The True Master of the Smash Brothers part 19
"The Good, the Bad, and the Neutral,"
The Original 12 serve as the pillars to the entire Super Smash Brothers organization. They were the ones who taught them how to be Smashers, how no one is truly alone. There can always be someone who understands you, even if no one on your entire planet does, someone on another probably will. The Original 12 were secretly what every Smasher worked to be like in one way or another. Not to be great heroes, since everyone one of them are great heroes in their own right. Still, the question of what makes the Original 12 so special has escaped everyone, even themselves. Why does everyone look up to them, want to be like them, or even respect them? They are rather powerful, but that's not a good reason to respect someone. The Original 12, what makes them special is rather simple now that ya think about it. It's rather obvious once you peel back everything that makes up who they are.
They're regular people.
How could these adventurers, these warriors, and heroes be anything remotely close to regular? Well despite being able to do fantastic things, accomplish incredible feats, and facing down whatever problem they have despite the odds. The 12 all have had misfortune in one way or another befall them. Something bad happens, something precious taken from them, or a point in time when they were too weak to fight. They all started at that point where they made their lives fantastically bright in no matter what they do. They refuse to let the bad slow them down as they face the problems before them. It takes a lot of nerve to be able to do that, to turn one's back on the past. Accepting what happened, but not letting it stop you from holding you back. They can get hungry, they can whine like children, break rules, act their shoe size, hold a grudge, a touch of innocence, and even show signs of fear. They remain grounded in a crazy, crazy world, and for that is something they should be commended for. From the very first Smash tournament to now, they have remained relatively the same, naturally people change, but these 12 stay timeless. It may be a good example of why they are sometimes called classics as well. But the point is the Original 12 are special, but what does that make the other 23 Smashers?
It makes them capable of the same thing, they were like the 12 the moment they stepped foot on the Mansion's soil. They will remain who they are as they cannot imagine themselves any other way. So as Sonic Universe, stares down the monstrosity in front of them, they all have the same thought in their head…
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?" Wolf hollers.
Well besides that one…
"So how long is this gonna take, because I've got another appointment at eight?" Sonic says.
BESIDES, that one…
"This is not going to be easy…" Lucas mutters.
Obviously! Maybe no one is thinking the same thing…
"Well are we gonna get started or what?" Lucario states with arms crossed.
THAT'S THE ONE!
"Alright, let's get to it then," Pit says as he's gifted with the power of flight as takes to the sky above as each member moves to take on the beast. The monster began to alter its shape again from the monstrous multi-tailed fox to a demon. The demon has a humanoid form followed with sharp arms horns jetting out the side of his head, muscular arms begin to take shape and develop. Sharp claws extend from his fingertips, as a demonic smirk exposes itself reveling jagged razor sharp teeth with a frightening eyes. The demon roars again shaking the earth, but the Smashers couldn't care less about that as they all begin taking positions.
"What form is that?" Lucario questions.
"The shape reminds me of a demon known as belphegor," Gannondorf identifies.
"Let's all take a position quick. Lucario and Sonic will rush it head on to get his attention," Snake orders. "Gannon and Bowser, you two go for the legs bring him down and cut his mobility. Ness and Toon Link stick with Lucas, I don't want him anywhere near that thing and offer support where needed. Zelda, R.O.B, and Wolf I need you guys to find me some soft spots and issue out some instructions. Pit and Meta Knight attack from above, hit the spots that we can't and cover us down below. I will do my own thing to see if we can't counteract what's happening,"
"Sounds like a plan to me," Sonic says. "Alright team let's do it-,"
"TO IT!" they all exclaim. Everyone rushes off to their goal.
Lucas frowns at being sidelined which both Ness and Toon notice, so they decided to double team him with a noogie making the boy protest firmly while trying to restrain from laughing. "Cheer up Lucas, we're just really glad you're you again," Ness says.
"Yeah…no offense, but you were kinda terrifying as Omni. Since no one has ever gotten out of the Omni persona we don't know what affects that energy might have you," Toon Link adds.
Lucas pushes his friends away to somewhat adjust his hair. "I understand that, it's not a bad idea. It's just that…something is…bugging me,"
"Like what?"
"I don't know…"
The rest of Sonic Universe moved to their goals quickly. Sonic and Lucario rushed the giant first quickly. Lucario unleashed a strong aura sphere toward the creature's chest. However, the creature barely even noticed that he was attacked. The beast's eyes seem to scan the area briefly as if searching for something. Pit notches an arrow to shoot a few arrows at the beast's head. A few nicks and scratches that makes the beast flinch but it doesn't seem to care.
"Seriously, light arrows, arrows blessed by the GODDESS of LIGHT and I can't even get his attention!" Pit begins to throw a tantrum at the prospect. Meta Knight takes a more direct approach to slash at the beast's forehead but the second he made contact he was repelled.
"The beast is made of pure energy, we can't simply punch and kick something like this," Meta Knight observes.
"I'm shooting arrows of light at him!"
"Well try being more precise, aim for the eyes!"
"Yeah, he'll never see that coming…or maybe he will…but he won't for long!" Pit thinks on this prospect until Meta Knight clears his throat to get his attention. "Oh right, my bad, here's an arrow in your eye!" Pit launches two precise arrows from his bow and straight into the monsters eyes. The beast roars in anger at having been partially blinded. With his lack of vision it was easier to corral the beast into a preferable direction. No one was sure what it was trying to do or where it was trying to go, but R.O.B already explained that the creature will reach critical mass in a quarter of an hour. What it wanted didn't matter, taking it down was the most important thing. But even with the strength of Bowser and Gannondorf, it was extremely difficult to hit something made of pure energy. R.O.B's scans revealed that the creature has a very thin layer of protection that is extremely difficult to penetrate without the proper power. All they were doing was making the demon feel like it was trying to take a walk on an extremely windy day. The demon's eyes were clearly healing up after Pit's arrows, so Pit notches a few more. However, the belphegor moved much faster than last time as the arrows were dodged and the beast wrapped a fist around Pit.
