The Shroud of Darkness
Lady Toadstool. Lady Toadstool. Lady Toadstool. Princess, please... awaken...
Fitly so, her eyes did open. Blue orbs like the ocean, stared dead ahead towards an image of pink. Her body rested upon bed sheets as soft and as plush as clouds themselves, matched with the pink and white of her blankets and pillows. A warm yawn escaped the young woman, as she finally managed enough strength to pull up. Her back ached and pained in various ways, while she bit upon her bottom plump lip. Her dainty hand stroked across her face, while an exasperated groan escaped her lips.
Her rest was near perfect, ruined by the voice in her head. Now that she was awake, how could she ever return to her slumber? Could she return to her slumber? Thanks to the sunlight streaking through the window, that was a flat 'no'.
She pulled herself up from her bed, her hand finding way to the back of her head. Between her golden-blond hair, she scratched her head, and felt a jolt of energy find way through her body. She was still half a sleep of course, but was rapidly finding the energy to stand. She pulled her legs over the edge of her queen-sized bed, her blue eyes staring out towards the massive size of her bedroom. Avant-garde designs lined the chamber from wall to wall, truly a style no one else had; all of it tailored to her specific tastes. It wasn't the kind you'd see in Hyrule, Sarasaland, or even the likes of Dreamland or Midgar. No, this style was simply peachy.
The young woman rose from her bed then, trailing through her room in her pink nightwear. Making way towards her window, she pressed her hands beneath it, and pushed up slowly. Opening the window up wide, her blue eyes stared out of it while the wind rushed alongside her. Her blonde hair was slightly rustle by the wind, so too her white curtains. She merely stared against it however, out towards her castle.
A white castle, with pink roofs lining it the tops. An amazing castle, visible from the fields far outside her castle town. Toad Town, is it's name. Named after the denizens of this kingdom; the toads. She stared down towards the city streets, seeing as it was dotted with various citizens. Their heads like giant mushrooms, all of them sporting a different design. Red here, blue there, pink there, yellow, green; pretty much every color. Oh look, there were a few Shy Guys among them as well.
These were her people. Her people. The young woman – their ruler – reached her hand out from her window. Left and right, she waved them in a gentle manner. Some of her denizens saw her doing this, and began waving back. There were smiles on her, as they saw her as the most perfect person ever. A variable goddess.
"Good morning Princess!" a voice echoed from below.
She laughed from the statement, and continued to wave her hand to and fro, before the door behind her suddenly opened up. The princess launched up like a cat in fear, turning around with her hands attempting to cover herself. However, the person who suddenly sprang up on her wasn't an intruder of any sort, instead a toad much like the rest. An older toad unlike the others, with a bushy white mustache that covered his mouth and chin. His fungi top was brown on white, the most muted color one could see of Toads, in fact. His small spectacles sat on his face, gleaming in this sunlight, while the young woman merely glared at him.
"Toadsworth!" Peach shouted at him, her face flaring red with embarrassment, "What are you doing!? You just cant barge into my room without even knocking first!"
"Oh please, Princess Toadstool," the older man claimed as he walked further inside, his cane clanking against the floor, "There's nothing on your body I haven't seen already! After all, I did raise you for most of your life!"
"That doesn't change the fact that I'm not four anymore!" she snapped back, "You just can't barge into my room without my saying so!"
"Then perhaps try locking your door next time," Toadsworth replied with a chuckle, as he approached her closer, "I believe you would've learned that lesson, considering the fact that we were attacked not too long ago by Bowser some time ago. One would think you want to be captured some times... oh-ho ho!"
He turned and continued his chortles, while his very annoyed ruler threw bed-sheets upon him. Considering his short stature, it took him a while to navigate from under the blankets and stare at her, watching as she chuckled at his predicament. Sighing as he settled his glasses, the older toad gave a hard groan as he placed his fists on his hips.
"Okay, be that as it may," Toadsworth said as he regained his composure, "We have a pretty busy day ahead of ourselves, Princess Toadstool!" she walked pass him as he said that, making way for her wardrobe in the corner of the room, "We'll be taking the train station out of Toad Town – don't worry, Toadette will do a great job in looking over the castle – we'll head through Hyrule Castle Town, over the plains of...! Princess! Are you even listening?"
"Yes, Toadsworth, I am listening," Peach said as she began to pull out various dresses, before heading for the mirror.
"Well... quite, Princess," Toadsworth said before turning around as to not face her as she dressed to down her, well, unmentionables, "Mmmhhmmm! Yes, to continue! Taking the train through Hyrule Castle Town and over the plains of Midgar, it shouldn't take us too long to make it to our destination!"
