In the middle of a plateau next to the racing circuit, a Sheikah Tower stood in the middle. On the top of the base was a possessed host who leered in the distance.
The host is a teenage male with blonde hair in the form of a ponytail. He wore a blue tunic with a tan undershirt and brown boots. On his hip was the famed Sheikah Slate. In his hands are the fabled Master Sword and the Hylian Shield.
Luke, the host of the Link in his Breath of the Wild incarnation, watched an approaching group of the freed hosts charge onto the plains after their race. Luke merely shook his head before using the Sheikah Slate to map out where the hosts are while seeing the puppet fighters.
Placing the Sheikah Slate within the slot of the Sheikah Tower, a loud rumbling occurred before ending. The Triforce of Courage wielder smirked as he planned to take care of the incoming intruders with his assets.
Meanwhile on the ground, the group was making haste to free any spirits. So far the fights have been easy. Carlos landed a Falcon Punch on a Jigglypuff puppet while Mason parried a quick slash from a red Lucina puppet and landed Dancing Blade. The puppets were defeated instantly and revealed the Miltank and Anna spirits.
"Ha! Nothing can stop Falcon!" Carlos boasted.
"Sometimes I wonder why I put up with him," Mason muttered.
A black King Dedede puppet was subjected from a combination of Perri's Electro Ball and Daniel's electrified palms. The royal puppet collapsed before returning to Raphael the Raven.
Several Pitfalls buried a small white Donkey Kong copy before a bowling ball from above knocked it unconscious, courtesy of Victor.
Lewis threw a series of Bullet Punch, battering a green Solid Snake puppet. Its ally was hit with a series of kicks and slashes from Stephanie. The two hosts ended the fight after kicking the two Snakes together.
Kyle threw a Hyper Cutter, cutting a blonde Lucina copy. The Fighter 06 host then landed Cleaving Cutter onto the defending Shulk puppet. In a quick succession with the Cutter ability, Kyle dealt with them.
Matt walloped his Ultra Hammer against a navy blue Luigi into the air. Jumping up, he slammed his hammer again, burying the copy in the ground before reverting it back to the Don puppet.
The Italian host dusted his hands, "I think that's the last of them." The puppets retreated the Spirit Pouch in Victor's hands to store for the time.
Stephanie landed before having a calculating gaze, "The tower…"
"What about it?" Perri asked.
"It looks… oddly familiar," the transgender admitted.
'It looks like a Sheikah Tower,' Sheik spoke up. Stephanie relayed the information towards her team. A few didn't understand what she meant until Mason pieced it together.
"She means one of our captured friends might be here!"
Carlos cracked his knuckles, "Alright then! Let's get going!" He ran off first, leaving the rest of the hosts sweatdropping.
Just as the racer was about to reach the tower, a boulder fell right in front of him. He cartwheeled back to see a Stone Talus lumbering towards him.
"Let me guess. Guardian of the tower?" Carlos joked before getting ready to deal with the rock monster.
"No, that title belongs to me," Luke said, gliding down on his Paraglider before landing in front of the hotshot, "Carlos."
"Luke!" Matt yelled. The rest of the freed hosts caught up before getting ready for a fight.
"Seems you are outnumbered! We can take that golem as easy as pie!" Carlos remarked.
Luke whistled and two more Stone Talus marched over, the ground shaking as they did. A confident smirk appeared on the courageous host's face.
"You had to say something," Mason narrowed his eyes at Carlos.
The racer just shrugged, "Wouldn't be the first time."
"Let's make this fair," Luke said before pointing the Sheikah Slate towards Matt, locking him in Stasis. "Take them out!" The Stone Taluses slammed their appendages, causing the remaining host to scatter.
Carlos backflipped before pairing with a reluctant Mason. Brandishing the Falchion, the royal host charged with the hotshot to take down the Stone Talus. Victor was Pocketing stray pebbles and using them with his slingshot, only irritating the rock monster.
