GCB Fanfics: The Fanfiction Project

July 21st, 2003


Preshow

July 20th, 3:41 PM
Training Grounds

Bomberman had come to this tourney expecting lots of great fights, but he hadn't been counting on meeting many great friends. Last year, most of the other competitors hadn't paid much attention to him at all; he certainly hadn't impressed anyone with his only victory--over Kane, a troop commander. But this time, he'd made friends with Mega Man, Samus and Zero right from the start...albeit in an awkward sort of way. But friends they were, and they were often there for each other--like they were now, as his three friends were on hand to help him train for his big match with Alucard.

And it was a good thing, too...because Bomberman was a little off his game today.

"Bomber--behind you!!" Mega Man shouted.

Bomberman looked back, and lo and behold, there was a bomb not three feet behind him. He'd been blasting his way through several rows of training dummies (the arena had an unlimited supply...he hoped), and apparently one of the bombs he'd thrown had bounced back.

"Waaah!!" he cried, diving for cover behind one of the dummies. He waited nervously for the bomb to explode.

And waited.

Aaand waited.

Then he heard Zero groan.

"...pay attention, you two," he muttered. "That's a remote control bomb."

"Oh yeah," said Bomberman, as Zero shook his head. "Well, that's okay then!" He got the Big Red Button back out of his pocket and, without thinking, pressed it.

"Wait, Bomberman!" Samus shouted, who'd been looking more closely. "It's a--"

The bomb exploded violently...
...which blew up another.
Which blew up another.
Which blew up one about two yards away from Bomberman.
Which blew him sky-high.

"...chain," Samus finished, as he crashed into the ceiling.

----

"I just don't understand it," Bomberman said, as he walked slowly away from the medical ward.

His friends had been somehow concerned when he flew fifteen feet into the air, then fell back to the ground with little Xes in his eyes. Fearing the worst, they rushed him to the medical ward...but he'd developed a bit more stamina over the years than that. Between it and the treatment the staff had given him, he'd not only pull through--he'd be ready for his fight the next day. ...physically, at least.

"I know the moves just fine...I just can't keep track of 'em," he moped, shaking his head to try and clear the cobwebs. "It's like I've got a Skull Virus stuck in my head...."

"Come on, Bomber--cheer up!" said Mega Man (of course). "You've been doing this for years with no sweat, right?"

"Yeah, but that was against stuff like the Bad Bombers! They're not so tough...but these guys sure are." Bomberman sighed, looking sadder than any of the three had seen him thus far. "I'm sure you'll do great again this year, though, Mega. And Samus, Zero--heck, you have already! I sure hope I can stay on till the next round, too...."

So that's what this is all about, Samus realized. Who'd have thought...?

But Mega Man just chuckled. "I thought the same thing last year, Bomber. You haven't seen incompetence until you've seen Dr. Wily," he said, grinning. Then he turned to Samus and Zero. "You guys felt the same way, right?"

Neither of them were sure about that...but, for Bomberman's sake, Samus nodded.
Zero just sort of twitched, but at least he didn't say no.

"Right," said Mega Man. "And you've got great weapons, Bomberman--a few of those things could take down anyone. I know you can do it!" Samus and Zero both nodded...though neither of them were sure about that, either.

Slowly, Bomberman grinned. "Thanks, guys," he said, his head feeling clearer already. "I won't let you down!"

----

July 21st, 3:41 AM
Training Grounds

The night life was pretty tame at the arena. Just about everyone was asleep by now; the best company Alucard could hope for was Vercetti, Duke and Max--and only if they were having one of their drinking contests. But he wasn't here to make friends, anyway. Last year he'd been a total recluse, almost never showing his face outside of the battles. This time, he'd made a few more appearances...but they were mainly at the training grounds.

That's because this year was different.

He'd found the tournament little more than an amusing diversion before, rather than an opportunity to see how strong he really was. As far as he was concerned, that was the only reason he had lost to Cloud. True, Cloud was a fearsome warrior...but he'd defeated worse. And that had disappointed him greatly.