"Whoa Pit!" Zelda quickly teleports up to the demon's closed fist. She quickly swivels in the air to reveal her arrow of light to take aim at Belphegor's eye then launches a fast arrow of light straight into its eye. The Belphegor roars in anger and pain as the arrow goes straight through his head. His fist loosens enough for Pit to escape while also scooping Zelda out of the air and smoothly fly back down to the ground.
"Thanks for the save," Pit says sitting the princess down.
Sonic rushes in to circle around the beast at supersonic speeds to create a tornado around the monster. Sonic mashes his teeth knowing he'd have to really pour it on since he'd have to accelerate much faster than he's used to. This creates a tornado that actually manages to lift the creature off his feet. The monster notices this then unleashes a powerful shockwave into the ground that throws everyone in random directions. The Smashers were all scattered all over the ground after the attack. The Demon's sight had more or less returned if the scratching of the eyes was any indication.
"MELTDOWN OF MONSTER IN T-MINUS FIFTEEN MINUTES," R.O.B informs his teammates from his downed position.
"We're not…making enough headway doing this," Snake says picking himself off the ground.
"We need something that packs more of a punch then what we have…" Wolf says.
"Well there isn't a lot we can do, especially without the Smash Force, Final Smashes are impossible right now, and our back up-,"
"Is on its way," Ness interjects pointing toward the sky. Everyone looks up above them to see swirling vortex of light in the sky begin to take shape.
"LET GO!" a voice yells out taking everyone's attention from the swirling vortex to a struggling blonde PSI user.
"Lucas!" Toon Link yells as he attempts to jump get his friend free but he couldn't meet the height required.
"What's it doing now?" Bowser growled.
"Too much…too much…need more…" the demon howled seemingly in agony. Lucas raised a curious eyebrow at the creature but was soon surprised with freedom as the demon's hand was slashed off completely by a red blur. Lucas found himself falling until he was saved from meeting the ground by Sonic who was already rushing on the scene.
"Geez, and people say I have a terrible knack for showing up right in the nick of time," Sonic chastises sarcastically as he sets Lucas back down on the ground.
"Sorry, Master Hand wanted to be sure the weapon operated after you broke it," replied the leader of the Smashers, Mario himself.
"It didn't help things that he forgot how he made it so he put us all to work on a weapon, we know little to nothing about," Fox adds landing nearby.
"Also, how we weren't allowed to know anything about the technology or whatever. It was a weird process, but it got done," Link includes his input as the rest of the Smashers joined them. So now every single Smasher had finally arrived unto the battlefield.
"Okay, now maybe this won't suck so much," Ness says happily.
"Yeah, you won't believe what the rest of us we're doing while you guys were busy doing your thing. Fighting a planet stinks…" Popo moans as he lets out a sigh fatigue.
"Well we're almost-a done just hang in a bit longer. And I'm glad to see you-a all rescued Lucas," Mario smiles as he gentle pats the blonde on the head earning a small chuckle. "Even though it seems I had to save him again,"
"Whatever, the situation is well in hand," Sonic replies.
"By in hand do you mean all of existence may be threatened?" Samus questions sharply as she stares at the beast still recoiling from having his hand chopped off. "From my readings this thing is growing more and more unstable by the minute if this keeps up-,"
"Boom, we're dead, yes we get that already. Can you guys give us a plan?"
"Well this is the-a only plan we need," Mario says extending the mystical weapon that was gloriously repaired, and seemingly enhanced with grips alongside the middle, a sharpened blade, and a button on the butt of the weapon.
"The weapon was able to do actual damage to the creature," Zelda admits.
"But there's only one, it only works if were close to him, and it makes the rest of us rather useless," Lucario points out as well.
"Well we do know that the thing obviously wants Lucas back, clear to see why with its new owner not really up to snuff to controlling all that power," Snake says adding a valid point.
"Just stick close to me and Toon, alright Lucas?" Ness advises. It was rather easy to tell that he was frightened about the possibility of losing him again and them being forced to use the weapon on him. Lucas blinks at him then looks up at the monster again. Ness doesn't bother to wait for a reply as he grabs the blonde's hand and pulls him along with Toon Link at their side to get some distance. It was somewhat startling to not hear a peep of complaint about not throwing in a few blows of their own. But it was clear who their priority is, so they'd gladly keep Lucas safe then rectify their egos.
"Alright, keep them covered, the thing has a one track mind. It doesn't seem that concerned with us," Meta Knight explains.
"Well considering Mario just cut off his hand, I think he may be just a tad bit miffed," Sonic points out as the monster is now glowering down at them with a new hand rematerialized. Its eyes look down at them briefly then toward where Lucas is retreating then back down to them. It is weighing its options, and decides to eliminate its main roadblock before proceeding to its goal. The creature begins morphing again taking on a much smaller look, but still rather large considering it is the size of a tank now. It grows a long thick tail, the horns twist around pointing more forward, the demons jaw unhinges to give it a meaner overbite and spikes propel out its back to the tail. It altered its state to a form more fitting for combat.
"It is smarter than we thought. It knows we can't cut it up as easily at this size now," Olimer points out.
