A/N: I found a bit of free time on my hands, so here's my next fic in line. I have many in store, both in this fandom and in others. After this fic, I plan to move into the Star Fox section for a while. Don't worry – this story's still got another 4 more chapters to go :)

I made Master Hand a nice hand since he is meant to be the Hand of Creation. That's why he feels guilty about everything. He's not some meany who manipulates people for the fun of it –glares at Byoshi-

Speaking of Byoshi, she's beta reading this fic for me too, so thanks!

Anyway, here's the opening chapter. Hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Nintendo, but you already knew that.

-- Chapter 1: Unexpected News --

The high ceiling of the hall echoed the many voices of Smashers as they waited for the Mansion's owner. The chatter ranged from what Master Hand wanted to announce to what they had done earlier on in the day. The Pokemon sat in one corner, opting to converse in Poketalk so Ganondorf next to them wouldn't have the urge to try and listen to them.

The Gerudo himself was perched on a window sill, taking in the room with its stain glassed windows and impressive architecture. He wasn't one to talk with people in particular, but instead looked round and gathered people's personalities and habits like that.

He especially enjoyed watching Jigglypuff, the way she would toss her curl whenever she talked and her singing was like a lullaby to anyone who would listen. Sure, he would fall asleep like any other Smasher, but he noticed she never felt inclined to scribble over his face like she did to everyone else when they fell asleep.

That's what got him interested – did she really share the same feelings he had for her? He never asked, since she was either with the other Pokemon or he couldn't pluck enough courage to ask when they were alone together.

"Attention, Smashers!" a booming voice addressed everyone. The room gradually fell to silence as Master Hand and his brother entered the hall. The hands glided past Lucas, who noticed Master was visibly paler than the other.

The older brother went up onto the stage and looked round. Seeing everyone packed together like this made him want to reconsider his decision. He loved everyone equally, and he didn't want to hurt anyone by announcing the bad news he had for them.

But there was no turning back now.

"As a community, we have made strong friendships and have learnt many lessons from our peers." He couldn't say it. The words coming out weren't being controlled by him, but rather an alien part which seemed to say it for him. His fingers were numb, knuckles rigid; he could hardly comprehend what was happening around him. "I value all of you as my sons. Therefore Crazy and I have decided to close down this Mansion."

He was expecting a massive uproar in response to his announcement, but by the crowd's gaping mouths and wide eyes, they were paralysed with shock. Silence ensued as Master Hand let the news sink in.

Then one voice called out.

"Where will we go?" Popo questioned.

"Everyone will be united with their old friends in their previous worlds, where they had originally started their journey. I have arranged for you all to be returned tomorrow afternoon. Please take the time to pack your belongings and say your farewells."

As Lucas watched the hands leave the hall with yells of protests in their wake, he realised why Master looked so pale earlier. It had pained him, the father of the Mansion, to never see his people again after tomorrow. And proclaiming the news only made him more aware of how much he valued his Smashers.

Lucas could understand fully. Though the news was unexpected, he knew it wouldn't be anything usual since Master rarely called the Smashers to the hall. But he didn't want to give up so easily.

He could see Zelda and Link nearby and decided to approach them. He stopped suddenly when he heard the princess' words.

"Looks like it'll be the end," Zelda said grimly. She gazed round the hall, taking in its lively surroundings. The spacious walls, the Smashers themselves, even the inviting breeze, she'd miss them all.

"It's not all bad," Link reassured the princess. "After all, it's helped a lot of people get on with others. Look at Ganondorf – he's been watching Jigglypuff for how long now? That'll get him off your back for a while."

Zelda couldn't resist a smile. Even when she was down in the dumps, Link never failed to crack a joke or somehow make the situation at hand lighter. She rested a hand upon his arm.

"I'm glad I'll always have you. Even if something happens here, you'll always be there for me. We both belong in Hyrule – we have somewhere to return to." She rested her head onto his shoulder affectionately, and it comforted her to feel his arm around her. "But what about the others? People like Samus have only ever made friends because of Smash Mansion. How would they take it, returning home to find no one there?"

She heard Link sigh.

"You really need to stop worrying about other people so much. It's not good for your health." He pecked her forehead. "Samus can handle herself, she's a strong girl. And others have had adventures with their friends in their own world. Sometimes, people like ourselves need to stay away from the picture."

How could some people be so accepting with the sudden news, Lucas thought. Why were some people not even willing to fight for their Mansion, their home? There was definitely something strange going on.

"Go back to our own worlds? That's a mighty brilliant plan. Now I get to be my own leader, my own villain." Lucas jumped as he heard Bowser's roars behind him. The Koopa King wasn't even looking at him. "Now I can continue concocting plans to kidnap Peach and make her my wife!" He punched his palm for emphasis.

"Why are people so happy to just give up? Shouldn't we at least make a stand?"

Bowser looked down to only just realise Lucas was there. He chuckled.

"Most people want to return since they miss old friends and old adventures when they were the heroes." The Koopa beamed. "My story's different, but I would like to return all the same. Why, don't you?"

