(Cue- Overworld/Map Theme- SSBU)

"Whoa…" Sora said, seeing the world as they entered out of the trade gate. "This is…"

"Kinda different." Goofy finished.

"Is that Galeem in the distance?" Ace asked pointing to the seraphic sphere in the distance.

"It appears so, Mr. Neptune!" Captain Parkour said. "Hmm...it appears we have quite a walk ahead of us!"

"We should focus on gathering allies to bolster our forces. We're in no shape to fight it as we are now." David said.

"He's right. We need to gather the 73 fighters that got trapped here." Jexi said.

"Not to mention getting your friend's souls back." Mark added.

"They could be anywhere, so this may take a while, but no pressure." Ace assured. "Let's head down the mountain, shall we?"

"Careful, looks like Galeem laid down a few puppets for us." Ty said.

Up ahead, the group sees someone that looks like Mario, but with a black coloring and glowing red eyes.

"I guess this must be one of those possessed clones." Scarlet said. "Can anyone look into the body and see who it is?"

"Yes." Kido said as he began focusing on the puppet's energy. "It's...a Smoky Progg."

"You mean that enemy from Pikmin?" Eddy asked.

"It's a creature from the same planet as the Pikmin...a strange being with a translucent body." Sci-Twi said.

"Like a ghost?" Hyde asked.

"Something like that." Sci-Twi said.

"A ghost, eh?" CP said. "Emo, you have experience in that field, yes?"

"Yeah, Yeah, I'll handle it. Anyone want to help? I need cover to get my spells ready." Emo said.

"I've got this. Leave it to me. I'll hold it off." Takeshi said.

Emo and Takeshi then walked up to the clone.

"Hey, you! Smokey!" Emo yelled. "How about you take this guy on?"

The Clone taunted before his body became metal, then shifted back to normal.

"Right, good luck buddy!" Emo said to Takeshi as he ran behind some cover and looked through his book bag of spells.

"(I just need to hold him off until Emo can get his spell ready. Hopefully my dark magic will be enough…)" Takeshi thought as a magic circle appeared below him. "Come forth, O avaricious netherworld, and crush the evil before me... Negative Gate!" he chanted as a dark sphere appeared around the clone, dealing it some damage.

"Good work, Takeshi!" Emo called out. "Now where is that Lightning Spell Book?"

"(Still need to buy more time…)" Takeshi said. "O gathering flames of darkness, treat our dear guests to the strains of your terrible song... Bloody Howling!" he said as a pillar of dark flames rose on the clone. The fake Mario then turned his body metal, allowing its body to withstand the flames.

"It's using the Smoky Progg to turn its body to metal!" Oracle said.

"C'mon Emo, where's that spell you've got?!" AJ asked.

"...You guys know a good use for metal?" Emo asked, smirking. "It's an excellent conductor of electricity. LIGHTNING CLOUD!"

At that moment, a bolt of lightning fell from the sky, striking the still-metal clone. When the flash fades, the clone is still standing, but on its last legs.

"Yes! Alright Takeshi, as thanks for helping out, I'll let you make the final blow! Wrap it all up!" Emo called out.

"You've got it!" Takeshi said as he glowed a rainbow aura. "O power that lies at the root of all creation, O memory inscribed in ages past, hear my call and arise before me…" Takeshi chanted as red, blue, green, and orange orbs surrounded the clone. "Ancient Catastrophe!"

The clone was then bombarded with a barrage of orbs that exploded on it on contact before it broke apart, releasing the spirit within.

"Dude." Emo said, his eyes wide at Takeshi. "I don't know what book you learned that from, but I want it!"

"The way I saw it, it was as if he was gathering magic of fire, water, wind, and earth, and combining it into a single blast." David said.

"Well, either way we got the Spirit. Let's send it to Barry and see what he has in mind." Mark said, taking the Spirit and holding it up to Barry's orb.

The orb then shoots out a beam of light that digitizes the Spirit and pulls it into the orb. Barry then appears as a hologram.

"Hey guys, great job collecting the first Spirit! Now, you're probably wondering what I have in mind for them." Barry said.

"I'm going to guess trying to restore their bodies is one of them." Sci-Twi said.

"Not exactly, Twilight. Remember, their bodies weren't destroyed, only frozen in time. Until Galeem is defeated, there's no getting them back. So...I decided for the next best thing." Barry said, holding something up in his other hand; a model of a Smoky Progg.

"Are you considering...using them for battle?" Merlin asked.

"Well, they CAN." Barry admitted. "But I'm more interested in having them possess exact replicas of their original bodies. Take this Smoky Progg figure, for instance. When I place the Spirit inside…"

Barry gently places the Spirit inside of the figure, it starts moving just like normal.

"...Ta-Da! One Smoky Progg!" Barry says, displaying it proudly.