"Well I got an idea. Seems like magic is the only thing that can really affect it and it just gave us a better target to hit," Sonic says speeding around the monsters wild swings as it rushes into the crowd of Smashers swinging wildly. "Anyone with a magically enchanted weapon, powers, or skill step up now!"
"Not a bad idea, since Pit's arrows at the very least did blind it for a few moments," Zelda agrees as she rushes in with a magical burst of energy exploding on the creatures back. It flinches in response then swings its tail into Zelda's side knocking her away. Link moved to help her but Gannon, to his bewildered shock, actually assisted her first snatching her from the air from her waist. Once she is secured they rush in together to smash the beast in the chest with magically enhanced blows that makes it flinch backward.
"Falchion should do some damage," Marth says swinging his weapon against the monster's thigh. He swung in rapid succession ducking underneath the arm of a swing before jabbing his blade's point directly forward pushing the monster back on its feet. It roars in anger then unleashes a laser eye beam that Pit luckily reflects back thanks to his mirror shield. However, the recoiled attack did little to nothing to the beast despite the clear power it had that made Pit fall backward on impact with it. Link followed through slashing at the creature actually able to cut deep into its torso.
"Yes, the Master Sword is the sword of evil's bane. It's made to fight evil magic or energies. This creature is composed of negative energy so it makes sense its effectiveness," Gannondorf muses. Link this time goes for the creature's neck but the monster materializes an exact copy of the Master Sword to block Link's attack. Link is startled as he thrust again to try to get through its defenses, but the creature's massive strength factored in with it's giant counterfeit Master Sword it sent Link flying through the air. It raises a hand to unleashes a supercharged version of Dyn's Flames that explodes with the power of a TNT explosive that slams into numerous Smashers.
"What the…how is he able to do that?" Falco growls trying to pick himself up after being one of the few to suffer from the blast.
"Oh no…it's the kid's special powers. Isaac can copy the abilities of those around him, and with Omni's powers backing him he can probably do everything we can!" Snake exclaims.
"So what should we do?" Peach asks somehow able to keep the panic out of her voice.
"Keep it pin down, we'll open up chances for attacks giving Mario the chance he needs to deliver the final blow," Lucario instructs.
"Yeah, piece of cake…" Falco moans seeing the beast recover then growing angry.
"WARNING, WARNING, DUE TO CONDENSE STATE THE ENERGY BARRIER AROUND THE CREATURE IS MUCH STRONGER AND MORE POTENT," R.O.B informs everyone. The beast rushes forward bashing through frontline easily. However, Ike uses Aaether to slam his sword down hard on the creature's head creating a dust cloud from the impact of the blow. It was astounding but it revealed the attack did little to nothing as the blade positioned on its head revealed the attack didn't even register. Ike flinches as he is deflected away with a backhand swing. It is at this time all the Smashers move in pounding away at the creature punching, kicking, slashing, and blasting the beast. It did little to no good, as even the enchanted strategy was no longer working either. Mario readied the weapon since he supposed he wouldn't get the golden moment he really wants seeing as the beast is so hard to damage. He rushes forward weapon pointed and as he moves the beast instantly comes alive at his approach. It was like it was waiting for him to make his move. Mario swung the blade upward horizontally quickly when he was within range. The monster dodged the blade, Mario was surprised with its mobility but did not let that stop him. He spins the staff in one hand then jabs forward only for the staff to be grabbed on its shaft an inch before impalement. The beast raises its other fist then brings it down hard on Mario pummeling the plumber straight into the hard unforgiving ground so hard the impact sounds like thunder. With the weapon in hand the beast moves to break it, but Sonic quickly with a multi-spin attack maneuver that bashes into the beast at multiple points seemingly at the same time delivering an intense pain that is capable of toppling mightiest of foes. The beast doesn't flinch, so when Sonic's assault is deflected Gannon and Captain Falcon both rush in one with a Falcon Punch, the other, a Warlock Punch. Both attacks connect into the creature's gut making it flinch. Link stabs his sword into the monsters arm with the weapon, but is shocked to see his blade barely penetrate the creature this time.
The Ice Climbers in a desperate attempt hit the beast with an ice blast hoping that may make it easier to break. But no matter how hard they tried the being would not succumb to the cold or ice. Lucario followed up with Pit and Meta Knight, rushing it at the same time but the beast swings its fist once knocking all three of them away easily. Finally the beast's unstable body begins glowing a bright purple aura. The energy bubbles as the sky reacts to it. Suddenly, purple lightning rains down from the sky with the beast being the point of impact. When the lighting touched down the blast that followed is phenomenally strong. It throws every single Smasher for a loop. Pikachu managed to withstand the brunt of the attack enough to unleash its own Thunder. The electricity is powerful enough to make the beast's feet slide through the dirt, but only half an inch.
"What is it going to take?!" Samus screams as she and Snake unleash a barrage of missiles into the monster's face. The creature begins glowing again as it raises the hand without the weapon to bring it down to the ground creating a massive explosive concussive energy burst that sent every single person flying through the air. Smashers' struggle to stand back up to their feet, while some couldn't continue anymore as the situation was getting bleaker and bleaker. It was hard for even Sonic to make a joke of the situation.
"Time R.O.B?" Sonic asks as he picks himself up off the ground for the umpteenth time.
"6 MINUTES AND 34 SECONDS AND COUNTING TILL EVERYTHING WE KNOW IS GONE,"
"Alright… so R.O.B do you have any idea… how big this explosion might be?"
