Vent Story - Waiting to Smash
Characters belong to their respective owners.
1998
Sonic and Tails were hanging out in Tails' Workshop. Chaos had recently been defeated and now they were relaxing, reading some gaming magazines. "Wow, cool, look at this! Super Smash Bros! All kinds of Nintendo heroes in a fighting game!" Tails smiled, showing Sonic. "This is silly, Samus would destroy Mario!" Sonic laughed. "Wouldn't it be cool if they did a sequel, and we could join?" Tails said, laying back on the floor and looking up at the ceiling in a daydreaming state. Sonic plopped the magazine on his face. "Never happen. This'll only ever be Nintendo all-stars! Flavors of the week like Fox and Pikachu are lucky to even be there for this game!" Sonic scoffed.
1999
Reading a full article on the game, Sonic and Tails got to see who the unlockable characters were. "Huh... Jigglypuff? Seriously?" Sonic muttered, "And who the heck is Ness? Hmm... Captain Falcon... So they have a fast dude..." he mumbled. "And a sidekick! Luigi!" Tails gasped, "Aww... but they already have Fox... Does this mean I'd never get in even if they did allow third parties, because two foxes would be redundant?" he wondered worriedly. Sonic shrugged. "I mean, they have two Italian plumbers. What would be wrong with two foxes? But seriously, we're not even on a Nintendo console. We're as likely as Cloud Strife, heh..." he chuckled. Tails nodded. "Yeah, I guess Final Fantasy fans would have to get... Cecil?" he mumbled. "Yup, and fans of blue heroes would be stuck with Mega Man. We don't got a chance. We'll NEVER be in a game with Mario, buddy. But who needs him. We'll always have Sonic the Fighters!" Sonic winked.
2001
Sonic and Tails learned about Melee at E3, fresh off Sonic Adventure 2 and minds reeling from the loss of their beloved Dreamcast. "Well, they went and made a sequel. And I thought I was fast." Sonic murmured. "Nintendo characters are coming out of the booth. Seems like they got their invitations for the game here at E3." Tails said. Ridley crept next to them. "Rrrr, why wasn't my name called?!" he snarled. "...I'd guess you're too big?" Sonic smirked, stepping away from the space pirate along with Tails. "Looks like it's obvious stuff. Peach. Bowser... More Pokemon. Another Link??" Tails stammered. Sonic chuckled. "And Dr. Mario. Those are the lengths they'll go to to avoid third parties like us. They'll throw in clones, heh." he sighed. A totally flat character ran out, holding up his invite excitedly. "I'm IN!! Yeah!! Mr. Game & Watch lives, baby!!" the flat guy shouted, as two eskimos ran up and hi-fived him. Sonic and Tails stared awkwardly at them. "What happened to Nintendo all-stars, Sonic? What even are those guys?" Tails asked. Sonic tapped his foot. "Well, if they're scraping that far down the bottom of the barrel, they'll come crawling to us soon...especially now that we're console-less..." he sighed. Shadow the hedgehog then stepped up to them with a smirk. "How cute, still hanging around with your number two... How's it feel being number three now, squirt?" the black hedgehog teased. Tails stepped closer to Sonic. "Number three to who? You're dead, Shadow." Tails pointed out. Shadow scoffed. "We'll see how long that sticks. The fanbase wants me back, you know it... I'm already the second most popular character in this series. I'm gunnin' for your spot next, faker! Hehe..." he laughed, walking off. Sonic crossed his arms. "I give it a week. No one can take your place, bro..." Sonic said, giving the fox a small hug.
