Note: While I wish I owned what Nintendo claims in their game registry, unfortunately I do not. All rights of Super Smash Brothers Melee including characters, things, and places are reserved by Nintendo and their accompanying partners. Except for the few characters and places I create for the purpose of the story.

Now that I got that out of the way, I hope you enjoy the first chapter in what I am hoping will develop into an entertaining saga. Remember this is the first chapter and it will get better with time. Reviews, as always, are greatly welcomed but as the story progresses please do not put any spoilers in your review. Thank you for spending time out of your day to read and hopefully enjoy my creative writing.

Prologue

It had almost been a year since the Super Smash Brothers had defeated the evil hands. Peace had reigned throughout the lands and the people of the various kingdoms rejoiced. The twenty six members were treated as heroes and in all respects they were. They had all returned to their normal lives; Peach to her royal duties, Captain Falcon was once again a prominent name in the racing world, the Ice Climbers were climbing ice up at the highest peaks, Samus had returned to bounty hunting across the galaxy, and so forth with the others. They had no idea what had truly awakened when they were challenged by the evil hands.

Good may prevail for a while, but with every great tale there is a source of evil. The one in this story had seemingly been defeated and peace restored. If it truly had, I wouldn't be telling you all of this. You see, the evil hands weren't simply just hands. Those hands had a master and he was the greatest, most sinister, most wicked being that had ever existed. The smashers thought that the hands were difficult, but imagine the power that came with the villain who claimed them to be his own. Yes indeed, he was a force to be reckoned with. His followers knew him as Popil (pronounced as pop-al), though many called him sir or master. Very few had actually ever seen him yet they could feel his power.

You may wonder how something so vile had never been discovered before. The answer lies within the place where Popil resides. Far beyond the flowery fields of Pop Star, the creature-infested depths of Planet Zebes, past the toad homes of Mushroom Kingdom, and beyond what the smashers knew as the universe itself lied a parallel in turmoil.

In this parallel universe Popil was the almighty being. He controlled all of the planets and everything that resided there. Once you get a taste of power you crave more and he didn't just want to rule one universe, he wanted ultimate supremacy of all that existed.

After he had found out how to break the wall between the universes, he sent his hands to take over but he soon realized that he had underestimated the people who lived there. Simply his hands weren't going to be enough and once they rejoined his body he knew his opponents were worthy of his full power.

So now came the time for the final test, the fate of both universes in the hands of the Super Smash Brothers. If they failed it would mean utter doom to the freedom and life of all the residents in the various worlds. Very few of them will even make it to face Popil, he has many trials and villains they have to defeat before they are honored with his presence. If they couldn't make it through, why waste his time with them. Or at least that was Popil's thinking.

But I am getting ahead of myself now, aren't I? The twenty six smashers don't even know of his existence yet, let alone the fact that there is a parallel universe. So let us begin our tale of courage and strength, determination and justice. It will be a long journey filled with life and death, defeats and triumphs. Will good conquer over evil or will Popil prevail? Let us find out in…

With Every Great Evil, Emerges Great Heroes

Chapter One – An Unexpected Party Guest

"If you are not dressed yet we are going to be late beyond all reason." Fox shouted as he pounded on Falco's door.

They were already behind and it didn't help that Falco took forever getting ready. It had been ten months since defeating the evil hands and it was the first time the twenty six smashers would be reunited.

"It's not my fault that we're having this party in Mushroom Kingdom. I mean, who's idea what that anyway?" Falco yelled back, jumping around as he put on his pants.

Fox sighed. "You know how stubborn those guys are. They think that since they have the most members residing there the unlucky ones have to travel. Besides, you don't want to make Peach mad again do you? It looked pretty painful when she shoved that umbrella up your ass."

Falco rubbed his feathered tail, it hurt just thinking about it. He slipped on his boots and opened the door. "Yea, she was PMSing bad. All I did was tell her she looked like she had gained a few pounds. How was I supposed to know she was bloated?"

"It didn't help that you asked her if it was a boy or a girl." He replied with a laugh.

Falco gave Fox a light shove as they walked down one of the Star Ship's many corridors, heading toward the loading station. "I thought maybe her and Mario had finally decided to pop one out. After I went on that mission with Ness and Link I hadn't seen her for a good two months."

While the smashers were together training before they fought their way to the evil hands, many times a few of them would go on excursion together. Falco was referring to one he had gone on to Hyrule.

"This time don't say anything about her weight. Compliment on what she's wearing or something." Fox said to him as they loaded their belongings into the Arwing they were using for the trip.

Falco rolled his eyes. "She always wears the same thing."

They got into the Arwing, flipping a variety of switches. Peppy opened the gate for them and waved goodbye as they blasted off.

"You know what I mean. Just be nice." Fox said as he steered them toward Mushroom Kingdom, knowing at top speed it would only take about thirty minutes.

His partner grinned mischievously. "What are you talking about? I'm always nice."

"Right and I eat reflectors for breakfast."

At the royal palace, Peach was hurriedly checking on the food being prepared and trying to mingle with the few guests that had arrived. Fox and Falco weren't the only ones who were running late. As a matter of fact, only ten smashers were even there.