This year, he would face the strongest opponents this tournament had to offer.
This year, he would win.

"You know you'll win...don't you," said a voice behind him.

Alucard whirled at the sound to find Sephiroth at the entrance.

Immediately, he cursed himself for not having sensed his presence. He'd been slashing his way through several rows of training dummies (the arena seemed to have an unlimited supply...not that he cared), and apparently he'd put more of his concentration into it than he'd thought. Anyone with a hair on the back of his neck could sense Sephiroth coming; he'd have to be more careful.

"You know you'll win against Bomberman," Sephiroth continued, as he walked into the room. "And you know you'll win against Kirby, as well."

"Ramza could win against Kirby," the half-vampire retorted.

The son of JENOVA chuckled. "Don't kid yourself, nightwalker."

"What do you want, Sephiroth?" Alucard hadn't sheathed his weapon.

"But they're not really why you're training tonight, are they," Sephiroth continued, as if Alucard hadn't said anything. He was within the Masamune's reach of the nightwalker, now. "...you're here because of me."

"I'm here to compete with this tournament's strongest fighter," Alucard shot back. "Last year, that wasn't you."

"Ahh, Alucard," the villain muttered, chuckling again. "It seems we're actually rather alike, you and I. We both want to prove ourselves. We both won't be satisfied until we face Link. ...we even seem to share the same fashion sense, don't we?" Alucard scowled as Sephiroth raised his arms with a smirk.

"I fail to see the resemblance," the half-vampire said, turning away. He resumed slashing his training dummies; as far as he was concerned, the conversation was over.

"But there's at least one key difference between you and I," Sephiroth went on, again ignoring Alucard's words. "...you are overconfident."

With that, he snapped his fingers. A spark flew off of them, which grew into a full swath of flame within a second. It washed over all of the rest of the training dummies, incinerating them instantly.

Alucard looked back at him with narrowed eyes.

"I, on the other hand, am only as confident as I should be." Sephiroth turned and started to walk away.

He came to a stop near the entrance, however, when he heard Alucard break into a long fit of laughter.

"...yes?" Sephiroth asked, after he had finished.

"If you're going this far to try to intimidate me, I must be a threat already."

For the first time since he'd entered the room, Sephiroth's smile left his face.
...but it was back a few seconds later, as he chuckled once again.

"Touché, nightwalker," he said simply. "See you in Round 3...."



The Battle

Bomberman walked into the arena, good the sun is shining that will help me a lot Bomberman thought to himself. He was accompanies all the way to the gate by Zero and Megaman. Megaman had been trying to cheer him up mentioning all of Bomberman's great moves, and how the vampire didn't even stand a chance Zero hadn't said much though.

"Come on, Bomber. You'll be fine you've fought tougher than this one." Megaman said playfully hitting Bomberman on the arm. "All those guys, you totally annihilated 'em."

"Yeah, but none of them were really tough, not like this guy." Bomberman said back to him, lacking confidence.

"Listen Bomberman, if you go into the fight thinking that you'll lose for sure." Megaman said, putting his hand on Bomberman's shoulder and looking him in the eye, "Confidence is the key, don't forget that."

"Thanks, Mega." said Bomberman grinning feebly at Megaman. Megaman and Zero turned to walk away, Bomberman started out on the field and then he heard Zero's voice behind him.

"Hey, Bomberman. Try not to get killed." Zero said.

Oh great, that really helps my confidence he thought to himself as he walked out onto the field.

Alucard was still in his hotel room. The Sun is still up, just a little longer he thought to himself. I should make an example of this one he thought picking up his sword. No magic, there's no need.

Bomberman was still waiting in the stadium, Oh no the suns going down, and he won't be disqualified for another 30 minutes. Bomberman had been waiting in the Arena for a solid hour and a half. He'd grown restless, nervous, he was sweating bullets. If the sun goes down, I'm done.