"It may not exactly be the same as bringing them back, but it still works." David said. "Especially since I need Tapu Koko and Kyogre in order to restore my power."

"Of course." Barry said. "Also, they can be used for combat like Merlin said, but I'll let you decide which ones to keep and which ones to restore. There are a few villains who have become Spirits, so it wouldn't be safe to restore them all."

"None of that's gonna matter once Galeem's defeated anyway." Sectonia said.

"Besides, even if it comes to it, they won't have a choice in the matter." David said.

"Still though...we may have to fight through them if we want to rescue some of the fighters. Not to mention some of the villains are fighters." Erza said.

"Hey, I'm excited to take anyone on, as long as they're strong!" Goku said.

"We might have a chance at that...look further down the hill." Robin said as they saw a figure wrapped in chains further down. Immediately, they recognized it.

"It's Mario!" Rainbow said.

"Holy Moley, she's right!" Eddy said.

"MARIO, YAY!" Ed said, running down the hill towards the statue.

"Wait...why would Alabastar just...leave the fighters out in the open? Something's not right…" Mark said.

David felt a presence emitting from Mario. "Everyone, be on your guard. I sense something emanating from him."

As Ed gets close to the figure, it starts to glow. Then, it shatters, Mario himself taking its place; however, his eyes are red.

"Stop-a right there!" Mario said, his voice sounding...off. "In the name of Lord Alabastar, you will-a surrender!"

"Guess there's only one way to snap him out of it. We're going to have to fight him." Gallantmon said.

"Alright, who wants the plumber?" Moltar asked.

"I'll take em on." AJ said. "Been meaning to get some practice in."

"Don't worry about AJ, Moltar. He's strong. He does have Chopper's abilities after all." Erica said.

"Yeah, and lemme tell ya, they come in pretty handy." AJ said.

"I...I didn't say anything." Moltar said.

"Oh, sorry." Erica said.

"Alright Mario, it's just you and me!" AJ said.

"You heard him Ed, come on back." Mark said as Ed ran back up the hill.

A flash of light suddenly emitted as Mario and AJ were transported to a new stage.

"Final Destination... I figured as much." AJ said getting ready to fight.

(Cue- Airship Theme (SMB 3)- SSBB)

AJ's body glowed different colors as he did a few kicks in the air. "You Wanna win against me?" AJ said before landing on the ground and smirking. "Hope you can adapt quickly enough!"

Mario stood on the other side of the stage as wind blew in his face. He then put Cappy on his head as he assumed a fighting pose. "Let's-a go! For Lord Alabastar!" the plumber yelled as he dashed towards AJ.

READY…..GO!

AJ countered Mario's first strike as he fought back with a few strikes and kicks. Mario flipped backwards as he launched a few fireballs his way.

"Guard Point!" AJ said as his body glowed blue and defended against the Fireballs. "You're gonna have to do better than that."

"Then how about-a this?" Mario countered as he jumped behind AJ and punched him into the air, coins appearing above him.

"Gh… Kung Fu Point!" AJ called going on the offensive in the air and spinning into Mario, striking him from all directions. "Eat this!" he called as he spun into the air. "Howling Cyclone!" he called, knocking Mario sky high with a spinning roundhouse kick.

"WAAAA!" Mario yelled as he flew up into the air. He flew high before hitting a wall before he fell. A mysterious presence then left Mario's body as he got up. "What in the...where am I?" he wondered.

"Guys, I think I fixed him!" AJ called as Final Destination disappeared.

"That's not all!" Oracle buzzed in from Necronomicon. "I'm reading a serious cut down on the clones all over the world. Defeating Mario must've caused his clones to be terminated."

"So the more fighters we free, the less clones we'll have to face." Al said.

"Huh. This is going to be easier than I thought!" Zombie Skater said. "We might even be home for Christmas!"

"It's too early for us to relax, ZS." Connor said. "Mario was only the first fighter registered for Smash. We still have 72 more fighters to set free."

"I'm sensing three more on top of this temple." Kido said.

"Let's get going then." Jexi said as they headed down the path to the temple where they saw three more chained fighters.

"I'm seeing Marth, Sheik...and some little kid." Asta said.

"Oh, you mean-a the Villager." Mario said, following up the temple steps.

"You feeling okay, Mario? You took a bit of a header back there." David said.

"Only my-a pride. I can't-a believe that Alabastar guy was able to control me so easily!" Mario said, looking down to the ground.

"Happens to the best of us." Craniamon said.

"Hey, it wasn't your fault, you weren't in control of your actions." Anakin said. "(Which is more than can be said for me.)"

"So, three fighters, three paths." Connor said. "Look's like Galeem and Alabastar wanna cut us off from the other fighters."

"Unfortunately….there's a huge flaw in their plans. They expected only one person...where we can just fight all three at once." Jack said.