"This party is turning out to be a total mess!" Peach screamed to Mario who was trying to calm her down in the kitchen.

He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, babe, not everyone is even here yet and you're getting so worked up."

Tears started to fill her eyes. "That's what I mean! You would think that they would have the decency to arrive on time."

"Some of them have to travel from far away and don't get to just freak out."

Peach shot him a dirty look. "Oh? So I'm just freaking out now, right? You are supposed to be on my side!"

"That's not what I meant." Mario replied with a sigh.

She continued to rant. "And you know what Samus said to me? She had the nerve to say my boobs looked lopsided in my dress! You know what? I bet she's secretly ugly underneath that robot thing. I mean why else would she not ever come out of it, hm? That's it, I know it is."

"I think your boobs are great." Mario replied with a grin, sensuously placing his hands on them.

A nearby toad chef was staring. Peach looked over to him. "What the hell are you staring at? He's my boyfriend for piranha's sake! He can touch my breasts if he wants."

The toad blushed and quickly ran off as Mario gave Peach a light kiss and took a step back. "I should probably get back out there."

He started to leave and Peach followed, determined to vent for as long as she could. "And the Ice Climbers started arguing, you know how they are like two little bickering brother and sister, and Popo pushed Nana into the punch bowl and ruined the tablecloth. And then Donkey came over and said to me that I-" She paused as they reached the French doors leading to the back of the palace grounds.

Dr. Mario had a cake in his hand and was threatening to throw it at Luigi's face. Peach started to rush over, clearly flustered. "Doctor! You put that down this instant!"

Mario watched with a sigh. "Mama mia."

"Girl trouble?" Link asked as he came over and gave Mario a hug. They had particularly bonded during the time they were together.

He chuckled softly. "Something like that. How have you been? When you'd get here?"

"Just a few minutes ago, Zelda rushed off to the bathroom to fix her makeup and Ganon went over to arm wrestle Donkey. They left me all alone and then I saw you." He replied, taking a sip from his drink.

"Your nephew here?" Mario questioned, referring to Young Link.

Link nodded. "Unfortunately. It's not like we could just leave him behind, him being a member and all. There he is over there."

They saw him with Ness a few yards away, playing some prank on Kirby.

"How's life been?" Link asked.

Mario shrugged. "Peach seems more on edge than ever. Luckily though, Bowser hasn't caused any trouble yet which is a big surprise."

"Maybe being good for a short time changed him." Link proposed half jokingly.

He couldn't help but laugh. "I doubt it. I'm surprised he isn't here yet. Where could he be?"

Not too far away…

"Ah, that one looks perfect." Bowser exclaimed as a hesitant toad showed him diamond rings. He was a customer like anyone else and they didn't dare tell him to leave.

The toad nodded in approval. "Yes, that one is very extravagant. I-Its thirty thousand."

Bowser chuckled. "That's all? Great put it on my tab."

The jeweler looked to him in confusion. "Um, s-sir, we don't accept tabs. Y-you have to pay when you buy."

"Are you saying I would try to cheat you and not pay?" Bowser growled as he picked the toad up.

He shook his head nervously. "N-n-no, its p-p-policy."

Bowser set him down slowly and patted his head. "Ah, I see. You'll get your coins soon enough." He waltzed out of the shop and returned thirty minutes later, a bag full of coins in his claw.

"Where did you get all of this so fast?" The toad questioned as he offered him the ring.

He snatched the ring from him and set the coins on the counter. "That's none of your business. You're getting paid, enjoy it."

Bowser let out an evil laugh as he left the place, a squad car pulling up several minutes later.

"So you're the culprit who robbed the national bank!" A police officer shouted as he walked over and cuffed the toad.

"It wasn't me! It was Bowser!" He cried as he put him in the cop car.

The police officer chuckled. "That's what they all say."

"No! Honest, it wasn't me."

"Explain it to the judge." He replied as he drove away. The jewelry shop owner turned to look out the back window, seeing Bowser's smiling face.

Bowser was the last person to arrive at the party. Yoshi looked over to him with an annoyed look. "Where were you? We've been waiting for an hour."

"I had to do something, okay? But if anyone asks I've been here." He replied suspiciously as he sat down.

Mario looked at him for a moment and then shrugged, not even wanting to know. "Thank you all for coming. I know many of you have traveled far to get here. Let's h-"

"You have no idea." A hooded figure interrupted.

All of the smashers turned to look at him. The cape he was wearing hid his facial features except for two beady red eyes. The mysterious person was not short enough to be Jigglypuff but not tall enough to be Luigi.

"And who are you?" Marth retorted.

The figure slowly crept forward. "My name isn't important. My master's name is. He has sent me here to cordially invite you to a challenge. He wishes to fight you."

Captain Falcon rolled his eyes. "It's twenty six to one. Give us a good reason not to beat you to a pulp right now?"

"Me? I do not wish to harm you. Even if you did destroy me you would simultaneously be destroying your universe as well." He replied with a smirk.

"Our universe? Don't you mean the universe?" Mr. Game & Watch pointed out.

