S2E2 - Smacking and Sparkling

## Smacking and Sparkling

**Smacking and Sparkling** is the second episode of the second season of Video Game All-Stars. With new teams formed, the contestants put their fighting skills to the test.

## Plot

Before the challenge, Wii Fit Trainer wonders where Mugman was in the previous challenge, to which he answers he just spaced out the whole time. She finds this interesting, then goes to make coffee, tasting the beans out of curiosity for eating coffee straight from the bag, finding it disgusting. Mugman takes some of the beans and places them in his head, confusing Kirby and King Dedede. Dedede asks about it, not knowing that Mugman is a mug, understanding no more after it is explained to him. Wii Fit Trainer offers Shadow some beans as well, which he accepts, then Dedede tries drinking the coffee from Mugman's head, finding it disgusting. They talk more about how they like their coffee until the challenge begins.

The contestants gather for the challenge, Dedede saying it doesn't matter because he thinks it will be rigged. Mario agrees, thinking their team name was superior to Team Rainbow All-Star Meals and a Pole, but Kirby disagrees, still being bitter over the name. Marina explains that the teams would take turns fighting each other in one-on-one combat, giving them time to decide an order. Monika decides for the Poles, saying she'll go first, then Daisy, Wii Fit Trainer, Sven, Mugman and Link would follow in that order, getting no objection. Kirby has the idea to put the strongest players in the middle, so Shadow jumps at the chance, saying he's the Ultimate Life Form, so he qualifies for strongest. Dedede adds that he's also the strongest, so he calls third, giving Shadow fourth. Kirby offers to go fifth, then Mario says he'll go first, giving Reimu second. Mario adds that Big Smoke hasn't bothered to show up yet, so he's automatic last. With both orders decided, the challenge is ready to begin.

The first match is Mario against Monika, but before they start Marina lets the Poles know while each member has a health bar, the Poles' advantage is having an extra health bar to use whenever they like. Pearl asks Marina who her bets are on, but she doesn't answer, starting the battle instead. Monika asks Mario if he would really hurt a lady, to which he answers he would to win the challenge, throwing a punch at her. Big Smoke enters late as the two fight, so Shadow explains it to him, saying he's going last. Mario continues a full assault, as Monika attempts to fight back, but eventually she falls down, saying she can't fight anymore. Mario adds that it wasn't personal, happy to score a point for the team. Sven offers her comfort as she struggles to get out of the ring, having injured her leg.

After a brief break, Reimu and Daisy step into the ring, preparing to fight. Shadow tells her to hold nothing back, to which she agrees. Daisy tries to tackle Reimu, but she has danmaku to counter with, firing it at Daisy. Reimu then uses a spell card, leaving Daisy weak, then finishes with even more danmaku. Daisy attempts to dodge all of this, but without much hope, she's knocked out. As Kirby cheers for her win, Shadow notes how he respects their thought out fight order, as the team is now up 2-0. Dedede gets ready to go next, while Kirby still doesn't like him, he says he's rooting for a win. When Dedede sees he's up against Wii Fit Trainer, he immediately loses all hope. As they're fighting, the game transitions, Marina announcing that now they have super gauges for a more powerful attack. Dedede tries charging at Wii Fit Trainer, but is stopped by a soccer ball to the head. Kirby and Mario try to give him genuine advice, but Shadow, taking it less seriously, suggests he does a dance. Dedede listens to this one, having his super gauge filled, doing a spectacular dance that actually damages Wii Fit Trainer, but she gets her super in return, using yoga poses to knock him out, scoring a point for the Poles.

Shadow is against Sven for the next battle, which concerns a few, as Sven is just a dog, but Shadow insists he's fine with it, as well as Sven himself being eager to fight. The game transitions again, introducing the possibility of the opponent getting knocked out of the ring if hit with enough force. Link and Mugman cheer for Sven, as Shadow runs in with a few kicks, angering Sven, who bites back. The two fight closer and closer to the edge, Mario asking Shadow if he really wants to lose to a dog. Shadow throws him down, retorting that he's doing his best. Daisy comments that he's being too rough, but Shadow just tells everyone to shut up, getting annoyed by the constant comments distracting him. Both are on low health and have available supers, that they both use on each other, leaving both with little energy left. Shadow goes in for a finishing attack, but Sven tackles him, ending the match in a tie. Marina gives both teams a point for the tie, which Pearl announces means a win for Triple Metal Dededes, as they are up to three points.

Mugman worries about the loss, thinking he's in danger for doing nothing, so he plans to vote someone who lost their fight, finding that Monika is immune due to winning the prior challenge, simplifying his vote. While this is happening, Big Smoke eats a ton of food, disgusting everyone around him with his lack of manners.

At elimination, Monika, Wii Fit Trainer and Link are revealed to be safe with no votes. Next safe is Sven, who got one vote from Daisy. Between Daisy and Mugman, it is revealed that while the vote was close, Mugman only got two votes from Link and Sven, while Daisy is eliminated with three votes. She doesn't react much, being taken to the New Albacore Hotel.