#YOU LACK SKILL || ( colonel radec ! )

[allstars-apt]

It’s Father’s Day. (drabble!)

Life at the All-Stars Apartments weren’t exactly as lively as their Smash neighbors… but, they were usually much more lively than they were today! Most of the All-Stars stayed to themselves today. The atmosphere was eerily quiet. For War Veteran and newly promoted All-Star; Nathan Hale, this was unfamiliar territory. 

“ What’s with the radio-silence? “ he asked as he entered the lobby. The Lieutenant’s question seem to fall on deaf ears. No one dared look at or answer him. Suddenly, Colonel Radec uncloaked himself and spoke from behind Hale.

“ It is due to the Earth holiday. “ Hale swiftly turned around and grabbed Radec by his collar. The Colonel did not flinch. “ I suggest you remove your grip, Lieutenant. It would be a pity for me to have to kill you in front of everyone. “ Hale let go and briefly apologized. “ ...Sorry. I don’t do sneak attacks. “

“ The mark of a competent soldier. “ Radec replied fondly. “ Alright, alright. Back to the task at hand. You’re saying they’re all like this… because of a holiday? “ Radec nodded. “ Precisely. “ Hale placed his hand on his chin and thought to himself. “ What holiday is today? “

“ It’s Father’s Day. “ Sly answered. He approached the two All-Stars in plain sight. Usually calm, cool, and smug… today, Sly had a sullen look on his face. “ Most guys here… don’t know where their father’s are, have complicated relationships with them, or… have lost them. “ His ears immediately drooped. Hale’s eyebrows furrowed as the information sunk in. “ I’m sorry- “ Sly held up a hand and forced a smile. “ Hey- it’s uh, it’s fine. Just, give folks some space today, alright? “ Hale nodded. “ Understood. “ 

Sly tipped his hat and walked past the two towards the elevator. Once he was away inside the elevator, Sly’s façade faded. The thief pulled out a picture of him and his parents from when he was little, and stroked the picture gently. 

“ I love you, Dad… “ he said as the elevator doors closed.

As Hale stood silently, still thinking about the situation, Colonel Radec placed his arms behind his back and made one final comment. “ I cannot say I truly understand the severity of the matter. I lost my father to the likes of war years ago, and you do not see me sulking about it. “ Hale snarled and turned around towards Radec. “ Hey, you DON’T- “ however, as he turned around… Radec was gone.

Hale squinted at the empty space, then approached a few All-Stars sitting around a coffee table. It was Kratos, Jak with Daxter, Ratchet with Clank, and Heihachi. “ So… “ Hale spoke abruptly. “ Today’s hitting you all hard too, I presume? “ Silent nods were given as a response… except Heihachi. 

“ Not me. I want that pathetic son of mine DEAD and my demon of a father should STAY dead!! HAHAHA!! “ Everyone gave Heihachi a blank stare, and he simply crossed his arms with a smirk. Hale then turned towards the others. “ Anyone else wanna talk about this? “

 Kratos crossed his arms as well. “ I share a similar fate as Heihachi. I thought I was rid of father… yet he is bound to me within this realm. How I long to KILL him agai- “ 

“ Some of us MISS our fathers, y’know. “ Jak interrupted with a glare. Kratos merely scoffed. “ How fortunate… “ Hale turned towards Jak. “ What’s your story, kid? “ Jak sighed and leaned forwards. “ I never knew my father.  I grew up as an orphan. One day I met this man; Damas, he was the leader of a place called Spargus. He died… and it turned out he was my father. He didn’t get the chance to know who I really was when before he left. “ Ratchet placed a hand on Jak and he looked down. 

“ I never knew my parents either. “ Ratchet said. “ I crash landed on this planet called Veldin… all alone. No name, no parents. Turns out my species is all in an entire other dimension, hidden to survive extinction. “ The Lombax sighed, but as he did, he looked down to see Clank’s worried look. Once he saw his best friend, he couldn’t help but crack a smile.

