Ephraim: Tonight, on How to Rebuild a Galaxy, we have something very terrible for you to endure. The author's first attempt at Mario's Italian accent. Muhahahaha!

Sir NZ: Another boring trip, another chapter of HtRaG. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I own nobody except James and the mystery character.

How to Rebuild a Galaxy

Step Seven

Begin the Invasion!

As Mario said, Samus awoke at 6:30 to meet him at seven in the foyer, hoping to displace some of his anger at her by being up early, something she noticed he thought highly of. Once she opened up the brand new doors that she and Falco made last week, she was greeted by a startling sight. She saw Mario leaning over a girl who was lying on the floor. Curious, she walked up beside Mario and asked him what was going on.

"I don't-a know, but when I walked-a down here this morning, I saw her a-sleeping here" said Mario, the girl still occupying his full attention.

"She looks foreign" was all Samus could come up with.

"Well-a, her choice of attire looks-a kinda weird" agreed Mario. The girl was dressed in some sort of pink-ish chainmail, with an axe on her back. She had smooth, blue pants on that looked like they were made from some sort of durable cloth. They flipped her over, to look for any injuries on her back. Oddly enough, they didn't find any, just two long tears in her chainmail.

"So what should we do with her?" asked Samus, who, she had to admit, would have liked nothing more than to have another girl to talk to.

"We wait-a till she wakes up, then interrogate her. Good-a cop, bad-a cop style" answered Mario, with a smile on his face.

"Are you serious?"

"Of-a course not" said Mario, chuckling quietly "We'll just give her a bed, then-a ask questions later" Or, this is what he would have done, if she hadn't woken up right then. Her eyes slowly opened, looking into the face of Samus first, and then Mario. She laid on the floor with a glazed look in her eyes, before she realized she wasn't where she thought she was. She sat up, and quickly looked back and forth between the two strangers standing over her.

"Where am I?" she said, very worriedly.

"You are in the castle of the Mushroom Kingdom… or at least what we've rebuilt of it" answered Mario, while holding his hand out motioning to the room she was in.

"I'm in THE Mushroom Kingdom? You mean the galaxy-famous one right? I've always wanted to come here ever since I was a little girl!" exclaimed the girl while standing up and looking around excitedly.

"Well, unfortunately, the Mushroom Kingdom you once knew is out of commission for the time being" said Samus in a very cold manner. The girl immediately turned around to look at Samus with a questioning face.

"We don't exactly know what happened to the castle, but we suspect it was burned down. We also arrived in time to find the village of toads murdered" sadly answered Mario.

"But who would do something like that? What has the Mushroom Kingdom done to anybody to wish such a thing upon them? The Mushroom Kingdom is one of the most peaceful planets in the galaxy" asked Rachel, her expression quickly changing to one of sorrow.

"We told you, we don't know, but whomever it is an evil mastermind who poses a serious threat to the entire galaxy" said Samus, and before Rachel could answer…

"Hello, my good homies, what is the upness?" said a very loud Ganondorf, who barged in the door, yawning very loudly after he was done with his greeting. Rachel looked at Ganondorf for a quick second before looking back to Samus with a raised eyebrow.

"No, definitely not, he's not a mastermind, nor does he pose a serious threat to anybody except my sanity. He's pretty pathetic actually" snapped Samus while nodding her head back and forth slowly.

"Samus shush" said Mario, looking at Samus, and then to Ganondorf "Good morning, Ganondorf, did you sleep well?" asked Mario politely.

"Yes, in fact I did, I am refreshed and ready to contribute to today's discussion on how we are going to continue working on the second story of this most beautiful castle" said Ganondorf.

"Of-a course, Ganondorf we will talk about that later, right now-a, we have a visitor" said Mario, seemingly forgetting the events of last night with Ganondorf's seemingly cheerful attitude.

"O, do we?" asked Ganondorf with a smile while turning to Rachel. He certainly looked evil, and his comment sent chills down her spine, but she was surprised at his nearly spotless teeth.

"We do, her name is…" began Mario as he realized he didn't ask her what her name was yet "I-a forgot to ask you your name, what is it-a?" he asked as he turned to the girl, a bit embarrassed at his lack of manners.

"My name is Rachel Barlan" said the girl, with a confident look on her face, her arms crossed across her chest.

"Where are you from? That axe on your back looks dangerous. I don't know of any place in the galaxy where they let women run around with weapons like that" asked Falco as he entered the room, stretching his arms out wide. Both Samus and Rachel gave him a glare, and Ganondorf recalled his native Gerudo tribe back on Hyrule.