The second Stone Talus grabbed a nearby rock and hurled it. Daniel electrified his palms and supercharged his fist, shattering the rock with Super Jump Punch. Perri ensnared the shards with an Electro Web net before throwing them back at the goliath. Shielding its face, the Talus was left open to Kyle's Hammer Flip, landing directly at its weak spot.
Stephanie did a handspring, drawing the Goddess Harp and strummed Saria's Song, allowing vines to erupt and ensnare the goliath. The Talus struggled, the vines beginning to snap as the monstrosity freed itself. Its moment of relief was interrupted when Lewis appeared in front of it and unleashed Bullet Punch.
Once Stasis wore off, Matt rolled his arms and narrowly avoided Luke's Flurry Rush. The Italian went skidding back before getting in his fighting stance.
"I bet you know why I singled you out," Luke remarked.
"Yeah, yeah," Matt dismissed, "The body you're using has quite a history with me."
"Especially since your first arrival," Luke's possessed body began, "The jealousy, the arrogance. He felt he was a better leader than you were. And then… you took it."
Matt defended himself, "Trust me, I would have given the leadership up the moment he said so. I didn't want-a it. But then we both learned. And fought with me coming out on top. So, I'm the leader of the Smash Bros."
"It should have been me!" Luke roared before throwing a Tri-Lizal Boomerang. Matt veered to the left and the boomerang arched back around and landed in its thrower's hands. The courageous host drew his Guardian Sword when the Italian turned into Tanooki Matt.
Turning the stone, the Italian managed to withstand various slashes from the swordsman, further infuriating the possessed host. Once Matt's time was up and shifted out of stone, he got bashed in the face with the Hylian Shield before being slashed by Luke's Royal Claymore. Using the two-handed sword, the courageous host managed to land another Flurry Rush on Matt.
The red host endured each hit and retaliated with a punch to the face then a roundhouse kick before headbutting him. Luke was briefly dazed until Matt landed a Firebrand-imbued palm strike in his chest.
The courageous host hit the base of the tower before pulling out the Blizzard Rod to send a flurry towards the Italian host. Matt managed to repel the flurry with the use of his Firebrand, but Luke began to apply more and more freezing temperature causing the flames to diminish. The host of Mario grit his teeth as the flurry began to take over.
Rolling away, Matt avoided turning to a block of ice to see Luke wielding the Royal Halberd. The blonde swordsman leapt and brought his weapon done just as the Italian deflected it with his Ultra Hammer. Knocked out of the air, Luke landed on his feet and sharpened his glare. The courageous host unleashed Urbosa's Fury, shocking Matt then slicing him away.
Matt tumbled away before panting. Luke was panting too, having used energy as well so both hosts were at a stand still.
The Stone Taluses, on the other hand, were being taken care of effectively and efficiently.
Stephanie struck with her Serpentine Spear at the weak spot, Lewis delivered two Aura Spheres directly afterwards.
Carlos landed a nasty 'Knee of Justice' that temporarily made the Talus freeze. Mason scaled the left appendage before landing Shield Breaker against it, resulting in the creature's defeat.
Kyle managed to muscle his way, holding back an arm from the stone monster with his Suplex ability. Daniel landed a defibrillator style palm strike, shocking the arm long enough for Perri to wrap up their scuffle with Flying Press on the black stone.
Matt popped a Cape Feather becoming Cape Matt and tackled Luke. Using his newfound flight, the Italian plowed into the controlled host and flew into the air, ready to end their fight.
Luke grunted as he hit the floor hard, struggling to stand and Matt floated safely down.
"You can end this right here, right now," the host of Mario said harshly.
Luke's red eyes didn't waver, "You're right. I can…" he began before instantly pulling out the Ancient Bow and Arrow, "I can end you!" Once he released the arrow, Matt flew over and drew back his right fist. Flames cooked it before delivering a meaty forward air that sent the controlled host to the ground.
Once Luke made no effort to get up, Matt descended back down to the group.