 “ It’s funny… I still don’t know where they are, but I’ve met some incredible people in my life. In a way… It’s like I have my own family, y’know? “

Hale nodded and smiled. “ That’s how you ought to live, Ratchet. “ The Lombax nodded. “ So, what about you? This is your first Father’s Day here, anyways. What’s your story, Hale? “

The Lieutenant sat down silently. He placed his hands together as he spoke. “ I… never really got to know my parents. I lost both to illnesses when I was young. Then, I moved in with my Aunt… then I lost her. Finally, I was adopted by close friends of my Parents. I finally was apart of a family. Then… I was enlisted into the war. With everything going on, I wanted to fight. I haven’t seen any of them since joining... “

Hale was always very stoic, but as he found himself recollecting memories he hadn’t thought about in years… he began to cry. His surrounding All-Stars (even Heihachi and Kratos) knew the pain he was feeling, so they immediately lowered their own heads.

Suddenly, a familiar pup approached the group and handed each of them a flower. Each All-Star stared at Parappa in confusion as he moved. Ratchet was the first to ask, “ PaRappa? What’s with the flowers? “ Hale stared deeply at his tulip as Parappa spoke. 

“ Remember Father’s and Mother’s Day last year? Well, I felt bad that I was so happy to have parents to go home to… So, this year I wanted to give everyone something to help get through the day!! I know it’s not much but- “ 

“ These… were my adoptive parent’s favorite flowers. “ Hale said abruptly. Parappa began to worry. “ O-Oh, my bad! If you wanna have another flower you can- “ Suddenly, Hale hugged the little pup. “ Thanks, son. “ Parappa’s face lit up and he hugged the man back. “ You’re welcome!! “

“ I know a lot of the All-Stars here have a rough time with Mother’s and Father’s Day, but that’s okay!! I think it’s okay to miss your parents, and it’s okay to feel however you wanna! But, if I can make today any easier on anyone… I wanna help! If that means a gift, or leaving people alone to feel, then that’s what I’ll do! “

“ You’re a good kid, Parappa. “ Hale said with a light smile. “ Happy Father’s Day. Tell your old man hi for me, okay? “ Parappa nodded. “ I will! Thanks! Happy Father’s Day!! “

As Hale watched Parappa run off, he felt a sense of relief. He had been with the All-Stars for a while now, and they went from strangers he randomly ran into on a mission, to people he trusted enough to share deep feelings with. Just like Ratchet said, this was his family. 

For once, he didn’t have to worry about war or survival... he could think about his family... and embrace the new one he came to love. That made for the perfect Father’s Day gift for him. 

[allstarsstorymode867]

All-Stars -Story Mode- [CHAPTER 15] Part 1

All done with the first part, I was originally gonna have @edward-richtofen-queen to edit this out but she wasn’t feeling well, I wish her well and a good of luck.

-Chapter 15- -Now we are back to Cuphead and Mugman-

I can see

When you stay low, nothing happens

Does it feel right?

Cuphead had never felt this strong before when he wore the bandolier from WWII after the Colonel had managed to take it off of Mumgan, he wasn’t sure why his eyes are sky blue and feeling more courageous than before but he must make the best of it.

Late at night

Things I thought, I put behind me

Haunt my mind

Mugman uses his blast again on the ruthless Helghast colonel as he had always remember how this goes with the Devil’s debtors when they had refused to give up their soul contracts but with him facing a Helghast who is a ruthless and cold colonel who knows nothing about mercy.

I just know there's no escape now

Once it sets its eyes on you

But I won't run, have to stare it in the eye

Blast had missed Radec as he stepped to the side quickly while he took out a grenade, pulling  then throwing it at Mugman and saying “Try avoiding this attack, Mug.” to him before taking a stand on his feet before powering up the StA-X6 Jetpack.

Mugman shouted as he jumped out of the grenade’s blast range when it exploded with a start but what he heard next was Radec saying “Expect no mercy!” before he felt a punch hitting the side of his head, causing cracks to appear and leaking as his HP is rendered to 1%.

Stand my ground, I won't give in No more denying, I got to face it

“Mugman!” was the second thing that Mguman had heard and this time, it’s Cuphead rushing to help him but was stopped by Radec who had flown in front of him as he got between him and his injured brother. “You lack skill.” Radec said as he levitates above the ground due to the jetpack.

Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside If I don't make it, someone else will stand my ground

Cuphead stood his ground for this as he had felt unfamiliar anger rising up, he then heard a familiar voice in his head as he grinds his teeth.

Don’t let him get to ya, Kiddo, stand your ground for this one.

“I was going to say the same thing about you!” Cuphead splattered out as he readies himself with the finger gun as Radec growled as the thrusters roared with fire.

(Drawn traditionally by Tori who goes by TikTak on Discord but also goes by @this-person-is-slowly-dying on Tumblr)

Wait for it, wait for it….

Cuphead stood still as Radec begins his charge at the cup who stood still on his feet, waiting for the right moment to strike him until U!Dempsey’s voice declared Now!

Cuphead didn’t once hesitate to get the heck out of the way for Radec as he solared passed him. He then opened fired on the jetpack on his back, it burst into flames as Radec landed on his feet and quickly realizes that his jetpack had been damaged due to the noises that is making with the sputtering and rumbling it’s sounded.

He quickly took it off of his back then let’s it drop to the stone floor before running away to hear an explosion behind him, looking back and seeing a fire and a black blown mark where the StA-X6 jetpack stood laid for a moment. Getting out the StA-3 Stova Light Machine Gun once more as he looked at Cuphead once again.

“Primitive... but effective” the Colonel admitted it as he had found Cuphead’s attack quite impressive, reminded him of battles with the ISA in attempted invasion to take Veltka but this kiddo, this cup, is something different, more different than his brother.

“You’re a colonel, how weren’t you not expecting this?” Cuphead jabbed, “If you are that cold blood, you could’ve at least take on all of us without your men ya know.”

Mugman is holding the crack on his head as he slowly got back on his feet shaking, looking over his shoulder to see him and Radec having a stand off against each other. “I could,” he bluffed, “I am the Scolar Visari’s bodyguard and the Hound of Visari, you will be taken back to Helghan for the war, for the glory of my people.”

“Says the Devil who had used us to get the soul contracts after believing that he would spare our souls over theirs then you’re in the wrong place, buddy!” Cuphead rebuked as the light on his finger tip grew brighter with red color.

“Don’t,” Radec threaten, pointing the gun at something…. Or someone before finishing with “Toy with me.” before firing at Mugman who jumped suddenly before falling hard on the ground, hitting his head on the stone floor that made the crack bigger.

Bendy was shocked as he watched the whole thing unfolded before him as Cuphead turned to look at Mugman in horror and shock as he gasped “Mugs!” and attempted to run to his help but a bullet from the StA-3 Stova Light Machine Gun to stop, for him to turn back to Radec with a growling glare from his eyes.

“That’s it.” Bendy muttered in anger under his breath, his eyes turning red with a boiling rage then looked at the entrance where Trace and Frisk had escaped to and shocked to see that it’s Frisk, looking at him and what he can tell from their expression; they had seen the whole thing too.

And it appears that they had an idea as well, from what Bendy can tell from a notepad Frisk had and the whole plan they had came up is written on it. Bendy had read very little word on it and then nodded with a thumbs up.

Cuphead is glaring at Radec as the Helghast aimed the rifle at him, “Your last chance to join.” he said, “Surrender now.” while Cuphead had clenched his fists so tightly, he thought that they had turned white.

Before anyone could do anything to anyone else, a rock suddenly been thrown and then hits Radec on the back. Making him turn around to see who had done it and saw that it was Frisk who did it, “F-Frisk?! What are you doing?” Cuphead stuttered as Radec turned the gun away from Cuphead to aim at Frisk instead.

Frisk, who remained calm, takes off and puts down the rucksack gently on the ground while they’re still keeping their glaze on him. Radec lowered the StA-3 Stova LMG a little when he felt like they had something planned for him, he then asked “What are you doing-?” but was cut off by the Human child putting up a “On hold” gesture with their hand. A music began playing somewhere as Frisk began…. Dancing??

やあ！　忘れたかい！　あの時！ みんな裏切った！　逃げた！

(Hi! I forgot! At that time! Everyone was betrayed! ran away!)