2007
"I can't believe Snake got in! Snake? Snake!! SNAAAKE!?" Sonic shouted, zipping back and forth in annoyance. The Smash Dojo had become a popular site for a number of game icons to gather around and check out on a regular basis. Today, a bunch were gathered at Tails' workshop waiting for the latest update. Pac-Man was anxiously munching pellets from a bag he'd brung. Rick from the Kirby series was sitting on the couch beside Dixie Kong. Ryu was practicing his punches in the back, and Ridley was peering in the window from outside, along with King K. Rool. Tails was seated at the computer. "Sonic, you gotta let that Snake thing go. At least we can get in now. And with that EGM hoax, I bet we're a shoe-in!" he smiled. Sonic shook off his frustration and nodded. "Yeah, you're right. Betcha both of us get in, heh! They wouldn't take me without you, buddy! We're Sonic & Tails! No less iconic than Mario and Luigi, and more so than DK and Diddy!" he winked. "What about Ryu and Ken?" Ryu asked. "Have you seen the fighters in Smash? It's like, deliberately NOT fighting game characters." Rick pointed out. "I'm gonna refresh the page again!" Tails chuckled. A collective gasp went through the room as the page refreshed and the Challenger Approaching banner was seen... it was... "King Dedede!" Tails shouted. "Dang it! Guess my Smash dreams are dead..." Rick sighed. "There there..." Dixie said, patting his shoulder, "At least you're not too big like Ridley." she stated. "What's that!? Who's talking about me!?" Ridley shouted. "Hey, heroes, you have mail! Hand over the Kong and I'll give it to you!" K. Rool cackled. "Stop method acting and give it, croc!" Sonic grumbled. "Have to stay in character! Nintendo will call any moment.... Any moment...." the croc mumbled, holding his cell phone anxiously. Sonic stepped into the center of the room and stared at his letter. "Ah... G-guys..." he stammered, shaking. Tails turned in his chair. "What is it, Sonic? Mario decide to cancel the Olympics?" he said, "Oops, any of you leak that, you're toast!" he babbled. Sonic shook his head, and held up the letter proudly. "I... am in Smash!!" he proclaimed, prancing about the room and cheering. "Hahaha!! I knew Snake getting in first was an oversight! Yeah!!" he cheered, tossing the letter for Tails to catch. He looked it over, his heart aflutter, but then sinking. "...J-just you, Sonic?" he stammered. Sonic glanced back, and the others stopped congratulating him and backed out of the building. "Oooh, awkward..." Dixie whispered. Sonic scratched his head and sweat a little. "You said... They wouldn't take you without me... More iconic than DK and Diddy, remember?" he stammered, tearing up. Sonic put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll pull some strings. I'll get you something." he smiled. Shadow then stepped into the room, holding his own letter. "Guess you're in, Sonic... And look here... Seems I've been called in to be an assist trophy. I'm on track to be your plus one next time... What were you all saying? No one could take that useless fox's place! Ha!!" he laughed. Sonic scowled at him. "Get out, jerk..." he huffed. "Hmph... Just remember which of us got his own game by popular demand!" Shadow sneered, leaving. "No one liked that game!" Sonic shouted. Tails shivered. The writing was seeming to be on the wall...
2015
A number of characters were called to Nintendo HQ about DLC for Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U. That smug black hedgehog had missed the base game as a fighter again, being an assist once more. Tails thought returning as a Green Hill runner was the end of it, but here he was at Nintendo HQ along with Knuckles, sitting in a waiting room. Waluigi was trying to get past the receptionist. "Waaa!! I was robbed! How does Rosalina get into Smash Bros. before Waluigi or even Daisy!? She hasn't earned her spot at all! Let Waluigi be DLC!!" he shouted. A team of Koopas came out and carried him to the door, tossing him out next to Ridley. "They needed way more Koopas to lift me." the space pirate sighed. Tails looked around the room. Bayonetta, Jacky and Akira were also there representing Sega. "We're a lock, right, Knuckles? Those other Sega guys gotta be posing for Mii Costumes, right? I mean, Bayo, people vote her as a joke. Nintendo would never REALLY put her in the game, yeah?" he asked. Knuckles shrugged. "I dunno anything. I should have always been the assist trophy over Shadow and everyone knows it!" he grumbled. Isabelle was sitting nearby. "We should just be excited to be called in at all! I know I'll be a costume, and that's fine. I mean, who wants to play as a boring old secretary, right?" she giggled. Two alternate Mega Men as well as Proto Man and Zero walked out after posing for Mii Costumes. "I'm surprised Shadow wasn't called to be a costume..." Tails murmured. "He'll probably get his chance another day..." said Chrom from his seat. Even some fighters like Fox and Samus were there to pose for costumes. And...Geno and Cloud? "Which of them do you think are playable?" Tails asked in shock. "If it's Geno I will laugh and laugh..." Knuckles smirked. Finally, Tails and Knuckles were called up. "Alright! What sort of moves should we try for the mo-cap? Oh! How about my magic glove!" Tails said excitedly. A lakitu hovered around them with a camera. "Please, just hold still... We need pictures for your Mii costume creation." he said. Tails' body drooped in disappointment, but Knuckles patted his shoulder. "Chin up... You're semi-playable before Shadow, dude. That's recognition!" he smiled. Tails stood up straight again and smiled back. "Yeah... Who knows, maybe next time I'll finally get my chance!"
