Talk about record time, I can do the next chapter right now and possibly finish this tomorrow. Just two more after this one. I may be switching a bit between characters here.
As a reminder, thoughts are ', " indicates spoken dialogue, and - is change in point of view.
Disclaimer: Super Smash Brothers and Fire Emblem are created by Nintendo.
Chapter XIV: A Bittersweet Homecoming
The very next morning, Ike woke at dawn, ate a light breakfast out of some fruit he'd packed up at Smash Mansion and went outside the castle. Yune stood waiting for him in the courtyard"Are you ready?"
"Yes, Yune" said the Cimean Mercenary.
Yune spoke"Tellius is the final destination of your current quest, I sense Majora has desecrated the Tower of Guidence with more of his ilk. Beyond a portal there, his citadel lies deep within. Without help, the only thing you can do is save Crimea from the shadow warriors that invaded it. The shadow soldiers are the vanguard of Majora's army."
"I understand, I'll just ready a portal at Smash Mansion and be on my way" said the Crimean Mercenary.
Yune raised her hand to the left, and a portal to the Smash Mansion appeared. Ike stepped toward it and entered. Yune watched as the portal closed'Good luck, Ike.'
Marth and Roy spent time tending to the wounded and reviving their allies. The Tactician Mark went through his inventory near the portals when he saw one open"Huh? Who's there?"
"I should ask the same of you. I'm Ike" said the blue haired mercenary, emerging from the portal.
The brown haired man replied"I am Mark, formerly a tactician of Lycia. Well, specifically, I was part of Eliwood's army for the duration of his campaign against the Black Fang in my world."
"Nice meeting you, but I have to go back to Tellius, which is my homeworld" said Ike, striding over to the portal with the sign 'Tellius' above it. Mark was astonished to see the portal open'I must tell Marth.'
The Tactician raced to the main room to find Marth reviving the tophilized warriors"I saw a blue haired mercenary enter a portal in the back room. He seemed like he was determined to do something."
"Did you see an emblem on him?" said Roy.
Mark shook his head"I don't know, but I believe his name was Ike."
"Ike? Who does he think he is, challenging the monsters attacking Tellius by himself?" squeaked Peach.
Mario groaned"Mama-mia! He could get himself killed."
Nearby, Pit and Samus were rivived, Marth addressed them"I can't ask your forgiveness now, but I want you to know I'm sorry. I intended to temporarily transform you into trophies until Majora lowered his guard, but it backfired."
"Apologies simply don't cut it when you turn your weapon on someone" said Samus.
"But we can still work together to save everyone" chimed Pit.
Just then, Yune appeared"Ike went to save Crimea, I sense a burning desire for his friends brimming in his heart. But should he run into Dark Deity, he may run into some problems."
"Dark Deity? What's that?" inquired Marth.
Yune gravely replied"It is an evolved and lethal form of Dark Link, recently created by Majora. Against the powers of Majora's Mask, even with the Dawn Emblem, Ike could be facing certain death."
"That's it, I'm going to Tellius myself to save his hide if I must. Who's with me?" said Marth.
"I am" said Peach.
"Count me in, princess" said Mario.
Samus stood by Marth"I can't sit by, so I'm coming too."
Pit, Pikachu, Roy, Mark, Isaac, Ness, Paula, Solid Snake, Young Link, Fox, Krystal, Meta-Knight and Kirby went over to Marth's side. The Altean hero smiled"Why do I feel like I have an impromptu battle squadron? Everyone else, watch over smash mansion while we're out."
Master Hand, who'd just recovered, spoke"We'll keep this place safe until you get back. Come back in one piece, everyone."
Yune interjected"The Tower of Guidence has been defiled recently by Majora when he placed a subspace portal there, that is your key objective once you've seen to Ike's safety."
"Let's activate my Starship and go through Tellius's portal, Majora's in for a unpleasent surprise" said Samus.
At Renias Castle, Zelda informed Ephraim of Ike's departure, Link was surprised at the news. Ephraim sighed"Well, I understand how he must feel about his home continent invaded. As it stands, our next course of action may lead us to Tellius, where apparently the last of the enemy invasion force is attacking."