That left Radec and Cuphead even more confused when Frisk shown off the dance moves they had learned thanks to Mettaton, doing the Lock Step, Moonwalk, Natural turn, Open turn, Outside Partner step, Outside turn, Reverse Turn, Rond, Telemark and all other moves that Cuphead had never seen before.

ヘイ！　聞いてんのかい！ 今日限りに　お亡くなり チャンスは　もう二度とない！

(Hey! Do not listen! As long as today The chance is never again!)

Frisk can already remember fighting Mettaton but not actually fighting him, more likely reducing him to a harmless state on a show as it gets a lot more views by the second until it had gotten the greatest reviews.

来ない チャンスは　もう二度とない！

来ない チャンスは　もう二度とない！

みんな見つけた？　アトラクションは終わり 夜の記憶以外　残らない何も

(do not come The chance is never again!

do not come The chance is never again!

Did you find everyone? The attraction is over Nothing but the night's memory)

“What are you doing, child?” Radec finally questioned after seeing this human child dancing for about ten minutes, Frisk then looked at Radec in response and then said

*Distracting you.

“Distracting-?” Radec didn’t have time to finish when he heard a loud thumping from behind him as he turned around to see Bendy, Ink Bendy in Level 2 form, hits him in the head, causing him to be thrown all the way to a wall and hits it on impact. He weakly stands back up and sees Ink Bendy right in front of him, he threw a punch at him then another and then used both his fists to bring down a another blow onto the Helghast Colonel in pain.

“That not possible…” Radec grunted as he felt a wave of pain washed over him like a flood, “Believe it, it’s over.” Cuphead added, saying it is an insult to add to injury, “You’re finished.”

“And to make sure that you won’t get away,” Ink Bendy’s voice was distorted when it chirped, having tentacles made out of ink and wrapped around him tightly like a rope behaved as a snake obeying it’s dark master.

Radec struggled to free himself from the blob of ink, Ink Bendy then slowly turned back into his normal toon self. Cuphead looked at him and Bendy looked at him back before smiling a big grin, the Cup did the same until they both heard a groan, they turned to see who had groaned until Cuphead was the fastest one to look and yelled “Mugs!”

Bendy stood back to watch Radec to make sure that he doesn’t do anything fishy while Frisk ran to their rucksack, picks it up and then runs over to his side with Mugman who had plomped his back against the wall.

“Cups?” he groaned out as he holds onto his head to prevent it from leaking more, Cuphead looked at the cracks that Radec had made and they are nearly all over his head. “Wow, he…. He got you good Mugs.” Cuphead stuttered, trying to find something for him to say for Mugman to feel comfortable.

*You are in quite a predicament in his situation. *Then you’d remember the scarf you had found earlier before Radec caught up to you guys. *try to wrap it around his head as a temporary bandage?

                                 >[Yes]                               [No]

                                                    >[Yes]<

Frisk gently wrapped around the Mug’s head like a nurse treating an injured patient that had gotten a war injury. It loop over his head two times before tying it under it his head.

*Like out of the blue, you are feeling drunk all of sudden. *Almost to the point that you had forgotten everything but a few memories left behind. *Just an endless drinking haze to drown those memories to forget the painful you hated the most.

*You are filled with… reminiscence

Mugman’s eyes had changed into ocean blue color, he groaned as he rubbed his head and rubbed it with his hand, “Oh… My head and my behind…. What happened?”

“You were knocked over by Mael Radec, hit your head on the floor and reduces your HP to 1%, Mugs.” Cuphead explains this as he holds the crack on his brother to feel the leaks but none so far, thankfully.

“Really? But I feel like I had a hangover after drinking too much.” Mugman replied when Trace peeks through the entrance where Frisk had came in, looking to them and to Radec in surprise.

“Hey!” she said as she runs over to them in a worried pace, kneeling down as well and looking at Mugman, “What happened?” she asked.

*You had to retell her what had happened with their battle with Mael Radec. *Then you had to use the scarf they had found to stop the leaking.

Trace listened closely as she looked Mugman, “All this happened when we were-” then heard unfamiliar sounds from the entrance, coming closer to where they had come in to see who was singing that lullaby. Trace kinda got up and said “I don’t wanna be here if he had sent friends here.”