"Ugh! A forest! A foggy forest! Of all things!" Brian groaned/complained as his group marched through the biome.
"Brian. If you could shut up for twenty minutes, that would be great," Phil said, though he admits that the forest was not his favorite place. To him, he felt disconnected from electricity. But this was the World of Trophies, far different than the real world.
The second group had left Ribbon Road and made it to the aforementioned forest. Wandering it, they had encountered a few puppets that used the fog to their advantage but were ultimately defeated.
"Maybe Mr. Brian just needs a hug," Irene suggested and tried to hug the bully. Violet pulled her friend back.
"Brian doesn't take hugs from anyone except his parents, Beau, and cousins," the female Villager host informed.
"Pft," the bully scoffed and marched forward.
Finn had his ears perked, in the event another puppet tried to sneak attack. He steadily made his way before seeing a fork in the road. "Hold up."
"What is it?" Yen asked.
"There is a split." The pilot explained. "Which means we are going to divide even further."
"So what?" Brian rhetorically asked, "We already split, let's just do it again."
"Brian, that's not the best-" Irene started but the bully just marched deeper into the forest.
"Someone should go with him," Violet said before raising her hand, "Not it!"
"Not it!"
"Not it!"
"Not it!"
Several hosts groaned before reluctantly going after the brute. The 'unlucky' hosts were Steven, Phil, Finn, and Irene. They quickly chased after Brian to make sure he didn't get into too much trouble.
Violet, Jordan, Yen, and Peyton parted ways with them and went to a new stretch of land. They came across a concrete pathway. "Something tells me, we might have to split again." Jordan voiced.
"How about we just try going to the right for now?" Peyton suggested. The group unanimously agreed and headed down the pathway into what appeared to be a city.
Piercing red eyes watched them leave before a growl could be heard. "Guess they're off the hunting grounds. No matter, I got some more game to hunt." The sound of a click went off before the red eyes shrunk back into the woods and tailed the other group.
Speaking of the other group, the four strugglers managed to catch up to Brian who had just finished a female Villager and Mii Brawler as a Toad puppet duo. The bully wiped his hands in satisfaction before seeing his allies.
"What took you guys so long?" He asked, "And where are the others?"
"In case you forgot, we split," Finn replied, his arms crossed. Brian shrugged.
"Whatever."
Phil passed by the bully, walking ahead with Finn in tow. The mechanic kept Irene safe for the time being while Brian was behind. It wasn't long before Finn's ears heard a rustling and he pointed his blaster towards a bush.
"Mr. Finn?" Irene questioned.
"What gives, fox boy?" Brian huffed.
Finn said nothing, tracking the rustling. Phil caught on too and sparked. Both Original 12 hosts carefully eyed the movement within the wilderness.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Brian grew irritated and marched over to the bushes, "What is the matter with you two?" He pulled the bushes apart only to receive an explosion to the face. The bully coughed as his face was covered in soot before roaring and unleashing Fire Breath to the sky.
Finn disappeared with Fox Illusion, tackling the assailant out into the open and had his blaster in the attacker's face.
The attacker was a male teenager with short brown hair. He had a brown camouflage patterned shirt on with hunting pants and combat boots. The teenager had a black collar around his neck as well. The notable features was his face, which had a slight motif of a dog nose and whiskers.
"Cheap move, Diego." Finn identified.
Diego, the host of the Duck Hunt duo, just cracked a smile. "You have to admit, it was well deserved."
"I'll tell you what's well deserved!" Brian roared and stomped over, "My fist punching your face!"
Diego managed to flip Finn over and regain his bearings. The hunter drew his signature weapon: a NES Zapper. He threw a clay pigeon before shattering it with his zapper, managing to stun Brian for a short time. Steven charged with a Slash Launcher, striking Diego before the latter bit on the swordsman's hand and threw him back.
The Middle Age host clutched his hand in pain before throwing a Shuriken of Light that prevented a Gunman from firing. Diego aimed a reticle at the blonde before Finn damaged him with Fire Fox and added a tail slap.
