used to feel over these battles.”
“Greetings all, I am El. Killa has sent a message to you asking for your support. I want you to realize that this is an option you shouldn’t make. Killa is the one taking the heart and soul out of these contests. He’s altering the results the way he wants to in the way that he feels is right. These contests are supposed to be about who’s finding out the strongest, not about who Killa thinks should be the strongest. These contests should be about enjoying what naturally happens, not about enjoying what Killa wants you to enjoy. Killa will be at the final match today, and I will be too. It will be the final showdown, and I promise you that I will end this manipulation and degradation of the Contest once and for all.”
The Setting - The stadium
*The stadium is jam packed on the day of the finals. It is scheduled to start in a couple of minutes, and the crowd is going wild. Chants of “Killa, Killa!” and “El! El! El! El!” can be easily heard. Everyone there has chosen a side in this battle between Killa and El over the fate of the contests, and the opinion among everyone was split.*
Cloud: *thinking* Killa has a lot of supporters, but so does El. It looks to be split between them. However, once they see who Killa wants to win today and hear his vision on the future, they’ll support him 100%.
*Cloud, along with the rest of the competitors, enter the arena for the final fight. Cloud takes a quick glance at Crono, and Crono looks around cautiously and nods. Meanwhile, Link looks over at Snake, and he nods as well.*
Announcer: Let the final match…begin!”
*Cloud and Crono immediately go after Link and Snake, respectively*
Crowd Member: Yeah! Go Link!
Crowd Member: C’mon Cloud, you can do it!
Crowd Member: Killa! Give the victory to the right one!
Crowd Member: El! Don’t let Killa ruin this match!
*Among the crowd, Samus watches the match*
Samus: *thinking* Wow, the audience sure is excited today. A lot is on the line for both sides, but I’m rooting for Cloud. His plan is brilliant, there’s no way he’ll lose!
*From backstage, Sephiroth is also watching*
Sephiorth: Killa forced me to lose last round…he just has to be out there, and I know Link and Snake aren’t him. Killa, you will lose.
*Back on the battlefield, Crono and Cloud are giving their all, but Link and Snake have the upperhand.*
Link: *thinking* No one has frozen yet…is Killa waiting to make his judgment?
Cloud: *thinking* In due time, Link. You’ll fall by my hands!
*The two clash once again. Meanwhile, Snake finally gets the advantage on Crono, and knocks him to the ground with a strong punch.*
Snake: *thinking* Whew, finally, time to catch my breath.
Crono: Killa…I’ll continue to take this punishment…for you. Just give me the sign and I’ll be ready to do your bidding.
*Crono gets back on his feet and charges at Snake. The match continues on for an extremely long time, with neither side giving in. Link and Snake still have the advantage, but even they are quickly wearing down*
Crowd Member: The match is still going on. This is great!
Crowd Member: It’s thanks to El! He’s stopped Killa!
Crowd Member: Don’t be a fool! Killa is going to end this any minute now!
*Crono was once again sent to the ground by Snake. This time, he didn’t have the strength to get back up quickly. He looked over at Cloud, and Cloud fell to his knees, holding his side. Crono’s eyes then lit up*
Crono: *thinking* It’s time! Eliminate! Eliminate!
*Without anyone noticing, he pulled a small piece of paper and pen from his clothing while out on the ground.*
Cloud: *thinking* This is it, Snake…Link. Now both of you will lose this battle. That was my plan all along. I wanted the fight to last this long. I wanted to give you hope, give those who want El to win hope. Once the two of you freeze, everyone will realize that Killa chose Crono and I to win because we represent the change that needs to be made in order to save these contests! After that, I, as Killa, will announce my plan to restore justice into these contests. I will not only rule over these contests as the strongest character, but I will also rule over these contests as God!
*Crono then got back to his feet, giving Cloud a signal*
Cloud: *thinking* It’s done. He’s written their names. Now it’s just a short wait.
*Cloud looks out into the stands*
Cloud: People will see this victory as an underdog victory, and that will motivate every character. No longer will characters end up like me, jaded over the same old tired Character Battles. They’ll see that if they follow Killa, they can win too.
Cloud: Crono…it’s time.
Crono: Yes…Killa.