"And where might that be, Toadsworth?" Peach asked as she pulled out from her nightgown.
"Princess! You should know this!" he replied, "We've been planning this trip for months now! No, at least a year! Why, I brought it up to you little over last year! Towards the end of that whole Subspace... whatever-whatever! It is time we connected everything and everyone in this world of Trophium, just in case we have another invasion of those things! Why, remember what happened to you?"
"Yes, yes, I remember..." Peach replied before shivering, "I don't pray trophication falls upon anyone, Toadsworth. It... it is honestly a fate far worse than death... ugh..."
"Uh, Princess, trophication is death, remember?" he corrected as he stroked his mustache, "How many times must I remind you of that information?"
"It is still not a great image in one's head," Peach belied in a less than enthusiastic manner, before sighing as she pulled herself into her bedroom, "But, please, Toadsworth, continue!" her voice emanated from beyond the wall.
"As the for what we are doing – since you are so keen on forgetting – not only are we connecting our forces for a stronger united front. Since not only will the likes of Princess Zelda and... ah-hem... King Dedede... even though I don't think he's a king, there will also be representatives of the newer worlds who have arrived into the land of Trophium."
"Uh... newer worlds?" Peach asked in question, as he heard the shower activate.
"Yes, yes! Those of the Xenoblade world! Or Guar or... whatever... ah-ha! And those from the land of Midgar, and that Umbra Witch and their representatives! This shall easily be the largest gathering of people and forces seen this year! Or perhaps of all years! It's truly hard to figure out. And at the forefront of it all shall be you!"
"If I'm at the forefront," Peach called through the wall, "Then why aren't the festivities being held here? At the Mushroom Kingdom? Why do we have to go... wherever we're going, if I'm the one leading the charge here?"
"Why, yes, of course, Princess Toadstool. It is a matter of simple convenience! The land we are heading for happens to be in the heart of the world of Trophium. Well, of lands that have been discovered thus far, of course and not taking into consideration the Lylat System, which is all the way in outer space."
"I see... a matter of simple convenience..." Peach repeated lowly, so that Toadsworth could not hear it, "Well then... what is the land that we are going to, Toadsworth?"
"Ah, yes, the land is called... hm... now then... let me see here... you have to apologize, I tend to miss-pronounce it name quite often."
"What was that?"
"Give me a second!" he reached into his vest to pull out a piece of paper. After settling his glasses on the word inscribed on the piece of paper, the older toad nodded his head and smiled, "Yes! The land we are going to is a place called Archanea! Or perhaps Ylisse... it's hard to judge; they've been practicing with time manipulation! I swear it, my dearest Princess!"
"Archanea?" Peach replied, "Hm... who is the leader of Archanea?"
"Why, it is a young man... he goes by the name of... oh dear! We must hurry!"
"What? Toadsworth!?"
"I just checked the clock, and it appears as if we may be a tad bit late for a minute or two! I must work quickly, Princess Toadstool! Ready the trains and call the Mario Bros. before we depart! No, wait! Isn't Luigi at Sarasaland with Princess Daisy? Or is he staying at that mansion of his? Oh! It's hard to settle down! Do, please, make haste, Princess! I shall be back!"
"Ahhh... gosh... darnit, Toadsworth..."
Peach's hand found the knob of her shower, twisting it and turning it off. Groaning as she stood in her shower stall, the princess pulled down a towel in order to cover her naked body. Stepping out into her bedroom, she found it to be as empty as it was when she woke up. On her bed, laid her iconic pink dress; could she wear anything else? Well, seeing as how there was no sport activity going on in her kingdom at the time, the answer is simply no.
As Peach pulled her pink dress into her arms, her eyes glanced over towards her mirror. She rested her clothing in front of her body, as she had done so time and time before. As she stared at herself, an image of disdain sat on her face. Oddly enough, not even Peach herself could explain just why that image sat on her face. Was she sad? No. Nor was she bored with the prospect of this trip. This journey was for the betterment of the entire world, to ensure another Subspace Emissary never happens.
So why? Just. Why?
Lady Toadstool. Lady Toadstool. Lady Toadstool. Princess, please... awaken...
…
Sparkles. Glistening, glowing, glittering sparkles shimmered around her hands. When she moved them left, they followed. When she moved them right, they followed. Placing her glove-less her hands together, she pulled them apart and created a rainbow of light. No, literally; in between the princess of Toadstools hands, laid a perfect, arching rainbow bridge.