"BEST ESTIMATE WOULD BE AT ITS WEAKEST THE BLAST COULD EQUAL A SUPERNOVA. AT ITS GREATEST STRENGTH IT MIGHT EQUAL AN ANTI-BIG BANG,"
"What… are you thinking Sonic?" Lucario asks from his position on the ground where he is taking a knee.
"Maybe I can warp it away somewhere. Some dimension to where it won't cause too much damage,"
"The blast may be too big for no one to be affected. There is no need for you to take the risk,"
"So in order for everyone to survive, a few worlds must die,"
"Don't say that Sonic, we can find a way,"
"We don't have the time and we can't get that stupid staff off him. Where are the Hands?!"
"They're both losing power as we speak…they're trying to limit damage…as much as they can…" Luigi explains.
"So that's it, we're literally on our own here, no Smash Force, no weapon, and…I'm all outta jokes," Sonic says dejectedly.
"Hey hedgehog," Wolf growls catching Sonic's attention. "You still breathing right?" Sonic only looks at Wolf questioningly. "Well are ya?"
"Y-Yeah,"
"Well there's a reason right there to keep fighting. Until the last man, until the last breath, we fight!"
Sonic can't help but smirk. "Well Wolf, you drive a hard bargain. But I guess my funeral was bound to happen sometime. Whoever dies first gets me as the speaker to their funeral," Sonic smirks seeing everyone frown at that idea, although a smidge offended. Clearly, everyone REALLY didn't want to die now, or at least be the first one. The Smashers got their second wind as the beast stands around like a statue as if…as if it was getting stiffer. Some kind of chain reaction was happening, but no one knew why. Well almost no one. Farther away Ness and Toon Link managed to get Lucas quite far away from the monster, even as Lucas kept looking back. Ness had to take Lucas' hand and pull him along as they kept going trying to gain more distance.
"I don't know what that thing wants but it's not having Lucas back," Ness mutters to which Toon Link nods his head in agreement.
"Guys hold up," Lucas pleads.
"No way, we can't let that thing get you," Toon Link says with a sternness in his voice that made Lucas shiver slightly.
"Something isn't right, the others need help too, they're doing their best but it's not enough. I can sense it," Ness actually stops to look at Lucas when he said this prompting Toon to do the same.
"What do you mean?" Ness asks.
"The beast and I are connected. I can somewhat sense his feelings. Everyone is attacking the wrong side of the problem. Isaac is in there he's the one that they want. I bet I can-,"
"No way Lucas, you're not going near that thing!" Toon Link exclaims.
"But if I don't do something we lose everything and I won't matter,"
"Say you're wrong. You end up being taken over again, and we won't be able to save you a second time. What can we do then huh Lucas?" Ness questions the blonde with a deep frown almost scowling at him as his grip on Lucas' hand tightens. "If you get taken over again, there won't be time for talk. There will only be death, someone or more would have to die,"
"It's better than everyone dying!" Lucas exclaims. Ness mashes his teeth as his grip again tightens. Lucas somewhat winces at the strong grip but his face relaxes. "Look…I know this is risky. But the monster is calling out to me because it wants to remove Isaac before everything gets destroyed. If I don't then everything we've fought for won't mean a thing. We all have to be willing to make sacrifices, even the ultimate one. I understand why I was able to become Omni, and I admit…it was really scary knowing what I was willing to do while I was Omni. Everything I'd ever known or ever felt…seemed so stupid and silly to fuss over compared to a much bigger picture I couldn't see,"
"Then don't do it!" Toon Link exclaims. "We still have time, let's think of something and-,"
"No, it's do or die time right now," Lucas looks at his two friends with a weak smile. "I've never been too good at making friends so thanks guys for helping me and being such great friends,"
"You are NOT giving us a final farewell right now we can-,"
"If things do go bad you've got about twenty seconds to kill me before the full transformation is done,"
"Lucas…no matter what anyone says. You are way stronger then you know and I respect you but this is something we could at the very least ask Sonic or one of the others about. We can't just-," Ness doesn't get a chance to finish as he receives a nasty jolt to his hand that make his grip loosen enough for Lucas to yank his hand free. Lucas then releases a powerful shockwave throwing both Toon and Ness back a few feet enough to give him a head start as he makes a mad dash back to the battle.
"Lucas wait!" both his friends call after him tearing after him as fast as they could. Lucas notices the beast react to his sudden approach and comes alive in a whole new way. It begins completely tearing through the Smashers as if they were nothing but weeds whom stood no ghost of a chance in stopping anything. Toon Link actually throws his boomerang at Lucas to trip him up, but through some kind of intuition Lucas dodged it without even looking back as he started to get faster as he got closer to the monster. The Smashers all quickly notice the reason for the beast's sudden liveliness as they see Lucas approach. They all scream for Lucas to turn back, or head another direction not sure of what would happen. Sonic uses his speed to rush toward Lucas planning on stopping the boy. However, the beast managed to mimic his speed and deflect him away with a body check before he could get in arm's length of the blonde. The monster finally is only an inch away from Lucas who stares up at him sternly.
"Alright, I'm here, I'm the one you really want right?" Lucas opens his arms to show he accepted his fate. The monster sharply turns its head to see a horde of Smashers all coming down upon him with arrows, swords, lasers, missiles, claws, fist, and whatever they had handy to combat the monster. Sonic was quickest planning to grab Lucas, but the beast reacts sharply with claws pointed about to impale Sonic. However, Lucas somehow managed to get between them and take the blow.
