Runeterra, Magic Universe

"Thanks for letting us stay with you, Soraka. You are a really big help." Crusadermon said.

"Man, I still couldn't believe we managed to pull it off." Zelos said.

"Tell me about it. We've hit the big time with everything we got from those dungeons." Lloyd said.

"Yes... So many discoveries as well! From beginning to end, this has been quite the marvelous and riveting experience!" Raine said.

"We are doomed to deal with that forever, are we?" Mayumi asked, referring to Raine's Ruin Mode.

"Yeah, sorry... But at least she wasn't gushing out the whole time. So, that's progress I think." Genis said.

"It is my pleasure. I am glad that I am able to house all of you." Soraka said. "And speaking of 'big time'..." she said as there were a lot of invitations for Smash.

"What the? How did you get all of these?!" Genis asked.

"These were given by a benefactor." Soraka said as the invitations said they were from G & D.

"G & D? I can think of two people who these might fit." David said.

"You assume correct." a voice said as they saw a figure in white robes and another in black clothing and one eye.

"Whoa! What the hell happened to your eye?!" Teepo asked.

"Teepo, language!" Elize said.

"It's pretty much always been like this. Don't you remember?" the dark figure asked.

"Yeah, we remember. But… It's just so weird seeing you both like this." Sachiko said.

"Forgive us, but it was the best way we could communicate with you without drawing too much attention to ourselves." Galeem said.

"Anyway, you're not here to zap us with light again, are you?" Lloyd asked.

"Not this time, Lloyd Irving. In fact, we have a bit of a delivery to make." Galeem said as he motioned to Soraka.

"Yes, of course." Soraka said as she gave an invitation that is addressed to Sora. "You wish to deliver this to him personally, correct?"

"Yes. I believe it will be quite the surprise for him." Galeem said.

"So, Sora's got the last spot, huh?" Lloyd asked.

"Yes… But… That is not all. We have a special invitation for you and a few of your friends." Dharkon said.

"A special invitation?" Lloyd asked as Soraka gave him a letter that was addressed to him as he opened it and started reading. "Dearest Recipient. Over the course of the production of this upcoming tournament, we know that not everyone would be able to make the main draw. Which is why we are pleased to present you with this special Wild Card invitation. Due to the sheer number of entrants in this tournament, you can also look forward to some special rules. Fight your hardest, and best of luck. -G & D"

"Oh my goodness… I-I can hardly believe it…!" Lloyd said.

"That is right, Lloyd. It was a long time coming, but you finally made it in." Galeem said.

"That's great news, Lloyd! I'm so happy for you!" Colette said.

"So...no hard feelings about…" Galeem started.

"Hard feelings? Since when? I mean, yeah, being controlled wasn't all that great and all, but I'm still glad you gave me another shot at this." Lloyd said.

"I wasn't expecting such thanks from you after all that has happened." Galeem said.

"Ah, don't be such a stick-in-the-mud, Galeem." Dharkon said. "We lost to them fair and square back then. It was only fair that we extend this invitation to them. Besides, when you think about it, his words did ring some truth back then."

"Yes… I suppose for once, I can agree with you." Galeem said. "But what of the ones that are supposedly dead?"

"Hahahaha! You just leave those ones to me. I might be able to pull some strings to bring them along." Dharkon said.

"For once, I hope you know what you're doing." Revali said.

"Have a little faith, will you?" Dharkon asked.

"Hey, um… If you have any Wild Card invitations for the other groups, do you think you can pass those along too?" Alphamon asked.

"We're not sure the reactions to our appearance will be pleasant, but I'm very sure I'll manage it." Galeem said as they both departed.

"Still, I can't believe it. A Wild Card invitation, huh? It feels so surreal." Lloyd said. "I mean, I wish that everyone else can come along too."

"What are you saying? You've been looking forward to this for a long time, of course we're gonna come!" Genis said.

"Genis is right, Lloyd. A lot of us have been looking forward to something like this as well. This is going to be crazy." Leopardmon said.

"Especially since Cheetah, Poison Ivy, and Captain Cold are still owed a fight against Terry for winning that special KOF tournament." Francisca said.

"Well, yeah there's that, but… Something tells me they have more of a reason to attend now." Sectonia said. "I mean, they are co-investors of the Fighter's Arena after all. They pretty much would have to come if they could."

"Yeah. Besides, one of the other entries have me thinking about them… Particularly Jessica, Yangus, and Angelo… Like they're going to reunite with an old friend." Regal said.

"Yeah, it kind of feels that way too. I'm not going to lie. I am getting so pumped up for this!" Zacian said.

"Yes. This piece of news has just given us a lot to look forward to." David said. "Well, some of our companions, more so than others, but… All the same, you better be ready, Lloyd. You're gonna be facing a lot of heat in there."

"I know that for a fact. Don't worry, I won't be going down easy." Lloyd said.