"Lovely, Peach," her friend stated from across the table, "You still make them better than I can."
She was a young woman, similar in age and stature to Peach herself. No, wait, she was just a tad bit taller. Long brown hair hung from her hair, two braids at the sides, and even the back made into a larger one. Her skin tone is, quite honestly, somewhat pale, indifferent to her indigo eyes. Her ears, sharp and pointy, like an elf in popular culture. But to call her an 'elf' would gain one a swift slap of magical properties; she's a Hylian, you see. And not just any Hylian. With the tiara on her head, and the various golden adornments on her body, she's simply the ruler of them.
Princess Zelda herself sat across from Peach, the duo riding along a most magnificent train. It glided along the train tracks at a moderate – yet quick – pace, as the lands passing them by were just a blur. On board this train, multiple Toads and Hyrulean soldiers ran left and right, making the trip as comfortable as possible for the two Princesses.
"I can only make sparkles, Zelda," Princess Peach said as she slowly slid her gloves back onto her hands, "You can teleport, cast fire, envelop yourself in a shield of crystals, summon ghosts and... you know that Sheik guys number; how'd you get that, exactly?"
"Ah-ha! Sheik's just an old friend!" Zelda laughed as she hand waved it off, all while a blush formed on her face, "Besides, Sheik's not the kind of guy you're after! He's more of a quiet type anyway! You wouldn't like him; after all, you'd do all the talking anyway!"
"Zelda, I already do all the talking," Peach replied, making her friend's face grow sharp as she glared at her, "But that's fine! I like your quiet nature anyway!"
"Hey... I'm not that quiet..."
"Please, you're more quiet than Link."
"Didn't your mother ever teach you to think before you talking, Peach?"
"No, but I'm pretty sure Toadsworth told me a think or two about that before!"
Peach laughed at her statement, while Zelda took a dainty sip of the drink before her. While the blonde slowly grew silent, her eyes trailed out towards the window they sat besides. So too did Zelda's, and the two Princesses looked out towards the vista together. The image of green fields and mountains trailed by the two. Things grow solemn as they stared, neither side saying a word. Instead, they merely gazed upon the fields. There were light signs of destruction in certain areas; the wounds of a battle that occurred such a while ago. And yet, it felt just like yesterday.
"I can't believe it's been a year already," Peach said, her voice holding a twinge of disdain, "It feels just like last week when that first Subspace Bomb activated... an entire arena... gone in an instant."
"I've seen just as much destruction... and even I still can't fathom the power of it," Zelda claimed, before sighing and putting on a genuine smile, "But that's why we're doing what we're doing. To make sure such an unspeakable act ever happens again."
"Yes... to make sure it never happens again..." Peach repeated, before raising her hand.
For seemingly no reason, she caused sparkles to glisten around her hand. While Zelda nonchalantly sipped on her drink, the Princess of Toadstools merely gave a hard sigh.
"Excuse me, Zelda," she said as she stood up from the table, "I need to get myself some air..."
"Mmm-hmm..." Zelda merely answered as she continued to drink.
Peach made her way down the aisle of the glorious train car, walking through the doors at the far end. Walking along the small gap that connected train cars together, she opened up through to the immediate next car. As soon as she stepped foot inside, the entire car shook, the heat rose, and sounds of grunts and pain echoed through the hall.
Peach came to a dead halt at the entrance to the train car, standing straight as her eyes cut forward. The first thing that attracted her, was the allure of a powerful blaze. In the palm of a gloved hand, sat an orb of glistening fire. It swirled in place, as a puff of steam rose from around it as well. A blazing flame of indescribable power, capable of incinerating those foolish enough to get close. And yet, it swayed under the command of a man. A man with brown hair, blue eyes, and the most iconic blue overalls and red hat this side of of the kingdom. The one, the only...
"Let's a go!" Mario shouted as he pulled back his hand, minute traces of fire following with his limb.
He glared across the battle-worn train car towards his opponent, a certain young man in a green tunic. His chest was charred thanks to fire, but that wasn't enough to end his resolve. His well groomed blonde hair sat tucked beneath a green cap; his most enduring colors. In his hand sat a blade more powerful than time itself, and a shield capable of withstanding the strongest of attacks. Despite taking a mighty strike to the chest, he looked no less worse for wear, and more than ready to keep this battle going.
"Seeeeeetttt!" Link shouted as he readied his blade.