2018
Shadow's assist trophy was unseen. Knuckles was invited to take the assist spot. Echo fighters were a new breed of clone, and Tails watched as other long-forgotten characters were called in ahead of him one by one. All while the internet practically screams for Shadow's inclusion, and spits on the idea of his inclusion. The fox tries not to cry... Tries not to break down at the utter rejection and feeling of being utterly alone as all his friends join the fight and he is left on the sidelines... But it grows harder with each passing month.
Ridley had a moment of euphoria as he was finally vindicated. Wrongs were righted against Daisy, but Tails finds himself comforting Waluigi, one of the few other characters who understand his sadness and shame. Simon Belmont felt well deserved, and then Richter shocked the world. Dark Samus just made the cry for Shadow louder, and Chrom got his chance too, another wrong righted. And after so many years waiting for that call... K. Rool instead got his letter. Even all the previously cut characters made their triumphant returns. Everyone was here...except for a handful of forgotten icons...
September was nearing. The August direct still had everyone reeling. Cries of Justice for Waluigi were fading on the breeze. Tails sat on a bench with Waluigi, Isabelle, Rick and Rayman. "Seems like Ken is all but confirmed..." Rayman muttered, swiping on his smartphone. "Don't go by the leakers, they're 99% fake. Well, Smash will never happen for me, but at least I got Star Allies. Boy was I surprised to get called to be playable in something again." the hamster chuckled. "Why does Nintendo hate Waluigi? I think Wario's against me... He hung up on me when I called about joining WarioWare..." Waluigi murmured. Tails nodded. "Sega is writing me as a useless coward, that's not helping my fanbase... Wish Sonic would go to bat for me like the old days but he's too busy with cameos and movie appearances..." he sighed. Isabelle looked around. "Come on, you all should try being more positive! You all still have your games... Oh, sorry Rayman..." she yelped. Rayman chuckled. "It's cool. Don't tell anyone yet, but I'm actually gonna be in Brawlhalla. Smash can take its eliteism and stuff it..." he said. "Can Waluigi join Brawlhalla?" Waluigi asked. Rayman bit his lip. "Uhhh... Look at the time! I must be going!" he babbled, running off. "Waaaa..."
After a delay, Tails saw it live. Isabelle's live reaction was captured before filming her trailer footage. She of all people was called into Smash. They had multiple canines...but no room for a two tailed fox. No room for Sonic's Luigi. He was holding onto hope at this point for Mii Costumes to return, along with his costume. No call yet... It was getting very lonely for those without invites. "...I'll show 'em my stuff in Team Sonic Racing... I'll keep trying... I have to... b-believe in...myself..." he sniffled, looking at a picture of Sonic taken by Dixie on the day he'd gotten his invite. If he just had faith...maybe he'd make it into this round of DLC...even at Shadow's side, if need be...
Update - Nov. 1 - When things looked their bleakest, and all hope seemed lost, the Grinch himself proclaiming his Smashing dreams were a lost cause... The final Direct came and went, and Shadow was found to be an Assist Trophy yet again! Tails was shocked. Stunned. If any Sonic character had a shot at DLC, now it was his chance! However, darkness descended upon the land...
In a sudden moment of fate, an unstoppable force spread havoc across the gaming multiverse. Tails tried to outrun the wave of destruction, but not even Sonic could escape... All...had fallen... Every hero, every villain...had died, reduced to spirits...save one. Kirby had escaped, and it would be his quest...to save all our souls. Can our heroes be saved? And when the time comes...will Tails get his chance to join the fight at last... (in DLC?)
Tails fans have been long-suffering through the wait to see him in Smash, and Tails has suffered along with us. Help end the cycle of despair. Spread #TailsforSmash so that maybe our DLC dreams can come true. (And... RIP Shadow. To be perfectly honest, I was pulling for us getting both of them so the two could settle things in Smash...)