"LUCAS!" Sonic yells in pure anger and shock. He finds his blood boiling as he feels himself start to succumb to his emotions. Before he can check on Lucas though the creature grabs him and swallows the boy whole making the hedgehog's face fall in horror. "NO!" Sonic smashes into the monster with the full force of asteroid meeting a continent. This was actually enough to make the monster lose his grip on the weapon as it clatters to the ground. Mario quickly scoops it up with teeth mash.
"R.O.B time?!" he exclaims.
"1 MINUTE AND 53 SECONDS UNTIL TOTAL METLDOWN," R.O.B informs him.
"We're gonna cut Lucas out of that thing if we have to, come on!" Mario yells as the Smashers strength is revived once again knowing they can't quit just yet. With Sonic he was fighting the monster harder than he had before. He knew he'd never gotten this serious before, never moving so fast before. Even with the beast mirroring his speed it still couldn't keep up with him. For one it was too large and he too small, also it couldn't possibly handle this speed especially when Sonic himself deems it experimental territory. Sonic had learned that continuous movement at light speed is extremely dangerous, but he needed something dangerous to bring this thing down. Seconds to him, felt like a suggestion, almost like an entire day passing by. Not even the words of the other Smashers were fast enough to reach his ears, not that he'd listen anyway. But even through his emotional distress he does notice the beast seems to register his blows now, react as it should, and the purple glow is rather strong too.
Outside Sonic's perspective the Smasher's watched, or at least try to watch as the light speed battle takes place. None of them can see what's happening, but assume it's intense from the fact that the ground is being torn up all around them. "Damn it, Sonic slow down!" Samus yells.
"It won't work, their moving at a speed where no sound can even reach them unless they stay in one place long enough," Captain Falcon explains.
"We don't know what's happening, no one has a fix on the monster since no one has instruments that can track things at light speed,"
"So our only option is to wait, we don't have time for that!" King Dedede exclaims.
"Agreed, but before they vanished when the beast…consumed…Lucas I felt an odd change in the beast's chemistry. I wasn't able to look at it long," Lucario explains. He turns to R.O.B to see him have a straight stare out in space which he has begun to recognize as the robot's thinking 'face'. "What about you R.O.B?"
"I MANAGED TO GET A FEW MORE DETAILS UNTIL THE SUBJECT ENTERED LIGHT SPEED MODE. LUCAS' PRESENCE SEEMED TO HAVE A TYPE OF CHEMICAL REACTION AS LUCARIO STATED. FOR SOME REASON THE BEAST WAS SLIGHTLY MORE STABLE UPON LUCAS' APPROACH AND BEGAN A TYPE OF STABILIZATION PROCESS,"
"So in order for the creature to become stable…" Zelda began.
"It needs Lucas," Ness finishes joining the group. Everyone turns to him and Toon surprised. "We tried to stop him, but he was dead set on coming. He said…there is a chance he might turn back into Omni…" At this everyone pales knowing that none of them were in a position to defy the god a second time especially a stable one. "He said…we had twenty seconds…before Omni takes full control of his body," All eyes flick over to the weapon in Mario's hand as they catch the drift of that meaning.
"Well I gotta say, the kid is pretty gutsy, I respect that," Wolf said with a slight smirk.
"How can you say that?"
"Because he's making a call that most people should never make, let alone a kid. Geez, there must be something we can do," Link says with a frown as he crosses his arms.
"I wish we could use our Smash Powers…" Nana whines. Lucario glances at her for a moment a look of realization slowly dawning on him.
"I have an idea," Lucario says suddenly garnering attention. "The monster is made of pure energy, but it's not just any energy. It's a physical representation of the Smash Force, something we use all the time. Lucas is currently purifying the energy. What if we siphon off the positive energy that will allow us to overpower the evil?"
"And with our Final Smashes working again, we'll have a better chance of doing some real damage!" Wario adds with excitement.
"But how?" Zelda questions.
"My ability to manipulate the aura, with that I can use myself as a conduit feeding power into everyone else, and we may even be able to separate Lucas before the transformation takes effect. Then we use the weapon to finish off Omni once and for all,"
"Finally, a plan I like," Bowser says rather upbeat.
"Yes, the 'hit the monster as hard as you can' idea wasn't going much anywhere," Marth says.
"Well we need to see the darn thing to even get this plan started," Fox points out rather annoyed.
"I'll try my telepathy," Lucario says focusing on sending his thoughts to Sonic. Hopefully he wasn't moving at the speed of thought yet. "SONIC STOP!"
It was scream that actually echoed through everyone's mind as they winced at the volume. In Sonic's perspective he slammed into the beast again smashing it into the ground. Then jumped back to avoid being clawed to pieces, jumped onto the creature's arm to run toward his mouth intent on actually ramming down the beast's throat to get Lucas. His advance is halted by a sharp outcry reverberating through his mind that sounded like Lucario. Sonic hesitates a moment in shock leaving himself vulnerable to the beast reaching out to snap its jaw at him. Sonic kicks off the beast's snout throwing it back and flipping off to land back down on the ground. Sonic decided to wait for his perception to go back to normal thus exiting light speed mode. The beast seemed glad for Sonic actually pausing as it glow continues to increase and shin as if the dark murky energy was changing. Sonic also takes this moment to catch his breath after an intense assault he just delivered. Sonic doesn't know how much time has passed but glancing around he thinks his perception of things has slowed down since sound is starting to return to him. No then it did Lucario rushes up to the beast and stab's the weapon straight into its chest earning a howl of pain.
"Whoa Lu, Lucas is in there!" Sonic exclaims shocked at the rashness of the Pokemon. Lucario tries to pull the weapon back but is startled for it to actually began to be pulled into the beast. Lucario had no choice as it left his grasp to enter into the beast. Lucario growls in frustration now as he knows his plan is the only hope they have now.
