Smash Brothers Civil War

Chapter 28: The Jungle

Bunker

All the party members were all mistakenly taken back to the safe underground bunker from before. The Smashers soon realized that they were alive and in the bunker.

"Why did we come back here?", asked Peach.

"...It must have worked. We were sent back to our undisclosed location", said Bowser.

"I gotta say, Bowser. You outdid yourself and on a completely different level", said Samus. "You do realize you have a lot of explaining to do."

"How did you have the time to make all this?", asked Mario.

"I didn't. I found this as an old government facility and I thought I could use it to my advantage", answered Bowser.

"Then, for now, we'll use this as a cover, at least until we find out what just happened", said Mario.

Snake gave a long glare as he stood up to Bowser. The reptilian turtle returned the favor by looking at him back, equally as dreadful but calmly.

"So", said Snake.

"Hmph, it's a good thing I saved you", said Bowser.

"Don't get too proud of yourself. I didn't need your help", said Snake.

"No, but we need yours", shot back Bowser.

"Heh, like I care", told Snake.

"Look Snake. We need your help. If you think you don't need it, then it's okay", said Peach sternly.

"Good. Then I'm leaving", said Snake. As he headed for the exit, Bowser spoke to him.

"If you leave, we won't be able to protect you for long. If the nanites don't get to it, the government will and they'll question you on anything you have", said Bowser. Snake froze as he looked at the door. "There's a ten percent chance that you'll leave. What purpose does it make if you turned your back? We're about the only ones who can help you", added Bowser.

"Damn him. He knew what my actions were before my response. As crazy as it sounds, I might as well stick with them", Snake thought as he turned back around.

"Wait on a minute. What about the government?", asked Samus.

"It's likely they'll think we've died. I'm sure that they think we're either dead or gone rogue as fugitives", predicted Mario.

"Fugitives?! Now we're really in too deep", said Samus.

"Since we attacked Bowser's kingdom one year ago, we've always been too deep with the government. I was considering a negotiation so there would be a need for a fight, but I know that they have to be removed from power, and my opinions haven't changed", explained Mario.

"What about the people? We would be turning our back against them", told Cap.

"No, it would be a chance to impeach the executive board. We either take that risk or get ourselves prosecuted for treason because based on the actions of the registration party from the Subspace Negative Facility, I'd say that your mission to stop the rebels in the prison wasn't sanctioned", said Mario almost arguably.

"How'd you know that?!", asked Samus.

"When we broke inside, I would know that you would find a way to get to us. I figure that the government didn't want the registered Smashers inside after that stunt in the Research Facility", said Mario.

"Hmph, they only dispatched the SRA to the prison for security measures", told Samus.

"That's when you decided to take action by disobeying government orders", said Mario.

"In which, in turn, we managed to escape almost dead, thanks to your little jailbreak", Samus replied.

Bowser suddenly cut in on their conversation, believing that they were soon going to resort to physical fighting. "The fact is now that we're all together, we need to take a stand and deal with the nanite threat before any innocents end up getting hurt, or worse case, infected", said Bowser.

Mario and Samus blatantly stared at each other with cold blue eyes. They stood away from each other and came to an agreement that they would fight side by side once again. "We should all patch up and take a short rest for now", suggested Bowser.

"And take a shower. You all smell", said Wolf as he sniffed himself and headed off.

The Smashers fully healed from the substantial amount of damage they received in the prison and rested for the quick duration until the next day.

Bunker Briefing

The Smashers met up in the briefing station for an important meeting. Bowser spoke as the large screen above projected white.

"I can't say it would be easy, but if we're going to stop the nanites, we have to stand together", said Bowser. "I've been into contact with Lucario just yesterday, but something's not right with the communication."

"Maybe try calling him again and see", suggested Fox. Bowser used a transmission device to try and get a response. When they received a response, no one answered afterward.

"Lucario, can you hear me? It's me. Listen, come to our location immediately", said Bowser over the communicator. Unexpectedly, the communicator suddenly shuts off completely. Then, on the large whiteboard, an entire map of the World popped up. "Huh? That's odd. I didn't...oh no", said Bowser before he saw thousands of signals over all continents.