"I'm from Earth. The crossroads of the galaxy" answered Rachel in an annoyed tone. Falco's first impression on her wasn't a good one.

"An Earthling, hmm? I'm from the Lylat system" said Falco, returning her glare. That meant only one thing and it was that she wasn't going to get along with this guy. Ever since the U.N.S.C defeated the Lylat system in the last Great War, the Lylat system had been trying to one-up the U.N.S.C in everything, and that didn't come off well on Earth.

"Wait, I think I recognize you from somewhere. Aha! You were in the last application tournament, weren't you?!" realized Samus.

"Yeah… Yeah I was, I don't know how I got here though" said Rachel, looking around again. Almost as if on cue, Ness walked through the door, his hand on his head.

"Guys, I have another headache, can I be excused from the discussions today?" whined Ness, as he slowly wobbled over to the group. "Who is this?"

"Name's Rachel, nice to meet you" said Rachel cheerfully as she held out a hand.

"Nice to meet you, so can I just stay in bed today, or what?" Ness quickly changed the subject, and ignored her outstretched hand. Rachel cut the guy some slack; otherwise she would have yelled in his face and scared the shit out of him. Instead, she just narrowed her eyes and dropped it.

"So, we have the same…" started Mario, as he closed his eyes, his ring finger pointing towards the ceiling.

"Wait, Ness, didn't you have a headache when we crashed?" Samus interrupted. Ness nodded. "I think that Ness' headaches have something to do with how people get here" assured Samus, putting two and two together.

"What do you mean?" asked Ganondorf, his large arms folding across his chest.

"I think there may be something supernatural that brought us here. I mean, Ness is a psychic boy, right? It would make sense he could sense large waves of energy that are out of the ordinary, and since they are so large, it would probably give him headaches" Samus tried to explain. The others were silent as they tried to make sense of what she was proposing.

"Makes sense to me" finally said Rachel. The others turned towards her with quizzical looks, urging her on to explain further.

"Well, that's just the only thing that makes sense. All I remember after Nightmare and Juris rushed towards each other is a bright flash, a momentary green light, and then I was on the floor in this castle" defended Rachel, looking for a sign of anybody who challenged her. C'mon, bird brain, you know you want to. Falco may have thought she was out of her mind, but there was no way he was going to protest about some weird mumbo-jumbo that he didn't understand.

"So, about the problem of the second story…" started Mario as they began discussing possible solutions.

- - - - - - -

The space all around High Charity was bustling with activity, all of the ships mobilizing for the coming assault on the neighboring galaxy. There wasn't anybody not working, grunts loading weapons onto the phantoms, jackals making sure all vehicles and spacecraft were ready to deploy, and elites and brutes coordinating it all. On the Arbiter's flagship, Grave Repentance, the Arbiter was discussing the Prophets' battle plans.

"Arbiter, we plan to use that explosion to our advantage in this great endeavor" said Regret, through the ship's holographic communicator, which all three of the Prophets were using.

"Yes, it was a sign from gods that we should invade, and bring peace to the galaxy" said Mercy, looking up to the sky as if thanking the gods as he did so.

"Tell me what you wish me to do, and I will obey" said the Arbiter, going down on one knee.

"That explosion wiped out many planets, which would otherwise provide opposition, forming a glorious path that will lead us to victory in the process" explained Truth. "It also appears that there is some sort of unrest in the Mushroom Kingdom, which takes out one of the strongest mid-rim defenses. That means our strongest opposition will be from the heretics and the animals"

"Arbiter, we have put a fleet under your command the size of which they have never seen before, they have no chance for victory. The Great Journey will finally be complete!" exclaimed Regret, shaking his fist vigorously.

"Once the heretics are out of the way, we can activate the holy rings and cleanse this galaxy, completing the goals of the Covenant and quieting the universe for all time" said Mercy, bowing his head and imagining complete and total victory.

"It is done, Hierarchs" said the Arbiter as he got off his one knee and the holographic images of the Prophets disappeared from his vision. He walked through the long, purple hallways of the ship and made his way to the command center.

It was true that the Prophets had been building this fleet for such a glorious moment, and that not one ship was spared, save High Charity itself, for this invasion. It was also true that the Covenant was the most advanced in space technology in the known universe, but their power was rivaled on the ground by those meddlesome humans. He commanded a fleet of 35 warships, 63 battle cruisers, and hundreds of Phantoms, which in themselves contained thousands of troops, weapons, and assault vehicles for once they got on the planets.

But as he sat in his captain's chair, he had his doubts about the mission. Hadn't the Prophets talked of complete and utter domination two decades before, during the last invasion? That one was turned back by the stubborn resistance of the Alteans, who despite their completely heretical faith, had managed to hold the Covenant off long enough for Earth and the Lylat system to build extra defenses on the various planets.