"This is crazy, so much power just pouring out of it…gotta focus…aura…" Lucario mashes his teeth as he began siphoning off the energy into his own aura abilities, almost like leeching off the creature's aura.
"What is happening?" Sonic questions.
"No time to explain everyone grab somebody quick, and take positions!" Mario yells grabbing Sonic by his wrist to pull him along with Ness on their heels. Donkey Kong, Bowser, Gannondorf, and Ike teamed up with two to each of the beast's arms to prevent it from throwing Lucario off. Mario grabs onto Lucario's other paw then prepares himself as Lucario simply releases a rush of energy creating a chain affect.
"Whoa, this is actually working!" Pit exclaims.
"Of course, Lucario is a master of aura and everyone has it in one way or another. I just never thought something like this would be possible for a Lucario," Red adds.
"ALERT, ALERT, ENERGY READINGS ARE FLUCTIATING. THE CREATUREIS IS GROWING MORE STABLE, THREAT OF MELTDOWN DECEREASING. WARNING MELTDOWN IS STILL POSSIBLE AS THE CLOCK HAS BEEN HALTED AT 59 SECONDS,"
"So if this doesn't work we're done, hang in there Lucario!" Snake exclaims knowing that the intense energy could easily be tearing Lucario's body apart. The beast had finally gathered enough of its bearings to realize a large amount of its power was fading. It quickly altered its form by increasing its size. It loses its full set of fingers for two fingers and thumb with sharp claws, the jaw increases in size also, spikes jet from its head all the way to the tip of its tail. Its teeth grow so large that two fangs reveal themselves sticking of its closed mouth. With the size increase it is able to throw off its restraints and knock away Lucario. The aura Pokemon collapses on the ground covered in smoke.
"Lucario!" Sonic and Ness exclaim rushing over to the Pokemon to check his condition. It is still conscious by badly beaten and injured.
"I'll heal him," Ness says quickly as he places his hands on the Pokemon's arm followed by a soft green glow following.
"Alright, that jump start really helped, what was that?" Sonic asks.
"We were trying to see if we could get some of the Smash Force back," Ness explains.
"Guys…" Toon Link says with horror as he looks at his hands. "R.O.B just said we only got about 8% of our power back…"
Horror began to settle on everyone's face as things just seemed more and more hopeless. However, Mario shrugs off the news easily. "Then let's-a use every last drop of it,"
(INSIDE THE BEAST)
Lucas knew that he would be fine. After all, even if he wasn't Omni, the power still recognized him so to speak. Omni is incapable of hurting himself with his own power, making him impervious to anything the beast does. He had only learned that after becoming Omni, he actually had learned a lot of things in his short time as being Omni. He can't recall all of it since his subconscious was being suppressed in order to have the Omni persona take over. But he knew that having someone unworthy was something that could never happen. The dark violet energy surrounded him as he floats aimlessly through what he felt like was a void. Knowing that his very presence is causing a stir within the creature was proof enough that his idea wasn't completely crazy. He knew that only he could stop this because he'd be the only one who wouldn't be destroyed by the insane amount of power within the beast. Lucas' eyes looks around trying to locate his target until he finally does manage to see what it is he's looking for. He floats down until his feet feels like it's touching a flat surface even though he doesn't see anything there. He ignores this oddity to walk forward bravely toward where his target is.
"You've made a mess of things," Lucas says to the boy who absorbed the power of the Oracle Sphere, Isaac.
Isaac turns to look at Lucas the whites of his eyes are now pitch black which only brings out his blood red eyes even better. His fanged teeth with his all black clothing in a button up shirt with a black suit jacket, black suit pants, and black dress shoes. Everything about him was just dark. "Well look who it is, come to see the fireworks up close," he hisses.
"So…you knew you weren't worthy and you knew this would happen,"
"And bingo was his name-o," he replies with a proud smirk.
"But why, why would you want to destroy everything?" Lucas asks.
"You say that like I need to have some profound reason to why I do what I do. Like there's a reason for everything humanity does," Isaac shakes his head. "That's a pretty boring way to think about life. It's like your living life as one plan to the next. Always planning, always a reason to plan, so people like to label that as sanity. But I say what to hell with a plan let's all just go crazy!" Isaac's smirk falls after that. "But then THAT'S when everyone loses their minds, when someone doesn't want to plan, when someone just does," Lucas doesn't respond to Isaac so the boy continues. "We're all monsters by nature Lucas, it's just that some people are better at hiding it then others. We all thought about killing someone, we all thought about hurting someone, and revenge. We've all thought about those things, because it's the first things we as human beings learn! We have to be taught to be good, that doesn't come natural,"
"So you're planning to annihilate all of existence, because you want to?"
"Stop trying to put a label on it!" Isaac exclaims with arms crossed. "Geez, I still don't get on how you got the perfected version of Omni…but for some weird reason you did,"
"What was life like for you on your world?" Lucas asks politely.
Isaac seemed rather surprised he was asked. He put a finger to his chin as he thought on it. "Geez…I haven't thought about home in a long time…almost forgot about it," Lucas was surprised to see a genuine smirk fall on Isaac's lips. "Yeah, I remember…it was great. I had a mom, a dad, and a younger sibling, can't recall if they were a boy or girl. But considering how well I got along with Ness I'd say boy. Yeah, I had a family, was pretty nice too do all kinds of fun stuff with em. I learned that there are dozens of different Earths out in the universe my version was filled with people like me who could do all sorts of special things. It was really nice even with the regular crazy that come try and take over the world. Heroes was a big thing there…I remember I wanted to be one of the best heroes I could be,"
"What happened?" Lucas questions.