The hunter drew his NES Zapper again while Finn drew his blaster and began a fire-fight. Irene hid herself for the time being. The two canine hosts were at a stand still until Phil rushed in with a Quick Attack and delivered a Thunder Punch to the stomach. Diego began to fire all over the place trying to hit the electrician and mechanic, but the two were evading his shots nonstop.
Phil managed to bind Diego with Grass Knot, leading Finn to land a butterfly kick on Diego before a Pika Papow sent the controlled host skidding back. Diego wiped himself before summoning a barrel, kicking it airborne, and fired prestige shots. The electrician jumped and slammed an Iron Tail into it, rocketing it back towards the thrower.
Diego yelped, running away before avoiding the explosion. The hunter thought he was in the clear when he ran into Brian. A malicious grin appeared on his face before landing a massive -and satisfying to the bully- punch, careening Diego into several trees before slumping unconscious.
"Think twice next time," Brian arrogantly said.
After a few minutes, Diego shot up. "What happened?! Where am I?! What year is it?!"
'What happened was you should have fled!' the duck of the duo quacked at his host.
"Oh buzz off," the hunter said before getting to his feet and seeing the party. "What actually happened?"
"Galeem. Some Lord of light decided it would be fun to reshape the world." Brian loosely explained.
Diego pinched his nose, "And let me guess, take them down?"
"Her. But yes," Steven explained. "Know anything we don't?"
The hunter thought for a minute before remembering. "Oh yeah! Follow me."
"As if," Brian huffed before everyone followed the hunter. Encountering a few more puppets, they came across what Diego had been looking for: a power plant.
"Why does Galeem have a power plant?" Finn scratched his head, trying to make sense of it.
"She probably has a massive power source in there." Phil deduced.
"So, we take that down and we got another victory." Brian replied.
For the first time, during this journey, everyone agreed with the bully and they all entered.
"So, Galeem messed with our minds," Luke summarized after Matt explained to his second in command. The courageous host scratched the back of his head, "Something tells me that my possession brought up old wounds."
"Yeah, something like that," the Italian admitted.
"You know I don't hold any resentment towards you, Matt," Luke clarified, "I needed that humbling to be honest."
"I don't hold anything against you either," Matt said back, "You made me realize I can be a leader. And I've led us to victory since." Luke nodded in agreement. Perri, Kyle, and Victor were just sitting around on the remains of the Stone Talus
Mason, Carlos, Daniel, Lewis, and Stephanie came running back, each exhausted. The royal spoke first, "We checked the plateau and rounded up the last spirits here."
The racer went next, "Saw a lake with an airport on an island. There's a boat to take us there."
Luke pulled himself up. "What's the plan, Matt?"
The Italian straightened his hat before saying, "We're going on-a boat ride."
A/N: A long awaited update. Been caught up in my many Pokémon stories.
Some backstory: Luke used to think he could lead better than Matt, leading to some issues in the Original Twelve's 1st adventure. After beating Luke though, Matt managed to gain his respect and become the leader of the Smash Bros.
Luke, as mentioned, is the incarnation of the Breath of the Wild Link for this saga.
Diego has the NES Zapper as sort of weapon for himself. Since Duck Hunt is a duo but the Zapper is in their moveset, it's a little add on. And only Diego can see the duck partner, like how the hosts can talk to their spirits.
Freed Hosts
Group 1: Matt/Mario, Kyle/Kirby, Mason/Marth, Stephanie/Sheik, Victor/Male Villager, Daniel/Doctor Mario, Lewis/Lucario, Perri/Libre, Carlos/Captain Falcon, Luke/Link
Group 2: Steven/Mii Swordfighter, Irene/Isabelle, Phil/Pikachu, Brian/Bowser, Finn/Fox McCloud, Diego/Duck Hunt Duo
Group 3: Violet/Female Villager, Jordan/Jigglypuff, Yen/Yoshi, Peyton/Peach