The two took dangerous steps towards one another, their blue eyes glaring had at their mutual opponents. They were scanning each other now, taking strides to point out any glaring weakness or whole in the others defense. However, upon realizing they were in the presence of royalty, the two straightened themselves out. Link and Mario gazed to Peach together, the Hero of Time gaining a silly embarrassed blush on his face. Mario however merely smiled as he tipped his hat up at his princess.
While most princess had a more traditional knight for protection – the proverbial 'Knight in Shining Armor' as it were – Peach had no such thing. Instead, for a mighty protector against all evil, her's was this somewhat short, a bit pudgy perhaps, and often times incomprehensible Italian plumber. Granted, despite this less than stellar description of him, those who underestimate Mario often find themselves fighting a person with seemingly no strengths, but no true weaknesses either.
"Oh you boys," Peach said as she waltzed between the two, "Please, ignore me and continue your fighting. Just, uh, try not to destroy the Train Car, alright? We kinda need this in order to make it safely to our destination."
The two young men (wait, how old is Mario?) nodded in unison, while Peach calmly skipped by. As she did so, this trail of sparkles emanated from her feet and dress; an often times uncontrollable action of her's. It sure did attract the eyes of Mario, that is until a certain mechanical claw slammed on his chest, and swiftly pulled him away.
Peach exited through the back door of the train car, sighing as she stood on the balcony at the very end of the large train car. Her blue eyes stared out towards the train tracks they trailed upon, watching as they zoomed far away into the horizon. Green pastures sat on both sides of her, along with mountains as tall as Death Mountain itself. Actually, no, wait, one of those mountains was Death Mountain; they were still in Hyrule, as it would seem.
Peach wasn't that much interested in these things however, as she rested her arms on the banister of the train. She merely sighed as the wind rushed along her blonde hair, bouncing it and her pink dress. Slowly, and almost by instinct, she removed the glove that sat on her hand, as well as the ring. Clutching it in her other hand, the Princess of Toadstools caused her glove-less hand to emanate sparkles. They shined and shimmered around her limb, baying and swaying to her every command. It was a glorious as well as a mysterious sight to behold.
"Hmmm..." she mumbled to herself.
"Yaaaiiii?"
Peach's eyes moved to her lower left, where she noticed a certain green dinosaur. He was sleeping calmly, until being bothered by the princess and her glowing limbs. His eyes opened, his long tongue slide out, and he a warm yawn escaped his resting maw. Upon seeing him, Peach could only smile, as the cute green dinosaur stood up onto his feet.
"Oh, Yoshi, I'm sorry," Peach said as she patted him on the head, "I woke you up, didn't I?" he merely nodded with eyes half-closed, before yawning once more, "Sorry about that; I didn't even notice you out here."
He merely rolled his eyes in disbelief at that statement; after all, it's not like Yoshi is a small being to ignore. Even Peach herself realized that. She was just that engrossed with herself, she found herself ignoring the cute voracious dinosaur. But Yoshi was never the kind of person to hold a grudge, especially towards his owner. While her hand patted and grooved along his head, her other hand continued to emit sparkles in an indifferent manner.
"Yoshi..." she whispered, making him look up to her. She opened her mouth to say something else, but instead closed it. "Nothing, Yoshi... just... just ignore me..."
Her hand curling shut, the sparkles that glittered around Peach's hand suddenly came to a halt. Then she sighed, as she continued to stare out among the fields they zoomed by.
…
His black coat wavered in the wind. He stood atop a dusty butte, nearest the edge of a rocky cliff. His arms were crossed over one another, folded in an intense pose. His face was blank; most expressionless. Yet as the train far below began to pass by him, his dark blue eyes slid into a powerful glare.
He said nothing, and did nothing; merely standing as the wind ruffled his cloaked body. His red tie slid out from his coat and waved in the wind as well, prompting him to stuff it back into his coat. His arms fell from their folded position and sat at his sides, while he continued to glare down to the passing vehicle.
"Quite the sight, isn't it?" a high-pitched voice echoed from behind. It matched that of a young girl; quite possibly a teenager. Somewhere between the age range of 13 and 17, yet lacking a sever level of maturity.
The man in the black coat turned around, his eyes falling upon a little girl. Though, it was hard to tell. She had these eyes that glowed, shimmered even, as if staring into the starry night. Her hair was pink, and curled. Her over all attributes somewhat cartoonish. She was a chubby, cute, chibi-like being. And yet this unmistakable aura of vileness emanated from her entire being. This little girl – if she could be called that – felt positively evil.