Suddenly a group of bats flew into the arena. Yuna screamed, at the sight of bats, which seemed to please Kefka greatly, as he threw a fit of laughter at the procession. The bats flew into the center of the ring and began to circle in close together, flying around in tight circles. The bats began to make out the form of a man, and then they began to merge. Slowly the gothic clothes of the son of Dracula began to materialize out of the swarm of bats, until Alucard was standing there. With one hand holding his saber and the other on his hip. There was a moment of silence from the crowd, and then a roar of applause. The announcer came blaring over the PA "WHAT AN ENTRANCE BY ALUCARD!!!!!" Bomberman stopped in his tracks, totally intimidated. The son of Dracula looked him in the eye's and then smiled and said, "Fear."

"BEGIN!!!" yelled the announcer.

Bomberman wasn't prepared, in fact he hadn't even registered that the match had started. Zero shook his head in disappointment, Samus groaned. A less confident opponent could have ended the match right there. But not Alucard. He simply stood looking at Bomberman for a moment or two until Megaman yelled out, "GO BOMBERMAN, SHOW HIM YOUR STUFF!!!"

Alucard chuckled to himself and shook his head and then said, "Are you going to...'Show me your stuff' or should I start?"

Bomberman suddenly realized what was happening and pulled out a bomb. He lit the fuse and threw the bomb at Alucard. The bomb landed right at Alucards feet. He looked at the bomb for a few seconds and then kicked it back at Bomberman. Bomberman managed to jump out of the way and avoid the main impact of the explosion. He rolled across the ground and tried to quickly ready another bomb but Alucard had already closed the distance and had his sword at Bomberman's throat. "One more?" he said. Then quickly jumped back to the center of the ring in his original position with his saber in one hand and the other hand on his hip.

Bomberman got up, He's making a fool of me, no one makes a fool of me. He thought to himself angrily.

He quickly readied 3 bombs, Underestimating me, eh? I'll teach you he thought. "TAKE THIS!!!!" he yelled throwing the bombs. Alucard looked up at the oncoming barrage, shook his head and slowly walked to the side. Two of the bombs went right past him and the other landed short of him.

"Pitiful." The vampire muttered under his breath, but Bomberman knew what he was saying. With a smile the Bomberman whipped out his......whip and let fly at the bomb. The whip contacted the bomb moments before detonation and flew in the direction of Alucard. Alucard hadn't expected this and couldn't raise a defense in time. The bomb exploded a few feet in front of Alucard and he flew back skidding across the ground.

"Yeah!!!!" yelled Bomberman, "I got him." The crowd was roaring, most of the contestants were on their feet clapping, save for Sephiroth who was trying to suppress his laughter to some extent. Megaman and Samus were on their feet cheering on the bomber, even the quieter Zero had started cheering him on. But then quiet fell. Alucard had risen to his feet. He quickly rolled his neck, a few pops could be heard even at the furthest reaches of the stadium and then Alucard turned to Bomberman and began to laugh.

"Hahahahaha....you pathetic mortal." he sneered at Bomberman, "You can never defeat me. Its time for me to end this." Immediately after he said this a shadow began creeping over the field.

"Oh no." gasped Bomberman as he realized what was happening. "The sun is going down." Quickly the darkness washed over the stadium. Soon there was no visibility, for the normal contestants. I better make a flash bomb quick thought Bomberman fumbling for the materials to make a bomb that would lite the stadium for a short time.

"What's happening!?!?!?!" yelled Megaman, "What's going on I can't see anything."

"You don't want to know." said Raziel who was sitting beside Megaman.

"What?!?!?!?!!" snarled Megamn gripping Raziel by the scarf.

"See for yourself," Raziel said beckoning at the field. Megaman turned around the Flash bomb had detonated lighting an area of about 20 cubic feet. At the center was Bomberman and Alucard. Bomberman's feet were off the ground, blood was trickling down his back. Alucard's fangs were at Bomberman's neck, sucking the life out of him.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" screamed Megaman, jumping the fence and entering the field. He quickly ran up and tackled Alucard, who dropped Bomberman. Bomberman fell onto the ground and slumped back, totally unconscious.