“If he did, you better get going before they get here.” Cuphead said as he stood up, readying the finger gun again, “Best find an alternate route back to your dad, I hope we’ll bumped into each other again when we get the chance.”

Trace giggled rather nervously, and then said “Don’t worry, I had been here for two days so I will find my way back here.” when she nodded before running off to the second entrance and disappeared into the darkness when the running feet from the first entrance is getting much louder.

Frisk stood up and got out the stick, ready to defend if Cuphead was weakened from the enemy’s attacks, Bendy is ready to fight as well but he had to make sure that Radec doesn’t go anywhere and if he had called in back up.

They are getting closer while they took a deep breath, ready to scream as they can hear them coming near and then from the entrance was…..

P!Dempsey, Scarlett, Erron Black and Miss Pauling had come in with weapons ready to use, causing to let out a sigh out in relief upon seeing the humans instead of Helghast. The four looked over to Mael Radec and saw him stuck inside the blob of ink and he was still struggled to break out of it. “I’ll be damned, they got him before we can.” he said, amazed to the point.

“It was a long story.” Cuphead said as he stood down with relax to know that they had managed to survive through a camp owned by the Helghan Empire but surprised quickly when Dempsey looked at the bandolier that Cuphead was wearing across his chest.

The first words that uttered out of his mouth were “Where did you get that?”

Cuphead looked at the bandolier and back to Dempsey with an eyebrow raised but Erron had spoken up as he looked around then at Mugman and Frisk when he said “And from what I can recall, you must be the kids I had helped out, yeah?”

                                       >[Yes]                        [No]

                                                       >[Yes]<

Erron looked Frisk and then at Mugman as he raised an eyebrow then looked over to Bendy and said “Did you trapped that Colonel?”

“Yep.” Bendy answered without hesitation, as he looks at Radec.

“Lucky guess.” Erron said as he walks over to the trapped Colonel while he got one revolver out and then stopping in front of him, making Bendy to step out of the way to make way for the Outworlder to aim the gun at him and wanted to be sure that Radec is looking at him and the weapon he had in his hand.

“Karma’s was coming to get you eventually, just wanted you to know that.” Erron said as his eyes are trained on Radec’s, “Why are you doing this?”

Colonel Radec had said until he spoke “My sole purpose in life; is to serve and protect Helghan from opposing forces like you all, UCA, ISA but this planet… You all are that threat against us and I haven’t knowledge what was to come until now. My capture would bring me shame from Helghan if they knew this.” “Oh trust me,” Dempsey said as he walked to Erron’s side and pointed a MR6 at him as well, “It will be a lot more by the time we’re through with you.”

“Still,” Scarlett said, making Radec to turn and look at her before she continues to say “I am not so why all of this was over Miss Pauling here, even those that are involved are children, truly children despite two of them are a cup and a mug.”

“Taking Colonel prisoner is now accomplished, now for answers from-” but then Miss Pauling was interrupted by an explosion from above them, making them all look up at the ceiling.

“What was that ...?!” Miss Pauling babbled, Radec listened closely on the noise from above before saying “Something else is happening up there, we must return to the surface.” and for the first time, he had realized something else is going on this planet.

“Let get up there then!” Cuphead suggested as he puts up the finger gun once again but then turned over to Mugman before running over to him while Erron and P!Dempsey looked at each other before looking at Bendy.

“Ya think you could be able to carry this Colonel, Bendy?” Erron asked, Bendy points to himself as he looks at both directions, “Can ya?” Dempsey asked next.

“I… I think I can, if he drowns then it doesn’t matter if he had, right?” Bendy answered hesitantly, Erron nodded as he thought “This devil may not be Ermac but he’ll do.”

“Just a sec…” Bendy said as he then barely morths back to his Level 2 form winch surprises everyone around him, even Cuphead aimed the finger gun at him as he remembered his and brother’s encounter with him for the first time.

“I don’t think that you-”

“I can, you Helghast demon.” Bendy’s voice had turned back with distorted when he sneered, picking him up and threw him over his shoulder just as Cuphead then returns back to Mugman and then puts his arm over his shoulder and a hand on his side.

“Wow, he looks pretty bad,” Miss Pauling said as she looked at him, “Better get him to the Medic.”