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

"Oh my...", said Peach.

The World became engulfed with nanite signals. Ranging from Lucario's location to Smash City, nanite signals were present.

"God-", whispered Rosalina.

"Where is Lucario now?", asked Palutena.

"...I found him somewhere in the jungle...That's unusual. There's no nanite presence but only seems to be around him. We need to investigate this", told Bowser.

"Looks like our next location is in the jungle", said Mario. "Everyone, let's get ready. We leave now"

"Once we're all fully prepared, we'll head back to the briefing station and we'll be on our way", said Samus.

Samus' power suit was damaged beyond repair, so she donned a different variant of one; a full white power suit since she couldn't reach her other ones. Mario restyled back to his old plumber's outfit. As soon as the Smashers were done with preparations, they headed for the jungle to find Lucario.

The Jungle Ruins

The Entrance to the Jungle

Once they arrived at the Jungle, the Smashers searched around to cover some ground in an unfamiliar territory. They took to the skies and observed a lot more than just a jungle. Rosalina and Palutena quickly hovered above and noticed many things hidden within.

"I see ruins covered in vegetation and mountains ahead", said Rosalina as she descended to the forest floor.

"There's a large waterfall and so many rivers. From the looks of those ruins, there could be an entire civilization living here. Lucario, where are you?", spoke Palutena.

"Then no doubt Lucario has gained the high ground. Let's keep moving", said Mario.

As the Smashers trotted along the dense jungle and heard the ambiance of the scenery, Samus and Mario spoke to each other. "Hey, brings back memories, you know what I mean", said Mario.

"If you account the time we beat back Master Hand and Crazy Hand and to when we blew up Bowser's castle, then yes", said Samus with sarcasm.

"Samus, you know it wasn't like that", said Mario.

"I won't forgive you and you realize that", shot back Samus.

"I know. I thought that you'd actually forgive me for what I did before at Bowser's Castle", told Mario.

"I won't forgive you for that. As far as I'm concerned, we both know that this civil war started because of our fighting. We'll leave it at that."

"But why did you support the government in the first place? You could have dealt with me without them."

"I already told you before that I never supported them in the first place. I just needed their resources and the SRA to get back at you."

"Fair enough. Speaking of which, what are we going to do about the government? Do we force them to appeal the registration act? Or do we remove them from power?"

"I don't know if we should try to overthrow the government. The people will view us as even more dangerous than we already are. We may actually try to sway them."

"I doubt it. Even if we stop this nanite threat, the government will put us all in federal jail."

"Grr, whatever it takes. We have to outlaw the registration act."

Bowser interrupted their conversation as they continued to walk down the jungle. "When the time comes to face the government, do what it takes to make them understand that registration does not ensure security or peace for the people", Bowser told them.

"And if they don't comply?", asked Mario, raising a brow.

"Do the right thing. That's how I came to save you all", said Bowser. Peach overheard the conversation and spoke about it to the others.

"I never knew how Bowser would change this much. Maybe I won't be kidnapped after all", said Peach.

"Guess that explosion in the castle really knocked him up", said Fox jokingly.

"Didn't know you could tell jokes now, fuzzball", mocked Wolf. Peach giggled a little.

"Heh, and looks who's back", Fox replied.

"Speaking of which, how are you and Peach getting along?", asked Wolf. Both Peach and Fox blushed at each other and looked away slowly.

"I see. Well, in that case, keep your open relationship a secret", said Wolf.

"Oh Fluffy. Sometimes, you're too much. By the way, I know how much you like Rosie. Hehehe", said Peach.

"Me and her are only friends. And we leave it at that", told Wolf. "The hell am I even saying", he thought.

"What? He doesn't like me. I thought he-", Rosalina thought when tears were about to swell up but she held it back. Fox took notice of this and was concerned.

"Tell her", Fox whispered to Wolf.