The bell rang. The announcer came over the PA "ohhhh in a dark turn of events Megaman has invaded a match and attacked Alucard, Bomberman will be disqualified."

Alucard got up, stretched his neck again and then said to Megaman, "Something tells me he'll thank you when he comes to." And with that Alucard exploded into a swarm of bats which flew out of the arena.



Aftermath

Three robotic forms had gathered outside Bomberman's room, preparing to wish him farewell as he returned home after his embarrassing loss to Alucard. However, a minute of banging on the door and loud shouting by Megaman were met with only muffled replies from inside, truncated by an occasional sob.

"Come on, Bomber, open up! We just want to say goodbye," coaxed Samus.

"Packing my things...go away..."

Zero's patience was wearing thin. He had been leaning against the opposite wall, trying to look cool and mysterious while keeping his ridiculously long hair from getting messy, a task much harder than it looked. Deciding somebody had to take action, he leaped up, whipped out his Z-Saber and cut the door into several pieces in a few deft slashes.

Megaman, who had been attempting to force the door open, was now understandably surprised by its absence as he flew forward headfirst into the room. This would have been merely an annoyance for the Blue Bomber, perhaps only giving him a few bruises, if he hadn't had the misfortune to land straight onto one of the many stockpiles of bombs scattered around the room. Simultaneously knocking them over and priming them, he only had the time to dive backwards and give a high pitched scream of terror at the resulting, earth shattering explosion.

As the dust settled, the site that greeted the three visitors was not a pretty one. Bomberman was lying on the floor, his wide eyes stained with soot and tears, tissues strewn across the floor. Saums' eyes flickered to his scrawny neck, where two deep, blood soaked fang marks remained.

"Hi, guys," he forced out, shaking off some of the dust and choking down a sob.

"Bomberman!," exclaimed a slightly shaken Megaman, picking himself up off the floor. "Why were you crying?"

"I dunno...I just didn't think I'd lose to that guy in the first round. There was so much more I wanted to do with you guys, and..," at this point, he collapsed in another fit of sobbing. Samus immediately followed Megaman into what was left of the room and knelt down to comfort the bomber. Zero stayed back in one corner, occasionally rolling his eyes at the display.

"It's okay," Samus said soothingly, taking her helmet off and helping Bomberman to his feet. "You tried your hardest, and you put up a great fight against Alucard. Didn't he guys?"

"Of course!," Megaman enthusiatically replied. Zero remained silent.

"Didn't he put up a great fight, Zero?"

"Umm...yeah, great fight. Good job out there, and all that," came his mumbled response.

Bomberman was on his feet, smiling for the first time since the match. "Thanks guys. I'm glad I had friends like you. I guess I'll get going now, but maybe I'll see you next year...good luck in the rest of the tournament!"

He began to exit the room, when suddenly he halted and turned back to Megaman.

"Oh, and thanks for saving me...from him," he said, giving a slight shudder and unconsciously fingering his neck as he recalled the final moments of the match.

Megaman merely nodded, smiling, and continued waving as Bomberman turned the corner and walked out of sight, forever breaking one of the unusual bonds of friendship that had formed between the four.

"So Megaman," came a lightheartedly sarcastic voice behind him, "did Dr. Light program all his robots to scream like girls?"

Samus, hearing this, whirled on Zero in mock anger. "Keep saying things like that and we'll see who screams like what," retorted the female bounty hunter.

----

Alucard was sitting alone in his room, eyes closed. Deep in introspective meditation, he paid little heed to a deafening explosion nearby. Despite his relatively easy victory, he was annoyed at the result of his first match. Even that childish fool was able to injure me during our fight. Perhaps I have been overconfident...no, merely careless. Next time, I'll make sure I come through unscathed, whether against either the knight or that pink fluffball. And after that, well, we shall see.

Grinning, he recollected his brief encounter with Sephiroth.

Yes, his time will come as well...



Today's Authors: Jjukil (Guest), Furious J, Aeon Azuran
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