No, this one would not be turned back. There was no way in hell this holy crusade could be turned back, even thinking to the contrary was heretical. The engines were ready, troops motivated, all guns loaded.

"Onwards, to the defeat of all those who defy us!" shouted the Arbiter over his intercom, so as to announce their presence to the galaxy.

- - - - - -

The next morning (from the last Hyrule section), a bright yellow sun rose on Hyrule's varied landscapes, highlighting the decimation of the capital city and Kakariko village. This radiant sunshine awoke Roy, who always woke up early to train. He woke up with a small yawn and got ready to train, getting on the light garments he always wore under his armor to go running. He believed it was a Tuesday, and he always ran on Tuesday morning. He turned around to open the door and found Peach standing there.

"Good Morning Roy" said the princess with a bright smile as he opened the door. Roy, however wasn't prepared to meet someone, and ran straight into her. He landed on top of her, and she noted he was quite heavy, even without his armor. He quickly got up and held out his hand.

"Geez, I'm sorry Peach, I didn't see you there" said Roy quickly, while helping her up.

"It's okay Roy, you didn't hurt me or anything" said Peach, trying to be polite. Even though she probably had dirt on her bottom, he was sincerely sorry. "Anyways, I wanted to know if you would help me find some vegetables that may have survived in the garden"

Finding vegetables in the garden? That sounded like the just the thing he really didn't want to do right now. "Sorry Peach, but I have a training schedule I have to stick to right now. Maybe some other time" apologized Roy. Well, it was true, he had already missed one this week, and he really didn't want to miss another.

"Oh, really? That's too bad, I wanted some company this lovely morning but I guess I'll just do it alone" her voice betrayed the slightest hint of disappointment.

He jogged off, eager to get out of the awkward situation and get to the castle grounds. He tried to comfort himself by saying that everything was dead anyways and that doing so would be a waste of time. He still felt guilty leaving her to do it alone though. He also wondered if she woke up so early to so in her won kingdom? Surely she had servants to do it for her?

When he stepped outside, he was extremely surprised at the sight. The plants outside were no longer dead. At least, not completely. The trees still had no leaves, but were a healthy brown instead of the somber gray color they had yesterday. Some of the plants' stalks were also straight up again, instead of fallen on the ground. Even the castle looked slightly more grayish, and there were less burn marks on the walls than yesterday.

Zelda and Link were telling the truth, it looked like. But they said that the castle took a little bit of their energy, even though it looked like it took a lot of energy to do this much. He shook it off because Zelda probably had an explanation for it. He went on a jog, and began memorizing the terrain of his new home.

- - - - - - -

For most people, the accepted wake-up time was several hours later than the crack of down. The dining hall was also the default meeting place it seemed. First up was Zelda, who in turn woke up Link when she opened her door, and they both came downstairs. Zelda first, with Link following close behind. Next came Luigi, then DK and Kirby, all three, stumbling down the stairs in an almost hilarious manner. After that, Peach was bringing up a bucket of water to her room to wash up with, but spilled it on the stairs when her shoe caught on the last stair. Marth came down next, looking completely awake, in full armor, careful to avoid the water, lest his luxurious cape get water on it. Afterwards, James walked down the stairs, subconsciously turning the water into ice when he walked on it. Next came everybody's favorite turtle with everybody's super-awesome racer right behind him. Bowser, who was actually awake, avoided the ice with great caution, like a good honest citizen should. Captain Falcon, on the other hand, was too busy yawning to notice the ice (which was conveniently in the middle of the stairway), and slipped face first down the stairs, and barreled straight into Bowser, who was too slow to get out of the way.

Everyone else in the dining room came out to find out what all the commotion. They couldn't say they were surprised when they saw Falcon and Bowser had tumbled down the stairs.

"Are you guys okay? Marth, Link go help them up" commanded Zelda to the two unwilling men.

Marth quickly headed for Falcon, which left Link with Bowser. Link, who was the stronger of the two, helped Bowser up with a heave. Marth, with a quiet "idiot" helped up Falcon with relatively no effort.

"So who's making breakfast? I'm starving" said Link, who felt the need to show his hunger by rubbing his stomach.

"I vote Zelda and Marth again, that meal last night was delicious" said James, referring to the cooked Cucco. Various Dittos, I agree, and one Not the sissy boy again gave the before mentioned smashers the job of cook.