"I'm not going to say it", Wolf replied.

"Can you please tell her how you feel", this time Fox said it louder.

"If you say it again, I'll snap your neck off", mumbled Wolf.

"I'm sorry. Can you please repeat that?", asked Fox, a little irritated. Peach began to feel worried.

"If you don't shut up, I'll break your neck and bash your skull to the pavement", growled Wolf. Everyone started to stare and looked at Wolf with disdain. "Listen right here McCloud: I have nothing to say to that woman. We're only friends and I don't even like her", said Wolf angrily. Instead of breaking down into tears, Rosalina got angry herself.

"If that's how you feel about me, you stupid mutt, then I don't want to be with you! To hell with you!", Rosalina shouted as she struck Wolf and threw him against a tree. She walked away from him as everyone else continued on, ignoring everything. Peach and Fox came to his aid, but Wolf kicked Fox aside.

"Fluffy! Stop it! Fox didn't want this to happen", shouted Peach as she mediated Wolf. She went to help Fox get up.

"Fox, you can't interfere with true love between two people. Especially if it involves Wolf", whispered Peach very lightly.

"I can hear you, princess. There's no need to keep anything from me", said Wolf.

"Then why couldn't you just say it to Rosie? Everyone knows that you two are close", said Peach.

"I never felt this type of way", admitted Wolf.

"Oh, Wolf. I know she loves you", smiled Peach.

"Yeah, I knew that clear when she yelled at me. No one has ever done that and slammed me against a tree", said Wolf as he begun to smile.

"You can win Rosie's heart again if you tell her the truth about the real you", said Peach. Wolf knew with certainty, but he was in no position to lose his one true love.

"Why is so hard to say something so simple? I stole whatever I wanted, I've gained wealth and power as a syndicate ringleader, and I've killed many who stood in my way. But why is it that a woman stands in the way of it all? Is it that I lost my way and found a soulmate?", he thought to himself. "...Rosalina. I'll make this right", Wolf races throughout his mind.

Meanwhile, Fox and Peach held onto each other but did their best to avoid that. "Listen. I didn't want to make Wolf feel bad", said Fox.

"It's okay. He'll soon try to win back Rosie's heart. When you angered Wolf in front of Rosie and when she got angry at him, Wolf realized how much he cared about Rosie. Why do you think he threatened to kill you? He has ", explained Peach.

"That makes sense. Here's hoping they get together like me and you", said Fox.

"But Fuzzy, we never made it official", giggled Peach.

"What do you mean?! Wait? Is it a royal thing?! I didn't know!", said Fox in utter disappointment.

"Hehe, just kidding", she smiled, which in turn, Fox smiled as well. Wolf chuckled a little as well.

The Jungle Ruins

The Bridge

The Smashers came across a huge river leading to the waterfall they saw earlier. They crossed a nearby a stone bridge.

"Hey, Fox. Can I ask you something?", said Peach.

"Alright", he replied.

"Since this thing started, do you really think we'll win. I mean, we know our whole world is at stake", said Peach.

"We've been through these situations before", said Fox.

"I know. But it's different this time", she added.

"We'll make sure we survive and when that happens, we make a better future", said Fox. The princess held his hand and kissed him gently on the cheek, making him blush. Once the Smashers reached the end of the bridge, they continued forward until they reached the height of the jungle on top of one of the mountains.

The Jungle Ruins

The Ancient City

A mass crowd of nanite infected mercenaries centered in front of their mighty emperor, who walked towards them from atop of a structured palace. All of the subjects greeted their king with popular cheers. One of the advisors who was wearing a brown cloak bowed with the others before the king.

When the king finally appeared, he showed himself to be someone of wise and concerned stature: King Lucario the Aura Pokémon. The advisor in the cloak removed it, showing Greninja. Lucario waved his paw at his troops. He turned away and went back to the palace. Greninja followed him inside back to the throne room.

"You do know that they're here", asked Greninja.

"It doesn't matter. We'll make sure they're dead before they even reach the city", said Lucario.