The unknown person thought that this was hilarious and burst into a series of loud cackles. "Oh, you are so naïve it is funny. My universe is parallel to yours. That is where I come from. The almighty and all-knowing Popil is our supreme lord. He is the one that has sent me here."

Mewtwo spoke next. "Never heard of him."

"Well if he lived in a different universe that would be impossible now wouldn't it, you fool? You have met him once, all of you have. Heh, I should say you've met part of him. If you do recall, you all joined forces for the purpose of what?"

"To defeat the evil hands." Roy replied matter-of-factly.

The person nodded. "Didn't you think that it was odd you were fighting giant hands?"

Mario raised his eyebrows, coming to the conclusion first. "Are you saying that this Popil is the… owner of the evil hands?"

"Precisely. You aren't as dim witted as you seem. His hands were a mere appetizer of his full power. Are you all up to the challenge of defeating him? Not like you can say no anyway. You need five things to break the barrier between the universes. That is your first challenge. Once you attain them I will be waiting to show you how to use them. It won't be easy, Popil has entrusted them with the strongest villains that reside here in your universe." He then started to walk away.

Everyone starting exchanging questioning glances as Samus spoke. "Wait! How are we supposed to know what we need to get if you don't tell us?"

"Oh right, I almost forgot. There you are. Achieve them in order, I shall be waiting at the last location." He dropped a note to the ground and when the smashers looked back up he was gone.

Fox walked over and picked up the piece of paper reading silently to himself.

"How do we know this is for real?" Bowser asked not excited about doing anything more than he had to do.

"How do we know that its not?" Peach voiced.

Zelda looked around at her fellow smashers. "Its fate, that's the only answer. What are the odds of us all being together today and receiving this challenge? Obviously this Popil guy has some serious contacts. If what he said was true, the only thing we need to decide is how soon we begin."

"If we are, our first destination is here." Fox told them.

The smashers that call Mushroom Kingdom their home looked over to him. "Where?"

"Star Haven. We have to get the star rod." He told them.

Bowser laughed. "That should be an ease, I've done it once already."

Mario shot him an evil look. "Well that means it's been stolen by one of Popil's minions. Even if we aren't going to accept his challenge we have to get it back." He then looked to Fox. "I'm sure there are other items on there that are vital to their respective kingdoms, right?"

He nodded his head slowly. "Hyrule is next, the master sword."

"No! In the wrong hands Hyrule could be destroyed." Link exclaimed with wide eyes.

"After that Planet Zebes, we have to obtain Phazon." Fox continued.

Samus looked confused. "But I shut down the mines, all of the Phazon should have disappeared by now…" She gasped. "…Unless they're back in operation and if that's the case we have to shut them back down."

"Then Ripple Star, the crystal shards."

Kirby sighed. "You mean it's been destroyed again? That'll be one heck of chore collecting all of those again but if we don't the fairies that live on Ripple Star will all perish."

The final item on the list was close to Fox's heart. Crystal's staff had been stolen and if her staff was gone where was she? That would mean he had to return to Dinosaur Planet.

"It's settled then. We have to band together and collect all of them. It'll be much easier if we do it together instead of trying to do it by ourselves. That was why the Super Smash Brothers were created in the first place, to restore peace and protect the innocent." Mario stated hopefully as he stuck out his hand to the others, always heroic.

Link was the first to place his hand on top of Mario's. "I agree. To defend Hyrule."

"To save Ripple Star." Kirby shouted as he ran over and got on his tipped toes, placing his hand with the other two.

Samus placed her hand next. "To restore Planet Zebes."

Peach gave Mario a kiss and put her hand in. "To protect everyone's wishes."

"For my love of Crystal." Fox said as he held back tears, putting his hand in next. He prayed that she was safe or Popil was going to pay.

Soon everyone was crowded together, hand on top of hand, except for Bowser and Ganondorf.

Bowser rolled his eyes. "So what am I getting out of this exactly?"

"The feeling that you had a part in saving the universe." Jigglypuff stated slowly.

"That's it? That's pretty crummy but I guess I'll do it for the sake of holding it over everyone's head." He replied with a chuckle, placing his hand with the group's.

Zelda looked to Ganondorf expectantly. "Come on. If you do I'll give you a kiss."

"Where?" He asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Don't get any ideas, you perv." Link called to him.

Zelda grinned. "On the cheek?"

Ganondorf sighed. "I guess that's better than nothing." He walked over and placed his hand with the others.

"Smash brothers on the count of three." Mario said as he smiled.

1

2

3

SMASH BROTHERS! They all shouted and jumped into the air.

Popil was watching their every move using his magic. "How eager they all seem. How foolish, they have no idea what is in store for them. Bring it on smash brothers, show me your true power."

"Are you pleased, master?"

"Yes, you did well, Ratus. You riled them up perfectly. It will be interesting to see how far they progress." He told him.

Ratus grinned happily. "I am glad. I must request your leave, my highness. If it satisfies you I will wait at the final location… if they make it there."

Popil nodded. "Do what you must. I hope reviving Smithy and the Shadow Queen wasn't such an idiotic decision as it seemed."

Thus the battle of the universe began.