“Indeed.” Scarlett said as she placed her hand on her shoulder, “Besides, I hope Richtofen will be able to explain the whole….” as she looks at P!Dempsey as he walks out of the room, Erron, Bendy and Radec behind him. “The “double” part to my team.”

“If we take care of what was going on up there first.” Miss Pauling replied as she cocks the pumb of the shotgun as she turned over to Frisk, Cuphead and Mugman. “You three are safe with us, come on!” she said as she turned and then jogs after them, Frisk nods before going to help Cuphead carry Mugman out of the Caverns, back to the place of their captivity.

[allstars-apt]

There’s Always a Catch (drabble)

I’m... used to surviving. I’ve been fighting for what seems like forever. Every second, every minute, every hour I spent away, I was playing his games. He took... everything from me. So, you could imagine how I felt when I finally got the chance to get away from him for good. Or, at least... I thought it was for good.

“ ngh... M-My head... “ With a low grunt, the man slowly opened his eyes. Once he did however, what he saw startled him. “ G-GAH!! “ The bearded man woke up in the middle of the lobby of the All-Stars Apartments! It just happened that most All-Stars were there, and of course they had their eyes on him. Instinctively, the man frantically backed up to the closest wall near him and began panicking. 

“ W-Who are you people?! What do you want with me?! “ 

“ Relax, Mister Kane. “ an omnipotent voice answered. The manic man looked around to find who spoke to him. As he looked up, Polygon Man materialized before him. This caused the trench coat wearing man’s heartrate to increase. 

“ H-How do you know my name?! Who... what are you?! “ Polygon Man simply chuckled at the man’s paranoia. 

“ Oh MARCUS, do you not remember? You’ve been a guest within my Complex before! In fact you’ve been an All-Star this whole time! “ 

Marcus’ eyes widened. “ All-Stars... I-I’m in those Apartments again, aren’t I? “ Polygon Man nodded. “ Precisely. “ Suddenly, Marcus began slowly laughing. Tears of joy trickled down his face as he slowly slumped to the ground. As he hit the ground, he hugged it. “ I-It worked!! I’m... I’m free!! “ Polygon Man ignored Marcus’ joyful display and continued his introduction. 

“ Yes, I knew your feeble mind would recall! We did not formally meet during your last visit. I am Polygon Man; the curator of the All-Stars and creator of the Apartments. “ 

Marcus wiped his eyes and nodded. “ Oh, uh, nice to meet you then! A-Are the other All-Stars here? Drake, Cole, Parappa- all of them? “ Polygon Man nodded once more. “ Of course they are. Would they be elsewhere, Mister Kane? “ Marcus actually smiled at the Polygonal head. “ I’ve gotta see ‘em ASAP. I’m gonna tell ‘em the good news!! “ The man began to stand back up, but as he got back on his feet, Polygon Man interrupted him with a raised brow. “ Oh? Good News you say? What a coincidence! I have great news for you as well! “ 

Marcus paused. He just met this weird head guy... what news could he possibly have for him? 

“ You... do? “ 

Polygon Man smirked. “ I do indeed! Now it has come to my attention that you made a request from MR. CALYPSO haven’t you? A wish to be separate from NEEDLES KANE, yes? “ 

A sharp cold feeling surged through Marcus’ body. “ H-How did you know- “ 

“ Oh please, Mister Kane. Do not underestimate my abilities. I know the activity of all of my All-Stars! As I’ve said, you made a request to Mr. Calypso! I am here to tell you, he has entrusted myself to see your wish is fulfilled! Is that not wonderful? “ 

Marcus darted his eyes to the side, then back at the head. “ Uh... Okay. As long as I have my life back, I don’t care who it comes from. “

“ Delightful, Mister Kane. Simply delightful. Now I hope you realize I couldn’t simply remove an All-Star from my Tournaments! So, I spoke it over with Calypso and we came to a perfect solution. “ 

“ HONEY... I’M HOME!! “

Marcus turned pale. He knew that voice, he HATED that voice. That voice clung to his mind like a LEECH as soon as he first heard it. He quickly turned around to see Sweet Tooth eagerly standing before him with open arms. 