"I know why he left, it also has to do with his friends" said Zelda, calmly.
"I know he fights for his friends, but a guy like him sure has quite the ego" said Link.
Eirika spoke up"Magvel will respond to Tellius's plight, right Ephraim?"
The blue haired king sighed"Renias has little to offer another country, much less one from another world. But I'm never one to refuse a friend in need, seeing as Sir Ike has saved our continent from the unknown. General Seth, you ready for one last campaign?"
Seth nodded"I am always at your service, my king."
"I'm coming whether you like it or not" said Eirika.
Ephraim thought for a moment, then replied"All right, I will provide you two and our two remaining guests with some aid. Franz, Amelia, Ross, Colm, Neimi, can I count on you?"
"Of course, we're always ready to go into battle at your behest" said Franz.
Ephraim nodded"I will join you, too. Tana, can you look after the kingdom while I'm out?"
"Okay, but please be careful Ephraim" whispered the blue haired Falconknight.
Link pulled out the teleportation stone"Everyone ready? Put your hands on this."
In the green fields of Tellius, Ike emerged from the portal. The blue haired mercenary walked onward, taking in the sight'Has it been a year? I never thought I would return.'
Ahead, the path lead him to Ohma, where he found traces of battle'Something's happened here, I'm sure everyone has been busy while I was away.'
"Oh my gosh, is that Ike?" gasped a nearby woman.
"Hm?" Ike glanced at the woman.
A young man approached"You've returned, have you heard the news?"
Ike was puzzled"How are things?"
"The Greil Mercenaries left their fort under their Deputy Commander's orders, they're helping Queen Elincia against some unknown creatures. What's more, Daein, Begnion, Gallia and Serenes have joined forces" said the man.
The blue haired mercenary nodded"Thanks for the information, so Titania is at Melior. All right, I'm going to the capital."
"Good luck" said the man.
Ike left Ohma and started south west towards Melior. On his way however, a group of shadowy soldiers appeared"Majora's vanguard, huh?"
One of the shadowy soldiers charged with his sword, Ike fired a magic blast from Ragnell to stop the enemy. Two more monsters swung their blade at Ike's back when he whirled around and cut them down. A Greap appeared and swung it's scythe at the hero. Ike swiftly dodged and tore it down with his sword.
As Ike fought his way past the monsters, three hawks, a heron, and two ravens had flown into the scene. The biggest Hawk was surprised"Hm? Is that Ike fighting the monsterosities by any chance?"
"Looks to be that way" said the smallest hawk.
"To wing, my friends!" said the largest hawk.
"We've got your back, Tibarn" said the small hawk.
Ike struck down another shadowy monster before turning his attention to a Shaydes, which he promptly blasted. Just then, as the bird tribes drew close to the frey, a crimson lion charged into the frey. Accompanying him with a familiar blue cat, a green tiger and a red haired mage. Together, Ike and his backup struck down the monsters.
"Tibarn, Skrimir, Ranulf, it's been a while" said Ike.
The blue cat grinned as he morphed into his human form"Nice to have you back, Ike."
"Don't forget the rest of us, all of the countries are banding together against the invasion. It's me, Tormod" smiled the mage.
The black raven transformed and said"Heh, you wouldn't believe how Tibarn and Leanne talked me into joining the fight."
"How's Reyson?" said Ike.
Leanne replied"He had to stay in Serenes to look after Naesala's and my kids."
"Wow, Leanne, your speech has improved" said Ike.
Leanne smiled, while Tibarn spoke"Well, that's enough chit-chat, are you on your way to the Capital, my group is headed there ourselves. I hear Apostle Sanaki and some of her vassals are stationed there with more of our allies."
"I understand that, so let's go. But wait, since when did Daein get along with Laguz?" said Ike.
Ranulf replied"Daein has opened a relationship with Begnion and Serenes, the youth are trying to understand the Laguz better. We still have a long way to go, but Daein is slowly starting to get over it's hatred of the Laguz tribes."