Lucas avoided eye contact with Bowser. Unlike him, Bowser had many happy memories and stories to tell. He once had them too, but now they were distant, not even worth thinking about ever since their deaths. His loving mother and older twin brother were gone, and visiting his home would not bring them back.

In the Mansion, he found a new family, in a new form, but a family, nevertheless. It comforted him, knowing that old wounds could be healed and the previous experience of losing a family would be less painful. But the closure of the mansion served as a sharp knife poised above the wound.

And this time, there'd be no repair.

Lucas shook his head. "You wouldn't understand."

Lucas could feel Bowser's eyes on him as he walked away. Was he strange, wanting to fight to keep the Mansion? He had heard shouts of protest as the hands left the hall, so why couldn't he find anyone now?

"Has the world gone mad?" For the second time in a few short minutes, Lucas leapt in surprise. He looked round wildly where the shouting had come from.

Ganondorf had Mario in a head lock and looked as if he had no intention of letting go. Instead, he tightened his grip in anger without realising. Mario's face contorted with pain and Lucas could only watch the ordeal in terrified amazement.

"Villains deserve their rights as much as Nintendo's mascot! Heck, even supporting characters do! Look here, do you have any idea how much we've been through together?"

Mario, past the pained expression, couldn't hide his disbelief. "Together? You haven't even talked to me other than to pass the salt or something!" He was rewarded with more choking.

"Not just two of us, my dear plumber, all of us! We've all stuck together when times were rough and even the arguments are a part of it," Ganondorf hollered insanely, shaking Mario so desperately he wasn't trying to resist.

"Please stop it!" Lucas cried. Ganondorf raised his gaze from Mario's tormented face to Lucas' desperate one.

"Looks like you've been saved by a little kid, plumber. You better show your gratitude." The Gerudo let him out of the head lock in a sullen mood. The stout man rubbed his neck a little before drawing himself to his full height.

"It's no wonder why I want to get the hell out of here. I don't get-a treated like this back in Mushroom Kingdom." With those words, he turned on his heel and stormed away.

Ganondorf snorted with dissatisfaction. He took a step forwards, but Lucas stopped him before he could progress.

"Please don't hurt anyone anymore," Lucas muttered to his knees. He hated seeing anyone on bad terms, and even more so when violence was involved. Interjecting only came as something he thought was right.

And now, it looked like he was going to pay for it. He tightly shut his eyes, waiting for the blow he'd take for interrupting.

He winced as he felt the man's strong hand clap onto his shoulder, laughing. He opened up his eyes to find the man opposite with his broad shoulders wide apart and his head thrown back in amusement.

"Lucas, Lucas, Lucas. You'd continue protecting someone who had run off without saying any words of gratitude? Why do you do that?" He stopped laughing and looked down at Lucas' terrified form.

"I don't believe violence will get anywhere," Lucas answered bravely. Ganondorf's eyes glimmered with interest.

"And you think we can claim our Mansion back by liaising?"

Lucas looked up instinctively at the question. Was he really fighting to keep the Mansion as well?

"W-what did you say?" Lucas spluttered. All the fear he had had been cast aside by that simple question. Now it was replaced by curiosity.

And hope.

"You didn't think I was fighting with Mario over salt or something, did you?" The Gerudo released his grip from Lucas' shoulder and placed both hands onto his hips. Lucas realised just how tall he looked when he did that. "Mario was just being a moron, thinking everyone was split up already or something – I wasn't really listening, to be honest. But look, Smash Mansion's one big family, and it'll take more than one silly announcement to break us apart!"

He threw down his arms onto both of Lucas' shoulders, almost making him fall over.

"We are one, big, happy family! And we must do what is in our power to prevent it falling apart! It's the call to fight for what is ours, for what is right! This Mansion is where it all began! Happy memories, painful ones, we all remember!"

Now he knew how Mario felt, being shaken to the point where he couldn't tell where the ceiling and he floor was. Lucas had established by the man's passionate speech he was saying exactly what he thought in a torrent of words. And he wasn't going to stop any time soon.

"Love exists not only as a blistering nuisance, but also for the love of our friends, our enemies! We must all stick together for ourselves, our home!"

He made a frenzied action of pulling Lucas to his side. "You agree with me, don't you, my boy?" Several hard pulls. Like a father would to a son.

Thinking about fathers made him feel sick. Who was his real father: the one back at home or Master Hand?

"Um…" Lucas began, astonished by his sudden question. He didn't wait for a reply.

"We need to gather those willing to fight for our rights, for justice! One member's not going to make a difference, but with a high number of protesters, we can change the tide! Are you with me?"

"Um…" Lucas stammered again. He didn't know why he was trying to reply, since the Gerudo was now dragging him through the crowd and was highly unlikely to even be interested in his response.

He had assumed Lucas had said yes.

-- End --

A/N: Hehe, I enjoyed writing Ganondorf's special speech. Listening to 'Battle for Storm Hill' really puts the finishing heroic touch on it. Or any heroic song which reaches your requirements :) I kind of made him a rather nice guy. Let's just say he's a changed man with his heart in the right place. Don't get me wrong, he's still rather a bully.

Please leave a review on what you thought of it and I hope to update soon.