Colette sensed something past the Villager. "I feel something… Lloyd's on the other side of that path!"

"Really? How can you tell?" Moltar asked.

"Is it not obvious?" CP said. "It's clear that their bond of love is strong enough to transcend time and space! No simple distance could cut them apart for long!"

"But Colette… If what you're saying is true, then we're going to have to fight Lloyd when we reach him." Omnimon said.

"Actually…" Mark cut in. "I'd like to offer to fight him. You don't have to fight your teammate if you don't want to, Colette."

"Thanks, Mark. But… Lloyd has saved my life hundreds of times while we were on our journey." Colette said. "And now… It's my turn to save his."

"You can do it, Colette!" Marta said.

"First we gotta get by these three." Connor said.

"Leave the Hero King to me." Spade said.

"Spade, with all due respect, I think we should let a spear fighter-" Hope said.

"This isn't some war on his world. Besides...I wouldn't mind battling him." Kenshin said.

"Alright, your funeral, Samurai." Emo said. "Anyone want Ninja Zelda over there?"

"Speed for speed, Princess for Princess. You got this, Linne." AJ said.

"Wait, let me help to! I want to show off my Skate-Boxing!" Zombie Skater said.

"Your call, Linne. Wanna have Zombie Skater back you up?" Hyde asked.

"Alright, just don't get careless." Linne said.

"How do you think I died? Learned my lesson about that a LONG time ago." Skater replied.

"Last is Villager. I heard he's pretty good even though he was a newcomer in the 4th tournament." Connor said.

"How's about we let those Phantom Thieves have some fun? That guy in the Skull mask looks like he's itching for some action." Eddy said.

"Heh...No problem." Skull said. "Okay, Villager kid...I'm gonna send ya flying!"

3-on-3 Battle

Kenshin vs Marth

Linne & Zombie Skater vs. Sheik

Skull vs. Villager

Ready….Go!

Marth charged at Kenshin as he drew his swords quickly blocking with all three of them, quickly countering each strike. "I admit...you have impressive skills Hero King. But...while you will rule a kingdom...I shall become a warlord and rule the entire Warrior Universe!" he said pushing Marth back.

"Don't make me laugh!" the possessed knight said. "That universe belongs to Lord Alabastar...as all universes do!"

"You have been tainted by an evil soul...so...I shall free you. Three Sword Style…" Kenshin said quickly moving past Marth with a flow of cherry blossoms behind his sword as Marth fell. "Cherry Blossom Climax!"

Sheik stayed silent as she threw her needles at Zombie Skater and Linne. Linne looked to block, but Zombie Skater wheeled in front of her and took all the needles for her.

"That won't work on me! I'm already dead! Linne, I'll set her up, and you kick that "Lord Alabastar" crap out of her!"

"Got it." Linne said.

Skater then wheeled towards Sheik, who prepared to stab him with another needle. However, he suddenly vanished, only to reappear behind the ninja and bash his skateboard on her head, disorienting her.

"Now, Linne!" ZS called out.

"Right. Infinite Worth...The Diviner!" Linne called out as she raised her blade into the air and it became coated in light before she spun it around and hit Sheik multiple times, finishing her. "Train harder next time."

"Now... let's get this all wrapped up. Persona!" Skull said ripping off his mask as his Persona emerged. " Blow him away...Captain Kidd!" he shouted as Captain Kidd opened fired on Villager multiple times, dealing massive damage.

Villager then got up, still smiling, as he pulled out a strange figurine. The statue launched like a rocket, heading straight for the Persona!

"No way that's gonna happen." Skull said taking his club and hitting the figurine, turning it around as it went back at Villager. "Eat that!" he said as it hit Villager and exploded, sending the kid flying. "Who's Next?!"

"Alright, we got all three of them!" Gemini said as all three fighters landed.

"Hmm. Feels as though...some sort of battle just occured." Marth said getting back up.

"Yeah, and you got your butt kicked. But you were brainwashed, so I guess it doesn't count on your win-loss record." Emo said, offering the Hero King a hand up.

"I see...then I must say thank you to all of you. Friends both old and new." Marth said.

"We were happy to help, your highness." Spade said.

"So, what now? We know Colette's boyfriend is on Villager's side, but we can't just ignore the other paths. What if there are other friends in different directions?" Double D asked.

"Don't worry. We'll go through every inch of this land if we have to. We're not leaving till we get every fighter on our side." Zexi said before they saw Galeem glowing before sending out three lights as they went to different parts of the land.

"Doesn't seem like Galeem's planning to take chances with us. I'm getting three huge energy readings from all over this land." Sci-Twi said.

"Oh joy, we've got bosses." Emo said flatly. "Guess this Ala-bastard can't be bothered to just get his beatdown over with."