In her quarters, Queen Elincia glanced out the window as she pondered what could be happening to Tellius'I wish Ike were here, but I know I cannot depend on everyone.'
Mist entered the room"Hey, how are you?"
"Same as ever, Mist. But are you okay walking around by yourself?" inquired the queen.
Mist shrugged"It's okay, I'm only a couple of weeks along. Soren and everyone else have been trying to eradicate the wierd monsters, but I wonder if we'll win."
Elincia turned to the younger girl"All we can do is have faith, I would go into battle myself if needed. But I've been busy hanging back and directing our allied armies with Micaiah's help."
"You're right" sighed the Valkyrie.
Titania entered the room"Your majesty, I recieved word from one of your scouts. Some of the bird tribes and Apostle Sanaki have arrived and are waiting in the conference room. The scout told me that a blue haired man is traveling among them, he sounded familiar. But the scout did not divulge much detail."
"A blue haired man... Could it be him?" wondered Elincia.
"I wonder, but that seems impossible" said Mist.
The Deputy Commander shrugged"Actually, we may certainly know him. Come with me."
The three headed down to the conference room, where their allies met with them. The young empress Sanaki was conversing with the man who the scout told Titania about"You've been away for quite some time, would you mind telling me what transpired?"
"It's a long story, but I am here to set things right" said the man.
"It is good to have you back, but pray tell, did you perchance find anything beyond our fair continent?" came the voice of the Count of Fayre.
The man replied"Actually, there appears to be different dimensions separate from our own, I stayed in one for some time."
"Hey Titania, Mist, Elincia, come join us" called one of the Hawk Laguz in the room.
Elincia walked into the room, where the blue haired man sat next to King Skrimir. The man stood up and turned, wearing his usual green headband, blue clothes and red cape"Queen Elincia, it has been a long time."
"I can't believe it, is it really you, Ike?" whispered the green haired queen.
Ike nodded"Yeah, sorry I was out for so long."
"Big brother!" Mist ran up to Ike and threw her arms around him. Ike hugged his little sister back.
Titania smiled at her commander"Ike, welcome home."
Ike glanced at Elincia"All right, I have a way we can save Tellius from this crises, I also know where the enemy here is coming from."
"What might that be?" inquired Sanaki.
Ike reached into his pocket and pulled out a crystal clear emblem"Yune told me everything, and I aquired this emblem from a remote temple. Apparently, the source of the chaos is coming from the Tower of Guidence. A dark portal is there somewhere."
"Are you sure? Hmph, come to think of it, monster attacks are very intense near Sienne" said Sanaki.
Elincia nodded"With that in mind, we'll begin preparations for the subjugation of the monsters. Ike, is there anything else Yune told you?"
"The leader of the enemy is a sorcerer called Majora" said the mercenary.
"Ha, I figured you'd ignore the eventual creation of my new trump card" said a voice, as the dark clad man appeared.
The blue haired knight, Geoffrey rushed towards the man with his lance brandished"Queen Elincia, Sir Ike, please permit me to dispatch this intruder."
"Geoffrey, this guy's stronger then he looks" said Ike, standing next to him.
Majora blasted the blue haired knight backward and said"Look behind you, enjoy the view while it lasts. Mwa, ha, ha, ha, ha."
Ike turned to see a dark shadow emerging on the capital outside the window. As Majora vanished, Rolf rushed into the room"Elincia, monsters are appearing in the capital."
"Geoffrey, evacuate the civilians. Ike, everyone, we must stop the threat. Mist, stay inside" said Elincia.
"Okay" said the Valkyrie.
Ike and most of the group in the room rushed outside the castle to see a mass of Primids, Bytans and a gigantic shadowy swordsman with a large blade and platinum hair.
"Dark Link!" gasped Ike.
"It's Dark Deity now, behold the true dark powers of the Fierce Deity!" growled the giant shadow, emitting an aura of darkness. The blast knocked the group back.