“ No... “ Marcus muttered. “ N-No, NO, NO!!! How is he here?! How are we- “ Polygon Man swiftly interrupted the bearded man. 

“ It’s simple Mr. Kane; You wished to be separated from Needles for good! I could not remove such an iconic addition to my All-Stars, so I’ve decided that he shall remain in the All-Stars with you as his roommate! You get your wish of having a sane mind, and my roster remains in-tact! Yes, yes, genius I know. “

“ N-NO! THIS ISN’T WHAT I MEANT WHEN I SAID- “ Marcus’ outburst was interrupted by Sweet Tooth’s gloved hand on his shoulder. 

“ YOU GOT PLAYED, SWEETHEART. YOU THINK YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO’S EVER BEEN FROM CALYPSO? HAHAHA!! YOU’RE EVEN DUMBER THAN I THOUGHT. “ Marcus was furious. As the clown laughed at him, Marcus couldn’t help but see red. Needles has done so much to him, tried to trap him in his own head for so long... now this? Marcus felt his fists clench harder and harder until he snapped. 

“ RRRAGH!! “ He lunged towards Sweet Tooth. The clown easily caught Marcus then yanked him closer to him. Within seconds he had his machete held against Marcus’ neck.

 “ Y’KNOW I’VE BEEN TRYIN’ TO KILL YOU FOR SO LONG IN OUR OWN HEAD. I NEVER THOUGHT I’D GET THE CHANCE TO DO IT IN PERSON!! OOH, I’M GETTIN’ GOOSEBUMPS JUST THINKIN’ OF ALL THE WAYS I CAN MAKE YOU- “

Suddenly, both Kanes were surrounded by symbols of shapes. The two were frozen in place by Polygon Man himself. He used his powers to lift the two to his eye-level. 

“ Now, now my All-Stars. Save the energy for the battlefield! Mister Needles, might I remind you on our no killing policy? Or shall I return you to your underground abode? “ 

The clown rolled his eye. “ SAVE YOUR BREATH, HEAD. I’LL BE ON MY BEST BEHAVIOR. “ 

“ Now Marcus, consider this a warning. You are a guest within my Apartments now. You and Mister Tooth are technically the same person, so you will be expected to follow the same rules he does. You two shall rotate on battle appearances, and I want NO fighting between the two of you, AM I UNDERSTOOD? “ Marcus glared at Needles, but ultimately sighed. 

“ Understood... I’m sorry. “

After the two’s statements, Polygon Man slowly set the two back onto the ground and unfroze them. Sweet Tooth let the other go and sheathed his sword, then Marcus dusted himself off and placed his hands in his trench-coat pockets. Polygon Man smiled at the sight of the two not killing each other.

 �� That is more like it! Now, enjoy your stay Mister Kane! I’m sure the other All-Stars have missed your presence. “ 

Polygon Man then slowly ascended upwards, disappearing into a bright light of fading PS symbols. As he disappeared, the All-Stars ran towards Marcus shouting for him. “ MARCUS!! “ Seeing his friends once again, Marcus couldn’t help but cry once again. 

“ Hey-Hey, Marcus! You’re alright!! “

“ You had us worried for a second there, pal! “

“ way to not die. “

“ We’ve gotta have a party or somethin’ now that you’re back!! “

“ Spare me no details in recalling your battle with the other combatants in Twisted Metal. “

“ You’re not gonna leave us this time, are you Mr. Marky? “

Despite the overwhelming amount of people sent his way, Marcus wiped his tears. With a big smile, he finally answered. 

“ I’m alright guys. And I’m here... for good. “ The room erupted with cheers as folks hugged and surrounded Marcus. Sweet Tooth quietly made his way back towards his Ice Cream Truck and mumbled under his breath. 

“ WELL, NOW THAT HE’S HERE...  IT’S TIME TO START PREPARING MARKY’S WELCOMING PRESENT!! HAHAHA!! “

Y’know, this wasn’t exactly how I expecting things to turn out after I won Twisted Metal this year. But just because life doesn’t turn out the way you want, doesn’t mean good things aren’t in store for you. I still have no idea what that clown did to my family, but even if I never find them... I’ve got plenty of family right by my side.