"I have a feeling that the more fighters we free, the more desperate Galeem and Alabastar will get." Hope said.

"Any bead on any of our allies?" Jexi asked.

"For right now...it's not just Pit. I'm also picking up Mega Man's signal too." Sci-Twi said.

"Which way?" Hope asked.

"Coincidentally...in the same direction one of those lights went." Sci-Twi said.

"Hmmm...putting our friend's behind a powerful enemy? That fiend…" CP said.

David could only look on in thought.

"What is it?" Shuichi asked.

"It's nothing. It's just… Galeem and Alabastar… Something seems off about this particular pairing." David said.

"So, you feel it too." Chikasu said. "You're right. Something about all of this just doesn't add up."

"Yeah...same here. This Alabastar guy...he was king of the Dark Kingdom...yet he's teamed up with a being of light. Something about this doesn't make sense." Jack said. "Not unless he had something to gain from it."

"Of course he would have a mindset like that. And of course, all we can do is pick up the pieces as we go along." David said.

Meanwhile, Mark listens in on the conversation.

"(Lord, can you show me what Alabastar is planning? Why would he team up with a being of light?)"

Mark gets no response.

"(So, it's not time for us to know? ...Very well, Lord.)"

"I can hear you, you know." Yoko said.

"You can hear me praying in my head? How?" Mark asked.

"Telepathy. I used to resent this ability, but now that I've grown to accept it, it doesn't seem all that bad." Yoko said. "Listen, Mark. I can see how devoted you are, but no matter how much you pray, the gods aren't going to solve our problems for us. All we can do is believe and faith in each other."

"...Don't misunderstand, I have faith in your abilities. But my power come from my faith. I'm not asking him to solve our problem. But I see your point, it would be a cop-out to rely on God for every little thing. But...he can help."

"Help how? Where was he when everything went to hell, huh?" David asked.

"...Look, David. I'm not sure what kind of gods you've met, but the Lord isn't like that. He doesn't feel love, he IS love. I'm not going to force my religion on you, but listen: sometimes, God uses bad things to do good. I couldn't tell you WHY he let Alabastar do this...but whatever the reason, I trust him, just like I trust you." Mark said.

"That narrow-mindedness of yours… It reminds me of how I once was." David said. "...That is...before reality caught me at my weakest."

"Sorry, Mark. But as much as he wants to have faith in your God as well, personal experiences tell him otherwise." Zelos said.

"Well then…" Mark said. "...I guess...I'll let it go for now."

"In any case, how should we divide ourselves up?" Tapu Lele asked. "Lloyd's in the Villager's path, so we already know we're going that way."

"I have an idea about that...we should split and explore this land on our own paths. Find the fighters and rescue Spirits along the way." Jexi said already departing.

"Hmm… He has split off from us very often ever since the Dark Kingdom attacked him in Cho-Tokyo… I wonder what's eating at him…" David said.

"I'm not sure, I hope he's alright. In any case, I'll head west on Marth's path, anyone else want to come with?" Ace asked.

"As for any martial artists...come with me. I'm going to try and find Ryu." Ranma said.

"I'll go with you." Goku said. "I want to fight this Ryu guy and see how strong he is!"

"We'll go too." Jude said walking with Regal, Tenko, and Mana. "Colette… Make sure you save Lloyd."

"I will." Colette said.

"We'll come too." Emil said as he and Marta walked up to her.

"Hey, Jexi! Wait up!" Scarlet said, chasing after the boy. Moltar then went after his friend, with Team Go-Go not far behind.

"I saw this temple far off to the north east. It's where Pit is...so I'm gonna go there." Aelita said.

"Hope, where will you go?" Ace asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Hope asked. "I'm gonna go and find Shulk."

"Hey, can I go with ya?" Eddy asked. "I'd like to help ya be a good friend...you know, like you are now, I'm sure."

"Thanks. My bet is that spiral mountain across the way. But only one way to know." Hope said.

"I'm going to that place Sci-Twi mentioned where Mega is." Connor said. "If he's there...A real gunman's gotta get him."

"Me and Stoplight Eye will go with those Spectra Force guys!" Zombie Skater said. "They seem cool."

"We're going to that forest. There's a power plant there. Maybe a way to get power back to the world." Spectra said.

"Now...I'm going to that castle in the distance." Rainbow said.

"Same here." Sanji said.

"I'd go too, but I'm worried about Tapu Koko and Kyogre." David said.

"I'll look around for them." Mark said. "If they're anywhere, they might be near an ocean. Me and Team Chronicle will see if we can find one."

"Alright. Let me know as soon as you do. I need to re-establish the pacts." David said.

"As for the rest of us...split up how you see fit. We will spread across this world...and gather as many as we can." Drake said.

And so came a great divide, not the bad kind, but one where the heroes would go out and save as many people as they can. The travelling...begins.