*Both then charged at Link and Solid Snake*
Cloud: It looks like I win, El!
*Cloud and Crono then both go to attack Cloud and Solid Snake, expecting them to freeze. However, they counter-attacked, delivering powerful blows to the two of them. This sent both of them to the ground, and Crono was left Knocked Out.*
Cloud: Dammit! What happened! Why didn’t you freeze!
*Cloud then limped over to Crono and looked at what he wrote down. He saw the names of both Solid Snake and Link on the paper.*
Cloud: Your names, they’re right here! Why didn’t you two lose! You two should have been finished! What the hell went wrong!
Link: So, you were right…Snake.
Snake: You see, earlier today, I passed by Crono backstage. I caught him adjusting something in his clothing, presumably so it wouldn’t fall out during the match. At first, I thought nothing of it, but then, after bringing it up to Link, he reminded me of the fact that he believed there was a second Contest Note out there, and said that he had also noticed that Crono looked uncomfortable today.
Cloud: *thinking* Crono…was nervous? Dammit, you gave yourself away. It’s all your fault. You broke under the pressure. I knew I should have done this myself.
Snake: After that, I knocked him out backstage. I searched him and found a piece of paper and a pen. I simply replaced the piece of paper with an ordinary piece of paper. When Crono woke up, he checked for the paper and thought everything was okay.
Cloud: *thinking* So that’s why it didn’t work…
*Cloud then falls to the ground, half in pain from his wounds, and half on purpose*
Cloud: *to himself* But El, you didn’t anticipate me leaving a piece of the Notebook on myself before I sent it to Crono.
*Cloud grins as he takes some blood from a cut he received in the battle and writes on the paper*
Cloud: L…I…N…almost done
*Just then, a sword strikes through the paper, and Cloud’s eyes widen in shock*
Link: I’ve finally caught you…Killa.
Cloud: No…not like this. I was so close!
Link: You got arrogant. You could have written down the results before the match, but you wanted to drag this out. You wanted to fight me, to see if you had a chance. When you realized you had no chance, that’s when you planned to write our names down. You thought that the masses would realize you as Killa’s chosen one and flock underneath you. Cloud…just admit defeat.
Cloud: It was…such a perfect plan. Dammit Link, you should be on my side! You should want these Contests to be great again!
Link: That’s where you and I differ. I believe these Contests still are great. This is meant to be something where all characters gather and compete to be the best. The fans enjoy these battles the way they are. They don’t need someone telling them what they want to see or giving them forced results.
Cloud: So…what will you do to me now?
Link: Nothing. Killa has already ruined this Contest, but future Contests can go on unharmed and untainted. Your reputation won’t be hurt if no one out there knows you are Killa. But…
*Link then finishes Cloud with one attack*
Link: I won’t allow my reputation as champ to be hurt either.
*From the audience*
Samus: Cloud…Crono…I can’t believe you guys lost. Killa…maybe I’ve been on the wrong side all along.
*Match continues, Link wins, Snake gets second, people celebrate, yadda yadda here’s the ending*
*Samus, Crono and Cloud are all at an undisclosed location*
Allen: Are you sure this is what you want?
Cloud: Yes, take these Notebooks back to the Contestgami realm.
CJay: If you say so. It’s been fun with you guys.
Samus: Byeee!
*The Contestgamis leave with the Contest Notes*
Crono: Cloud…I’m sorry I failed you.
Cloud: You did fine…it was my fault thinking I could change these Contests. Maybe I should just…learn to accept that things won’t always go my way, and that the Contests can’t go back to the old days.
…
Cloud: Or maybe…I will get I want.
*Crono and Samus look at him, confused by what he means. He then walks off with a grin on his face, with the two of them following close behind*
*Meanwhile, as they are flying back to the Contestgami realm, Allen looks over the Contest Note. He notices a short message inside for him*
Allen: Heh Heh Heh.
CJay: What is it?
Allen: The human left me a message. It says…Games Contest 2009
CJay: Wow! You think…we could make it happen?
Allen: Cloud surely does think so…heh heh, if I’ve learned anything on my stay here, it’s that these characters are so INTERESTING!!
*Allen and CJay disappear into the skies*
~*The End*~