But why? She had those sparkling eyes, the pink hair, a pink shirt with a flower on it, red sneakers, and white and blue socks. For all intents and purposes, she looked like a normal girl, minus the proportions. But her lips held this most malicious and mischievous smile, and her hand was curled towards it ever so slightly. She was chuckling as she sat on this rock, gazing at the man in the black coat. He pulled on his gloved hands as he approached her, their eyes locking upon one another. His expression was still nonchalant, still indifferent to her existence. She retained that sickening smile of malicious intent.
"I don't get it," said the pink-haired girl, "Why don't we just kill them now? Stop them from getting to Archanea and be done with all of this?"
"Negative..." a mechanical voice echoed beyond the two.
The pink-haired girl and her dark partner stared up together, watching as a being cloaked and green descended. From head to toe, it was impossible to see him. The only visible attribute of the organism within, were the pair of glowing yellow eyes that sat beneath it's hood.
"We must wait and bide our time," the being said with a voice as cold and as robotic as physically possible, "If we affect anything before they arrive at Archanea, we may ruin our hard work and plans..."
"Yes, yes, oh glorious Ancient Minister 'our' plans," the pink-haired girl said in an offhanded manner, as she sighed, "Please, mind explaining to me just exactly what our plans are again?"
"You will learn the plans when I see fit, Morta," the robotic voice retorted quickly, those yellow eyes burning down upon her position, "And I would find it in my best interest if you remained silent from here on out."
"Yeah right..."
"As for you, doctor," the Ancient Minister said as his eyes shifted towards the man in black, "Are you ready to make way for Archanea?" saying nothing, the man in black merely nodded, "Good. Let us waste no longer time."
The Anicient Minster and Morta turned away, moving along the cliff-side for an unknown direction. However, the man in black – the doctor – turned to face the train once more. It had already made quite a bit of distance in its tracks, almost vanishing over the horizon during their talk. But the man with his dark blue eyes could still see it. Saying nothing, he merely nodded his head and walked off, his hands cackling with electricity.
…
So long ago on this day, he did the same exact thing. He stood at the balcony of his abandoned castle, staring out to an endless desert field. A field laid with the armaments and weapons of a siege, that happened even longer ago. He remembered watching as dark denizens appeared about his kingdom, like ghosts in the night. He remembered watching as they attacked his castle, and he remembered watching as they detonated that bomb. That massive bomb that did not destroyed, but devoured. A bomb that did not disintegrate, but instead evaporated. A bomb that transported those into the realm of Subspace.
It was so long ago indeed. Felt like just last week though.
But, as they say, time heals all wounds. The marks and scars of battles had been cleansed since the Subspace Emissary, replaced with connections and roads. Train tracks in the distance were filled with trains, as people from far of lands visited the heart of Archanea itself. So too the roads, as vehicles trailed upon them, bringing leaders ready for peace talks. And even from the skies above, ships approached, to reduce the chances of another Subspace assault of any kind.
"Hero-King. Our guests have arrived..."
Yes, the Hero-King. A young man – perhaps twenty – who was already exalted thanks to his many, many battles. A young man who had witness and participated in more wars than many have seen in their entire lives. The one who had gained the title of 'Hero-King'. He was tall young man, similar in height to a certain Hero of Time, though shorter than a King of Evil. His hair was a moonlight blue, his eyes a shining blue as well. It matched with his entire outfit; his blue uniform, adorn with a magnificent blue cape. A red gleaming gem that held the cape over his chest, pinned down and stuck in place. He was dressed as usual, sans the breastplate and the shoulder pads that would protect him. But everything else remained on his body, including his sheathed blade at his side.
"It's called a political meeting, Hero-King... not a battle..."
He turned to face the one who spoke to him, seeing a woman much like him, actually. Long blue hair, dark blue eyes, and even a blade sheathed at her side. And yet, she was completely different, with her clothing not the same as his. No, instead she wore a magnificently ivory-colored tailored dress, akin to those of a princess from Hyrule or the Mushroom Kingdom. She was a princess much like they, and yet it looked as if the clothing wasn't to her liking. She was blushing from embarrassment, and shifting slightly on her feet.
"Please, don't look too hard," she said as she shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot.
"Ah-ha! Lucina!" said the Hero-King as he stared at her, "I'm impressed, where'd you get such a dress? It couldn't have been your own specific styling."
"H-hey! I don't buy that bad of clothes," Lucina stated as she sighed, "Though, if you must know, Daisy of Sarasaland came by and... we had one of those... 'shopping sprees' is what she called it, I think..." she shrugged, "I thought one of the dresses we bought that day would be perfect for tonight's evening. Speaking of which, Hero-King, shouldn't you be dressed more appropriately for this event? Your Lord's uniform – while stylish – isn't what one may call party attire."