"What do you mean?" Isaac questions.
"You said you wanted to be a hero, destroying everyone is not heroic,"
"Says you," Isaac counters. "Just because something traumatic happened in your life that changed your outlook doesn't mean the same thing. My outlook didn't change one bit, it just evolved. I realized that I was different from just the way people looked at me. I could do anything I wanted, anything anybody else could do. I am perfect in every way. There was no one on my world like me, so they needed me to save them since no one else could do what I can. I didn't plan on it as I said plans are dumb so I just decided that I should be ruler of the planet. The only way to get taken seriously in life is to show people how serious you are. So I blew up my school, killed every last person there….the explosion was so massive it was like the best thing in the world! I couldn't let people think I was weak in anyway, let them know there was nothing I wouldn't do if I thought it was never. I killed my family too right before movie night because there was no way I was gonna sit through the garbage my mother chose," Lucas face starts to fall as he realizes he's dealing with a different kind of person, a complete utter lunatic. To admit to doing such awful things so casually was horrific. "What's that look for? I'm just saying that my world was dumb for not letting me have my way,"
"You killed everyone didn't you?" Lucas questions.
"Maybe…I don't quite remember…I just know I was alone for a real long time after something big happened," Isaac says with a thoughtful look. Lucas had honestly never met a person like this shocked that someone who claimed to have such a lifestyle turn out so wrong. However, something like this is cannot be controlled, he knew Isaac had to be stopped and there's only one way to do it.
"I was hoping I could convince you to stop this, but I guess I'd be wasting my breath. I won't let a coldblooded monster like you have your way," Lucas raises his fist to ready to fight. Isaac smirks as he laughs at Lucas. He extends his hand for the dark negative energy to begin swirling in front of his land and unleashes a narrow beam of energy. Lucas quickly dove to the side to roll and rush at Isaac directly.
"I may not be perfected, but I was god before I had this power now I'm stronger!" Isaac exclaims allowing Lucas to get close. Lucas extends a hand to unleash a stream of fire that parts when it approaches Isaac. The psycho smirks at him before turning the flames back on Lucas. Lucas raises a PSI Magnet shield absorbing the flames and also a large amount of the energy that he was surrounded in. He points his other hand out to unleash a blast of lighting straight into Isaac's stomach which manages to throw the boy back as his feet leave the ground. Isaac manages to deflect the lighting and float back down to his feet brushing off the dust from his jacket. Lucas comes falling from above to punch Isaac in the face. Isaac hardly reacts as his head jerks with the blow. His eyes narrow at Lucas sending a shiver down the blonde's spine. Isaac tosses off his jacket then rushes Lucas grabbing him by the throat and holding him in the air. He holds him above his head also summoning a negative purple lightning storm to come raining down on Lucas making him cry out in pain. Isaac slams Lucas back to the ground harshly. Isaac stands up straight then places his foot on Lucas' throat and presses down hard cutting off Lucas' airway as he begins to choke. "Stupid idea of you coming in here, the power may not harm you, but you still are no match for me. Your presence here only delays the inevitable," Lucas tries with all his might to try and remove Isaac's foot from his throat as he struggles. He extends a hand to unleash another blast of lighting that Isaac lazily holds up a hand to block. "Desperate till the end huh?"
Lucas's stares hard into Isaac's, or as hard as he can as he begins to lose consciousness as his eyes began to cast upward. He notices something when he does…
The weapon…
Lucas reaches upward with a hand extended trying to focus what little he can with his brain losing oxygen by the second. He uses telekinesis to point the blade downward. Isaac stares down at Lucas completely devoid of emotion now as his red eyes stare down on him ready for him to die. "Go ahead, cry, I won't think any less of you. I'll spare you the sight of seeing your friends in their last moments, besides they'll tell you all about it when you see them on the other side,"
Lucas jerks his hand back as the weapon shoots downward. Isaac intuitively felt something so he turned his head only to see at the last moment the blade impale him from behind with the bloodied tip sticking out the other end. The pressure he had on Lucas falters as he fell back on his feet to regain balance. Lucas coughs roughly as he rubs his throat trying to regain breath within his lungs again. He rubs his throat from the soreness then looks at Isaac who stares at him completely surprised.
"Sorry…I didn't want it to end this way…" Lucas mutters. To Lucas' total shock Isaac smiles as he steps forward slightly wobbly as he reaches a hand out to pet Lucas on the head.
"That's okay kid…at least ya didn't get blood… on my jacket…tough stain…trust me," The weapon activates as the blade begins glowing as bright as the sun. The energy within the beast began to converge on the weapon focusing it into Isaac's body making him shine brightly. Clearly Isaac's body could not handle the intense pressure that the power was putting him through which made Lucas had to raise an arm to block out the light.
(OUTSIDE THE BEAST)
"Something is happening!" Link points out surprised to see the beast actually falter in its steps and collapses to a knee as it gropes its chest where its heart should be. It pants heavily and in pain as it starts to grow smaller and smaller in height and width.
"Did we do something?" Sonic asks looking at everyone who can only shrug. They see the beast's chest begins to sink in revealing a bright light and a hole as if the entire body was converging there. They are mesmerized by the event and left in wonder as they marvel at the awesome happening.
"Whatever is happening is good…right?" Falco questions.
"It seems to be caving in on itself…" Olimer points out.