"Ike, are you okay?" said Elincia.
Ike nodded"Yeah, but we fell into Majora's trap."
The remaining Greil Mercenaries engaged the monsters, while the Crimean Knights evacuated the citizens. Ike, Elincia, and Titania charged at the advancing Primids while Dark Deity swung his massive sword down onto Ike. The Crimean Mercenary dodged and swung his sword into an upward thrust, firing a magic energy.
Dark Deity staggered back and cast a fireball at Ike. The hero dodged and fired another magic blast, which was instantly countered by a swing of the monster's sword.
"Oh crackers, this guy looks tough" said a pink haired Pegasus Knight.
"What can we do, Marcia?" said Rolf.
The Pegasus knight replied"Hop onto my pegasus and ride with me, use your arrows to snipe at the monster."
"Okay" said Rolf, nervously. The two flew the pegasus into the air, giving Rolf the opprotunity to fire an arrow at the envolved Dark Link's eyes. Dark Link teleported out of the way and fired a blast of energy at Rolf and Marcia. The Pegasus Knight quickly flew her steed out of the way.
"This looks impossible" whispered Titania.
Just then, a laser barrage hit Dark Link and the monsters. A Starship appeared from the sky and fired on the encroaching monsters. Ike was astonished"Samus?"
"Don't forget about everyone else!" Link, Zelda and some of Magvel's warriors appraoched from the west and engaged the monsters. Ike joined in the fray, striking down the primids.
The starship zoomed downward until it hovered above the ground, a young blond jumped off of the ship and ran towards the dark shadow swordsman. Ike recognized him"Young Link."
Young Link pulled out a mask from his pocket and put it on, transforming into the navy blue clad Fierce Deity"Pick on someone your own size, Dark Link!"
Dark Link turned to meet his opponent and swung his sword, Fierce Deity Link blocked the blow and slashed Dark Deity across the chest. Close by, the ship landed and Marth came out, accompanied by several other of the heroes.
"Ike, thank goodness" said Zelda, approaching her companion after disposing a Primid.
While Marth and Link's groups routed the monsters, Fierce Deity Link dueled his dark counterpart fiercely. Dark Deity launched a wave of dark energy at Fierce Deity, who dodged and countered with a mighty thrust.
As Ike beat back some of the primids, the Dawn Emblem began to glow once more. Elincia was astonished"What's this?"
The Crimean mercenary held up the emblem, which shot forth a wave of sacred magic. The blast covered the entire area just as Fierce Deity Link eventually stabbed Dark Link.
Marcia and Rolf covered their eyes as they caught sight of the display. Everyone else did too, as the aura from the emblem banished the monsters out of the capital.
As the light vanished, Elincia turned to Ike"What was that?"
Ike showed her the emblem"It's the Dawn Emblem, a relic that can help us combat Majora."
"Good gravy, so that's what caused the light just now" said Marcia.
Link approached the Crimean Hero. Ike was surprised"You came after me."
"You didn't think you'd ditch us that easily, did you?" said Roy.
"At leas that mess is over" said a voice as a black haired mage approached the scene. Ike turned to see the branded face of his oldest friend, Soren.
"Ike, there's something I need to tell you" called Mist, hurrying out into the courtyard.
"What is it?" said Ike.
The Valkyrie replied"Ike, Boyd and I are going to have a baby."
Ike was astonished"Really? I know you two married, but having a kid already?"
"Looks like you'll be an uncle soon, Ike" said Oscar, approaching. Beside him was a black haired Falcon Knight.
Ike was surprised, as were the rest of his allies when they heard. Zelda addressed the Crimean Mercenary"The brown haired girl is your sister, isn't she?"
Ike turned to Zelda"Yes, she and Boyd married shortly before I left Tellius."
Soren approached his commander, unable to find the words to say to the man he was always loyal too. Micaiah and Sothe approached to see Ike standing among his fellow Crimeans once more.
Well, that's the next chapter for you. Sorry to end this in a cliffhanger, but I'll find the time to continue tomorrow.
Please feel free to review.