"Please, Lucina, call me Marth," the young man stated as he rested his hand upon the handle of his blade, "And my Lord's uniform is perfect for such an event. While it may not be to the highest standard you or the princess and princesses of other lands may wear, I feel as if it's the best. After all, it's the clothing I wear usually around the denizens of Archanea; why must I change it for this event."
"Uhhh... Marth... that's not what I..." she suddenly tensed up however, making Marth raise an eyebrow.
He looked at Lucina, who was now blushing from even more embarrassment; as if she had been caught in the middle of an act. Turning around, the Hero-King could see why. Behind him – on the edge of the balcony – stood a mysterious being. A small, spherical type person; well, not a person as in a human, per se. He couldn't have been any taller than two feet, barely coming up to Marth's waist as it would be. His face hidden beneath a mask, his body covered in a purple cape. The only thing visible about this small creature was his moonlit yellow eyes, that glowed even now.
"Ah, Sir Meta Knight. It's been a while," Marth said to the bat-like being, who remained perched on this banister, "It's great to see you were able to make the festivities."
Meta Knight merely nodded as he unfolded his arms, allowing his cape to flutter in the wind. Much like Lucina and Marth before him, his blade was sheathed at his side.
"I apologize for my shadowed appearance," Meta Knight said with a voice holding this Spanish tone, "I needed to talk with you on a more personal level, Marth."
"Welp, I guess that's my cue," Lucina stated as she walked away, exiting through the entrance to the balcony.
"What is wrong, Sir Meta Knight?" Marth asked with a raised eyebrow, "Is something amiss?"
"Indeed, I believe they are," Meta Knight stated as he pulled up his cape again, covering his body, "I... I have felt something stirring in the winds, Marth. Something I can't quite... fathom, as it would seem."
"And what might that be, Sir Meta Knight?" Marth inquired, "I... I'm afraid I don't quite follow."
"I wish I could describe it better myself," Meta Knight stated, "On my way here, I passed by Ike. He was making his way towards Archanea as well, though it may take him longer to get here than it did I. I spoke with Ike, and he claimed to have felt it as well... whatever it is..." slowly turning around, Meta Knight relinquished hold of its cape, "I recommend you pay closer attention to tonight's events as they pan out. I know I will... oh, and did you hide the food as I specified?"
"Yes, Sir Meta Knight; there's no way Kirby or King Dedede will locate tonight's meals," Marth stated with a small chuckle.
"Good... if they located it," Meta Knight's cape suddenly transformed into bat wings, and began flapping, "Then no one would be eating tonight."
Without another word, Meta Knight took off for the skies. He flew through the air skillfully, before vanishing through with the empty dark knight. Marth smiled as he watched his friend and comrade vanish, before said smile turned into a frown. Meta Knight was a man of few words, so the words he did speak were always of the utmost importance. If he felt some ominous in the wind, then perhaps the meeting was in danger. Immediate danger or distant danger; it was hard to tell. However, it was already too late to cancel the night's events; these union talks would happen, regardless of threats or not. He could only pray at this point in time.
"Marth are you ready?" Lucina asked as Marth emerged from his chamber, walking down the halls with a stoic face.
"Yes, Lucina, I've been ready since this morning," Marth stated as he scratched at the back of his head, "I wonder; do you give your father this much fuss over things?"
"I give my father ten times more fuss than this," Lucina stated with a snarl, "You haven't seen the full extent of my fussing!... are you sure you don't want to change your clothes, Hero-King?"
"I'm positive, Lucina," Marth said as they came to a pair of curtains at the end of the hall, "Now... it's time... to step into a new era of our world..."
His hands grabbed a hold of the curtains tightly, then quickly pulled them back.
…
The cherry red stick slowly left her lips. She pursed them, pulled them in, smearing the red dye upon them both. Growing pleased with her actions, the young woman receded the lipstick back into its base, and placed it away. Then her eyes trailed up.
Princess Peach – for what felt like the 100th time this evening – stared at herself in the mirror. She looked absolutely stunning now, after having put on more make up to prepare herself for the night. Some blush, lipsticks, and a tiny bit of eyeliner; you probably wouldn't be able to tell unless you looked hard enough.
Peach shook her head left and right gently, making her hair bounce, and tiny sparkles to flicker around her body.
"Princess Toadstool! Princess Toadstool!" a voice emanated from the door behind her, "Are you ready, Princess? The events are about to begin; we must make haste!"