"Then it's settled. Once the Smashers are gone, there won't be anything in our way. Shall I go along and fight them?", said Greninja.

"Go along with one of the troops in the south quarter where the Smashers are. Deal with them", instructed Lucario. "For the Collective, we are one", finished Lucario.

Glowing tendrils grew from the two Pokémon's backs. They patiently waited for the Smashers to reach them in the palace. Lucario opened up a secret screen, revealing who he was talking to.

"They're close. Our troops are on standby waiting to attack. They will be killed at once. The Collective will prevail over this World as the true order as soon as we have complete control", spoke Lucario.

"Hehehehahaha...our next phase has been set. I believe it's time for an invasion of our own", said the unknown voice. Lucario signed off as he sat on his throne room waiting for his 'friends' to show up.

The Jungle Ruins

Mountain Temple

"How the hell are we going to get up there?", asked Snake.

"I don't know but we'll leave it to you to figure it out", said Palutena with a smirk as she and Rosalina hovered to the top.

The Smashers scaled the tall temple all the way to the top where they could see the rest of the jungle, and an ancient city miles away.

"Guys. I think we have a problem. I can't sense Lucario anywhere. But his transmission device is still here", said Palutena as she pointed to the device.

"Hm, that's ominous. Why would he leave his communicator here?", said Bowser. The anthro turtle checked his own communicator and saw stronger signals of nanites, particularly one stronger signal close to them.

"The nanites have us cornered! Their signals have gotten inside the jungle", warned Bowser.

Before they could react, an array of rockets shot from below, causing the temple to collapse bit by bit. The Smashers jumped off as soon as possible. A team of mercenaries grouped up, along with a ninja with a large water shuriken on his back.

"Uh-oh", said Rosalina. The mercenaries grew tendrils on their backs. The ninja hid off in plain sight someplace safe.

"Alright team. Let them have it", Bowser ordered to attack.

The ninja stayed atop of a tree until Palutena decided to pay him a visit. "Hey. How's it going? You can't actually escape a goddess's watchful eye...Strange. You look familiar", said the green haired goddess as she looked more closely at Greninja. Greninja, however, disappeared and tried to attack Palutena with the shuriken, but it did nothing to phase her. Palutena easily held Greninja by the neck when she caught him.

"You're that frog creature who was with Lucario. Now, where is he?", asked Palutena.

"He is waiting for all of you. We'll be more than happy to deal with you in the meantime", spoke Greninja.

"Seems like you were infected. Not the Greninja I remember", told Palutena.

"Luckily, you won't need to know, but in close time, we will prevail!", said Greninja.

"We?", said Palutena in confusion before being hit by one of Greninja's sneak attacks when he managed to wriggle out of harm's way.

Before Greninja could react fast enough, Samus shot a blast intended to disarm, not kill. After defeating the small group of mercenaries and driving off any resistance, the Smashers took care of Greninja. Bowser discretely pulled out a needle that contained some sort of blue and red substance and injected the material into an unconscious Greninja.

"I've tested out this solution to stop the nanite virus. Let's hope this works", said Bowser. Within a matter of seconds, Greninja regained consciousness and had no nanites inside him. He got himself up and realized he was controlled.

"I'm fine. Thanks to you. We have to reach the ancient city. Lucario has been infected with the nanite virus. They're plotting something big. It's all part of the nanites' plans", told Greninja.

"The nanites? But haven't they done so already?", asked Bowser.

"They're planning to infect the people living there. It's all part of their plan", explained Greninja.

"Their idea was killing you guys off first in that temple. After that, the nanite troops would continue to infect the World. That's all I can remember", said Greninja before passing out in an instant. Bowser checked his heartbeat.

"It's alright. He isn't dead", said Bowser. "We don't have much time. We'll take Greninja with us."

Bowser carried Greninja on his shoulder as the Smashers continued walking throughout the ancient jungle, getting closer to the city, approaching the king of the jungle Lucario, who patiently waited for their arrival.

The Jungle Ruins

The Ancient City