"SCANNERS SHOW THAT MELTDOWN PROCESS IS BEING REVERSED AS ENERGY CONVERSION IS TAKING PLACE. HOWEVER, THE CREATURE SEEMS TO BE RESISITING THE PROCESS, SUGGESTION: POUND THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF IT,"
"Well you heard the bot, let's get some payback for all the trouble this thing caused," Sonic exclaims. As they all rush in they noticed that their attacks were indeed having more effect and as they fought they got stronger. Bits and pieces of the beast being broken apart helped the process along and it unable to defend itself made everything the easier. Mario lands a hammer punch into the creature's face and Sonic hit's it with an uppercut spin dash attack. Meta Knight's quick succession of slashes cut its tail off, Sheik slashes off a horn, Gannondorf hits it so hard in the jaw it looks broken, Bowser viciously rips into the leg and tears it apart, Snake places the equivilant of ten ounces of C4 on the creatures shoulder that had enough explosive power to blow it off, Pit let fly arrows which he is pleasantly happy to see make the creature look like swish cheese, Toon Link stabs his sword into the creature's forehead. R.O.B slams the beast into the ground harshly, and Lucario uses forcepalm to take out the other remaining arm.
"We've made quite the statement, but we ain't done yet," Sonic says moving toward the beast's mouth.
"HALT SONIC," R.O.B quickly steps between Sonic and the beast surprising the hedgehog.
"R.O.B what are you doing, we won, I just need to-,"
"THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR YOU SONIC. THE BEAST IS STILL MADE MOSTLY OF NEGATIVE ENERGY. IF YOU WERE TO STEP INSIDE THE BEAST AT THIS MOMENT, YOU WOULD BE CAUGHT INTO THE PROCESS OF BEING TURNED INTO ENERGY OR TORN APART,"
"Well I am not just gonna stand here while Lucas is in that thing!" Sonic exclaims. Everyone is quiet not sure what to say with the idea of going through all the trouble they went through to save Lucas, to only lose him anyway. It was rather disheartening. Suddenly, there is a loud crash sound that sounded like thunder accompanied by a large lightning blast shooting out the beast's stomach. Everyone is startled and on guard as they see hole is made along with a hand shooting out. However everyone quickly recognizes the voice of the boy who is struggling to pull himself out. There is another intense blast of lightning that breaks up the stomach allowing for Lucas to pull the top half of his body out.
"LUCAS!" Ness yells happily as he runs over. Lucas is surprised at his sudden approach and loses his focus as he's suddenly sucked in. "LUCAS!" Ness yells again this time in panic as he blindly reaches in to grab hold of Lucas's arm. He places his feet firmly as he pulls but soon sees his strength isn't enough as he starts to lose his footing.
"Hang on!" Sonic yells as he grab Ness from around the waist with one arm then linking arms with Lucario as they pull with all their might. The Smashers follow suit as they all chain together pulling with all their might.
"WE ARE PULLING AGAINST A COSMIC EVENT IN PROGRESS. THIS MAY PROVE IMPOSSIBLE,"
"Impossible is another way of saying challenge," Lucario informs.
"And challenge accepted!" Ness yells as he begins pulling with even more then what he thought he had. He can see Lucas's face, see he's freaked out especially as the energy conversion process gets stronger.
Lucas back at the energy vacuum being made then back at his friends, "Guys, this isn't working, just-,"
"SHUT UP!" everyone yells at the same time as they
"Sonic, try revving!" Lucario suggested. Sonic takes the suggestion as he begins trying to run. His feet became a wheel and with everyone's effort Lucas was pulled farther away. Lucas pulls himself closer to Ness feeling himself almost out the suction process. The beast finally is completely consumed which also ends the suction process of the vortex. With everything halted everyone fell over one another in the process. They see the vortex suddenly began to take form in the shape of a giant Smash Ball. Everyone stares at it in wonder but are startled to see it begin to break apart. It starts to crack leaking out light until it breaks apart completely showing an explosion of light that completely parts the clouds revealing a crystal clear night sky with a full moon radiated by countless stars, the battle torn land restored, the grass is green again, the trees return to life, and the planet is completely restored after having one foot in the grave. Everyone is in aww at seeing the beauty of Smash World returned and even themselves feeling rather rejuvenated despite easily having one of their hardest fought battles.
Lucas stares in wonder at what he was able to cause then he smiles warmly. This is interrupted by Ness punching him in the arm and Sonic slapping him upside the head in displeasure of his boldness. Lucario just gives him a very displeased look which does have a strong effect. But after that Ness grabs Lucas in one of the tightest hugs he could possibly ever give. Ness tried to resist shedding tears since he's supposed to be the one who doesn't cry between the two of them. Sonic only wipe his eyes once as he pat Lucas on the back deciding to stop messing up his hair.
"Well, that was cathartic," Zelda says humble.
"This calls for a celebration," Link added.
"Definitely, and a vacation," Peach says.
"Double definitely," Mario says.
"But we saved the day," Sonic smirks. "Also this reminds me of a joke," Everyone groans in response. "No, trust me it's perfect,"
"Go ahead Sonic," Lucas encourages.
"So these two guys go camping and they pitch up their tent under the stars and went to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night the first guy wakes up the second guy saying 'hey look up at the sky, and tell me what you see'. The second says 'I see millions and millions of stars'. The first guy then asks 'and what do you deduce from that?'. The second guy then says 'well, if there are millions of stars, and if even a few of those have planets, it's likely there are some planets like Earth out there. And if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life'. The first guy looks at him annoyed and says, 'you idiot, it means that somebody stole our tent!'"
At this the Smashers all share a good laugh with one another. Granted their expectations for the joke were low, but still a laugh is a laugh. And nothing is better than sharing a laugh with the ones you care about.