Peach rose from her chair shortly after, making way to the door in her dressing room. After pushing it open, her eyes befell a certain toad, who stood exasperated with his cane in hand.
"Hey, it looks like someone learned to knock before entering," Peach said in a snappy fashion with a smile on her face.
"And it looks like someone learned to actually lock her door," Toadsworth replied in an equally snappy fashion, "Now then, we must make haste, Princess Toadstool? We can simply wait around all day for you to dress yourself over and over again! Princess Zelda and Link have already made it to Archanea Castle; we shouldn't be wasting our time behind!"
"I know that, Toadsworth," Peach said as she walked out of the dressing room, clutching the top of her dress as she did so, "I apologize for my childish nature, up until now..." she gave a courteous bow, "Could you ever forgive me?"
"I'd gladly forgive you, Princess, if you'd just hurry on to Archanea castle! Go ahead! Shoo, shoo!"
He began pushing into her from the back, making Peach yell at him due to his abrasive actions. She was pushed through to the exit of this train car, and stepped out onto the steps to the platform outside. As soon as she stepped foot upon the wooden ground of the platform, Peach found herself being surrounded on all sides by people of different races and cultures. Cameras constantly flashed all around her, and questions bound from all around. Honestly, Peach wasn't all that bothered by this. As royalty, she was used to things like this happening.
All she could do was tense up, and let Toadsworth handle all of this.
"No no! No questions now! Save them for later! What? No! My head is not a hat! What!? My mustache is real, thank you very much! I said no more questions! Toadette is not my daughter! No I will not give you her number! Why would I even have such a thing!?"
Peach could only smile and chuckle as she walked along the path laid out for her towards a horse-drawn carriage. A horse-drawn carriage resembling a mushroom top, of course. Peach ambled her way into the carriage with Toadsworth behind her, sitting down on one side of the plush seats. When she looked up, her eyes met the eyes of her hero.
"Oh, Mario! I didn't even see you exit the train car!"
He merely laughed at the statement, before entering a thoughtful pose. Hand reaching behind his back, the plumber pulled out an umbrella. Peach's umbrella. Reaching forward, he handed the parasol to Peach, who clutched it close to her chest. Smiling, she looked up to Mario with her face sparkling. Ya'know, literally.
The horse-drawn carriage they sat in slowly began to move then, trudging along a path towards Archanea castle. Above them in the night sky, fireworks began to explode. The starlit skies were painted a myriad of colors thanks to the fireworks that sounded off, each one a different size, a different color, all promoting peace.
Among these fireworks on a distant building, a man in a black cloak stood against it all. His dark blue eyes glared down upon the heart of Archenea, and where the peace talks were to be held. The heart of the mighty kingdom itself; the Millennium Court. Quite the name for a castle town, but a perfect one nonetheless.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
The man's hand slid into his coat, eventually pulling out a small disk-shaped device. Pressing the button on the side of it, he rose it up to his ear, as a voice echoed from inside of it.
"Morta is in place," said a mechanical voice that came through the machine, "I assume you are as well. Tonight, we strike. Move into position."
The man in black – the doctor – merely nodded to the whims of the Ancient Minister, before pressing the side of his device once more. Turning it off, he slid it away into his coat, then glared off towards the distance. The heart of all Archanea, the heart of Millennium Court itself, the castle belonging to the Hero-King.
The doctor walked to the edge of the building he stood on, crossing his arms once more. Scanning the area ahead of him, his eyes moved down to the horse-drawn carriages belong. Marth spared no expenses in the even, as all royalty had carriages matching their lands. The Hyrulean carriage was adorn with the Triforce, and was a magnificent green color. The one for Dreamland was twice the size as the others (mainly because of King Dedede), and held star imprints on it. However, the one for the Mushroom Kingdom – for Princess Peach – attracted his eyes. He stared at it far longer than he should have, though it was probably unnoticeable to others. His hand reached out for the carriage below, and he curled it, as if palming the ride in his hand.
Then he looked off towards Castle Millennium.
"Hmm..."
The princess' eyes grew wide, sparkles emanating from her briefly. They were accidental, being more by instinct that on her own free-will. Rubbing the side of her face, the Princes of Toadstools stared across the carriage to the man on the other end.
"Mario," she said to him, "Did you... feel that?"
The plumber, who was looking out the window, turned around to face his princess. Eyebrow raised, all he could do was shrug at the question asked of him. Peach sighed, before quietly apologizing for her weird question. She too looked out the window of their carriage then, waving solemnly towards the citizens they passed. So much joy was being conveyed to her through the window by all the people; she wished she could share their enthusiasm.