Everyone piled into the dining room again, taking their seats from last night. Zelda and Marth opened up the door to the kitchen when they saw a very chaotic sight. Roy and Mr. Game and Watch were making breakfast at breakneck speed. Roy was handling the pancakes and waffles, while Mr. GW was making the sausage and bacon in his frying pan. They were over three-fourths of the way done.

"Guys? What are you doing?" asked Marth, with a slight tinge of anger in his voice.

"We're making breakfast, isn't it obvious?" answered Roy, while flipping 8 pancakes at once.

"Who said we wanted pancakes and waffles Roy?" answered Marth, while putting emphasis on "pancakes" and "waffles".

"What do you mean? We're nice enough to think ahead and make breakfast, and you don't want any?!" asked Roy, as he finished his current set of pancakes and walked over to Marth.

"No, we want a real breakfast, not some slop fit for peasants" answered Marth, while looking down at the shorter Roy, who was standing very close to Marth. Mr. GW also turned to look, and held his head down after he heard the above statement.

"Slop fit for peasants?!!!!" Roy was angry now "Is that what my food is?! You haven't even tried it! I'll have you know that I learned from the best chef in all the land!" Roy was standing on his toes, trying to get to same height as Marth. Marth, however, was completely unfazed.

"I don't have to try it, pancakes and waffles are only so good" said Marth coolly and calmly, his blue eyes reflecting his calm attitude. Roy looked like he was going to say something lengthy, as he breathed in deep, but then thought better of it.

"C'mon Mr. Game and Watch, let's let Altea's finest cook our meal" said Roy through clenched teeth as he motioned for the little man to follow him out. Marth stood in silence as Roy went out the door with Mr. GW following.

"So now let's get down to business Zelda, what should we dazzle them with?" asked Marth as if the whole argument earlier never happened. Zelda was silent for a few moments as she thought of an answer.

"Marth, I thought he was your friend" said Zelda finally, looking at the floor. Marth looked puzzled at her question.

"Yes, he is my friend, a very good one too" said Marth, sounding very sure of his relationship with Roy.

"It didn't look like it back there" said Zelda, and when Marth didn't answer, she continued "is that how treat your friends Marth?" Zelda looked up to Marth, with a pleading expression on her face. Marth was still silent. "I think I know why you don't have very many friends Marth, it's because you don't treat anybody with any respect"

"I treat my friends with plenty of respect" the prince's wall of stoicism was beginning to crumble.

"Really? Was that respect you showed Roy back there?" she pressed.

"Of course, I was honestly telling him what I thought of his cooking. If a man wants to respect himself, he must be aware of his shortcomings" his voice began to waver.

"Have you even tried his cooking?" now she was getting somewhere.

"Not personally, but the people of his country are famous for -" began Marth.

"Have you tried his cooking?" she tried again.

"No, I haven't had the chance, but it only makes sense that his wouldn't be that good because -" started Marth again, eager to get his point across.

"I don't care Marth!" she shouted as he waved her hand around, knocking over a few dirty pans from last night's cooking "I don't care whether his PEOPLE are good cooks, I care whether HE is a good cook" that kind of talk just aggravated her. Marth stood there, and gaped at her outburst.

"You assume too much about everybody Marth, give everybody an equal chance. I've noticed you do it an awful lot with everybody you are around" she leaned on the counter, her hand on her head, breathing deeply. He just stood there, amazed that somebody would call him out on such a thing. Nobody had ever dared challenge his ways of thinking ever before.

"Let's not let these pancakes get cold, grab some plates and start serving them up" finally said Zelda as she grabbed some herself. Marth reluctantly began to grab some and followed Zelda out the door.

- - - - - -

Snake and Master Chief (we'll just call him Chief) were asleep on the crashed alien spacecraft in the jungle on the uninhabited planet. Or so they thought.

Both were fast asleep, but not everything needs sleep. They slowly began to move out their hiding places in the ship, slowly advancing towards the sleeping men. One stepped on a small piece of metal and made a small ting. That was enough to wake Snake up, who immediately saw the strange figure in the dim light coming from the open door.

It was small, about a foot tall, and it was yellow. It didn't appear to have anything other than a ball with many small, thin legs coming from the ball. It also appeared to have small tentacles coming from its mouth.

He immediately rolled over to Chief.

"Chief, wake up, we got a problem" whispered Snake as he shook the super soldier.

"And that would be?" said Chief lazily.

"Little yellow aliens"

"Aww Shit!" said Chief as he quickly got up and grabbed his assault rifle and loaded it. "Grab a gun and make sure they don't touch you!"

- - - - - -

A/N: Hurray for updates! I liked this chapter personally, even though I didn't plan for it to be so long. Review as always, any feedback is appreciated!

The "Immortal Sir NZ