"Something... isn't right..." Peach whispered to herself, so low, neither Mario nor Toadsworth could hear her.
The carriage they road upon suddenly came to a halt, as they were now directly outside of the Millennium palace. As the doors were pushed open thanks to Toadsworth and soldiers outside, once more the flair of life and lights appeared. Mario stepped out first as usual, waving to the citizens around them. The land roared with life as they were in the presence of Mr. Video Game himself.
Shortly after, Peach stepped out as well, lights falling upon her. And, once more, the crowd roared with life. As graciously as only Princess Peach could deliver, she appeased to the masses around her, waving and emanating sparkles like only she could. She, Mario, and Toadsworth trailed up the mighty stairs towards the front door of the Millennium Castle, pushed through it, and entered inside.
Here, there were less common folk, replaced instead with the rulers of this world. Rosalina was there, Daisy with Luigi too, Zelda and Link of course, Donkey Kong with Diddy on his back, King Dedede and even little Kirby.
Those who weren't even leaders – the greatest of heroes – stood among them as well. The likes of Fox and Falco, Samus and her Pikachu (the same one she rescued from the Isle of the Ancients in fact), Captains Olimar and Falcon, and even Shulk. The heroes of today with the heroes of yesteryear. And even some villains as well, what with the likes of Bowser. All stood together in this hall.
Oh yes, Bowser. He said nothing, and Mario said nothing, but they glared alright. They glared hard at one another.
Honestly, the only noteworthy absence would be a certain King of Evil. Perhaps it was best if Ganondorf wasn't here.
"I'm happy you could finally make it, Peach," Zelda teased as the pink princess took a seat besides her, "For a moment, I thought you got lost on your way to the exit."
"Oh you," Peach snarkly replied as she threw sparkles into her face, "Unlike some people, I actually like to look good when I have political rallies."
Her face met sparkles then, this time flung into her face thanks to Zelda herself. For the so called Triforce of Wisdom holder, she sure could act childish sometimes. She quickly reigned in her childishness however, as she put on a more appropriate face for such an event. Peach did likewise, showing a level of maturity not often seen from the likes of the Princess of Toadstools. All around this great hall, mostly everyone put on a more respectable face. Ya'know; those who physically could. Donkey Kong, Diddy and King Dedede on the other hand? Yeah, not so much.
"Mrrrgggg... where's the food at..." King Dedede grumbled lowly to himself, Kirby staring around as he too searched for it.
"Puyo..." mumbled the Hero of Popstar, before he too relented.
For all intents and purposes, things were quite serious in the hall. Everyone grew silent, as they awaited the head of the ceremonies; the one who housed them in general. As the chamber grew silent, Peach's eyes were attracted to the door at the opposite end of the chamber. A curtained hall, disallowing anyone's eyes to see through to the other end. It was at this time did Peach realize something; she hadn't seen anyone recognizable from the land of Archanea. You know; she saw no one from the land of the Fire Emblem. No Ike, no Roy, no Corrin – either one – as well as either variation of Robin. She didn't even see Lyndis.
And then the curtains opened up wide, to reveal a certain prince. No, no longer was he a prince; the Hero-King they called him. Moonlight blue hair, matched with azure blue eyes, matched with his overall blue appearance. A calm, stirring, almost alluring smile sat on his lips. A slender man, far different from the likes of Mario, or anyone else from the Mushroom Kingdom. And a blade sheathed at his side, as if always at the ready.
"Good evening everyone," Marth called with a wave and a smile, Lucina at his back, "Please, let the talks begin."
Maverick Talks!
Hiya you guys. So... a Super Smash Bros. fanfic. I've always loved the series back when it came out on the N64, and how could I not? Seriously, Mario could fight Link, could fight Pikachu, could fight Kirby; it's the greatest game ever created! And with SSB4 out, I mean, seriously, it's freaking great!
Still, this story has a rather irregular beginning. I wasn't going to write a SSB story, even though I'm a big fan of it. Not until I promised to write a story for a close friend of mine. And, well, this is that story! As such, this story isn't going to run like my regular kinds of stories. I already have many of the chapters written out, but I won't post them all at once. Why? Because I feel like it. Besides, many or too long and need to be chopped up, so yeah, there's that.
Anyway, that's all I have to say for now. Next time, the villains of this story finally appear, and we see just how dangerous this adventure will be.
Oh yeah.
Great... now I need to come up with some Super Smash Bros. jokes. I'll think of them for the next time.
Maverick Kay Prime